Summer Theater in Kansas City

From puppet shows to musicals to kid friendly Broadway shows, the KC summer calendar is full! Plan to take in summer theater in Kansas City with shows that work for the whole family.

Mobile Music Box Concerts by the KC Symphony (All Summer Long)

Your KC Symphony musicians perform free outdoor Chamber Music concerts across the metro (weather permitting). Bring your own lawn chair or picnic blanket. Concerts will be performed all around the Metro – check online for one near you!

Charlie and the Chocolate Factory (June 18-August 4)

When Charlie Bucket and the others find their golden tickets, their boring lives explode with color and confections beyond their wildest dreams. Join Charlie, Violet, Augustus, Veruca, and Mike Teavee as they embark on a mesmerizing joyride through a world of pure imagination.

Good for all ages, 70 minutes. Get your tickets here!

The Little Mermaid at The White Theatre (July 6-28)

Based on one of Hans Christian Andersen’s most beloved stories and the classic animated film, “Disney’s The Little Mermaid” is a hauntingly beautiful love story for the ages. Good for all ages. Tickets here.

First Act Theatre

Featuring the talents of children from ages 8-18, these are shows you won’t want to miss!

  • Frozen (May 15-18)
  • Newsies (May 22-28)
  • Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat (June 27-28)

Giggle Time Children’s Program – Overland Park

Join us on the first Wednesday of the month. Your little ones will giggle, wiggle and have a blast with diverse performances. From music and stories to puppet shows, each month features new and exciting entertainers. Best of all, it’s a FREE and fun-filled time that requires no registration – just come and join in the laughter and joy! Events are at Tomahawk Ridge Community Center unless otherwise noted.
  • May 1 – Storyteller Rosemary Cutrer
  • June 5 – Mr. Stinky Feet at Roe Park
  • August 7 – The Doo-Dads at Roe Park

Starlight Theatre

Starlight Theatre is Kansas City’s home for the best Broadway musicals, concerts and unique theatrical shows in an outdoor setting.Their summer line-up is full of family friendly shows. Find a full line-up here.

  • STOMP – June 14-16
  • The Little Mermaid – July 9-14
  • Barbie the Movie, in concert – July 15
  • Shrek, the Musical – July 26-28

Theatre in the Park – Gladstone

Bring your blankets or lawn chairs (designated sections) for Gladstone’s Theatre in the Park. Shows begin at 8:30 p.m.

Featured performances: Fiddler on the Roof (6/28-6/30), Something Rotten (8/2-8/4)

Theatre in the Park – Shawnee Mission Park

The Theatre in the Park is the largest outdoor community theatre in the country. Each summer they present a season of Broadway musicals – check the ratings to see if they are best for the whole family or teens.

Shows include: Bye Bye Birdie (6/1-6/8), Anastasia (6/14-6/22), Anything Goes (6/28-7/6), Hello Dolly (7/12-7/20), Sister Act (7/26-8/3)

Bring your blankets or lawn chairs (designated sections) to Shawnee Mission Park; outside food is permitted. Tickets are $10, $7 for kids 4-10; ages 3 and under free. Performances begin at 8:30 p.m. Tickets are valid for ANY outdoor performance.

Kid Friendly Shows at Theatre for Young America

The Theatre for Young America performs on the City Stage at Union Station. This summer’s shows include Tom Sawyer (June 11-29) and Alice in Wonderland (July 16-27). Tickets are available here.

Sarah McGinnity
Sarah grew up in Manhattan, Kansas (Go Cats!), she moved to Minnesota where she met her husband, Shea. Realizing how much she hated snow in May, she convinced him to move to Kansas City in 2010. Together they have lived in Midtown, Waldo, the Plaza, and now Overland Park. Sarah is mom to 10-year-old, Henry, 7-year-old Clark and 5-year-old Lucy. She has her master’s in urban administration and is passionate about making Kansas City a more equitable and supportive community. In between the crazy, she likes to drink coffee, run, hike, travel as much as possible, and experience all things Kansas City!

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