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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