Variety Show’s production of Meredith Willson’s The Music Man
July 30th – August 1st, 2027
Kauffman Center for the Performing Arts
We’re leading the parade this year, marching the Variety Show straight into the Kauffman Center for the Performing Arts with brass, harmony, and heart. This beloved production brings together actors and talent of all abilities, inspiring a future where every young person can see themselves reflected on the stage. With its powerful message of inclusion and community, the Variety Show continues to garner nationwide recognition. Grab your seat before the band strikes up, because seventy-six trombones have nothing on this cast.
Step right up, Kansas City. The show’s about to begin!
Tickets go on sale in late November.
About Variety Show
Inclusive theater offers children with disabilities meaningful learning, therapeutic benefits, confidence-building, and social connection while fostering creativity and joy. This Variety KC production reflects a strong commitment to inclusion and representation, inspiring children by showcasing performers and participants who look like them. The program will engage at least 40 children with diverse cognitive and physical disabilities—20 on stage and 20 in off-stage roles—through performances and apprenticeships across all areas of theater production, creating an enriching and inclusive theatrical experience.
In the Media
The Curtain May Have Closed,
But the Applause Hasn’t Stopped!
What Critics & Variety KC Families Are Saying
“I just wanted to send a quick note with HUGE gratitude of thanks and a full round of applause for the success that was the Variety Show 2026! I will never have enough words to express what this experience has meant to us, but please know this has been THE most inclusive, professional and uplifting experience of my family’s life. We came into this experience with a ton of respect already for Variety, but we are walking away with truly the utmost respect for your organization and staff.
Every moment of this experience was professional and top notch, but you all took that level of “professional” AND made it conductive to making every person in this show comfortable and able to thrive. As a parent to a child who isn’t always understood by the world around him, to have a place where my child felt welcomed and valuable is all I could ever ask.”
“Thank you all so much for the countless hours you all worked and sacrifices you made to make the show an enormous success! My kids loved the experience and were singing all the songs on the way home! It indeed felt like a family and just a wonderful group of people to spend time with. I get emotional just seeing all the friendships that were made, many that continue after the show has ended. The kids are already looking forward to future events. Last night Anthony asked me when are we having the next Variety KC event?! You all have changed lives for the better, and that is priceless. I just wanted to express my enduring gratitude, and to let you know all your efforts and dedication don’t go unnoticed. They will be ready for the next show for sure!”
“Oliver! was spectacular, and the integration of children and adults with special needs was unreal. I had tears!”
Become a Variety Show sponsor
Sponsorship opportunities are available now. Please email info@varietykc.org to learn how your organization can get involved.
Open Auditions!
December 8-9, 2026 | Starlight Theatre’s Applause Club
Paid | Non-Union Production
Variety Children’s Charity of Greater Kansas City (Variety KC) wants to be the most trusted and effective children’s charity in the world, delivering every child equality and a future without limits. Variety KC’s mission is to support children of ALL abilities to Be Active, Be Social, and BELONG.
Variety KC empowers children with disabilities in the Greater Kansas City region by providing access to vital medical equipment for mobility, sensory, communication, safety, therapies, and more. Variety KC requests funds to underwrite the direct costs of these services. Grants and donations we receive will increase the number of families we can serve, continuing our history of positive impact while helping us to expand our coverage offerings to more and more families. All monies raised for Variety KC stay in the Greater Kansas City area. Variety KC’s inclusive mission provides essential mobility equipment and opportunities for children with cognitive and/or physical disabilities.