Pricy new arts center

The Kauffman Center for the Performing Arts is a great addition to the Kansas City skyline. It’s too bad the average person will rarely, if ever, get to enjoy it, except for “tours.”

Color me impressed — with the price of tickets. It’s like — “Look, but don’t touch.”

For a group of four (who’ve had a tradition of attending arts functions for more than 10 years) — without going to the “nosebleed” section and buying binoculars — the middle section seat price is $89 each, for a total of $356. This group in question is two grandparents with an income of less than $1,600 a month and their two grandchildren. It’s flatly impossible.

All the hurrahs are for Ms. Kauffman and her millions in donation, and what this has done for Kansas City. Yes, it’s a great new place to show your designer gowns and makeovers.

Thanks so much for a great skyline addition. But a sad farewell to a wonderful tradition.

Carolyn Lee
Independence

Comments

[Fatguard95]

At least I don't have to subsidize the high price ticket like I do at Arrowhead. Another venue I can't afford to take my family to.

[KauffmanCenter]

Carolyn, thank you for expressing your concerns. We want you to know that we are listening. At the Kauffman Center we strive to provide excellence for everyone in the community. Ticket prices for some shows at the Kauffman Center start at $10, and our family friendly National Geographic Live series offers 4 show subscriptions for as low as $60 ($15 per show).

In addition, our Open Doors program provides subsidized transportation and tickets so that school children throughout the KC metro can experience school matinees at the Kauffman Center. If you have any questions at all or would like to speak with someone about your concerns please feel free to write to us at contact@kauffmancenter.org- Thank you!

[Casady]

Ms. Lee, I certainly understand your concern about ticket prices. Unfortunately, these prices have more to do with the costs associated with the productions booked at the Performing Arts Center"

Agreed, JDog. Apparently, Carolyn has not attended any shows at Sprint Center or the Midland where ticket prices for most top acts are equally excessive (FFs, WSP and Green Day excepted, much to their merit).

[rjl]

I have taken my son daughter -in-law and 2 grandchildren to 2 performances. One the ballet Tom Sawyer ($89 each) and the Symphony/chorus Christmas concert ($25 each). The children (8&9) loved it. While the ballet was pricey there are no bads seats and the experience was wonderful.

[JDog]

Ms. Lee, I certainly understand your concern about ticket prices. Unfortunately, these prices have more to do with the costs associated with the productions booked at the Performing Arts Center, than the unimaginable quest for profits.
I share your angst over the ticket prices, but there is little to nothing that can be done about it if KC is to continue to bring in truely great performances.
Hopefully, you can save up for a once a year venture to an absolutle great venue.

[ggbridge]

Symphony tickets are more like $25 for kids $35 for adults in the upper sections - cheaper if one can swing season tickets. However, then you have to listen to the symphony...