To restore downtown's vitality, Kansas City must learn the art and sport of entertaining

The prospect of Julia Irene Kauffman's planned performing arts center has loomed over downtown in recent years like an Emerald City in the distance.

It is scheduled to open in 2007 with two new halls for the Kansas City Symphony, the Kansas City Ballet and the Lyric Opera. One of the halls would be large enough to accommodate the largest Broadway touring productions, such as "The Producers," which is stopping in several of Kansas City's peers this fall but not here.

Because music matters, it deserves informed support
by PAUL HORSLEY for the Kansas City Star

W hy has Kansas City had such a hard time building a performing arts center?

...

But most Kansas Citians aren't aware of the main reason why the project is struggling: the musical illiteracy of Kansas City's political, economic and even intellectual elite.

published: June 19, 2005