Inside Scoop: Vanessa Severo

Vanessa Severo is an actress, choreographer, 11-year KC resident and mother—not necessarily in that order. This year, she’ll be dazzling audiences as Belle (fiancé of Ebenezer Scrooge as a young man) in the Kansas City Repertory Theatre’s holiday production of A Christmas Carol.

GP: If you are raising KC kids, what is your favorite place to visit in KC with them and why?

Vanessa: I adore Loose Park.  You can picnic, fly a kite, play frisbee, feed the ducks, visit the rose garden, the playground and the spray park. The options are endless, and it's free!

GP: Favorite KC restaurant and why?

Vanessa: Westside Local. The menu is constantly changing. The food is local and amazing, and the service is phenomenal. I've gone with my husband on a date or with my entire family, and the experience is always great.

GP: Favorite autumn tradition in KC and why?

Vanessa: The pumpkin patches. They are stunning every year. Blue October skies against those brilliant orange pumpkins…leisurely picking out your pumpkin, carving it, cooking the seeds... watching it glow on your porch on Halloween...perfect!

GP: Favorite winter tradition in KC and why?

Vanessa: A Christmas Carol at the Kansas City Repertory Theatre. It wouldn't be winter without it. Whether you are in it or watching it, you will leave the theater with an overall feeling of joy.

GP: Must-see KC attraction for out-of-town guests and why?

Vanessa: Union Station. It's historically phenomenal, and it's been restored beautifully.

GP: Best-kept secret in KC?

Vanessa: Imperial Foot Care in Westport.  You can get an hour-long massage for $29, and they will fix you. They are open seven days a week from 10:00 in the morning until midnight. It will change your world.

GP: Best date night destination and why?

Vanessa: The Rieger Hotel. The atmosphere is gorgeous, the food is great and you can hold a conversation. Then creep down to Manifesto for a cocktail in a cave.

GP: Favorite museum in KC and why?

Vanessa: The Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art. It provides historic and modern art in a building that is art in and of itself...and a lawn perfect for cartwheels!

GP: Favorite tip for theater fans?

Vanessa: We (the acting community) love you. See things that interest you—don’t base your decision solely on a review. Don't be afraid to see productions at lesser-known venues.

GP: Best place to hear live music in KC?

Vanessa: The Green Lady. Mark Lowrey will make you wish you were a piano.

GP: Fill-in-the-blank bests?

Vanessa:

Pizza: Waldo Pizza

Ice cream: Murray's.

Theater: I cannot choose one. All the theater being produced in Kansas City is astounding. I've never been more proud to be an actor.

Barbecue: Oklahoma Joe’s. It's worth the wait in line. And the calories.

GP: One KC thing we left off our best-of list of questions that we should've included?

Vanessa: Best bartender—Jenn Tosatto at the Rieger Hotel. Jenn will concoct drinks you never knew existed.