October’s Arts Alive event starts at the National Museum of Toys and Miniatures where we’ll take in a new exhibit, have the chance to explore the entire museum and enjoy light refreshments. Arrive any time after 5 PM. Of special interest is the recently opened exhibit “Portraits of Childhood: Black Dolls from the Collection of Deborah Neff” which explores themes of race, gender and identity through 135 handmade Black dolls dating from 1850 to 1940. It also includes 60 period photographs and paintings depicting dolls posed alongside children and adults. A selection of more recent Black dolls from the Museum’s own collection provides additional perspectives on the theme. We will be the only guests in the museum, so it will be a terrific time to savor this special exhibition. If you have the time and inclination, visit any of the Museum’s many other exhibits and collections that include a wide range of miniatures, doll houses, toys from the 18 th century to the present and much, much more. It’s all housed in an historic 38-room mansion that houses the Museum near the UMKC campus. Built in 1911, the house is a destination in itself. Find your way to some light refreshments in the dining room.

Then we’ll take short jaunt to the Arts Asylum to enjoy opening night for a play guaranteed to put you in the Halloween spirit: “Dracula: A Comedy of Terrors.” The play begins at 7:30 PM, but arrive early to get a drink, if you want. If you’ve ever wondered what would happen if you took Bram Stoker’s legendary vampire tale and put it into a blender with Mel Brooks, Monty Python, and “The 39 Steps,” this play provides an answer you can sink your teeth into. This Bram-new play is filled with clever wordplay and anything-goes pop culture references. It’s a 90-minute, gender-bending, quick-changing, laugh-out-loud reimagining of the gothic classic, perfect for audiences of all blood types,

Your $50 ticket includes Museum entrance, a ticket to the play, plus a bite to eat.

National Museum of Toys and Miniatures

5235 Oak Street

Free parking in front

Arts Asylum

824 E Meyer Blvd.

Entrance on east side of A to Z Theatrical Supply

Free parking in front