St. Louis theatre calendar for the week of May 13, 2024

What's on St. Louis theater and cabaret stages this coming week. Please leave a comment if anything was wrong or got left out

The Alpha Players present Charlotte’s Web, adapted by Joseph Robinette from the book by E.B. White, May 17 through 26. “A classic for the entire family! A perfect show for the young and the young-at-heart. All the enchanting characters are here: Wilbur, the irresistible young pig who wants to avoid the butcher; Fern, a young girl who understands animals; Templeton, the gluttonous rat; and most of all, Charlotte, the spider, who proves to be a true friend and a good writer. This beautiful, charming play about friendship will surely warm your heart.” Performances take place in the James J. Eagen Center in Florissant. For more information: www.alphaplayers.org.

The Black Rep presents the musical Timbuktu!, based on the Broadway classic Kismet, opening on Wednesday, May 15,  and running through June 9.  “Opulent beyond man’s dreams, travelers died crossing the Sahara in search of Timbuktu! Set against this exotic locale is the story of the Poet; his beautiful daughter, Marsinah; an evil Wazir of Police; his restless Wife of Wives, Lundanda; and The Mania of Mali, Bobo. While wandering incognito, Bobo meets Marsinah and instantly falls in love. Still, the twisted twine of fate must unravel in many thrilling and exciting ways before the two lovers can finally tie the knot.” Performances take place at the Edison Theatre on the Washington University campus. For more information: www.theblackrep.org.

Laka

The Blue Strawberry Laka in I'm Every Woman: Whitney Houston Tribute on Friday May 17, at 7:30 pm. “Laka traces Whitney Houston’s journey from the earliest Billboard #1 albums to her last chart toppers, with excursions to the deeper cuts and the popular soundtracks Bodyguard and Waiting to Exhale. Laka tells the artist’s story the way it happened - from peak to peak to peak, and the tragic descent.”   For more information: bluestrawberrystl.com

The Blue Strawberry presents Sunday Standard Time with Tim Schall and Joe Dreyer on Sunday May 19 at 6 pm. “Join Tim Schall (vocals) and Joe Dreyer (piano) in the lounge for a casual, classy Sunday evening of jazz standards, a little sophisticated pop and a dash of classic Broadway. Tim is no stranger to the theater and concert stages of St. Louis, Chicago and New York's Lincoln Center. Joe has a rich history of entertaining St. Louis audiences as musician and singer. Together they will help you wind down your weekend with timeless music and a lot of irreverent dry humor.”   The Blue Strawberry is at 364 N. Boyle. For more information: bluestrawberrystl.com

Call to Conscience Interactive Theater for Social Change presents Social Justice Shorts, at 7:30 pm, Saturday at 4 and 7:30 pm, and Sunday at 4 pm, May 17 through 19. “Social Justice Shorts is a one-act play festival featuring thought-provoking new narratives centered around themes such as racial equality, reproductive rights, poverty, gun violence, transgender rights, and more.” Performances take place in the Greenfinch Theatre and Dive on South Jefferson. For more information: acalltoconscience.org.

Encore Theatre Group presents Shakespeare’s The Tragedy of Othello, Moor of Venice May 16 through June 9. “Othello tells the story of a valiant Moorish general, Othello, who falls victim to the manipulations of a cunning villain. Themes of race, prejudice, and the devastating power of jealousy unfold in a way that feels shockingly contemporary. The play serves as a mirror to our society, reflecting the struggles for acceptance and equal footing that many people of color still face.” Performances take place at 2607 Patomac in the Marine Villa neighborhood. For more information: www.encorestl.org.

The Drunkard

KTK Productions presents the musical The Drunkard with music and lyrics by Barry Manilow Fridays and Saturdays at 7:30 pm and Sundays at 2 pm, through May 19. “Mary Wilson and her widowed mother are in dire straights. When it comes to their attention that the cottage they are renting is to be sold, Mary appears before the handsome new owner, Edward, hoping to request his mercy. Edward had already been informed of the debacle by the villainous lawyer, Cribbs, who has set about to destroy the Wilson family. Edward had already determined that the Wilson family was not to be forced from their home. After laying eyes on Mary, Edward is immediately in love, and the wedding is set; Cribbs' plan has been thwarted. He'll have to implement a new plan just as devious, involving the wicked devil's beverage... alcohol!” Performances take place at the Saint John the Baptist Gymnasium, 4200 Delor Street in south St. Louis. For more information: kurtainkall.org

Spirits to Enforce
Photo: Joey Rumpell

The Midnight Company will present Mickle Maher’s Spirits to Enforce Thursdays through Saturdays at 8 pm through May 18. “They’ve finally imprisoned their arch nemesis, Professor Cannibal, and are keeping the City safe from fanged, venomous, ambulatory whales.  And now the Fathom City Enforcers have taken residence in a secret submarine, and are undertaking the most critical work of their crimefighting mission - fundraising.  Their Plan?  They’re getting ready to present a Superheroic benefit performance of THE TEMPEST.  Infused with comic book lore, chorale arrangements and text from Shakespeare’s masterpiece, SPIRITS TO ENFORCE is an utterly unique theatrical trip.” Performances take place at The Kranzberg Black Box theatre in Grand Center.   Ticket information is available at www.metrotix.com

The Midnight Company presents a return engagement of Just One Look by Joe Hanrahan, starring Kelly Howe as Linda Ronstadt, on Wednesday May 15  at 7:30 pm. “Linda Ronstadt ruled the pop charts and filled stadiums in the 70’s and 80’s. The reigning rock goddess of her era, she later took on light opera - Gilbert and Sullivan on Broadway - and The Great American Songbook with Nelson Riddle. Her involvement in social issues accelerated during her relationship with California Governor Jerry Brown, then running for President. But for Linda, it was always a search for the next great song. Kelly Howe will portray Linda Ronstadt and sing her sensational songs.” Performances take place at The Blue Strawberry, 356 N. Boyle. For more information: bluestrawberrystl.com

Paula Poundstone

The Sheldon Concert Hall presents comic, author, actress, and podcaster Paula Poundstone on Friday, May 17, at 8 pm. “Paula Poundstone is a standup comedian, author, and podcaster. She regularly plays theaters across the country, hosts a weekly podcast, Nobody Listens to Paula Poundstone (the comedy podcast), and is a regular panelist on NPR’s Wait, Wait… Don’t Tell Me.” The show takes place in the auditorium of The Sheldon in Grand Center. For more information: www.thesheldon.org

The St. Louis Writers Group presents a reading of the new play Tatyana by Shahnaz Ahmed on  Monday, May 13, at 6:30 pm. “When a call from a hospital interrupts a conversation between a father and his teenage son, the past will be explored and secrets will be revealed.” The reading takes place at the Schlafly Tap Room in Midtown.  More information is available at the St. Louis Writers Group Facebook page.

Amy Jo Jackson

The Tennessee Williams Festival St. Louis presents Amy Jo Jackson and music director Brian Nash in the world premiere of Grande Dames: A Celebration of the Diva Wednesday and Thursday, May 15 and 16, at 7:30 pm. “This cabaret will feature an eclectic array of divas of the stage and screen (both real and fictional) like Fanny Brice, Norma Desmond, Stevie Nicks, Judy Garland, Shirley Bassey, and more!” Performances take place in the Curtain Call Lounge at The Fabulous Fox in Grand Center. For more information: www.twstl.org. And check out my video interview with Amy Jo Jackson on Chuck's Culture Channel!

Looking for auditions and other artistic opportunities? Check out the St. Louis Auditions site.

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