Kansas City Star: Entertainment

Music venue address book

Wed, 25 Mar 2009 07:15 CDT

Addresses, Web sites and phone numbers for music venues throughout Kansas City and Lawrence

28-Second Film Fest finalists

Fri, 06 Mar 2009 15:18 CST

Check out the entries in our our 28-Second Film Fest contest.

What to watch this week

Sat, 21 Nov 2009 22:15 CST

TONIGHT For whatever reason, this year’s anniversary of the killing of President John F. Kennedy seems to be sparking more than the usual cultural interest. History Channel had a two-hour special in October, and tonight Discovery offers two new hours: “Did the Mob Kill JFK?” makes that case at 7 p.m., while “JFK: The Ruby Connection” at 8 p.m. takes a more skeptical view of theories linking Jack Ruby to Lee Harvey Oswald.

Viggo Mortensen went the extra mile to prepare for his role in ‘The Road'

Sat, 21 Nov 2009 22:15 CST

One of the many shocks in “The Road,” the screen adaptation of Cormac McCarthy’s post-apocalyptic novel, comes when actor Viggo Mortensen pulls off his tattered, grimy clothing to luxuriate in a waterfall. The hunky star who played Aragorn in the “Lord of the Rings” movies now looks emaciated.

Review | One-man show an entertaining trip through literature, theater

Sat, 21 Nov 2009 23:30 CST

In the space of 90 minutes Saturday night Roger Rees took an enthusiastic audience at the Folly Theater through a few hundred years of great literature and pungent theater history in his splendid one-man show, What You Will.

TV's 'Mad Men' and KC's Bernstein-Rein

Fri, 20 Nov 2009 12:02 CST

Motown caps 50th anniversary with hometown gala

Sun, 22 Nov 2009 00:42 CST

Heidi Klum wows crowd at Victoria's Secret show

Thu, 19 Nov 2009 21:32 CST

Oprah Winfrey to announce Friday show will end in 2011

Thu, 19 Nov 2009 18:04 CST

Entertainment | Jennifer Lopez, Oprah Winfrey, Taylor Lautner, Kristen Stewart, Robert Pattinson, Victoria's Secret Fashion show,

Fri, 20 Nov 2009 13:11 CST

Pamela Sterling's “Little House” at the Coterie is not just for children

Sat, 21 Nov 2009 22:15 CST

As Pamela Sterling watched “Little House on the Prairie” last weekend at the Coterie Theatre, she reacted a lot like other members of the audience. She laughed at the antics of Martin Buchanan as Jack the Dog. She soaked up the authentic folk music performed live by the actors. She was impressed by the clever theatricality that conveyed images of wagons fording fast-running rivers. And she applauded with other members of the audience when the cast took its curtain call.

Nathan Lane embraces an emotional Gomez in ‘The Addams Family'

Sat, 21 Nov 2009 22:15 CST

For Nathan Lane, the fall of 2003 in Chicago was the happiest of times. The beyond-Broadway tryout of Mel Brooks’ “The Producers,” which starred Lane and Matthew Broderick as Max Bialystock and Leo Bloom, was greeted by cheering audiences right from the first public performance.

Signs of improvement at New York City Opera

Sat, 21 Nov 2009 22:15 CST

Things are finally looking up for New York City Opera. The once-feisty alternative to its imposing Lincoln Center neighbor, the Metropolitan Opera, has an acoustically improved home, is selling tickets and getting very good reviews. None of that was true a year ago — or anticipated.

2009 Charlotte Street Foundation Awards show is one of best in program's history

Sat, 21 Nov 2009 22:15 CST

Topical, intelligent and good-looking, the 2009 Charlotte Street Foundation Awards exhibition is one of the best in the program’s history. The featured artists — Jaimie Warren, Dylan Mortimer and Andrzej Zielinski — are young, but they have blown past the “emerging” label. All three have actively exhibited in Kansas City and already have received exposure in New York.

Calendar | Classical music, Nov. 22-28

Sat, 21 Nov 2009 22:15 CST

For complete listings, go to KansasCity .com. CLASSICAL MUSIC

Calendar | Visual arts closings, Nov. 22-28

Sat, 21 Nov 2009 22:15 CST

GALLERIES “CUPOLA CART: CASTING IRON” BY MICHAEL DAVIDSON WICKERSON: 4-9:30 p.m. Nov. 22; 8 a.m.-9:30 p.m. Nov. 23-25. Park University, McAfee Memorial Library, 8700 N.W. River Park, Parkville. www.park.edu (816-584-6785)

Calendar | Theater openings, Nov. 22-28

Sat, 21 Nov 2009 22:15 CST

For complete listings, go to KansasCity .com.

Independence Events Center works for music, too

Fri, 20 Nov 2009 22:15 CST

The Independence Events Center is a hockey arena, but only part-time. When the Missouri Mavericks are off-season or on the road, the place can be fashioned into a venue for other events. Thursday night, it presented its first live concert, and its inaugural headliner was no minor-leaguer.

Review | Jazz man Jeff Hamilton shows he's the master

Fri, 20 Nov 2009 22:15 CST

A few snaps of Jeff Hamilton’s fingers convey more rhythm than extended solos from many musicians. The lone solo the renowned drummer offered Thursday in the fourth and final show of a two-night stand was an astounding study in restraint. Hamilton played with such quiet subtlety that even the busy bar staff at Jardine’s fell silent.

David Perkins leaves a legacy of incisive, unflinching writings

Fri, 20 Nov 2009 15:38 CST

David Perkins was a writer, editor, neighborhood activist and perennially provocative critic. He was a public intellectual in a place that has little use for the kind of argumentative opposition they often represent. I bring this up because Perkins died recently, about two weeks shy of his 69th birthday. A

Nerman museum gets $1 million gift to buy art

Fri, 20 Nov 2009 22:15 CST

Buying art is the favorite pastime of Bruce Hartman, director of the Nerman Museum of Contemporary Art. On Thursday, he learned he can pick up the pace, thanks to a million-dollar gift from Johnson County philanthropist and art collector Mary Cohen. The funds, given to the Johnson County Community College Foundation, will be used to establish the Barton P. and Mary D. Cohen Art Acquisition Endowment, named for the donor and her late husband, a Johnson County banker.

Theater artists enjoy going off on ‘Going Rogue'

Fri, 20 Nov 2009 18:36 CST

Sarah Palin took it on the chin. That’s hardly unusual for a political figure who attracts equally fervent admirers and detractors. But at a small downtown performance space Thursday night, the weapon of choice for a group of gleeful Palin bashers was the former Alaska governor’s new book, “Going Rogue: An American Life.” (Heard about it?)

Carey Mulligan's ‘Education': From nobody to indie favorite to ‘Wall Street'

Fri, 20 Nov 2009 21:56 CST

It’s hard not to think that Carey Mulligan is having a “Queen for a Day” moment. Done up in purple satin, with gold stilettos, the fresh-faced 24-year-old is dolled up for pictures and perched on an antique table in the $4,200-a-night presidential suite atop the storied Beverly Wilshire Hotel.

Stargazing | Gosselins go away, Jennifer Lopez and the AMAs

Fri, 20 Nov 2009 22:15 CST

All I wanted for Christmas was for Jon and Kate Gosselin to go away. Merry Christmas to me — and the Gosselin children.

Sorry, ‘Twilight' fans, some experts say vampire love isn't healthy

Fri, 20 Nov 2009 22:15 CST

What would you say about a teen relationship in which the guy is so obsessed and protective he sneaks into his loved one’s bedroom to watch her sleep, seems to stalk her every move, tries to control whom she sees and even disables her truck engine so she can’t go out? Or how about a girl who is equally obsessed with this guy even though he continually tells her he’s dangerous, could inadvertently kill her and treats her as if she were a child?

‘New Moon' shines brighter than its ‘Twilight' predecessor | 2 ½ stars

Thu, 19 Nov 2009 10:00 CST

A marginal improvement on last year’s “Twilight,” “New Moon” is a bit like being locked in a room for two hours with a very moody teenager. The people most likely to appreciate the experience are other moody teens … and moms who remember what it was like to be a moody teen.

‘The Blind Side': You'll cheer with a lump in your throat | 3 stars

Thu, 19 Nov 2009 13:15 CST

“The Blind Side” flirts with terminal cuteness but wins us over, thanks to a lump-in-the-throat real-life story of selflessness and triumph. It also helps that Sandra Bullock steps out of her romantic comedy mode to give one of her better performances. And that the film introduces a charismatic newcomer in Quinton Aaron.

‘An Education': A lesson in the talents of Carey Mulligan | 3 stars

Thu, 19 Nov 2009 13:15 CST

Always a pleasure to eavesdrop on the beginning of a major career. That could the case with Carey Mulligan, the 24-year-old British actress who in “An Education” often outshines a supporting cast of great actors.

‘Precious' is loaded with powerful performances | 3 stars

Thu, 19 Nov 2009 13:15 CST

Few movies merit the kind of breathless praise that has been heaped upon “Precious: Based on the Novel ‘Push’ by Sapphire.” It’s a good movie, but it’s not that good.

Review | Piano concerto premiere a sure bet

Fri, 20 Nov 2009 23:35 CST

World premieres are always a little risky: untested repertory with uncertain effect. Friday night's concert by the Kansas City Symphony featured just such a toss of the dice, and everyone left a winner.

Review | Zac Brown goes beyond country for an eclectic, variety-pack night

Fri, 20 Nov 2009 22:15 CST

Taylor Swift has locked up the title of “next big thing” in country music, but the award for “next long-term career” appears to be going elsewhere — the Zac Brown Band. Imagine an act whose style is so crossover it implies and recalls everyone from Kenny Chesney and Toby Keith to the Dave Matthews Band, the Allman Brothers, Old Crow Medicine Show, the Band, Commander Cody and Jimmy Buffet. And Phish.

Review | The Jeff Hamilton Trio

Fri, 20 Nov 2009 01:28 CST

A few snaps of Jeff Hamilton's fingers convey more rhythm than extended solos from many musicians.

Nightlife calendar | Nov. 19-25

Wed, 18 Nov 2009 22:15 CST

THURSDAY
SHOWS

Library of Congress names Paul McCartney the recipient of the Gershwin Prize for Popular Song

Wed, 18 Nov 2009 22:15 CST

Paul McCartney played his first U.S. gig with the Beatles in Washington, D.C., more than four decades ago. Reflecting on that fact at an August concert in suburban Washington, the 67-year-old smiled and told the crowd, “We’ve got bigger amps now!”

In its 10 years, Block Artspace has become Art Institute's intellectual flagship

Sat, 21 Nov 2009 22:15 CST

Block Artspace celebrates its 10th anniversary this month — and a stimulating and productive decade it has been. From the moment the gallery opened just off Main Street on 43rd, it became the public face of the Kansas City Art Institute, a place anyone in the community could enter and explore without an escort, a school ID or the time constraints of a special event.

Hero pilot jokes about marital boost in NBC show

Sun, 22 Nov 2009 17:29 CST

Pilot Chesley Sullenberger jokes that his heroic handling of a disabled jetliner brought him "rock star sex" in an interview for "NBC's People of the Year" TV special.

Bulls escape on set of film starring Cruise, Diaz

Sun, 22 Nov 2009 15:49 CST

Seven bulls being used on the set of a film starring Tom Cruise and Cameron Diaz have broken free in Spain and slightly injured two people.

Attorney: Jackson's doctor returning to work

Sun, 22 Nov 2009 15:44 CST

Michael Jackson's former personal physician is returning to work at his Houston clinic for the first time since before the pop singer's death, his lawyer said Sunday.

‘Planet 51' never takes off | 2 stars

Thu, 19 Nov 2009 13:15 CST

How might a kid — OK, a teenager — protect himself from that dreaded fate described in legions of sci-fi movies (including “The Fourth Kind”), the anal probe? If you weren’t thinking “champagne cork,” you were way off, according to the sci-fi kids cartoon “Planet 51.” A genial but generic riff on sci-fi movie history, “Planet” has barely enough slapstick to keep the kids interested. Children won’t get the many sci-fi movie references — or the cork gag — and adults probably won’t find them that funny.

‘Revanche': A psychological brain twister | 3 stars

Thu, 19 Nov 2009 13:15 CST

‘Revanche’ ★★★ Not rated | Time:2:01

Beyond ‘New Moon': Cast and crew reveal future ‘Twilight' secrets

Sat, 21 Nov 2009 22:15 CST

Bet that romantic cliffhanger in “New Moon” got you salivating for the next “Twilight” movie, which just finished filming. Here are some tidbits to help tide you over until “Eclipse” moves in June 30: The best parts of ‘Eclipse’?

'New Moon' wolfs down $140.7M in opening weekend

Sun, 22 Nov 2009 11:00 CST

The vampire romance "The Twilight Saga: New Moon" sucked up $140.7 million in its first three days and pulled in a total of $258.8 million worldwide, according to studio estimates Sunday.

Review | Cast's performances make 'The Time of Your Life' memorable

Sat, 21 Nov 2009 00:17 CST

The Metropolitan Ensemble Theatre does a bang-up job with William Saroyan's "The Time of Your Life," a sprawling barroom drama that captures the harsh, bittersweet and absurd realities confronting eccentric characters on the eve of World War II.

Metropolitan Ensemble Theatre mounts Saroyan's classic, 'The Time of Your Life'

Wed, 18 Nov 2009 22:15 CST

We haven’t seen the production yet, but tip your hat to the Metropolitan Ensemble Theatre for its sheer boldness in staging William Saroyan’s “The Time of Your Life.”

More non-cartoons coming to Cartoon Network

Fri, 06 Nov 2009 10:13 CST

As I reported earlier this year, Adult Swim has seen some success picking up quirky British sitcoms that didn't quite work anywhere else on cable except for brief plays on BBC America. The fact that they aren't cartoons meant little...

Droid is no iPhone ... but why does it need to be?

Fri, 06 Nov 2009 09:14 CST

Occasionally I put on my tech hat, usually when my personal technology is at stake. Today I reviewed the Verizon Wireless Droid, which was released this morning at stores. Here's my review and below, a video I put together after...

Are just TV heartthrobs like Willie Aames bad with money?

Thu, 05 Nov 2009 07:12 CST

Not surprisingly, the comments section to my story on former "Eight Is Enough" actor Willie Aames' money troubles is filling up with notes of compassion and support: > "How do you start over from scratch? Being famous probably helps quite...

Who is John Christopher Turner?

Thu, 29 Oct 2009 10:20 CDT

John Christopher Turner found himself in the news yesterday. The Star did some reporting on his family, still living here in the area, and his apparent role in saving lives during yesterday's brazen attack on a hotel compound where UN...

Who is John Christopher Turner?

Thu, 29 Oct 2009 10:20 CDT

Review: Tech N9ne

Sun, 22 Nov 2009 13:50 CST

Photos by Chris Oberholtz/The Star Three days after he was presented with the Left Field trophy at the MTVu Woodie Awards in New York City, Tech N9ne showcased his left-of-center world view at the Independence Events Center. The acknowledgement suits the Kansas City-based star. His innovative music blurs the line between hip-hop and rock. His complex persona is equal parts tortured artist and boorish hooligan. The award from the music television network also serves as a reminder that while Tech N9ne is a local hero, he's also a player on the international scene. Approximately 3,000 new and longtime fans witnessed...

Review: Get Up Kids

Sat, 21 Nov 2009 10:33 CST

Nearly a year to the date after reuniting, the Kids are still alright. Homegrown heroes the Get Up Kids capped off a two-month tour opened their dual-night stand at the Record Bar Friday night in front of an energetic crowd. Both shows benefit the family of the late Recycled Sounds owner Anne Winter. No one in the band mentioned Winter during their 80 minute set. Instead they dashed through 20 songs that encompassed their decade of glory, inspirations and a couple new numbers. The night started with a frenetic, nonstop explosion through “Holiday,” “I’m a Loner Dottie, A Rebel” and...

Billy and Elton: 'See you next year'

Fri, 20 Nov 2009 14:05 CST

This news came down after-hours last night, so we missed it. For the record: the Elton John / Billy Joel show Dec. 1 at Sprint Center has been postponed until Feb. 27, a Saturday. You know the drill: Return 'em if you can't make it; keep 'em if you can. That makes -- what? -- 200 postponements/cancellations this year.

Taylor Swift: 'I did not have AutoTune with those songs'

Fri, 20 Nov 2009 13:47 CST

She calls Bob Lefsetz directly, to defend herself against his earlier posts. She tells him: "Maybe I can't sing, but I'm no cheater." Read it here.

Review: The Zac Brown Band

Fri, 20 Nov 2009 09:26 CST

Photos by Sue Pfannmuller/Special to The Star Taylor Swift has locked up the title of "next big thing" in country music, but the award for "next long-term career" appears to be going elsewhere -- like to the Zac Brown Band. Imagine an act whose style is so crossover it implies and recalls everyone from Kenny Chesney and Toby Keith to the Dave Matthews Band, the Allman Brothers, Old Crow Medicine Show, the Band, Commander Cody and Jimmy Buffet. And Phish. Thursday's show -- the inaugural concert at the brand-new Independence Events Center -- can be summed up several ways. Here's...

Bleu Tomato: Fancy food, De Soto prices

Wed, 04 Nov 2009 22:15 CST

When a jogger tells you the restaurant you’re looking for is “right next to the Dollar General,” it’s hard to keep your culinary hopes aloft. But Bleu Tomato turns out to be a cozy oasis of solid, value-priced food and bohemian decor in De Soto, halfway between Lawrence and Kansas City in western Johnson County.

Japanese steakhouse Sumo by Nambara scores well with diners looking for an evening of food and fun

Wed, 28 Oct 2009 22:15 CDT

Japanese steakhouses in Kansas City were few and far between when I was growing up. They weren’t just restaurants — they were destinations, usually reserved for birthdays, proms and other celebrations.

Oak 63

Wed, 30 Sep 2009 22:15 CDT

Corner cafes at every turn, haricot verts atop my salad and a shared bottle of Côtes du Rhône: little aspects of everyday life in France that bring big smiles. This summer I was lucky enough to spend a week in Paris (where I could live on pastries, bread and cheese alone).

Gourmet or greasy, there's a burger joint perfect for you

Wed, 16 Sep 2009 22:15 CDT

I'm not sure a hamburger needs to go gourmet. A carelessly tended yard burger, charred and flavored with grill gunk, can come as close to culinary heaven in my book as seared foie gras in Calvados.

Owner, chef bring sophistication to beer and burgers at the Westside Local

Wed, 09 Sep 2009 22:15 CDT

The Westside Local is one of those places that feels special and comfortably neighborhood at the same time. With its exposed brick, salvaged-wood tabletops and a beer garden out back, it has a friendly, workmanlike demeanor.

With 801 Chop House's Sunday night deal, you can afford the beef and the amazing appetizer, too

Wed, 26 Aug 2009 10:15 CDT

I'm a huge fan of high-end steak houses. My paycheck is not. My visits to expensive restaurants are rare, usually on someone else's dime, and it has been a long time.

Afternoon specials let you scout menus on the dime, not the dollar

Wed, 19 Aug 2009 22:15 CDT

Sure, you can brown-bag it and save a few pennies. But remember this: A midday indulgence costs less than a night on the town. Scoping out new restaurants for lunch is an easy way to get a sense of the menu and quality of the food without the all-out financial commitment.

Review | The Get Up Kids

Sat, 21 Nov 2009 08:55 CST

Nearly a year to the date after reuniting, the Kids are still alright.

Jennifer Lopez, Adam Lambert ready for AMA stage

Fri, 20 Nov 2009 06:52 CST

Jennifer Lopez plans to include fireworks and an on-stage costume change in her performance at the American Music Awards. "American Idol" runner-up Adam Lambert will incorporate leather and chains into his.

Tween Justin Bieber fans lose control at NY mall

Sat, 21 Nov 2009 09:02 CST

New York police shut down a mall appearance by teen pop singer Justin Bieber (BEE'-ber) after thousands of young girls showed up and got a little too wild.

Parker-Broderick surrogacy case jury breaks

Fri, 20 Nov 2009 13:27 CST

The jury in the trial of an Ohio police chief accused of breaking into the home of a woman who carried twins for Sarah Jessica Parker and Matthew Broderick ended five hours of deliberations Friday without a verdict.

Zaha Hadid's Maxxi art museum moves Rome away from its fascination with the classical building form

Sat, 21 Nov 2009 22:15 CST

What would Pope Urban VIII have made of Maxxi, the new museum of contemporary art designed by Zaha Hadid on the outskirts of Rome’s historic quarter? My guess is that he would have been ecstatic. This 17th-century pope, one of the most prominent cultural patrons in Roman history, understood that great cities are not frozen in time. He loved dreaming up lavish new projects over breakfast with his artistic soul mate, the Baroque sculptor and architect Gian Lorenzo Bernini. When Bernini needed bronze for the baldachin in St. Peter’s, the pope simply ordered it torn out of the Pantheon. Neither was afraid to make his mark on the city.

Your DVD holiday wish list

Sat, 21 Nov 2009 22:15 CST

Time once again for my annual Best TV Shows/Great Gift Ideas list. We’re doing this one a little early and a little differently this year. America was a tad frugal last holiday season, you may have heard, but with the economy recovering oh-so-slightly, retailers are expecting folks to shop. Bargain-shop perhaps, but shop nonetheless.

A meal at The Iron Horse is a ticket to a feast

Wed, 11 Nov 2009 22:15 CST

The Iron Horse bills itself as “an American bistro,” and the concept fits. In France, a bistro is usually a small, informal neighborhood joint specializing in a limited menu of home-style classics.

Review | Tech N9ne at the Independence Events Center

Sun, 22 Nov 2009 11:36 CST

Three days after he was presented with the Left Field trophy at the MTVu Woodie Awards in New York City, Tech N9ne showcased his left-of-center world view at the Independence Events Center.

Movie poll | What December film are you looking forward to the most?

Thu, 19 Nov 2009 23:26 CST

Next month brings some big movies, like “Avatar,” “Sherlock Holmes” and “The Princess and the Frog.” Vote here for your favorite.

Holiday movie guide | Here's something for everyone

Wed, 04 Nov 2009 14:15 CST

For young to old, funny to serious, our holiday movie guide is stuffed with gifts for all sorts.