KC events Jan. 25-31: Royals FanFest, Chinese New Year, ‘Wizard of Oz,’ Terry Brooks

The first major art exhibition exclusively using Lego bricks as a medium consists of more than 100 creations in 10 galleries, concluding with a hands-on creation gallery where guests can construct their own masterpieces. Artist Nathan Sawaya, formerly a corporate lawyer in New York, is the mastermind behind “The Art of the Brick,” which has been displayed in Brazil, China, Russia, Italy, Japan and elsewhere. 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Monday-Thursday, 10 a.m.-7 p.m. Friday-Saturday, noon-5 p.m. Sunday. 816-460-2020. Tickets are $11.95-$16.95 through unionstation.org/artofthebrick.

With the start of spring training only a few weeks away, fans will be able to meet players, coaches, Royals alumni, front-office executives and broadcasters. Even manager Ned Yost, who suffered a fractured pelvis in a fall during the offseason, is scheduled to be on hand. FanFest will also feature clinics, interactive games and open play for children. A portion of the proceeds will benefit Royals Charities. First two hours each day access for season-ticket members only. Tickets are $7-$9 for Friday and $10-$15 for Saturday through royals.com/fanfest.

Cheryl Weaver will play fashion icon Diana Vreeland in this one-woman play by Mark Hampton and Mary Louise Wilson that was first performed in 1993 and will be presented by Spinning Tree Theatre. Vreeland, who was editor of Harper’s Bazaar and Vogue magazines, ruminates on her life in her Park Avenue apartment upon returning from four months in Europe after being fired from Vogue magazine in 1971. Runs through Feb. 11. 816-569-5277. Tickets are $15-$40 through spinningtreetheatre.com.

Relatively unknown in the United States, Welsh pianist Llŷr Williams has appeared with the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra, London Symphony Orchestra and many others. He is an acclaimed performer of Beethoven, having completed a nine-recital Beethoven cycle at London’s Wigmore Hall last year, though this Friends of Chamber Music appearance will focus on Schubert. 816-561-9999. Tickets are $25-$35 through chambermusic.org.

Considered one of Mahler’s lesser symphonies for much of the 20th century after its premiere in 1908, the Seventh “presents an enigmatic, inscrutable face to the world,” according to the composer himself. But the Seventh has made something of a comeback in the 21st century, and music director Michael Stern and the Kansas City Symphony will perform the epic work for the first time. Kauffman Center. 816-471-0400. Tickets are $25-$85 through kcsymphony.org.

Based on a 2003 mystery novel by British writer Mark Haddon, “The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-time” won the 2015 Tony Award for best play. The Kansas City Repertory Theatre production will tell the story of 15-year-old Christopher Boone, who is exceptionally intelligent but has an autism spectrum condition. When Christopher is suspected of killing the neighbor’s dog, he investigates to find the real killer. Runs through Feb. 18. 816-235-2700. Tickets are $25-$75 through kcrep.org.

New York Times best-selling author Terry Brooks, who released the first book of the four-part conclusion to the “Shannara” series last year, will answer audience questions about his life and work, greet fans and sign books. His appearance is in conjunction with the world premiere at the Coterie of “The Secret of Courage,” written by his sister, Laurie Brooks, and based on Terry Brooks’ short story. 816-883-4900 or 816-474-6552. mymcpl.org or thecoterie.org. Free.

The Nelson will be one of the best places in the area to celebrate the Year of the Dog. As if simply viewing the museum’s world-renowned collection of Chinese art weren’t enough, visitors also will be able to experience activities ranging from music, dancing and acrobats to painting, calligraphy and shadow puppetry. And there will be plenty of Chinese cuisine available. 816-751-1278. nelson-atkins.org. Free.

The Moscow Festival Ballet was founded in 1989 by Sergei Radchenko, legendary principal dancer of the Bolshoi Ballet who combined elements of the Bolshoi and Kirov Ballet into an independent company. It will perform the popular 20th century ballet composed by Sergei Prokofiev and based on the centuries-old folk tale. 785-864-2787. Tickets are $14-$40 through lied.ku.edu.

The Mid-America Nazarene University Heritage Choir and Allegro Con Moto will join the William Baker Festival Singers as they celebrate the heritage of Kansas City’s community of composers. The performance will feature music by Festival Singers composer-in-residence Ed Frazier Davis as well as Vince Gover, Sean Sweden, John Leavitt and Geoff Wilcken. 913-403-9223. Tickets are $5-$40 through festivalsingers.org.

For some Broadway purists, “Forbidden Broadway” might seem like heresy. But for most people, it’s just hilarious. The cabaret revue spoofs show tunes, characters and plots of Broadway musicals, with its targets being regularly updated. The audience can expect the cast to have fun with shows such as “Pippin,” “Kinky Boots,” “Les Miserables,” “Wicked” and “The Book of Mormon.” Runs through Feb. 4. 816-363-7827. Tickets are $32-$62 through kcstarlight.com.

Dorothy and Toto will follow the yellow brick road to Oz without ever leaving Kansas when this national touring production of “The Wizard of Oz,” which will feature all the characters from the classic 1939 movie, stops for one night in Lawrence. With colorful sets, a timeless score and dazzling special effects, it’s a show the entire family can enjoy — even if there are flying monkeys. 785-864-2787. Tickets are $21-$55 through lied.ku.edu.

Ben Sayevich and Lolita Lisovskaya-Sayevich, Jan. 26, 1900 Building. 1900bldg.com

Lyric Opera, “As One,” Jan. 27-28, Michael and Ginger Frost Production Arts Building. kcopera.org

“Four Score and Seven Years Ago,” Folly Kids Series, Jan. 29, Folly. follytheater.org

“Hedwig and the Angry Inch,” Egads! Theatre Company, Jan. 31-Feb. 17, Arts Asylum. eventbrite.com/event/41773122534

Gary Owen, Jan. 25-28, Kansas City Improv. improvkc.com

Davey Wester, Jan. 31-Feb. 3, Stanford and Sons. stanfordscomedyclub.com

T.K. Kirkland, Jan. 31, Kansas City Improv. improvkc.com

Joe Satriani, John Petrucci and Phil Collen, Jan. 25, Uptown. uptowntheater.com

Noah Gundersen, Jan. 25, RecordBar. therecordbar.com

Datsik, Jan. 26, Arvest Bank Theatre at the Midland. midlandkc.com

Drive-By Truckers with Lilly Hiatt, Jan. 26, The Truman. thetrumankc.com

El Monstero, Jan. 26, Uptown. uptowntheater.com

Jackopierce, Jan. 26, Knuckleheads. knuckleheadskc.com

Milky Chance, Jan. 27, The Truman. thetrumankc.com

Deborah Brown Quintet, Jan. 28, Polsky Theatre. jccc.edu/theseries

K.Flay, Jan. 28, The Truman. thetrumankc.com

Marilyn Manson with Hyborian, Jan. 28, Arvest Bank Theatre at the Midland. midlandkc.com

Yung Lean and Sad Boys, Jan. 28, Granada. thegranada.com

August Burns Red, Jan. 30, Granada. thegranada.com

Josh Ritter and the Royal City Band, Jan. 30, Liberty Hall. libertyhall.net

Johnson County Home and Garden Show, Jan. 26-28, Overland Park Convention Center. johnsoncountyhomeshow.com

Kansas City Mavericks vs. Rapid City, Jan. 26-27; vs. Colorado, Jan. 30. Silverstein Eye Centers Arena. kcmavericks.com

Kansas City Comets (indoor soccer) vs. Cedar Rapids, Jan. 28. Silverstein Eye Centers Arena. cometsindoorsoccer.com

UMKC men’s basketball vs. New Mexico State, Jan. 27. Municipal Auditorium. umkckangaroos.com

Yeti 5k, Jan. 28, Zip KC. kctimberchallenge.com

This story was originally published January 23, 2018 at 8:00 AM with the headline "KC events Jan. 25-31: Royals FanFest, Chinese New Year, ‘Wizard of Oz,’ Terry Brooks."