St. Louis theatre calendar for the week of December 23, 2024

What's on St. Louis theater and cabaret stages this coming week. Please leave a comment if anything was wrong or got left out

Ava Berutti

The Blue Strawberry presents I’ll Be Home for Christmas, with singer/actress Ava Berutti on Sunday, December 29, at 7 pm . “Ava Berutti is home for Christmas and is over the moon to be spending the holidays making her Blue Strawberry debut. Join her for a night filled with holiday songs of old and new, stories of winter memories, and holiday magic.” The performance takes place in at The Blue Strawberry, 364 N. Boyle. For more information: bluestrawberrystl.com

How the Grinch Stole Christmas
Photo: Jeremy Daniel

The Fabulous Fox presents How the Grinch Stole Christmas: the Musical on Friday through Sunday, December 27 through 29. “Dr. Seuss' How The Grinch Stole Christmas! The Musical is the record-setting Broadway holiday sensation which features the hit songs “You’re A Mean One Mr. Grinch” and “Welcome Christmas” from the original animated special. Max the Dog narrates as the mean and scheming Grinch, whose heart is “two sizes too small,” decides to steal Christmas away from the Holiday loving Whos. Magnificent sets and costumes inspired by Dr. Seuss’ original illustrations help transport audiences to the whimsical world of Whoville and helps remind us of the true meaning of the holiday season.” The Fabulous Fox is on North Grand in Grand Center. For more information: fabulousfox.com.

First Run Theatre Playwright’s Workshop presents its annual Christmas Party on Monday, December 23, at 6:30 pm. “Write something for the event! We will be having our usual readings of short pieces, monologues, short stories, mini-plays, whatever you want, (we suggest around 5 mins long) on the subject of winter, Christmas, or such like, all for fun.” The party happens at Square One Brewery and Distillery in Lafayette Square.  For more information: firstruntheatre.org

The Greenfinch Theatre and Dive presents Winter Circus featuring Kirkos and Friends Friday and Saturday, December 27 and 28. “A multi-day exhibition of thrilling sights and sounds featuring artists, vendors, and bands from the local area and beyond. Featuring Kirkos, Elater, Hoojshwah, Tree One Four, Secret Formula, and Jacob Zengerling”  The Greenfinch Theater is at 2525 S. Jefferson. For more information: www.greenfinchstl.com.

Looking for auditions and other artistic opportunities? Check out the St. Louis Auditions site.

To get your event listed here, send an email to chuck at kdhx.org Your event information should be in text format (i.e. not part of a graphic), but feel free to include publicity stills.

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.

St. Louis theatre calendar for the week of January 22, 2024

What's on St.Louis theater and cabaret stages this coming week. Please leave a comment if anything was wrong or got left out

Hold On!
Photo courtesy of The Black Rep

The Black Rep presents the world premiere of Hold On! By Paul Webb through January 28.  “Although the Civil Rights Act of 1964 legally desegregated the South, discrimination was still rampant in certain areas, making it difficult for Blacks to register to vote. In 1965, an Alabama city became the battleground for suffrage. “Hold On!,” the inspiration behind the award-winning 2014 feature film “Selma,” explores the conflict between two extraordinary men, Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and Lyndon Baines Johnson. Both brilliant leaders, their personal battle, like the battle on the streets of Selma, is ultimately decided by King’s greater moral courage.” Performances take place at the Edison Theatre on the Washington University campus. For more information: www.theblackrep.org.

Circus Harmony presents Nocturne Saturdays at 2:00 and 7:00 pm and Sundays at 2:00 pm  January 27 through February 4.  “Circus Harmony's new dreamlike show, NOCTURNE, is about overcoming your fears, and finding your strengths! It’s a show everyone should see.” Performances, which include museum admission, take place at City Museum, 750 N. 16th Street, downtown. For more information: circusharmony.org.

Funny Girl
Photo by Matthew Murphy for Murphymade

The Fabulous Fox presents presents the musical Funny Girl opening on Tuesday, January 23, and running through February 4. “The sensational Broadway revival dazzles with celebrated classic songs, including “Don’t Rain On My Parade,” “I’m the Greatest Star,” and “People.” This bittersweet comedy is the story of the indomitable Fanny Brice, a girl from the Lower East Side who dreamed of a life on the stage. Everyone told her she’d never be a star, but then something funny happened—she became one of the most beloved performers in history, shining brighter than the brightest lights of Broadway.” The Fabulous Fox is on North Grand in Grand Center. For more information: fabulousfox.com.

The Lemp Mansion Murder Mystery Dinner Theatre and Jest Mysteries present A Fistful of Hollars  January 19 through May 4. "Gun slingers, dance hall girls, cowboys, gold diggers, cowboy boots and ten-gallon-hats will abound. Rowdy cowboys will duel to the death as the crooked sheriff watches with glee. But none of these characters are as dangerous as Nasty Nate, he’s the orneriest gun in the west and word is that he’s going to be stirring up trouble at the Lemp Mansion. " The Lemp Mansion is at 3322 DeMenil Place in south city. For more information: www.lempmansion.com

Looking for auditions and other artistic opportunities? Check out the St. Louis Auditions site.

To get your event listed here, send an email to chuck at kdhx.org Your event information should be in text format (i.e. not part of a graphic), but feel free to include publicity stills.

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.

St. Louis theatre calendar for the week of June 29, 2020

Now including both on-line and live events during the pandemic. To get your event listed here, send an email to calendar [at] stageleft.org.

St. Louis playwright Nancy Bell's MUTE: A Play for Zoom, which was performed live via Facebook on April 5, 2020, is available as a live stream at vimeo.com. "In a world much like ours, there exists a video conference call. And in this call, there are academics, confusion, fire and...one hamster. An experimental theatre piece that steals rabidly from Ionesco, Beckett, real life and Chekhov. The play was for performance on Zoom by Nancy Bell and directed by Lucy Cashion."

Sir Stryker

The Blue Strawberry presents a Pop-Up Piano Bar with Sir Stryker, "Piano Bar Star of the Holland America Cruise Line," Tuesdays through Sundays from 6 to 10 pm. There is no cover or minimum and sidewalk seating is available. The club is operating under a "COVID careful" arrangement with restricted indoor capacity and other precautions. The Blue Strawberry is at 364 N. Boyle. For more information: bluestrawberrystl.com/

Circus Flora presents a Virtual Circus Showcase on its web site through June 30th. “You'll see amazing acrobatics, daring flips on horseback, and some of the best-behaved cats we've ever met. Plus, you'll get behind-the-scenes glimpses of performers' lives (and living rooms! and backyards!). It's a show full of awe-inspiring feats, laugh-out-loud moments, and (most importantly) chances to connect at a time when we often feel far apart.” For more information: circusflora.org.

Metro Theater Company presents a two-play summer digital streaming series, featuring the critically acclaimed 2016 production of And In This Corner... Cassius Clay by Idris Goodwin through July 26. The production, which was directed by MTC Artistic Director Julia Flood, is available in a pay-what-you-can pay-per-view environment at www.metroplays.org/watchnow.

Our Leading Ladies
Photo courtesy of The Muny

The Muny presents Muny Magic in Your Home, on-line videos of previous editions of the Muny Magic at the Sheldon cabaret evenings, Mondays and Thursdays at 8:15 pm through July 16. The series continues June 29 and July 2 with Our Leading Ladies. "Danielle Bowen (Dorothy in The Wizard of Oz, 2016), Ali Ewoldt (Martha Jefferson in 1776, 2019; Philia in A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum, 2017; Maria in West Side Story, 2013), Stephanie Gibson (Gabrielle in Cinderella, 2019; Inga in Young Frankenstein, 2016; Gertie Cummings in Oklahoma!, 2007), and Elena Shaddow (Marian in The Music Man, 2016; Cinderella in Into the Woods, 2015) give heart-stirring tributes to leading ladies of past Muny seasons, including Ethel Merman, Shirley Jones and Bernadette Peters. For more information and to view the video: youtube.com/TheMunyTV.

Opera Theatre of St. Louis presents its 2020 Digital Festival with a variety of streaming content, including Opening Night Spotlights and the Spring Artists in Training Recital, available at www.opera-stl.org/season-and-events/thisisotsl-digital-festival as well as on its YouTube channel at www.youtube.com/user/OperaTheatreSTL.

The Repertory Theatre of St. Louis, in collaboration with Baltimore Center Stage, Long Wharf Theatre, The Public Theater and Woolly Mammoth Theatre Company, present Play at Home, a series of micro-commissioned short plays from some of the American theatre's most exciting and prominent playwrights. These new plays – which all run 10 minutes or less – are available for the public to download, read and perform at home for free at playathome.org.

The Repertory Theatre of St. Louis invites budding young writers throughout the nation to develop and submit plays to for inclusion in its all-new WiseWrite Digital Play Festival. Open to all students grades 4 through 12, this online celebration of storytelling will culminate in June when professional actors perform selected student submissions over Zoom. To help students develop the skills to write their first plays, The Rep will release a six-part online learning curriculum - one part each week through the end of May. For more information: repstl.org/wisewrite.

The St. Louis Shakespeare Festival presents the streaming video Come Together, written for the Zoom videoconferencing app by St. Louis actor/playwright Joe Hanrahan. The video, along with other streaming events from the SHAKE20 festival, is available at the Shakespeare Festival Facebook page at www.facebook.com/STLShakesFest/

The St. Louis Writers Group streams live recordings of previous play reading sessions at their Facebook page. For more information: facebook.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.

St. Louis theatre calendar for the week of June 22, 2020

Now including both on-line and live events during the pandemic. To get your event listed here, send an email to calendar [at] stageleft.org.

St. Louis playwright Nancy Bell's MUTE: A Play for Zoom, which was performed live via Facebook on April 5, 2020, is available as a live stream at vimeo.com. "In a world much like ours, there exists a video conference call. And in this call, there are academics, confusion, fire and...one hamster. An experimental theatre piece that steals rabidly from Ionesco, Beckett, real life and Chekhov. The play was for performance on Zoom by Nancy Bell and directed by Lucy Cashion."

Sir Stryker

The Blue Strawberry presents a Pop-Up Piano Bar with Sir Stryker, "Piano Bar Star of the Holland America Cruise Line," Tuesdays through Sundays from 6 to 10 pm. There is no cover or minimum and sidewalk seating is available. The club is operating under a "COVID careful" arrangement with restricted indoor capacity and other precautions. The Blue Strawberry is at 364 N. Boyle. For more information: bluestrawberrystl.com/

Circus Flora presents a Virtual Circus Showcase on its web site through June 30th. “You'll see amazing acrobatics, daring flips on horseback, and some of the best-behaved cats we've ever met. Plus, you'll get behind-the-scenes glimpses of performers' lives (and living rooms! and backyards!). It's a show full of awe-inspiring feats, laugh-out-loud moments, and (most importantly) chances to connect at a time when we often feel far apart.” For more information: circusflora.org.

Metro Theater Company presents a two-play summer digital streaming series, including the 2019 world premiere of The Girl Who Swallowed a Cactus by Eric Coble (available through June 28) and the critically acclaimed 2016 production of And In This Corner... Cassius Clay by Idris Goodwin (available June 23 - July 26). Both productions, which were directed by MTC Artistic Director Julia Flood, will be available in a pay-what-you-can pay-per-view environment at www.metroplays.org/watchnow. Prior to this summer streaming series, both productions were part of a virtual international festival and conference hosted earlier in May by TYA-USA, the national service organization for theaters for youth and families, attended by over 1,200 theater and education professionals.

The Buddy Holly Boys at the Sheldon
Photo courtesy of The Muny

The Muny presents Muny Magic in Your Home, on-line videos of previous editions of the Muny Magic at the Sheldon cabaret evenings, Mondays and Thursdays at 8:15 pm through July 16. The series continues June 22 and 26 with A Night With the Buddy Holly Boys. "After starring as Buddy and the Crickets in The Muny’s 2015 summer blockbuster Buddy: The Buddy Holly Story, Andy Christopher, Joe Cosmo Cogen, Kyle Lacy and Nathan Yates Douglass give an electrifying performance in the highest-attended Muny Magic at The Sheldon to date. For more information and to view the video: youtube.com/TheMunyTV.

The Repertory Theatre of St. Louis, in collaboration with Baltimore Center Stage, Long Wharf Theatre, The Public Theater and Woolly Mammoth Theatre Company, present Play at Home, a series of micro-commissioned short plays from some of the American theatre's most exciting and prominent playwrights. These new plays – which all run 10 minutes or less – are available for the public to download, read and perform at home for free at playathome.org.

The Repertory Theatre of St. Louis invites budding young writers throughout the nation to develop and submit plays to for inclusion in its all-new WiseWrite Digital Play Festival. Open to all students grades 4 through 12, this online celebration of storytelling will culminate in June when professional actors perform selected student submissions over Zoom. To help students develop the skills to write their first plays, The Rep will release a six-part online learning curriculum - one part each week through the end of May. For more information: repstl.org/wisewrite.

The St. Louis Shakespeare Festival presents the streaming video Come Together, written for the Zoom videoconferencing app by St. Louis actor/playwright Joe Hanrahan. The video, along with other streaming events from the SHAKE20 festival, is available at the Shakespeare Festival Facebook page at www.facebook.com/STLShakesFest/

The St. Louis Writers Group streams live recordings of previous play reading sessions at their Facebook page. For more information: facebook.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.

Chuck's Choices for the weekend of January 17, 2020

There's plenty of variety this week, with cabaret, drama, and the circus. Take your pick.

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New This Week:

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Lola Van Ella

The Gateway Men's Chorus presents Cabaret Risque: At The Speakeasy on Saturday, January 18, at 8 pm with a VIP Reception at 7 pm. "Travel back to the Roaring 20s as Gateway Men's Chorus presents an evening of sexy and sensual entertainment, handpicked by International Showgirl Lola Van Ella. With exotic burlesque performances, enticing silent auction items, and an incredible evening of saucy surprises, this is an event you can't afford to miss!" The event takes place at the Centene Center for the Arts in the Rialto Ballroom. For more information: www.gmcstl.org.

My take: The Gateway Men's Chorus is a local cultural treasure and deserves our support. And and by attending their event, you'll get an entertaining evening of cabaret along with the good feeling of knowing that you've helped them keep going. And, of course, there's the presence of St. Louis' leading burlesque figure (in more ways than one), Ms. Lola Van Ella.

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Mark Saunders

The Blue Strawberry presents Everything's Fine: A Bear in Search of His Honey with singer Mark Saunders and pianist Stephen Eros on Friday, January 17, at 8 pm. "The world of online dating can be a tricky game to master. In a one-man cabaret, Mark Saunders will take you on a journey through the ups and downs, the goods and bads, and especially the tops and bottoms of his journey to find love. The evening will be full of laughter, heartbreak, and 100% true horror stories that will make us all feel better about ourselves. Come out, have a drink, and let's talk!" The Blue Strawberry is at 364 N. Boyle in the Central West End. For more information: bluestrawberrystl.com.

My take: Alas, other commitments prevent me from seeing this show, but I can tell you from seeing him perform at The Cabaret Project's monthly open mic night at Sophie's Artist Lounge (next one is Tuesday the 21st; just saying) that he has the voice of an angel, a charming stage presence, and a sense of humor to back it up. Should be a good show.

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Circus Harmony: Legato (2018)

Circus Harmony presents Fluente: An Underseas Circus Adventure Saturdays at 2 and 7 pm and Sundays at 2 pm, January 18 - 26. "This captivating show is an undersea circus adventure. All the acts are co-created with the amazing Circus Harmony students, staff and guest teaching artists - a number of whom are successful alumni. Like it's home, City Museum, this circus show is not just for children! While the age range of the performers is 8 to 21 years old, these young people perform professional level circus arts. That is why a number of them have gone on to perform with some of the most prestigious circus companies around the world! Fluente will feature new acts created especially for this production and new music from the Circus Harmony Band under the direction of Jeffrey Carter." Performances take place at City Museum, downtown. For more information: circusharmony.org/fluente/

My take: Circus Harmony does excellent outreach work that demonstrates how the arts can make a big difference in the community. If you've ever seen a Circus Flora show, of course, you've seen some of Circus Harmony's students at work as The St. Louis Arches, but the organization's reach and mission go far beyond that. "Circus Harmony," according to their web site, "teaches the art of life through circus education. We work to build character and expand community for youth of all ages, cultures, abilities and backgrounds. Through teaching and performance of circus skills, we help people defy gravity, soar with confidence, and leap over social barriers, all at the same time." Since their 2001 Circus Salaam Shalom, which brought Jewish and Muslim kids in St. Louis together, Circus Harmony has been advancing its philosophy of "peace through pyramids, harmony through hand springs" to "inspire individuals and connect communities."

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Two Trains Running
Photo by Phil Hamer

The Black Rep presents August Wilson's Two Trains Running through January 26. "In August Wilson's masterpiece, history unfolds around everyday lives against the backdrop of the civil rights movement. Long-time regulars gather at the local diner in Pittsburgh's Hill District to gossip, flirt and play the numbers. Now the owner must decide whether to let the city take over his building or sell it to a shrewd, local businessman. Part of Wilson's trailblazing American Century Cycle, Two Trains Running paints a compassionate and unforgettable portrait of ordinary people in the midst of transformation." Performances take place at the Edison Theatre on the Washington University campus. For more information: theblackrep.org.

My take: Critical reaction to this has been rather ecstatic. "In St. Louis," writes Calvin Wilson at the Post-Dispatch, "standing ovations have become routine and are often unmerited. But in this case, that gesture is much deserved." At KDHX, Jacob Juntunen calls it "an exquisite production of a superb script by one America's most important playwrights." And at Ladue News, Mark Bretz writes that director Ed Smith "weaves a masterpiece of a production through the expert utilization of his cast and technical staff." 'Nuff said.

The St. Louis theatre calendar for the week of January 13, 2020

The new theatrical year continues with new shows at the Rep Studio, Kirkwood Theatre Guild, and the Fox, along with new cabaret at the Blue Strawberry.

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Charles Glenn

The Blue Strawberry presents The After Party with singer Charles Glenn and his band on Saturday, January 18, at 8 pm. "The renowned Charles Glenn takes the Stage of Blue Strawberry with his band. Best known as the St. Louis Blues' longtime Anthem singer, Charles is an entertainer who draws upon his vast wealth of knowledge and training to create unforgettable musical experiences for his audiences. Charles creates a high energy show in the intimacy of Blue Strawberry. Charles has opened for Smokey Robinson, Huey Lewis and the News, and the Allman Brothers, and has worked with The Fifth Dimension. A special chance to hear Charles's big baritione in an acoustically impressive, intimate space - with food and drink, at tables and chairs." The Blue Strawberry is at 364 N. Boyle in the Central West End. For more information: bluestrawberrystl.com.

Anna Blair

The Blue Strawberry presents Always...Anna Blair with singer Anna Blair Thursday, January 16, at 8 pm. "As a Patsy Cline impressionist, actor and singer, Anna Blair has entertained thousands. She sings Cline's beloved classics with her unique spin. "A stunning raconteur," Anna presents music and stories not as Ms. Cline but as herself, using her own experiences to sing the songs that have influenced and affected her over the past decade performing as Patsy Cline. Joining her onstage is Royal Robbins (Ravaged Hearts, Pavlov's Dog, Memories of Elvis) on piano and Michael Amoroso on guitar." The Blue Strawberry is at 364 N. Boyle in the Central West End. For more information: bluestrawberrystl.com.

The Gateway Men's Chorus presents Cabaret Risque: At The Speakeasy on Saturday, January 18, at 8 pm with a VIP Reception at 7 pm. "Travel back to the Roaring 20s as Gateway Men's Chorus presents an evening of sexy and sensual entertainment, handpicked by International Showgirl Lola Van Ella. With exotic burlesque performances, enticing silent auction items, and an incredible evening of saucy surprises, this is an event you can't afford to miss!" The event takes place at the Centene Center for the Arts in the Rialto Ballroom. For more information: www.gmcstl.org.

The St. Louis Family Theatre Series presents the Theatreworks USA production of Click, Clack, Moo Saturday, January 18 at 2 pm. "'Cows that type? Hens on strike! Whoever heard of such a thing!' Farmer Brown cries. When his granddaughter Jenny comes for a visit, Farmer Brown declared the farm a tech-free zone. He takes her laptop in the cold barn with the shivering cows who use her computer to type messages requesting blankets. 'No way,' replies Farmer Brown. 'No blankets!' So the cows go on strike and the chickens join them in solidarity. No blankets? No milk! No eggs! Will Farmer Brown give in to the animals' demands? Will Jenny get her computer back? Find out in a hilariously moving musical about negotiation and compromise, based on the Caldecott Honor Book by Doreen Cronin and Betsy Lewin." Performances take place at the Florissant Civic Center Theatre at Parker and Waterford in Florissant, MO. For more information, call 314-921-5678 or visit www.florissantmo.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.

Mark Saunders

The Blue Strawberry presents Everything's Fine: A Bear in Search of His Honey with singer Mark Saunders and pianist Stephen Eros on Friday, January 17, at 8 pm. "The world of online dating can be a tricky game to master. In a one-man cabaret, Mark Saunders will take you on a journey through the ups and downs, the goods and bads, and especially the tops and bottoms of his journey to find love. The evening will be full of laughter, heartbreak, and 100% true horror stories that will make us all feel better about ourselves. Come out, have a drink, and let's talk!" The Blue Strawberry is at 364 N. Boyle in the Central West End. For more information: bluestrawberrystl.com.

Circus Harmony presents Fluente: An Underseas Circus Adventure Saturdays at 2 and 7 pm and Sundays at 2 pm, January 18 - 26. "This captivating show is an undersea circus adventure. All the acts are co-created with the amazing Circus Harmony students, staff and guest teaching artists - a number of whom are successful alumni. Like it's home, City Museum, this circus show is not just for children! While the age range of the performers is 8 to 21 years old, these young people perform professional level circus arts. That is why a number of them have gone on to perform with some of the most prestigious circus companies around the world! Fluente will feature new acts created especially for this production and new music from the Circus Harmony Band under the direction of Jeffrey Carter." Performances take place at City Museum, downtown. For more information: circusharmony.org/fluente/

Fly North Theatricals presents the new musical Madam through February 2. "ELIZA HAYCRAFT - She built an EMPIRE of brothels based on three simple rules. . . RESPECT, CONSENT, and PAY UP FRONT! In 1870 - she was the richest and most powerful woman in the City of St. Louis! But in 1870, Eliza Haycraft was dying. . . And the richest and most powerful men in the City of St. Louis. . . They were hellbent on taking it all away from her. With a score by STL-based composer Colin Healy (The Gringo, Forgottonia) described as 'power swing', fusing elements of modern pop and musical theatre with traditional St. Louis blues and swing revival, you can move-and-be-moved by this turbulent story about the right to be remembered, the meaning of love, and the power of 'no.'" Performances take place at the .ZACK, 3224 Locust in Grand Center. For more information: https://flynorththeatricals.com/events.

Mojada: A Medea in Los Angeles

The Repertory Theatre of St. Louis presents Mojada: A Medea in Los Angeles by Luis Alfaro through February 2. " The Greek tragedy Medea is reborn through the experiences of a young immigrant family living in modern day Los Angeles. Shrouded in evocative mysticism, this tale of love, loss and transformation pulses with an escalating sense of danger. In this fresh retelling, Medea and Jason grapple not only with their own star-crossed marriage, but with the weight of the sacrifices demanded in the battle between assimilation and tradition." Performances take place at the Loretto-Hilton Center on the Webster University campus. For more information: repstl.org

The Theatre Guild of Webster Groves presents the thriller Night Watch through January 19. "Unable to sleep, Elaine Wheeler paces the living room of her Manhattan townhouse, troubled by unsettling memories and vague fears. Her husband tries to comfort her, but when he steps away for a moment Elaine screams as she sees (or believes she sees) the body of a dead man in the window across the way. The police are called, but find nothing except an empty chair. Elaine's terror grows as shortly thereafter she sees still another body-this time a woman's-but by now the police are skeptical and pay no heed to her frantic pleas. Her husband, claiming that Elaine may be on the verge of a breakdown, calls in a lady psychiatrist, who agrees with his suggestion that Elaine should commit herself to a sanitarium for treatment. From this point on, the plot moves quickly and grippingly as those involved-Elaine's old friend and house guest Blanche; the inquisitive and rather sinister man who lives next door; and the nosy German maid Helga-all contribute to the deepening suspense and mystery of the play as it draws towards its riveting and chilling climax." Performances take place in the Guild theatre at Newport and Summit in Webster Groves, MO. For more information: theatreguildwg.org or call 314-962-0876.

Kirkwood Theatre Guild presents Other Desert Cities opening on Friday, January 17, at 8 pm and running through January 26. "Brooke Wyeth returns home to Palm Springs after a six-year absence to celebrate Christmas with her parents, her brother, and her aunt. Brooke announces that she is about to publish a memoir dredging up a pivotal and tragic event in the family's history-a wound they don't want reopened. In effect, she draws a line in the sand and dares them all to cross it." Performances take place in the Robert G. Reim Theatre of the Kirkwood Community Center, 111 South Geyer Road. For more information, call 314-821-9956 or visit ktg-onstage.org.

The Fabulous Fox Theatre presents Summer: The Donna Summer Musical opening on Wednesday, January 15, at 7:30 pm and running through January 26. "She was a girl from Boston with a voice from heaven, who shot through the stars from gospel choir to dance floor diva. But what the world didn't know was how Donna Summer risked it all to break through barriers, becoming the icon of an era and the inspiration for every music diva who followed. With a score featuring more than 20 of Summer's classic hits including "Love to Love You Baby," "Bad Girls" and "Hot Stuff," this electric experience is a moving tribute to the voice of a generation." The Fabulous Fox Theatre in on N. Grand in Grand Center. For more information: fabulousfox.com.

The Thanksgiving Play

The Repertory Theatre of St. Louis presents The Thanksgiving Play, opening on Wednesday, January 15, and running through February 9. "Four earnestly progressive theatre-makers want to create a politically correct Thanksgiving play that is historically accurate, avoids all possible stereotypes and doesn't offend anyone. Guess how long it takes for everything to fly off the rails? This wickedly hilarious satire hurtles into glorious chaos, skewering both its characters' pretensions and the traditional "Thanksgiving story."" Performances take place in the Studio Theatre at the Loretto-Hilton Center on the Webster University campus. For more information: repstl.org.

The Black Rep presents August Wilson's Two Trains Running through January 26. "In August Wilson's masterpiece, history unfolds around everyday lives against the backdrop of the civil rights movement. Long-time regulars gather at the local diner in Pittsburgh's Hill District to gossip, flirt and play the numbers. Now the owner must decide whether to let the city take over his building or sell it to a shrewd, local businessman. Part of Wilson's trailblazing American Century Cycle, Two Trains Running paints a compassionate and unforgettable portrait of ordinary people in the midst of transformation." Performances take place at the Edison Theatre on the Washington University campus. For more information: theblackrep.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.

Chuck's Choices for the weekend of June 28, 2019

New productions by the Muny and Max and Louie join the Grand Center Theatre Crawl on an already crowded list of recommendations.

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New This Week:

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1776
Photo courtesy of The Muny

The Muny presents the musical 1776 opening on Thursday, June 27, at 8:15 p.m. and running through July 3rd. "With the American Revolution underway, a nation's independence is ready to be claimed. The three-time Tony Award-winning 1776 sets ablaze the historic signing of the Declaration of Independence and illuminates the personalities, passions and compromises that created a nation. Featuring a telling score that includes "Sit Down, John," "He Plays the Violin" and "Momma Look Sharp," this Muny production will mesmerize, delight and inspire you." Performances take place on the Muny's outdoor stage in Forest Park. For more information: muny.org.

My take: While 1776 is unquestionably fictional and compresses and rearranges history in order to create viable theatre, there's no doubt that it is, at heart true to the story of the political and personal conflicts that eventuall led to American independence. It's entirely unlike a conventional musical and, in fact, it holds the record for the longest scene in a musical without any music, with over a half-hour passing between the fourth and fifth songs during the first act. There's no singing or dancing chorus and nearly all of the 28 named characters are well-drawn individuals. It's a remarkable piece of musical theatre and the Muny's production is first rate.

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Fire Shut Up In My Bones
Photo by Eric Woolsey

Opera Theatre of St. Louis presents Fire Shut Up In My Bones by Terence Blanchard and Kasi Lemmons, based on the memoir by columnist Charles Blow, through June 29. "One moment can change everything. When Charles discovers that his cousin has returned to his Louisiana hometown, he races home from college to confront his past. Memories and shadows surround Charles as he strives to move beyond a cycle of violence and forge a brave new path. Terence Blanchard, composer of OTSL's sold-out hit Champion, teams up with screenwriter Kasi Lemmons (Eve's Bayou) for a haunting, powerful, and tender coming-of age story inspired by a memoir celebrated as "stunning" (Essence), "riveting" (Chicago Tribune), and "exquisite" (The New York Times)." The opera runs approximately two hours and 25 minutes with one intermission and is performed in English with English supertitles. 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: opera-stl.org call 314-961-0644.

My take: A world premiere is always important, and while I was not as impressed by this work as others have been, there's no doubt that it gets an excellent production by Opera Theatre.

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St. Louis Public Radio presents the Grand Center Theatre Crawl on Friday from 7-10 pm. and Saturday at from 2-5 and 7-10 pm, June 28 and 29, at various locations in the Grand Center Arts District. Join St. Louis Public Radio for the finest offerings of the bustling St. Louis theatre scene at the Grand Center Theatre Crawl. Rotate through venues in Grand Center to get free access to 24 local theatre groups in short performances." Featured theatre companies Equally Represented Arts, Insight Theatre Company, Slightly Askew Theatre Ensemble, Prison Performing Arts, R-S Theatrics, The Midnight Company, and West End Players Guild. For more information: stlpublicradio.org

My take: Here's a chance to get sneak previews of some of what's coming up on local stages. Think of it as a kind of theatrical tasting menu. And for free, no less.

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Indecent
Photo courtesy of Max and Louie

Max and Louie Productions presents Indecent Thursdays at 7:30 pm, Fridays and Saturdays at 8 pm, and Sundays at 3 pm through June 30. "Winner of numerous awards including an acclaimed Tony-winning run on Broadway, "Indecent" by Pulitzer Prize-winning playwright Paula Vogel, is the true story of a groundbreaking scandalous play and the courageous artists who risked their careers and lives to perform it. " Performances take place at the Grandel Theatre, 3610 Grandel Square in Grand Center. For more information: maxandlouie.com.

My take: Probably the most succinct summary of this production comes from Ann Lemmons Pollack: "Indecent is a beautiful, heavy-going drama. Paula Vogel’s play...tackles censorship, homophobia and antisemitism in an utterly seductive manner. It’s themes are serious-to-downright-grim, but it’s mesmerizing. The Max and Louie production of it at the Grandel gives it all they’ve got and does it proud." Other critics have been equally quick to praise the show.

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Held Over:

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The Boy from Oz
Photo by Peter Wochniak

Stages St. Louis presents the musical The Boy From Oz through June 30. "Dazzling and hilarious as the legendary Peter Allen himself, THE BOY FROM OZ follows the Australian singer-songwriter from his humble beginnings performing in backcountry pubs to his international stardom beside such Hollywood icons as Judy Garland and her daughter Liza Minnelli. " Performances take place in the Robert G. Reim Theatre at the Kirkwood Community Center, 111 South Geyer Road in Kirkwood. For more information: stagesstlouis.org.

My take: Peter Allen's many fine songs have been a real blessing to cabaret artists over the years. This is a show I very much wanted to see but just couldn't because of our travels. Here's your last chance to enjoy it before it closes.

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The Caper on Aisle 6

Circus Flora presents its new show, The Caper on Aisle 6 through June 30 under the air-conditioned, red-and-white, big top tent in Grand Center. "A trip to the grocery store is not usually the most exciting part of our day. But the market is a place of intrigue and excitement in "The Caper in Aisle 6." An ancient and powerful substance, long thought to be gone from the Earth, is found in the unlikeliest of places: aisle six of the local grocery store. What secrets does aisle six hold, and what adventures will it set in motion?" For more information: circusflora.org.

My take: If it's summer, it must be time for Circus Flora. Although I was born and have spent most of my life in St. Louis, there are some local traditions and institutions that I never have and probably never will understand. (White Castle, for example, or the business about asking where you went to high school. What's THAT all about, anyway?) Circus Flora, though, is a St. Louis tradition that anyone can embrace. And it's nice that they now have a permanent home instead of temporary quarters on the Powell Hall lot.

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The Coronation of Poppea
Photo by Eric Woolsey

Opera Theatre of St. Louis presents Monteverdi's The Coronation of Poppea through June 28. "The fight for the throne is never dignified. Poppea will stop at nothing to become Empress, no matter who she has to blackmail, betray, or kill. And Emperor Nero, who is infatuated with Poppea, is not thinking with his head. Separately, they're bad enough. Together, they will turn Rome upside down. Sexy, bloodthirsty, and unapologetic, this opera is the best kind of political thriller." The opera runs approximately two hours and 50 minutes with one intermission and is performed in English with English supertitles. Performances take place at the Loretto-Hilton Center at 135 Edgar Road on the Webster University campus.  For more information: experienceopera.org call 314-961-0644.

My take: Virtue punished. Wisdom dismissed out of hand. Just another day with Fox and Friends. Or maybe an opera written in 1643 that's sadly relevant today. I think this production jumps the shark a bit in the final act, but it's wickedly entertaining up to that point.

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The Marriage of Figaro
Photo by Eric Woolsey

Opera Theatre of St. Louis presents Mozart's comedy The Marriage of Figaro running through June 29. "Life at court is about to get complicated. The maid Susanna is determined to wed her fiancé, Figaro, while the Count is equally determined to add her to his list of conquests. But Susanna and Figaro won't allow one self-entitled nobleman to ruin their happy ending! They each hatch their own plots to teach their master a lesson. What follows is a whirlwind day of romantic intrigue, cunning schemes, and uproarious fun. One of Mozart's most beloved masterpieces, The Marriage of Figaro reminds us all that love will always prevail, and forgiveness is always within reach." The opera runs three hours and ten minutes with one intermission and is sung in English with English supertitles. Performances take place at the Loretto-Hilton Center at 135 Edgar Road on the Webster University campus. For more information: opera-stl.org call 314-961-0644.

My take: Mozart's opera is over 230 years old but (as I wrote in my review) the new Opera Theatre of Saint Louis production is as fresh as (to quote W.S. Gilbert) “the flowers that bloom in the spring, tra-la.” Credit director Mark Lamos, whose theatrical resume is substantial, for keeping the pace tight and respecting both the material and his audience enough to make sure the comic business is all based on the characters, the text, and the music.

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Rigoletto
Photo by Eric Woolsey

Opera Theatre of St. Louis presents Verdi's Rigoletto running through June 30. "There is no purer love than that of a father for his daughter - and no more impossible task than protecting her from the world. Rigoletto is a bitter court jester who serves the Duke of Mantua, a lecherous womanizer. Together, they are despised throughout the city. But alone, Rigoletto is all tenderness when it comes to his innocent young daughter, Gilda. Little does he know that an ominous curse is about to take its toll. When the Duke seduces Gilda, only to then abandon her, the enraged father swears vengeance. Set to some of Verdi's most powerful music, this tale of innocence lost is wrenchingly poignant and all too human." The opera runs approximately two hours with one intermission and is performed in English with English supertitles. Performances take place at the Loretto-Hilton Center at 135 Edgar Road on the Webster University campus. For more information: experienceopera.org call 314-961-0644.

My take: Rigoletto is dark and disturbing stuff, especially in this menacing production. Not all of the director's decisions make sense, but most of them work very well. And the singing and acting could hardly be better.

St. Louis theatre calendar for the week of June 24, 2019

The Muny anticipates July 4th with the musical 1776 and Insight mines the French Revolution for comedy.

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The Muny presents the musical 1776 opening on Thursday, June 27, at 8:15 p.m. and running through July 3rd. "With the American Revolution underway, a nation's independence is ready to be claimed. The three-time Tony Award-winning 1776 sets ablaze the historic signing of the Declaration of Independence and illuminates the personalities, passions and compromises that created a nation. Featuring a telling score that includes “Sit Down, John,” “He Plays the Violin” and “Momma Look Sharp,” this Muny production will mesmerize, delight and inspire you." Performances take place on the Muny's outdoor stage in Forest Park. For more information: muny.org.

Southern Illinois University at Edwardsville presents Shakespeare's As You Like It Fridays and Saturdays at 7:30 pm and Sundays at 2 pm through June 30. "The theatrical and enchanting Shakespeare that you have come to expect from SIUE Summer Theater continues; this beloved romantic comedy moves from the magical Forest of Arden to the mysterious 1920's Ozark forests, complete with original, Old-Time Tunes. Our hero Rosalind, finding herself on the run from the evils of the city with her best friend Celia and her philosophical fool Touchstone, disguises herself as a young man and begins a journey of self-discovery. Falling in love and learning who you are by "acting the part" are the heart of this classic tale of romance and reconciliation." Performances take place in the Metcalf Theater on the campus in Edwardsville, IL. For more information, call 618-650-2774 or visit siue.edu.

The Boy from Oz
Photo by Peter Wochniak

Stages St. Louis presents the musical The Boy From Oz through June 30. "Dazzling and hilarious as the legendary Peter Allen himself, THE BOY FROM OZ follows the Australian singer-songwriter from his humble beginnings performing in backcountry pubs to his international stardom beside such Hollywood icons as Judy Garland and her daughter Liza Minnelli. " Performances take place in the Robert G. Reim Theatre at the Kirkwood Community Center, 111 South Geyer Road in Kirkwood. For more information: stagesstlouis.org.

The Caper on Aisle 6

Circus Flora presents its new show, The Caper on Aisle 6 through June 30 under the air-conditioned, red-and-white, big top tent in Grand Center. "A trip to the grocery store is not usually the most exciting part of our day. But the market is a place of intrigue and excitement in "The Caper in Aisle 6." An ancient and powerful substance, long thought to be gone from the Earth, is found in the unlikeliest of places: aisle six of the local grocery store. What secrets does aisle six hold, and what adventures will it set in motion?" For more information: circusflora.org.

Opera Theatre of St. Louis presents Center Stage on Tuesday, June 25, at 8 pm. "Rising opera stars from across the country step into the spotlight for one thrilling night of song. Cheer on the members of OTSL's nationally acclaimed young artist programs - normally seen in small roles and the season ensemble - as they perform some of opera's greatest hits and cherished rarities, accompanied onstage by members of the renowned St. Louis Symphony Orchestra. The future of opera is bright, indeed!" The performance takes place at the Loretto-Hilton Center at 130 Edgar Road on the Webster University campus. For more information: opera-stl.org call 314-961-0644.

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 Coronation of Poppea
Photo by Eric Woolsey

Opera Theatre of St. Louis presents Monteverdi's The Coronation of Poppea through June 28. "The fight for the throne is never dignified. Poppea will stop at nothing to become Empress, no matter who she has to blackmail, betray, or kill. And Emperor Nero, who is infatuated with Poppea, is not thinking with his head. Separately, they're bad enough. Together, they will turn Rome upside down. Sexy, bloodthirsty, and unapologetic, this opera is the best kind of political thriller." The opera runs approximately two hours and 50 minutes with one intermission and is performed in English with English supertitles. Performances take place at the Loretto-Hilton Center at 135 Edgar Road on the Webster University campus.  For more information: experienceopera.org call 314-961-0644.

The HIlton St. Louis Frontenac presents The Dinner Detective Murder Mystery Dinner Show through July 27. "Solve a hilarious crime while you feast on a fantastic dinner. Just beware! The culprit is hiding in plain sight somewhere in the room, and you may find yourself as a Prime Suspect before you know it!" For more information: https://www.thedinnerdetective.com/st-louis

Stages St. Louis presents the musical Disney's 101 Dalmatians, based on the animated film, through June 30. "Join the evil Cruella De Vil and her two klutzy henchmen as they try to steal a litter of the cutest puppies ever to hit jolly old London Town. But not to worry - this fur-raising adventure ends happily with plenty of puppy power to spare! " Performances take place in the Robert G. Reim Theatre at the Kirkwood Community Center, 111 South Geyer Road in Kirkwood. For more information: stagesstlouis.org.

Fire Shut Up In My Bones
Photo by Eric Woolsey

Opera Theatre of St. Louis presents Fire Shut Up In My Bones by Terence Blanchard and Kasi Lemmons, based on the memoir by columnist Charles Blow, through June 29. "One moment can change everything. When Charles discovers that his cousin has returned to his Louisiana hometown, he races home from college to confront his past. Memories and shadows surround Charles as he strives to move beyond a cycle of violence and forge a brave new path. Terence Blanchard, composer of OTSL's sold-out hit Champion, teams up with screenwriter Kasi Lemmons (Eve's Bayou) for a haunting, powerful, and tender coming-of age story inspired by a memoir celebrated as "stunning" (Essence), "riveting" (Chicago Tribune), and "exquisite" (The New York Times)." The opera runs approximately two hours and 25 minutes with one intermission and is performed in English with English supertitles. 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: opera-stl.org call 314-961-0644.

The Bissell Mansion Murder Mystery Dinner Theatre presents Flaming Saddles through July 28 The Bissell Mansion is at 4426 Randall Place. For more information: bissellmansiontheatre.com

St. Louis Public Radio presents the Grand Center Theatre Crawl on Friday from 7-10 pm. and Saturday at from 2-5 and 7-10 pm, June 28 and 29, at various locations in the Grand Center Arts District. Join St. Louis Public Radio for the finest offerings of the bustling St. Louis theatre scene at the Grand Center Theatre Crawl. Rotate through venues in Grand Center to get free access to 24 local theatre groups in short performances." Featured theatre companies Equally Represented Arts, Insight Theatre Company, Slightly Askew Theatre Ensemble, Prison Performing Arts, R-S Theatrics, The Midnight Company, and West End Players Guild. For more information: stlpublicradio.org

The Q Collective presents the rock musical Hedwig and the Angry Inch Thursdays and Fridays at 8 pm and Saturdays at 8 and 10:30 pm through June 29. "The Q Collective is excited to present John Cameron Mitchell and Stephen Trask's groundbreaking, Obie-winning Off-Broadway musical Hedwig And The Angry Inch, in which the 'internationally ignored song stylist' Hedwig Schmidt, herself, tells us her wild life story, as a fourth-wall smashing East German rock 'n' roll goddess who also happens to be the victim of a botched sex-change operation. This outrageous and unexpectedly powerful story is dazzlingly performed by Hedwig (née Hansel) in the form of a rock gig/stand-up comedy backed by the hard-rocking band The Angry Inch. It's a rocking ride, funny, touching, and ultimately inspiring to anyone who has felt life gave them an inch when they deserved a mile." Performances take place at The Monocle, 4510 Manchester in The Grove. For more information: eventbrite.com.

Indecent
Photo by Gerry Love

Max and Louie Productions presents Indecent Thursdays at 7:30 pm, Fridays and Saturdays at 8 pm, and Sundays at 3 pm through June 30. "Winner of numerous awards including an acclaimed Tony-winning run on Broadway, "Indecent" by Pulitzer Prize-winning playwright Paula Vogel, is the true story of a groundbreaking scandalous play and the courageous artists who risked their careers and lives to perform it. " Performances take place at the Grandel Theatre, 3610 Grandel Square in Grand Center. For more information: maxandlouie.com.

The Muny presents the musical Kinky Boots opening on Wednesday, June 19, at 8:15 p.m. and running through June 25th. '"Step into a dream where glamour is extreme" with the U.S. regional premiere of the international smash-hit-musical Kinky Boots! Winner of six Tony Awards, the Olivier Award and the Grammy, this huge-hearted hit tells the story of a struggling British shoe factory that finds a surprising way to recreate themselves! Featuring 16 Grammy Award-winning original songs penned by pop icon Cyndi Lauper, this sparkling, stiletto sensation will "lift you up!"' Performances take place on the Muny's outdoor stage in Forest Park. For more information: muny.org.

The Marriage of Figaro
Photo by Eric Woolsey

Opera Theatre of St. Louis presents Mozart's comedy The Marriage of Figaro running through June 29. "Life at court is about to get complicated. The maid Susanna is determined to wed her fiancé, Figaro, while the Count is equally determined to add her to his list of conquests. But Susanna and Figaro won't allow one self-entitled nobleman to ruin their happy ending! They each hatch their own plots to teach their master a lesson. What follows is a whirlwind day of romantic intrigue, cunning schemes, and uproarious fun. One of Mozart's most beloved masterpieces, The Marriage of Figaro reminds us all that love will always prevail, and forgiveness is always within reach." The opera runs three hours and ten minutes with one intermission and is sung in English with English supertitles. Performances take place at the Loretto-Hilton Center at 135 Edgar Road on the Webster University campus. For more information: opera-stl.org call 314-961-0644.

The Lemp Mansion Comedy-Mystery Dinner Theater presents Muurder in Maaaybury! through July 27. The Lemp Mansion is at 3322 DeMenil Place. For more information: lempmansion.com.

Broadway Fantasies presents Our Favorite Songs Saturdays at 7 pm and Sundays at 2 pm through June 30. " A wonderful 2 hours of song and dance entertainment supporting CORP County older residents program. Directed by Christy Simmons and Musical direction by Joe Dreyer." Performances take place at the Chesterfield Family YMCA, 16464 Burkhardt Place. For more information: broadwayfantasies.com.

Insight Theatre Company presents The Revolutionists by Lauren Gunderson Thursdays through Saturdays at 8 pm and Sundays at 2 pm, June 27 - July 14. "Four beautiful, badass women lose their heads in this irreverent, girl-powered comedy set during the French Revolution's Reign of Terror. Playwright Olympe de Gouges, assassin Charlotte Corday, former queen (and fan of ribbons) Marie Antoinette, and Haitian rebel Marianne Angelle hang out, murder Marat, and try to beat back the extremist insanity in 1793 Paris. This grand and dream-tweaked comedy is about violence and legacy, art and activism, feminism and terrorism, compatriots and chosen sisters, and how we actually go about changing the world. It's a true story. Or total fiction. Or a play about a play. Or a raucous resurrection…that ends in a song and a scaffold. " Performances take place at the Marcelle Theatre in Grand Center. For more information, call 314-556-1293 or visit insighttheatrecompany.com.

Rigoletto
Photo by Eric Woolsey

Opera Theatre of St. Louis presents Verdi's Rigoletto running through June 30. "There is no purer love than that of a father for his daughter - and no more impossible task than protecting her from the world. Rigoletto is a bitter court jester who serves the Duke of Mantua, a lecherous womanizer. Together, they are despised throughout the city. But alone, Rigoletto is all tenderness when it comes to his innocent young daughter, Gilda. Little does he know that an ominous curse is about to take its toll. When the Duke seduces Gilda, only to then abandon her, the enraged father swears vengeance. Set to some of Verdi's most powerful music, this tale of innocence lost is wrenchingly poignant and all too human." The opera runs approximately two hours with one intermission and is performed in English with English supertitles. Performances take place at the Loretto-Hilton Center at 135 Edgar Road on the Webster University campus. For more information: experienceopera.org call 314-961-0644.

Christ Memorial Productions presents The Selfish Giant Friday and Saturday at 7:30 pm and Sunday at 2:30 pm, June 28-30. "This narrated retelling of the endearing story of The Selfish Giant will feature physical arts including mime, dance, gymnastics and other circus arts and it will be set to powerful orchestration by Dan Goeller, an accomplished and published composer, as presented by a full, live orchestra. The vision for this presentation has been described as a beautiful synergy of story, symphony music and circus arts." Performances take place at Christ Memorial Lutheran Church, 5252 South Lindbergh. For more information, visit CMPShows.org or call 314-631-0304.

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.