Showing posts with label benefit. Show all posts
Showing posts with label benefit. Show all posts

Sunday, January 08, 2017

St. Louis theatre calendar for the week of January 9, 2017

All My Sons
Photo: Jerry Naunheim, Jr.
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The Repertory Theatre of St. Louis presents Arthur Miller's drama All My Sons through January 29. "Miller's breakthrough play is a searing and deeply personal search for morality with shattering repercussions. During World War II, factory owner Joe Keller makes a questionable business decision that costs the lives of American airmen overseas. His misdeed leaves his family fractured as they grapple with the consequences of his actions." Performances take place at the Loretto-Hilton Center on the Webster University campus. For more information: repstl.org.

The Bissell Mansion Murder Mystery Dinner Theatre presents A Big Easy Murder through April 30. The Bissell Mansion is at 4426 Randall Place. For more information: bissellmansiontheatre.com.

The Emerald Room at the Monocle presents The Bon Bons Bourdoir: An Intimate Burlesque Cabaret on Saturday, January 14, at 10:30 p.m. "Get up close and personal with members of Lola van Ella's professional burlesque troupe The Bon-Bons during a new monthly show! An Intimate Cabaret showcases the diverse talents of these performers-ranging from sultry fan dances to playful chair acts, rowdy floor routines to stripped down singing-all set in the gorgeous, grandiose backdrop of The Emerald Room at The Monocle. While each member brings a unique style and sensibility, all of them are dedicated to sass, class, and old-fashioned showgirl charm." The performance takes place in the Emerald Room at The Monocle, 4510 Manchester in the Grove neighborhood. For more information: themonoclestl.com.

Theatre Lab presents Closer by Patrick Marber Thursdays through Saturdays at 8 p.m. and Sundays at 2:30 p.m., January 12-22. "This play follows four lives that intertwine over the course of four and a half years. This densely-plotted, stinging look at modern love and betrayal contains twelve scenes that chronicle the love affairs, rivalries, seductions and betrayals of four characters (two men, two women,) in a spare, intense style -- sometimes coarse, sometimes obscene, but calling for real sensitivity and vulnerability in the acting. Contains very strong language and sexual references." Performances take place at the .Zack Artist Incubator, 3224 Locust in midtown. For more information: www.metrotix.com/events/detail/theatre-lab-closer.

KTK Productions and Take Two Productions present Faith, Hope, and Charity, a cabaret to benefit Southampton Church Friday and Saturday at 7:30 p.m. and Sunday at 2 p.m., January 13-15. The show features "uplifting selections from Broadway and beyond by favorite KTK Productions_and Take Two Productions performers." Performances take place at Southampton Presbyterian Church, 4716 Macklind. For more information: kurtainkall.org or call 314-351-8984.

Java Jived
The Emerald Room at the Monocle presents Java Jived on Friday, January 13, at 7:30 p.m. "Java Jived specializes in a cappella arrangements of jazz and pop classics from the 20's to the 80's. Known for its fine blend and intonation, this high-energy ensemble performs polished stylistic renditions of challenging repertoire by the best contemporary arrangers, including Deke Sharon, Kirby Shaw, Teena Chin, and Gene Puerling, who is well known for his arrangements for The Manhattan Transfer. " The performance takes place in the Emerald Room at The Monocle, 4510 Manchester in the Grove neighborhood. For more information: themonoclestl.com.

The Black Rep presents the drama Lines in the Dust January 11-29. "When Denitra loses the charter school lottery for her daughter, she must find another way to escape from their underperforming neighborhood school. The answer seems like a risk well worth taking but may end up requiring a bigger sacrifice than she ever could have imagined. It's been exactly 60 years since Brown Versus The Board of Education. Lines In The Dust questions how far we've come and more importantly, where we go from here." Performances take place at the Edison Theatre on the Washington University campus. For more information: theblackrep.org.

Menopause the Musical
The Playhouse at Westport Plaza presents Menopause the Musical, "a celebration of women and The Change," through February 12. The Playhouse at Westport Plaza is at 635 West Port Plaza. For more information: westportstl.com.

The Lemp Mansion Comedy-Mystery Dinner Theater presents Murder at the Abbey January 13 through April 29. "Welcome to the world of Downton Abbey! A world full of aristocracy, old money but never anything as droll as murder! Congratulations! You've been invited to the dinner party held by the Earl of Grantham himself! Some would kill for the opportunity to meet the Crawley family. They'll all be there! The Earl, his beautiful wife and three daughters...not to mention all the other characters in, (and around), the Grantham house. That's right! All the family, staff and townsfolk will be there. You'll meet lots of fun characters...and you'll play as big, (or as small), of a part as you wish. Up to you. Hope nothing bad happens...but if it does...we might need you to help us figure it out? Or perhaps you're the killer?" The Lemp Mansion is at 3322 DeMenil Place. For more information: lempmansion.com.

Gary Cox
The Emerald Room at the Monocle and The Presenters Dolan present singer Gary Cox in My Father's World on Thursday, January 12, at 8 p.m. "Gary Cox returns to the St. Louis stage with his new cabaret, the comic and compassionate My Father's World. The show is a loving tribute that explores the not always easy, but always affirming, bond between father and son. The show is a funny, affectionate and moving blend of traditional songs, Broadway standards - and folk gospel!" The performance takes place in the Emerald Room at The Monocle, 4510 Manchester in the Grove neighborhood. For more information: themonoclestl.com.

The Emerald Room at the Monocle presents Nasty Women: A Comedy Show on Saturday, January 14, at 8 p.m. "The Monocle is proud to present a delightful blend of sketch, improv, and stand-up, all written and performed by comical ladies. These fierce feminists are taking over the Emerald Room stage for a night of bitchin' jokes and ridiculous sketches! Featuring Poor Monsters, Casual Pussy Improv, We Are Jenny Lewis, Libbie Higgins, and more!." The performance takes place in the Emerald Room at The Monocle, 4510 Manchester in the Grove neighborhood. For more information: themonoclestl.com.

First Run Theatre presents the Prometheus' Dream Fridays and Saturdays at 8 PM and Sundays at 2 PM, January 13-22. "In this modern retelling of the story of Frankenstein, a controversial doctor makes a discovery which could alter the way we look at mortality. With his successful test subject, Adam, Dr. Franken travels the lecture circuit, gaining riches and fame. However, the relationship between the doctor and his protégé begin to break down as Adam rediscover parts of his past and regains a sense of self. As conflict gives way to bitter animosity, both learn valuable lessons about the price and fame and glory. Due to language, recommended for mature audiences." Performances take place in the Thomas Hunter Theatre at DeSmet Jesuit High School, 233 N New Ballas Road. For more information, call (314) 352-5114 or visit www.firstruntheatre.com.

The St. Louis Family Theatre Series presents the Skippyjon Jones Snow What Friday at 7:30 p.m. and Saturday and Sunday at 2 p.m., January 13-15. "Mirror, mirror on the wall, who is the bravest Chihuahua of them all? Skippyjon Jones the Siamese cat who thinks he's a Mexican Chihuahua of course! While his sisters listen to Snow White and the Seven Dwarves, Skippy heads off for the REAL adventure awaiting him in his closet. There, as his alter ego Skippito Friskito, and with the help of his friends the Seven Chimichangos, Skippyjon must rescue the beautiful princess Nieve Qué (Snow What), battle the evil dragon and defeat the Bruja. A brand new musical based on the book by Judy Schachner, Skippyjon Jones Snow What is a twist on the classic fairytale Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs." Performances take place at the Florissant Civic Center Theatre at Parker and Waterford in Florissant, MO. For more information, call 314-921-5678 or visit www.florissantmo.com.

The Theatre Guild of Webster Groves presents A.R. Gurney's comedy Sylvia Fridays through Sundays, January 13-22. "Greg and Kate have moved to Manhattan after twenty-two years of child-raising in the suburbs. Greg's career as a financial trader is winding down, while Kate's career, as a public-school English teacher, is beginning to offer her more opportunities. Greg brings home a dog he found in the park-or who has found him-bearing only the name "Sylvia" on her name tag. A street-smart mixture of Lab and Poodle, Sylvia becomes a major “bone” contentions between the couple." The shows contains adult themes. 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.

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 Calendar.
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.

Monday, January 07, 2013

The Day of No Jackals

I don't know about you, but I'm fairly tired of seeing an endless parade of political jackals using the Sandy Hook Elementary School shooting in Newtown, Connecticut, to advance their various agendas.  I'm particularly revolted by the NRA and ALEC, but they're hardly alone.

It's kind of refreshing, then, to see press releases like this one, which showed up in my inbox today.  There's a lot of talent here going to a very worthy cause.

TO NEWTOWN, FROM BROADWAY WITH LOVE
“From Broadway with Love: A Benefit Concert For Sandy Hook” Palace Theater (Waterbury, CT) on January 28th

(Newtown, CT) January 7, 2013 – On December 14, 2012, tragedy struck Sandy Hook Elementary School and our nation mourned with the residents of Newtown, Connecticut. As the town slowly attempts to recover, Broadway stars, producers, writers, and directors will lend their voices in support.  “From Broadway with Love: A Benefit Concert For Sandy Hook” will take place on January 28, 2013 at 7:00 pm at the Palace Theater in Waterbury, CT, 20 minutes from Newtown.  All proceeds and donations will go to United Way of Western Connecticut’s Sandy Hook School Support Fund.

“From Broadway With Love: A Benefit Concert For Sandy Hook” will feature song, dance, and other appearances from some of the biggest names on Broadway, together with select students from various Newtown choirs and dance groups.

Renowned Broadway performers scheduled to appear include Brian Stokes Mitchell (Tony Award winner: Kiss Me Kate, 3-time Tony Award nominee), Linda Eder (Jekyll & Hyde), Stephen Schwartz (6-time Tony Award nominee, Wicked, Godspell), Micky Dolenz (Aida, member of The Monkees), Marc Shaiman (Tony Award winner: Hairspray, TV’s SMASH), Michael Cerveris (Tony Award winner for Assassins, 4-time Tony Award nominee, Evita, Sweeney Todd), Christine Ebersole (Tony Award winner: Grey Gardens), Frank Wildhorn (Tony Award nominated: Bonnie & Clyde and Civil War, Jekyll & Hyde), Philip Boykin (Tony Award nominee: The Gershwins’ Porgy and Bess), Richard Kind (The Producers, TV’s Mad About You), Andrea McArdle (Tony Award nominee: Annie, Les Miserables), Nikki Blonsky (Hairspray movie), Alan Muraoka (Pacific Overtures, TV’s Sesame Street), Jan Maxwell (5-time Tony Award nominee including Follies), Robin de Jesus (Tony Award nominee: La Cage Aux Folles and In The Heights), Seth Rudetsky (The Ritz), Julia Murney (Wicked, Lennon), Isabela Moner (Evita) as well as members from various casts of Million Dollar Quartet: Lance Guest, Erik Hayden, Randy Redd, Dan Mills, and Victoria Matlock.  More performers will be announced soon.

Brett Boles, author of the musical Foreverman, and Broadway producer Van Dean, both from the Newtown area, are the original conceivers of the benefit concert.  The Tony Award-winning producer and the emerging musical theater writer decided to put together this concert as a way to lift the spirits of a town so close to their hearts and show that Broadway cares.

“The outpouring of love and support from the Broadway community has been incredibly heartwarming,” noted Dean, “and everyone was looking for a way they could use their talents to bring something positive to the community.  From Broadway With Love provides them with the perfect outlet to do so.”

The benefit concert will be directed by Michael Unger with certain segments directed by Jeff Calhoun, Stephen Nachamie, David Lee and Daisy Prince and is produced by Van Dean and Kenny Howard of the Broadway Consortium, Jennifer Isaacson, Ken Mahoney, Sarahbeth Grossman, Bethney Ruggiero, Michael A. Alden, Rob Hinderliter and Yvette Kojic. Jeffrey Saver (End Of The Rainbow) is music directing and conducting an orchestra consisting of many top Broadway musicians.  Librettist David Thompson (The Scottsboro Boys, Steel Pier, Chicago) is helping the creative team shape the show.  Cindi Rush Casting is on board as Casting Consultant. Tom Bussey is Technical Supervisor, John Petrafesa is Sound Designer, David Agress is Lighting Designer and Tom McPhillips is Scenic Designer.  Zoya Kachadurian is Production Stage Manager.

From Broadway With Love provides a free night of entertainment for the impacted families, first responders, and the Sandy Hook Elementary community. The Palace Theatre seats approximately 2,600 and a limited number of tickets will be on sale to the public beginning January 7th, 2013 at 10:00 am. These tickets range from $50 to $250. To purchase tickets or make a tax-deductible donation, please visit our website at http://www.FromBroadwayWithLove.org.  Contact Ken Mahoney at 914-419-3762 or email sponsorship at frombroadwaywithlove.org for information on how be become a corporate sponsor.

This benefit event is made possible, in part, by the generous donations from many companies and individuals including Bermuda Limousine International, One Dream Sound, the Palace Theater of Waterbury, CT, Atomic Rental, Consulting for a Cause, The Silent Orchestra and more. Please see http://www.FromBroadwayWithLove.org for a full list.