Kansas City, Here We Come!

Kansas City... the only town where if you ask for "the biggest glass of water possible" they hand you this:

I liked this town.

We spent our first evening as we've spent many others: at a karaoke joint filled with delightful queens and heavy pours.  As you can see, we enjoyed ourselves:

Hamburger Mary's was colorful, to say the least:

Completely without influence from the Mary above, I went out and bought a rather fabulous bra:

A Marlies Dekkers original:

I know its a little jarring, but I think its actually pretty awesome.  Under certain dresses, its like having an extra layer or a piece of exotic jewelry.  My mother thinks its a little S&M.  I guess that's OK too.
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Kansas City Starlight is an outdoor theatre.  A gorgeous one:

Despite the heat, Jonathan took advantage of the hotdog stand:

And Patrick enjoyed the indoor shrubbery:

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July 4th I was invited to a BBQ at the home of John - mutual friend to our conductor, Val, and company manager, Miguel.  They all worked on The Lion King at some time or other.

John rustled up a crazy feast of brats, burgers, corn, fruits, salads, and other nosh.  He also busted out the croquet set:

Blake demonstrated his championship twirling skills:

And we let the games begin!

Miguel manned the grill between cracks at the game:

Cameron, posing for croquet GQ:

Here's some devilishly good footage of my favorite moments of the day.  Blake's impromptu song, "Through The Wickets:"

And Blake winning the game through the lawn sprinklers (as well as the wickets):

Our feast:

Relaxing in the shade:

Strawberry-Rhubarb Pie.  Auh:

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During the show that evening, I practiced my hairstyle for Jess's wedding:

Not bad for my first go unassisted!
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We celebrated Doug's birthday, despite the fact that he hadn't signed up for the birthday club.  There were cupcakes galore:

After the show, Doug's partner, Todd, threw a party at a local restaurant:

Happy Birthday, Dougie!  We love you.

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This is my friend Shannon.  She is awesome level 12:

This is Elaine Stritch.  Everybody rise:

This is pretty much how I feel:

And THIS is the invitation package for Jesse and Ade's wedding!!!!!!!

WIN:

I cannot wait for this party.  You know its going to be epic.
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Kansas City had a lovely tea joint called Tea Drops:

And apparently it also had crazy soda options.  Christy brought this one to the theatre for me because she knows how much I like cinnamon:

A very fiery, appropriate drink for Morticia:

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This picture is entitled, "AMURICA:"

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Sunday morning, I rejoined Val, Miguel, John, and a bunch of other folks for their traditional "Big Gay Brunch."  The entertainment included a switchknife Jesus:

A bloody mary with a tomato-pepper-garlic ice cube:

And a buffet of treats:

Here's the whole gang:

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Before every performance, Kansas City Starlight has a pre-show at a small stage near the rear of the house.  It was a Glee-inspired group of kids singing showtunes.  I was mesmerized:

Then I was distracted by Draw Something:

And more silly photos.

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Not too many photos from Kansas City, but then again its been a while since we had a one-week run.  Not much opportunity for picture-taking.  Instead, I will leave you with a taste of the July 4th scene at the Starlight Theatre.  When the curtain dropped, they set off a twenty-minute fireworks display right above the stage area.  It was a great way to spend the holiday: