St. Louis theatre calendar for the week of July 21, 2014

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 web site.

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Alton Little Theater presents 9 to 5: The Musical Thursdays through Sundays, July 24 - August 3, at 2450 North Henry in Alton, IL. The show is based on the film of the same name and features songs by Dolly Parton. For more information, call 618.462.6562 or visit altonlittletheater.org.

Hard Road Theatre Productions presents 9 to 5: the Musical Fridays and Saturdays at 8 PM and Sundays at 2 PM, July 25 - August 3. Performances will be held at Highland High School in Highland, IL. For more information: www.hardroad.org.

Photo: Peter Wochniak

Stages St. Louis presents the musical Always..Patsy Cline through August 31. "Jacqueline Petroccia and Zoe Vonder Haar star in the return engagement of the show critics called 'exceptional, must see entertainment.' The touching and true story of Country music legend Patsy Cline and her friendship with Texas housewife Louise Seger returns to STAGES this spring. Combining down home country humor, heartache and 27 of Patsy Cline's unforgettable hits such as 'Crazy,' 'Walkin' After Midnight,' and 'Sweet Dreams,' Always... Patsy Cline endures as a piece of genuine Americana." Performances take place at The Playhouse at Westport Plaza. For more information, visit stagesstlouis.org or call 314-821-2407. Read the 88.1 KDHX review!

Whitecliffe Summer Playhouse presents the Cole Porter musical Anything Goes July 24 - 27 on the outdoor stage in Whitecliff Park. For more information: www.playhouseproductions.org

The Bissell Mansion Murder Mystery Dinner Theatre presents The Dapper Flappers through July 27. The Bissell Mansion is at 4426 Randall Place. For more information: bissellmansiontheatre.com

St. Charles Community College presents the musical Dirty Rotten Scoundrels Tuesday through Sunday, July 22-27. Performances take place 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 Missouri History Museum Theatre in the Museum Series presents Flappers to Smashers: Women, Prohibition, and the 1920s Tuesdays and Thursdays at 2 PM through August 5. "A look at how the 18th Amendment changed women's lives." Performances take place at the Missouri History Museum at Lindell and De Baliviere in Forest Park. For more information, visit mohistory.org.

Photo: Tom Gannam

Stray Dog Theatre presents the musical Funny Girl Thursdays through Saturdays at 8 PM July 24 - August 9. "In turn-of-the-century New York, a young Jew from the Lower East Side dreams of becoming a Broadway star despite her unglamorous appearance. This fabulous musical follows the life and career of Fanny Brice and her stormy relationship with Nicky Arnstein. A true New York love story of a Ziegfeld Follies star." Performances take place at The Tower Grove Abbey, 2336 Tennessee. For more information, visit straydogtheatre.org or call 314-865-1995.

The Missouri History Museum Theatre in the Museum Series presents Glory the Gargoyle Finds a Home Saturdays at 11:30 AM through August 2. "A play for our youngest visitors. Glory is a gargoyle with big dreams, but she has trouble fitting in. Join her in her search to find a home." Performances take place at the Missouri History Museum at Lindell and De Baliviere in Forest Park. For more information, visit mohistory.org.

Stages St. Louis presents the musical How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying through August 17. "Big business means big laughs in this delightfully clever lampoon of life on the corporate ladder. A tune-filled comic gem that took Broadway by storm winning both the Tony Award for Best Musical and a Pulitzer Prize, How to Succeed...boasts an exhilarating score by Frank Loesser including “I Believe in You,” “Brotherhood of Man,” and “The Company Way.” Bustling with humor, romance and song, this swingin' 60s send-up of Madison Avenue charts the spectacular rise (in record time!) of an ambitious young window washer to VP of Advertising!" Performances take place in the Robert G. Reim Theatre at the Kirkwood Community Center, 111 South Geyer Road in Kirkwood. For more information, visit stagesstlouis.org or call 314-821-2407. Read the 88.1 KDHX review!

Maryland Heights Community Theatre presents Leader of the Pack: The Ellie Greenwich Musical Thursday and Sunday, July 24 - 27, at the Maryland Heights Centre, 2344 McKelvey Road. For more information, call 314-738-2599.

Clayton Community Theatre presents Little Women Fridays and Saturdays at 8 PM and Sundays at 2 PM through July 27. Performances take place at the Washington University South Campus Theatre. For more information, call 314-721-9228 or visit placeseveryone.org.

St. Louis Actors' Studio presents the Neil LaBute New Theater Festival, Part 2 July 25 - August 3 at the Gaslight Theatre, 358 North Boyle. The festival features professional, new and previously unproduced one-act plays 45 minutes or less in length, chosen from submissions to the festival over the previous year. The plays in Part 2 are JJ Strong's Comeback Special, John Doble's Coffee House, Greenwich Village, and Susan Steadman's The Thing With Feathers. For more information, call 314-458-2978 or visit stlas.org.

COCA Theatre Company presents the musical Ragtime Friday at 7 PM and Saturday at 2 and 7 PM, July 25 and 26. “COCA Theatre Company (CTC) presents Ragtime, with book by Terrence McNally, music by Stephen Flaherty, lyrics by Lynn Ahrens and based on the novel by E.L. Doctorow. The COCA Summer Musical celebrates its 10th anniversary with this powerful portrait of life in turn-of-the-century America. Ragtime draws upon the era's rich and varied music to tell the story of three extraordinary families struggling to make sense of life in America. In honor of the anniversary, the cast includes students chosen by area-wide audition as well as CTC alumni from the last 10 years of COCA Summer Musicals. This CTC production is directed by Grace Austin, with musical direction by Adaron Jackson and choreography by Lee Nolting and Chris Page. Recommended for teens and adults.” COCA is at 524 Trinity in University City. For more information, call (314) 725-6555 or visit www.cocastl.org.

The Muny presents the musical Seussical the Musical nightly at 8:15 PM, July 22-29, in the outdoor theatre in Forest Park. "Making its Muny premiere, Seussical^TM brings fantasy to magical life on the Muny stage. Based on the classic children's books of Dr. Seuss and narrated by the mischievous Cat in the Hat, this delightful musical follows Horton the elephant in his quest to protect the people of Who-ville. Seussical^TM is the timeless story of being true to your word...not living in fear...and the power of believing in yourself. Don't miss it." For more information, visit muny.org or call 314-361-1900.  Read the 88.1 KDHX review!

Actors and Artists of the Riverbend present the Lieber and Stoller musical Smokey Joe's Café Friday and Saturday at 7:30 PM and Sunday at 2 PM, July 25 - 27. Performances take place at the Nazarene Community Center in Roxana, IL. All proceeds from the show will benefit the Alton Youth Symphony. For more information: www.riverbender.com.

Family Musical Theater presents Sondheim's Sweeney Todd Thursday through Saturday at 8 PM and Sunday at 2 PM, July 25-27, at the Ivory Theatre, 7622 Michigan. For more information, visit familymusical.org or call 314-571-9579.

Take Two Productions presents the musical Tarzan, based on the Disney animated film, July 25 - August 2. Performances take place at the Bayless High School auditorium, 4532 Weber Road. For more information, visit taketwoproductions.org.

Over Due Theatre presents Willy Wonka Fridays and Saturdays at 8 PM and Sundays at 2 PM, July 25 - August 3. Performances take place at the Olivette Community Center, 9723 Grandview Drive, in Olivette, MO. For more information, call 314-210-2959 or visit overduetheatrecompany.com.

Insight Theatre Company presents the musical The Wizard of Oz July 25-27. "Insight Theatre's student interns present this timeless tale of Dorothy and her unplanned trip to the land of Oz. Based on the book by L. Frank Baum, this family-friendly production brings favorite characters such as the Scarecrow, Tin Man, Cowardly Lion, Glinda to Good Witch and the Wicked Witch of the West to life. As they travel the yellow brick road, Dorothy and her friends will encounter Munchkins, fend off flying monkeys and learn that there is “no place like home.” Performances take place in the Heagney Theatre, 530 East Lockwood on the campus of Nerinx Hall High School in Webster Groves. For more information, call 314-556-1293 or visit insighttheatrecompany.com.

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 July 14, 2014

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 web site.

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Photo: Phillip Hamer

The Muny presents the musical The Addams Family nightly at 8:15 PM, July 14-20, in the outdoor theatre in Forest Park. "Making its US regional and Muny premiere, The Addams Family puts Charles Addams' classic and beloved characters in a hilarious Broadway musical that has been thrilling audiences worldwide. See what Bloomberg News calls “uproarious!” The Addams Family features a book by Jersey Boys authors Marshall Brickman and Rick Elice, and music by Andrew Lippa. Come meet Gomez, Morticia, Lurch and the entire hilariously odd Addams Family." For more information, visit muny.org or call 314-361-1900. Read the 88.1 KDHX review!

Photo: Peter Wochniak

Stages St. Louis presents the musical Always..Patsy Cline through August 31. "Jacqueline Petroccia and Zoe Vonder Haar star in the return engagement of the show critics called 'exceptional, must see entertainment.' The touching and true story of Country music legend Patsy Cline and her friendship with Texas housewife Louise Seger returns to STAGES this spring. Combining down home country humor, heartache and 27 of Patsy Cline's unforgettable hits such as 'Crazy,' 'Walkin' After Midnight,' and 'Sweet Dreams,' Always... Patsy Cline endures as a piece of genuine Americana." Performances take place at The Playhouse at Westport Plaza. For more information, visit stagesstlouis.org or call 314-821-2407. Read the 88.1 KDHX review!

The Bissell Mansion Murder Mystery Dinner Theatre presents The Dapper Flappers through July 27. The Bissell Mansion is at 4426 Randall Place. For more information: bissellmansiontheatre.com

The Missouri History Museum Theatre in the Museum Series presents Flappers to Smashers: Women, Prohibition, and the 1920s Tuesdays and Thursdays at 2 PM through August 5. "A look at how the 18th Amendment changed women's lives." Performances take place at the Missouri History Museum at Lindell and De Baliviere in Forest Park. For more information, visit mohistory.org.

R-S Theatrics proudly presents its 3rd Annual FUNraiser on Saturday, July 19, at 8 p.m. “THRILL as you enjoy a fun-filled cabaret featuring alumni of past R-S musicals as well as songs from our upcoming production First Lady Suite, sung by members of the cast! SWOON as you bid on a marvelous silent auction spread that includes theatre tickets, in-home wine tastings, and rounds of golf! REVEL in the knowledge that you’re a part of this wonderful evening that helps R-S Theatrics continue to produce St. Louis premieres of thought-provoking theatre!” The performance takes place at The Chapel, 6238 Alexander Drive. For more information, email rstheatrics at gmail.com or call 314-456-0071.

The Missouri History Museum Theatre in the Museum Series presents Glory the Gargoyle Finds a Home Saturdays at 11:30 AM through August 2. "A play for our youngest visitors. Glory is a gargoyle with big dreams, but she has trouble fitting in. Join her in her search to find a home." Performances take place at the Missouri History Museum at Lindell and De Baliviere in Forest Park. For more information, visit mohistory.org.

Photo: Kim Carlson

St. Louis Shakespeare presents Hamlet through July 20. "Devastated to find that his father’s death was no accident – that, in fact, the late king was murdered by the brother who now wears his crown – Prince Hamlet immediately vows revenge. Yet putting that vow into practice proves agonizingly difficult, and Hamlet – perhaps the most famous tragic hero in all of Western drama, and certainly the most enigmatic – can’t even figure out why. " Performances take place at the 560 Music Center in University City. For more information, call 314-361-5664 or visit stlshakespeare.org. Read the 88.1 KDHX review!

Stages St. Louis presents the musical How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying July 18 – August 17. Performances take place in the Robert G. Reim Theatre at the Kirkwood Community Center, 111 South Geyer Road in Kirkwood. For more information, visit stagesstlouis.org or call 314-821-2407.

Clayton Community Theatre presents Little Women Fridays and Saturdays at 8 PM and Sundays at 2 PM, July 18-27. Performances take place at the Washington University South Campus Theatre. For more information, call 314-721-9228 or visit placeseveryone.org.

St. Louis Actors' Studio presents the Neil LaBute New Theater Festival, Part 1 through July 20 at the Gaslight Theatre, 358 North Boyle. The festival features professional, new and previously unproduced one-act plays 45 minutes or less in length, chosen from submissions to the festival over the previous year. The plays in Part 1 are Aleks Merilo 's "Little Moscow," Steve Karp's "Rubbas," Thomas Pierce's "Blue Lagoon" and Jan Henson Dow's "I Want to Show You Something." For more information, call 314-458-2978 or visit stlas.org. Read the 88.1 KDHX review!

Insight Theatre Company presents the comedy Over the River and Through the Woods through July 20. "This comic-drama hit, which ran Off-Broadway for more than two years, introduces the audience to a tight-knit, Italian-American family who share Sunday dinners in New Jersey. When one family member announces he's moving to Seattle to accept a promotion, he sends his grandparents into a tailspin - and they pull out all the stops to convince him to stay." Performances take place in the Heagney Theatre, 530 East Lockwood on the campus of Nerinx Hall High School in Webster Groves. For more information, call 314-556-1293 or visit insighttheatrecompany.com.

Spotlight Productions presents Peter Pan. Fridays and Saturdays at 7:30 PM and Sundays at 2 PM through July 20. Performances take place at the Marquette High School Theater, 2351 Clarkson Road, Chesterfield, MO. For more information, visit www.rockwood.k12.mo.us/spotlightproductions.

First Run Theatre presents the comedy Scutter Murphy's Wake by Patrick Conroy Fridays and Saturdays at 8 PM and Sundays at 2 PM, through July 20. "Scutter Murphy's Wake is the social occasion of the winter in a small Irish village. Mourners from all over the village converge on the home of Scutter's widow to pay their respects, socialize, explore their own fears and finally, get a free drink at Scutter's expense. As drink flows freely, the craic is mighty; music, song, ritual and conversation all lead to mishap. With superstition and alcohol, a strange combination, can this crowd safely get Scutter under the sod?" Performances take place at De Smet Jesuit High School Theatre, 233 N. New Ballas Rd. For more information, call (314) 352-5114 or visit www.firstruntheatre.com.

Family Musical Theater presents Sondheim's Sweeney Todd Thursday through Saturday at 8 PM and Sunday at 2 PM, July 18-27, at the Ivory Theatre, 7622 Michigan. For more information, visit familymusical.org or call 314-571-9579.

Photo: Ron Lindsey

Union Avenue Opera presents Verdi's La Traviata Friday and Saturday at 8 PM, July 18 and 19. "La traviata, one of the most beloved tragedies in opera, tells the story of a worldly courtesan, Violetta, who decides to leave her life of glamour and frivolity behind for the love of one man, Alfredo. Returning to UAO after twelve years, La traviata depicts the ultimate operatic life, one filled with grand parties, grander sacrifices, and some of Verdi's most memorable music, including the drinking song “Libiamo” and Violetta's virtuosic “Sempre libera.” Both longtime opera lovers and first-timers will be captivated by this irresistible classic. La traviata will be directed by Tim Ocel, who received rave review for his direction of 2011's Dead Man Walking at UAO. " Performances take place at the Union Avenue Christian Church, 733 Union at Enright in the Central West End. The opera is sung in Italian with projected English text. For more information, visit unionavenueopera.org or call 314-361-2881. Read the 88.1 KDHX review!

Southern Illinois University at Edwardsville presents the musical The Wizard of Oz Wednesday through Sunday, July 16-20. The performances take place on the campus in Edwardsville, IL. For more information, call 618-650-2774.

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 July 7, 2014

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 web site.

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Photo: Peter Wochniak

Stages St. Louis presents the musical Always..Patsy Cline through August 31. "Jacqueline Petroccia and Zoe Vonder Haar star in the return engagement of the show critics called 'exceptional, must see entertainment.' The touching and true story of Country music legend Patsy Cline and her friendship with Texas housewife Louise Seger returns to STAGES this spring. Combining down home country humor, heartache and 27 of Patsy Cline's unforgettable hits such as 'Crazy,' 'Walkin' After Midnight,' and 'Sweet Dreams,' Always... Patsy Cline endures as a piece of genuine Americana." Performances take place at The Playhouse at Westport Plaza. For more information, visit stagesstlouis.org or call 314-821-2407. Read the 88.1 KDHX review!

Whitecliffe Summer Playhouse presents the musical Bye Bye Birdie July 10-13 on the outdoor stage in Whitecliff Park. For more information: www.playhouseproductions.org

The Bissell Mansion Murder Mystery Dinner Theatre presents The Dapper Flappers through July 27. The Bissell Mansion is at 4426 Randall Place. For more information: bissellmansiontheatre.com

Clinton County Showcase presents the musical Disney's Peter Pan Jr. July 10 - 13 Performances take place at the Avon Theater, 525 North 2nd Street Breese IL. For more information, visit ccshowcase.com.

Hard Road Theatre Productions presents the musical Fame Jr. Thursday through Sunday, July 10 - 13. Performances will be held at Highland High School in Highland, IL. For more information: www.hardroad.org.

The Missouri History Museum Theatre in the Museum Series presents Flappers to Smashers: Women, Prohibition, and the 1920s Tuesdays and Thursdays at 2 PM through August 5. "A look at how the 18th Amendment changed women's lives." Performances take place at the Missouri History Museum at Lindell and De Baliviere in Forest Park. For more information, visit mohistory.org.

Photo: Michael J. Lutch

The Muny presents the national tour of the musical The Gershwins' Porgy and Bess nightly at 8:15 PM throuh July 13 in the outdoor theatre in Forest Park. "Winner of the 2012 Tony® Award for Best Revival of a Musical, The Gershwins' Porgy and Bess arrives at The Muny with award-winning members of the Broadway cast in this stunning and stirring new staging. Set in Charleston's fabled Catfish Row, it tells the story of the beautiful Bess as she struggles to break free from her scandalous past, and the only one who can rescue her is the courageous Porgy." For more information, visit muny.org or call 314-361-1900. Read the 88.1 KDHX review!

The Missouri History Museum Theatre in the Museum Series presents Glory the Gargoyle Finds a Home Saturdays at 11:30 AM through August 2. "A play for our youngest visitors. Glory is a gargoyle with big dreams, but she has trouble fitting in. Join her in her search to find a home." Performances take place at the Missouri History Museum at Lindell and De Baliviere in Forest Park. For more information, visit mohistory.org.

St. Louis Shakespeare presents Hamlet July 11 - 20. Performances take place in the Thomas Hunter Theatre at the 560 Music Center in University City. For more information, call 314-361-5664 or visit stlshakespeare.org.

YB Theatre Company presents Josh and Shawn, an original one-act play written and directed by Paul Hibbard, Friday and Saturday at 8 PM and Sunday at 2 PM, July 11 - 13. "A couple who love each other as much as they hate each other. And when an affair comes into play, "Josh and Shawn" shows how perception trumps truth and reality become as subjective as love. A play that is both challenging and funny, “Josh and Shawn” attempts to capture the roller coaster ride that is married life and show how marriage is a beautiful war and love is a blissful prison." Performances take place at The Chapel Venue, 6238 Alexander Drive in Clayton. For more information: www.facebook.com/joshandshawn.

St. Louis Actors' Studio presents the Neil LaBute New Theater Festival, Part 1 July 11 - 20 at the Gaslight Theatre, 358 North Boyle. The festival features professional, new and previously unproduced one-act plays 45 minutes or less in length, chosen from submissions to the festival over the previous year. The plays in Part 1 are Aleks Merilo 's Little Moscow, Steve Karp's Rubbas, Thomas Pierce's Blue Lagoon and Jan Henson Dow's I Want to Show You Something. For more information, call 314-458-2978 or visit stlas.org.

Insight Theatre Company presents the comedy Over the River and Through the Woods July 10 - 20. "This comic-drama hit, which ran Off-Broadway for more than two years, introduces the audience to a tight-knit, Italian-American family who share Sunday dinners in New Jersey. When one family member announces he's moving to Seattle to accept a promotion, he sends his grandparents into a tailspin - and they pull out all the stops to convince him to stay." Performances take place in the Heagney Theatre, 530 East Lockwood on the campus of Nerinx Hall High School in Webster Groves. For more information, call 314-556-1293 or visit insighttheatrecompany.com.

Spotlight Productions presents Peter Pan. Fridays and Saturdays at 7:30 PM and Sundays at 2 PM, July 11-20. Performances take place at the Marquette High School Theater, 2351 Clarkson Road, Chesterfield, MO. For more information, visit www.rockwood.k12.mo.us/spotlightproductions.

First Run Theatre presents the comedy Scutter Murphy's Wake by Patrick Conroy Fridays and Saturdays at 8 PM and Sundays at 2 PM, July 11-20. "Scutter Murphy's Wake is the social occasion of the winter in a small Irish village. Mourners from all over the village converge on the home of Scutter's widow to pay their respects, socialize, explore their own fears and finally, get a free drink at Scutter's expense. As drink flows freely, the craic is mighty; music, song, ritual and conversation all lead to mishap. With superstition and alcohol, a strange combination, can this crowd safely get Scutter under the sod?" Performances take place at De Smet Jesuit High School Theatre, 233 N. New Ballas Rd. For more information, call (314) 352-5114 or visit www.firstruntheatre.com.

Photo: Ron Lindsey

Union Avenue Opera presents Verdi's La Traviata Friday and Saturday at 8 PM, July 11-18. "La traviata, one of the most beloved tragedies in opera, tells the story of a worldly courtesan, Violetta, who decides to leave her life of glamour and frivolity behind for the love of one man, Alfredo. Returning to UAO after twelve years, La traviata depicts the ultimate operatic life, one filled with grand parties, grander sacrifices, and some of Verdi's most memorable music, including the drinking song “Libiamo” and Violetta's virtuosic “Sempre libera.” Both longtime opera lovers and first-timers will be captivated by this irresistible classic. La traviata will be directed by Tim Ocel, who received rave review for his direction of 2011's Dead Man Walking at UAO. " Performances take place at the Union Avenue Christian Church, 733 Union at Enright in the Central West End. The opera is sung in Italian with projected English text. For more information, visit unionavenueopera.org or call 314-361-2881. Read the 88.1 KDHX review!

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 classical calendar for the week of May 5, 2014

The Illumine Ensemble

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The Missouri History Museum presents 250: A Concert in Five Themes on Thursday, May 8, at 7 PM in the Lee Auditorium. "The Illumine Ensemble illustrates in sound five themes of St. Louis's rich history: river, spirit, community, conflict, and spectacle. Explore these concepts via chamber music from 1764 to the present day, incorporating images and tales from the Museum's 250 in 250 exhibition." The Missouri History Museum is at Skinker and DeBaliviere in Forest Park. For more information: mohistory.org.

Opera Theatre of St. Louis presents Mozart's Women and The Magic Flute. "The New York Times called Jane Glover's conducting of the Metropolitan Opera's recent production of The Magic Flute “spirited” and “graceful... a magisterial performance.” More than being a brilliant conductor, Ms. Glover has been knighted as a Commander of the Order of the British Empire (CBE) and has literally written the book on the women in Mozart's life with her critically acclaimed 2006 book, Mozart's Women. Leading off the program with a discussion of the women on-stage and off-stage that made The Magic Flute, with a special emphasis on the character of the Queen of the Night, this panel also features director and designer Isaac Mizrahi and choreographer John Heginbotham." It's part of their Spotlight on Opera, a series of four insightful dialogues exploring the ideas in each season's opera, and it takes place on Monday, May 5, at 7:30 PM at the Ethical Society, 9001 Clayton Road. For more information, you may visit experienceopera.org or call 314-961-0644.

The St. Louis Art Museum presents Metropolitan Opera Live at SLAM: Rossini's La Cenerentola (Cinderella) on Saturday, May 10, at 11:45 AM. The live digital HD video broadcast from New York takes place in The Farrell Auditorium at the Art Museum in Forest Park. For more information: slam.org.

Nicholas Phan

David Robertson conducts The St. Louis Symphony Orchestra and tenor Nicholas Phan in Britten's Les Illuminations, along with Tchaikovsky's Symphony No. 5 and the St. Louis premiere of Marc-André Dalbavie's La Source d'un regard Friday and Saturday at 8 PM and Sunday at 3 PM, May 9-11, at Powell Symphony Hall, 718 North Grand. “Tchaikovsky's Symphony No. 5 is a musical journey from darkness into light and triumph over despair. The symphony ends with a triumphant march as a fitting finale to the season. Ask David Immediately following the Friday evening performance, join David Robertson on the Orchestra Level for an informal Q&A. Ask David a question about the program, music in general or the STL Symphony. FREE for all ticketholders. Sponsored by University College - the adult, evening program at Washington University in St Louis.” For more information: stlsymphony.org.

The Tavern of Fine Arts presents the Arianna String Quartet on Tuesday, May 6, at 7:30 PM. The Tavern of Fine Arts is at 313 Belt in the Debaliviere Place neighborhood. For more information: tavern-of-fine-arts.blogspot.com.

The Tavern of Fine Arts presents the Heather Fehl, soprano, with Jon Garrett, piano on Thursday, May 8, at 7:30 PM. The Tavern of Fine Arts is at 313 Belt in the Debaliviere Place neighborhood. For more information: tavern-of-fine-arts.blogspot.com.

The Tavern of Fine Arts presents flautists Shelly Monier and Rebekah Watkins and pianist Diana Umali in a program of flute music by Gaetano Donizetti, Andre Jolivet, Paul Hindemith, Franz Doppler, Libby Larsen, and Ian Clarke on Saturday, May 10, at 8 PM. The Tavern of Fine Arts is at 313 Belt in the Debaliviere Place neighborhood. For more information: tavern-of-fine-arts.blogspot.com.

Adult Flute Choir

The Tavern of Fine Arts presents the Flute Society of St. Louis Adult Flute Choir on Saturday, May 10, at 4 PM. " The Adult Flute Choir is comprised of flutists (college age and above) from the St. Louis community of varying careers and musical backgrounds. The choir performs regularly during the season (September through May) at venues such as nursing homes, FSSL events, church services, school tours, flute recitals, etc." The Tavern of Fine Arts is at 313 Belt in the Debaliviere Place neighborhood. For more information: tavern-of-fine-arts.blogspot.com.

Third Baptist Church presents an organ concert by Jeffrey Cooper, Organist and Choirmaster at St. John's Episcopal Church, Elkhart, Indiana on Friday, May 9, at 12:30 PM as part of its free Friday Pipes series. "Join us on Fridays at Third Baptist Church for Friday Pipes, the free organ recital series celebrating the restoration of the church's 72-rank Kilgen/Möller pipe organ. Each week a different performer will be presenting a program of classical, church, and theatre organ music in the beautiful sanctuary of Third Baptist. This season's performers come from across the USA, and even from around the world. Free parking is available in the church lots on Washington Avenue." Third Baptist Church is at 620 N Grand. For more information: www.third-baptist.org.

Chuck's Choices for the weekend of December 6, 2013

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

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New this week:

Stray Dog Theatre presents William Gibson's The Butterfingers Angel, Mary and Joseph, Herod The Nut And The Slaughter Of 12 Hit Carols In A Pear Tree Thursdays through Saturdays at 8 PM December 5-21, with an extra 2 PM matinee on the 21st. “A touching, funny, and highly imaginative retelling of the Christmas story complete with talking animals, a feminist-leaning Mary, a jealous Joseph, a fast-talking sheep, and one loud-mouthed overbearing tree. Created by one of America's major dramatists, this Christmas cartoon mixed with psychological realism brings new relevance to its timeless subject.” Performances take place at The Tower Grove Abbey, 2336 Tennessee. For more information, visit straydogtheatre.org or call 314-865-1995.

My take: Yes, that's the same William Gibson who wrote The Miracle Worker, the oft-seen play about the young Helen Keller and her teacher, Annie Sullivan. The 1975 play has gotten good notices is earlier productions, including a 2008 Washington D.C. production in which Washington Post critic Nelson Pressley was especially taken with the non-comic aspects of the script. "The dramatic passages," he wrote, "are actually quite good, right down to an unexpected image of sacrifice near the climax. Slipperier by far are Gibson's lightness and gentle humanity -- the butterfingers bits." It's nice to see something a bit left of center at the holidays, and Stray Dog can usually be relied upon to deliver the goods.

New Jewish Theater presents the one-woman show Hannah Shenesh December 5-22. The play is based on the dairies of Senesh, who worked with a British para-military group to rescue Hungarian Jews during World War II. 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.

My take: One-person shows can be risky propositions, but this one appears to be a winner. "Last season," write Andrea Braun in her review for 88.1 KDHX, "NJT gave us 'Conviction,' a one-actor play that I thought was as good as any of that genre I'd seen. With 'Hannah Senesh,' the company has surpassed even that level of excellence in this production because of a perfect performance guided by a sensitive and meticulous director." She describes lead actress Shanara Gabrielle's performance as "magical" and says "the electricity in the room is palpable."

The West End Players Guild and the Missouri History Museum present The Medal of Honor Rag December 5-15. “ Two guilty survivors of war, a psychiatrist and an African-American soldier awarded the Congressional Medal of Honor for his service, verbally spar as they discuss the horrors that have traumatized them both.” Performances take place at The Missouri History Museum in Foreset Park. For more information: mohistory.org

My take: First performed in 1976, Medal of Honor Rag was a nominee for both the Drama Desk and Obie Awards and garnered enthusiastic reviews from critics in New York and Washington D.C. It has been a while since anyone has taken it on locally, so the current production—presented in conjunction with the History Museum's The 1968 Exhibit—is a welcome addition to the scene. Full disclosure: I'm on the board of West End Players Guild, but haven't been associated with this production in any way,

R-S Theatrics presents Oh, Hell!, an evening of two one-act plays: Bobby Gould in Hell by David Mamet and The Devil and Billy Markham by Shel Silverstein, Fridays and Saturdays at 8 PM and Sundays at 7 PM, December 6-15. In Bobby Gould in Hell, “Bobby Gould awakens in Hell's waiting room and must argue with the Interrogator in order to save himself from eternal damnation for being “cruel without being interesting.” The Devil and Billy Markham is a “one-man, 30-page monologue in rhymed couplets tells the story of Billy Markham and his long struggle to outwit the Devil for ownership of Billy's soul.” Performances take place at Southampton Presbyterian Church 5421 Murdoch. For more information: r-stheatrics.com.

My take: Well, with all the Christmas stuff popping up, somebody had to look at the season through the other end of the telescope, so to speak. I can't think of a better group to do it than R-S, where the motto is "never safe, always R-S." Besides, I'm a great fan of Shel Silverstein's work

The Conservatory of Theatre Arts at Webster University presents the musical Smokey Joe's Café: The Songs of Lieber and Stoller Wednesday through Sunday, December 4-15. Performances take place in the Stage III Auditorium in Webster Hall on the Webster University campus. For more information: www.webster.edu/fine-arts/departments/conservatory/ or call 314-968-7128

My take: If you thought Lieber and Stoller were just the authors of a couple of R&B hits, this show will set you straight. Yes, there are plenty of classic rock tunes from the 50s and 60s, but these guys were far more versatile than that. Smokey Joe's Café skips their remarkable cabaret songs but even so it's a consistently entertaining showcase of their remarkable songwriting skills. The students at the conservatory have a reputation for producing polished work and this is material that should be a good mix for their youthful energy and talent.

TPTBT (The Place to Be Tonight): Wednesday, March 6

Wonder Woman's
latest incarnation

Two different events this time.  You could easily do both.

What: WONDER WOMEN! The Untold Story of American Superheroines
Where: The Lee Auditorium at The Missouri History Museum
When: 6 PM
Why: I haven't seen the film, but the title alone is enough to recommend it, at least for an old comic-book fan like yours truly. The evening starts at 6 with hands-on activities and photo booth, followed by the film at 7. The film is a "look at how popular representations of powerful women often reflect society’s anxieties about women’s liberation" and is followed by a panel discussion. For more information: info at mohistory.org.

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Sidney Paget's Holmes

What: A Study in Sherlock book discussion
Where: St. Louis Public Library Central Branch Book Club Room
When: 4:30-5:30 PM
Why: Not only am I an old comic-book fan, I'm also a vintage Sherlockian who has read the Holmesian Canon more times than I can count.  The discussion includes background information on Conan Doyle (a.k.a. "The Literary Agent" to Sherlockians, who know that Dr. Watson really wrote all those stories and novels) and context for the Victorian Era.  For more information: 314-539-0370

TPTBT (The Place to Be Tonight): Sunday, February 17

Two recommendations: one for this afternoon and one for tonight.

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This afternoon:

The Missouri History Museum presents Merit, Not Sympathy, Wins: The Life and Times of Blind Boone, a lecture by Mary Collins Barile and Christine Montgomery, today at 1 PM and again on Monday, February 18, at 11 AM. “In post-Reconstruction America, John William "Blind" Boone, an illiterate, itinerant musician, overcame obstacles created by disability, exploitative managers, and racial prejudice to become one of the country’s most beloved concert performers. The story of Blind Boone is revitalized in this annotated edition of Melissa Fuell-Cuther’s out-of-print biography Blind Boone: His Life and Achievements, accompanied by essays describing the Missouri environment in which the artist lived, his place within the landscape of American music, and his achievements.”  The free event takes place in the ATT Foundation Multipurpose Room.

This evening:

Childgrove Country Dancers and The Monday Club present a Waltz Party from 7 to 10 PM. The evening consists of “a one-hour workshop followed by two hours of dancing to live music. About 2/3 of the dances are waltzes, with the others being a mix of polka, tango, schottisch, hambo or ragtime. No partner or experience is necessary. Please wear or bring soft soled shoes.” We’ve been to some of the contra dancing evenings at the club and it’s not only fun, it’s good exercise. The Monday Club is at Maple and Cedar in Webster Groves.

Rosemary and Time

Who: Christy Simmons
What: Count Your Blessings: A Tribute to Rosemary Clooney
When: October 4 – 14
Where: The Missouri History Museum

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I’ve always maintained—sometimes against stiff critical headwind—that cabaret is essentially a form of musical theatre, and that some of the best cabaret artists are the ones with a solid stage background. If you doubt that, head on over to the Missouri History Museum to see Christy Simmons’s Count Your Blessings and be convinced.

Ms. Simmons’s stage experience is obvious is nearly every moment of this remarkable mix of cabaret, biography, and musical theatre that recounts the ups and downs of the famed singer's often troubled life with a canny combination of song and story. It looks as polished and professional as it sounds, and it sounds awfully fine. Yes, there are a few moments when the eyes and ears of a director who is not also the star would have been helpful and the song list is perhaps a bit ballad-heavy, but the show is so engaging and well thought out that these are little more than quibbles.

At this point I should probably point out that Ms. Simmons and I are not strangers. We’ve shared the stage before and done the St. Louis Cabaret Conference together. Nothing unusual there; the local cabaret scene is not large and I know almost everyone in it. I also know a good show when I see it, though, and Count Your Blessings is, by any standard you can name, a good show. The mix of songs includes plenty of Clooney’s hits along with some less familiar titles, the balance of music and biography is right, and the presentation is first-rate.

Count Your Blessings makes good use of the History Museum’s stage. The three-piece combo (piano, acoustic bass, and drums) is spread across the back of the stage, which is simply but elegantly dressed with tables, candles, a few props, and a picture of Ms. Clooney. It’s all beautifully lit by Becca Holmes and the overall look and sound is that of a high-end nightclub—very appropriate for the subject at hand.

It helps, of course, that Clooney’s real life almost sounds like the plot of a Hollywood biopic. Saddled with a horrific childhood, Clooney began singing on the radio at an early age simply to survive and soon became a major attraction Tony Pastor’s band. Film and TV stardom followed, but career pressures and the singer’s poor choice in men—she married the fickle and self-centered film star José Ferrer not once but twice—eventually led to drug addition and a nervous breakdown. The fact that she recovered from that breakdown, married dancer Dante DiPaolo (the true love her life), and went on to a second career as a jazz singer would surely seem the stuff of fiction if it weren’t true.

As Ms. Simmons points out early in the evening, her show is not an exercise in celebrity impersonation. When she sings Clooney hits like “This Will Be My Shining Hour”, “Half As Much,” or “You Make Me Feel So Young,” she’s giving you her interpretations, not a reproduction of Clooney’s. There is a riveting section in the second act in which she takes on the role of Clooney to dramatize the singer’s famous mental meltdown following Robert Kennedy’s assassination, but that’s clearly established as a set piece that departs from the norm. For the rest of the show, Rosemary Clooney’s songs are used to tell the story of Rosemary Clooney’s life, assisted with excerpts from the singer’s sometimes painfully honest autobiography.

And the performances of those songs couldn’t be better. Ms. Simmons has a well-trained voice that can belt or purr as needed, so she’s equally at home up-tempo numbers like “It Don't Mean A Thing If It Ain't Got That Swing” and downbeat ballads like Billy Strayhorn’s unsettling “Lush Life”. Her backup band is tight and the vocal/instrumental balance is excellent. The first weekend the band consisted of Paul Westcott on piano, Dave Troncoso on bass, and Clancy Newell on drums. The redoubtable Joe Dreyer replaces Mr. Westcott on the closing weekend while Jim Guglielmo takes over the percussion Thursday through Saturday.

I was never a fan of Rosemary Clooney, but I found Count Your Blessings to be a consistently entertaining and, in keeping with the History Museum’s mission, educational show. For fans of the late singer, I expect it’s a little bit of heaven. For the rest of us, it’s just a darned fine bit of musical theatre.

Count Your Blessings continues through October 14 in the Lee Auditorium of the History Museum in Forest Park. For more information: mohistory.org.

Chuck's Choices for the weekend of October 11, 2012

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

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New this week:

St. Louis Actors Studio presents the drama Good through October 21 at the Gaslight Theatre, 358 North Boyle. “C.P. Taylor's Good examines Germany's descent into Nazism through the story of John Halder, a literature professor who is initially reluctant to accept the philosophy of the Nazi Party.” Not to put too fine a point on it, but given the way domestic politics seem to be going these days, a reminder of the seductiveness of fascism could not be more timely. For more information, call 314-458-2978 or visit stlas.org.

The Showboat Community Theatre and The Wine Country Follies present Ron Youngman in Songs from Vaudeville, The Silver Screen and The Musical Stage Thursdays at 3 PM, October 11 - 25, and Friday, October 19, at 7:30 PM. "Ron has performed in various venues from St. Louis to Beijing, China and New York." I saw Ron's vaudeville show a couple years ago at the Kranzberg Center and was very much impressed with both his performance and his affection for a period of American musical history for which I also have considerable fondness. He also does one heck of an Eddie Cantor impersonation. Performances take place at The Showboat Theatre in Hermann, Mo. For more information: 1-573-486-2744 or 1-800-932-8687.

Held over:

New Line Theatre presents the rock musical Bloody Bloody Andrew Jackson Thursdays through Saturdays at 8 PM through October 21. Performances take place at the Washington University South Campus Theatre, 6501 Clayton Road. Once again, New Line brings St. Louis the local permiere of a much-praised cutting edge musical.  In his review for 881. KDHX, Robert Mitchell describes it as "a bloodty good history lesson." For more information, newlinetheatre.com or call 314-534-1111.

The Missouri History Museum and Topper Productions present Christy Simmons in Count Your Blessings: A Tribute to Rosemary Clooney, Thursday through Saturday at 8 PM and Sunday at 2 PM,. Simmons' band features Joe Dreyer (Thursday through Saturday) and Paul Westcott (Sunday), piano; Jim Guglielmo (Thursday through Saturday) and Clancy Newell (Sunday), drums; and Dave Troncoso, bass. Performances take place in the Des Lee Auditorium at the History Museum at Lindell and DeBaliviere in Forest Park. As I note in my review for 881. KDHX, Ms. Simmons has managed to combine cabaret, theatre, and biography in an entertaining and educational evening—most appropriate for the History Museum's mission. For more information:mohistory.org or call 314-361-9017.

Upstream Theater presents Eugene O'Neill's The Hairy Ape. Performances are Thursdays through Sundays, October 5 - 21, at the Kranzberg Arts Center, 501 North Grand. This is, to say the least, a show that has not suffered from over-exposure locally, so any production is a cause for celebration. That's especially true when, as Andrea Braun notes in her review for 88.1 KDHX, the production is such a fine one. For more information, call (314) 863-4999 or visit www.upstreamtheater.org.

After the Ball is Over

Photo by Gerry Love

When somebody says goodbye to me
I’m sad as I can be.
Not so with this loving Romeo
He seemed to take a lot of pleasure saying bye-bye to his treasure.
- Gus Kahn, “Toot, Toot, Tootsie! (Goo’ Bye)”

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I wouldn’t say that it was a lot of pleasure saying good-bye to my one-man show Just a Song at Twilight, which just concluded an immensely satisfying two-week run at the Missouri History Museum on October 16, 2011 under the aegis of the West End Players Guild. The show was actually a great joy to perform and, judging from audience response, to watch. So while I’m glad to have my evenings back again, it’s hard not to feel a bit of a let down knowing that I won’t be putting on that top hat, white tie, and tails any time again in the foreseeable future.

But then, if you read the excellent blog post by West End’s indispensible president Renee Sevier-Monsey on the ephemeral nature of theatre, you won’t be surprised to learn that. No matter how strong the sense of accomplishment that goes along with a good show, all of us followers of Thespis know that, sooner or later, the ball will be over and it will be time to move on.

Before the dancers leave and the stars are gone, though, I’d like to offer a little background and some tips of the top hat to many of the folks who made Just a Song at Twilight possible. Because if there’s one thing that’s true about a one-man show, it’s this: it takes way more than one person to make it work.

First, thanks to my graphics designer Marjorie Williamson. She’s responsible not only for that classy poster (which also graced the cover of our program) but also for assembling the “lantern slides” (actually a PowerPoint deck) that I used within the body of the show to illustrate the songs and stories. We both spent hours combing the Internet for images, but the final product wouldn’t have looked as good as it did without her expertise.

Thanks to Renee Sevier-Monsey for wearing multiple bonnets as my house manager, lighting designer, and set designer. The lights nicely delineated the playing area without spilling on to the projections and the set was simple but inspired. There wasn’t much to it – just an art deco floor lamp (a “practical”, which means it could be turned on and off like a real lamp) in front of which was a nightclub table and two chairs set with two glasses of wine, a period-looking shawl, and a cigarette case. The idea was that the couple had just stepped out to the dance floor and might come back at any moment. It set the tone perfectly.

Thanks to my director Tim Schall for the cool tweaks he made to the show in tech week. Tim worked closely with me to develop the original cabaret version of Just a Song at Twilight. This time around he was only able to be on hand for one rehearsal, but his input at that rehearsal had a great impact on the final look of the show. The little “framing sequence” that began and ended the show to the tune of “Love’s Old Sweet Song” was his idea (and it was Renee’s set that inspired it).

Thanks to actor, singer, dancer and choreographer and long time friend Cindy Duggan for my dance moves. I’m not a dancer (unless you count all those years of aerobics and Zumba at the “Y”), but Cindy came up with some stuff that made me look good.

Thanks to my old friend Lynn Rathbone – a gifted actress and smart director – for her input and also to my fellow West End Board member Sean Ruprecht-Belt for his notes at our dress rehearsal.

Thanks to Neal Richardson of the Webster Conservatory for the great arrangements and charts. Neal (who is also a fan of the songs of the Vaudeville era) was deeply involved in the creation of the original version of the show and played piano for both the March and July 2010, performances at the Kranzberg Center. This time around his commitments to the Conservatory made that impossible (he’s the music director for their November production of Carousel), but his spirit was still very much in evidence.

And last but by no means least, thanks to my music director and pianist Carol Schmidt. When Tim learned that Neal wasn’t available, his first suggestion was to ask Carol to step in. It was a suggestion with which I heartily concurred. I had worked with Carol on the now-defunct Moonglow and Cabaret at the Café series, so I already knew she was not only a technically proficient music director but a lively and inventive performer as well. Her imagination kept the show fresh right up to the final performance. We always found something new and interesting to do with the show during our nightly sound checks.

I could go on at great length about the process of turning a small-scale cabaret act into something more like a staged Ken Burn documentary and my actually do so in a future post, but for now I’ll just say that the warmth and enthusiasm with which you, our audience, received our show each night made all of that effort worthwhile. Feel free to stay in touch with me here and on the West End Players Guild blog. Share your thoughts on the music and the performers of the Vaudeville era.

The ball may be over and dawn may be breaking, but the dance goes on.

Just a Songlist at Twilight

With my Vaudeville cabaret show, Just a Song at Twilight, having completed a two-week revival at the Missouri History Museum, this seemed as good a time as any to provide an on-line version of the song list.

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Just a Song at Twilight – The Golden Age of Vaudeville

Chuck Lavazzi, Writer and Performer
Tim Schall, Director
Carol Schmidt, Music Director
Musical arrangements by Neal Richardson

I turned up a ton of information in the process of researching this show. Most of it failed to make the cut as patter, but it’s available at the links below. Enjoy!

Words / Music

G. Clifton Bingham / J.L. Molloy: Love’s Old Sweet Song (1884)

Darl Mac Boyle / Nat Vincent: Bring Back Those Wonderful Days (1919) (Additional lyrics by Chuck Lavazzi)

Joseph McCarthy / Harry Carroll (after Chopin): I’m Always Chasing Rainbows (1918)

Weston and Barnes / Maurice Scott: I’ve Got Rings on My Fingers (1909)

Arthur J. Lamb / Alfred Solman: The Bird on Nellie’s Hat (1906)

Jack Norworth / Nora Bayes and Jack Norworth: Shine On, Harvest Moon (1908)

Gus Kahn / Walter Donaldson: Carolina in the Morning (1922) (Additional music and lyrics by Neal Richardson and Chuck Lavazzi)

Grant Clark and Edgar Leslie / Maurice Abrahams: He’d Have to Get Under – Get Out and Get Under (1913)

Ida Emerson and Joe Howard: Hello, Ma Baby (1899)

Edgar Leslie and Burt Kalmar / Pete Wendling: Take Your Girlie to the Movies (1919)

Stanley Murphy / Henry I Marshall: On the 5:15 (1914)

Andrew B. Sterling / Harry von Tilzer: Under the Anheuser Bush (1903)

Andrew B. Sterling / Kerry Mills: Meet Me in St. Louis, Louis (1904)

Medley: Alex Rogers / Bert Williams: Nobody (1905); Fred Ebb / John Kander: Mr. Cellophane (from Chicago, A Musical Vaudeville 1975)

Medley: Charles K. Harris: After the Ball (1892); Love’s Old Sweet Song

Gus Kahn, Ernie Erdman and Dan Russo: Toot, Toot, Tootsie (1921)

Lew Brown / Carl Schraubstader: Last Night on the Back Porch (I Loved Her Best of All) (1923)