Someone asked out on Facebonkers today what people would like to see from local dance companies what with this pandemic.
It got me thinking.
First, I thought, open air performances of all kinds should be done, weather-permitting, of course And these should take place here from Spring through Summer and into Fall. They become all the more important and helpful. Anywhere and everywhere with a stage outdoors, of whatever size. Perfect. With social distancing, of course.
And where, in Kansas City, is the biggest outdoor stage?
Why, Starlight Theater, of course!
Unfortunately, when I went to their web page today, there was this message:
Ensuring the health and safety of our patrons and staff is our number one priority. While we are still able to serve you via phone and website, we have suspended walk-up ticket sales until further notice in support of the guidance from Mayor Quinton Lucas and the City of Kansas City. Patrons will be notified if any Starlight events are postponed or cancelled and we will update our website and ticketholders as information becomes available. Thank you for your understanding, patience and continued support as we learn and adjust to the ever-changing circumstances regarding COVID-19.
And sure, it's understandable and it's one more business and they have to react to the pandemic and the Mayor's stay at home order but now that it's being relaxed, it seems that, again, with social distancing, this could and would be a fantastic place for us to all--carefully--congregate and enjoy ourselves this year, in spite of COVID-19.
I'd like to take it one step further, too.
I'd hope they'd actually have literally one performance a night out there.
In the best case, with all the different arts organizations and performances there are in the area, the different ones could rotate in their performances. Dance, music, theater--think Unicorn and the other live theater there is in town.
Sure, it would take a great deal of planning and organization and the logistics could/would be tough, very tough, to pull off, I recognize that. But if they could, can and do??
And if not one performance a night, then as many performances per week as they could pull off.
And if they could pull it off?
Man, would we all enjoy ourselves and make the most of a very difficult, even tough time and situation.
Another upside?
Quite possibly a ton of profit for Starlight while also hopefully saving some other organizations and artists and performers, too.
I know, I know, this is hoping for a lot. I mean A LOT. I recognize that.
And maybe it's dreaming an impossible dream.
But tough times make for tough people. And solutions. And great answers.
It could, really, pull us all together, too. All across the city, area and even region.
Here's hoping.
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