Saturday, April 14, 2018

St. Louis theatre calendar for the week of April 16, 2018

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St. Charles Community College presents the romantic comedy Almost, Maine Wednesday at 7:30 p.m., Thursday at 10 a.m. and 7:30 p.m., Friday and Saturday at 7:30 p.m., and Sunday at 2 p.m., April 18 - 22. "Almost, Maine is a series of nine amiably absurdist vignettes about love, with a touch of good-natured magic realism. On a cold, clear, moonless night in the middle of winter, all is not quite what it seems in the remote, mythical town of Almost, Maine. As the northern lights hover in the star-filled sky above, the town's residents find themselves falling in and out of love in unexpected and often hilarious ways. Knees are bruised and hearts are broken, but the bruises heal, and the hearts mend-almost-in this delightful midwinter night's dream." Performances take place in the FAB 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 Performing Arts Department at Washington University presents Aunt Dan and Lemon Fridays and Saturdays at 8 pm and Sundays at 2 pm through April 22. "Lemon has a notion that the Nazis were really quite 'refreshing' because they were never hypocrites and she articulates her admiration for them with ease, humor and intelligence. Aunt Dan, a former Oxford don, reveres everything Henry Kissinger has ever done, defends the bombing of North Vietnam, and regales Lemon with deadly and salacious tales about her prostitute friend Mindy. 'Simply put, this is a play about how literate, civilized societies can drift en masse into beastliness and commit the most obscene acts of history.' (Frank Rich, New York Times). Shawn's play would have us hear what evil sounds like close up - how funny, smart and lurid it can be." The performances take place in the Edison Theatre on the Washington University campus. For more information, call 314-935-6543 or visit pad.artsci.wustl.edu.

St. Louis Community College at Meramec presents the musical Avenue Q Wednesday through Saturday at 7:30 and Sunday at 2 pm, April 18 - 22. "Avenue Q is part flesh, part felt and packed with heart. The laugh-outloud musical tells the timeless story of a recent college grad named Princeton, who moves into a shabby New York apartment all the way out on Avenue Q. He soon discovers that, although the residents seem nice, it's clear that this is not your ordinary neighborhood. Together, Princeton and his new-found friends struggle to find jobs, dates and their ever-elusive purpose in life. Avenue Q, Winner of the Tony “Triple Crown”, is a truly unique musical that addresses humorous adult issues while being similar to a beloved children's show; a place where puppets are friends, monsters are good and life lessons are learned. Mature audiences only. Admission is free. Sunday performance will be interpreted for the deaf and hard of hearing." Performances take place in the theatre on the campus at 11333 Big Bend Road. For more information, stlcc.edu/MC or call 314-984-7500.

The Bankside Repertory Theatre Company presents Falling by Deanna Jent April 19 - 28. " What constitutes a "normal" family? Jent's remarkable play presents the joys and challenges of real life family dynamics when one member is autistic." Performances take place at The Jacoby Arts Center, 627 E. Broadway in Alton, IL. For more information: www.banksiderep.com.

Webster University's Conservatory of Theatre Arts presents the Lerner and Loewe musical Brigadoon Wednesday through Saturday at 7:30 pm and Sunday at 2 pm, April 18 - 22. " When New Yorkers Tommy Albright and Jeff Douglas get lost on a vacation in the Scottish Highlands, they stumble into Brigadoon. Brigadoon is a mythical village that appears for a single day once every hundred years. After falling head over heels for the headstrong Fiona, Tommy is forced to choose between returning to the world that he knows - or taking a chance on love in a mysterious new place. Including such famous hits as “Heather on the Hill” and “Almost Like Being in Love,” Lerner and Loewe's Brigadoon has music that will sweep you off your feet coupled with a whimsical story that is a tribute to the power of true love." Performances take place in the Stage III Auditorium on the Webster University campus. For more information, www.webster.edu/conservatory/season or call 314-968-7128.

Circus Flora presents its new show, The Case of the Missing Bellhop, April 19 - May 13. "The world-famous Balding Hotel has long been an exclusive getaway for dignitaries and nobility from around the world. A place where the staff and crew have unusual skills and where people can go about their business without many questions asked - making the hotel famous for luxury and impeccable service. But when a beloved bellhop goes missing, the Balding begins to attract attention. Secrets proliferate and questions abound! What happened to the bellhop, and who knew about it?" The show takes place at Circus Flora's new home at 3401 Washington in Grand Center. For more information: circusflora.org.

A Closer Walk With Patsy Cline
The Playhouse at Westport Plaza presents A Closer Walk With Patsy Cline April 17 - May 6. "The hit musical A Closer Walk with Patsy Cline is America's favorite Patsy Cline tribute starring Julie Johnson. This happy, loving tribute to country music's most enduring superstar traces the legendary singer's rise from her hometown in Winchester, Virginia to the Grand Ole Opry, Las Vegas and Carnegie Hall. Patsy Cline defined the term “crossover hit” by dominating country, blues, pop and gospel charts simultaneously in the 1950s and early '60s. Featuring 21 of Patsy's greatest hits." The Playhouse at Westport Plaza is at 635 West Port Plaza. For more information: playhouseatwestport.com.

CSZ St. Louis presents The ComedySportz Show on Saturday nights at 7:30 pm. The show is "action-packed, interactive and hilarious comedy played as a sport. Two teams battle it out for points and your laughs! You choose the winners the teams provide the funny!" Performances take place on the second floor of the Sugar Cubed, 917 S Main St. in St Charles, Mo. For more information: www.cszstlouis.com.

St. Louis Community College at Florissant Valley presents the drama Constellations Fridays and Saturdays at 7:30 pm and Sundays at 2 pm through April 21. "One relationship, limitless possibilities. When Roland and Marianne meet at a party, a multiverse of potential outcomes unfolds. Each choice they make unlocks a series of branching paths - some wonderful, some tragic. Nick Payne's genre-busting new play explores these alternate universes with wit, wonder and an overflowing sense of life." Performances take place in the Fisher Theatre on the campus at 3400 Pershall Road. For more information, www.stlcc.edu/fv/ or call 314-644-5522.

St. Louis Actors' Studio presents The Dresser through Aprl 29. "Based on the author's own experiences as dresser to Sir Donald Wolfit, this bracing, heartbreaking drama is an elegy to a by-gone era. Backstage at a theatre in the English provinces during WWII, Sir, the last of the great breed of English actor/managers, is in a bad way tonight, as his dresser Norman tries valiantly to prepare him to go on stage as King Lear. Unsure of his lines as well as who and where he is supposed to be, Sir is adamantly determined to roar his last. With Herculean effort on the part of Norman, Sir finally makes it on stage and through the performance no thanks to an air raid courtesy of the Luftwaffe. Back in his dressing room after the performance, the worn out old trouper dies, leaving alone his company and the loyal dresser after one final bow." Performances take place at the Gaslight Theatre, 358 North Boyle For more information, call 314-458-2978 or visit stlas.org.

The Hawthorne Players present musical The Fantasticks through April 22 "'Try To Remember' a time when this romantic charmer wasn't enchanting audiences around the world. The Fantasticks is the longest-running musical in the world and with good reason: at the heart of its breathtaking poetry and subtle theatrical sophistication is a purity and simplicity that transcends cultural barriers. The result is a timeless fable of love that manages to be nostalgic and universal at the same time." 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.

The Lemp Mansion Comedy-Mystery Dinner Theater presents A Fistful of Hollers April 20 - July 28. The Lemp Mansion is at 3322 DeMenil Place. For more information: lempmansion.com.

Southern Illinois University at Edwardsville presents The Great Divide Wednesday through Saturday at 7 pm and Sunday at 2 pm, April 18 - 22. Performances take place in the Dunham Hall Theater on the campus in Edwardsville, IL. For more information, call 618-650-2774 or visit siue.edu.

Hamilton
The Fox Theatre presents the musical Hamilton through April 22. "HAMILTON is the story of America's Founding Father Alexander Hamilton, an immigrant from the West Indies who became George Washington's right-hand man during the Revolutionary War and was the new nation's first Treasury Secretary. Featuring a score that blends hip-hop, jazz, blues, rap, R&B, and Broadway, HAMILTON is the story of America then, as told by America now." The Fox is at 527 North Grand in Grand Center. For more information: fabulousfox.com.

The Monroe Actors Stage presents the drama An Inspector Calls Fridays and Saturdays at 7:30 and Sundays at 2:30 p.m. through April 22, in the Historic Capitol Theatre in downtown Waterloo, Illinois. For more information, visit www.masctheatre.org or call 618-939-7469.

Jesus Christ Superstar
Photo by Justin Been
Stray Dog Theatre presents Andrew Lloyd Webber's Jesus Christ Superstar Thursdays through Saturdays through April 28. There will also be performances at 2 pm on Sunday, April 22, and 8 pm on Wednesday, April 18 and 25. "Jesus Christ Superstar has captivated audiences for more than 40 years. Loosely based on the Gospels of Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John, this timeless rock opera follows the last week of Jesus' life, exploring his personal relationships and struggles with Judas Iscariot, Mary Magdalene, his disciples, and the Roman Empire" Performances take place at The Tower Grove Abbey, 2336 Tennessee. For more information, visit straydogtheatre.org or call 314-865-1995.

Curtain's Up Theatre presents the musical Little Miss Sunshine, based on the film of the same name, Thursday and Friday at 7:30 pm, Saturday at 2 and 7:30 pm, and Sunday at 2 pm, April 20 - 22. Performances take place at The Wildey Theatre at 252 North Main Street in Edwardsville, Illinois. For more information, visit curtainsuptheater.com.

The Sheldon Concert Hall presents Broadway star Mandy Gonzalez in a special benefit performance on Monday, April 16, at 7 pm. "Proceeds from the benefit concert will fund the Writers and Artists Compensation Fund for december Magazine, a twice-yearly nationally recognized not-for-profit literary publication headquartered in St. Louis since 2012.' The Sheldon is at 3648 Washington in Grand Center. For more information: thesheldon.org.

The Bissell Mansion Murder Mystery Dinner Theatre presents Mayhem in Mayberry through April. "Welcome to the 10th annual Mayberry-fest. Everyone is looking forward to the highlight of this event - the Miss Mayberry contest. YOU and Sheriff Andy Trailer will judge the contestants (chosen from the audience) on beauty, poise, cookin' skills and a new category this year - Hog callin'. Will the next Miss Mayberry be the vivacious Dazey Doof from Hazzard County? Or the beautiful hillbilly, Elly May Klumpett? Or will it be the lovely Lois Lame from Smallville? Don't county out the charming Paris Hoosier from Hoosierville. She's the main reason the train stops at Petticoat Junction! Sheriff Andy, Deputy Blarney and Aint Bee invite you to join the fun and the mayhem in Mayberry cause it won't be the same without y'all." The Bissell Mansion is at 4426 Randall Place. For more information: bissellmansiontheatre.com.

New Jerusalem
Photo by Eric Woolsey
New Jewish Theater presents David Ives' New Jerusalem, the Interrogation of Baruch de Spinoza at Torah Talmud Congregation: Amsterdam, July 27, 1656 through April 22. The play is the true story of Jewish philosopher Baruch de Spinoza who was excommunicated from the Jewish community of Amsterdam in the mid-1600's in order to keep the peace for that city's Jews." 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.

Poor Monsters presents Or What You Will, the Third through April 21. "Shakespeare: literary master or monkey with a typewriter? How about a coven of bad-ass vagina-wielding artists in Saint Louis? OR WHAT YOU WILL, THE THIRD is a choose-your-own-adventure of sketches inspired by Shakespeare's Richard III all written, produced, designed, and performed without Y-chromosomes." Performances take place at The Chapel, 6238 Alexander Drive in Clayton. For more information: brownpapertickets.com

Shakespeare Festival St. Louis presents Shake 38, a city-wide performance festival in which all 38 of Shakespeare's plays are performed by 38 different groups in a variety of neighborhoods and locations. Performances take place Wednesday through Sunday, April 18-22. For a complete schedule: sfstl.com.

The Black Rep presents the world premiere of Torn Asunder by Nikkole Salter running through April 29th. "TORN ASUNDER is set in Prince George's County, MD, 1859. Hannah, a relatively contented enslaved woman, has her world rocked when her master dies and she, for the first time, is separated from her family, new husband, and baby. But, just as she begins to lose all hope to ever see her husband and child again, the seceded south falls to the Union, slavery is abolished with the 13th Amendment, and Hannah has the opportunity to put her family back together...if she can find them. TORN ASUNDER dramatizes true stories of newly emancipated African Americans trying to overcome the ever-present vestiges of chattel slavery to reconnect with their families. Based on the research of Prof. Heather Andrea Williams in her book HELP ME TO FIND MY PEOPLE. Nikkole Salter was commissioned by Prof. Heather Andrea Williams and Kathy A. Perkins to write the script." Performances take place at the Edison Theatre on the Washington University campus. For more information: theblackrep.org.

A Tree Falling
Photo by Virginia Harold
Upstream Theater presents the U.S. premiere of A Tree Falling Fridays and Saturdays at 8 pm and Sundays at 7 pm (except for April 29, which is at 2 pm) through April 29. "Octogenarian Lenny was once a busy physician at the epicenter of a vibrant family who now has no recollection whatever of his earlier life. These days his chief adventure is the daily tracking down of the remote control-at least until a friendly social worker named Lola shows up. Try as she might to help Lenny recover his memory, though, he continues to live within the moment, and the poignancy of his plight forces Lola to question the meaning of her own past as well as her future." Performances take place at the Kranzberg Arts Center, 501 North Grand in Grand Center. For more information, including show times: upstreamtheater.org.

Union Avenue Opera presents A Topsy-Turvy Cabaret: An Evening With Glibert and Sullivan and Friends on Saturday, April 21, at 7 pm. "Enjoy hors d'oeuvres paired with 2nd Shift Brewing's fine, handcrafted beers along with their expertly chosen wine menu as Christine Brewer and friends entertain you. Join us for a memorable night in support of Union Avenue Opera." The event takes place at Second Shift Brewing, 1601 Sublette on The Hill. For more information: unionavenueopera.org.

The Kirkwood Theatre Guild presents Twisted Improv on Friday, April 20, at 8 pm 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.

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 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.

2 comments:

Unknown said...

Hi, I’m from the Webster Conservatory. Brigadoon is showing on the Browning Mainstage and performance times are April 18-20 at 7:30 PM and April 21-22 at 2 PM. There is a special 50th Anniversary event taking place on Saturday, April 21st at 7:30 PM. For more info on the 50th anniversary events, check it Webster.edu/conservatory50

Chuck Lavazzi said...

Sorry I missed this correction. The blog incorrectly flagged this as spam and just saw it a few minute ago.