{Throwback Thursday} #KCParks125 #TBT Starlight Theatre circa 1951Starlight Theatre was built on the site of tennis courts and a walnut grove in Swope Park. It was designed by Kansas City architect Edward Buehler Delk. This is a picture of him at Starlight’s opening night on June 25, 1951 which featured the musical The Desert Song conducted by its composer, Sigmund Romberg. Changes have occurred over the years, such as the enlargement of the stage in 2000 with the Jeannette and Jerome Cohen Community Stage; the addition of the Shirley Bush Helzberg Fountain and Gardens at the east entrance in 1996; and the Steadman Family Fountain constructed in 1997 at the west entrance. The theater seats 7,600 people and is operated by the Starlight Theatre Association.