Musical Theatre Heritage "1776" review by Kellie Houx

I don’t think I can offer up 1,776 reasons to see Musical Theater Heritage’s production of Sherman Edwards’ musical, but I could probably give it a try. It might take more words than most people want to read, but let’s just put it this way — it’s a satisfying evening of great entertainment, a whole lot of history thrown in and Deb Bluford. This name alone should have everyone running, not walking, to the Off Center Theatre in Crown Center.

more at KC Studio

Laura Spencer remembers Ahmad Alaadeen

Ahmad Alaadeen's career spanned more than six decades and included work with notable figures like Jay McShann, Claude "Fiddler" Williams, Ella Fitzgerald, Billie Holliday, the Count Basie Orchestra, as well as Sam Cooke and Gladys Knight. KCUR's Laura Spencer has this remembrance.

listen at KCUR

Lawrence Busker Festival interviews by Jon Niccum

While Lawrence is no stranger to this form of street theater year-round, the amount of professional talent increases dramatically when the Lawrence Busker Festival returns this weekend. Organizers expect 30 national acts to appear at the third annual event, which showcases artists such as fire jugglers, sword swallowers, magicians, musicians, comedians, hula hoop dancers and living statues.

Demonstration of Quixotic's iPad video interface

Developing uses for Ipad to interact with our performers.

Seeking nominations for the Missouri Arts Awards

You are invited to nominate an outstanding individual, arts organization, or community for the 2011 Missouri Arts Awards. Missouri citizens, organizations, and communities who have made significant contributions in the following categories are eligible: Arts Education, Arts Organization, Creative Community, Individual Artist, Leadership in the Arts, and Philanthropy. The Missouri Arts Awards ceremony will honor the recipients in the Rotunda of the Capitol Building in Jefferson City on Wednesday, February 16, 2011 at 2 pm.

Nominations must be postmarked by September 3, 2010. Send the Nomination Form, Narrative and Supplemental Materials to: 2011 Missouri Arts Awards Nominations, Attn: Virginia Sanders. Missouri Arts Council, 815 Olive St., Ste 16, St. Louis MO 63101. The nomination form may be downloaded here.

If you have any questions, contact Virginia Sanders, Missouri Arts Awards Coordinator, toll free at 866-407-4752, 314-340-6845, or TDD 800-735-2966.

Musical Theatre Heritage "1776" review by Peter Filichia

I went to Kansas City on a Thursday; by Friday I had learned a thing or two about Musical Theater Heritage, the ambitious little troupe run by George Harter.

more at TheatreMania

Stephanie Roberts "Mask of the Broken Heart" interview by Marisa McKay

This Friday night, August 20, Stephanie Roberts opens The Mask of the Broken Heart: A Meridian Mystery. Roberts is the creator and director of Boom! and was recently given the Charlotte St. Foundation Generative Artist award.

more at KC Free Press

Richard Renner, Busker Festival interview by Lisa Gutierrez

Richard Renner, a University of Kansas graduate, started the Busker Festival three years ago after he moved back to Lawrence and started hanging out again on Massachusetts Street — “land of a thousand hairstyles,” he calls it.

more at kansascity.com