BEGIN:VCALENDAR VERSION:2.0 PRODID:-//Kansas City - ECPv6.8.3//NONSGML v1.0//EN CALSCALE:GREGORIAN METHOD:PUBLISH X-WR-CALNAME:Kansas City X-ORIGINAL-URL:https://www.esuus.org/kansascity X-WR-CALDESC:Events for Kansas City REFRESH-INTERVAL;VALUE=DURATION:PT1H X-Robots-Tag:noindex X-PUBLISHED-TTL:PT1H BEGIN:VTIMEZONE TZID:America/Chicago BEGIN:DAYLIGHT TZOFFSETFROM:-0600 TZOFFSETTO:-0500 TZNAME:CDT DTSTART:20260308T080000 END:DAYLIGHT BEGIN:STANDARD TZOFFSETFROM:-0500 TZOFFSETTO:-0600 TZNAME:CST DTSTART:20261101T070000 END:STANDARD END:VTIMEZONE BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20260415T170000 DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20260415T180000 DTSTAMP:20260412T171605 CREATED:20260323T221500Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260323T221612Z UID:1648-1776272400-1776276000@www.esuus.org SUMMARY:Happy Hour: Adelaide Robineau: Breaking the Porcelain Ceiling DESCRIPTION:Adelaide Alsop Robineau\, (1865-1929) is considered one of America’s preeminent studio potters. She began her ceramics career as a china painter\, painting designs on porcelain blanks produced by other craftsmen. After moving to Syracuse with her husband in 1901\, Robineau started experimenting with making her own porcelain forms. \n\n\n\nShe quickly became a master of the medium\, known for decorative techniques that included intricate excising and carving away of clay. Robineau developed an innovative approach to glazing her ceramics\, experimenting with\, and perfecting complex crystalline glazes in greens\, blues\, ivory\, and gold. \n\n\n\nIn 1910\, Adelaide Robineau created The Scarab Vase\, a porcelain masterpiece that famously took 1\,000 hours of laborious hand-carving to complete. Garth Johnson\, the Everson Museum of Art’s Paul Phillips and Sharon Sullivan Curator of Ceramics will explain how Robineau sparked a revolution in ceramics\, and why she deserves to be seen as a feminist icon.This ESU Happy Hour is sponsored by the Syracuse Branch. ESU Happy Hour programs are online\, free to attend\, and open to all members and the public. Registration is required to receive the webinar link. \n\n\n\n\n\nAbout Garth Johnson \n\n\n\n \n\n\n\nWriter\, curator\, and educator\, Garth Johnson is the Paul Phillips and Sharon Sullivan Curator of Ceramics at the Everson Museum of Art in Syracuse\, New York. Before arriving at the Everson\, Johnson served as the Curator of Ceramics at the Arizona State University Ceramics Research Center. Johnson has also exhibited his work and published his writing nationally and internationally\, including contributions to the recent books Funk published by Natsoulas Press and Funk You Too: Humor and Irreverence in Ceramic Sculpture published by the Museum of Arts and Design.  \n\n\n\nJohnson is a self-described craft activist who explores the craft’s influence and relevance in the 21st century. His research interests range from 1960s and 70s artist-led movements in the field of ceramics to the intersection of clay\, video\, and performance. \n\n\n\nCocktail Old PalThe Old Pal is a Prohibition-era cocktail\, a variation of the Negroni\, made with equal parts rye whiskey\, Campari\, and dry vermouth\, typically stirred and garnished with a lemon twist. It is known for being drier and spicier than its cousin\, the Boulevardier (which uses sweet vermouth)\, with the rye providing a peppery kick.Ingredients1 oz Rye Whiskey\, 1 oz Campari\, 1 oz Dry Vermouth\, and Lemon peel for garnish.Use French vermouth to celebrate Robineau’s French husband\, Samuel\, plus Campari to celebrate Robineau’s triumph at the 1911 World’s Fair in Turin\, Italy.Combine all three liquid ingredients in a mixing glass with ice. Stir until well-chilled (about 30 seconds). Strain into a chilled coupe or rocks glass (with a large ice cube). Garnish with a lemon twist\, expressing the oils over the drink before dropping it in. URL:https://www.esuus.org/kansascity/event/happy-hour-adelaide-robineau-breaking-the-porcelain-ceiling/ CATEGORIES:Virtual Happy Hours ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://www.esuus.org/kansascity/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2026/03/hh_adelaide.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20260416T180000 DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20260416T190000 DTSTAMP:20260412T171605 CREATED:20260323T221057Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260412T172035Z UID:1646-1776362400-1776366000@www.esuus.org SUMMARY:Think & Drink: Tortellini the Turtle DESCRIPTION:What does national defense engineering have to do with helping an injured sea turtle swim? More than you might think. When Tortellini\, a sea turtle at the Kansas City Zoo\, developed a buoyancy disorder known as “Bubble Butt\,” she lost the ability to dive and swim normally. The condition\, caused by trapped air under the shell that makes the turtle float unevenly\, can seriously impact a turtle’s health and quality of life. \n\n\n\nIn an unexpected collaboration\, engineers and scientists from the Kansas City National Security Campus partnered with the Kansas City Zoo to tackle the problem. Using the same advanced manufacturing techniques\, design tools\, and problem-solving approaches that support national defense missions\, the team developed a custom weighted harness that restores Tortellini’s balance in the water and allows her to swim naturally again. \n\n\n\nThis talk tells the story of that partnership\, from diagnosing the challenge and designing prototypes to testing and refining a solution that keeps Tortellini comfortable today and adaptable for the future. Along the way\, we’ll explore how engineering innovation\, interdisciplinary teamwork\, and a little creativity can improve animal care and lead to solutions in the most unexpected places. \n\n\n\nDon’t miss this free Think & Drink lecture which is open to all ESU members and the public\, but registration is required. You will also receive at least one reminder email about the event when you register. \n\n\n\nWhen: Thursday\, April 16\, 2026\, 6:00 pm \n\n\n\nLocation: Casual Animal Brewing\, 1725 McGee Street Kansas City\, MO \n\n\n\nTickets: Free admission but registration is required. \n\n\n\n\n\n \n\n\n\nGuest Speakers:Dan Bowen\, Ph.D. – Sr. Fellow & Chief ScientistDan Bowen\, a subject matter expert in polymer chemistry\, material science\, and additive manufacturing\, helped organize the effort and worked with KCNSC Sr. Leadership.Neiko Levenhagen\, Ph.D. – Lead R&D Scientist Advanced Technology DevelopmentNeiko Levenhagen\, an expert in additive manufacturing technologies of 10+ years\, led the technical side of the team in the design\, fabrication\, and assembly of the custom harness.Peter Roth – Sr. Mechanical EngineerPeter Roth\, employed at KCNSC for 8+ years\, performed the 3D scanning of Tortellini’s shell and created the mechanical design profile of Tortellini’s weighted harness.Holly Weber – Principal R&D Scientist\, Materials Aging and CompatibilityHolly Weber\, employed at KCNSC for 20+ years\, initiated and led the KCNSC/Zoo collaboration to design and manufacture a custom weighted harness for Tortellini. URL:https://www.esuus.org/kansascity/event/think-drink-tortellini-the-turtle/ ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://www.esuus.org/kansascity/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2026/03/tad_april16.png END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20260423T000000 DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20260426T235959 DTSTAMP:20260412T171605 CREATED:20251207T193927Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260222T182955Z UID:1554-1776902400-1777247999@www.esuus.org SUMMARY:2026 Annual General Meeting DESCRIPTION:The English-Speaking Union welcomes its members to NYC for the 2026 ESU Annual Conference on April 24th-25th\,2026. The conference\, under the theme “United by Language\, Inspired by Liberty.” The conference program will include the ESU 2026 Annual General Meeting\, social events such as receptions … \n\n\n\n\n\n \n \n\n \n \n \n \n The English-Speaking Union welcomes its members to NYC for the 2026 ESU Annual Conference. The conference\, under the theme “United by Language\, Inspired by Liberty.” The conference program will include the ESU 2026 Annual General Meeting\, social events such as receptions and meals\, breakout sessions\, panel discussions\, and local tours. We invite you to participate in the camaraderie and help us advance our programs that support teachers\, students\, and recent immigrants. \n \nHIGHLIGHTS \n \nRevolution in Old New York: Soldiers\, Spies & Statesmen of the American Revolution Walking Tour:\nTrace the footsteps of revolution through Manhattan’s past and present.\nLunch on historic Stone Street or Fraunces Tavern\nOne of New York City’s oldest surviving streets\, originally paved in 1658.\nand\nArt of the Gilded Age at The Met Museum Guided Tour\nUncover the brilliance and forgotten voices of the Gilded Age at The Met. \nOur Conference venue will be at the ESU House\, 144 East 39th Street\, and the Shelbourne-Sonesta Hotel\, 303 Lexington Avenue\, New York\, NY 10016. We have a special hotel room at The Shelbourne Sonesta Hotel\, which will be available Thursday night through Saturday night. Hotel prices do not include taxes or additional fees\, and prices are valid through March 23\, 2026. We will have a special opportunity to see the USA finals for the International Public Speaking Competition. Space is limited\, first-come-first-served. \n \n$650 \n \nPrint Registration Form \n \n \n \n\n \n Register Here URL:https://www.esuus.org/kansascity/event/2026-annual-general-meeting/ CATEGORIES:Events with Tickets,National ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://www.esuus.org/kansascity/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2025/12/2026_Annual_Conference.png END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20260425T080000 DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20260427T170000 DTSTAMP:20260412T171605 CREATED:20260208T191520Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260208T192146Z UID:1604-1777104000-1777309200@www.esuus.org SUMMARY:2026 ESU National Shakespeare Competition Weekend DESCRIPTION:The ESU National Shakespeare Competition returns to New York City for an unforgettable weekend of fun\, education\, and performance. From Saturday\, April 25 to Monday\, April 27\, students\, parents\, teachers\, and ESU members will gather for three exciting days in the Big Apple. \n\n\n\nCompetition Weekend features a full lineup of activities\, including a New York City double-decker bus tour\, acting masterclasses led by theater professionals\, teacher professional development workshops\, and a Broadway performance. The weekend culminates on Monday\, April 27\, with the National Finals of the ESU National Shakespeare Competition at Lincoln Center’s Mitzi Newhouse Theater\, where the nation’s top student performers take the stage. \n\n\n\nJoin us for a weekend that brings Shakespeare to life! \n\n\n\nWeekend package tickets go on sale soon! URL:https://www.esuus.org/kansascity/event/2026-esu-national-shakespeare-competition-weekend/ ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://www.esuus.org/kansascity/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2026/02/ESU_national_shakespeare.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20260430T180000 DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20260430T210000 DTSTAMP:20260412T171605 CREATED:20260125T182505Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260222T003323Z UID:1581-1777572000-1777582800@www.esuus.org SUMMARY:WorldQuest 2026 DESCRIPTION:If you love trivia contests\, this event is for you! The International Relations Council is hosting WORLDQUEST 2026 again this year and all ESU members and Friends of ESU are invited to attend. \n\n\n\nTeams of eight representing area businesses\, universities\, nonprofit organizations\, community groups\, ambitious students\, and globetrotters put their global knowledge to the test. There will be six rounds of ten questions covering topics like global affairs\, geography\, world languages and cultures\, history\, and more in this fun and interactive competition. The winning team takes home the traveling trophy\, while second-place and third-place teams win valuable prizes. \n\n\n\nLast year ESU sponsored a table of eight and we would like to sponsor a table of eight again this year\, perhaps two ESU tables if enough interest. \n\n\n\nWhen: Thursday\, April 30\, 2026\, 6:00 to 9:00 pm \n\n\n\nWhere: Johnson County Arts and Heritage Center\, 8788 Metcalf\, Overland Park\, KS. \n\n\n\nTickets: $60 per person. You may pay at the door with credit/debit card or cash. But please call Jim Paszkiewicz at (816) 807-3229 to confirm so we have a list of who’s attending. The ticket price includes a buffet-style dinner. \n\n\n\nParking: Plenty of free parking. \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nHappy Hour: Adelaide Robineau: Breaking the Porcelain CeilingApril 15 @ 5:00 pm – 6:00 pm CDT Think & Drink: Tortellini the TurtleApril 16 @ 6:00 pm – 7:00 pm CDT 2026 Annual General MeetingApril 23 – April 262026 ESU National Shakespeare Competition WeekendApril 25 @ 8:00 am – April 27 @ 5:00 pm CDT WorldQuest 2026April 30 @ 6:00 pm – 9:00 pm CDT Think & Drink: Fueling the Show: Nutrition Strategy of Major League BaseballMay 7 @ 6:00 pm – 7:00 pm CDT Happy Hour: Elizabeth I: in Her Own WordsMay 13 @ 4:00 pm – 5:00 pm CDT The History of Shakespearean Theatre in HawaiiJune 3 @ 4:00 pm – 5:00 pm CDT ESU Festival Group NightJuly 1 @ 8:00 pm – 10:30 pm CDT URL:https://www.esuus.org/kansascity/event/worldquest-2026/ ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://www.esuus.org/kansascity/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2026/01/Worldquest2026.png END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20260507T180000 DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20260507T190000 DTSTAMP:20260412T171605 CREATED:20260315T172740Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260412T171912Z UID:1644-1778176800-1778180400@www.esuus.org SUMMARY:Think & Drink: Fueling the Show: Nutrition Strategy of Major League Baseball DESCRIPTION:Most people think professional baseball players have unlimited resources and perfect nutrition. The reality is far more nuanced. From coaching a minor league athlete transitioning into the big leagues\, to navigating food superstitions before a game\, to answering constant questions about protein — this job isn’t just about meal plans. Sports Dietetics is about performance strategy\, psychology\, logistics\, and trust. Erika Wincheski is a veteran in the world of performance nutrition for Major League Baseball and she’ll take you inside the clubhouse to show you what fueling elite athletes actually looks like. \n\n\n\nDon’t miss this free Think & Drink lecture which is open to all ESU members and the public\, but registration is required. You will also receive at least one reminder email about the event when you register. \n\n\n\nWhen: Thursday\, May 7\, 2026\, 6:00 pm \n\n\n\nLocation: Casual Animal Brewing\, 1721-1725 McGee Street Kansas City\, MO \n\n\n\nTickets: Free admission but registration is required. \n\n\n\n\n\n \n\n\n\nAbout Erika Wincheski \n\n\n\nErika Wincheski is in her ninth season with the Royals and fifth as the Director of Sports Nutrition. In her role\, she supports all levels of the organization\, develops and maintains nutrition standards and helps players maximize their performance and recovery through enhancing nutrition. She is a Licensed Dietitian and Board-Certified Specialist in Sports Dietetics. She’s also currently serving as Vice President of the Professional Baseball Dietitian Society. \n\n\n\nShe had spent the previous five-plus years working at EXOS in Phoenix\, Arizona. During her time with EXOS\, she worked under contract with the San Francisco Giants in Major League Baseball as well as the Arizona Cardinals\, Arizona Coyotes and U.S. Men’s National Soccer Team. Wincheski received her bachelor’s degree in nutrition from California Polytechnic State University in San Luis Obispo\, Calif.\, while she did a postgraduate dietetic internship through the University of Maryland. \n\n\n\nAbout Think & Drink Lecture Series: \n\n\n\nThink & Drink is an exciting new kind of event that combines educational topics with social gatherings. This one-hour lecture program was launched in July of 2025 by Casual Animal Brewing Company\, a microbrewery in the East Crossroads area\, south of downtown Kansas City. The lectures are held on the first and third Thursday of every month and bring together experts\, academics\, and curious minds for evening talks on topics that generate fresh perspectives\, ideas\, and discussion. No topic is off the table. URL:https://www.esuus.org/kansascity/event/think-drink-fueling-the-show-nutrition-strategy-of-major-league-baseball/ ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://www.esuus.org/kansascity/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2026/03/tad_may7.png END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20260513T160000 DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20260513T170000 DTSTAMP:20260412T171605 CREATED:20260412T173346Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260412T173515Z UID:1623-1778688000-1778691600@www.esuus.org SUMMARY:Happy Hour: Elizabeth I: in Her Own Words DESCRIPTION:The New York City Branch of the English Speaking Union invites you to join us on May 13\, 2026 at 5PM EDT\n\n\n\n\n\nESU National Board Member Mary Coleman Way in Conversation with Tamara Meneghini on \n\n\n\nElizabeth I: in Her Own Words \n\n\n\nA critically acclaimed one-woman play\, by Carole Levin\, in collaboration with Tamara Meneghini and Sabin Epstein\, that combines Elizabeth I’s own letters and speeches\, the poetry of Shakespeare\, and music of the period to reveal a complex woman and ruler reflecting on her life and reign.  The play\, which has performed to sold out audiences at the 2024 Edinburgh Fringe Festival and elsewhere\, explores her inner thoughts\, fears\, loves\, and triumphs\, from the Spanish Armada to her relationships with her cousin\,Mary\, Queen of Scots\, her mother\, Ann Boleyn\, her sister\, Mary Tudor\, and both Robert Dudley and the Earl of Essex\, challenging perceptions of the “Virgin Queen.” The program will include excerpts from the performance. \n\n\n\nREGISTER HERE \n\n\n\nAbout Tammy Meneghini \n\n\n\n \n\n\n\nTammy Meneghini is the co-creator\, collaborating writer\, producer\, and plays the role of Elizabeth I in Elizabeth I: In Her Own Words\, a full-length solo play.  She has toured the play to various theatres and venues in the United States\, as well as being featured at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival 2024\, receiving 4 and 5-star reviews to sold out audiences.  She is an accomplished actor and director\, based in Colorado\, where she works frequently onstage and off.  Currently\, she is in the BETC (Boulder Ensemble Theatre Company) production of Mary Jane\, by Amy Herzog.  She is one of the founders of the Rocky Mountain Artists Safety Alliance and collaborated with regional theatre companies to create the Community Standards for Theatre for the Colorado Theatre Community. She is on the faculty at the University of Colorado Boulder\, where she teaches courses in acting\, movement\, voice\, musical theatre\, and the annual senior showcase of work in NYC.  Her work on the Elizabeth Project continues to grow and play to receptive audiences far and wide.   \n\n\n\nFor more information\, please visit: \n\n\n\nwww.tamarameneghini.com \n\n\n\nAbout Mary Coleman Way \n\n\n\n \n\n\n\nMary Coleman Way has made a lasting impact on the theater community by dedicating more than a decade to leading Southwest Shakespeare Company\, where she is now Vice President of the Board of Directors. A multifaceted artist\, she is a member of the League of Professional Theater Women\, an NEA adjudicator\, and a frequent participant in classical theater auditions and ESU\, Kennedy Center\, and HSMT competitions. She is also a writer for film\, stage\, and television\, a director\, composer\, and administrator.  Mary’s commitment to the arts is furthered through her active involvement on the Boards of Arizona Citizens for the Arts\, Southwest Shakespeare Company\, and the National Board of the English Speaking Union. Beyond Shakespeare\, Mary\, alongside her husband\, founded Fit Via Vi\, a film production company that has expanded to include Broadway and TV\, earning several Tony and Oscar nominations. Most recently\, the company produced Redwood\, the highly acclaimed Broadway musical starring Idina Menzel\, Sugarcane\, a 2025 Academy Award nominee for Best Documentary\, and ARCO\, a 2026 Academy Award nominee for Best Animated Feature Film. \n\n\n\nHappy Hour Cocktail \n\n\n\nQueen Elizabeth loved a good beer. So take out a Blue Moon with a refreshing slice of lemon or lime\, and enjoy! Cheers! \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nHappy Hour: Adelaide Robineau: Breaking the Porcelain CeilingApril 15 @ 5:00 pm – 6:00 pm CDT Think & Drink: Tortellini the TurtleApril 16 @ 6:00 pm – 7:00 pm CDT 2026 Annual General MeetingApril 23 – April 262026 ESU National Shakespeare Competition WeekendApril 25 @ 8:00 am – April 27 @ 5:00 pm CDT WorldQuest 2026April 30 @ 6:00 pm – 9:00 pm CDT \n\nHappy Hour: Adelaide Robineau: Breaking the Porcelain CeilingApril 15 @ 5:00 pm – 6:00 pm CDT Think & Drink: Tortellini the TurtleApril 16 @ 6:00 pm – 7:00 pm CDT 2026 Annual General MeetingApril 23 – April 262026 ESU National Shakespeare Competition WeekendApril 25 @ 8:00 am – April 27 @ 5:00 pm CDT WorldQuest 2026April 30 @ 6:00 pm – 9:00 pm CDT Think & Drink: Fueling the Show: Nutrition Strategy of Major League BaseballMay 7 @ 6:00 pm – 7:00 pm CDT Happy Hour: Elizabeth I: in Her Own WordsMay 13 @ 4:00 pm – 5:00 pm CDT The History of Shakespearean Theatre in HawaiiJune 3 @ 4:00 pm – 5:00 pm CDT ESU Festival Group NightJuly 1 @ 8:00 pm – 10:30 pm CDT URL:https://www.esuus.org/kansascity/event/happy-hour-elizabeth-i-in-her-own-words/ ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://www.esuus.org/kansascity/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2026/04/ESU_Elizabeth.png END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20260603T160000 DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20260603T170000 DTSTAMP:20260412T171605 CREATED:20260412T173931Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260412T173932Z UID:1662-1780502400-1780506000@www.esuus.org SUMMARY:The History of Shakespearean Theatre in Hawaii DESCRIPTION:Wednesday\, June 3\, 2026 • 5:00 PM ETSponsored by the ESU Hawaii and Seattle Branches Did you know that Edwin Booth\, brother of John Wilkes Booth (President Lincoln’s assassin)\, performed Shakespeare plays in the Kingdom of Hawaii in the 1850s? And he wasn’t alone. The Hawaiian Kingdom hosted many actors who came to the fabled islands to perform Shakespeare. Our guest speaker\, Professor Mark Lawhorn\, will speak on the history of Shakespearean theatre in Hawaii. He put together a detailed display on this topic for the exhibit of Shakespeare’s First Folio at Kapi’olani Community College in 2016. This ESU Happy Hour is sponsored by the ESU Hawaii and Seattle Branches. ESU Happy Hour programs are online\, free\, and open to all members and the public. Registration is required. \n\n\n\nREGISTER HERE \n\n\n\nAbout Mark Lawhorn\, PhD \n\n\n\n \n\n\n\nMark Lawhorn is Professor of English at Kapi’olani Community College\, Honolulu\, Hawaii. In 2016\, he spearheaded the acquisition of a copy of the First Folio as part of the national tour of First Folios in all 50 States to commemorate the 400th anniversary of Shakespeare’s death. Kapi’olani Community College was the only community college selected to host a copy of the treasured collection during its tour. Lawhorn is the President of the ESU Hawaii Branch and is a member of ESU’s National Board of Directors. URL:https://www.esuus.org/kansascity/event/the-history-of-shakespearean-theatre-in-hawaii/ ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://www.esuus.org/kansascity/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2026/04/HH_history_hawaii.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20260701T200000 DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20260701T223000 DTSTAMP:20260412T171605 CREATED:20260301T191613Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260301T191615Z UID:1630-1782936000-1782945000@www.esuus.org SUMMARY:ESU Festival Group Night DESCRIPTION:Macbeth is a Shakespearian tragedy play that tells the story of a brave Scottish general named Macbeth who receives a prophecy from a trio of witches that one day he will become King of Scotland. Consumed by ambition and spurred to action by his wife\, Macbeth murders the King Duncan and soon becomes a tyrannical ruler marked by guilt\, paranoia\, and further bloodshed before his eventual downfall and death\, restoring order to Scotland. The play is filled with riddles\, prophecies\, and nightmare visions. Macbeth is so powerful that an old superstition says its name should never be uttered in a theatre. This is a must-see production by the Heart of America Shakespeare Festival and directed by Sidonie Garrett. ESU members and friends are invited to this special evening on Wednesday\, July 1\, 2026. We will have reserved seats near the stage at a special ESU discount price. We hope you can join our ESU Group. \n\n\n\nThis promises to be a spectacular production with lavish stage sets\, colorful costumes\, and featuring an all-star cast. Southmoreland Park is the perfect outdoor setting to bring Macbeth to life and share a beautiful evening in the park with friends and family. \n\n\n\nWhen: Wednesday\, July 1\, Curtain is 8:00 pm \n\n\n\nWhere: Southmoreland Park\, just west of the Nelson-Atkins Museum. \n\n\n\nTickets: We have arranged group discount tickets on sale beginning May 12. Check our website on May 12th with details on how to purchase discounted tickets at www.esuus.org/kansascity \n\n\n\n6:00 PM—Gates open. \n\n\n\n6:30 and 7:15 PM—Pre-Show Parody: The Festival’s teen apprentice troupe called Team Shakespeare presents a hilarious parody of the Festival play. The parody will amuse both children and adults while helping them understand the plot of Macbeth. You will find the performance between the Festival Gate and the seating area. Two performances: 6:30 or 7:15 PM. \n\n\n\n7:00 PM–Show Talk:  “Show Talk\,” gives audiences an entertaining and educational preview of the play. Show Talk begins at 7:00 pm located near Festival entrance. \n\n\n\n8:00 PM—This production runs approximately 2 hours and 30 minutes\, including a 15-minute intermission. \n\n\n\nFood Options— \n\n\n\n        A. You may bring your own picnic basket with food and drink items of your choice.  \n\n\n\n        B. You may purchase food and beverages from the various vendors at the park. \n\n\n\n        C. Other snacks are available too…funnel cakes\, kettle corn\, soft drinks\, bottled water and more! \n\n\n\nParking: Allow yourself plenty of time to park and walk to the Festival’s entrance.  \n\n\n\nCarpooling:  If anyone wants to use their car to carpool to reduce the number of cars\, let us  know and we will pass along information so members can contact the carpool drivers to make pick up arrangements. \n\n\n\n Weather:  It’s usually very pleasant in the park by showtime. Watch forecasts and plan accordingly. \n\n\n\nFriends of ESU and Guests:  If you have friends or relatives who would like to join our group at the discounted price\, please feel free to invite them. \n\n\n\nQuestions?: Call Jeff Schnabel at (816) 878-1239. We hope to see you on July 1st at Southmoreland Park! URL:https://www.esuus.org/kansascity/event/esu-festival-group-night-2/ ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://www.esuus.org/kansascity/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2026/03/shakespeare_festival_2026.png END:VEVENT END:VCALENDAR