Kansas City, MO

Coterie Theatre
Located in Crown Center, this popular family venue is widely recognized as one of the top five children's theatres in the country; American Heartland Theatre produces Broadway-style musicals and dramas while the Crown Center Cinemas offer blockbuster movies on six screens; 2450 Grand Blvd; 816-274-8444; http://www.crowncenter.com

Kauffman Center for the Performing Arts
Opening 2009, this $326 million architectural landmark will host performances by the Kansas City Symphony, Kansas City Ballet, Lyric Opera and other art organizations in an 1,800 seat multi-purpose facility; located between Broadway and Wyandotte and 16th and 17th streets; http://www.kcperformingartscenter.org

Starlight Theatre
Since 1951, the Starlight has been home to concerts and Broadway plays; in 2001, the theatre introduced a Walk of Stars for performers who have graced the stage, including Cab Calloway; before each show, enjoy dinner before in the Applause Club or just enjoy the Shirley Bush Helzberg Fountain and Garden; 4600 Starlight Road; 816-363-7827; http://www.kcstarlight.com

Kansas City Repertory Theatre
Since 1964, the Repertory Theatre has been a premier Midwest professional theatre companys-in-residence at UMKC; they produce Kansas City Rep produces up to seven mainstage plays each season; has presented a critically acclaimed run of August Wilson’s Two Trains Running; 4949 Cherry Street; 816-235-2700; http://kcrep.org

Bonner Springs, KS

Verizon Wireless Amphitheater
Features 6,700 reserved seats, general admission lawn seating; also noted for its setting and great acoustics to deliver a superb outdoor concert experience; 633 North 130th Street in Wyandotte County Park; tickets 913-721-3400; http://www.verizonwirelessamphitheaterkc.com