Friday, May 02, 2014

Chuck's Choices for the weekend of May 2, 2014

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 Gateway Men's Chorus presents Cabaret Risque III on Saturday, May 3, at 8 PM. Featured performers are Bob Becherer, Robert Breig, Alice Kinsella, Chuck Lavazzi, Kay Martin Love, Donna Weinsting, and Jeffrey M. Wright. Ken Haller is master of ceremonies for the event, with music direction by Al Fischer. Procedes benefit the Gateway Men's Choruis. The show takes place Rialto Ballroom on the fourth floor of the Centene Center for the Arts, 3547 Olive in Grand Center. For more information: gmcstl.org.

My take: Well, as you can see from the description above, I'm not exactly a neutral observer on this one. In fact, I'm pretty flattered to be sharing to stage with these performers, all of whom I have worked with in the past in one way or another and all of whom are immensely talented. My set will consist of "Making Whoopee," "Lydia the Tattooed Lady," and Tom Lehrer's "Masochism Tango" (not exactly a song that has been performed all the often locally). Expect a fun and festive event, and the money goes to a good cause.

Photo: Daniel Brodie
The Fox Theatre presents the musical Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat April 29-May 11. "One of the most enduring shows of all time, JOSEPH AND THE AMAZING TECHNICOLOR DREAMCOAT is the irresistible family musical about the trials and triumphs of Joseph, Israel's favorite son. The first collaboration of Andrew Lloyd Webber (Jesus Christ Superstar, Phantom of the Opera, Cats) and Tim Rice (Jesus Christ Superstar, The Lion King) JOSEPH blends pop, country and rock into an uplifting, technicolored story of biblical proportions. 'JOSEPH is still the wittiest of Lloyd Webber's extravaganzas' declares the Orlando Sentinel." The Fox Theatre is at 517 North Grand in Grand Center. For more information: fabulousfox.com.

My take: For many years after its first appearance, Joseph was rather neglected—overshdowed by the spectacular success of Rice and Webber's second Biblical musical Jesus Christ Superstar. About 20 years ago it began to seriously emerge from the shadow of its more famous successor. By 2008 more than 20,000 schools and amateur theatre groups had produced it. The current tour uses somewhat gimmicky casting: husband and wife team Diana DeGarmo and Ace Young (both former American Idol Top 10 contestants) head the cast as Joseph and the Narrator. Still, they both appear to have legit musical theatre credentials. "Though "Joseph" touches on serious themes," writes Amy Burger in her review for 88.1 KDHX, "with the infectious and humorous songs of Weber and Rice, great cast performances, fantastic direction and choreography by Blankenbuehler, and dazzling set and costume design, the show is a fun and lighthearted good time for theatergoers of all ages."

Mainstreet Musicals presents staged readings of three new musicals on Saturday and Sunday, May 3 and 4, in the Orthwein Hall at the Muny, 1 Theatre Drive in Forest Park. The musicals are Merton Of The Movies by Doug Katsaros and Donald Brenner (6 PM Saturday and 3 PM Sunday), Pride and Prejudice by Lindsay Warren Baker and Amanda Jacobs (3 PM Saturday and noon Sunday), and Under Fire by Barry Harman and Grant Sturiale (noon Saturday and 6 PM Sunday). For more information: www.mainstreetfestivals.org/stlouis.htm.

My take: This hasn't gotten a lot of publicity—I only found out about it accidentally myself during a side conversation just prior to Lara Teeter's show at the Gaslight Theatre last weekend—so I feel called upon to draw as much attention to it as possible. I have no idea whether these musicals are worthwhile or not, but I do know that it's always a good idea to encourage new shows and the ticket price is right: $10 a pop.

Upstream Theater presents Windmill Baby by David Milroy through May 11. “Winner of the prestigious Patrick White Award, Windmill Baby is an enthralling show about an aging Aboriginal woman named MayMay, who returns briefly to the cattle station where she lived years ago in order to take care of some 'unfinished business.' With warmth, wit, and great heart she tells a story of many layers: Of Black Australians in the service of White Australia. Of unexpected romance and sudden ruination. Of overcoming heartbreak and -most wonderfully of all-of abiding love.“ Performances take place at the Kranzberg Arts Center, 501 North Grand in Grand Center. For more information, including show times: upstreamtheater.org.

My take: As Steve Callahan notes in his review for 88.1 KDHX , the play itself is not without its flaws, but the performance by Linda Kennedy is first rate. "She tells a compelling tale," he writes. "She moves deftly and with grace, as the well-trained dancer that she is. And she sparkles with wit....Miss Kennedy gives a strong, engaging performance in a play that is not, in itself, very strong."

Held Over:

Equally Represented Arts presents Make Hamlet, April 21 through May 3. "This experimental, theatrical production re-envisions Shakespeare's iconic play. It uses the play's inherent meta-theatricality to explore its theme of fractured identity. Shakespeare's tragic text, ERA's ensemble-driven ideals, and the ritual of performance collide as six actors Make Hamlet." Performances take place at The Chapel Venue, 6238 Alexander Drive. For more information: equallyrepresentedarts.com.

My take: Non-traditional approaches to Shakespeare's classics can be a risky proposition, but as Steve Callahan notes in his review for 88.1 KDHX, this production "powerfully captures all the fears, doubts, anxieties and philosophical wonderings in which Shakespeare's play is so rich. This production expects much of its audience: it expects intelligence; it expects a good familiarity with Shakespeare's play; it expects an open mind; it expects a sense of humor. But if you have these things then ERA's production of 'Make Hamlet' is certainly for you." The Chapel Venue is non-traditional in its own way. It offers the space free of charge to performers and volunteers run the bar at the back of the house. It's definitely worth supporting that kind of attitude.

Mustard Seed Theatre presents Falling, written and directed by Deanna Jent. "Fresh from its off-Broadway run, Falling returns with the original St. Louis cast. The New York Post writes: "This heartfelt and nuanced family drama is shot through with dark humor. Falling soars!" While Falling explores hard truths within a family dealing specifically with autism, the story is really about loving someone who is hard to love." Performances take place through May 4 at the Fontbonne Fine Arts Theatre, 6800 Wydown Blvd. For more information, call (314) 719-8060 or visit the web site at www.mustardseedtheatre.com.

My take: St. Louis doesn't export that much theatre, so when it does it's worth taking notice. In his review for 88.1 KDHX, Steve Callahan says that "you can count your lucky stars that right now it is again playing in St. Louis. This is the most powerful, moving new play I've seen in years." I think you can take that to the bank, as they say.

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