People & Places
The Rise and Fall of an Overland Park Icon
Metcalf Avenue is certainly not the Champs-Élysées, but at one time, a French-themed market loomed large — like a medieval castle — above Overland Park’s main drag. This superstore, in fact, was named the French Market, and curiousKC delved into the history of the place at the behest of Quentin Brewer, a Mission, Kansas, resident…
Devon Carney | Becoming an Artistic Director
As the Artistic Director for the Kansas City Ballet, Devon Carney knows the significant impact he can have on a ballet dancer’s career, which often is only 15 years or so. Along with that commitment to his dancers, he’s equally as committed to the audience experience, and ensuring their first visit isn’t their last. Every Tuesday and Thursday through…
Ramona Pansegrau | Becoming a Music Director
At the age of four, Ramona Pansegrau decided she was going to be a concert pianist. And that’s exactly what she did. Now, as the Music Director for the Kansas City Ballet’s world premiere of “The Wizard of Oz,” she stresses to other young musicians that loving what you do is the driving force behind success. Every Tuesday and…
Nicholas Mahon | Becoming a Puppet Designer
Growing up in rural Quebec, Nicholas Mahon learned about the arts by watching “Sesame Street.” The more he explored the arts, though, the more he was drawn to the art of puppets and the variety of mediums — drawing, mechanics, animation — that go into making a puppet. Now, as the puppet designer for The…
Liz Vandal | Becoming a Costume Designer
After making her first fashion drawing at 9 years old, Liz Vandal knew she’d become a costume designer. But she also knew it would take more than just innate talent to get her there. Now, as the the costume designer for The Kansas City Ballet’s world premiere of “The Wizard of Oz,” she gives her tips on how…