St. Louis theatre calendar for the week of December 2, 2019

There's a lot of theatre in St. Louis between now and Christmas, with a vast quantity of openings this week.

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The International Brotherhood of Magicians presents their annual Active Military, Veterans & First Responders Tribute Magical Holiday Show on Sunday, December 8, at 3 pm. "The Active Military, Veterans & First Responders Tribute Magical Holiday Show will be a fantastic magic show for the whole family.  Both children and adults will embark on an unforgettable journey of comedy and magic with a special tribute for all those who help keep America free!  You will enjoy the magic of an impressive list of Professional Magicians: Christian Misner, Terry Richison, Steve Zuehlke and more.  Close up magic will be performed in the lobby prior to the show by several of the best close up magicians in St Louis."  The show will be held at the Kirkwood Community Center Theatre, 111 South Geyer Road in Kirkwood. For more information: ibmring1.com.

Clinton County Showcase presents Away in a Basement: A Church Basement Ladies Christmas Fridays through Saturdays at 8 pm and Sundays at 2 pm, December 6-15. "December, 1959. Preparations are underway for the annual church Christmas pageant. But anything that can go wrong, does go wrong! Can the Church Basement Ladies save the pageant from the brink of disaster?" Performances take place outdoors at the Avon Theatre, 535 N. 2nd St. in Breese IL. For more information, visit ccshowcase.com.

Webster University's Conservatory of Theatre Arts presents The Bomb-itty of Errors Thursdays and Fridays at 7:30 pm, Saturdays at 2 and 7:30 pm, and Sundays at 2 pm, December 5-15. "The Bomb-itty of Errors is an award-winning Ad-Rap-Tation, hip-hop theatre retelling of Shakespeare's The Comedy of Errors. The show lasts one hour and thirty minutes and is part play and part rap concert. Refreshingly current but retaining the integrity of the original." Performances take place in the Stage III Auditorium on the Webster University campus. For more information, webster.edu or call 314-968-7128.

Curtain's Up Theatre presents A Christmas Story Friday at 7:30 pm, Saturday at 2 and 7:30 pm, and Sunday at 2 pm, December 6-8. Performances take place at the Wildey Theatre at Edwardsville, IL. For more information, visit curtainsuptheater.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.

The Cricket on the Hearth
Photo: John Lamb

The West End Players Guild continues its 109th season with the world premiere of Vladimir Zelevinski's adaptation of Charles Dickens's The Cricket on the Hearth Fridays and Saturdays at 8 pm and Sundays at 2 pm, December 6-15, with an additional 8 pm show on Thursday, December 12. "In mid-19th century London John and Dot have fallen in love and married. Theirs is a May-December match (she is young and spritely, he is older and wiser), as unlikely as it is loving. The joy of their life is their bouncing baby boy, and their home is guarded by a friendly cricket who chirps from the hearth, an omen of good fortune. Then, a mysterious stranger enters their lives. Has he brought with him suffering and sorrow that will tear apart the lives of John, Dot and their friends, or does he bring gentler gifts? We won't spoil the ending, except to say that you just might leave the theatre with your heart a little warmer than when you entered." Performances take place at the Union Avenue Christian Church, 733 North Union at Enright in the Central West End. For more information, call 314-367-0025 or visit www.westendplayers.org.

The Blue Strawberry presents Dean Christopher: A Classic-Vegas, Rat-Pack Christmas on Friday, December 6 and 13, at 8 pm. "One of the greatest eras in the history of entertainment, Classic Vegas meets the holiday season head-on. The style, the entertainers, all brought to life and rolled up into your favorite holiday tunes by award winning actor, singer, impressionist, Dean Christopher and his band. A holiday show you soon won't forget. Not to mention a surefire way to get into the holiday spirit." The Blue Strawberry is at 364 N. Boyle in the Central West End. For more information: bluestrawberrystl.com.

Debby Lennon

The Blue Strawberry presents Debby Lennon's Holiday Show on Thursday, December 5, at 8 pm. "Debby Lennon's Holiday Show is filled with the charm and spirit of the most wonderful time of the year. A blend of holiday sass and spice make Debby's Christmas Cabaret a little bit Naughty but oh, so nice! Featuring traditional carols from Christmas past, a touch of fun-filled showstoppers from musical theater Christmas present, and peppermint twists and turns of classic tunes launching you into a very bright and jazzy Christmas future." The Blue Strawberry is at 364 N. Boyle in the Central West End. For more information: bluestrawberrystl.com.

The Lemp Mansion Comedy-Mystery Dinner Theater presents A Dickens of a Killing through January 4. The Lemp Mansion is at 3322 DeMenil Place. For more information: lempmansion.com.

Stray Dog Theatre presents the rock musical Disenchanted opening on Thursday, December 5, at 8 pm and running through December 21. "Snow White and her posse of disgruntled princesses take the stage in the hilarious hit musical that's anything but Grimm. Forget the princesses you think you know - the original storybook heroines have come to life to set the record straight and give fairytales the bird." The show is recommended for mature audiences. Performances take place at The Tower Grove Abbey, 2336 Tennessee. For more information, visit straydogtheatre.org or call 314-865-1995.

The Drinkwater Brothers

The Blue Strawberry presents The Drinkwater Brothers on Saturday, December 7, at 8 pm. "These guys are hot, hot, hot in NY. To give you a sense of them, we'll quote liberally from a review of their show at Birdland three weeks ago. 'If someone had told me before the show last night what I was going to see, I wouldn't have believed them. While I was watching it, I didn't quite believe it. A day later I am wondering if I believe it, or if I dreamed it… It hardly seems fair, but these two fellows simply have it all - they are the ones who get that special something that you're born with, only they have fine-honed their "It" into something one might easily label genius… Here were two young men (maybe 18, maybe 21, it's hard to tell) who can sing 60's folk-rock, 70's country-rock, and bona fide classic rock, then turn around and perform their own original compositions, and a little blues, as well as a show tune or two; and they are able to effectively change their voices to fit each genre in which they are singing. John Drinkwater did something I have dreamed of seeing all my adult life: he stood perfectly still and, with a smile on his face, sang the legendary Sondheim song "Losing My Mind" ... and it worked. He didn't fall prey to the temptation to oversing or overact the simple musical story - he just sang it and let the crowd see what was in his heart. It was transcendent. For his musical theater offering, Matt chose … Jason Robert Brown, and gave out with "If I Didn't Believe", serving a performance worthy of...Liza Minelli.' - Stephen Mosher, Broadway World" The Blue Strawberry is at 364 N. Boyle in the Central West End. For more information: bluestrawberrystl.com.

The St. Louis Writers' Group presents An Evening of One-Acts on Monday, December 2, at 6:30 pm. "You can submit your 10 to 15 minute play for inclusion to ryoung at papadocs.com, or simply join us as an audience member or actor. Admission is free." The event takes place upstairs at Big Daddy's, 1000 Sidney in Soulard. For more information: www.stlwritersgroup.com.

Alfresco Productions presents the musical Frozen Jr. Fridays and Saturdays at 7 pm and Sundays at 2 pm, December 6-15. Performances take place at the Alfresco Art Center, 2401 Delmar in Granite City, IL. For more information: (618) 560-1947 or www.alfrescoproductions.org.

Fully Committed
Photo: Greg Lazerwitz

New Jewish Theater presents the comedy Fully Committed Thursdays at 7:30 pm, Saturdays at 4 and 8 pm, and Sundays at 2 pm, December 5-22 "The New Jewish Theatre's Artistic Director, Eddie Coffield, Artistic Director, announces the cast and creative team of Fully Committed. Arriving just in time for the holidays, Becky Mode's hilarious hit lets the madness run wild. “I am overjoyed to bring Fully Committed to the New Jewish Theatre during the most festive time of year!” Coffield said. “There's no actor more equipped to tackle 40-plus characters than our beloved Will Bonfiglio. I can hardly wait for St. Louis to see Will bring this timeless, one-man tour-de-force to life!” This hilarious comedy features more than 40 characters that come to life through one actor.” 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.

Cherokee Street Theater Company presents Gremlins- Live Holiday Parody, opening on Wednesday, December 4, at 7 pm and running through December 14. "Just in time for The Holidays, Gremlins- Live Holiday Parody is a 1 hour comedic parody of the 1984 movie, Gremlins. It is performed, written, and directed by local St. Louis talent. The show pokes fun and jabs at the original film by calling out its flaws, tackiness, and blatant 80's absurdity. It is a true celebration of camp and the fantastical with a charming and semi-dark twist all with a holiday theme!" Performances take place at 2607 Potomac in the Cherokee neighborhood. For more information: cherokeestreettheatercompany.com.

It's a Wonderful Life
Photo: Jennifer Lin

Metro Theatre Company presents It's a Wonderful Life, based on the classic film, through December 15. "The beloved American holiday classic leaps to life on stage in a delightful, heartwarming new adaptation. John Wolbers' "It's a Wonderful Life" has a clever twist: it's staged as a play within a play, more specifically a radio play within a play. On Christmas Eve 1949, KMTC Radio St. Louis is prepared to perform a live radio broadcast of "It's a Wonderful Life," when unexpected events transform the station's staff into the radio play's actors. Complete with microphones, live sound effects by a Foley artist, 1940s period costumes, and a diverse company of characters, the play tells the story of George Bailey and his discovery of the life-affirming message that one life can change the whole fabric of a community. " The performances take place at The Grandel Theatre, 3610 Grandel Square in Grand Center.. For more information: metroplays.org.

The Repertory Theatre of St. Louis presents a Jane Austen Festival Friday through Sunday, December 6-8, in conjunction with the opening of its production of Pride and Prejudice. For more information on the festival, visit repstl.org/jane-austen-festival.

St. Louis Actors' Studio presents A Life in the Theatre by David Mamet Fridays and Saturdays at 8 pm and Sundays at 3 pm, December 6 - 22. "The Pulitzer Prize-winning author of Glengarry Glen Ross and Speed-The-Plow, takes us into the lives of two actors: John, young and rising into the first flush of his success; the other Robert, older, anxious, and beginning to wane. In a series of short, spare, and increasingly raw exchanges, we see the estrangement of youth from age and the wider, inevitable and endless cycle of life, in and out of the theatre." Performances take place at the Gaslight Theatre on North Boyle in the Central West End. For more information, call 314-458-2978 or visit stlas.org.

Lindenwood University presents Shakespeare's Merry Wives of Windsor Thursday through Saturday, December 5-7, at 7:30 pm. "This comedy featuring Sir John Falstaff was first published in 1602, though it is believed to have been written sometime before 1597. Sir John Falstaff, staying in Windsor and down on his luck, decides to restore his fortunes by seducing the wives of two wealthy citizens. He sends Mistress Page and Mistress Ford identical love letters, but they discover his double dealing and set about turning the tables." Performances take place at the Scheiegger Center for the Arts on the Lindenwood campus in St. Charles, MO. For more information: lindenwood.edu.

The Blue Strawberry presents an Open Mic Night on Wednesday, December 4, from 7 to 9 pm. Debby Lennon hosts the event, with Henry Palkes at the piano. The Blue Strawberry is at 364 N. Boyle in the Central West End. For more information: .bluestrawberrystl.com.

Craig Pomranz

The Kranzberg Arts Center presents St. Louis' own Craig Pomranz in The Power of Song on Friday, December 6, and 7 and 9 pm. "International song stylist, Craig offers jazz/saloon singing at its best. You'll hear classic standards, reinterpreted pop songs and brand-new material, delivered with his own unique talent and compelling vocal style. He carries the tradition of Sinatra, Bennett, Streisand, Wilson and Chet Baker with a contemporary twist." Performances take place at the Kranzberg Arts Center, 501 N. Grand in Grand Center. For more information: brownpapertickets.com

The Repertory Theatre of St. Louis presents Pride and Prejudice, adapted from the Jane Austen novel by Christopher Baker, opening on Wednesday, December 4, and running through December 29. "In a world of opulent estates and lavish private balls, where women's entire futures hinge on marriage, Elizabeth Bennet stands apart. With a vibrant wit and a headstrong sense of pride, Elizabeth places her own needs first and refuses to marry for mere convenience. But she meets her match in the unlikely figure of Mr. Darcy. Beginning as a testy battle of words and ideas, their relationship blossoms into a remarkable romance between two passionate intellects who play by their own rules. " Performances take place at the Loretto-Hilton Center on the Webster University campus. For more information: repstl.org.

The Playhouse at Westport Plaza presents Robret Dubac's Stand-Up Jesus Friday and Saturday at 8 pm, December 6 and 7. "Making his first appearance in years, He is returning to cure what ails you. If you've lost your sense of humor, here's your chance to cleanse your soul with laughter, unburden your guilt with satire and purify your sacrilege with truth. More punchlines. Less preaching. Don't miss this stand-up from the original author of humor! " The Playhouse at Westport Plaza is at 635 West Port Plaza. For more information: playhouseatwestport.com.

The Goshen Theatre Project presents Scrooge! The Musical Thursday through Saturday at 7:30 pm, December 5-7. "This timeless musical follows the plot of Charles Dickens' A Christmas Carol, in which the miserly Ebenezer Scrooge undergoes a profound experience of redemption over the course of a Christmas Eve night, after being visited by the ghost of his former partner Jacob Marley and the ghosts of Christmas past, present and future." Performances take place at Nazarene Community Theater, 400 N. Central Ave. in Roxana, IL. For more information: www.goshentheatreproject.org.

The Skivvies

The Blue Strawberry presents The Skivvies on Sunday, December 8, at 7 and 9 pm. "They're naughty and nice. The “musically thrilling,” award-winning, undie-rock, comedy-pop duo The Skivvies are making their STL debut with their acclaimed holiday show, "I Touch My Elf". Joined by special guests, including Matt Doyle (Spring Awakening, The Book of Mormon, War Horse) The Skivvies- Lauren Molina (Rock of Ages, Sweeney Todd, Candide, Marry Me A Little) and Nick Cearley (Buyer and Cellar, Pageant, A Midsummer Night's Dream, All Shook Up)-will perform stripped-down versions of eclectic covers, wacky holiday mash-ups (“I Melt with You/Frosty the Snowman,” “We Got the Beat/The Little Drummer Boy”), and eccentric originals (“It's F*cking Hanukkah,” “The Text Message Song”.) Not only is the music stripped-down-cello, ukulele, glockenspiel, melodica, and a surprising array of other under-used instruments-but The Skivvies literally strip down to their underwear to perform. Grab your spiked eggnog, hurry down the chimney, and settle in for an evening of laughter and holiday cheer! They have everything but pants!" The Blue Strawberry is at 364 N. Boyle in the Central West End. For more information: .bluestrawberrystl.com.

Southern Illinois University at Edwardsville presents That High Lonesome Sound Tuesday through Saturday at 7:30 pm and Sunday at 2 pm, December 3-8. "Bluegrass has a long and winding history, from Scottish ballads to African-American work songs, from Bill Monroe and the Blue Grass Boys to the O Brother, Where Art Thou? soundtrack. In a lively theatrical album of scenes created for the Acting Apprentice Company of the Actor's Theatre of Louisville, four writers respond with playfulness and poignancy to the signature sounds, inherited stories, and cultural impact of this very American--and very Kentucky--music tradition." Performances take place in the Metcalf Theater on the campus in Edwardsvile, IL. For more information, call 618-650-2774 or visit siue.edu.

Alton Little Theater presents A Twisted Christmas Carol Fridays and Saturdays at 7:30 pm and Sundays at 2 pm, December 6-15, as well as on Thursday (December12) at 7:30 pm. "The most unusual Christmas Eve “barbecue” you'll ever dream about. Even Charles Dickens would laugh!" Performances take place at 2450 North Henry in Alton, IL. For more information, call 618.462.6562 or visit altonlittletheater.org.

Wicked

The Fox Theatre presents the musical Wicked opening on Wednesday, December 4, at 7:30 pm and running through December 29. "So much happened before Dorothy dropped in. WICKED, the Broadway sensation, looks at what happened in the Land of Oz…but from a different angle. Long before Dorothy arrives, there is another young woman, born with emerald-green skin-smart, fiery, misunderstood, and possessing an extraordinary talent. When she meets a bubbly blonde who is exceptionally popular, their initial rivalry turns into the unlikeliest of friendships…until the world decides to call one “good,” and the other one “wicked.”" The Fox Theatre is at 527 North Grand in Grand Center. For more information: fabulousfox.com.

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.