Chuck's Choices for the weekend of November 22, 2019

My purely personal take on the local theatre scene returns, now that I have returned from a month in France.

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New This Week:

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Steve Brammeier

The Blue Strawberry presents Steve Brammeier in 68: Then and Now on Friday, November 22, at 8 pm. "Steve Brammeier has created a moving tribute to the songs of 1968, the year he graduated from high school. If you were around then, you will relive some of your memories - even if repressed. If not, you will hear a lot of great songs, and get a sense of a very formative time in our cultural and civic life. A very sweet and well-made show." The Blue Strawberry is at 364 N. Boyle in the Central West End. For more information: https://www.bluestrawberrystl.com.

My take: While I haven't had a chance to see Steve's latest show yet, I have seen some selections from it in the singers open mic that I host every month, and what I have seen has been warm, genuine, and exceptionally well done. Steve has been active on the local cabaret scene for a while now and knows his stuff, and the Blue Strawberry is a first rate cabaret venue.

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Feeding Beatrice
Photo: John Gitchoff

The Repertory Theatre of St. Louis presents Feeding Beatrice running through November 24. "It starts with the sound of a spoon scraping against glass and the wet noise of lips smacking together. June and Lurie have a haunting new houseguest - and she's ravenously hungry. They do their best to keep her fed and happy, but Beatrice always demands more. As she burrows deeper and deeper into their lives, the couple faces a horrific question: what will it cost to exorcise Beatrice forever?" Performances take place in the Studio Theatre at the Loretto-Hilton Center on the Webster University campus. For more information: repstl.org.

My take: It is merely stating the obvious to point out that this little Hallowe'en present from the Rep has captivated audiences and (to a somewhat lesser extent) critics alike. For evidence of the former, look no further than the fact that the Rep has been obliged to extend the show's run. For evidence of the latter, here are a few pull quotes. Tonya Seele, Broadway World: "This play is a thought-provoking, sobering, but often times laugh-out-loud gothic tale, smartly crafted to work on many complex intellectual levels." Ann Lemmons Pollack, St. Louis Eats and Drinks: "great fun, some social nudging, perfect for the early dusk of November" Calvin Wilson, St. Louis Post-Dispatch: "unquestionably a captivating experience." None of these are unequivocal raves, as you can see by following the links, but the show is clearly a hit in any case.

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It's a Wonderful Life
Photo: Jennifer Lin

Metro Theatre Company presents It's a Wonderful Life, based on the classic film, through December 15. "The beloved American holiday classic leaps to life on stage in a delightful, heartwarming new adaptation. John Wolbers' "It's a Wonderful Life" has a clever twist: it's staged as a play within a play, more specifically a radio play within a play. On Christmas Eve 1949, KMTC Radio St. Louis is prepared to perform a live radio broadcast of "It's a Wonderful Life," when unexpected events transform the station's staff into the radio play's actors. Complete with microphones, live sound effects by a Foley artist, 1940s period costumes, and a diverse company of characters, the play tells the story of George Bailey and his discovery of the life-affirming message that one life can change the whole fabric of a community. " The performances take place at The Grandel Theatre, 3610 Grandel Square in Grand Center.. For more information: metroplays.org.

My take: Well, it wouldn't be the holidays without someone doing a stage version of this beloved movie. Metro's approach has the advantage of treating it as the basis for a story that's less about the original film and more about the intrepid group of employees of a fictional radio station doing their best to work together to bring it to life over the air. "Metro Theater Company's It's a Wonderful Life brings an hour or so of a captivating and classy good time to an appreciative audience, a terrific start to the holiday season," writes Mark Bretz at Ladue News. "Don't forget to clap on cue."

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St. Louis Community College at Meramec presents Maple and Vine Wednesday through Saturday at 7:30 and Sunday at 2 pm, November 20-24. "Katha and Ryu have become allergic to their 21st-century lives. After they meet a charismatic man from a community of 1950s re-enactors, they forsake cell phones and sushi for cigarettes and Tupperware parties. In this compulsively authentic world, Katha and Ryu are surprised by what their new neighbors - and they themselves - are willing to sacrifice for happiness." Performances take place in the theatre on the campus at 11333 Big Bend Road. For more information, www.stlcc.eduor call 314-984-7500.

My take: This is not the first time (and probably won't be the last) that I'll recommend a show on the basis of the strength of its script. I haven't seen this production, but I did see the world premiere of the show at the Humana Festival in 2011 and was very impressed with it. Although it's easy to see this as a kind of egdy comedy, it's really a thought-provoking (and ultimately disturbing) comedy/drama that raises important questions about the nature of freedom and personal identity and how much of both you might be willing to give up for a good night's sleep.