Monday, April 30, 2018

St. Louis classical calendar for the week of April 30, 2018

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St. Louis Cathedral Concerts presents their Annual Gala on Sunday, May 6, at 6 pm. "Attendees will enjoy cocktails and hors d'oeuvres, an oral auction, an elegant dinner and a special live performance by pianist Orli Shaham. Cathedral Concerts will present the “Great Music Award” to Maestro David Robertson for his exemplary leadership and outstanding musical performances around the world." The event takes place at The Coronado, 3701 Lindell in Grand Center. For more information: www.cathedralconcerts.org.

Wynton Marsalis
David Robertson conducts the St. Louis Symphony Orchestra with clarinetist Scott Andrews and Wynton Marsalis and the Jazz and Lincoln Center Orchestra Friday and and Saturday at 8 pm and Sunday at 3 pm, May 4 - 6. The program consists the "Swing Symphony" by Wynton Marsalis along with music by Leonard Bernstein. The concerts take place at Powell Symphony Hall, 718 North Grand in Grand Center. For more information: stlsymphony.org.

The Sheldon Concert Hall presents a concert by the Clarion Brass on Tuesday and Wednesday, May 1 and 2, at 10 am. "Led by trumpeter Mary Weber, Clarion Brass will swing us into spring with songs like 'Royal Garden Blues,' 'Blue Rondo Ala Turk,' 'Edelweiss,' 'Maple Leaf Rag' and 'Blue Skies!' Composed of five of the best brass players St. Louis has to offer, the Clarion Brass captures the beauty and majesty of brass repertoire." The Sheldon is at 3648 Washington in Grand Center. For more information: thesheldon.org.

The Touhill Performing Arts Center presents The Arianna String Quartet in An Evening With Shostokovich on Friday, May 4, at 8 p.m. "The ASQ closes out the 2017-18 season with an evening dedicated to the music and splendor of Dmitri Shostakovich. From the innocent clarity of Quartet No.1, through the tortured angst of Quartet No.8, to the introspection of his Quartet No.15, the Arianna Quartet will take the audience on a soulful journey into the spirit and mind of the great Russian composer, glimpsing the power and passion that is Shostakovich. " The Touhill Center is on the campus of the University of Missouri at St. Louis. For more information: touhill.org.

The Washington University Department of Music presents a Flute Choir Concert on Monday, April 30, at 7:30 pm. The event takes place in the Pillsbury Theatre at the 560 Music Center at 560 Trinity in University City. For more information, music.wustl.edu/events.

The Washington University Department of Music presents a concert by the Momenta Quartet on Thursday, May 3, at 7:30 pm. The event, which includes the world premiere of a work by Christopher Stark takes place in the E. Desmond Lee Concert Hall at the 560 Music Center at 560 Trinity in University City. For more information, music.wustl.edu/events.

St. Louis theatre calendar for the week of April 30, 2018

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The Gateway Men's Chorus presents Cabaret Risqué: FELLA-nies and MISS-demeanors, its annual fundraiser, on Saturday, May 5, at 7 p.m. Lolla van Ella will host the event, which "will feature a troupe of talented, diverse entertainers performing a variety of burlesque and vaudeville numbers appropriate for an adult audience." The performance takes place at the Mad Art Gallery, the former third district police station at 12th and Lynch in Soulard. For more information: gatewaymenschorus.org.

Circus Flora presents its new show, The Case of the Missing Bellhop through May 13. "The world-famous Balding Hotel has long been an exclusive getaway for dignitaries and nobility from around the world. A place where the staff and crew have unusual skills and where people can go about their business without many questions asked - making the hotel famous for luxury and impeccable service. But when a beloved bellhop goes missing, the Balding begins to attract attention. Secrets proliferate and questions abound! What happened to the bellhop, and who knew about it?" The show takes place at Circus Flora's new home at 3401 Washington in Grand Center. For more information: circusflora.org.

A Closer Walk With Patsy Cline
The Playhouse at Westport Plaza presents A Closer Walk With Patsy Cline through May 6. "The hit musical A Closer Walk with Patsy Cline is America's favorite Patsy Cline tribute starring Julie Johnson. This happy, loving tribute to country music's most enduring superstar traces the legendary singer's rise from her hometown in Winchester, Virginia to the Grand Ole Opry, Las Vegas and Carnegie Hall. Patsy Cline defined the term "crossover hit" by dominating country, blues, pop and gospel charts simultaneously in the 1950s and early '60s. Featuring 21 of Patsy's greatest hits." The Playhouse at Westport Plaza is at 635 West Port Plaza. For more information: playhouseatwestport.com.

CSZ St. Louis presents The ComedySportz Show on Saturday nights at 7:30 pm. The show is "action-packed, interactive and hilarious comedy played as a sport. Two teams battle it out for points and your laughs! You choose the winners the teams provide the funny!" Performances take place on the second floor of the Sugar Cubed, 917 S Main St. in St Charles, Mo. For more information: www.cszstlouis.com.

The Touhill Performing Arts Center presents An Evening With Audra McDonald on Sunday, May 6, at 7 pm. " Audra McDonald is unparalleled in the breadth and versatility of her artistry as both a singer and an actress. The winner of a record-breaking six Tony Awards, two Grammy Awards, and an Emmy Award, she received a 2015 National Medal of Arts from President Barack Obama and was also named one of Time magazine's 100 most influential people that year." The Touhill Center is on the University of Missouri St. Louis campus. For more information: touhill.org.

Unity Theatre Ensemble presents Everything Must Change Friday and Saturday, May 4 and 5, at 8 pm. " Throughout history the poet and performing artist have addressed injustice and social intolerance with an artistic expression that promotes awareness, enlightenment, and a motivation for open communication among people and an improved cultural understanding among societies. With the continued increase of intolerance, acts of inhumanity and violence and the endless spewing of venomous words resulting in hatred and separation, Unity Theatre Ensemble was compelled to present a limited encore of the musical theater experience: EVERYTHING MUST CHANGE (MESSAGE IN THE MUSIC). Come and explore through music, song, dance and poetry the elements of hatred, intolerance and racism infesting our culture and the need for acceptance, harmony and everyone's responsibility to improve and embrace change. Come be encouraged and inspired to celebrate what unites all of us rather than divides us." Performances take place at the Ivory Theatre, 7622 Michigan in the Carondelet neighborhood. For more information: www.utensemble.org.

The Lemp Mansion Comedy-Mystery Dinner Theater presents A Fistful of Hollers through July 28. The Lemp Mansion is at 3322 DeMenil Place. For more information: lempmansion.com.

Wentzville Christian Church Theatre Group presents the musical Footloose Friday at 7 pm, Saturday at 2 and 7 pm, and Sunday at 2 pm, May 4 - 6. Wentzville Christian Church is at 1507 Highway Z in Wentzville, MO. For more information: www.wentzvillecc.org.

The Bissell Mansion Murder Mystery Dinner Theatre presents Get "Hitched" To A Redneck Or Die May 4 - July 29. The Bissell Mansion is at 4426 Randall Place. For more information: bissellmansiontheatre.com.

Kirkwood Theatre Guild presents the musical Guys and Dolls May 4 - 13. " Considered by many to be the perfect musical the tale chronicles gambler, Nathan Detroit, as he tries to find the cash to set up the biggest craps game in town. The authorities are breathing down his neck; meanwhile, his girlfriend, nightclub performer, Adelaide, laments that they've been engaged for 14 years. Nathan turns to fellow gambler, Sky Masterson, for the dough, and as a result, Sky ends up chasing the straight-laced missionary, Sarah Brown. The story takes us from the heart of Times Square to the cafes of Havana, Cuba, and even into the sewers of New York City, with the memorable music from Frank Loesser." Performances take place in the Robert G. Reim Theatre of the Kirkwood Community Center, 111 South Geyer Road. For more information, call 314-821-9956 or visit ktg-onstage.org.

Act Two Theatre presents the comedy Leading Ladies Fridays ad Saturdays at 7:30 and Sundays a 2 p.m. through May 6. "In this hilarious comedy, two English Shakespearean actors, Jack and Leo, find their careers in a rut. They are currently performing "Scenes from Shakespeare" on the Moose Lodge circuit in the Amish country of Pennsylvania. When they hear that an old lady in York, PA is about to die and leave her fortune to her two long lost English nephews, the traveling actors resolve to pass themselves off as her beloved relatives and get the cash. Hilarity ensues when it turns out the relatives are actually nieces and not nephews. Things get even more complicated when Leo falls madly in love with the old lady's vivacious niece, Meg, who's engaged to the local minister." 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.

Lindenwood University presents the student improv comedy troupe The Nick of Time Players on Tuesday, May 1, at 7:30 pm " The Nick of Time Players are directed by Theatre Program Professor Larry Quiggins. The troupe has several performances throughout the year that are sure to leave your sides splitting!" The performances take place in the Emerson Black Bos 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.

KTK Productions presents the comedy Over the River and Through the Woods Thursdays through Saturdays at 8 p.m. and Sundays at 2 p.m. through May 6. "Nick is a single, Italian-American guy from New Jersey. His parents retired and moved to Florida. That doesn't mean his family isn't still in Jersey. In fact, he sees both sets of his grandparents every Sunday for dinner. This is routine until he has to tell them that he's been offered a dream job. The job he's been waiting for-marketing executive-would take him away from his beloved, but annoying, grandparents. He tells them. The news doesn't sit so well. Thus begins a series of schemes to keep Nick around. How could he betray his family's love to move to Seattle, for a job, wonder his grandparents? Well, Frank, Aida, Nunzio and Emma do their level best, and that includes bringing to dinner the lovely-and single-Caitlin O'Hare as bait…we won't give the ending away here." Performances take place at Southampton Presbyterian Church, 4716 Macklind. For more information: kurtainkall.org or call 314-351-8984.

The University of Missouri at St. Louis presents Pageant Play Friday and Saturday at 7:30 pm and Sunday at 2 pm, May 4 - 6. "Welcome to the hilarious, terrifying and surreal world of child beauty pageants. Pinky Corningfield will do anything to make sure her little angel wins the ultimate title, Supreme Queen. When Marge, a newcomer to the pageant circuit, shows up and starts grabbing all the glory, Pinky and her minions, Bob and Bobby, use some unorthodox methods in order to ensure her darling, Chevrolet, is victorious. Glitz. Glamour. Kidnapping. Money." Performances take place at the Kranzberg Arts Center, 501 North Grand in Grand Center. For more information: kranzbergartscenter.org

The Theatre Guild of Webster Groves presents the farce Run For Your Wife Fridays through Sundays, May 4 - 12. Performances take place in the Guild theatre at Newport and Summit in Webster Groves, MO. For more information: theatreguildwg.org or call 314-962-0876.

The Rogue Theatre Company presents Stop Kiss Fridays through Sundays at 7:30 pm through May 6. "After Callie and Sara unexpectedly fall in love, a violent attack changes everything. Though you never see the actual assault, our journey takes the audience back and forth through time to highlight it's impact on the players and their intertwined connections with each other." Performances take place at 1320 Milton Rd. in Alton IL. For more information: riverbender.com

David Giuntoli
The Presenters Dolan presents David Giuntoli, along with Jesse Gannon on piano, Ben Wheeler on bass, and Steve Tatum on drums, in We've Got a World That Swings on Friday, May 4, at 8 pm. "David Giuntoli and his trio perform and evening of swinging songs, made famous by some of the greats of this genre. The show includes: We've Got a World That Swings; The Best is Yet to Come; Night and Day; Here Goes; Copacabana; New York, New York; Come Fly With Me; My Way; and more." The performances take place at The Kranzberg Arts Center, 501 N. Grand in Grand Center. For more information: www.metrotix.com.

The Looking Glass Playhouse presents The Wizard of Oz Thursdays through Saturdays at 7:30 pm and Sundays at 2 pm, May 3 - 13. Performances take place at 301 West St. Louis Street in Lebanon, Ill. For more information, visit www.lookingglassplayhouse.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.

Sunday, April 22, 2018

St. Louis theatre calendar for the week of April 23, 2018

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St. Louis University Theatre presents the rock musical Bloody Bloody Andrew Jackson Thursday through Saturday at 8 p.m. and Sunday at 2 p.m., April 26 - 29. Performances take place in Xavier Hall, 3373 West Pine Mall. For more information, call 314-977-3327 or visit slu.edu/utheatre.

Circus Flora presents its new show, The Case of the Missing Bellhop through May 13. "The world-famous Balding Hotel has long been an exclusive getaway for dignitaries and nobility from around the world. A place where the staff and crew have unusual skills and where people can go about their business without many questions asked - making the hotel famous for luxury and impeccable service. But when a beloved bellhop goes missing, the Balding begins to attract attention. Secrets proliferate and questions abound! What happened to the bellhop, and who knew about it?" The show takes place at Circus Flora's new home at 3401 Washington in Grand Center. For more information: circusflora.org.

A Closer Walk With Patsy Cline
The Playhouse at Westport Plaza presents A Closer Walk With Patsy Cline through May 6. "The hit musical A Closer Walk with Patsy Cline is America's favorite Patsy Cline tribute starring Julie Johnson. This happy, loving tribute to country music's most enduring superstar traces the legendary singer's rise from her hometown in Winchester, Virginia to the Grand Ole Opry, Las Vegas and Carnegie Hall. Patsy Cline defined the term “crossover hit” by dominating country, blues, pop and gospel charts simultaneously in the 1950s and early '60s. Featuring 21 of Patsy's greatest hits." The Playhouse at Westport Plaza is at 635 West Port Plaza. For more information: playhouseatwestport.com.

CSZ St. Louis presents The ComedySportz Show on Saturday nights at 7:30 pm. The show is "action-packed, interactive and hilarious comedy played as a sport. Two teams battle it out for points and your laughs! You choose the winners the teams provide the funny!" Performances take place on the second floor of the Sugar Cubed, 917 S Main St. in St Charles, Mo. For more information: www.cszstlouis.com.

St. Louis Actors' Studio presents The Dresser through Aprl 29. "Based on the author's own experiences as dresser to Sir Donald Wolfit, this bracing, heartbreaking drama is an elegy to a by-gone era. Backstage at a theatre in the English provinces during WWII, Sir, the last of the great breed of English actor/managers, is in a bad way tonight, as his dresser Norman tries valiantly to prepare him to go on stage as King Lear. Unsure of his lines as well as who and where he is supposed to be, Sir is adamantly determined to roar his last. With Herculean effort on the part of Norman, Sir finally makes it on stage and through the performance no thanks to an air raid courtesy of the Luftwaffe. Back in his dressing room after the performance, the worn out old trouper dies, leaving alone his company and the loyal dresser after one final bow." Performances take place at the Gaslight Theatre, 358 North Boyle For more information, call 314-458-2978 or visit stlas.org.

The Bankside Repertory Theatre Company presents Falling by Deanna Jent through April 28. " What constitutes a "normal" family? Jent's remarkable play presents the joys and challenges of real life family dynamics when one member is autistic." Performances take place at The Jacoby Arts Center, 627 E. Broadway in Alton, IL. For more information: www.banksiderep.com.

The Lemp Mansion Comedy-Mystery Dinner Theater presents A Fistful of Hollers through July 28. The Lemp Mansion is at 3322 DeMenil Place. For more information: lempmansion.com.

Jesus Christ Superstar
Photo by Justin Been
Stray Dog Theatre presents Andrew Lloyd Webber's Jesus Christ Superstar Thursdays through Saturdays through April 28. There will also be performances at 2 pm on Sunday, April 22, and 8 pm on Wednesday, April 18 and 25. "Jesus Christ Superstar has captivated audiences for more than 40 years. Loosely based on the Gospels of Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John, this timeless rock opera follows the last week of Jesus' life, exploring his personal relationships and struggles with Judas Iscariot, Mary Magdalene, his disciples, and the Roman Empire" Performances take place at The Tower Grove Abbey, 2336 Tennessee. For more information, visit straydogtheatre.org or call 314-865-1995.

The Midnight Company presents Abby Mann's drama Judgment at Nuremberg Wednesday through Friday at 7:30 pm, Saturday at 2 and 7:30 pm, and Sunday at 2 pm, April 25 - 29. " JUDGMENT AT NUREMBERG depicts the second wave of Post World War II trials at Nuremberg, as influential judges who cooperated with the Nazis, including the character Ernst Janning, portrayed as one of the most eminent German legal minds of the pre war era, face a military tribunal." Performances take place in the auditorium at the Missouri History Museum in Forest Park. For more information: midnightcompany.com.

Act Two Theatre presents the comedy Leading Ladies Fridays ad Saturdays at 7:30 and Sundays a 2 p.m., April 25 - May 6. "In this hilarious comedy, two English Shakespearean actors, Jack and Leo, find their careers in a rut. They are currently performing “Scenes from Shakespeare” on the Moose Lodge circuit in the Amish country of Pennsylvania. When they hear that an old lady in York, PA is about to die and leave her fortune to her two long lost English nephews, the traveling actors resolve to pass themselves off as her beloved relatives and get the cash. Hilarity ensues when it turns out the relatives are actually nieces and not nephews. Things get even more complicated when Leo falls madly in love with the old lady's vivacious niece, Meg, who's engaged to the local minister." 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.

The Bissell Mansion Murder Mystery Dinner Theatre presents Mayhem in Mayberry through April 30. "Welcome to the 10th annual Mayberry-fest. Everyone is looking forward to the highlight of this event - the Miss Mayberry contest. YOU and Sheriff Andy Trailer will judge the contestants (chosen from the audience) on beauty, poise, cookin' skills and a new category this year - Hog callin'. Will the next Miss Mayberry be the vivacious Dazey Doof from Hazzard County? Or the beautiful hillbilly, Elly May Klumpett? Or will it be the lovely Lois Lame from Smallville? Don't county out the charming Paris Hoosier from Hoosierville. She's the main reason the train stops at Petticoat Junction! Sheriff Andy, Deputy Blarney and Aint Bee invite you to join the fun and the mayhem in Mayberry cause it won't be the same without y'all." The Bissell Mansion is at 4426 Randall Place. For more information: bissellmansiontheatre.com.

Florissant Fine Arts Council presents the National Players production Shakespeare's Othello on Sunday, April 29, at 1:30 pm at the Florissant Civic Center Theatre at Parker Road at Waterford Drive in Florissant, MO. " This classic tale of identity, bigotry and deceit is examined with contemporary clarity, combining Shakespeare's language with modern clothing to transform the drama into a powerful story for America today." For more information, call 314-921-5678 or visit florissantfinearts.com

KTK Productions presents the comedy Over the River and Through the Woods Thursdays through Saturdays at 8 p.m. and Sundays at 2 p.m., April 27 - May 6. " Nick is a single, Italian-American guy from New Jersey. His parents retired and moved to Florida. That doesn't mean his family isn't still in Jersey. In fact, he sees both sets of his grandparents every Sunday for dinner. This is routine until he has to tell them that he's been offered a dream job. The job he's been waiting for-marketing executive-would take him away from his beloved, but annoying, grandparents. He tells them. The news doesn't sit so well. Thus begins a series of schemes to keep Nick around. How could he betray his family's love to move to Seattle, for a job, wonder his grandparents? Well, Frank, Aida, Nunzio and Emma do their level best, and that includes bringing to dinner the lovely-and single-Caitlin O'Hare as bait…we won't give the ending away here.” Performances take place at Southampton Presbyterian Church, 4716 Macklind. For more information: kurtainkall.org or call 314-351-8984.

Lion's Paw Theatre Company presents Plays on the Menu, a reading of the plays Fortune is a Cowboy by M. G. Elsey, Today a Little Extra by Michael Kassin, and The Long Retreat by Julius Saltzman, on Tuesday, April 24, at noon at The Hearth Room at The Hawken House, 1155 South Rock Hill Road. The readings include lunch. For more information: lionspawtheatre.org.

Lion's Paw Theatre Company presents Plays on the Menu, a reading of the plays Fortune is a Cowboy by M. G. Elsey, Today a Little Extra by Michael Kassin, and The Long Retreat by Julius Saltzman, on Wednesday, April 25, at noon at St. Louis Artists' Guild, 12 North Jackson in Clayton. The readings include lunch. For more information: lionspawtheatre.org.

The St. Louis Writers' Group presents a reading of the play Shamhat by Brad Slavik on Monday, April 23, at 6:30 pm. "The epic of Gilgamesh has been told and retold for four millennia, but not from the view point of one of its minor though most important characters, the prostitute Shamhat. This is her side of the story from the taming of the wild man Enkidu to the battles with demons and monsters and finally the departing of the one person who cared for her." The event takes place upstairs at Big Daddy's, 1000 Sidney in Soulard. For more information: www.stlwritersgroup.com.

The Rogue Theatre Company presents Stop Kiss Fridays through Sundays at 7:30 pm, April 27 - May 6. " After Callie and Sara unexpectedly fall in love, a violent attack changes everything. Though you never see the actual assault, our journey takes the audience back and forth through time to highlight it's impact on the players and their intertwined connections with each other." Performances take place at 1320 Milton Rd. in Alton IL. For more information: riverbender.com

The Black Rep presents the world premiere of Torn Asunder by Nikkole Salter running through April 29th. "TORN ASUNDER is set in Prince George's County, MD, 1859. Hannah, a relatively contented enslaved woman, has her world rocked when her master dies and she, for the first time, is separated from her family, new husband, and baby. But, just as she begins to lose all hope to ever see her husband and child again, the seceded south falls to the Union, slavery is abolished with the 13th Amendment, and Hannah has the opportunity to put her family back together...if she can find them. TORN ASUNDER dramatizes true stories of newly emancipated African Americans trying to overcome the ever-present vestiges of chattel slavery to reconnect with their families. Based on the research of Prof. Heather Andrea Williams in her book HELP ME TO FIND MY PEOPLE. Nikkole Salter was commissioned by Prof. Heather Andrea Williams and Kathy A. Perkins to write the script." Performances take place at the Edison Theatre on the Washington University campus. For more information: theblackrep.org.

A Tree Falling
Photo by Virginia Harold
Upstream Theater presents the U.S. premiere of A Tree Falling Fridays and Saturdays at 8 pm and Sundays at 7 pm (except for April 29, which is at 2 pm) through April 29. "Octogenarian Lenny was once a busy physician at the epicenter of a vibrant family who now has no recollection whatever of his earlier life. These days his chief adventure is the daily tracking down of the remote control-at least until a friendly social worker named Lola shows up. Try as she might to help Lenny recover his memory, though, he continues to live within the moment, and the poignancy of his plight forces Lola to question the meaning of her own past as well as her future." Performances take place at the Kranzberg Arts Center, 501 North Grand in Grand Center. For more information, including show times: upstreamtheater.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.

St. Louis classical calendar for the week of April 23, 2018

Erin Bode
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The Bach Society of St. Louis presents Bach and Jazz on Tuesday, April 24, at 6 pm. "One part Bach and one part jazz, shaken-not stirred. The ultimate composer's most familiar melodies presented in a unique jazz style! Featuring guitarist Steve Schenkel, pianist Kim Portnoy and vocalist Erin Bode. Presented by Centene Charitable Foundation as part of the 2018 St. Louis Bach Festival." The concert takes place at Jazz at the Bistro, 3536 Washington in Grand Center. For more information: bachsociety.org.

The Bach Society of St. Louis presents Bach's St. Matthew Passion on Saturday, April 28, at 2 pm. "Bach's St. Matthew Passion first moved audiences nearly three centuries ago in Liepzig, Germany. As the climax to our 2018 Bach Festival, experience the power and intimacy of this masterpiece through Bach's engaging account of the Gospel story. Guest soloists include: Steven Soph as the Evangelist, Stephen Morscheck as Jesus, soprano Mary Wilson, mezzo-soprano Kim Leeds, tenor Kyle Stegall and baritone Elijah Blaisdell. Presented in collaboration with Missouri Baptist University as part of the 2018 St. Louis Bach Festival, presented by Centene Charitable Foundation." The concert takes place at at the Pillsbury Chapel at Missouri Baptist University. For more information: bachsociety.org.

The Missouri Women's Chorus presents For All The Saints, "a concert featuring music by women saints, about women saints, and based on the texts of women saints," on Sunday, April 29, at 3 pm. The performance takes place at St. Gabriel the Archangel, 6303 Nottingham in St. Louis For more information: missouriwomenschorus.org.

Christian Tatzlaff
David Robertson conducts the St. Louis Symphony Orchestra with violin soloist Christian Tetzlaff on Friday at 10:30 am and and Saturday at 8 pm, April 27 and 28. The program consists of the 2007 Violin Concerto by Jörg Widmann and Bruckner's Symphony No. 4, "Romantic." The concerts take place at Powell Symphony Hall, 718 North Grand in Grand Center. For more information: stlsymphony.org.

The Seldon Concert Hall presents the Perseid Quartet on Tuesday, April 24, at 7:30 pm. "Formed in 2013, the St. Louis based Perseid String Quartet has already generated acclaim for its polished, energetic performances and engagement with audiences. Members of the quartet serve as faculty members at colleges and community music schools, and their collective performing experience includes positions in regional orchestras and opera productions, historically informed performances on Baroque instruments, and playing in a rock band." The Sheldon is at 3648 Washington in Grand Center. For more information: thesheldon.org.

The Touhill Performing Arts Center presents the Equinox Chamber Players on Tuesday, April 24, at 7:30 pm. "Of all standard chamber music ensembles, the woodwind quintet gives composers the richest variety of tonal color with which to experiment. The Equinox Chamber Players will showcase this palette in works by Mary Jane Leach, Phillip Bimstein, Justinian Tamasuza, Frank Bridge and Zachary Cairns that explore the sonic and rhythmic worlds of the Kaibab Plateau, Uganda, St. Louis and the physicality of sound itself. The finale of the program will add the rich woodiness of the marimba to the ensemble in an exciting work by Zachary Cairns featuring Equinox friend Jeffrey Barudin." The Touhill Center is on the campus of the University of Missouri at St. Louis. For more information: touhill.org.

The Washington University Department of Music presents a Guitar Gala on Wednesday, April 25 at 8 pm. The concert takes place in Graham Chapel on the Washington University campus in University City. For more information, music.wustl.edu/events.

The Washington University Department of Music presents a Wind Ensemble Concert on Thursday, April 26, at 7:30 pm. The event takes place in the E. Desmond Lee Concert Hall at the 560 Music Center at 560 Trinity in University City. For more information, music.wustl.edu/events.

Cortango
The Washington University Department of Music presents Celebrate Five Years of Cortango on Friday, April 27, at 7:30 pm. "Please join us for a very special evening to celebrate five years of Cortango. This show will share the story of Cortango from the very beginning until now, featuring the great dance and concert music of Tango, and with bonus selections by Joplin, Gershwin - and Prince! Cortango is a Tango, Classical and Jazz fusion concert and dance band featuring members of the Saint Louis Symphony. Founded and led by Cally Banham, a trained social Tango dancer, the band is named for her instrument, the 'Cor anglais', or 'English horn' - the atypical instrument in this otherwise orquesta tipica! Cortango's songbook comes entirely from original arrangements made by members of the ensemble, and by Argentine bandoneon player and Tango arranger, Julian Hasse." The event takes place in the E. Desmond Lee Concert Hall at the 560 Music Center at 560 Trinity in University City. For more information, music.wustl.edu/events.

The Washington University Department of Music presents a concert by the Washington University Symphony Orchestra on Sunday, April 29, at 7 pm. The event includes music by Borodin and Glinka and takes place in the E. Desmond Lee Concert Hall at the 560 Music Center at 560 Trinity in University City. For more information, music.wustl.edu/events.

Saturday, April 14, 2018

St. Louis theatre calendar for the week of April 16, 2018

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St. Charles Community College presents the romantic comedy Almost, Maine Wednesday at 7:30 p.m., Thursday at 10 a.m. and 7:30 p.m., Friday and Saturday at 7:30 p.m., and Sunday at 2 p.m., April 18 - 22. "Almost, Maine is a series of nine amiably absurdist vignettes about love, with a touch of good-natured magic realism. On a cold, clear, moonless night in the middle of winter, all is not quite what it seems in the remote, mythical town of Almost, Maine. As the northern lights hover in the star-filled sky above, the town's residents find themselves falling in and out of love in unexpected and often hilarious ways. Knees are bruised and hearts are broken, but the bruises heal, and the hearts mend-almost-in this delightful midwinter night's dream." Performances take place in the FAB Theater in the Donald D. Shook Fine Arts Building on the campus at 4601 Mid Rivers Mall Drive in Cottleville, MO. For more information, call 636-922-8050 or visit stchas.edu.

The Performing Arts Department at Washington University presents Aunt Dan and Lemon Fridays and Saturdays at 8 pm and Sundays at 2 pm through April 22. "Lemon has a notion that the Nazis were really quite 'refreshing' because they were never hypocrites and she articulates her admiration for them with ease, humor and intelligence. Aunt Dan, a former Oxford don, reveres everything Henry Kissinger has ever done, defends the bombing of North Vietnam, and regales Lemon with deadly and salacious tales about her prostitute friend Mindy. 'Simply put, this is a play about how literate, civilized societies can drift en masse into beastliness and commit the most obscene acts of history.' (Frank Rich, New York Times). Shawn's play would have us hear what evil sounds like close up - how funny, smart and lurid it can be." The performances take place in the Edison Theatre on the Washington University campus. For more information, call 314-935-6543 or visit pad.artsci.wustl.edu.

St. Louis Community College at Meramec presents the musical Avenue Q Wednesday through Saturday at 7:30 and Sunday at 2 pm, April 18 - 22. "Avenue Q is part flesh, part felt and packed with heart. The laugh-outloud musical tells the timeless story of a recent college grad named Princeton, who moves into a shabby New York apartment all the way out on Avenue Q. He soon discovers that, although the residents seem nice, it's clear that this is not your ordinary neighborhood. Together, Princeton and his new-found friends struggle to find jobs, dates and their ever-elusive purpose in life. Avenue Q, Winner of the Tony “Triple Crown”, is a truly unique musical that addresses humorous adult issues while being similar to a beloved children's show; a place where puppets are friends, monsters are good and life lessons are learned. Mature audiences only. Admission is free. Sunday performance will be interpreted for the deaf and hard of hearing." 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.

The Bankside Repertory Theatre Company presents Falling by Deanna Jent April 19 - 28. " What constitutes a "normal" family? Jent's remarkable play presents the joys and challenges of real life family dynamics when one member is autistic." Performances take place at The Jacoby Arts Center, 627 E. Broadway in Alton, IL. For more information: www.banksiderep.com.

Webster University's Conservatory of Theatre Arts presents the Lerner and Loewe musical Brigadoon Wednesday through Saturday at 7:30 pm and Sunday at 2 pm, April 18 - 22. " When New Yorkers Tommy Albright and Jeff Douglas get lost on a vacation in the Scottish Highlands, they stumble into Brigadoon. Brigadoon is a mythical village that appears for a single day once every hundred years. After falling head over heels for the headstrong Fiona, Tommy is forced to choose between returning to the world that he knows - or taking a chance on love in a mysterious new place. Including such famous hits as “Heather on the Hill” and “Almost Like Being in Love,” Lerner and Loewe's Brigadoon has music that will sweep you off your feet coupled with a whimsical story that is a tribute to the power of true love." Performances take place in the Stage III Auditorium on the Webster University campus. For more information, www.webster.edu/conservatory/season or call 314-968-7128.

Circus Flora presents its new show, The Case of the Missing Bellhop, April 19 - May 13. "The world-famous Balding Hotel has long been an exclusive getaway for dignitaries and nobility from around the world. A place where the staff and crew have unusual skills and where people can go about their business without many questions asked - making the hotel famous for luxury and impeccable service. But when a beloved bellhop goes missing, the Balding begins to attract attention. Secrets proliferate and questions abound! What happened to the bellhop, and who knew about it?" The show takes place at Circus Flora's new home at 3401 Washington in Grand Center. For more information: circusflora.org.

A Closer Walk With Patsy Cline
The Playhouse at Westport Plaza presents A Closer Walk With Patsy Cline April 17 - May 6. "The hit musical A Closer Walk with Patsy Cline is America's favorite Patsy Cline tribute starring Julie Johnson. This happy, loving tribute to country music's most enduring superstar traces the legendary singer's rise from her hometown in Winchester, Virginia to the Grand Ole Opry, Las Vegas and Carnegie Hall. Patsy Cline defined the term “crossover hit” by dominating country, blues, pop and gospel charts simultaneously in the 1950s and early '60s. Featuring 21 of Patsy's greatest hits." The Playhouse at Westport Plaza is at 635 West Port Plaza. For more information: playhouseatwestport.com.

CSZ St. Louis presents The ComedySportz Show on Saturday nights at 7:30 pm. The show is "action-packed, interactive and hilarious comedy played as a sport. Two teams battle it out for points and your laughs! You choose the winners the teams provide the funny!" Performances take place on the second floor of the Sugar Cubed, 917 S Main St. in St Charles, Mo. For more information: www.cszstlouis.com.

St. Louis Community College at Florissant Valley presents the drama Constellations Fridays and Saturdays at 7:30 pm and Sundays at 2 pm through April 21. "One relationship, limitless possibilities. When Roland and Marianne meet at a party, a multiverse of potential outcomes unfolds. Each choice they make unlocks a series of branching paths - some wonderful, some tragic. Nick Payne's genre-busting new play explores these alternate universes with wit, wonder and an overflowing sense of life." 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.

St. Louis Actors' Studio presents The Dresser through Aprl 29. "Based on the author's own experiences as dresser to Sir Donald Wolfit, this bracing, heartbreaking drama is an elegy to a by-gone era. Backstage at a theatre in the English provinces during WWII, Sir, the last of the great breed of English actor/managers, is in a bad way tonight, as his dresser Norman tries valiantly to prepare him to go on stage as King Lear. Unsure of his lines as well as who and where he is supposed to be, Sir is adamantly determined to roar his last. With Herculean effort on the part of Norman, Sir finally makes it on stage and through the performance no thanks to an air raid courtesy of the Luftwaffe. Back in his dressing room after the performance, the worn out old trouper dies, leaving alone his company and the loyal dresser after one final bow." Performances take place at the Gaslight Theatre, 358 North Boyle For more information, call 314-458-2978 or visit stlas.org.

The Hawthorne Players present musical The Fantasticks through April 22 "'Try To Remember' a time when this romantic charmer wasn't enchanting audiences around the world. The Fantasticks is the longest-running musical in the world and with good reason: at the heart of its breathtaking poetry and subtle theatrical sophistication is a purity and simplicity that transcends cultural barriers. The result is a timeless fable of love that manages to be nostalgic and universal at the same time." 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.

The Lemp Mansion Comedy-Mystery Dinner Theater presents A Fistful of Hollers April 20 - July 28. The Lemp Mansion is at 3322 DeMenil Place. For more information: lempmansion.com.

Southern Illinois University at Edwardsville presents The Great Divide Wednesday through Saturday at 7 pm and Sunday at 2 pm, April 18 - 22. 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.

Hamilton
The Fox Theatre presents the musical Hamilton through April 22. "HAMILTON is the story of America's Founding Father Alexander Hamilton, an immigrant from the West Indies who became George Washington's right-hand man during the Revolutionary War and was the new nation's first Treasury Secretary. Featuring a score that blends hip-hop, jazz, blues, rap, R&B, and Broadway, HAMILTON is the story of America then, as told by America now." The Fox is at 527 North Grand in Grand Center. For more information: fabulousfox.com.

The Monroe Actors Stage presents the drama An Inspector Calls Fridays and Saturdays at 7:30 and Sundays at 2:30 p.m. through April 22, in the Historic Capitol Theatre in downtown Waterloo, Illinois. For more information, visit www.masctheatre.org or call 618-939-7469.

Jesus Christ Superstar
Photo by Justin Been
Stray Dog Theatre presents Andrew Lloyd Webber's Jesus Christ Superstar Thursdays through Saturdays through April 28. There will also be performances at 2 pm on Sunday, April 22, and 8 pm on Wednesday, April 18 and 25. "Jesus Christ Superstar has captivated audiences for more than 40 years. Loosely based on the Gospels of Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John, this timeless rock opera follows the last week of Jesus' life, exploring his personal relationships and struggles with Judas Iscariot, Mary Magdalene, his disciples, and the Roman Empire" Performances take place at The Tower Grove Abbey, 2336 Tennessee. For more information, visit straydogtheatre.org or call 314-865-1995.

Curtain's Up Theatre presents the musical Little Miss Sunshine, based on the film of the same name, Thursday and Friday at 7:30 pm, Saturday at 2 and 7:30 pm, and Sunday at 2 pm, April 20 - 22. Performances take place at The Wildey Theatre at 252 North Main Street in Edwardsville, Illinois. For more information, visit curtainsuptheater.com.

The Sheldon Concert Hall presents Broadway star Mandy Gonzalez in a special benefit performance on Monday, April 16, at 7 pm. "Proceeds from the benefit concert will fund the Writers and Artists Compensation Fund for december Magazine, a twice-yearly nationally recognized not-for-profit literary publication headquartered in St. Louis since 2012.' The Sheldon is at 3648 Washington in Grand Center. For more information: thesheldon.org.

The Bissell Mansion Murder Mystery Dinner Theatre presents Mayhem in Mayberry through April. "Welcome to the 10th annual Mayberry-fest. Everyone is looking forward to the highlight of this event - the Miss Mayberry contest. YOU and Sheriff Andy Trailer will judge the contestants (chosen from the audience) on beauty, poise, cookin' skills and a new category this year - Hog callin'. Will the next Miss Mayberry be the vivacious Dazey Doof from Hazzard County? Or the beautiful hillbilly, Elly May Klumpett? Or will it be the lovely Lois Lame from Smallville? Don't county out the charming Paris Hoosier from Hoosierville. She's the main reason the train stops at Petticoat Junction! Sheriff Andy, Deputy Blarney and Aint Bee invite you to join the fun and the mayhem in Mayberry cause it won't be the same without y'all." The Bissell Mansion is at 4426 Randall Place. For more information: bissellmansiontheatre.com.

New Jerusalem
Photo by Eric Woolsey
New Jewish Theater presents David Ives' New Jerusalem, the Interrogation of Baruch de Spinoza at Torah Talmud Congregation: Amsterdam, July 27, 1656 through April 22. The play is the true story of Jewish philosopher Baruch de Spinoza who was excommunicated from the Jewish community of Amsterdam in the mid-1600's in order to keep the peace for that city's Jews." 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.

Poor Monsters presents Or What You Will, the Third through April 21. "Shakespeare: literary master or monkey with a typewriter? How about a coven of bad-ass vagina-wielding artists in Saint Louis? OR WHAT YOU WILL, THE THIRD is a choose-your-own-adventure of sketches inspired by Shakespeare's Richard III all written, produced, designed, and performed without Y-chromosomes." Performances take place at The Chapel, 6238 Alexander Drive in Clayton. For more information: brownpapertickets.com

Shakespeare Festival St. Louis presents Shake 38, a city-wide performance festival in which all 38 of Shakespeare's plays are performed by 38 different groups in a variety of neighborhoods and locations. Performances take place Wednesday through Sunday, April 18-22. For a complete schedule: sfstl.com.

The Black Rep presents the world premiere of Torn Asunder by Nikkole Salter running through April 29th. "TORN ASUNDER is set in Prince George's County, MD, 1859. Hannah, a relatively contented enslaved woman, has her world rocked when her master dies and she, for the first time, is separated from her family, new husband, and baby. But, just as she begins to lose all hope to ever see her husband and child again, the seceded south falls to the Union, slavery is abolished with the 13th Amendment, and Hannah has the opportunity to put her family back together...if she can find them. TORN ASUNDER dramatizes true stories of newly emancipated African Americans trying to overcome the ever-present vestiges of chattel slavery to reconnect with their families. Based on the research of Prof. Heather Andrea Williams in her book HELP ME TO FIND MY PEOPLE. Nikkole Salter was commissioned by Prof. Heather Andrea Williams and Kathy A. Perkins to write the script." Performances take place at the Edison Theatre on the Washington University campus. For more information: theblackrep.org.

A Tree Falling
Photo by Virginia Harold
Upstream Theater presents the U.S. premiere of A Tree Falling Fridays and Saturdays at 8 pm and Sundays at 7 pm (except for April 29, which is at 2 pm) through April 29. "Octogenarian Lenny was once a busy physician at the epicenter of a vibrant family who now has no recollection whatever of his earlier life. These days his chief adventure is the daily tracking down of the remote control-at least until a friendly social worker named Lola shows up. Try as she might to help Lenny recover his memory, though, he continues to live within the moment, and the poignancy of his plight forces Lola to question the meaning of her own past as well as her future." Performances take place at the Kranzberg Arts Center, 501 North Grand in Grand Center. For more information, including show times: upstreamtheater.org.

Union Avenue Opera presents A Topsy-Turvy Cabaret: An Evening With Glibert and Sullivan and Friends on Saturday, April 21, at 7 pm. "Enjoy hors d'oeuvres paired with 2nd Shift Brewing's fine, handcrafted beers along with their expertly chosen wine menu as Christine Brewer and friends entertain you. Join us for a memorable night in support of Union Avenue Opera." The event takes place at Second Shift Brewing, 1601 Sublette on The Hill. For more information: unionavenueopera.org.

The Kirkwood Theatre Guild presents Twisted Improv on Friday, April 20, at 8 pm 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.

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 April 16, 2018

The Bach Society at Powell Hall
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The Bach Society of St. Louis presents From Bach to Bernstein on Sunday, April 22, at 3 pm. "American soprano Marlissa Hudson has been described as a “superb lyric coloratura” by the St. Louis Post-Dispatch. Ms. Hudson recently made her Carnegie Hall debut and returns to her hometown of St. Louis to present a thrilling program spanning 250 years of music! Accompanied by Alla Voskoboynikova. Presented by Centene Charitable Foundation as part of the 2018 St. Louis Bach Festival." The concert takes place at The Ethical Society 9001 Clayton Road. For more information: bachsociety.org.

The Chamber Project St. Louis presents Eco on Friday, April 20 at 8 PM. "On Earth Day weekend we rejoice in the beauty of the natural world. Music by Ravel, Mahler and Schubert are inspired by Mother Nature and we commission a new work for soprano and small ensemble." The concert takes place at the 560 Music Center, 560 Trinity in University City. For more information: www.chamberprojectstl.org.

The St. Louis Brass Band presents Blazing Brass on Sunday, April 22, at 2:30 p.m. "This concert will also feature the Saint Louis Youth Brass Band, an ensemble of high school and college students selected through auditions earlier in the season. The Youth Brass Band will perform several selections led by their two conductors. They will be followed by the adult band who will feature a wide variety of selections, from serious to light, sure to delight all those in attendance. The two bands will join forces for a big finale, bringing the concert season to “Blazin' Brass” ending!" The concert takes place at The Chapel, 6238 Alexander Drive in Clayton, MO. For more information: stlbb.org.

Hannu Lintu
Hannu Lintu conducts the St. Louis Symphony Orchestra and Chorus Friday and Saturday at 8 pm, April 20 and 21. The program Mussorgsky's Night on Bald Mountain, Rachmaninoff's The Bells, and Tchaiovsky's Variations on a Roccoco Theme with cello soloist Narek Hakhnazaryan. The concerts take place at Powell Symphony Hall, 718 North Grand in Grand Center. For more information: stlsymphony.org. Read my preview!

Gemma New conducts the St. Louis Symphony Orchestra in A World of Make-Believe on Sunday, April 22, at 3 pm. "Music sparks the imagination! It transports us to faraway lands and leads us on thrilling adventures. Discover how music and imagination work hand in hand as your St. Louis Symphony Orchestra takes you on a journey through make-believe. Hear beloved selections from Prokofiev's Cinderella, Tchaikovsky's Sleeping Beauty plus family favorites by the legendary John Williams including Superman, E.T. and more." The concert takes place at Powell Symphony Hall, 718 North Grand in Grand Center. For more information: stlsymphony.org.

The Washington University Department of Music presents a Department of Music Honors Recital on Saturday, April 21 at 3 pm. The program takes place in the Pillsbury Theatre at the 560 Music Center at 560 Trinity in University City. For more information, music.wustl.edu/events.

The Washington University Department of Music presents the Calidore String Quartet, on Sunday, April 22 at 7 pm. The program, which consists of music by Mendelssohn, Shostakovich, and Beethoven, takes place in the E. Desmond Lee Concert Hall at the 560 Music Center at 560 Trinity in University City. For more information, music.wustl.edu/events.

Thursday, April 12, 2018

Chuck's Choices for the weekend of April 13, 2018

As always, the choices are purely my personal opinion. Take with a grain (or a shaker) of salt.

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New This Week:

The Monroe Actors Stage presents the drama An Inspector Calls Fridays and Saturdays at 7:30 and Sundays at 2:30 p.m., April 13 - 22, in the Historic Capitol Theatre in downtown Waterloo, Illinois. For more information, visit www.masctheatre.org or call 618-939-7469.

My take: I won't be able to see this production, so this recommendation is based entirely on the fact that the play itself is a powerful indictment on the smugness and moral rot that can accompany material comfort. As such, it's as relevant now as when it was first performed in 1945, if not more so. An Inspector Calls neatly subverts the conventions of drawing-room drama to deliver a radical message which, sadly, still needs to be delivered today.


Jesus Christ Superstar
Photo by Justin Been
Stray Dog Theatre presents Andrew Lloyd Webber's Jesus Christ Superstar Thursdays through Saturdays, April 12 - 28. There will also be performances at 2 pm on Sunday, April 22, and 8 pm on Wednesday, April 18 and 25. "Jesus Christ Superstar has captivated audiences for more than 40 years. Loosely based on the Gospels of Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John, this timeless rock opera follows the last week of Jesus' life, exploring his personal relationships and struggles with Judas Iscariot, Mary Magdalene, his disciples, and the Roman Empire" Performances take place at The Tower Grove Abbey, 2336 Tennessee. For more information, visit straydogtheatre.org or call 314-865-1995.

My take: Here's another one I'm recommending in advance purely on the strength of the material and on the track record of the producing company. Stray Dog has had quite a string of critical and commercial success lately with its seasons in general and in particular with its musicals. Last year's Ragtime (in which, to be fair, I performed) walked away with multiple St. Louis Theater Circle awards and sold-out houses. This production of Jesus Christ Superstar, which features some of the same stars as Ragtime, is already selling out as well. Hence the early inclusion.


New Jerusalem
Photo by Eric Woolsey
New Jewish Theater presents David Ives' New Jerusalem, the Interrogation of Baruch de Spinoza at Torah Talmud Congregation: Amsterdam, July 27, 1656 through April 22. The play is the true story of Jewish philosopher Baruch de Spinoza who was excommunicated from the Jewish community of Amsterdam in the mid-1600's in order to keep the peace for that city's Jews." 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: I'm a sucker for this kind of intellectual drama, and New Jewish appears to be doing an impressive job with it. In her review for KDHX, Tina Farmer says that director Tim Ocel and his cast "work in unison to create a moving and effective show that allows history to reverberate with issues of contemporary concern...The impact of Spinoza's genius is still felt in our national conversation, and the captivating and sharply performed show contains enough story and dramatic tension to engage a broad audience."

Rosenkrantz and Guildernstern Are DeadPhoto by Ron James
St. Louis Shakespeare presents Tom Stoppard's Rosenkrantz and Guildenstern Are Dead Thursdays at 7:30 p.m., Fridays and Saturdays at 8 p.m., and Sundays at 2 p.m., through April 15. "This comedy, penned during the height of the absurdist movement, follows the two hapless friends of Hamlet, Rosencrantz and Guildenstern, as they go on a journey from which they never return. On a day like any other, Rosencrantz and Guildenstern's peaceful morning is suddenly disrupted when a messenger from Elsinore castle raps on their window informing them that they have been summoned. Thus, begins the journey for our befuddled travelers as they explore fate, their purpose and very nature of existence." Performances take place at the Ivory Theatre, 7620 Michigan in the Carondelet neighborhood. For more information, call 314-361-5664 or visit stlshakespeare.org.

My take: Speaking of lively intellectual theatre, Stoppard's play is still a classic example of how to pour old wine into new bottles. It's "Shakespeare through the wrong end of the telescope" concept is brilliantly executed and always worth seeing. "The dizzying imagination of Tom Stoppard's razor-sharp mind," writes Mark Bretz at Ladue News, "is in evidence throughout this brisk, brilliant comedy currently being given a delightful rendering by St. Louis Shakespeare."

Held Over:

Cardboard Piano
Photo by John Lamb
The West End Players Guild concludes its 107th season with the St. Louis premiere of Hansol Jung's drama Cardboard Piano Fridays and Saturdays at 8 PM and Sundays at 2 PM, April 6 - 15. "In civil war-torn northern Uganda a missionary's daughter and a local teenaged girl exchange secret wedding vows and plan their escape, but they cannot evade the reach of the encroaching civil war. The play explores the deep but tragic relationship between the two young women and a troubled child soldier they try to save. The cardboard piano is their symbol of the hope and courage needed to carry on in a hopeless world. But can anyone have the courage to forgive the unforgiveable?" There will also be a show on Thursday, April 12, at 8 pm. Performances take place at the Union Avenue Christian Church, 733 North Union at Enright in the Central West End. For more information, call 314-367-0025 or visit www.westendplayers.org.

My take: I'm on the play reading committee as well as the board of WEPG, and was a strong supporter of this play from the beginning. I first saw it at the Humana Festival of New American Plays at Actors Theatre of Louisville in 2016, where I was very impressed with the writing. In my review, I wrote that Cardboard Piano manages to balance the immediacy of it's "ripped from the headlines" story with a contemplation of deeper issues. As our own domestic political process plays out the conflict between a version of Christianity based on mercy and compassion vs. one based on anger and judgment, the issues in Cardboard Piano feel both immediate and timeless.


Hamilton
The Fox Theatre presents the musical Hamilton running through April 22. "HAMILTON is the story of America's Founding Father Alexander Hamilton, an immigrant from the West Indies who became George Washington's right-hand man during the Revolutionary War and was the new nation's first Treasury Secretary. Featuring a score that blends hip-hop, jazz, blues, rap, R and B, and Broadway, HAMILTON is the story of America then, as told by America now." The Fox is at 527 North Grand in Grand Center. For more information: fabulousfox.com.

My take: Yeah, like you need my encouragement to see this massive hit. Reviewing the Chicago production in 2016, I wrote that Hamilton is a flat-out brilliant piece of musical theatre that manages to be both educational and entertaining at the same time. In nations, as in nature, diversity is a source of strength. Hamilton is a reminder of that strength. We are, as JFK wrote in his book of the same name, "a nation of immigrants," so it's encouraging to note that, when we saw Hamilton, spontaneous applause burst out when Jefferson and Hamilton sang "immigrants: we get the job done."

Wednesday, April 11, 2018

Symphony Preview: Exit music

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

David Robertson
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The old chestnut about all good things coming to an end plays out over the next four weeks at Powell Symphony Hall as David Robertson's tenure as the St. Louis Symphony Orchestra's Music Director--a thing widely acknowledged as very good, indeed--comes to an end at the close of the current season.

The SLSO is observing this passing of an era, not with lamentation, but rather with celebration. Specifically, it's giving local music lovers four big concerts--three with Mr. Robertson at the podium and one with Finnish conductor Hannu Lintu, who has proven to be very popular locally. The concerts are packed with flash and crowd-pleasing works, as well as with high-profile soloists like pianist Simon Trpceski, violinist Christian Tetzlaff, and, for the final concert series, celebrated trumpeter/composer Wynton Marsalis and the Lincoln Center Jazz Orchestra.

Not shabby, eh? Here is an overview of what you can expect.

Pianist Simon Trpceski
Saturday and Sunday, April 14 and 15: David Robertson conducts the orchestra in Aaron Copland's rousing "Fanfare for the Common Man," Rachmaninoff's much-loved Piano Concerto No. 2 (with Mr. Trpceski at the keyboard), and Howard Hanson's Symphony No. 2 ("Romantic").

The Copland and Rachmaninoff surely need no introduction, but you might not be as familiar with the Hanson. Written on commission from noted conductor Serge Koussevitzky for the 50th anniversary of the Boston Symphony in 1930, it's a bold, expansive work, rich in appealing melodies. Because Hanson was then a guest conductor at the Interlochen Arts Camp, he offered the main theme of the second movement to the organization as a kind of theme song; it's still played there today at the end of every student concert.

Music from the symphony was also used (without permission) in the film "Alien." Mr. Hanson was reportedly less than thrilled with that appropriation.

Standing room tickets are now being sold for these concerts. The Saturday concert will be preceded by a pricey dinner-and-cocktails gala to honor Mr. Robertson.

Conductor Hannu Lintu
Friday and Saturday, April 20 and 21: Hannu Lintu conducts the orchestra and chorus in a blockbuster of a program consisting of the original 1867 version of Mussorgsky's "Night on Bald Mountain," Tchaikovsky's "Nocturne in D minor" and "Variations on a Rococo Theme" (both for cello and orchestra with Armenian cellist Narek Hakhnazaryan as soloist), and Rachmaninoff's cinematically colorful oratorio "The Bells," based on poems by Edgar Allan Poe.

You undoubtedly know "Night on Bald Mountain" in Rimski-Korsakov's orchestration, which corrects what the older composer saw as Mussorgsky's "mistakes" in composition and orchestration. If you've never heard the original, though, you're in for a treat. It's loaded with raw power--as is the Rachmaninoff work.

Friday and Saturday, April 27 and 28: Mr. Robertson returns to the podium to conduct Jörg Widmann's 2007 Violin Concerto with Mr. Tetzlaff as soloist and Anton Bruckner's monumental Symphony No. 4, known as the "Romantic" (although the word seems redundant when applied to Bruckner's expansive symphonic vision).

I'm not familiar with the Widman concerto, but I can heartily recommend the Bruckner. Mr. Robertson has proved to be an impressively sympathetic Brucknerian, as he demonstrated forcefully in his excellent Bruckner 7th back in 2011, and I regret not having the chance to hear him conduct more of the composer's imposing musical cathedrals. Expect greatness.

Wynton Marsalis
Friday through Sunday, May 4-6: It's the grand finale as Wynton Marsalis and the Jazz at Lincoln Center orchestra join the SLSO for Leonard Bernstein's "Three Dance Episodes from On the Town" and "Preludes, Fugues, and Riffs" for clarinet and jazz band. The latter was written in 1949 for the Woody Herman combo but never actually performed by them; SLSO Principal Clarinet Scott Andrews has the solo spot this time.

The concerts will conclude with Mr. Marsalis's "Swing Symphony," featuring Mr. Marsalis on trumpet and the Lincoln Center band along with the SLSO. When Simon Rattle conducted this back in 2012 with the London Symphony, reviews were ecstatic. "It was the start of a journey through jazz's history," wrote Ivan Hewett at The Telegraph. "The energy and invention were amazing; at one point we had a swinging fugue. One could hear the sounds of America itself, above all the hoot of trains." Sounds like a good time.

And with that, we will draw the curtain on Mr. Robertson's remarkably successful time as SLSO Music Director, a post he has held since the 2005-2006 season. The orchestra's fortunes were a bit in decline at the time, partly because of labor issues and partly because Hans Vonk, who had been Music Director since 1995, had to resign abruptly in 2002 due to an illness that would later be diagnosed as ALS, a.k.a. "Lou Gehrig's disease." Under Mr. Robertson's direction, the SLSO once again commanded international attention, toured extensively, expanded its community outreach programs, and recorded several important works, including a truly wonderful Gershwin disc with Kirill Gerstein for Myrios. His cheerful podium presence and lively pre-concert talks will be very much missed, but he leaves behind a significant legacy.

Which, ultimately, is all any of us can hope for, seems to me.