Help Keep the Folly’s Heart Beating

By James Maiden

For 120 years, the Folly has stood in the heart of Downtown Kansas City, pulsing with creative energy and vitality and providing memorable experiences to millions of patrons. Now we need your help to keep the Folly’s heart beating.

Without You the Folly would have been a faded memory haunting a crumbling surface lot. The Folly survives today because of you. You have stood up for the Grand lady of Twelfth Street in her darkest hours and in her greatest achievements. You’ve cheered the extraordinary artists who have graced her stage and shared cherished stories of unforgettable moments in her venerable hall.

The Show Must Go On

2020 has been a devastating year for the performing arts, and the Folly has been no exception. Since COVID-19 forced theaters to closed in early March, more than 85 performances have been canceled or postponed. These events account for nearly 60% of the Folly general operating revenue.

However, we are striving to ensure that the Folly will survive the crisis, just as she has so many other challenges over the past 120 years. Through global pandemics and recessions, world wars, technological revolutions, and the decline of vaudeville and burlesque, the Folly has withstood the tests of time, and continues to stand strong on the corner of 12th and Central.

We need your support now more than ever to help keep the Folly’s lights on until she can begin presenting again!

You are the Folly’s Heart

Your tears of joy and peals of laughter still course through the hall of the Grand Lady of Twelfth Street. You have danced in her aisles. You have gazed at her ornate chandeliers while lost in the mesmerizing melodies flowing through her seats.

During this COVID intermission, the Folly’s ghost light stands guard over the darkened stage. It's become a beacon of hope waiting for performances to return. Music unites us, feeds our soul, and fills our hearts with joy. We cannot wait to begin presenting the extraordinary performances that the Folly has been known for, but we need your help today.

Please help keep the Folly’s Heart beating. Make a tax-deductible gift today to help continue the Folly’s legacy into the future. We are grateful for you and your support of the historic Folly Theater.

Thank you for helping to make a difference!