St. Louis theatre calendar for the week of June 20, 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 Cabaret Project and The Blue Strawberry present a Singers Open Mic on Tuesday, June 21st, from 7 to 9:30 pm. “Ken Haller is your host, with pianist and music director Carol Schmidt. If you plan to sing bring sheet music or a chart in your own key, and perform your favorite Broadway, pop, or jazz tunes. Or you can just relax, have a drink and dinner or a snack, and enjoy the music. No admission or cover, but there is always a tip jar! All proceeds go to The Cabaret Project, a 501c3 non-profit dedicated to promoting, developing, and sustaining the art of cabaret in St. Louis."  The Blue Strawberry is at 364 N. Boyle. For more information: thecabaretproject.org.

A Call to Conscience presents Live at the Club Riviera, an original script written by local playwright Freeman Word, Thursday and Friday at 7:30,  June 23 and 24. Directed by Thomasina Clarke, Live At The Club Riviera features The Point of View Jazz Ensemble & The North County Big Band under the direction of Harvey Lockhart, with Choreography by Vivian Watt. “Live at the Club Riviera is a landmark portrait of one of the most significant yet little-noted entertainment venue in St. Louis history. Rivaling the Cotton Club in Harlem; Club Riviera was the largest Black-owned nightclub in Missouri. It is reflective of a time in black history when professional entertainers who were snubbed in the white clubs would come over to Club Riviera to perform as a way of protesting the white establishment.” Performances take place at The Grandel Theatre in Grand Center. For more information: www.metrotix.com.

Circus Flora presents The Quest For The Innkeeper’s Cask 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

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 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

The Muny presents the musical Camelot June 22-28 at 8:15 pm.  “The Broadway legend returns for its first Muny production in 13 years! Come re-discover this powerful, moving and enchanting tale of romance and political intrigue, as we all live for “one brief shining moment.” Based upon T.H. White’s novel, Lerner and Loewe’s Camelot features a lush and Excalibur-sharp score, including “If Ever I Would Leave You,” “What Do the Simple Folk Do?” and of course, “Camelot.” With this enchanting classic tale, you are guaranteed an unforgettable (k)night at King Arthur’s Round Table.” Performances take place on the Muny's outdoor stage in Forest Park. For more information: muny.org.

The Muny presents the musical Chicago June 19 at 8:15 pm.  “Start the car and head to a “whoopee spot” where crime and corruption are hot! Kander and Ebb’s internationally-acclaimed musical about fame, fortune and justice features a headline-worthy story of how two icon-victs become Jazz Age celebrities. Set during the Prohibition era, this six-time Tony Award-winner, the longest-running American musical in Broadway history, includes showstopping standards such as “Cell Block Tango,” “Mister Cellophane” and the notorious “All That Jazz.”” Performances take place on the Muny's outdoor stage in Forest Park. For more information: muny.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 through June 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

Awakenings
Photo: Eric Woolsey

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 Center Stage on Tuesday, June 21, at 7:30 pm. “This electric event shines a spotlight on Opera Theatre’s Richard Gaddes Festival Artist and Gerdine Young Artist Programs. A cadre of rising opera stars will perform iconic melodies from opera’s greatest hits and cherished rarities. Center Stage is curated by Patricia Racette, Artistic Director of Young Artist Programs, and James Robinson, Artistic Director of Opera Theatre. Be the first to discover the next stars of opera at this showcase concert!” Opera Theatre requires proof of vaccination and strongly recommends that guests wear a mask during indoor events. The performance is sung in English with projected English supertitles and takes place at the Loretto-Hilton Center on the Webster University Campus. For more information: https://opera-stl.org/

Harvey Milk
Photo: Eric Woolsey

Opera Theatre of St. Louis presents the world premiere of the new performing version of Harvey Milk by Stewart Wallace and Michael Korie, 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.

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 presents Duncan MacMillan's Every Brilliant Thing Fridays and Saturdays at 8 pm and Sundays at 2 pm, through June 26 “You're 7-years old. Mom's in the hospital. Dad says she's "done something stupid." She finds it hard to be happy. So you start to make a list of everything that's brilliant about the world. Everything that's worth living for.  1. Ice cream.  2. Kung Fu movies.  3. Staying up past your bedtime and being allowed to watch TV.  4. The color yellow. You leave it on her pillow. You know she read it because she's corrected your spelling. Soon the list will take on a life of its own. A play about depression and the lengths we go to for those we love.” Performances take place at The Chapel Venue, 6238 Alexander Drive. For more information: https://www.stlshakespeare.org.

Much Ado About Nothing
Photo: Phillip Hamer

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 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.

Stray Dog Theatre presents The Normal Heart Thursdays through Saturdays through June 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.