St. Louis theatre calendar for the week of December 9th 2024

What's on St. Louis theater and cabaret stages this coming week. Please leave a comment if anything was wrong or got left out

The Blue Strawberry presents A Cash Christmas, a Johnny Cash tribute show with Scott Moreau, on Tuesday December 10th at 7 pm. “Featuring numerous holiday favorites, some of Johnny’s biggest hits, his self-penned Christmas songs as well as anecdotes from Johnny’s favorite Christmas memories. Little Drummer Boy, Christmas Time’s A-Comin’, God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen, Blue Christmas, Silent Night, I Walk The Line, Ballad Of The Harp Weaver and more!”   The performance takes place at The Blue Strawberry, 364 N. Boyle. For more information: bluestrawberrystl.com.

Gina Malone and Jeffrey Carter

The Blue Strawberry presents Holidays at Home, with singer/actress Gina Malone and pianist/music director Jeffrey Carter on Sunday December 15th at 7 pm . “Gina Malone is known locally as a concert and opera singer, as well as a singing actress and teaching artist. Most notably, she’s performed with Union Avenue Opera, the St. Louis Symphony Orchestra, and St. Louis Shakespeare Festival among others. Jeffrey Carter is professor of music at Webster University where he leads the unique program in music direction for musical theatre. Carter and Ms. Malone bring iconic sounds of the season in solos and duets and singalongs to Blue Strawberry as they toast the holiday season.”   The performance takes place at The Blue Strawberry, 364 N. Boyle. For more information: bluestrawberrystl.com.

Christmas with C.S. Lewis

Emery Entertainment presents “Christmas with C.S. Lewis,” starring Gregory Williams Welsch, at the Westport Playhouse through December 15. “In the early years of his young adult life C. S. Lewis believed the story of Christ’s birth was nothing more than feel-good myth. That all changed after a particular encounter with his great friend and fellow author, J R R Tolkien. Although both men loved mythology in general, Tolkien was convinced that the Jesus myth was the one true myth. That was the start of Lewis’ journey from Atheism to Christianity. From that point on, Christmas, for Lewis, took on an entirely different meaning. Here we find him at his home near Oxford on Christmas Eve hosting a group of Americans who are Christmassing in England. They are about to experience an unforgettable assortment of Yuletide recollections which stimulates a whole range of emotions – curiosity, laughter, gladness and even some tears. Above all, they will discover how that encounter with Tolkien forever changed his Christmas celebrations.” For more information: www.westportstl.com.

First Run Theatre Playwright’s Workshop presents a reading of the new play The Death of Francis Tumblety, M.D. by Otis Sweendy. The play asks the question “Did Jack the Ripper die in St. Louis in 1903?” The reading takes place at Square One Brewery and Distillery in Lafayette Square.  For more information: firstruntheatre.org.

The Repertory Theatre of St. Louis and Stages St. Louis present the musical Million Dollar Quartet Christmas through December 22. “Million Dollar Quartet Christmas brings Elvis Presley, Johnny Cash, Jerry Lee Lewis, and Carl Perkins back together for a festive jam session that will have you jingling ALL the way! In the decked-out Sun Records studio, filled to the brim with Christmas cheer and enough musical talent to power a city grid, these legendary musicians blend their chart-topping hits with seasonal cheer. Get ready for a holly jolly journey through this iconic rock n’ roll musical!” Performances take on the main stage of the Loretto-Hilton Center on the Webster University campus. For more information: www.repstl.org.

The Repertory Theatre of St. Louis presents the Rep Holiday Benefit fundraiser on Tuesday, December 10 at 7:00 pm. “Following last year’s sold-out success featuring John Goodman, The Rep is back with another evening of holiday magic! This year’s event will feature Celebrity Guest Sean Gunn and special Musical Guest Denise Thimes. The Holiday Benefit aims to raise $300,000 to support The Rep’s educational and community programs.” The Holiday Benefit takes place on the main stage of the Loretto-Hilton Center on the Webster University campus. For more information: www.repstl.org.

The Sheldon Concert Hall and Out of Blue Strawberry present singer Stella Cole in a night of Broadway, Great American Songbook, and jazz standards on Friday, December 13th, at 8 pm. “With her powerhouse vocals, captivating stage presence, and the emotional connection she creates with her audiences, Stella Cole is a singer you won’t forget. Stella exists out of time. She could have been plucked straight out of and old MGM movie. The joy she feels from the Great American Songbook is palpable and irresistible, and the honesty of her performance profoundly moving.” The shows takes place at the Sheldon Concert Hall in Grand Center. For more information: bluestrawberrystl.com.

Christmas Carol: the Remix

St. Louis Shakespeare Festival presents Christmas Carol: The Remix, created by Q Brothers Collective, running through December 22. In this comedy update on the Dickens classic, Scrooge is visited by the Ghosts of Hip-Hop Past, Present, and Future. As they show him the path of rhythm and redemption, will he throw off his selfish chains and get down to the beat? Performances take place in the .ZACK in Grand Center. For more information: stlshkes.org.

Bell, Book and Candle
Photo: John Lamb

Stray Dog Theatre presents the John Van Druten’s Bell, Book and Candle Thursdays through Saturdays at 8, December 5 through 21, with an additional performance  at 2 pm on Sunday December 15. “In 1950s New York, Gillian Holroyd is a modern-day witch who casts spells and performs feats of supernaturalism. When Gillian encounters charming publisher Shep Henderson, she casts a love spell to gain Shep’s interest in order to thwart a rival. Gillian finds herself falling in love with Shep, which poses a problem: witches, unfortunately, cannot fall in love, and this pesky imperfection leads to a number of difficult life lessons.” Performances take place at Tower Grove Abbey, 2336 Tennessee in Tower Grove East. For more information: www.straydogtheatre.org

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

To get your event listed here, send an email to chuck at kdhx.org Your event information should be in text format (i.e. not part of a graphic), but feel free to include publicity stills.

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.

Review: David Giuntoli swings into the holidays at the Blue Strawberry

"A Swinging Holiday Soiree," David Giuntoli's show at the Blue Strawberry this Thursday (December 19th), was exactly that: a genial gambol through a mix of holiday classics and Great American Songbook standards in a style reminiscent (but not imitative) of Frank, Deano, and Sammy.

Nice to see some truth in advertising now and then.

This article originally appeared at 88.1 KDHX, where Chuck Lavazzi is the senior performing arts critic.

David Giuntoli
Photo courtesy of The Blue Strawberry

Speaking of which, here's a disclaimer: Mr. Giuntoli and I both serve on the board of The Cabaret Project STL, a non-profit dedicated to promoting, developing, and sustaining the art of cabaret locally. He has also been a regular at the monthly open mic I host for the Cabaret Project. So we're not what you would call strangers.

The evening was, in any case, a clear hit with the audience. Mr. Giuntoli's amiable stage presence and obvious love for his material were hard to resist, and he was backed up by a pair of well-known local musicians: Ben Wheeler on stand-up bass and Carol Schmidt on piano. Both had some nifty solo moments, most notably in Sammy Cahn and Stan Applebaum's rarely heard "The Goin's Great," from Sammy Davis Jr.'s 1969 LP of the same name.

Ms. Schmidt, who has served as music director for a number of local performers (including yours truly) also provided the well-crafted arrangements, which were an excellent fit for Mr. Giuntoli's rough-hewn bass-baritone. She also put together some ingenious medleys, the most impressive of which combined Ted Shapiro's "(I Love the) Winter Weather" (originally recorded, in separate releases, by Peggy Lee and "Fats" Waller in 1941) with a pair of 1930s Irving Berlin's hits: "I've Got My Love to Keep Me Warm" and "Top Hat, White Tie and Tails." There was even a quick quote from Berlin's "Blue Skies," which was a nice touch.

Carol Schmidt

Mr. Giuntoli delivered it all in a smooth, carefree style that conjured up images of intimate, smoky Las Vegas lounges, dry martinis, and maybe a lightly draped "showgirl" or two. For me, though, some of his best moments came in the small number of ballads that punctuated the program. His medley of Sammy Cahn and James Van Husen's "All My Tomorrows" and "All the Way" (both Sinatra standards) was especially touching and made good use of his mellow lower register.

So, yeah, although not every aspect of "A Swinging' Holiday Soiree" necessarily worked for me, it was nevertheless exactly what it promised to be, leaving the audience with a seasonal glow and a number of plastic leis that Mr. Giuntoli handed out during his performance of Robert Alex Anderson's "Mele Kalikimaka." A friend of mine looked at hers and quipped, "Now I know it's Christmas; I just got lei'd."

(Rim shot)

Shows continue well into the New Year at The Blue Strawberry, St. Louis's only dedicated bar/restaurant/cabaret showroom. Check their web site at bluestrawberrystl.com for details.

Chuck's Choices for the weekend of December 20, 2019

This is your last chance for some highly-praised shows this week, as well as a chance to catch a children's classic at ITC and some cabaret at the Blue Strawberry.

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New This Week:

The Elves and the Shoemaker

The Repertory Theatre of St. Louis's Imaginary Theatre Company presents the children's musical The Elves and the Shoemaker opening on Saturday, December 21, with performances at 11 am and 3 pm, and running through Monday, December 23. The show is written by Sarah Brandt with music and lyrics by Neal Richardson. "When a kindly shoemaker gives his only remaining pair of shoes to a cold and hungry beggar woman, he finds his good deed rewarded in very unexpected ways. The shoemaker is shocked by the appearance of magic elves who turn his simple shoe shop into a great success, thrilling customers with their special creations. Based on the tale by the Brothers Grimm, this beloved, warm-hearted story is perfect for the holiday season, reminding us that where we find kindness, generosity and hope, anything is possible." Performances take place in the Heagney Theatre at Nerinx Hall High School, 530 East Lockwood Avenue, Webster Groves. For more information: repstl.org.

My take: Looking for some holiday fun for the kids? This recurring favorite by ITC is a good bet. In his review of the original 2011 production for Broadwayworld, Chris Gibson wrote that "Brandt and Richardson have concocted another intelligent winner that brings a beloved classic to life. My six year old son enjoyed it, and that's a sure stamp of approval." ITC treats its young audience with respect and clearly assumes that children's theatre should also be good theatre.

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Ken Haller

The Blue Strawberry presents Happy Hallerdays with Ken Haller on Saturday, December 21, at 8 pm. "In his take on the holidays, Ken promises to be surprising, funny, personal, moving, great company and just a little exasperating. Just like all our holidays!" The Blue Strawberry is at 364 N. Boyle in the Central West End. For more information: bluestrawberrystl.com.

My take: In my review of the original 2017 production of this entertaiing show, I described it as "a romp through a full calendar year of three-day weekends, starting with Christmas and working around the calendar. Peppered with insights from Mr. Haller's life in medicine and theatre, the evening is fun and funny, but also touching and profound." 'Nuff said.

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John McDaniel

The Blue Strawberry presents A John McDaniel Christmas on Friday, December 20, at 8 pm. "Grammy and Emmy Award winner John McDaniel comes home for the holidays in his first solo concert in 6 years. He has worked with many, many Broadway stars. John will share songs and stories from his career on Broadway and on television, as well as Christmas remembrances from his childhood in St. Louis." The Blue Strawberry is at 364 N. Boyle in the Central West End. For more information: bluestrawberrystl.com.

My take: Mr. McDaniel is a talented arranger/pianist and a highly engaging performer. I have seen him here twice (in 2007 and again just last year with Barg Jungr in a dynamite Beatles tribute show) and have been tremendously impressed with work both times. I'm looking forward to his holiday show; so should you.

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Held Over:

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Fully Committed
Photo: John Gitchoff

New Jewish Theater presents the comedy Fully Committed Thursdays at 7:30 pm, Saturdays at 4 and 8 pm, and Sundays at 2 pm through December 22 "The New Jewish Theatre's Artistic Director, Eddie Coffield, Artistic Director, announces the cast and creative team of Fully Committed. Arriving just in time for the holidays, Becky Mode's hilarious hit lets the madness run wild. “I am overjoyed to bring Fully Committed to the New Jewish Theatre during the most festive time of year!” Coffield said. “There's no actor more equipped to tackle 40-plus characters than our beloved Will Bonfiglio. I can hardly wait for St. Louis to see Will bring this timeless, one-man tour-de-force to life!” This hilarious comedy features more than 40 characters that come to life through one actor.” Performances take place in the Marvin and Harlene Wool Studio Theater at the Jewish Community Center, 2 Millstone Campus Drive in Creve Coeur. For more information: www.newjewishtheatre.org or call 314-442-3283.

My take: A one-actor show can be great fun if the script is worthwhile and the actor is up to the task. I've seen this show three times (here at the Rep and Stray Dog, and in Chicago with Bronson Pinchot) and found it vastly entertaining every time. The characters in Becky Mode's script are deftly and convincingly drawn, which raises this above the level of a simple virtuoso acting display. Mr. Bonfiglio has earned plenty of praise for his work on stage and is getting good notices for his performance here. "Bonfiglio doesn’t break a sweat at the frequently breakneck pace of character switches," writes Ann Lemmons Pollack, "flying back and forth between voices and faces. He’s just plain terrific. And he’s terrifically funny." That's pretty typical of the notices thus far. You should maybe get your tickets sooner rather than later.

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A Life in the Theatre
Photo: Patrick Huber

St. Louis Actors' Studio presents A Life in the Theatre by David Mamet Fridays and Saturdays at 8 pm and Sundays at 3 pm through December 22. "The Pulitzer Prize-winning author of Glengarry Glen Ross and Speed-The-Plow, takes us into the lives of two actors: John, young and rising into the first flush of his success; the other Robert, older, anxious, and beginning to wane. In a series of short, spare, and increasingly raw exchanges, we see the estrangement of youth from age and the wider, inevitable and endless cycle of life, in and out of the theatre." Performances take place at the Gaslight Theatre on North Boyle in the Central West End. For more information, call 314-458-2978 or visit stlas.org.

My take: I have found Mamet less and less interesting as he sinks deeper and deeper into his Angry Old White Guy role, but A Life in the Theatre is a much earlier work (from 1977) and free of political axe grinding. Reviews for the STLAS production have been good, with Calvin Wilson's notice for stltoday.com being a good example, which describes the show as "spellbinding and frequently hilarious...a rare and illuminating glimpse into what goes on in the mind and heart of an actor."

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Pride and Prejudice
Photo: Phillip Hamer

The Repertory Theatre of St. Louis presents Pride and Prejudice, adapted from the Jane Austen novel by Christopher Baker, through December 29. "In a world of opulent estates and lavish private balls, where women's entire futures hinge on marriage, Elizabeth Bennet stands apart. With a vibrant wit and a headstrong sense of pride, Elizabeth places her own needs first and refuses to marry for mere convenience. But she meets her match in the unlikely figure of Mr. Darcy. Beginning as a testy battle of words and ideas, their relationship blossoms into a remarkable romance between two passionate intellects who play by their own rules. " Performances take place at the Loretto-Hilton Center on the Webster University campus. For more information: repstl.org.

My take: Notices for this show have been very positive. "Augustin Family Artistic Director Hana S. Sharif makes her directorial debut at The Rep with this exquisitely conceived and accomplished paean to the timeless charm and acute observations of novelist Jane Austen," writes Mark Bretz at Ladue News. "The Rep’s adaptation of Austen’s enduring novel, Pride and Prejudice, is impossibly romantic and richly rapturous in its depiction of Austen’s finely etched characters." At stltoday.com, Calvin Wilson calls this "a brilliantly entertaining show that immediately sweeps the audience up in its joyous storytelling. Deftly sidestepping stodginess, Sharif elicits smart, engaging performances that bring Austen’s characters to vibrant life." I saw it last week and found it utterly engaging; highly recommended.

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WickedPhoto courtesy of The Fabulous Fox

The Fox Theatre presents the musical Wicked opening on Wednesday, December 4, at 7:30 pm and running through December 29. "So much happened before Dorothy dropped in. WICKED, the Broadway sensation, looks at what happened in the Land of Oz…but from a different angle. Long before Dorothy arrives, there is another young woman, born with emerald-green skin-smart, fiery, misunderstood, and possessing an extraordinary talent. When she meets a bubbly blonde who is exceptionally popular, their initial rivalry turns into the unlikeliest of friendships…until the world decides to call one “good,” and the other one “wicked.”" The Fox Theatre is at 527 North Grand in Grand Center. For more information: fabulousfox.com.

My take: I haven't seen this particular tour, but in my review of the 2005 tour I noted that composer/lyricist Stephen Schwartz and book author Winnie Holtzman have done a remarkable job of simplifying and reducing the story of Gregory McGuire's original novel while still remaining true to the original characters and their relationships. The score is one of Schwartz's best, and that's saying something.

St. Louis classical calendar for the week of December 17, 2018

It's all ho-ho-holiday music all the time this week on the classical concert scene.

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The St. Louis Low Brass Collective presents a Holiday Low Brass Play Along on Saturday, December 22, at 10 am. "Every year the STLLBC welcomes all low brass musicians to the Missouri Botanical Garden to ring in the holiday season the best way we know how, on low brass instruments. This event is free and open to everyone. There is a rehearsal for all performers starting at 10 and we will perform at noon." The event takes place at Missouri Botanical Garden in the Shaw Neighborhood For more information: www.stllbc.org.

Kevin McBeth and the IN UNISON® Chorus

The St. Louis Symphony presents A Gospel Christmas with the St. Louis Symphony IN UNISON® Chorus conducted by Kevin McBeth, on Thursday, December 20, at 7:30 p.m. "Ten-time Grammy Award-winning a cappella group TAKE 6 joins the SLSO and IN UNISON Chorus led by Kevin McBeth to ring in the holiday season like no other! Hear TAKE 6 perform unforgettable contemporary gospel renditions of favorite holiday classics and more. Heralded by Quincy Jones as the “baddest vocal cats on the planet,” don't miss this soulful celebration sure to warm your heart with holiday cheer." The concert takes place at Powell Symphony Hall, 718 North Grand in Grand Center. The concert is currently sold out, but some standing room tickets are still available. For more information: stlsymphony.org.

Gemma New conducts the St. Louis Symphony Orchestra along with the Holiday Festival Chorus and soloist Camille Zamora in the Mercy Holiday Celebration Friday and Saturday at 2 and 7:30 p.m. and Sunday at 2 p.m., December 21-23. "Glad tidings we bring this holiday season at the fantastically decorated Powell Hall! Join the St. Louis Symphony and Holiday Festival Chorus for a concert full of timeless holiday classics and, of course, a special visit with jolly ol' St. Nick! See why over 11,000 St. Louisans make this their annual holiday tradition." The concerts take place at Powell Symphony Hall, 718 North Grand in Grand Center. For more information: stlsymphony.org.

The 442s

The Washington University Department of Music presents The 442s Holiday Spectacular with special guests Christine Brewer, Peter Martin, Erin Bode, Brian Owens, Montez Coleman, plus other surprise special guests, on Monday and Tuesday, December 17 and 18, at 7:30 pm. "Back by popular demand, The 442s are joined by some of the brightest stars of the local and national music scene in presenting a not-to-be-missed holiday spectacular. Performing traditional and original favorites that break down boundaries between jazz, soul, pop and classical music, this concert will get you in the perfect holiday spirit!" The concert takes place in the Lee Concert Hall at the 560 Music Center at 560 Trinity in University City. For more information, music.wustl.edu or call 314-935-5566.

St. Louis theatre calendar for the week of December 10, 2018

Holiday theatre and cabaret are everywhere this week, ranging from children's theatre at the Rep to a decidedly adult show by Storm Large at the Sun.

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An Act of God
Photo by Eric Woolsey

New Jewish Theater presents the comedy An Act of God Wednesdays and Thursdays at 7:30 pm, Saturdays at 2 and 8 pm, and Sundays at 2 pm, through December 16. "A divine comedy! Delivering a new and improved set of Commandments, God's introduction of the revised laws is refreshingly positive, insisting on the separation of church and state and encouraging us to believe in ourselves, not some elderly white guy in the sky. The play is sinfully funny delivering new meaning to the phrase divine intervention and where God and his devoted angels answer some of the deepest questions that have plagued mankind since Creation. He's finally arrived to set the record straight…and He's not holding back! In God we trust." Performances take place in the Marvin and Harlene Wool Studio Theater at the Jewish Community Center, 2 Millstone Campus Drive in Creve Coeur. For more information: www.newjewishtheatre.org or call 314-442-3283.

All is Calm
Photo by Ann K. Aurbach

Mustard Seed Theatre presents the a cappella musical All is Calm Thursdays through Sundays through December 16. "Join us in celebrating the power of peace in this acapella musical based on the true story of soldiers during World War I who for one night, put down their arms and played soccer instead of exchanging bullets." 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.

Clinton County Showcase presents the musical Annie Fridays and Saturdays at 8 pm and Sundays at 2 pm through December 16. "With equal measures of pluck and positivity, little orphan Annie charms everyone's hearts despite a next-to-nothing start in 1930s New York City. She is determined to find the parents who abandoned her years ago on the doorstep of a New York City Orphanage that is run by the cruel, embittered Miss Hannigan. With the help of the other girls in the Orphanage, Annie escapes to the wondrous world of NYC. In adventure after fun-filled adventure, Annie foils Miss Hannigan's evil machinations… and even befriends President Franklin Delano Roosevelt! She finds a new home and family in billionaire, Oliver Warbucks, his personal secretary, Grace Farrell, and a lovable mutt named Sandy." Performances take place at the Avon Theater, 525 North 2nd Street Breese IL. For more information, visit ccshowcase.com.

Away in a Basement

The Playhouse at Westport Plaza presents the musical Away in a Basement: A Church Basement Ladies Christmas running through January 6. " 'Away in the Basement: A Church Basement Ladies Christmas' takes audiences back to 1959 on the day of the Sunday School Christmas Program. In the midst of holiday preparations and sprinklings of love in the air, the ladies in their witty, down-to-earth style are creating their own memories from Christmases past and present. Content to do things the way they have always been done, yet pondering new ideas, the reality of everyday life hits home as they plan the Sunday School Christmas Program. As the children rehearse in the sanctuary, several of the ladies are in the kitchen finishing up the treat bags filled with apples, peanuts and ribbon candy while the others put the final touches on the nativity pieces. As they mend old bathrobe costumes, discuss the politics of who's going to play the various roles, little do the ladies know what surprises are in store for them. Known for their hilarious antics and subtle charm, they are once again called upon to step in and save the day!" The Playhouse at Westport Plaza is at 635 West Port Plaza. For more information: www.playhouseatwestport.com.

The Bissell Mansion Murder Mystery Dinner Theatre presents A Christmas Sleigh-Ing through December 29. The Bissell Mansion is at 4426 Randall Place. For more information: bissellmansiontheatre.com.

The Repertory Theatre of St. Louis's Imaginary Theatre Company presents the children's musical The Christmas Skates, opening on December 15, with performances at 11 am and 3 pm, and running through December 22. "The true spirit of the holiday season shines brightly in this new musical adaptation of Mary Griggs Van Voorhis's short story, “The Boy with the Box.” It's nearly Christmas, and Tom Reynolds is excited to show off his brand new skates - that is, until someone shows up with a newer, better pair. Meanwhile, across town, Harvey McGinnis is thrilled with the meager gifts he's managed to gather for his little sisters. Inspired by Harvey's kindness and spirit, Tom hatches a plan to give his new friend a holiday surprise to remember." Performances take place in the Heagney Theatre at Nerinx Hall High School, 530 East Lockwood Avenue, Webster Groves. For more information: repstl.org.

A Christmas Story
Photo by Jerry Naunheim, Jr.

The Repertory Theatre of St. Louis presents A Christmas Story, based on the movie by Jean Shepherd, through December 23. "Ralphie Parker's quest to get a Red Ryder BB gun for Christmas returns to The Rep in all its heartwarming and hilarious glory. Filled with delightful holiday vignettes and endlessly quotable lines ("You'll shoot your eye out!"), this play is the perfect gift for the whole family to enjoy. See the classic movie brought to life on stage!" 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.

CSZ St. Louis presents The ComedySportz Show on Saturday nights at 7:30 pm. The show is "action-packed, interactive and hilarious comedy played as a sport. Two teams battle it out for points and your laughs! You choose the winners the teams provide the funny!" Performances take place on the second floor of the Sugar Cubed, 917 S Main St. in St Charles, Mo. For more information: www.cszstlouis.com.

Tesseract Theatre Company presents Facing, a new play by Caitlin McCommis, Fridays and Saturdays at 8 pm and Sundays at 2 pm, December 14 - 23. "Wilda has modeled her life after that of her grandmother: to be fearless and adventure down the same dirt roads. When she's diagnosed with a debilitating illness, the vision of her future gets ripped away as she's welcomed to a club that she never asked to be a part of. But when another club member goes through a crisis, Wilda is forced to look her worst nightmare in the eye. " Performances take place at The .ZACK, 3224 Locust in Midtown. For more information: tesseracttheatre.org.

The Lemp Mansion Comedy-Mystery Dinner Theater presents Harm for the Holidays through December 31. The Lemp Mansion is at 3322 DeMenil Place. For more information: lempmansion.com.

The Stifel Theatre presents How the Grinch Stole Christmas Thursday through Sunday, December 13 - 16. "THE GRINCH broke box office records for two consecutive years on Broadway during its holiday engagements at the St. James and Hilton theatres in New York. Since then, more than 1.5 million theatre-goers across America have been delighted by this heart-warming holiday musical, which The New York Times praised as '100 times better than any bedtime story' and the Gannett papers hailed as 'A genius of a show! A total delight for both kids and adults.'" The Stifel Theatre is at 14th and Market downtown. For more information: stifeltheatre.com.

COCA presents The Little Dancer Friday at 7 pm, Saturday at 1 and 5 pm, and Sunday at 1 pm, December 14-16. " The COCA holiday tradition returns for the 13th year! COCA's Ballet Eclectica presents Little Dancer, the tale of the famous sculpture, The Little Dancer of 14 Years, as it comes to life and discovers the world in magical ways." Performances take place in the Edison Theatre on the Washington University campus. For more information: edison.wustl.edu.

The Fabulous Fox Theatre presents the Broadway musical Les Misèrables through Sunday, December 16. "Winner of over 100 international awards and seen by over 65 million people worldwide, Les Misérables is an epic and uplifting story about the survival of the human spirit. " The Fabulous Fox Theatre in on N. Grand in Grand Center. For more information: fabulousfox.com.

The Most Fabulous Story Ever Told
Photo by John Lamb

Stray Dog Theatre presents The Most Fabulous Story Ever Told Thursdays through Saturdays at 8 pm through December 22. There will also be a show at 8 pm on Wednesday, December 19. "First men on earth Adam and Steve and their lesbian friends Jane and Mabel decide to start civilization, despite the provocative challenges of procreation. They are led by the stage manager (who may be God) through the Garden of Eden, the Great Flood, a visit with a highly rambunctious Pharaoh, and finally, the birth of the Messiah. This outlandish comedy is a perfect alternative holiday treat!" Performances take place at The Tower Grove Abbey, 2336 Tennessee. For more information, visit straydogtheatre.org or call 314-865-1995.

The Monocle presents the MoSTLyTap Holiday Revue on Friday, December 14, at 7:30 and 10 pm. "St. Louis Holiday Review, Presented By moSTLy TAP! Join moSTLy TAP, moSTLy JAZZ, and other St. Louis performers for a variety of holiday-themed song, dance, and theater!" The performances take place in the Emerald Room at The Monocle in the Grove Neighborhood. For more information: themonoclestl.com.

The Black Mirror Theatre presents Of Human Kindness - An Evening of Short Plays Thursdays through Saturdays at 7 pm and Sundays at 2 pm through December 16. "Disregarded lives. All true stories, true enough. A homeless man seeking meaning in life. Letters from Mom and Dad - advice on growing up Black in America. The unshakeable power of small acts of kindness in Ravensbruck, the Nazi concentration camp for women. Isabella 'Bomefree', Sojourner Truth, a Northern slave first sold at 9-years-old, destined to become one of America's strongest voices for equal treatment of all. People, the same as us, every breath, the same as our own. Lives shaped by simple acts of kindness, both given and received, each a link in a chain 'Of Human Kindness'." Performances take place at the Kranzberg Arts Center, 501 N. Grand in Grand Center. For more information: metrotix.com.

Perfect Arrangement
Photo by Michael Young

R-S Theatrics presents Perfect Arrangement Fridays and Saturdays at 8 pm and Sundays a 7 pm through December 23. "Government employees Bob and Norma are given the job of rooting out 'sexual deviants' in the U.S. State Department during the Cold War. The only problem? Both are in sham marriages to hide their own homosexuality. Told in the style of a classic TV sitcom and set during the Lavender Scare that actually took place in the 1950's, Topher Payne's play asks how far you would go to protect yourself if it meant sacrificing others." Performances take place at black box theatre at The Marcelle, 3310 Samuel Shepard Dr. in Grand Center. For more information: r-stheatrics.com.

Alton Little Theater presents the musical Smoke on the Mountain Homecoming Fridays and Saturdays at 7:30 pm and Sundays at 2 pm through December 16. "The Sanders Family are roles models of inspiration, humor and hope and the production energizes the audience to see a golden opportunity for growth with songs created from southern gospel, hymns, country and bluegrass favorites from the end/era of World War II." Performances take place at 2450 North Henry in Alton, IL. For more information, call 618.462.6562 or visit altonlittletheater.org.

St. Louis Actors' Studio presents Tribes Thursdays through Saturdays at 8 pm and Sundays at 3 pm through December 16. "Billy was born deaf into a hearing family. He was raised inside its fiercely idiosyncratic and politically incorrect cocoon. He has adapted brilliantly to his family's unconventional ways, but they've never bothered to return the favor. It's not until he meets Sylvia, a young woman on the brink of deafness, that he finally understands what it means to be understood." Performances take place at the Gaslight Theatre, 358 North Boyle. For more information call 314-458-2978 or visit stlas.org.

The Gateway Men's Chorus presents 'Twas the Night on Friday and Saturday, December 14 and 15, at 8 p.m. "GMC's holiday program this year promises a great mix of traditional classics, family favorites, and timeless music of reflection and joy at this special season. Your evening will include popular standards you know by heart, but we also have performances that will pique your interest such as the hilarious Hanukkah in Santa Monica, and of course, 'Twas the Night Before Christmas." The concert takes place at Union Avenue Christian Church, 733 Union at Enright in the Central West End. For more information: gmcstl.org.

Wonderland: Alice's Rock and Roll Adventure

Metro Theatre Company presents Wonderland: Alice's Rock and Roll Adventure through December 30th. "Part rock concert, part theater, all of your favorite characters as Metro Theater Company presents this new, wild and wondrous take on Lewis Carroll's beloved, poetic tale of self-actualization. A cast of actors/musicians plays an eclectic mix of everything from soul and rock to punk to ska as Alice chases through Wonderland in search of her own inner musical voice. A fun, hip, and refreshing fusion of music, theatre and poetry, Wonderland: Alice's Rock and Roll Adventure is the search for one's authentic self, asking how can you march to the beat of your own drummer when you're still writing the song? It places Alice in a strange, new world, where she conquers her fears and uses her musical skills to defeat the Jabberwock." The performance takes place at the Grandel Theatre, 3610 Grandel Square in Grand Center. For more information: metroplays.org.

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.

Chuck's Choices for the weekend of December 6, 2018

New this week: cabaret, holiday theatre, a rock version of Alice in Wonderland, and a more serious entry from STLAS.

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New This Week:

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A Christmas Carol

The Fox Theatre presents The Nebraska Theatre Caravan's musical adaptation of A Christmas Carol Thursday and Friday at 7:30 PM, Saturday at 2 and 7:30 PM, and Sunday at 1 and 6 PM, December 6 - 9. "A Christmas Carol features a spirited ensemble of 23 performers who bring Dickens' fable of redemption to life on a magical set created by noted designer James Othuse. A full array of timeless carols such as “God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen,” “Away In a Manger” and “Here We Come A-Wassailing” are interwoven within the classic story of a tight-fisted, middle-class merchant Ebenezer Scrooge and all the beloved characters from Dickens' 1843 novel." The Fox is at 527 North Grand in Grand Center. For more information: fabulousfox.com.

My take: "I have always thought of Christmas time," wrote Charles Dickens in A Christmas Carol, "as a good time; a kind, forgiving, charitable, pleasant time; the only time I know of, in the long calendar of the year, when men and women seem by one consent to open their shut-up hearts freely, and to think of people below them as if they really were fellow-passengers to the grave, and not another race of creatures bound on other journeys." These days such a notion is considered politically radical, which makes partaking of the Dickens classic that much more important. Go thou and enjoy.

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A Christmas Story
Photo by Jerry Naunheim, Jr.

The Repertory Theatre of St. Louis presents A Christmas Story, based on the movie by Jean Shepherd, through December 23. "Ralphie Parker's quest to get a Red Ryder BB gun for Christmas returns to The Rep in all its heartwarming and hilarious glory. Filled with delightful holiday vignettes and endlessly quotable lines ("You'll shoot your eye out!"), this play is the perfect gift for the whole family to enjoy. See the classic movie brought to life on stage!" 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 film on which this show is based has always been a favorite of mine, as is the autobiographical Jean Shepherd novel In God We Trust, All Others Pay Cash, that was the basis for the movie. The Rep last produced this fine stage adaptation back in 2009, so this revival is welcome.

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Craig Pomranz

The Kranzberg Arts Center presents Craig Pomranz in Love: It Takes Time Friday and Saturday at 8 pm, December 7 and 8. "Winner of the MAC Award for best male vocalist, St. Louis native Craig Pomranz has been called 'The BEST male singer...his four-octave voice is alternately affecting, powerful, and nuanced; one of the finest instruments in the city' by the New York Post." The Kranzberg Arts Center is at 501 N. Grand in Grand Center. For more information: metrotix.com.

My take: St. Louis's own Craig Pomranz has made a nice career for himself on the international theater and cabaret stage, but that doesn't mean he neglects the home town crowd, as his repeated visits to local stages attest. When he played the Kranzberg Center back in 2011 I wrote that he had "impressive vocal technique with an enviable head voice, easy falsetto, and solid breath control " along with the theatrical skill necessary to convincingly act a song.

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Christine Ebersole and Billy Stritch

Jazz St. Louis and The Cabaret Project present Christine Ebersole and Billy Stritch in Snowfall on Thursday at 7:30 pm, December 6. "Two time Tony winner Christine Ebersole's chemistry with Grammy winning songwriter, singer, pianist Billy Stritch began when they performed in Broadway's 42nd Street. She's added many more stage and screen successes (War Paint, Grey Gardens, Wolf of Wall Street) and he's headlined famed Manhattan nightspots and performed with Tony Bennett, Liza Minnelli and Marilyn Maye. Snowfall premiered in 2017 at Birdland and features Ebersole and Stritch's signature tight harmonies, lush vocals and swinging takes on beloved seasonal classics." Performances take place at the Ferring Jazz Bistro on Washington just east of the Fox in Grand Center. For more information: thecabaretproject.org.

My take: Ms. Ebersole's musical intelligence and theatrical insight are impressive and Mr. Stritch is an entertainment powerhouse all by himself. Together, they should be brilliant. Full disclosure: I am on the board of The Cabaret Project, but my high opinion of theses performers predates my involvement with the organization by many years.

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Tribes
Photo by Johh Lamb

St. Louis Actors' Studio presents Tribes Thursdays through Saturdays at 8 pm and Sundays at 3 pm through December 16. "Billy was born deaf into a hearing family. He was raised inside its fiercely idiosyncratic and politically incorrect cocoon. He has adapted brilliantly to his family's unconventional ways, but they've never bothered to return the favor. It's not until he meets Sylvia, a young woman on the brink of deafness, that he finally understands what it means to be understood." Performances take place at the Gaslight Theatre, 358 North Boyle. For more information call 314-458-2978 or visit stlas.org.

My take: At Ladue News, Mark Bretz writes that this is "a sizzling presentation of Nina Raine’s searing drama about a bruising family where impulses are acted out and thoughts of any kind are expressed with nary a concern for hurt feelings. Tribes is an extraordinary play brilliantly interpreted by director Annamaria Pileggi and her first-rate cast." At lot of theatre at this time of year is all about the holidays. Kudos to STLAS for choosing to present something more weighty.

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Wonderland

Metro Theatre Company presents Wonderland: Alice's Rock and Roll Adventure through December 30th. "Part rock concert, part theater, all of your favorite characters as Metro Theater Company presents this new, wild and wondrous take on Lewis Carroll's beloved, poetic tale of self-actualization. A cast of actors/musicians plays an eclectic mix of everything from soul and rock to punk to ska as Alice chases through Wonderland in search of her own inner musical voice. A fun, hip, and refreshing fusion of music, theatre and poetry, Wonderland: Alice's Rock and Roll Adventure is the search for one's authentic self, asking how can you march to the beat of your own drummer when you're still writing the song? It places Alice in a strange, new world, where she conquers her fears and uses her musical skills to defeat the Jabberwock." The performance takes place at the Grandel Theatre, 3610 Grandel Square in Grand Center. For more information: metroplays.org.

My take: Lewis Carroll's characters have been through so many revisions and re-interpretations over the years that this new rock musical version hardly seems unusual at all. At Ladue News, Mark Bretz calls it a "festive, musical adaptation of Lewis Carroll’s beloved stories, updated with a modern message and ‘happening’ music which makes for a frolic-filled production." The cast includes KDHX theatre critic Shannon Cothran as well as the exceptionally talented Omega Jones. And as an added bonus, it has nothing to do with Christmas.

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Held Over:

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All is Calm
Photo by Ann K. Aurbach

Mustard Seed Theatre presents the acappella musical All is Calm Thursdays through Sundays through December 16. "Join us in celebrating the power of peace in this acapella musical based on the true story of soldiers during World War I who for one night, put down their arms and played soccer instead of exchanging bullets." 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: All is Calm has become an annual winter tradition at Mustard Seed. With a script by Peter Rothstein and musical arrangements by Erick Lichte and Timothy C. Takach, this story of the remarkable Christmas truce of 1914—a spontaneous outbreak of peace that occurred at multiple points along the trenches in France—combines splendid and often quite complex acappella singing with readings of letters from soldiers and other historical documents. At a time when opportunistic politicians are pushing an agenda of hate, fear, and eternal war, this is a play that everyone needs to see. As we used to ask back in the 1960s, "what if they gave a war and nobody came?

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Shotspeare

The Playhouse at Westport Plaza presents Shotspeare Thursdays through Saturdays through December 8. "Shotspeare is equal parts bacchanal and classical theater. Harkening back to the actual time of Shakespeare where audience members (groundlings) were boisterous and partook in the show. Think Drunk History meets The Complete Works of William Shakespeare, hosted by the Gazillionaires English major nephew." The Playhouse at Westport Plaza is at 635 West Port Plaza. For more information: playhouseatwestport.com.

My take: More interested in comedy? If audience participation is your thing, consider the return engagement of this Shakespeare-themed evening of semi-improv comedy. "Shotspeare," writes Ann Lemmons Pollack, "is way not just for Shakespeare buffs. In fact, I’m sure that some Deeply Serious Shakespeare-ophiles will be Deeply Offended by it. But rowdy, indeed bawdy humor was common in Elizabethan times. Shotspeare fits right into that." And as they say in Hamilton, don't throw away your shot.

St. Louis theatre calendar for the week of December 3, 2018

The December theatre rush continues with new shows from Stray Dog, the Fox, and R-S Theatrics along with cabaret at the Jazz Bistro and the Kranzberg Center.

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An Act of God
Photo by Eric Woolsey

New Jewish Theater presents the comedy An Act of God Wednesdays and Thursdays at 7:30 pm, Saturdays at 2 and 8 pm, and Sundays at 2 pm, through December 16. "A divine comedy! Delivering a new and improved set of Commandments, God's introduction of the revised laws is refreshingly positive, insisting on the separation of church and state and encouraging us to believe in ourselves, not some elderly white guy in the sky. The play is sinfully funny delivering new meaning to the phrase divine intervention and where God and his devoted angels answer some of the deepest questions that have plagued mankind since Creation. He's finally arrived to set the record straight…and He's not holding back! In God we trust." Performances take place in the Marvin and Harlene Wool Studio Theater at the Jewish Community Center, 2 Millstone Campus Drive in Creve Coeur. For more information: www.newjewishtheatre.org or call 314-442-3283.

All is Calm
Photo by Ann K. Aurbach

Mustard Seed Theatre presents the a cappella musical All is Calm Thursdays through Sundays through December 16. "Join us in celebrating the power of peace in this acapella musical based on the true story of soldiers during World War I who for one night, put down their arms and played soccer instead of exchanging bullets." 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.

Clinton County Showcase presents the musical Annie Fridays and Saturdays at 8 pm and Sundays at 2 pm, December 7 - 16. "With equal measures of pluck and positivity, little orphan Annie charms everyone's hearts despite a next-to-nothing start in 1930s New York City. She is determined to find the parents who abandoned her years ago on the doorstep of a New York City Orphanage that is run by the cruel, embittered Miss Hannigan. With the help of the other girls in the Orphanage, Annie escapes to the wondrous world of NYC. In adventure after fun-filled adventure, Annie foils Miss Hannigan's evil machinations… and even befriends President Franklin Delano Roosevelt! She finds a new home and family in billionaire, Oliver Warbucks, his personal secretary, Grace Farrell, and a lovable mutt named Sandy." Performances take place at the Avon Theater, 525 North 2nd Street Breese IL. For more information, visit ccshowcase.com.

Away in a Basement

The Playhouse at Westport Plaza presents the musical Away in a Basement: A Church Basement Ladies Christmas running through January 6. " 'Away in the Basement: A Church Basement Ladies Christmas' takes audiences back to 1959 on the day of the Sunday School Christmas Program. In the midst of holiday preparations and sprinklings of love in the air, the ladies in their witty, down-to-earth style are creating their own memories from Christmases past and present. Content to do things the way they have always been done, yet pondering new ideas, the reality of everyday life hits home as they plan the Sunday School Christmas Program. As the children rehearse in the sanctuary, several of the ladies are in the kitchen finishing up the treat bags filled with apples, peanuts and ribbon candy while the others put the final touches on the nativity pieces. As they mend old bathrobe costumes, discuss the politics of who's going to play the various roles, little do the ladies know what surprises are in store for them. Known for their hilarious antics and subtle charm, they are once again called upon to step in and save the day!" The Playhouse at Westport Plaza is at 635 West Port Plaza. For more information: www.playhouseatwestport.com.

The Stifel Theatre presents A Charlie Brown Christmas on Thursday, December 6, at 7 pm. "A Charlie Brown Christmas Live On Stage is a fresh take on the timeless classic that gives the audience a completely new way of experiencing the storyline as portrayed by real actors who maintain the integrity and spirit of each Peanuts character." The Stifel Theatre is at 14th and Market downtown. For more information: stifeltheatre.com.

A Christmas Carol

The Fox Theatre presents The Nebraska Theatre Caravan's musical adaptation of A Christmas Carol Thursday and Friday at 7:30 PM, Saturday at 2 and 7:30 PM, and Sunday at 1 and 6 PM, December 6 - 9. "A Christmas Carol features a spirited ensemble of 23 performers who bring Dickens' fable of redemption to life on a magical set created by noted designer James Othuse. A full array of timeless carols such as “God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen,” “Away In a Manger” and “Here We Come A-Wassailing” are interwoven within the classic story of a tight-fisted, middle-class merchant Ebenezer Scrooge and all the beloved characters from Dickens' 1843 novel." The Fox is at 527 North Grand in Grand Center. For more information: fabulousfox.com.

The Looking Glass Playhouse presents A Christmas Carol Thursday through Saturday at 7:30 pm and Sunday at 2 pm, December 6 - 9. Performances take place at 301 West St. Louis Street in Lebanon, Ill. For more information, visit www.lookingglassplayhouse.com.

The Bissell Mansion Murder Mystery Dinner Theatre presents A Christmas Sleigh-Ing through December 29. The Bissell Mansion is at 4426 Randall Place. For more information: bissellmansiontheatre.com.

A Christmas Story
Photo by Jerry Naunheim, Jr.

The Repertory Theatre of St. Louis presents A Christmas Story, based on the movie by Jean Shepherd, through December 23. "Ralphie Parker's quest to get a Red Ryder BB gun for Christmas returns to The Rep in all its heartwarming and hilarious glory. Filled with delightful holiday vignettes and endlessly quotable lines ("You'll shoot your eye out!"), this play is the perfect gift for the whole family to enjoy. See the classic movie brought to life on stage!" 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.

CSZ St. Louis presents The ComedySportz Show on Saturday nights at 7:30 pm. The show is "action-packed, interactive and hilarious comedy played as a sport. Two teams battle it out for points and your laughs! You choose the winners the teams provide the funny!" Performances take place on the second floor of the Sugar Cubed, 917 S Main St. in St Charles, Mo. For more information: www.cszstlouis.com.

Equally Represented Arts presents Doomsday Faust Wednesday through Saturday, December 5 - 8. " A postmodern collage that reimagines Marlowe's tragic hero as an ambitious businessman who strikes a deal with the devil to become the most magical and powerful leader on the world stage. However, Faustus' doomsday, as well as our own, is just on the horizon." Performances take place at Centene Center for the Arts 3547 Olive Street. For more information: .artful.ly

The St. Louis Writers' Group presents an Evening of One-Act Plays on Monday, December 3 at 6:30 pm. "You can submit your 10 to 15 minute play for inclusion to ryoung at papadocs.com, or simply join us as an audience member. Admission is free." The event takes place upstairs at Big Daddy's, 1000 Sidney in Soulard. For more information: www.stlwritersgroup.com.

The Lemp Mansion Comedy-Mystery Dinner Theater presents Harm for the Holidays through December 31. The Lemp Mansion is at 3322 DeMenil Place. For more information: lempmansion.com.

MSM Holiday Stop-Motion Extravaganza
Photo by Ron James

St. Louis Shakespeare's Magic Smoking Monkey Theatre presents The Holiday Stop-Motion Extravaganza Parody through December 8. "The Magic Smoking Monkeys are at it again! Join Rudolph, Santa, Hermey, Bumble, the Miser Bros and other wonderful misfits as they parody your favorite 1970s childhood holiday shows by Rankin/Bass. If youve ever had aspirations of becoming a dentist, this parody is for you! This parody includes: Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer, Santa Claus is Coming to Town AND The Year Without Santa Claus. Polish up the sled and grab the kids!" Performances take place at the Regional Arts Commission in University City. For more information: www.brownpapertickets.com

The Kranzberg Arts Center presents Craig Pomranz in Love: It Takes Time Friday and Saturday at 8 pm, December 7 and 8. "Winner of the MAC Award for best male vocalist, St. Louis native Craig Pomranz has been called 'The BEST male singer...his four-octave voice is alternately affecting, powerful, and nuanced; one of the finest instruments in the city' by the New York Post." The Kranzberg Arts Center is at 501 N. Grand in Grand Center. For more information: metrotix.com.

The Most Fabulous Story Ever Told

Stray Dog Theatre presents The Most Fabulous Story Ever Told Thursdays through Saturdays, December 6 - 22. There will also be a show at 8 pm on Wednesday, December 19. "First men on earth Adam and Steve and their lesbian friends Jane and Mabel decide to start civilization, despite the provocative challenges of procreation. They are led by the stage manager (who may be God) through the Garden of Eden, the Great Flood, a visit with a highly rambunctious Pharaoh, and finally, the birth of the Messiah. This outlandish comedy is a perfect alternative holiday treat!" Performances take place at The Tower Grove Abbey, 2336 Tennessee. For more information, visit straydogtheatre.org or call 314-865-1995.

The Black Mirror Theatre presents Of Human Kindness - An Evening of Short Plays Thursdays through Saturdays at 7 pm and Sundays at 2 pm, December 6 - 16. "Disregarded lives. All true stories, true enough. A homeless man seeking meaning in life. Letters from Mom and Dad - advice on growing up Black in America. The unshakeable power of small acts of kindness in Ravensbruck, the Nazi concentration camp for women. Isabella 'Bomefree', Sojourner Truth, a Northern slave first sold at 9-years-old, destined to become one of America's strongest voices for equal treatment of all. People, the same as us, every breath, the same as our own. Lives shaped by simple acts of kindness, both given and received, each a link in a chain 'Of Human Kindness'." Performances take place at the Kranzberg Arts Center, 501 N. Grand in Grand Center. For more information: metrotix.com.

Shotspeare

The Playhouse at Westport Plaza presents Shotspeare Thursdays through Saturdays through December 8. "Shotspeare is equal parts bacchanal and classical theater. Harkening back to the actual time of Shakespeare where audience members (groundlings) were boisterous and partook in the show. Think Drunk History meets The Complete Works of William Shakespeare, hosted by the Gazillionaires English major nephew." The Playhouse at Westport Plaza is at 635 West Port Plaza. For more information: playhouseatwestport.com.

Alton Little Theater presents the musical Smoke on the Mountain Homecoming Fridays and Saturdays at 7:30 pm and Sundays at 2 pm, December 7 - 16. "The Sanders Family are roles models of inspiration, humor and hope and the production energizes the audience to see a golden opportunity for growth with songs created from southern gospel, hymns, country and bluegrass favorites from the end/era of World War II." Performances take place at 2450 North Henry in Alton, IL. For more information, call 618.462.6562 or visit altonlittletheater.org.

Jazz St. Louis and The Cabaret Project present Christine Ebersole and Billy Stritch in Snowfall on Wednesday and Thursday at 7:30 pm, December 5 and 6. "Two time Tony winner Christine Ebersole's chemistry with Grammy winning songwriter, singer, pianist Billy Stritch began when they performed in Broadway's 42nd Street. She's added many more stage and screen successes (War Paint, Grey Gardens, Wolf of Wall Street) and he's headlined famed Manhattan nightspots and performed with Tony Bennett, Liza Minnelli and Marilyn Maye. Snowfall premiered in 2017 at Birdland and features Ebersole and Stritch's signature tight harmonies, lush vocals and swinging takes on beloved seasonal classics." Performances take place at the Ferring Jazz Bistro on Washington just east of the Fox in Grand Center. For more information: thecabaretproject.org.

Webster University's Conservatory of Theatre Arts presents Chekov's The Three Sisters, as adapted by Sarah Ruhl, Wednesdays through Saturdays at 7:30 pm and Sundays at 2 pm through December 9. "Trapped in a provincial Russian town after the death of their father, three sisters lament the passing of better times and long for the excitement of Moscow. One of them has married a local teacher; another has become a teacher herself; the third has settled for a dull job in the local telegraph office. Their principal interest is focused on the officers of the local regiment, of which their father had been commandant, men who bring a sense of sophistication and the world outside to their suppressed existence. In the end the fateful pattern of their lives is made clear-their dreams will be denied but, despite all, there must always be hope, however futile, and the ways of the world are to be accepted, if not understood." Performances take place in the Emerson Studio Theatre at the Loretto-Hilton Center on the Webster University campus. For more information, www.webster.edu or call 314-968-7128.

St. Louis Actors' Studio presents Tribes Thursdays through Saturdays at 8 pm and Sundays at 3 pm through December 16. "Billy was born deaf into a hearing family. He was raised inside its fiercely idiosyncratic and politically incorrect cocoon. He has adapted brilliantly to his family's unconventional ways, but they've never bothered to return the favor. It's not until he meets Sylvia, a young woman on the brink of deafness, that he finally understands what it means to be understood." Performances take place at the Gaslight Theatre, 358 North Boyle. For more information call 314-458-2978 or visit stlas.org.

Wonderland: Alice's Rock and Roll Adventure

Metro Theatre Company presents Wonderland: Alice's Rock and Roll Adventure through December 30th. "Part rock concert, part theater, all of your favorite characters as Metro Theater Company presents this new, wild and wondrous take on Lewis Carroll's beloved, poetic tale of self-actualization. A cast of actors/musicians plays an eclectic mix of everything from soul and rock to punk to ska as Alice chases through Wonderland in search of her own inner musical voice. A fun, hip, and refreshing fusion of music, theatre and poetry, Wonderland: Alice's Rock and Roll Adventure is the search for one's authentic self, asking how can you march to the beat of your own drummer when you're still writing the song? It places Alice in a strange, new world, where she conquers her fears and uses her musical skills to defeat the Jabberwock." The performance takes place at the Grandel Theatre, 3610 Grandel Square in Grand Center. For more information: metroplays.org.

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.