Monday, December 30, 2013

St. Louis theatre calendar for the week of December 30, 2013

[Looking for auditions and other artistic opportunities? Check out the St. Louis Auditions site.]

For information on events beyond this week, check out the searchable database at the Regional Arts Commission's ArtsZipper site.

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The Pub Theater Company presents Bye Bye Liver: The St. Louis Drinking Play, a comedic romp through the joys and pitfalls of The Gateway to the West's favorite pastime. Performances take place on Saturdays at 9 PM at Maggie O'Brien's, 2000 Market Street. For more information, you may call 314-827-4185, email stlouis at byebyeliver.com, or visit byebyeliver.com/stlouis.

The Bissell Mansion Murder Mystery Dinner Theatre presents A Christmas Killing through December 31 and Flaming Saddles January 3 through April 27. The Bissell Mansion is at 4426 Randall Place. For more information: bissellmansiontheatre.com

The Lemp Mansion Comedy-Mystery Dinner Theater presents its Christmas Show through December 31 and Bullets in the Bathtub January 3 through April 27. The Lemp Mansion is at 3322 DeMenil Place. For more information: lempmansion.com

The Midnight Theatre Company presents the St. Louis premiere of Solemn Mockeries, the Notorious True Story of the Great Shakespeare Forgery by Rick Creese Fridays and Saturdays at 8 PM, January 3-18. “Solemn Mockeries tells the true story of William Henry Ireland, who as a teenager in 1795, ignored by his father, detested by his stepmother, despised by his teachers, became an expert Shakespearean forger, producing dead-on facsimiles of the Bard's signatures,and creating his business papers, love letters, a rewritten KING LEAR and the “lost” Shakespeare play VORTIGERN. Taking London by storm, his VORTIGERN by William Shakespeare was scheduled to play the Drury Lane, the finest theatre in London, with a cast of the greatest performers of the day, including John Phillip Kemble, Mrs. Siddons and Mrs. Jordan, with the Duke of Clarence as his benefactor. In SOLEMN MOCKERIES, Ireland has returned to England thirty years later to proudly confess the literary crime of the century -and remember the one, wild, unforgettable staging of his “Shakespeare” play at the Drury.” Performances take place at Stray Dog Theatre's Tower Grove Abbey, 2336 Tennessee. For more information call 314-487-5305 or visit www.midnightcompany.com.

© Amy Boyle 2013
The Fox Theatre presents Leonard Bernstein's West Side Story Friday through Sunday, January 3-5. "More than fifty years ago one musical changed theater forever. Now it's back, and mesmerizing audiences once again. From the first note to the final breath, WEST SIDE STORY soars as the greatest love story of all time. Directed by David Saint, using Tony Award®-winning librettist Arthur Laurents’ Broadway direction, WEST SIDE STORY remains as powerful, poignant and timely as ever." The Fox Theatre is at 517 North Grand in Grand Center. For more information, call 314-534-1678.

Would you like to be on the radio? KDHX, 88.1 FM needs theatre reviewers. If you're 18 years or older, knowledgeable in this area, have practical theatre experience (acting, directing, writing, technical design, etc.), have good oral and written communications skills and would like to become one of our volunteer reviewers, send an email describing your experience and interests to chuck at kdhx.org. Please include a sample review of something you've seen recently.

Saturday, December 28, 2013

St. Louis classical calendar for the week of December 20, 2013

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The St. Louis Symphony Orchestra conducted by David Robertson presents a New Year’s Eve Celebration on Tuesday, December 31, at 7:30 PM at Powell Symphony Hall, 718 North Grand.  “David Robertson and the St. Louis Symphony bring the year to a spectacular conclusion with the eighth annual New Year’s Eve Celebration. Full of surprises and enchanting music, this best-kept secret is a memorable way to ring in the New Year!” For more information: stlsymphony.org.

The Tavern of Fine Arts presents pianist and composer Don Oettel on Friday, January 3, at 8 PM.  “Career music educator turned performing artist, Dan Oettel received his undergraduate and graduate degrees from SIU Edwardsville studying piano composition with the late Dr. James Woodard. He is an author as well as an awarding winning educator and composer whose works are available on Amazon, Kindle, iTunes, Rhapsody, and the other usual suspects.” The Tavern of Fine Arts is at 313 Belt in the Debaliviere Place neighborhood.  For more information: tavern-of-fine-arts.blogspot.com.


Terree Rowbottom
The Tavern of Fine Arts presents mezzo-soprano Terree Rowbottom; bass Dr. Leon Burke, III; and pianist Dr. Bonnie Wilson on Saturday, January 4, at 8 PM.  “A program of music that was inspired by Schubert’s Winterreise Song Cycle and music of winter, and journeys of travel, relationships, and personal spiritual quests, in keeping with the Christmas Season. The program begins with art songs of Vaughan Williams, Duparc, Hahn, Schubert, and Yeston. After intermission the songs will be a variety of styles of more contemporary composers including Niles, Burt, Holst, Gounod, Wolf, Miller, and Loesser.  The Tavern of Fine Arts is at 313 Belt in the Debaliviere Place neighborhood.  For more information: tavern-of-fine-arts.blogspot.com.

Monday, December 23, 2013

St. Louis theatre calendar for the week of December 23, 2013

Happy Holidays to all of you from all of me here at Stage Left!

[Looking for auditions and other artistic opportunities? Check out the St. Louis Auditions site.]

For information on events beyond this week, check out the searchable database at the Regional Arts Commission's ArtsZipper site.

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The Pub Theater Company presents Bye Bye Liver: The St. Louis Drinking Play, a comedic romp through the joys and pitfalls of The Gateway to the West's favorite pastime. Performances take place on Saturdays at 9 PM at Maggie O'Brien's, 2000 Market Street. For more information, you may call 314-827-4185, email stlouis at byebyeliver.com, or visit byebyeliver.com/stlouis.

The Bissell Mansion Murder Mystery Dinner Theatre presents A Christmas Killing through December 31. The Bissell Mansion is at 4426 Randall Place. For more information: bissellmansiontheatre.com

The Lemp Mansion Comedy-Mystery Dinner Theater presents its Christmas Show through December 31. The Lemp Mansion is at 3322 DeMenil Place. For more information: lempmansion.com

Photo: Joan Marcus
The Fox Theatre presents Elf the Musical December 17-29. “Based on the beloved 2003 New Line Cinema hit, Elf is the hilarious tale of Buddy, a young orphan child who mistakenly crawls into Santa's bag of gifts and is transported back to the North Pole. Unaware that he is actually human, Buddy's enormous size and poor toy-making abilities cause him to face the truth. With Santa's permission, Buddy embarks on a journey to New York City to find his birth father, discover his true identity, and help New York remember the true meaning of Christmas. This modern day Christmas classic is sure to make everyone embrace their inner Elf.” The Fox Theatre is at 517 North Grand in Grand Center. For more information, call 314-534-1678. Read the 88.1 KDHX review!

©Photo by Jerry Naunheim, Jr.
The Repertory Theatre of St. Louis presents Agatha Christie's The Mousetrap through December 29. “The Grande Dame of suspense weaves a clever mystery that will keep you guessing till the very end. The guests at Monkswell Manor are snowed in with a murderer in their midst. Whodunit? Sergeant Trotter is determined to find out, and his investigation turns up more shocking secrets than anyone could have anticipated. Full of intricate plot twists and shuddering suspense, it is no wonder The Mousetrap has become the world's longest-running stage production.” Performances take place at the Loretto-Hlton Center, 130 Edgar Road in Webster Groves, MO. For more information, call 314-968-4925 or visit repstl.org. Read the 88.1 KDHX review!

©Photo by Eric Woolsey
The Rep's Imaginary Theatre Company presents The Velveteen Rabbit by Kim Esop Wylie with music and lyrics by Joe Dreyer through December 23. “ Based on Margery Williams' famed literary classic, The Velveteen Rabbit tells the story of a little boy and his stuffed bunny who wonders what it means to be “real.” After years of adventure and devotion, the bunny becomes a truly beloved friend and is magically transformed into a real woodland rabbit. Join us this holiday season and share in a heartwarming musical tale that celebrates the rewards of loyalty and the wonderful, surprising power of love.” Performances take place at Heagney Theatre at Nerinx Hall High School, 530 East Lockwood Avenue in Webster Groves. For more information: repst.org or call (314) 968-4925.Read the 88.1 KDHX review!

Would you like to be on the radio? KDHX, 88.1 FM needs theatre reviewers. If you're 18 years or older, knowledgeable in this area, have practical theatre experience (acting, directing, writing, technical design, etc.), have good oral and written communications skills and would like to become one of our volunteer reviewers, send an email describing your experience and interests to chuck at kdhx.org. Please include a sample review of something you've seen recently.

St. Louis classical calendar for the week of December 23, 2013

David Robertson
Updated Monday, December 23

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The St. Louis Symphony Orchestra conducted by David Robertson presents The Music of John Williams on Friday and Saturday at 7 PM and Sunday at 2 PM, December 27-29, at Powell Symphony Hall, 718 North Grand. "John Williams has transported imaginations across time and space with his iconic Hollywood soundtracks. David Robertson leads a program of Williams scores including Star Wars, Harry Potter, JFK and more." For more information: stlsymphony.org.

The Compton Heights Concert Band presents a Holiday Pops Spectacular on Monday, December 23, at 7 PM at Powell Symphony Hall, 718 North Grand. Featured soloists are soprano Gina Galati, the Columbia Chorale, and Mariachi Los Camperos de Nati Cano, a 9-piece authentic mariachi band founded over 50 years ago by Nati Cano. "Selected by the prestigious Smithsonian Institution for the renowned Folkways recordings, Mariachi Los Camperos represents the finest of their genre in the United States. The stunning performance by Mariachi Los Camperos last year with the Compton Heights Band resulted in an amazing 10 minute encore!" For more information: chband.org.

Mariachi Los Camperos de Nati Cano
The Tavern of Fine Arts presents a Holiday Concert with Karista Koehler, soprano and Steve Neal, piano, on Monday, December 23 at 7:30 PM. The Tavern of Fine Arts is at 313 Belt in the Debaliviere Place neighborhood. For more information: tavern-of-fine-arts.blogspot.com.

The Tavern of Fine Arts presents its annual Christmas Party on Tuesday, December 24, from 5 to 9 PM. “Come enjoy a free appetizer buffet and drink specials before going home to wait for jolly St. Nick and the sugarplum fairies. We will also receive a visit from members of the St. Louis Christmas Carols Association -- they have been singing annually in our neighborhood and collecting donations for local children's charities since 1938. Sing along, or just enjoy the music and the company!” The Tavern of Fine Arts is at 313 Belt in the Debaliviere Place neighborhood. For more information: tavern-of-fine-arts.blogspot.com.

The Tavern of Fine Arts presents Avant-Garde Arts Night on Thursday, December 26, at 7:30 PM. “The St. Louis Avant-Garde Ensemble returns to headline A-G Arts Night featuring Tom Zirkle, percussion; Jim Hegarty, piano/electronics; Tracy Andreotti, cello; Fred Tompkins, flute; and Scott Price, guitar.” The Tavern of Fine Arts is at 313 Belt in the Debaliviere Place neighborhood. For more information: tavern-of-fine-arts.blogspot.com.

Sunday, December 22, 2013

The most wonderful time of the year

Whitney Claire Kaufman and Santa
with the Kansas City Symphony
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Who: The St. Louis Symphony Orchestra and Holiday Festival Chorus conducted by Steven Jarvi
What: A Holiday Celebration
When: Friday through Sunday, December 20-22
Were: Powell Symphony Hall

The tradition of the holiday "pops" program is a well-established one at the symphony, and this weekend's concerts are just what you'd expect: yuletide classics, a guest performer (theatre and film singer Whitney Claire Kaufman), and a visit from St. Nick himself.

Ms. Kaufman was a sparkling presence at the Friday night performance (both vocally and visually) and the area high school and college students of the Holiday Festival Chorus (directed by Kevin McBeth) sounded exceptionally polished, with impressively crisp diction and a good, balanced sound. Their "Hallelujah Chorus" was wonderfully professional.

Ms. Kaufman's degree is in theater performance, so it's no surprise that she brings an actor's sensibility to Great American Songbook Christmas songs like "White Christmas" and "Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas" (with the more optimistic lyrics that seem to have replaced the wistful originals). Her singing throughout the evening showed the kind of emotional investment in the lyrics that made these old standards feel fresh; it also communicated newer songs like David Foster's "Grown-Up Christmas List" most effectively.

Steven Jarvi
Steven Jarvi, the new Resident Conductor (replacing the remarkable Ward Stare) was on the podium. He's cuts a fine, commanding figure and appeared equally comfortable with both the pop and classical sides of the program. I was very taken, for example, with the way he built that long climax in "The Magic Spell Begins" (the scene in which Clara's Christmas tree magically grows gigantic), the second of three selections from Tchaikovsky's "Nutcracker."

The evening is intelligently assembled and nicely balanced. The emphasis is on charming and often inventive arrangements of traditional sacred and secular carols, including the lovely "Silent Night" by Mormon Tabernacle Choir music director Mack Wilberg that was such a hit last year. But there are just enough traditional classics to add a bit of weight, including a high-energy performance of the "Farandole" from Bizet's "L'Arlésienne" (based on the old French carol "La Marche Des Rois Mages") that started the second half of the evening with a bang.

My personal favorite was Robert Wendel's "Merry Christmas Overture" (from his 1990 "Classical Christmas Suite"), which wraps a wreath of traditional carols around the overture to Mozart's "Marriage of Figaro." Witty stuff it was, and nicely performed. There was also an amusing bit in which a child volunteer got to "conduct" the orchestra's performance of Leroy Anderson's "Sleigh Ride"—with a considerable assist from Mr. Jarvi.

Kevin McBeth
I've seen a number of the "Holiday Celebration" concerts over the years and this is, I think, one of the better ones. They're always festive events, with the orchestra and hall decked out in seasonal finery (one of the horns was even sporting a red bow Friday night, as was the harp) and a selection of music calculated to appeal to both adults and all but the youngest kids. This year there's also a special drink at the bar: a bright-red Holiday Punch. I can recommend it. And you can take your drinks to your seat with you, allowing you to savor them during the show.

The "Holiday Celebration" concerts are over, but the festive mood continues with an evening of the movie music of John Williams conducted by David Robertson on Friday and Saturday at 7 PM and Sunday at 2 PM (December 27-29) and the New Year's Eve gala on Tuesday (December 31) at 7:30 PM.  All performances take place at Powell Hall in Grand Center. For more information: stlsymphony.org.

In Buddy's eyes

Photo: Joan Marcus
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What: Elf, the Musical
When: December 17-29, 2013
Where: The Fox Theatre

"Elf," the musical based on the 2003 movie of the same name, is cute the way snow is damp. It's sentimental the way an ice-covered road is slippery. It's heart-warming the way "The Little Drummer Boy" and that damn Christmas version of Pachelbel's "Canon in D" are annoying. And it's so family-friendly it made my teeth hurt.

If the foregoing makes it sound like I'm conflicted about "Elf," that's because I am. On the one hand, its shamelessly manipulative attempts to play on the audience's heartstrings feel a bit crass. On the other hand (where it's better to have fingers than toes), its message that the real meaning of Christmas is found in generosity, love, and family is so clearly right that criticizing it feels rather like scolding a misbehaving puppy. It's easy to do, but you feel like a jerk in the process.

For the benefit of those of you who, like me, have never seen the original Will Ferrell vehicle, "Elf" is, according to the official press release, the tale of Buddy, "a young orphan child who mistakenly crawls into Santa's bag of gifts and is transported back to the North Pole. Unaware that he is actually human, Buddy's enormous size and poor toy-making abilities cause him to face the truth. With Santa's permission, Buddy embarks on a journey to New York City to find his birth father, discover his true identity, and help New York remember the true meaning of Christmas."

Photo: Joan Marcus
What the press release doesn't say is that even though there are nine performers in named roles and fifteen in the ensemble, "Elf" is in many ways a one-man show. The character of Buddy is in eleven of the seventeen musical numbers, including all of the far too numerous dance sequences, and in nearly every scene. It's an insanely demanding role that calls for a strong singer and dancer who can radiate massive amounts of charisma and charm. It needs a performer who can work hard and still appear to be enjoying himself immensely.

This production has the amazing Matt Kopec, who does all of that brilliantly. His Buddy is so immediately likeable—indeed, loveable—that the character's absurd naiveté feels credible. Mr. Kopec's superhuman energy was a wonder to behold. When he was on stage—that is, for most of the evening—he made me forget that the show itself was ultimately just so much commercial yard goods. He's a treasure.

He has a solid supporting cast as well. Substituting for Matthew Alan Smith on opening night, Kevin Rockower was amusingly beleaguered as Buddy's dad Walter and Jane Bruce was winning as Walter's wife Emily, trying to cope with the discovery that he has a six foot tall elf as a stepson. As Walter and Jane's son Michael, Tyler Altomari proved that child actors can be just as polished as adults. And Gordon Gray is a charmingly avuncular Santa Claus.

Kate Hennies showed a nice vulnerability as Jovie, the Macy's employee who falls for Buddy. She made the most of the clever lyrics in "Never Fall in Love," her big second act solo, and there was believable chemistry between her and Buddy. Clyde Voce had a couple of great comic turns as the Macy's store manager and a disillusioned department store Santa. Jacqueline Grabois hit all the right notes, comic and musical, as the wisecracking Deb and Kyle McIntire was appropriately nasty as Walter's Scroogish boss, Mr. Greenway.

Photo: Joan Marcus
That fifteen-member ensemble I mentioned earlier deserves a big round of applause as well. Portraying everything from elves (dancing on their knees, like the prince in the "Shrek" musical) to ice skaters in Rockefeller Plaza (dancing on roller skates) to sad sack chain store Santas, they displayed remarkable versatility and boundless energy.

The songs by Matthew Sklar and Chad Beguelin are essentially generic musical theatre, mostly reminding me of Andrew Byrne's satirical "A Contemporary Musical Theatre Song." Andrew Meehan and Bob Martin's book, manipulative though it may be, conveys a message of family and fellowship that's as true as it is trite so, as noted earlier, it's hard to really dislike it—although both writers have done much better work elsewhere. And the production overall is glossy, colorful, and fast paced enough to provide a pleasant if somewhat over-long evening's entertainment. The amplified sound was far too loud, at least from our seats in row L of the orchestra, but that seems to be the norm these days as we all slowly go deaf.

So, bottom line, "Elf the Musical" is a pleasant bit of holiday fluff. My goddaughter, who is a great fan of the original film, thought the show missed some of the whimsy and charm of the original, particularly in the final scene in which an outburst of Christmas spirit from the citizens of New York City powers Santa's sleigh. But her nine-year-old son enjoyed it, so those of you looking for some theatrical entertainment for the whole family might enjoy a two and one-half hour visit (including intermission) with Buddy the Elf.

"Elf the Musical" is at the Fox in Grand Center through December 29th. For more information: fabulousfox.com.

Friday, December 20, 2013

Chuck's Choices for the weekend of December 20, 2013

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

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New this week:

Mariposa Artists and Mid-Town Artists present John McDaniel: Home for the Holidays, on Friday, December 20th, at 7 PM. A St. Louis native, McDaniel is a Grammy and Emmy Award-winning music director, composer, arranger, orchestrator, and theatrical and record producer. The performance takes place at the Kranzberg Center, 501 North Grand in Grand Center. For more information: www.brownpapertickets.com/event/513952.

My take: It has been six years since Mr. McDaniel made a solo appearance in his old home town. Back then he performed in the intimate Flim Flam Room at Savor (now, alas, defunct) and impressed me mightily. In my review for 88.1 KDHX, I described him as a classic example of a great cabaret artist who can't sing worth a hoot and went on to say that he was "such a talented arranger/pianist and such an engaging performer that it was easy to forget his vocal limitations and simply enjoy his lively anecdotes about his life and work since graduating from Kirkwood High School locally and his sympathetic performances of a wide range of music." When I saw him back then, his penultimate medley was improvised on the spot, based on favorite tunes called out by audience members. I hope he's still dong that; it's a pretty impressive trick.

©Photo by Eric Woolsey
The Rep's Imaginary Theatre Company presents The Velveteen Rabbit by Kim Esop Wylie with music and lyrics by Joe Dreyer through December 23. “ Based on Margery Williams' famed literary classic, The Velveteen Rabbit tells the story of a little boy and his stuffed bunny who wonders what it means to be “real.” After years of adventure and devotion, the bunny becomes a truly beloved friend and is magically transformed into a real woodland rabbit. Join us this holiday season and share in a heartwarming musical tale that celebrates the rewards of loyalty and the wonderful, surprising power of love.” Performances take place at Heagney Theatre at Nerinx Hall High School, 530 East Lockwood Avenue in Webster Groves. For more information: repst.org or call (314) 968-4925.

My take: It's always good to have a show pitched at kids over the holidays, and this one looks to be a good bet. In her review for 88.1 KDHX, Tina Farmer describes The Velveteen Rabbit as "a charming and engaging show with particular appeal for young children. With a running time of about an hour, it's also the perfect length for little attention spans, making this show an excellent choice for arts patrons looking to share the magic and excitement of live theater."

Held Over:

The Black Rep presents Black Nativity: A Holiday Celebration through December 22. "Conceived and directed by Ron Himes, the first act tells a moving and traditional African Nativity story, while the second act swings into the season with joy and reverence." Performances take place at the Emerson Performance Center on the campus of Harris-Stowe State University. For more information: theblackrep.org.

My take: This is the closest thing to a traditional holiday show on stage this week, and reviews have been good. As Steve Callahan notes in his review for 88.1 KDHX, this is really two shows in one "The first half," he writes, "is almost an oratorio on the birth of Jesus. The stage is constantly full of bright movement and dance as we see Mary and Joseph on their familiar journey...The songs are a vivid patchwork of styles—from Handel's 'Joy to the World' to vibrant African folk-songs to a wonderful Reggae version of the "'ate-Night Shepherd's Blues' in which a shepherd bemoans that his woman done left him...The second half of the evening is probably the best Christmas cabaret you'll ever see."

Photo: John Lamb
Stray Dog Theatre presents William Gibson's The Butterfingers Angel, Mary and Joseph, Herod The Nut And The Slaughter Of 12 Hit Carols In A Pear Tree Thursdays through Saturdays at 8 PM December 5-21, with an extra 2 PM matinee on the 21st. “A touching, funny, and highly imaginative retelling of the Christmas story complete with talking animals, a feminist-leaning Mary, a jealous Joseph, a fast-talking sheep, and one loud-mouthed overbearing tree. Created by one of America's major dramatists, this Christmas cartoon mixed with psychological realism brings new relevance to its timeless subject.” Performances take place at The Tower Grove Abbey, 2336 Tennessee. For more information, visit straydogtheatre.org or call 314-865-1995.

My take: Yes, that's the same William Gibson who wrote The Miracle Worker, the oft-seen play about the young Helen Keller and her teacher, Annie Sullivan. The 1975 play got good notices in earlier productions, and Stray Dog has garnered its share of praise for this one. Over at Vital Voice, for example, Andrea Braun calls it "a lovely holiday gift from one of St. Louis's consistently finest and most popular theatre companies" "If you're looking to take tradition in a somewhat non-traditional direction this holiday season," writes Laura Kyro at 88.1 KDHX, "try Stray Dog's 'The Butterfingers Angel'." It's nice to see something a bit left of center at the holidays, and Stray Dog can usually be relied upon to deliver the goods.

New Jewish Theater presents the one-woman show Hannah Shenesh through December 22. The play is based on the dairies of Senesh, who worked with a British para-military group to rescue Hungarian Jews during World War II. Performances take place in the Marvin and Harlene Wool Studio Theater at the Jewish Community Center, 2 Millstone Campus Drive in Creve Coeur. For more information: www.newjewishtheatre.org or call 314-442-3283.

My take: One-person shows can be risky propositions, but this one appears to be a winner. "Last season," writes Andrea Braun in her review for 88.1 KDHX, "NJT gave us 'Conviction,' a one-actor play that I thought was as good as any of that genre I'd seen. With 'Hannah Senesh,' the company has surpassed even that level of excellence in this production because of a perfect performance guided by a sensitive and meticulous director." She describes lead actress Shanara Gabrielle's performance as "magical" and says "the electricity in the room is palpable."

©Photo by Jerry Naunheim, Jr.
The Repertory Theatre of St. Louis presents Agatha Christie's The Mousetrap through December 29. “The Grande Dame of suspense weaves a clever mystery that will keep you guessing till the very end. The guests at Monkswell Manor are snowed in with a murderer in their midst. Whodunit? Sergeant Trotter is determined to find out, and his investigation turns up more shocking secrets than anyone could have anticipated. Full of intricate plot twists and shuddering suspense, it is no wonder The Mousetrap has become the world's longest-running stage production.” Performances take place at the Loretto-Hlton Center, 130 Edgar Road in Webster Groves, MO. For more information, call 314-968-4925 or visit repstl.org.

My take: Well, you don't get to be the longest-running stage production in modern history without doing something right. Christie was not a creator of great dialog or deep characters, but she knew how to write a rattling good mystery. "Under the thoughtful direction of Paul Mason Barnes," writes Andrea Torrance at the St. Louis Theatre Snob blog, "the cast provide strong performances, giving their respective characters enough depth beyond their first introduction to make you believe any one of them could have done it."

Sunday, December 15, 2013

St. Louis theatre calendar for the week of December 16th, 2013

[Looking for auditions and other artistic opportunities? Check out the St. Louis Auditions site.]

For information on events beyond this week, check out the searchable database at the Regional Arts Commission's ArtsZipper site.

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Act Two Theatre presents An Act Two Family Christmas, featuring familiar favorites from Forever Plaid, 9 to 5: The Musical, and more. This night will include Christmas themed skits, Christmas songs and a Christmas carol sing-along. The performance takes place on Thursday, December 19, at 7 PM in the St. Peters Cultural Arts Centre at 1 St Peters Centre Blvd, St. Peters, MO 63376. For more information: act2theater.com.

The Black Rep presents Black Nativity: A Holiday Celebration through December 22. "Conceived and directed by Ron Himes, the first act tells a moving and traditional African Nativity story, while the second act swings into the season with joy and reverence." Performances take place at the Emerson Performance Center on the campus of Harris-Stowe State University. For more information: theblackrep.org. Read the 88.1 KDHX review!

Photo: John Lamb
Stray Dog Theatre presents William Gibson's The Butterfingers Angel, Mary and Joseph, Herod The Nut And The Slaughter Of 12 Hit Carols In A Pear Tree Thursdays through Saturdays at 8 PM through December 1, with an extra 2 PM matinee on the 21st. “A touching, funny, and highly imaginative retelling of the Christmas story complete with talking animals, a feminist-leaning Mary, a jealous Joseph, a fast-talking sheep, and one loud-mouthed overbearing tree. Created by one of America's major dramatists, this Christmas cartoon mixed with psychological realism brings new relevance to its timeless subject.” Performances take place at The Tower Grove Abbey, 2336 Tennessee. For more information, visit straydogtheatre.org or call 314-865-1995. Read the 88.1 KDHX review!

The Pub Theater Company presents Bye Bye Liver: The St. Louis Drinking Play, a comedic romp through the joys and pitfalls of The Gateway to the West's favorite pastime. Performances take place on Saturdays at 9 PM at Maggie O'Brien's, 2000 Market Street. For more information, you may call 314-827-4185, email stlouis at byebyeliver.com, or visit byebyeliver.com/stlouis.

Carol Schmidt
The Cabaret Project and 88.1 KDHX present the special holiday edition of the monthly Cabaret Open Stage Night on Wednesday, December 18, from 7 to 10 PM at the Tavern of Fine Arts. The master of ceremonies is 88.1 KDHX senior performing arts critic Chuck Lavazzi and the music director is Carol Schmidt. Bring your favorite seasonal songs and be prepared for the big sing-along! If you're planning to sing, be prepared to do one or two songs and bring music, preferably in your key. It's also recommend that you have your song memorized. The Tavern of Fine Arts is at 313 Belt at Waterman in the Central West End. There's free parking in the lot right across the street. For more information, visit tavern-of-fine-arts.blogspot.com or call 314-367-7549.

The Hawthorne Players present A Christmas Carol Friday and Saturday at 8 PM and Sunday at 2 PM, December 20-22. The performances take place at the Florissant Civic Center Theatre at Parker and Waterford in Florissant, MO. For more information, call 921-5678 or visit hawthorneplayers.com.

The Bissell Mansion Murder Mystery Dinner Theatre presents A Christmas Killing through December 31. The Bissell Mansion is at 4426 Randall Place. For more information: bissellmansiontheatre.com

The Lemp Mansion Comedy-Mystery Dinner Theater presents its Christmas Show through December 31. The Lemp Mansion is at 3322 DeMenil Place. For more information: lempmansion.com

Photo: Joan Marcus
The Fox Theatre presents Elf the Musical December 17-29. “Based on the beloved 2003 New Line Cinema hit, Elf is the hilarious tale of Buddy, a young orphan child who mistakenly crawls into Santa's bag of gifts and is transported back to the North Pole. Unaware that he is actually human, Buddy's enormous size and poor toy-making abilities cause him to face the truth. With Santa's permission, Buddy embarks on a journey to New York City to find his birth father, discover his true identity, and help New York remember the true meaning of Christmas. This modern day Christmas classic is sure to make everyone embrace their inner Elf.” The Fox Theatre is at 517 North Grand in Grand Center. For more information, call 314-534-1678.

The St. Lou Fringe Festival presents Habdash, a fund-raising evening featuring performances by Leverage Dance Theatre and Brothers Lazaroff, on Thursday, December 19, beginning at 8 PM. The events takes place at The Barnett on Washington, 3207 Washington in midtown. For more information: habdash4.bpt.me

New Jewish Theater presents the one-woman show Hannah Shenesh through December 22. The play is based on the dairies of Senesh, who worked with a British para-military group to rescue Hungarian Jews during World War II. Performances take place in the Marvin and Harlene Wool Studio Theater at the Jewish Community Center, 2 Millstone Campus Drive in Creve Coeur. For more information: www.newjewishtheatre.org or call 314-442-3283. Read the 88.1 KDHX review!

Mariposa Artists and Mid-Town Artists present John McDaniel: Home for the Holidays, on Friday, December 20th, at 7 PM. A St. Louis native, McDaniel is a Grammy and Emmy Award-winning music director, composer, arranger, orchestrator, and theatrical and record producer. The performance takes place at the Kranzberg Center, 501 North Grand in Grand Center. For more information: www.brownpapertickets.com/event/513952.

HotCity Theatre presents Kosher Lutherans by William Missouri Downs through December 21. “Hanna and Franklyn, childless Jews in L.A., find themselves in a STICKY situation on the first night of Hanukah - for this is when they first meet the innocent young woman whose baby they will be adopting, who hails from the Bible Belt and doesn't realize they're Jewish! The couple hastily pose as Lutherans to appeal to the girl's 'Christian' sensibilities ... with hysterical and touching results!” Performances take place at the Kranzberg Arts Center, 501 North Grand in Grand Center. For more information, visit www.hotcitytheatre.org or call 314-289-4063. Read the 88.1 KDHX review!

©Photo by Jerry Naunheim, Jr.
The Repertory Theatre of St. Louis presents Agatha Christie's The Mousetrap through December 29. “The Grande Dame of suspense weaves a clever mystery that will keep you guessing till the very end. The guests at Monkswell Manor are snowed in with a murderer in their midst. Whodunit? Sergeant Trotter is determined to find out, and his investigation turns up more shocking secrets than anyone could have anticipated. Full of intricate plot twists and shuddering suspense, it is no wonder The Mousetrap has become the world's longest-running stage production.” Performances take place at the Loretto-Hlton Center, 130 Edgar Road in Webster Groves, MO. For more information, call 314-968-4925 or visit repstl.org. Read the 88.1 KDHX review!

©Photo by Eric Woolsey
The Rep's Imaginary Theatre Company presents The Velveteen Rabbit by Kim Esop Wylie with music and lyrics by Joe Dreyer through December 23. “ Based on Margery Williams' famed literary classic, The Velveteen Rabbit tells the story of a little boy and his stuffed bunny who wonders what it means to be “real.” After years of adventure and devotion, the bunny becomes a truly beloved friend and is magically transformed into a real woodland rabbit. Join us this holiday season and share in a heartwarming musical tale that celebrates the rewards of loyalty and the wonderful, surprising power of love.” Performances take place at Heagney Theatre at Nerinx Hall High School, 530 East Lockwood Avenue in Webster Groves. For more information: repst.org or call (314) 968-4925.

St. Charles Community College presents White Christmas Friday through Sunday, December 20-22. Performances take place in the Donald D. Shook Fine Arts Building on the campus at 4601 Mid Rivers Mall Drive in Cottleville, MO. For more information, call 636-922-8050 or visit stchas.edu.

Would you like to be on the radio? KDHX, 88.1 FM needs theatre reviewers. If you're 18 years or older, knowledgeable in this area, have practical theatre experience (acting, directing, writing, technical design, etc.), have good oral and written communications skills and would like to become one of our volunteer reviewers, send an email describing your experience and interests to chuck at kdhx.org. Please include a sample review of something you've seen recently.

Saturday, December 14, 2013

St. Louis classical calendar for the week of December 16th, 2013

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The Bach Society of St. Louis presents a Christmas Candlelight Concert on Tuesday, December 17, at 7:30 PM.  “The Bach Society Chorus and Orchestra celebrate the "glory of Christmas" with Bach’s Gloria in excelsis and more Christmas classics. Then, joined by the UMSL University Singers, the combined choirs offer a thrilling performance of John Rutter’s festive and dynamic Gloria. The candlelight procession, a cornerstone of this concert since 1951, is followed by favorite carols of the season. But the "perfect holiday experience" is not complete until the audience has been treated to Craig Courtney’s witty setting of A Musicological Journey through the Twelve Days of Christmas.”  The performance takes place at Powell Symphony Hall, 718 North Grand in Grand Center.   For more information: www.bachsociety.org

The St. Louis Chamber Chorus presents Concert Three: The Ancients Speak.  “We mark the centenary of both our venue and the great British composer, Benjamin Britten, with the St. Louis premiere of his complete cantata, A Boy Was Born. Other early English lyrics inspire seasonal songs by Gustav Holst, Trond Kverno, and Francis Pott, who contributes a brand new carol for this occasion.” The concert takes place on Sunday, December 22, at 3 PM at St. Luke the Evangelist Catholic Church 7230 Dale Ave.  For more information: www.chamberchorus.org

Steven Jarvi conducts The St. Louis Symphony Orchestra and Holiday Festival Chorus, along with solo vocalist Whitney Claire Kaufman, in A Christmas Celebration on Friday through Sunday, December 20-22, at Powell Symphony Hall, 718 North Grand.  “Enjoy your favorite carols, a visit from Santa and holiday music performed by the STL Symphony and Holiday Festival Chorus inside a splendidly decorated Powell Hall. See why more than 10,000 St. Louisans make this a holiday tradition.” For more information: stlsymphony.org.

The Piper Palm House
The St. Louis Symphony Orchestra presents a free concert on Tuesday, December 17th, beginning at 7 PM at the Piper Palm House in Tower Grove Park.  “The STL Symphony celebrates more than 15 years performing for audiences in the beautiful Piper Palm House inside Tower Grove Park. Each of these popular concerts is followed by a complimentary wine tasting reception. Doors open at 6:30pm and all concerts begin at 7pm. Seating is limited and available on a first-come, first-served basis.”  For more information: www.stlsymphony.org/symphony_neighborhood/

The St. Louis Symphony’s Young Friends of the Symphony presents Sips and Symphonies on Thursday, December 19, at 7:30 PM.  “What is Sips and Symphonies? It is a great way to learn about music in a fun, casual environment. On the third Thursday of each month, we get together at Tavern of Fine Arts to listen to and discuss a piece of music being performed at an upcoming concert at Powell Hall. We will have a different guest moderator each month who will help lead an informal conversation about the music.”  A special cocktail is created for each event to accompany the music.  The event takes place at The Tavern of Fine Arts, 313 Belt in the Debaliviere Place neighborhood.   For more information: tavern-of-fine-arts.blogspot.com.

The Shepley Program of Music and Arts presents an organ recital by William Partridge on Thursday, December 19, at 12:30 PM at Christ Church Cathedral, 1210 Locust.  Admission is free.  For more information: christchurchconcerts.org.

The Tavern of Fine Arts presents The 442s in concert on Monday, December 16 at 7:30 PM.  “What happens when you combine two outstanding members of the world-class St. Louis Symphony with two of the city's finest jazz musicians from the Erin Bode Group? You get The 442's, an exciting new acoustic instrumental quartet named for the modern standard tuning of 442 Hz! Brought together by the innovative and inspired compositions of Adam Maness, who also plays guitar, accordion, melodica and glockenspiel in the group, The 442's features Shawn Weil on violin, Bjorn Ranheim on cello and Sydney Rodway on bass. This unique collaboration, formed in the spring of 2012 by a tight-knit group whose love of good food and fine beer makes rehearsals feel like dinner parties, combines outstanding musicianship, group singing, inventive improvisation, whistle solos and special guest appearances by famed jazz vocalist, Erin Bode. Exploring the boundaries of jazz, classical, folk and rock music, their music can move you to the edge of your seat or comfort you like a lullaby, all within the same set.”  The Tavern of Fine Arts is at 313 Belt in the Debaliviere Place neighborhood.   For more information: tavern-of-fine-arts.blogspot.com

The Tavern of Fine Arts presents Opera Arias and Holiday Music featuring Kate Reimann, soprano; Heather Patterson, soprano; Kelly Pappageorge, mezzo-soprano; and Nancy Mayo, piano on Tuesday, December 17 at 7:30 PM.   The Tavern of Fine Arts is at 313 Belt in the Debaliviere Place neighborhood.   For more information: tavern-of-fine-arts.blogspot.com

The Tavern of Fine Arts presents The Cello Society of St. Louis in concert on Saturday, December 21, at 11:30 AM.  The Tavern of Fine Arts is at 313 Belt in the Debaliviere Place neighborhood.  For more information: tavern-of-fine-arts.blogspot.com.

The Tavern of Fine Arts presents guitarist John McClellan in concert on Saturday, December 21, at 8 PM.  The Tavern of Fine Arts is at 313 Belt in the Debaliviere Place neighborhood.  For more information: tavern-of-fine-arts.blogspot.com.

Friday, December 13, 2013

Chuck's Choices for the weekend of December 13th, 2013

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

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New this week:

The Black Rep presents Black Nativity: A Holiday Celebration through December 22. "Conceived and directed by Ron Himes, the first act tells a moving and traditional African Nativity story, while the second act swings into the season with joy and reverence." Performances take place at the Emerson Performance Center on the campus of Harris-Stowe State University. For more information: theblackrep.org.

My take: This is the closest thing to a traditional holiday show on stage this week, and reviews have been good. As Steve Callahan notes in his review for 88.1 KDHX, this is really two shows in one "The first half," he writes, "is almost an oratorio on the birth of Jesus. The stage is constantly full of bright movement and dance as we see Mary and Joseph on their familiar journey...The songs are a vivid patchwork of styles—from Handel's 'Joy to the World' to vibrant African folk-songs to a wonderful Reggae version of the "'ate-Night Shepherd's Blues' in which a shepherd bemoans that his woman done left him...The second half of the evening is probably the best Christmas cabaret you'll ever see."

©Photo by Jerry Naunheim, Jr.
The Repertory Theatre of St. Louis presents Agatha Christie's The Mousetrap through December 29. “The Grande Dame of suspense weaves a clever mystery that will keep you guessing till the very end. The guests at Monkswell Manor are snowed in with a murderer in their midst. Whodunit? Sergeant Trotter is determined to find out, and his investigation turns up more shocking secrets than anyone could have anticipated. Full of intricate plot twists and shuddering suspense, it is no wonder The Mousetrap has become the world's longest-running stage production.” Performances take place at the Loretto-Hlton Center, 130 Edgar Road in Webster Groves, MO. For more information, call 314-968-4925 or visit repstl.org.

My take: Well, you don't get to be the longest-running stage production in modern history without doing something right. Christie was not a creator of great dialog or deep characters, but she knew how to write a rattling good mystery. "Under the thoughtful direction of Paul Mason Barnes," writes Andrea Torrance at the St. Louis Theatre Snob blog, "the cast provide strong performances, giving their respective characters enough depth beyond their first introduction to make you believe any one of them could have done it."

Clayton Community Theatre presents Room at the Inn by St. Louis playwright Steve Pokin Friday and Saturday at 8 PM and Sunday at 2 PM, December 13-15. The play is “the story of a Homeless Shelter on Christmas Eve and the people who are thrown together during a terrible snow storm and the miracles, large and small, that transpire over the course of the evening.” Performances take place at the Washington University South Campus Theatre. For more information, call 314-721-9228 or visit placeseveryone.org.

My take: It's good to see a community theatre take on a holiday-themed show that isn't a light-hearted comedy or musical. It's a reminder that the real roots of this season lie in the old winter solstice celebrations, when people gathered with family and members of the community to cast light into the darkness—both real and metaphorical. "The writer shows a solid ability to present these homeless characters as mostly dignified people who have ended up on the wrong side of fortune," wrote Mark Bretz in a Ladue News review of the world premiere production by First Run Theatre back in 2008. "The play is admirable," wrote Dennis Brown in the Riverfront Times back then, "both in its intent and the way it skirts polemics."

The Gateway Men's Chorus opens its 27th season with Yule Tube, a holiday concert featuring favorite holiday songs from television and movies, on Friday and Saturday, December 13 and 14, at 8 PM. “Audiences will recognize music from How the Grinch Stole Christmas, White Christmas, the film adaptation of A Christmas Carol, and "The Charlie Brown Christmas Special," alongside popular holiday favorites like "All I Want for Christmas Is You," "Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas," and "I'll Be Home for Christmas." However, the concert still promises some quirky surprises that audiences have come to expect from the Gateway Men's Chorus - including holiday parodies of hits by Queen, Journey, and even Stephen Sondheim. Plus, the concert features special performances by GMC's small ensemble Harmonix, their fabulous dance team the Foot Notes, and, of course guest appearances from Santa and Cindy Lou Who.” The concerts take place at the Edison Theatre on the Washington University campus. For more information: gmcstl.org.

My take: The GMC can always be counted upon to deliver an entertaining and polished show. Expect lots of good holiday cheer and good humor.

Held Over:

Photo: John Lamb
Stray Dog Theatre presents William Gibson's The Butterfingers Angel, Mary and Joseph, Herod The Nut And The Slaughter Of 12 Hit Carols In A Pear Tree Thursdays through Saturdays at 8 PM December 5-21, with an extra 2 PM matinee on the 21st. “A touching, funny, and highly imaginative retelling of the Christmas story complete with talking animals, a feminist-leaning Mary, a jealous Joseph, a fast-talking sheep, and one loud-mouthed overbearing tree. Created by one of America's major dramatists, this Christmas cartoon mixed with psychological realism brings new relevance to its timeless subject.” Performances take place at The Tower Grove Abbey, 2336 Tennessee. For more information, visit straydogtheatre.org or call 314-865-1995.

My take: Yes, that's the same William Gibson who wrote The Miracle Worker, the oft-seen play about the young Helen Keller and her teacher, Annie Sullivan. The 1975 play got good notices in earlier productions, and Stray Dog has garnered its share of praise for this one. Over at Vital Voice, for example, Andrea Braun calls it "a lovely holiday gift from one of St. Louis's consistently finest and most popular theatre companies" "If you're looking to take tradition in a somewhat non-traditional direction this holiday season," writes Laura Kyro at 88.1 KDHX, "try Stray Dog's 'The Butterfingers Angel'." It's nice to see something a bit left of center at the holidays, and Stray Dog can usually be relied upon to deliver the goods.

New Jewish Theater presents the one-woman show Hannah Shenesh through December 22. The play is based on the dairies of Senesh, who worked with a British para-military group to rescue Hungarian Jews during World War II. Performances take place in the Marvin and Harlene Wool Studio Theater at the Jewish Community Center, 2 Millstone Campus Drive in Creve Coeur. For more information: www.newjewishtheatre.org or call 314-442-3283.

My take: One-person shows can be risky propositions, but this one appears to be a winner. "Last season," writes Andrea Braun in her review for 88.1 KDHX, "NJT gave us 'Conviction,' a one-actor play that I thought was as good as any of that genre I'd seen. With 'Hannah Senesh,' the company has surpassed even that level of excellence in this production because of a perfect performance guided by a sensitive and meticulous director." She describes lead actress Shanara Gabrielle's performance as "magical" and says "the electricity in the room is palpable."

Photo: John Lamb
The West End Players Guild and the Missouri History Museum present The Medal of Honor Rag through Sunday. “ Two guilty survivors of war, a psychiatrist and an African-American soldier awarded the Congressional Medal of Honor for his service, verbally spar as they discuss the horrors that have traumatized them both.” Performances take place at The Missouri History Museum in Forest Park. For more information: mohistory.org

My take: First performed in 1976, Medal of Honor Rag was a nominee for both the Drama Desk and Obie Awards and got enthusiastic reviews from critics in New York and Washington D.C. It has been a while since anyone has taken it on locally, so the current production—presented in conjunction with the History Museum's The 1968 Exhibit—is a welcome addition to the scene. "Sean Belt's direction is engaging," writes Chris Gibson at Broadwayworld.com, "and the action is compelling and consistently involving." Full disclosure: I'm on the board of West End Players Guild, but haven't been associated with this production in any way.

R-S Theatrics presents Oh, Hell!, an evening of two one-act plays: Bobby Gould in Hell by David Mamet and The Devil and Billy Markham by Shel Silverstein, Friday and Saturday at 8 PM and Sunday at 7 PM. In Bobby Gould in Hell, “Bobby Gould awakens in Hell's waiting room and must argue with the Interrogator in order to save himself from eternal damnation for being “cruel without being interesting.” The Devil and Billy Markham is a “one-man, 30-page monologue in rhymed couplets tells the story of Billy Markham and his long struggle to outwit the Devil for ownership of Billy's soul.” Performances take place at Southampton Presbyterian Church 5421 Murdoch. For more information: r-stheatrics.com.

My take: Well, with all the Christmas stuff popping up, somebody had to look at the season through the other end of the telescope, so to speak. I can't think of a better group to do it than R-S, where the motto is "never safe, always R-S." Besides, I'm a great fan of Shel Silverstein's work. "The two acts are filled with humor and a bit of insight," writes Tina Farmer in her review for 88.1 KDHX. "Excellent casting and direction ensures an enjoyable evening with plenty of laughter, and perhaps just a touch of self-recognition.

The Conservatory of Theatre Arts at Webster University presents the musical Smokey Joe's Café: The Songs of Lieber and Stoller Wednesday through Sunday. Performances take place in the Stage III Auditorium in Webster Hall on the Webster University campus. For more information: www.webster.edu/fine-arts/departments/conservatory/ or call 314-968-7128

My take: If you thought Lieber and Stoller were just the authors of a couple of R&B hits, this show will set you straight. Yes, there are plenty of classic rock tunes from the 50s and 60s, but these guys were far more versatile than that. Smokey Joe's Café skips their remarkable cabaret songs but even so it's a consistently entertaining showcase of their remarkable songwriting skills. The students at the conservatory have a reputation for producing polished work and this is material that should be a good mix for their youthful energy and talent.