St. Louis theatre calendar for the week of January 27, 2020

New entries this week include drama, cabaret, and children's theatre.

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Myriad Productions presents Sam Shepard's Buried Child Fridays and Saturdays at 8 pm and Sundays at 2:00 pm, January 31 - February 9. "A scene of madness greets Vince and his girlfriend as they arrive at the squalid farmhouse of Vince's hard-drinking grandparents, who seem to have no idea who he is. Nor does his father, Tilden, a hulking former All-American footballer, or his uncle, who has lost one of his legs to a chain saw. Only the memory of an unwanted child, buried in an undisclosed location, can hope to deliver this family." Performances take place at The Olive Tree, 1211 South Newstead Avenue in The Grove. For more information: www.eventbrite.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.

Shakespeare Festival St. Louis presents Dress the Part January 29 - February 15. "The Q Brothers return to high school in a new hip-hop musical based on Shakespeare's Two Gentleman of Verona. Proteus and Valentine are high school football stars at Verona College Prep who learn a thing or two about love, friendship and loyalty. Over twenty characters are played by two actors who never leave the stage in this 75-minute wild ride." Performances take place at The Ready Room in the Grove neighborhood. For more information, including dates and times: sfstl.com.

The Playhouse at Westport Plaza presents the interactive comedy Flanagan's Wake running through March 21. "The hit show from Chicago, Flanagan's Wake, is the hilarious interactive show that brings Flanagan's Irish family to St. Louis where they will memorialize his passing. Audiences participate in this comedic memorial with plenty o' pints, crazy sing-a-longs, telling of witty tales and mourn the passing of one of their own: Flanagan. Audiences will pay their respects to glowering Mother Flanagan and to poor grieving fiancée, Fiona Finn. Listen to a eulogy written by County Sligo's best-known writer, Mickey Finn, and tip a pint with Brian Ballybunion, himself a weaver of tales. You can cross yourself with the blessings from St. Gregory's parish priest, Father Damon Fitzgerald, or cross your fingers that local pagan Kathleen Mooney doesn't cast a spell on you. Mayor Martin O'Doul will preside over the proceedings with an iron hand (and a parched throat)." The Playhouse at Westport Plaza is at 635 West Port Plaza. For more information: playhouseatwestport.com.

The Looking Glass Playhouse presents the musical A Gentleman's Guide to Love and Murder Thursdays through Saturdays at 7:30 pm and Sundays at 2 pm through February 2. "When the low-born Monty Navarro finds out that he's eighth in line for an earldom in the lofty D'Ysquith family, he figures his chances of outliving his predecessors are slight and sets off down a far more ghoulish path. Can he knock off his unsuspecting relatives without being caught and become the ninth Earl of Highhurst? And what of love? Because murder isn't the only thing on Monty's mind…. " Performances take place at 301 West St. Louis Street in Lebanon, Ill. For more information, visit www.lookingglassplayhouse.com.

A Gentleman's Guide to Love and Murder

Vivre Theatre presents the musical A Gentleman's Guide to Love and Murder through February 1. "When the low-born Monty Navarro finds out that he's eighth in line for an earldom in the lofty D'Ysquith family, he figures his chances of outliving his predecessors are slight and sets off down a far more ghoulish path. Can he knock off his unsuspecting relatives without being caught and become the ninth Earl of Highhurst? And what of love? Because murder isn't the only thing on Monty's mind…. " Performances take place at the Florissant Civic Center in Florissant, MO. For more information: www.facebook.com/events

Metro Theatre Company presents Ghost Fridays at 7 pm and Sundays at 2 pm, February 2 through March 1. "Metro Theater Company presents the rolling world premiere of a new play adapted by Idris Goodwin from Jason Reynolds's award-winning best-seller for young readers. Running is all that Castle Cranshaw, a.k.a. “Ghost,” has ever known, but he runs for all the wrong reasons until he meets Coach, who sees something in him: raw talent. The story follows Castle as he tries to stay on track, literally and figuratively, harnessing his aptitude for speed on an elite local track team while battling the difficult realities of his past and present. Ghost also highlights the importance of allyship. As his teammates become friends and Coach stands in as a father figure, Castle finds a place where he belongs. " The performances take place at The Grandel Theatre, 3610 Grandel Square in Grand Center. For more information: metroplays.org.

Alton Little Theater presents the classic drama Inherit the Wind Fridays and Saturdays at 7:30 pm and Sundays at 2 pm, January 31 - February 9. "The compelling classic of American Theater based upon the trial which pitted Clarence Darrow against William Jennings Bryan. A story as relevant today as it was in the 1920's because this moving and meaningful play is, at heart, addressing the freedoms of every American." Performances take place at 2450 North Henry in Alton, IL. For more information, call 618.462.6562 or visit altonlittletheater.org.

Jersey Boys

The Fox Theatre presents the musical Jersey Boys opening Thursday, January 30, and running through Sunday, February 2. The musical is based on the careers of Rock and Roll Hall of Famers The Four Seasons: Frankie Valli, Bob Gaudio, Tommy DeVito and Nick Massi. "This is the story of how four blue-collar kids became one of the greatest successes in pop music history. They wrote their own songs, invented their own sounds and sold 175 million records worldwide - all before they were thirty!" The Fox is on North Grand in Grand Center. For more information: fabulousfox.com.

The Blue Strawberry presents Lola Kirstine and the Ryan Marquez Trio on Saturday, February 1, at 8 pm. "The best thing to come out of St. Louis since toasted ravioli, Lola Kristine is a singer, pianist and songwriter based in Los Angeles, California. Known as “the little girl with the big voice,” Lola has been staggering audiences her whole life with the depth of soul she possesses in both her timeless songwriting and penetrating singing. Hearing her sing feeds your soul and reconnects you with what is right in the world." The Blue Strawberry is at 364 N. Boyle in the Central West End. For more information: www.bluestrawberrystl.com.

Madam
Photo by Caroline Guffey

Fly North Theatricals presents the new musical Madam through February 2. "ELIZA HAYCRAFT - She built an EMPIRE of brothels based on three simple rules. . . RESPECT, CONSENT, and PAY UP FRONT! In 1870 - she was the richest and most powerful woman in the City of St. Louis! But in 1870, Eliza Haycraft was dying. . . And the richest and most powerful men in the City of St. Louis. . . They were hellbent on taking it all away from her. With a score by STL-based composer Colin Healy (The Gringo, Forgottonia) described as 'power swing', fusing elements of modern pop and musical theatre with traditional St. Louis blues and swing revival, you can move-and-be-moved by this turbulent story about the right to be remembered, the meaning of love, and the power of 'no.'" Performances take place at the .ZACK, 3224 Locust in Grand Center. For more information: https://flynorththeatricals.com/events.

Mojada: A Medea in Los AngelesPhoto by Cory Weaver

The Repertory Theatre of St. Louis presents Mojada: A Medea in Los Angeles by Luis Alfaro through February 2. " The Greek tragedy Medea is reborn through the experiences of a young immigrant family living in modern day Los Angeles. Shrouded in evocative mysticism, this tale of love, loss and transformation pulses with an escalating sense of danger. In this fresh retelling, Medea and Jason grapple not only with their own star-crossed marriage, but with the weight of the sacrifices demanded in the battle between assimilation and tradition." Performances take place at the Loretto-Hilton Center on the Webster University campus. For more information: repstl.org

My Name is Asher Lev
Photo by John Gitchoff

New Jewish Theater presents My Name is Asher Lev Thursdays at 7:30 pm, Saturdays at 4 and 8 pm, and Sundays at 2 pm through February 9. "My Name is Asher Lev follows the journey of a young Jewish painter torn between his Hassidic upbringing and his desperate need to fulfill his artistic promise. When his artistic genius threatens to destroy his relationship with his parents and community, young Asher realizes he must make a difficult choice between art and faith. This stirring adaptation of a modern classic presents a heartbreaking and triumphant vision of what it means to be an artist." 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.

Norm Lewis

Jazz St. Louis and The Cabaret Project present Broadway's Norm Lewis on Wednesday and Thursday, January 29 and 30, at 7:30 p.m. "Don't miss the Tony nominated star of Porgy and Bess, Once on This Island, Phantom of The Opera, Les Mis, NBC's Jesus Christ Superstar, TV's Scandal, PBS' Live From Lincoln Center, and the films Sex and The City 2, The Winter's Tale." Performances take place at the Ferring Jazz Bistro on Washington just east of the Fox in Grand Center. For more information: www.thecabaretproject.org.

The St. Louis Family Theatre Series presents Owen and Mzee, the Musical Sunday, February 2 and Saturday, February 8 at 2 pm. “The amazing true story of the orphaned baby hippo and 130-year-old giant turtle whose remarkable friendship touched millions around the world. The inspiring true story of two great friends, a baby hippo named Owen and a 130-yr-old giant tortoise named Mzee. When Owen was stranded after a tsunami, villagers in Kenya worked tirelessly to rescue him. Then, to everyone's amazement, the orphan hippo and the elderly tortoise adopted each other. Now they are inseparable, swimming, eating, and playing together. Adorable photos e-mailed from friend to friend quickly made them worldwide celebrities. Here is a joyous reminder that in times of trouble, friendship is stronger than the differences that too often pull us apart." Performances take place at the Florissant Civic Center Theatre at Parker and Waterford in Florissant, MO. For more information, call 314-921-5678 or visit www.florissantmo.com

The Bissell Mansion Murder Mystery Dinner Theatre presents Phantom of the Grand Ole Opry February 1 through April 26. "Millions of people flock to the Grand Ole Opry House to see Tammy Whino's one woman show, "Stand By Your Man." Here, amid the fried chicken, line dancing and dinner theatre, Tammy is the Queen of the Grand Ole Opry. Or is she? When she is found murdered, many suspect the Phantom because everyone knows the house is haunted. Or could the murderer be Billy Ray Serious, Naomi Dudd, and we can't forget about Nelson Willy?" For more information: bissellmansiontheatre.com.

Polkadots the Cool Kids Musical

The Repertory Theatre of St. Louis's Imaginary Theatre Company presents the children's musical Polkadots The Cool Kids Musical Saturdays at 10:30 am and 12:30 pm through February 2. "The "Squares Only" town of Rockaway turns upside down when Lily Polkadot arrives. As the first Polkadot in an all Square school, Lily faces an almost impossible task of gaining acceptance from her peers. From daily bullying to segregated drinking fountains, everything seems hopeless until Lily meets Sky, a shy Square boy whose curiosity for her different skin leads to an unexpected friendship. Inspired by the events of The Little Rock Nine, this musical serves as a colorful history lesson, reminding us that our differences make us awesome, not outcasts." Performances take place on the Mainstage at the Loretto-Hilton Center on the Webster University campus on January 25 and February 1, and at the Missouri History Museum on February 2. For more information: repstl.org.

Songs for Nobodies
Photo by John Lamb

Max and Louie Productions presents Songs for Nobodies, starring Debbie Lennon, Thursdays at 7:30 pm, Fridays and Saturdays at 8 pm, and Sundays at 3 pm through February 2. "This one-woman powerhouse performance, starring Debby Lennon, weaves the music of legendary divas Judy Garland, Patsy Cline, Billie Holiday, Edith Piaf, and Maria Callas throughout a mosaic of stories told by the everyday women who had unexpected life-changing encounters with these musical icons." Performances take place at the Kranzberg Center, 501 N. Grand in Grand Center. For more information: maxandlouie.com

First Run Theatre presents the 2020 Spectrum One-Act Play Festival Fridays and Saturdays at 8 pm and Sundays at 2 pm through February 1. Performances take place at The Chapel, 6238 Alexander Drive in Clayton. For more information, call (314) 352-5114 or visit www.firstruntheatre.com.

The Thanksgiving Play
Photo by Phil Hamer

The Repertory Theatre of St. Louis presents The Thanksgiving Play through February 9. "Four earnestly progressive theatre-makers want to create a politically correct Thanksgiving play that is historically accurate, avoids all possible stereotypes and doesn't offend anyone. Guess how long it takes for everything to fly off the rails? This wickedly hilarious satire hurtles into glorious chaos, skewering both its characters' pretensions and the traditional "Thanksgiving story."" Performances take place in the Studio Theatre at the Loretto-Hilton Center on the Webster University campus. For more information: repstl.org.

Kristen Goodman

The Blue Strawberry presents Kristen Goodman in Unrequited on Friday, January 31, at 8 pm. "St. Louis's own versatile vocalist and local musician, Kristen Goodman, is presenting an unforgettable evening of cabaret featuring some of the most beautiful, heartbreaking songs of Broadway and popular music. From Cole Porter to Stephen Sondheim, from Joni Mitchell to Sara Bareilles, Kristen has curated a night of songs that vary widely in their styles, yet express the common human experience of grief, loss, and unrequited love. Kristen will be joined by the talents of Ron Bryant on keys, Andy Hainz on bass, Dustin Sholtes on drums, and guest vocalist Cindy Minnis." The Blue Strawberry is at 364 N. Boyle in the Central West End. For more information: www.bluestrawberrystl.com.

Wildfire
Photo by ProPhotoSTL

Upstream Theater presents Wildfire through February 9. "Claudette, Claudia, Claudine, Carol, Callum, and Caroline have more in common than names that begin with C-they are haunted by a family history of childhood trauma, which unfolds across three generations-and then loops back … to the future. They do what they can to survive. Sometimes by baking cookies, sometimes by playing fantasy games, and sometimes by smashing a hammer into a TV. Highly absurd, terribly funny and beautifully constructed, WILDFIRE is a mix of ferocious black comedy and a humanistic worldview which recognizes that seemingly unremarkable lives can experience extraordinary fates." Performances take place at the Marcelle Theatre in Grand Center. For more information, including show times: upstreamtheater.org.

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.