Chuck's Choices for the weekend of March 31, 2017

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:

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Card magician An Ha Lim
Photo: Joan Marcus

The Fox Theatre presents The Illusionists-Live From Broadway, opening on Friday, March 31, and running through Sunday. "Full of hilarious magic tricks, death-defying stunts and acts of breathtaking wonder, The Illusionists has shattered box office records worldwide and thrilled audiences of all ages with a mind-blowing spectacular showcasing the jaw-dropping talents of seven of the most incredible illusionists on earth." The Fox in at 527 North Grand in Grand Center. For more information: fabulousfox.com.

My take: We caught this last month when it played Chicago and while the performance we saw was one magician short (Dan Sperry, "The Anti-Conjurer," was inexplicably absent), it was still an entertaining and sometimes amazing show. As I noted in my review for KDHX, many of the effects will be familiar to fans of stage magic, but they're all done very well, and some of the close-up effects are most impressive.

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Webster University's Conservatory of Theatre Arts presents Next Fall Friday through Sunday, March 31 - April 2. “Adam and Luke are in a happy, committed relationship. They have been living together for years, despite some minor differences: Luke is a Christian and Adam is very much not. This leads to some debates, as well as to Luke keeping his relationship with Adam a secret from his family. Everything is running somewhat smoothly, until a sudden accident forces Adam to turn to Luke's family for support. This touching and funny play questions the limits of love and faith.” Performances take place in the Stage III Auditorium in Webster Hall on the Webster University campus. For more information, www.webster.edu/conservatory/season or call 314-968-7128.

My take: I haven't seen the Webster production, but as I wrote in my review of the Repertory Theatre's production back in 2010, Next Fall presents a story that doesn't end with the curtain. The characters and their relationships are so credible that we found ourselves compelled to speculate what might happen next. Mr. Nauffts's script provides a resolution, but no pat answers. The script was nominated for a Tony in 2009 and thoroughly deserved it.

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Taj Express

Dance St. Louis presents Taj Express: The Bollywood Musical Revue Friday at 8 p.m. and Saturday at 2 and 8 p.m., March 31 and April 1. "Through a fusion of film, dance, and music, this dazzling international sensation takes audiences on a live cinematic journey through modern Indian culture and society. The production is a high energy celebration of new India's pop music, Bollywood culture, and deep traditions featuring colorful costumes, joyful dance, and thrilling live music." Performances take place at the Touhill Performing Arts Center on the campus of the University of Missouri, St. Louis. For more information: dancestlouis.org.

My take: Here's another case where I'm going to recommend a show sight unseen, just based on the concept and the publicity stills. Indian cinema has produced a remarkable rethinking of the concept of a movie musical, and this looks like a colorful celebration of that material.

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Held Over:

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Million Dollar Quartet

The Repertory Theatre of St. Louis presents the musical Million Dollar Quartet through April 9. "Million Dollar Quartet is the Tony® Award winning Broadway musical, inspired by the electrifying true story of the famed recording session that brought together rock 'n' roll icons Elvis Presley, Johnny Cash, Jerry Lee Lewis and Carl Perkins for the first and only time." Performances take place at the Loretto-Hilton Center on the Webster University campus. For more information: repstl.org.

My take: This is clearly the week for "jukebox musicals" in St. Louis, with both Million Dollar Quartet and Motown the Musical (see below) available for your nostalgic pleasure. "Million Dollar Quartet is a big, celebratory rock 'n roll party," writes Tina Farmer in an upcoming review for KDHX, "filled with early classic rock songs, good-humored teasing, and the heart and soul of a dedicated promoter. The show's got a beat you can dance to and engaging, infectious performances, ensuring a whole lotta shaking and a fitting close to The Rep's anniversary season. " "At times," says Mark Bretz at Ladue News, "The Rep's presentation of Million Dollar Quartet seems more like a concert than a musical, an infectious good time woven around a fascinating story...Million Dollar Quartet is a fitting end to The Rep's financially prosperous and critically acclaimed season. There's a whole lotta shakin' goin' on that set."

Never the Sinner
Photo: Eric Woolsey

New Jewish Theater presents Never the Sinner through April 2. "Chicago, 1924. Clarence Darrow is defending Nathan Leopold Jr., age 18, and Robert Loeb, age 19, in the 'Crime of the Century.' The two had decided to commit the 'perfect murder,' just for the thrill of it. Considering themselves Nietzsche's übermensch (supermen), they concluded they were removed from the moral and social imperatives of the world. They brutally murdered 14-year-old Bobby Franks but were quickly apprehended. Darrow's defense of them was an eloquent plea against capital punishment. This exquisite play asks what demons lurked in the minds of these two young men and the complex relationship between them. This is a love story set to themes of crime and punishment, the press, the times, humanism, Nietzsche's philosophy and the end of the jazz age." Performances take place in the Marvin and Harlene Wool Studio Theater at the Jewish Community Center, 2 Millstone Campus Drive in Creve Coeur. For more information: www.newjewishtheatre.org or call 314-442-3283.

My take: As our toxic political climate clearly demonstrates, the overwhelming sense of entitlement of the hyper-rich easily leads to acts of cruelty and and depravity, but it rarely reaches the heights (or depths) displayed by the infamous "thrill killers" Leopold and Loeb. As Tina Farmer writes in an upcoming review for KDHX, this is "an engrossing tale that keeps you on the edge of your seat, with stunningly creepy and compelling performances by Pete Winfrey and Jack Zanger...The subject matter is at times disturbing, but the story is enthralling."

Review: John Adams provides the St. Louis Symphony Orchestra and Chorus with a spectacular showcase

This review originally appeared at 88.1 KDHX, where Chuck Lavazzi is the senior performing arts critic.

Composer John Adams
Photo: Vern Evans

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It was a relatively sparse crowd that witnessed the local premiere of John Adams' 2012 oratorio/theatre piece The Gospel According to the Other Mary Friday night, April 24, by the St. Louis Symphony Orchestra and Chorus under the direction of David Robertson. I suppose that's not surprising, given how allergic local audiences can sometimes be to newer works, but it's a shame nevertheless. They missed a dramatic, inventive, and sometimes very powerful retelling of the Passion story that placed Jesus in a decidedly contemporary context.

Commissioned by the Los Angeles Philharmonic and first performed by them in 2012, The Gospel According to the Other Mary is a time-bending account of Christ's death and resurrection from the viewpoints of Mary Magdalene and Mary of Bethany (the same singer plays both roles), as well as Mary of Bethany's sister Martha, and Martha's brother Lazarus, who are sometimes their Biblical selves and sometimes contemporary people. Mr. Adams and his collaborator, the noted British director Peter Sellars, have mixed texts from the King James Bible in with poems by African-American writer June Jordan and Mexico's Rosairo Castellanos, along with the work of (among others) Italian author Primo Levi, Native American novelist Louise Erdrich, and American Catholic activist Dorothy Day.

There's even a strikingly graphic section inspired by a painting by Mexican artist Jose Clemente Orozco of Christ, Conan the Barbarian-style, brandishing the axe he as just used to chop down his own cross. Another potent sequence juxtaposes descriptions of Christ's arrest from the KJV with passages from Day's journals describing the arrest of protesters fighting for the rights of immigrant farm workers.

It's not, as the composer himself wryly observed in the pre-concert talk, the sort of thing likely to appeal to the strict traditionalist.

This could be a bit of a mess, and there are times when the archaic language of the Bible clashes oddly with the abstract imagery of the more contemporary poems. But for the most part the pairing of ancient and modern makes dramatic sense—in part because Adams' music acts as a strong unifying force.

I have not always been a major admirer of Mr. Adams' technique of building large structures from minimalist musical cells, but the approach works well here, creating a massive dramatic piece (over two and one-half hours, not counting intermission) derived largely from an ascending Aeolian mode chord sequence that first appears in the opening scene. It's an idea that informs the entire work, pulling sometimes wildly divergent ideas together into a (mostly) coherent whole.

Unification is provided as well by the almost constant presence of the cimbalom, a hammered dulcimer found throughout Eastern Europe and Greece—brilliantly played by Chester Englander. Cutting easily through Mr. Adams' massive post-Wagnerian orchestra, its metallic sound conjures up images of the ancient Mediterranean culture from which the story of Jesus sprang in the first place.

In fact, some of the most compelling moments in The Gospel According to the Other Mary are musical rather than textual. A wild African drum solo performed with impressive vigor by Will James, for example, depicts the earthquake that precedes the rolling aside of the stone from Jesus' tomb. The suffering and death of Jesus at Golgotha is portrayed by a massive outburst of instrumental cacophony along with shouts and howls from the chorus. The Passover scene, on the other hand, is distinguished by a lovely aria for the resurrected Lazarus that wouldn't sound out of place on the Broadway stage.

There were other very compelling moments, including the groaning low strings that accompany Lazarus's death and the recorded piping of frogs that presages the coming of spring and the resurrection of Christ, but the bottom line is that there is much to admire in this score. I have not always found Mr. Adams' writing for the stage to be persuasive, but this is often a very theatrically smart piece.

It helps that the work got such a peerless performance from the orchestra and Mr. Robertson, who has been an admirer of it since he made a special trip to Los Angeles to witness its premiere. Mr. Adams has written some very challenging music for both the instrumentalists and singers; the precision with which they pulled it off deserves a round of laurel wreaths for everyone.

Mezzo Kelley O'Connor, for whom the role of Mary was created, was as compelling as you would expect her to be, forcefully conveying the character's passion and sorrow. Both she and fellow mezzo Michaela Martens, in the role of Martha, are often driven down to the bottom of their vocal range, but they projected even the lowest notes with authority, dishing up bravura performances.

The last time I saw tenor Jay Hunter Morris on stage, he was the chillingly arrogant Danforth in The Crucible at Glimmerglass last summer. This time around he was touchingly vulnerable as Lazarus, pouring out his heart in the "Supper at Bethany" scene while Roger Kaza poured his into the fiercely demanding horn solo that accompanied him. Countertenors Daniel Brubeck, Brian Cummings, and Nathan Medley rounded out the ranks of soloists as a trio of unearthly narrators who also sing the words of Christ.

As for Amy Kaiser's chorus, I just can't praise them enough. Adams asks them to not just sing, but to whisper, chatter, and shriek. They did it all superbly.

For reasons that were not entirely clear to me, all the vocal soloists wore wireless microphones, even though they seemed perfectly capable of projecting over the orchestra. The sound mix was, in any case, handled with remarkable skill; the voices rarely had the unnatural, directionless quality that often accompanies amplification.

The SLSO will be taking this performance to Carnegie Hall on Friday, March 31st, and I really can't think of a better showcase for Mr. Robertson and our hometown band. The Gospel According to the Other Mary may not be without its issues as a work of music drama, but as a demonstration of the virtuosity of the St. Louis Symphony Orchestra and Chorus, I think it is (in the words of Walt Kelly's Fremount) "Jes' fine."

Next at Powell Hall: Pianist Kirill Gerstein plays Gershwin's Rhapsody in Blue and Concerto in F in a program that also includes Milhaud's La Création du Monde ballet and three dances episodes from Bernstein's ballet Fancy Free. David Robertson will conduct. Performances are Friday at 10:30 a.m. and 8 p.m., Saturday at 8 p.m., and Sunday at 3 p.m., April 7-9.

St. Louis theatre calendar for the week of March 27, 2017

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Lindenwood University presents the comedy Anton in Show Business March 30 - April 9. "This madcap comedy follows three actresses across the footlights, down the rabbit hole and into a strangely familiar Wonderland that looks a lot like American theatre… the resemblance is uncanny! As these women pursue their dream of performing Chekhov in Texas, they're whisked through a maelstrom of 'good ideas' that offer unique solutions to the Three Sister's need to have life's deeper purpose revealed. In the tradition of great backstage comedies, Anton in Show Business conveys the joys, pains and absurdities of 'putting on a play' at the turn of the century." The performances take place at The Lindenwood Theatre at the J. Scheidegger Center for the Arts on the Lindenwood campus in St. Charles, MO. For more information, call 636-949-4433 or visit www.lindenwood.edu/center.

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.

The Comedy of Errors
Photo: Autumn Rinaldi

St. Louis Shakespeare presents Shakespeare's The Comedy of Errors Thursdays at 7:30 p.m., Fridays and Saturdays at 8 p.m., and Sundays at 2 p.m., March 31 - April 9. Performances take place at the Ivory Theatre, 7620 Michigan in the Carondelet neighborhood. For more information, call 314-361-5664 or visit stlshakespeare.org.

Alton Little Theater presents the comedy/drama Driving Miss Daisy Fridays and Saturdays at 7:30 p.m. and Sundays at 2 p.m., through April 2. "In 1948 Atlanta, Daisy Werthan, a rich, sharp-tongued, Jewish, 72-year-old widow has just demolished another car. Her son Boolie informs her that he will from this point on be hiring a chauffeur for her. Thus begins the 25-year relationship between Daisy and Hoke Colburn, her driver. She regards him with disdain and he is not impressed with her patronizing tone and latent prejudice. But despite their differences, they grow closer and more dependent on each other over time. The once contentious relationship blossoms into a profound, life-altering friendship that transcends all the societal boundaries placed between them. An iconic tale of pride, changing times and the transformative power of friendship." Performances take place at 2450 North Henry in Alton, IL. For more information, call 618.462.6562 or visit altonlittletheater.org.

Card magician An Ha Lim
Photo: Joan Marcus

The Fox Theatre presents The Illusionists-Live From Broadway, opening on Friday, March 31, and running through Sunday. "Full of hilarious magic tricks, death-defying stunts and acts of breathtaking wonder, The Illusionists has shattered box office records worldwide and thrilled audiences of all ages with a mind-blowing spectacular showcasing the jaw-dropping talents of seven of the most incredible illusionists on earth." The Fox in at 527 North Grand in Grand Center. For more information: fabulousfox.com.

Take Two Productions the musical It Shoulda Been You through April 1. The show is "a mad-cap wedding celebration we know you won't want to miss! After all, who doesn't love a wedding? Especially one that includes a beautiful blushing bride, her uninvited and unrequited boyfriend, a groom with a secret, a sister with her own hidden agenda, and a pair of mothers from hell. This refreshingly modern romantic comedy has more than a few surprising twists in store as out comes the bride and groom in a wedding you are sure to remember." Performances take place at Southampton Presbyterian Church, 4716 Macklind. For more information, visit taketwoproductions.org.

The Hawthorne Players present Love Letters March 31 - April 9. "Andy and Melissa, both born to wealth and position, are childhood friends, whose lifelong correspondence begins with birthday party thank-you notes and summer camp postcards. They continue to exchange letters through the boarding school and college years. Andy's last letter, written to Melissa's mother, makes it eloquently clear how much they really meant, and gave to, each other over the years- physically apart, perhaps, but spiritually as close as only true lovers can be.: The performances take place at the Florissant Civic Center Theatre at Parker and Waterford in Florissant, MO. For more information, call 921-5678 or visit hawthorneplayers.info.

Florissant Fine Arts Council presents Men Are From Mars, Women Are From Venus, Live on Sunday, April 2, at 7 p.m. at the Florissant Civic Center Theatre at Parker Road at Waterford Drive in Florissant, MO. "This one-man fusion of theatre and stand-up is based on the New York Times #1 best-selling book of the last decade by John Gray. Moving swiftly through a series of vignettes, the show covers everything from dating and marriage to the bedroom. Sexy and fast-paced, this show is definitely for adults. It's a great recipe for a night out: a little storytelling blended with some comedy and a dash of sage wisdom from the book." For more information, call 314-921-5678 or visit florissantmo.com.

Million Dollar Quartet

The Repertory Theatre of St. Louis presents the musical Million Dollar Quartet through April 9. “Million Dollar Quartet is the Tony® Award winning Broadway musical, inspired by the electrifying true story of the famed recording session that brought together rock 'n' roll icons Elvis Presley, Johnny Cash, Jerry Lee Lewis and Carl Perkins for the first and only time.” Performances take place at the Loretto-Hilton Center on the Webster University campus. For more information: repstl.org.

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.

Muny Magic at the Sheldon presents Nicholas Rodriguez in My 70s Show Wednesday and Thursday, March 29 and 30, at 7:30 p.m. "My 70s Show will fuse all things you love and remember about the 1970s with the music of Broadway, Bossa Nova, Folk and of course Disco in a unique and intimate evening filled with charm, personality and soul!" Performances take place at the Sheldon Concert Hall in Grand Center. For more information: muny.org.

Never the Sinner
Photo: Eric Woolsey

New Jewish Theater presents Never the Sinner through April 2. "Chicago, 1924. Clarence Darrow is defending Nathan Leopold Jr., age 18, and Robert Loeb, age 19, in the 'Crime of the Century.' The two had decided to commit the 'perfect murder,' just for the thrill of it. Considering themselves Nietzsche's übermensch (supermen), they concluded they were removed from the moral and social imperatives of the world. They brutally murdered 14-year-old Bobby Franks but were quickly apprehended. Darrow's defense of them was an eloquent plea against capital punishment. This exquisite play asks what demons lurked in the minds of these two young men and the complex relationship between them. This is a love story set to themes of crime and punishment, the press, the times, humanism, Nietzsche's philosophy and the end of the jazz age." Performances take place in the Marvin and Harlene Wool Studio Theater at the Jewish Community Center, 2 Millstone Campus Drive in Creve Coeur. For more information: www.newjewishtheatre.org or call 314-442-3283.

Webster University's Conservatory of Theatre Arts presents Next Fall Friday through Sunday, March 31 - April 2. “Adam and Luke are in a happy, committed relationship. They have been living together for years, despite some minor differences: Luke is a Christian and Adam is very much not. This leads to some debates, as well as to Luke keeping his relationship with Adam a secret from his family. Everything is running somewhat smoothly, until a sudden accident forces Adam to turn to Luke's family for support. This touching and funny play questions the limits of love and faith.” Performances take place in the Stage III Auditorium in Webster Hall on the Webster University campus. For more information, www.webster.edu/conservatory/season or call 314-968-7128.

Dena Blizzard

The Playhouse at Westport Plaza presents One Funny Mother Thursday through Sunday, March 30 - April 2. "One Funny Mother stars comedian, former Miss New Jersey, and married mother of three, Dena Blizzard, in her hilarious solo comedy show about the trials and tribulations of motherhood and marriage. An outrageous and side splitting 80-minutes of sass that follows Dena on her hilarious journey through a day of cleaning as she prepares for her big “Girls Night Out.” Along the way she laments how her life and marriage have changed since becoming a mother of three, wrestling with the eternal question, “Have I gone crazy since having these kids?” The answer is a hysterical, “laugh 'til your face hurts” comedy that you won't want to miss." The Playhouse at Westport Plaza is at 635 West Port Plaza. For more information: playhouseatwestport.com.

Curtain's Up Theatre presents Pinocchio on Sunday, April2, at 2 p.m. "From the moment Pinocchio wrecks Mastroni's puppet show until he becomes a real boy for rescuing his father from the great fish, the excitement never abates in this charming adaptation. The Blue Fairy and her three wood elves introduce the story, set the scenes and work the magic as Pinocchio travels his road of misadventures. Pinocchio's 'growing' nose, Pleasure Isle, the Great Fish are all handled with fascinating simplicity." The performance takes place The Wildey Theatre is at252 North Main Street in Edwardsville, Illinois. For more information, visit curtainsuptheater.com.

The Black Rep presents the drama Seven Guitars by August Wilson March 29 - April 23. " Set in 1948 in the backyard of a Pittsburgh apartment house, Seven Guitars follows Floyd " Schoolboy" Barton's circle of friends and neighbors-the play's seven voices-as they spin a rich tale of the deck that's stacked against them, what they've lost and all they dream of. Part murder mystery, part memory play, Seven Guitars depicts the events leading up to the untimely death of Floyd “Schoolboy” Barton, a gifted blues guitarist. Released from jail after serving time for the crime of “worthlessness,” Floyd tries to retrieve his guitar and get to Chicago to make a record. He believes he is on the brink of a career breakthrough, but bad decisions and worse luck prevent him from leaving Pittsburgh. " Performances take place in the Emerson Performance Space on the campus of Harris-Stowe State University in midwotn. For more information: theblackrep.org.

Rebel and Misfits Productions presents Sex With Strangers Wednesdays through Sundays at 8 p.m., March 30 - April 15. “How far will you go to get what you want? Will you be the same person if you do? When twenty-something star sex blogger and memoirist Ethan tracks down his idol, the gifted but obscure novelist Olivia, he finds they crave what the other possesses. As attraction turns to sex, and they inch closer to getting what they want, both most confront the dark side of ambition and the trouble of reinventing oneself when the past is only a click away.” Performances take place at a private home in the Central West End at 4632 McPherson Avenue. All attendees in the play's small, intimate audience of 50 people, must be age 18+. For more information: www.anintimatetheatreproject.com.

The Monroe Actors Stage Company presents Silent Sky Fridays and Saturdays at 7:30 and Sundays at 2:30 p.m., March 31 - April 9, in the Historic Capitol Theatre in downtown Waterloo, Illinois. "When Henrietta Leavitt begins work at the Harvard Observatory in the early 1900s, she isn't allowed to touch a telescope or express an original idea. Instead, she joins a group of women “computers,” charting the stars for a renowned astronomer who calculates projects in “girl hours” and has no time for the women's probing theories. As Henrietta, in her free time, attempts to measure the light and distance of stars, she must also take measure of her life on Earth, trying to balance her dedication to science with family obligations and the possibility of love. The true story of 19th-century astronomer Henrietta Leavitt explores a woman's place in society during a time of immense scientific discoveries, when women's ideas were dismissed until men claimed credit for them. Social progress, like scientific progress, can be hard to see when one is trapped among earthly complications; Henrietta Leavitt and her female peers believe in both, and their dedication changed the way we understand both the heavens and Earth." For more information, visit www.masctheatre.org or call 618-939-7469.

Over Due Theatre presents musical Sister Act Fridays and Saturdays at 7:30 PM and Sundays at 2 PM, March 31 - April 9. "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 at the Olivette Community Center, 9723 Grandview Drive, in Olivette, MO. For more information, call 314-210-2959 or visit overduetheatrecompany.com.

The Performing Arts Department at Washington University presents Son of Soil Thursday and Friday at 8 p.m., Saturday at 2 and 8 p.m., and Sunday at 2 p.m., March 30 - April 2. "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 performances take place in the A.E. Hotchner Studio Theatre on the Washington University campus. For more information, call 314-935-6543 or visit pad.artsci.wustl.edu.

Taj Express: The Bollywood Musical Revue

Alfresco Productions presents the comedy/drama Steel Magnolias through April 1. "The celebrated Southern classic of family and friendship, this is the story of a group of strong and beautiful women who cluster around Truvy's Beauty Parlow in a small Louisiana parish. The story centers on Shelby, who moves fro wedding to childbirth to medical complications with a love of live and a willingness to face its possibilities bravely with support from steely southern sisterhood." Performances take place at the Alfresco Art Center, 2401 Delmar in Granite City, IL. For more information: (618) 560-1947 or www.alfrescoproductions.org.

Dance St. Louis presents Taj Express: The Bollywood Musical Revue Friday at 8 p.m. and Saturday at 2 and 8 p.m., March 31 and April 1. "Through a fusion of film, dance, and music, this dazzling international sensation takes audiences on a live cinematic journey through modern Indian culture and society. The production is a high energy celebration of new India's pop music, Bollywood culture, and deep traditions featuring colorful costumes, joyful dance, and thrilling live music." Performances take place at the Touhill Performing Arts Center on the campus of the University of Missouri, St. Louis. For more information: dancestlouis.org.

St. Louis classical calendar for the week of March 27, 2017

The IMI Chamber Players

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African Musical Arts presents its IMI Chamber Players Season Finale Concert on Sunday, April 2, at 3 p.m. "The IMI Chamber Players' Season Finale will celebrate intercultural music with chamber works by Gamel Abdel-Rahim, William Grant-Still, Kwabena Nketia, Adolphus Hailstork, Fred Onovwerosuoke, and others. The concert will include the Missouri premiere of Onovwerosuoke's Serenade for Five Flutes. Other featured performers include pianist Sunghee Hinners, flutist/pianist Marie Jureit-Beamish and special guest Bjorn Randheim" The concert takes place at the Sheldon Concert Hall in Grand Center. For more information: africarts.org.

The Metropolitan Orchestra of Saint Louis presents a program of works by Rachmaninoff, Bach, and Mozart on Sunday, April 2, at 7 p.m. Soloists Susie Thierbach, Ann Dolan, and Jennifer Adams in Bach's Brandenburg Concerto No. 4. The concert takes place at First Presbyterian Church, 100 East Adams in Kirkwood. For more information: metro-orch.org.

Ronu Majumdar and U. Rajesh

Sangeetha presents a fusion concert of North Indian style (Hindustani) music on the flute by Sri Ronu Majumdar and South Indian style (Carnatic) music on the mandolin by Sri U. Rajesh accompanied by two percussionists - Sri Harshad Kanetkar on the tabla and Sri S. V. Ramani on the mridangam on Saturday, April 1, at 7 p.m. The concert takes place at the Chesterfield Community Theatre at the West County YMCA, 16464 Burkhardt Place. For more information: sangeetha.org.

The Sheldon Concert Hall presents the St. Louis Brass Band in Brass Exhibition on Tuesday, March 28, at 7 PM. “The Saint Louis Brass Band is pleased to return to The Sheldon Concert Hall again this season. We are also please to feature as Guest Artist St. Louis Symphony Orchestra Bass Trombonist Gerry Pagano! The intimate setting of the Sheldon is perfect for the Brass Band to present soloists and give the audience an opportunity to hear them and meet them up close and personal. This will be an exciting evening of low brass extravaganza!” The Sheldon is at 3648 Washington in Grand Center. For more information: thesheldon.org.

The Town and Country Symphony Orchestra

Southwestern Illinois College presents An Evening in Spain on Thursday, March 30, a 7 p.m. "Seville, Granada, Cordoba … sample the music of southern Spain in this recital featuring violinist Manuela Kaymakanova and pianist Diana Umali. The program will explore lively dance music from the Andalucia, a region known for its hot-blooded and soulful flamenco, with its echoes of gypsy roots from beyond the Spanish border." The event takes place at the William and Florence Schmidt Art Center on the college campus at 2500 Carlyle Ave. in Belleville, IL. For more information: schmidtartcenter.com.

The Town and Country Symphony Orchestra plays works by Debussy and Mozart on Sunday, April 2, at 2:30 PM. Featured soloists will be harpist Danielle Williams in Debussy's Danses sacrée et profane and French hornist Jennifer Ernest in Mozart's Horn Concerto No. 4. The performance takes place Parkway United Church of Christ, 2841 N. Ballas Road. For more information: tcsomo.org.

Review: Dancing in the Streets with "Motown the Musical"

This review originally appeared at 88.1 KDHX, where Chuck Lavazzi is the senior performing arts critic.

"The Temptations"
Photo: Joan Marcus

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Given that Motown Records founder Berry Gordy literally wrote the book for Motown: The Musical, based on his own autobiography, it's not too surprising that the somewhat preachy and awkward script often feels more like hagiography than a conventional musical.

Fortunately, there's not that much of it. The sketchy story of Motown's rise from small-time recording studio in the back of a modest two-story building on West Grand in Detroit (dubbed "Hitsville U.S.A." by Gordy) to a major independent label serves mostly as a backdrop for performances of over fifty Motown classics by a remarkable cast doing virtuoso celebrity impersonations of artists made famous by the label, including Diana Ross, Marvin Gaye, Smokey Robinson, and The Temptations.

Yes, the script often rises above the level of the typical jukebox musical by placing many of the songs in their historical contexts, including the civil rights struggle and the political turbulence of the 1960s. But make no mistake about it; this is ultimately a celebration of the music that those of us of a Certain Age grew up with, from straightforward hits like "Please Mr. Postman" and "I Can't Get Next to You" to protest classics like "What's Goin' On" and "War." As the happy response from the opening night audience made clear, it was the music that kept everyone clapping, smiling, and even singing (although that required a bit more prompting).

Chester Gregory, who played Berry Gordy on Broadway last summer, reprises the role here and made a powerful impression on opening night. His performance, late in the show, of "Can I Close the Door," one of only three songs written specifically for the show, was a passionate crowd pleaser. Allison Semmes' Diana Ross was equally impressive, easily capturing the charisma and vocal power that made the real Ross a superstar. The brief scene in which she played Diana Ross playing Billie Holiday in the film Lady Sings the Blues was especially remarkable. How "meta" can you get?

Chester Gregory and cast
Photo: Joan Marcus

Jarran Muse captures the angry intensity of Marvin Gaye perfectly, including a compelling a cappella version of "Mercy, Mercy Me (the Ecology)," a song which, sadly, is as relevant now as it was in 1971. David Kaverman, meanwhile, makes a strong Equity debut as a cheerful Smokey Robinson.

Probably the single most engaging performance, if the audience response was any indication, came from 11-year-old CJ Wright/12-year-old Raymond Davis Jr. as the young Michael Jackson. He had the voice and the moves down pat and had the crowd in the palm of his diminutive hand.

Speaking of having moves down pat, congratulations are also due to the ensemble members who wowed the crowd with their smooth vocals and impressive dancing as they took on the personas of stars like Stevie Wonder and Mary Wells as well as famous groups like The Temptations, The Commodores, The Contours, and of course, The Supremes and Martha and the Vandellas. A tip of the hat is also due to Doug Storm for his hilarious Ed Sullivan.

Technically, Motown: The Musical runs like a well-oiled machine under Charles Randolph-Wright's expert direction. Digitally projected sets make the frequent scene changes fast and fluid while striking animation sequences vividly evoke everything from Vietnam War protests to the flashy backdrops of the Hollywood Palace TV show. Down in the pit, Darryl Archibald conducts the small band in high-energy performances of all that well-known music. And the choreography by Patricia Wilcox and Warren Adams perfectly captures the styles of the '60s and '70s.

CJ Wright (center) and the "Jackson 5"
Photo: Joan Marcus

Motown: The Musical premiered on Broadway in 2013, it got a bad rap from some New York critics who were apparently expecting a more conventional book musical. They were right to criticize the flimsy characters and clunky dialog, but they were also missing the whole point of the show. Motown is all about the music Gordy and his performers made famous, and all about recreating a time when black performers were breaking the color barriers in entertainment and taking control of their own careers. Motown: The Musical is a celebration of the songs that had us all, as the exuberant final number reminds us, "Dancing in the Streets."

It's also a reminder of how far we have come as a nation from the days when white radio stations refused to play what they called "race" records and when audiences were segregated by skin color. With all of that progress now under attack at the national level, Motown: The Musical's message of inclusiveness feels more timely than ever.

Motown: The Musical runs through Sunday, March 26, at the Fox Theatre in Grand Center. Note that evening performances start at 7:30.

Chuck's Choices for the weekend of March 24, 2017

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:

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The Gateway Men's Chorus presents Light: A Celebration of Life, their 30th anniversary concert, on Sunday, March 26, at 3 p.m. The concert is a "celebration that illuminates the struggles and victories of the LGBT community" and takes place at the 560 Music Center, 560 Trinity in University City. The program includes music by Verdi and Bruckner as well as Radiohead and Florence and the Machine. For more information: gmcstl.org.

My take: The Gateway Men's Chorus has been a local cultural treasure for three decades now, and deserves our support. And with darkness seemingly pressing in on us from all sides these days, we can certainly use a celebration of light and life.

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Million Dollar Quartet

The Repertory Theatre of St. Louis presents the musical Million Dollar Quartet through April 9. "Million Dollar Quartet is the Tony® Award winning Broadway musical, inspired by the electrifying true story of the famed recording session that brought together rock 'n' roll icons Elvis Presley, Johnny Cash, Jerry Lee Lewis and Carl Perkins for the first and only time." Performances take place at the Loretto-Hilton Center on the Webster University campus. For more information: repstl.org.

My take: This is clearly the week for "jukebox musicals" in St. Louis, with both Million Dollar Quartet and Motown the Musical (see below) available for your nostalgic pleasure. "Million Dollar Quartet is a big, celebratory rock 'n roll party," writes Tina Farmer in an upcoming review for KDHX, "filled with early classic rock songs, good-humored teasing, and the heart and soul of a dedicated promoter. The show's got a beat you can dance to and engaging, infectious performances, ensuring a whole lotta shaking and a fitting close to The Rep's anniversary season. " "At times," says Mark Bretz at Ladue News, "The Rep's presentation of Million Dollar Quartet seems more like a concert than a musical, an infectious good time woven around a fascinating story...Million Dollar Quartet is a fitting end to The Rep's financially prosperous and critically acclaimed season. There's a whole lotta shakin' goin' on that set."

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"The Temptations" in Motown the Musical
Photo: Joan Marcus

The Fox Theatre presents Motown the Musical opening on Tuesday, March 21, and running through Sunday the 26th. "It began as one man's story… became everyone's music… and is now Broadway's musical. Motown The Musical is the true American dream story of Motown founder Berry Gordy's journey from featherweight boxer to the heavyweight music mogul who launched the careers of Diana Ross, Michael Jackson, Smokey Robinson and many more. Motown shattered barriers, shaped our lives and made us all move to the same beat. Featuring classic songs such as "My Girl" and "Ain't No Mountain High Enough," experience the story behind the music in the record-breaking smash hit Motown The Musical!" The Fox in at 527 North Grand in Grand Center. For more information: fabulousfox.com.

My take: Like Million Dollar Quartet, Motown the Musical uses a fairly flimsy story as the backdrop for an evening packed with classic tunes—in this case, soul and R&B hits from the legendary catalog of Motown Records. Motown founder Berry Gordy's self-congratulatory book is a Cliffs Notes history of Motown's rise from back-room recording studio to international hit factory, but the real entertainment here comes from over fifty Motown classics, performed by a versatile cast playing the individuals and groups Motown made famous. Diana Ross, Marvin Gaye, Smokey Robinson, The Temptations, The Supremes—they're all here and strikingly believable. And wait until you see the kid playing the young Michael Jackson! Motown the Musical is a celebration of the songs that had us all, as the exuberant final number reminds us, "Dancing in the Streets."

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Never the Sinner
Photo: Eric Woolsey

New Jewish Theater presents Never the Sinner through April 2. "Chicago, 1924. Clarence Darrow is defending Nathan Leopold Jr., age 18, and Robert Loeb, age 19, in the 'Crime of the Century.' The two had decided to commit the 'perfect murder,' just for the thrill of it. Considering themselves Nietzsche's übermensch (supermen), they concluded they were removed from the moral and social imperatives of the world. They brutally murdered 14-year-old Bobby Franks but were quickly apprehended. Darrow's defense of them was an eloquent plea against capital punishment. This exquisite play asks what demons lurked in the minds of these two young men and the complex relationship between them. This is a love story set to themes of crime and punishment, the press, the times, humanism, Nietzsche's philosophy and the end of the jazz age." Performances take place in the Marvin and Harlene Wool Studio Theater at the Jewish Community Center, 2 Millstone Campus Drive in Creve Coeur. For more information: www.newjewishtheatre.org or call 314-442-3283.

My take: As our toxic political climate clearly demonstrates, the overwhelming sense of entitlement of the hyper-rich easily leads to acts of cruelty and and depravity, but it rarely reaches the heights (or depths) displayed by the infamous "thrill killers" Leopold and Loeb. As Tina Farmer writes in an upcoming review for KDHX, this is "an engrossing tale that keeps you on the edge of your seat, with stunningly creepy and compelling performances by Pete Winfrey and Jack Zanger...The subject matter is at times disturbing, but the story is enthralling."

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Held Over:

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The Royale
Photo: John Gitchoff

The Repertory Theatre of St. Louis presents The Royale through March 26. "The brutal rhythm of boxing underscores this brilliantly stylized drama. Rising black prizefighter Jay "The Sport" Jackson dominates his opponents, but the harsh social realities of the early 1900s force him to fight twice as hard to earn recognition outside of the ring. Loosely based on iconic fighter Jack Johnson, The Royale brings us ringside to one man's quest for victory against all odds." Performances take place in the studio theater 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: The Rep has been presenting consistently provocative and usually very compelling new plays in its intimate studio space for many years now. The Royale appears to be right in that groove. "The Repertory Theatre of St. Louis' production," writes Tina Farmer at KDHX, "is a dynamic and captivating interpretation of Marco Ramirez's tightly wound play, teaming with purpose, raw emotion, and rhythm."

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Zorba!
Photo: Jill Ritter Lindberg

New Line Theatre presents the Kander and Ebb musical Zorba! Thursdays through Saturdays at 8 PM through March 25. "ZORBA is a fearless, fiery, high-energy musical fable about living out loud, based on the famous 1946 novel Zorba the Greek by Nikos Kazantzakis, its 1964 film adaptaion, and letters that Kander and Ebb found from the real-life Zorba. Originally conceived and directed in 1968 by the legendary Harold Prince, the musical opens in a rowdy bouzouki parlor in Greece where a group of locals has gathered to drink and tell stories. They introduce us to Zorba, the aging hedonist-philosopher dedicated to living life to the fullest, and his very emotional, tragic, but life-affirming encounter with a young man and with the love of a woman." Performances take place at the Marcelle Theater, 3310 Samuel Shepard Drive, three blocks east of Grand, in Grand Center. For more information: newlinetheatre.com.

My take: New Line continues to surprise us with productions of rarely-seen and (in this case) largely forgotten shows. That's a bit surprising since the team behind Zorba! produced Cabaret—one of the biggest hits in Braodway history (and now playing the Fox). In her review for KDHX, Tina Farmer calls Zorba! "the most beautifully hopeful tragedy I've seen in quite some time. The score and dancing are evocative, drenched with the sounds of Greek folk music. The lyrics are filled with exposition and storytelling reminiscent of the classics. The musical tackles the story of humanity as told through the eyes of an aging man determined to squeeze every last ounce from his own life. Tragic in nature, because we all must die at some point, the tale is nonetheless spirited and filled with love and passion."

Review: "Raiders of the Lost Ark in Concert" shows the versatility of John Williams and the virtuosity of the St. Louis Symphony

This review originally appeared at 88.1 KDHX, where Chuck Lavazzi is the senior performing arts critic.

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John Williams, who turned 86 in February, is probably the best known and most frequently recorded film music composer of the last 100 years. He's certainly one of the most honored, with five Oscars, four Golden Globes, 22 Grammys, seven BAFTA awards, and, for all I know, a partridge in a pear tree.

The reason for his popularity and all those awards was easy to hear Friday night as the St. Louis Symphony performed the score for the 1981 blockbuster Raiders of the Lost Ark while the film was shown on the big screen above the orchestra. Hearing this music live offered a chance to appreciate the way Williams worked decidedly "modern" effects (dissonance, eerie string harmonics, polytonality) into a traditional action score.

Mr. Williams's seemingly bottomless musical toolbox is hardly surprising, though, given the fact that his involvement with the film music business extends all the way back to his days as a jazz keyboardist and film and TV studio pianist. Remember the piano riff for Peter Gunn? That's him. Although classically trained (he studied privately with the Italian composer Mario Castelnuovo-Tedesco), Mr. Williams got his professional experience in an environment in which versatility was a sine qua non.

John Williams

He learned his lessons well, and it's impossible not to admire the inventiveness of his work for Raiders. From the ominous passages for the double reeds and low strings in the opening jungle sequence, to the spiky string figures and syncopation of the "basket chase" scene in a Cairo market, to the heroic march associated with Indiana Jones, this is clearly the work of a master of his craft.

It's also impossible not to admire the consummate skill with which an expanded version of the St. Louis Symphony Orchestra plays this music. Yes, the audience's attention is mostly focused on the on-screen action, but that makes a polished performance of the score all the more important. Nothing can kill the suspension of disbelief quite like a missed entrance or flubbed note.

Of which, naturally, there were none Friday night. Guest conductor Scott Terrell, the music director of the Lexington Philharmonic, led the SLSO in a vital and precise reading of this score. Conducting in synch with a film is an important skill for young conductors these days, and judging from his many credits in this area, Mr. Terrell is a master of that very special craft.

Scott Terrell

So, yeah, Raiders of the Lost Ark at the St. Louis Symphony is great entertainment for the whole family. But it's also a reminder of the days when not every single moment of a movie was underscored. John Williams's exciting and intelligent music reinforces the action and highlights character without beating you over the head constantly. I wish more recent films would follow that same path.

And now, a word from your concert curmudgeon: if this was your first time at Powell or if you only come for the big media events like this one, please show a little class and take your trash to an appropriate receptacle instead of leaving it in the aisles. The symphony is doing you a favor by letting you bring your drinks into the theatre; you should return it by cleaning up after yourself. Just saying.

Next at Powell Hall: Friday and Sunday, March 24 and 26, David Robertson returns to conduct the orchestra and chorus in the local premiere of The Gospel According to the Other Mary by John Adams, a work that they will be presenting at Carnegie Hall on March 31 as part of the Great American Orchestras series.

St. Louis theatre calendar for the week of March 20, 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/drama Driving Miss Daisy Fridays and Saturdays at 7:30 p.m. and Sundays at 2 p.m., March 24 - April 2. "In 1948 Atlanta, Daisy Werthan, a rich, sharp-tongued, Jewish, 72-year-old widow has just demolished another car. Her son Boolie informs her that he will from this point on be hiring a chauffeur for her. Thus begins the 25-year relationship between Daisy and Hoke Colburn, her driver. She regards him with disdain and he is not impressed with her patronizing tone and latent prejudice. But despite their differences, they grow closer and more dependent on each other over time. The once contentious relationship blossoms into a profound, life-altering friendship that transcends all the societal boundaries placed between them. An iconic tale of pride, changing times and the transformative power of friendship." Performances take place at 2450 North Henry in Alton, IL. For more information, call 618.462.6562 or visit altonlittletheater.org.

Take Two Productions the musical It Shoulda Been You March 24 - April 1. The show is "a mad-cap wedding celebration we know you won't want to miss! After all, who doesn't love a wedding? Especially one that includes a beautiful blushing bride, her uninvited and unrequited boyfriend, a groom with a secret, a sister with her own hidden agenda, and a pair of mothers from hell. This refreshingly modern romantic comedy has more than a few surprising twists in store as out comes the bride and groom in a wedding you are sure to remember." Performances take place at Southampton Presbyterian Church, 4716 Macklind. For more information, visit taketwoproductions.org.

The Gateway Men's Chorus presents Light: A Celebration of Life, their 30th anniversary concert, on Sunday, March 26, at 3 p.m. The concert is a "celebration that illuminates the struggles and victories of the LGBT community" and takes place at the 560 Music Center, 560 Trinity in University City. The program includes music by Verdi and Bruckner as well as Radiohead and Florence and the Machine. For more information: gmcstl.org.

Robert Dubac

The Playhouse at Westport Plaza presents The Male Intellect: An Oxymoron? Tuesdays through Sundays through March 26. "On a quest to answer the age old question, 'What do women want?' Robert Dubac seamlessly transforms himself into five hysterical boneheads who each offer sidesplitting advice on how to straddle the gender gap - all while drinking a beer. THE MALE INTELLECT nudges the battle of the sexes towards a humorous détente with everyone lovingly elbowing each other in the end with laughter and recognition." The Playhouse at Westport Plaza is at 635 West Port Plaza. For more information: playhouseatwestport.com.

The St. Louis Public Library presents playwright and actor Richard Garey in Mark Twain Himself on Wednesday, March 22, at 7 p.m. "Garey has delighted audiences throughout the United States, Canada and Bermuda for more than 30 years. He has committed over seven hours of original Twain writing and letters to memory and interacts freely with the audience during the performances maintaining a fresh, impromptu approach." The performance takes place in the auditorium at the Central Library, 1301 Olive downtown. For more information: slpl.bibliocommons.com/events.

Million Dollar Quartet

The Repertory Theatre of St. Louis presents the musical Million Dollar Quartet through April 9. “Million Dollar Quartet is the Tony® Award winning Broadway musical, inspired by the electrifying true story of the famed recording session that brought together rock 'n' roll icons Elvis Presley, Johnny Cash, Jerry Lee Lewis and Carl Perkins for the first and only time.” Performances take place at the Loretto-Hilton Center on the Webster University campus. For more information: repstl.org.

The Fox Theatre presents Motown the Musical opening on Tuesday, March 21, and running through Sunday the 26th. “It began as one man's story… became everyone's music… and is now Broadway's musical. Motown The Musical is the true American dream story of Motown founder Berry Gordy's journey from featherweight boxer to the heavyweight music mogul who launched the careers of Diana Ross, Michael Jackson, Smokey Robinson and many more. Motown shattered barriers, shaped our lives and made us all move to the same beat. Featuring classic songs such as “My Girl” and “Ain't No Mountain High Enough,” experience the story behind the music in the record-breaking smash hit Motown The Musical!” The Fox in at 527 North Grand in Grand Center. For more information: fabulousfox.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.

Never the Sinner
Photo: Eric Woolsey

New Jewish Theater presents Never the Sinner through April 2. "Chicago, 1924. Clarence Darrow is defending Nathan Leopold Jr., age 18, and Robert Loeb, age 19, in the 'Crime of the Century.' The two had decided to commit the 'perfect murder,' just for the thrill of it. Considering themselves Nietzsche's übermensch (supermen), they concluded they were removed from the moral and social imperatives of the world. They brutally murdered 14-year-old Bobby Franks but were quickly apprehended. Darrow's defense of them was an eloquent plea against capital punishment. This exquisite play asks what demons lurked in the minds of these two young men and the complex relationship between them. This is a love story set to themes of crime and punishment, the press, the times, humanism, Nietzsche's philosophy and the end of the jazz age." Performances take place in the Marvin and Harlene Wool Studio Theater at the Jewish Community Center, 2 Millstone Campus Drive in Creve Coeur. For more information: www.newjewishtheatre.org or call 314-442-3283.

The Royale
Photo: Lon Brauer

The Repertory Theatre of St. Louis presents The Royale through March 26. "The brutal rhythm of boxing underscores this brilliantly stylized drama. Rising black prizefighter Jay "The Sport" Jackson dominates his opponents, but the harsh social realities of the early 1900s force him to fight twice as hard to earn recognition outside of the ring. Loosely based on iconic fighter Jack Johnson, The Royale brings us ringside to one man's quest for victory against all odds." Performances take place in the studio theater at the Loretto-Hlton Center, 130 Edgar Road in Webster Groves, MO. For more information, call 314-968-4925 or visit repstl.org.

The St. Louis Theater Circle presents the St. Louis Theater Circle Awards on Monday, March 20, at 7 PM. The awards recognize outstanding achievement in locally produced professional theatre as judged by local theatre critics who are members of the Circle. Presenters will include Chuck Lavazzi of KDHX and Stage Left. Live music will be provided by Joe Dreyer and Jeffrey M. Wright. The ceremony is preceded by an optional buffet dinner at 5:30 PM from With Love Catering and takes place at the Skip Viragh Center on the Chaminade College Campus on North Lindbergh. For more information: brownpapertickets.com.

Alfresco Productions presents the comedy/drama Steel Magnolias March 24 - April 1. "The celebrated Southern classic of family and friendship, this is the story of a group of strong and beautiful women who cluster around Truvy's Beauty Parlow in a small Louisiana parish. The story centers on Shelby, who moves fro wedding to childbirth to medical complications with a love of live and a willingness to face its possibilities bravely with support from steely southern sisterhood." Performances take place at the Alfresco Art Center, 2401 Delmar in Granite City, IL. For more information: (618) 560-1947 or www.alfrescoproductions.org.

Zorba!
Photo: Jill Ritter Lindberg

New Line Theatre presents the Kander and Ebb musical Zorba! Thursdays through Saturdays at 8 PM through March 25. "ZORBA is a fearless, fiery, high-energy musical fable about living out loud, based on the famous 1946 novel Zorba the Greek by Nikos Kazantzakis, its 1964 film adaptaion, and letters that Kander and Ebb found from the real-life Zorba. Originally conceived and directed in 1968 by the legendary Harold Prince, the musical opens in a rowdy bouzouki parlor in Greece where a group of locals has gathered to drink and tell stories. They introduce us to Zorba, the aging hedonist-philosopher dedicated to living life to the fullest, and his very emotional, tragic, but life-affirming encounter with a young man and with the love of a woman." Performances take place at the Marcelle Theater, 3310 Samuel Shepard Drive, three blocks east of Grand, in Grand Center. For more information: newlinetheatre.com.

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.

St. Louis classical calendar for the week of March 20, 2017

The Tallis Scholars

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The Cathedral Basilica of St. Louis presents The Tallis Scholars on Sunday, March 26, at 7:30 p.m. "Leading performers of Renaissance sacred music, privileged to perform in the Sistine Chapel to mark the final stage of Michelangelo's frescoes restoration, The Tallis Scholars have earned world-wide renown as “a capella superstars.” They return to the Cathedral Basilica of St. Louis after a 12 year absence." The performance takes place at the cathedral at 4431 Lindell. For more information: www.cathedralconcerts.org.

The Foundry Art Centre presents a free concert by the St. Charles Symphony Orchestra on Sunday, March 26, at 2 PM. "Co-artistic directors Kenneth Beckham and David Peek will present a diverse orchestral concert including song selections everyone can enjoy. The performance will feature works by Vivaldi, Mozart and more! The Saint Charles Symphony is a multi-faceted ensemble consisting of professional musicians, teachers, talented adults, and gifted students. Enjoy the beautiful sounds of the symphony at this free performance and arrive early to visit the studio artists and exhibitions at the Foundry Art Centre." The Foundry Art Centre is at 520 North Main Center in St. Charles, MO. For more information: foundryartcentre.org.

Ricky Ian Gordon

Opera Theatre of St. Louis presents composer Ricky Ian Gordon performing and discussing selections from his opera The Grapes of Wrath and his song cycle Green Sneakers on Thursday, March 23, at 6 p.m. The event takes place at the Jewish Community Center, 2 Millstone Campus Drive in Creve Coeur. For more information: experienceopera.org.

Opera Theatre of St. Louis presents composer Ricky Ian Gordon in a panel discussion of his opera The Grapes of Wrath on Friday, March 24, at 7 p.m. Also on the panel are Missouri History Museum Curator Sharon Smith and Cinema St. Louis Executive Director Cliff Froehlich. The discussion is moderated by OTSL General Director Timothy O'Leary and takes place at the Missouri History Museum in Forest Park. For more information: experienceopera.org.

The St. Louis Classical Guitar Society presents a Great Artist Guitar Series concert with David Russell on Saturday, March 25, at 8 p.m. " World renowned for his superb musicianship and inspired artistry, Scottish guitarist David Russell was 2005 GRAMMY award winner for his CD “Aire Latino” in the category of best instrumental classical soloist!" The performance takes at the Ethical Society of St. Louis, 9001 Clayton Road. For more information: guitarstlouis.net.

David Robertson conducts the St. Louis Symphony Orchestra and Chorus in The Gospel According to the Other Mary by John Adams on Friday at 8 p.m. and Sunday at 3 p.m., March 24 and 26. "American composer John Adams' The Gospel According to the Other Mary combines the traditional passion story with contemporary voices of social activism and spirituality. The dramatic setting makes this biblical narrative a present and gripping reality as it weaves together stories of joy, woe and the miraculous for a powerful performance not-to-be-missed. Join David Robertson, the STL Symphony and Chorus for these electrifying concerts before they perform the work at Carnegie Hall in celebration of the composer's 70th birthday." The performances take place at Powell Symphony Hall, 718 North Grand in Grand Center. For more information: stlsymphony.org.

The Touhill Performing Arts Center presents The Arianna String Quartet in a performance of the complete string quartets of Brahms on Wednesday, March 22, at 8 PM. "For performers and audiences alike, the works of Johannes Brahms stand as some of the most cherished music of all time. In an evening that can only be described as a one-of-a-kind concert experience (and a St. Louis first!), the Arianna String Quartet offers all three of Brahms' celebrated string quartets, back to back! Brahms: Quartet in C minor, Op. 51, No.1; Quartet in A minor, Op.51, No.2; Quartet in B-flat Major, Op.67." The Touhill Performing Arts Center in on the University of Missouri at St. Louis campus. For more information: touhill.org.