The Broadway

We “Love, Janis.”

I’m not a hippie. I have more than just a passing affection for lip gloss, and tie-dye gives me vertigo. But seeing the Kansas City Repertory Theatre’s performance of “Love, Janis” made me want to not wash my hair for a month and smoke Camel Reds. “Janis” opened last month, christening the KC Rep’s new Copaken Stage at 13th and Walnut in the H&R Block building. Night after night, Kacee Clanton, Mary Bridget Davies and Lena Kaminsky have been giving the kind of performances that would’ve made Janis scream. Well, more than usual. Clanton and Davies trade off nights on lead vocals while Kaminsky embodies Janis’ raw soul in her fiery monologues. The night I went, Clanton literally brought the crowd to our feet with her exacting portrayal of Janis’ music and fervent performance style. “Love, Janis” closes April 1st, but if you can make it there — start running now. If not, the Copaken Theatre is a must-see itself. And you can do just that when the The Syringa Tree opens April 27th.

Kiss me, I'm drunk

Many people think St. Patrick’s Day is just about drinking, but those people are drunk. Everyone knows St. Patrick’s Day is really about leprechauns. (Yeah, that’s right, leprechauns). And leprechauns invented St. Patrick’s Day Parades. Kansas City’s 34th annual St. Patrick’s Day Parade is this Saturday, March 17th beginning at 11:00 a.m. at the corner of Pershing Road and Main Street, proceeding down Grand and ending at Truman Road. Living at THE BROADWAY, you could w alk to the parade, or stay in and experience the whole scene from your outdoor terrace. That way, if it turns out you’re one of those people who thinks March 17th is all about drinking too, no one will see you singing, “When Irish Eyes are Smiling” in your shamrock boxer shorts.

The legend of March Madness

It’s a little-known fact but the term “March Madness” was originally coined by an Irish limerist named Finneus Fergul. He was describing that time of the year when the weather fluctuates hourly between below freezing to a toasty spring-like fervor. When daylight savings time shows up, and then you show up one hour late to your Monday morning meeting. When people who clearly are not Irish wear shirts claiming their heritage owes them a “kiss.” OK, we made up like 99.9% of that. Alright, 100%. March Madness is about one thing, and one thing only — basketball. And this time next year Kansas City will be too. In 2008, the mens' and womens' Big 12 basketball tournament will be hosted at the new Sprint Center right here in the Crossroads. We’re serious. We wouldn’t lie to you about basketball. Badminton, now that’s a different story.