Theatre Review: The sheer theatrical virtuosity of "Walter Cronkite is Dead" at West End

There are three very good reasons to see the West End Players production of Joe Calarco’s comedy/drama “Walter Cronkite is Dead.” Their names are Kate Durbin, Leslie Wobbe, and Anna Blair—the stars and director of this remarkable evening of intimate theatre.

[Full disclosure: I am a former board member at West End and have known both actresses and the director for many years now. I have not, however, been involved in this production in any way.]

L-R: Leslie Wobbe and Kate Durbin
Photo: John Lamb

First performed in 2010 at Signature Theatre in Arlington, Virginia, and directed by the playwright, “Walter Cronkite is Dead” has a setup that has served as the basis for many a comedy sketch: the two utterly mismatched strangers who are thrown together by circumstances and proceed to annoy the peeps out of each other. The classic Monty Python “Wink, wink, nudge, nudge” routine comes immediately to mind.

Calarco’s mismatched pair are the distant and elegant Margaret (Durbin) and the voluble, intrusive Patty (Wobbe). Apocalyptically bad weather has stranded both of them in Reagan National Airport. Having found the last free “two top” table at a bar, Margaret is working her way through a carafe of wine and obsessively rereading an article on why flying is safe. Her concentration is quickly interrupted by the explosive arrival of Patty, hauling around an excessively large roller bag, handbag, and other travel paraphernalia, and yakking loudly on her cell phone.

In a virtuoso display of passive-aggressive wheedling, Patty bullies Margaret into surrendering the other chair at her table—the last remaining seat in an airport rapidly starting to look like a refugee camp—and sparks begin to fly.

Patty and Margaret could be clichés capable of supporting nothing more than a brief blackout, but Calarco, with a substantial assist from the splendid work of Durbin, Wobbe, and Blair, doesn’t let that happen.

Patty’s persistent intrusions into Margaret’s physical and personal space (portrayed with subtlety and finesse by Wobbe and Durbin) are played for laughs at first, but as the former draws the latter unwillingly into conversation, it soon becomes apparent that both characters have emotional depths that make them fully realized beings. Patty’s comments on the way the quality of the light in the airport reminder her of Italy show her to be more perceptive than she at first appears. Margaret’s longing for the simpler times of Walter Cronkite and the Kennedys (whom she idolized to the extent of naming her children after them) reveal internal conflicts and longings that belie her well-groomed exterior.

As the play progresses, the two spar, commiserate, get a bit tanked, and finally learn, to quote Blair, to “look past the stereotypes and see the nuances” of each other. When the skies finally clear and Margaret takes her leave, neither woman is quite the person they were before.

Most of this is implicit in the script, but it takes a pair of experienced and smart actors like Durbin and Wobbe to fully realize it. They have both so fully internalized their characters that they truly become them on stage. Both women let us see their characters’ complex inner lives That’s art, friends.

So is Blair’s direction, which finds opportunities for physical and dramatic movement that aren’t necessarily there on the page. Calarco’s script has its awkward moments—most notably a political rant by Patty that seems to come out of nowhere—and he seems to start running out of ideas about two-thirds of the way through, but Blair and her cast have made everything so real by that point that it hardly matters.

There is no set designer credited, but whoever came up with the name of the bar (“The Gipper Lounge”) and the list of drink specials (the “Jellybean” and the “Just Say No-jito”) deserves a tip of the hat. The same is true of Mary Beth Winslow’s pre-show music, which sounds exactly like what you’d expect to hear in an airport bar in 2010. Thanks also to Will Shaw as the unseen airport announcer with his calm reminders of meteorological chaos.

There’s a lot to offer for your entertainment dollar on local stages this weekend, but the sheer theatrical virtuosity on view in West End’s “Walter Cronkite is Dead” makes it a rare pre-holiday treat. Performances are Thursday through Saturday at 8 pm and Sunday at 2 pm, December 7 through 10, at the Union Avenue Christian Church in the Central West End. For more information, visit the WEPG web site.

Chuck's Choices for the weekend of April 15, 2016

As always, the choices are purely my personal opinion. Take with a grain (or a shaker) of salt.

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New This Week:

Richard III
Photo: David Sanford

St. Louis Shakespeare presents Shakespeare's tragedy Richard III Thursdays at 7:30 p.m., Fridays and Saturdays at 8 p.m., and Sundays at 2 p.m., through April 17. "A brilliant military commander, Richard, Duke of Gloucester, cannot be content in peacetime. As Richard centralizes power and makes a play for the crown, his motives grow uglier, sending him, enraged, into a bloody battle at Bosworth Field against Henry Tudor." Performances take place at the Ivory Theatre, 7620 Michigan in the Carondelet neighborhood. For more information, call 314-361-5664 or visit stlshakespeare.org.

My take: Historically bogus though it may be, Richard III is one of Shakespeare's most rippling yarns. Like Macbeth, it's ultimately a straightforward tale of ambition turned toxic with a villain who richly deserves his fate. In her review for 88.1 KDHX, Tina Farmer says this that production "embraces the eloquence of deceit and manipulation in a gleefully dark and riveting production that steamrolls courtly etiquette and political loyalties in pursuit of the crown."

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David Guintoli

The Emerald Room Cabaret presents David Giuntoli in Sinatra...The Man and His Music on Friday, April 15, at 8 p.m. "David Giuntoli sings songs that Frank Sinatra made famous. He would have been 100, if alive, and although he was from a different era, his musical stylings are a as swinging today as they were in the 40s, 50s, and 60s when he was at his peak. Sinatra had a gift of taking songs from great composers like, Cole Porter, Jimmy Van Heusen, Sammy Cahn, and, along with his fantastic arrangements, giving them that “Sinatra” stamp. The show includes these songs; I've Got the World on a String, All or Nothing at All, The Best is Yet to Come, I've Got You Under My Skin, The Way You Look Tonight, Angel Eyes, Fly Me to the Moon, Night and Day, The Lady is a Tramp and more." The show features Adam Maness on piano and Ben Wheeler on bass. The performance takes place in The Emerald Room at The Monocle Bar, 4510 Manchester in The Grove neighborhood. For more information: www.buzzonstage.com/st-louis

My take: No, this is not the David Giuntoli who stars in Grimm, but rather my fellow Cabaret Project board member in his first solo show. The focus on Sinatra makes perfect sense, given that Mr. Giuntoli is a baritone with a crooner's sensibility and an affection for the Great American Songbook.

Held Over:

Great Falls
Photo: John Lamb

The West End Players Guild continues their 105th season with Lee Blessing's comedy/drama Great Falls Fridays and Saturdays at 8 PM and Sundays at 2 PM, April 8-17. "This long, strange trip is undertaken by Monkey Man, a divorced middle-aged writer, and his teenaged ex-stepdaughter, who goes by the name of Bitch. Both of them have lost their way in life, and they set off in search of answers on a road trip through the great American West. By turns funny, sad, touching and profane, Great Falls will take you on a memorable and moving theatrical tour." There will also be a show on Thursday, April 14, at 8 PM. Performances take place at the Union Avenue Christian Church, 733 North Union at Enright in the Central West End. For more information, call 314-367-0025 or visit www.westendplayers.org.

My take: Lee Blessing's work has appeared fairly frequently on local stages in recent years, and with good reason: he's an original and sometimes provocative voice. "An honest look at what is possible -- and seemingly impossible -- in human encounters lies at the heart of many Lee Blessing plays," wrote Michael McGregor in a 2010 review of Great Falls for Oregon Live. "Letting each character have his say -- and his due -- he shines a harsh but understanding light on contemporary American problems."

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Hedwig and the Angry Inch
Photo: John Lamb

Stray Dog Theatre presents the rock musical Hedwig and the Angry Inch Thursdays through Saturdays at 8 PM through April 16. "The 'internationally ignored song stylist' Hedwig Schmidt, an East German diva, is also the victim of a botched sex-change operation. As she tours the U.S. with her loyal band, Hedwig candidly shares her life story. Raucous, soulful and wickedly funny with a brilliant rock score, this show has inspired legions of fans." Performances take place at The Tower Grove Abbey, 2336 Tennessee. For more information, visit straydogtheatre.org or call 314-865-1995.

My take: "When Hedwig brings her Angry Inch band to St. Louis," writes Tina Farmer at KDHX, "you better get ready for a punk rock throwback that's still a force to be reckoned with. This is the premise, feel, and atmosphere Stray Dog Theatre has created for their production of John Cameron Mitchell's angry ode to the downtrodden working class, running through April 16, 2016 and directed by Justin Been. This is Hedwig's story and uniquely hers, but she shares kinship with musicians, artists, and rebels -- transgender, queer, and straight -- who have stories they are compelled to tell. Fame be damned." This aggressive rock musical is not new to St. Louis, of course, but Stray Dog is putting their own spin on it by turning their space into the seedy rock club where Hedwig performs, complete with table service.

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Our Town

The Hawthorne Players present the Thornton Wilder's Our Town April 8-17. "Narrated by a stage manager and performed with minimal props and sets, audiences follow the Webb and Gibbs families as their children fall in love, marry, and eventually-in one of the most famous scenes in American theatre-die." The performances take place at the Florissant Civic Center Theatre at Parker and Waterford in Florissant, MO. For more information, call 921-5678 or visit hawthorneplayers.info.

My take: What can I say about this classic that has not already been said? The type of small town life depicted in Wilder's play (the action place between 1901 and 1913) was already passing from the scene when it premiered in 1938. By rights it should be a museum piece by now. But the writing touches so effectively on the universal human experiences of birth, life, and death that it never seems dated.

St. Louis theatre calendar for the week of April 11, 2016

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

For information on events beyond this week, check out the searchable database at the Regional Arts Commission's events web site.

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Mustard Seed Theatre presents Bosnian-American: The Dance of Life, Friday and Saturday at 7:30 p.m., April 15 and 16 “Born in Bosnia and raised in St. Louis - painful history meets present reality in this collaboratively created script that celebrates the true stories of our neighbors.” Performances take place at at Grbic Restaurant Banquet Hall in the Bevo Mill . For more information, call (314) 719-8060 or visit the web site at www.mustardseedtheatre.com.

The Bridges of Madison County
Photo: Matthew Murphy

The Fox Theatre presents the musical The Bridges of Madison County through April 17. "THE BRIDGES OF MADISON COUNTY, one of the most romantic stories ever written, first captured the nation's attention as a best-selling novel by Robert James Waller and is now an irresistible, two time Tony Award®-winning Broadway musical. This stunning new production features gorgeous, soulful music by Tony Award®-winning composer Jason Robert Brown (Parade, The Last Five Years) that the Daily News hails as "one of Broadway's best scores in the last decade." With a book by Pulitzer Prize Winner Marsha Norman (The Secret Garden, The Color Purple) and direction by Tony® winner Bartlett Sher (South Pacific, The Light in the Piazza), THE BRIDGES OF MADISON COUNTY is the unforgettable story of two people caught between decision and desire, as a chance encounter becomes a second chance at so much more." The Fox is on North Grand in Grand Center. For more information: fabulousfox.com.

The Lemp Mansion Comedy-Mystery Dinner Theater presents Clueless through April 16. The Lemp Mansion is at 3322 DeMenil Place. For more information: lempmansion.com

St. Louis Community College at Meramec presents the drama Death and the Maiden by Ariel Dorfman Wednesday through Sunday, April 13-17. "Paulina Salas is a former political prisoner in an unnamed Latin American country who had been raped by her captors, led by a sadistic doctor whose face she never saw. Years later, after the (also unnamed) repressive regime has fallen, a chance encounter allows Pauline to take the doctor captive in order to put him on trial and extract a confession from him." The production is recommended for mature audiences. Performances take place in the theatre on the campus at 11333 Big Bend Road. For more information, stlcc.edu/MC or call 314-984-7500.

Hard Road Theatre Productions presents the musical comedy First Date opening on Friday, April 15, at 7:30 p.m. and running through April 23. "When blind date newbie Aaron (Zachary Levi; “Chuck” and Thor: The Dark World) is set up with serial-dater Casey (Krysta Rodriguez; “Smash” and The Addams Family), a casual drink at a busy New York restaurant turns into a hilarious high-stakes dinner. As the date unfolds in real time, the couple quickly finds that they are not alone on this unpredictable evening. In a delightful and unexpected twist, Casey and Aaron's inner critics take on a life of their own when other restaurant patrons transform into supportive best friends, manipulative exes and protective parents, who sing and dance them through ice-breakers, appetizers and potential conversational land mines. Can this couple turn what could be a dating disaster into something special before the check arrives?" Performances will be held at the Kennel at Highland High School, 12760 Troxler Ave, Highland IL. For more information: www.hardroad.org.

Clinton County Showcase presents the comedy The Foreigner opening on Friday, April 15, at 8 p.m. and running through April 24. "The Foreigner is about a chronically shy man named Charlie who pretends to not speak a word of English. Misunderstandings and hilariious antics abound. Soon Charlie finds himself playing and embracing the role of the exotic foreigner and emerges from his shell all while keeping the charade. Characters include Charile's best friend Froggy, the innkeeper with a motherly role, a young couple, an not-so-bright young man, and a man who has trouble accepting racial progress." Performances take place at the Avon Theater, 525 North 2nd Street Breese IL. For more information, visit ccshowcase.com.

Great Falls
Photo: John Lamb

The West End Players Guild continues their 105th season with Lee Blessing's comedy/drama Great Falls Thursday through Saturday at 8 PM and Sunday at 2 PM, April 14-17. "This long, strange trip is undertaken by Monkey Man, a divorced middle-aged writer, and his teenaged ex-stepdaughter, who goes by the name of Bitch. Both of them have lost their way in life, and they set off in search of answers on a road trip through the great American West. By turns funny, sad, touching and profane, Great Falls will take you on a memorable and moving theatrical tour." Performances take place at the Union Avenue Christian Church, 733 North Union at Enright in the Central West End. For more information, call 314-367-0025 or visit www.westendplayers.org.

Stray Dog Theatre presents the rock musical Hedwig and the Angry Inch Thursdays through Saturdays at 8 PM through April 16. "The 'internationally ignored song stylist' Hedwig Schmidt, an East German diva, is also the victim of a botched sex-change operation. As she tours the U.S. with her loyal band, Hedwig candidly shares her life story. Raucous, soulful and wickedly funny with a brilliant rock score, this show has inspired legions of fans." Performances take place at The Tower Grove Abbey, 2336 Tennessee. For more information, visit straydogtheatre.org or call 314-865-1995.

The Touhill Performing Arts Center presents Chicago's Second City comedy ensemble in Hooking Up With Second City Friday and 7 and 10 p.m. and Saturday at 6 and 9 p.m., April 15 and 16. "The Second City knows a few things about love - we've been looking at and laughing about relationships for over 55 years. Hooking Up With The Second City makes mirth out of missed connections, girls' night out adventures and all the crazy things we do for love. This gaspingly funny revue is a modern mix of romance, rancor and everything in between." The Touhill Performing Arts Center is on the University of Missouri St. Louis campus. For more information: touhill.org.

St. Louis University Theatre presents Oscar Wilde's comedy The Importance of Being Earnest, opening on Friday, April 15, at 8 p.m. and running through April 24. "Regarded by many as the wittiest play in the English language, the University Theatre is proud to close its 2015-16 season with this audience favorite." Performances take place in Xavier Hall, 3373 West Pine Mall. For more information, call 314-977-3327 or visit slu.edu/utheatre.

St. Louis Actors' Studio presents Ivanov by Anton Chekov, as translated by Tom Stoppard, opening on Friday, April 15, and running through May 1. "Once a man of limitless promise, Ivanov is plunged into debt. His marriage is in crisis, and his evenings are spent negotiating loans, avoiding love affairs and fighting to resist the small town jealousies and intrigues which threaten to engulf his life." Performances take place at the Gaslight Theatre, 358 North Boyle For more information, call 314-458-2978 or visit stlas.org.

Lindenwood University presents the comedy The Liar by David Ives, adapted from the play by Pierre Corneille, Thursday and Friday at 7:30 p.m. and Saturday at 2 and 7:30 p.m., April 14-16 “Paris, 1643. Dorante is a charming young man newly arrived in the capital, and he has but a single flaw: he cannot tell the truth. In quick succession, he meets Cliton, a manservant who cannot tell a lie, and falls in love with Clarice, a charming young woman whom he unfortunately mistakes for her friend, Lucrece. What our hero regrettably does not know is that Clarice is secretly engaged to his best friend, Alcippe. Nor is he aware that his father is trying to get him married to Clarice, whom he thinks is Lucrece, who actually is in love with him.” The performance takes place on the main stage at the J. Scheidegger Center for the Arts on the Lindenwood campus in St. Charles, MO. For more information, call 636-949-4433 or visit lindenwood.edu/center.

The Westport Playhouse presents Men Are From Mars-Women Are From Venus Live! running through April 17. "The Off-Broadway hit comedy Men Are From Mars - Women Are From Venus LIVE!, is a one-man fusion of theatre and stand-up, and is a light-hearted theatrical comedy based on the New York Times #1 best-selling book of the last decade by John Gray. Moving swiftly through a series of vignettes, the show covers everything from dating and marriage to the bedroom." Performances take place at the Westport Playhouse in Westport Plaza. For more information: marsvenuslive.com.

The Muny presents A Night With the Buddy Holly Boys on Wednesday and Thursday, April 13 and 14, at 7:30 p.m. "The boys of summer are back! Our three Buddy Holly stars reunite for a rockin' concert." The event takes place at the Sheldon Concert Hall on Washington in Grand Center. For more information: muny.org.

The Bissell Mansion Murder Mystery Dinner Theatre presents Nursery Crimes through July 31. The Bissell Mansion is at 4426 Randall Place. For more information: bissellmansiontheatre.com.

Our Town

The Hawthorne Players present the Thornton Wilder's Our Town through April 17. "Narrated by a stage manager and performed with minimal props and sets, audiences follow the Webb and Gibbs families as their children fall in love, marry, and eventually-in one of the most famous scenes in American theatre-die." The performances take place at the Florissant Civic Center Theatre at Parker and Waterford in Florissant, MO. For more information, call 921-5678 or visit hawthorneplayers.info.

Lutheran High School South presents the Stephen Schwartz musical Pippin Friday and Saturday at 7:00 p.m., April 15 and 16. Lutheran High School North is at 9515 Tesson Ferry Road in south St. Louis County. For more information: lhssstl.org.

St. Louis Shakespeare presents Shakespeare's tragedy Richard III Thursdays at 7:30 p.m., Fridays and Saturdays at 8 p.m., and Sundays at 2 p.m., through April 17. "A brilliant military commander, Richard, Duke of Gloucester, cannot be content in peacetime. As Richard centralizes power and makes a play for the crown, his motives grow uglier, sending him, enraged, into a bloody battle at Bosworth Field against Henry Tudor." Performances take place at the Ivory Theatre, 7620 Michigan in the Carondelet neighborhood. For more information, call 314-361-5664 or visit stlshakespeare.org.

The St. Louis Art Museum presents a live HD broadcast of the Metropolitan Opera production Donizetti's Roberto Devereux on Saturday, April 16, at 11:55 a.m. " Soprano Sondra Radvanovsky takes on the extraordinary challenge of singing all three of Donizetti's Tudor queen operas in the course of a single season, a rare feat made famous by Beverly Sills-and not attempted on a New York stage since. In this climactic opera of the trilogy, she plays Queen Elizabeth I, forced to sign the death warrant of the nobleman she loves, Robert Devereux. Tenor Matthew Polenzani is Devereux, and mezzo-soprano El_na Garan_a and baritone Mariusz Kwiecien complete the principal quartet in the bel canto masterpiece, conducted by Donizetti specialist Maurizio Benini. As with the earlier Anna Bolena and Maria Stuarda, the production is by Sir David McVicar, who with this staging completes an enormously ambitious directorial accomplishment." The live digital HD video broadcast from New York takes place in The Farrell Auditorium at the Art Museum in Forest Park. For more information: slam.org.

David Guintoli

The Emerald Room Cabaret presents David Guintoli in Sinatra...The Man and His Music on Friday, April 15, at 8 p.m. "David Giuntoli sings songs that Frank Sinatra made famous. He would have been 100, if alive, and although he was from a different era, his musical stylings are a as swinging today as they were in the 40s, 50s, and 60s when he was at his peak. Sinatra had a gift of taking songs from great composers like, Cole Porter, Jimmy Van Heusen, Sammy Cahn, and, along with his fantastic arrangements, giving them that “Sinatra” stamp. The show includes these songs; I've Got the World on a String, All or Nothing at All, The Best is Yet to Come, I've Got You Under My Skin, The Way You Look Tonight, Angel Eyes, Fly Me to the Moon, Night and Day, The Lady is a Tramp and more." The show features Adam Maness on piano and Ben Wheeler on bass. The performance takes place in The Emerald Room at The Monocle Bar, 4510 Manchester in The Grove neighborhood. For more information: www.buzzonstage.com/st-louis

COCA's student dance companies - Ballet Eclectica, COCAdance and the COCA Hip-Hop Crew - conclude their seasons with an annual Spring Repertory Concerts Friday at 7 p.m. and Saturday and Sunday at 2 p.m., April 15-18. The concerts feature pieces from a range of local and national choreographers. COCA is at 524 Trinity in University City. For more information: cocastl.org.

Gateway Center for Performing Arts' Youth Theatre Company finishes its 2015/2016 Mainstage Season with the musical Thoroughly Modern Mille Friday at 7 p.m.., Saturday at 2 and 7 p.m., and Sunday at 2 p.m., April 15-17. "This Tony Award winning musical is set in 1922 follows Millie Dillmount, straight off the bus from Salina, Kansas as she searches for more in New York City. With grand plans to marry the "modern" way, for money and not love, she finds herself on a madcap adventure that proves everything is not what it seems. With music by Jeanine Tesori, lyrics by Dick Scanlan and Book by Dick Scanlan and Richard Morris, you won't want to miss tunes like Not for the Life of Me, Forget About the Boy, and Gimme Gimme in a story filled with bobbed hair, raised skirts and fiery tap numbers!" Performances take place at Central Visual and Performing Arts High School , 3125 South Kingshighway Blvd. For more information: www.gcpastl.org/thoroughly-modern-millie.

St. Louis Community College at Florissant Valley presents the comedy Too Much Sun by Nicky Silver opening on Friday, April 15, at 7:30 p.m. and running through April 23. Performances take place in the Fisher Theatre on the campus at 3400 Pershall Road. For more information, stlcc.edu/FV call 314-644-5522.

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.

Chuck's Choices for the weekend of April 8, 2016

As always, the choices are purely my personal opinion. Take with a grain (or a shaker) of salt.

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New This Week:

"The Grind" from Briefs
Photo: Max Friedman

That Uppity Theatre Company and The Vital Voice present Briefs: A Festival Of Short Lesbian and Gay Plays Friday through Sunday, April 8-10. "BRIEFS is a unique venture in St. Louis that brings together numerous directors and theatrical artists to showcase the work of eight different playwrights all under one roof. BRIEFS presents theatrical work that address the lives of lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer or questioning people. The festival is targeted to a diverse and mature audience that appreciates good theatre in unique settings. The playwrights include three-time Pulitzer Prize nominee and five-time Emmy nominee James Still. Still's When Miss Lydia Hinkley Gives A Bird the Bird is the story about a thinly coded women's literary club set in 1859. Award-winning General Hospital writer Scott C. Sickles, will have his world premiere of his play I Knew It, inspired by a rumored relationship between Mick Jagger and David Bowie. We are excited for emerging playwright Stephen Peirick to direct his play titled A Comfortable Fit, about a shopping excursion between a transgender mother and daughter." Performances take place at The Rialto Ballroom at Grand Center_3547 Olive. For more information, visit briefs.eventbrite.com or call (314) 995-4600.

My take: If Briefs is about anything, it’s about the fluidity of identity and the diversity that comes from it. If America is about anything, it’s about diversity. And that, no matter what some people will try to tell you, is a good thing. Diversity in nature increases resistance to extinction. Diversity in the workplace leads to smarter teams and better problem solving. Diversity is a source of strength. E pluribus unum. Go, see, and enjoy.

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Steven Lutvak

The Presenters Dolan presents singer/songwriter Steven Lutvak in A Gentleman's Guide to the Gentleman's Guide on Friday and Saturday, April 8 and 9, at 8 PM as part of the Gaslight Cabaret Festival. "Come hear the man who was behind the Broadway hit, A GENTLEMAN'S GUIDE TO LOVE AND MURDER sing his songs, and let you in on the fascinating backstory and incredible journey of the making of a Tony Award winning musical." The performances take place at the Gaslight Theater, 358 North Boyle. For more information: gaslightcabaretfestival.com.

My take: Jim Dolan is bringing the spring edition of the Gaslight Cabaret Festival to a big close with a show by one of Broadway's newest and brightest talents. "The craftsmanship of the lyrics is impeccable," wrote Mark Horowitz in a DC Theatre Scene article on Mr. Lutvak's show in January, "dripping with wit, and sporting rhymes that leave one gasping in awe. The music is immediately and tunefully accessible, but listen more closely and you’ll hear harmonies, accompaniments, and flourishes that are the work of a composer with a unique voice and something to say."

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Great Falls
Photo: John Lamb

The West End Players Guild continues their 105th season with Lee Blessing's comedy/drama Great Falls Fridays and Saturdays at 8 PM and Sundays at 2 PM, April 8-17. "This long, strange trip is undertaken by Monkey Man, a divorced middle-aged writer, and his teenaged ex-stepdaughter, who goes by the name of Bitch. Both of them have lost their way in life, and they set off in search of answers on a road trip through the great American West. By turns funny, sad, touching and profane, Great Falls will take you on a memorable and moving theatrical tour." There will also be a show on Thursday, April 14, at 8 PM. Performances take place at the Union Avenue Christian Church, 733 North Union at Enright in the Central West End. For more information, call 314-367-0025 or visit www.westendplayers.org.

My take: Lee Blessing's work has appeared fairly frequently on local stages in recent years, and with good reason: he's an original and sometimes provocative voice. "An honest look at what is possible -- and seemingly impossible -- in human encounters lies at the heart of many Lee Blessing plays," wrote Michael McGregor in a 2010 review of Great Falls for Oregon Live. "Letting each character have his say -- and his due -- he shines a harsh but understanding light on contemporary American problems."

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Hedwig and the Angry Inch
Photo: John Lamb

Stray Dog Theatre presents the rock musical Hedwig and the Angry Inch Thursdays through Saturdays at 8 PM through April 16. "The 'internationally ignored song stylist' Hedwig Schmidt, an East German diva, is also the victim of a botched sex-change operation. As she tours the U.S. with her loyal band, Hedwig candidly shares her life story. Raucous, soulful and wickedly funny with a brilliant rock score, this show has inspired legions of fans." Performances take place at The Tower Grove Abbey, 2336 Tennessee. For more information, visit straydogtheatre.org or call 314-865-1995.

My take: "When Hedwig brings her Angry Inch band to St. Louis," writes Tina Farmer at KDHX, "you better get ready for a punk rock throwback that's still a force to be reckoned with. This is the premise, feel, and atmosphere Stray Dog Theatre has created for their production of John Cameron Mitchell's angry ode to the downtrodden working class, running through April 16, 2016 and directed by Justin Been. This is Hedwig's story and uniquely hers, but she shares kinship with musicians, artists, and rebels -- transgender, queer, and straight -- who have stories they are compelled to tell. Fame be damned." This aggressive rock musical is not new to St. Louis, of course, but Stray Dog is putting their own spin on it by turning their space into the seedy rock club where Hedwig performs, complete with table service.

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The University of Missouri at St. Louis presents Idris Goodwin's How We Got On Thursday through Sunday, April 7-10. "Hank, Julian, and Luann are three talented, determined suburban teens coming of age in the 1980s. Dreaming of fame and fortune in the new Hip-Hop music scene, they must overcome cultural isolation, familial dysfunction, and ruthless rivalries to make the music that defines their lives. A sultry DJ spins their stories with her own meta-theatrical perspective in this contemporary ode to the roots of rap." The performances take place at the Touhill Performing Arts Center on the University of Missouri-St. Louis campus. For more information, touhill.org or call 314-516-4949.

My take: I saw the world premiere of this show at the 2012 Humana Festival of New American plays and was simply blown away by it. As I noted in my review, this is a literate, poetic, deeply felt and warmly human look at three suburban teens (two black and one Latino) in 1988 trying to make sense of their lives, their ambitions, and their relationships with their parents while learning to express themselves with rhymes and beats. A DJ/narrator holds it all together and weaves a highly educational history of history of rap into the story. The result is a compelling, moving, funny, and exciting piece of theatre. I'm glad to see that it has finally made its way to St. Louis.

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Gateway Opera presents William Bolcom's chamber opera Lucrezia Friday and Saturday, April 8 and 9, at 8:00 p.m. "Lucrezia is a chamber opera, composed by William Bolcom, with libretto by Mark Campbell, scored for five singers and two pianists. It's a zarzuela riff on Machiavelli's La Mandragola and re-imagines the comedy's heroine as an intelligent seductress in charge of her own destiny." Performances take place at Washington University's 560 Music Center, 560 Trinity in University City. For more information: gatewayopera.org.

My take: Well, how often do you get to see chamber operas by William Bolcom? Or any operas, for that matter? An eclectic composer and student of a wide variety of popular and classical music, Mr. Bolcom's musical voice is not heard nearly often enough on concert and opera stages.

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Our Town

The Hawthorne Players present the Thornton Wilder's Our Town April 8-17. "Narrated by a stage manager and performed with minimal props and sets, audiences follow the Webb and Gibbs families as their children fall in love, marry, and eventually-in one of the most famous scenes in American theatre-die." The performances take place at the Florissant Civic Center Theatre at Parker and Waterford in Florissant, MO. For more information, call 921-5678 or visit hawthorneplayers.info.

My take: What can I say about this classic that has not already been said? The type of small town life depicted in Wilder's play (the action place between 1901 and 1913) was already passing from the scene when it premiered in 1938. By rights it should be a museum piece by now. But the writing touches so effectively on the universal human experiences of birth, life, and death that it never seems dated.

Held Over:

Satchel Paige and the Kansas City Swing
Photo: John Gitchoff

The Repertory Theatre of St. Louis presents Satchel Paige and the Kansas City Swing through April 10. "The crack of the bat, the roar of the crowd-it's what every baseball player dreams of. In 1947, Jackie Robinson had broken baseball's color barrier, while Satchel Paige and his Negro League All-Stars were barnstorming against their white counterparts in the Majors. It was baseball by day and jazz by night as the impassioned and devoted players tried to find their place in a country on the verge of change." Performances take place on the mainstage at the Loretto-Hlton Center, 130 Edgar Road in Webster Groves, MO. For more information, call 314-968-4925 or visit repstl.org.

My take: While the reviews for this show have been mixed, I saw it last weekend and was very impressed. It's a fascinating look at a historical turning point both in American history in general and in the history of baseball, our national pastime, in particular. It uses the life of Satchel Paige as a metaphor for the passing of black American institutions that were made irrelevant by integration, and ties it up with the changes taking place in jazz at the same time. This is heady and smart stuff, and while the second act, in particular, could stand with some trimming, it's still a powerful show from the team that brought us the remarkable Fly a few seasons back. At a time when reactionary political forces are trying to undo all the good done since 1947, this show is very relevant.

St. Louis theatre calendar for the week of April 4, 2016

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

For information on events beyond this week, check out the searchable database at the Regional Arts Commission's events web site.

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The Bridges of Madison County
Photo: Matthew Murphy

The Fox Theatre presents the musical The Bridges of Madison County opening Tuesday, April 5, and running through April 17. "THE BRIDGES OF MADISON COUNTY, one of the most romantic stories ever written, first captured the nation's attention as a best-selling novel by Robert James Waller and is now an irresistible, two time Tony Award®-winning Broadway musical. This stunning new production features gorgeous, soulful music by Tony Award®-winning composer Jason Robert Brown (Parade, The Last Five Years) that the Daily News hails as "one of Broadway's best scores in the last decade." With a book by Pulitzer Prize Winner Marsha Norman (The Secret Garden, The Color Purple) and direction by Tony® winner Bartlett Sher (South Pacific, The Light in the Piazza), THE BRIDGES OF MADISON COUNTY is the unforgettable story of two people caught between decision and desire, as a chance encounter becomes a second chance at so much more." The Fox is on North Grand in Grand Center. For more information: fabulousfox.com.

That Uppity Theatre Company and The Vital Voice present Briefs: A Festival Of Short Lesbian and Gay Plays Friday through Sunday, April 8-10. "BRIEFS is a unique venture in St. Louis that brings together numerous directors and theatrical artists to showcase the work of eight different playwrights all under one roof. BRIEFS presents theatrical work that address the lives of lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer or questioning people. The festival is targeted to a diverse and mature audience that appreciates good theatre in unique settings. The playwrights include three-time Pulitzer Prize nominee and five-time Emmy nominee James Still. Still's When Miss Lydia Hinkley Gives A Bird the Bird is the story about a thinly coded women's literary club set in 1859. Award-winning General Hospital writer Scott C. Sickles, will have his world premiere of his play I Knew It, inspired by a rumored relationship between Mick Jagger and David Bowie. We are excited for emerging playwright Stephen Peirick to direct his play titled A Comfortable Fit, about a shopping excursion between a transgender mother and daughter." Performances take place at The Rialto Ballroom at Grand Center_3547 Olive. For more information, visit briefs.eventbrite.com or call (314) 995-4600.

The Lemp Mansion Comedy-Mystery Dinner Theater presents Clueless through April 16. The Lemp Mansion is at 3322 DeMenil Place. For more information: lempmansion.com

Webster University's Conservatory of Theatre Arts presents The Cockfight Play Friday at 7:30 pm, Saturday at 2 and 7:30 p.m., and Sunday at 2 p.m. April 8-10. “John has been in a stable relationship with his boyfriend for a number of years. But when he takes a break, he accidentally falls in love with a woman. Torn between the two, filled with guild and conflicting emotions, he doesn't know which way to turn. As the pressure mounts, a dinner with both parties is arranged, and everyone wants to know what John's decision will be.” Performances take place in the Stage III Auditorium in Webster Hall on the Webster University campus. For more information, events.webster.edu or call 314-968-7128.

Steven Lutvak

The Presenters Dolan presents singer/songwriter Steven Lutvak in A Gentleman's Guide to the Gentleman's Guide on Friday and Saturday, April 8 and 9, at 8 PM as part of the Gaslight Cabaret Festival. "Come hear the man who was behind the Broadway hit, A GENTLEMAN'S GUIDE TO LOVE AND MURDER sing his songs, and let you in on the fascinating backstory and incredible journey of the making of a Tony Award winning musical." The performances take place at the Gaslight Theater, 358 North Boyle. For more information: gaslightcabaretfestival.com.

The West End Players Guild continues their 105th season with Lee Blessing's comedy/drama Great Falls Fridays and Saturdays at 8 PM and Sundays at 2 PM, April 8-17. "This long, strange trip is undertaken by Monkey Man, a divorced middle-aged writer, and his teenaged ex-stepdaughter, who goes by the name of Bitch. Both of them have lost their way in life, and they set off in search of answers on a road trip through the great American West. By turns funny, sad, touching and profane, Great Falls will take you on a memorable and moving theatrical tour." There will also be a show on Thursday, April 14, at 8 PM. Performances take place at the Union Avenue Christian Church, 733 North Union at Enright in the Central West End. For more information, call 314-367-0025 or visit www.westendplayers.org.

Hedwig and the Angry Inch
Photo: Tom Gannam

Stray Dog Theatre presents the rock musical Hedwig and the Angry Inch Thursdays through Saturdays at 8 PM through April 16. "The 'internationally ignored song stylist' Hedwig Schmidt, an East German diva, is also the victim of a botched sex-change operation. As she tours the U.S. with her loyal band, Hedwig candidly shares her life story. Raucous, soulful and wickedly funny with a brilliant rock score, this show has inspired legions of fans." Performances take place at The Tower Grove Abbey, 2336 Tennessee. For more information, visit straydogtheatre.org or call 314-865-1995.

Tesseract Theatre Company presents Helvetica, A Play About Stories Fridays and Saturdays at 8 p.m. and Sundays at 4 p.m., through April 10. "A children's author, with the help of her beloved stuffed bear, must face the trials of life and death through fantasy and adventure." Performances take place at the Regional Arts Commission, 6128 Delmar. For more information: tesseracttheatre.org.

The University of Missouri at St. Louis presents Idris Goodwin's How We Got On Thursday through Sunday, April 7-10. "Hank, Julian, and Luann are three talented, determined suburban teens coming of age in the 1980s. Dreaming of fame and fortune in the new Hip-Hop music scene, they must overcome cultural isolation, familial dysfunction, and ruthless rivalries to make the music that defines their lives. A sultry DJ spins their stories with her own meta-theatrical perspective in this contemporary ode to the roots of rap." The performances take place at the Touhill Performing Arts Center on the University of Missouri-St. Louis campus. For more information, touhill.org or call 314-516-4949.

Lindenwood University presents the musical Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat on Thursday, April 7 at 7 p.m.. "One of the most enduring shows of all time, Tim Rice and Andrew Lloyd Webber's Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat is the irresistible family musical about the trials and triumphs of Joseph, Israel's favorite son." The performance takes place on the main stage at the J. Scheidegger Center for the Arts on the Lindenwood campus in St. Charles, MO. For more information, call 636-949-4433 or visit lindenwood.edu/center.

Topper Productions present Dawn Schmid in Let Them Eat Cake on Sunday, April 10, at 3 p.m. " Puppy love, adolescent love, troubled love, seasoned love, self love...no matter the season, or the circumstances, love asks us to grow, to question, to trust, to risk. Talented newcomer, Dawn Schmidt explores the many questions love asks us,with a fresh new perspective, as quirky and endearing as she is!" The Boom Boom Room is at500 N. 14th St. downtown. For more information: theboomboomroomstl.com.

Love and Information
Photo: Jerry Naunheim, Jr.

The Performing Arts Department at Washington University presents Love and Information Fridays and Saturdays at 8 PM and Sundays at 2 PM, through April 10. " 57 vibrant scenes. Over 100 colorful characters. In this kaleidoscopic collection of micro-stories, Caryl Churchill explores the roller coaster of existence in our dizzying world. Within the play's vivid anthology, the characters engage in a varied menu of touching and humorous life vignettes, affirming that while we may require vast amounts of knowledge in our digitally-defined era, our hunger for human connection remains essential. The play, by one of Britain's most esteemed playwrights, premiered in 2012 at London's Royal Court Theatre." Performances take place in the Hotchner Studio Theatre in the Mallinckrodt Student Center on the Washington University campus. For more information, visit pad.artsci.wustl.edu or call 314-935-6543.

Gateway Opera presents William Bolcom's chamber opera Lucrezia Friday and Saturday, April 8 and 9, at 8:00 p.m. "Lucrezia is a chamber opera, composed by William Bolcom, with libretto by Mark Campbell, scored for five singers and two pianists. It's a zarzuela riff on Machiavelli's La Mandragola and re-imagines the comedy's heroine as an intelligent seductress in charge of her own destiny." Performances take place at Washington University's 560 Music Center, 560 Trinity in University City. For more information: gatewayopera.org.

The Westport Playhouse presents Men Are From Mars-Women Are From Venus Live! running through April 17. "The Off-Broadway hit comedy Men Are From Mars - Women Are From Venus LIVE!, is a one-man fusion of theatre and stand-up, and is a light-hearted theatrical comedy based on the New York Times #1 best-selling book of the last decade by John Gray. Moving swiftly through a series of vignettes, the show covers everything from dating and marriage to the bedroom." Performances take place at the Westport Playhouse in Westport Plaza. For more information: marsvenuslive.com.

Joe Dreyer and
Rosemary Watts

The Presenters Dolan presents Joe Dreyer and Rosemary Watts in Nuance and Novelty on Thursday, April 7, at 8 PM as part of the Gaslight Cabaret Festival. "Joe and Rosemary grace the Gaslight stage with an all new show." The performance takes place at the Gaslight Theater, 358 North Boyle. For more information: gaslightcabaretfestival.com.

The Hawthorne Players present the Thornton Wilder's Our Town April 8-17. "Narrated by a stage manager and performed with minimal props and sets, audiences follow the Webb and Gibbs families as their children fall in love, marry, and eventually-in one of the most famous scenes in American theatre-die." The performances take place at the Florissant Civic Center Theatre at Parker and Waterford in Florissant, MO. For more information, call 921-5678 or visit hawthorneplayers.info.

St. Louis Shakespeare presents Shakespeare's tragedy Richard III Thursdays at 7:30 p.m., Fridays and Saturdays at 8 p.m., and Sundays at 2 p.m., April 9-17. "A brilliant military commander, Richard, Duke of Gloucester, cannot be content in peacetime. As Richard centralizes power and makes a play for the crown, his motives grow uglier, sending him, enraged, into a bloody battle at Bosworth Field against Henry Tudor." Performances take place at the Ivory Theatre, 7620 Michigan in the Carondelet neighborhood. For more information, call 314-361-5664 or visit stlshakespeare.org.

Satchel Paige and the Kansas City Swing
Photo: John Gitchoff

The Repertory Theatre of St. Louis presents Satchel Paige and the Kansas City Swing through April 10. "The crack of the bat, the roar of the crowd-it's what every baseball player dreams of. In 1947, Jackie Robinson had broken baseball's color barrier, while Satchel Paige and his Negro League All-Stars were barnstorming against their white counterparts in the Majors. It was baseball by day and jazz by night as the impassioned and devoted players tried to find their place in a country on the verge of change." Performances take place on the mainstage at the Loretto-Hlton Center, 130 Edgar Road in Webster Groves, MO. For more information, call 314-968-4925 or visit repstl.org.

The Monroe Actors Stage Company presents Moliere's comedy Tartuffe, Fridays and Saturdays at 7:30 and Sundays at 2:30 p.m., through April 10, in the Historic Capitol Theatre in downtown Waterloo, Illinois. For more information, visit www.masctheatre.org or call 618-939-7469.

The Social Justice Center presents There is a Field on Friday, April 8, at 7 p.m. at Washington University. "As the Second Intifada erupted in the West Bank and Gaza, demonstrations also began in Palestinian villages and towns inside Israel. In October 2000, Israeli forces killed thirteen unarmed Palestinians in these demonstrations. The youngest of those killed was a 17-year old boy named Aseel Asleh. Aseel was shot point blank in the neck by Israeli police while nonviolently demonstrating outside his village. There Is A Field is a documentary-style play about Aseel's life and his killing, told from the perspective of his older sister, Nardeen. Through Nardeen's struggle to cope with the murder of her brother, the play also addresses the larger struggle facing Palestinians inside Israel." For more information: thereisafield.info.

Hands Up United and St Louis Palestine Solidarity present There is a Field on Sunday, April 10, at 3 p.m. in Ferguson, MO. "As the Second Intifada erupted in the West Bank and Gaza, demonstrations also began in Palestinian villages and towns inside Israel. In October 2000, Israeli forces killed thirteen unarmed Palestinians in these demonstrations. The youngest of those killed was a 17-year old boy named Aseel Asleh. Aseel was shot point blank in the neck by Israeli police while nonviolently demonstrating outside his village. There Is A Field is a documentary-style play about Aseel's life and his killing, told from the perspective of his older sister, Nardeen. Through Nardeen's struggle to cope with the murder of her brother, the play also addresses the larger struggle facing Palestinians inside Israel." For more information: thereisafield.info.

COCA presents Presentation House Theatre production of Where The Wild Things Are Thursday through Sunday, April 7-10. "This intimate and interactive "guided play" experience invites the audience on stage to help transform Max's bedroom into the various landscapes of his adventures...ending with a Wild Rumpus in which the audience becomes the Wild Things themselves!" COCA is at 524 Trinity in University City. For more information, call (314) 725-6555 or visit www.cocastl.org.

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.

Chuck's Choices for the weekend of February 19, 2016

As always, the choices are purely my personal opinion. Take with a grain (or a shaker) of salt.

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New This Week:

And in This Corner...Cassius Clay

Metro Theatre Company and the Missouri History Museum present And in This Corner...Cassius Clay by Idris Goodwin through February 28. "This is the story of young Muhammad Ali as he struggles with racism and segregation in Jim Crow Louisville, Kentucky, how a chance encounter with police officer Joe Morgan (later to become his first coach) sets him on the path toward becoming a legendary boxer and how finally he learns that it is not enough to achieve personal success, one must also work for the good of others." Performances take place in the Lee Auditorium at the Missouri History Museum in Forest Park. For more information: mohistory.org.

My take: "Goodwin's script is crafted to draw in audience members of all ages," writes Shannon Cothran at KDHX, "and he has succeeded with “In This Corner....” A mixture of poetry and prose, the play manages to tell the story of a boy who becomes a champion despite living within a culture of hate while showing us the flaws that make him human." I've been very impressed with Goodwin's work at the Humana Festival in Louisville in 2012 and in 2014, so I'm not surprised to hear that the playwright has struck gold again.

Disgraced
Photo: Peter Wochniak

The Repertory Theatre of St. Louis presents Disgraced by Ayad Akhtar through March 6. "Successful corporate lawyer Amir Kapoor comes from a Pakistani family, but he long ago distanced himself from his roots to embrace life as a slick New Yorker. On course to become a partner at his law firm, Amir's carefully constructed world begins to unravel when unexpected events cause him to question his own beliefs. Raw, turbulent and unsettling, this smart drama reveals hidden attitudes toward modern culture and faith. Winner of the 2013 Pulitzer Prize for Drama." Performances take place on the mainstage at the Loretto-Hlton Center, 130 Edgar Road in Webster Groves, MO. For more information, call 314-968-4925 or visit repstl.org.

My take: The playwright who gave us the brilliant Invisible Hand at the Rep Studio back in 2012 it again with a powerful portrayal of the problems immigrants face, especially when they're part of a demonized and poorly understood minority. How much can you assimilate before you lose your own identity? And is it ever enough for people who will always see you as the "other" no mater what you do or say? We learn from history that we do not learn from history, which makes this a very relevant play these days.

The Dispute
Photo: Valerie Goldston

YoungLiars present The Dispute: A Spectacle for Lovers and Fighters running through February 26. "It's 1744 (sort of) and an exasperated playwright with a wicked case of writer's block accidentally launches the world's first reality entertainment. Four self-absorbed teenagers, raised in total isolation, are turned loose on each other to figure out who committed the first infidelity - men or women. Baroque Farce, Euro-Dance, and The Dandy Warhols collide in this new adaptation of Marivaux's classic comedy where Courtship Etiquette turns into Mortal Combat and the only true love is the one in the mirror. The creative team that brought you Whammy! The Seven Secrets to a Sane Self and other HotCity favorites make their debut as YoungLiars. Performances take place in the fourth floor ballroom at the Centene Center for Arts and Education, 3547 Olive Street in Grand Center. For more information: youngliarsdispute.brownpapertickets.com.

My take: Composed largely of young actors who were part of the late HotCity Theatre, YoungLiars is certainly taking risks with this innovative first production, which decants an 18th century comedy into some colorful new bottles. "All in all," writes Steve Callahan at KDHX, "this debut promises great things from The Young Liars. It’s filled with quite wonderful style and artifice. "

Educating Rita
Photo: John Lamb

The West End Players Guild continues their 105th season with Willy Russell's comedy Educating Rita Thursday through Saturday at 8 PM and Sunday at 2 PM, February 18-21. "Frank is a tutor of English in his fifties whose disillusioned outlook on life drives him to drink and to bury himself in his books. Enter Rita, a forthright 26-year-old hairdresser who is eager to learn. After weeks of cajoling, Rita slowly wins over the very hesitant Frank with her innate insight and refusal to accept no for an answer. Their relationship as teacher and student blossoms, ultimately giving Frank a new sense of self and Rita the knowledge she so craves." There will also be a show on Thursday, February 18, at 8 PM. Performances take place at the Union Avenue Christian Church, 733 North Union at Enright in the Central West End. For more information, call 314-367-0025 or visit www.westendplayers.org.

My take: Looking for something uplifting amidst the vitriol and spite of contemporary politics? West End has a tonic for you in this story about learning and renewal. "Thanks to director Jan Meyer and performers Tom Kopp and Maggie Winninger," writes Mark Bretz at Ladue News, "it’s an infectiously delightful study of two people meeting at a point in their lives where one’s ascent coincides with the other’s decline, albeit risking all for a fresh look at life."

Eve Seltzer

The Presenters Dolan present Eve Seltzer: Going Back to Gaslight Square: A History of St. Louis Jazz in Song on Thursday, February 18, at 8 p.m. "Eve makes her St. Louis cabaret debut. She has performed at The Metopolitan Room, Sylvana and Jules in NYC." The performance takes place in The Emerald Room at The Monocle Bar, 4510 Manchester in The Grove neighborhood. For more information: presentersdolan.com.

My take: Eve has been jazzing it up at the Cabaret Project open mic (which I host) for quite a while now and is also, with her group Franglais, a familiar figure on the local restaurant and bar scene. So you could hardly ask for a better guide to our fair city's rich jazz scene. And the Emerald Room is a very cool cabaret space.

Gidion's Knot
Photo: John Lamb

St. Louis Actors' Studio presents Gidion's Knot through February 28 at the Gaslight Theatre, 358 North Boyle. "Over the course of a parent/teacher conference, a grieving mother and an emotionally overwhelmed primary school teacher have a fraught conversation about the tragic suicide of the mother's son, Gidion. Gidion may have been bullied severely-or he may have been an abuser. As his story is slowly uncovered, the women try to reconstruct a satisfying explanation for Gidion's act and come to terms with excruciating feelings of culpability." For more information, call 314-458-2978 or visit stlas.org.

My take: This appears to be a good weekend for hard-nosed dramatic examinations of big social and political issues, with both this show and the Rep's Disgraced. "Director Lee Anne Mathews has tackled the difficult script with sensitivity and a subdued confrontational approach," writes Steve Allen at Stage Door St. Louis. "It works well in easing the audience into this slippery subject matter and gives the proper amount of tension on stage. Playwright Johanna Adams has fashioned a difficult script that opens a lot of conversation about a problem that is all too often ignored- the high suicide rate among younger people." "Playwright Johnna Adams has written a compelling and riveting if also highly disturbing drama that pushes the two performers in its one act and 75 minutes to emotional exhaustion, along with the audience," writes Mark Bretz at Ladue News.

Held Over:

Eleemosynary
Photo: John Lamb

Mustard Seed Theatre presents the comedy Eleemosynary Thursdays through Saturdays at 8 p.m. and Sundays at 2 p.m. through February 21. "Both funny and poignant, this play examines the subtle and often perilous relationship between three remarkable women: a young girl, her mother, and her grandmother. Artie abandons her daughter Echo to be raised by Echo's grandmother, Dorothea. But when Dorothea's health begins to fail, can Artie and Echo move beyond the superficiality of words and begin to build a deeper relationship?" Performances take place at the Fontbonne Fine Arts Theatre, 6800 Wydown Blvd. For more information, call (314) 719-8060 or visit the web site at www.mustardseedtheatre.com.

My take: Les Blessing's play has been around for a while now and seems to be a perinneal favorite for small theatre companies. Writing for Stage Door St. Louis, Steve Allen says that he's seen several productions and "the current presentation at Mustard Seed Theatre is definitely one of the best. Three powerful actresses manage to energize us, empower us and tug at the old heart strings." At KDHX, Shannon Cothran calls it "solid and moving" while Mark Bretz at Ladue News says it's "a gentle and caring excursion into the magical and sometimes hazardous reaches of the mind and its mysterious powers."

I'll Be Back Before Midnight
Photo: John Lamb

Stray Dog Theatre presents the thriller I'll Be Back Before Midnight Thursdays through Saturdays at 8 PM through February 20. "Having suffered a nervous breakdown, Jan retreats with her husband to an old, country farmhouse where the owner delights in telling gruesome ghost stories. Before long, eerie sounds and visions are tormenting Jan. Is she suffering another breakdown or is someone trying to drive her mad?" Performances take place at The Tower Grove Abbey, 2336 Tennessee. For more information, visit straydogtheatre.org or call 314-865-1995.

My take: What could be better for a cold winter night than a tidy thriller? At KDHX, Tina Farmer says this one is "filled with enough twists and dark comedy to hold the attention of even the most jaded of mystery fans. Clues are casually dropped along the way and then neatly tied in a bow, and each character's motivations are called into question as this tale winds its way to a satisfying conclusion." Other local critics are less positive, but since I've generally been impressed by Stray Dog's work over the years, I'm going to give them the benefit of the doubt and include this on the list.

The cast of The Weir

Cocktails and Curtain Calls presents The Weir, the award-winning play by Irish playwright Conor McPherson, Monday through Thursday at 8:00pm through February 18. It will be the first local production to utilize the new Members' Project Code, under the auspices of the Actors' Equity Association. All profits from ticket sales go directly to the artists. Performances will take place at McGurk's Irish Pub and Dressel's in the Central West End. For details on performance times and locatsions, visit CocktailsandCurtainCalls.com.

My take: We saw McPherson's play many years ago in London, and found it a rattling good ghost story: well written with plausible characters. In his review for KDHX, Steve Callahan says that "Cocktails and Curtain Calls company gives us what, to me, must be the definitive production of this beautiful play." At Ladue News, Mark Bretz writes that the company "makes an impressive debut with a grand regaling of Irish playwright Conor McPherson's chilling drama...Setting the production in an actual tavern enhances the atmosphere immensely and, combined with director Kari Ely's careful direction of a top-rate cast, makes The Weir a fanciful tale and a tonic for a deep winter's night."