St. Louis theatre calendar for the week of June 17, 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

Woman in Mind
Photo: John Lamb

Albion Theatre Company presents Woman in Mind (December Bee) by Alan Ayckbourn through June 23. “Susan, a housewife who is married to a rather boring cleric, is knocked out by a garden rake.  She experiences hallucinations, imagining an ideal family, in contrast to her tedious, oppressive real life.  However, things begin to spiral out of control and become a nightmare.  Ayckbourn again shows his mastery of combining tremendous humor with poignancy as relationships collapse.” Performances take place in the Black Box Theatre at the Kranzberg Center, 501 N. Grand in Grand Center. For more information: albiontheatrestl.org.

The Black Rep presents August Wilson’s King Hedley II opening on Wednesday, June 19,  and running through July 14.  “Peddling stolen refrigerators hoping to open a video store one day, King Hedley, an ex-con, toils with self-worth. Getting, spending, killing, and dying in a world where getting is hard and killing is commonplace are threads woven into this 1980s installment in the author’s renowned cycle of plays about the Black experience in America. Drawing on characters established in “Seven Guitars,” “King Hedley II” shows how shadows of the past can darken the present as King seeks retribution for his mother’s lies.” Performances take place at the Edison Theatre on the Washington University campus. For more information: www.theblackrep.org.

Circus Flora presents Marooned through June  23. “Inspired by the allure and mystery of a deserted island, “Marooned!” transports audiences into a world of adventure, discovery, and enchantment. Witness the resilience and ingenuity of our world-class acrobats and other circus performers as they navigate the challenges of the unknown, bringing to life a tale of survival, camaraderie, and the enduring spirit of the human heart. Will our circus castaways survive? Join us to find out!” Performances take place at The Big Top on Washington next to Powell Hall in Grand Center. For more information: circusflora.org.

The Muny presents Les Misérables June 17 - 23 at 8:15 pm.  “The epic Les Misérables, based on Victor Hugo’s 1862 novel, returns to The Muny to make history once again. Set against the backdrop of post-Revolutionary France, this celebrated mega-musical follows the journey of Jean Valjean, an ex-convict seeking a fresh start, and his relentless pursuer, Javert. Its powerful songs and thrilling story of love, passion, sacrifice and redemption have been beloved the world over for generations.” Performances take place on the Muny's outdoor stage in Forest Park. For more information: muny.org.

Dracula
Photo: Jill Ritter Lindberg

New Line Theatre presents the musical Dracula, based on the book by Bram Stoker with music and lyrics by Frank Wildhorn, through June 22. “Broadway songwriter Frank Wildhorn (Bonnie & Clyde, Wonderland, Jekyll & Hyde) delivers his most epic score for this riveting, fast-paced, Gothic rock opera, faithful to the iconic novel but with some unexpected twists and turns. As much a tragic love story as a thriller, this terrifying and passionate retelling of the famous story dives deep into the powerful, shattering emotions of these characters and these complicated relationships, as only musical theatre can. For Dracula, Wildhorn reunites with his Bonnie & Clyde lyricist Don Black, for one of the wildest and most emotional rides you’ve had in the theatre in a long time.” Performances take place at the Marcelle Theatre in Grand Center. For more information: https://www.newlinetheatre.com.

The Barber of Seville
Photo: Eric Woolsey

Opera Theatre of St. Louis presents Rossini’s The Barber of Seville 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. Run time is approximately two hours and 40 minutes including intermission. For more information: opera-stl.org.

La Bohème
Photo: Eric Woolsey

Opera Theatre of St. Louis presents Puccini’s La Bohème through June 30. “Ignite your senses and surrender to the intoxicating allure of young love. Set against the backdrop of Paris, a group of bohemian artists find solace and comradery in their shared dreams. In their frosty attic, a chance encounter ignites a romance between the seamstress Mimì and the poet Rodolfo. Their love flourishes in winter’s chill…yet as winter gives way to spring, the realities of the world begin to cast a shadow over their idyllic affair. In the face of adversity, Mimì and Rodolfo must confront the painful truth that like the seasons, some love affairs must come to an end.” Performances are sung in English with projected English supertitles and take place at the Loretto-Hilton Center on the Webster University Campus. Run time is approximately two hours and 30 minutes including intermission. For more information: opera-stl.org.

Galileo Galilei
Photo: Eric Woolsey

Opera Theatre of St. Louis presents Philip Glass’s Galileo Galilei through June 29. “Discover the captivating story of one of the greatest — and most courageous — scientists in history. Galileo’s unwavering dedication to the pursuit of knowledge paved the way for groundbreaking scientific advancements, but also caused fierce conflicts with the Church he loved. This opera shines a light on Galileo’s steadfast spirit and reminds us of the enduring importance of intellectual curiosity. Today, Galileo’s story resonates more than ever, urging us to reevaluate our own beliefs, challenge the status quo, and stand firm in our convictions, no matter the consequences.” Performances are sung in English with projected English supertitles and take place at the Loretto-Hilton Center on the Webster University Campus. Run time is approximately one hour and 45 minutes with no intermission. For more information: opera-stl.org.

Julius Caesar
Photo: Eric Woolsey

Opera Theatre of St. Louis presents Handel’s Julius Caesar running through June 28. “Who said that passion and politics make for poor bedfellows? Experience Handel’s captivating love story of Julius Caesar and Cleopatra, whose audacious affair rewrote the course of history. As sparks fly between these two rulers, love becomes a battlefield, and the most important conquest is that of the heart. But with pretenders to the throne lurking on all sides, desire can sometimes be a double-sided weapon.” Run time is approximately two hours and 50 minutes 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.

Steel Magnolias
Photo: Phillip Hamer

Stages St. Louis presents the comedy Steel Magnolias through June 30. “Take a trip south to the town of Chinquapin, Louisiana and join the ladies at Truvy’s Salon in Steel Magnolias. Here anyone who’s anyone not only comes to get their hair cut and styled, but also leaves with free advice…whether asked for or not. Along with her eager assistant Annelle, Truvy pampers a collection of clients with both style and gossip: M’Lynn and her soon-to-be-married daughter Shelby, the wisecracking and crotchety Ouiser, and the well-to-do Clairee. Together these touching, heartfelt, outspoken, and hilarious ladies forge friendships as strong as steel that help them through both the good times and the bad.” Performances take place at the Kirkwood Performing Arts Center in Kirkwood, MO. For more information: stagesstlouis.org.

St. Louis Shakespeare’s Magic Smoking Monkey Theatre presents Titanic On Ice: The Musical! June 21-29. “Imagine the grandeur of the Titanic, now with 100% more ice skates* and 200% more laughs. Our story sails through the familiar tale of Jack, Rose, and a rather inconvenient iceberg, but with a twist only the Monkeys could concoct. This musical extravaganza is packed with wildly reimagined characters, toe-tapping tunes that parody classic hits, and, of course, a liberal dose of Monkey-style humor. *The appearance of 'ice skates' in our show is entirely subject to whether management approves our grand plan to flood and freeze the stage.” Performances take place at Lift for Life Academy High School, 1731 S. Broadway. For more information: www.stlshakespeare.org.

As You Like It
Photo: Phillip Hamer

St. Louis Shakespeare Festival presents the comedy As You Like It Tuesdays through Sundays at 8 pm through June 23. “In this spontaneous romp, the brilliant and resourceful heroine, Rosalind, and her friends, exiled from the confines of city life to the Forest of Arden, are free to explore new identities, friendships, and (of course) love. Nancy Bell’s production is romantic, lusty, funny and full of heart and longing for a sweeter life. Featuring live music and new songs from St. Louis indie singer-songwriter Beth Bombara, with a lavish gilded age setting.” 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.

Ripcord
Photo: John Lamb

Stray Dog Theatre presents David Lindsay-Abaire’s comedy Ripcord Thursdays through Saturdays at 8 through June 22, with an additional performance at 2 pm on Sunday June 16. “The Golden Girls meets The Odd Couple in this madcap comedy. When cantankerous Abby is forced to share her room in a retirement home with endlessly chipper Marilyn, a feud between the mismatched roommates results in a bet to determine who stays and who goes. Seemingly harmless at first, the two women quickly escalate into dangerous games of one-upmanship.” Performances take place at Tower Grove Abbey, 2336 Tennessee in Tower Grove East. For more information: www.straydogtheatre.org

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

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