St. Louis theatre calendar for the week of June 24, 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

King Headley II

The Black Rep presents August Wilson’s King Hedley II  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.

The Midnight Company presents an encore performance of Just One Look by Joe Hanrahan, starring Kelly Howe as Linda Ronstadt, on Wednesday May 26th 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

The Midnight Company presents Eileen Engel and Joe Hanrahan in Movie Music Sunday June 30 at 7 pm. “The Midnight Company’s world premiere cabaret theatre show, Movie Music, will feature a dozen award-winning songs. Eileen Engel and Joe Hanrahan serve as hosts for a colorful evening of movie memories. They’ll tell the stories behind these movies—the origins, the casting, and some of the foibles that inevitably go along with big productions. They’ll present memorable scenes from these movies as well, and will revisit and present the amazing songs that provided the soundtrack to these films and to our lives.” The show is written and directed by Joe Hanrahan with music direction by Colin Healy. Performances take place at The Blue Strawberry, 356 N. Boyle. For more information: bluestrawberrystl.com

The Muny presents Dreamgirls June 27 through July 3 at 8:15 pm.  “A smash-hit Broadway musical that became an Oscar-nominated film, Dreamgirls follows an all-girl Motown singing group on the path from obscurity to superstardom in the 1960s and ‘70s. Along the way, the rising stars must question the price of their success and the meaning of family. It’s a whirlwind ride through the highs and lows of showbiz in an era of change in American pop music.”  For more information: muny.org.

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.

Opera Theatre of St. Louis presents its annual Center Stage Concert on Tuesday, June 25, at 7:30 pm. “This electric event shines a spotlight on Opera Theatre’s Richard Gaddes Festival Artist and Gerdine Young Artist Programs as these rising opera stars 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. Opera Theatre’s Young Artist Programs are known for launching the careers of many major opera stars, including names such as Jamie Barton, Lawrence Brownlee, Christine Goerke, Erin Morley, Paula Murrihy, Matthew Polenzani, Morris Robinson, Michael Spyres, Russell Thomas, and many more. Principal Conductor Daniela Candillari conducts members of the St. Louis Symphony Orchestra.” Performances take place at the Loretto-Hilton Center on the Webster University Campus.  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.

The St. Louis Writers Group presents An Evening of One-Act Plays on  Monday, June 24, at 6:30 pm. The readings take place at the Square One Brewery and Distillery in Lafayette Square.  More information is available at the St. Louis Writers Group Facebook page.

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! through June 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.

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

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