St. Louis theatre calendar for the week of August 28, 2017

Church Basement Ladies

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The Playhouse at Westport Plaza presents Church Basement Ladies Thursdays through Sundays through October 1. "Church Basement Ladies, a celebration of the church basement kitchen and the women who work there, features four distinct characters and their relationships as they organize the food and the problems of a rural Minnesota church. From the elderly matriarch of the kitchen to the young bride-to-be learning the proper order of things, the book and music give us a touching, funny look at their lives as we see them handle a record breaking Christmas dinner, the funeral of a dear friend, a Hawaiian Easter Fundraiser, and a steaming hot July wedding. They stave off potential disasters, share and debate recipes, instruct the young, and keep the Pastor on due course while thoroughly enjoying, (and tolerating) each other." The Playhouse at Westport Plaza is at 635 West Port Plaza. For more information: playhouseatwestport.com.

The Lemp Mansion Comedy-Mystery Dinner Theater presents The Haunted Hunter through October 27. "The rumor is true! Word on the street? This place is Haunted! That's right! ...and lots of famous sleuths, detectives and ghost hunters from around the world will be there to catch a glimpse of our famous, (and elusive), ghost "Billy", (better known as "Billy, the Spook"). Gee! If someone gets "Whacked", we'll have plenty of detectives to solve the crime, won't we! Everyone plays a part! You could be "Sherlock Homes", "Miss Garble", or even "The Hardly Boys". Call today for tickets to this "hauntingly silly" dinner theater." The Lemp Mansion is at 3322 DeMenil Place. For more information: lempmansion.com.

Next Generation Theatre Company presents the musical The Hunchback of Notre Dame through September 2nd. The show is based on the Victor Hugo novel and songs from the Disney animated feature, showcasing the film's Academy Award-nominated score, as well as new songs by Menken and Schwartz. Peter Parnell's new book embraces story theatre and features verbatim passages from Hugo's gothic novel. Performances take place at the Florissant Civic Center Theatre at Parker and Waterford in Florissant, MO. For more information, call 314-921-5678 or visit www.nextgenerationtheatre.company.

In the Heights
Photo: Jill Ritter Photography

R-S Theatrics presents the musical In the Heights Fridays and Saturdays at 8 p.m. and Sundays at 7 p.m., through September 3. "In the Heights, the 2008 Tony Award Winner for Best Musical, has words and music by Lin-Manuel Miranda, writer of the current Grammy and Tony Award winning hit Hamilton! In the Heights is set in New York City's vibrant Washington Heights, a community on the brink of change, full of hopes and dreams, where the biggest struggles can be deciding which traditions you take with you, and which ones you leave behind. This groundbreaking musical tackles the universal story of chasing your dreams and finding your true home." Performances take place at the .ZACK, 3224 Locust in midttown. For more information: r-stheatrics.com.

Meghan Kirk

The Presenters Dolan presents Meghan Kirk: Out of My Head on Friday, September 1st, at 8 p.m. Meghan is a Cabaret performer and voice teacher based in St Louis, Mo. "Meghan has been studying voice for over 25 years and holds a BFA in Musical Theatre from Stephens College. Moving to NYC in 1996, Meghan worked in regional theatre and after a move to Los Angeles she discovered the art of Cabaret. In her brand new show, Meghan brings her personal travelogue alive through story and songs." The performance takes place at The Stage at KDHX, next to the Jazz Bistro in Grand Center. For more information: presentersdolan.com.

The Bissell Mansion Murder Mystery Dinner Theatre presents Smoking Gun through October 29. The Bissell Mansion is at 4426 Randall Place. For more information: bissellmansiontheatre.com.

St. Louis Shakespeare presents Titus Andronicus Thursdays at 7:30 p.m., Fridays and Saturdays at 8 p.m., and Sundays at 2 p.m. through September 3. Performances take place at the Ivory Theatre, 7620 Michigan in the Carondelet neighborhood. For more information, call 314-361-5664 or visit stlshakespeare.org.

Rebel and Misfits Productions presents Uncle Vanya: Valiantly Accepting Next Year's Agony Thursdays through Sundays, August 24 through September 3, as part of its Immersive Theatre Project. "The story of Uncle Vanya follows an elderly professor and his young, glamorous second wife, Yelena, to a rural estate, causing the desires and tempers of those residing there to flare. Matters are brought to a crisis when the professor announces his selfish intention to sell the estate and characters' desperation sets in. Rebel and Misfits' interpretation will begin with a high-tea reception and feature Russian libations at intermission. Audiences can expect direct contact with characters from the show throughout the evening as part of the immersive theatre experience. Performances take place at a private residence at 110 Dielman Road in Ladue. For more information: theimmersivetheatreproject.com.

Stray Dog Theatre New Works Laboratory presents a Young Playwrights Showcase Thursday through Saturday at 8 p.m., August 31 - September 2. The evening consists the one-act plays We Are Not Cured by Meghan McLeroy and First Chair by Robert M. Kapeller. "With the New Works Laboratory, the audience, performers and writer all take part in the play development process. The writer creates the script, the actors translate the page to the stage and audience members exchange immediate and uncensored reaction to the play, providing all with insight into further development of the product. Playwrights with a unique vision, innovative subject matter, and diverse perspectives are thus given a voice-which otherwise might never be afforded to them in the contemporary world of performing arts. Admission is FREE and open to the public." Performances take place at The Tower Grove Abbey, 2336 Tennessee. For more information, visit straydogtheatre.org or call 314-865-1995.

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.