The Broadway

Unhappily ever after.

Here’s what I know about “Romeo and Juliet.” Star-crossed lovers. Montagues and the Capulets. WORST BREAKUP EVER …

This past weekend, I saw the Kansas City Symphony’s version of this long-told tale at the Lyric Opera. Yes, Romeo and his girlfriend had some tough times, but they also made beautiful music together.  The symphony is celebrating 25 years in Kansas City and doing so with a series of concerts conducted by eminent conductor Michael Stern. Saturday’s performance was led by Larry Rachleff, an esteemed maestro who’s been in front of audiences everywhere from Utah to New Zealand. Rachleff was joined on stage by guest violist, Jennifer Frautschi, whose young career has already been recognized with solos at the Los Angeles Philharmonic and the Chicago Symphony Orchestra. “Romeo and Juliet” sadly came to an end this weekend (no pun intended). But you catch a special Memorial Day concert this Sunday, May 27th at 7:30p.m. at the Liberty Memorial. It’s free and followed by one of Kansas City’s largest fireworks displays.

Your mom.

Flowers are the most popular Mother’s Day gift — ever. Then chocolate. Then just a card. Followed by the phone call. Yawn …

But you know what your mom really wants? A loft downtown. I’m serious, she told me. I ran into her last night at The Cashew. I see where you get your looks. If I was going to buy my mom a loft (which I am, calm down, Mom) I would buy her one that’s in the middle of it all. Where it’s a short walk to the Performing Arts Center, galleries, restaurants and those boutiquy shops that she loves. I would make sure everything was brand-new, and that she had a terrace with a rock star view of downtown. (Your mom loves rock stars too, she told me.) Don’t worry, you can still buy her those tulips you’ve been eyeing. They’ll look great on her new granite countertops. 

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.