Missouri

For the first time in nearly 20 years, Kansas Citys Starlight Theater is embarking on a new capital improvement campaign.Dubbed Uniquely KC, the goal is to raise $40 million.Plans include physical improvements to the venue.A giant canopy is expected to provide better lighting for more daytime shows the theater is planning.The canopy will also provide some weather protection to 3200 of the 8000 seats. This is a step in the right direction and a little bit of a value add that yes, we will have a little bit of weather protection from the canopy as well, said Lindsey Rood-Clifford, Starlight President & CEO.But she says the greater impact from additional funding will be for more programming.So, its not only expanding performance programming as we know it now for the summer programming that most people are familiar with, but also arts, education and access programming that happens both backstage here at Starlight, but also out in the community, Rood-Clifford said.State Senator Barbara Anne Washington said it was a pretty easy sell with colleagues to convince them to sign off on $2 million in Missouri funding due to state tax revenue numbers showing how the theater is paying off.And once we were able to do that, then we were able to convince our people including a thank you to Governor Parson for signing off on it. We have this gem right here in the middle of the urban core that everyone around here, including our city, should be able to take advantage of, she said.Lauren Howard sang at a performance announcing Uniquely KC Monday morning.Hopefully, I have an influence on people wanting to bring more money into Starlight. I think its important to give people opportunities that might not have them as much, she said.Fundraising leaders say ultimately, upgrading Starlight for the future is about making memories.Kansas City Mayor Pro Tem Ryana Parks-Shaw recalled when her dad brought her to Starlight to see Cab Calloway.She even offered her own Calloway imitation.Hi dee hi dee hi dee ho, Ryana Parks-Shaw sang and then chuckled.Rood-Clifford said the foundation for Uniquely KC was raised before the pandemic started.As a result, the campaign is already more than halfway towards its goal.By Monday morning $21,618,000 had been raised.The goal is to have the canopy in place by the summer of 2026, in time for the World Cup in Kansas City and Starlight Theaters 75th birthday.