Chuck's Choices for the weekend of October 26, 2012

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

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New this week:

The Presenters Dolan presents Breaking the Rules starring pianist, music director, and singer Al Fischer with special guest Charlie Robin. The performance is directed by Ken Haller and takes place on Friday and Saturday, October 26 and 27, at 8 PM at The Kranzberg Center, 501 North Grand in Grand Center. I got to hear a preview of Al's show at the Cabaret Project's montly open mic night last week and was very impressed. It looks like an entertaining evening. I'm also curious to see what Ken Haller's directorial debut looks like. For more information: licketytix.com or 314-725-4200 ext. 10.

The St. Louis Symphony celebrates Hallowe’en a bit early this year with three showing of the classic film The Wizard of Oz. Ward Stare, one of the rising stars in the conducting firmament, leads the orchestra in a live performance of the score to accompany the film. There’s also a costume contest one hour prior to the concert, with winners walking away with a grab bag of Symphony-related goodies, including tickets to the Pirates of the Caribbean film later in the season. Some music lovers may look askance at mass-market events like this, but my attitude is if they help keep the orchestra afloat and possibly even recruit some new listeners, it’s all good. And who doesn't love this movie?  Performances are Friday and Saturday at 7 and Sunday at 2 at Powell Symphony Hall, 718 North Grand. For more information: stlsymphony.org.

Held over:

The Repertory Theatre of St. Louis presents the musical Daddy Long Legs through November 4. Performances take place on the main stage at the Loretto-Hlton Center, 130 Edgar Road in Webster Groves, MO.  In her review for 88.1 KDHX Connie Bollinger recommends this "unique treatment of an old favorite." I saw the show last weekend and found it completely charming.  Two-character musicals are difficult to pull off, but this one does the trick. For more information, call 314-968-4925 or visit repstl.org.

The Fox Theatre presents the 25th anniversary production of Les Miserables through October 28. The Fox Theatre is at 527 North Grand in Grand Center. As I note in my review for 88.1 KDHX, Les Misérables is not only one of the best pieces of musical theatre to emerge from the late 20th century, it's also a powerful refutation of the gospel of greed and arrogance currently being preached in this country. The new production retains all the virtues of the original and adds a few novel ones. For more information, visit fabulousfox.com or call 314-534-1678.