If you don’t know Julie Pope’s face yet, you will. The triple-threat has been busy acting, singing, and dancing her way through some of Kansas City’s best theatrical productions, including Cabaret and A Chorus Line from Music Theater Heritage, as well as Starlight’s Legally Blonde. Years ago you could’ve called Pope a nomad, traveling for overseas performances, a national tour, and regional theater productions across the country, but the pandemic shifted her perspective. “The first two years I really struggled with not working and my identity outside of performing,” she says. The powerhouse performer found her place pursuing film in 2022, and will soon be making her debut in not one but two feature films, including Kansas City’s own Nelly Don: The Musical Movie.
Born and raised in the northwest suburbs of Chicago, Pope now resides in the Northland. “A huge perk to Kansas City is the proximity to nature and quiet, scenic surroundings, while still having a huge city with culture, food, and community,” she says. Pope stays busy, working part time as a nutrition coach with her husband, David Pope, owner of Crossfit Northland, as well as singing in the local band Lost Wax. She’s a sought-after commercial actor and voiceover artist, lending her voice to many local businesses and brands. “Acting, singing, dancing, voiceover, coaching—it’s been a wild ride, but I wouldn’t change anything!”
Pope’s looking forward to exploring new hiking trails as the weather changes. And it looks like the KC Current’s gaining an avid new fan, too. “Can you believe we’re getting the first women’s professional sports stadium in the world?” Pope says, “What?!”
Julie’s essentials...
Local Maker: I am obsessed with Angie Pickman’s work. I found her at an art fair and was in love with every piece. She uses cut paper and portrays nature scenes, many with animals. I love the texture, contrast, and overall aesthetic.
Night Out: I love the Green Lady Lounge. Two floors of jazz and great ambience! I have friends who are regulars at the Phoenix and Uptown Lounge and have heard great things. Always a party!
Boutique-ing: I love thrifting and antique malls. I will never forget meandering River Market Antiques, and a friend pointed out a pair of Italian minimalist leather sandals (I love minimalist shoes) in exactly my size for $14! They are worth at least $130! I felt so special that day.
Hidden Gem: This may sound ridiculous, but the plain glazed doughnut at Fresh Doughnuts on Barry Road is perfection. Some people go all fancy with their doughnuts, but if the doughnut is good, the plain should be the best. I said what I said!
KC Scent: Indigo Wild makes Zum Mist, which smells earthy and divine. I like how the essential oils get spicy in your sinuses. I spray them all over!
Caff Up: Anything from Cafe Cà Phê. Usually, I’m black coffee all day every day, but anything from Cafe Cà Phê’s specialty menu is incredible. Vietnamese beans and sweetened condensed milk make it unique and so delicious. I love the Dirty Thai-ger.
Snack Time: The Westside Local has a kale salad with maple bacon that is absolutely delicious. Everything else I’ve tried there is great, too! It is one of the first restaurants I remember visiting in KC. But I’m also a big breakfast girlie, and the potatoes at Ginger Sue’s in Liberty are perfection.