St. Louis theatre calendar for the week of June 6, 2022

Now including both on-line and live events during the pandemic. Your event information should be in text format (i.e. not part of a graphic), but feel free to include publicity stills. To get your event listed here, send an email to calendar [at] stageleft.org.

The Blue Strawberry presents a Singers Open Mic Night with host Chuck Lavazzi and pianist Ron McGowan on Tuesday, June 7, from 7 to 9:30 pm. “Musicals, Standards new and established, Cabaret and Pop. First Tuesday of every month (unless we change a date here and there!). Bring music in your key."  The Blue Strawberry is at 364 N. Boyle. For more information: bluestrawberrystl.com.

Circus Flora presents The Quest For The Innkeeper’s Cask June 9 through July 3. “Circus Flora is going underground! The caves beneath St Louis have fascinated the city’s residents for generations. Each cave has its own story, its own mystery, its own secrets. In “The Quest for the Innkeeper’s Cask,” Circus Flora’s troupe seeks an ancient relic, rumored to have mystical powers, and believed to be somewhere beneath the city’s streets. But it seems that someone does not want the Cask to be found—the closer it is, the more obstacles and boobytraps seem to be in the way. Acrobats, daredevils, aerialists, comedians and more tell this wondrous story in a way that only Circus Flora can. Remind your family that adventure and excitement are everywhere, even underneath our city’s streets!” Performances take place at The Big Top on Washington next to Powell Hall in Grand Center. For more information: circusflora.org

Member of the Wedding
Photo: John Lamb

Clayton Community Theatre presents Carson McCullers’s Member of the Wedding Thursdays through Saturdays at 8 pm and Sundays at 2 pm, through June 12. “This 1950 play, adapted by the author from a 1946 novel, has been described as a “very funny, very dark” story on themes of racial and sexual identity and “why people exclude others and what happens when they do.” Performances take place at the Washington University South Campus Theatre, 6501 Clayton Road, in Clayton. For more information: www.placeseveryone.org.

ERA Theatre presents the radio play SHE by Nancy Bell with music by Joe Taylor and Lyrics by Nancy Bell via on-demand streaming  "SHE controls the radio station of the fascist regime in power. SHE's also the star of the broadcast. Her recording studio abounds with music and oysters. But in the nearby government camps full of misfits and would-be revolutionaries, only torture and starvation is thick on the ground. Tonight, however, SHE's realm feels different. The bombs sound closer. Time moves faster. But SHE will finish her radio show, and it will be her finest. If executing every number in the broadcast means some people need to die, so be it; it is a small sacrifice. The citizens need her and she will not let them down." SHE is available on most major platforms including Spotify, Amazon Music, Apple Music, YouTube, and BandCamp. For more information: www.eratheatre.org

The Lion King

The Fabulous Fox presents the musical The Lion King through June 18. “Giraffes strut. Birds swoop. Gazelles leap. The entire Serengeti comes to life as never before.  And as the music soars, Pride Rock slowly emerges from the mist. This is Disney’s THE LION KING, making its triumphant return to the Fabulous Fox Theatre. More than 100 million people around the world have experienced the awe-inspiring visual artistry, the unforgettable music, and the uniquely theatrical storytelling of this Broadway spectacular – one of the most breathtaking and beloved productions ever to grace the stage.” The Fabulous Fox is on North Grand in Grand Center. For more information: www.fabulousfox.com.

The Gateway Men’s Chorus presents A Place for Us: The Music of Stephen Sondheim Sunday at 5 pm and Monday at 7:30 pm, June 12 and 13. “The magic of the Gateway Men's Chorus is in the lives that we touch. Through our music and through our mission, we provide opportunities for LGBTQIA+ persons to find community, to strengthen their sense of self, and to reconnect with their love of music. This mission is made possible through the generous donations of caring individuals from throughout the Greater Saint Louis region and beyond. Your love and thoughtfulness enables us to purchase new and exciting music, to stage thought-provoking and socially challenging concerts three times a year, and to provide scholarships that enable singers to be part of their larger community. With your help, we are saving lives and we are spreading a message of love and acceptance.” The performances take place at the Centene Center for the Arts, 3547 Olive in Grand Center. For more information: www.gmcstl.org.

The Kirkwood Theatre Guild presents the musical Singin’ in the Rain June 10-19. “Don Lockwood is a silent film star who barely tolerates his vapid leading lady, Lina Lamont, who is convinced their screen romance is real. After the first talking picture proves to be a smash hit, the studio decides they have no choice but to convert the new Lockwood/Lamont film into a talkie. The production is beset with difficulties, by far the worst being Lina’s comically grating voice. After a disastrous test screening, Don’s best friend comes up with the idea to overdub Lina’s voice! Meanwhile, Don falls in love with aspiring actress Kathy Selden, who is providing the voice for Lina. When Lina finds out, she does everything possible to sabotage the romance!” Performances take place at the Kirkwood Performing Arts Center at 210 E. Monroe Avenue in Kirkwood, MO. For more information: www.ktg-onstage.org

The Lemp Mansion Murder Mystery Dinner Theatre and Jest Mysteries present The Comic Book Killer through August 27. "Calling all superheros and villains! There’s trouble afoot for you both! Evil Doctor Weevil is back and he’s trying to erase your very existence! The time has come to join forces against true evil and restore balance to the comic universe. But who will be the hero or heroes and rid this plain of Evil Dr. Weevil forever? Could it be you? Quick…to the Prius! Dawn your cape and spandex and meet us the famously haunted Lemp Mansion for a mystery like no other! Here I come to save the daaaaaay!!!!"  The Lemp Mansion is at 3322 DeMenil Place in south city. For more information: www.lempmansion.com

In My Granny's Garden
Photo: Jennifer A. Lynn

Metro Theater Company presents In My Granny’s Garden live at multiple locations in the bi-state area and streaming on demand through June 26. “Inspired by the children’s book by acclaimed playwright and New York Times bestselling author Pearl Cleage and her husband, writer and director Zaron W. Burnett Jr., In My Granny’s Garden invites the youngest audiences to explore the glory of growing your own food. Watch a tiny seed become a field of corn, green beans, collard greens, and bright red tomatoes. Step into a visual feast inspired by world renowned artist Radcliffe Bailey’s original paintings, and discover the one superpower that fuels Granny’s garden. The play promises to leave the very young nourished in body and soul. In My Granny's Garden was commissioned by the Alliance Theatre in Atlanta, Georgia. For more information: www.metroplays.org

New Jewish Theatre presents Ken Ludwig’s romantic comedy Dear Jack, Dear Louise Thursdays at 7:30 pm, Saturdays at 4 and 8 pm, and Sundays at 2 pm, June 9-26. “Dear Jack, Dear Louise is inspired by the playwright’s parents romance as pen pals during World War II.
The play chronicles the romance that spans the duration of World War II between a young military doctor, stationed in Medford, Oregon, and other places, and a budding young actress whose career hopes have taken her all the way from Brooklyn to Manhattan. Given the distance between them, the only way they can conduct, let alone evolve, their relationship is through letters, exchanged at times at breakneck pace and at other times with frustrating, worrisome slowness.” Performances take place at the SFC Performing Arts Center, 2 Millstone Campus Drive. For more information: jccstl.com/arts-ideas/new-jewish-theatre

New Line Theatre presents the musical Urinetown Thursdays through Saturdays at 8 pm through June 25.  Performances take place at the Marcelle Theatre in Grand Center. “Set in 2027, Mark Hollmann and Greg Kotis' URINETOWN is an hilariously subversive fable of greed, corruption, love, revolution, and urination, in a time when water is worth its weight in gold and there's no such thing as a free pee. Set in a near-future dystopian Gotham, a severe 20-year drought has led to a government-enforced ban on private toilets. The citizens are forced to use public "amenities" now, regulated by a single malevolent company that profits by charging admission for one of humanity's most basic needs. In this nightmare world, the punishment for an unauthorized pee is a trip to the dreaded URINETOWN. But from the ruins of Democracy and courtesy flushes, there rises an unlikely hero who decides he's held it long enough, and he launches a People's Revolution to lead them all to urinary freedom!” For more information: http://www.newlinetheatre.com/utownpage.html

Opera Theatre of St. Louis presents the world premiere of Awakenings by Tobias Picker, with a libretto by Aryeh Lev Stollmann based on the book by Oliver Sacks, running through June 24. “Awakenings is a moving story of memories, loss, and life rediscovered. For more than forty years, thousands succumbed to a mysterious sleeping sickness, rendering them as immobile and voiceless as living statues. Decades later, a brilliant young doctor discovered a revolutionary treatment to bring his patients back to life…but with the challenge of finding their place in a now-unfamiliar world” Opera Theatre requires proof of vaccination and strongly recommends that guests wear a mask during indoor events. Performances are sung in English with projected English supertitles and take place at the Loretto-Hilton Center on the Webster University Campus. For more information: opera-stl.org.

Carmen
Photo: Eric Woolsey

Opera Theatre of St. Louis presents Bizet’s Carmen through June 25. “Free, rebellious, and beautiful, Carmen is the most desired woman in town. Every man wants her, and every woman envies her. Sparks fly when Carmen meets the young soldier Don José, and they quickly begin a passionate affair. José is ready to sacrifice everything for Carmen: his reputation, his career, even his family. But when Carmen leaves José for the handsome bullfighter Escamillo, a tangled web of lust, obsession, and jealousy play out to fatal effect.” Opera Theatre requires proof of vaccination and strongly recommends that guests wear a mask during indoor events. Performances are sung in English with projected English supertitles and take place at the Loretto-Hilton Center on the Webster University Campus. For more information: opera-stl.org.

Opera Theatre of St. Louis presents the world premiere of the new performing version of Harvey Milk by Stewart Wallace and Michael Korie, opening on Saturday, June 11, at 7:30 pm and running through June 24. “Based on the true story of Harvey Milk, this opera delves into the tumultuous era of the 1970s to trace one young man’s rise to lead a movement. During his time as the “Mayor of Castro Street,” Harvey Milk fought for the rights of the disenfranchised…and paid the ultimate price for his work to advance those freedoms. Through Milk’s legacy, we are reminded that we are more united than divided, regardless of our background.” Opera Theatre requires proof of vaccination and strongly recommends that guests wear a mask during indoor events. Performances are sung in English with projected English supertitles and take place at the Loretto-Hilton Center on the Webster University Campus. For more information:  opera-stl.org.

The Magic Flute
Photo: Eric Woolsey

Opera Theatre of St. Louis presents Mozart’s The Magic Flute  running through June 26. “No trial or challenge is too great for true love. Prince Tamino is on a high-paced adventure to save the princess Pamina from the clutches of the evil Sarastro. But he’s not alone — his loyal bird-catching friend Papageno, two magical instruments, and three benevolent spirits are ready to help him overcome every obstacle. A whimsical and timeless story that features some of Mozart’s most beloved music, The Magic Flute is a favorite for all ages!” Opera Theatre requires proof of vaccination and strongly recommends that guests wear a mask during indoor events. Performances are sung in English with projected English supertitles and take place at the Loretto-Hilton Center on the Webster University Campus. For more information: opera-stl.org.

Opera Theatre of St. Louis presents Music as the Message: Sing On, Sing On! on Tuesday, June 7, and 7:30 pm.  Join soprano, author, educator, and St. Louis native Adrienne Danrich for a musical celebration of Black artistry across the decades! This one-night-only concert embraces gospel, jazz, classical music, poetry, and more for a multi-genre, multi-generational outpouring of joy that will leave you uplifted and inspired. Featuring local musicians, spoken word artists, and members of OTSL’s 2022 Festival Season company. Opera Theatre requires proof of vaccination and strongly recommends that guests wear a mask during indoor events. The performance takes place at the Grandel Theatre in Grand Center. For more information: opera-stl.org

R-S Theatrics presents While the Ghostlight Burns, a virtual discussion series featuring R-S Artistic Director Sarah Lynne Holt in conversation with St. Louis theatre artists, Mondays at 7 pm.  Conversations will be archived at the R-S Theatrics YouTube channel. For more information: r-stheatrics.com/while-the-ghostlight-burns.html

St. Louis Shakespeare Festival presents the comedy Much Ado About Nothing through June 26. “Much Ado About Nothing is one of Shakespeare’s most popular and enduring comedies. The central characters, Beatrice and Benedick, are thorny, intelligent, witty and hopelessly bad at love. A battle royale ensues in a hilarious attempt to resist their overpowering mutual attraction that makes Much Ado such a timeless story of romance, suspicion and restoration.” Performances take place nightly at 8 pm except for Mondays at Shakespeare Glenn next to the Art Museum in Forest Park. For more information: stlshakes.org.

The St. Louis Writers' Group presents a reading of Twisted Metal and Lies by David Hawley on Tuesday, June 7 at 6:30 p.m. “On a country road in Northern England a car of teenagers overturns.  What seemed to be a straightforward, if tragic incident, becomes a complex investigation as it's not clear who was driving, or even how many people were in the car. The twisted metal is there for all to see, but who is lying? Twisted metal and lies is an experiemental piece by David Hawley, lasting about one hour.” The reading takes place at Big Daddy’s, 1000 Sidney in Soulard. For more information, visit the St. Louis Writers' Group Facebook page.

The Karate Kid

Stages St. Louis presents The Karate Kid: The Musical through June 26. “For generations, audiences have cheered the 1984 blockbuster, THE KARATE KID. Now this iconic story comes to the stage as a thrilling and inventive new musical. Inspired by the real-life story of screenwriter Robert Kamen, creator of the original franchise, THE KARATE KID tells the story of Daniel LaRusso, who finds trouble with a group of cruel and harassing classmates. To defend himself, Daniel begins training with a reclusive handyman – who just happens to be an expert martial artist. What he learns, though, is that fighting is done with the head and the heart, not the fists. THE KARATE KID features music and lyrics by Drew Gasparini (“Smash”) and choreography from award-winning duo Keone and Mari Madrid with direction by Amon Miyamoto (Pacific Overtures).” Performances take place at the Kirkwood Performing Arts Center in Kirkwood, MO. For more information: stagesstlouis.org.

The STL Fringe presents An Act of God by David Javerbaum Thursday and Friday at 7:30 pm and Saturday at 2 pm, June 9-11. “The One with the first and last word on everything has finally arrived to set the record straight. After many millennia, and in just 90 minutes, God (assisted by His devoted angels) answers some of the deepest questions that have plagued mankind since Creation.” Performances take place at the .ZACK in Grand Center. For more information: stlfringe.org.

Stray Dog Theatre presents The Normal Heart Thursdays through Saturdays April June 9-25. “A powerful, stirring drama based on the harrowing true story of the beginning of the AIDS crisis in New York City, and the gay men who fought with an entire political system to take their plight seriously. The Normal Heart follows Ned Weeks, a reluctant leader but furious activist, as he campaigns for awareness, and tends to his own friends and lovers who are dying all around him.” Performances take place at Tower Grove Abbey, 2336 Tennessee in Tower Grove East. Tickets are only offered in physically distanced groups of two or four. For more information: www.straydogtheatre.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.