Heading into its 16th season, Musical Theater Heritage is in growth mode. Specializing in productions of American musicals, the Crown Center-based theater company has been a popular presence in Kansas City since its founding in 2003. And no wonder. There’s a show for every taste, with the typical season offering one or two “heritage” musicals, as well as a couple of less well-known or untraditional shows like “Next to Normal” and “Sunday in the Park with George.”

Ask anyone to name his/her favorite Christmas movie and very likely “It’s a Wonderful Life” will be at the top of the list. The holidays..

Julia Haile is taking Kansas City by storm. “Her voice and stage presence are second to none, and her body of work is growing to be some of the best to come out of this city,” said Bill Sundahl, special events coordinator of KKFI 90.1 FM Kansas City Community Radio. Haile performed with well-known singer-songwriter Barclay Martin at the June 30 “Collaborations” fundraiser event for KKFI at the Folly Theater.