St. Louis theatre calendar for the week of December 12, 2022

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

Matthew Hempel and Mark Howell

The Blue Strawberry presents magicians Matthew Hampel and Mark Howell on Monday, December 12, at 7 pm. “Matthew Hampel has be performing since he was 5 years old in circuses around the country with his family. He has had the privilege to learn comedy and magic from some of the best in the world. Mark Howell is a Magician, Hypnotist, and Speaker sharing his unique talents across the Midwest for over 20 years." The Blue Strawberry is at 364 N. Boyle.   The Blue Strawberry is at 364 N. Boyle. For more information: bluestrawberrystl.com.

ERA Theatre presents The Residents of Craigslist: a fundraising event Wednesday through Saturday, December 14-17, at 8:00 pm.  “‘The Residents of Craigslist' is a one-act theatrical work that realizes the classified advertisements website Craigslist as a full yet lonely house containing a myriad of people – its residents. This is a fundraising event. Doors are at 6:30 p.m. Silent auction and 50/50 raffle. ERA's 'The Residents of Craigslist' begins at 8 p.m. Auction and 50/50 raffle winners announced at 9:45 p.m. For mature audiences only. Includes foul, sexually explicit, and discriminatory language.” Performances take place in the 4th Floor Ballroom at the Centene Center for the Arts, 3547 Olive St. in Grand Center. For more information: www.eratheatre.org.

The Fabulous Fox presents presents A Prairie Home Companion Christmas Show with Garrison Keillor on Thursday, December 15th, at 7 pm. “There’ll be humor, music, holiday cheer, singing, laughing, and, of course, all the latest News from Lake Wobegon. Among those joining Garrison: Heather Masse (jazz singer who is known as one-third of The Wailin’ Jennys) Maria Jette and Richard Dworsky, leading a band featuring guitar wizards Pat Donohue and Dean Magraw. Sound effects ace Fred Newman, and actors Sue Scott and Tim Russell (the man of a thousand voices) round out the troupe.” The Fabulous Fox is on North Grand in Grand Center. For more information: https://www.fabulousfox.com.

Cirque Dreams: Holidaze

The Fabulous Fox presents Cirque Dreams: Holidaze on Saturday at 7:30 pm and Sunday at 11:00 am, 3:00 pm, and 7:30 pm, December 16 and 17.  “CIRQUE DREAMS HOLIDAZE dazzles with a brilliant and whimsical family holiday spectacular. This annual tradition wraps a Broadway-style production around an infusion of contemporary circus arts. The show features an ensemble of aerial circus acts, sleight-of-hand jugglers, fun-loving skippers, breath-catching acrobatics, and much more. Imaginative and fun for the whole family, CIRQUE DREAMS HOLIDAZE features a world-renowned cast of performers accompanied by an original music score.” The Fabulous Fox is on North Grand in Grand Center. For more information: https://www.fabulousfox.com.

The Lemp Mansion Murder Mystery Dinner Theatre and Jest Mysteries present A Dickens of a Killilng through January 27th, 2023. "Death is in the air as guests join Marilyn Monroe, Babe Ruth, Baaaaa Huuuumbug!!! Ebenezer Scrooge will be back to his old tricks and is bound to make a few enemies at this Christmas Party chock full of Charles Dicken's Characters. Just when Beep (The Minstrel) gets everyone in the Holiday Spirit, Scrooge barges in and starts talking about gruel. Geez, hope no one snuffs Scrooge out before he stops bellowing! Guests will dive into the fictious world of Charles Dickens and join Pip, Martha Cratchit, Oliver Twist, The Ghost of Jacob Marley, Tiny Tim and so many more in this cheerful murder mystery parody of a Holiday Classic. Whether you want to participate a little or a lot, you're sure to have a jolly good time, in jolly olde England, where there is sure to be "A Dickens of a Killing!" The Lemp Mansion is at 3322 DeMenil Place in south city. For more information: www.lempmansion.com

Jerry's Girls
Photo: Greg Lazerwitz

New Jewish Theatre presents Jerry’s Girls: The Jerry Herman Review Thursdays at 7:30 pm, Saturdays at 4 and 8 pm, and Sundays at 2 pm, through December 18. “The musical brings together composer/lyricist Jerry Herman’s “greatest hits” - from his many smash productions to some of his lesser well-known musicals. From Mame to Milk and Honey, Hello Dolly! To La Cage Aux Folles, Jerry’s Girls lovingly revisits the shows and their music. New Jewish Theatre’s production features an ensemble cast of five local female performers: Kelsey Bearman, Molly Burris, Christina Rios, Greta Rosenstock and Lisa Rosenstock. Burris is returning to New Jewish Theatre after appearing earlier this season in Dear Jack, Dear Louise. The rest of the cast will be performing at New Jewish Theatre for the first time.” Performances take place at the SFC Performing Arts Center, 2 Millstone Campus Drive. For more information: jccstl.com.

A Christmas Carol

The Repertory Theatre of St. Louis presents the second annual production of Michael Wilson’s adaptation of Dickens’s A Christmas Carol through December 30. “At long last, the ghosts of Ebenezer Scrooge’s past, present and future have caught up with him. Now London’s most infamous miser must face down his demons, reconcile the consequences of his choices and experience the power and joy of a miraculous redemption. This magical production will again be directed by Hana S. Sharif, Augustin Family Artistic Director at The Repertory Theatre of St. Louis and choreographed by Kirven Douthit-Boyd, Artistic Director at The Big Muddy Dance Company. The world of Charles Dickens’ will be brought to life by Tim Mackabee (Scenic Design), Dede Aytie (Costume Design), Seth Reiser (Lighting Design), and Hana S. Kim (Production Design). Chales Coles and Nathan Roberts provide the music and sound design, with musical direction by Tre’von Griffith.” Performances take on the main stage of the Loretto-Hilton Center on the Webster University campus.. For more information: www.repstl.org.

Forget Me Not
Photo: Patrick Huber

The St. Louis Actors’ Studio presents Forget Me Not written and directed by Kyle Marlett Fridays and Saturdays at 8 pm and Sundays at 3 pm through December 18. “Forget Me Not is the journey of one human figuring out what it means to be remembered. We’ve all experienced the feeling that there’s not enough time. We sometimes wonder what will happen after we’re gone, how will our stories be told, and how can we leave a lasting impact? Kyle asks all of these questions of himself and seeks to find the answers with you. Kyle Marlett is running out of time. All his life, he’s felt the overwhelming need to leave a mark on the world. It’s a lifelong pursuit that leads him to magic, this show, and this moment, right now. Prepare to witness stunning visuals, impossible illusions and raw storytelling as Kyle examines our time on earth and the connections between all of us. Why are we here? What do we leave behind?”  Performances take place at The Gaslight Theater on North Boyle in the Central West End. For more information: www.stlas.org.

Ride the Cyclone
Photo: John Lamb

Stray Dog Theatre presents Ride the Cyclone: The Musical Thursdays through Saturdays through December 17. There are additional performances 8 PM Sunday, December 11 and Wednesday, December 14. “The lives of six teenagers from a Canadian chamber choir are cut short in a freak accident aboard a roller coaster. When they awake in limbo, a mechanical fortune teller invites each to tell their story to win a prize like no other — the chance to return to life. A funny, moving look at what makes life worth living.” 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.

Stages Performing Arts Academy presents Big the Musical (TYA) Thursday and Friday at 7:30 pm and Saturday at 2 and 7:30 pm, December 15-17.  “Josh Baskin is sick of being an awkward kid. At a carnival, he makes a wish to the Zoltar machine to become “big“ and to his shock, his wish is granted. After an understandably awkward beginning, Josh is forced to do “adult” things, like getting a job and managing relationships. In the end, he discovers that there’s much more to being an adult than he’s bargained for and learns that we must all grow up at our own pace and in our own time.” Performances take place at the Kirkwood Performing Arts Center in Kirkwood, MO. For more information: stagesperformingartsacademy.ticketleap.com/big.

The Twelve Dates of Christmas

The Westport Playhouse presents writer/actor Mark Rodgers in Discover DaVinci and Michaelangelo—the Titans Experience on selected dates through December 30.  “Over 100 successfull Broadway shows, Includes an art installation and self-guided tour of DaVinci's models, artwork, and more...including our new unique theatrical 40' Video Wall!” The Westport Playhouse is in the Westport Plaza Business and Entertainment District. For more information: thewestportplayhouse.com.

The Westport Playhouse presents Jennifer Theby Quinn in The Twelve Dates of Christmas on selected dates through December 23.  “After seeing her fiance kiss another woman at the televised Thanksgiving Day Parade, Mary's life falls apart -- just in time for the holidays. Over the next year, she stumbles back into the dating world, where "romance" ranges from weird and creepy to absurd and comical. It seems nothing can help Mary's growing cynicism, until the charm and innocence of a five-year-old boy unexpectedly brings a new outlook on life and love. This heartwarming one-woman play offers a hilarious and modern alternative to the old standards of the holiday season”  The Westport Playhouse is in the Westport Plaza Business and Entertainment DistrictFor more information: thewestportplayhouse.com.

Winter Opera presents Holidays on the Hill Monday through Wednesday at 7 pm, December 12-14. “Get in the holiday spirit with Winter Opera Saint Louis! Join us for a delicious four-course dinner and a fun-filled holiday concert sung by Winter Opera Artists. Tickets are $85 and include dinner, meal tax, gratuity, and performance. Beverages not included.  Seats fill up fast so reserve yours today! Tickets are non-refundable. All proceeds to benefit Winter Opera’s Sixteenth Season” Holidays on the Hill takes place at Dominic’s on the Hill, 5101 Wilson Avenue. For more information: www.winteroperastl.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.