Chuck's Choices for the weekend of August 25th, 2017

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

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New This Week:

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Hänsel and Gretel
Photo: John Lamb

Union Avenue Opera presents the Engelbert Humperdinck's Hänsel and Gretel Fridays and Saturdays at 8 PM, through August 26. "A deliciously fun retelling of the beloved Brothers Grimm fairy tale that will appeal to audiences of all ages. Though the plot will appeal to children with its tuneful and accessible melodies, the elaborate orchestrations will entice even the most "grown-up" of opera-goers. Once upon a time, two children found themselves lost in a dark forest, until they happened upon a house made entirely of sweets. What happens next … well, that's the story of Hänsel und Gretel complete with a cackling witch, enchanted fairies, and a gingerbread house. In the dizzying excitement of "The Witch's Ride" and the serene beauty of the children's "Evening Prayer," Humperdinck's music magically evokes the contrasting worlds of the story and the perils of growing up!" Performances take place at the Union Avenue Christian Church, 733 Union at Enright in the Central West End. The opera is sung in German with projected English text. For more information, visit unionavenueopera.org or call 314-361-2881.

My take: Humperdinck was a protégé of Richard Wagner, so the score for Hänsel and Gretel is as opulent as you might expect, even employing nursery tunes as character-identifying leitmotifs. That wonderfu score would, all by itself, be a good reason to see this "delightful" production (Steve Callahan, KDHX), but it also happens that the cast would appear to be first rate. "Shining at the center of this Union Avenue production," writes Mr. Callahan, "are Emma Sorenson as Hänsel and Julie Tabash Kelsheimer as Gretel. What a marvelous pair! Both have remarkably clear, strong and pure voices...And the Witch! Melisa Bonetti blesses this role with remarkable comic gifts, both vocal and physical. She can shift timbre instantly and has a deliciously witchy cackle". Go and enjoy, but take it easy on the gingerbread.

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In the Heights
Photo: Jill Ritter Lindberg

R-S Theatrics presents the musical In the Heights Fridays and Saturdays at 8 p.m. and Sundays at 7 p.m., through September 3. "In the Heights, the 2008 Tony Award Winner for Best Musical, has words and music by Lin-Manuel Miranda, writer of the current Grammy and Tony Award winning hit Hamilton! In the Heights is set in New York City's vibrant Washington Heights, a community on the brink of change, full of hopes and dreams, where the biggest struggles can be deciding which traditions you take with you, and which ones you leave behind. This groundbreaking musical tackles the universal story of chasing your dreams and finding your true home." Performances take place at the .ZACK, 3224 Locust in midttown. For more information: r-stheatrics.com.

My take: From the Irish in the 1820s to the current wave of new arrivals from Africa, Latin America and the Middle East, immigrants have brightened and enriched American culture. We are, indeed, a nation of immigrants, and In the Heights celebrates that fact. As I noted in my review of the tour of the Broadway original production of this show back in 2009, In the Heights may look and sound very contemporary, but its celebration of neighborhood and family values is also very traditional. R-S is giving this first local production of the show an "engaging and enjoyable" presentation (Mark Bretz, Ladue News) that is "a haunting reminder of the sacrifices people make when they uproot their families for a chance at a better home in a new place" (Shannon Cothran, KDHX). It's also sold out, but you can presumably be put on the waiting list.

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Held Over:

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The St. Lou Fringe Festival runs through Saturday, August 26, at several venues in the Grand Center area including the Kranzberg Arts Center and the Grandel Theatre. Performances include traditional theater, dance, music, comedy, circus arts, performance art, cabaret, and burlesque, with acts from St. Louis and around the country. "Fringe features an array of original material-meant to celebrate all of the arts. Tech is minimal and time is a factor at our festivals. Shows are often kept brief (Fringes most frequently have shows right around 60 minutes in length) and technical requirements kept simple (minor sets, streamlined cues, nothing elaborate)." For a complete schedule, visit stlouisfringe.com.

My take: From its humble beginnings as a loosely organized experiment back in 2012, the St. Lou Fringe has evolved into a major performing arts festival, featuring both national touring acts and local performers. It have, in short, come a long way, baby. The Fringe has garnered national media attention and has also formed partnership with many local arts and education organizations. No wonder festival founder Em Piro got a special award from the St. Louis Theater Circle back in 2014 for the Fringe's contribution to the local performing arts scene. There's no better time to fringe.