St. Louis theatre calendar for the week of December 9, 2019

The Playhouse at Westport jumps into the holiday theatre pool this week along with the Looking Glass Playhouse.

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Clinton County Showcase presents Away in a Basement: A Church Basement Ladies Christmas Fridays through Saturdays at 8 pm and Sundays at 2 pm through December 15. "December, 1959. Preparations are underway for the annual church Christmas pageant. But anything that can go wrong, does go wrong! Can the Church Basement Ladies save the pageant from the brink of disaster?" Performances take place outdoors at the Avon Theatre, 535 N. 2nd St. in Breese IL. For more information, visit ccshowcase.com.

Ben Nordstrom

The Blue Strawberry presents Ben Nordstrom: My Favorite Stuff on Sunday, December 17, at 7 pm. "With an affable charm, a quick joke, and a soaring tenor, Ben will share musical stories of parenting, love, theatre, and of course, the holidays. My Favorite Stuff marks Ben Nordstrom’s solo debut at Blue Strawberry. He’ll be joined by the iconic Steve Neale on piano. Together, they will span a wide array of musical styles from 70s pop/rock to contemporary musical comedy to the Great American Songbook. By the end of the night, Ben’s favorite stuff will be yours too." The Blue Strawberry is at 364 N. Boyle in the Central West End. For more information: www.bluestrawberrystl.com.

Webster University's Conservatory of Theatre Arts presents The Bomb-itty of Errors Thursdays and Fridays at 7:30 pm, Saturdays at 2 and 7:30 pm, and Sundays at 2 pm through December 15. "The Bomb-itty of Errors is an award-winning Ad-Rap-Tation, hip-hop theatre retelling of Shakespeare's The Comedy of Errors. The show lasts one hour and thirty minutes and is part play and part rap concert. Refreshingly current but retaining the integrity of the original." Performances take place in the Stage III Auditorium on the Webster University campus. For more information, webster.edu or call 314-968-7128.

The Looking Glass Playhouse presents A Christmas Carol Thursday through Saturday at 7:30 pm and Sunday at 2 pm, December 12-15. "A Looking Glass Playhouse yearly tradition. This is one of Charles Dickens' most beloved classics, and it's retold here at the Looking Glass Playhouse!" Performances take place at 301 West St. Louis Street in Lebanon, Ill. For more information, visit www.lookingglassplayhouse.com.

Dean Christopher

The Blue Strawberry presents Dean Christopher: A Classic-Vegas, Rat-Pack Christmas on Friday, December 13, at 8 pm. "One of the greatest eras in the history of entertainment, Classic Vegas meets the holiday season head-on. The style, the entertainers, all brought to life and rolled up into your favorite holiday tunes by award winning actor, singer, impressionist, Dean Christopher and his band. A holiday show you soon won't forget. Not to mention a surefire way to get into the holiday spirit." The Blue Strawberry is at 364 N. Boyle in the Central West End. For more information: bluestrawberrystl.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 Cricket on the Hearth
Photo: John Lamb

The West End Players Guild continues its 109th season with the world premiere of Vladimir Zelevinski's adaptation of Charles Dickens's The Cricket on the Hearth Thursday through Saturday at 8 pm and Sunday at 2 pm, December 12-15. "In mid-19th century London John and Dot have fallen in love and married. Theirs is a May-December match (she is young and spritely, he is older and wiser), as unlikely as it is loving. The joy of their life is their bouncing baby boy, and their home is guarded by a friendly cricket who chirps from the hearth, an omen of good fortune. Then, a mysterious stranger enters their lives. Has he brought with him suffering and sorrow that will tear apart the lives of John, Dot and their friends, or does he bring gentler gifts? We won't spoil the ending, except to say that you just might leave the theatre with your heart a little warmer than when you entered." 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.

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 Kirkwood Community Center presents Emmanuel Friday and Saturday at 7:30 pm and Sunday at 2 pm, December 13-15. "Come and bring your family to this wonderful story of the birth of Jesus. This production highlights the humanity of the people witnessing His birth using various musical genres. What a great way to get into the true spirit of Christmas. Lyrics and music written by St. Louis native, Eric Frederickson. Dialogue written by Eric Frederickson and Michelle Beczkala." Performances take place in the Reim Theatre at the Kirkwood Community Center, 111 S. Geyer Road. For more information: www.eventbrite.com

Alfresco Productions presents the musical Frozen Jr. Fridays and Saturdays at 7 pm and Sundays at 2 pm through December 15. Performances take place at the Alfresco Art Center, 2401 Delmar in Granite City, IL. For more information: (618) 560-1947 or www.alfrescoproductions.org.

Fully Committed
Photo: Greg Lazerwitz

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.

Grace Fields

The Blue Strawberry presents Grace Fields: the Best of Broadway on Thursday, December 12, at 8 pm. "The Best of Broadway features some of Grace's best performances from your Broadway and Disney favorites including the title song from Beauty and The Beast, Let it Go (Frozen) Can you Feel the love tonight (The Lion King) Part of your World (Little Mermaid) Music of the Night (Phantom of the Opera) I dreamed a Dream (Les Miserables) Seasons of Love (Rent) Bring Him Home (Les Miserables) Go the Distance (Hercules), O Holy Night and a couple of other holiday favorites." The Blue Strawberry is at 364 N. Boyle in the Central West End. For more information: www.bluestrawberrystl.com.

Cherokee Street Theater Company presents Gremlins- Live Holiday Parody through December 14. "Just in time for The Holidays, Gremlins- Live Holiday Parody is a 1 hour comedic parody of the 1984 movie, Gremlins. It is performed, written, and directed by local St. Louis talent. The show pokes fun and jabs at the original film by calling out its flaws, tackiness, and blatant 80's absurdity. It is a true celebration of camp and the fantastical with a charming and semi-dark twist all with a holiday theme!" Performances take place at 2607 Potomac in the Cherokee neighborhood. For more information: cherokeestreettheatercompany.com.

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.

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.

DaySpring Arts presents Little Women on Friday at 7 pm, Saturday at 2 and 7 pm, and Sunday at 3 pm, December 13-15. "This production of the beloved Louisa May Alcott story will be a feast for the senses with beautiful civil war period costumes, live string ensemble music, period dances, and meaningful acting. In the story, the 4 March sisters are surrounded by relatives, friends and neighbors who bring with them a host of encounters and sometimes comical mishaps that shape the sisters and their relationships. Through all the celebrations and challenges the family members are always there for each other. The story is brought to life by our cast of performers ages 10-18 from DaySpring Arts & Education drama and music departments." Performances take place at the DaySpring Black Box Theatre, 2500 Metro Blvd. in Maryland Heights, MO. For more information: dayspringarts.org.

That Uppity Theatre Company and the St. Louis University Department of Fine and Performing Arts present Playhouse Emissions: Climate Change Theatre Action St. Louis 2019 on Friday, December 13, at 7:30 pm. "Produced by Joan Lipkin, and directed by Thomas Martin, Anna Blair and Alex Knapp, 'Playhouse Emissions: Climate Change Theatre Action St. Louis 2019' will feature a sampling of the CCTA international collection of short plays inspired by climate change and prevailing attitudes towards science. In 2017, close to 140 collaborators in 23 countries hosted events, reaching an audience of 12,000. In the US, 90 events took place in 60 cities." The performance takes place at the Mark Wilson Theatre on the campus of St. Louis University. Admission is free. For more information: www.climatechangetheatreaction.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 Playhouse at Westport Plaza presents Sister's Christmas Catechism: The Mystery Of The Magi's Gold opening on Tuesday, December 10, at 8 pm and 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.

Uvee Hayes

The Blue Strawberry presents The True Facts of Life As Revealed by the Blues and Soul of Uvee Hayes on Saturday, December 14, at 8 pm. "A Macon, Mississippi native, Uvee Hayes was born and reared with the Blues. Her mom had a little country store where she would have Friday and Saturday night gatherings. People would come from all over to play, to sing, to listen, to dance. 'You heard nothing but the blues,' says Uvee, 'and those folks danced the dust up off the floor'." Join Uvee for a night of classic Blues straight from the source." Kapree Graves sings backup with a band consisting of James McKay on bass, Cornelius Davis on piano, Dennis Brock on lead guitar, Keith Robinson on drums, and Chris 'Iron Jaw' Taylor on harmonica. The Blue Strawberry is at 364 N. Boyle in the Central West End. For more information: www.bluestrawberrystl.com.

Alton Little Theater presents A Twisted Christmas Carol Thursdays through Saturdays at 7:30 pm and Sundays at 2 pm through December 15. "The most unusual Christmas Eve “barbecue” you'll ever dream about. Even Charles Dickens would laugh!" Performances take place at 2450 North Henry in Alton, IL. For more information, call 618.462.6562 or visit altonlittletheater.org.

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.