Kansas City Star: Entertainment

Ink's 2008 bar guide

Wed, 17 Sep 2008 09:52 CDT

Here's the buzz on KC's best watering holes from packed pubs to underground dives: hundreds of bar listings, cool bartender profiles and dedicated regulars' tips.

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.

Sitcoms alive and well on cable � but who cares?

Wed, 15 Jul 2009 22:15 CDT

The days are over when TV comedy has to be great to be a hit. It doesn’t even need to be that good.

Harry Potter is meant for marathons

Wed, 15 Jul 2009 22:15 CDT

I’ve had no luck thinking of a precedent for the wildly successful “Harry Potter” films. Has there been another series of eight motion pictures following the same characters over a decade — characters played by the same actors from film to film?

KC's Fringe Festival gains acceptance while keeping its edge

Wed, 15 Jul 2009 22:15 CDT

And so we’re coming up on No. 5. The Kansas City Fringe Festival, born of haphazard enthusiasm and awkward growing pains in 2005, has inched forward in its quest for permanence and legitimacy.

Entertainment | Paul McCartney, Jonas Brothers, Jewel, Espy Awards, Stevie Wonder,

Thu, 16 Jul 2009 10:59 CDT

Emmy nomations | Tina Fey, Chandra Wilson, Kristin Chenowith, Amy Poehler, Steve Carell, Jim Parsons, Kevin Dillon

Thu, 16 Jul 2009 10:06 CDT

Schlitterbahn opens for business

Tue, 07 Jul 2009 13:18 CDT

Dog fashion show in Taipei, Taiwan

Wed, 15 Jul 2009 12:36 CDT

Entertainment | Pamela Anderson, Chris Daughtry, Italy Fashion, Madonna

Wed, 15 Jul 2009 10:46 CDT

Neko Case dishes on her songwriting process

Wed, 15 Jul 2009 22:15 CDT

On her most recent album, the shadowy “Middle Cyclone,” Neko Case imprinted the style she has been honing over the previous two albums.

Justus Drugstore's 'Eastside' Patio offers homespun haute

Wed, 15 Jul 2009 22:15 CDT

The hostess at Justus Drugstore in downtown Smithville tries to hide a look of surprise. A destination dining spot, the upscale restaurant typically books up several weeks in advance.

Starlight stages a lively, delightful 'Anything Goes'

Wed, 15 Jul 2009 22:15 CDT

Starlight Theatre has mounted a lively production of the classic Depression-era musical “Anything Goes.” What’s remarkable about this sublimely clever shipboard romp is how curiously relevant it seems to our times.

Fringe Festival: Music and dance shows turn toward the East

Wed, 15 Jul 2009 22:15 CDT

We in the West can sometimes forget that the East has its own classical music and dance heritage. Indian ragas, for example, have a history stretching back to ancient Persia. Masters like Ravi Shankar and Shivkumar Sharma are revered as gurus. Eastern classical culture is every bit as deep and profound as the West’s.

Stargazing | Tony dumps Jessica; Mel Gibson to star in 'The Beaver'; Mira's miracle baby

Wed, 15 Jul 2009 22:15 CDT

Tony dumps Jessica Tony Romo just earned himself a place in my Hall of Fame of Dopes if reports are true that he broke up with girlfriend Jessica Simpson on the night before her birthday.

This weekend in Kansas City | July 17-19

Wed, 15 Jul 2009 22:15 CDT

The Wedding Singer,” opening Friday at the Theatre in the Park, is a musical based on the 1998 movie about the 1980s. You got all that? That means Adam Sandler won’t be in it, but ’80s-inspired music and some George Michael-style clothes will be. Gates open at 7:30 p.m., and the show starts at 8:30 p.m. Tickets are $8 for adults; $6 for ages 4-10; 3 and under are free, but be advised: This production is PG-13. The production runs weekends through July 26. Ticket info and details at www.theatreinthepark.org or 913-631-7050. today

KC's Jon Yeager finds 'Magic' in Nashville

Wed, 15 Jul 2009 22:15 CDT

Jon Yeager isn’t the first musician from Kansas City to flee the coop and land in Nashville, and he won’t be the last. (At least two more are headed that way shortly.) Yeager has been a fixture in the local rock scene since he was the drummer for the Daybirds in the early part of this decade.

Fiery Furnaces return with accessible 'I'm Going Away'

Wed, 15 Jul 2009 22:15 CDT

•Fiery Furnaces, “I’m Going Away”: Some bands can be victims of their own productivity. The brother/sister duo the Fiery Furnaces has been prolific, making eight full-length albums since 2003. In the process, it established itself as one of the more adventurous and abstract art-rock bands in the indie scene, and Eleanor Friedberger became one of its favored divas. But the outpouring of material came with a price: Some of it felt rushed and unfinished and disposable — quirky but low on charm and a challenge to warm-up to.

Mel Rhyne and Will Matthews return to the Blue Room

Wed, 15 Jul 2009 22:15 CDT

Here’s one way to break up the summer musical doldrums: Have a friend or two from out of town come to stay for a while. We have some distinguished visitors this weekend, and their presence brings a little fresh air to the scene.

Tickets on sale | Rob Thomas to perform Oct. 29 at the Midland

Wed, 15 Jul 2009 22:15 CDT

On sale Friday Rob Thomas, Midland, Oct. 29. $31.25-$86.25

'Coraline's' 3-D effects work best on the big screen

Wed, 15 Jul 2009 22:15 CDT

Watching Henry Sellick’s stop-motion animated “Coraline” in the theater, I had some reservations about its dramatic effectiveness but none at all about its breathtaking 3-D technology. Simply put, it was just about the best use of 3-D I’d ever seen. The film offered images so exquisitely rendered and carefully detailed that you felt you were actually moving through its make-believe environment.

Juror weighs in on regional art exhibition

Wed, 15 Jul 2009 22:15 CDT

Check out the Kansas City Artists Coalition’s River Market Regional Exhibition and hear a talk about the show by juror Anthony Huberman, chief curator of the Contemporary Art Museum St. Louis. Huberman’s discussion will be from 2:30 to 3:30 p.m. Saturday at the Artists Coalition, 201 Wyandotte Ave.

JCCC offers fine dining, fine learning

Wed, 15 Jul 2009 22:15 CDT

Johnson County Community College is combining food and knowledge with Divine Dining, a new series of culinary classes. For each class, a local chef will prepare a gourmet meal, teach about a cuisine from around the world and make a special presentation, such as how to make a soufflé.

Third annual Summer Author Breakfast on Saturday at the Reading Reptile

Wed, 15 Jul 2009 22:15 CDT

Cheryl Harness joins her fellow KC authors and illustrators for the third annual Summer Author Breakfast, 9:30 a.m. Saturday at the Reading Reptile. This year’s theme is “My Best Birthday Ever!,” with treats from Julita Catering. Tickets, $10 for ages 6 and up, are available at the shop in Brookside, 328 W. 63rd St., or by calling 816-753-0441.

Growing up Potter: The stars look back on their childhood at Hogwarts

Wed, 15 Jul 2009 22:15 CDT

When the “Harry Potter” film series is completed, its three young stars — Daniel Radcliffe, Emma Watson and Rupert Grint — will have inhabited J.K. Rowling’s universe for half their lives. Radcliffe, now 19, was 11 when he was cast as the boy wizard for the series’ 2001 debut. Watson, now 19, was 10 when she auditioned for the whip-smart Hermione Granger. Grint, the eldest of the three, is 20.

'American Violet' co-star Charles S. Dutton is living the American dream

Wed, 15 Jul 2009 22:15 CDT

Charles S. Dutton must have the most unique resume in show business. A felon who was jailed for manslaughter and then possession of a deadly weapon, he also was found guilty of assaulting a guard while in prison. But Dutton turned to theater while reading a book of plays in solitary confinement, founded a drama group in the slammer, and eventually wound up obtaining a master’s in acting from the Yale School of Drama.

Gauging the sweat factor of workout video games

Wed, 15 Jul 2009 22:15 CDT

Thanks to the interactive Wii, you can lose weight while boxing, jogging and doing deep-knee lunges in video games. So let’s take a look at a new slate of sports games that make you sweat, and some that don’t. •“EA Sports Active” claims it could change your life, meaning it can change your body shape. It’s like a workout video for the Wii, but better. You run in place, kick and punch a boxing bag, do curls with a stretch band and complete many other exercises.

Video games | Country 'Rock Band,' 'G-Force' coming soon

Wed, 15 Jul 2009 22:15 CDT

The country music industry tries its best to steer clear of political clashes, but something clashy always pops up. Next: “Rock Band Country Track Pack” — an expansion disk containing 21 songs for gamers’ “Rock Band” set-ups — brings the Dixie Chicks into its songlist mix, along with Alan Jackson, Keith Urban and Martina McBride, but no Toby Keith.

It was hardly an All-Star flight when LL Cool J landed at KCI

Wed, 15 Jul 2009 22:15 CDT

LL Cool J stopped in Kansas City on his way to St. Louis this week, but not because he wanted to. It was an emergency landing, the rapper said in an ESPN.com chat.

Forty years later, Woodstock lives on in promoter's memoir

Wed, 15 Jul 2009 22:15 CDT

Former head shop owner Michael Lang (“The Road to Woodstock,” 304 pages, Ecco, $29.99) had scant promotional experience when he dreamed up Woodstock as a massive festival different from anything before it. As his memoir released 40 years later makes clear, it’s a wonder that Woodstock even happened. Lang and his partners were kicked out of the initial concert site at the last minute, sending Lang scrambling through nearby Sullivan County to look for a replacement. He found a gently sloping hay field owned by dairy farmer Max Yasgur who, luckily for Lang, was a friendly sort eager to accept these long-haired kids.

‘Beloved Daughters: Photographs by Fazal Sheikh' sheds light on abuse of women in India

Sat, 11 Jul 2009 22:15 CDT

If you were appalled by the treatment of Indian children portrayed in the hit movie “Slumdog Millionaire,” a new photography exhibit at the Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art will break your heart. Called “Beloved Daughters: Photographs by Fazal Sheikh,” the exhibit presents an album of pain.

Artist Cody Critcheloe needs extras for Grand Arts film

Sat, 11 Jul 2009 22:15 CDT

Kansas City artist Cody Critcheloe seeks extras to be part of the last scene of his new movie, “Fool’s Gold,” which is scheduled to open at Grand Arts this fall. Critcheloe will shoot a crowd scene from 1 to 6 p.m. Tuesday at the Scottish Rite Temple, 1330 Linwood Blvd., and hopes to attract as many extras as possible.

TV comedy is Tina Fey's world

Thu, 16 Jul 2009 15:55 CDT

Television comedy is Tina Fey's world these days. Is there room for anybody else?

'30 Rock' Emmy nominations at a glance

Thu, 16 Jul 2009 15:26 CDT

The 22 Emmy nominations for "30 Rock" was a record for a comedy series, a feat aided by the fact that a show can be nominated multiple times in a category that honors single episodes.

Emmy streakers looking to stay alive

Thu, 16 Jul 2009 14:35 CDT

Shows with a chance to keep alive streaks of winning at least one Emmy per year:

Review | ‘Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince' the best one yet | 3 stars

Mon, 13 Jul 2009 22:15 CDT

“Harry Potter” isn’t just kids stuff any more. I say that with the full knowledge that for countless millions of all ages, J.K. Rowling’s best-selling literary saga and the films it spawned have never been kids stuff. Rather, they were the doorway to an engrossing (and dead serious) world of magic and imagination.

‘American Violet' will have you demanding justice | 3 stars

Thu, 16 Jul 2009 13:15 CDT

Put on your outrage cap. “American Violet” will have steam coming out of your ears. In this fact-based melodrama (well, sort of fact-based) a single African-American mother of four is arrested at the café where she waits tables and told she’s being charged with distributing illegal drugs near a school.

‘The Stoning of Soraya M.': Nothing subtle in this powerful message | 2 ½ stars

Thu, 16 Jul 2009 13:15 CDT

Burning with righteous anger, “The Stoning of Soraya M.” is a volatile look at women’s rights (or, rather, lack of such) amid rigid Islamic fundamentalism. It’s well-made and well-acted and ends with a horrendous act of violence that, in its own way, is almost as grueling as Mel Gibson’s “The Passion of the Christ.”

‘Bruno' review: Laugh. Wince. Repeat. | 2 ½ stars

Thu, 09 Jul 2009 13:15 CDT

“Bruno” contains moments of explosive, outrageous, I-can’t-believe-what-I’m-seeing hilarity. At the same time, the second feature (after “Borat”) from satiric agent provocateur Sacha Baron Cohen points out the limits of his guerrilla comedy style.

‘I Love You, Beth Cooper': Not really | 1 ½ stars

Thu, 09 Jul 2009 13:15 CDT

“You know, this is not fun any more,” our bloodied and beaten young protagonist complains about an hour into “I Love You, Beth Cooper.” We’re way ahead of you, pal.

‘Moon' does sci-fi right | 3 stars

Thu, 09 Jul 2009 13:15 CDT

Good science fiction is less about shiny hardware than human imagination. “Moon” is darn good science fiction.

Harry Potter filmmakers reveal ‘Deathly Hallows' secrets

Thu, 16 Jul 2009 13:15 CDT

“Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince” opened way back on Wednesday (read our ★★★ review and more at KansasCity.com/ movies). About time we looked ahead to the next installments, “Deathly Hallows” Part I (2010) and II (2011), which, after all, have been filming all year: ‘Deathly Hallows’ I vs. II

Now showing | July 16-22

Wed, 15 Jul 2009 22:15 CDT

★★★★■Above the rest ★★★ See it soon ★★ It’s a rental ★ Life’s too short

Free films, special screenings | July 16-22

Wed, 15 Jul 2009 22:15 CDT

“KUNG FU PANDA” Panda must save his village from marauder. Dusk tonight, Briarcliff Village. “INDIANA JONES AND THE LAST CRUSADE” Once again Indy takes on the Nazis … with the help of Sean Connery. 8:30 p.m. Friday, Hyde Park.

Performing arts calendar | July 16-22

Wed, 15 Jul 2009 22:15 CDT

For complete listings, go to Kansas City.com/Entertainment. CLASSICAL MUSIC

Performing arts address book | July 16-22

Wed, 15 Jul 2009 22:15 CDT

American Heartland Theatre: Crown Center Shops, Level Three, 2450 Grand. Arts Incubator Gallery: 115 W. 18th.

Comic-con 2009: Tell me where to go

Thu, 16 Jul 2009 15:24 CDT

I'm going to Comic-Con again this month, and I need your help. When I first went in 1999, there was but a single television tangent to what was then still mainly considered the largest comic book show on the planet....

Dude in Starbucks watching black'n'white TV with converter box!

Thu, 16 Jul 2009 14:02 CDT

Now there's some creative loafing! Thanks to the alert reader who snapped this at the Country Club Plaza Sbux.

"Sicko" on The Movie Channel tonight!

Thu, 16 Jul 2009 12:09 CDT

Michael Moore's damning documentary about the healthcare system in America, "Sicko," is airing on subscription cable tonight. You gotta have The Movie Channel to see it. TMC is one of the oldest movie channels out there (I believe it started...

Want to see the Dr. Oz Show? (Do you live on the East Coast?)

Thu, 16 Jul 2009 11:59 CDT

Fall's starting early in the magical land of syndicated TV, where the latest Oprah spinoff, "The Dr. Oz Show," begins taping Monday at New York's 30 Rock ... in Conan's old studio, 6A. Below, info on how to get ticketed....

Emmy 2009: 12 categories, exactly 11 changes (AUDIO)

Thu, 16 Jul 2009 08:25 CDT

Wow. I know Emmy voters are conservative. I know many of them don't even watch much televsion. But oh my word, how stale and predictable were this year's Emmy nominations?? Click on the audio and you will hear an edited...

Q+A | Neko Case

Thu, 16 Jul 2009 15:52 CDT

On her most recent album, the shadowy “Middle Cyclone,” Neko Case imprinted the style she has been honing over the previous two albums. As she did on the live “Tigers Have Spoken” and then “Fox Confessor Brings the Flood,” Case again manages to compose songs that are large, lavish, filled with unexpected twists and turns. Yet all the while, they maintain a sense of formality and familiarity: The unconventional shifts and progressions are navigable, employed in the service of each song and the album as a whole, not as a means of showing off clever songwriting chops. Sunday night, Case...

On sale this weekend

Thu, 16 Jul 2009 10:43 CDT

A highlight among these smaller shows is the Arc Angels, the Texas blues-rock band from the ’90s that recently reunited. Members include Stevie Ray Vaughan’s drummer Chris Layton and dual singer/guitarists Charlie Sexton and Doyle Bramhall II (who’s been touring with Clapton). Online reports indicate founding bassist Tommy Shannon (also of Stevie Ray’s band) isn’t part of the reunion. The Arc Angels plan to release a live DVD with 2005 footage and start work on a new album. -- Arc Angels, Aug. 3, VooDoo Lounge. $20-$30 (on sale Saturday) -- Steve Earle solo & acoustic, Aug. 22, Liberty Hall. $25...

Review | Yes and Asia at the Uptown

Wed, 15 Jul 2009 16:37 CDT

Nearly four years after having quite literally become a punch-line in Steve Carrell’s "40-Year-Old Virgin," and two after lead singer/bassist John Wetton’s life-threatening heart surgery, Asia has found itself reconvened in its original lineup (Wetton, guitarist Steve Howe, drummer Carl Palmer, and keyboardist Geoff Downes) and back on tour, this time supporting Howe’s main gig. The best that can be said of their set at the Uptown Tuesday night is that John Wetton, remarkably, has not only recovered by his medical difficulties but is in fact singing as well as he ever has, with a richness of mid-range tone that’s...

Jimmy Page, the Edge and Jack White star in 'It Might Get Loud.'

Tue, 14 Jul 2009 12:34 CDT

Holy moley. This looks great. No KC date yet, but it's scheduled for limited release in August. | David Frese, The Star P.S. Thanks to reader Neal Rodriguez.

Weekend report: What did you see?

Mon, 13 Jul 2009 08:33 CDT

We saw/heard Eve 6, Zappa Plays Zappa, Il Divo (see below) plus some fine and dandy local music (Audiovox, Thee Water MoccaSins, Life and Times). What did you put in your ears this weekend?

You don't get much closer to the source of your food than dinner at Green Dirt Farm

Wed, 08 Jul 2009 22:15 CDT

Missouri River bluff country in Platte County presents arguably the area’s best place to shake off the urban grind. By way of a flier posted at a farmers market, we discovered a way to enhance that idyllic experience: Having dinner in a barn.

Show celebrates composer Schumann's romance

Thu, 09 Jul 2009 22:15 CDT

Romantic tribute Film clips, live readings and performances by pianists and a singer will be employed for “Schumann in Love,” a multimedia presentation about the legendary romance between composer/pianist Robert Schumann and his wife, Clara.

Variety, tranquil setting at Zest

Wed, 01 Jul 2009 16:25 CDT

Early into dinner at Zest, in Leawood, an unfamiliar feeling sort of appeared, and it was there before I knew it. I think it’s called tranquility.

Blanc Burgers is worth running to

Wed, 24 Jun 2009 22:15 CDT

Dinner out is always a treat, but a well- deserved meal is a delicacy. After an 18-mile marathon training run one recent afternoon along the Indian Creek Trail, the only thing getting between my belly and a gourmet burger was a quick drive.

Café Europa brings a world of pleasure

Wed, 17 Jun 2009 22:15 CDT

Everything about Café Europa feels like an Old World bistro, from the small sidewalk tables out front to the dog in the cozy, dark bar area just inside the front door.

The American Restaurant is a magical indulgence

Thu, 04 Jun 2009 10:21 CDT

I should've skipped the lamb belly. With its blubbery richness, the small, meaty plate struck the only dissonant note in what was otherwise a night of restaurant perfection. Since it opened in 1974, and especially since a transformation in 1990, the American Restaurant has quietly offered itself as the pinnacle of dining out in Kansas City.

Attention, Adult Swim fans: Robot Chicken Roller Skating Tour is coming to KC

Wed, 15 Jul 2009 00:47 CDT

Only in Adult Swimland could a juvenile activity be transformed into legitimate adult silliness. Kansas City is one of just nine venues chosen for the Robot Chicken Roller Skating Tour ... although one suspects this is a dubious honor as there may only be nine big-city roller rinks left in America.

Photos | Bruce Springsteen returns to KC on Oct. 26

Tue, 14 Jul 2009 11:47 CDT

The Boss is coming back for another appearance at the Sprint Center. Tickets for the "Workin' On a Dream" tour go on sale Aug. 8. Check out some Springsteen's previous performances in Kansas City and beyond.

Beach bod at 83: Cloris Leachman

Thu, 16 Jul 2009 12:49 CDT

Apparently all it takes to get 83-year-old Cloris Leachman out of her clothes is a margarita.

Farm Aid heading to St. Louis

Thu, 16 Jul 2009 12:18 CDT

ST. LOUIS (AP) — Farm Aid, the longest-running benefit concert in the United States, will be held Oct. 4 at the Verizon Wireless Amphitheater in St. Louis County.

Mischa Barton removed from Hollywood home by police

Thu, 16 Jul 2009 12:03 CDT

Weird goings-on at Mischa Barton's house Wednesday night.

Madonna's stage in France collapses; one dead

Thu, 16 Jul 2009 11:59 CDT

UPDATE: Madonna has issued the following statement: "I am devastated to have just received this tragic news. My prayers go out to those who were injured and their families along with my deepest sympathy to all those affected by this heartbreaking news."

Emmy voters thumb their noses at mass appeal

Thu, 16 Jul 2009 08:00 CDT

When cult cable series "Flight of the Conchords" snags a best series Emmy nomination and the most-watched comedy in America, CBS' "Two and Half Men," loses out, TV academy voters are willfully thumbing their noses at mass appeal.

Movie poll | Explain Transformers' phenomenal success

Thu, 09 Jul 2009 20:51 CDT

We knew Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen would do well, but $300 million well? In less than two weeks? What's its secret?
Vote here.