Showing posts with label burlesque. Show all posts
Showing posts with label burlesque. Show all posts

Friday, January 17, 2020

Chuck's Choices for the weekend of January 17, 2020

There's plenty of variety this week, with cabaret, drama, and the circus. Take your pick.

New This Week:

Lola Van Ella
The Gateway Men's Chorus presents Cabaret Risque: At The Speakeasy on Saturday, January 18, at 8 pm with a VIP Reception at 7 pm. "Travel back to the Roaring 20s as Gateway Men's Chorus presents an evening of sexy and sensual entertainment, handpicked by International Showgirl Lola Van Ella. With exotic burlesque performances, enticing silent auction items, and an incredible evening of saucy surprises, this is an event you can't afford to miss!" The event takes place at the Centene Center for the Arts in the Rialto Ballroom. For more information: www.gmcstl.org.

My take: The Gateway Men's Chorus is a local cultural treasure and deserves our support. And and by attending their event, you'll get an entertaining evening of cabaret along with the good feeling of knowing that you've helped them keep going. And, of course, there's the presence of St. Louis' leading burlesque figure (in more ways than one), Ms. Lola Van Ella.


Mark Saunders
The Blue Strawberry presents Everything's Fine: A Bear in Search of His Honey with singer Mark Saunders and pianist Stephen Eros on Friday, January 17, at 8 pm. "The world of online dating can be a tricky game to master. In a one-man cabaret, Mark Saunders will take you on a journey through the ups and downs, the goods and bads, and especially the tops and bottoms of his journey to find love. The evening will be full of laughter, heartbreak, and 100% true horror stories that will make us all feel better about ourselves. Come out, have a drink, and let's talk!" The Blue Strawberry is at 364 N. Boyle in the Central West End. For more information: bluestrawberrystl.com.

My take: Alas, other commitments prevent me from seeing this show, but I can tell you from seeing him perform at The Cabaret Project's monthly open mic night at Sophie's Artist Lounge (next one is Tuesday the 21st; just saying) that he has the voice of an angel, a charming stage presence, and a sense of humor to back it up. Should be a good show.


Circus Harmony: Legato (2018)
Circus Harmony presents Fluente: An Underseas Circus Adventure Saturdays at 2 and 7 pm and Sundays at 2 pm, January 18 - 26. "This captivating show is an undersea circus adventure. All the acts are co-created with the amazing Circus Harmony students, staff and guest teaching artists - a number of whom are successful alumni. Like it's home, City Museum, this circus show is not just for children! While the age range of the performers is 8 to 21 years old, these young people perform professional level circus arts. That is why a number of them have gone on to perform with some of the most prestigious circus companies around the world! Fluente will feature new acts created especially for this production and new music from the Circus Harmony Band under the direction of Jeffrey Carter." Performances take place at City Museum, downtown. For more information: circusharmony.org/fluente/

My take: Circus Harmony does excellent outreach work that demonstrates how the arts can make a big difference in the community. If you've ever seen a Circus Flora show, of course, you've seen some of Circus Harmony's students at work as The St. Louis Arches, but the organization's reach and mission go far beyond that. "Circus Harmony," according to their web site, "teaches the art of life through circus education. We work to build character and expand community for youth of all ages, cultures, abilities and backgrounds. Through teaching and performance of circus skills, we help people defy gravity, soar with confidence, and leap over social barriers, all at the same time." Since their 2001 Circus Salaam Shalom, which brought Jewish and Muslim kids in St. Louis together, Circus Harmony has been advancing its philosophy of "peace through pyramids, harmony through hand springs" to "inspire individuals and connect communities."


Two Trains Running
Photo by Phil Hamer
The Black Rep presents August Wilson's Two Trains Running through January 26. "In August Wilson's masterpiece, history unfolds around everyday lives against the backdrop of the civil rights movement. Long-time regulars gather at the local diner in Pittsburgh's Hill District to gossip, flirt and play the numbers. Now the owner must decide whether to let the city take over his building or sell it to a shrewd, local businessman. Part of Wilson's trailblazing American Century Cycle, Two Trains Running paints a compassionate and unforgettable portrait of ordinary people in the midst of transformation." Performances take place at the Edison Theatre on the Washington University campus. For more information: theblackrep.org.

My take: Critical reaction to this has been rather ecstatic. "In St. Louis," writes Calvin Wilson at the Post-Dispatch, "standing ovations have become routine and are often unmerited. But in this case, that gesture is much deserved." At KDHX, Jacob Juntunen calls it "an exquisite production of a superb script by one America's most important playwrights." And at Ladue News, Mark Bretz writes that director Ed Smith "weaves a masterpiece of a production through the expert utilization of his cast and technical staff." 'Nuff said.

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.