Cultural arts is a large part of our family dynamic. I grew up in a world of all things ballet. My parents were both members of their respective high school marching bands. Community theater became a big part of my mom’s life as an adult and I graduated from college with a theater performance major. I had huge dreams of becoming a television star, moving to LA, and living the actors dream. Instead, I worked retail, auditioned around town for Kansas City theaters, moved on to a corporate America job, and found my home in local community theater.
We’ve been taking McKinley to see live shows for years. Disney and Sesame Street when he was really young, touring performances of The Lion King and School of Rock several years ago, and Kids Bop Live in 2019. Local children’s theater has been a staple as well. Theatre for Young America has quirky performances of children’s classics and books turned shows like Junie B. Jones. The Coterie offers more sophisticated performances for young audiences. We’ve seen a smattering of shows, but our favorites have always been during the holidays. There was something so special about seeing A Charlie Brown Christmas and Rudolph the Red Nose Reindeer to kick off our holiday traditions.
When COVID hit, just like with everything else, live theater was closed down. However, The Coterie did some amazing things to keep audiences engaged. Creating and streaming performances with local Mesner Puppet Theater, they were able to bring A Snowy Day and How to Snag a Sea Monster to everyone in a safe way. And they are continuing to do so with live theater this summer!
McKinley and I attended Dragons Love Tacos earlier this week, a production that’s presented by the 306 Theater Troupe from the UMKC Theater Department. And, in keeping with the safety protocols they put in place with their streaming performances, I was so impressed with the measures they continue to take to keep everyone safe and comfortable in person. Things to know before you go; masks are required when checking in before the performance, anytime you are walking around the space, but may be removed once in your seats. Seats are assigned for all of those with advance ticket purchases and pod seating has been put in place for social distancing. And best of all, it’s outside in the Crown Center Entertainment Pavilion.
The show itself is so fun! Based on the children’s book written by Adam Rubin, this funny tale of dragons and their love of tacos is full of color, laughs, and audience participation. At first I wasn’t sure if the show might be too young for McKinley. Ten is an awkward age. But within the first five minutes, he was smiling, laughing, and leaning in to tell me his thoughts. By the end, he was on his feet and dancing in step with the dragons who had made their way into the audience. Children’s theater doesn’t have an end age. It’s for everyone!
Support your local theaters! See a show today!
XO,
Andrea
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