Review: We Will Rock You at Starlight
June 17-22 at 8:30 p.m. Buy Tickets online Starlight Theatre. Driving directions to Starlight Theatre and Parking Information for Starlight.
We bought season tickets to Starlight this year. We felt as if all the shows were ones we could enjoy together as a family. The only show I had qualms about was “We Will Rock You” as I haven’t seen it and wasn’t sure if the content was family-friendly.
Last night we attended opening night of “We Will Rock You” with our two girls, ages 12 and 9. Know that we only stayed for the first act. My younger, Ally, had a palate separator put in yesterday afternoon so we left early to get her to bed at a decent hour. I’m pretty sure the people next to us were not sad to see us leave. There is a lot of slurping that goes along with a newly placed palate separator. Also, it probably helps to know that my husband and I are huge music fans and so our girls have heard many songs by Queen throughout the years.
The storyline takes place in the future, when rock and roll is just a distant memory. The world has become a sterile place where everyone thinks, acts and dresses the same. Diversity and individuality are frowned upon. We meet two kindred souls, Galileo and Scaramouche (Queen fans will smile at the names) who team up with a group of Bohemians to bring back rock and freedom. As I mentioned, we miss the 2nd act, but I’m going to go out on a limb and say they prevail.
How was the production?
Top-notch! The set was well done and the actors were polished and terrific. The sound was much better at this production than it was for us last week at “Wizard of Oz”. I did notice a few times people around us covering their ears. If you are sensitive to noise, bring ear plugs. The dances are energetic and had both of my girls on the edge of their seats. The lights and screen in the background add to the rock and roll vibe.
Is it kid-friendly?
Not entirely. That being said, my husband and I were discussing this and I mentioned that to me, it wasn’t any worse than anything you find on prime time TV. There is bad language and sexual innuendos throughout. They went over the head of my 9 year old and my 12 year old got about 80% of them. As uncomfortable as these situations can be, I do find them good spring boards for conversations with my older. I was never super squirmy or felt as if I shouldn’t have brought the kids. Just know you may have some questions following the show.
My only beef with the show is the changing of lyrics. I am a purist and want to hear the songs as they were originally performed. In several songs the lyrics are altered to match the storyline, which basically meant it interrupted my sing along.
Starlight delivered another fun night out for our family and we look forward to the remaining three shows, Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat, The Sound of Music and Blue Man Group.
Tips for Starlight:
- Keep Hydrated and cool: You may bring 1 sealed bottle of water per guest into the theater. Complimentary water stations are located at the North and East Guest Relations. Water misters are placed throughout the theater for guest convenience. And, Starlight has drinking fountains throughout the theater. You may also want to bring a fan too keep cool.
- Booster seats: A limited supply of complimentary booster seats is available at the Ovation gift store. Please drop your booster seat off at any gate, Guest relations table or return it to the Ovation gift store after the show.
- Preshow Tours: Arrive early and get a free, behind-the-scenes look at Starlight and learn about Starlight’s rich history in Kansas City. Tours begin before each performance at three convenient times: 6:30 p.m., 6:45 p.m. and 7:00 p.m. Patrons interested in touring Starlight Theatre should report to the top of the theater behind Terrace Section 1 to begin their facility tours.
- Interpreted Performances: Saturday performances at Starlight Theatre are described for the blind and visually impaired by Kansas Audio-Reader Network. Devices for this service are available at the Audio-Reader table behind Terrace Section 2. Sunday performances at Starlight Theatre are interpreted for the deaf and hard-of-hearing. Two interpreters are positioned on stage, house right. Patrons can view the interpreters from sections 4 and 6 of the Orchestra and Plaza sections. Deaf and hard-of-hearing patrons may purchase tickets by calling the Kansas Relay Center at 800.766.3777 or Relay Missouri at 800.735.2966.
- Assisted listening devices: Assisted listening devices are available free of charge for every performance. Visit the Ovation gift store and leave your driver's license in exchange for one of the listening devices. Following the performance, please return the device to the store and pick up your ID.
- Courtesy shuttles: This summer six-passenger shuttles patrol the main parking areas, providing assistance for those who most need it.
- Wheelchair assistance: Wheelchair assistance is available from all gates to the guest's seating location and back to the gate point after the show.
- Emergencies: An EMT is on Starlight premises for all events and can be reached by radio through any of the contacts noted above.
- Preshow Dining: A delicious dinner buffet is offered before the show. Learn more about preshow dining.