St. Louis theatre calendar for the week of August 1, 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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Gateway Center for the Performing Arts presents the musical The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee on Friday at 7 p.m. and Saturday at 2 and 7 p.m., August 5 and 6. "Winner of the TONY and the Drama Desk Awards for Best Book, this musical comedy follows an eclectic group of six mid-pubescents vying for the spelling championship of a lifetime. While candidly disclosing hilarious and touching stories from their home life, the tweens spell their way through a series of (potentially made-up) words hoping to never hear the soul-crushing, pout-inducing, life un-affirming “ding” of the bell that signals a spelling mistake and elimination. With the wit and humor of popular songs including Pandemonium, The Goodbyes, and the touching I Love You Song, you are sure to rediscover the woes and joys of youth in learning that winning (and losing) isn't everything. Rated PG-13Performances take place at The Skip Viragh Center for the Arts at Chaminade College Preparatory School, 425 S. Lindbergh. For more information: gpastl.org.

Clinton County Showcase presents 9 to 5 the Musical opening on Friday, August 4, at 8 p.m. and running through August 7 " 9 To 5 The Musical, with music and lyrics by Dolly Parton and book by Patricia Resnick, is based on the 1980 hit movie. Set in the late 1970s this hilarious story of friendship and revenge in the Rolodex era is outrageous, thought-provoking, and even a little romantic." Performances take place at the Avon Theater, 525 North 2nd Street Breese IL. For more information, visit ccshowcase.com.

Bat Boy

Stray Dog Theatre presents Bat Boy: the Musical Thursdays through Saturdays at 8 PM, August 4 - 20. “This offbeat comedy/horror musical is a big-hearted satire about prejudice. As ripped from a bizarre tabloid headline and set in a tiny West Virginia town, a strange, deformed boy is found alone in a cave. Once the “bat boy” is brought to light, dark - and hilarious - secrets emerge, shaking the community to its core. A clever, playful pop/rock score highlights the show's delirious take on American eccentricities._For MATURE AUDIENCES: In an effort to keep the selection of shows engaging and dynamic, this production may not be appropriate for all ages." Performances take place at The Tower Grove Abbey, 2336 Tennessee. For more information, visit straydogtheatre.org or call 314-865-1995.

The Puppet Guild of Greater St. Louis presents Carnival of the Animals and Jabberwocky on Thursday, August 4, at 5 p.m. as part of the Great Regional Puppet Festival. "The Great Arizona Puppet Theater presents the tale of a monkey, a pirate, and a valuable banana treasure all add up to plenty of hilarious fun in this rollicking and rambunctious original show. A beautiful, hand painted double deck stage transports you to a far away tropical paradise." The performance takes place at the Holiday Inn Express at 4630 Lindell in the Central West End. For more information: puppetfestivalstl.org.

The Bissell Mansion Murder Mystery Dinner Theatre presents CSI: Bissell August 5 - October 30. The Bissell Mansion is at 4426 Randall Place. For more information: bissellmansiontheatre.com

The Puppet Guild of Greater St. Louis presents The Doubtful Sprout on Friday, August 5, at 8 p.m. as part of the Great Regional Puppet Festival. "A Couple of Puppets presents this puppet underground odyssey which was awarded a Jim Henson Foundation Family Grant. It has original music throughout with a variety of puppetry styles and surprises. Learn about the world under our feet, enjoy the Bacterium Ballet, be astounded as Sprout saves the day with the help of her friends! " The performance takes place at The Stage at KDHX, 3524 Washington in Grand Center. For more information: puppetfestivalstl.org.

The Drowsy Chaperone
Photo: Peter Wochniak

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.

The Muny presents the musical Fiddler on the Roof 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.

The Puppet Guild of Greater St. Louis presents A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Death Star on Saturday, August 6, at 3:15 p.m. as part of the Great Regional Puppet Festival. "Mike Horner imagines what would have happened if George Lucas had turned his epic space saga into a musical puppet show? Find out in this wacky parody of the Star Wars trilogy written by musician Curt Bright and adapted and performed by puppeteer Mike Horner. Wookies and Jedis and Droids, Oh my! " The performance takes place at the St. Louis University Theatre, 3733 West Pine on the St. Louis University campus. For more information: puppetfestivalstl.org.

Hairspray

The Hawthorne Players present the musical Hairspray through 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 through 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.

The Puppet Guild of Greater St. Louis presents Immigrant Stew at the Chat 'n' Chew on Saturday, August 6, at 4 p.m. as part of the Great Regional Puppet Festival. "Eulenspiegel Puppets and Friends present a humorous, touching, and quite timely as we welcome immigrants into the rural Midwest. Cathy Schmidt-McGillicutty, played by Monica Leo, is the proprietress of the local cafe, the Chat 'N' Chew. She's upset because her daughter wants to marry a member of a Mexican immigrant family. She confronts her prejudice as flashbacks play out scenes from her own family history. The flashbacks are performed by older children or adults from the local community to an accompaniment of live music by Tim Hillis." The performance takes place at the St. Louis University Theatre, 3733 West Pine on the St. Louis University campus. For more information: puppetfestivalstl.org.

Ignite Theatre Company presents Into the Woods Jr. on Thursday at 7 p.m. and Friday at 2 and 7 p.m., August 4 and 5. "All of your favorite characters Cinderella, Little Red Riding Hood, Jack (and his beanstalk), and the Witch meet and interact in this whimsical original story. The musical centers on a baker and his wife who wish to have a child; Cinderella, who wishes to attend the king's festival; and Jack, who wishes his cow would give milk. When the baker and his wife learn that they cannot have a child because of a witch's curse, the two set off on a journey to break the curse and wind up changed forever. " Performances take place at the Kranzberg Arts Center, 501 N. Grand in Grand Center. For more information: ignitewithus.org.

St. Louis Shakespeare presents Shakespeare's tragedy Julius Caesar Thursdays at 7:30 p.m., Fridays and Saturdays at 8 p.m., and Sundays at 2 p.m., August 5-14. Performances take place at the Ivory Theatre, 7620 Michigan in the Carondelet neighborhood. For more information, call 314-361-5664 or visit stlshakespeare.org.

The Puppet Guild of Greater St. Louis presents Little Red Riding Hood on Thursday, August 4, at 7:30 p.m. as part of the Great Regional Puppet Festival. "Mesner Puppet Theater presents the tale of Little Red Riding Hood accompanied by a collection of American folk and traditional rhymes. Performed with beautifully crafted glove, rod and hand puppets, this show uses humorous wordplay to explore the playful quality of the English language. Join Georgette, the First Lady of Mesner Puppets, as she introduces Little Red, Miss Suzy and her baby, Little Bunny Foo Foo, Little Miss Muffet, Old McDonald, Barnaby the Dog, On Top of Spaghetti, and Mary Had a Little Lamb. " The performance takes place at the Holiday Inn Express at 4630 Lindell in the Central West End. For more information: puppetfestivalstl.org.

The Puppet Guild of Greater St. Louis presents The Monkey and the Pirate on Friday, August 5, at 2:30 p.m. as part of the Great Regional Puppet Festival. " Tom Bonham Puppet and Marionette Productions present a show filled with the same whimsy and imagination as Camille Saint-Saens' music. Puppets are created from bottles, plastic slinkies, brushes, hair ties, wiffle balls, and sundry “dollar store” items. Jabberwocky has a new take on the nonsense story. The shows are performed table-top style." The performance takes place at the Kranzberg Arts Center, 501 N. Grand in Grand Center. For more information: puppetfestivalstl.org.

Act Two Theatre presents the comedy Moon Over Buffalo August 3-14. "Moon Over Buffalo centers on George and Charlotte Hay, fading stars of the 1950's who are playing Private Lives and Cyrano De Bergerac in rep in Buffalo, New York. On the brink of a disastrous split-up, they receive word that they might just have one last shot at stardom: Frank Capra is coming to town to see their matinee, and if he likes what he sees, he might cast them in his new film. Unfortunately for George and Charlotte, everything that could go wrong does. As a result, this tribute to “Life in the Theatre” is simply outrageously hilarious!! "" Performances take place in the St. Peters Cultural Arts Centre at 1 St Peters Centre Blvd, St. Peters, MO 63376. For more information: act2theater.com.

The Puppet Guild of Greater St. Louis presents Mother Goose's Neighborhood on Friday, August 5, at 7 p.m. as part of the Great Regional Puppet Festival. " Tom Bonham Puppet and Marionette Productions present a show filled with the same whimsy and imagination as Camille Saint-Saens' music. Puppets are created from bottles, plastic slinkies, brushes, hair ties, wiffle balls, and sundry “dollar store” items. Jabberwocky has a new take on the nonsense story. The shows are performed table-top style." The performance takes place at the Kranzberg Arts Center, 501 N. Grand in Grand Center. For more information: puppetfestivalstl.org.

The Goshen Theatre Project presents Peter Pan August 4-6. The performances take place at the Hettenhausen Center for the Arts, 701 College Rd., at Alton St. on the McKendree University campus in Lebanon, IL.. For more information: www.goshentheatreproject.org/

The Puppet Guild of Greater St. Louis presents Puppet Potpourri and Puppet Slam on Friday, August 5, at 10 p.m. as part of the Great Regional Puppet Festival. "This is a combination of an open mike and slam. The Puppet Potpourri features an “open mike” short 3 to 5 minute acts by volunteer puppeteers attending The Great Regional Puppet Festival. The Potpourri acts are usually family friendly, sometimes including performances by budding child puppeteers. The second part of the program is the Puppet Slam. Here there are no time limits or rules. The acts are often more adult oriented anywhere from reverent to artistic to bawdy." The performance takes place at The Stage at KDHX, 3524 Washington in Grand Center. For more information: puppetfestivalstl.org.

The Looking Glass Playhouse presents the rock musical The Rocky Horror Show Friday and Saturday, August 5 and 6, at 7 and 11 p.m. Performances take place at 301 West St. Louis Street in Lebanon, Ill. For more information, visit www.lookingglassplayhouse.com.

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 through 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 Puppet Guild of Greater St. Louis presents Still Life on Saturday, August 6, at 2:30 p.m. as part of the Great Regional Puppet Festival. "Sill Life is a collection of (mostly) nonverbal shadow puppetry shorts. In these vignettes, people struggle-humorously, for the greater part-to make sense of or contend with a world that refuses to obey their expectations." The performance takes place at the St. Louis University Theatre, 3733 West Pine on the St. Louis University campus. For more information: puppetfestivalstl.org.

The Puppet Guild of Greater St. Louis presents Summer Follies on Saturday, August 6, at 11a.m.. as part of the Great Regional Puppet Festival. " Bob Kramer Marionnettes present a variety show featuring musical numbers from Chicago, Hello Dolly, Victor, Victoria and Beautiful Girls from Follies." The performance takes place at Kramer Marionette Theatre, 4143 Laclede in Midtown. For more information: puppetfestivalstl.org.

THOMPAIN (based on nothing)

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.

The Puppet Guild of Greater St. Louis presents The Toad Prince on Saturday, August 6, at 8 p.m. as part of the Great Regional Puppet Festival. "Puppet Arts Theatre presents a colorful Chinese version of Beauty and the Beast. In this story it is Indri, a son of a Water Sprite and the King of the Toads who inherited the ugliness of his father. What he also inherited is the spring of healing water that he sells to the villagers. Because of his unhappiness over his ugliness he overcharges them and treats them badly. From his mother he learns that by spending nine days in the presence of virtue his ugliness can be removed." The performance takes place at the St. Louis University Theatre, 3733 West Pine on the St. Louis University campus. For more information: puppetfestivalstl.org.

The Puppet Guild of Greater St. Louis presents Tommy's Space Adventure on Friday, August 5, at 4:30 p.m. as part of the Great Regional Puppet Festival. "Puppet Art Theater Company presents the story of Tommy the Mouse who loves comics about outer space and flying saucers. If fact, his greatest wish is to go for a real live ride in a real live flyer saucer with a real live space alien. Little does Tommy know his wish is about to come true when Zeenon the Space Alien lands in Tommy's backyard. Unfortunately, the mad scientist Dr. Lost N Space is also interested in Aliens...interested in selling them for millions of dollars! " The performance takes place at the Kranzberg Arts Center, 501 N. Grand in Grand Center. For more information: puppetfestivalstl.org.

Tosca
Photo: John Lamp

Union Avenue Opera presents Puccini's Tosca Fridays and Saturdays at 8 PM, through 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.

KMW Productions presents The Wake Up Call Saturday at 6 p.m. and Sunday at 4 p.m., August 6 and 7. Performances take place at the Alton Little Theater, 2450 N. Henry Street in Alton, IL. For more information: kmwproductions.org.

The Lemp Mansion Comedy-Mystery Dinner Theater presents Zombie Love through August 5 - October 28. 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.