Stage Left

Sunday, June 12, 2016

St. Louis theatre calendar for the week of June 13, 2016

Ariadne on Naxos
Photo: Ken Howard

Opera Theatre of St. Louis presents Richard Strauss's comedy Ariadne on Naxos running through June 24. "The wealthiest man in Vienna has hired both divas and clowns to perform two separate shows at the end of a lavish dinner party. When dinner runs long, the artists are stunned to find they must all take the stage together. What results is a mashup of slapstick comedy and deeply profound romance - mixing coloratura fireworks with spectacular arias." Performances take place at the Loretto-Hilton Center at 135 Edgar Road on the Webster University campus. All performances are sung in English with projected English text. For more information: experienceopera.org or call 314-961-0644.

New Line Theatre presents the St. Louis premiere of the musical Atomic Thursdays through Saturdays at 8 PM through June 25. "New Line continues its 25h season with the regional premiere of the exhilarating and provocative new rock musical ATOMIC, based on the true story of the creation of the atomic bomb. With book and lyrics by Danny Ginges, and music and lyrics by Philip Foxman, this powerful rock musical blasts open the doors of The Manhattan Project, a government-funded program of top scientists with the task of creating the world's first Atomic Bomb." Performances take place at the Marcelle Theater, 3310 Samuel Shepard Drive, three blocks east of Grand, in Grand Center. For more information, visit newlinetheatre.com or call 314-534-1111.

La Bohème
Photo: Ken Howard

Broken Bone Bathtub
Photo: Kimberly N.

That Uppity Theatre Company and The Drama Club Stl present the St. Louis Premiere of Broken Bone Bathtub Thursdays at 7 and 9:30 p.m, Fridays and Saturdays at 7:30 and 9:30 p.m., and Sundays at 2 p.m. through June 26. "Created and performed by Siobhan O'Loughlin, this performance piece highlights disability-temporary or ongoing, vulnerability, the female body, community, and innovative theatre. Broken Bone Bathtub is an immersive theatre experience taking place inside a bathtub, in an actual home. After a serious bike accident, a young woman musters up the courage to ask for help, and shares her story, exploring themes of trauma, suffering, human generosity, and connection. The audience takes on the role of Siobhan's close friends; not only listening but sharing in their experiences, and assisting the cast-clad artist in the actual ritual of taking a bath." Friday through Sunday performances take place at the Lemp Mansion, 3322 DeMenil Place in south St. Louis. Thursday performances take place in bathtubs of private homes throughout the St. Louis metropolitan area. For more information: uppityco.com.

The Lemp Mansion Comedy-Mystery Dinner Theater presents Bullets in the Bathtub through July 30. The Lemp Mansion is at 3322 DeMenil Place. For more information: mansion.com

Carol Schmidt

The Cabaret Project and 88.1 KDHX present the cabaret open mic night on Wednesday, June 15, from 7 to 10 PM at the Tavern of Fine Arts. "Drop by and enjoy a night of great music from St. Louis cabaret artists, backed up by the inimitable Carol Schmidt on the baby grand." The guest master of ceremonies for the evening will be Cabaret Project Executive Director Tim Schall. If you're planning to sing, be prepared to do one or two songs and bring music, preferably in your key. At least one of your two songs should be a medium-or up-tempo number. We'd also recommend that you have your song memorized. The Tavern of Fine Arts is at 313 Belt at Waterman in the Central West End. There's free parking in the lot right across the street. For more information, visit tavern-of-fine-arts.blogspot.com or call 314-367-7549.

Insight Theatre Company presents Stephen Sondheim's musical Company June 17 - July 3. 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.

Ben Nordstrom

The Emerald Room at the Monocle presents Ben Nordstrom in Diary of an Almost Grown-Up on Friday and Saturday, June 17 and 18, at 8 p.m. "Do you ever think to yourself, “Maybe next year I'll start to feel like an adult?” Then the next thing you know, you're geeking out over the casting announcement of the next Star Wars movie or playing whiffle ball in the toy aisle at Wal-Mart. In his return to the cabaret stage, Ben explores the insecurities and follies of stumbling from childhood to adulthood. Do we ever really grow up? The musically eclectic evening will include funny, fresh material from new composers Joe Iconis and Ryan Scott Oliver, as well as songs by Stephen Sondheim, the Beatles, Rodgers & Hammerstein, and Paul Simon." Justin Smolik is pianist and music director for the show. The performances take place in The Emerald Room at The Monocle Bar, 4510 Manchester in The Grove neighborhood. For more information: www.buzzonstage.com/st-louis

Stages St. Louis presents the musical Disney's Alice in Wonderland June 15 - July 3. "Tumble down the rabbit hole with Alice as she falls into the madcap world of Wonderland and meets such extraordinary characters as Tweedle Dee and Tweedle Dum, the Mad Hatter, the Queen of Hearts, and the frantically late White Rabbit. Inviting and magical, Disney's ALICE IN WONDERLAND is a fantastic adventure the whole family can enjoy! Based on the classic literary tales of Lewis Carroll and the beloved Walt Disney film, this whimsical journey to a land beyond imagination is sure to bring you and yours the perfect“Zip-A-Dee-Do-Dah” day." Performances take place in at the Playhouse at Westport Plaza. For more information, visit stagesstlouis.org or call 314-821-2407.

Five Women Wearing the Same Dress

Stray Dog Theatre presents the comedy Five Women Wearing the Same Dress Thursdays through Saturdays at 8 PM through June 25. “During a grandiose wedding reception at a Southern estate, five identically clad bridesmaids hide out in an upstairs bedroom. Each woman has a different reason for avoiding the festivities below. As the afternoon wears on, they find a common bond in a joyously irreverent and touching celebration of the female spirit." Performances take place at The Tower Grove Abbey, 2336 Tennessee. For more information, visit straydogtheatre.org or call 314-865-1995.

Clayton Community Theatre presents the drama Inherit the Wind Thursdays through Saturdays at 8 p.m. and Sundays at 2 p.m., through June 26. "Inherit the Wind is far more than a dramatic retelling of the Scopes Trial of 1925. It is a parable about attempting to mold society by enforcing a specific worldview or philosophy. It seeks, instead, to celebrate the individuality of man as a reasoning being, capable of living life according to his own personal convictions." Performances take place at the Washington University South Campus Theatre. For more information, call 314-721-9228 or visit placeseveryone.org.

Act Inc presents J.B. Priestley's drama An Inspector Calls June 17-19 and 24-25. "Set in a pre-WWI English industrial town, nothing is as it seems for the Birling family when the curious Police Inspector Goole interrupts a celebratory dinner to investigate the tragic demise of a young woman. Who is responsible for her untimely death? Is anybody guilty? Is anybody truly innocent? Are there any answers at all?" Performances take place in the Emerson Black Box Theatre at the J. Scheidegger Center for the Arts on the Lindenwood campus in St. Charles, MO. For more information, visit actincstl.com.

Stages St. Louis presents the musical It Shoulda Been You through July 3. "You are cordially invited to join us for what is certain to be the wedding of the year! Direct from Broadway and in its Mid-Western premiere, IT SHOULDA BEEN YOU comes to STAGES with a mad-cap wedding celebration we know you won't want to miss! After all, who doesn't love a wedding? Especially one that includes a beautiful blushing bride, her uninvited and unrequited boyfriend, a groom with a secret, a sister with her own hidden agenda, and a pair of mothers from hell. This refreshingly modern romantic comedy has more than a few surprising twists in store as out comes the bride and groom in a wedding you are sure to remember. Be the first to say “I do” to this wonderfully witty musical that kept Broadway audiences rolling in the aisles. " 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.

Macbeth
Photo: Ken Howard

Opera Theatre of St. Louis presents Verdi's Macbeth, based on the Shakespeare tragedy, running through June 26. "This opera is a thriller from start to finish - from the eerie prophecies of witches, to Lady Macbeth's sleepwalking scene, to the chilling and bloody finale. Experience Shakespeare's tale of ruthless ambition and murder as a classic Verdi masterwork, set to some of the most magnificent music in all of opera." Performances take place at the Loretto-Hilton Center at 135 Edgar Road on the Webster University campus. All performances are sung in English with projected English text. For more information: experienceopera.org or call 314-961-0644.

St. Louis Shakespeare's Magic Smoking Monkey Theatre presents Mad Max: A Magic Smoking Monkey Parody Fridays and Saturdays at 8 and 10:30 p.m. through June 18. Performances take place at the Regional Arts Commission in University City. For more information: stlshakespeare.org.

Shakespeare Festival St. Louis presents the comedy A Midsummer Night's Dream nightly except for Tuesdays through June 26. "It's time for a comedy! Last seen at the Festival in 2002, Midsummer will feature a diverse cast of actors portraying some of Shakespeare's most beloved characters as they get lost and fall in and out of love in the woods around Athens." Beginning at 6:30 the Green Show presents pre-play entertainment a variety of local performers on multiple stages. The play begins at 8 p.m. Performances take place in Shakespeare Glen next to the Art Museum in Forest Park. For more information, visit shakespearefestivalstlouis.org.

The Bissell Mansion Murder Mystery Dinner Theatre presents Nursery Crimes through July 31. The Bissell Mansion is at 4426 Randall Place. For more information: bissellmansiontheatre.com.

Circus Flora presents its new show, Pastime, through July 3 under the air-conditioned, red-and-white, big top tent in Grand Center next to Powell Hall. "Along with runs and hits, the box score will fill-up with flips, flights, and laughs throughout PASTIME. When the hometown Zephyrs struggle to get out of last place, only their biggest fan and some incredible (and unlikely) stunts can help them turn their season around. Join us, and the magic of baseball." For more information: circusflora.org.

Shalimar the Clown
Photo: Ken Howard

Opera Theatre of St. Louis presents the world premiere of Shalimar the Clown, based on the novel by Salman Rushdie, running through June 23. "Shalimar and his beloved Boonyi grow up together in a pastoral Kashmiri village, making people laugh as acrobats and dancers in a traditional folk theater. They fall in love, a youthful romance that culminates in a joyful wedding. But when the new American ambassador meets Boonyi, he seduces with the promise of a new life, sending Shalimar down a dangerous path of revenge." Performances take place at the Loretto-Hilton Center at 135 Edgar Road on the Webster University campus. All performances are sung in English with projected English text. For more information: experienceopera.org or call 314-961-0644.

Alfresco Productions presents the Lieber and Stoller musical revue Smokey Joe's Café June 17- 25. Performances take place at the Alfresco Art Center, 2401 Delmar in Granite City, IL. For more information: (618) 560-1947 or www.alfrescoproductions.org.

The Department of Theatre and Dance at Southern Illinois University at Edwardsville presents Shakespeare's Two Gentlemen of Verona June 17 - 26. Performances take place in the Metcalf Student Experimental Theater on the campus in Edwardsville, IL. For more information, call 618-650-2774 or visit siue.edu

The Muny presents the musical The Wizard of Oz nightly at 8:15 PM, Monday through Sunday, June 13-22, in the outdoor theatre in Forest Park. "Fly 'over the rainbow' for this all-time American and Muny classic. Whenever Dorothy and her friends follow their hearts down the yellow brick road, you're guaranteed an evening of enchantment. One of the most popular shows-if not THE most popular show - in Muny history, this lavish musical is a joyful reminder that come summer, there's no place like The Muny." For more information, visit muny.org or call 314-361-1900.

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.

Friday, June 10, 2016

Chuck's Choices for the weekend of June 10, 2016

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:

You can read more about all the upcoming operas at OTSL in my preview post.

Ariadne on Naxos
Photo: Ken Howard

Opera Theatre of St. Louis presents Richard Strauss's comedy Ariadne on Naxos running through June 24. "The wealthiest man in Vienna has hired both divas and clowns to perform two separate shows at the end of a lavish dinner party. When dinner runs long, the artists are stunned to find they must all take the stage together. What results is a mashup of slapstick comedy and deeply profound romance - mixing coloratura fireworks with spectacular arias." Performances take place at the Loretto-Hilton Center at 135 Edgar Road on the Webster University campus. All performances are sung in English with projected English text. For more information: experienceopera.org or call 314-961-0644.

My take: Your mileage may vary, but I have always found the comic carrying on of Zerbinetta and company to be some of the best bits. That said, the concluding love duet for Bacchus and Ariadne shows Strauss at his most rhapsodic. Look for distinguished St. Louis-based actor/singer/playwright Ken Page in the role of the Majordomo. In his review for KDHX, Steve Callahan says OTSL has done "a simply perfect production of this work. It's entire sensibility -- staging, costumes, sets, lights, and especially the acting style -- expresses a profound empathy with Strauss's subtle blend of classicism and parody."

Atomic
Photo: Jill Ritter Lindberg

New Line Theatre presents the St. Louis premiere of the musical Atomic Thursdays through Saturdays at 8 PM through June 25. "New Line continues its 25h season with the regional premiere of the exhilarating and provocative new rock musical ATOMIC, based on the true story of the creation of the atomic bomb. With book and lyrics by Danny Ginges, and music and lyrics by Philip Foxman, this powerful rock musical blasts open the doors of The Manhattan Project, a government-funded program of top scientists with the task of creating the world's first Atomic Bomb." Performances take place at the Marcelle Theater, 3310 Samuel Shepard Drive, three blocks east of Grand, in Grand Center. For more information, visit newlinetheatre.com or call 314-534-1111.

My take: "A long forgotten but important historical figure gets his due in the zealous rock musical Atomic,'" writes Lynn Venhaus at the Belleville News-Democrat, "which bursts with passionate performances, an expressive score and combustible conversations. New Line Theatre's smart production features a synergetic ensemble fully committed to telling this complex, fascinating story about Leo Szilard. We Americans should know of him, but unfortunately many of us don't." New Line is once again breaking new ground in St. Louis musical theatre.

Broken Bone Bathtub
Photo: Kimberly N.

That Uppity Theatre Company and The Drama Club Stl present the St. Louis Premiere of Broken Bone Bathtub Thursdays at 7 and 9:30 p.m, Fridays and Saturdays at 7:30 and 9:30 p.m., and Sundays at 2 p.m. through June 26. "Created and performed by Siobhan O'Loughlin, this performance piece highlights disability-temporary or ongoing, vulnerability, the female body, community, and innovative theatre. Broken Bone Bathtub is an immersive theatre experience taking place inside a bathtub, in an actual home. After a serious bike accident, a young woman musters up the courage to ask for help, and shares her story, exploring themes of trauma, suffering, human generosity, and connection. The audience takes on the role of Siobhan's close friends; not only listening but sharing in their experiences, and assisting the cast-clad artist in the actual ritual of taking a bath." Friday through Sunday performances take place at the Lemp Mansion, 3322 DeMenil Place in south St. Louis. Thursday performances take place in bathtubs of private homes throughout the St. Louis metropolitan area. For more information: uppityco.com.

My take: This is Siobhan O'Loughlin's second St. Louis appearance (her first was at last year's St. Lou Fringe Festival). I didn't catch her show, The Rope in Your Hands, back then, but I did see her display her considerable talents as a storyteller as part of a performance by the improv comedy group Sorry, Please Continue. “Broken Bone Bathtub is unlike anything you've ever seen before, says New York Theatre Now. "It will change your perspective.” And the supposedly haunted Lemp Mansion is a pretty fascinating space in any case. In her KDHX review, Tina Farmer says M. O'Loughlin "succeeds spectacularly by taking a very intimate act and showing us the universal connection."

The Emerald Room Cabaret presents Taylor Pietz in #Crazy is the New Black on Saturday,, June 11, at 8 .m.. "We're all a little crazy sometimes. We do crazy things for love, crazy things for art, crazy things to make it all work. This show might be a little crazy too." The performance takes place in The Emerald Room at The Monocle Bar, 4510 Manchester in The Grove neighborhood. For more information: www.buzzonstage.com/st-louis.

My take: I have known Ms. Pietz professionally for over a decade now. We first met during a production of "The Best Little Whorehouse in Texas" nearly thirteen years ago when she was 17 and I was-well-thirteen years less old than I am now. I was playing Senator Wingwoah and she, appropriately, was playing Shy. I say "appropriately" because she struck me than as a somewhat shy young lady-but with terrific pipes and impressive acting skills. The ensuing years have only sharpened those skills and developed that voice into a lovely precision musical instrument. That old shyness seems to have morphed into a kind of pixyish, cheerfully ironic stage persona.

Clayton Community Theatre presents the drama Inherit the Wind Thursdays through Saturdays at 8 p.m. and Sundays at 2 p.m., through June 26. "Inherit the Wind is far more than a dramatic retelling of the Scopes Trial of 1925. It is a parable about attempting to mold society by enforcing a specific worldview or philosophy. It seeks, instead, to celebrate the individuality of man as a reasoning being, capable of living life according to his own personal convictions." Performances take place at the Washington University South Campus Theatre. For more information, call 314-721-9228 or visit placeseveryone.org.

My take: I haven't seen any reviews of this production, but the play itself is, I'm sorry to say, as current now as when it was written. Attempts by the religious radicals to replace science with superstition continue to poison our educational system but here in the USA and abroad as well. The war on science, alas, isn't limited to any one religious system.

Shakespeare Festival St. Louis presents the comedy A Midsummer Night's Dream nightly except for Tuesdays through June 26. "It's time for a comedy! Last seen at the Festival in 2002, Midsummer will feature a diverse cast of actors portraying some of Shakespeare's most beloved characters as they get lost and fall in and out of love in the woods around Athens." Beginning at 6:30 the Green Show presents pre-play entertainment a variety of local performers on multiple stages. The play begins at 8 p.m. Performances take place in Shakespeare Glen next to the Art Museum in Forest Park. For more information, visit shakespearefestivalstlouis.org.

My take: I've had a soft spot for this play every since I appeared as Oberon in the St. Louis Shakespeare production many decades ago. Ann Lemmons Pollack says the production "is particularly easy-going and understandable. At times, it feels rather like a screwball comedy, not, goodness knows, that there’s anything wrong with that. ..The play is a delicious, somewhat elaborate pastry." Go and enjoy.

Circus Flora presents its new show, Pastime, through July 3 under the air-conditioned, red-and-white, big top tent in Grand Center next to Powell Hall. "Along with runs and hits, the box score will fill-up with flips, flights, and laughs throughout PASTIME. When the hometown Zephyrs struggle to get out of last place, only their biggest fan and some incredible (and unlikely) stunts can help them turn their season around. Join us, and the magic of baseball." For more information: circusflora.org.

My take: Although I was born and have spent most of my life in St. Louis, there are some local traditions and institutions that I never have and probably never will understand. White Castle, for example, or the business about asking where you went to high school. What's THAT all about, anyway? Circus Flora, though, is a St. Louis tradition that anyone can embrace. And what could be more St. Louis than a show inspired by baseball? Happy 30th birthday, Circus Flora. The elephant after which you are named may have retired to Florida long ago, but you're still going strong.

Held Over:

La Bohème
Photo: Ken Howard

Opera Theatre of St. Louis presents Puccini's La Bohème opening on Saturday, May 21, and running through June 25. "One of the most performed operas of all time, La bohème has gripped audiences for over a century. Rodolfo and his friends scrape by as bohemian artists, using their wit and charm to escape life's harsher consequences. Rodolfo can't imagine how love will change him until he encounters a beautiful dressmaker, Mimì. Set to lush, irresistible music, Puccini's masterpiece never fails to move audiences to both laughter and tears." Performances take place at the Loretto-Hilton Center at 135 Edgar Road on the Webster University campus. All performances are sung in English with projected English text. For more information: experienceopera.org or call 314-961-0644.

My take: Pretty much everything I want to say about this fine production is in my 88.1 KDHX review!. There are some minor aspects of this particular La Bohème that I find less than ideal, but the production as a whole is so very good so often that I have no hesitation in recommending it.

Macbeth
Photo: Ken Howard

Opera Theatre of St. Louis presents Verdi's Macbeth, based on the Shakespeare tragedy, opening on Saturday, May 28, and running through June 26. "This opera is a thriller from start to finish - from the eerie prophecies of witches, to Lady Macbeth's sleepwalking scene, to the chilling and bloody finale. Experience Shakespeare's tale of ruthless ambition and murder as a classic Verdi masterwork, set to some of the most magnificent music in all of opera." Performances take place at the Loretto-Hilton Center at 135 Edgar Road on the Webster University campus. All performances are sung in English with projected English text. For more information: experienceopera.org or call 314-961-0644.

My take: I haven't seen this yet and won't get the opportunity to do so for a few weeks, but I'm recommending it anyway because I have always liked this economical and dramatically charged operatic version of Shakespeare's terse tragedy. Yes, it's more Italian than it is Scots or English, but it's rattling good yarn all the same.

Sunday, June 05, 2016

St. Louis theatre calendar for the week of June 6, 2016

Ariadne on Naxos
Photo: Ken Howard

La Bohème
Photo: Ken Howard

Opera Theatre of St. Louis presents Puccini's La Bohème running through June 25. "One of the most performed operas of all time, La bohème has gripped audiences for over a century. Rodolfo and his friends scrape by as bohemian artists, using their wit and charm to escape life's harsher consequences. Rodolfo can't imagine how love will change him until he encounters a beautiful dressmaker, Mimì. Set to lush, irresistible music, Puccini's masterpiece never fails to move audiences to both laughter and tears." Performances take place at the Loretto-Hilton Center at 135 Edgar Road on the Webster University campus. All performances are sung in English with projected English text. For more information: experienceopera.org or call 314-961-0644. Read my 88.1 KDHX review!

Act Inc presents Neil Simon's autobiographical comedy Brighton Beach Memoris June 10-12 and 25-26. " Precocious 15-year-old Eugene Jerome comes of age in the bosom of his close-knit family during the Great Depression. Take this unique opportunity to be a "fly on the wall" and discover the environment that bred a comic genius!" Performances take place in the Emerson Black Box Theatre at the J. Scheidegger Center for the Arts on the Lindenwood campus in St. Charles, MO. For more information, visit actincstl.com.

That Uppity Theatre Company and The Drama Club Stl present the St. Louis Premiere of Broken Bone Bathtub Thursdays at 7 and 9:30 p.m, Fridays and Saturdays at 7:30 and 9:30 p.m., and Sundays at 2 p.m. through June 26. "Created and performed by Siobhan O'Loughlin, this performance piece highlights disability-temporary or ongoing, vulnerability, the female body, community, and innovative theatre. Broken Bone Bathtub is an immersive theatre experience taking place inside a bathtub, in an actual home. After a serious bike accident, a young woman musters up the courage to ask for help, and shares her story, exploring themes of trauma, suffering, human generosity, and connection. The audience takes on the role of Siobhan's close friends; not only listening but sharing in their experiences, and assisting the cast-clad artist in the actual ritual of taking a bath." Friday through Sunday performances take place at the Lemp Mansion, 3322 DeMenil Place in south St. Louis. Thursday performances take place in bathtubs of private homes throughout the St. Louis metropolitan area. For more information: uppityco.com.

The Lemp Mansion Comedy-Mystery Dinner Theater presents Bullets in the Bathtub through July 30. The Lemp Mansion is at 3322 DeMenil Place. For more information: mansion.com

The Emerald Room Cabaret presents Taylor Pietz in #Crazy is the New Black on Saturday,, June 11, at 8 .m.. "We're all a little crazy sometimes. We do crazy things for love, crazy things for art, crazy things to make it all work. This show might be a little crazy too." The performance takes place in The Emerald Room at The Monocle Bar, 4510 Manchester in The Grove neighborhood. For more information: www.buzzonstage.com/st-louis.

The Monroe Actors Stage Company presents the thriller Deathtrap, Fridays and Saturdays at 7:30 and Sundays at 2:30 p.m. through June 12, in the Historic Capitol Theatre in downtown Waterloo, Illinois. For more information, visit www.masctheatre.org or call 618-939-7469.

St. Louis Community College at Florissant Valley presents An Evening of One-Act Plays Wednesday through Saturday at 7:30 p.m. and Sunday at 2 p.m., June 8-12. Performances take place in the Fisher Theatre on the campus at 3400 Pershall Road. For more information, stlcc.edu/FV call 314-644-5522.

Five Women Wearing the Same Dress

Stray Dog Theatre presents the comedy Five Women Wearing the Same Dress Thursdays through Saturdays at 8 PM June 9-25. “During a grandiose wedding reception at a Southern estate, five identically clad bridesmaids hide out in an upstairs bedroom. Each woman has a different reason for avoiding the festivities below. As the afternoon wears on, they find a common bond in a joyously irreverent and touching celebration of the female spirit." Performances take place at The Tower Grove Abbey, 2336 Tennessee. For more information, visit straydogtheatre.org or call 314-865-1995.

Clayton Community Theatre presents the drama Inherit the Wind Thursdays through Saturdays at 8 p.m. and Sundays at 2 p.m., June 9-26. "Inherit the Wind is far more than a dramatic retelling of the Scopes Trial of 1925. It is a parable about attempting to mold society by enforcing a specific worldview or philosophy. It seeks, instead, to celebrate the individuality of man as a reasoning being, capable of living life according to his own personal convictions." Performances take place at the Washington University South Campus Theatre. For more information, call 314-721-9228 or visit placeseveryone.org.

Stages St. Louis presents the musical It Shoulda Been You through July 3. "You are cordially invited to join us for what is certain to be the wedding of the year! Direct from Broadway and in its Mid-Western premiere, IT SHOULDA BEEN YOU comes to STAGES with a mad-cap wedding celebration we know you won't want to miss! After all, who doesn't love a wedding? Especially one that includes a beautiful blushing bride, her uninvited and unrequited boyfriend, a groom with a secret, a sister with her own hidden agenda, and a pair of mothers from hell. This refreshingly modern romantic comedy has more than a few surprising twists in store as out comes the bride and groom in a wedding you are sure to remember. Be the first to say “I do” to this wonderfully witty musical that kept Broadway audiences rolling in the aisles. " 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.

Macbeth
Photo: Ken Howard

Opera Theatre of St. Louis presents Verdi's Macbeth, based on the Shakespeare tragedy, running through June 26. "This opera is a thriller from start to finish - from the eerie prophecies of witches, to Lady Macbeth's sleepwalking scene, to the chilling and bloody finale. Experience Shakespeare's tale of ruthless ambition and murder as a classic Verdi masterwork, set to some of the most magnificent music in all of opera." Performances take place at the Loretto-Hilton Center at 135 Edgar Road on the Webster University campus. All performances are sung in English with projected English text. For more information: experienceopera.org or call 314-961-0644.

St. Louis Shakespeare's Magic Smoking Monkey Theatre presents Mad Max: A Magic Smoking Monkey Parody Fridays and Saturdays at 8 and 10:30 p.m. June 10-18. Performances take place at the Regional Arts Commission in University City. For more information: stlshakespeare.org.

Shakespeare Festival St. Louis presents the comedy A Midsummer Night's Dream nightly except for Tuesdays through June 26. "It's time for a comedy! Last seen at the Festival in 2002, Midsummer will feature a diverse cast of actors portraying some of Shakespeare's most beloved characters as they get lost and fall in and out of love in the woods around Athens." Beginning at 6:30 the Green Show presents pre-play entertainment a variety of local performers on multiple stages. The play begins at 8 p.m. Performances take place in Shakespeare Glen next to the Art Museum in Forest Park. For more information, visit shakespearefestivalstlouis.org.

The Bissell Mansion Murder Mystery Dinner Theatre presents Nursery Crimes through July 31. The Bissell Mansion is at 4426 Randall Place. For more information: bissellmansiontheatre.com.

Circus Flora presents its new show, Pastime, through July 3 under the air-conditioned, red-and-white, big top tent in Grand Center next to Powell Hall. "Along with runs and hits, the box score will fill-up with flips, flights, and laughs throughout PASTIME. When the hometown Zephyrs struggle to get out of last place, only their biggest fan and some incredible (and unlikely) stunts can help them turn their season around. Join us, and the magic of baseball." For more information: circusflora.org.

Opera Theatre of St. Louis presents the world premiere of Shalimar the Clown, based on the novel by Salman Rushdie, opening on Saturday, June 11, at 8 p.m. and running through June 23. "Shalimar and his beloved Boonyi grow up together in a pastoral Kashmiri village, making people laugh as acrobats and dancers in a traditional folk theater. They fall in love, a youthful romance that culminates in a joyful wedding. But when the new American ambassador meets Boonyi, he seduces with the promise of a new life, sending Shalimar down a dangerous path of revenge." Performances take place at the Loretto-Hilton Center at 135 Edgar Road on the Webster University campus. All performances are sung in English with projected English text. For more information: experienceopera.org or call 314-961-0644.

St. Louis classical calendar for the week of June 6, 2016

The Bach Society

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The Bach Society of St. Louis presents 75th Anniversary Gala and Benefit Concert on Thursday, June 9, at The Sheldon Concert Hall. “The evening begins at 5:45 p.m. with cocktails and hors d’ouvres. Guests will gather in the Concert Hall at 7:00 p.m. for a performance by St. Louis Symphony Concertmaster David Halen, soprano Miran Halen, and the internationally known Calidore String Quartet. Fifty glorious voices from the Bach Society of Saint Louis chorus will also join in for a portion of this concert, featuring familiar favorites from light operetta to the brilliance of Bach. A formal dinner will be served at 8:15 p.m. in the Louis Spiering Room.” For more information: www.bachsociety.org.

Brent Havens conducts the St. Louis Symphony Orchestra in Music of Led Zepplin on Friday, June 10 at 7:30 p.m. "Bridging the gap between rock ‘n’ roll and classical music, Brent Havens and a full rock band return to Powell Hall to perform the Music of Led Zeppelin, riff for riff and note for note. This one-of-a-kind performance captures Zeppelin’s power and features favorites amplified from the Powell Hall stage, including “Kashmir,” “Black Dog,” “Immigrant Song” and more." The performance takes place at Powell Symphony Hall, 718 North Grand. For more information: stlsymphony.org.

Michael Cavanaugh

Steven Jarvi conducts the St. Louis Symphony Orchestra with pianist and vocalist Michael Cavanaugh in a concert of the music of Billy Joel on Sunday, June 12 at 3 p.m. "One of Broadway’s best joins the STL Symphony for an evening devoted to the legendary Piano Man. Hand-picked by Billy Joel for the starring role in the Broadway-musical, Movin’ Out, Grammy and Tony nominated Michael Cavanaugh has won the hearts of audiences and critics. In his tribute to Billy Joel, audiences will hear many of the Piano Man’s biggest hits including “She’s Got a Way,” “New York State of Mind,” “Uptown Girl,” “Only the Good Die Young” and more!" The performance takes place at Powell Symphony Hall, 718 North Grand. For more information: stlsymphony.org.

The Tavern of Fine Arts presents students from the Arianna String Quartet Chamber Music Festival on Tuesday, June 7, at 7 p.m. 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 Synergies Quartet on Friday, June 10, at 8 p.m. The concert features music by Bach, Dohnanyi, and Mozart. The Tavern of Fine Arts is at 313 Belt in the Debaliviere Place neighborhood. For more information: tavern-of-fine-arts.blogspot.com.

Friday, June 03, 2016

Chuck's Choices for the weekend of June 3, 2016

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:

One Too Many

The Emerald Room at the Monocle presents the a cappella vocal group One Too Many on Saturday, June 4, at 8 p.m. "Six-Man A Capella. Tight harmonies, sharp, funny, homegrown. If you like Straight No Chaser, you'll be very happy. These guys are on the move." The performance takes place in The Emerald Room at The Monocle Bar, 4510 Manchester in The Grove neighborhood. For more information: www.buzzonstage.com/st-louis.

My take: These guys came to the open mic night I host for The Cabaret Project at the Tavern of Fine Arts a few months ago and just knocked everybody out. Is the cabaret tent big enough to include a cappella? I'd say so, and I'd say this is just the group to prove it.

The Tavern of Fine Arts presents Tim Schall's Cabaret Party on Saturday, June 4, at 8 p.m. "Hosted by Tim Schall with Carol Schmidt at the piano, this promises to be fun, lively and entertaining - a musical party with Tim, Carol and their talented friends- each singing lots of tunes for you!" The Tavern of Fine Arts is at 313 Belt in the Debaliviere Place neighborhood. For more information: tavern-of-fine-arts.blogspot.com.

My take: This is the second in a planned series of showcases of local cabaret talent presented in the informal atmosphere of the Tavern of Fine Arts, which is where I host The Cabaret Project's monthly open mic night. As the executive director of The Cabaret Project and the organizer of the yearly St. Louis Cabaret Festival, Tim Schall is one of the genre's leading exponents here in St. Louis, and Carol Schmidt is one of our most sought-after music directors. Their guests for this first outing are all impressive performers in their own right, so you can expect serious entertainment here.

Held Over:

You can read more about all the upcoming operas at OTSL in my preview post.

La Bohème
Photo: Ken Howard

Macbeth
Photo: Ken Howard

The Two-Character Play

The Midnight Company presents The Two-Character Play by Tennessee Williams Fridays and Saturdays at 8 p.m., through June 4. "Two actors, a brother and a sister, are stranded in a theatre, struggling to perform, struggling to survive." Performances take place at the Winter Opera Space, 2322 Marconi on The Hill. For more information: midnightcompany.com.

My take: The recently-concluded Tennessee Williams festival produced a remarkable variety of performances, including an unconventional take on The Glass Menagerie by Upstream and this "weird but oddly wonderful production" (to quote Mark Bretz of Ladue News) of a late and rarely-seen play. It might not be the playwright's best work, but it's being performed by a pair of actors—Michelle Hand and Joe Hanrahan—who are among the best at their craft. That, for me, means that it deserves serious consideration.

Yentl
Photo: Eric Woolsey

New Jewish Theater presents the musical Yentl through June 5 “Based on Isaac Bashevis Singer's short story “Yentl the Yeshiva Boy” and updated with new music and lyrics by Jill Sobule, “Yentl” tells the story of a young girl in 19th century Eastern Europe forbidden to pursue her dream of studying Talmud. Unwilling to accept her fate, she disguises herself as a man. But when she falls in love, Yentl must decide how far she's willing to go to protect her identity. This marks 40 years since the play - then without music - ran on Broadway. With parallels in Singer's short story coinciding with the burgeoning second wave of feminism, we find Yentl as an outsider seeking to find her own voice within a very proscribed world.” 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: This "rousing, spirited production" (to quote KDHX critic Tina Farmer) is effectively a world premiere, and I'm a big fan of the idea of bringing new works to local stages. Better yet, New Jewish has assembled a very strong cast for this, headed by Shanara Gabrielle in the title role and Andrew Michael Neiman as her love interest.

Sunday, May 29, 2016

St. Louis classical calendar for the week of May 30, 2016

Moh Ghraiz

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The Community Music School of Webster University presents Cellofest 2016: Bach to Hip-Hop on Monday, May 30, at 7 p.m. "Cellofest 2016: Bach to Hip Hop features CMS student and alumni cellists in ensembles ranging from one cello to as many as 25 cellos. YPSO conductor, David Commanday, will conduct the concert. Moh Ghraiz, hip hop and break dancer, and COCA faculty member will dance in the concert. Featuring a commissioned work for this concert, Kerwin Young's Cellét is written for 10 cellos and dancer. Kerwin Young was a part of the rap group Public Enemy's production team the Bomb Squad. Other works by J.S. Bach, Giancarlo Menotti, David Popper, Arvo Pärt, Julius Klengel and the Mexican mariachi piece “Cielito Lindo.”" The Community Music School is at 535 Garden Avenue on the Webster University campus. For more information: webster.edu/cms.

Vince Mendoza conducts the St. Louis Symphony Orchestra with singer/songwriter Mary Chapin Carpenter on Saturday, June 4 at 7:30 p.m. "Five-time Grammy Award-winner Mary Chapin Carpenter joins the STL Symphony on stage for a special performance featuring arrangements from her debut orchestral record, “Songs from the Movie,” arranged and conducted by Vince Mendoza. This one-night-only performance with one of the country's most beloved singer-songwriters is not-to-be missed!" Performances take place at Powell Symphony Hall, 718 North Grand. For more information: stlsymphony.org.

Steven Jarvi conducts the St. Louis Symphony Youth Orchestra in music by Beethoven, Berlioz, and Stravinsky on Friday, June 3, at 8 p.m. "Musicians of the STL Symphony Youth Orchestra have astounded audiences for over four decades with their artistry and talent. Don't miss your chance to hear 100 of the most talented young musicians from across the region live at Powell Hall!" The performance takes place at Powell Symphony Hall, 718 North Grand in Grand Center. For more information: stlsymphony.org

St. Louis theatre calendar for the week of May 30, 2016

[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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Opera Theatre of St. Louis presents Richard Strauss's comedy Ariadne on Naxos opening on Sunday, June 5, at 7 p.m. and running through June 24. "The wealthiest man in Vienna has hired both divas and clowns to perform two separate shows at the end of a lavish dinner party. When dinner runs long, the artists are stunned to find they must all take the stage together. What results is a mashup of slapstick comedy and deeply profound romance - mixing coloratura fireworks with spectacular arias." Performances take place at the Loretto-Hilton Center at 135 Edgar Road on the Webster University campus. All performances are sung in English with projected English text. For more information: experienceopera.org or call 314-961-0644.

New Line Theatre presents the St. Louis premiere of the musical Atomic Thursdays through Saturdays at 8 PM, June 2-25. "New Line continues its 25h season with the regional premiere of the exhilarating and provocative new rock musical ATOMIC, based on the true story of the creation of the atomic bomb. With book and lyrics by Danny Ginges, and music and lyrics by Philip Foxman, this powerful rock musical blasts open the doors of The Manhattan Project, a government-funded program of top scientists with the task of creating the world's first Atomic Bomb." Performances take place at the Marcelle Theater, 3310 Samuel Shepard Drive, three blocks east of Grand, in Grand Center. For more information, visit newlinetheatre.com or call 314-534-1111.

La Bohème
Photo: Ken Howard

Opera Theatre of St. Louis presents Puccini's La Bohème running through June 25. "One of the most performed operas of all time, La bohème has gripped audiences for over a century. Rodolfo and his friends scrape by as bohemian artists, using their wit and charm to escape life's harsher consequences. Rodolfo can't imagine how love will change him until he encounters a beautiful dressmaker, Mimì. Set to lush, irresistible music, Puccini's masterpiece never fails to move audiences to both laughter and tears." Performances take place at the Loretto-Hilton Center at 135 Edgar Road on the Webster University campus. All performances are sung in English with projected English text. For more information: experienceopera.org or call 314-961-0644. Read my 88.1 KDHX review!

That Uppity Theatre Company and The Drama Club Stl present the St. Louis Premiere of Broken Bone Bathtub Thursdays at 7 and 9:30 p.m, Fridays and Saturdays at 7:30 and 9:30 p.m., and Sundays at 2 p.m.., June 2 - 26. "Created and performed by Siobhan O'Loughlin, this performance piece highlights disability-temporary or ongoing, vulnerability, the female body, community, and innovative theatre. Broken Bone Bathtub is an immersive theatre experience taking place inside a bathtub, in an actual home. After a serious bike accident, a young woman musters up the courage to ask for help, and shares her story, exploring themes of trauma, suffering, human generosity, and connection. The audience takes on the role of Siobhan's close friends; not only listening but sharing in their experiences, and assisting the cast-clad artist in the actual ritual of taking a bath." Friday through Sunday performances take place at the Lemp Mansion, 3322 DeMenil Place in south St. Louis. Thursday performances take place in bathtubs of private homes throughout the St. Louis metropolitan area. For more information: uppityco.com.

The Lemp Mansion Comedy-Mystery Dinner Theater presents Bullets in the Bathtub through July 30. The Lemp Mansion is at 3322 DeMenil Place. For more information: mansion.com

The Monroe Actors Stage Company presents the thriller i, Fridays and Saturdays at 7:30 and Sundays at 2:30 p.m., June 3-12, in the Historic Capitol Theatre in downtown Waterloo, Illinois. For more information, visit www.masctheatre.org or call 618-939-7469.

The Emerald Room at the Monocle presents singer/songwriter Donna Perinno on Thursday, June 2, at 8 p.m. " Pianist, singer and composer Donna Perrino invites you to spend an evening experiencing the life of a working SONGWRITER. Donna takes the audience into a songwriter's world of inspirations, perceptions, struggles and successes as she performs familiar songs from Broadway, contemporary pop and jazz, and mixes in her original songs in a range of styles. “It's all about the music,” says Donna. With special guests Ann Dueren and Charles Glenn." The performance takes place in The Emerald Room at The Monocle Bar, 4510 Manchester in The Grove neighborhood. For more information: www.buzzonstage.com/st-louis.

Stages St. Louis presents the musical It Shoulda Been You June 3 - July 3. "You are cordially invited to join us for what is certain to be the wedding of the year! Direct from Broadway and in its Mid-Western premiere, IT SHOULDA BEEN YOU comes to STAGES with a mad-cap wedding celebration we know you won't want to miss! After all, who doesn't love a wedding? Especially one that includes a beautiful blushing bride, her uninvited and unrequited boyfriend, a groom with a secret, a sister with her own hidden agenda, and a pair of mothers from hell. This refreshingly modern romantic comedy has more than a few surprising twists in store as out comes the bride and groom in a wedding you are sure to remember. Be the first to say “I do” to this wonderfully witty musical that kept Broadway audiences rolling in the aisles. " 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.

Macbeth
Photo: Ken Howard

Opera Theatre of St. Louis presents Verdi's Macbeth, based on the Shakespeare tragedy, running through June 26. "This opera is a thriller from start to finish - from the eerie prophecies of witches, to Lady Macbeth's sleepwalking scene, to the chilling and bloody finale. Experience Shakespeare's tale of ruthless ambition and murder as a classic Verdi masterwork, set to some of the most magnificent music in all of opera." Performances take place at the Loretto-Hilton Center at 135 Edgar Road on the Webster University campus. All performances are sung in English with projected English text. For more information: experienceopera.org or call 314-961-0644.

Shakespeare Festival St. Louis presents the comedy A Midsummer Night's Dream nightly except for Tuesdays, June 1 - 26. "It's time for a comedy! Last seen at the Festival in 2002, Midsummer will feature a diverse cast of actors portraying some of Shakespeare's most beloved characters as they get lost and fall in and out of love in the woods around Athens." Beginning at 6:30 the Green Show presents pre-play entertainment a variety of local performers on multiple stages. The play begins at 8 p.m. Performances take place in Shakespeare Glen next to the Art Museum in Forest Park. For more information, visit shakespearefestivalstlouis.org.

The Bissell Mansion Murder Mystery Dinner Theatre presents Nursery Crimes through July 31. The Bissell Mansion is at 4426 Randall Place. For more information: bissellmansiontheatre.com.

The Emerald Room at the Monocle presents the a cappella vocal group One Too Many on Saturday, June 4, at 8 p.m. "Six-Man A Capella. Tight harmonies, sharp, funny, homegrown. If you like Straight No Chaser, you'll be very happy. These guys are on the move." The performance takes place in The Emerald Room at The Monocle Bar, 4510 Manchester in The Grove neighborhood. For more information: www.buzzonstage.com/st-louis.

Circus Flora presents its new show, Pastime, June 2 through July 3 under the air-conditioned, red-and-white, big top tent in Grand Center next to Powell Hall. "Along with runs and hits, the box score will fill-up with flips, flights, and laughs throughout PASTIME. When the hometown Zephyrs struggle to get out of last place, only their biggest fan and some incredible (and unlikely) stunts can help them turn their season around. Join us, and the magic of baseball." For more information: circusflora.org.

Shanara Gabrielle

The Emerald Room at the Monocle presents Shanara Gabrielle in Rated SG on Friday, June 3, at 7 PM. "A bold storyteller with a wonderful voice, a sharp wit, graceful physical theatricality, and old school charm. " The performance takes place in The Emerald Room at The Monocle Bar, 4510 Manchester in The Grove neighborhood. For more information: www.buzzonstage.com/st-louis.

The Tavern of Fine Arts presents singer Sam Revilla in Roles I Will Never Play on Broadway on Thursday, June 2, at 8 p.m. "The evening features songs from Miss Saigon, Dreamgirls, The Color Purple, Wicked, The Book of Mormon, Violet, & many more! Donations are appreciated. Proceeds go to Subic Bay Children's Home (Philippines)." 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 Tim Schall's Cabaret Party on Saturday, June 4, at 8 p.m. "Hosted by Tim Schall with Carol Schmidt at the piano, this promises to be fun, lively and entertaining - a musical party with Tim, Carol and their talented friends- each singing lots of tunes for you!" The Tavern of Fine Arts is at 313 Belt in the Debaliviere Place neighborhood. For more information: tavern-of-fine-arts.blogspot.com.

The Two-Character Play

The Midnight Company presents The Two-Character Play by Tennessee Williams Fridays and Saturdays at 8 p.m. through June 4. "Two actors, a brother and a sister, are stranded in a theatre, struggling to perform, struggling to survive." Performances take place at the Winter Opera Space, 2322 Marconi on The Hill. For more information: midnightcompany.com.

Yentl
Photo: Eric Woolsey

Thursday, May 26, 2016

Chucks Chocies for the weekend of May 27, 2016

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

Share on Google+:

New This Week:

La Bohème
Photo: Ken Howard

Costumes for the witches in Macbeth
Design by Mark Bouman

You can read more about all the upcoming operas at OTSL in my preview post.

Held Over:

The Two-Character Play

Yentl
Photo: Eric Woolsey

Stage Left

Sunday, June 12, 2016

St. Louis theatre calendar for the week of June 13, 2016

Friday, June 10, 2016

Chuck's Choices for the weekend of June 10, 2016

Sunday, June 05, 2016

St. Louis theatre calendar for the week of June 6, 2016

St. Louis classical calendar for the week of June 6, 2016

Friday, June 03, 2016

Chuck's Choices for the weekend of June 3, 2016

Sunday, May 29, 2016

St. Louis classical calendar for the week of May 30, 2016

St. Louis theatre calendar for the week of May 30, 2016

Thursday, May 26, 2016

Chucks Chocies for the weekend of May 27, 2016

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