Starlight Theatre’s legacy began June 3, 1950, with the premiere of Thrills of a Century, a vibrant historical pageant celebrating Kansas City’s centennial. Thousands of attendees came together nightly for the production, which featured hundreds of local citizens in its cast. The overwhelming success of the event highlighted the city’s appetite for a dedicated performing arts venue, leading to the establishment of the not-for-profit Starlight Theatre Association of Kansas City, Inc., which has upheld this legacy for seven and a
half decades.
Since its inception, Starlight has become a cornerstone of the community, capturing millions with unforgettable performances from its historic stage in Swope Park. Between hundreds of Broadway musicals, popular concerts, and more, Kansas Citians and patrons from throughout the country have enjoyed a show under the stars.
“This milestone emphasizes the enduring power of live arts and entertainment to connect and strengthen our community,” Lindsey Rood-Clifford, President + C.E.O. of Starlight, said. “Generations of friends and families have created lasting memories here, and we look forward to continuing and expanding the tradition of Starlight experiences that unite and enrich us all.”
The venue has only grown throughout the years to include more diverse and accessible programming. While Starlight found its beginnings as a Broadway venue, it welcomed its first concerts in the early 1980s. In the year 2000, the venue completed construction to enclose the stage house, which allowed touring Broadway shows to take the stage. Again in 2006, patrons noticed improvements with expanded dining options — what is still known today as the “Applause Club.”
Most recently, in 2023, Starlight launched Uniquely KC, the organization’s first capital campaign and programmatic expansion in more than 20 years. Through venue improvements and new programs, the campaign aims to attract and develop new live arts audiences, enhance arts access and youth education opportunities, generate a positive economic impact in the region, and foster support for Kansas City’s arts and culture sector for one of the largest civic cultural assets in the city. The project is scheduled for completion in 2026 — just months before Kansas City is set to host the World Cup.
A summer night at Starlight is consistently a tradition for many Kansas Citians. For its 75th summer, there’s something for everyone. Starlight will present five weeklong Broadway productions and concert acts ranging from classic rock to popular artists — and everything in between. Teddy Swims and Weird Al Yankovic are already sold out, with limited tickets available for shows like Alison Krauss & Union Station and The Driver Era. For a full list of shows coming to Starlight in 2025, visit kcstarlight.com.
