There's plenty of variety this week, with cabaret, drama, and the circus. Take your pick.
New This Week:
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| Lola Van Ella |
The Gateway Men's Chorus presents
Cabaret Risque: At The Speakeasy on Saturday, January 18, at 8 pm with a VIP Reception at 7 pm. "Travel back to the Roaring 20s as Gateway Men's Chorus presents an evening of sexy and sensual entertainment, handpicked by International Showgirl Lola Van Ella. With exotic burlesque performances, enticing silent auction items, and an incredible evening of saucy surprises, this is an event you can't afford to miss!" The event takes place at the Centene Center for the Arts in the Rialto Ballroom. For more information:
www.gmcstl.org.
My take: The Gateway Men's Chorus is a local cultural treasure and deserves our support. And and by attending their event, you'll get an entertaining evening of cabaret along with the good feeling of knowing that you've helped them keep going. And, of course, there's the presence of St. Louis' leading burlesque figure (in more ways than one), Ms. Lola Van Ella.
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| Mark Saunders |
The Blue Strawberry presents
Everything's Fine: A Bear in Search of His Honey with singer
Mark Saunders and pianist
Stephen Eros on Friday, January 17, at 8 pm. "The world of online dating can be a tricky game to master. In a one-man cabaret, Mark Saunders will take you on a journey through the ups and downs, the goods and bads, and especially the tops and bottoms of his journey to find love. The evening will be full of laughter, heartbreak, and 100% true horror stories that will make us all feel better about ourselves. Come out, have a drink, and let's talk!" The Blue Strawberry is at 364 N. Boyle in the Central West End. For more information:
bluestrawberrystl.com.
My take: Alas, other commitments prevent me from seeing this show, but I can tell you from seeing him perform at The Cabaret Project's
monthly open mic night at Sophie's Artist Lounge (next one is Tuesday the 21st; just saying) that he has the voice of an angel, a charming stage presence, and a sense of humor to back it up. Should be a good show.
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Circus Harmony: Legato (2018)
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Circus Harmony presents
Fluente: An Underseas Circus Adventure Saturdays at 2 and 7 pm and Sundays at 2 pm, January 18 - 26. "This captivating show is an undersea circus adventure. All the acts are co-created with the amazing Circus Harmony students, staff and guest teaching artists - a number of whom are successful alumni. Like it's home, City Museum, this circus show is not just for children! While the age range of the performers is 8 to 21 years old, these young people perform professional level circus arts. That is why a number of them have gone on to perform with some of the most prestigious circus companies around the world! Fluente will feature new acts created especially for this production and new music from the Circus Harmony Band under the direction of Jeffrey Carter." Performances take place at City Museum, downtown. For more information:
circusharmony.org/fluente/
My take: Circus Harmony does excellent outreach work that demonstrates how the arts can make a big difference in the community. If you've ever seen a Circus Flora show, of course, you've seen some of Circus Harmony's students at work as The St. Louis Arches, but the organization's reach and mission go far beyond that. "Circus Harmony,"
according to their web site, "teaches the art of life through circus education. We work to build character and expand community for youth of all ages, cultures, abilities and backgrounds. Through teaching and performance of circus skills, we help people defy gravity, soar with confidence, and leap over social barriers, all at the same time." Since their 2001
Circus Salaam Shalom, which brought Jewish and Muslim kids in St. Louis together, Circus Harmony has been advancing its philosophy of "peace through pyramids, harmony through hand springs" to "inspire individuals and connect communities."
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Two Trains Running
Photo by Phil Hamer |
The Black Rep presents August Wilson's
Two Trains Running through January 26. "In August Wilson's masterpiece, history unfolds around everyday lives against the backdrop of the civil rights movement. Long-time regulars gather at the local diner in Pittsburgh's Hill District to gossip, flirt and play the numbers. Now the owner must decide whether to let the city take over his building or sell it to a shrewd, local businessman. Part of Wilson's trailblazing American Century Cycle, Two Trains Running paints a compassionate and unforgettable portrait of ordinary people in the midst of transformation." Performances take place at the Edison Theatre on the Washington University campus. For more information:
theblackrep.org.
My take: Critical reaction to this has been rather ecstatic. "In St. Louis," writes Calvin Wilson
at the Post-Dispatch, "standing ovations have become routine and are often unmerited. But in this case, that gesture is much deserved."
At KDHX, Jacob Juntunen calls it "an exquisite production of a superb script by one America's most important playwrights." And
at Ladue News, Mark Bretz writes that director Ed Smith "weaves a masterpiece of a production through the expert utilization of his cast and technical staff." 'Nuff said.
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