Crown Center Announces Their Schedule of Events May 2010-August 2011

Located on the southern edge of downtown Kansas City, Crown Center offers fine hotels, entertainment, dining, shopping, offices and residential living. Home to the international headquarters of Hallmark Cards, Inc., the complex attracts more than five million visitors each year.

Ongoing
Fountain Water Shows
Crown Center Square. The famous Crown Center Square Fountain dances to famous tunes! Programmed by the Company Behind the renowned Fountains of Bellagio in Las Vegas, Crown Center's fountain is synchronized to music specially recorded for Crown Center by members of the Kansas City Symphony. The show schedule: Weekday shows at noon and on the hour from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. Weekend shows on the hour from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. There is also a 10 p.m. show on Friday and Saturday. 816-274-8444.

April 6 - May 16
Frindle
The Coterie Theatre, Crown Center Shops, Level 1. Based on Andrew Clements' award-winning book. The ingenious Nick gets his best idea ever when a teacher explains how words end up in the dictionary. He creates his own word...frindle, and gets other kids to use it. A buzz ensues all over school and town. But, a fierce power struggle develops between him and the teacher over his made-up word! Part of the Coterie's Elementary/Family Series. 816-474-6552 or CoterieTheatre.org.

April 9 - May 12
Valhalla
Off Center Theatre, Crown Center Shops, Level 3. Presented by Egads! Theatre Company, this play intertwines two stories: the life of Ludwig of Bavaria (the 1880s Mad King) and the fictional adventures of James Avery, a wild Texas teenager of the 1940s. It's a comic epic, confronting the price to be paid for wanting, and getting, everything you dream of. 816-842-9999 or EgadsTheatre.com.

April 23 - May 9
Mother's Day Gift Wrap
Crown Center Shops Customer Service, Level 2. Spend just $50 at any Crown Center shop, restaurant or theatre during April 23-May 9 and get one complimentary gift wrap. Simply take your receipts to Customer Service by May 9, during regular shopping hours, to redeem. 816-274-8444.

April 30 - May 16
The Heart Gallery: Through Our Children's Eyes
Crown Center Shops Atrium, Level 1. Crown Center partners with Missouri Children's Division of Jackson County to host the Missouri Heart Gallery. The gallery consists of 100-150 photos (16" x 20" size) of children waiting for adoptive homes. The exhibit is open during regular shopping hours. No admission fee. 816-274-8444.

May 3
Musical Theater Heritage's Musical Monday
Off Center Theatre, Crown Center Shops, Level 3. It's a traditional day off in the theater world but many singers drop in anyhow for one of Musical Theater Heritage's cabaret nights. Tickets are just $15 or complimentary for MTH season ticket holders. 816-221-6987 or MTHKC.com.

May 7-8
Kansas City Movement
Off Center Theatre, Crown Center Shops, Level 3. "Threads" is an artistic way of showing, through movement, a timeline of life's experiences. All-new choreography by Artistic Director Rachel Plante EuDaly and Assistant Director Stephen Plante. Call 816-842-9999 or visit AHTKC.com for tickets.

May 7 - June 27
The Dixie Swim Club
American Heartland Theatre, Crown Center Shops, Level 3. Free from men, kids, and jobs, five Southern women meet every August at the same beach cottage on North Carolina's Outer Banks to laugh, catch up, and meddle in each other's lives. This is the story of five unforgettable women- a hilarious and touching comedy about friendships that last forever. 816-842-9999 or AHTKC.com.

May 10-23
"Dirty Dorothy and the Emerald City All Stars"
Off Center Theatre, Crown Center Shops, Level 3. A rock and roll musical based on the "Wizard of Oz" stories. Written by Ron Simonian, directed by Jeff Church and starring Jessica Dressler. Check back soon for ticket information. 816-842-9999 or AHTKC.com.

May 14-16
Fiesta Kansas City
Celebrate Cinco de Mayo at this tenth annual event, which features great music, food, dancing and exhibits. Sponsored by the Hispanic Chamber of Commerce of Greater Kansas City. Festival hours: 5 p.m. to 11 p.m., Friday; noon to 11 p.m., Saturday; noon to 10 p.m., Sunday. Admission is $5 per day or $10 for the weekend. Children 10 and under get complimentary admission with one paid admission. Check www.hccgkc.com or call 816-472-6767 for more information.

May 22
Heart of America Jaguar Concours d'Elegance
Crown Center Square. Jaguar owners from around the region will display their cars and have them judged for awards in many classes. Presented by the Heart of America Jaguar Club. 9:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. No admission fee. 816-274-8444.

May 29-30
Jiggle Jam Family Fest
Crown Center Square . Returning for a third fabulous year, featuring national and local entertainers, including Ralph's World, Choo Choo Soul and Terrance Simien & The Zydeco Experience. Many kids activities to enjoy. Festival hours: 9 a.m. to 8 p.m., Saturday and 11 a.m. to 6 p.m., Sunday. Admission is $8 in advance, $10 at the door. Complimentary for children under age 2. Call 816-997-8511 or visit KCJiggleJam.com for more information.

May 29 - September 6
Adventures with Clifford The Big Red Dog^TM
Crown Center Shops Showplace, Level 1. On loan from the Minnesota Children's Museum, in partnership with Scholastic Entertainment, this exhibit transports visitors to the homes of Clifford, Emily Elizabeth, and all the residents of Birdwell Island. The large scale elements are based on the PBS Kids Clifford The Big Red Dog television series and include the Birdwell Ferry, Samuel's Fish & Chips Shack, T-Bone's Beach Fun and of course, Clifford and his Doghouse. Open during Crown Center Shops regular shopping hours. Open noon to 5 p.m. on Independence Day and Labor Day. No admission fee. 816-274-8444.

June 4 - July 3
Eating Raoul: The Musical
Off Center Theatre, Crown Center Shops, Level 3. Presented by Egads Theatre Company, the cult film classic has new life as a zany musical comedy. 816-842-9999 or EgadsTheatre.com.

June 5
HospitAl Hill Run
Crown Center Square. This premier Kansas City road racing event is nationally recognized by Runner's World magazine. Races include a 13.1-mile half marathon, 10K race and 5K run/walk, all starting and ending at Crown Center Square. 7 a.m. For registration information, call 816-274-8444 or visit HospitalHillRun.com.

June 5, 12, 19, 26
Meet Clifford The Big Red Dog
Crown Center Shops Atrium, Level 1. In conjunction with Crown Center's "Adventures with Clifford the Big Red Dog" exhibit, meet the Clifford The Big Red Dog costume character at his giant doghouse every Saturday in June. Professional photos available for a fee (cash or check only), or you may bring your own camera. Noon to 4 p.m. No admission fee. 816-274-8444.

June 12-13
Crown Center Antique Festival
Crown Center Square . The festival celebrates its tenth year, featuring pottery, china, toys, linens, collectibles, furniture, jewelry, books and much more. More than 150 dealers. Sneak preview on Friday from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m., with $5 admission. Regular festival hours are 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday, with $2 admission. 816-274-8444.

June 19-20
Kansas City Chalk & Walk Festival
Crown Center Square. Artists start with empty squares of asphalt and by the end of the weekend, these squares will be transformed into magnificent pieces of artwork. Open 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. on Saturday, 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Sunday. Visit KCChalkAndWalk.org for more information.

June 22 - August 8
Lucky Duck
The Coterie Theatre, Crown Center Shops, Level 1. A singing swan supermodel! It's The Ugly Duckling meets Project Runway, with music by the composer of Dreamgirls. Homely songbird Serena runs away from her fowl days of barnyard mockery to seek her special destiny. Hear star turn numbers like "Average, Simple Mega Superstar" and "Wipe the Egg Off Your Face"! Part of the Coterie's Elementary/Family Series. 816-474-6552 or CoterieTheatre.org.

June 26
Ice Cream Dreamery
Crown Center Square . This fundraiser for The Children's Place features ice cream tastings, inflatables and entertainment from groups such as The Doo Dads and Dino O'Dell and the Funky Mamas. Ice cream vendors include Shatto Milk, Belfonte, Baskin Robbins and more. 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. All-inclusive price is $10 for a family of four, plus $1 for each additional child, or $5 per individual. 816-274-8444.

July 2, 9, 16, 23, 30
August 6, 13
Friday Night Flicks
Crown Center Square . Bring your blanket and lawn chairs, sit under the stars and take in a classic movie on a huge outdoor screen. The 2010 lineup: "Pretty in Pink" (July 2), "Jurassic Park" (July 9), "Hairspray" (July 16), "Julie & Julia" (July 23), "Groundhog Day" (July 30), "Ocean's Eleven" (August 6) and "Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone" (August 13). No admission fee. Concessions will be available. Movies begin at approximately 9 p.m. 816-274-8444.

July 3, 10, 17, 24, 31
July Puppet Show Series
Crown Center Shops Atrium, Level 1. A Crown Center tradition continues with performances from the region's most exciting puppeteers. The Clement McCrae Puppets (July 3), StoneLion Puppet Theatre (July 10), Piccadilly Production (July 17), Paul Mesner Puppets (July 24) and Bob Kramer Marionettes of St. Louis (July 31) are scheduled to perform. Shows at noon and 2 p.m. No admission fee. 816-274-8444.

July 5
Musical Theater Heritage's Musical Monday
Off Center Theatre, Crown Center Shops, Level 3. It's a traditional day off in the theater world but many singers drop in anyhow for one of Musical Theater Heritage's cabaret nights. Tickets are just $15 or complimentary for MTH season ticket holders. 816-221-6987 or MTHKC.com.

July 9 - August 22
The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee
American Heartland Theatre, Crown Center Shops, Level 3. This adorable tale of six young people in the throes of puberty, overseen by grown-ups who barely managed to escape childhood themselves, will have audiences in stitches. The show's Tony Award-winning creative team has created the unlikeliest of hit musicals about the unlikeliest of heroes for whom a spelling bee is the one place they can stand out and fit in at the same time. 816-842-9999 or AHTKC.com.

August 2
Musical Theater Heritage's Musical Monday
Off Center Theatre, Crown Center Shops, Level 3. It's a traditional day off in the theater world but many singers drop in anyhow for one of Musical Theater Heritage's cabaret nights. Tickets are just $15 or complimentary for MTH season ticket holders. 816-221-6987 or MTHKC.com.

August 7
Clown Day
Crown Center Shops Atrium, Level 1. Crown Center becomes "Clown Center" for this all-smiles event. Bring the kids and see performances by area clown groups that will tickle your funny bone. Enjoy balloon animals, face painting and general clowning around from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Stage show from noon to 1 p.m. No admission fee. 816-274-8444.

August 20, 27
Friday Night Concerts
Crown Center Square . Friday night music returns to Crown Center with favorite country and pop stars! The 2010 lineup will be announced soon. Shows begin at 8 p.m. Admission is $5. 816-274-8444.

August 21-22
The Argosy Jazz Masters at Crown Center
Crown Center Square . This two-night event features George Benson and David Sanborn on August 21, followed by Manhattan Transfer and John Pizzarelli on August 22. The shows benefit KCPT-TV and a portion of each ticket purchase is tax deductible. Both shows start at 8:00 p.m., with doors open at 6:30 p.m. Ticket prices range from $48.60 to $156.60. (Please note, Crown Center is not producing this event. Any questions should be directed to Ticketmaster.) Tickets available at Ticketmaster.com.

September 3-5
Kansas City Irish Fest
Crown Center Square . Commemorate Kansas City's proud Celtic heritage with three days of music, dancing and exhibits. The festival will feature more than two dozen locally and nationally known bands, playing traditional music and Celtic rock. Festival hours are 5 p.m. to 11 p.m., Friday; 11 a.m. to 11 p.m., Saturday and Sunday. 816-997-0837 or KCIrishFest.com.

September 10 - October 24
The Love List
American Heartland Theatre, Crown Center Shops, Level 3. What do you get a friend for a 50th birthday present? If he's single, you buy a "love list" from a local gypsy, help him compose a list of ten qualities defining the perfect woman and, "Weird Science-style," she appears! But , just as the dream woman appears, the scheme goes hysterically awry. The Odd Couple meets The Bride of Frankenstein in this outrageously funny Kansas City premiere. 816-842-9999 or AHTKC.com.

September 20
Musical Theater Heritage's Musical Monday
Off Center Theatre, Crown Center Shops, Level 3. It's a traditional day off in the theater world but many singers drop in anyhow for one of Musical Theater Heritage's cabaret nights. Tickets are just $15 or complimentary for MTH season ticket holders. 816-221-6987 or MTHKC.com.

September 21 - October 17
The Exhibition (Scenes From the Life of the Elephant Man)
The Coterie Theatre, Crown Center Shops, Level 1. Outwardly, he was a monstrous abomination. Inside, he had an acute intelligence and romantic imagination. England's famous "Elephant Man," Joseph Merrick, is sheltered at London Hospital in 1886 by Sir Frederick Treves. Must Merrick always be on exhibition in order to survive? Part of the Coterie's Preteen Series. 816-474-6552 or CoterieTheatre.org.

October 8 - November 6
EVIL DEAD: The Musical
Off Center Theatre, Crown Center Shops, Level 3. Presented by Egads Theatre Company, a hilarious live stage show that takes all the elements from Sam Raimi's classic horror films ("Evil Dead," "Evil Dead 2" and "Army of Darkness") and combines them with original rock music and sketch comedy-style farce to make one of the craziest theatrical experiences of all time. 816-842-9999 or EgadsTheatre.com.

October 8-10
The Art of John Lennon
Crown Center Shops Showplace, Level 1. This exhibit, from the Pacific Edge Gallery, will feature more than 120 pieces of John Lennon's artwork. The exhibit's second day is the 70th anniversary of Lennon's birth. Open during regular shopping hours. No admission fee. 816-274-8444.

October 11-17
Back In The Swing Retail Therapy
Crown Center Shops. Purchase a shopping card for $25 and receive discounts at more than 30 shopping areas in the bi-state region. More than 800 retailers and restaurants participate, including many at Crown Center. Every shopping card sold supports local breast cancer survivors and their families. 816-842-7444 or BackInTheSwing.org.

October 21-31
Sorority House of the Dead
The Coterie Theatre, Crown Center Shops, Level 1. It's the 1980s and time for sorority initiations! And that means fresh, new blood. New pledges, that is. Who will survive the terrifying all-night lock down in the decaying mansion on Sorority Hill? What horrors await young girls who just want to have fun? Our lips are sealed! Part of the Coterie At Night series. Suitable for ages 13 and older. 816-474-6552 or CoterieTheatre.org.

November 2 - December 31
Alexander and the Terrible, Horrible, No Good, Very Bad Day
The Coterie Theatre, Crown Center Shops, Level 1. From the moment Alexander wakes up (with gum in his hair), everything goes wrong. All kids experience this type of day and will be glad to find out in this terrific musical that they aren't alone. Part of the Coterie's Elementary/Family Series. 816-474-6552 or CoterieTheatre.org.

November 4
Arrival of the Mayor's Christmas Tree
Crown Center Square. The first sign of the holiday season arrives at Crown Center, the culimination of a journey from Oregon. The 100-foot-tall tree arrives at 9 a.m. on November 4 and is put into its stand at approximately 10 a.m. on Friday, November 5. 816-274-8444.

November 5
Crown Center Ice Terrace Opening Day
Crown Center Square . Kansas City's only public outdoor ice skating rink opens for its 38th season of great skating fun. Enjoy complimentary skating from 6 a.m. to 9 a.m. on opening day! Regular admission is $6, or complimentary for people 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. Open daily from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. in February and March. 816-274-8411. (The rink is open until March 13, 2011.)

November 5 - December 26
Plaid Tidings
American Heartland Theatre, Crown Center Shops, Level 3. The Plaids (Frankie, Sparky, Jinx and Smudge) are back with a swingin' holiday spectacular. This sequel to the record-breaking Forever Plaid mixes holiday favorites (Let It Snow, Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas) and popular 1950s tunes (Fever, Strangers in Paradise.) This Kansas City premiere is the perfect holiday treat for the whole family. 816-842-9999 or AHTKC.com.

November 26
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, Tip from Crayola®, Casey the Bear and other costume characters help greet Jolly Ol' St. Nick. Join Santa as he makes his makes his way to Crayola Christmas Land, where he resides through December 24. No admission fee. 10 a.m. 816-274-8444.

November 26
Mayor's Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony
Crown Center Square. The 100-foot-tall Mayor's Christmas Tree, one of the nation's tallest, is the centerpiece for an illuminating holiday celebration. The tree is a symbol of the Mayor's Christmas Tree Fund, which is dedicated to assisting the city's less fortunate. Program begins at 5:30 p.m. No admission fee. 816-274-8444.

After the holidays, the wood from the Mayor's Christmas Tree is made into commemorative ornaments, which are sold the following year to benefit the Mayor's Christmas Tree Fund.

November 26 - December 31
Santa's Crayola® Christmas Land
Crown Center Shops Showplace, Level 1. Children can play on super-sized Crayola® products, while waiting to tell Santa all their holiday wishes. Santa is in residence November 26 through December 24. The Crayola Christmas Land play area is open through December 31. No admission fee. Photos with Santa are available for a fee. Open during Crown Center Shops holiday hours. Open 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Christmas Eve and New Year's Eve. Closed Christmas Day. 816-274-8444.

November 26 - December 31
Santa's Gingerbread Village
Crown Center Shops Atrium, Level 1. Three locomotives travel through a Santa's gingerbread village in the North Pole, all created by the chefs at The Westin Crown Center and Hyatt Regency Crown Center hotels. See the reindeer stable, Santa's sleigh garage, the elves' dorm, a doll, rocking horse, and ball factory, and even Mr. & Mrs. Clause's home. No admission fee. Open during Crown Center Shops holiday hours. Closed Christmas Day. 816-274-8444.

November 29 - December 17
Holiday Choirs
Crown Center Shops Atrium, Level 1. Beautiful music fills the halls of Crown Center, as more than 130 area school, church and community choirs perform during weekday lunch hours and weekday evenings. No admission fee. 816-274-8444.

December 4, 11, 18
Musical Fun For Kids
Crown Center Shops, Level 1 Atrium. Enjoy holiday music for kids and families on three Saturdays in December. Shows at noon and 2 p.m. No admission fee. 816-274-8444.

January 7 - February 20, 2011
Maybe Baby, It's You
American Heartland Theatre, Crown Center Shops, Level 3. Take a raucous ride through male-female relationships in the company of two searchers with a laundry list of must-have qualities for a mate. This blockbuster comedy is all about the search for the most elusive of all entities...your soul-mate. 816-842-9999 or AHTKC.com.

January 18 - February 27, 2011
Bridge to Terabithia
The Coterie Theatre, Crown Center Shops, Level 1. Katherine Peterson's Newbery Award-winning novel shows how two friends, Leslie and Jessie, create Terabithia, a fantasy kingdom where they are safe from those who don't understand them. Part of the Coterie's Preteen Series. 816-474-6552 or CoterieTheatre.org.

March 4 - April 17, 2011
No Way to Treat a Lady
American Heartland Theatre, Crown Center Shops, Level 3. This musical comedy thriller, an AHT premiere, is about an endearing detective, who purses a publicity-crazed actor-turned-killer. The detective works to foil the killer's plots, while balancing the attentions of a beautiful socialite and a meddling mother. 816-842-9999 or AHTKC.com.

March 4-6, 2011
The Greek Mythology Olympiaganza
The Coterie Theatre, Crown Center Shops, Level 1. This is Greek mythology as you've never seen it before, complete with action figure puppets, a beauty pageant, warring narrators and general theatrical insanity. This fast-paced, free-wheeling play is wild, silly, and a complete blast for high schoolers. 816-474-6552 or CoterieTheatre.org.

April 4 - May 7, 2011
Ben Franklin's Apprentice
The Coterie Theatre, Crown Center Shops, Level 1. Dazzling special effects highlight this tale of an American hero's struggle to tame heaven's own power. This thrilling play for families culminates on a stormy night with the crack of thunder, a blinding flash of lightning and a science experiment that changed history. Part of the Coterie's Elementary/Family Series. 816-474-6552 or CoterieTheatre.org.

May 6 - June 19, 2011
The 39 Steps
American Heartland Theatre, Crown Center Shops, Level 3. Mix a Hitchcock masterpiece with a juicy spy novel, add a dash of Monty Python and you have this fast-paced whodunit. A Tony Award-winner and Kansas City premiere, it's packed with nonstop laughs, more than 150 zany characters (played by a cast of four) and some good old-fashioned romance. 816-842-9999 or AHTKC.com.

May 12-13, 2011
Young Playwrights Festival
The Coterie Theatre, Crown Center Shops, Level 1. The Coterie's Young Playwrights' Festival features a collection of new work by the city's best young writers. The rich and varied theatrical writings which emerge from a year-long process are forged into an ambitious festival of script-in-hand stagings utilizing professional actors. A special event suitable for those who are high school age and older. 816-474-6552 or CoterieTheatre.org.

June 28 - August 7, 2011
The Wiz
The Coterie Theatre, Crown Center Shops, Level 1. Celebrate the power of believing in yourself with this Tony award-winning musical based on the tale we all know by heart, with soaring songs: "Ease on Down the Road," "Brand New Day," "No Bad News," "Be a Lion!" Part of the Coterie's Elementary/Family Series. 816-474-6552 or CoterieTheatre.org.

July 8 - August 21, 2011
The Honky Tonk Angels
American Heartland Theatre, Crown Center Shops, Level 3. The creator of Always...Patsy Cline combines more than 30 classic country tunes with a hilarious story about three gutsy gals determined to follow their dreams to Nashville. The song list includes 9 to 5, Stand by Your Man, Rocky Top and I Will Always Love You. 816-842-9999 or AHTKC.com.