Tuesday, February 07, 2017

St. Louis classical calendar for the week of February 6, 2017

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African Musical Arts presents Songs of Africa Ensemble: African American History Celebration on Sunday, February 12, at 3 p.m. The concert takes place at First Presbyterian Church of Kirkwood, 100 E. Adams. For more information: africarts.org.

The Vienna Boys Choir
The Cathedral Basilica of St. Louis presents The Vienna Boys Choir on Friday, February 10 at 8 p.m. "The world's most beloved choir has been thrilling audiences young and old for over 500 years. Their eagerly anticipated tours play to sell out crowds around the world. Don't miss your opportunity to hear them in this special return visit to the Cathedral Basilica of St. Louis." The performance takes place at the cathedral at 4431 Lindell. For more information: www.cathedralconcerts.org.

The Chamber Project St. Louis presents A Family Affair on Saturday, February 11, at 8 PM. "Family is a dynamic force in all relationships and we explore this in music. What do father/son,brother/sister, mother/daughter composer relationships sound like in music? This program also explores the role of women composers in the 19th century, often held back by family and societal restraints, and this is juxtaposed with the only mother/daughter compositional duo in history from the 20/21st centuries." The concert takes place at at The Chapel Venue, 6238 Alexander Drive. For more information: www.chamberprojectstl.org.

Eliot Unitarian Chapel presents a Friends of Music concert on Sunday, February 12, at 3 PM. The program music by Bach, Boismortier, and Anthony Holborne, as well as Ravel's Trio in A minor for violin, cello and piano Performed by the Linjadi Trio. The concert takes place at Eliot Unitarian Chapel is at 100 South Argonne in Kirkwood. For more information: fomcstl.org.

Jonathan Biss
Photo: Benjamin Ealovega
The Washington University Department of Music presents Late Moves: Music and Creativity, a panel discussion featuring pianist Jonathan Biss on Wednesday, February 8. "How does age impact the work of creative artists? Does an artist's accumulated knowledge and experience, combined with a sense that the end of life may be near, create the conditions for especially intense or heightened expression? And how do these dynamics - common to artists of all kinds - play out in the realm of music composition? Join us for a wide-ranging discussion of "late style" creativity with visiting pianist Jonathan Biss and Washington University professors Dolores Pesce and Brian Carpenter." The performance takes place in the Goldberg Formal Lounge in the Danforth University Center on the Washington University campus. For more information, music.wustl.edu.

The Washington Univesity Department of Music Great Artists Series presents pianist Jonathan Biss on Thursday, February 9, at 7:30 p.m. The program includes music by Schumann, Chopin, Brahms and takes place in the E. Desmond Lee Concert Hall at the 560 Music Center, 560 Trinity in University City. For more information, music.wustl.edu.

St. Louis theatre calendar for the week of February 6, 2017

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The Bissell Mansion Murder Mystery Dinner Theatre presents A Big Easy Murder through April 30. The Bissell Mansion is at 4426 Randall Place. For more information: bissellmansiontheatre.com.

The Hettenhausen Center for the Arts presents The Mermaid Theatre of Nova Scotia in Brown Bear, Brown Bear And Other Treasured Stories on Saturday, February 11, at 11 a.m. and 2 p.m.. " An imaginative blend of puppetry and striking scenic effects bring to life children's storybook favorites by Eric Carle, including The Very Hungry Caterpillar and Papa, Please Get the Moon for Me." The Hettenhausen Center for the Arts is at 701 College Rd., at Alton St. on the McKendree University campus in Lebanon, IL. For more information: www.thehett.com

A Doll's House
Photo: John Lamb
Stray Dog Theatre presents Ibsen's drama A Doll's House through February 18. “Nora Helmer once committed forgery in order to save the life of her authoritarian husband, Torvald. Years later she is being blackmailed, living in fear and shame of what might destroy Torvald's career. When the truth is revealed, Nora is shocked to learn where she really stands in her husband's esteem. Henrik Ibsen's world_renowned drama contains perhaps the most scandalous theatrical climax in all of 19th century drama." Performances take place at The Tower Grove Abbey, 2336 Tennessee. For more information, visit straydogtheatre.org or call 314-865-1995.

The Sheldon Concert Hall presents An Evening With Judy Collins on Friday, February 10, at 8 p.m. "With a career spanning over five decades, Judy Collins has recorded over 50 albums and numerous top ten hits, earned five Grammy nominations and achieved gold and platinum record status. Best known for her interpretations of songs such as “Send in the Clowns” and Joni Mitchell's “Both Sides Now,” Collins is as creatively vigorous as ever, continually writing, touring and inspiring new generations of songwriters." The performance takes place at the Sheldon Concert Hall, 3658 Washington in Grand Center. For more information: sheldonconcerthall.org.

The West End Players Guild continues their 106th season with The Ice Fishing Play Fridays and Saturdays at 8 PM and Sundays at 2 PM, February 10 - 29. There will also be a show on Thursday, February 26, at 8 PM. Described as “Joel and Ethan Coen meet Samuel Beckett,” The Ice Fishing Play is written by story teller and NPR radio broadcaster Kevin Kling, dubbed the "Minnesota Story Laureate." 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.

Act Two Theatre presents the musical I Love You, You're Perfect, Now Change February 10-19. "This celebration of the mating game takes on the truths and myths behind that contemporary conundrum known as 'the relationship.' Act I explores the journey from dating and waiting to love and marriage, while Act II reveals the agonies and triumphs of in-laws and newborns, trips in the family car and pick-up techniques of the geriatric set. This hilarious revue pays tribute to those who have loved and lost, to those who have fallen on their face at the portal of romance, to those who have dared to ask, 'Say, what are you doing Saturday night?'" Performances take place in the St. Peters Cultural Arts Centre at 1 St Peters Centre Blvd, St. Peters, MO 63376. For more information: act2theater.com.

Intimate Apparel
Photo: Eric Woolsey
New Jewish Theater presents Intimate Apparel through February 12. "New York, 1905, Esther, a black seamstress, lives in a boarding house where she sews intimate apparel for clients ranging from wealthy white patrons to prostitutes. As the other denizens of the boarding house marry and move away, Esther remains, lonely and longing. Through a mutual acquaintance, she begins to receive beautiful letters from a lonesome Caribbean man working on the Panama Canal. But Esther's heart seems to lie with the Hasidic shopkeeper from whom she buys cloth, and his heart with her, but the impossibility of the match is obvious to them both. The play offers poignant commentary on an era when the cut and color of one's dress-and of course, skin-determined whom one could and could not marry, even talk to in public." 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.

Clinton County Showcase presents Ken Ludwig's farce Lend Me a Tenor February 10-19. "World-renowned tenor Tito Merelli has signed on to play Otello at a Cleveland opera company in the fall of 1934. He arrives late and, through a set of crazy circumstances, passes out after mixing wine with a huge dose of tranquilizers. Believing that the divo is dead, the excitable opera manager taps his hapless assistant, an aspiring singer named Max, to suit up as the Moor and replace Merelli. Meanwhile, the tenor's jealous wife, his ambitious female co-star, Max's young girlfriend and the flirtatious head of the opera guild are on the scene fighting-sometimes literally-for the star's attention. Nominated for a Tony Award in Best Play and a Lawrence Olivier Award for Comedy of the Year, this farce is sure to bring you lots of laughter and entertainment." Performances take place at the Avon Theater, 525 North 2nd Street Breese IL. For more information, visit ccshowcase.com.

Little Thing, Big Thing
The Midnight Company presents Little Thing, Big Thing Thursdays through Saturdays at 8 p.m. through February 11 " LITTLE THING, BIG THING tells the story of a nun, Sr. Martha, and an ex-con, Larry O'Donnell, who are thrown together in a desperate quest to safeguard film exposing deadly misdeeds of a powerful oil company. Chased by hired killers and corrupt cops, they risk their lives and head to Dublin to do the right thing, and deliver the film to the right hands. " Performances take place at Avatar Studios, 2675 Scott Avenue, downtown. Downtown. For more information: brownpapertickets.com.

Lunar New Year Festival (LNYF) presents a program in honor of the Lunar New Year Friday at 7 p.m. and Saturday at 2 and 7 p.m., February 10 and 11. "Through a great variety of exciting performances of acting, dancing, and music, people of all backgrounds can enjoy and celebrate the New Year together. LNYF seeks to leave a prolonged impact upon its viewers through our skit and philanthropy. In the skit, we seek to demonstrate important issues that Asian Americans deal with on a daily basis." The performances take place at the Edison Theatre on the Washington University campus. For more information: edison.wustl.edu.

Menopause the Musical
The Playhouse at Westport Plaza presents Menopause the Musical, "a celebration of women and The Change," through February 12. The Playhouse at Westport Plaza is at 635 West Port Plaza. For more information: westportstl.com.

The Lemp Mansion Comedy-Mystery Dinner Theater presents Murder at the Abbey through April 29. "Welcome to the world of Downton Abbey! A world full of aristocracy, old money but never anything as droll as murder! Congratulations! You've been invited to the dinner party held by the Earl of Grantham himself! Some would kill for the opportunity to meet the Crawley family. They'll all be there! The Earl, his beautiful wife and three daughters...not to mention all the other characters in, (and around), the Grantham house. That's right! All the family, staff and townsfolk will be there. You'll meet lots of fun characters...and you'll play as big, (or as small), of a part as you wish. Up to you. Hope nothing bad happens...but if it does...we might need you to help us figure it out? Or perhaps you're the killer?" The Lemp Mansion is at 3322 DeMenil Place. For more information: lempmansion.com.

Cocktails and Curtain Calls presents One Last Job by Patrick Conroy through February 8. "The 1970's and 1980's were a turbulent time in Irish History. The Irish Republican Army (IRA), a paramilitary organization seeking civil rights for its people and the reunification of Ireland defended their areas against the occupying British Forces. This fictitious story tells of the chance encounter of a young British Soldier and a recently retired IRA operative. Their personal struggles, their lives and the lives of their families quickly become entangled and entwined. This play attempts to describe the thoughts and actions of people caught up in roles not entirely of their choosing. In war, there are no easy answers and lives are forever changed." Performances will take place at McGurk's Irish Pub in Soulard. For more information: eventbrite.com.

O'Fallon TheatreWorks presents the comedy Peter and the Starcatcher at the O'Fallon Municipal Centre auditorium through February 12. "Tony-winning Peter and the Starcatcher upends the century-old story of how a miserable orphan comes to be The Boy Who Would Not Grow Up (a.k.a. Peter Pan). A wildly theatrical adaptation of Dave Barry and Ridley Pearson's best-selling novels, the play was conceived for the stage by directors Roger Rees and Alex Timbers and written by Rick Elice with music by Wayne Barker. From marauding pirates and jungle tyrants to unwilling comrades and unlikely heroes, Peter and the Starcatcher playfully explores the depths of greed and despair and the bonds of friendship, duty, and love." The O'Fallon Municipal Centre is located at 100 North Main Street in O'Fallon, MO. For more information, visit www.ofallon.mo.us or call 636-379-5606.

Something Rotten
Photo: Jeremy Daniel
The Fox Theatre presents the musical Something Rotten February 7-19. "Set in 1595, this hilarious smash tells the story of Nick and Nigel Bottom, two brothers who are desperate to write a hit play. When a local soothsayer foretells that the future of theatre involves singing, dancing and acting at the same time, Nick and Nigel set out to write the world's very first MUSICAL!" The Fox is on North Grand in Grand Center. For more information: fabulousfox.com.

The Florissant Fine Arts Council presents the State Theatre of Georgia production of the musical Route 66 on Saturday, February 11, at 8 p.m. at the Florissant Civic Center Theatre at Parker Road at Waterford Drive in Florissant, MO. "A rip-roaring, pedal-to-the-medal road trip down memory lane featuring hits such as Dead Man's Curve, King of the Road, Little Old Lady from Pasadena, Six Days on the Road, GTO, Fun, Fun, Fun, I Get Around and of course, Route 66. Four snappy young pump jockeys take the audience to various stops along the historic "Mother Raod," where a menagerie of characters sing and dance to timeless pop and country tunes. The '50s music in this show is energizing and fun for all ages. From the jazzy pop of Chicago, the two-stepping hoedown of Texas and the beach-bumming car jams of California - this show has it all. This is the road trip of a lifetime with solid harmonies, dazzling quick-changes, flashy dance numbers and hilarious comedic timing. 'Get your kicks...on Route 66'." For more information, call 314-921-5678 or visit florissantmo.com.

To Kill a Mockingbird
The Repertory Theatre of St. Louis presents Christopher Sergel's stage adaptation of Harper Lee's To Kill a Mockingbird February 8 - March 5. "Lee's Pulitzer Prize-winning novel is a beloved tale that still resonates today. Scout Finch is growing up in Depression-era Alabama, where poverty and prejudice dominate daily life. With the guidance of her wise father, Atticus, the rebellious Scout discovers her own path, learning the power of empathy and the struggle for justice." Performances take place at the Loretto-Hilton Center on the Webster University campus. For more information: repstl.org.

Tesseract Theatre Company presents To the New Girl, Fridays and Saturdays at 8 p.m. and Sundays at 4 p.m. through February 12. "This entertaining evening consists of 10 monologues from various women scorned who directly address their exes' new wives and lovers. “To the New Girl”, a ten-woman show focusing on resilient, and sometimes vengeful, broken hearts." Performances take place at The .ZACK, 3224 Locust in Midtown. For more information: tesseracttheatre.org.

The Monroe Actors Stage Company presents the comedy Vanya And Sonia And Masha And Spike, Fridays and Saturdays at 7:30 and Sundays at 2:30 p.m. through February 12, in the Historic Capitol Theatre in downtown Waterloo, Illinois. "Stuck in their family home in Bucks County, Pennsylvania, Vanya and his adopted sister Sonia live a quiet existence until their lives are thrown into comic upheaval with the arrival of their B-list celebrity sister, Masha, and her 20-something boy toy, Spike. Add to that a soothsaying housekeeper, a star struck young neighbor and a rather odd costume party, and the stage is set for mayhem and hilarity in this present-day homage to Chekhov. Winner of the 2013 Tony Award for Best Play.” For more information, visit www.masctheatre.org or call 618-939-7469.

The Stages Performing Arts Academy's Triple Threat Teens Ensemble presents the Midwest premiere of The Theory of Relativity Friday and Saturday at 7:30 p.m. and Sunday at 5:30 p.m., February 10-12. Proceeds from the show will fund an educational trip to New York, where they will study, perform, and experience Broadway theatre. Performances take place at at the Kent Center for Theatre Arts in Chesterfield. For more information: stagesstlouis.org.

St. Louis Actors' Studio presents Neil Labute's The Way We Get By February 10 - 26. "Meet Beth and Doug, two people who have no problems getting dates with their partners of choice. After a drunken party and a hot night, they wake up to a blurry morning where the rules of attraction, sex, and society are waiting for them before their first cup of coffee. It's very awkward-and it also leads the pair to ponder how much they really know about each other, and how much they really care about what other people think." Performances take place at the Gaslight Theatre, 358 North Boyle For more information, call 314-458-2978 or visit stlas.org.

Yasmina's Necklace
Photo: John Lamb
Mustard Seed Theatre presents Yasmina's Necklace Fridays and Saturdays at 8 p.m. and Sundays at 2 p.m. through February 12. “Fresh from its sold-out world premiere in Chicago, Yasmina's Necklace is an unlikely romance between Yasmina, a recent immigrant from Iraq and Abdul Samee, who wants to change his name to Sam and turn his back on his Iraqi and Puerto Rican heritage.” 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.

Upstream Theater presents the US premiere of The Year of the Bicycle Fridays and Saturdays at 8 p.m. and Sundays at 2 p.m. through February 12. "Joanna Evans' award-winning play tells the story of Amelia and Andile who befriended each other over a garden when they were eight. Many years later, now grown up but estranged, they fall into a concussion at the exact same moment and meet once again in each other's mind. A witty and poignant examination of childhood, memory and South Africa's born-free generation. Skipping from frolicky lightness to the dark borders of loneliness, this US premiere shows people reaching across walls that separate: race and class, innocence and guilt, playfulness and fear, yesterday and today." Performances take place at the Kranzberg Arts Center, 501 North Grand in Grand Center. For more information, including show times: upstreamtheater.org.

Looking for auditions and other artistic opportunities? Check out the St. Louis Auditions site.
For information on events beyond this week, check out the searchable database at the Regional Arts Commission's Events Calendar.
Would you like to be on the radio? KDHX, 88.1 FM needs theatre reviewers. If you're 18 years or older, knowledgeable in this area, have practical theatre experience (acting, directing, writing, technical design, etc.), have good oral and written communications skills and would like to become one of our volunteer reviewers, send an email describing your experience and interests to chuck at kdhx.org. Please include a sample review of something you've seen recently.

Thursday, February 02, 2017

Chuck's Choices for the weekend of February 3, 2017

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:


Intimate Apparel
Photo: Eric Woolsey
New Jewish Theater presents Intimate Apparel through February 12. "New York, 1905, Esther, a black seamstress, lives in a boarding house where she sews intimate apparel for clients ranging from wealthy white patrons to prostitutes. As the other denizens of the boarding house marry and move away, Esther remains, lonely and longing. Through a mutual acquaintance, she begins to receive beautiful letters from a lonesome Caribbean man working on the Panama Canal. But Esther's heart seems to lie with the Hasidic shopkeeper from whom she buys cloth, and his heart with her, but the impossibility of the match is obvious to them both. The play offers poignant commentary on an era when the cut and color of one's dress-and of course, skin-determined whom one could and could not marry, even talk to in public." 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: Lynn Nottage's play has received plenty of praise since it was first performed in Baltimore in 2003. The subsequent New York production, for example, got the Outer Critics Circle award for Outstanding Off-Broadway Play. The New Jewish Theatre production is getting its share praise as well. Ann Lemmons Pollack calls it a "remarkable evening of theatre." "Outstanding performances by the entire cast under Gary Barker’s meticulous and well-crafted direction," writes Mark Bretz at Ladue News, "make Intimate Apparel a rare beauty stitched from the finest theatrical cloth." Try it on this weekend.


Rachel Tibbetts and Joe Hanrahan
The Midnight Company presents Little Thing, Big Thing Thursdays through Saturdays at 8 p.m. through February 11 " LITTLE THING, BIG THING tells the story of a nun, Sr. Martha, and an ex-con, Larry O'Donnell, who are thrown together in a desperate quest to safeguard film exposing deadly misdeeds of a powerful oil company. Chased by hired killers and corrupt cops, they risk their lives and head to Dublin to do the right thing, and deliver the film to the right hands. " Performances take place at Avatar Studios, 2675 Scott Avenue, downtown. Downtown. For more information: brownpapertickets.com.

My take: Joe Hanrahan's Midnight Company has mostly served as a platform for edgy one-man shows starring Mr. Hanrahan, but this time around it's a two-character show that is essentially, as Mark Bretz writes at Ladue News "a caper with heavy doses of wry comedy sprinkled along the way in the friendly if sometimes combative banter between the two main characters...Little Thing, Big Thing doesn’t attempt to be profound and that’s why it succeeds as much as it does. It’s a ripping good yarn told just right, one that will leave you in a light-hearted mood after the performance as you head toward the local pub for a pint or two to discuss." Sounds like a plan to me.
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The International Brotherhood of Magicians, Ring 1, presents its annual Parade of Magic on Saturday, February 4, at 2 and 7 p.m. "Top professional magicians from all over the Midwest will converge on St. Louis to present TWO shows filled with fun, laughter and of course Magic! Nowhere else can you find such great entertainment for such an affordable price. Award winning magicians from the International Brotherhood of Magicians will be appearing and disappearing in a magical experience guaranteed to be unforgettable! A Great Family Event! You've seen them on TV and now you can see them Live!" Performances take place at the Kirkwood Community Center, 111 South Geyer Road. For more information: ibmring1.yapsody.com/event/index/60249/the-parade-of-magic

My take: I got my start in showbiz as a magician, performing for kids shows and touring with a local variety show troupe. I'm no longer a member of the Society of American Magicians (the other big magic association, next to the IBM) but I'm still a sucker for a good magic show like this one. If you're looking for something that will be entertaining for the whole family, this is a good bet.


Held Over:

Menopause the Musical
The Playhouse at Westport Plaza presents Menopause the Musical, "a celebration of women and The Change," through February 12. The Playhouse at Westport Plaza is at 635 West Port Plaza. For more information: westportstl.com.

My take: This popular ensemble show has been around for a while now, having premiered in 2001 in Orlando, Florida, in a 76-seat theatre that once housed a perfume shop. It's last visit at the Westport Playhouse was ten years ago, and it seems to have lost none of it's comic shine. "Who will enjoy this," asks Ann Lemmons Pollack in her blog, "beyond women of what they call un age certain? People of both genders around them unless they have no sense of humor. That includes family, friends and co-workers. One of life's cruel jokes is that the menopause hits many households about the same time adolescence does. Here's something to tide us over."


Alan Ox
The Marcelle Theater presents Alan Ox in the original one-man musical There's an Alien in My Soup opening on Thursday, January 26, and running through February 4th. The show "breaches the UFO taboo by diving headfirst into it. No holds barred. Featuring 7 military personnel coming forward, forsaking their anonymity to share what really happened behind closed doors when 'they' came to visit Earth." Performances take place at the Marcelle Theater in Grand Center, three blocks east of Powell Hall. For more information: metrotix.com.

My take: So far all I have seen of this show is one of the seven monologues and the song that goes with it—a British music hall pastiche titled "Call On the British"—but that was enough to spark my interest. The part was smartly acted by Mr. Ox and the song was a hoot. I won't get to see the show until the Friday night but the idea sounds appealing enough to merit inclusion here.  You can find out more by checking out my interview with Alan Ox.

Tuesday, January 31, 2017

Very illegal aliens

Alan Ox
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Last weekend marked the opening of one of the more unusual one-man shows to hit local stages in quite some time. There's an Alien in My Soup is a one-man mini-musical with original songs by pianist/songwriter Curt Londes and writer/actor Alan Ox, who is also the performer. Mr. Ox portrays seven military men coming forward with their accounts of what actually happened "behind closed doors'" when unearthly "visitors" came to call.

I got Alan to beam down and answer few questions this week.

Q: What motivated you to write a show about close encounters of the third kind?

A: I was inspired toward creating this show due to my keen interest in the stories I ran across on the web. Stories as told in first person by everyday, yet colorful people who were in extraordinary situations. Being that I was a star gazer since I was a kid, I could not shake my fascination with the topic-the more I read, the higher the sources, such as NASA astronauts and high ranking military whistle-blowers, the more I was pulled into these galactic questions.

Q: Where did you find our source material?

A: I had differing sources. Youtube videos, web sources and books mainly. I never was a member of any UFO organizations per se, so did not work with any of these folks. My goal has been to make this play interesting and fulfilling to theatergoers, not just UFO buffs. I think the show fulfills that mission musically and theatrically.

Q: So did putting together There's An Alien in My Soup have any impact on you own thoughts about extraterrestrials?

A: Of course after studying the topic, my beliefs have strengthened that there is a strata of intelligence being purposely kept from the people of the world. But it's also disturbing to me that the accompanying technologies are ALSO hidden. And in this day of climate issues and 'petro- dependence', I believe that to be criminal in nature.

The Skinny: There's An Alien in My Soup runs Thursday through Saturday, February 2 through 4, at the Marcelle Theater, 3310 Samuel Shepherd Drive, just three blocks east of Powell Hall in Grand Center. Shepherd With tunes like the lighthearted "Call On The British" to the pulsing "Radar Don't Lie," the stories move as quickly as the onstage costume changes. Inn the end, the audience is left to ponder the revelations that seem to lead to even more questions. And by the way, it's okay to leave conspiracy theories and preconceived notions at the door and just enjoy the show!

For ticket information, visit metrotix.com.

Review: Why do we love David Robertson? Let us count the ways.

This review originally appeared at 88.1 KDHX, where Chuck Lavazzi is the senior performing arts critic.
David Robertson
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[Find out more about the music with my symphony preview post.]

This past weekend's St. Louis Symphony concerts (January 27-29) were the last regular subscription series programs before Maestro David Robertson and the orchestra leave for a tour of Spain in February. If what I heard Friday night is any indication, they'll do so (to quote Mr. Wordsworth) "trailing clouds of glory."

The evening was classic Robertson in every respect, beginning with the order structure of the evening: two audience favorites surrounding a new work getting its American premiere, thereby guaranteeing that the audience would at least give the new piece a chance.

It was smart programming, because the work in question—Rolf Wallin's 2011 Fisher King for trumpet and orchestra—doesn't have a lot of immediate appeal. In a program note on his publisher's web site Wallin, a trumpet player himself, notes that the work deals in part with "the love/hate instrument of my childhood and youth" and is "about visiting some dark places."

I found the piece suffused with an underlying sense of anxiety, with horror movie-style gliding passages in the strings and a challenging solo part with lots of nervous trills and aggressively rapid passages calling for plenty of double-tonguing and nimble fingers. There are even sections in which the score indicates a range of notes and it's left up to the soloist to decide which ones to actually play. It's fascinating stuff, especially for a former brass player like yours truly, but if the conversations I overheard in the lobby during intermission were any indication, it was not particularly well received by the audience, who apparently found it a bit monotonous.

But what a remarkable performance it got from the orchestra and soloist HÃ¥kan Hardenberger! Working with two different trumpets (a standard instrument for most of the concerto and a piccolo trumpet for the brief coda), Mr. Hardenberger navigated this difficult score with ease and authority. His tone, in the rare moments when his instrument was unmuted, was clean and clear. For the most part, though, we heard it filtered through a variety of mutes, reflecting the composer's desire to counteract the instrument's extroverted musical personality.

The two familiar works bracketing Fisher King were the 1945 suite from Aaron Copland's 1944 ballet Appalachian Spring and Beethoven's Symphony No. 7 in A major, op. 92. Both were performed with that mix of attention to orchestral detail and keen understanding of musical architecture that we have come to expect from Mr. Robertson over the years.

HÃ¥kan Hardenberger
Photo: Ben Ealovega
The Copland was classic Robertson, with enthusiastic yet precise podium choreography and pristine playing by the orchestra and impeccable solos from the principals. From the serene opening pages to the big treatment of "Simple Gifts" to the quiet finale, this was a performance that will represent the orchestra well when it's presented in Madrid next month.

It was the Beethoven that really brought down the house, though. Conducting without a score, Mr. Robertson brought this familiar music to new life, finding novel approaches to the piece without in any way imposing on it. Playing the Allegretto second movement attacca (without pause) after the first, for example, shed new light on both movements--and provoked spontaneous applause both Friday and Saturday night. Crescendos were beautifully shaped and tempo choices were relaxed enough to make every detail clear but still brisk enough to keep Beethoven's momentum going.

This was, in short, exactly the sort of thing that made Mr. Robertson so welcome when he joined the SLSO as music director in 2003, and it's why I will be sorry to see him go in 2019. His work with the orchestra reminds me in many ways of the good old days of Leonard Slatkin, and that's saying something.

The concerts conclude with an unscheduled encore, which is presumably going to Spain with the orchestra as well: the "Ritual Fire Dance" from de Falla's ballet El amor brujo. That got a rousing round of applause as well.

The St. Louis Symphony Orchestra leaves the first week in February for its 2017 Spain Tour with dates in València, Madrid, and Oviedo. Regular concerts resume February 24 and 25 as Sir Andrew Davis conducts the orchestra and chorus in Walton's Belshazzar's Feast along with Elgar's Falstaff and the overture to Nicolai's Merry Wives of Windsor.

Monday, January 30, 2017

St. Louis classical calendar for the week of January 30, 2017

The Boston Camerata
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The Cathedral Basilica of St. Louis presents organist The Boston Camerata in The Play of Daniel on Tuesday, January 31 at 8 p.m. "The Ludus Danielis, or Play of Daniel, is a powerful medieval mystery play composed eight centuries ago in Beauvais, France. The Boston Camerata's recent new production of The Play of Daniel, edited, staged and directed by Anne Azéma, renews and transforms this classic work of early music theater. It brings together music and movement, theater and liturgy, light and shadow, to retell the biblical story of the young prophet for today's audiences." The performance takes place at the cathedral at 4431 Lindell. For more information: www.cathedralconcerts.org.

Founder and Director Emeritus Dan Presgrave conducts The St. Louis Wind Symphony in a program of music by American composer Vincent Persichetti, along with works by Dennis Blair, Percy Grainger, and Clifton Williams, on Sunday, February 5, at 2 PM. The concert features Persichetti's Symphony No. 6 for Band, written for and premiered by the Washington University Chamber Band under the direction of Clark Mitze on April 16, 1956 at the Music Educators National Conference in St. Louis. The performance takes place in the Viragh Center on the Chaminade School campus in on North Lindbergh in Ladue. For more information: stlwindsym.org.

The Touhill Performing Arts Center presents A Violin's Life featuring Frank Almondon Friday, February 3, at 8 PM. "When Frank Almond first began playing on the Lipi_ski back in 2008, there was a fair amount of speculation regarding its provenance and history. To most aficionados the violin had “disappeared” for a couple of decades, which was a bit unusual for a 1715 Stradivari. It also became obvious that a modern, technically advanced recording had never been made of this violin. On January 27, 2014, the “ex-Lipinski” Stradivari was stolen from Mr. Almond in an armed robbery after a concert. The violin was recovered nine days later, and the story continues to make headlines around the world." The Touhill Performing Arts Center in on the University of Missouri at St. Louis campus. For more information: touhill.org.

Joan Tower
The Washington University Department of Music presents on open rehearsal with composer Joan Tower and members of the St. Louis Symphony on Monday, January 30, at 2:30 p.m. The event takes place in the E. Desmond Lee Concert Hall at the 560 Music Center, 560 Trinity in University City. For more information, music.wustl.edu.

Washington University presents Equal Play: Celebrating Women Composers on Monday, January 30, at 5:30 p.m. The concert features performances by members of the St. Louis Symphony and consists of Clara Schumann's Piano Trio in G minor, Amy Beach's Theme and Variations for Flute and String Quartet, and Joan Tower's Second String Forces for solo violin and Rising for flute and string quartet. The performance takes place in Holmes Lounge in Ridgley Hall on the Washington University campus. For more information: news.wustl.edu.

Sunday, January 29, 2017

St. Louis theatre calendar for the week of January 30, 2017

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The Bissell Mansion Murder Mystery Dinner Theatre presents A Big Easy Murder through April 30. The Bissell Mansion is at 4426 Randall Place. For more information: bissellmansiontheatre.com.

Black Anthology presents Black and Blue, Friday and Saturday at 7 p.m., February 3 and 4. "Black Anthology was founded in 1989 by Marcia Hayes-Harris to provide a means of commemorating the history and progress of African Americans. Since its creation, the program was totally student run, from the script to set and costume design. However in the beginning skits were compilations centered on pertinent literature. Over the years, the productions have become a scripted play. Even with the changes in the format of the show, Black Anthology's aims remain the same and we, the executive board, hope to see the program continue to thrive." The performances take place in the Edison Theatre on the Washington University campus. For more information: edison.wustl.edu/event/black-anthology/2017-02-03

Circus Harmony presents Bravura Saturdays at 2 and 7 PM and Sundays at 2 PM, through January 29. "Bravura is a musical term whose definition also describes our youth circus performers: exceptional agility and brilliant style. Our theme this year is archetypes. Follow our King as he searches for the Trickster who stole his crown and finds out that one person can wear many hats." Performances take place at City Museum, 701 N. 15th Street. Show admission is free with museum admission. For more information: circusharmony.org.

Constellations
Photo: Erici Woolsey
The Repertory Theatre of St. Louis presents Constellations through February 5 "One relationship, limitless possibilities. When Roland and Marianne meet at a party, a multiverse of potential outcomes unfolds. Each choice they make unlocks a series of branching paths - some wonderful, some tragic. Nick Payne's genre-busting new play explores these alternate universes with wit, wonder and an overflowing sense of life." Performances take place in the studio theater at the Loretto-Hlton Center, 130 Edgar Road in Webster Groves, MO. For more information, call 314-968-4925 or visit repstl.org.

Stray Dog Theatre presents Ibsen's drama A Doll's House February 2-18. “Nora Helmer once committed forgery in order to save the life of her authoritarian husband, Torvald. Years later she is being blackmailed, living in fear and shame of what might destroy Torvald's career. When the truth is revealed, Nora is shocked to learn where she really stands in her husband's esteem. Henrik Ibsen's world_renowned drama contains perhaps the most scandalous theatrical climax in all of 19th century drama." Performances take place at The Tower Grove Abbey, 2336 Tennessee. For more information, visit straydogtheatre.org or call 314-865-1995.

Intimate Apparel
Photo: Eric Woolsey
New Jewish Theater presents Intimate Apparel through February 12. "New York, 1905, Esther, a black seamstress, lives in a boarding house where she sews intimate apparel for clients ranging from wealthy white patrons to prostitutes. As the other denizens of the boarding house marry and move away, Esther remains, lonely and longing. Through a mutual acquaintance, she begins to receive beautiful letters from a lonesome Caribbean man working on the Panama Canal. But Esther's heart seems to lie with the Hasidic shopkeeper from whom she buys cloth, and his heart with her, but the impossibility of the match is obvious to them both. The play offers poignant commentary on an era when the cut and color of one's dress-and of course, skin-determined whom one could and could not marry, even talk to in public." 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.

Solid Lines Productions presents Kimchee and Chitlins, written and directed by Elizabeth Wong, Friday and Saturday at 7 p.m., February 3 and 4. Performances take place in the CS Huh Auditorium in the Center for Global Citizenship on the Saint Louis University campus. For more information: solidlinesproductions.com.

The Midnight Company presents Little Thing, Big Thing Thursdays through Saturdays at 8 p.m. through February 11 " LITTLE THING, BIG THING tells the story of a nun, Sr. Martha, and an ex-con, Larry O'Donnell, who are thrown together in a desperate quest to safeguard film exposing deadly misdeeds of a powerful oil company. Chased by hired killers and corrupt cops, they risk their lives and head to Dublin to do the right thing, and deliver the film to the right hands. " Performances take place at Avatar Studios, 2675 Scott Avenue, downtown. Downtown. For more information: brownpapertickets.com.

Menopause the Musical
The Playhouse at Westport Plaza presents Menopause the Musical, "a celebration of women and The Change," through February 12. The Playhouse at Westport Plaza is at 635 West Port Plaza. For more information: westportstl.com.

The Lemp Mansion Comedy-Mystery Dinner Theater presents Murder at the Abbey through April 29. "Welcome to the world of Downton Abbey! A world full of aristocracy, old money but never anything as droll as murder! Congratulations! You've been invited to the dinner party held by the Earl of Grantham himself! Some would kill for the opportunity to meet the Crawley family. They'll all be there! The Earl, his beautiful wife and three daughters...not to mention all the other characters in, (and around), the Grantham house. That's right! All the family, staff and townsfolk will be there. You'll meet lots of fun characters...and you'll play as big, (or as small), of a part as you wish. Up to you. Hope nothing bad happens...but if it does...we might need you to help us figure it out? Or perhaps you're the killer?" The Lemp Mansion is at 3322 DeMenil Place. For more information: lempmansion.com.

Alton Little Theater presents the farce Nana's Naughty Knickers Thursdays through Sundays through February 5. "When Nana invites her granddaughter, Bridget, to live with her, mayhem ensues since Nana has been subsidizing her income with a lingerie business, catering to local ladies not yet ready to be "over the hill." Complications arise when Bridget brings home her cop boyfriend and the landlord gets wind of the shenanigans going on in Nana's rent-controlled apartment. The Senior Citizen's sexy sidelines will keep the audience in stitches...indeed, they may laugh themselves right out of their knickers!” Performances take place at 2450 North Henry in Alton, IL. For more information, call 618.462.6562 or visit altonlittletheater.org.

Cocktails and Curtain Calls presents One Last Job by Patrick Conroy through February 8. "The 1970's and 1980's were a turbulent time in Irish History. The Irish Republican Army (IRA), a paramilitary organization seeking civil rights for its people and the reunification of Ireland defended their areas against the occupying British Forces. This fictitious story tells of the chance encounter of a young British Soldier and a recently retired IRA operative. Their personal struggles, their lives and the lives of their families quickly become entangled and entwined. This play attempts to describe the thoughts and actions of people caught up in roles not entirely of their choosing. In war, there are no easy answers and lives are forever changed." Performances will take place at McGurk's Irish Pub in Soulard. For more information: eventbrite.com.

O'Fallon TheatreWorks presents the comedy Peter and the Starcatcher at the O'Fallon Municipal Centre auditorium February 3-12. "Tony-winning Peter and the Starcatcher upends the century-old story of how a miserable orphan comes to be The Boy Who Would Not Grow Up (a.k.a. Peter Pan). A wildly theatrical adaptation of Dave Barry and Ridley Pearson's best-selling novels, the play was conceived for the stage by directors Roger Rees and Alex Timbers and written by Rick Elice with music by Wayne Barker. From marauding pirates and jungle tyrants to unwilling comrades and unlikely heroes, Peter and the Starcatcher playfully explores the depths of greed and despair and the bonds of friendship, duty, and love." The O'Fallon Municipal Centre is located at 100 North Main Street in O'Fallon, MO. For more information, visit www.ofallon.mo.us or call 636-379-5606.

The Emerald Room at the Monocle presents Reggi and Shaw's Evening of Improvised Theatre on Thursday, February 2 at 8 p.m. "Local actors Cooper Shaw and Ed Reggi are delighted to bring their comedic talents to The Grove. These Thursday evening performances will include Shaw's PINKY SWEAR and Reggi's THE MARTY. PINKY SWEAR is a Long Form Improv Duo based in St. Louis, MO, featuring Shannon Geier and Cooper Shaw. Through character and relationship-based moment-to-moment explorations, inspired by a suggestion from the audience, Geier and Shaw bring stories to life with heart and soul. THE MARTY is a two-person improvised play inspired by suggestions from the audience." The performance takes place in the Emerald Room at The Monocle, 4510 Manchester in the Grove neighborhood. For more information: themonoclestl.com.

The Looking Glass Playhouse presents Ruthless the Musical through February 5. "Eight-year-old Tina Denmark knows she was born to play Pippi Longstocking, and she will do anything to win the part in her school musical. Anything includes murdering the leading lady! This aggressively outrageous musical hit garnered rave reviews during its long Off-Broadway run." Performances take place at 301 West St. Louis Street in Lebanon, Ill. For more information, visit www.lookingglassplayhouse.com.

The Marcelle Theater presents Alan Ox in the original one-man musical There's an Alien in My Soup Thursday through Saturday, February 2-4, at 8 p.m. The show "breaches the UFO taboo by diving headfirst into it. No holds barred. Featuring 7 military personnel coming forward, forsaking their anonymity to share what really happened behind closed doors when 'they' came to visit Earth." Performances take place at the Marcelle Theater in Grand Center, three blocks east of Powell Hall. For more information: metrotix.com.

Tesseract Theatre Company presents To the New Girl, Fridays and Saturdays at 8 p.m. and Sundays at 4 p.m., February 3-12. "This entertaining evening consists of 10 monologues from various women scorned who directly address their exes' new wives and lovers. “To the New Girl”, a ten-woman show focusing on resilient, and sometimes vengeful, broken hearts." Performances take place at The .ZACK, 3224 Locust in Midtown. For more information: tesseracttheatre.org.

The Monroe Actors Stage Company presents the comedy Vanya And Sonia And Masha And Spike, Fridays and Saturdays at 7:30 and Sundays at 2:30 p.m., February 3-12, in the Historic Capitol Theatre in downtown Waterloo, Illinois. "Stuck in their family home in Bucks County, Pennsylvania, Vanya and his adopted sister Sonia live a quiet existence until their lives are thrown into comic upheaval with the arrival of their B-list celebrity sister, Masha, and her 20-something boy toy, Spike. Add to that a soothsaying housekeeper, a star struck young neighbor and a rather odd costume party, and the stage is set for mayhem and hilarity in this present-day homage to Chekhov. Winner of the 2013 Tony Award for Best Play.” For more information, visit www.masctheatre.org or call 618-939-7469.

Alfresco Productions presents the musical Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory through February 4. "The delicious adventures experienced by Charlie Bucket on his visit to Willy Wonka's mysterious chocolate factory light up the stage in this captivating adaptation of Roald Dahl's fantastical tale. Featuring the enchanting songs from the 1971 film starring Gene Wilder and new songs by Leslie Bricusse (Jekyll & Hyde, Doctor Dolittle) and Anthony Newley, Roald Dahl's Willy Wonka is a scrumdidilyumptious musical guaranteed to delight everyone's sweet tooth. Roald Dahl's Willy Wonka follows enigmatic candy manufacturer, Willy Wonka, as he stages a contest by hiding golden tickets in five of his scrumptious candy bars. Whomever comes up with these tickets will win a free tour of the Wonka factory, as well as a lifetime supply of candy. Four of the five winning children are insufferable brats: the fifth is a likeable young lad named Charlie Bucket, who takes the tour in the company of his equally amiable grandfather. The children must learn to follow Mr. Wonka's rules in the factory… or suffer the consequences." Performances take place at the Alfresco Art Center, 2401 Delmar in Granite City, IL. For more information: (618) 560-1947 or www.alfrescoproductions.org.

Yasmina's Necklace
Photo: John Lamb
Mustard Seed Theatre presents Yasmina's Necklace Fridays and Saturdays at 8 p.m. and Sundays at 2 p.m. through February 12. “Fresh from its sold-out world premiere in Chicago, Yasmina's Necklace is an unlikely romance between Yasmina, a recent immigrant from Iraq and Abdul Samee, who wants to change his name to Sam and turn his back on his Iraqi and Puerto Rican heritage.” 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.

Upstream Theater presents the US premiere of The Year of the Bicycle Fridays and Saturdays at 8 p.m. and Sundays at 2 p.m. through February 12. "Joanna Evans' award-winning play tells the story of Amelia and Andile who befriended each other over a garden when they were eight. Many years later, now grown up but estranged, they fall into a concussion at the exact same moment and meet once again in each other's mind. A witty and poignant examination of childhood, memory and South Africa's born-free generation. Skipping from frolicky lightness to the dark borders of loneliness, this US premiere shows people reaching across walls that separate: race and class, innocence and guilt, playfulness and fear, yesterday and today." Performances take place at the Kranzberg Arts Center, 501 North Grand in Grand Center. For more information, including show times: upstreamtheater.org.

The St. Louis Family Theatre Series presents the musical A Year With Frog and Toad Friday at 7:30 p.m. and Saturday and Sunday at 2 p.m., February 3-5. " A Broadway hit, A Year with Frog and Toad is perfect for the whole family! Based on the well-loved books, this whimsical musical follows two great friends - the cheerful, popular Frog and the rather grumpy Toad - through the year. Waking from hibernation in the spring, Frog and Toad plant gardens, eat cookies, swim in funny bathing suits, rake leaves, go sledding, and learn life lessons along the way. Part vaudeville, part make-believe and all charm, A Year with Frog and Toad tells the story of a friendship that endures, weathering all seasons." Performances take place at the Florissant Civic Center Theatre at Parker and Waterford in Florissant, MO. For more information, call 314-921-5678 or visit www.florissantmo.com/topic/index.php?topicid=129&structureid=28.

Looking for auditions and other artistic opportunities? Check out the St. Louis Auditions site.
For information on events beyond this week, check out the searchable database at the Regional Arts Commission's Events Calendar.
Would you like to be on the radio? KDHX, 88.1 FM needs theatre reviewers. If you're 18 years or older, knowledgeable in this area, have practical theatre experience (acting, directing, writing, technical design, etc.), have good oral and written communications skills and would like to become one of our volunteer reviewers, send an email describing your experience and interests to chuck at kdhx.org. Please include a sample review of something you've seen recently.

Friday, January 27, 2017

Review: Flaws and all, Winter Opera's "La Cenerentola" is good fun

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Rossini's romantic comedy La Cenerentola, based in part on the classic fairy tale Cinderella, was your prototypical rush job. He threw it together in three weeks at the end of 1816 when the libretto for the opera he was originally supposed to write (on a completely different subject) was rejected by the Papal Censor. Bits of the opera (notably the overture) were recycled from earlier works and some of the music was composed not by Rossini but by his collaborator Luca Agolini.

L-R: Sharon Sullivan, Robin Bradley, Andrew Potter,
Joseph Ryan, Isaac Frishman
Photo: Wade Brothers Productions
Still, as the production Winter Opera is presenting this Friday and Sunday (January 27 and 29) demonstrates, it holds up pretty well. The score is a charming cornucopia of elaborate coloratura arias, rapid-fire patter songs, and the kind of layered ensembles that earned Rossini the nickname “Signor Crescendo.” Stage director Matthew Haney may be overly fond of cluttering up those ensembles with silly stylized movement that is almost (but not quite) choreography, but even so the good humor of Rossini's music and Jacopo Ferretti's libretto remain intact.

The role of Angelina (a.k.a. Cenerentola) is something of a rarity-a leading coloratura part written for a contralto. Kate Tombaugh, who sings the role here, is a mezzo but sounded quite at ease with the part's tessitura when I saw her at the final dress rehearsal Wednesday night. Combined with her capable acting, that higher voice gave the character an engagingly naïve charm that contrasted nicely with the acidic brattiness of her stepsisters. I thought she sounded a bit less comfortable with the role's coloratura side, however. Her big rondo finale ("Nacqui all'affanno ... Non più mesta") lacked the vocal fireworks I would have expected.

Rossini was generous to the lower male voices as well, with choice roles for two basses and a baritone - the social-climbing stepfather Don Magnifico (the prototypical "buffo" clown of Italian comic opera), the Prince's wise tutor Alidoro (substituting for the fairy godmother because Rossini hated supernatural elements in opera), and the wily valet Dandini, who spends most of the opera masquerading as Prince Ramiro so the latter can get an unvarnished look at the Magnifico family.

Kate Tombaugh
Photo: Wade Brothers Productions
Winter Opera is blessed with three very strong performers in these key parts. Bass Andrew Potter's alcoholic pomposity is spot on, and he handles the role's more florid passages expertly, although at dress rehearsal he sometimes got out of synch with the orchestra. Baritone Joseph Ryan is equally strong vocally and makes the most of Dandini's droll observations.

Bass Nathan Resika turns in perhaps the most surprising performance, finding interesting shadings in what could be the fairly ordinary role of Alidoro. The character is essentially a saintly fellow who delivers the libretto's explicitly Christian message about the last being first, but Mr. Resika acting (and, more importantly, reacting) makes him more three-dimensional than one might expect.

Soprano Sharon Sullivan and mezzo Robin Bradley are Angelina's stepsisters Clorinda and Tisbe. In this version of the story they're not so much wicked as foolish, superficial, and terminally self-involved. Their vocal and physical battles are appropriately funny stuff, and nicely sung.

Tenor Isaac Frishman is Prince Ramiro, hiding behind a pair of glasses, Clark Kent style, to separate the gold diggers from the real princess candidates. Angelina passes the test, of course, by falling for him even though she believes him to be only a servant, while he spends much of the opera being moonstruck by her. Mr. Frishman acts the part a bit blandly but sings beautifully, which is ultimately more important. His voice blends perfectly with Ms. Tomaugh's, which is also a bonus.

The male chorus, under the direction of Nancy Mayo, sings with power and precision even when they're marching around the stage and then falling down into a heap (which happens more often than necessary). This is not the first time I have been impressed with Ms. Mayo's work at Winter Opera, and I expect it won't be the last.

Conductor Kostis Protopapas conducts with a sure hand-although I would have liked somewhat more fleet tempi in the overture-and the small orchestra (fewer than 20 players) sounded quite polished, especially for a final dress. There was especially nice work by (among others) Chamber Project St. Louis members Jennifer Gartley and Dana Hotle on flute and clarinet, respectively, as well as Peg Bumb on bassoon and Tricia Jöstlein on horn.

Joseph Ryan (center) and the company
Photo: Wade Brothers Productions
Scenic Designer Scott Loebl and Costume Designer JC Krajicek have created a bright, colorful, fairy-tale world for Cenerentola, lit dramatically (if sometimes a bit obtrusively) by Maureen Berry. And while Mr. Haney's direction sometimes gilds the theatrical lily, as I noted earlier, for the most part it creates effective stage pictures and directs our focus where it needs to be.

Rossini's La Cenerentola isn't heard that often-it was last done in a somewhat stripped-down version by Union Avenue Opera in 2011—so this production is most welcome and a great deal of fun overall. Besides, Winter Opera remains one of the better practitioners of musical theatre in St. Louis. They also have the distinction of being the only one of our three opera companies to be working in a space that was actually built with an orchestra pit and music-friendly acoustics-a virtue not to be taken lightly.

Winter Opera's La Cenerentola will be performed Friday at 8 p.m. and Sunday at 3 p.m., January 27 and 29, at the Skip Viragh Center on the Chaminade campus on Lindbergh just north of Plaza Frontenac. The opera is sung in Italian with English supertitles. It's not especially long as operas go-around two and one-half hours, including intermission-and the bright comic action might make it a good choice for younger audience members as well as for adults. For more information: winteroperastl.org.

Thursday, January 26, 2017

Chuck's Choices for the weekend of January 27, 2017

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:


An American in Paris
Photo: Matthew Murphy
The Fox Theatre presents the musical An American in Paris through January 29. "An American In Paris is the new Tony Award®-winning musical about an American soldier, a mysterious French girl and an indomitable European city, each yearning for a new beginning in the aftermath of war. Acclaimed director/choreographer and 2015 Tony Award® winner Christopher Wheeldon brings the magic and romance of Paris into perfect harmony with unforgettable songs from George and Ira Gershwin in the show that earned more awards than any other musical in the 2015 season!" The Fox is on North Grand in Grand Center. For more information: fabulousfox.com.

My take: 'S' wonderful, 's marvelous, 's a big, splashy, colorful love letter to Paris and, more importantly, to the art of the dance. You can read my review for details, but the bottom line is that this is a pretty darn fine show that the whole family will be able to appreciate. Note, thought, that with a run time of nearly three hours including intermission, it might be a bit much for smaller children.


La Cenerentola
Photo: Wylde Brothers Productions
Winter Opera St. Louis presents Rossini's comic opera La Cenerentola (Cinderella) Friday at 8 PM and Sunday at 3 PM, January 27 and 29. Performances take place at The Skip Viragh Center for the Arts at Chaminade College Preparatory School, 425 S. Lindbergh. For more information, visit winteroperastl.org.

My take: There's no fairy godmother in this version of Cinderella's story because Rossini hated the use of supernatural elements in opera and the wicked godmother has been exchanged for a pompous, social-climbing godfather, but otherwise this is familiar ashes-to-diamonds story done up with lots of patter songs and elaborate coloratura arias, mostly for low voices (even Cinderella is a contralto instead of a soprano). The opera's last appearance here was in the summer of 2011 at Union Avenue Opera, so Winter Opera's new production is welcome. The title role is sung with great charm by and she's backed up by a solid ensemble of singers with a good sense of comedy. Director is a little too fond of silly choreography in many of the ensemble numbers, but overall this is an impressive effort and well worth seeing.


The Marcelle Theater presents Alan Ox in the original one-man musical There's an Alien in My Soup opening on Thursday, January 26, and running through February 4th. The show "breaches the UFO taboo by diving headfirst into it. No holds barred. Featuring 7 military personnel coming forward, forsaking their anonymity to share what really happened behind closed doors when 'they' came to visit Earth." Performances take place at the Marcelle Theater in Grand Center, three blocks east of Powell Hall. For more information: metrotix.com.

My take: So far all I have seen of this show is one of the seven monologues and the song that goes with it—a British music hall pastiche titled "Call On the British"—but that was enough to spark my interest. The part was smartly acted by Mr. Ox and the song was a hoot. I won't get to see the show until the closing weekend but the idea of this show sounds appealing enough to merit inclusion here.


Held Over:

All My Sons
Photo: Jerry Naunheim, Jr.
The Repertory Theatre of St. Louis presents Arthur Miller's drama All My Sons through January 29. "Miller's breakthrough play is a searing and deeply personal search for morality with shattering repercussions. During World War II, factory owner Joe Keller makes a questionable business decision that costs the lives of American airmen overseas. His misdeed leaves his family fractured as they grapple with the consequences of his actions." Performances take place at the Loretto-Hilton Center on the Webster University campus. For more information: repstl.org.

My take: Given the current depraved state of our national morality and what would appear to be our appalling acceptance of war as just another product, it seems almost quaint to raise the issue of war profiteering these days—which is why it so desperately needs to be done. Miller's play, in contrast with war-mongering politicians, has a strong moral core and is getting what Bob Cohn in the Jewish Light calls "a powerful, riveting production." I'm not entirely happy with some of director Seth Gordon's choices, but for me the importance of this play's message is what really counts.


The cast of Bravura
Circus Harmony presents Bravura Saturdays at 2 and 7 PM and Sundays at 2 PM, through January 29. "Bravura is a musical term whose definition also describes our youth circus performers: exceptional agility and brilliant style. Our theme this year is archetypes. Follow our King as he searches for the Trickster who stole his crown and finds out that one person can wear many hats." Performances take place at City Museum, 701 N. 15th Street. Show admission is free with museum admission. For more information: circusharmony.org.

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


Menopause the Musical
The Playhouse at Westport Plaza presents Menopause the Musical, "a celebration of women and The Change," through February 12. The Playhouse at Westport Plaza is at 635 West Port Plaza. For more information: westportstl.com.

My take: This popular ensemble show has been around for a while now, having premiered in 2001 in Orlando, Florida, in a 76-seat theatre that once housed a perfume shop. It's last visit at the Westport Playhouse was ten years ago, and it seems to have lost none of it's comic shine. "Who will enjoy this," asks Ann Lemmons Pollack in her blog, "beyond women of what they call un age certain? People of both genders around them unless they have no sense of humor. That includes family, friends and co-workers. One of life's cruel jokes is that the menopause hits many households about the same time adolescence does. Here's something to tide us over."


Kirkwood Theatre Guild presents the comedy Wake Up, Cameron Dobbs by St. Louis playwright Steve Peirick through January 29. "Some would say Cameron Dobbs is a loser who never gets a break. He's turning 30 and all he wants is a quiet birthday dinner with his brother, Owen, and sister-in-law, Abby. Unfortunately, they have different plans. Unknown to Cameron, Abby has decided to fix him up with her friend, Natalie, and Owen has invited their loving but neurotic mother, Helen. Cameron is not thrilled by these surprise guests, and to add to his chagrin, the dinner menu is a list of food to which he is allergic. After an unenthusiastic introduction, Natalie convinces Cameron to leave the dinner party and celebrate with her. As his family awaits his return, Cameron begins the journey toward recreating his life and embracing manhood." 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.

My take: I haven't seen Kirkwood's production, but having worked on the world premiere of this very funny play at West End Players several years ago, I can attest to the high quality of the script. Although it's essentially a situation comedy, Wake Up, Cameron Dobbs goes in unexpected and very smart directions. This is at least it's third local production, and I expect there will be more as time goes by.