St. Louis theatre calendar for the week of July 29, 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

Tim Schall and Joe Dreyer

Act Two Theatre presents Love Letters Thursdays through Saturdays at 7:30 pm and Sundays at 2 pm through August 11. “Two friends, rebellious Melissa Gardner and straight-arrow Andrew Makepeace Ladd III, have exchanged notes, cards, and letters with each other for over 50 years. From second grade, through summer vacations, to college, and well into adulthood, they have spent a lifetime discussing their hopes and ambitions, dreams and disappointments, and victories and defeats. But long after the letters are done, the real question remains: Have they made the right choices or is the love of their life only a letter away? Step into the captivating world of A.R. Gurney’s ‘Love Letters’ where the timeless allure of handwritten correspondence unveils a poignant journey through love, loss, and longing.” Performances take place at the St. Peters Cultural Center in St. Peters, MO. For more information: www.acttwotheatre.com.

The Blue Strawberry presents Sunday Standard Time with Tim Schall and Joe Dreyer on Sunday, August 4, at 6 pm. “Join Tim Schall (vocals) and Joe Dreyer (piano) and Willem Von Hombracht (bass) in the lounge for a casual, classy Sunday evening of jazz standards, a little sophisticated pop and a dash of classic Broadway.”   The Blue Strawberry is at 364 N. Boyle. For more information: bluestrawberrystl.com

Curtain’s Up Theater Company presents the musical Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat Fridays and Saturdays at 7:30 pm and Sundays at 2:00 pm through August 11th. "This beloved take on the classic biblical fable tells the story of Joseph, the favorite son of Jacob. Sold into slavery by his brothers, Joseph's life takes an unexpected and traumatic turn. Yet, his warm spirit, boundless optimism, and his dreamlike nature pull him through the darkest moments of his life into greatness beyond even his imagination." Performances take place  at the Nazarene Community Theater in Roxana Illinois. For more information: curtainsuptheater.com.

First Run Theatre presents A Comedy Double Feature Fridays and Saturdays at 8:00 pm and Sundays at 2:00 pm, August 2 through 11. The plays are The Conversation About The Keys - Part One - Tim Without Thaliaby Yu-Li Alice Shen and Cash Flow by Marjorie Williamson. Performances take place at the Kranzberg Black Box theatre at Grand and Olive in Grand Center. For more information: sswww.metrotix.com.

Fly North Theatricals presents The Big Machine a new musical by Colin Healy. The Big Machine, which is also a featured show in the St. Louis Fringe Festival, opens on Friday, August 2, at 7:30 pm and runs through Sunday, August 18 at The Marcelle, 3310 Samuel Shepard in Grand Center. For more information: flynorthmusic.com/

The Hawthorne Players present the musical Bright Star by Steve Martin through August 4. “Bright Star tells a sweeping tale of love and redemption set against the rich backdrop of the American South in the 1920s and ’40s. When literary editor Alice Murphy meets a young soldier just home from World War II, he awakens her longing for the child she once lost. Alice sets out on a journey to understand her past—and what she finds has the power to transform both of their lives.” Performances take place in the Florissant Civic Center Theatre in Florissant, MO. For more information: /www.hawthorneplayers.info

The Muny presents Waitress July 30 through August 5 at 8:15 pm.  “Waitress promises to be a sweet slice of Muny heaven! Featuring memorable music and lyrics by Grammy Award winner Sara Bareilles, the story centers on Jenna, a baker who dreams of escaping her job, small town and rocky marriage. Adapted from the 2007 film, it’s a satisfying celebration of friendship, motherhood and the magic of a homemade pie. A Muny and U.S. regional premiere.” For more information: muny.org.

Red
Photo: Peter Spack

New Jewish Theatre presents Red Thursdays at 7:30 pm, Saturdays at 4 and 8 pm and Sundays at 2 pm through August 11. “Master abstract expressionist Mark Rothko has just landed the biggest commission in the history of modern art, a series of murals for New York’s famed Four Seasons Restaurant. In the two fascinating years that follow, Rothko works feverishly with his young assistant, Ken, in his studio on the Bowery. But when Ken gains the confidence to challenge him, Rothko faces the agonizing possibility that his crowning achievement could also become his undoing. Raw and provocative, RED is a searing portrait of an artist’s ambition and vulnerability as he tries to create a definitive work for an extraordinary setting.”  Performances take place at the SFC Performing Arts Center, 2 Millstone Campus Drive. For more information: jccstl.com/arts-ideas/new-jewish-theatre/current-productions.

The St. Louis Shakespeare Festival presents The Tempest as its 2024 touring production, opening on Tuesday, July 30, at 6:30 pm at Spring Church in Grand Center. “The 90-minute TourCo performance created especially for audiences of all ages sets sail on July 30 and will travel to 24 parks across the region. Pack your picnic, blankets and chairs and join us for a summer adventure.” Performances run through August 25th. For a complete schedule: stlshakes.org.

Stages St. Louis presents Disney’s Newsies through August 25. “It’s time to make headlines with Disney’s NEWSIES, the smash-hit, crowd pleasing, Tony Award-Winning musical that marks the first Disney production to be featured in STAGES’ mainstage season! This rousing tale takes us to New York City where a band of newsboys, led by the charismatic Jack Kelly, become unlikely heroes as they stand up to the titans of the publishing industry. Along the way they learn what it means to come together, fight for what they believe in, and truly seize the day. Disney’s NEWSIES is an uplifting story fit for every member of the family and packed with non-stop thrills and a timeless message.” Performances take place at the Kirkwood Performing Arts Center in Kirkwood, MO. For more information: stagesstlouis.org

Stray Dog Theatre presents the musical Ruthless Thursdays through Saturdays at 8, August 1 through 24, with additional performances  at 2 pm on Sundays August 11 and 18. “Eight-year-old Tina Denmark knows she was born to play Pippi Longstocking, and she’ll do anything to win the part in her school musical. Her mother, fellow students, and the rest of the world had better watch out because nothing will stop her quest for stardom! Cunningly spoofing classic musicals and campy films from Gypsy to The Bad Seed, this aggressively outrageous musical garnered rave reviews during its long Off-Broadway run.” Performances take place at Tower Grove Abbey, 2336 Tennessee in Tower Grove East. For more information: www.straydogtheatre.org.

Aida in Concert
Photo: Dan Donovan

Union Avenue Opera presents a concert performance of Verdi’s Aida on Saturday, August 3, at 8 pm. “Behold the tragic romance of Aida, an Ethiopian princess enslaved by the Egyptians, and Radames, an Egyptian general who must choose between his love for her and his allegiance to his country. As war rages between their countries, Aida and Radames must choose between loyalty and desire. Their romance is threatened by the wrath of Amneris, the Egyptian princess who also loves Radames, and Amonasro, the Ethiopian king who is Aida’s father. You will be captivated by Verdi’s masterful score, which includes the famous Triumphal March and the aria “Celeste Aida” in this spectacular concert version of one of the most popular operas of all time, featuring stunning music and unforgettable voices.” Performances are sung in Italian with projected English supertitles and take place at Union Avenue Christian Church, 733 Union at Enright in the Central West End. For more information: unionavenueopera.org.

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

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