St. Louis theatre calendar for the week of June 10, 2019

New shows this week include a world premiere at Opera Theatre, a classic musical at the Muny, and a new duet cabaret show at the Kranzberg.

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Be More Chill
Photo by Jill Ritter Lindberg

New Line Theatre presents the musical Be More Chill Thursdays through Saturdays at 8 PM through June 22. "The Breakfast Club meets Little Shop of Horrors, as New Line closes its season by bringing you the new sci-fi rock musical BE MORE CHILL -- currently breaking records on Broadway! -- with music and lyrics by Joe Iconis and book by Joe Tracz, based on the bestselling novel by Ned Vizzini. It's an honest, fearless, funny look at life in the digital age, exploring teen depression, bullying, and other current issues through the comic lens of sci-fi films of the 50s, horror flicks of the 80s, and teen movies of the 90s. The show has been selling out everywhere it runs. Jeremy is just an average, nothing-special teenage nerd -- until he finds out about the Squip ("Super Quantum Unit Intel Processor"), a tiny Japanese supercomputer in a convenient pill, which promises to "upgrade" him and bring him everything he desires most: a date with Christine, an invite to the coolest party of the year, and a chance to survive life in his suburban New Jersey high school." Performances take place at the Marcelle Theater, 3310 Samuel Shepard Drive, three blocks east of Grand, in Grand Center. For more information, visit newlinetheatre.com or call 314-534-1111.

Stages St. Louis presents the musical The Boy From Oz through June 30. "Dazzling and hilarious as the legendary Peter Allen himself, THE BOY FROM OZ follows the Australian singer-songwriter from his humble beginnings performing in backcountry pubs to his international stardom beside such Hollywood icons as Judy Garland and her daughter Liza Minnelli. " Performances take place in the Robert G. Reim Theatre at the Kirkwood Community Center, 111 South Geyer Road in Kirkwood. For more information: stagesstlouis.org.

Circus Flora presents its new show, The Caper on Aisle 6 through June 30 under the air-conditioned, red-and-white, big top tent in Grand Center. "A trip to the grocery store is not usually the most exciting part of our day. But the market is a place of intrigue and excitement in "The Caper in Aisle 6." An ancient and powerful substance, long thought to be gone from the Earth, is found in the unlikeliest of places: aisle six of the local grocery store. What secrets does aisle six hold, and what adventures will it set in motion?" For more information: circusflora.org.

The Midnight Company presents the St. Louis premiere of the one-person show Charlie Johnson Reads All of Proust Thursdays through Saturdays at 8 pm through June 15. "Charlie Johnson Reads All Of Proust, which premiered in Chicago in January, 2019, at the Den Theatre, tells the story of an older man taking a break from Christmas shopping with his family at a Starbucks. Hungry for dinner, he tides himself over with the purchase of a small package of soft, spongy cookies. When he dips one in his coffee, his snooty daughter-in-law asks him if he's having his "Madeleine moment," and then proceeds to lecture him about Marcel Proust and Remembrance of Things Past - the classic multi-volume novel inspired by the narrator dipping a madeleine cake into tea, with the taste bringing back memories of his boyhood, and leading to a retelling of his time in 19th/20th century aristocratic France. Charlie decides he's going to read that book (not realizing it's seven books) and be able to talk about it with his daughter-in-law next Christmas. And along the way, he discovers the epic that is his own life. " Performances take place at the Kranzberg Center, 501 N. Grand in Grand Center. For more information: midnightcompany.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 Coronation of Poppea
Photo by Eric Woolsey

Opera Theatre of St. Louis presents Monteverdi's The Coronation of Poppea through June 28. "The fight for the throne is never dignified. Poppea will stop at nothing to become Empress, no matter who she has to blackmail, betray, or kill. And Emperor Nero, who is infatuated with Poppea, is not thinking with his head. Separately, they're bad enough. Together, they will turn Rome upside down. Sexy, bloodthirsty, and unapologetic, this opera is the best kind of political thriller." The opera runs approximately two hours and 50 minutes with one intermission and is performed in English with English supertitles. Performances take place at the Loretto-Hilton Center at 135 Edgar Road on the Webster University campus.  For more information: experienceopera.org call 314-961-0644.

The HIlton St. Louis Frontenac presents The Dinner Detective Murder Mystery Dinner Show through July 27. "Solve a hilarious crime while you feast on a fantastic dinner. Just beware! The culprit is hiding in plain sight somewhere in the room, and you may find yourself as a Prime Suspect before you know it!" For more information: https://www.thedinnerdetective.com/st-louis

The Monroe Actors Stage presents the comedy The Dixie Swim Club Thursdays through Saturdays at 7:30 and Sundays at 2:30 pm through June 19. "Five Southern women, whose friendships began many years ago on their college swim team, set aside a long weekend every August to recharge those relationships. Free from husbands, kids and jobs, they meet at the same beach cottage on North Carolina's Outer Banks to catch up, laugh and meddle in each other's lives. The play focuses on four of those weekends and spans a period of thirty-three years." Performances take place in the Historic Capitol Theatre in downtown Waterloo, Illinois. For more information, visit www.masctheatre.org or call 618-939-7469.

Opera Theatre of St. Louis presents Fire Shut Up My Bones by Terence Blanchard and Kasi Lemmons, based on the memoir by columnist Charles Blow, opening on Saturday, June 15, at 8 pm and running through June 29. "One moment can change everything. When Charles discovers that his cousin has returned to his Louisiana hometown, he races home from college to confront his past. Memories and shadows surround Charles as he strives to move beyond a cycle of violence and forge a brave new path. Terence Blanchard, composer of OTSL's sold-out hit Champion, teams up with screenwriter Kasi Lemmons (Eve's Bayou) for a haunting, powerful, and tender coming-of age story inspired by a memoir celebrated as "stunning" (Essence), "riveting" (Chicago Tribune), and "exquisite" (The New York Times)." The opera runs approximately two hours and 25 minutes with one intermission and is performed in English with English supertitles. Performances take place at the Loretto-Hilton Center at 135 Edgar Road on the Webster University campus. All performances are sung in English with projected English text. For more information: opera-stl.org call 314-961-0644.

The Bissell Mansion Murder Mystery Dinner Theatre presents Flaming Saddles through July 28 The Bissell Mansion is at 4426 Randall Place. For more information: bissellmansiontheatre.com

The Muny presents Frank Loesser's Guys and Dolls opening on Monday, June 10, at 8:15 p.m. and running through Sunday, June 16. "Considered by many to be the perfect musical comedy, Guys and Dolls gambles with luck and love during a time when Broadway was rampant with wise guys, mission girls, and Lindy's cheesecake. This all-time Broadway classic features a royal flush of a score, including "Luck Be a Lady," "If I Were a Bell" and "Sit Down, You're Rocking the Boat." With this Muny favorite, everyone's a winner!" Performances take place on the Muny's outdoor stage in Forest Park. For more information: muny.org.

Act Inc presents Leaving Iowa by Tim Clue and Spike Manton Friday and Saturday at 7:30 pm and Sunday at 2 pm, June 14-16, and again Friday at 7:30 pm and Saturday at 2 pm, June 21 and 22. "Remember the family road trip? Sure do! Mom, Dad and the kids all packed up in the car with maps and snacks. Road games, billboards, gift shops and the ultimate rest stops and Motel 6. Giggles and battles, smiles and tears. Those were the days! Columnist, Don Browning, decides to bury his Dad's ashes at the old family farm. When he discovers that the homestead is now the site of a supermarket he embarks upon a journey of reconciliation and discovery in his quest for the perfect resting place for Dad in the middle of the USA. If you are interested in the perfect "staycation" look no further. Leaving Iowa is a delightful "postcard" that will leave you with a smile on your face and a spring in your step." Performances take place in the Emerson Black Box Theatre at the J. Scheidegger Center for the Arts on the Lindenwood campus in St. Charles, MO. For more information, visit actincstl.com.

The Playhouse at Westport Plaza presents Lewis and Tolkien, of Wardrobe and Rings Thursday and Friday at 8 pm, Saturday at 4 and 8 pm, and Sunday at 2 and 6 pm, June 13-16. "LEWIS & TOLKIEN, OF WARDROBE & RINGS is a play set in Oxford's Eagle & Child pub. Aging and legendary authors, J.R.R. Tolkien and his great friend C.S. Lewis, meet for what turns out to be the very last time. They were lions of 20th century British fantasy, giants of a literary genre that reached millions of readers, young and old alike, with mystifying adventures to entertain and deep truths to move people's hearts. C.S. Lewis (The Chronicles of Narnia) and J.R.R. Tolkien (The Lord of the Rings) were also distinguished faculty members at Oxford University and participants in a literary group known as the Inklings. Their robust philosophical discourse served an uncommon friendship that was not without its differences. Life's circumstances and, sometimes, unresolved disagreements forced an uncomfortable season of estrangement. In LEWIS & TOLKIEN, OF WARDROBE & RINGS we join "Jack" and "Tollers," as they knew each other, at Oxford's historic Eagle and Child pub for one last visit, tempered by thawing humor, confession and reconciliation." The Playhouse at Westport Plaza is at 635 West Port Plaza. For more information: playhouseatwestport.com.

Shakespeare Festival St. Louis presents the comedy Love's Labors Lost nightly except for Mondays through June 23. "Belonging to Shakespeare's "lyrical" period, which also included Romeo and Juliet and A Midsummer Night's Dream, the play tells the story of the Princess of France and her ladies who arrive on a diplomatic mission to Navarre only to be met by a young king and his lords who have taken a vow not to see women. Affairs of state give way to affairs of the heart as Shakespeare reveals with great humor and compassion the way our culture sometimes doesn't fully prepare us for the realities of love and intimacy. A feast of language and theatrical virtuosity, Love's Labors Lost shimmers with all the passion and promise of a first kiss." Beginning at 6:30 the Green Show presents pre-play entertainment a variety of local performers on multiple stages. The play begins at 8 p.m. Performances take place in Shakespeare Glen next to the Art Museum in Forest Park. For more information, visit shakespearefestivalstlouis.org.

Shirley Aschinger and
Donna Weinsting

The Presenters Dolan present Say Yes! with Donna Weinsting and Shirley Aschinger on Saturday, June 15, at 8 pm. "Donna Weinsting is widely known as one of our town's most accomplished actresses. Shirley Aschinger has been successfully showcasing for a while now among a tighter circle of cabaret fans, students and practitioners. They are each deft comediennes with different styles. Shirley leans to the wry and deadpan, and while Donna does everything, she is particularly gifted at the broad and physical. (I remember the longtime music director for a famous, NY-based cabaret singer who, heaving in laughter, all but lost a few buttons in his tux shirt during Donna's master-class routine.) Shirley and Donna are teaming up, for the first time, to bring us a show that promises to be as funny as it is wise." The performance takes place at the Kranzberg Arts Center, 501 N. Grand in Grand Center. For more information: metrotix.com

The Marriage of Figaro
Photo by Eric Woolsey

Opera Theatre of St. Louis presents Mozart's comedy The Marriage of Figaro running through June 29. "Life at court is about to get complicated. The maid Susanna is determined to wed her fiancé, Figaro, while the Count is equally determined to add her to his list of conquests. But Susanna and Figaro won't allow one self-entitled nobleman to ruin their happy ending! They each hatch their own plots to teach their master a lesson. What follows is a whirlwind day of romantic intrigue, cunning schemes, and uproarious fun. One of Mozart's most beloved masterpieces, The Marriage of Figaro reminds us all that love will always prevail, and forgiveness is always within reach." The opera runs three hours and ten minutes with one intermission and is sung in English with English supertitles. Performances take place at the Loretto-Hilton Center at 135 Edgar Road on the Webster University campus. For more information: opera-stl.org call 314-961-0644.

The Lemp Mansion Comedy-Mystery Dinner Theater presents Muurder in Maaaybury! through July 27. The Lemp Mansion is at 3322 DeMenil Place. For more information: lempmansion.com.

A Call to Conscience Interactive Theater for Social Change and Jazz St. Louis present Next to Normal: The Thelonius Monk Story, a play written by Mariah L. Richardson and directed by Fannie Belle Lebby. Starring Phillip Graves as Thelonius Monk. "Next to Normal: The Thelonious Monk Story will tackle the issues of mental illness as it relates to disparities in health care, police interaction, education, and social acceptance. Not only will we celebrate the musical genius of Thelonious Sphere Monk, but we will explore the pervasive misdiagnosis and discriminatory practices toward him and the societal stigma that plagued his career and continues to carry on in today's society. We will also celebrate the importance of creative self-expression through the arts and how Monk stood firm to pursue his art without compromise." Performance are Wednesday and Thursday at 7:30 pm, June 12 and 13, at The Jazz Bistro, 3536 Washington in Grand Center. For more information: www.eventbrite.com

Rigoletto
Photo by Eric Woolsey

Opera Theatre of St. Louis presents Verdi's Rigoletto running through June 30. "There is no purer love than that of a father for his daughter - and no more impossible task than protecting her from the world. Rigoletto is a bitter court jester who serves the Duke of Mantua, a lecherous womanizer. Together, they are despised throughout the city. But alone, Rigoletto is all tenderness when it comes to his innocent young daughter, Gilda. Little does he know that an ominous curse is about to take its toll. When the Duke seduces Gilda, only to then abandon her, the enraged father swears vengeance. Set to some of Verdi's most powerful music, this tale of innocence lost is wrenchingly poignant and all too human." The opera runs approximately two hours with one intermission and is performed in English with English supertitles. Performances take place at the Loretto-Hilton Center at 135 Edgar Road on the Webster University campus. For more information: experienceopera.org call 314-961-0644.

Stray Dog Theatre presents Sylvia Thursdays through Saturdays at 8 pm through June 22, with an additional 2 pm matinee on Sunday, June 16 "Greg brings home a dog he found in Central Park - or that has found him - bearing only the name "Sylvia" on her collar. She offers Greg an escape from the frustrations of his job and the unknowns of middle age. To his wife Kate, however, Sylvia becomes a rival for affection. This touching comedy celebrates our love of mans best friend." Performances take place at The Tower Grove Abbey, 2336 Tennessee. For more information, visit straydogtheatre.org or call 314-865-1995.

Amanda Kocher

The Monocle presents Amanda Kocher: This Imposible Year at 8 pm on Wednesday, June 12. 'You can take the girl out of St. Louis, but you can't take the mental illness out of the girl! A year and a half after receiving a bipolar II diagnosis, and a year after moving to the Big Apple, Amanda Kocher returns to the Emerald Room to share stories of her struggles, self-discovery, recovery, and, most importantly, finding hope. Join Amanda on her intimate rollercoaster of laughs, heartache, and triumph. The production is directed by Ari Axelrod with music direction by Sarah Nelson." The performance takes place in the Emerald Room at The Monocle on Manchester in The Grove. For more information: themonoclestl.com

Act Inc presents Travels with My Aunt by Graham Green, adapted by Giles Havergal, Saturday at 7:30 pm and Sunday at 2 pm, June 22 and 23. "Retired bank manager, Henry Pulling's life is so quiet that he muses, "I found myself agreeably excited by my mother's funeral." From that inauspicious beginning Henry finds his life turned topsy turvy by the arrival of his eccentric, Aunt Augusta. A cross between "Auntie Mame" and Mata Hari, she spirits him around the globe encountering all sorts of intoxicating characters and exhilarating adventures along the way." Performances take place in the Emerson Black Box Theatre at the J. Scheidegger Center for the Arts on the Lindenwood campus in St. Charles, MO. For more information, visit actincstl.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.