St. Louis theatre calendar for the week of June 8, 2015

[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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Anthony and Cleopatra

Shakespeare Festival St. Louis presents Anthony and Cleopatra nightly except for Tuesdays June 14. Performances take place in Shakespeare Glen next to the Art Museum in Forest Park. Curtain time is 8 PM. For more information, visit shakespearefestivalstlouis.org. Read the 88.1 KDHX review!

Alfresco Productions presents the musical Avenue Q Friday through Sunday, June 12-14 "The laugh-out-loud musical tells the timeless story of a recent college grad named Princeton who moves into a shabby New York apartment all the way out on Avenue Q. He soon discovers that although the residents seem nice, it's clear that this is not your ordinary neighborhood. Together, Princeton and his new-found friends struggle to find jobs, dates, and their ever-elusive purpose in life. PARENTAL ADVISORY - STRONG LANGUAGE AND MATURE CONTENT" Performances take place at the Alfresco Art Center, 2401 Delmar in Granite City, IL. For more information: (618) 560-1947 or www.alfrescoproductions.org.

The Barber of Seville
Photo: Ken Howard

Opera Theatre of St. Louis presents Rossini's comedy The Barber of Seville in rotating repertory with three other operas through June 27. "There's a good reason it's one of the world's most popular operas! Rossini's zany and sparkling score sets the gold standard for opera that is fresh, elegant, funny, and brimming with vocal fireworks. Delight as the young barber Figaro helps Count Almaviva steal the beautiful Rosina from under the nose of her doddering guardian." Performances take place at the Loretto-Hilton Center at 135 Edgar Road on the Webster University campus. All performances are sung in English with projected English text. For more information: experienceopera.org or call 314-961-0644. Read the 88.1 KDHX review!

The Theatre Guild of Webster Groves Youth Theatre presents Big Top Mayhem (At The Imperial Circus) Fridays through Sundays, June 12-20. Performances take place in the Guild theatre at Newport and Summit in Webster Groves, MO. For more information: theatreguildwg.org or call 314-962-0876.

Metro Theatre Company presents The Boy Who Loved Monsters And The Girl Who Loved Peas June 12-22. "Left alone at the dinner table to finish the remains of his meal (a single, enormous pea), 8-year-oldEvan wishes he had a real live monster to eat his peas and play with him. When a real live monster actually arrives, life is turned upside down for Evan and his family in this hilarious and heartfelt comedy. " Performances take place at Wydown Middle School, 6500 Wydown in Clayton. For more information: metrotheatercompany.org.

Stages St. Louis presents Disney's The Aristocats, based on the film, through June 28. "Sacrè bleu! Madame's furry felines have been cat-napped! What's a cat to do? Luckily, Thomas O'Malley and his rag-tag bunch of Alley Cats are ready to spring to the rescue of Duchess and her Aristokittens. What happens next is anyone's guess! You'll be clapping your paws and wagging your tail to our hep, jazzy beat. With songs like "The Aristocats," "Scales and Arpeggios," and "Ev'rybody Wants to Be a Cat," this modern version of the familiar Disney classic is just purrrrr-fect for the entire family. " Performances take place at the Westport Playhouse in Westport Plaza. For more information, visit stagesstlouis.org or call 314-821-2407.

Dog Sees God
Photo: John Lamb

Stray Dog Theatre presents the musical Dog Sees God: Confessions Of A Teenage Blockhead Thursdays through Saturdays at 8 PM through June 20. "A New York Fringe Festival hit which satirizes the Peanuts comic strip by aging its cast of characters into their teenage years. Consumed with teenage angst, experimentation and sexual identity, CB and his friends face questions of morality, the existence of an afterlife and true friendship." Performances take place at The Tower Grove Abbey, 2336 Tennessee. For more information, visit straydogtheatre.org or call 314-865-1995.

Opera Theatre of St. Louis presents Tobias Picker's drama Emmeline in rotating repertory with three other operas June 13 through June 27. " Inspired by a compelling true story from a mill town in 19th century New England, Emmeline's heart-wrenching saga echoes the age-old Oedipus legend." Performances take place at the Loretto-Hilton Center at 135 Edgar Road on the Webster University campus. All performances are sung in English with projected English text. For more information: experienceopera.org or call 314-961-0644.

St. Louis Community College at Florissant Valley presents An Evening of One-Acts Wednesday through Sunday, June 10-14. Performances take place in the Fisher Theatre on the campus at 3400 Pershall Road. For more information, call 314-644-5522.

The Lemp Mansion Comedy-Mystery Dinner Theater presents A Fistful Of Hollers through August 29. The Lemp Mansion is at 3322 DeMenil Place. For more information: lempmansion.com.

Dramatic License Productions presents Kay Love in Girls Just Want to Have Fun (the women who wrote the songs) on Friday, June 12, at 8 PM as part of its Summer Cabaret Series. "Kay does cabaret at its purest. The shows of this wonderful singer are completely put together." Carol Schmidt is pianist and music director for the show. The performance takes place at Dramatic License Theatre located at the upper-level Sears wing of Chesterfield Mall. For more information, call 636-821-1746 or visit www.dramaticlicenseproductions.org.

Act Two Theatre presents Mark Twain's Is He Dead?, adapted by David Ives, through June 14. "Jean-Francois Millet, a young painter of genius, is in love with Marie Leroux but in debt to a villainous picture-dealer, Bastien Andre. Andre forecloses on Millet, threatening debtor's prison unless Marie marries him. Millet realizes that the only way he can pay his debts and keep Marie from marrying Andre is to die, as it is only dead painters who achieve fame and fortune. Millet fakes his death and prospers, all while passing himself off as his own sister, the Widow Tillou. Now a rich “widow,” he must find a way to get out of a dress, return to life, and marry Marie. " Performances take place in the St. Peters Cultural Arts Centre at 1 St Peters Centre Blvd, St. Peters, MO 63376. For more information: act2theater.com.

The Bissell Mansion Murder Mystery Dinner Theatre presents Mayhem In Mayberry through July 26. The Bissell Mansion is at 4426 Randall Place. For more information: bissellmansiontheatre.com

St. Louis Shakespeare's Magic Smoking Monkey Theatre presents The One Hour Game Of Thrones Parody Fridays and Saturdays at 8 and 10:30 p.m. June 12-27. "If you enjoyed MSMT's world-famous, internationally-renowned 1-hour productions of The Star Wars Trilogy, The Ten Commandments, Lord Of The Rings, then you will spend exactly 60 minutes to see The One Hour Game Of Thrones Parody!" Performances take place at the Regional Arts Commission in University City. For more information: stlshakespeare.org.

One Summer on 2nd Street

Circus Flora presents its new show, One Summer on 2nd Street through June 28 under the air-conditioned, red-and-white, big top tent in Grand Center next to Powell Hall. "Travel back with us to The Jazz Age - to a time at which American cities grew rapidly, becoming home to families from all walks of life and corners of the map. We'll journey together to a typical block in a typical city on a typical day - and meet a very atypical set of families. Find yourself enchanted by a small Ukrainian family who tame the cats that live in the alley. Feel the excitement as Russian carriage drivers ride wildly through the streets, and the Flying Wallendas maneuver their way along clotheslines strung between buildings. Experience the bliss of young love, determined to stand strong amid their families' protests. These stories, and more, will come alive under the Big Top this summer." For more information, visit circusflora.org. Read the 88.1 KDHX review!

Dramatic License Productions presents Joy Powell and Andy Waggoner in Over the Rainbow: Women in Song on Sunday, June 14, at 2 p.m. as part of its Summer Cabaret Series. "From the great female jazz and pop singers of all time including Ella Fitzgerald, Judy Garland and Barbra Streisand, Joy Powell -- accompanied by and featuring Andy Waggoner -- celebrates these and other wonderful female artists in a Sunday afternoon performance you won't forget!" The performance takes place at Dramatic License Theatre located at the upper-level Sears wing of Chesterfield Mall. For more information, call 636-821-1746 or visit www.dramaticlicenseproductions.org.

Act Inc presents Woody Allen's comedy Play It Again, Sam June 12-14 and 27-28. Performances take place in the Emerson Black Box Theatre at the J. Scheidegger Center for the Arts on the Lindenwood campus in St. Charles, MO. For more information, visit actincstl.com.

Richard the Lionheart
Photo: Ken Howard

Opera Theatre of St. Louis presents the American premiere of Handel's Richard the Lionheart in rotating repertory with three other operas through June 26. "If you only know him from Robin Hood, you don't know the whole story of Richard the Lionheart. Shipwrecked on the way to the Third Crusade, one of England's bravest kings must disguise himself to protect his future bride and prevent war in a foreign land. But who can he trust in this all-too-real game of thrones? Handel's virtuosic vocal writing in this opera, never before heard in the United States, makes Richard an eagerly-anticipated event for all music-lovers." Performances take place at the Loretto-Hilton Center at 135 Edgar Road on the Webster University campus. All performances are sung in English with projected English text. For more information: experienceopera.org or call 314-961-0644.

Opera Theatre of St. Louis presents Puccini's La Rondine in rotating repertory with three other operas through June 28. " Can a beautiful, sophisticated Parisian courtesan find happiness with a young man from the country? Or is her love affair doomed by a past she cannot keep secret? Celebrated OTSL music directorStephen Lord brings Puccini's gorgeous music and romantic storytelling to life in this stunning, newbelle epoque period production." Performances take place at the Loretto-Hilton Center at 135 Edgar Road on the Webster University campus. All performances are sung in English with projected English text. For more information: experienceopera.org or call 314-961-0644. Read the 88.1 KDHX review!

The Monroe Actors Stage Company presents the comedy See How They Run Fridays and Saturdays at 7:30 and Sundays at 2:30 p.m., through June 14, in the Historic Capitol Theatre in downtown Waterloo, Illinois. For more information, visit www.masctheatre.org or call 618-939-7469.

Smokey Joe's Cafe

Stages St. Louis presents the musical revue Smokey Joe's Café, based on the songs of Lieber and Stoller through June 28. " Welcome to the neighborhood for a nostalgic exploration of the lives, loves, and aspirations of a group of friends who know how to rock 60s style. Featuring nearly 40 chart-topping hits that span over three decades of popular American music, this thrilling Grammy Award-winning song celebration will knock your socks off. Relive the glory days of rock and roll with such pop standards as “Stand By Me,""Jailhouse Rock," “I'm A Woman," “Hound Dog," and “On Broadway.” Now, Baby, that's rock 'n' roll! Words and Music by Jerry Leiber and Mike Stoller." Performances take place in the Robert G. Reim Theatre at the Kirkwood Community Center, 111 South Geyer Road in Kirkwood. For more information, visit stagesstlouis.org or call 314-821-2407.

Photo: Jill Ritter Lindberg

New Line Theatre presents Kurt Weill and Bertolt Brecht's Threepenny Opera, in the English adaptation by Marc Blitzstein, Thursdays through Saturdays at 8 PM, through June 20. "Before there was Urinetown, before Cabaret or Sweeney Todd, there was this dark, comic masterpieces of the art form, Kurt Weill and Bertolt Brecht's world-famous musical comedy thriller, THE THREEPENNY OPERA (which is not actually an opera), in the famous translation by composer-lyricist Marc Blitzstein (The Cradle Will Rock). This is the show that launched the pop standard, “Mack the Knife,” with a haunting jazz score, acid harmonies, wickedly clever lyrics, and very questionable morals. This is the musical that inspired many shows New Line has produced over the years, includingCabaret, Urinetown, Bat Boy, Sweeney Todd, Assassins, Bloody Bloody Andrew Jackson, and so many other modern musicals. Performances take place at the Washington University South Campus Theatre, 6501 Clayton Road. For more information, visit newlinetheatre.com or call 314-534-1111. Read the 88.1 KDHX review!

Dramatic License Productions presents Donna Weinsting and Kim Furlow in Two Comedy Broads on Saturday, June 13, at 8 PM as part of its Summer Cabaret Series. "Accompanied by Carol Schmidt, two comedy broads present music from Broadway's Mama Mia, Chicago, The Drowsy Chaperone, My Fair Lady and standards from the 50's and beyond--all with their own comedic flair. Come laugh with us and sing along!" The performance takes place at Dramatic License Theatre located at the upper-level Sears wing of Chesterfield Mall. For more information, call 636-821-1746 or visit www.dramaticlicenseproductions.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.

St. Louis theatre calendar for the week of June 23, 2014

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 ArtsZipper site.

Share on Google+

Photo: Ken Howard

Opera Theatre of St. Louis presents the world premiere of Ricky Ian Gordon and Royce Vavrek's 27 in rotating repertory with three other operas through June 29. "Paris roared in the 1920s, inspiring the art and literature of a Lost Generation of expatriates. At the epicenter of this creative explosion was Gertrude Stein, whose salon at 27 Rue de Fleurus became a second home for such luminaries as Fitzgerald, Hemingway, and Picasso. International sensation Stephanie Blythe makes her OTSL debut as Stein, with Elizabeth Futral joining her as Alice B. Toklas, in this next chapter in Opera Theatre's New Works, Bold Voices series." Performances take place at the Loretto-Hilton Center at 135 Edgar Road on the Webster University campus. All performances are sung in English with projected English text. For more information, visit experienceopera.org or call 314-961-0644. Read the 88.1 KDHX review!

Photo: Peter Wochniak

Stages St. Louis presents the musical Always..Patsy Cline through August 31. "Jacqueline Petroccia and Zoe Vonder Haar star in the return engagement of the show critics called 'exceptional, must see entertainment.' The touching and true story of Country music legend Patsy Cline and her friendship with Texas housewife Louise Seger returns to STAGES this spring. Combining down home country humor, heartache and 27 of Patsy Cline's unforgettable hits such as 'Crazy,' 'Walkin' After Midnight,' and 'Sweet Dreams,' Always... Patsy Cline endures as a piece of genuine Americana." Performances take place at The Playhouse at Westport Plaza. For more information, visit stagesstlouis.org or call 314-821-2407. Read the 88.1 KDHX review!

The Hawthorne Players present The Best of Hawthorne: America in Harmony Saturday, June 28 at 8 PM. "America in Harmony will feature many of the best local ators, singers and musicians to perform at the Florissant Civic Center Theatre. All proceeds from this performance support the Duckie DeMere Scholarship program, which has presented more than $50,000 to students pursuing a performing arts education." The performance takes place at the Florissant Civic Center Theatre at Parker and Waterford in Florissant, MO. For more information, call 921-5678 or visit hawthorneplayers.com.

The Bissell Mansion Murder Mystery Dinner Theatre presents The Dapper Flappers through July 27. The Bissell Mansion is at 4426 Randall Place. For more information: bissellmansiontheatre.com

Photo: Ken Howard

Opera Theatre of St. Louis presents Francis Poulenc's The Dialogues of the Carmelites in rotating repertory with three other operas through June 28. "Poulenc's achingly beautiful score perfectly captures the chaos of the French Revolution, when even the humble sisters in a Carmelite convent were threatened by the Reign of Terror. The unforgettable all-star cast is headlined by the returns of Christine Brewer (one of the BBC's “top twenty sopranos of the 20th century”) and Kelly Kaduce (hailed as “dazzling...fearless...superb” by the St. Louis Post-Dispatch for her 2013 performance in Pagliacci)." Performances take place at the Loretto-Hilton Center at 135 Edgar Road on the Webster University campus. All performances are sung in English with projected English text. For more information, you may visit experienceopera.org or call 314-961-0644.

Hard Road Theatre Productions presents the musical Disney's Peter Pan Jr. Thursday through Sunday, June 26-29. Performances will be held at Highland High School in Highland, IL. For more information: www.hardroad.org.

Stages St. Louis presents the musical Disney's Sleeping Beauty through June 29. "Following in the footsteps of Disney's Cinderella, STAGES brings another beloved Princess to glorious life! Born into a wondrous world of beauty, song, and privilege, sweet Princess Aurora cannot escape the spell cast upon her by the evil sorceress Maleficent. By sunset on her sixteenth birthday, the young princess is fated to prick her finger on the cursed spindle and fall into a long deep slumber, only to be awakened by true love's kiss. With a little hocus-pocus from the enchanted wands of the adoring fairies Flora, Fauna, and Merryweather, the spellbound Prince Phillip rescues his love and all their dreams come true! Full of breathtaking dance and the glorious music of Peter Tchaikovsky, Disney's Sleeping Beauty is a guaranteed treat for the entire family!" Performances take place in the Skip Viragh Center for the Arts at Chaminade College Preparatory School. For more information, visit stagesstlouis.org or call 314-821-2407.

Photo: Ken Howard

Opera Theatre of St. Louis presents Donizetti's comedy The Elixir of Love in rotating repertory with three other operas through June 25. Performances take place at the Loretto-Hilton Center at 135 Edgar Road on the Webster University campus. The Elixir of Love is the story of Nemorino, a humble peasant smitten with the wealthy and beautiful landowner Adina. She, though, is more taken with the macho Sergeant Belcore. In desperation, Nemorino buys a love potion (actually just some cheap wine) from the traveling quack Dr. Dulcamara. Complications, as they say, ensue.  All performances are sung in English with projected English text. For more information, you may visit experienceopera.org or call 314-961-0644. Read the 88.1 KDHX review!

The Monroe Actors Stage Company presents the Ken Ludwig's comedy The Fox on the Fairway through June 29 in the Historic Capitol Theatre in downtown Waterloo, Illinois. "Filled with mistaken identities, slamming doors, and over-the-top romantic shenanigans, The Fox On the Fairway is a fast-paced and charmingly madcap adventure about love, life, and man's eternal love affair with golf." For more information, visit www.masctheatre.org or call 618-939-7469.

Act Inc presents Ken Ludwig's comedy Lend Me a Tenor through June 29. "The Cleveland Grand Opera Company has hired world famous tenor, Tito Morelli, to star for one night in Otello. He arrives late, accidentally overdoses on tranquilizers, collapses on the bed and obviously can't perform. Saunders, the company's manager and his assistant Max, actually fear Tito is dead! Max decides to seize the day--he can sing, and has always hoped to perform. Saunders in desparation agrees. But is Tito really down for the count? And will each man's fiancee recognize her hero in his costume? Will the show ever go on?" Performances take place in the Emerson Black Box Theatre at the J. Scheidegger Center for the Arts on the Lindenwood campus in St. Charles, MO. For more information, visit actincstl.com.

Opera Theatre of St. Louis presents A Little Lunch Music, a free concert with Daveda Karanas (Mother Marie, Dialogues of the Carmelites), Michael Porter (Chevalier de la Force, Dialogues of the Carmelites), and Andrew Kroes (Spokesman of the Temple, The Magic Flute), and pianist Andrea Grant, on Monday, June 23 at 12:30 PM. The concert takes place at Bonhomme Presbyterian Church, 14820 Conway Road in Chesterfield. For more information, you may visit experienceopera.org or call 314-961-0644.

Southern Illinois University at Edwardsville presents the musical Little Shop of Horrors Wednesday through Sunday, June 25-29. The performances take place on the campus in Edwardsville, IL. For more information, call 618-650-2774.

Act Inc presents London Suite, an evening of three one-act comedies by Neil Simon set in a posh London hotel, through June 27. Performances take place in the Emerson Black Box Theatre at the J. Scheidegger Center for the Arts on the Lindenwood campus in St. Charles, MO. For more information, visit actincstl.com.

Photo: John Lamb

Stray Dog Theatre presents Terrence McNally's Love! Valour! Compassion! Thursdays through Saturdays at 8 PM through June 28, with a 2 PM matinee on Saturday, June 28, in addition to the evening performance. " Eight gay men gather at a summer vacation home in upstate New York over three holiday weekends. Flirtations, infidelity, love, death, and the nature of friendship are explored against the idyllic country lakeside setting where the drama of the real world is never far from mind. A beautifully haunting comedy that unfolds like a dream." Performances take place at The Tower Grove Abbey, 2336 Tennessee. For more information, visit straydogtheatre.org or call 314-865-1995. Read the 88.1 KDHX review!

Photo: Ken Howard

Opera Theatre of St. Louis presents Mozart's The Magic Flute in rotating repertory with three other operas through June 28. Performances take place at the Loretto-Hilton Center at 135 Edgar Road on the Webster University campus. A singspiel with spoken dialog instead of recitatives and a text in German instead of the fashionable Italian, the work is the fantastic tale of heroic prince Tamino and princess Pamina, daughter of the Queen of the Night, who must undergo a series of magical trials at the court of Sarastro, High Priest of the Sun, before they can attain enlightenment and be united in marriage. Accompanying Tamino in his quest is the comic bird catcher Papageno. All performances are sung in English with projected English text. For more information, you may visit experienceopera.org or call 314-961-0644. Read my preview article! Read the 88.1 KDHX review!

The Looking Glass Playhouse presents Seussical: The Musical Thursday through Sunday, June 26-29. Performances take place at 301 West St. Louis Street in Lebanon, Ill. For more information, visit www.lookingglassplayhouse.com.

Missouri Baptist University presents Shrek the Musical Thursday through Saturday, June 26 - 28. Missouri Baptist University is at One College Park Drive. For more information , visit www.mobap.edu or call 314-434-1115.

R-S Theatrics presents the drama Someone Who'll Watch Over Me by Frank McGuinness through June 29. "An American, an Irishman, and an Englishman all find themselves chained to the floor in a makeshift holding cell in Lebanon and must rely on each other to keep their sanity and their hope of a rescue alive." Performances take place at The Chapel, 6238 Alexander Drive. For more information, visit r-stheatrics.com.

The Muny presents the musical Tarzan nightly at 8:15 PM, June 25 - July 2, in the outdoor theatre in Forest Park. "Featuring music and lyrics by Phil Collins, the award-winning Tarzan is based on the smash-hit Disney film. The story follows an infant boy, orphaned and left alone to be raised by a tribe of apes. As an adult, Tarzan's two worlds collide when the sudden arrival of humans, forces him to choose between a “civilized” life with the beautiful Jane and the life he knows and loves." For more information, visit muny.org or call 314-361-1900. Read the 88.1 KDHX review!

Photo: Peter Wochniak

Stages St. Louis presents the musical They're Playing Our Song through June 29. "Meet Vernon, a neurotic, witty composer and Sonia, a wacky, free spirited lyricist who form an unlikely partnership to write the next great love song. A rocky and hilarious start leaves them struggling to find their creative harmony - and romance was definitely not what they were expecting! But a series of unlikely events lead to a match made in musical comedy heaven. They're Playing Our Song is inspired by the real life love story of Academy Award-winning composer, Marvin Hamlisch (The Way We Were, The Sting) and Grammy Award-winning lyricist Carole Bayer Sager (“That's What Friends Are For”, “Nobody Does It Better” ). Topping off the jazzy score is a laugh-a-minute book by America's leading funny man, Tony Award Winner Neil Simon (Barefoot in the Park, The Odd Couple). A sweet and sophisticated musical romp, They're Playing Our Song will have you singing along from curtain up to curtain down!" Performances take place in the Robert G. Reim Theatre at the Kirkwood Community Center, 111 South Geyer Road in Kirkwood. For more information, visit stagesstlouis.org or call 314-821-2407. Read the 88.1 KDHX review!

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 June 16, 2014

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 ArtsZipper site.

Share on Google+

Photo: Ken Howard

Opera Theatre of St. Louis presents the world premiere of Ricky Ian Gordon and Royce Vavrek's Twenty-Seven in rotating repertory with three other operas June 14-29. "Paris roared in the 1920s, inspiring the art and literature of a Lost Generation of expatriates. At the epicenter of this creative explosion was Gertrude Stein, whose salon at 27 Rue de Fleurus became a second home for such luminaries as Fitzgerald, Hemingway, and Picasso. International sensation Stephanie Blythe makes her OTSL debut as Stein, with Elizabeth Futral joining her as Alice B. Toklas, in this next chapter in Opera Theatre's New Works, Bold Voices series." Performances take place at the Loretto-Hilton Center at 135 Edgar Road on the Webster University campus. All performances are sung in English with projected English text. For more information, visit experienceopera.org or call 314-961-0644. Read the 88.1 KDHX review!

Photo: Peter Wochniak

Stages St. Louis presents the musical Always..Patsy Cline through August 31. "Jacqueline Petroccia and Zoe Vonder Haar star in the return engagement of the show critics called 'exceptional, must see entertainment.' The touching and true story of Country music legend Patsy Cline and her friendship with Texas housewife Louise Seger returns to STAGES this spring. Combining down home country humor, heartache and 27 of Patsy Cline's unforgettable hits such as 'Crazy,' 'Walkin' After Midnight,' and 'Sweet Dreams,' Always... Patsy Cline endures as a piece of genuine Americana." Performances take place at The Playhouse at Westport Plaza. For more information, visit stagesstlouis.org or call 314-821-2407. Read the 88.1 KDHX review!

The Muny presents Billy Elliot the Musical nightly at 8:15 PM, June 16-22, in the outdoor theatre in Forest Park. " The international hit Billy Elliot the Musical has its first original US production at The Muny! A powerful and moving story of a family struggling to help young Billy achieve his dream, Billy Elliott the Musical features extraordinary dancing, and wonderful and heartfelt music by the legendary Elton John. One of the most acclaimed musicals ever, Billy Elliott the Musical is the winner of ten Tony® and ten Drama Desk® awards, and four Olivier Awards." For more information, visit muny.org or call 314-361-1900. Read the 88.1 KDHX review!

The Bissell Mansion Murder Mystery Dinner Theatre presents The Dapper Flappers through July 27. The Bissell Mansion is at 4426 Randall Place. For more information: bissellmansiontheatre.com

Opera Theatre of St. Louis presents Francis Poulenc's The Dialogues of the Carmelites in rotating repertory with three other operas June 18-28. "Poulenc's achingly beautiful score perfectly captures the chaos of the French Revolution, when even the humble sisters in a Carmelite convent were threatened by the Reign of Terror. The unforgettable all-star cast is headlined by the returns of Christine Brewer (one of the BBC's “top twenty sopranos of the 20th century”) and Kelly Kaduce (hailed as “dazzling...fearless...superb” by the St. Louis Post-Dispatch for her 2013 performance in Pagliacci)." Performances take place at the Loretto-Hilton Center at 135 Edgar Road on the Webster University campus. All performances are sung in English with projected English text. For more information, you may visit experienceopera.org or call 314-961-0644.

Southern Illinois University at Edwardsville presents Disney's Peter Pan Jr June 19-21. The performances take place on the campus in Edwardsville, IL. For more information, call 618-650-2774.

Stages St. Louis presents the musical Disney's Sleeping Beauty June 18-29. "Following in the footsteps of Disney's Cinderella, STAGES brings another beloved Princess to glorious life! Born into a wondrous world of beauty, song, and privilege, sweet Princess Aurora cannot escape the spell cast upon her by the evil sorceress Maleficent. By sunset on her sixteenth birthday, the young princess is fated to prick her finger on the cursed spindle and fall into a long deep slumber, only to be awakened by true love's kiss. With a little hocus-pocus from the enchanted wands of the adoring fairies Flora, Fauna, and Merryweather, the spellbound Prince Phillip rescues his love and all their dreams come true! Full of breathtaking dance and the glorious music of Peter Tchaikovsky, Disney's Sleeping Beauty is a guaranteed treat for the entire family!" Performances take place in the Skip Viragh Center for the Arts at Chaminade College Preparatory School. For more information, visit stagesstlouis.org or call 314-821-2407.

Photo: Ken Howard

Opera Theatre of St. Louis presents Donizetti's comedy The Elixir of Love in rotating repertory with three other operas through June 25. Performances take place at the Loretto-Hilton Center at 135 Edgar Road on the Webster University campus. The Elixir of Love is the story of Nemorino, a humble peasant smitten with the wealthy and beautiful landowner Adina. She, though, is more taken with the macho Sergeant Belcore. In desperation, Nemorino buys a love potion (actually just some cheap wine) from the traveling quack Dr. Dulcamara. Complications, as they say, ensue.  All performances are sung in English with projected English text. For more information, you may visit experienceopera.org or call 314-961-0644. Read the 88.1 KDHX review!

The Monroe Actors Stage Company presents the Ken Ludwig's comedy The Fox on the Fairway June 20-29 in the Historic Capitol Theatre in downtown Waterloo, Illinois. "Filled with mistaken identities, slamming doors, and over-the-top romantic shenanigans, The Fox On the Fairway is a fast-paced and charmingly madcap adventure about love, life, and man's eternal love affair with golf." For more information, visit www.masctheatre.org or call 618-939-7469.

Photo: Jill Ritter Lindberg

New Line Theatre presents the St. Louis premiere of the musical Hands on a Hardbody Thursday through Saturday at 8 PM. "This unique new musical is based on the acclaimed 1997 documentary of the same name, about an annual contest at a Texas truck dealership, where ten hard-luck Texans compete for a new hardbody truck. A new lease on life is so close each of them can touch it, and now for once, their fate is in their hands. Under a scorching sun, over the next 144 hours they will laugh, cry and push their bodies and minds to the limits, as they fight to keep at least one hand on a brand new truck. The contestant with the most nerve and endurance will drive away with the American Dream." Performances take place at the Washington University South Campus Theatre, 6501 Clayton Road. For more information: newlinetheatre.com or call 314-534-1111. Read the 88.1 KDHX review!

Act Inc presents Ken Ludwig's comedy Lend Me a Tenor through June 29. "The Cleveland Grand Opera Company has hired world famous tenor, Tito Morelli, to star for one night in Otello. He arrives late, accidentally overdoses on tranquilizers, collapses on the bed and obviously can't perform. Saunders, the company's manager and his assistant Max, actually fear Tito is dead! Max decides to seize the day--he can sing, and has always hoped to perform. Saunders in desparation agrees. But is Tito really down for the count? And will each man's fiancee recognize her hero in his costume? Will the show ever go on?" Performances take place in the Emerson Black Box Theatre at the J. Scheidegger Center for the Arts on the Lindenwood campus in St. Charles, MO. For more information, visit actincstl.com.

Act Inc presents London Suite, an evening of three one-act comedies by Neil Simon set in a posh London hotel, June 19-27. Performances take place in the Emerson Black Box Theatre at the J. Scheidegger Center for the Arts on the Lindenwood campus in St. Charles, MO. For more information, visit actincstl.com.

Stray Dog Theatre presents Terrence McNally's Love! Valour! Compassion! Thursdays through Saturdays at 8 PM through June 28, with a 2 PM matinee on Saturday, June 28, in addition to the evening performance. " Eight gay men gather at a summer vacation home in upstate New York over three holiday weekends. Flirtations, infidelity, love, death, and the nature of friendship are explored against the idyllic country lakeside setting where the drama of the real world is never far from mind. A beautifully haunting comedy that unfolds like a dream." Performances take place at The Tower Grove Abbey, 2336 Tennessee. For more information, visit straydogtheatre.org or call 314-865-1995. Read the 88.1 KDHX review!

Photo: Ken Howard

Opera Theatre of St. Louis presents Mozart's The Magic Flute in rotating repertory with three other operas through June 28. Performances take place at the Loretto-Hilton Center at 135 Edgar Road on the Webster University campus. A singspiel with spoken dialog instead of recitatives and a text in German instead of the fashionable Italian, the work is the fantastic tale of heroic prince Tamino and princess Pamina, daughter of the Queen of the Night, who must undergo a series of magical trials at the court of Sarastro, High Priest of the Sun, before they can attain enlightenment and be united in marriage. Accompanying Tamino in his quest is the comic bird catcher Papageno. All performances are sung in English with projected English text. For more information, you may visit experienceopera.org or call 314-961-0644. Read my preview article! Read the 88.1 KDHX review!

Insight Theatre Company presents the 1960 Lionel Bart musical Oliver!, based on Oliver Twist by Charles Dickens, through June 22. Performances take place in the Heagney Theatre, 530 East Lockwood on the campus of Nerinx Hall High School in Webster Groves. For more information, call 314-556-1293 or visit insighttheatrecompany.com.

Jugler/clown Adam Kuchler

Circus Flora presents its new show, The Pawn, through June 22 under the air-conditioned, red-and-white, big top tent in Grand Center next to Powell Hall. "Drawing from the history of chess, this mythic tale is steeped in the rich sights, sounds and mystique of ancient Persia and India. The audience will journey to an exotic world where myth and intellect collide, and the stone city surrenders to the desert's ever shifting sands. Follow the Pawn on his journey through curious creatures and intrigues: knights mounted on steed, bishops zigzagging across colored squares, chess pieces flying through the air. In this world, the chess pieces do not wait to be moved. They have their own adventures to play out under the big top. For more information, visit circusflora.org. Read the 88.1 KDHX review!

R-S Theatrics presents the drama Someone Who'll Watch Over Me by Frank McGuinness June 20-29. "An American, an Irishman, and an Englishman all find themselves chained to the floor in a makeshift holding cell in Lebanon and must rely on each other to keep their sanity and their hope of a rescue alive." Performances take place at The Chapel, 6238 Alexander Drive. For more information, visit r-stheatrics.com.

Opening night at the Fringe

The St. Lou Fringe Festival presents 35 local and national acts in a fast and furious five days, through Sunday June 22 on six indoor performance venues in the midtown/Grand Center area (including The Stage @KDHX) plus "Street Fringe," a collection of free family-friendly outdoor performances at Strauss Park. The indoor shows all run no more than 45 minutes or thereabouts, so you can get a lot of entertainment in a short period of time. You can find a complete Fringe schedule and ticket information at stlfringe.com.

Photo: Peter Wochniak

Stages St. Louis presents the musical They're Playing Our Song through June 29. "Meet Vernon, a neurotic, witty composer and Sonia, a wacky, free spirited lyricist who form an unlikely partnership to write the next great love song. A rocky and hilarious start leaves them struggling to find their creative harmony - and romance was definitely not what they were expecting! But a series of unlikely events lead to a match made in musical comedy heaven. They're Playing Our Song is inspired by the real life love story of Academy Award-winning composer, Marvin Hamlisch (The Way We Were, The Sting) and Grammy Award-winning lyricist Carole Bayer Sager (“That's What Friends Are For”, “Nobody Does It Better” ). Topping off the jazzy score is a laugh-a-minute book by America's leading funny man, Tony Award Winner Neil Simon (Barefoot in the Park, The Odd Couple). A sweet and sophisticated musical romp, They're Playing Our Song will have you singing along from curtain up to curtain down!" Performances take place in the Robert G. Reim Theatre at the Kirkwood Community Center, 111 South Geyer Road in Kirkwood. For more information, visit stagesstlouis.org or call 314-821-2407. Read the 88.1 KDHX review!

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 June 9, 2014

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 ArtsZipper site.

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The Gateway Men's Chorus presents The 80's Show Friday and Saturday, June 13 and 14, at 8 PM at The Edison Theatre on the Washington University Campus. "In a decade where the fashions and culture changed with each passing minute, the music was electric, eclectic, and every bit as eccentric and unpredictable. GMC revisits several of our favorite tune from the decade of our founding, including favorites from such artists as Cyndi Lauper, John Cougar Mellencamp, Wham!, and Michael Jackson. For more information: gmcstl.org.

Photo: Peter Wochniak

Stages St. Louis presents the musical Always..Patsy Cline through August 31. "Jacqueline Petroccia and Zoe Vonder Haar star in the return engagement of the show critics called 'exceptional, must see entertainment.' The touching and true story of Country music legend Patsy Cline and her friendship with Texas housewife Louise Seger returns to STAGES this spring. Combining down home country humor, heartache and 27 of Patsy Cline's unforgettable hits such as 'Crazy,' 'Walkin' After Midnight,' and 'Sweet Dreams,' Always... Patsy Cline endures as a piece of genuine Americana." Performances take place at The Playhouse at Westport Plaza. For more information, visit stagesstlouis.org or call 314-821-2407. Read the 88.1 KDHX review!

The Bissell Mansion Murder Mystery Dinner Theatre presents The Dapper Flappers through July 27. The Bissell Mansion is at 4426 Randall Place. For more information: bissellmansiontheatre.com

Photo: Ken Howard

Opera Theatre of St. Louis presents Donizetti's comedy The Elixir of Love in rotating repertory with three other operas through June 25. Performances take place at the Loretto-Hilton Center at 135 Edgar Road on the Webster University campus. The Elixir of Love is the story of Nemorino, a humble peasant smitten with the wealthy and beautiful landowner Adina. She, though, is more taken with the macho Sergeant Belcore. In desperation, Nemorino buys a love potion (actually just some cheap wine) from the traveling quack Dr. Dulcamara. Complications, as they say, ensue.  All performances are sung in English with projected English text. For more information, you may visit experienceopera.org or call 314-961-0644. Read the 88.1 KDHX review!

The Black Mirror Theatre Company presents Gonne/Yeats: A Literary Cabaret by local playwright and director Denis Corcoran on Friday and Saturday, June 13 and 14, at 7:30 PM. ÄúHe, William Butlter Yeats, perhaps the world's greatest poet. She, Maud Gonne (McBride), an Irish patriot, feminist, ardent defender of Ireland's poor and homeless, said, in her day, to be the most beautiful woman in Ireland. He feel deeply in love with at their first meeting, a love which was the driving force behind so much of his poetry. Yet she preferred pike, pistol and politics to sweet words. In dialogue, verse and song, this is one of the most moving love stories, seldom told.Äù Performances take place The Chapel, 6238 Alexander Drive. For more information, email blackmirrortheatre at gmail.com or call 314-740-6514.

Photo: Jill Ritter Lindberg

New Line Theatre presents the St. Louis premiere of the musical Hands on a Hardbody Thursdays through Saturdays at 8 PM through June 21. "This unique new musical is based on the acclaimed 1997 documentary of the same name, about an annual contest at a Texas truck dealership, where ten hard-luck Texans compete for a new hardbody truck. A new lease on life is so close each of them can touch it, and now for once, their fate is in their hands. Under a scorching sun, over the next 144 hours they will laugh, cry and push their bodies and minds to the limits, as they fight to keep at least one hand on a brand new truck. The contestant with the most nerve and endurance will drive away with the American Dream." Performances take place at the Washington University South Campus Theatre, 6501 Clayton Road. For more information: newlinetheatre.com or call 314-534-1111. Read the 88.1 KDHX review!

Shakespeare Festival St. Louis presents Henry IV nightly except for Tuesdays through June 14. Henry IV, Parts 1 and 2, written as two separate plays, have been edited to fit into one evening. The production alternates with performances of Henry V. "Audience members can expect a once-in-a-lifetime theatrical experience this season," says Rick Dildine, Artistic and Executive Director of Shakespeare Festival St.Louis. "Many theaters around the world have performed these plays in consecutive seasons; however, we are performing them at the same time with the same cast on the same set." Performances take place in Shakespeare Glen next to the Art Museum in Forest Park. Curtain time is 8 PM. For more information, visit shakespearefestivalstlouis.org and don't forget to check out my interview with the directors. Read the 88.1 KDHX review!

Shakespeare Festival St. Louis presents Henry V nightly except for Tuesdays through June 15. Beginning May 26, the production alternates with performances of Henry IV. Henry V continues the story of the former Prince Hal, now King Henry V, and his fight to keep his crown.  Performances take place in Shakespeare Glen next to the Art Museum in Forest Park. Curtain time is 8 PM. For more information, visit shakespearefestivalstlouis.org and don't forget to check out my interview with the directors. Read the 88.1 KDHX review!

Act Inc presents Ken Ludwig's comedy Lend Me a Tenor June 12-29. "The Cleveland Grand Opera Company has hired world famous tenor, Tito Morelli, to star for one night in Otello. He arrives late, accidentally overdoses on tranquilizers, collapses on the bed and obviously can't perform. Saunders, the company's manager and his assistant Max, actually fear Tito is dead! Max decides to seize the day--he can sing, and has always hoped to perform. Saunders in desparation agrees. But is Tito really down for the count? And will each man's fiancee recognize her hero in his costume? Will the show ever go on?" Performances take place in the Emerson Black Box Theatre at the J. Scheidegger Center for the Arts on the Lindenwood campus in St. Charles, MO. For more information, visit actincstl.com.

Stray Dog Theatre presents Terrence McNally's Love! Valour! Compassion! Thursdays through Saturdays at 8 PM June 12-28, with a 2 PM matinee on Saturday, June 28, in addition to the evening performance. " Eight gay men gather at a summer vacation home in upstate New York over three holiday weekends. Flirtations, infidelity, love, death, and the nature of friendship are explored against the idyllic country lakeside setting where the drama of the real world is never far from mind. A beautifully haunting comedy that unfolds like a dream." Performances take place at The Tower Grove Abbey, 2336 Tennessee. For more information, visit straydogtheatre.org or call 314-865-1995.

Opera Theatre of St. Louis presents A Little Lunch Music, a free concert with Elizabeth Zharoff (Pamina, The Magic Flute), Corrie Stallings (Gerdine Young Artist Festival Artist), Matthew Anchel (Sarastro, The Magic Flute), and pianist Adam Burnette, on Monday, June 9 at 12:30 PM. The concert takes place at The Jewel Box in Forest Park. For more information, visit experienceopera.org or call 314-961-0644.

Photo: Ken Howard

Opera Theatre of St. Louis presents Mozart's The Magic Flute in rotating repertory with three other operas through June 28. Performances take place at the Loretto-Hilton Center at 135 Edgar Road on the Webster University campus. A singspiel with spoken dialog instead of recitatives and a text in German instead of the fashionable Italian, the work is the fantastic tale of heroic prince Tamino and princess Pamina, daughter of the Queen of the Night, who must undergo a series of magical trials at the court of Sarastro, High Priest of the Sun, before they can attain enlightenment and be united in marriage. Accompanying Tamino in his quest is the comic bird catcher Papageno. All performances are sung in English with projected English text. For more information, you may visit experienceopera.org or call 314-961-0644. Read my preview article! Read the 88.1 KDHX review!

Insight Theatre Company presents the 1960 Lionel Bart musical Oliver!, based on Oliver Twist by Charles Dickens, through June 22. Performances take place in the Heagney Theatre, 530 East Lockwood on the campus of Nerinx Hall High School in Webster Groves. For more information, call 314-556-1293 or visit insighttheatrecompany.com.

Jugler/clown Adam Kuchler

Circus Flora presents its new show, The Pawn, through June 22 under the air-conditioned, red-and-white, big top tent in Grand Center next to Powell Hall. "Drawing from the history of chess, this mythic tale is steeped in the rich sights, sounds and mystique of ancient Persia and India. The audience will journey to an exotic world where myth and intellect collide, and the stone city surrenders to the desert's ever shifting sands. Follow the Pawn on his journey through curious creatures and intrigues: knights mounted on steed, bishops zigzagging across colored squares, chess pieces flying through the air. In this world, the chess pieces do not wait to be moved. They have their own adventures to play out under the big top. For more information, visit circusflora.org. Read the 88.1 KDHX review!

The Tavern of Fine Arts presents Phil's Broadway Cabaret on Thursday, June 12, at 7:30 PM. "Phil Touchette and Jon Garrett are back together again for a cabaret of Phil's favorite musical theater works by Rodgers and Hammerstein, Kander and Ebb, and Stephen Sondheim. You'll hear tunes from South Pacific, Cabaret, Sweeney Todd and Into the Woods just to name a few! The collaborative duo is also excited to reprise a popular fixture of Phil's Liederabend back in October: Gabriel Kahane's Craigslistlieder, a witty song cycle taken from (and inspired by) a variety of ads on Craigslist.org." The Tavern of Fine Arts is at 313 Belt in the Debaliviere Place neighborhood. For more information: tavern-of-fine-arts.blogspot.com .

Stages St. Louis presents the musical They're Playing Our Song through June 29. "Meet Vernon, a neurotic, witty composer and Sonia, a wacky, free spirited lyricist who form an unlikely partnership to write the next great love song. A rocky and hilarious start leaves them struggling to find their creative harmony - and romance was definitely not what they were expecting! But a series of unlikely events lead to a match made in musical comedy heaven. They're Playing Our Song is inspired by the real life love story of Academy Award-winning composer, Marvin Hamlisch (The Way We Were, The Sting) and Grammy Award-winning lyricist Carole Bayer Sager (“That's What Friends Are For”, “Nobody Does It Better” ). Topping off the jazzy score is a laugh-a-minute book by America's leading funny man, Tony Award Winner Neil Simon (Barefoot in the Park, The Odd Couple). A sweet and sophisticated musical romp, They're Playing Our Song will have you singing along from curtain up to curtain down!" Performances take place in the Robert G. Reim Theatre at the Kirkwood Community Center, 111 South Geyer Road in Kirkwood. For more information, visit stagesstlouis.org or call 314-821-2407.

Opera Theatre of St. Louis presents the world premiere of Ricky Ian Gordon and Royce Vavrek's Twenty-Seven in rotating repertory with three other operas June 14-29. "Paris roared in the 1920s, inspiring the art and literature of a Lost Generation of expatriates. At the epicenter of this creative explosion was Gertrude Stein, whose salon at 27 Rue de Fleurus became a second home for such luminaries as Fitzgerald, Hemingway, and Picasso. International sensation Stephanie Blythe makes her OTSL debut as Stein, with Elizabeth Futral joining her as Alice B. Toklas, in this next chapter in Opera Theatre's New Works, Bold Voices series." Performances take place at the Loretto-Hilton Center at 135 Edgar Road on the Webster University campus. All performances are sung in English with projected English text. For more information, visit experienceopera.org or call 314-961-0644.

Theatre Guild of Webster Groves Youth Theatre presents A Very Tardy Party Friday through Sunday, June 13-15. Performances take place in the Guild theatre at Newport and Summit in Webster Groves, MO. For more information: theatreguildwg.org or call 314-962-0876.

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 June 15, 2012

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 Gateway Men's Chorus presents ExtraABBAganza, a tribute to the music of ABBA, on Friday and Saturday, June 15 and 16, at 8 PM. Al Fischer is pianist and music director for the evening. The performance takes place at the Edison Theatre on the Washington University campus. Personally, I can take ABBA's music or leave it along, but the guys of the GMC can always be counted on for an exuberant and theatrical evening, and Al Fischer is one our most sought-after music directors. For more information, visit gatewaymenschorus.org.

Shakespeare Festival St. Louis presents Othello nightly except for Tuesday. Performances take place in Shakespeare Glen next to the Art Museum in Forest Park. Curtain time is 8 PM, with the Green Show starting at 6:30 PM. In her review for 88.1 KDHX, Andrea Braun notes that thisis "the first production I’ve seen where I believed that Othello’s actions weren’t both precipitous and preposterous, and I think we have Longworth’s pacing and Justin Blanchard’s (Iago) and Billy Eugene Jones’ (Othello) performances to thank for that." For more information, visit sfstl.com.

ACT Inc. presents Travels With My Aunt, based on the novel by Graham Greene, Fridays and Saturdays at 8 PM and Sundays at 2 PM, June 14 through 17. Performances take place at the Fontbonne Fine Arts Theatre and the campus at 6800 Wydown. In her review for 88.1 KDHX, Connie Bollinger says she has "never seen anything quite like this wonderful adaption of the Graham Greene novel." For more information, call 314-725-9108 or visit actinc.biz.

Held over:

Kendall Gladen

Opera Theatre of St. Louis presents Bizet's Carmen in rotating repertory with three other operas through June 23. Performances take place at the Loretto-Hilton Center at 135 Edgar Road on the Webster University campus. The production is set in the 1940s, with the look of classic film noir, all the way down to the black and white costume and set designs and an opening cinematic credit sequence. The concept doesn't always work, but it succeeds often enough to be worth seeing.  Besides, you won't want to miss St. Louis's own Kendall Gladen's smoky performance in the title role and the great work by conductor Carlos Izcaray and the St. Louis Symphony musicians. For more details, check out my review for 88.1 KDHX. All performances are sung in English with projected English text, although the chorus enunciates so clearly it's rarely necessary. For more information, you may visit experienceopera.org or call 314-961-0644.

Opera Theatre of St. Louis presents Mozart's Cosi fan Tutte in rotating repertory with three other operas through June 22. Performances take place at the Loretto-Hilton Center at 135 Edgar Road on the Webster University campus. All performances are sung in English with projected English text. As I noted in my review for 88.1 KDHX, I don't think director Michael Shell has completely solved the problems posed for modern audiences by Da Ponte's casually misogynistic libretto, but at least he tries, and the cast, chorus, and orchestra are just splendid.  For more information, you may visit experienceopera.org or call 314-961-0644

New Line Theatre presents the rock musical High Fidelity Thursdays through Saturdays at 8 PM through June 21. Performances take place at the Washington University South Campus Theatre, 6501 Clayton Road. In his review for 88.1 KDHX, Robert Mitchell says "if rockin’ music with a good story is your idea of great entertainment, plan on seeing New Line’s High Fidelity." I'd add that you could hardly ask for a better cast than this one. For more information, call 314-534-1111.

Sweeney prepares Judge Turpin
for a close shave

Opera Theatre of St. Louis presents Sondheim's Sweeney Todd in rotating repertory with three other operas through June 24. Performances take place at the Loretto-Hilton Center at 135 Edgar Road on the Webster University campus. I've been waiting for many years for Opera Theatre to take a crack at this most operatic of all Sondheim's musical theatre works. Director Ron Daniels and set designer Riccardo Hernandez have made of couple of missteps (see my review for 88.1 KDHX for details) but on the whole this is the Sweeney Todd many of us have been waiting for. All performances are sung in English with projected English text. For more information, you may visit experienceopera.org or call 314-961-0644.

Nino and Yo-Yo

Circus Flora presents its brand new show, The Wizard: Merlin and the Legends of King Arthur, through June 24 under the air-conditioned, red-and-white, big top tent in Grand Center next to Powell Hall. Sadly, I'm going to miss Circus Flora this year but it past seasons (and Connie Bollinger's review for 88.1 KDHX) are any indication, there will be fun for all. For more information, visit circusflora.org.