St. Louis theatre calendar for the week of May 20, 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, through May 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, 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.

Alice Ripley

The Blue Strawberry presents Alice Ripley with John McDaniel on Friday and Saturday May 24 and 25, at 7:30 pm. “Tony-Award winner Alice Ripley and Grammy and Emmy Award Winner John McDaniel take us through their own musical journey. Alice sings the songs she made famous on Broadway, and John joins her as they share their stories from a lifetime spent on Broadway, and always in music.”  The Blue Strawberry is at 364 N. Boyle.   The Blue Strawberry is at 364 N. Boyle. For more information: bluestrawberrystl.com.  And check out my video interview with Alice Ripley on Chuck's Culture Channel!

Encore Theatre Group presents Shakespeare’s The Tragedy of Othello, Moor of Venice 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.

Opera Theatre of St. Louis presents Rossini’s The Barber of Seville opening on Saturday, May 25, at 7:30 pm and running through June 29. “Take a romp through a world of high notes, hijinks, and hair-raising escapades with Rossini’s comedic masterpiece. The razor-sharp barber Figaro may be a master mischief-maker, but his favorite role is that of matchmaker. When he meets Count Almaviva, a dashing but naïve young nobleman, he promises to help Almaviva win the heart of the beautiful Rosina. A comedy of mistaken identities, cunning disguises, and laugh-out-loud antics ensues as the love-struck Almaviva attempts to outwit Rosina’s guardian.” 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 STL Fringe Festival presents ShimmySTL: The Surprising History of Bellydance in St. Louis on Saturday, May 25, at 7:30 pm. “This spellbinding show blends documentary with dance performances to unveil the deep connections between our Midwestern city and a beautiful dance form from Middle East.” The performance takes place at the Kranzberg Arts Center at Grand and Olive in Grand Center. For more information: www.stlfringe.org.

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

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