Sunday, June 11, 2017

St. Louis theatre calendar for the week of June 12, 2017

On Friday, June 16, 2017, at 7:30 pm That Uppity Theatre Company and R-S Theatrics, in association with Pride St. Louis, St. Charles Pride Festival, Missing Bolts Productions Inc., and NoPassport Theatre Alliance, will present several excerpts from After Orlando, a collection of short plays. These plays were specifically written and curated in response to the massacre at the Pulse Nightclub in Orlando, Florida, on June 12, 2016, that took the lives of 49 LGBTQ and allied people. The plays are roughly three to eight minutes in length. The performance takes at the Contemporary Art Museum, 3750 Washington in Grand Center. For more information: eventbrite.com.

The Cabaret Project and The Curtain Call Lounge at the Fox present the montly Broadway Open Mic Night on Thursday, June 15, from 8 to 11 p.m. Drop by and enjoy a night of great music from St. Louis cabaret artists, backed up by the pianist and music director Carol Schmidt. The special guest MC this month is Ken Haller. 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 Curtain Call Lounge is next door to the Fabulous Fox in Grand Center. For more information: thecabaretproject.org.

The Black Rep presents a revival production of their original musical revue Crossin' Over through June 18. "From roots in Africa - from village to slave ship - through the middle passage - from auction block to plantation fields and up to the modern Civil Rights movement, CROSSIN' OVER tells its tale with traditional West African drumming, hymns, psalms and Gospel standards such as "Swing Low, Sweet Chariot," "Precious Lord," and "We Shall Overcome," as well as contemporary gospel music today." Performances take place in the Emerson Performance Space on the campus of Harris-Stowe State University in midtown. For more information: theblackrep.org.

The Lemp Mansion Comedy-Mystery Dinner Theater presents Death of a Blackheart through July 29. "Welcome aboard the largest, (and safest), cruise liner ever to sail the low seas. That's right. Welcome aboard the Gigantic! But wait! What do I hear? "Argggghhhhhhh!" Avast ye mateys and get yer gizzard ready to be robbed by the most famous pirate ever to pillage a maiden! Of course, we're talkin' Captain Jack Blackheart! He's the pirate that has cheated more people, emptied more pockets and pillaged more ladies than any politician. Gee. I hope no one kills him off. You'll meet lots of fun characters at this show. In fact audience members will get to play lots of fun characters in this show because it's "chock full" of "Fair Maidens", "Lost Boys", "Rival Pirates", and more. One thing is for sure. If you've ever wanted to stand up and shout out Arggggghhhh!...then "Death of a Blackheart" is the show for you!" The Lemp Mansion is at 3322 DeMenil Place. For more information: lempmansion.com.

Opera Theatre of St. Louis presents the world premiere of The Grapes of Wrath by Ricky Ian Gordon and Michael Korie, based on the John Steinbeck novel, through June 25. "When the Dust Bowl sweeps across Oklahoma, the Joad family sets out for a new life in California. But the promised land isn't all it seems. In the face of countless obstacles, can the American dream survive? Both heartbreaking and uplifting, this acclaimed opera vividly captures all the beauty of John Steinbeck's best-selling novel." Performances take place at the Loretto-Hilton Center at 135 Edgar Road on the Webster University campus. All performances are sung in English with projected English text. For more information: experienceopera.org or call 314-961-0644.

The Muny presents the rock musical Jesus Christ Superstar opening on Monday, June 12, at 8:15 p.m. and running through Sunday. "The Tim Rice and Andrew Lloyd Webber phenomenon returns. Jesus Christ Superstar was an album that became a cultural phenomenon, then Broadway's first rock opera and remains a world-wide favorite. With classic songs like "I Don't Know How to Love Him," "Heaven on Their Minds" and the title song, this bold and rocking retelling of the gospels will leave you singing nothing but heavenly praises." Performances take place on the Muny's outdoor stage in Forest Park. For more information: muny.org .

Stages St. Louis presents the musical Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat through July 2. "One of the most enduring shows of all time, Tim Rice and Andrew Lloyd Webber's Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat is the irresistible family musical about the trials and triumphs of Joseph, Israel's favorite son.‚Äù Performances take place in the Robert G. Reim Theatre at the Kirkwood Community Center, 111 South Geyer Road in Kirkwood. For more information: stagesstlouis.com

Theatre Lab and Theatre Macabre present The Lieutenant of Inishmore by Martin Mcdonagh Thursdays through Saturdays at 8 p.m. and Sundays at 2 p.m., June 15 - 25. "Irish terrorist "Mad Padraic" cares about one thing, and one alone, and -- despite his title as the lieutenant of Inishmore's Irish National Liberation Army -- it's not his fight for Irish independence. It's his cat. When Padraic learns that his beloved cat, Wee Thomas, has been killed, Padraic rushes home, forgoing the nipple-excising he'd planned to do on a partly-tortured Belfast drug pusher. As Padraic plows through the town in pursuit of revenge, bodies to pile up in his wake. As fierce as he may be, however, Padriac's soft spot for Wee Thomas may be the weak spot the next aspiring Lieutenant of Inishmore needs to target." Performances take place in the black box theatre at the Kranzberg Arts Center, 501 North Grand in Grand Center. For more information: www.metrotix.com .

Madame Butterfly
Photo: Ken Howard
Opera Theatre of St. Louis presents Puccini's Madame Butterfly through June 24. "A Japanese geisha. An American soldier. Their attraction is immediate, but their love story can't last. When their union results in a child, Cio-Cio-San is forced to do whatever it takes to protect her son's future. Set to breathtaking music, this timeless opera pays powerful, wrenching tribute to a mother's love." Performances take place at the Loretto-Hilton Center at 135 Edgar Road on the Webster University campus. All performances are sung in English with projected English text. For more information: experienceopera.org or call 314-961-0644.

Gateway Opera presents Mayhem a la Femme, a Celebration of Women ComposersFriday and Saturday, June 16 and 17, at 8:00 p.m. The program features music from Snow White Turns Sixty by Dale Trumbore, Cendrillon by Pauline Viadrot, and a Shell of a Trollby St. Louis native D. Jasper Sussman. Performances take place The Chapel, 6238 Alexander Drive in Clayton. For more information: gatewayopera.org .

Stray Dog Theatre presents the world premiere of Monsters, by St. Louis playwright Stephen Peirick, Thursdays through Saturdays, throgh June 24. "Jeremy and Davis are brothers who have masterminded a plan to commit the perfect crime. When Davis' wife finds a distraught man tied up in their basement, the fool proof plan immediately begins to unravel. In this fast-paced comedy/thriller, impulsive decisions and poorly kept secrets have dire consequences." Performances take place at The Tower Grove Abbey, 2336 Tennessee. For more information, visit straydogtheatre.org or call 314-865-1995.

Emery Entertainment presents The Naked Magicians on Monday, June 12, at 8 p.m. "The Naked Magicians, the world's naughtiest and funniest magic show strips away the top hats and capes to promise full-frontal illusions. Starring the clever and seductive Mike Tyler and Christopher Wayne, two of Australia's most famous magicians, The Naked Magicians combine magic and muscles with riotous laughs that take magic to a whole new level. "Good magicians don't need sleeves and great magicians don't need pants," says Tyler." The performance takes place at the Grandel Theatre across from Powell Hall in Grand Center. For more information: nakedmagicians.com .

Insight Theatre Company presents the musical Next to Normal through June 25. Next to Normal examines how one typical suburban family handles the slow retreat into manic depression the mother is battling. Critics call it "an emotional powerhouse" that explores "how a family deals with grief, weighs the ethics of psychiatry, as depicts family life in a suburban setting. It is presented with love, sympathy, and punch." 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 .

The Bissell Mansion Murder Mystery Dinner Theatre presents Phantom of the Grand Old Opry through July 30. The Bissell Mansion is at 4426 Randall Place. For more information: bissellmansiontheatre.com.

Act Inc presents William Inge's drama Picnic Friday and Saturday at 8 and Sunday at 2 p.m. June 16 - 18, and again on Friday at 8 Saturday at 2 p.m., June 23 and 24. "It's Labor day Weekend in small town America, and we are in the backyards of two middle-aged widows. Flo Owens lives there with her two teenage daughters, Madge and Millie, and a boarder, Rosemary, a spinster school teacher. Helen Potts lives next door with her elderly mother. And then a drifter, handsome charismatic Hal Carter appears, charming ladies young and old. Will 15 year old Millie grow a bit from her crush on Hal? Will Rosemary decide to seek more than weekend dates from her long time beau? And will 18 year old Madge ignore her wealthy suitor for bad boy Hal?" 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, visit actincstl.com.

Stages St. Louis Theatre for Young Audiences presents Seussical the Musical opening on Wednesday, June 14 at 11 a.m. and running through July 2nd. "Let your imagination run wild in this magical, musical extravaganza as you join the Cat in the Hat and enter the fantastical world of Doctor Seuss. SEUSSICAL lovingly brings to life your favorite Seussian characters including Horton the Elephant, Gertrude McFuzz, lazy Maizie La Bird, and the little boy with a big imagination - Jojo, who whisk you away from the Jungle of Nool to the Circus McGurkus to the invisible world of the Whos. Based on the internationally beloved children's books "Horton Hears A Who" and "Horton Hatches An Egg", SEUSSICAL boasts a triumphant score from Tony-winners Lynn Ahrens and Stephen Flaherty of ONCE ON THIS ISLAND and RAGTIME fame. Celebrate the powers of friendship, loyalty, family, and community in this not-to-be-missed musical treat for the young and young of heart!" Performances take place at the Playhouse at Westport Plaza. For more information: stagesstlouis.org.

New Line Theatre presents the Marvin Hammlisch musical Sweet Smell of Success, based on the 1957 film of the same name, Thursdays through Saturdays at 8 PM, through June 24. "It's New York, 1952. After dark. Welcome to Broadway, the glamour, power, and sleaze capital of the universe. J.J. Hunsecker rules it all with his daily gossip column in the New York Globe, syndicated to sixty million readers across America. J.J. has the goods on everyone, from the President to the latest starlet. And everyone feeds J.J.'s appetite for scandal, from J. Edgar Hoover and Senator Joseph McCarthy, down to a battalion of hungry press agents who attach their gossip to a client that J.J. might plug. When down-and-out press agent Sidney Falco tries to hitch his wagon to J.J., all while keeping secrets about his new client's relationship with J.J.'s sister, Sidney learns that you can become no one fast when J.J. turns on you." Performances take place at the Marcelle Theater, 3310 Samuel Shepard Drive, three blocks east of Grand, in Grand Center. For more information, visit newlinetheatre.com or call 314-534-1111.

Circus Flora presents its new show, Time Flies, theough June 25 under the air-conditioned, red-and-white, big top tent in Grand Center next to Powell Hall. "Imagine that you could travel through time. Would you go back to relive historic events? What if you could alter the course of your own life? Now imagine you had the grace, power, and beuty of an acrobat or aerialist. Circus Flora's all new production uses the timeless art of circus to explore the fabric of time." For more information: circusflora.org.

The Midnight Company presents Title and Deed Thursdays through Sundays at 8 p.m. through June 24. "Behold the newest nobody of the funniest century yet. He's almost Christ-like, from a distance, in terms of height and weight. Listen closely or drift off uncontrollably, as he speaks to you directly about the notion of home, about the notion of the world. All of it delivered with the authority that is the special province of the unsure and the un-homed, which is a word he made up accidentally. The running time, if he doesn't die or think of anything else, is roughly one hour." Performances take place at Avatar Studios, 2675 Scott Avenue, downtown. Downtown. For more information: brownpapertickets.com

Opera Theatre of St. Louis presents Mozart's Titus (La Clemenza di Tito) through June 24. "Politics turn lethal as a new emperor takes the throne of Rome, and the Capitol is set ablaze by an explosive mix of ambition, conspiracy, and romantic intrigue. With an assassin lurking in the shadows, can the world's most powerful city still be ruled with compassion? Experience this transcendent Mozart masterpiece, handpicked by conductor Stephen Lord for his final appearance as OTSL Music Director." Performances take place at the Loretto-Hilton Center at 135 Edgar Road on the Webster University campus. All performances are sung in English with projected English text. For more information: experienceopera.org or call 314-961-0644.

Opera Theatre of St. Louis presents The Trial by Philip Glass and Christopher Hampton, based on the novel by Kafka, through June 23. "It's strange enough that Josef K. spontaneously finds himself arrested on his 30th birthday ‚stranger still that no one seems able to explain why. He embarks on a year-long search for justice, encountering absurd characters and situations at every turn. Based on Franz Kafka's novel, this dark comedy comes to St. Louis after a sold-out run at London's Royal Opera House." Performances take place at the Loretto-Hilton Center at 135 Edgar Road on the Webster University campus. All performances are sung in English with projected English text. For more information: experienceopera.org or call 314-961-0644.

The Kirkwood Theatre Guild presents Twisted Improv on Friday, June 16, at 8 p.m. at The Steamboat Room, 314 S. Clay in Kirkwood, MO. "Join Adam and his crew for an interactive night of fun and laughter.Beer, wine and food available from Kirkwood Station Brewery." For more information: ktg-onstage.org .

Shakespeare Festival St. Louis presents the comedy/drama The Winter's Tale nightly except for Tuesdays, theough June 25. " Written in approximately 1610, The Winter's Tale is considered to be one of a group of Shakespeare's plays defined by their tragic undertones and simultaneous use of straightforward comic situations. Other plays that are grouped in this category include Measure for Measure, The Merchant of Venice, Troilus and Cressida, All's Well that Ends Well, and Timon of Athens." Beginning at 6:30 the Green Show presents pre-play entertainment a variety of local performers on multiple stages. The play begins at 8 p.m. Performances take place in Shakespeare Glen next to the Art Museum in Forest Park. For more information, visit shakespearefestivalstlouis.org.

Looking for auditions and other artistic opportunities? Check out the St. Louis Auditionssite.
For information on events beyond this week, check out the searchable database at the Regional Arts Commission's Events Calendar.
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.

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