St. Louis theatre calendar for the week of July 25, 2016

[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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St. Charles Community College presents the musical The Addams Family Tuesday through Sunday, July 26 - 31. "The weird and wonderful family created by New Yorker cartoonist Charles Addams comes to life in this zany musical comedy. All the memorable “creepy and kooky” characters are there: Morticia, Gomez, Uncle Fester, Lurch, Grandmama, Wednesday and Pugsley, accompanied on stage by some of their deceased ancestors. In this story, Morticia and Gomez Addams want to continue living amongst death, pain and suffering as they always have. But there is a change brewing.” Performances take place in the SCC Center Stage Theater 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 Lemp Mansion Comedy-Mystery Dinner Theater presents Bullets in the Bathtub through July 30. The Lemp Mansion is at 3322 DeMenil Place. For more information: mansion.com

Stages St. Louis presents the musical satire The Drowsy Chaperone through August 21. "With its laugh-a-minute script and one show-stopping song and dance number after another, it's easy to see why THE DROWSY CHAPERONE won the most Tony Awards of any musical on Broadway in 2006, including Best Book and Score. It all begins when a die-hard musical theatre fan decides to play his favorite cast album in his small brownstone apartment - a 1928 smash hit musical called "The Drowsy Chaperone." The show magically bursts to life before him as audiences are instantly transported to an earlier time and place and immersed in the glamorous and hilarious tale of a celebrity bride and her uproarious wedding day, complete with gangsters, mistaken identities, an off-course aviatrix, and an uplifting ride to the rafters. " Performances take place in the Robert G. Reim Theatre at the Kirkwood Community Center, 111 South Geyer Road in Kirkwood. For more information, visit stagesstlouis.org or call 314-821-2407.

Gateway Center for the Performing Arts presents Elf Jr. the Musical on Friday and Saturday, July 29 and 30, at 6:30 p.m. "Based on the beloved holiday film and featuring the Tony award-winning authors who brought you ANNIE, HAIRSPRAY, and THE PRODUCERS, this hilarious musical follows Buddy, a young orphan and would-be elf, who grows up at the North Pole until his enormous size and poor toy-making abilities cause him to face the truth. Buddy embarks on a journey to New York City to find his family, facing the harsh reality that his father is on the naughty list, and his stepbrother doesn't even believe in Santa. Still, Buddy is determined to win over his new family and help New York remember the true meaning of Christmas" The performance takes place in the Emerson Performance Center on the Harris-Stowe State University campus at 3101 Laclede in Midtown. For more information: gpastl.org.

Alton Little Theater presents Fame the Musical, based on the Hollywood movie, Thursdays through Sundays through July 31. "The Broadway Musical FAME is a sequel to the beloved film of the same name. Great Dance numbers and Inspirational Ballads become part of the tale when students at a Performing Arts Academy in New York City get down to work on "making it" in Show Business. The Cast of Twenty-Five (plus) performers ages 14 -24 will embrace the energy and dedication needed to actually find "fame". Under the direction of Kevin Frakes and Sue Parton Stanard (with choreography by Khristina Bemis), the Summer showcase production (ONLY SIX SHOWS) will have audience members ready to dance and reclaim their own big dreams! Local Musical Theater Professionals will be featured as "Instructors" at the Academy, making for summer ENTERTAINMENT not to be missed!" Performances take place at 2450 North Henry in Alton, IL. For more information, call 618.462.6562 or visit altonlittletheater.org.

The Muny presents the musical Fiddler on the Roof opening on Saturday, July 30, and running nightly at 8:15 pm through August 5 in the outdoor theatre in Forest Park. "A musical that celebrates family, tradition and community, Fiddler on the Roof is one of the greatest musicals ever written. This cherished musical is a poignant folk tale, laden with happiness and tears - a musical that grows more resonant with every passing year. See it with someone you love." For more information, visit muny.org or call 314-361-1900.

Grey Gardens
Photo: Dan Donovan

Max and Louie Productions presents the musical Grey Gardens through July 30. "Not since Mama Rose and Gypsy has there been a mother/daughter act as hilarious, as heartbreaking and as utterly unforgettable as "Big" Edith and "Little" Edie Beale - Jackie Kennedy's most outrageous relatives - in the acclaimed musical smash Grey Gardens! From the grandeur of an East Hampton high society party in 1941 to the sensational tabloid headlines that rocked the Kennedy clan in 1973, Grey Gardens is scandalously entertaining. Step into the world of Grey Gardens and see the other side of Camelot." Performances take place at the Wool Studio Theatre at the JCC, 2 Millstone Campus Drive. For more information, visit maxandlouie.com.

The Hawthorne Players present the musical Hairspray July 29 - August 7. "It's 1962 in Baltimore, and the lovable plus-size teen Tracy Turnblad has only one desire -- to dance on the popular Corny Collins Show. When her dream comes true, Tracy is transformed from social outcast to sudden star. She must use her newfound power to dethrone the reigning Teen Queen, win the affections of heartthrob Link Larkin, and integrate a TV network, all without denting her 'do!" 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.info.

Hard Road Theatre Productions presents the musical Happy Days July 29 - August 7. "Based on the tv show of the same name that starred Henry Winkler and Ron Howard, HAPPY DAYS follows Richie Cunningham, Arthur “Fonzie” Fonzarelli, and their friends and family as they attempt to save Arnold's Diner from destruction in 1959 by holding a sock hop and wrestling competition." Performances will be held at the Highland High School Auditorium, 12760 Troxler Ave, Highland IL. For more information: www.hardroad.org.

jon and jen

Insight Theatre Company presents the musical jon and jen through July 31. "This is the story of Jen and her relationships with the two Johns of her life: her younger brother, who was killed in Vietnam, and his namesake, her son who is trying to find his way in a confusing world. Jen and her younger brother John are growing up in the ever-changing world of mid-century America. As the country becomes divided over the war in Vietnam, so does the family, and battle lines are drawn between the once-close siblings. When John is killed in Vietnam, Jen is left to reconcile her memory of their fractured relationship along with his namesake, her son who is trying to find his way in a confusing world." Performances take place in the Heagney Theatre, 530 East Lockwood on the campus of Nerinx Hall High School in Webster Groves. For more information, call 314-556-1293 or visit insighttheatrecompany.com.

Mamma Mia!

The Muny presents the musical Mamma Mia!, based on the songs of ABBA, running nightly at 8:15 pm through July 28 in the outdoor theatre in Forest Park. "After 14 years and nearly 6,000 performances on Broadway, the phenomenal worldwide megahit Mamma Mia! arrives at The Muny like a breath of fresh island air. Prepare to be swept into the contagious excitement of 22 memorable ABBA hits, including "Dancing Queen," "Take a Chance on Me" and "The Winner Takes It All." You haven't seen Mamma Mia! in its full splendor until you've seen it under the stars at The Muny." For more information, visit muny.org or call 314-361-1900.

COCA presents the musical Memphis Friday at 7 p.m. and Saturday at 2 and 7 p.m., July 29 and 30 "Set in the underground dance clubs, radio stations and recording studios of 1950s Memphis, this hot musical bursts off the stage with explosive dancing, irresistible songs and a tale filled with laughter, soul and rock & roll!" Performances take place in the Edison Theatre on the Washington University Campus. For more information visit www.cocastl.org.

Show of Affection
Photo: John Lamb

St. Louis Actors' Studio presents the Neil LaBute New Theater Festival, Part 2 through July 31 at the Gaslight Theatre, 358 North Boyle. The festival features professional, new and previously unproduced one-act plays 45 minutes or less in length, chosen from submissions to the festival over the previous year. The plays in Part 2 are "Life Model" by Neil LaBute, "American Outlaws" by Adam Seidel, "Blue Balls" by Willie Johnson, and "Show of Affection" by Laurence Klavan. For more information, call 314-458-2978 or visit stlas.org.

The Bissell Mansion Murder Mystery Dinner Theatre presents Nursery Crimes through July 31. The Bissell Mansion is at 4426 Randall Place. For more information: bissellmansiontheatre.com.

Dayspring Arts and Education presents the musical Peter Pan Friday and Saturday, July 29 and 30, at 7 p.m. "With just three short but intense weeks of rehearsal DaySpring students ages 6-18 will wow you with their performances of the full production of “Peter Pan” the musical. Follow Peter Pan, Wendy, Michael, and John on their adventures as they fight pirates, save Tinker Bell, and declare that they will “never grow up!” This sweet, fun, and endearing show will touch your heart and the upbeat musical numbers will have you leaving the theater singing! Surely this show will not disappoint an audience of all ages." Performances take place Christ Memorial Lutheran Church, 5252 S. Lindbergh in South County. For more information: dayspringarts.org.

Over Due Theatre presents the Seussical the Musical, based on the stories and drawings of Theodore Seuss Geisel, a.k.a. Dr. Seuss, Fridays and Saturdays at 7:30 PM and Sundays at 2 PM, July 29 - August 7. 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.

The Presenters Dolan and The Emerald Room Cabaret present Ken Haller in Song by Song by Sondheim on Saturday, July 30, at 8 p.m. "Pairing his passions with the songs of Stephen Sondheim, Ken Haller reprises his long ago solo cabaret debut. In songs by turn as sentimental, witty, lacerating, sweet, and rollicking as "Send in the Clowns," "The Little Things You Do Together," "Comedy Tonight," "Children Will Listen," "Not While I'm Around," "Broadway Baby," and "Putting It Together," Ken displays the gifts that led Post-Dispatch theatre critic Judith Newmark to give him a "Judy" Award." The performance takes place in The Emerald Room at The Monocle Bar, 4510 Manchester in The Grove neighborhood. For more information: www.themonoclestl.com/events-page.

The Midnight Company presents Will Eno's THOMPAIN (based on nothing) Fridays and Saturdays at 8 p.m., through August 6. Performances take place at Herbie's Vintage72, 405 N. Euclid in the Central West End, It will be a 10-year anniversary revival production for Midnight, with Artistic Director Joe Hanrahan once again the performer, and Larry Dell once again directing. "Nearly indescribable, THOMPAIN was described thus by the NYTimes: 'A surreal meditation on the empty promises life makes, the way experience never lives up to the weird and awesome fact of being...but also, in its odd, bewitching beauty an affirmation of life's worth...a small masterpiece.' Actor Joe Hanrahan calls it 'Existential Stand-Up,' while director Larry Dell describes it as 'Stand-Up Tragedy.'" Tickets will be on sale later in the spring at brownpapertickets.com.

Union Avenue Opera presents Puccini's Tosca Fridays and Saturdays at 8 PM, July 29 - August 6. "Tosca is a powerful tale of an unholy bargain between the tragic heroine Floria Tosca and the chief of the Roman police, Baron Scarpia, arguably one of opera's vilest characters, who will stop at nothing to get his way. Will Tosca give herself to a man she hates to save Cavaradossi, the man she loves? Will she betray everything her lover believes to spare his life? Intrigue, cruelty, and betrayal swirl about the doomed diva in this riveting drama that explores the dark side of human emotion, set to some of Puccini's most passionate and unforgettable music." Performances take place at the Union Avenue Christian Church, 733 Union at Enright in the Central West End. The opera is sung in Italian with projected English text. For more information, visit unionavenueopera.org or call 314-361-2881.

Ken Haller

The Presenters Dolan and The Emerald Room Cabaret present Ken Haller in The TV Show on Friday, July 29, at 8 p.m. "Ken performs songs written for TV from “Sesame Street” to “Smash,” from “Cinderella” to “Animaniacs,” from “Moonlighting” to “The Monkees.” And of course, there will be songs with lyrics you love (“Mary Tyler Moore”), lyrics you never knew existed (“Bewitched”), and lyrics you can't get out of your head (the Barry Manilow Commercial Jingle Extravaganza!). KDHX's Chuck Lavazzi calls it “a tremendously entertaining and often extremely funny romp through TV land.” The performance takes place in The Emerald Room at The Monocle Bar, 4510 Manchester in The Grove neighborhood. For more information: www.themonoclestl.com/events-page.

Take Two Productions presents the rock musical Xanadu through July 30. "Xanadu follows the journey of a magical and beautiful Greek muse, Kira, who descends from the heavens of Mt. Olympus to Venice Beach, California in 1980 on a quest to inspire a struggling artist, Sonny, to achieve the greatest artistic creation of all time - the first ROLLER DISCO! (Hey, it's 1980!) But, when Kira falls into forbidden love with the mortal Sonny, her jealous sisters take advantage of the situation and chaos abounds." Performances take place at Bayless High School Auditorium, 4532 Weber Road in South County. For more information, visit taketwoproductions.org.

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.