Chuck's theatre choices for the weekend of September 5, 2014

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

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New This Week:

L-R: Rachel Hanks, Kay Love, Belinda Quimby
Photo: Gerry Love

R-S Theatrics presents the musical First Lady Suite by Michael John LaChiusa Fridays and Saturdays at 8 p.m. and Sundays at 7 p.m., September 5-14. "First Lady Suite provides a witty and poignant glimpse into the private lives of such women as Jackie Kennedy, Eleanor Roosevelt, and Mamie Eisenhower; all were First Ladies during historic times who navigated their public private lives through achievements and tragedy while always being second to their husband's job." Performances take place at the Ivory Theatre, 7620 Michigan Avenue. For more information, visit r-stheatrics.com.

My take: Once again, R-S is bringing us the local premiere of an unconventional and innovative piece of musical theatre. A lyricist, librettist, and composer of both musical theatre and opera, LaChiusa has contributed to a long list of shows, none of which (as far as I know) has been produced locally. So thanks to R-S for giving local audiences a chance to see and hear the man's work.

L-R: Melissa Gerth and Wendy R Greenwood

Mustard Seed Theatre presents Human Terrain by Jennifer Blackmer. "This world-premiere explores the treasonous relationship between a US Cultural Advisor and an Iraqi woman during the Iraq War." Performances take place through September 14 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.

My take: As Steve Callahan points out in his review for 88.1 KDHX, Mustard Seed "has a charter of examining moral questions." This play is an obvious fit for that charter, examining a real-life Army program in which anthropologists and sociologists were recruited to use their understanding of the cultures of countries currently occupied by Western forces to aid in combat operations in those nations. The program was controversial among anthropologists and raised tricky ethical questions. Callahan noes that "the play succeeds in giving us a powerful evening of drama, with a number of strong theatrical moments."