St. Louis theatre calendar for the week of October 13, 2014

[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 events web site.

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Photo: Justin Been

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.

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. Read the 88.1 KDHX review!

The Bissell Mansion Murder Mystery Dinner Theatre presents A Big Easy Murder through October 26. The Bissell Mansion is at 4426 Randall Place. For more information: bissellmansiontheatre.com

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. Read the 88.1 KDHX review!

Carol Schmidt

The Cabaret Project and 88.1 KDHX present the monthly Cabaret Open Stage Night on Wednesday, October 17, from 7 to 10 PM at the Tavern of Fine Arts. The Master of Ceremonies this month is 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.

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 powerul 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.

Windsor Theatre Group presents Forever Broadway Saturdays and Sundays at 2 and 5 p.m., through October 26. "This is a family-friendly revue of gorgeous and fun melodies. Performances are at 2 pm and 5 pm on both Saturdays and Sundays. Some of the best singers in the metropolitan area will perform solos, duets and chorus selections of some of well-known numbers, as well as some less-remembered tunes from Broadway shows throughout the years. The audience will also be treated to extraordinary dancing." Performances take place at The Historic Ozark Theatre, 103 E. Lockwood in Webster Groves. For more information: 314-832-2114.

KTK Productions presents the musical Grease October 17-26. Performances take place at Southampton Presbyterian Church, 4716 Macklind. For more information: kurtainkall.org or call 314-351-8984.

Lindenwood University presents Heaven Can Wait by Harry Seagall Fridays and Saturdays at 7:30 p.m., through October 18. “Mr. Jordan is checking passengers who are to depart in an airplane for the Hereafter. The routine is interrupted by the arrival of Joe Pendleton, an attractive prizefighter, who refuses to admit he is dead, and it is revealed that Joe is not scheduled to arrive for another 60 years! But Joe can't return to Earth because his manager had his body cremated! The search is on as Heaven attempts to locate a permanent body for Joe, who in the meantime is sent to earth in an interim body, falls in love, and is forced to deal with a murderous couple. Can he keep his new true love? Can he stay alive long enough for Heaven to find a new body? For now, Heaven Can Wait!' Performances take place in the Emerson Black Box Theatre at the J. Scheidegger Center for the Arts on the Lindenwood campus in St. Charles, MO. For more information, call 636-949-4433 or visit lindenwood.edu/center.

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.

Alton Little Theater presents the comedy Kosher Lutherans Thursdays through Sundays, October 16-26, at 2450 North Henry in Alton, IL. "Kosher Lutherans centers on Hanna and Franklyn, the seemingly perfect couple who desperately want to have a child of their own, but are unable to do so. As the couple begins to wonder if they’ll ever become parents, they have a chance encounter with a God- fearing pregnant girl from Iowa who offers to let the couple adopt her out-of-wedlock baby. Just before the adoption papers are signed, Hanna and Franklyn discover the girl is unaware that they are Jewish. Knowing the revelation could throw a ratchet into the whole works, the couple poses as Lutherans to appeal to the girl’s apparent Midwestern sensibilities. But how far are they willing to go to have a family?” For more information, call 618.462.6562 or visit altonlittletheater.org.

Clinton County Showcase presents the musical Little Shop of Horrors through October 19. Performances take place at the Avon Theater, 525 North 2nd Street Breese IL. For more information, visit ccshowcase.com.

Photo: Lon Brauer

The Repertory Theatre of St. Louis presents Shakespeare's A Midsummer Night's Dream October 15-November 9. "Magic, merriment and romance all unite in one of Shakespeare's most beloved and imaginative comedies. Starry-eyed lovers escape to an enchanted forest full of lust and bewitchment, where mischievous fairies play tricks, bumbling actors rehearse for a love-play and couples pursue one another, all under the light of the moon." Performances take place on the mainstage at the Loretto-Hlton Center, 130 Edgar Road in Webster Groves, MO. For more information, call 314-968-4925 or visit repstl.org.

St. Louis Shakespeare presents Much Ado About Nothing October 17-25. "As one pair of (reluctant) lovers engages in a merry war of wits, another becomes innocent victims of a villainous plot to destroy their happiness. But thanks to the dogged persistence of a truly remarkable keeper of the peace, love prevails at last in one of Shakespeare's most popular romantic comedies." Performances take at the Forissant Civic Center Theatre at Parker and Waterford in Florissant, MO. For more information, call 314-361-5664 or visit stlshakespeare.org.

Fontbonne University presents the musical Nunsense October 16-19. “When the Little Sisters of Hoboken discover that their cook has accidentally poisoned 52 of the sisters, and they are in dire need of funds for the burials, they decide to put on a variety show. We meet Reverend Mother Regina, a former circus performer; Sister Mary Hubert, the Mistress of Novices; a streetwise nun from Brooklyn named Sister Robert Anne; Sister Mary Leo, a novice who is a wannabe ballerina; and the delightfully wacky Sister Mary Amnesia, the nun who lost her memory when a crucifix fell on her head. Featuring an audience quiz and comic surprises, this show has become an international phenomenon.” Performances take place at the Fontbonne Fine Arts Theatre, 6800 Wydown Blvd. For more information: fontbonne.edu or call 314-719-8061.

Affton CenterStage Theatre Company presents The Odd Couple (Female Version) on Saturday and Sunday, October 17 and 18. Performances take place in the Reim Theatre at the Kirkwood Community Center, 111 South Geyer Road. For more information, call 636-349-6880 or visit www.afftoncenterstage.org.

Family Musical Theater presents the musical The Rocky Horror Show October 17-25 at the Ivory Theatre, 7622 Michigan. For more information, visit familymusical.org or call 314-571-9579.

Southern Illinois University at Edwardsville presents Carlo Gondoni's comedy The Servant of Two Masters Wednesday through Sunday, October 15-19. The performances take place on the campus in Edwardsville, IL. For more information, call 618-650-2774.

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 Read the 88.1 KDHX review!

St. Charles Community College Young People's Theatre presents Sleepy Hollow October 17-19. 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.

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.

Winter Opera STL presents free performances of Michael Ching's Speed Dating Tonight, a "comic opera in one act about the trials and tribulations of finding love in a world that moves too fast." The final performance takes place Monday, October 13, at 7:15 p.m. at East Central College in Union, MO. For details, visit the web site at winteroperastl.org.

The Lemp Mansion Comedy-Mystery Dinner Theater presents Zombie Love! (No Biting) through November 2. The Lemp Mansion is at 3322 DeMenil Place. For more information: lempmansion.com.

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.