KANSAS CITY, MO (Sept. 6, 2024) — Kansas City Ballet Artistic Director Devon Carney today announced the newest addition to the 2024-2025 season with the heartwarming story of Beauty and the Beast, Feb. 21-23. 2025 performed by Kansas City Ballet Second Company Dancers at the historic Folly Theater (300 W. 12 th St, Kansas City, MO 64105). Young families will have a new opportunity to immerse themselves in the world of dance with the Ballet’s shortened family friendly performances of the classic fairy tale, Beauty and the Beast. Choreographer Bruce Wells, began his career as a dancer under the direction of George Balanchine. Wells has created an entry-level family production that tells the centuries-old story swiftly for younger audiences.
“We are thrilled to present our Family Friendly series, a fantastic way for everyone—whether new to dance or seasoned fans—to enjoy ballet in an accessible and manageable way,” Artistic Director Devon Carney said. “It’s a chance to experience vibrant sets and costumes, coupled with a live narration by the original choreographer, Bruce Wells. This is not just about showcasing a classic fairy tale like Beauty and the Beast; it’s about providing an affordable opportunity for families to access outstanding dance experiences and make lasting memories together. High reward, low risk—this is dance for everyone.”
High-res rehearsal and past production photos, and more can be found here.
Sponsors
This production is proudly presented by the Richard J. Stern Foundation for the Arts.
Support provided by the Muriel McBrien Kauffman Family Foundation, the Missouri Arts Council — a state agency, and the National Endowment for the Arts, a federal agency, support Kansas City Ballet’s 2024-2025 Season.
Beauty and the Beast
Feb. 21-23, 2025 | Folly Theater
300 W. 12 th St, Kansas City MO 64105
Choreography by Bruce Wells
Narrated by Bruce Wells
Duration: 55 mins. No intermission.
Recommended for all ages.
Tickets start at $25 for adults and $16 for children 12 and under.
Witness the most beautiful love story ever told. Discover the magic of Kansas City Ballet’s Family Series debut with Bruce Wells’ Beauty and the Beast! Join us for a captivating performance featuring the beloved fairy tale brought to life by our talented Second Company dancers and narrated by Wells himself!
Friday, February 21 7:00 p.m.
Saturday, February 22 11:00 a.m., 2:30 p.m. & 6:00 p.m.
Sunday, February 23 12:00 p.m. & 3:30 p.m.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION AND EVENTS
Social Media
Kansas City Ballet’s website is mobile and ticket-purchase friendly. Join the KCB Facebook page and follow us at @kc.ballet on Instagram and TikTok at @kansascityballet. Watch videos at www.youtube.com/kansascityballet. Be sure to check out our blog at www.kcballet.org/blog.
Ticket Information
Purchase tickets:
- Online at www.kcballet.org with the Select Your Own Seat capability
- By telephone at 816.931.8993.
Ticket prices start at only $25 for adults and $16 for children 12 and under. Subscribers receive a 25-percent discount on additional tickets. Prices are subject to change.
Parking and Downtown Maps
Find information and maps for Folly Theater parking and construction updates at www.kcballet.org/planyourvisit. On-street, metered parking near the Folly is available 8 a.m. – 6 p.m. Monday – Friday. Free parking is available after 6 p.m. and on weekends.
Parking Garage – Parking fee is based on time of day and type of event. For larger events the parking fee is typically $10 and up (credit card only), depending on other events in the vicinity taking place at the Folly or nearby venues. For smaller events, the parking fee will be charged at departure by credit card only. Parking is available to patrons in the evenings after 4:00 PM and weekends only.
Please note: The Folly Theater does not own the parking garage and does not set parking pricing or policies. The parking garage is accessible to Folly patrons after 4:00 pm on weekdays and all day on the weekends. Fees are subject to garage management’s discretion and dependent on the size/scope of the performance(s) at nearby event venues.
Inclement weather, construction, or other events in and around the downtown vicinity may affect traffic in the area. Please allow additional driving time to access downtown parking and the Folly Theater. For performances, the theater box office generally opens 1- 2 hours prior to show time.
Accessibility
The Folly Theater main entrance is accessible without the use of stairs. Arrangements must be made in advance for seating in accessible rows on the Orchestra level when purchasing tickets. As a historic venue, a small lift is located in the West lobby to access the Patron’s lounge, though there is no full-service elevator system within the Folly Theater to access all levels. We ask that patrons please plan accordingly based on individual physical needs.
Individuals with hearing impairment may request an electronic hearing device from the house manager or an usher. A photo ID may be requested for use of the device.
Requests for a qualified sign language interpreter should be made at least fourteen (14) business days before the event. While the Folly Theater will attempt to arrange a qualified sign language interpreter on shorter notice, we cannot guarantee availability. Requests can be made to: Stephanie Spatz-Ornburn, Event Manager – Stephanie@follytheater.org | 816-768-6880
Media
Visit kcballet.org for a downloadable media kit about Kansas City Ballet. Find high-resolution photos at www.flickr.com/photos/67555847@N06/sets.
About Kansas City Ballet
MISSION: To Inspire and Engage Through the Beauty, Power & Passion of Dance
VISION: Outstanding Dance Experiences Accessible to All
Founded in 1957, Kansas City Ballet is a professional ballet company led by Artistic Director Devon Carney and Executive Director David Gray. Kansas City Ballet is an indispensable community asset through exceptional performances, excellence in dance training and quality community engagement and education programs for all ages. Kansas City Ballet is home to Kansas City Ballet School which, with an enrollment of more than 1,000 children and adults, offers professional training for the career-minded student as well as for those simply seeking a healthy lifestyle.
In 2023, Kansas City Ballet opened the state-of-the-art $2.1M South Campus at Meadowbrook offering four studios and classes for all ages. Visit the South Campus page for more information.
Through the professional company, second company (KCB II & Trainees), and Community Partnerships Department, Kansas City Ballet seeks to inspire and develop artists, audiences, and students in the values inherent in the creativity, diversity, and joy of dance. The company’s home, the Todd Bolender Center for Dance & Creativity, in conjunction with our Resident Company status at the world-class Kauffman Center for the Performing Arts, positions Kansas City as a destination for dance. Visit www.kcballet.org/kansas-city-ballet-press-releases/ for more info.
Kansas City Ballet’s website is mobile and ticket-purchase friendly.