Variety Show’s Production of Oliver! by Lionel Barts
July 31st – August 2nd, 2026
Kauffman Center for the Performing Arts
Tickets on Sale Now!
We’re taking the Variety Show to the streets, filling the Kauffman Center for the Performing Arts with music, joy, and heart. This beloved production brings together actors and talent of all abilities, inspiring a future where every young person can see themselves reflected on the stage. With its powerful message of inclusion and community, the Variety Show continues to garner nationwide recognition and remains the talk of the town. You’ll be saying, “Please sir, I want some more!”
Purchase your tickets to Variety Show’s production of Oliver! today.
About Variety Show
Inclusive theater offers children with disabilities meaningful learning, therapeutic benefits, confidence-building, and social connection while fostering creativity and joy. This Variety KC production reflects a strong commitment to inclusion and representation, inspiring children by showcasing performers and participants who look like them. The program will engage at least 40 children with diverse cognitive and physical disabilities—20 on stage and 20 in off-stage roles—through performances and apprenticeships across all areas of theater production, creating an enriching and inclusive theatrical experience.
In the Media
The Curtain May Have Closed,
But the Applause Hasn’t Stopped!
The 2025 Variety Show indirectly impacted over 7 million individuals.
What Critics & Variety KC Families Are Saying
“I wanted to send a brief note congratulating you all on such an amazing performance of Annie! It was so good! We as an audience could tell how much that huge cast and band loved doing and playing that show. Thank you for all your organizations do to lift up the beautiful gifts of ALL young people in KC. I can’t wait to see what you all do next! Count me in for the next project!
I hope everyone can now bask in the afterglow of a job VERY well done!”
“I can’t say thank you enough for this experience for my children!… You all went above and beyond for all of the families and that means the world to me. You all kept us upbeat and energetic when we were tired and always had a smile on your face. You were ready to help in whatever way you could, and I know you had a large group to work with. I just wanted you all to know how much all those long hours and all of your hard work and dedication meant to families. The smiles on the kids’ faces and times spent with new friends will not be forgotten. Thank you again!”
A BIG THANKS TO
Variety Children’s Charity of Greater Kansas City (Variety KC) wants to be the most trusted and effective children’s charity in the world, delivering every child equality and a future without limits. Variety KC’s mission is to support children of ALL abilities to Be Active, Be Social, and BELONG.
Variety KC empowers children with disabilities in the Greater Kansas City region by providing access to vital medical equipment for mobility, sensory, communication, safety, therapies, and more. Variety KC requests funds to underwrite the direct costs of these services. Grants and donations we receive will increase the number of families we can serve, continuing our history of positive impact while helping us to expand our coverage offerings to more and more families. All monies raised for Variety KC stay in the Greater Kansas City area. Variety KC’s inclusive mission provides essential mobility equipment and opportunities for children with cognitive and/or physical disabilities.