St. Louis theatre calendar for the week of September 2, 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 Black Rep presents the musical Blues in the Night September 4 - 22. “This dynamite, dramatic revue thrills us with the universal language of the blues. The soul of the blues wails out full and strong in Blues in the Night, a scorching, Tony-nominated musical! The 26 hot and torchy numbers that tell of the sweet, sexy, and sorrowful experiences that three women have with the lying, cheating snake of a man who does them wrong will leave you energized, inspired, and ready to wail.” Performances take place at the Edison Theatre on the Washington University campus. For more information: www.theblackrep.org.

Hamilton
Photo: Joan Marcus

The Fabulous Fox presents the hit Broadway musical Hamilton through September 8. “HAMILTON is the story of America then, told by America now. Featuring a score that blends hip-hop, jazz, R&B and Broadway, HAMILTON has taken the story of American founding father Alexander Hamilton and created a revolutionary moment in theatre—a musical that has had a profound impact on culture, politics, and education. With book, music, and lyrics by Lin-Manuel Miranda, direction by Thomas Kail, choreography by Andy Blankenbuehler, and musical supervision and orchestrations by Alex Lacamoire, HAMILTON is based on Ron Chernow’s acclaimed biography.”   The Fabulous Fox is on North Grand in Grand Center. For more information: fabulousfox.com. [Watch the video interview with ensemble member Nathaniel Hirst on Chuck's Culture Channel.]

[title of show]

Prism Theatre Company presents [title of show] through September 8.  “[title of show] is a Broadway musical written by Hunter Bell and Jeff Bowen about two aspiring writers in New York City who attempt to create an original musical for the New York Musical Theatre Festival. The show follows the writers, Hunter and Jeff, and their friends as they navigate the challenges of collaboration, self-expression, and working with others to create something original. The musical is both funny and heartbreaking, and is considered a love letter to musical theater. This gender-bent version puts a spotlight on female writers and highlights the beauty and uniqueness of female friendships.” Performances take place at the Kranzberg Center in Grand Center. For more information: prismtheatrecompany.org.

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

To get your event listed here, send an email to chuck at kdhx.org Your event information should be in text format (i.e. not part of a graphic), but feel free to include publicity stills.

Would you like to be on the radio? KDHX, 88.1 FM needs theatre reviewers. If you're 18 years or older, knowledgeable in this area, have practical theatre experience (acting, directing, writing, technical design, etc.), have good oral and written communications skills and would like to become one of our volunteer reviewers, send an email describing your experience and interests to chuck at kdhx.org. Please include a sample review of something you've seen recently.

St. Louis theatre calendar for the week of August 26, 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 Black Tulip Chorale presents Cabaret Soirée 2024 on Wednesday, August 28, at 7:00 pm. “Dr. Ken Haller, St. Louis Post-Dispatch 2015 and 2019 Cabaret Artist of the Year, again hosts this festive fundraiser as singers from the Chorale surprise, amaze, and amuse you.” Cabaret Soirée takes place at The Blue Strawberry on North Boyle in Midtown. For more information: events.humanitix.com

The Blue Strawberry presents There Were Bells with singer Caitlin Hadeler and pianist/music director Lynda Marshall on Saturday August 31 at 7:30 pm. “An evening of standards and musical theatre favorites with Caitlin Hadeler and Lynda Marshall. Caitlin’s bell-like voice rings in tunes of Gershwin, Rodgers and Hammerstein, Sondheim, and more.” The Blue Strawberry is at 364 N. Boyle.  For more information: bluestrawberrystl.com.

Hamilton
Photo: Joan Marcus

The Fabulous Fox presents the hit Broadway musical Hamilton August 28 through September 8. “HAMILTON is the story of America then, told by America now. Featuring a score that blends hip-hop, jazz, R&B and Broadway, HAMILTON has taken the story of American founding father Alexander Hamilton and created a revolutionary moment in theatre—a musical that has had a profound impact on culture, politics, and education. With book, music, and lyrics by Lin-Manuel Miranda, direction by Thomas Kail, choreography by Andy Blankenbuehler, and musical supervision and orchestrations by Alex Lacamoire, HAMILTON is based on Ron Chernow’s acclaimed biography.”   The Fabulous Fox is on North Grand in Grand Center. For more information: fabulousfox.com. [Watch the video interview with ensemble member Nathaniel Hirst on Chuck's Culture Channel.]

Prism Theatre Company presents [title of show] through September 8.  “[title of show] is a Broadway musical written by Hunter Bell and Jeff Bowen about two aspiring writers in New York City who attempt to create an original musical for the New York Musical Theatre Festival. The show follows the writers, Hunter and Jeff, and their friends as they navigate the challenges of collaboration, self-expression, and working with others to create something original. The musical is both funny and heartbreaking, and is considered a love letter to musical theater. This gender-bent version puts a spotlight on female writers and highlights the beauty and uniqueness of female friendships.” Performances take place at the Kranzberg Center in Grand Center. For more information: prismtheatrecompany.org.

The St. Louis Writers Group presents a reading of The Great Debate by Bill Brizzard on  Monday, August 26, at 6:30 pm. “Saint Louis, 1916: A time of evolving social change. Since the nation’s founding women had been denied the right to vote. Prudence Merriweather is a mother and a suffragette who is called upon to publicly debate the topic of suffrage against her husband’s employer, Frank Steadman, a male chauvinist. Comedy and mayhem result due to the contrast in cultural attitudes between their respective families.”  The reading takes place at Square One Brewery and Distillery in Lafayette Square.  More information is available at the St. Louis Writers Group Facebook page.

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

To get your event listed here, send an email to chuck at kdhx.org Your event information should be in text format (i.e. not part of a graphic), but feel free to include publicity stills.

Would you like to be on the radio? KDHX, 88.1 FM needs theatre reviewers. If you're 18 years or older, knowledgeable in this area, have practical theatre experience (acting, directing, writing, technical design, etc.), have good oral and written communications skills and would like to become one of our volunteer reviewers, send an email describing your experience and interests to chuck at kdhx.org. Please include a sample review of something you've seen recently.

Not out of the woods yet: Union Avenue Opera makes the best of James Lapine's uneven book for "Into the Woods"

I’m not sure exactly when opera companies began folding musicals into their seasons. Lyric Opera of Chicago has doing so since around 2013, as have some European companies, but the trend has only recently made its way to St. Louis.

Union Avenue Opera (UAO) has been at the vanguard of that trend. Their current production of Sondheim’s “Into the Woods,” their fifth foray into Broadway territory since 2013, has a lot going for it, including strong performances in the leading roles. But compared with the rest of the company’s current season it felt like a bit of a letdown.

The company
Photo: Dan Donovan

Blame James Lapine’s book for most of that. The basic concept is cleverly subversive, combing the plots of multiple fairy tales (mostly the Brothers Grimm versions), in a way that explores the consequences of the characters' wishes and quests. That should have been an ideal project for Sondheim and Lapine, but I have yet to see it work in practice. The change in tone from the mostly light first act to the increasingly dark second is shaky, and the story line loses its way in the woods along with the characters. They all make bad choices (often for no discernable reason), some of them get killed, and then everyone comes back on stage for “Children Will Listen”—a beautifully ambiguous song that feels only tangentially connected to the narrative.

For those of you who have never seen “Into the Woods,” the capsule version goes like this.

L-R: Leann Schuering, Brandon Bell
Photo: Dan Donovan

The main characters are Little Red Riding Hood, Jack (of beanstalk fame), Rapunzel, and Cinderella. There’s also a pair of handsome princes and the usual fairy tale villains—a hungry wolf, a wicked stepmother, ugly stepsisters, and of course a witch. Linking them all is the quest of a childless baker and his wife to have a child and their conflict with a witch who has placed a curse on them. They all have to go “into the woods” (always a risky place in fairy tales) to get what they want, after which they live happily ever after. Until the second act, when they learn that they’re not “out of the woods” quite yet.

Ultimately, Sondheim and Lapine’s “Into the Woods” is a collection of remarkable set pieces, ingenious lyrics that are sometimes too clever for their own good, and thought-provoking ideas that never fully coalesce into a coherent whole.

Brooklyn Snow
Photo: Dan Donovan

The Union Avenue production comes as close to making sense of it all as is humanly possible, for which many thanks.

Vocally and dramatically the large cast ranges from good to outstanding. Baritone Brandon Bell makes a propitious UAO debut in the emotionally demanding role of The Baker. Soprano Leann Schuering, a sparkling Charlotte in UAOs “A Little Night Music,” brings a nice combination of vocal clarity and emotional warmth to the part of The Baker’s Wife.

Soprano Brooklyn Snow, who has been impressing UAO audiences since her debut in “Candide” in 2019, once again nails it as Cinderella. Soprano Laura Corina Sanders is an irresistibly bratty Little Red Ridinghood [sic]. And bass-baritone Eric McConnell turns in yet another (ahem) killer performance as the Wolf. His “Hello, Little Girl” is the ne plus ultra in creepy carnality.

Alexis Taylor-
Dupont
Photo: Dan Donovan

The role of the Witch has always been this show’s Star Turn (Bernadette Peters was the Broadway original) and gets an appropriately stellar performance from mezzo Taylor-Alexis Dupont. I would have welcomed a bit more punch in her big “eleven o’clock number” “Last Midnight,” but that’s just a “quibble quaint,” as W. S. Gilbert wrote.

Christopher Hickey is bemused and amusing as the Narrator and the Mysterious Man (who, in a typical fairytale coincidence, is also Jack’s father), and does well by the transition from ironic narrator to rueful participant. Tenors Matthew Greenblatt and James Stevens are in excellent vocal form and are wonderfully clueless as the two princes.

The rest of the cast fills in multiple roles quite handily. My apologies for all of those I haven’t mentioned. All of you are doing a splendid job with challenging material.

L-R: Laura Corina Sanders, Eric McConnell
Photo: Dan Donovan

Hannah Browning’s choreography is simple but effective. Jennifer Wintzer’s stage direction keeps everything moving and she creates decent stage pictures, but relies a bit too much on physical comedy, particularly with the two princes. That’s the kind of heavy-handed approach I associate with student productions rather than with a professional company like UAO.

The orchestra sounds excellent as usual under the reliable baton of UAO Founding Artistic Director Scott Schoonover. Jonathan Tunick’s orchestration of Sondheim’s score is something of a sonic kaleidoscope that demands the kind of precision it gets here.

Laura Skroska’s sets and Teresa Doggett’s costumes give the show a fanciful and ominous look (lots of dark colors in those woods) that serves the music and book well, as do Philip Touchette’s supertitles. Indeed, they are downright essential since Sondheim’s rather over-complex lyrics move at a fast pace and the Union Avenue acoustics make them difficult to hear.

Unlike “A Little Night Music,” Union Avenue’s previous venture into Sondheim territory, “Into the Woods” is a piece that impresses more often than it entertains. I have always admired it but have yet to see anyone make it work on the stage. UAO gives it their best, though, and that’s always worth seeing.

Concluding performances of Union Avenue Opera’s “Into the Woods” are Friday and Saturday, August 23 and 24, at the Union Avenue Christian Church in the Central West End. For more information: unionavenueopera.org.

St. Louis theatre calendar for the week of August, 19 2019

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

Hamilton
Photo: Joan Marcus

The Fabulous Fox presents the hit Broadway musical Hamilton August 28 through September 8. “HAMILTON is the story of America then, told by America now. Featuring a score that blends hip-hop, jazz, R&B and Broadway, HAMILTON has taken the story of American founding father Alexander Hamilton and created a revolutionary moment in theatre—a musical that has had a profound impact on culture, politics, and education. With book, music, and lyrics by Lin-Manuel Miranda, direction by Thomas Kail, choreography by Andy Blankenbuehler, and musical supervision and orchestrations by Alex Lacamoire, HAMILTON is based on Ron Chernow’s acclaimed biography.”   The Fabulous Fox is on North Grand in Grand Center. For more information: fabulousfox.com.

Just One Look
Photo courtesy of The Blue Strawberry

The Midnight Company presents an encore performance of Just One Look by Joe Hanrahan, starring Kelly Howe as Linda Ronstadt, on Thursday August 22 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 Muny presents Cole Porter's Anything Goes  August 19 through 25 at 8:15 pm.  “Cole Porter’s hilarious musical comedy Anything Goes debuted nearly 90 years ago and was last seen on our stage in 1999. In this tap-dancing romp on the high seas, two unlikely pairs on the S.S. American set sail for true love and a boatload of comedic chaos. Unforgettable songs include “I Get a Kick Out of You,” “You’re the Top” and the showstopping title tune. Come aboard for some good old-fashioned fun!  ” Performances take place on the Muny's outdoor stage in Forest Park. For more information: muny.org.

Prism Theatre Company presents [title of show] through September 8.  “[title of show] is a Broadway musical written by Hunter Bell and Jeff Bowen about two aspiring writers in New York City who attempt to create an original musical for the New York Musical Theatre Festival. The show follows the writers, Hunter and Jeff, and their friends as they navigate the challenges of collaboration, self-expression, and working with others to create something original. The musical is both funny and heartbreaking, and is considered a love letter to musical theater. This gender-bent version puts a spotlight on female writers and highlights the beauty and uniqueness of female friendships.” Performances take place at the Kranzberg Center in Grand Center. For more information: prismtheatrecompany.org.

The Tempest
Photo: Theo R. Welling

The St. Louis Shakespeare Festival presents The Tempest as its 2024 touring production, playing through August 25. “The 90-minute TourCo performance created especially for audiences of all ages will travel to 24 parks across the region. Pack your picnic, blankets and chairs and join us for a summer adventure.” For a complete schedule: stlshakes.org.

Disney's Newsies
Photo: Phillip Hamer

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

Ruthless
Photo: John Lamb

Stray Dog Theatre presents the musical Ruthless Thursdays through Saturdays at 8, through August 24. “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.

Into the Woods
Photo: Dan Donovan

Union Avenue Opera presents Sondheim’s Into the Woods Fridays and Saturdays at 8 pm through August 24. “A Little Night Music explores the tangled web of affairs centered around the Join Cinderella, Jack, Little Red Riding Hood, Rapunzel and more as they cross paths with a baker and his wife on their quest through the woods. Who will live happily ever after and who will learn that magic comes at a price? But be careful what you wish for, because there’s a witch who’s out to get them, and a giant who’s not too happy about a beanstalk. Don’t miss this witty and whimsical show that will make you laugh, cry, and think twice before venturing into the woods.” Performances are sung in English 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.

To get your event listed here, send an email to chuck at kdhx.org Your event information should be in text format (i.e. not part of a graphic), but feel free to include publicity stills.

Would you like to be on the radio? KDHX, 88.1 FM needs theatre reviewers. If you're 18 years or older, knowledgeable in this area, have practical theatre experience (acting, directing, writing, technical design, etc.), have good oral and written communications skills and would like to become one of our volunteer reviewers, send an email describing your experience and interests to chuck at kdhx.org. Please include a sample review of something you've seen recently.

St. Louis theatre calendar for the week of August 12, 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

Chorus of Fools presents the world premiere of two new plays in their debut production, Twice Upon a Stage Friday and Saturday at 7:30 pm and Sunday at 2 pm, August 16 through 18. “The first is Candlelight Dinner written by Jim Danek In this laugh-out-loud comedy, what begins as a romantic candlelight dinner quickly spirals into a chaotic and hilarious night as everything that could go wrong does. In The Reason Why, penned by e.k. doolin, the increasing world of rural addiction creates a strange set of bed-fellows. A series of weekly meetings opens up old and new wounds on the road to recovery in this beautiful play.” Performances take place at the Greenfinch Theatre, The Greenfinch Theater, 2525 S. Jefferson. For more information: www.greenfinchstl.com.

Christ Memorial Productions presents the musical My Fair Lady Fridays and Saturdays at 7:30 pm and Sundays at 2:30 pm, through August 18.  Performances take place at Christ Memorial Lutheran Church, 5252 S. Lindbergh Blvd.  For more information, visit CMPShows.org or call 314-631-0304.

First Run Theatre presents A Comedy Double Feature Fridays and Saturdays at 8:00 pm and Sundays at 2:00 pm through August  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.

Big Machine
Photo: Ian Gilbert

Fly North Theatricals presents Big Machine through August 18. A new musical by Colin Healy. Big Machine, is based on largely-forgotten true events, about how “The Man Who Harmed The World The Most” took us all for a ride. Performances are at The Marcelle, 3310 Samuel Shepard in Grand Center. For more information: flynorthmusic.com/

The Gaslight Theatre presents the world premiere of Longing by Liz Lewy Friday at 7 pm, Saturday at 2 and 7 pm, and Sunday at 2 pm, August 16 through 18. “The performance currently runs at 70 minutes no intermission and contains flashing lights, strong language, explicit sexual dialogue, and adult themes.” For more information: Lxnging.com.

The Midnight Company presents an encore performance of Just One Look by Joe Hanrahan, starring Kelly Howe as Linda Ronstadt, on Thursday May 22 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.

In the Heights
Photo: Phillip Hamer

The Muny presents In the Heights through August 15 at 8:15 pm.  “Before Hamilton, the visionary Lin-Manuel Miranda made a splash on Broadway with In the Heights. Set against the beats of salsa and hip-hop, the acclaimed musical tells the story of Usnavi, who longs to pick up his roots and move away from Washington Heights, the tight-knit New York City neighborhood that shaped him. This vibrant show will fill your heart with its spellbinding choreography and infectious energy. A Muny premiere.” Performances take place on the Muny's outdoor stage in Forest Park. For more information: muny.org.

Prism Theatre Company presents [title of show] August 16 through September 8.  “[title of show] is a Broadway musical written by Hunter Bell and Jeff Bowen about two aspiring writers in New York City who attempt to create an original musical for the New York Musical Theatre Festival. The show follows the writers, Hunter and Jeff, and their friends as they navigate the challenges of collaboration, self-expression, and working with others to create something original. The musical is both funny and heartbreaking, and is considered a love letter to musical theater. This gender-bent version puts a spotlight on female writers and highlights the beauty and uniqueness of female friendships.” Performances take place at the Kranzberg Center in Grand Center. For more information: prismtheatrecompany.org.

St. Louis Shakespeare’s Magic Smoking Monkey Theatre presents The Return of the One-Hour Lord of the Rings Trilogy through August 9 17. “Revisit the legend of Frodo, Gandalf, and the rest as they embark on their monumental quest, all while racing against the clock. This whirlwind rendition captures the essence of Tolkien's masterpiece but with a twist only the Monkeys could deliver. Expect side-splitting interpretations of iconic scenes, rapid-fire costume changes, and a narrative pace that would give even the swiftest Nazgûl a run for its money.” Performances take place at Lift for Life Academy High School, 1731 S. Broadway. For more information: www.stlshakespeare.org/pages/magic-smoking-monkey

The STL Fringe Festival opens with performances of the solo ballet Amnesiac and Red Hot Patriot, a tribute to the late columnist Molly Ivins, Tuesday August 13 at 5 pm. The annual festival, which features over three dozen different performers at various locations in Grand Center, runs through Saturday August 18.  For information on shows, performance schedules, and tickets: stlfringe.org

The Tempest
Photo: Theo R. Welling

The St. Louis Shakespeare Festival presents The Tempest as its 2024 touring production, playing through August 25. “The 90-minute TourCo performance created especially for audiences of all ages will travel to 24 parks across the region. Pack your picnic, blankets and chairs and join us for a summer adventure.” For a complete schedule: stlshakes.org.

The St. Louis Writers Group presents a reading of Tatyana by Shahnaz Ahmed on Monday, August 12, 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 Square One Brewery and Distillery in Lafayette Square.  More information is available at the St. Louis Writers Group Facebook page.

Disney's Newsies
Photo: Phillip Hamer

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

Ruthless
Photo: John Lamb

Stray Dog Theatre presents the musical Ruthless Thursdays through Saturdays at 8, through August 24, with an additional  performance at 2 pm on Sunday August 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.

Cat on a Hot Tin Roof
Photo: Suzy Gorman

The Tennessee Williams Festival presents Cat on a Hot Tin Roof Thursdays through Saturdays at 7:30 pm and Sundays at 3:00 pm, through August 18. ”This Pulitzer Prize winning drama follows the story of the Pollitts, a wealthy southern family whose history of greed and deception looms overhead as the imminent death of the family’s patriarch approaches. Siblings and spouses go head-to-head to secure the Pollitt fortune, weaving an overwhelming web of mistruths.” Performances take place at The Grandel Theatre in Grand Center. For more information: www.twstl.org.

The Tennessee Williams Festival presents Life Upon the Wicked Stage: A Series of One Acts directed by Brian Hohlfield at 1:00pm and 3:00pm Saturdays and Sundays through August 18.  “Experience the Grand Center of Tennessee Williams’ time with these shows about show business. “In Our Profession”, “The Magic Tower”, and “The Fat Man’s Wife” will be presented as a series of one-acts at the Curtain Call Lounge in Grand Center.”  For more information: www.twstl.org.

Union Avenue Opera presents Sondheim’s Into the Woods Fridays and Saturdays at 8 pm, August 16 through 24. “A Little Night Music explores the tangled web of affairs centered around the Join Cinderella, Jack, Little Red Riding Hood, Rapunzel and more as they cross paths with a baker and his wife on their quest through the woods. Who will live happily ever after and who will learn that magic comes at a price? But be careful what you wish for, because there’s a witch who’s out to get them, and a giant who’s not too happy about a beanstalk. Don’t miss this witty and whimsical show that will make you laugh, cry, and think twice before venturing into the woods.” Performances are sung in English 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.

To get your event listed here, send an email to chuck at kdhx.org Your event information should be in text format (i.e. not part of a graphic), but feel free to include publicity stills.

Would you like to be on the radio? KDHX, 88.1 FM needs theatre reviewers. If you're 18 years or older, knowledgeable in this area, have practical theatre experience (acting, directing, writing, technical design, etc.), have good oral and written communications skills and would like to become one of our volunteer reviewers, send an email describing your experience and interests to chuck at kdhx.org. Please include a sample review of something you've seen recently.

Sing like an Egyptian

By now, it’s old news that Union Avenue Opera’s (UAO) concert version of Giuseppe Verdi’s 1871 opera Aïda was a massive hit.  In his review for KDHX, Benjamin Torbert called it “superbly sung” and went on to praise the singers and musicians in great detail.  “The excellent cast gave compelling interpretations,” wrote Gerry Kowarsky over at HEC Media, “a most welcome gift to St. Louis operagoers.”

Having seen the final performance on August 3rd, I must heartily agree.

L-R: Marsha Thompson, Melody Wilson
Photo: Dan Donovan

Soprano Marsha Thompson and mezzo Melody Wilson, who last appeared at UAO in their impressive Nabucco in 2018, were once again romantic antagonists as, respectively, Aïda and Amneris. Both women were vocally formidable and theatrically savvy. Wilson, in particular, brought a welcome element of slinky cunning to her character.

Despite an upper respiratory infection that plagued him for the entire run, tenor Limmie Pulliam gave what can only be called a heroic performance as the heroic Radamès, with a passionate and ringing “Celeste Aïda.” If this was what he sounds like when he’s sick, I can only wonder what he can do when he isn’t.

Bass-baritone Lloyd Reshard was a commanding presence as Aïda’s dad Amonasro, whose decision to place patriotism over patrimony has tragic consequences. Baritone Todd Payne was an equally forceful King of Egypt. Baritone Jacob Lasetter, replacing Joseph Lodato on short notice (he had to learn the part in a week), was credibly solemn as the High Priest Ramfis.

L-R: Jacob Lassetter, Marsha Thompson,

Limmie Pulliam, Todd Payne, Melody Wilson
Photo: Dan Donovan

The roles of the High Priestess and the Messenger were taken by chorus members Danielle Yilmaz (soprano) and R. Nathan Brown. Both turned in first-rate performances, with Yilmaz the kind of vocal power you usually see in larger roles—not surprising when one realizes that she’s a principal soprano with the St. Louis Symphony Chorus. Her defiant performance of “Die Trommel gerühret” (from Beethoven’s incidental music for Egmont) was one of many highlights of the SLSO’s all-Goethe concert last year

Finally, let me congratulate the orchestra and chorus for their fine work. A chorus of 30 and an orchestra of 22 might not be particularly imposing in a large hall, but they sounded big and polished in UAO’s relatively small space at the Union Avenue Christian Church. Kudos as always to Conductor and UAO Artistic Director Scott Schoonover for a clear and well-paced reading of the score.

Aïda in 1928 at The Muny

A fully staged Aïda is a massive, eye-popping spectacle—a "grand opera" in the tradition of Meyerbeer, with lavish sets and costumes, a corps de ballet and even live animals. That calls for the kind of big stage and deep pockets that our local companies don’t have. The last time we had one, in fact, was in 1928, at The Muny. Since then, the closest we have gotten to a full-metal Aïda was the St. Louis Symphony Orchestra’s semi-staged version with digitally projected sets in 2015.

Union Avenue’s “no frill”s concert version demonstrated that one can abandon staging altogether and still deliver all the dramatic thrills Verdi had in mind. Anyone looking for an object lesson in how to deliver what RCA Victor modestly describes as “unquestionably the most stupendous experience available to the music-lover” (How to Get the Most Out of Your Victrola, 1919) on a modest budget should routinely put UAO’s season on their calendar.

Union Avenue Opera closes its 2024 season with Stephen Sondheim’s Into the Woods August 16th through 24th. Given their enviable track record with Broadway shows, it would be wise to visit their web site for tickets sooner rather than later.

St. Louis theatre calendar for the week of August 5, 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

Love Letters poster

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.

Christ Memorial Productions presents the musical My Fair Lady Fridays and Saturdays at 7:30 pm and Sundays at 2:30 pm, August 9 through 18.  Performances take place at Christ Memorial Lutheran Church, 5252 S. Lindbergh Blvd.  For more information, visit CMPShows.org or call 314-631-0304.

Joseph and the Amazing Technicolco Dreamcoat

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 through August  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, through Sunday, August 18 at The Marcelle, 3310 Samuel Shepard in Grand Center. For more information: flynorthmusic.com/

Waitress
Photo: Phillip Hamer

The Muny presents Waitress 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.

The Muny presents In the Heights August 9 - 15 at 8:15 pm.  “Before Hamilton, the visionary Lin-Manuel Miranda made a splash on Broadway with In the Heights. Set against the beats of salsa and hip-hop, the acclaimed musical tells the story of Usnavi, who longs to pick up his roots and move away from Washington Heights, the tight-knit New York City neighborhood that shaped him. This vibrant show will fill your heart with its spellbinding choreography and infectious energy. A Muny premiere.” Performances take place on the Muny's outdoor stage in Forest Park. 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.

St. Louis Shakespeare’s Magic Smoking Monkey Theatre presents The Return of the One-Hour Lord of the Rings Trilogy August 9 through 17. “Revisit the legend of Frodo, Gandalf, and the rest as they embark on their monumental quest, all while racing against the clock. This whirlwind rendition captures the essence of Tolkien's masterpiece but with a twist only the Monkeys could deliver. Expect side-splitting interpretations of iconic scenes, rapid-fire costume changes, and a narrative pace that would give even the swiftest Nazgûl a run for its money.” Performances take place at Lift for Life Academy High School, 1731 S. Broadway. For more information: www.stlshakespeare.org/pages/magic-smoking-monkey

The Tempest
Photo: Theo R. Welling

The St. Louis Shakespeare Festival presents The Tempest as its 2024 touring production, playing through August 25. “The 90-minute TourCo performance created especially for audiences of all ages will travel to 24 parks across the region. Pack your picnic, blankets and chairs and join us for a summer adventure.” 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

Ruthless
Photo: John Lamb

Stray Dog Theatre presents the musical Ruthless Thursdays through Saturdays at 8, through August 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.

The Tennessee Williams Festival presents Cat on a Hot Tin Roof Thursdays through Saturdays at 7:30 pm and Sundays at 3:00 pm, August 8 through 18. ”This Pulitzer Prize winning drama follows the story of the Pollitts, a wealthy southern family whose history of greed and deception looms overhead as the imminent death of the family’s patriarch approaches. Siblings and spouses go head-to-head to secure the Pollitt fortune, weaving an overwhelming web of mistruths.” Performances take place at The Grandel Theatre in Grand Center. For more information: www.twstl.org.

The Tennessee Williams Festival presents Life Upon the Wicked Stage: A Series of One Acts directed by Brian Hohlfield at 1:00pm and 3:00pm Saturdays and Sundays August 10-18.  “Experience the Grand Center of Tennessee Williams’ time with these shows about show business. “In Our Profession”, “The Magic Tower”, and “The Fat Man’s Wife” will be presented as a series of one-acts at the Curtain Call Lounge in Grand Center.”  For more information: www.twstl.org.

The Tennessee Williams Festival presents a Very Open Mic Night on Sunday, August 11, from 7 to 9 pm. “Bring your talent and be ready to celebrate the first week of the Tennessee Williams Festival St. Louis. Read a poem, act a scene, play an instrument, or sing a song. Carol Schmidt will be at the piano, so if you plan to sing bring sheet music or a chart in your own key. Or accompany yourself on the instrument of your choice, Or you can just relax, have a drink, and enjoy the entertainment. Bob Harvey and Chuck Lavazzi are your cheerful co-hosts. No admission or cover, but there is always a tip jar! All proceeds go to the Tennessee Williams Festival St. Louis.” The open mic takes place at The Curtain Call Lounge at The Fabulous Fox. Free parking is available in the Fox Club lot on the north side of the theatre.   For more information: www.twstl.org.

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

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