The Kranzberg Arts Center presents a concert by cellist Shannon Hayden on Saturday, October 3, at 7 p.m. “Cellist Shannon Hayden composes and performs a visionary fusion of classical and electronic music that is stunning and mind expanding.” The Kranzberg Center is at 501 North Grand in Grand Center. For more information: kranzbergartscenter.org.
The St. Louis Art Museum presents a Landmark Series concert with members of the St. Louis Symphony on Friday, October 2, at 7 p.m. "Join violinists Erin Schreiber and Helen Kim, violists Beth Guterman Chu and Jonathan Chu, and cellist Bjorn Ranheim in performance of Felix Mendelssohn’s two string quintets. These quintets have the rather unusual addition of a second viola to the standard string quartet." The concert takes place in The Farrell Auditorium at The Saint Louis Art Museum in Forest Park. For more information: slam.org.
The St. Louis Art Museum presents a high-definition broadcast of the Metropolitan Opera production of Verdi's Il Trovatore (The Troubador) on Saturday, October 3, at 11:55 a.m. The concert takes place in The Farrell Auditorium at The Saint Louis Art Museum in Forest Park. "In Il Trovatore, Soprano Anna Netrebko’s dramatic and vocal skills are on full display in her next new role at the Met—Leonora, the Verdi heroine who sacrifices her own life for the love of the gypsy troubadour. Tenor Yonghoon Lee sings the ill-fated Manrico, baritone Dmitri Hvorostovsky is his rival, and mezzo-soprano Dolora Zajick is the mysterious gypsy with the troubled past. Angela Meade sings Leonora in later performances. Marco Armiliato conducts Sir David McVicar’s Goya-inspired production." For more information: slam.org.
Vassily Sinaisky conducts the St. Louis Symphony Orchestra and pianist Ingrid Fliter on Friday at 10:30 a.m. and Saturday at 8 p.m., October 2 and 3. "Silver medalist at the 2000 Frederic Chopin Competition, pianist Ingrid Fliter has become known for “playing Chopin with power and passion and is completely at one with the music's demands of agility, vim and vigour,” (Daily Telegraph). Fliter tackles the composer’s virtuosic Second Piano Concerto while the orchestra shines in Prokofiev’s brilliant Symphony No. 3, a showcase of lively orchestral color based on the composer’s captivating opera, The Fiery Angel." The concerts take place at Powell Symphony Hall, 718 North Grand in Grand Center. For more information: stlsymphony.org.
The Tavern of Fine Arts presents Kate Reimann, soprano and Gail Hintz, piano in concert on Saturday, October 3, at 8 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.
Tuesday, September 29, 2015
Monday, September 28, 2015
St. Louis theatre calendar for the week of September 28, 2015
[Looking for auditions and other artistic opportunities? Check out the St. Louis Auditions site.]
For information on events beyond this week, check out the searchable database at the Regional Arts Commission's events web site.
Share on Google+
The Repertory Theatre of St. Louis presents the drama All the Way through October 4. " It's 1963. Following the assassination of JFK, Lyndon Johnson becomes America's "accidental president." Launched into the presidency over a country in turmoil, LBJ maneuvers and manipulates his way through a series of power plays to pass the Civil Rights Act and to guarantee a full term in the Oval Office. Deception, bullying and blackmail are all strategies in his arsenal. But in this 2014 Tony Award Winner for Best Play, featuring a large landscape of people and characters, LBJ makes clear that it's not personal, it's just politics. " Performances take place on the mainstage at the Loretto-Hlton Center, 130 Edgar Road in Webster Groves, MO. For more information, call 314-968-4925 or visit repstl.org. Read the 88.1 KDHX review!
Gitana Productions presents Black and Blue by by Lee Patton Chiles with music by Tbeats Entertainment at 8 p.m. on Friday, October 2 at the Missouri Hisotry Museum in Forest Park and at 4 p.m. on Sunday, October 4 at Parkway United Church of Christ, 2841 N. Ballas Rd. “An original play of hope and healing, exploring the assumptions that all young black men are dangerous, and that all cops are bad.” For more information: www.gitana-inc.org.
St. Charles Community College presents the drama Clybourne Park Wednesday through Sunday, September 30 – October 4 "Winner of the 2011 Pulitzer Prize and 2012 Tony Award for Best Play, "Clybourne Park" is a wickedly funny and provocative new play about the volatile intersection of race and real estate.” Performances take place in the Donald D. Shook Fine Arts Building on the campus at 4601 Mid Rivers Mall Drive in Cottleville, MO. For more information, call 636-922-8050 or visit stchas.edu.
The Lemp Mansion Comedy-Mystery Dinner Theater presents Dead! Like Me through November 14. The Lemp Mansion is at 3322 DeMenil Place. For more information: lempmansion.com.
Webster University’s Conservatory of Theatre Arts presents the musical Dogfight Wednesdays through Saturdays at 7:30 p.m. and Sundays at 2 p.m., September 30 – October 11. “The date is November 21st, 1963. "Three Marines named Eddie, Bernstein, and Boland are going to be deployed to Southeast Asia in the morning, but decide to have a good time on their last night at home. But when Eddie meets an awkward waitress named Rose, he bets his friends that he can beat them in a dogfight contest. However, Rose makes Edie rethink his bet after he gets to know her.” Performances take place Emerson Studio Theater of the Loretto-Hilton Center on the Webster University campus. For more information, events.webster.edu or call 314-968-7128.
Stages St. Louis presents the musical The Full Monty, based on the hit movie, through October 4. "Welcome back STAGES' red-hot award-winning smash hit THE FULL MONTY! If you were sold out the first time, you'll want to be sure to meet Jerry, Dave, Harold, Ethan, Malcolm, and "Horse" - six unemployed steelworkers who come up with a bold and unconventional way to make some much-needed cash, after witnessing their wives go wild for a group of male strippers. In the process, they discover renewed self-esteem and the importance of family, friendship, and the very human desire to live life to the fullest. With razor-sharp humor and toe-tapping pizzazz, THE FULL MONTY is musical theatre at its most heart-warming. " Performances take place in the Robert G. Reim Theatre at the Kirkwood Community Center, 111 South Geyer Road in Kirkwood. For more information, visit stagesstlouis.org or call 314-821-2407. Read the 88.1 KDHX review!
The Bissell Mansion Murder Mystery Dinner Theatre presents Get "Hitched" To A Redneck Or Die through October 31. The Bissell Mansion is at 4426 Randall Place. For more information: bissellmansiontheatre.com
New Line Theatre presents the regional premiere of the musical Heathers, Thursdays through Saturdays at 8 PM, October 1 - 24. "New Line opens its 25th season with the regional premiere of the pitch-black musical comedy HEATHERS, written by the award-winning team of Kevin Murphy (Reefer Madness) and Laurence O’Keefe (Bat Boy, Legally Blonde). This hilarious, big--hearted, and homicidal new musical is based on the 1989 cult film, truly one of the darkest teen comedies of all time. The original screenwriter Daniel Waters called it, 'a Carson McCullers-style novel of a girl who meets the Antichrist as a teenager.'" 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.
The Looking Glass Playhouse presents the classic musical The Music Man Wednesday through Sunday September 30 - October 4. Performances take place at 301 West St. Louis Street in Lebanon, Ill. For more information, visit www.lookingglassplayhouse.com.
Alpha Players present the musical Oliver!, based on Charles Dickens' Oliver Twist, through October 4 at The Florissant Civic Center Theater, Parker Rd. at Waterford Dr. in Florissant, MO. For more information: alphaplayers.org or, call 314-921-5678.
St. Louis Actors' Studio presents Teresa Rebeck's Seminar through October 4 at the Gaslight Theatre, 358 North Boyle. "A provocative comedy from Pulitzer Prize nominee Theresa Rebeck, four aspiring young novelists sign up for private writing classes with Leonard, an international literary figure. Under his recklessly brilliant and unorthodox instruction, some thrive and others flounder, alliances are made and broken, sex is used as a weapon and hearts are unmoored. The wordplay is not the only thing that turns vicious as innocence collides with experience in this biting Broadway comedy." For more information, call 314-458-2978 or visit stlas.org.
St. Louis Shakespeare presents Shakespeare's comedy Twelfth Night Thursdays at 7:30 p.m., Fridays and Saturdays at 8 p.m., and Sundays at 2 p.m., October 2 - 11. Cast away in a foreign land, twins Viola and Sebastian are separated in a shipwreck, each presuming the other lost at sea. Mistaken identities, prankster servants and a triangle of determined – yet unrequited – lovers make this one of Shakespeare’s most beloved comedies." Performances take place at the Ivory Theatre, 7620 Michigan in the Carondelet neighborhood. For more information, call 314-361-5664 or visit stlshakespeare.org.
St. Louis University Theatre presents Trash Macbeth October 2 - 11. "Based on Shakespeare's text, this semi-devised, ensemble-built, original content piece considers the 1950‘s housewife while asking the question: How can we re-purpose waste into something beautiful? Performed by six actors with all costume, scenic and prop elements created from found, not purchased, materials." Performances take place in Xavier Hall, 3373 West Pine Mall. For more information, call (314) 977-2998 or visit slumarketplace.slu.edu.
The West End Players Guild opens their 105th season with David Ives' Venus in Fur Thursday through Saturday at 8 PM and Sunday at 2 PM, October 1-4. "It's the end of a rainy day and a dismal casting call. As the director packs up to head home the door swings open, and in walks the woman who seems born for the role - strangely, eerily so. Is it the director's dream come true, or a stylish nightmare? Venus in Fur is David Ives at his best - very sexy, very funny and very, very smart. " There will also be a show on Thursday, October 1, at 8 PM. 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.
Valhalla Cemetery and The Hawthorne Players present Voices Of Valhalla: A Hayride Through History October 2-10. Hayrides through Valhalla Cemetery depart every fifteen minutes beginning at 6:30 each evening as members of the Hawthorne Players portray some of the noted locals buried in Valhalla. Valhalla Cemetery is located at 7600 St. Charles Rock Road. For more information, visit hawthorneplayers.com.
For information on events beyond this week, check out the searchable database at the Regional Arts Commission's events web site.
Share on Google+
 |
| All the Way Photo: Jerry Naunheim, Jr. |
Gitana Productions presents Black and Blue by by Lee Patton Chiles with music by Tbeats Entertainment at 8 p.m. on Friday, October 2 at the Missouri Hisotry Museum in Forest Park and at 4 p.m. on Sunday, October 4 at Parkway United Church of Christ, 2841 N. Ballas Rd. “An original play of hope and healing, exploring the assumptions that all young black men are dangerous, and that all cops are bad.” For more information: www.gitana-inc.org.
St. Charles Community College presents the drama Clybourne Park Wednesday through Sunday, September 30 – October 4 "Winner of the 2011 Pulitzer Prize and 2012 Tony Award for Best Play, "Clybourne Park" is a wickedly funny and provocative new play about the volatile intersection of race and real estate.” Performances take place in the Donald D. Shook Fine Arts Building on the campus at 4601 Mid Rivers Mall Drive in Cottleville, MO. For more information, call 636-922-8050 or visit stchas.edu.
The Lemp Mansion Comedy-Mystery Dinner Theater presents Dead! Like Me through November 14. The Lemp Mansion is at 3322 DeMenil Place. For more information: lempmansion.com.
Webster University’s Conservatory of Theatre Arts presents the musical Dogfight Wednesdays through Saturdays at 7:30 p.m. and Sundays at 2 p.m., September 30 – October 11. “The date is November 21st, 1963. "Three Marines named Eddie, Bernstein, and Boland are going to be deployed to Southeast Asia in the morning, but decide to have a good time on their last night at home. But when Eddie meets an awkward waitress named Rose, he bets his friends that he can beat them in a dogfight contest. However, Rose makes Edie rethink his bet after he gets to know her.” Performances take place Emerson Studio Theater of the Loretto-Hilton Center on the Webster University campus. For more information, events.webster.edu or call 314-968-7128.
 |
| The Full Monty Photo: Peter Wochniak |
The Bissell Mansion Murder Mystery Dinner Theatre presents Get "Hitched" To A Redneck Or Die through October 31. The Bissell Mansion is at 4426 Randall Place. For more information: bissellmansiontheatre.com
New Line Theatre presents the regional premiere of the musical Heathers, Thursdays through Saturdays at 8 PM, October 1 - 24. "New Line opens its 25th season with the regional premiere of the pitch-black musical comedy HEATHERS, written by the award-winning team of Kevin Murphy (Reefer Madness) and Laurence O’Keefe (Bat Boy, Legally Blonde). This hilarious, big--hearted, and homicidal new musical is based on the 1989 cult film, truly one of the darkest teen comedies of all time. The original screenwriter Daniel Waters called it, 'a Carson McCullers-style novel of a girl who meets the Antichrist as a teenager.'" 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.
The Looking Glass Playhouse presents the classic musical The Music Man Wednesday through Sunday September 30 - October 4. Performances take place at 301 West St. Louis Street in Lebanon, Ill. For more information, visit www.lookingglassplayhouse.com.
Alpha Players present the musical Oliver!, based on Charles Dickens' Oliver Twist, through October 4 at The Florissant Civic Center Theater, Parker Rd. at Waterford Dr. in Florissant, MO. For more information: alphaplayers.org or, call 314-921-5678.
 |
| Seminar Photo: John Lamb |
St. Louis Shakespeare presents Shakespeare's comedy Twelfth Night Thursdays at 7:30 p.m., Fridays and Saturdays at 8 p.m., and Sundays at 2 p.m., October 2 - 11. Cast away in a foreign land, twins Viola and Sebastian are separated in a shipwreck, each presuming the other lost at sea. Mistaken identities, prankster servants and a triangle of determined – yet unrequited – lovers make this one of Shakespeare’s most beloved comedies." Performances take place at the Ivory Theatre, 7620 Michigan in the Carondelet neighborhood. For more information, call 314-361-5664 or visit stlshakespeare.org.
St. Louis University Theatre presents Trash Macbeth October 2 - 11. "Based on Shakespeare's text, this semi-devised, ensemble-built, original content piece considers the 1950‘s housewife while asking the question: How can we re-purpose waste into something beautiful? Performed by six actors with all costume, scenic and prop elements created from found, not purchased, materials." Performances take place in Xavier Hall, 3373 West Pine Mall. For more information, call (314) 977-2998 or visit slumarketplace.slu.edu.
 |
| Venus in Fur Photo: John Lamb |
Valhalla Cemetery and The Hawthorne Players present Voices Of Valhalla: A Hayride Through History October 2-10. Hayrides through Valhalla Cemetery depart every fifteen minutes beginning at 6:30 each evening as members of the Hawthorne Players portray some of the noted locals buried in Valhalla. Valhalla Cemetery is located at 7600 St. Charles Rock Road. For more information, visit hawthorneplayers.com.
Would you like to be on the radio? KDHX, 88.1 FM needs theatre reviewers. If you're 18 years or older, knowledgeable in this area, have practical theatre experience (acting, directing, writing, technical design, etc.), have good oral and written communications skills and would like to become one of our volunteer reviewers, send an email describing your experience and interests to chuck at kdhx.org. Please include a sample review of something you've seen recently.
Friday, September 25, 2015
Chuck's Choices for the weekend of September 25, 2015
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 Performing Arts Department at Washington University presents the A.E. Hotcchner Playwriting Festival Friday and Saturday, featuring new plays by student authors. This year's plays are : We the Congressman by Katie Goldston on Friday, September 25, at 7:00 p.m.; Library Love Story by Rachel Wilson on Saturday, September 26, at 2:00 p.m.; and The Divine Buoyancy of Being by Cary J. Simowitz on Saturday, September 26, at 7:00 p.m. The performances take place in the A.E. Hotchner Studio Theatre in the Mallinckrodt Student Center on the Washington University campus. For more information, call 314-935-6543 or visit pad.artsci.wustl.edu.
My take: Anything that encourages new playwrights is good as far as I'm concerned, and some of the plays from the Hotchner festival have gone on to have lives outside of the festival. Drop by and see what the next generation of authors is producing.
Stages St. Louis presents the musical The Full Monty, based on the hit movie, through October 4. "Welcome back STAGES' red-hot award-winning smash hit THE FULL MONTY! If you were sold out the first time, you'll want to be sure to meet Jerry, Dave, Harold, Ethan, Malcolm, and "Horse" - six unemployed steelworkers who come up with a bold and unconventional way to make some much-needed cash, after witnessing their wives go wild for a group of male strippers. In the process, they discover renewed self-esteem and the importance of family, friendship, and the very human desire to live life to the fullest. With razor-sharp humor and toe-tapping pizzazz, THE FULL MONTY is musical theatre at its most heart-warming. " Performances take place in the Robert G. Reim Theatre at the Kirkwood Community Center, 111 South Geyer Road in Kirkwood. For more information, visit stagesstlouis.org or call 314-821-2407. Read the 88.1 KDHX review!
My take: Not everybody agrees with me, but I think this stage version of the classic British comedy works pretty well, with a book by noted playwright Terrence McNally that respects the original screenplay and a very effective score by David Yazbeck. Stages has demonstrated that they can be relied upon for a professional production, so I have no hesitation in recommending this.
The West End Players Guild opens their 105th season with David Ives' Venus in Fur Fridays and Saturdays at 8 PM and Sundays at 2 PM, September 25 - October 4. " It's the end of a rainy day and a dismal casting call. As the director packs up to head home the door swings open, and in walks the woman who seems born for the role - strangely, eerily so. Is it the director's dream come true, or a stylish nightmare? Venus in Fur is David Ives at his best - very sexy, very funny and very, very smart. " There will also be a show on Thursday, October 1, at 8 PM. 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.
My take: Full disclosure: I'm on the board and play reading committee at West End and was a big supporter of this play. I was very impressed by the Rep's production of this smart comedy/drama/fantasy when they did it and I expect good things from this production. I have worked with both of the actors and can personally attest to their skill. Trust me, Paula Stoff Dean was born to play this part.
Held Over:
The Repertory Theatre of St. Louis presents the drama All the Way through October 4. " It's 1963. Following the assassination of JFK, Lyndon Johnson becomes America's "accidental president." Launched into the presidency over a country in turmoil, LBJ maneuvers and manipulates his way through a series of power plays to pass the Civil Rights Act and to guarantee a full term in the Oval Office. Deception, bullying and blackmail are all strategies in his arsenal. But in this 2014 Tony Award Winner for Best Play, featuring a large landscape of people and characters, LBJ makes clear that it's not personal, it's just politics. " Performances take place on the mainstage at the Loretto-Hlton Center, 130 Edgar Road in Webster Groves, MO. For more information, call 314-968-4925 or visit repstl.org.
My take: If this play tells us anything, it's that the fight for justice never ends because the forces of hate, fear, and repression never go away. Brian Dyskstra heads a large and impressive cast as LBJ, beset on all sides because he decided to place principle above party and the good of the nation about political expedience by pushing through the Civil Rights Act of 1964. It's hard to imagine a contemporary politician at the national level who would have this kind of courage, which does not bode well for the republic. This is great theatre and a great moral lesson. You will be sorry if you miss it. Performances continue through October 4th.
Share on Google+:
New This Week:
The Performing Arts Department at Washington University presents the A.E. Hotcchner Playwriting Festival Friday and Saturday, featuring new plays by student authors. This year's plays are : We the Congressman by Katie Goldston on Friday, September 25, at 7:00 p.m.; Library Love Story by Rachel Wilson on Saturday, September 26, at 2:00 p.m.; and The Divine Buoyancy of Being by Cary J. Simowitz on Saturday, September 26, at 7:00 p.m. The performances take place in the A.E. Hotchner Studio Theatre in the Mallinckrodt Student Center on the Washington University campus. For more information, call 314-935-6543 or visit pad.artsci.wustl.edu.
My take: Anything that encourages new playwrights is good as far as I'm concerned, and some of the plays from the Hotchner festival have gone on to have lives outside of the festival. Drop by and see what the next generation of authors is producing.
|
| The Full Monty Photo: Peter Wochniak |
My take: Not everybody agrees with me, but I think this stage version of the classic British comedy works pretty well, with a book by noted playwright Terrence McNally that respects the original screenplay and a very effective score by David Yazbeck. Stages has demonstrated that they can be relied upon for a professional production, so I have no hesitation in recommending this.
|
| Venus in Fur Photo: John Lamb |
My take: Full disclosure: I'm on the board and play reading committee at West End and was a big supporter of this play. I was very impressed by the Rep's production of this smart comedy/drama/fantasy when they did it and I expect good things from this production. I have worked with both of the actors and can personally attest to their skill. Trust me, Paula Stoff Dean was born to play this part.
Held Over:
|
| All the Way Photo: Jerry Naunheim, Jr. |
My take: If this play tells us anything, it's that the fight for justice never ends because the forces of hate, fear, and repression never go away. Brian Dyskstra heads a large and impressive cast as LBJ, beset on all sides because he decided to place principle above party and the good of the nation about political expedience by pushing through the Civil Rights Act of 1964. It's hard to imagine a contemporary politician at the national level who would have this kind of courage, which does not bode well for the republic. This is great theatre and a great moral lesson. You will be sorry if you miss it. Performances continue through October 4th.
Saturday, September 19, 2015
St. Louis theatre calendar for the week of September 21, 2015
[Looking for auditions and other artistic opportunities? Check out the St. Louis Auditions site.]
For information on events beyond this week, check out the searchable database at the Regional Arts Commission's events web site.
Share on Google+
The Repertory Theatre of St. Louis presents the drama All the Way through October 4. " It's 1963. Following the assassination of JFK, Lyndon Johnson becomes America's "accidental president." Launched into the presidency over a country in turmoil, LBJ maneuvers and manipulates his way through a series of power plays to pass the Civil Rights Act and to guarantee a full term in the Oval Office. Deception, bullying and blackmail are all strategies in his arsenal. But in this 2014 Tony Award Winner for Best Play, featuring a large landscape of people and characters, LBJ makes clear that it's not personal, it's just politics. " Performances take place on the mainstage at the Loretto-Hlton Center, 130 Edgar Road in Webster Groves, MO. For more information, call 314-968-4925 or visit repstl.org. Read the 88.1 KDHX review!
The Lemp Mansion Comedy-Mystery Dinner Theater presents Dead! Like Me through November 14. The Lemp Mansion is at 3322 DeMenil Place. For more information: lempmansion.com.
The Performing Arts Department at Washington University presents The Divine Buoyancy of Being by Cary J. Simowitz on Saturday, Septermber 26, at 7:00 p.m. as part of The A.E. Hotchner Playwriting Festival. "You've graduated. You're catapulted into the world. The obvious question is, What now? But four endlessly curious and hysterically funny friends have other questions. What happened? What job? What the f---? And finally, What if?" The performance takes place in the A.E. Hotchner Studio Theatre in the Mallinckrodt Student Center on the Washington University campus. For more information, call 314-935-6543 or visit http://the performing arts department at washington university presents we the congressman by katie goldston on friday, septermber 25, at 7:00 p.m. as part of the a.e. hotchner playwriting festival. "it's an uptown smack down; bones crunch, eye' ta_blan>pad.artsci.wustl.edu.
Southern Illinois University at Edwardsville presents the Equally Represented Arts production of The Residents of Craigslist at 7:30 p.m. on Thursday, September 24, as part of Xfest: 4 Days of Experimental Theater. "The Residents of Craiglist is a one-act theatrical work that realizes the classified advertisements website Craigslist as a full yet lonely house containing a myriad of people - its residents." The performance takes place in the Metcalf Theater on the campus in Edwardsvile, IL. For more information, call 618-650-2774 or visit siuexfest.com.
Stages St. Louis presents the musical The Full Monty, based on the hit movie, through October 4. "Welcome back STAGES' red-hot award-winning smash hit THE FULL MONTY! If you were sold out the first time, you'll want to be sure to meet Jerry, Dave, Harold, Ethan, Malcolm, and "Horse" - six unemployed steelworkers who come up with a bold and unconventional way to make some much-needed cash, after witnessing their wives go wild for a group of male strippers. In the process, they discover renewed self-esteem and the importance of family, friendship, and the very human desire to live life to the fullest. With razor-sharp humor and toe-tapping pizzazz, THE FULL MONTY is musical theatre at its most heart-warming. " Performances take place in the Robert G. Reim Theatre at the Kirkwood Community Center, 111 South Geyer Road in Kirkwood. For more information, visit stagesstlouis.org or call 314-821-2407. Read the 88.1 KDHX review!
The Bissell Mansion Murder Mystery Dinner Theatre presents Get "Hitched" To A Redneck Or Die through October 31. The Bissell Mansion is at 4426 Randall Place. For more information: bissellmansiontheatre.com
The Monroe Actors Stage Company presents the Frank Loesser musical Guys and Dolls, based on the stories of Damon Runyon, Fridays and Saturdays at 7:30 and Sundays at 2:30 p.m., theough September 27, in the Historic Capitol Theatre in downtown Waterloo, Illinois. For more information, visit www.masctheatre.org or call 618-939-7469.
The Black Mirror Theatre Company presents Happy Days by Samuel Beckett Fridays and Saturdays at 7 p.m. and Sundays at 2 p.m., through September 27. "Sinking into the earth, sun ablaze, no trees, no shade, a bell, ever ending sleep, with only a bag to see you through life. Who could cope with it all and still go on singing - only a woman! This is how Samuel Beckett described Happy Days." Performances take place The Chapel, 6238 Alexander Drive. For more information, visit brownpapertickets.com or email blackmirrortheatre at gmail.com.
The Performing Arts Department at Washington University presents Library Love Story by Rachel Wilson on Saturday, Septermber 26, at 2:00 p.m. as part of The A.E. Hotchner Playwriting Festival. "Madelyn hides in the sentences on the page inside the book that's on the shelf within the doors of the town library. She will only come out when she's written the “happily ever after ending” to her own love story." The performance takes place in the A.E. Hotchner Studio Theatre in the Mallinckrodt Student Center on the Washington University campus. For more information, call 314-935-6543 or visit http://the performing arts department at washington university presents we the congressman by katie goldston on friday, septermber 25, at 7:00 p.m. as part of the a.e. hotchner playwriting festival. "it's an uptown smack down; bones crunch, eye' ta_blan>pad.artsci.wustl.edu.
Christ Memorial Productions presents the musical Mary Poppins Friday sand Saturday at 7:30 PM and Sunday at 2 PM, theough September 27. Performances take place at Christ Memorial Lutheran Church, 5252 South Lindbergh. For more information, visit CMPShows.org or call 314-631-0304.
Southern Illinois University at Edwardsville presents The Wonderheads production of The Middle of Everywhere at 7:30 p.m. on Friday, September 25, as part of Xfest: 4 Days of Experimental Theater. "What do you get when you mash together Pixar, Maurice Sendak, and Doctor Who? A time and space bending adventure by mask imagineers the WONDERHEADS, that's what. When two unlikely strangers discover a mysterious device at a bus stop, they are whisked away on a cosmic journey through time and space...but will they claim their place in the universe and find their way home? The Middle of Everywhere is performed in full-face mask, a form so magical it will delight the child in you, whether you're eight or eighty. " The performance takes place in the Metcalf Theater on the campus in Edwardsvile, IL. For more information, call 618-650-2774 or visit siuexfest.com.
The Looking Glass Playhouse presents the classic musical The Music Man Wednesday through Sunday September 24 - October 4. Performances take place at 301 West St. Louis Street in Lebanon, Ill. For more information, visit www.lookingglassplayhouse.com.
Alpha Players present the musical Oliver!, based on Charles Dickens' Oliver Twist, September 25 - October 4 at The Florissant Civic Center Theater, Parker Rd. at Waterford Dr. in Florissant, MO. For more information: alphaplayers.org or, call 314-921-5678.
Southern Illinois University at Edwardsville presents the Lucky Plush Productions presentation of of The Queue at 7:30 p.m. on Wednesday, September 23, as part of Xfest: 4 Days of Experimental Theater. "Equal parts dance and theater, The Queue unfolds in a fictional airport, where travelers stumble humorously, tragically and awkwardly into each-others' private lives. Created by Lucky Plush founder/director, Julia Rhodes, and collaborator, Leslie Danzig, The Queue finds its influences in early 20th-century forms of slapstick, vaudeville, Busby Berkeley-style choreography, creaky one-act plays and a 1746 farcical play about a family inheritance. These sources and performance vocabularies collide with contemporary dance and the distinctly non-theatrical context of waiting to create a dance-theater production, showcasing Lucky Plush's signature blend of immediacy, humor and kineticism." The performance takes place in the Dunham Hall Theater on the campus in Edwardsvile, IL. For more information, call 618-650-2774 or visit siuexfest.com.
Southern Illinois University at Edwardsville presents ROY G BIV: A Story Through the Eyes of a Rock Icon is written and performed by R. Ernie Silva at 7:30 p.m. on Saturday, September 13, as part of Xfest: 4 Days of Experimental Theater. "In the world of music no figure became a greater symbol of the time than the West Coast boy from Seattle. The immortal lefty, the American Rock Icon, that in the midst of the British invasion somehow managed to climb the top of the rock and roll mountain seemingly coming out of nowhere and then in a flash, just like a comet in the night, was gone....But what did it all mean, how did his life and time manage to cross so many roads at once, and leave us wanting for more? In this astonishing look at the life of a rock icon, R. Ernie Silva's brilliant performance as the most prolific rock guitarist of all time, takes us to a space and time, ethereal and eternal! " The performance takes place in the Dunham Hall Theater on the campus in Edwardsvile, IL. For more information, call 618-650-2774 or visit siuexfest.com.
St. Louis Actors' Studio presents Teresa Rebeck's Seminar through October 4 at the Gaslight Theatre, 358 North Boyle. "A provocative comedy from Pulitzer Prize nominee Theresa Rebeck, four aspiring young novelists sign up for private writing classes with Leonard, an international literary figure. Under his recklessly brilliant and unorthodox instruction, some thrive and others flounder, alliances are made and broken, sex is used as a weapon and hearts are unmoored. The wordplay is not the only thing that turns vicious as innocence collides with experience in this biting Broadway comedy." For more information, call 314-458-2978 or visit stlas.org.
The West End Players Guild opens their 105th season with David Ives' Venus in Fur Fridays and Saturdays at 8 PM and Sundays at 2 PM, September 25 - October 4. " It's the end of a rainy day and a dismal casting call. As the director packs up to head home the door swings open, and in walks the woman who seems born for the role - strangely, eerily so. Is it the director's dream come true, or a stylish nightmare? Venus in Fur is David Ives at his best - very sexy, very funny and very, very smart. " There will also be a show on Thursday, October 1, at 8 PM. 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.
The Performing Arts Department at Washington University presents We the Congressman by Katie Goldston on Friday, Septermber 25, at 7:00 p.m. as part of The A.E. Hotchner Playwriting Festival. "It's an uptown smack down; bones crunch, eye's gouge and there's even a little poison in the tea. The politics of the USA are played out with rope-a-dope style in this offbeat comedy about a waitress, a news broadcaster, a World Federation Wrestler named The Congressman ... and the writer who made him up." The performance takes place in the A.E. Hotchner Studio Theatre in the Mallinckrodt Student Center on the Washington University campus. For more information, call 314-935-6543 or visit http://the performing arts department at washington university presents we the congressman by katie goldston on friday, septermber 25, at 7:00 p.m. as part of the a.e. hotchner playwriting festival. "it's an uptown smack down; bones crunch, eye' ta_blan>pad.artsci.wustl.edu.
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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| All the Way Photo: Jerry Naunheim, Jr. |
The Lemp Mansion Comedy-Mystery Dinner Theater presents Dead! Like Me through November 14. The Lemp Mansion is at 3322 DeMenil Place. For more information: lempmansion.com.
The Performing Arts Department at Washington University presents The Divine Buoyancy of Being by Cary J. Simowitz on Saturday, Septermber 26, at 7:00 p.m. as part of The A.E. Hotchner Playwriting Festival. "You've graduated. You're catapulted into the world. The obvious question is, What now? But four endlessly curious and hysterically funny friends have other questions. What happened? What job? What the f---? And finally, What if?" The performance takes place in the A.E. Hotchner Studio Theatre in the Mallinckrodt Student Center on the Washington University campus. For more information, call 314-935-6543 or visit http://the performing arts department at washington university presents we the congressman by katie goldston on friday, septermber 25, at 7:00 p.m. as part of the a.e. hotchner playwriting festival. "it's an uptown smack down; bones crunch, eye' ta_blan>pad.artsci.wustl.edu.
Southern Illinois University at Edwardsville presents the Equally Represented Arts production of The Residents of Craigslist at 7:30 p.m. on Thursday, September 24, as part of Xfest: 4 Days of Experimental Theater. "The Residents of Craiglist is a one-act theatrical work that realizes the classified advertisements website Craigslist as a full yet lonely house containing a myriad of people - its residents." The performance takes place in the Metcalf Theater on the campus in Edwardsvile, IL. For more information, call 618-650-2774 or visit siuexfest.com.
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| The Full Monty Photo: Peter Wochniak |
The Bissell Mansion Murder Mystery Dinner Theatre presents Get "Hitched" To A Redneck Or Die through October 31. The Bissell Mansion is at 4426 Randall Place. For more information: bissellmansiontheatre.com
The Monroe Actors Stage Company presents the Frank Loesser musical Guys and Dolls, based on the stories of Damon Runyon, Fridays and Saturdays at 7:30 and Sundays at 2:30 p.m., theough September 27, in the Historic Capitol Theatre in downtown Waterloo, Illinois. For more information, visit www.masctheatre.org or call 618-939-7469.
The Black Mirror Theatre Company presents Happy Days by Samuel Beckett Fridays and Saturdays at 7 p.m. and Sundays at 2 p.m., through September 27. "Sinking into the earth, sun ablaze, no trees, no shade, a bell, ever ending sleep, with only a bag to see you through life. Who could cope with it all and still go on singing - only a woman! This is how Samuel Beckett described Happy Days." Performances take place The Chapel, 6238 Alexander Drive. For more information, visit brownpapertickets.com or email blackmirrortheatre at gmail.com.
The Performing Arts Department at Washington University presents Library Love Story by Rachel Wilson on Saturday, Septermber 26, at 2:00 p.m. as part of The A.E. Hotchner Playwriting Festival. "Madelyn hides in the sentences on the page inside the book that's on the shelf within the doors of the town library. She will only come out when she's written the “happily ever after ending” to her own love story." The performance takes place in the A.E. Hotchner Studio Theatre in the Mallinckrodt Student Center on the Washington University campus. For more information, call 314-935-6543 or visit http://the performing arts department at washington university presents we the congressman by katie goldston on friday, septermber 25, at 7:00 p.m. as part of the a.e. hotchner playwriting festival. "it's an uptown smack down; bones crunch, eye' ta_blan>pad.artsci.wustl.edu.
Christ Memorial Productions presents the musical Mary Poppins Friday sand Saturday at 7:30 PM and Sunday at 2 PM, theough September 27. Performances take place at Christ Memorial Lutheran Church, 5252 South Lindbergh. For more information, visit CMPShows.org or call 314-631-0304.
Southern Illinois University at Edwardsville presents The Wonderheads production of The Middle of Everywhere at 7:30 p.m. on Friday, September 25, as part of Xfest: 4 Days of Experimental Theater. "What do you get when you mash together Pixar, Maurice Sendak, and Doctor Who? A time and space bending adventure by mask imagineers the WONDERHEADS, that's what. When two unlikely strangers discover a mysterious device at a bus stop, they are whisked away on a cosmic journey through time and space...but will they claim their place in the universe and find their way home? The Middle of Everywhere is performed in full-face mask, a form so magical it will delight the child in you, whether you're eight or eighty. " The performance takes place in the Metcalf Theater on the campus in Edwardsvile, IL. For more information, call 618-650-2774 or visit siuexfest.com.
The Looking Glass Playhouse presents the classic musical The Music Man Wednesday through Sunday September 24 - October 4. Performances take place at 301 West St. Louis Street in Lebanon, Ill. For more information, visit www.lookingglassplayhouse.com.
Alpha Players present the musical Oliver!, based on Charles Dickens' Oliver Twist, September 25 - October 4 at The Florissant Civic Center Theater, Parker Rd. at Waterford Dr. in Florissant, MO. For more information: alphaplayers.org or, call 314-921-5678.
Southern Illinois University at Edwardsville presents the Lucky Plush Productions presentation of of The Queue at 7:30 p.m. on Wednesday, September 23, as part of Xfest: 4 Days of Experimental Theater. "Equal parts dance and theater, The Queue unfolds in a fictional airport, where travelers stumble humorously, tragically and awkwardly into each-others' private lives. Created by Lucky Plush founder/director, Julia Rhodes, and collaborator, Leslie Danzig, The Queue finds its influences in early 20th-century forms of slapstick, vaudeville, Busby Berkeley-style choreography, creaky one-act plays and a 1746 farcical play about a family inheritance. These sources and performance vocabularies collide with contemporary dance and the distinctly non-theatrical context of waiting to create a dance-theater production, showcasing Lucky Plush's signature blend of immediacy, humor and kineticism." The performance takes place in the Dunham Hall Theater on the campus in Edwardsvile, IL. For more information, call 618-650-2774 or visit siuexfest.com.
Southern Illinois University at Edwardsville presents ROY G BIV: A Story Through the Eyes of a Rock Icon is written and performed by R. Ernie Silva at 7:30 p.m. on Saturday, September 13, as part of Xfest: 4 Days of Experimental Theater. "In the world of music no figure became a greater symbol of the time than the West Coast boy from Seattle. The immortal lefty, the American Rock Icon, that in the midst of the British invasion somehow managed to climb the top of the rock and roll mountain seemingly coming out of nowhere and then in a flash, just like a comet in the night, was gone....But what did it all mean, how did his life and time manage to cross so many roads at once, and leave us wanting for more? In this astonishing look at the life of a rock icon, R. Ernie Silva's brilliant performance as the most prolific rock guitarist of all time, takes us to a space and time, ethereal and eternal! " The performance takes place in the Dunham Hall Theater on the campus in Edwardsvile, IL. For more information, call 618-650-2774 or visit siuexfest.com.
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| Seminar Photo: John Lamb |
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| Venus in Fur Photo: John Lamb |
The Performing Arts Department at Washington University presents We the Congressman by Katie Goldston on Friday, Septermber 25, at 7:00 p.m. as part of The A.E. Hotchner Playwriting Festival. "It's an uptown smack down; bones crunch, eye's gouge and there's even a little poison in the tea. The politics of the USA are played out with rope-a-dope style in this offbeat comedy about a waitress, a news broadcaster, a World Federation Wrestler named The Congressman ... and the writer who made him up." The performance takes place in the A.E. Hotchner Studio Theatre in the Mallinckrodt Student Center on the Washington University campus. For more information, call 314-935-6543 or visit http://the performing arts department at washington university presents we the congressman by katie goldston on friday, septermber 25, at 7:00 p.m. as part of the a.e. hotchner playwriting festival. "it's an uptown smack down; bones crunch, eye' ta_blan>pad.artsci.wustl.edu.
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, September 18, 2015
St. Louis classical calendar for the week of September 21, 2015
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| The St. Louis Chamber Chorus Photo: William Bascomb |
Eliot Unitarian Chapel presents a Friends of Music concert on Sunday, September 27, at 3 PM. Lee Demertzis and Steven Cheng playing Robert Schumann's Sonata for Violin and Piano in A minor and the Sonatensatz by Johannes Brahms. And on the same program, tenor Jimmy Stevens will be singing Schumann's Liederkreis Op. 39, nos. 1-6, an aria from Mozart's Ascanio in Alba, and a set of French songs including Gabriel Fauré's Mandoline, Ernest Chausson's Serenade italienne and Henri Duparc's Chanson triste. Eliot Unitarian Chapel is at 100 South Argonne in Kirkwood. For more information: fomcstl.org
The St. Louis Chamber Chorus presents Concert One: Sing a New Song on Sunday, September 27, at 3 p.m. "Our jubilee season begins with double choir celebrations by Renaissance composer Gabriele Fattorini and Johannes Brahms, together with Aaron Copland's masterpiece, In the Beginning. We hail our own beginnings with Music & Ceremonies, commissioned from our founder Ronald Arnatt, and a contribution by our new Composer-in-Residence, Melissa Dunphy. " The concert takes place at Union Avenue Christian Church, 733 Union at Enright in the Central West End. For more information: www.chamberchorus.org
The St. Louis Classical Guitar Society presents Swedish guitarist and composer Johannes Möller in concert on September, November 26, at 8 PM. "Swedish guitarist and composer Johannes Möller has made more than 500 appearances in Europe, Asia, South and North America. In 2010 he was awarded First Prize in the GFA International Guitar Competition, with asubsequent fifty-concert world tour. This will be his St. Louis debut!” The performance takes place at the Ethical Society, 9001 Clayton Road. For more information: www.guitarstlouis.net
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| Karita Mattila |
The Tavern of Fine Arts presents The Bella Corda Guitar Ensemble in concert on Friday, September 25 at 6 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.
Chuck's Choices for the weekend of September 18, 2015
As always, the choices are purely my personal opinion. Take with a grain (or a shaker) of salt.
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The Repertory Theatre of St. Louis presents the drama All the Way through October 4. " It's 1963. Following the assassination of JFK, Lyndon Johnson becomes America's "accidental president." Launched into the presidency over a country in turmoil, LBJ maneuvers and manipulates his way through a series of power plays to pass the Civil Rights Act and to guarantee a full term in the Oval Office. Deception, bullying and blackmail are all strategies in his arsenal. But in this 2014 Tony Award Winner for Best Play, featuring a large landscape of people and characters, LBJ makes clear that it's not personal, it's just politics. " Performances take place on the mainstage at the Loretto-Hlton Center, 130 Edgar Road in Webster Groves, MO. For more information, call 314-968-4925 or visit repstl.org.
My take: If this play tells us anything, it's that the fight for justice never ends because the forces of hate, fear, and repression never go away. Brian Dyskstra heads a large and impressive cast as LBJ, beset on all sides because he decided to place principle above party and the good of the nation about political expedience by pushing through the Civil Rights Act of 1964. It's hard to imagine a contemporary politician at the national level who would have this kind of courage, which does not bode well for the republic. This is great theatre and a great moral lesson. You will be sorry if you miss it. Performances continue through October 4th.
The Tavern of Fine Arts presents Werner and the Pyroclastic Flow with Bob Chamberlin on piano in Love, Death, and Miscellaneous, an evening of "music, humor, and more music and humor." The performance takes place on Friday, September 18, at 8 p.m.. 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: 314-369-8330.
My take: Honestly, I have no idea whether this will be worth seeing or not, but if I were available tonight I'd be there just because it sounds fascinating. And I dearly love the Tavern as a performing arts space, especially for music. They have a great wine list, a nice selection of food, and free parking right across the street as well. The location in the DeBaliviere Place neighborhood is quiet and classy, surrounded mostly by condos and a nice class of apartments.
Held Over:
Alton Little Theater presents the musical revue Forbidden Broadway through Sunday at 2450 North Henry in Alton, IL. "In this Off-Broadway hit musical revue, Broadway's greatest musical legends meet Broadway's greatest satirist in this hilarious, loving, and endlessly entertaining tribute to some of theater's greatest stars and songwriters. Hailed a “hilarious and brilliantly wicked” by The New York Times, you do not have to be a Broadway musical fan to enjoy this immensely entertaining show. This fall-down funny roast of Broadway features outrageous costumes and hilarious rewrites of the songs you know and love." For more information, call 618.462.6562 or visit altonlittletheater.org.
My take: I haven't see the ALT production, but I have seen earlier versions of the various Forbidden Broadway revues and they've been pretty consistently hilarious, so you know they're working with good material.
R-S Theatrics presents Mr. Burns: a Post-Electric Play through September 20. " Mr. Burns tells the story of a group of survivors recalling and retelling an episode of the TV show The Simpsons shortly after a global catastrophe, then examines the way the story has changed seven years after that, and finally, 75 years later." Performances take place at The Ivory Theatre, 7620 Michigan in the Caroldelet neighborhood. For more information: r-stheatrics.com.
My take: I'm on the play reading committee at West End Players Guild. We read and considered this one for our coming season but ultimately rejected it, in part, because we thought it might be too technically demanding. it is, however, a wildly innovative concept that raises interesting questions about how legends are born and mutate. R-S is always up to a challenge and it will be interesting to see what they do with this odd little play. Reviews have been good. Tina Farmer calls it "thoroughly enjoyable and refreshingly different production" at KDHX while over at Ladue News, Mark Bretz calls it "a most provocative piece of theatrical terror."
The Black Rep presents the musical revue Tell Me Somethin' Good through September 20. "One of the most popular shows ever produced at The Black Rep. This critically acclaimed audience favorite is a stroll down memory lane, beginning with street corner acapella doowop and moving through the 60s, 70s,80s right to hip hop. Nonstop music will have you dancing in your seats and in the aisles. " Performances take place at the Edison Theatre on the Washington University campus. For more information: theblackrep.org.
My take: This upbeat revue has been a favorite at the Black Rep for some time now. It gets refreshed and rearranged a bit with each new production, so expect some new faces and new songs in this celebration of fifty years and some change of black American musical experience. Black Rep artistic director Ron Himes, quoted in the St. Louis American notes that the show "is the most popular musical in Black Rep history. We've had more people come into the lobby and say, ‘when are you gonna bring tell me something good again?'" When would be now, as the kickoff the the company's 39th season.
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New This Week:
|
| All the Way Photo: Jerry Naunheim, Jr. |
My take: If this play tells us anything, it's that the fight for justice never ends because the forces of hate, fear, and repression never go away. Brian Dyskstra heads a large and impressive cast as LBJ, beset on all sides because he decided to place principle above party and the good of the nation about political expedience by pushing through the Civil Rights Act of 1964. It's hard to imagine a contemporary politician at the national level who would have this kind of courage, which does not bode well for the republic. This is great theatre and a great moral lesson. You will be sorry if you miss it. Performances continue through October 4th.
The Tavern of Fine Arts presents Werner and the Pyroclastic Flow with Bob Chamberlin on piano in Love, Death, and Miscellaneous, an evening of "music, humor, and more music and humor." The performance takes place on Friday, September 18, at 8 p.m.. 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: 314-369-8330.
My take: Honestly, I have no idea whether this will be worth seeing or not, but if I were available tonight I'd be there just because it sounds fascinating. And I dearly love the Tavern as a performing arts space, especially for music. They have a great wine list, a nice selection of food, and free parking right across the street as well. The location in the DeBaliviere Place neighborhood is quiet and classy, surrounded mostly by condos and a nice class of apartments.
Held Over:
Alton Little Theater presents the musical revue Forbidden Broadway through Sunday at 2450 North Henry in Alton, IL. "In this Off-Broadway hit musical revue, Broadway's greatest musical legends meet Broadway's greatest satirist in this hilarious, loving, and endlessly entertaining tribute to some of theater's greatest stars and songwriters. Hailed a “hilarious and brilliantly wicked” by The New York Times, you do not have to be a Broadway musical fan to enjoy this immensely entertaining show. This fall-down funny roast of Broadway features outrageous costumes and hilarious rewrites of the songs you know and love." For more information, call 618.462.6562 or visit altonlittletheater.org.
My take: I haven't see the ALT production, but I have seen earlier versions of the various Forbidden Broadway revues and they've been pretty consistently hilarious, so you know they're working with good material.
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| Mr. Burns Photo: Michael Young |
R-S Theatrics presents Mr. Burns: a Post-Electric Play through September 20. " Mr. Burns tells the story of a group of survivors recalling and retelling an episode of the TV show The Simpsons shortly after a global catastrophe, then examines the way the story has changed seven years after that, and finally, 75 years later." Performances take place at The Ivory Theatre, 7620 Michigan in the Caroldelet neighborhood. For more information: r-stheatrics.com.
My take: I'm on the play reading committee at West End Players Guild. We read and considered this one for our coming season but ultimately rejected it, in part, because we thought it might be too technically demanding. it is, however, a wildly innovative concept that raises interesting questions about how legends are born and mutate. R-S is always up to a challenge and it will be interesting to see what they do with this odd little play. Reviews have been good. Tina Farmer calls it "thoroughly enjoyable and refreshingly different production" at KDHX while over at Ladue News, Mark Bretz calls it "a most provocative piece of theatrical terror."
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| Tell Me Somethin' Good Photo: Stewart Goldstein |
The Black Rep presents the musical revue Tell Me Somethin' Good through September 20. "One of the most popular shows ever produced at The Black Rep. This critically acclaimed audience favorite is a stroll down memory lane, beginning with street corner acapella doowop and moving through the 60s, 70s,80s right to hip hop. Nonstop music will have you dancing in your seats and in the aisles. " Performances take place at the Edison Theatre on the Washington University campus. For more information: theblackrep.org.
My take: This upbeat revue has been a favorite at the Black Rep for some time now. It gets refreshed and rearranged a bit with each new production, so expect some new faces and new songs in this celebration of fifty years and some change of black American musical experience. Black Rep artistic director Ron Himes, quoted in the St. Louis American notes that the show "is the most popular musical in Black Rep history. We've had more people come into the lobby and say, ‘when are you gonna bring tell me something good again?'" When would be now, as the kickoff the the company's 39th season.
St. Louis classical calendar for the week of September 14, 2015
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| Andrea Centazzo |
HEARding Cats Collective presents percussionist Andrea Centazzo in a solo percussion/video concert entitled Sanctuary on Friday, September 18, at 7:30 p.m. The concert "explores the beautiful textures of traditional Asian cymbals and gongs." The performance takes place at the Kranzberg Arts Cente 501 North Grand in Grand Center. For more information: www.heardingcatscollective.org
The St. Louis Symphony’s Crescendo Circle presents Sips and Symphonies on Thursday, September 17, at 7:00 PM. “What is Sips and Symphonies? It is a great way to learn about music in a fun, casual environment.” A special cocktail is created for each event to accompany the music. This month's discussion/presentation on Lalo's Symphonie espagnole will be led by Alex Stefaniak, Assistant Professor of Musicology at Washington University. The event takes place at The Tavern of Fine Arts, 313 Belt in the Debaliviere Place neighborhood. For more information: tavern-of-fine-arts.blogspot.com.
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| Joshua Bell Photo: Eric Kabik |
The Tavern of Fine Arts presents a classical open stage night on Monday, September 14, from 7:30 – 9 PM. “Come by yourself or bring your quartet. Sight read through a Beethoven quartet or use this as an opportunity to put the finishing touches on that Hindemith Viola Sonata you have been working on. All ages and skill levels are welcome. We have a 6' grand piano and an accompanist.” 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 Parlor Trio in concert on Saturday, September 19 at 8 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.
Sunday, September 13, 2015
St. Louis theatre calendar for the week of September 14, 2015
[Looking for auditions and other artistic opportunities? Check out the St. Louis Auditions site.]
For information on events beyond this week, check out the searchable database at the Regional Arts Commission's events web site.
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The Repertory Theatre of St. Louis presents the drama All the Way through October 4. " It's 1963. Following the assassination of JFK, Lyndon Johnson becomes America's "accidental president." Launched into the presidency over a country in turmoil, LBJ maneuvers and manipulates his way through a series of power plays to pass the Civil Rights Act and to guarantee a full term in the Oval Office. Deception, bullying and blackmail are all strategies in his arsenal. But in this 2014 Tony Award Winner for Best Play, featuring a large landscape of people and characters, LBJ makes clear that it's not personal, it's just politics. " Performances take place on the mainstage at the Loretto-Hlton Center, 130 Edgar Road in Webster Groves, MO. For more information, call 314-968-4925 or visit repstl.org.
The Cabaret Project and 88.1 KDHX present the cabaret open mic night on Wednesday, September 16, 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 master of ceremonies for the evening will be Chuck Lavazzi, senior performing arts critic at 88.1 KDHX. 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.
The Lemp Mansion Comedy-Mystery Dinner Theater presents Dead! Like Me through November 14. The Lemp Mansion is at 3322 DeMenil Place. For more information: lempmansion.com.
KTK Productions presents the musical Footloose through September 20. "One of the most explosive movie musicals in recent memory bursts onto the live stage with exhilarating results. When Ren and his mother move from Chicago to a small farming town, Ren is prepared for the inevitable adjustment period at his new high school. What he isn't prepared for are the rigorous local edicts, including a ban on dancing instituted by the local preacher, determined to exercise the control over the town's youth that he cannot command in his own home. When the reverend's rebellious daughter sets her sights on Ren, her roughneck boyfriend tries to sabotage Ren's reputation, with many of the locals eager to believe the worst about the new kid. The heartfelt story that emerges is of a father longing for the son he lost and of a young man aching for the father who walked out on him. " Performances take place at Southampton Presbyterian Church, 4716 Macklind. For more information: kurtainkall.org or call 314-351-8984.
Alton Little Theater presents the musical revue Forbidden Broadway Thursdays through Sundays through September 20 at 2450 North Henry in Alton, IL. "In this Off-Broadway hit musical revue, Broadway's greatest musical legends meet Broadway's greatest satirist in this hilarious, loving, and endlessly entertaining tribute to some of theater's greatest stars and songwriters. Hailed a "hilarious and brilliantly wicked" by The New York Times, you do not have to be a Broadway musical fan to enjoy this immensely entertaining show. This fall-down funny roast of Broadway features outrageous costumes and hilarious rewrites of the songs you know and love." For more information, call 618.462.6562 or visit altonlittletheater.org.
Stages St. Louis presents the musical The Full Monty, based on the hit movie, through October 4. "Welcome back STAGES' red-hot award-winning smash hit THE FULL MONTY! If you were sold out the first time, you'll want to be sure to meet Jerry, Dave, Harold, Ethan, Malcolm, and "Horse" - six unemployed steelworkers who come up with a bold and unconventional way to make some much-needed cash, after witnessing their wives go wild for a group of male strippers. In the process, they discover renewed self-esteem and the importance of family, friendship, and the very human desire to live life to the fullest. With razor-sharp humor and toe-tapping pizzazz, THE FULL MONTY is musical theatre at its most heart-warming. " 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.
The Bissell Mansion Murder Mystery Dinner Theatre presents Get "Hitched" To A Redneck Or Die through October 31. The Bissell Mansion is at 4426 Randall Place. For more information: bissellmansiontheatre.com
The Monroe Actors Stage Company presents the Frank Loesser musical Guys and Dolls, based on the stories of Damon Runyon, Fridays and Saturdays at 7:30 and Sundays at 2:30 p.m., September 18-27, in the Historic Capitol Theatre in downtown Waterloo, Illinois. For more information, visit www.masctheatre.org or call 618-939-7469.
The Black Mirror Theatre Company presents Happy Days by Samuel Beckett Fridays and Saturdays at 7 p.m. and Sundays at 2 p.m., September 18 - 27. "Sinking into the earth, sun ablaze, no trees, no shade, a bell, ever ending sleep, with only a bag to see you through life. Who could cope with it all and still go on singing - only a woman! This is how Samuel Beckett described Happy Days." Performances take place The Chapel, 6238 Alexander Drive. For more information, visit brownpapertickets.com or email blackmirrortheatre at gmail.com.
The Tavern of Fine Arts presents Werner and the Pyroclastic Flow with Bob Chamberlin on piano in Love, Death, and Miscellaneous, an evening of "music, humor, and more music and humor." The performance takes place on Friday, September 18, at 8 p.m.. 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: 314-369-8330.
Christ Memorial Productions presents the musical Mary Poppins Friday sand Saturday at 7:30 PM and Sunday at 2 PM, September 18-27. Performances take place at Christ Memorial Lutheran Church, 5252 South Lindbergh. For more information, visit CMPShows.org or call 314-631-0304.
The Theatre Guild of Webster Groves presents Ken Ludwig's farce Moon Over Buffalo Fridays through Sundays through September 20. "Moon Over Buffalo centers on George and Charlotte Hay, fading stars of the 1950's who are playing Private Lives and Cyrano De Bergerac in rep in Buffalo, New York. On the brink of a disastrous split-up, they receive word that they might just have one last shot at stardom: Frank Capra is coming to town to see their matinee, and if he likes what he sees, he might cast them in his new film. Unfortunately for George and Charlotte, everything that could go wrong does. As a result, this tribute to "Life in the Theatre" is simply outrageously hilarious!! " Performances take place in the Guild theatre at Newport and Summit in Webster Groves, MO. For more information: theatreguildwg.org or call 314-962-0876.
R-S Theatrics presents Mr. Burns: a Post-Electric Play through September 20. " Mr. Burns tells the story of a group of survivors recalling and retelling an episode of the TV show The Simpsons shortly after a global catastrophe, then examines the way the story has changed seven years after that, and finally, 75 years later." Performances take place at The Ivory Theatre, 7620 Michigan in the Caroldelet neighborhood. For more information: r-stheatrics.com. Read the 88.1 KDHX review!
The Looking Glass Playhouse presents the classic musical The Music Man Wednesday through Sunday September 24 - October 4. Performances take place at 301 West St. Louis Street in Lebanon, Ill. For more information, visit www.lookingglassplayhouse.com.
St. Louis Actors' Studio presents Teresa Rebeck's Seminar September 18 - October 4 at the Gaslight Theatre, 358 North Boyle. "A provocative comedy from Pulitzer Prize nominee Theresa Rebeck, four aspiring young novelists sign up for private writing classes with Leonard, an international literary figure. Under his recklessly brilliant and unorthodox instruction, some thrive and others flounder, alliances are made and broken, sex is used as a weapon and hearts are unmoored. The wordplay is not the only thing that turns vicious as innocence collides with experience in this biting Broadway comedy." For more information, call 314-458-2978 or visit stlas.org.
The Black Rep presents the musical revue Tell Me Somethin' Good through September 20. "One of the most popular shows ever produced at The Black Rep. This critically acclaimed audience favorite is a stroll down memory lane, beginning with street corner aCapella doowop and moving through the 60s, 70s,80s right to hip hop. Nonstop music will have you dancing in your seats and in the aisles. " Performances take place at the Edison Theatre on the Washington University campus. For more information: theblackrep.org.
Shakespeare Festival St. Louis presents an adaptation of Shakespeare's Twelfth Night as its Shakespeare in the Streets 2015 production nightly at 8 PM, Thursday through Saturday, September 18-20. The production will feature the combined talents of professional actors performing alongside local residents and students. Performances take place at the intersection of N. 14th and Montgomery streets, one block south of Crown Candy Kitchen in Old North St. Louis. For more information: sfstl.com
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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| All the Way Photo: Jerry Naunheim, Jr. |
 |
| Carol Schmidt |
The Lemp Mansion Comedy-Mystery Dinner Theater presents Dead! Like Me through November 14. The Lemp Mansion is at 3322 DeMenil Place. For more information: lempmansion.com.
KTK Productions presents the musical Footloose through September 20. "One of the most explosive movie musicals in recent memory bursts onto the live stage with exhilarating results. When Ren and his mother move from Chicago to a small farming town, Ren is prepared for the inevitable adjustment period at his new high school. What he isn't prepared for are the rigorous local edicts, including a ban on dancing instituted by the local preacher, determined to exercise the control over the town's youth that he cannot command in his own home. When the reverend's rebellious daughter sets her sights on Ren, her roughneck boyfriend tries to sabotage Ren's reputation, with many of the locals eager to believe the worst about the new kid. The heartfelt story that emerges is of a father longing for the son he lost and of a young man aching for the father who walked out on him. " Performances take place at Southampton Presbyterian Church, 4716 Macklind. For more information: kurtainkall.org or call 314-351-8984.
Alton Little Theater presents the musical revue Forbidden Broadway Thursdays through Sundays through September 20 at 2450 North Henry in Alton, IL. "In this Off-Broadway hit musical revue, Broadway's greatest musical legends meet Broadway's greatest satirist in this hilarious, loving, and endlessly entertaining tribute to some of theater's greatest stars and songwriters. Hailed a "hilarious and brilliantly wicked" by The New York Times, you do not have to be a Broadway musical fan to enjoy this immensely entertaining show. This fall-down funny roast of Broadway features outrageous costumes and hilarious rewrites of the songs you know and love." For more information, call 618.462.6562 or visit altonlittletheater.org.
|
| The Full Monty Photo: Peter Wochniak |
The Bissell Mansion Murder Mystery Dinner Theatre presents Get "Hitched" To A Redneck Or Die through October 31. The Bissell Mansion is at 4426 Randall Place. For more information: bissellmansiontheatre.com
The Monroe Actors Stage Company presents the Frank Loesser musical Guys and Dolls, based on the stories of Damon Runyon, Fridays and Saturdays at 7:30 and Sundays at 2:30 p.m., September 18-27, in the Historic Capitol Theatre in downtown Waterloo, Illinois. For more information, visit www.masctheatre.org or call 618-939-7469.
The Black Mirror Theatre Company presents Happy Days by Samuel Beckett Fridays and Saturdays at 7 p.m. and Sundays at 2 p.m., September 18 - 27. "Sinking into the earth, sun ablaze, no trees, no shade, a bell, ever ending sleep, with only a bag to see you through life. Who could cope with it all and still go on singing - only a woman! This is how Samuel Beckett described Happy Days." Performances take place The Chapel, 6238 Alexander Drive. For more information, visit brownpapertickets.com or email blackmirrortheatre at gmail.com.
The Tavern of Fine Arts presents Werner and the Pyroclastic Flow with Bob Chamberlin on piano in Love, Death, and Miscellaneous, an evening of "music, humor, and more music and humor." The performance takes place on Friday, September 18, at 8 p.m.. 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: 314-369-8330.
Christ Memorial Productions presents the musical Mary Poppins Friday sand Saturday at 7:30 PM and Sunday at 2 PM, September 18-27. Performances take place at Christ Memorial Lutheran Church, 5252 South Lindbergh. For more information, visit CMPShows.org or call 314-631-0304.
The Theatre Guild of Webster Groves presents Ken Ludwig's farce Moon Over Buffalo Fridays through Sundays through September 20. "Moon Over Buffalo centers on George and Charlotte Hay, fading stars of the 1950's who are playing Private Lives and Cyrano De Bergerac in rep in Buffalo, New York. On the brink of a disastrous split-up, they receive word that they might just have one last shot at stardom: Frank Capra is coming to town to see their matinee, and if he likes what he sees, he might cast them in his new film. Unfortunately for George and Charlotte, everything that could go wrong does. As a result, this tribute to "Life in the Theatre" is simply outrageously hilarious!! " Performances take place in the Guild theatre at Newport and Summit in Webster Groves, MO. For more information: theatreguildwg.org or call 314-962-0876.
 |
| Mr. Burns Photo: Michael Young |
The Looking Glass Playhouse presents the classic musical The Music Man Wednesday through Sunday September 24 - October 4. Performances take place at 301 West St. Louis Street in Lebanon, Ill. For more information, visit www.lookingglassplayhouse.com.
St. Louis Actors' Studio presents Teresa Rebeck's Seminar September 18 - October 4 at the Gaslight Theatre, 358 North Boyle. "A provocative comedy from Pulitzer Prize nominee Theresa Rebeck, four aspiring young novelists sign up for private writing classes with Leonard, an international literary figure. Under his recklessly brilliant and unorthodox instruction, some thrive and others flounder, alliances are made and broken, sex is used as a weapon and hearts are unmoored. The wordplay is not the only thing that turns vicious as innocence collides with experience in this biting Broadway comedy." For more information, call 314-458-2978 or visit stlas.org.
 |
| Tell Me Somethin' Good Photo: Stewart Goldstein |
Shakespeare Festival St. Louis presents an adaptation of Shakespeare's Twelfth Night as its Shakespeare in the Streets 2015 production nightly at 8 PM, Thursday through Saturday, September 18-20. The production will feature the combined talents of professional actors performing alongside local residents and students. Performances take place at the intersection of N. 14th and Montgomery streets, one block south of Crown Candy Kitchen in Old North St. Louis. For more information: sfstl.com
Would you like to be on the radio? KDHX, 88.1 FM needs theatre reviewers. If you're 18 years or older, knowledgeable in this area, have practical theatre experience (acting, directing, writing, technical design, etc.), have good oral and written communications skills and would like to become one of our volunteer reviewers, send an email describing your experience and interests to chuck at kdhx.org. Please include a sample review of something you've seen recently.
Thursday, September 10, 2015
Chuck's Choices for the weekend of September 11, 2015
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:
Alton Little Theater presents the musical revue Forbidden Broadway Thursdays through Sundays, September 10-20, at 2450 North Henry in Alton, IL. "In this Off-Broadway hit musical revue, Broadway's greatest musical legends meet Broadway's greatest satirist in this hilarious, loving, and endlessly entertaining tribute to some of theater's greatest stars and songwriters. Hailed a “hilarious and brilliantly wicked” by The New York Times, you do not have to be a Broadway musical fan to enjoy this immensely entertaining show. This fall-down funny roast of Broadway features outrageous costumes and hilarious rewrites of the songs you know and love." For more information, call 618.462.6562 or visit altonlittletheater.org.
My take: I haven't see the ALT production, but I have seen earlier versions of the various Forbidden Broadway revues and they've been pretty consistently hilarious, so you know they're working with good material.
Held Over:
Mustard Seed Theatre presents Jessica Dickey's one-woman show The Amish Project through September 13. "Reactions to a school shooting in an Amish community lead us to the crossroads of grief and grace." 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.
My take: A friend who knows more about the Amish than anyone else I know has critized Dickey's script for trading in misconceptions and stereotypes, but reviews of this production have been very positive. Typical is Mark Bretz at Ladue News, who writes that "Mustard Seed Theatre delivers a powerful, profoundly moving interpretation of Dickey's heart-rending story. With artistic director Deanna Jent's carefully crafted guidance and Amy Loui's luminous portrayal of seven different characters, The Amish Project sets the bar high for upcoming productions in the 2015-16 theater season." Ms. Loui has gotten similar raves elsewhere, so maybe the real reason to see this is her virtuoso performance.
R-S Theatrics presents Mr. Burns: a Post-Electric Play through September 20. " Mr. Burns tells the story of a group of survivors recalling and retelling an episode of the TV show The Simpsons shortly after a global catastrophe, then examines the way the story has changed seven years after that, and finally, 75 years later." Performances take place at The Ivory Theatre, 7620 Michigan in the Caroldelet neighborhood. For more information: r-stheatrics.com.
My take: I'm on the play reading committee at West End Players Guild. We read and considered this one for our coming season but ultimately rejected it, in part, because we thought it might be too technically demanding. it is, however, a wildly innovative concept that raises interesting questions about how legends are born and mutate. R-S is always up to a challenge and it will be interesting to see what they do with this odd little play. Reviews have been good. Tina Farmer calls it "thoroughly enjoyable and refreshingly different production" at KDHX while over at Ladue News, Mark Bretz calls it "a most provocative piece of theatrical terror."
The Black Rep presents the musical revue Tell Me Somethin' Good through September 20. "One of the most popular shows ever produced at The Black Rep. This critically acclaimed audience favorite is a stroll down memory lane, beginning with street corner acapella doowop and moving through the 60s, 70s,80s right to hip hop. Nonstop music will have you dancing in your seats and in the aisles. " Performances take place at the Edison Theatre on the Washington University campus. For more information: theblackrep.org.
My take: This upbeat revue has been a favorite at the Black Rep for some time now. It gets refreshed and rearranged a bit with each new production, so expect some new faces and new songs in this celebration of fifty years and some change of black American musical experience. Black Rep artistic director Ron Himes, quoted in the St. Louis American notes that the show "is the most popular musical in Black Rep history. We've had more people come into the lobby and say, ‘when are you gonna bring tell me something good again?'" When would be now, as the kickoff the the company's 39th season.
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New This Week:
Alton Little Theater presents the musical revue Forbidden Broadway Thursdays through Sundays, September 10-20, at 2450 North Henry in Alton, IL. "In this Off-Broadway hit musical revue, Broadway's greatest musical legends meet Broadway's greatest satirist in this hilarious, loving, and endlessly entertaining tribute to some of theater's greatest stars and songwriters. Hailed a “hilarious and brilliantly wicked” by The New York Times, you do not have to be a Broadway musical fan to enjoy this immensely entertaining show. This fall-down funny roast of Broadway features outrageous costumes and hilarious rewrites of the songs you know and love." For more information, call 618.462.6562 or visit altonlittletheater.org.
My take: I haven't see the ALT production, but I have seen earlier versions of the various Forbidden Broadway revues and they've been pretty consistently hilarious, so you know they're working with good material.
Held Over:
 |
| The Amish Project |
My take: A friend who knows more about the Amish than anyone else I know has critized Dickey's script for trading in misconceptions and stereotypes, but reviews of this production have been very positive. Typical is Mark Bretz at Ladue News, who writes that "Mustard Seed Theatre delivers a powerful, profoundly moving interpretation of Dickey's heart-rending story. With artistic director Deanna Jent's carefully crafted guidance and Amy Loui's luminous portrayal of seven different characters, The Amish Project sets the bar high for upcoming productions in the 2015-16 theater season." Ms. Loui has gotten similar raves elsewhere, so maybe the real reason to see this is her virtuoso performance.
|
| Mr. Burns Photo: Michael Young |
My take: I'm on the play reading committee at West End Players Guild. We read and considered this one for our coming season but ultimately rejected it, in part, because we thought it might be too technically demanding. it is, however, a wildly innovative concept that raises interesting questions about how legends are born and mutate. R-S is always up to a challenge and it will be interesting to see what they do with this odd little play. Reviews have been good. Tina Farmer calls it "thoroughly enjoyable and refreshingly different production" at KDHX while over at Ladue News, Mark Bretz calls it "a most provocative piece of theatrical terror."
|
| Tell Me Somethin' Good Photo: Stewart Goldstein |
My take: This upbeat revue has been a favorite at the Black Rep for some time now. It gets refreshed and rearranged a bit with each new production, so expect some new faces and new songs in this celebration of fifty years and some change of black American musical experience. Black Rep artistic director Ron Himes, quoted in the St. Louis American notes that the show "is the most popular musical in Black Rep history. We've had more people come into the lobby and say, ‘when are you gonna bring tell me something good again?'" When would be now, as the kickoff the the company's 39th season.
Saturday, September 05, 2015
St. Louis theatre calendar for the week of September 7, 2015
[Looking for auditions and other artistic opportunities? Check out the St. Louis Auditions site.]
For information on events beyond this week, check out the searchable database at the Regional Arts Commission's events web site.
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The Repertory Theatre of St. Louis presents the drama All the Way September 9 - October 4. " It's 1963. Following the assassination of JFK, Lyndon Johnson becomes America's “accidental president.” Launched into the presidency over a country in turmoil, LBJ maneuvers and manipulates his way through a series of power plays to pass the Civil Rights Act and to guarantee a full term in the Oval Office. Deception, bullying and blackmail are all strategies in his arsenal. But in this 2014 Tony Award Winner for Best Play, featuring a large landscape of people and characters, LBJ makes clear that it's not personal, it's just politics. " Performances take place on the mainstage at the Loretto-Hlton Center, 130 Edgar Road in Webster Groves, MO. For more information, call 314-968-4925 or visit repstl.org.
Mustard Seed Theatre presents Jessica Dickey's one-woman show The Amish Project through September 13. "Reactions to a school shooting in an Amish community lead us to the crossroads of grief and grace." Performances take place at the Fontbonne Fine Arts Theatre, 6800 Wydown Blvd. For more information, call (314) 719-8060 or visit the web site at www.mustardseedtheatre.com. Read the 88.1 KDHX review!
The Randy Dandies presents Burlesque Bingo on Thursdays from 9 to 11 p.m. "As anyone who frequents the bingo parlors knows, the facade of genteel decorum drops once the first game is won. The first cry of "Bingo!" fires up the blood something fierce, and all bets are off from that point forward. Now, imagine what would happen if you throw semi-clad young women into the mix - Ok, now stop imagining. The Randy Dandies present Burlesque Bingo from 9pm to 11:30 pm on Thursdays, and and it promises all the thrills of cutthroat bingo, with the added titillation of local burlesque performers and specialty variety acts plus silly prizes." The show takes place at Meyer's Grove, 4510 Manchester in the Grove neighborhood. For more information: therandydandies.com.
The Lemp Mansion Comedy-Mystery Dinner Theater presents Dead! Like Me through November 14. The Lemp Mansion is at 3322 DeMenil Place. For more information: lempmansion.com.
KTK Productions presents the musical Footloose September 11-20. "One of the most explosive movie musicals in recent memory bursts onto the live stage with exhilarating results. When Ren and his mother move from Chicago to a small farming town, Ren is prepared for the inevitable adjustment period at his new high school. What he isn't prepared for are the rigorous local edicts, including a ban on dancing instituted by the local preacher, determined to exercise the control over the town's youth that he cannot command in his own home. When the reverend's rebellious daughter sets her sights on Ren, her roughneck boyfriend tries to sabotage Ren's reputation, with many of the locals eager to believe the worst about the new kid. The heartfelt story that emerges is of a father longing for the son he lost and of a young man aching for the father who walked out on him. " Performances take place at Southampton Presbyterian Church, 4716 Macklind. For more information: kurtainkall.org or call 314-351-8984.
Alton Little Theater presents the musical revue Forbidden Broadway Thursdays through Sundays, September 10-20, at 2450 North Henry in Alton, IL. "In this Off-Broadway hit musical revue, Broadway's greatest musical legends meet Broadway's greatest satirist in this hilarious, loving, and endlessly entertaining tribute to some of theater's greatest stars and songwriters. Hailed a “hilarious and brilliantly wicked” by The New York Times, you do not have to be a Broadway musical fan to enjoy this immensely entertaining show. This fall-down funny roast of Broadway features outrageous costumes and hilarious rewrites of the songs you know and love." For more information, call 618.462.6562 or visit altonlittletheater.org.
Stages St. Louis presents the musical The Full Monty, based on the hit movie, through October 4. "Welcome back STAGES' red-hot award-winning smash hit THE FULL MONTY! If you were sold out the first time, you'll want to be sure to meet Jerry, Dave, Harold, Ethan, Malcolm, and “Horse” - six unemployed steelworkers who come up with a bold and unconventional way to make some much-needed cash, after witnessing their wives go wild for a group of male strippers. In the process, they discover renewed self-esteem and the importance of family, friendship, and the very human desire to live life to the fullest. With razor-sharp humor and toe-tapping pizzazz, THE FULL MONTY is musical theatre at its most heart-warming. " 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.
The Bissell Mansion Murder Mystery Dinner Theatre presents Get "Hitched" To A Redneck Or Die through October 31. The Bissell Mansion is at 4426 Randall Place. For more information: bissellmansiontheatre.com
Clinton County Showcase presents The Legend of Sleepy Hollow September 10-13. “Adapted from Washington Irving, here is a spooky show alive with hilarious action and fun. It begins when Ichabod Crane, a lightly goofy schoolmaster, comes to the farming community of Sleepy Hollow with all his worldly possessions. He's looking for a good life and a wealthy wife who will supply it. Once he sets eyes on the local beauty, Katrina Van Tassel, he's sure his dream will come true. Unhappily for Ichabod, Katrina has a boyfriend who's extremely jealous... the boisterous Brom Bones. To complicate matters the graveyard is haunted by a small army of restless spirits, including the most famous phantom of all, the Headless Horseman. At a party, Ichabod proposes marriage to Katrina, but is booted out by Brom and forced to make his way home through a terrible storm. In the dark, there's something shadowy and towering intent on taking Ichabod's life - the Headless Horseman! Poor Ichabod has to outrun the galloping phantom! Does he?” Performances take place at the Avon Theater, 525 North 2nd Street Breese IL. For more information, visit ccshowcase.com.
The Theatre Guild of Webster Groves presents Ken Ludwig's farce Moon Over Buffalo Fridays through Sundays, September 11-20. "Moon Over Buffalo centers on George and Charlotte Hay, fading stars of the 1950's who are playing Private Lives and Cyrano De Bergerac in rep in Buffalo, New York. On the brink of a disastrous split-up, they receive word that they might just have one last shot at stardom: Frank Capra is coming to town to see their matinee, and if he likes what he sees, he might cast them in his new film. Unfortunately for George and Charlotte, everything that could go wrong does. As a result, this tribute to “Life in the Theatre” is simply outrageously hilarious!! " Performances take place in the Guild theatre at Newport and Summit in Webster Groves, MO. For more information: theatreguildwg.org or call 314-962-0876.
R-S Theatrics presents Mr. Burns: a Post-Electric Play through September 20. " Mr. Burns tells the story of a group of survivors recalling and retelling an episode of the TV show The Simpsons shortly after a global catastrophe, then examines the way the story has changed seven years after that, and finally, 75 years later." Performances take place at The Ivory Theatre, 7620 Michigan in the Caroldelet neighborhood. For more information: r-stheatrics.com.
Insight Theatre Company presents Spinning Into Butter by Rebecca Gilman through September 13 "Set on a Vermont College campus, Spinning Into Butter explores racism in America today. The playwright presents ideas about race relations as we see a liberal dean of students, Sarah Daniels, investigate racist comments written to one of the college's few African American students. As a result, Sarah, along with other faculty members and students, explore their own personal ideas about racism leading to surprising discoveries and insights. Who is racist? This performance promises to spark lots of relevant discussion." 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. Read the 88.1 KDHX review!
The Black Rep presents the musical revue Tell Me Somethin' Good through September 20. "One of the most popular shows ever produced at The Black Rep. This critically acclaimed audience favorite is a stroll down memory lane, beginning with street corner aCapella doowop and moving through the 60s, 70s,80s right to hip hop. Nonstop music will have you dancing in your seats and in the aisles. " Performances take place at the Edison Theatre on the Washington University campus. For more information: theblackrep.org.
Prince of Peace Church presents the musical The Wiz, based on The Wonderful Wizard of Oz, on Saturday, September 12, at 2 and 7 p.m. "The Wizard of Oz told through an African-American lens. Is swept up by a cyclone and transplanted to the land of Oz --Landing on top of the Wicked Witch of the East, the puzzled Dorothy is greeted by munchkin. A wizard living in Emerald City, who can help her get home. On her journey down the yellow brick road, she encounters a scarecrow, a broken-down tin man, and a cowardly lion. They are ordered to kill the Wicked Witch of the West before he will grant them their wishes." Prince of Peach Church is at 9350 Natural Bridge in North St. Louis. For more information: www.eventbrite.com
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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 |
| All the Way Photo: Lon Brauer |
|
| The Amish Project |
The Randy Dandies presents Burlesque Bingo on Thursdays from 9 to 11 p.m. "As anyone who frequents the bingo parlors knows, the facade of genteel decorum drops once the first game is won. The first cry of "Bingo!" fires up the blood something fierce, and all bets are off from that point forward. Now, imagine what would happen if you throw semi-clad young women into the mix - Ok, now stop imagining. The Randy Dandies present Burlesque Bingo from 9pm to 11:30 pm on Thursdays, and and it promises all the thrills of cutthroat bingo, with the added titillation of local burlesque performers and specialty variety acts plus silly prizes." The show takes place at Meyer's Grove, 4510 Manchester in the Grove neighborhood. For more information: therandydandies.com.
The Lemp Mansion Comedy-Mystery Dinner Theater presents Dead! Like Me through November 14. The Lemp Mansion is at 3322 DeMenil Place. For more information: lempmansion.com.
KTK Productions presents the musical Footloose September 11-20. "One of the most explosive movie musicals in recent memory bursts onto the live stage with exhilarating results. When Ren and his mother move from Chicago to a small farming town, Ren is prepared for the inevitable adjustment period at his new high school. What he isn't prepared for are the rigorous local edicts, including a ban on dancing instituted by the local preacher, determined to exercise the control over the town's youth that he cannot command in his own home. When the reverend's rebellious daughter sets her sights on Ren, her roughneck boyfriend tries to sabotage Ren's reputation, with many of the locals eager to believe the worst about the new kid. The heartfelt story that emerges is of a father longing for the son he lost and of a young man aching for the father who walked out on him. " Performances take place at Southampton Presbyterian Church, 4716 Macklind. For more information: kurtainkall.org or call 314-351-8984.
Alton Little Theater presents the musical revue Forbidden Broadway Thursdays through Sundays, September 10-20, at 2450 North Henry in Alton, IL. "In this Off-Broadway hit musical revue, Broadway's greatest musical legends meet Broadway's greatest satirist in this hilarious, loving, and endlessly entertaining tribute to some of theater's greatest stars and songwriters. Hailed a “hilarious and brilliantly wicked” by The New York Times, you do not have to be a Broadway musical fan to enjoy this immensely entertaining show. This fall-down funny roast of Broadway features outrageous costumes and hilarious rewrites of the songs you know and love." For more information, call 618.462.6562 or visit altonlittletheater.org.
|
| The Full Monty Photo: Peter Wochniak |
The Bissell Mansion Murder Mystery Dinner Theatre presents Get "Hitched" To A Redneck Or Die through October 31. The Bissell Mansion is at 4426 Randall Place. For more information: bissellmansiontheatre.com
Clinton County Showcase presents The Legend of Sleepy Hollow September 10-13. “Adapted from Washington Irving, here is a spooky show alive with hilarious action and fun. It begins when Ichabod Crane, a lightly goofy schoolmaster, comes to the farming community of Sleepy Hollow with all his worldly possessions. He's looking for a good life and a wealthy wife who will supply it. Once he sets eyes on the local beauty, Katrina Van Tassel, he's sure his dream will come true. Unhappily for Ichabod, Katrina has a boyfriend who's extremely jealous... the boisterous Brom Bones. To complicate matters the graveyard is haunted by a small army of restless spirits, including the most famous phantom of all, the Headless Horseman. At a party, Ichabod proposes marriage to Katrina, but is booted out by Brom and forced to make his way home through a terrible storm. In the dark, there's something shadowy and towering intent on taking Ichabod's life - the Headless Horseman! Poor Ichabod has to outrun the galloping phantom! Does he?” Performances take place at the Avon Theater, 525 North 2nd Street Breese IL. For more information, visit ccshowcase.com.
The Theatre Guild of Webster Groves presents Ken Ludwig's farce Moon Over Buffalo Fridays through Sundays, September 11-20. "Moon Over Buffalo centers on George and Charlotte Hay, fading stars of the 1950's who are playing Private Lives and Cyrano De Bergerac in rep in Buffalo, New York. On the brink of a disastrous split-up, they receive word that they might just have one last shot at stardom: Frank Capra is coming to town to see their matinee, and if he likes what he sees, he might cast them in his new film. Unfortunately for George and Charlotte, everything that could go wrong does. As a result, this tribute to “Life in the Theatre” is simply outrageously hilarious!! " Performances take place in the Guild theatre at Newport and Summit in Webster Groves, MO. For more information: theatreguildwg.org or call 314-962-0876.
R-S Theatrics presents Mr. Burns: a Post-Electric Play through September 20. " Mr. Burns tells the story of a group of survivors recalling and retelling an episode of the TV show The Simpsons shortly after a global catastrophe, then examines the way the story has changed seven years after that, and finally, 75 years later." Performances take place at The Ivory Theatre, 7620 Michigan in the Caroldelet neighborhood. For more information: r-stheatrics.com.
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| Spinning Into Butter |
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| Tell Me Somethin' Good Photo: Stewart Goldstein |
Prince of Peace Church presents the musical The Wiz, based on The Wonderful Wizard of Oz, on Saturday, September 12, at 2 and 7 p.m. "The Wizard of Oz told through an African-American lens. Is swept up by a cyclone and transplanted to the land of Oz --Landing on top of the Wicked Witch of the East, the puzzled Dorothy is greeted by munchkin. A wizard living in Emerald City, who can help her get home. On her journey down the yellow brick road, she encounters a scarecrow, a broken-down tin man, and a cowardly lion. They are ordered to kill the Wicked Witch of the West before he will grant them their wishes." Prince of Peach Church is at 9350 Natural Bridge in North St. Louis. For more information: www.eventbrite.com
Would you like to be on the radio? KDHX, 88.1 FM needs theatre reviewers. If you're 18 years or older, knowledgeable in this area, have practical theatre experience (acting, directing, writing, technical design, etc.), have good oral and written communications skills and would like to become one of our volunteer reviewers, send an email describing your experience and interests to chuck at kdhx.org. Please include a sample review of something you've seen recently.
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