St. Louis theatre calendar for the week of April 27, 2015

[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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Art
Photo: John Lamb

St. Louis Actors' Studio presents Yasmina Reza's comedy Art through May 3 at the Gaslight Theatre, 358 North Boyle. "How much would you pay for a white painting? Would it matter who the painter was? Would it be art? One of Marc's best friends, Serge, has just bought a very expensive painting. It's about five feet by four, all white with white diagonal lines. To Marc, the painting is a joke, but Serge insists Marc doesn't have the proper standard to judge the work. Another friend, Ivan, though burdened by his own problems, allows himself to be pulled into this disagreement. Eager to please, Ivan tells Serge he likes the painting. Lines are drawn and these old friends square off over the canvas, using it as an excuse to relentlessly batter one another over various failures. As their arguments become less theoretical and more personal, they border on destroying their friendships. At the breaking point, Serge hands Marc a felt tip pen and dares him: “Go on.” This is where the friendship is finally tested, and the aftermath of action, and its reaction, affirms the power of those bonds." For more information, call 314-458-2978 or visit stlas.org. Read the 88.1 KDHX review!

St. Louis University Theatre presents Shakespeare's comedy As You Like It through May 3. The source of some of Shakespeare's most famous lines this comedy follows the challenging path of love for Rosalind and Orlando. Performances take place in Xavier Hall, 3373 West Pine Mall. he cast will also be performing an excerpt from the show as part the Shakespeare Festival of St. Louis Shake 38 event on Saturday, April 25 from 12-1 pm at the LaMancha Coffee House, 2800 N. 14th St. in Old North St. Louis. For more information, call (314) 977-2998 or visit slumarketplace.slu.edu.

Stray Pups Youth Theatre presents the musical Disney's Beauty and the Beast Jr. April 30-May 10 "The classic story tells of Belle, a young woman in a provincial town, and the Beast, who is really a young prince trapped under the spell of an enchantress. If the Beast can learn to love and be loved, the curse will end and he will be transformed to his former self. But time is running out. If the Beast does not learn his lesson soon, he and his household will be doomed for all eternity." Performances take place at The Tower Grove Abbey, 2336 Tennessee. For more information, visit straydogtheatre.org or call 314-865-1995.

Kevin Spirtas

The Gateway Men’s Chorus presents Cabaret Risque on Saturday, May 2, at 8:30 p.m., preceded by a cocktail hour at 7 p.m. The show will star St. Louis native Kevin Spirtas, star of television’s Days Of Our Lives, Jim Brickman’s PBS special Love Songs and Lullabies, and Broadway’s A Chorus Line, Hairspray, and The Boy From Oz. Ken Haller is master of ceremonies and guest performer for the event, with music direction by Al Fischer. Procedes benefit the Gateway Men's Chorus. The show takes place Rialto Ballroom on the fourth floor of the Centene Center for the Arts, 3547 Olive in Grand Center. For more information: gatewaymenschorus.org.

The Lemp Mansion Comedy-Mystery Dinner Theater presents A Fistful Of Hollers May 1 through August 29. The Lemp Mansion is at 3322 DeMenil Place. For more information: lempmansion.com.

The Theatre Guild of Webster Groves presents Neil Simon's comedy Fools Fridays through Sundays, May 1-9. "Leon Tolchinsky is ecstatic. He's landed a terrific teaching job in an idyllic Russian hamlet. When he arrives he finds people sweeping dust from the stoops back into their houses and people milking upside down to get more cream. The town has been cursed with Chronic Stupidity for 200 years and Leon's job is to break the curse. No one tells him that if he stays over 24 hours and fails to break the curse, he too becomes Stupid. But, he has fallen in love with a girl so Stupid that she has only recently learned how to sit down." 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.

An Invitation Out
Photo: John Lamb

Mustard Seed Theatre presents An Invitation Out by Shaulee Cook through May 3. "In this world-premiere comedy of manners, a young man searches for “truth” while living in virtual reality and explores the “reality” of life offline." Performances take place at the Fontbonne Fine Arts Theatre, 6800 Wydown Blvd. For more information, call (314) 719-8060 or visit the web site at www.mustardseedtheatre.com Read the 88.1 KDHX review!.

St. Louis Community College at Wildwood presents the one-acts Lone Star and Laundry and Bourbon Friday and Saturday, May 1 and 2. The campus is at 2645 Generations Drive in Wildwood, MO. For more information: stlcc.edu/WW

Clayton Community Theatre presents Shakespeare's Macbeth Fridays and Saturdays at 8 PM and Sundays at 2 PM, through May 3. Performances take place at the Washington University South Campus Theatre. For more information, call 314-721-9228 or visit placeseveryone.org.

The Bissell Mansion Murder Mystery Dinner Theatre presents Mayhem In Mayberry May 1 through July 26. The Bissell Mansion is at 4426 Randall Place. For more information: bissellmansiontheatre.com

The Odd Couple
Photo: John Lamb

Dramatic License Productions presents the female version of Neil Simon's comedy The Odd Couple through May 10. "Oscar and Felix become Olive and Florence in this, the equally-hilarious female version of Neil Simon's classic comedy about two unlikely roomies who will either become the best of friends or kill each other trying!" Performances take place at Dramatic License Theatre located at upper-level Sears wing of Chesterfield Mall. For more information, call 636-821-1746 or visit www.dramaticlicenseproductions.org.

Once on This Island
Photo: Stewart Goldstein

The Black Rep presents the musical Once on This Island through May 3. "Once on this Island is a warm fairy tale for children of all ages, told with breezy Caribbean rhythms. A young peasant girl in the French Antilles uses the power of love to bring together people of very different social classes." Performances take place at the Edison Theatre on the Washington University campus. For more information: theblackrep.org.

KTK Productions presents the farce Sex, Please, We're Sixty through May 3. "Mrs. Stancliffe's Rose Cottage Bed and Breakfast has been successful for many years. Her guests (nearly all women) return year after year. Her next door neighbor, the elderly, silver-tongued, Bud "The Stud" Davis believes they come to spend time with him in romantic liaisons. The prim and proper Mrs. Stancliffe steadfastly denies this, but really doesn't do anything to prevent it. She reluctantly accepts the fact that "Bud the Stud" is, in fact, good for business. Her other neighbor and would-be suitor Henry Mitchell is a retired chemist who has developed a blue pill called "Venusia," after Venus the goddess of love, to increase the libido of menopausal women. The pill has not been tested. Add to the guest list three older women: Victoria Ambrose, a romance novelist whose personal life seems to be lacking in romance; Hillary Hudson a friend of Henry's who has agreed to test the Venusia: and Charmaine Beauregard, a "Southern Belle" whose libido does not need to be increased! Bud gets his hands on some of the Venusia pills and the fun begins, as he attempts to entertain all three women! The women mix up Bud's Viagra pills with the Venusia, and we soon discover that it has a strange effect on men: it gives them all the symptoms of menopausal women, complete with hot flashes, mood swings, weeping and irritability! When the mayhem settles down, all the women find their lives moving in new and surprising directions." Performances take place at Southampton Presbyterian Church, 4716 Macklind. For more information: kurtainkall.org or call 314-351-8984.

Webster University's Conservatory of Theatre Arts presents Shakespeare's The Tempest Wednesday through Saturday at 7:30 p.m. and Sunday at 2 p.m., April 29-May 3. “Prospero, Duke of Milan, usurped and exiled by his own brother, holds sway over an enchanted island. He is comforted by his daughter Miranda and served by his spirit Ariel and his deformed slave Caliban. When Prospero raises a storm to wreck this perfidious brother and his confederates on the island, his long contemplated revenge at last seems within reach.” Performances take place on the Browning Mainstage of the Loretto-Hilton Center on the Webster University campus. For more information, events.webster.edu or call 314-968-7128.

Kirkwood Theatre Guild presents the musical Thoroughly Modern Millie May 1-10. "Small-town girl, Millie Dillmount, sets out for New York in 1922, to put some excitement in her life...and hopefully find a rich husband. Millie begins her new flapper lifestyle with enthusiasm but encounters some unexpected turns when she moves into a hotel run by the evil Mrs. Meers and takes a job at Sincere Trust in an attempt to catch the rich and eligible boss...but instead finds herself falling in love with (gasp) an ordinary man. This zany musical, based on the popular movie, took Broadway by storm, winning the TONY Award for Best Musical! It's an absolutely fun-filled, toe-tapping tribute to the flapper era and the exciting beginning of the thoroughly modern woman!" 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.

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 theatre choices for the weekend of October 10, 2014

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:

Photo: Jill Ritter Lindberg

New Line Theatre presents the St. Louis premiere of the musical Bonnie and Clyde Thursdays through Saturdays at 8 PM through October 25. The show is "a kind of horror Romeo and Juliet story, exploring the culture that created this infamous couple and their two-year murder spree, the moral ambiguity of Prohibition and the Great Depression, and a national cult of celebrity that turned these damaged, dangerous kids into national folk heroes, in their twisted quest for dignity in a time of national humiliation. Bloomberg News called the show, 'a pop romance about the American nightmare.' Today, in this time of economic distress in America, this story seems more relevant than ever. Not only could it happen again; it does." Performances take place at the Washington University South Campus Theatre, 6501 Clayton Road. For more information, visit the web site or call 314-534-1111.

My take: Frank Wildhorn, the composer of Bonnie and Clyde, is nothing if not eclectic when it comes to his choice of material. His shows include The Scarlet Pimpernel, The Civil War, and Wonderland: Alice's New Musical Adventure. Even if this were not a much-praised production, it would be worth seeing for Wildhorn's contribution alone. But, has it happens, the show has gotten plenty of good reviews locally. Writing for broadwayworld.com, Chris Gibson calls it "brilliant." "You'll be blown away by how engaging the story and characters are," he says, "and you'll be humming the score as you walk out the doors because it's just so incredibly and infectiously catchy." The St. Louis Theatre Snob concurs: "Under Jeffrey Richard Carter's musical direction, the New Line Band is tight, handling Wildhorn's score of depression-era blues, folk, gospel and rockabilly superbly...Seeing this production makes it hard to understand why it didn't last longer in NYC." Over at the RFT, Malcom Gay says it "should be on anyone's Most Wanted list." So maybe it should be on yours as well.

St. Louis University Theatre presents William Inge's Bus Stop through October 12. Performances take place in Xavier Hall, 3373 West Pine Mall. For more information, call (314) 977-2998 or visit the web site.

My take: William Inge's somewhat downbeat romantic comedy/drama had a respectable run on Broadway in 1955/56 (478 performances) and provided the basis for the 1956 film of the same name that gave Marilyn Monroe a chance to show that she was more than just a pretty face. " Overall this is a very strong production," writes Steve Callahan in his review for KDHX. "We see the growth in the central characters. ..If you've not seen this American classic, St. Louis University is offering you a lovely chance to enjoy it."

The Presenters Dolan present Katie McGrath: Love in the Desert: Romance in the Age of Scarcity on Saturday, October 11, at 8 PM as part of the Gaslight Cabaret Festival. "Nobody's better at love gone bad than Katie, who asks, 'In our world economy, scarcity is the problem of having seemingly unlimited human wants and needs in a world of limited resources. But this issue is also alive and well in matters of love. Why is it then, as we age and the prospective romance population shrinks, we become needier yet more demanding than ever?'" Neal Richardson is pianist and music director, with special musical guest Ethan Edwards on cello. The performance takes place at the Gaslight Theater, 358 North Boyle. For more information: gaslightcabaretfestival.com.

My take: I've watched Katie develop as a cabaret performer over the years and have never failed to be impressed with her professionalism and openness on stage. This time around she has the support of the immensely talented Neal Richardson as her music director and Tim Schall as her director. This was the same team that worked with me to create my own show Just a Song at Twilight: the Golden Age of Vaudeville, so I can say from personal experience that they're a couple of the best in the business.

Held Over:

Photo: Peter Wochniak

Stages St. Louis presents the musical Always..Patsy Cline through October 12. "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.

My take: Call this a qualified recommendation. If you're a lover of Patsy Cline or country music in general, I think you'll have a great time at this show, which is really more of a celebrity impersonation review than a book musical per se. Jacqueline Petroccia captures Cline's voice and manner so accurately it's eerie and Zoe Vonder Haar is a hoot and a half as Louise Seger, the real-life Houston fan who became a close friends and correspondent of Cline. With over two dozen Patsy Cline hits performed to perfection by Ms. Petroccia and a six-piece band, the show is a real feast for fans. See my KDHX review for more information.

Valhalla Cemetery and Hawthorne Players present Voices Of Valhalla: A Hayride Through History October 3-11. Hayrides through Valhalla Cemetery depart every fifteen minutes beginning at 6:30 each evening as members of the Hawthorne Players portray some of the noted locals buried in Valhalla. A special indoor performance, featuring all of the characters, will be held on Saturday, October 4, at 5:00 p.m. for those who might have difficulty boarding and sitting on hay wagons. "This year's characters will include the granddaughter of one of Robert E. Lee's slaves, a hero from the Viet Nam war, the composer of a major Broadway musical, a dress maker who worked in the Washington Avenue garment district in the 30s, a young lawyer and Sunday School superintendent who got involved with gangsters, a St. Louis business man and politician who entertained Teddy Roosevelt, and a 'bionic comic' who continued to perform long after he 'died on stage'." Look for yours truly as composer and music critic Paul Tietjens (pictured). Valhalla Cemetery is located at 7600 St. Charles Rock Road. For more information, visit the Hawthorne Players web site.

My take: OK, so I have a vested interest in this project, as you can tell from the description above. That said, having seen the work by the other members of the cast, I think I can guarantee you a unique and very entertaining theatrical experience in this "hayride through history" as you meet some remarkable characters from our city's colorful past.

St. Louis theatre calendar for the week of September 29, 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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St. Louis Community College at Meramec presents 1959 Saint Ascension Wednesday through Sunday, October 1-5. Performances take place in the theatre on the campus at 11333 Big Bend Road. For more information, call 314-984-7500.

The Looking Glass Playhouse presents the musical The Addams Family, inspired by the cartoons of Charles Addams, Thursdays through Sundays, through October 5. Performances take place at 301 West St. Louis Street in Lebanon, Ill. For more information, visit www.lookingglassplayhouse.com.

All in the Timing
Photo: John Lamb

St. Louis Actors' Studio presents the All in the Timing, an evening of one-act comedies by David Ives, through October 5 at the Gaslight Theatre, 358 North Boyle. For more information, call 314-458-2978 or visit stlas.org.

Stages St. Louis presents the musical Always..Patsy Cline through October 12. "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 November Theatre Company presents Stephen Sondheim's musical Assassins as its inaugural production, Fridays at 8 p.m., Saturdays at 2 and 8 p.m., and Sundays at 2 p.m., through October 5. "A powerful Tony Award-winning musical, Assassins is an anachronistic examination of the individuals who have engaged in the darkest acts of American political discourse. Anchoring the production are ignominious figures from American history such as John Wilkes Booth, Lynette “Squeaky” Fromme, John Hinckley, and others. Through its thoughtful, and at times darkly humorous, exploration of these historical figures, Assassins delves into the men and women behind the act, avoiding glorification of their crimes while offering the audience more than the simplistic treatment often afforded to them by history." Performances take place at The Ivory Theatre, 7620 Michigan. For more information: www.11theater.com.

The Bissell Mansion Murder Mystery Dinner Theatre presents A Big Easy Murder through October 26. The Bissell Mansion is at 4426 Randall Place. For more information: bissellmansiontheatre.com

Bonnie and Clyde

New Line Theatre presents the St. Louis premiere of the musical Bonnie and Clyde Thursdays through Saturdays at 8 PM, October 2-25. The show is "a kind of horror Romeo and Juliet story, exploring the culture that created this infamous couple and their two-year murder spree, the moral ambiguity of Prohibition and the Great Depression, and a national cult of celebrity that turned these damaged, dangerous kids into national folk heroes, in their twisted quest for dignity in a time of national humiliation. Bloomberg News called the show, 'a pop romance about the American nightmare.' Today, in this time of economic distress in America, this story seems more relevant than ever. Not only could it happen again; it does." Performances take place at the Washington University South Campus Theatre, 6501 Clayton Road. For more information, visit the web site or call 314-534-1111.

St. Louis University Theatre presents William Inge's Bus Stop October 3-12. Performances take place in Xavier Hall, 3373 West Pine Mall. For more information, call (314) 977-2998 or visit the web site.

Photo: Peter Wochniak

Stages St. Louis presents the classic musical Fiddler on the Roof through October 5. "Winner of the Tony Award for Best Musical and one of the most touching creations in the history of Broadway, featuring such heartfelt and beloved songs as 'Sunrise, Sunset,' 'If I Were A Rich Man,' and 'Matchmaker, Matchmaker'.” 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!

COCA presents Kindur: The Adventurous Life Of Icelandic Sheep Saturday and Sunday, October 4 and 5. "This extraordinary multimedia show for children and families comes from one of Italy's most acclaimed theatre companies. During the performance, children may have the opportunity to go up on stage as participants and, through touch, bring a setting of glaciers, volcanoes and flower-filled meadows to life. They'll meet trolls and elves, hear the rumblings of a gigantic waterfall and run inside a blazing volcano. The performers guide children on a theatrical journey in this play that features Icelandic sheep (kindur) and a spectacular visual landscape.” COCA is at 524 Trinity in University City. For more information, call (314) 725-6555 or visit the web site.

FHHS Limelight Theatre presents Ken Ludwig's Midsummer/Jersey at 7 p.m. Thursday through Saturday, October 2-4. "Midsummer/Jersey is the hilarious high-octane retelling of Shakespeare's Midsummer Night's Dream set on the boardwalk of a seaside town in modern-day New Jersey. The story revolves around the impending marriage of the Governor of New Jersey, the love affairs of four beach-bound high school crushes, a lively crew of fairies and the staff of the local beauty salon (run by Patti Quince and Stylist Nikki Bottom). The night takes a magical turn when Oberon and the impish Puck arrive on the scene armed with a powerful love potion and a desire for mischief making. With several weddings and the acting careers of six beauticians hanging in the balance, the lovers take to the boardwalk, backed by pop music and an iPhone-obsessed wood sprite.” Performances take place at the Francis Howell High School Auditorium, 7001 Highway 94 in St Charles, MO. Tickets are $5 each, and are available at the door before each performance.

Alpha Players present the musical Monty Python's Spamalot through October 5 at The Florissant Civic Center Theater, Parker Rd. at Waterford Dr. in Florissant, MO. For more information: alphaplayers.org or, call 314-921-5678. Read the 88.1 KDHX review!

The Fox Theatre presents Mrs. Independent Sunday, October 5, at 3 and 7:30 p.m. "Mrs. Independent", based on a true life story, takes audiences on a riveting, yet thought-provoking journey of exploring questions like: Can a woman still love her husband if she is the primary breadwinner? Will the roles reverse with her wearing the pants while he ultimately works to honor her every demand? But, what if he is a good man that's faithful and does actually contribute to the household? Is it possible that true love, affection and Godly integrity can be restored to the marriage?" The Fox Theatre is at 517 North Grand in Grand Center. For more information visit the web site.

Photo: John Lamb

The West End Players Guild opens their 104th season with Joan Ackermann's Off the Map Thursday through Saturday at 8 PM and Sunday at 2 PM, October 2-5. “An offbeat and loving comedy, Off the Map tells the story of the Grodens, a quirky family living way, way off the map in the wilds of New Mexico. We see the story through the eyes of Bo Groden, an 11-year-old growing up amidst a collection of rich, warm characters who will both entertain and inspire you.” Performances take place at the Union Avenue Christian Church, 733 North Union at Enright in the Central West End. For more information, call 314-367-0025 or visit www.westendplayers.org.

St. Louis Community College at Florissant Valley presents David Mamet's Oleanna through October 4. Performances take place in the Fisher Theatre on the campus at 3400 Pershall Road. For more information, call 314-644-5522.

Photo: Jerry Naunheim, Jr.

The Repertory Theatre of St. Louis presents the comedy One Man, Two Guvnors through October 5. “Francis Henshall needs a job. Recently sacked from his skiffle band, he's hungry and has a bad case of fish and chips on the brain. To make ends meet, he becomes a servant to two different masters. Frazzled Francis tries his best to balance duties and keep his bosses from meeting, but what he doesn't know about them, and what they don't know about each other, quickly become uproarious and riotous cases of mistaken identities and slapstick antics in this laugh-out-loud award-winning comedy.” Performances take place on the mainstage at the Loretto-Hlton Center, 130 Edgar Road in Webster Groves, MO. For more information, call 314-968-4925 or visit repstl.org. Read the 88.1 KDHX review!

The Conservatory of Theatre Arts at Webster University presents Diane Son's Stop Kiss Wednesdays through Sundays, Octob 1-12. "After Callie and Sara meet, their fast friendship leads to an unexpected attraction. Their first kiss provokes a violent attack that transforms their lives in a way they could never anticipate." Performances take place in the Emerson Studio Theater at the Loretto-Hilton Center on the Webster University campus. For more information, visit the web site or call 314-968-7128.

St. Charles Community College presents A Streetcar Named Desire Wednesday through Sunday, October 1-5. 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 the web site.

Valhalla Cemetery and Hawthorne Players present Voices Of Valhalla: A Hayride Through History October 3-11. Hayrides through Valhalla Cemetery depart every fifteen minutes beginning at 6:30 each evening as members of the Hawthorne Players portray some of the noted locals buried in Valhalla. Look for yours truly as composer and music critic Paul Tietjens. Valhalla Cemetery is located at 7600 St. Charles Rock Road. For more information, visit the Hawthorne Players web site.

The Lemp Mansion Comedy-Mystery Dinner Theater presents Zombie Love! (No Biting) through November 2. The Lemp Mansion is at 3322 DeMenil Place. For more information: lempmansion.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 April 28, 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 ArtsZipper site.

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Theatre Lab in coalition with Todd Schaefer's Players Project Theatre Company present The 24 Hour Play Festival, Round 2. All plays are written in 7 days. The setting, director, and actors are all (literally) drawn from a hat and are given 24 hours to rehearse and memorize for the performance on Saturday, May 3, at 8 PM. The performance takes place at Webster High School, 100 Selma Ave. in Webster Groves. For more information: 24hourplayfestround2.brownpapertickets.com or call 314-599-3309.

Kirkwood Theatre Guild presents the musical 9 to 5 Thursday [May 9 only] through Saturday at 8 PM and Sunday [May 4 only] at 2 PM, May 2-11. 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.

Francis Howell High School's Limelight Theatre presents David Ives's All in the Timing Wednesday, Thursday, and Saturday (April 30, May 1 and 2) at 7:30 PM. Performances take place at the Francis Howell Central High School Auditorium in St. Charles. For more information: facebook.com/FHHSvikings.

Photo: Peter Wochniak

Stages St. Louis presents the musical Always..Patsy Cline through June 22. "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.

The Gateway Men's Chorus presents Cabaret Risque III on Saturday, May 3, at 8 PM. Featured performers are Bob Becherer, Robert Breig, Alice Kinsella, Chuck Lavazzi, Kay Martin Love, Donna Weinsting, and Jeffrey M. Wright. Ken Haller is master of ceremonies for the event, with music direction by Al Fischer. Procedes benefit the Gateway Men's Choruis. The show takes place Rialto Ballroom on the fourth floor of the Centene Center for the Arts, 3547 Olive in Grand Center. For more information: gmcstl.org.

The Bissell Mansion Murder Mystery Dinner Theatre presents The Dapper Flappers May 2 through July 27. The Bissell Mansion is at 4426 Randall Place. For more information: bissellmansiontheatre.com

Mustard Seed Theatre presents Falling, written and directed by Deanna Jent. "Fresh from its off-Broadway run, Falling returns with the original St. Louis cast. The New York Post writes: "This heartfelt and nuanced family drama is shot through with dark humor. Falling soars!" While Falling explores hard truths within a family dealing specifically with autism, the story is really about loving someone who is hard to love." Performances take place through May 4 at the Fontbonne Fine Arts Theatre, 6800 Wydown Blvd. For more information, call (314) 719-8060 or visit the web site at www.mustardseedtheatre.com. Read the 88.1 KDHX review!

Alton Little Theater presents Hallelujah Girls Thursdays through Sundays, May 1-11, at 2450 North Henry in Alton, IL. "Hilarity abounds when the feisty females of Eden Falls, Georgia, decide to shake up their lives. The action in this rollicking Southern comedy by the authors of Southern Hospitality takes place in SPA-DEE-DAH!, the abandoned church-turned-day-spa where this group of friends gathers every Friday afternoon. After the loss of a dear friend, the women realize time is precious; and if they're going to change their lives and achieve their dreams, they have to do it now! But Sugar Lee, their high-spirited, determined leader, has her hands full keeping the women motivated. The comic tension mounts when a sexy ex-boyfriend shows up unexpectedly, a marriage proposal comes from an unlikely suitor, and Sugar Lee's archrival vows she'll stop at nothing to steal the spa away from her. By the time the women rally together to overcome these obstacles and launch their new, improved lives, you've got a side-splitting, joyful comedy that will make you laugh out loud and shout 'Hallelujah!'" For more information, call 618.462.6562 or visit altonlittletheater.org.

Photo: Daniel Brodie

The Fox Theatre presents the musical Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat April 29-May 11. "One of the most enduring shows of all time, JOSEPH AND THE AMAZING TECHNICOLOR DREAMCOAT is the irresistible family musical about the trials and triumphs of Joseph, Israel's favorite son. The first collaboration of Andrew Lloyd Webber (Jesus Christ Superstar, Phantom of the Opera, Cats) and Tim Rice (Jesus Christ Superstar, The Lion King) JOSEPH blends pop, country and rock into an uplifting, technicolored story of biblical proportions. 'JOSEPH is still the wittiest of Lloyd Webber's extravaganzas' declares the Orlando Sentinel." The Fox Theatre is at 517 North Grand in Grand Center. For more information: fabulousfox.com.

KTK Productions presents the comedy Leading Ladies by Ken Ludwig through May 4. Performances take place at Southampton Presbyterian Church, 4716 Macklind. For more information, call 314-351-8984.

COCA presents the Terrapin Puppet Theatre production of Love Saturday at 2 and 5 PM and Sunday at 1 and 4 PM, May 3 and 4. “With a big storm brewing, Oslo's mum says he can only take a few things, or 'love luggage,' to safety. So, Oslo sets out to help his neighbors find their “'ove luggage,' too! This heartfelt and entertaining story is brought to life by Australia's Terrapin Puppet Theatre with traditional and digital puppets, live action and stunning music. Recommended for ages 5 and up.” COCA is at 524 Trinity in University City. For more information, call (314) 725-6555 or visit www.cocastl.org.

Mainstreet Musicals presents staged readings of three new musicals on Saturday and Sunday, May 3 and 4, in the Orthwein Hall at the Muny, 1 Theatre Drive in Forest Park. The musicals are Merton Of The Movies by Doug Katsaros and Donald Brenner (6 PM Saturday and 3 PM Sunday), Pride and Prejudice by Lindsay Warren Baker and Amanda Jacobs (3 PM Saturday and noon Sunday), and Under Fire by Barry Harman and Grant Sturiale (noon Saturday and 6 PM Sunday). For more information: www.mainstreetfestivals.org/stlouis.htm.

Equally Represented Arts presents Make Hamlet through May 3. "This experimental, theatrical production re-envisions Shakespeare's iconic play. It uses the plays inherent meta-theatricality to explore its theme of fractured identity. Shakespeare's tragic text, ERA's ensemble-driven ideals, and the ritual of performance collide as six actors Make Hamlet." Performances take place at The Chapel Venue, 6238 Alexander Drive. For more information: equallyrepresentedarts.com. Read the 88.1 KDHX review!

Medea
Photo: John Lamb

St. Louis University Theatre presents Euripides's Medea adapted by Robinson Jeffers through May 4. Performances take place in Xavier Hall, 3373 West Pine Mall. For more information, call (314) 977-2998 or visit www.slu.edu/theatre.

Dramatic License Productions presents the comedy The Nerd May 1-18. Performances take place at Dramatic License Theatre located at the upper level of Chesterfield Mall (near Sears and across from Houlihan's Restaurant). For more information, call 636-220-7012 or visit dramaticlicenseproductions.org.

On Wednesday, April 30, Opera Theatre of St. Louis docents will discuss the upcoming season, which includes the return of some influential directors as well as an Opera Theatre debut (Poulenc's Dialogues of the Carmelites) and the world premiere of Twenty-Seven by Ricky Ian Gordon and Royce Vavrek. The discussion takes place at 10 AM at the Jewish Community Center, 2 Millstone Campus Drive. For more information: jccstl.com.

Clayton Community Theatre presents Agatha Christie's The Unexpected Guest Fridays and Saturdays at 8 PM and Sundays at 2 PM, through May 4. Performances take place at the Washington University South Campus Theatre. For more information, call 314-721-9228 or visit placeseveryone.org.

Curtain's Up Theatre presents Willy Wonka on May 1-4. "Join Willy Wonka as he offers a personally guided tour of his wonderful chocolate factory to five lucky winners. Music Theater International is removing this show - after June of this year, no one will be able to perform it - making our production one of the last chances for you to see the story come to life on stage!" The performances take place in the Dunham Hall Theater on the SIU-Edwardsville campus. For more information, visit curtainsuptheater.com.

Upstream Theater presents Windmill Baby by David Milroy through May 11. “Winner of the prestigious Patrick White Award, Windmill Baby is an enthralling show about an aging Aboriginal woman named MayMay, who returns briefly to the cattle station where she lived years ago in order to take care of some 'unfinished business.' With warmth, wit, and great heart she tells a story of many layers: Of Black Australians in the service of White Australia. Of unexpected romance and sudden ruination. Of overcoming heartbreak and -most wonderfully of all-of abiding love.“ Performances take place at the Kranzberg Arts Center, 501 North Grand in Grand Center. For more information, including show times: upstreamtheater.org.

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 April 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 ArtsZipper site.

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Stages St. Louis presents the musical Always..Patsy Cline April 22 -June 15. "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.

Peabody Opera House presents Blue Man Group April 25 - 27. For more information, visit peabodyoperahouse.com or call 314-622-5420.

The Lemp Mansion Comedy-Mystery Dinner Theater presents its Bullets in the Bathtub through April 27. The Lemp Mansion is at 3322 DeMenil Place. For more information: lempmansion.com

Mustard Seed Theatre presents Falling, written and directed by Deanna Jent. "Fresh from its off-Broadway run, Falling returns with the original St. Louis cast. The New York Post writes: "This heartfelt and nuanced family drama is shot through with dark humor. Falling soars!" While Falling explores hard truths within a family dealing specifically with autism, the story is really about loving someone who is hard to love." Performances take place through May 4 at the Fontbonne Fine Arts Theatre, 6800 Wydown Blvd. For more information, call (314) 719-8060 or visit the web site at www.mustardseedtheatre.com. Read the 88.1 KDHX review!

New Jewish Theater presents Ed Asner in his one-may play FDR Sunday, April 27, at 7 PM. “Asner's FDR, explores the life of one of America's best-loved presidents and the events and decisions that shaped a nation. This powerful play takes us through FDR's White House years including the Depression, the steps leading up to WWII and the war years. Asner shows us why this president was known as “that man in the White House,” scorned by many and admired by most.” The performance take place in the Edison Theatre on the Washington University campus. For more information: www.newjewishtheatre.org or call 314-442-3283.

The Bissell Mansion Murder Mystery Dinner Theatre presents Flaming Saddles through April 27. The Bissell Mansion is at 4426 Randall Place. For more information: bissellmansiontheatre.com

The Conservatory of Theatre Arts at Webster University presents the musical Into the Woods Wednesday through Sunday, April 23-27. Performances take place on the Browning Mainstage Theater at the Loretto-Hilton Center on the Webster University campus. For more information: www.webster.edu/fine-arts/departments/conservatory/index.html or call 314-968-7128.

KTK Productions presents the comedy Leading Ladies by Ken Ludwig April 25 - May 4. Performances take place at Southampton Presbyterian Church, 4716 Macklind. For more information, call 314-351-8984.

Lion's Paw Theatre Company presents a reading of the plays The Hysterical Misogynist by Murray Schisgal, Charm of the British by Laura Cotton, and Siren Song of Stephen Jay Gould by Benjamin Bettenbender, on Tuesday, April 22, at noon. The reading, which includes lunch, takes place at The Hearth Room at The Hawken House, 1155 South Rock Hill Road. For more information: lionspawtheatre.org.

The Presenters Dolan present Lara Teeter in Lucky to Be Me on Friday and Saturday, April 25 and 26, at 8 PM as part of the Gaslight Cabaret Festival. "Join Lara Teeter for his St. Louis cabaret debut, sharing his journey as artist, teacher, husband and dad. Claimed by both our town and Broadway (a Tony Nominee) as one of its own, Lara Teeter shows us just how fresh the songbook is in a master song and dance man's hands. And feet. " The performance takes place at the Gaslight Theater, 358 North Boyle. For more information: gaslightcabaretfestival.com.

Equally Represented Arts presents Make Hamlet, April 21 through May 3. "This experimental, theatrical production re-envisions Shakespeare's iconic play. It uses the plays inherent meta-theatricality to explore its theme of fractured identity. Shakespeare's tragic text, ERA's ensemble-driven ideals, and the ritual of performance collide as six actors Make Hamlet." Performances take place at The Chapel Venue, 6238 Alexander Drive. For more information: equallyrepresentedarts.com.

St. Louis University Theatre presents Euripides's Medea adapted by Robinson Jeffers April 25 - May 4. Performances take place in Xavier Hall, 3373 West Pine Mall. For more information, call (314) 977-2998 or visit www.slu.edu/theatre.

Lindenwood University's J. Scheidegger Center for the Arts presents Memphis: the Musical on Monday, April 21, at 8 PM. The Scheidegger Center is on the Lindenwood campus in St Charles MO. For more information, visit lindenwood.edu/center.

St. Charles Community College presents Next Year's Man of Steel Wednesday through Sunday, April 23-27. 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.

Shakespeare Festival St. Louis presents Shake 38, a city wide performance festival in which all 38 of Shakespeare's plays are performed by 38 different groups in a variety of neighborhoods and locations. Performances take place Wednesday through Sunday, April 23-27. For a complete schedule: sfstl.com.

Photo: Stewart Goldstein

The Black Rep presents Wole Soyinka's The Trials of Brother Jero through April 27. This Nobel Prize-winning play "depicts the delightful day in the life on an evangelical con man, forced to deal with creditors, politicians, and the endless temptation of beautiful women." Performances take place at the Emerson Performance Center on the campus of Harris-Stowe State University. For more information: theblackrep.org. Read the 88.1 KDHX review!

Clayton Community Theatre presents Agatha Christie's The Unexpected Guest Fridays and Saturdays at 8 PM and Sundays at 2 PM, April 25 - May 4. Performances take place at the Washington University South Campus Theatre. For more information, call 314-721-9228 or visit placeseveryone.org.

Upstream Theater presents Windmill Baby by David Milroy April 25 - May 11. “Winner of the prestigious Patrick White Award, Windmill Baby is an enthralling show about an aging Aboriginal woman named MayMay, who returns briefly to the cattle station where she lived years ago in order to take care of some 'unfinished business.' With warmth, wit, and great heart she tells a story of many layers: Of Black Australians in the service of White Australia. Of unexpected romance and sudden ruination. Of overcoming heartbreak and -most wonderfully of all-of abiding love.“ Performances take place at the Kranzberg Arts Center, 501 North Grand in Grand Center. For more information, including show times: upstreamtheater.org.

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 February 24, 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 ArtsZipper site.

Share on Google+

The Lemp Mansion Comedy-Mystery Dinner Theater presents its Bullets in the Bathtub through April 27. The Lemp Mansion is at 3322 DeMenil Place. For more information: lempmansion.com

The Touhill Performing Arts Center presents The Nebraska Theatre Caravan production of The Fantasticks on Sunday, March 2, at 3:00 PM. The Touhill Performing Arts Center in on the University of Missouri-St. Louis campus. For more information, you may visit www.touhill.org or call (314) 516-4949.

The Bissell Mansion Murder Mystery Dinner Theatre presents Flaming Saddles through April 27. The Bissell Mansion is at 4426 Randall Place. For more information: bissellmansiontheatre.com

The Conservatory of Theatre Arts at Webster University presents The House of the Spirits by Caridad Svich, based on the novel by Isabel Allende, Wednesdays through Sundays through March 2. “The haunting best-selling novel by Isabel Allende comes to the stage in this fascinating adaptation, showing the struggles of a landed, privileged family in a South American nation as four generations of women face up to a powerful patriarch and dictatorship in the 20th century.” Performances take place in Emerson Studio Theatre at the Loretto-Hilton Center on the Webster University campus. For more information: www.webster.edu/fine-arts/departments/conservatory/index.html or call 314-968-7128

Photo: Joan Marcus

The Fox Theatre presents the musical Jersey Boys through March 2. The musical is based on the careers of Rock and Roll Hall of Famers The Four Seasons: Frankie Valli, Bob Gaudio, Tommy DeVito and Nick Massi. "This is the story of how four blue-collar kids became one of the greatest successes in pop music history. They wrote their own songs, invented their own sounds and sold 175 million records worldwide - all before they were thirty!" The Fox Theatre is at 517 North Grand in Grand Center. For more information, call 314-534-1678.

The Presenters Dolan present Marissa Mulder: The Songs Of Tom Waits Thursday through Saturday, February February 27 - March 1, at 8 PM as part of the Gaslight Cabaret Festival. " Marissa Mulder kicks off our Cabaret in a New Key shows, featuring performers who are pressing the edges of the form. With MD Jon Weber and her entire New York-based band, Marissa encounters the songs of Tom Waits, in a beautiful, crystalline distillation of their power and beauty. Will Friedwald of The Wall Street Journal says that Mulder projects and amplifies her soul through these songs, virtually defining what cabaret is supposed to be. Each of the souls lucky enough to hear the unmissable Ms. Mulder reaches the same end." The performances take place at the Gaslight Theater, 358 North Boyle. For more information: gaslightcabaretfestival.com.

St. Louis University Theatre presents Middletown by Will Eno through March 2. Performances take place in Xavier Hall, 3373 West Pine Mall. "Mary Swanson just moved to Middletown. About to have her first child, she is eager to enjoy the neighborly bonds a small town promises. But life in Middletown is complicated: neighbors are near strangers and moments of connection are fleeting. Middletown is a playful, poignant portrait of a town with two lives, one ordinary and visible, the other epic and mysterious. A tart play which captures life's absurd beauty via a steady stream of gorgeous little comments on big things." For more information, call (314) 977-2998 or visit www.slu.edu/theatre.

Brass Rail Players present Nunsense - the Mega Musical through March 2. The performances take place at The Turkey Hill Grange, 1375 Illinois Rte. 15 in Belleville, IL. For more information, visit brassrailplayers.org.

Photo: Jerry Naunheim, Jr.

The Repertory Theatre of St. Louis presents Other Desert Cities through March 9. “Things get bumpy when promising young novelist Brooke Wyeth returns home to Palm Springs to get her family's approval of her newest work - a tell-all memoir dredging up long-kept family secrets. Daring her conservative parents to oppose her, Brooke draws a line in the sand, and when it is crossed, the result threatens to undo them all. Politics, lies and regrets collide in this biting, sharp and fiercely funny Pulitzer Prize finalist.” Performances take place on the mainstage at the Loretto-Hlton Center, 130 Edgar Road in Webster Groves, MO. For more information, call 314-968-4925 or visit repstl.org. Read the 88.1 KDHX review!

Act Two Theatre presents the musical The Pajama Game throiugh March 2 in the St. Peters Cultural Arts Centre at 1 St Peters Centre Blvd, St. Peters, MO 63376. For more information: act2theater.com.

Dramatic License Productions presents the comedy Shirley Valentine February 27 - March 16. Performances take place at Dramatic License Theatre located at the upper level of Chesterfield Mall (near Sears and across from Houlihan's Restaurant). For more information, call 636-220-7012 or visit dramaticlicenseproductions.org.

The Performing Arts Department at Washington University presents the classic comedy You Can't Take it With You Friday and Saturday at 8 PM and Sunday at 2 PM through March 1. Performances take place in the Edison Theatre in the Mallinckrodt Student Center on the Washington University campus. For more information: pad.artsci.wustl.edu or call 314-935-6543.

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.

TPTBT (The Place to Be Tonight): Saturday, March 2

Who: St. Louis University Theatre
What: The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee
Where: Xavier Hall, 3373 West Pine Mall
When: 8 PM tonight and Sunday at 2 PM.
Why: This just might be the ideal show for a college theatre. It was designed for a small (350-seat) theatre, it incorporates audience participation, and nearly all of the characters are teenagers. In her review for 88.1 KDHX, Sheila Schultz notes: "Book writer Rachel Sheinkin handles pathos and comedy with equal skill in this fast-paced show. The same is true of composer/lyricist William Finn ("March of the Falsettos", "A New Brain")." Veteran St. Louis actor Alan Knoll directs.  For more information, call (314) 977-2998 or visit www.slu.edu/theatre.

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Chuck's Choices for the weekend of November 15, 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:

Slightly Askew Theatre Ensemble presents Lee Blessing's Eleemosynary through Saturday . Performances take place at The Chapel Venue, 6238 Alexander Drive. I've always liked this script and apparently this is a solid production. In her review for 88.1 KDHX, Andrea Braun says that this is "a beautiful piece, well-played and insightful." For more information: slightlyoff.org.

Peabody Opera House presents The Radio City Christmas Spectacular starring the Rockettes through Saturday. I saw this a few years back at the Fox and found it, for the most part, great fun. In his review for 88.1 KDHX, Robert Mitchell describes the show as "a gaily-wrapped, fun-filled, family-friendly Christmas present."For more information, visit peabodyoperahouse.com or call 314-622-5420.

St. Louis University Theatre presents Radium Girls through Sunday. Performances take place in Xavier Hall, 3373 West Pine Mall. In his review for 88.1 KDHX, Bob Wilcox has praise for everyone involved in this production. For more information, call (314) 977-2998 or visit www.slu.edu/theatre. Read the 88.1 KDHX review!

Held over:

The Repertory Theatre of St. Louis presents Clybourne Park through Sunday. “Winner of the 2011 Pulitzer Prize and 2012 Tony Award for Best Play, Clybourne Park is a wickedly funny and provocative new play about the volatile intersection of race and real estate.” As I write in my review for 88.1 KDHX, "I just can't praise this script and the Rep's splendid production of it highly enough. It's entertaining, thought provoking, and complex enough to encourage repeated viewing". Performances take place in the studio theatre at the Loretto-Hlton Center, 130 Edgar Road in Webster Groves, MO. For more information, call 314-968-4925 or visit repstl.org.

The West End Players Guild continues their 102nd season with the St. Louis premiere of This Wide Night by Chloë Moss Thursday through Saturday at 8 PM and Sunday at 2 PM. "As the play begins, Lorraine arrives at the squalid flat that is now home to Marie. Lorraine is in her fifties and newly-released from 12 years in prison. Her cell mate and prison best friend Marie is a younger woman who served a shorter sentence and has been out for some time. As their tense and tentative reunion quickly makes clear, much more has changed in their lives than simply being able to look out an unbarred window. This Wide Night is the story of Lorraine and Marie’s struggle to determine whether the friendship they treasured in prison is even possible in the outside world, and if so to learn how to trust each other again." Here's another St. Louis premiere by a company that is starting to specialize in them. And, yes, I am on the board of West End, but I think this is an important production regardless. Reviews have been very good across the board. In his review for 88.1 KDHX, Bob Wilcox notes that "a lot of terrific acting happens" during this short (80 minute) play. Performances take place at the Union Avenue Christian Church, 733 North Union at Enright in the Central West End. For more information, call 314-367-0025 or visit www.westendplayers.org.