Little Italy

ONGOING
Look no further for evidence of suburban sprawl than the new Palazzo 16 megaplex in south Overland Park. The most elaborate theater in the area (even more so, dare we say, than Cinemark on the Plah-za?), the Italian-themed “film experience” boasts a lobby called “The Village,” complete with a burbling fountain and numerous columns and murals. And the music pumped throughout isn’t a rundown of heinous Top 40 hits but rather the soothing stylings of classical masters. Where better to watch Joel Schumacher’s The Phantom of the Opera? The theater is at 8601 West 135th Street (yeah, we know that’s far); call 913-814-7469 for show times. — Annie Fischer

One Big Happy Family
Say cheese for holiday sweaters and ’80s hair.

SAT 12/25
By sunset on Christmas Day, family-gathering survivors begin flocking to their local watering holes. In the parking lots of said watering holes are cars, which may contain digital cameras. Within said digital cameras are holiday photos of inauthentic smiles that belie reality. Mom is disappointed that her son failed freshman comp. Grandpa doesn’t quite remember who he is. Uncle Eduardo is getting itchy for a double Scotch. Family photographers can share their most amusing, twisted images December 25 at Chez Charlie (3809 Broadway). The Fucked Up Family Photo Contest calls for “worst family photos,” which must include the contributors and at least two whacked relatives. At midnight, the crowd anoints a winner to drink free the rest of the night. Chez Charlie opens at 8 p.m., and the competition is free. For information, call 816-753-9247. — Sarah Smarsh

Round Here
Make a new age resolution.

WED 12/29
As the new year approaches, people are scrambling to get their lives organized. Whereas some of us pay off debts and make resolutions, others pursue a more, um, ethereal sense of order. After watching the recent film What the Bleep Do We Know!?, the new-agey group Open Circle (which includes a medical intuitive, an artist who creates “soul paintings” and an astrologer) had questions about the true nature of matter and reality. So it presents What the Bleep Do We Do Now?, a discussion moderated by the Pitch‘s Charles Ferruzza about where we go from here — and where here actually is. It’s open to the public, so at 7:30 p.m. Wednesday at the Writers Place (3609 Pennsylvania), discover ideas on how to lighten the burden of existence. Tickets are $18 ($12 for members); call 816-931-1189. — Christopher Sebela