Chuck's theatre choices for the weekend of October 17, 2014

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

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Photo: John Lamb

Stray Dog Theatre presents Agatha Christie's thriller And Then There Were None Thursdays through Saturdays at 8 PM through October 25. "Ten strangers, each with something to hide - or fear - are lured to a remote island by an unseen host. With no way to leave, the guests begin to share their dark secrets-and then, one by one, they die. Based on the best-selling mystery novel of all time, this thriller contains perhaps the most unpredictable plot ever devised by Agatha Christie." Performances take place at The Tower Grove Abbey, 2336 Tennessee. For more information, visit straydogtheatre.org or call 314-865-1995.

My take: There's nothing profound about Christie's classic whodunnit, and the plot twist, while clever when first used in the novel on which the play is based, has become something of a cliche by now. I speak from experience; I've done the show. Still, reviews for this production have been uniformly good. At the Post-Dispatch, Judy Newmark praises the "chic set" and "vivid performances." On the Stage Door blog, Steve Allen lauds director Gary Bell's "eye for detail and heightened suspense." Mark Bretz at Ladue News calls it "a nifty whodunit designed to entertain." Well, you get the idea. It's a ripping yarn and it runs for another two weekends.

Upstream Theater presents Sophocles' Antigone through October 26. "This ancient drama deals with the tragedy that ensues when society's demand for the rule of law conflicts with an individual's moral imperative-a conflict that recent events in our city have given unforeseen and unwanted resonance." Performances take place at the Kranzberg Arts Center, 501 North Grand in Grand Center. For more information, including show times: upstreamtheater.org. 

My take: This new adaptation of the Sophocles classic by David Slavitt is getting its world premiere at Upstream, and notices have generally been very good. "Meticulously directed by artistic director Philip Boehm and featuring superb performances by a stellar cast," writes Mark Bretz at Ladue News, "Upstream’s presentation shows the timelessness and enduring perceptive power of Sophocles’ observations of human foibles." At broadwayworld, Chris Gibson calls Slavitt's adaptation "the most intriguing and accessible version I've ever seen. With the inclusion of a dash of humor to the proceedings he's also managed to enhance the dramatic depth of the tale. Upstream Theater's current production is masterful and powerful in equal measure, providing a memorable experience that demands to be seen."

Photo: John Lamb

New Jewish Theater presents The Diary of Anne Frank through November 2. "The iconic story of Anne Frank who hid with her family and four others in the annex of her father's factory. In this gripping and transcendently powerful new adaptation of the original story based on Anne's diary, we see Anne as a living, lyrical, intensely gifted young girl who confronts her rapidly changing life and the increasing horror of the time with astonishing honesty, wit and determination.This young girl's remarkable diary has become a testament to the human spirit and illuminates Anne's unwavering belief in justice and love. This moving, true story is essential viewing for every generation - a new adaptation for a new generation." 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: I should note at the outset that this is a new adaptation of Anne Frank's diaries by Wendy Kesselman based on the older dramatization by Frances Goodrich and Albert Hackett that most of us have seen in the past. "The current production by The New Jewish Theatre is simply heart wrenching in its exquisite and engaging execution," writes Chris Gibson at broadwayworld.com. "A wonderful cast and sensitive direction allow this true and tragic tale to blossom fully." Other reviews have been equally effusive. At the Jewish Light, for example, Bob Cohn calls it "heart-stopping." 'Nuff said.

Karen Mason

The Presenters Dolan present Karen Mason: Secrets of the Ancient Divas on Friday and Saturday, October 17 and 18, at 8 PM as part of the Gaslight Cabaret Festival. "The star of Mamma Mia!, Hairspray, Sunset Boulevard and Wonderland, and a 10-time MAC (Manhattan Association of Cabarets) Award winner, Karen Mason comes to town with her new show, Secrets of the Ancient Divas. The show pays homage to some of Karen's personal idols, including Judy Garland, Peggy Lee, Barbra Streisand." The performances take place at the Gaslight Theater, 358 North Boyle. For more information: gaslightcabaretfestival.com.

My take: Mason is a major star. Reviewing this show for the Chicago Tribune back in 2012, Howard Reich observed that "Mason's new show reminds us that bona fide divas remake the songs to suit their needs (and then ours). By that measure, Mason ranks among the most creative of them." Mason's show continues off a month-long procession of local and national talent at the Gaslight Cabaret Festival (including new shows from local stars like Ken Haller and Meghan Kirk) that started last weekend with Katie McGrath's "Love in the Desert". If you love cabaret, you won't want to miss these shows.

Over Due Theatre presents the musical Side Show Fridays and Saturdays at 8 PM and Sundays at 2 PM, through October 19. "While the Great Depression rages through America, an unlikely pair is beginning their rise from freaks trapped in an exploitative carnival underworld to Vaudeville and Hollywood stars. Based on the true story of famous Siamese twins Daisy and Violet Hilton, the Tony-nominated musical Side Show follows the Hiltons' journey of stardom, romance, and heartbreak with the sisters coming to terms with the question "Who Will Love Me As I Am?" Featuring a moving blend of Rock, Pop, Vaudeville, and Classic Broadway music styles, this surreal spectacle cannot be missed!" Performances take place at the Olivette Community Center, 9723 Grandview Drive, in Olivette, MO. For more information, call 314-210-2959 or visit overduetheatrecompany.com

My take: Side Show is, no doubt, one of the most unusual musicals to come along in recent years, and Over Due deserves praise for taking on a difficult piece. "Fine voices abound" in this cast, according to KDHX's Steve Callahan. "The whole cast—from Geek to Bearded Lady to Reptile Man and the others—are wonderfully committed to their roles. They generously share with us their great love for this show."

The St. Lou Fringe presents international Fringe performer Rosie Bitts in her one-woman play Stories of Love and Passion Friday and Saturday, October 17 and 18, at 8 p.m. " Rosie mixes cabaret, burlesque, and storytelling to create a roller coaster ride of a show that takes the audience from laughter to tears to titillation within the span of an hour. Bitts' play is a spectacle for the senses featuring fabulous live music (Bitts sings soulfully and is accompanied by multi-instrumentalist Jeff Poynter), gorgeous costumes, and some very cheeky burlesque." Opening for Bitts on Friday will be The Wide-Eyed presentation of Whores, a raw and heartfelt exploration of modern-day relationships in which three women find their voices in a world that compels most to silence. On Saturday Oct 18, Vip the Clown presents Insufficiently Sober, in which the art of physical comedy is used to explore the shame and trauma associated with alcoholism in a bittersweet tribute to Vaudeville-era storytelling. Performances take place at the Kranzberg Center, 501 North Grand in Grand Center. For more information: stlfringe.com.

My take: I'm including this just because it's such an intriguing concept and because the Em Piro and the folks at the Fringe continue to push the entertainment envelope locally. Good on them.

Held Over:

Photo: Jill Ritter Lindberg

New Line Theatre presents the St. Louis premiere of the musical Bonnie and Clyde Thursdays through Saturdays at 8 PM through October 25. The show is "a kind of horror Romeo and Juliet story, exploring the culture that created this infamous couple and their two-year murder spree, the moral ambiguity of Prohibition and the Great Depression, and a national cult of celebrity that turned these damaged, dangerous kids into national folk heroes, in their twisted quest for dignity in a time of national humiliation. Bloomberg News called the show, 'a pop romance about the American nightmare.' Today, in this time of economic distress in America, this story seems more relevant than ever. Not only could it happen again; it does." Performances take place at the Washington University South Campus Theatre, 6501 Clayton Road. For more information, visit the web site or call 314-534-1111.

My take: Frank Wildhorn, the composer of Bonnie and Clyde, is nothing if not eclectic when it comes to his choice of material. His shows include The Scarlet Pimpernel, The Civil War, and Wonderland: Alice's New Musical Adventure. Even if this were not a much-praised production, it would be worth seeing for Wildhorn's contribution alone. But, has it happens, the show has gotten plenty of good reviews locally. Writing for broadwayworld.com, Chris Gibson calls it "brilliant." "You'll be blown away by how engaging the story and characters are," he says, "and you'll be humming the score as you walk out the doors because it's just so incredibly and infectiously catchy." The St. Louis Theatre Snob concurs: "Under Jeffrey Richard Carter's musical direction, the New Line Band is tight, handling Wildhorn's score of depression-era blues, folk, gospel and rockabilly superbly...Seeing this production makes it hard to understand why it didn't last longer in NYC." Over at the RFT, Malcom Gay says it "should be on anyone's Most Wanted list." So maybe it should be on yours as well.