Quixotic Bringing Extended Cabaret Run to Crown Center This Fall

By Kevin Collison

Quixotic, the dazzling Kansas City-based troupe best known for its singular performances, is staying put for two months this fall at Crown Center for an extended “cirque-style” cabaret run.

The new show is called “Sensatia” and it’s billed as a “multi-sensory experience that tells the tale of two uninspired artists–a mechanical ballerina and an overworked violinist–who follow a tempting muse and stumble upon…a fantasy cabaret.”

Mica Thomas, Quixotic executive producer, said Sensatia was created for The Faena Hotel in Miami where it’s been performed the past two years. He said the troupe relishes the opportunity to provide local audiences with an extended stay.

“We’ve dreamed since the beginning of doing some type of resident show here,” Thomas said. “Miami is where we started, but it’s always been our dream to do it here.”

For the show, which will run Friday and Saturday nights through October and November, Crown Center has dusted off its former American Heartland Theatre, which has been dark to the public for more than five years.

Quixotic is known for its singular appearances, its Crown Center extended run is a first. (Photo courtesy of Quixotic)

“It’s like a hidden gem at Crown Center,” said Stacey Paine, president of Crown Center Redevelopment. “It was an opportunity in which Quixotic was looking for space and they came to us.

“We’re always in people with great ideas. They’re amazing and they typically perform at special events. This is different, but what they do is so unique.”

Quixotic often has provided the dazzling entertainment for special occasions, performing their graceful and colorful acrobatics on the walls of the Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art or inside Union Station.

For Sensatia, the performance will be anchored in a 300- to 350-seat theater at Crown Center that will include some cabaret-style table seating.

The shows will be at 8:30 p.m. Friday and Saturdays during the two-month run with tickets starting at $35.

Sensatia incorporates a lighter, more vaudeville feeling to its cabaret performance. (Photo courtesy of Quixotic)

“In addition to featuring our talented in-house troupe, the show will also incorporate unique Kansas City performers and surprise guess,” Thomas said in a statement.

“This will give the show a Kansas City flavor and ever-changing aesthetic. No two shows will be exactly alike.”

Anthony Magliano, Quixotic creative director, said in press release the partnership with Crown Center will provide a “truly unique option for weekend nightlife in KC.

“I am excited for people to come and see what we’ve created, and I believe it will enchant and inspire our audiences.”

Thomas added Quixotic will be having a bit more fun performing Sensatia.

“This is a lot more playful and light-hearted,” he said. “It has an edge, but there’s an element of humor and cabaret, a more vaudeville feeling.”