St. Louis theatre calendar for the week of December 16, 2019

This week is your last chance for critically praised shows at Stray Dog, New Jewish, and the Actors' Studio.

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Under the Arch Incubator and the cast of the National Touring Company of Wicked present Collaborative Cabarets: An Evening of New Musical Theatre on Monday, December 16. The performance will begin at 7:30pm with a Meet and Greet Cocktail hour beginning at 6pm. Net proceeds will benefit Broadway Cares/ Equity Fights AIDS (BC/EFA) and Under the Arch Incubator. The event takes place at The Blue Strawberry, 364 N. Boyle in the Central West End. For more information: www.artful.ly/store/events/19383.

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 Lemp Mansion Comedy-Mystery Dinner Theater presents A Dickens of a Killing through January 4. The Lemp Mansion is at 3322 DeMenil Place. For more information: lempmansion.com.

Disenchanted
Photo: John Lamb

Stray Dog Theatre presents the rock musical Disenchanted through December 21. "Snow White and her posse of disgruntled princesses take the stage in the hilarious hit musical that's anything but Grimm. Forget the princesses you think you know - the original storybook heroines have come to life to set the record straight and give fairytales the bird." The show is recommended for mature audiences. Performances take place at The Tower Grove Abbey, 2336 Tennessee. For more information, visit straydogtheatre.org or call 314-865-1995.

The Stifel Theatre presents The Elf on the Shelf: A Christmas Musical on Thursday, December 19 at 7 pm. "The beloved tradition that continues to capture the hearts of children and their families everywhere comes to the live stage for the first time ever in this all-new musical and premiere stage production. When the top Scout Elf of his graduating class is sent to a disconnected, multi-generational family struggle to rediscover Christmas spirit, he's got to find a way off the shelf and into their hearts. This toe-tapping, heartwarming story of one small elf's big impact on his adoptive family includes an exclusive invitation to Santa's North Pole and engages audiences with a glimpse into the magical lives of Scout Elves. Featuring an original story and score, dazzling sets and costumes, and wondrous moments that make even the most cynical believe, this momentous celebration of the season leaves spirits high and captivates all with the splendor of Christmas." The Stifel Theatre is at 14th and Market downtown. For more information: stifeltheatre.com.

The Elves and the Shoemaker

The Repertory Theatre of St. Louis's Imaginary Theatre Company presents the children's musical The Elves and the Shoemaker opening on Saturday, December 21, with performances at 11 am and 3 pm, and running through Monday, December 23. The show is written by Sarah Brandt with music and lyrics by Neal Richardson. "When a kindly shoemaker gives his only remaining pair of shoes to a cold and hungry beggar woman, he finds his good deed rewarded in very unexpected ways. The shoemaker is shocked by the appearance of magic elves who turn his simple shoe shop into a great success, thrilling customers with their special creations. Based on the tale by the Brothers Grimm, this beloved, warm-hearted story is perfect for the holiday season, reminding us that where we find kindness, generosity and hope, anything is possible." Performances take place in the Heagney Theatre at Nerinx Hall High School, 530 East Lockwood Avenue, Webster Groves. For more information: repstl.org.

Fully CommittedPhoto: John Gitchoff

New Jewish Theater presents the comedy Fully Committed Thursdays at 7:30 pm, Saturdays at 4 and 8 pm, and Sundays at 2 pm through December 22 "The New Jewish Theatre's Artistic Director, Eddie Coffield, Artistic Director, announces the cast and creative team of Fully Committed. Arriving just in time for the holidays, Becky Mode's hilarious hit lets the madness run wild. “I am overjoyed to bring Fully Committed to the New Jewish Theatre during the most festive time of year!” Coffield said. “There's no actor more equipped to tackle 40-plus characters than our beloved Will Bonfiglio. I can hardly wait for St. Louis to see Will bring this timeless, one-man tour-de-force to life!” This hilarious comedy features more than 40 characters that come to life through one actor.” 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.

Ken Haller

The Blue Strawberry presents Happy Hallerdays with Ken Haller on Saturday, December 21, at 8 pm. "In his take on the holidays, Ken promises to be surprising, funny, personal, moving, great company and just a little exasperating. Just like all our holidays!" The Blue Strawberry is at 364 N. Boyle in the Central West End. For more information: bluestrawberrystl.com.

John McDaniel

The Blue Strawberry presents A John McDaniel Christmas on Friday, December 20, at 8 pm. "Grammy and Emmy Award winner John McDaniel comes home for the holidays in his first solo concert in 6 years. He has worked with many, many Broadway stars. John will share songs and stories from his career on Broadway and on television, as well as Christmas remembrances from his childhood in St. Louis." The Blue Strawberry is at 364 N. Boyle in the Central West End. For more information: bluestrawberrystl.com.

A Life in the Theatre
Photo: Patrick Huber

St. Louis Actors' Studio presents A Life in the Theatre by David Mamet Fridays and Saturdays at 8 pm and Sundays at 3 pm through December 22. "The Pulitzer Prize-winning author of Glengarry Glen Ross and Speed-The-Plow, takes us into the lives of two actors: John, young and rising into the first flush of his success; the other Robert, older, anxious, and beginning to wane. In a series of short, spare, and increasingly raw exchanges, we see the estrangement of youth from age and the wider, inevitable and endless cycle of life, in and out of the theatre." Performances take place at the Gaslight Theatre on North Boyle in the Central West End. For more information, call 314-458-2978 or visit stlas.org.

One Too Many

The Blue Strawberry presents A Not-So-Secret Santa Party with One Too Many on Saturday, December 21, at 1 pm. "One Too Many comes to Blue Strawberry for a Holiday Brunch Show. Listen these masters of a cappella in very clever arrangements and tight, six part harmonies of some of your favorite holiday songs and carols, and some that will be new to you." The Blue Strawberry is at 364 N. Boyle in the Central West End. For more information: bluestrawberrystl.com.

Pride and Prejudice
Photo: Phillip Hamer

The Repertory Theatre of St. Louis presents Pride and Prejudice, adapted from the Jane Austen novel by Christopher Baker, through December 29. "In a world of opulent estates and lavish private balls, where women's entire futures hinge on marriage, Elizabeth Bennet stands apart. With a vibrant wit and a headstrong sense of pride, Elizabeth places her own needs first and refuses to marry for mere convenience. But she meets her match in the unlikely figure of Mr. Darcy. Beginning as a testy battle of words and ideas, their relationship blossoms into a remarkable romance between two passionate intellects who play by their own rules. " Performances take place at the Loretto-Hilton Center on the Webster University campus. For more information: repstl.org.

The Blue Strawberry presents Sensational Soul with Lamont Hadley on Sunday, December 22, at 7 pm. "The smooth, delicate sounds of Lamont Hadley will mesmerize, refresh and captivate your soul with electrifying, sensational old and new school vocals." The Blue Strawberry is at 364 N. Boyle in the Central West End. For more information: bluestrawberrystl.com.

Chuck Lavazzi

The Cabaret Project presents its weekly Singers Open Mic Night on Tuesday, December 17, from 7 to 10 pm. Drop by and enjoy a night of great music from St. Louis cabaret artists, backed up by pianist and music director Carol Schmidt. Your MC is KDHX Senior Performing Arts Critic Chuck Lavazzi. If you're planning to sing, be prepared to do one or two songs and bring music, preferably in your key. It's also recommend that you have your song memorized. Seasonal songs are strongly encouraged but not required, and there will be a Christmas carol sing-along. The event takes place at Sophie's Artist Lounge on the second floor of the .ZACK performing arts space at 3226 Locust in Grand Center. For more information: thecabaretproject.org.

The Playhouse at Westport Plaza presents Sister's Christmas Catechism: The Mystery Of The Magi's Gold running through December 22. "Think "CSI: Bethlehem" in this holiday mystery extravaganza, from the author of the wildly popular Late Nite Catchism, as Sister takes on the mystery that has intrigued historians throughout the ages - whatever happened to the Magi's gold? As Sister states, 'We know that Mary used the frankincense and myrrh as a sort of potpourri - they were in a barn after all.' Retelling the story of the nativity, as only Sister can, Sister's Christmas Catechism is bound to become an annual classic. Employing her own scientific tools, assisted by a local choir, and a gaggle of audience members, Sister creates a living nativity unlike anything anyone has ever seen. Highly interactive with gifts galore and a bundle of laughs, this show is a must-see for the holiday season. " The Playhouse at Westport Plaza is at 635 West Port Plaza. For more information: playhouseatwestport.com.

David Giuntoli

The Blue Strawberry presents A Swinging Holiday Soiree with David Giuntoli on Thursday, December 19, at 8 pm. "The ever affable, unflappable and eternally charming David Giuntoli comes with songs made famous by mid-century luminaries Mel Torme, Frank Sinatra, Dean Martin and others." Carol Schmidt, is pianist and music director with Ben Wheeler, on bass. The Blue Strawberry is at 364 N. Boyle in the Central West End. For more information: bluestrawberrystl.com.

Wicked

The Fox Theatre presents the musical Wicked through December 29. "So much happened before Dorothy dropped in. WICKED, the Broadway sensation, looks at what happened in the Land of Oz…but from a different angle. Long before Dorothy arrives, there is another young woman, born with emerald-green skin-smart, fiery, misunderstood, and possessing an extraordinary talent. When she meets a bubbly blonde who is exceptionally popular, their initial rivalry turns into the unlikeliest of friendships…until the world decides to call one “good,” and the other one “wicked.”" The Fox Theatre is at 527 North Grand in Grand Center. For more information: fabulousfox.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.