Chuck's Choices for the weekend of March 29, 2013

As always, the choices are purely my personal opinion. Take with a grain (or a shaker) of salt.

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©Photo by Eric Woolsey

The Imaginary Theatre Company and the Missouri History Museum present Annie Oakley through March 30. “ Yee Haw! In 1800s America, a woman doesn't have much of a shot at fame, but that won't stop Annie Oakley. Delighting thousands with her talent as a sharp shooter in Buffalo Bill's Wild West Show, the "Little Sure Shot" dazzles the likes of President Cleveland and Queen Victoria, while showing everyone exactly what a woman is capable of. Follow Annie's adventures in this rootin' tootin' trip through American history as she lifts her family from poverty with her skill and shows everyone that she's 'just as good as any man.'” Performances take place at The Missouri History Museum in Foreset Park. ITC is the Lexus of childrens theatre locally and the Lee Auditorium at the museum is a comfy space. For more information: mohistory.org

First Run Theatre presents a staged reading of Joan of Arc the Musical, with book and music by Mario Farwell and music by Aaron Latina, Friday through Sunday, March 29-31, at 8 PM. Performances take place at The Chapel, 6238 Alexander Drive. I don't know anything about this, really, but I think a staged reading of a new locally-produced musical is automatically of interest. For more information email info at firstruntheatre.com, or visit www.firstruntheatre.com.

Photo by Stewart Goldstein

The Black Rep presents The Whipping Man by Matthew Lopez through April 13. “Just after the Civil War in Virginia during Passover, a wounded Confederate Officer returns to a ruined plantation to find only two former slaves to care for him. With a new and different social order, the three men must wrestle with the ties that bind them together and the secrets they share. A test of humanity and their Jewish faith.” Performances take place at the Grandel Theatre, 3610 Grandel Square. In her review for 88.1 KDHX, Tina Farmer describes this as "compelling, engrossing drama that examines a little considered, but incredibly important, period in U.S. history." For more information, visit theblackrep.org or call 314-534-3810.

Mariposa Artists presents Women Under the Influence on Saturday, March 30, at 8 PM, with a cash bar available starting at 7 PM. “Women Under the Influence includes St. Louis cabaret singers Katie McGrath and Debbie Schuster, and features the former Jasmine duo Michele Isam and Carol Schmidt. With a soulful, strong and sultry style, their uplifting harmonies bring new interpretations of their girl-group musical influences, from LaBelle to Adele. Join them for songs of passion, romance, betrayal, survival and joy.” The performance takes place at Joe Buck's Showroom 1000 Clark, downtown. A portion of the evening's proceeds will be donated to Places For People. I caught this show the first time around last November and I think I can assure you of a rockin' good time.  For more information: http://www.brownpapertickets.com/event/319297.