St. Louis theatre calendar for the week of February 13, 2017

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

Alton Little Theater presents the comedy Buying the Moose Friday and Saturday at 7:30 p.m. and Sunday at 2 p.m., February 17-19. Performances take place at 2450 North Henry in Alton, IL. For more information, call 618.462.6562 or visit altonlittletheater.org.

Chuck Lavazzi and Carol Schmidt

The Cabaret Project and The Emerald Room at the Monocle present a Cabaret Open Mic Night on Wednesday, February 15, from 7 to 10 p.m. Drop by and enjoy a night of great music from St. Louis cabaret artists, backed up by the pianist and music director Carol Schmidt. The master of ceremonies is 88.1 KDHX senior performing arts critic Chuck Lavazzi. If you're planning to sing, be prepared to do one or two songs and bring music, preferably in your key. It's also recommend that you have your song memorized. The Emerald Room at The Monocle is at 4510 Manchester in The Grove. For more information, visit themonoclestl.com.

St. Louis Community College at Meramec presents Dog Sees God: Confessions of a Teenage Blockhead Wednesday through Sunday, February 15-19. "A New York Fringe Festival hit which satirizes the Peanuts comic strip by aging its cast of characters into their teenage years. Consumed with teenage angst, experimentation and sexual identity, CB and his friends face questions of morality, the existence of an afterlife and true friendship." The production is recommended for mature audiences. Performances take place in the theatre on the campus at 11333 Big Bend Road. For more information, stlcc.edu/MC or call 314-984-7500.

A Doll's House
Photo: John Lamb

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

Southern Illinois University at Edwardsville presents Five Women Wearing the Same Dress Wednesday through Saturday at 7:30 p.m. February 15-19. "During a very fancy wedding reception five, reluctant, identically clad bridesmaids hide out in an upstairs bedroom, each with their own reason to avoid the proceedings below. As the afternoon wears on, these five very different women, joyously discover a common bond in this wickedly funny, irreverent, and touching celebration of women's spirit." Performances take place in the Dunham Hall Theater on the campus in Edwardsville, IL. For more information, call 618-650-2774 or visit siue.edu

St. Louis Community College at Florissant Valley presents the Sam Shepard drama Fool for Love February 17-25. Performances take place in the Fisher Theatre on the campus at 3400 Pershall Road. For more information, www.stlcc.edu/fv or call 314-644-5522.

KTK Productions presents the Agatha Christie's Go Back for Murder February 17-26. "Imprisoned for poisoning her husband fifteen years earlier, Caroline Crale finds herself at death's door and writes a letter expressing her undeniable innocence to her daughter Carla. Carla, aided by Justin Fogg - a former admirer of Caroline - persuades those present on the day of her father's death to return to the scene of the crime. When the witnesses reassemble, Fogg discovers the identity of the true murderer, and Carla discovers her true feelings for Fogg." Performances take place at Southampton Presbyterian Church, 4716 Macklind. For more information: kurtainkall.org or call 314-351-8984.

The Ice Fishing Play
Photo: John Lamb

The West End Players Guild continues their 106th season with The Ice Fishing Play Thursday through Saturday at 8 PM and Sunday at 2 PM, February 16-19. Described as "Joel and Ethan Coen meet Samuel Beckett," The Ice Fishing Play is written by story teller and NPR radio broadcaster Kevin Kling, dubbed the "Minnesota Story Laureate." Performances take place at the Union Avenue Christian Church, 733 North Union at Enright in the Central West End. For more information, call 314-367-0025 or visit www.westendplayers.org.

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

Peabody Opera House presents the Fiasco Theatre production of the Sondheim musical Into the Woods on Sunday, February 19, at 2 and 7:30 p.m. "Venture back INTO THE WOODS as the Dodgers (Jersey Boys, Matilda) team up with Networks (Phantom, War Horse, South Pacific) to present the acclaimed Fiasco Theater production that became New York's surprise hit of this season, coming to Peabody Opera House for two performances on February 19. Unanimously acclaimed, extended twice at the Roundabout's Laura Pels Theater, the Tony Award-winning musical classic by Stephen Sondheim and James Lapine has been mounted with boundless imagination. This witty and wildly theatrical re-invention is INTO THE WOODS like you've never seen it before!" The Peabody Opera House is at 14th and Market, downtown. For more information: peabodyoperahouse.com.

Lady Day at Emerson's Bar and Grill

Max and Louie Productions presents the one-woman show Lady Day at Emerson's Bar and Grill February 17 - March 4. "It's March 1959 and at a small Philadelphia club, jazz and blues "phenom" Billie Holiday takes the stage for one of the last shows of her life. Playwright Lanie Robertson's Musical Drama allows us a penetrating look into the life and times of Billie "Lady Day" Holiday, as we listen to the profound legacy of her artistry-the music itself." Performances take place at the Kranzberg Arts Cener, 501 North Grand in Grand Center. For more information, visit maxandlouie.com.

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

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

Webster University's Conservatory of Theatre Arts presents The Philadelphia Story Wednesdays through Saturdays at 7:30 p.m. and Sundays at 2 p.m., Febr 15-26. "Socialite Tracy Lord is preparing for her second marriage at the estate of her family. The Philadelphia Lords have all gathered for the celebration. So has Tracy's ex-husband C.K. Dexter Haven and an attractive reporter named Mike Connor. This makes the weekend a little more complicated. These American nobles handle all with a lot of wit in this classic 1930s comedy. There's nothing like a high-society wedding for some high-caliber entertainment." Performances take place in the Emerson Studio Theatre at the Loretto-Hilton Center on the Webster University campus. For more information, www.webster.edu/conservatory/season or call 314-968-7128.

The Playhouse at Westport Plaza presents the musical Pump Boys and Dinettes Tuesday through Sunday, February 14-19. " Set in a gas station and diner,  Pump Boys and Dinettes stars four gas station attendants (L.M., Jackson, Jim and Eddie) and two waitresses (Prudie and Rhetta Cupp), a musical group who love fishin', beer, and a slice of homemade pie. Equipped with guitar, piano, bass, cello, ukulele, banjo, and a few kitchen utensils, they are serving up a night of fun in this concert-style show about life's simple pleasures. The music is a quirky, highly imaginative blend of country, rock-a-billy, swing, rock and jazz." The Playhouse at Westport Plaza is at 635 West Port Plaza. For more information: playhouseatwestport.com.

Something Rotten
Photo: Jeremy Daniel

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

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

The Kirkwood Theatre Guild presents Twisted Improv on Friday, February 17, at 8 p.m. at The Steamboat Room, 314 S. Clay in Kirkwood, MO. "Join Adam and his crew for an interactive night of fun and laughter.Beer, wine and food available from Kirkwood Station Brewery." For more information: ktg-onstage.org.

The Way We Get By
Photo: John Lamb

V-Day Wash U presents The Vagina Monologues Friday at 7 p.m. and Saturday at 2 and 7 p.m., February 17 and 18. "Produced, directed and performed by Wash U students, the Vagina Monologues is an annual fundraiser for V-Day Wash U. V-Day Wash U is a local chapter of an international movement dedicated to ending violence against women and girls around the world. V-Day is a catalyst that promotes creative events to increase awareness, raise money, and revitalize the spirit of existing anti-violence organizations. All money raised through ticket sales and other fundraisers by V-Day Wash U will support Planned Parenthood's educational endeavors." The performances take place in Holmes Lounge on the Washington University campus. For more information: edison.wustl.edu.

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

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

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

Would you like to be on the radio? KDHX, 88.1 FM needs theatre reviewers. If you're 18 years or older, knowledgeable in this area, have practical theatre experience (acting, directing, writing, technical design, etc.), have good oral and written communications skills and would like to become one of our volunteer reviewers, send an email describing your experience and interests to chuck at kdhx.org. Please include a sample review of something you've seen recently.