St. Louis theatre calendar for the week of Septemberr 26, 2016

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Alpha Players present the musical 1776 September 30 - October 9. "It's the summer of 1776, and the nation is ready to declare independence... if only our founding fathers can agree to do it! 1776 follows John Adams of Massachusetts, Benjamin Franklin of Pennsylvania and Thomas Jefferson of Virginia as they attempt to convince the members of the Second Continental Congress to vote for independence from the shackles of the British monarchy by signing the Declaration of Independence." Performances take place at The Florissant Civic Center Theater, Parker Rd. at Waterford Dr. in Florissant, MO. For more information: alphaplayers.org, call 314-921-5678.

The West End Players Guild opens their 106th season with Tom Stoppard's Arcadia Fridays and Saturdays at 8 PM and Sundays at 2 PM, September 30 - October 9. There will also be a show on Thursday, October 6, at 8 PM. "Stoppard spins simultaneous tales set two centuries apart in the same room of an English manor. The stories are bittersweet, the characters are endearing and the play is a delight." 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.

Carol Schmidt

The Cabaret Project and The Monocle present cabaret open mic night every Wednesday from 7 to 10 PM. "Drop by and enjoy a night of great music from St. Louis cabaret artists, backed up by the guest music director Carol Schmidt on the baby grand." The master of ceremonies is Tim Schall, along with Chuck Lavazzi, senior performing arts critic at 88.1 KDHX, and special guests. 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. It's also recommend that you have your song memorized. The Monocle is at 4510 Manchester in The Grove neighborhood. For more information: thecabaretproject.org.

Celebration
Photo: Jill Ritter Lindberg

New Line Theatre presents the musical Celebration Thursdays through Saturdays at 8 PM, September 29 - October 22. "With words by Tom Jones and music by Harvey Schmidt (The Fantasticks, I Do! I Do!, 110 in the Shade), CELEBRATION tells a wild, adult fable set on New Year's Eve, centered on Orphan, an idealistic and cheerfully optimistic young man, who reminds the wealthy and jaded old man William Rosebud Rich of his younger self; Angel, a sweet but not so angelic erotic dancer who longs to be Somebody; and the cynical Potemkin, who serves as narrator, commentator, and instigator. At the story's core is the primal, often comic struggle between youth and old age, innocence and corruption, love and ambition, poverty and wealth, as Angel tries to decide if she would be better served by her feelings for Orphan or Rich's willingness to fulfill all her material dreams." 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.

Fontbonne University Theatre Department presents Crumble (Lay Me Down Justin Timberlake), Thursday through Sunday, September 29 - October 2. "It's Christmas, and a year has passed since the untimely death of Janice's father. Struggling to cope, Janice is holding spiteful conversations with her dolls, and Mother is suffering from panic attacks, with only her baking skills to keep her busy. In their deteriorating Apartment that incessantly begs for repairs, their only comforts are visitations from their respective celebrity crushes -- Justin Timberlake and Harrison Ford. With the support of Justin's affection, Janice begins to craft a plan that will mend the chasm in their lives. Meanwhile, the Apartment is developing murderous plans of its own..." Performances take place in the Fontbonne Fine Arts Theatre on Wydown and Big Bend. For more information: www.fontbonne.edu/academics/departments/fine-arts-department/theatre-productions.

The Bissell Mansion Murder Mystery Dinner Theatre presents CSI: Bissell through October 30. The Bissell Mansion is at 4426 Randall Place. For more information: bissellmansiontheatre.com

The Performing Arts Department at Washington University presents Cyst Happens by Brett Carr on Friday, Septermber 30, at 7:00 p.m. as part of The A.E. Hotchner Playwriting Festival. "What if you woke up one morning and octopuses were eating your brain and you really don't like octopuses? And now you can't drive and you really like cars. And your friends are different, and you really don't like different. And everyone you know is suddenly a doctor, and you really don't like doctors? And...well...I can't remember the other thing." 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 pad.artsci.wustl.edu.

The Playhouse at Westport Plaza presents the one-man show Defending the Caveman, opening on Friday, September 30, and running through October 23. " Defending the Caveman, is the longest running solo show in Broadway history, is a hilariously insightful play about the ways men and women relate. This prehistoric look at the battle of the sexes is full of wonderful scenarios that celebrate the differences between men and women, making it a perfect entertainment option for couples or for a girls' night out. The show has also been seen and recommended by thousands of marriage and family therapists and counselors for its humorous look at the inherent differences between the sexes." The Playhouse at Westport Plaza is at 635 West Port Plaza. For more information: westportstl.com.

St. Louis University Theatre presents Lisa Loomer's Distracted, described as a “fast-paced and comic look at parenting in the age of the Internet and Ritalin”, opening on Friday, September 30, at 8 p.m. and running through October 9. Performances take place in Xavier Hall, 3373 West Pine Mall. For more information, call 314-977-3327 or visit slu.edu/utheatre.

Follies
Photo: Jerry Naunheim, Jr.

The Repertory Theatre of St. Louis presents Stephen Sondheim's musical Follies through October 2. “Featuring an all-star cast that includes three Tony nominees, Broadway stars and local favorites, Follies is the biggest Rep production in more than a decade. Join us for our 50th anniversary season opener as we present a breathtaking rendition of this Stephen Sondheim classic!” 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 Emerald Room Cabaret presents comic A Gentle Reminder: Coco Peru's Guide to a Somewhat Happy Life Friday and Saturday at 8 p.m.September 30 and October 1. "Ever since becoming a YouTube sensation Coco Peru has been inundated with emails from people of all ages asking her the same question, “Coco, what is the secret to a happy life?” So, being the giver that she is, Coco wrote a new show A GENTLE REMINDER - COCO'S GUIDE TO A SOMEWHAT HAPPY LIFE where, through story and song, Coco shares with her audience a step by step guide that leaves you prepared to enter the world again ready to create your very own “somewhat” happy life. " The performances take place in The Emerald Room at The Monocle Bar, 4510 Manchester in The Grove neighborhood. For more information: themonoclestl.com.

The Performing Arts Department at Washington University presents Hell-Burnt by Danny Washelesky on Saturday, October 1, at 2 p.m. as part of The A.E. Hotchner Playwriting Festival. "Dealing with the Devil takes on new meaning when the game is Texas Hold'em. Putting your soul on the table seems to be the only way out for a man who is all in. In this very funny morality tale, Zack learns that demons cheat, paper cuts are painful, and the path to the outside is inside you." 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 pad.artsci.wustl.edu.

The Looking Glass Playhouse presents the rock musical Joseph And The Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat through October 2. "The Biblical saga of Joseph and his coat of many colors comes to vibrant life in this delightful musical parable. Joseph, his father's favorite son, is a boy blessed with prophetic dreams. When he is sold into slavery by his jealous brothers and taken to Egypt, Joseph endures a series of adventures in which his spirit and humanity are continually challenged. He is purchased by Potiphar where thwarting advances from Potiphar's wife lands him in jail. When news of Joseph's gift to interpret dreams reaches the Pharaoh (wryly and riotously depicted as Elvis), Joseph is well on his way to becoming second in command. Eventually his brothers, having suffered greatly, unknowingly find themselves groveling at the feet of the brother they betrayed but no longer recognize. After testing their integrity, Joseph reveals himself leading to a heartfelt reconciliation of the sons of Israel. Set to an engaging cornucopia of musical styles, from country-western and calypso to bubble-gum pop and rock 'n' roll, this Old Testament tale emerges both timely and timeless." Performances take place at 301 West St. Louis Street in Lebanon, Ill. For more information, visit www.lookingglassplayhouse.com.

Slaying Dragons and The Independence Center present Mind Shattering Friday at 7 p.m. and Sunday at 2 p.m. The play is " a theatrical production in two acts exploring causes and events that prompt thoughts and emotions to break from reality, including Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)." Performances take place at Southampton Church, 4716 Macklind. For more information: slayingdragons.org.

Gitana Productions presents New World, an original one-act play by Lee Patton Chiles about three refugee women from Afghanistan, Bosnia and the Republic of the Congo. The play is based on interviews and documented accounts of three women who came to St. Louis hoping to create a new world by healing old world wounds. Performances are Saturday at 7 p.m. and Sunday at 2 p.m., October 1 and 2 at the Nahed Chapman New American Academy in the Gallaudet Building. at 1616 S. Grand. A Q and A session with the participation by the Center for Survivors of Torture and War will follow each performance. For more information: gitana-inc.org.

The Fox Theatre presents the musical Once Friday through Sunday, September 30 - October 2. "Featuring an impressive ensemble of actor/musicians who play their own instruments onstage, ONCE tells the enchanting tale of a Dublin street musician who's about to give up on his dream when a beautiful young woman takes a sudden interest in his haunting love songs. As the chemistry between them grows, his music soars to powerful new heights... but their unlikely connection turns out to be deeper and more complex than your everyday romance." The Fox is on North Grand in Grand Center. For more information: fabulousfox.com.

Sister Act
Photo: Peter Wochniak

Stages St. Louis presents the musical Sister Act through October 9. "There's a real reason to rejoice this season for everybody's favorite nun, Deloris Van Cartier, is coming to STAGES to stir up her special brand of habit-forming fun! Join the happy multitudes who have made SISTER ACT one of Hollywood's favorite film comedies and enjoy all the fun, laughter, and irresistible music that packed pews all over America in this STAGES premiere event. Blessed with a rollicking new musical score from Alan Menken - the composer who brought us BEAUTY AND THE BEAST, THE LITTLE MERMAID, NEWSIES, and ALADDIN - this divine comedy about a sassy, low-rent lounge singer forced to hide out from the mob in the last place anyone would ever look for her - a convent - recently became one of Broadway's smash hit musicals and continues to attract flocks of faithful followers wherever it goes thanks to its soulful chorus of swingin' sisters." 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.

Webster University's Conservatory of Theatre Arts presents Slasher by Allison Moore Wednesdays through Saturdays at 7:30 p.m. and Sunday at 2 p.m., September 28 - October 9. “Every actor has their big break: for DiCaprio is was the epic Titanic, for young Sheena it's a low-budget horror movie. At least that's what she thinks, but her mother begs to differ. As a diehard feminist, Frances sees her daughter's role as 'last girl' horribly offensive. She will stop at nothing to pull the brakes on the film. Hopefully everyone survives the ordeal. This hilarious dark comedy won high praise at its premiere at the 2009 Humana Festival. It's a night of laughs...with a few screams mixed in of course.” Performances take place in the Emerson Studio Theatre at the Loretto-Hilton Center on the Webster University campus. For more information, events.webster.edu or call 314-968-7128.

The Performing Arts Department at Washington University presents Son of Soil by Andie Berry on Saturday, October 1, at 7 p.m. as part of The A.E. Hotchner Playwriting Festival. "America is sick. The rivers run with blood and the trees bend under human weight. Peak, Ohio is a town trapped by horrific traditions and Ruth has seen her share. In this lyrical vision, she must learn to love across boundaries and find solace in the world that remains." 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 pad.artsci.wustl.edu.

Three Tall Women
Photo: Patrick Huber

St. Louis Actors' Studio presents Edward Albee's Three Tall Women through October 9. "In Act One, a young lawyer, "C," has been sent to the home of a client, a ninety-two-year-old woman, "A," to sort out her finances. "A," frail, perhaps a bit senile, resists and is of no help to "C." Along with "B," the old woman's matronly paid companion/caretaker, "C" tries to convince "A" that she must concentrate on the matters at hand. In "A's" beautifully appointed bedroom, she prods, discusses and bickers with "B" and "C," her captives. "A's" long life is laid out for display, no holds barred. She cascades from regal and charming to vicious and wretched as she wonders about and remembers her life: her husband and their cold, passionless marriage; her son and their estrangement. How did she become this? Who is she? Finally, when recounting her most painful memory, she suffers a stroke. In Act Two, "A's" comatose body lies in bed as "B" and "C" observe no changes in her condition. In a startling coup-de-theatre, "A" enters, very much alive and quite lucid. The three women are now the stages of "A's" life: the imperious old woman, the regal matron and the young woman of twenty-six. Her life, memories and reminiscences-pondered in the first act-are now unceremoniously examined, questioned, accepted or not, but, at last, understood." Performances take place at the Gaslight Theatre, 358 North Boyle For more information, call 314-458-2978 or visit stlas.org.

Valhalla Cemetery and The Hawthorne Players present Voices Of Valhalla: A Hayride Through History September 30 - October 9. 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.

The Lemp Mansion Comedy-Mystery Dinner Theater presents Zombie Love through October 28. The Lemp Mansion is at 3322 DeMenil Place. For more information: lempmansion.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.

Looking for auditions and other artistic opportunities? Check out the St. Louis Auditions site.

For information on events beyond this week, check out the searchable database at the Regional Arts Commission's Events Calendar.