New on the list: A family musical theatre classic, one of Oscar Wilde's Greatest Hits, and the return of an excellent cabaret show from last year.
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New This Week:
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Annie
Photo by Phillip Hamer |
The Muny presents the musical
Annie running through July 25. "Leapin' lizards! Everyone's favorite plucky, irresistible orphan is back! Based on the popular 1920s Harold Gray comic strip,
Little Orphan Annie,
Annie is considered one of the most acclaimed musicals of all time. This seven-time Tony Award-winning family favorite features unforgettable hits like "It's the Hard Knock Life," "Easy Street" and the iconic Broadway standard "Tomorrow." You can bet your bottom dollar this is one beloved, multigenerational Muny favorite guaranteed to entertain the entire family." Performances take place on the Muny's outdoor stage in Forest Park. For more information:
muny.org.
My take: Just about every theatre group on the planet seems to have done this 1977 Broadway hit over the decades, and with good reason. The Charles Strouse/Martin Charnin score is loaded with great songs and the book by Thomas Meehan (who also wrote the musical stage versions of
The Producers and
Hairspray) hits just the right balance of friendly send-up of and homage to the comic-strip original. The Muny production is directed by John Tartaglia, who has distinguished himself as an actor and director at the Muny in the past. Take the family and remember: you're never fully dressed without a smile!
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The Importance of Being Earnest
Photo by John Lamb |
Insight Theatre Company presents Oscar Wilde's comedy
The Importance of Being Earnest through July 22. "The Importance of Being Earnest is a Trivial Comedy for Serious People. Set in 1890s London, two friends use the same pseudonym ("Ernest") for their on-the-sly activities. Hilarity ensues. " Performances take place at Grandel Theatre in Grand Center. For more information, call 314-556-1293 or visit
insighttheatrecompany.com.
My take: Speaking of shows everyone has done,
The Importance of Being Earnest is surely close to the top of everyone's list of favorite comedies. The absurd story line and Wilde's infallibly brilliant wit are irresistible, and Insight appears to be doing a good job with this production. "It’s Oscar Wilde at his best,"
writes Ann Lemmons Pollack, "one funny line after another...One of the main reasons this production glows so brightly is the combination of Will Bonfiglio and Pete Winfrey. Bonfiglio plays Algernon Moncrieff, and Winfrey is his chum John Worthing...Bonfiglio and Winfrey bounce off each other like they’ve been doing it for years, all in the droll, arch style that so marks this script. It’s a pleasure to watch."
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| Ken Haller and Marty Fox in The Medicine Show in 2017 |
The Presenters Dolan presents
Ken Haller in
The Medicine Show Friday and Saturday, July 20 and 21 at 8 pm. "Ken Haller's shows have been described as "touching," "hilarious," "intimate," and "tremendously entertaining." In The Medicine Show, where "miracle cures" are peddled, Ken weaves songs as diverse as "The Physician" (Cole Porter), "Someone to Fall Back on," (Jason Robert Brown), "Pirelli's Miracle Elixir" (Stephen Sondheim) and more, into a narrative of how becoming a doctor is only the first step toward becoming a healer." The performances take place at The Kranzberg Center, 501 N. Grand in Grand Center. For more information:
metrotix.com.
My take: The Medicine Show, the newest diadem in the crown of St. Louis cabaret star Ken Haller, was just what the doctor ordered. And Mr. Haller is a doctor, so he should know. Check out
my review of the show earlier last spring at Cabaret Scenes to learn more.
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