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.

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