If you’ve spent five minutes searching for tickets to see Beauty and the Beast Kauffman, you’ve probably noticed something confusing. You are likely seeing results for two completely different shows, in two different venues, happening at different times.
It's a mess. Honestly, the way these shows are marketed can make your head spin. You have the massive Disney national tour hitting the stage, but you also have the Kansas City Ballet performing their own version. And while the Kauffman Center for the Performing Arts is the "home" for the ballet, they don't always perform there.
Let's clear the air. Here is what is actually happening with Beauty and the Beast in Kansas City and why that "Kauffman" tag is trickier than it looks.
The Kansas City Ballet Version (The Family Series)
First up is the production that technically belongs to the Kauffman Center’s resident dance company. The Kansas City Ballet is doing a specific run of Beauty and the Beast from February 21 to February 23, 2025.
But here is the kicker: it’s not actually at the Kauffman Center.
They are performing this at the Historic Folly Theater on West 12th Street. Why? Because this is part of their new "Family Series." It’s a shortened, one-hour version designed for kids who can't sit through a three-hour Broadway epic.
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Why this version matters
This isn't just a "lite" version of the story. It’s choreographed by Bruce Wells, who is a bit of a legend in the ballet world. He actually danced under George Balanchine. Wells narrates the show live, which is great for younger audiences who might get lost just watching dancers in tutus.
He also made a cheeky choice. Even though this is a classical ballet, he took cues from the 1991 Disney movie. You’ll see a Gaston-like antagonist and Belle in a very familiar yellow dress. It’s a smart bridge between high art and pop culture.
The Massive Disney National Tour
Then there is the "big" one. If you were looking for the full-scale Beauty and the Beast Kauffman experience with the singing teapots and the pyrotechnics, you're looking for the North American tour.
This production is a beast (pun intended). It’s the first major Disney-produced tour of this show in over 25 years. It features the original creative team, including music by Alan Menken and lyrics by Tim Rice and the late Howard Ashman.
In Kansas City, this show typically runs at the Music Hall, which is just down the street from the Kauffman Center. People often mix them up because they are both part of the downtown arts district, and many tickets are sold through the same Broadway in Kansas City packages.
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What to expect from the tour
- The Look: Expect the iconic yellow ballgown to be covered in thousands of rhinestones.
- The Tech: This new 2025-2026 tour uses a lot of LED screens and projections. Some purists hate it, calling it "Public Enemy #1," but others think it makes the magic transitions look seamless.
- The Music: You get the Broadway-only songs like "If I Can't Love Her" and "Home," which aren't in the original animated movie.
Breaking Down the "Kauffman" Confusion
So, why does everyone keep searching for Beauty and the Beast Kauffman?
Basically, the Kauffman Center is the "face" of performing arts in KC. Because the Kansas City Ballet is a resident company there, people assume all their shows are in that building. Furthermore, the Muriel McBrien Kauffman Family Foundation sponsors a huge chunk of the arts in the city, so the name "Kauffman" is plastered on everything from the programs at the Folly Theater to the banners at the Music Hall.
If you show up to the Kauffman Center on February 22nd looking for Belle, you’re going to be disappointed. You’ll likely find a symphony performance or a different touring show like Stereophonic or Kimberly Akimbo instead.
Pro Tips for Your Visit
If you are heading downtown for either version, parking is the actual villain of the story.
For the Folly Theater (Ballet version), the garage is only available to patrons after 4:00 PM on weekdays. If you’re going to a matinee, you’re hunting for street meters. Honestly? Just use a ride-share. It saves you twenty minutes of circling the block.
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For the Music Hall (Broadway tour), the crowds are much bigger. You’ll want to arrive at least 45 minutes early. The "Be Our Guest" number is the undisputed highlight, often getting a standing ovation in the middle of the first act. Don't be the person stuck in the bathroom line when the streamers shoot out over the audience.
Is it worth the price?
Tickets for the Ballet’s version are a steal—starting around $25 for adults and $16 for kids. It’s the "high reward, low risk" option.
The Broadway tour is a different beast. You’re looking at significantly higher prices, especially with the 18% Ticketmaster service charges and facility fees that seem to grow every year.
Wait for the local reviews. Sometimes these tours rely too heavily on those digital screens. If you want "lavish," you might actually prefer a high-end regional production. But if you want the "Disney Magic" brand, the tour is the only way to get it.
Your Next Steps
- Check your tickets immediately. Look at the venue name. If it says "Music Hall," you're seeing the Broadway musical. If it says "Folly Theater," you're seeing the Ballet.
- Match the show to the kid. Under age 6? Go to the Ballet version at the Folly. It’s one hour, no intermission, and narrated. Over age 6? The Music Hall tour is the way to go.
- Book parking in advance. Use an app like ParkWhiz for the downtown KC area. It will save you a fortune compared to the event-day "surge" pricing at the lots nearest the theaters.