When could Starlight get its overhead canopy? Here’s the latest on renovations

Ongoing work to give Kansas City’s Starlight Theatre a $40 million upgrade could soon get a major boost.

The Kansas City Council signed off last week on allowing the city manager to work with Starlight, the historic 7,800-seat amphitheater in Swope Park, to apply for up to $3 million in state tax credits for a renovation project that includes a new canopy over 3,200 seats and a new production light bridge.

The tax credits would be tied to up to $6 million in private fundraising. Starlight President and CEO Lindsey Rood-Clifford told city officials that the financing would help the project’s funding get over the finish line.

Starlight recently celebrated its 75th anniversary as it works on a broader campaign to enhance programming, bring in new audiences, increase the theater’s economic impact and further engage Kansas Citians with the arts.

The new canopy will help shield audience members from rain, sun and other weather and allow for new summer matinee events. The new production bridge will allow for a wider variety of professional shows. Other pieces will include new cooling fans and screens to improve the experience for guests.

The first phase of construction is complete. The rest of the work is expected to be completed by summer 2027. The theatre’s last major improvement came about 25 years ago.

Other projects that have been finished or are ongoing include new paved parking, a sensory room, new community programs for students and improved food offerings.

Officials say the renovations will bring in tens of thousands of new patrons every year and bring in millions of dollars of new economic output.

Upcoming shows at Starlight include Weird Al, the band Chicago, Incubus, Earth, Wind & Fire and Disney’s Frozen.