Crown Center Announces Upcoming Events

The Crown Center has announced the following upcoming events:

October 30 - December 30
"SHREK The Musical"
The Coterie Theatre, Crown Center Shops, Level 1. Shrek is the tale of an unlikely hero who finds himself on a life-changing journey alongside a wisecracking Donkey, a feisty princess and a cast of fairy tale misfits. It's a story of adventure, friendship and ogre love that's bringing ugly back! Part of the Coterie's Elementary/Family Series. 816-474-6552 or CoterieTheatre.org.

November 1
Arrival of the Mayor's Christmas Tree
Crown Center Square. The first sign of the holiday season arrives at Crown Center, the culmination of a journey from Oregon. The 100-foot-tall tree arrives at 9 a.m. on November 1 and is put into its stand at approximately 10 a.m. on Friday, November 2. 816-274-8444.

November 2
Crown Center Ice Terrace Opening Day
Crown Center Square. Kansas City's only public outdoor ice skating rink opens for its 40th season of great skating fun. Enjoy complimentary skating, coffee and hot chocolate from 6 a.m. to 9 a.m. on opening day! Regular admission is $6, or complimentary for those over age 60 and children age 4 and under. Skate rental is $3, or skaters may bring their own. Hours through January: 10 a.m. to 9 p.m., Sunday through Thursday; 10 a.m. to 11 p.m., Friday & Saturday. Hours during February and March: noon to 9 p.m., Monday through Thursday; noon to 11 p.m., Friday; 10 a.m. to 11 p.m., Saturday; 10 a.m. to 9 p.m., Sunday. 816-274-8411. (The rink is open until March 10, 2013.)

November 3
"Sugar Crash Carnival: A Halloween Hangover"
Off Center Theatre, Crown Center Shops, Level 3. Egads Theatre Co. returns to Off Center Theatre with what promises to be an off-center production! 816-842-9999 or egadstheatre.com.

November 2 - December 23
"Nuncrackers - The Nunsense Christmas Musical"
American Heartland Theatre, Crown Center Shops, Level 3. With the winnings from Publishers Clearing House sweepstakes, the Sisters of Mount St. Helens are on the verge of taping their first-ever Christmas TV special! And nothing goes as planned, resulting in an uproariously funny spoof of Tchaikovsky's Nutcracker Ballet, zany renditions of classic Christmas carols, a send-up of The Village People, a Catholic home shopping network, and more! Starring Debra Bluford and Kenny Remmert. 816-842-9999 or AHTKC.com.

November 3
THE PRESIDENTS! On Tour
Crown Center Shops Atrium, Level 1. The Coterie Theatre presents "Forty-four Presidents in 45 Minutes!" The interactive show follows two secret service agents as they fly around the country in Air Force One, singing songs about our leaders and historical events. This fast-paced performance is a roller coaster of knowledge and humor for parents and kids alike-a perfect complement to any study of current events, including the presidential election and coming inauguration. Shows at noon and 2 p.m. No admission fee. 816-274-8444.

November 3
Screenland Slams- "Tremors"
Screenland Crown Center, Level 3. Sit back and laugh as three comics tear into Kevin Bacon's "Tremors." It's like Mystery Science Theater 3000, only live, local and suited for an 18+ crowd. Showtime is 9 p.m. $10 in advance or $12 at the door. 816-545-8034 or ScreenlandSlams.com.

November 10
An Evening with Christopher Sanders
Off Center Theatre, Crown Center Shops, Level 3. Join Musical Theater Heritage for an evening of musical theater starring Christopher Sanders, star of MTH's productions of "Kiss Me Kate" and "Evita." All proceeds benefit Musical Theater Heritage. 8 p.m. Tickets are $25-35. 816-221-6987 or MTHKC.com.

November 17
"EVOLVE"
Off Center Theatre, Crown Center Shops, Level 3. Belly Dance United produces innovative US-style bellydance shows breaking away from what is considered "traditional" bellydance by incorporating comedy, acting, modern dance and other ancient dance traditions. 573-864-4710 or bellydanceunited.com.

November 19
Musical Theater Heritage's Musical Monday
Off Center Theatre, Crown Center Shops, Level 3. An impromptu evening of musical theater hosted by Tim Scott, featuring KC's finest actors and singers. You never know who will show up, and you never know what songs will be sung, but it's a sure to be a great time. Reservations required. 816-221-6987 or MTHKC.com.

November 23
Santa's Arrival at Crown Center
Crown Center Shops, Grand Boulevard entrance. Santa Claus arrives in a horse-drawn carriage to kick off the holiday season. Perry the Penguin, Casey Bear and other costume characters help greet Jolly Ol' St. Nick. Join Santa as he makes his way to Crayola Christmas Land, where he resides through December 24. No admission fee. 10 a.m. 816-274-8444.