St. Louis theatre calendar for the week of February 10, 2025

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 Black Rep presents Coconut Cake by Mealdy Beaty February 5 through March 2. “Eddie Lee seeks companionship with his friends at the local McDonald's, swapping stories for advice over coffee and games of chess. But what happens when a mysterious woman comes to town, offering visitors a tantalizing coconut cake along with another big secret? Life takes a interesting turn for all of them.” Performances take place at the Edison Theatre on the Washington University campus. For more information: www.theblackrep.org.

Image courtesy of The Blue Strawberry

The Blue Strawberry presents Galentine’s Day with Maria Bartolotta: A Show For The Girlies, on Thursday, February 13, at 7:30 pm . “Join Maria Bartolotta as she celebrates the one area of her life she has no trouble with: The Girlies! “Girly” is not a gender binary - it’s a state of mind. This is a celebration of friendship, love and laughter for all! Whether you’re coming with your bestie, flying solo with style, or bringing your special someone - Maria will have you covered with music and laughs. If you’ve never considered yourself a “Girly” - we guarantee you will by the end of the show.” The performance takes place in at The Blue Strawberry, 364 N. Boyle. For more information: bluestrawberrystl.com.

Circus Harmony presents Unbound! Saturdays and Sundays at 2 pm, through February 23. “An unfettered look at fairy tales featuring Circus Harmony youth circus troupe.” Performances take place at City Museum downtown. For more information: circusharmony.org.

Schucked
Photo: Matthew Murphy and Evan Zimmerman

The Fabulous Fox presents the musical Schucked opening on Tuesday, February 11 and running through February 23. “SHUCKED is the Tony Award®–winning musical comedy The Wall Street Journal calls “flat out hilarious!” And nobody knows funny like economists. Featuring a book by Tony Award winner Robert Horn (Tootsie), a score by the Grammy® Award–winning songwriting team of Brandy Clark and Shane McAnally (Kacey Musgraves’ “Follow Your Arrow”), and directed by Tony Award winner Jack O’Brien (Hairspray), this corn-fed, corn-bred American musical is sure to satisfy your appetite for great musical theater.” The Fabulous Fox is on North Grand in Grand Center. For more information: fabulousfox.com.

First Run Theatre Playwright’s Workshop presents a reading of the new play Out of Life by Guy Selbert. “We see a “Challenged” person, a homeless individual on the corner talking to themself and shake our head in dismay. Does it ever occur to you that they just might not be? Talking to themselves that is.” The reading takes place at Square One Brewery and Distillery in Lafayette Square. For more information: firstruntheatre.org.

Clyde's
Photo: Jon Gitchoff

The Repertory Theatre of St. Louis presents Clyde’s by Lynn Nottage February 6 – March 7. “From two-time Pulitzer Prize winner Lynn Nottage comes the Tony-nominated-play, Clyde’s. In a small run-down sandwich joint, ex-cons endure Clyde’s fiery critiques and a scorching kitchen. Yet, when a mystic chef throws down the gauntlet—craft the ultimate sandwich—the team ignites with newfound zeal. Fueled by this savory challenge, they transform their past into a recipe for triumphant fresh starts. Join this spirited culinary quest where second chances are as vibrant as the flavors sizzling in the pan!” Performances take on the main stage of the Loretto-Hilton Center on the Webster University campus. For more information: www.repstl.org.

The Curious Savage
Photo: John Lamb

Stray Dog Theatre presents The Curious Savage by John Patrick Thursdays through Saturdays at 8, February 6 through 22, with additional performances at 2 pm on Sunday February 9 and 16. “Ethel Savage’s husband left her $10-million, which she intends to give to anyone who wishes to pursue their “foolish dreams.” Her stepchildren strongly object, and to prevent her from ruining their legacy, they have her committed to a sanitarium. Much to her surprise, Mrs. Savage finds a new family filled with kindness, loyalty, and unconditional love as she befriends the gentle residents of her newfound home. A warm, hilarious comedy about who are the so-called “normal people” who live among us.” Performances take place at Tower Grove Abbey, 2336 Tennessee in Tower Grove East. For more information: www.straydogtheatre.org.

St. Louis Actors' Studio (STLAS) presents Long Day’s Journey Into Night by Eugene O’Neill Thursday, Friday and Saturday evenings at 8 pm and Sundays at 3 pm, February 7-23. “Directed by our friend and Tony® award nominated Actor/Director Austin Pendleton, Long Day’s Journey Into Night is widely regarded as O’Neill’s magnum opus and one of the great American plays of the 20th century. It premiered in Sweden in February 1956 and then opened on Broadway in November 1956, winning the Tony Award for Best Play. O’Neill received the 1957 Pulitzer Prize for Drama posthumously for Long Day’s Journey Into Night. The work is openly autobiographical in nature. The “long day” in the title refers to the setting of the play, which takes place during one single day.” Performance take place at the Gaslight Theatre on North Boyle. For more information: stlas.org.

West End Players Guild presents Constellations by Nick Payne, February 7 through 16. “Marianne and Roland meet at a party and go for a drink, or perhaps they don’t…Their choices send them off…and back together…” Performances take place at the Union Avenue Christian Church, 733 Union in the Central West End. For more information: westendplayers.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 chukl at pobox dot com. Your event information should be in text format (i.e. not part of a graphic), but feel free to include publicity stills.

St. Louis theatre calendar for the week of January 20, 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

Chicken and Biscuits
Photo: Keshon Campbell

The Black Rep presents the comedy Chicken and Biscuits through January 26.  “Nothing is sacred in this laugh-out-loud comedy as rival sisters Beverly and Baneatta bring the drama to their father’s funeral….God rest his soul. But the side eyes aren’t just for each other. Beverly tries to keep a lid on her daughter’s curiosity while Baneatta has some attitude for her son and his Jewish boyfriend. In the middle of it all-a shocking family secret is revealed. Get ready to gasp and clutch your pearls” Performances take place at the Edison Theatre on the Washington University campus. For more information: www.theblackrep.org.

The Blue Strawberry presents singer/actress Laka in Whitney, a tribute to Whitney Houston, on Saturday, January 25, at 7:30 pm . “Laka traces Whitney Houston’s journey from the earliest Billboard #1 albums to her last chart toppers, with excursions to the deeper cuts and the popular soundtracks Bodyguard and Waiting to Exhale. Laka tells the artist’s story the way it happened - from peak to peak to peak, and the tragic descent.” The performance takes place in at The Blue Strawberry, 364 N. Boyle. For more information: bluestrawberrystl.com.

Six: The Musical
Photo: Joan Marcus

The Fabulous Fox presents Six: The Musical opening on Tuesday, January 21 and running through February 2. “From Tudor Queens to Pop Icons, the SIX wives of Henry VIII take the microphone to remix five hundred years of historical heartbreak into a Euphoric Celebration of 21st century girl power! This new original musical is the global sensation that everyone is losing their head over!” The Fabulous Fox is on North Grand in Grand Center. For more information: fabulousfox.com. [See my interview on Chuck's Culure Channel]

Kirkwood Theatre Guild presents the Yazmina Reza’s God of Carnage Fridays and Saturdays at 7:30 pm and Sundays at 2 pm through through 25. “Present day. A playground altercation between eleven-year-old boys brings together two sets of Brooklyn parents for a meeting to resolve the matter. At first, diplomatic niceties are observed, but as the meeting progresses, and the rum flows, tensions emerge and the gloves come off, leaving the couples with more than just their liberal principles in tatters.” Performances take place at the Reim Theatre in the Kirkwood Community Center on South Geyer Road. For more information, ktg-onstage.org.

The Repertory Theatre of St. Louis presents the Athena by Grace Gardner through February 9 “Mary Wallace and Athena are brave, and seventeen, and fencers, and training for the Junior Olympics. They practice together, they compete against each other, they spend their lives together. They wish they were friends.” Performances take place in the Emerson Studio Theatre of the Loretto-Hilton Center on the Webster University campus. For more information: www.repstl.org.

Upstream Theater presents the US premiere of Pictures from a Revolution (Quadri di una rivoluzione) translated by Haun Saussy, January 24 through February 7. “Three last resistance fighters of an unidentified revolution are living inside the walls of a stadium, while enemies lurk outside, watching and waiting. One of the men goes looking for food and winds up bringing a woman into their closed circle. Are they right to trust her? The ensuing scenes echo a series of famous paintings by Rembrandt, Matisse, Degas, and others, and highlight themes touched on in the dialogues of this deep and darkly comic piece.” Performances take place at The Marcelle in Grand Center. For more information: www.upstreamtheater.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.

St. Louis theatre calendar for the week of January 13, 2025

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

Chicken and Biscuits

The Black Rep presents the comedy Chicken and Biscuits through January 26.  “Nothing is sacred in this laugh-out-loud comedy as rival sisters Beverly and Baneatta bring the drama to their father’s funeral….God rest his soul. But the side eyes aren’t just for each other. Beverly tries to keep a lid on her daughter’s curiosity while Baneatta has some attitude for her son and his Jewish boyfriend. In the middle of it all-a shocking family secret is revealed. Get ready to gasp and clutch your pearls” Performances take place at the Edison Theatre on the Washington University campus. For more information: www.theblackrep.org.

Kirkwood Theatre Guild presents the Yazmina Reza’s God of Carnage Fridays and Saturdays at 7:30 pm and Sundays at 2 pm, January 17s through 25. “Present day. A playground altercation between eleven-year-old boys brings together two sets of Brooklyn parents for a meeting to resolve the matter. At first, diplomatic niceties are observed, but as the meeting progresses, and the rum flows, tensions emerge and the gloves come off, leaving the couples with more than just their liberal principles in tatters.” Performances take place at the Reim Theatre in the Kirkwood Community Center on South Geyer Road. For more information, ktg-onstage.org.

The Repertory Theatre of St. Louis presents the Athena by Grace Gardner January 15 through February 9 “Mary Wallace and Athena are brave, and seventeen, and fencers, and training for the Junior Olympics. They practice together, they compete against each other, they spend their lives together. They wish they were friends.” Performances take place in the Emerson Studio Theatre of the Loretto-Hilton Center on the Webster University campus. For more information: www.repstl.org.

Winter Opera presents Donizetti’s Anna Bolena Friday at 7:30 pm and Saturday at 2 pm, January 17 and 19. “Dive into a world of passion, betrayal, and Tudor intrigue with Gaetano Donizetti's operatic masterpiece, Anna Bolena! Queen Anne Boleyn, once the king's favored mistress, now finds herself out of favor. King Henry VIII, consumed by a new desire for Jane Seymour, hatches a plot to bring down his wife. Witness the emotional turmoil of a queen facing accusations, the torment of a love lost, and the fight for survival in the cutthroat world of the English court” Performances are in Italian with English supertitles and take place at the Kirkwood Performing Arts Center, 201 E. Monroe in Kirkwood, MO. For more information: winteroperastl.org

The Theatre Guild of Webster Groves presents the comedy Over the River and Through the Woods Friday and Saturday at 7:30 pm and Sunday at 2 pm, January 17 through 19. Performances take place at the Guild theatre at 517 Theatre Lane, at the corner of Newport and Summit in Webster Groves. For more information: www.webstergrovestheatreguild.com.

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.

St. Louis theatre calendar for the week of January 6, 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 Black Rep presents the comedy Chicken and Biscuits January 8 through 26.  “Nothing is sacred in this laugh-out-loud comedy as rival sisters Beverly and Baneatta bring the drama to their father’s funeral….God rest his soul. But the side eyes aren’t just for each other. Beverly tries to keep a lid on her daughter’s curiosity while Baneatta has some attitude for her son and his Jewish boyfriend. In the middle of it all-a shocking family secret is revealed. Get ready to gasp and clutch your pearls” Performances take place at the Edison Theatre on the Washington University campus. For more information: www.theblackrep.org.

Just One Look
Photo courtesy of The Blue Strawberry

The Midnight Company presents Just One Look by Joe Hanrahan, starring Kelly Howe as Linda Ronstadt, on Sunday January 12  at 3:00 pm. “Linda Ronstadt ruled the pop charts and filled stadiums in the 70’s and 80’s. The reigning rock goddess of her era, she later took on light opera - Gilbert and Sullivan on Broadway - and The Great American Songbook with Nelson Riddle. Her involvement in social issues accelerated during her relationship with California Governor Jerry Brown, then running for President. But for Linda, it was always a search for the next great song. Kelly Howe will portray Linda Ronstadt and sing her sensational songs.” Performances take place at The Blue Strawberry, 364 N. Boyle. For more information: bluestrawberrystl.com.

New Line Theatre presents A New Line Cabaret VI: Broadway Noir Friday and Saturday at 8 pm, January 10 and 11. “New Line returns to the acoustically magnificent Sheldon Concert Hall with an all-black cast singing great theatre songs black performers don't usually get to sing. You'll enjoy some of the greatest songs from classic Broadway musicals like Les Misérables, My Fair Lady, Man of La Mancha, Carousel, The Sound of Music, She Loves Me, Company, Guys and Dolls, Grease, Follies, and Pippin; plus terrific songs from more recent shows like Waitress, Dear Evan Hansen, and Charlie and the Chocolate Factory – and all performed by wildly talented, local performers of color, who may never get a chance to sing these songs inside these musicals.” Performances take place at the Sheldon Concert Hall in Grand Center. For more information: www.newlinetheatre.com.

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.

St. Louis theatre calendar for the week of November 4th, 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

Act Two Theatre presents the musical Once Upon a Mattress Thursdays through Saturdays at 7:30 pm and Sundays at 2 pm through November 10. “Once Upon A Mattress is a hilarious and heartwarming musical based on the classic fairy tale The Princess and the Pea. This famous Broadway show, which launched Carol Burnett to stardom, promises an evening of laughter, romance, and unforgettable characters. Step into a whimsical kingdom where a talkative queen, a mute king, and a spirited princess create delightful chaos. Follow the adventures of Princess Winnifred, who swims moats and steals hearts, as she vies for the love of Prince Dauntless. Will she pass the Queen’s impossible test and break the curse that silences the King?” Performances take place at the St. Peters Cultural Center in St. Peters, MO. For more information: www.acttwotheatre.com.

Critique Theatre Company presents Slasher by Alison Moore Thursday through Saturday at 8 pm and Sunday at 2 pm, November 7 through 10. “This hilarious hit of 2009's Humana Festival of New American Plays at the Actors Theater of Louisville combines the camp of a horror flick with the tension of a family drama. When she's cast as the "last girl" in a low-budget slasher flick, Sheena thinks it's the ticket to financial freedom she's been waiting for. But news of the movie unleashes her housebound mother's thwarted feminist rage, and Mom is prepared to do anything to stop filming...no matter who gets hurt.” Performances take place at the Greenfinch Theater and Dive, 2525 S. Jefferson in Benton Park. For more information: www.greenfinchstl.com.

A Beautiful Noise
Photo: Jeremy Daniel

The Fabulous Fox presents A Beautiful Noise, The Neil Diamond Musical through November 10. “Created in collaboration with Neil Diamond himself, A BEAUTIFUL NOISE is the uplifting true story of how a kid from Brooklyn became a chart-busting, show-stopping American rock icon. With 120 million albums sold, a catalogue of classics like "America," "Forever in Blue Jeans," and "Sweet Caroline," an induction into the Songwriters and Rock and Roll Halls of Fame, a Grammy® Lifetime Achievement Award, and sold-out concerts around the world that made him bigger than Elvis, Neil Diamond's story was made to shine on Broadway-and head out on the road across America.” The Fabulous Fox is on North Grand in Grand Center. For more information: fabulousfox.com.

The Hawthorne Players present Arthur Miller’s All My Sons through November 10. “During the war Joe Keller and Steve Deever ran a machine shop which made airplane parts. Deever was sent to prison because the firm turned out defective parts, causing the deaths of many men. Keller went free and made a lot of money. The twin shadows of this catastrophe and the fact that the young Keller son was reported missing during the war dominate the action. The love affair of Chris Keller and Ann Deever, the bitterness of George Deever returned from the war to find his father in prison and his father’s partner free, are all set in a structure of almost unbearable power. An electrifying play.” Performances take place in the Florissant Civic Center Theatre in Florissant, MO. For more information: www.hawthorneplayers.info.

The Roommate
Photo: Jon Gitchoff

The Repertory Theatre of St. Louis presents the dark comedy The Roommate through November 27. “In the quietest corner of the Midwest, middle-aged Sharon, recently divorced and seeking a sensible roommate, opens her home to Robyn, a mysterious woman with a murky past. Entwining this unlikely duo's lives in shared dish-duty and shady business, Jen Silverman takes us on an uproarious journey of self-discovery, secrets and revelations. Challenge societal norms, embrace the unexpected, and revel in the reinvention that only true friendship can spark in this dark comedy that proves coming of age can happen anytime, anywhere- even your own kitchen table!” Performances take place in the Emerson Studio Theatre of the Loretto-Hilton Center on the Webster University campus. For more information: www.repstl.org.

Webster Conservatory presents Thornton Wilder’s Our Town Friday at 7:30 pm, Saturday at 2 and 7:30 pm, and Sunday at 3 pm, November 8 through 20. “Described by Edward Albee as “the greatest American play ever written,” Our Town presents the small town of Grover’s Corners in three acts: “Daily Life,” “Love and Marriage” and “Death and Eternity.” Thornton Wilder beautifully takes us from the everyday to the cosmic, asking us to consider our very humanity.” Performances take place on the Browning Main Stage at the Loretto-Hilton Center on the Webster University campus. For more information: www.webster.edu/conservatory.

Winter Opera presents Gilbert and Sullivan’s HMS Pinafore Friday at 7:30 pm and Saturday at 2 pm, November 8 and 10. “Set sail for laughter and romance with Gilbert and Sullivan's timeless operetta, HMS Pinafore; or, The Lass That Loved a Sailor! Love sets a course for stormy seas as Captain Corcoran's beautiful daughter, Josephine, is torn between duty and desire. Her heart belongs to Ralph Rackstraw, a handsome sailor, but her father insists she marry the pompous Sir Joseph Porter, the clueless First Lord of the Admiralty.This hilarious operetta is filled with unforgettable characters, witty dialogue, and toe-tapping tunes. Will true love conquer all, or will class distinctions keep Josephine and Ralph apart? Find out in this delightful operatic journey that skewers social status and celebrates the power of love.” Performances take place at the Kirkwood Performing Arts Center, 201 E. Monroe in Kirkwood, MO. For more information: winteroperastl.org.

YoungLiars present Wolf Kings, a new play written and directed by Chuck Harper, Thursdays through Saturdays at 8 pm, November 7 through 23. “As an antidote to their dystopian daily lives, five women meet weekly to divert, distract, and delight each other at a clandestine theatrical soiree. But tonight, the mood grows menacing as the line between oppressor and oppressed gets murky. Part Victorian Drag Show, part Parisian Literary Salon, and part Fairy Tale Resistance Rally, Wolf Kings blends witty conversation, savage karaoke, ecstatic dance, and vicious fortune-telling into an original YoungLiars spectacle. Join us as we stray from the well-worn path into the deep dark forest, where hooded maidens, diabolical beasts, and morally-compromised grannies inevitably converge at that tiny cottage in the woods.” Performances take place at The Chapel, 6238 Alexander Drive in Clayton, MO. For more information: www.youngliarstheatre.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.

St. Louis theatre calendar for the week of October 21, 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

Albion Theatre Company presents Lungs by Duncan MacMillan November 3. “Climate change, overpopulation, war, and political division. Why would anyone want to bring a baby into this world? Successful English playwright Macmillan addresses these issues in this “off-kilter love story (that) is brutally honest, funny, edgy and current” (The Guardian). It will be presented using its original British script.” Performances take place in the Black Box Theatre at the Kranzberg Center, 501 N. Grand in Grand Center. For more information: albiontheatrestl.org.

Tim Schall and Joe Dreyer

The Blue Strawberry presents Sunday Standard Time with Tim Schall and Joe Dreyer on Sunday, August 4, at 6 pm. “Join Tim Schall (vocals) and Joe Dreyer (piano) and Willem Von Hombracht (bass) in the lounge for a casual, classy Sunday evening of jazz standards, a little sophisticated pop and a dash of classic Broadway.”   The Blue Strawberry is at 364 N. Boyle. For more information: bluestrawberrystl.com

Clayton Community Theatre presents Tennessee Williams’s Night of the Iguana, Thursdays through Saturdays at 7:30 pm and Sundays at 2 pm, through October 27. “Reverend T. Lawrence Shannon is a minister recently fallen from grace and expelled from his congregation for a "nervous breakdown," who travels to 1940s Mexico to work as a travel guide. Among his group of tourists, however, is a 16-year-old girl, Charlotte Goodall, with whom Shannon has recently been accused of an inappropriate relationship. Meanwhile, his friend and motel owner Maxine Faulk sees in Shannon an escape for her loneliness following the death of her husband, Fred. The situation is only complicated further by the arrival of Hannah Jelks, a spinster from Nantucket, and her father, Nonno, a renowned poet in failing health who is attempting to compose what will be his final work. As Shannon and Jelks develop a deep bond, Maxine's jealousies get the best of her.” Performances take place at the Washington University South Campus Theatre, 6501 Clayton Rd. For more information: www.placeseveryone.org.

Am I Dangerous?
Photo: Carolee Carmelita

Contraband Theatre presents Am I Dangerous? by St. Louis playwright, e.k. doolin Wednesdays through Saturdays at 7:30pm through October 26. “All of her life, sixteen-year-old Philoten has been told about dangerous women. Those who flaunt their bodies. Those who are different. Those who do not follow the rules. And she’s tried, so hard, not to be dangerous. But then, something really awful happens. A few things, actually, but one of them is unforgivable and forces her to ask the question of herself, Am I Dangerous? Am I Dangerous? springboards off ancient questing stories like Shakespeare’s Pericles, creating a brand-new fem-tagonist origin story with themes around coming of age, familial reconciliation, bodily autonomy, and cultivation of the native and natural biosphere.” Performances take place at The Chapel, 6238 Alexander Drive in Clayton. For more information: www.contrabandtheatre.org.

The Fabulous Fox presents the Cirque du Soleil’s Songblazers: A Journey Into Country Music October 24 – 27. “Delivering the perfect harmony of guitar grooves & breathtaking moves, SONGBLAZERS is a one-of-a-kind theatrical production celebrating country music that pays homage to its legendary and modern day trailblazers. With its acrobatic and live musical performance showcasing the captivating artistry of Cirque du Soleil and the soul-stirring melodies of beloved country rhythms, this engaging experience celebrates the diverse influences of country music and its heartfelt stories through time.” The Fabulous Fox is on North Grand in Grand Center. For more information: fabulousfox.com.

First Run Theatre presents a Playwright’s Workshop on Monday, October 21, at 6:30 pm. At the workshop new scripts are by local playwrights are read by experienced actors in front of an audience. The Playwright’s Workshop takes place on the 2nd and 4th Monday of each month at Square One Brewery in Lafayette Square. For more information: firstruntheatre.org.

Kirkwood Theatre Guild presents the comedy Boeing Boeing October 25 through November 3. 1960s, Paris. Bachelor Bernard has a flat in Paris and three airline stewardesses all engaged to him without knowing about each other. Bernard’s life gets bumpy, though, when his friend Robert comes to stay, and complications such as weather and a new, speedier Boeing jet disrupt his careful planning. Soon, all three stewardesses are in the city simultaneously and catastrophe looms. Performances take place at the Reim Theatre in the Kirkwood Community Center on South Geyer Road. For more information, ktg-onstage.org.

The Repertory Theatre of St. Louis presents the dark comedy The Roommate October 13 through November 27. “In the quietest corner of the Midwest, middle-aged Sharon, recently divorced and seeking a sensible roommate, opens her home to Robyn, a mysterious woman with a murky past. Entwining this unlikely duo's lives in shared dish-duty and shady business, Jen Silverman takes us on an uproarious journey of self-discovery, secrets and revelations. Challenge societal norms, embrace the unexpected, and revel in the reinvention that only true friendship can spark in this dark comedy that proves coming of age can happen anytime, anywhere- even your own kitchen table!” Performances take place in the Emerson Studio Theatre of the Loretto-Hilton Center on the Webster University campus. For more information: www.repstl.org.

Riverside Theatre Project presents Shakespeare’s Macbeth Fridays and Saturdays at 8 pm and Sundays at 2 pm, through October 27. "Three witches tell the Scottish general Macbeth that he will be King of Scotland. Encouraged by his wife, Macbeth kills the king, becomes the new king, and kills more people out of paranoia. Civil war erupts to overthrow Macbeth, resulting in more death." Performances take place at the historic Showboat Theatre in Hermann, Missouri. For mor information: www.riversidetheatreproject.com.

St. Louis Shakespeare presents Julius Caesar October 25 – November 2. “Rome, 44BC. Julius Caesar, the most popular general in Rome, has parlayed his military success to attain the seat of highest power: Emperor. Alarmed by his aspirations to kingship, members of the aristocracy plot his assassination. But the murdered man’s friend, Mark Antony, rouses the public against the conspirators, resulting in strife that could bring Rome to the brink of anarchy.” Performances take place at the Donn Lux Family Theatre, 1731 S. Broadway in Soulard. For more information: https://www.stlshakespeare.org.

 

Nevermore
Photo: John Lamb

Stray Dog Theatre presents the musical Nevermore: The Imaginary Life and Mysterious Death of Edgar Allan Poe Thursdays through Saturdays at 8 through November 2. “This unique and wildly theatrical experience combines haunting music and poetic storytelling to chronicle the fascinating life of iconic American writer Edgar Allan Poe. At once gorgeous and grotesque, Nevermore explores the events that shaped Poe’s character and career, blurring the lines between fact and fiction—after all, as Poe himself writes, “All that we see or seem is but a dream within a dream.”” Performances take place at Tower Grove Abbey, 2336 Tennessee in Tower Grove East. For more information: www.straydogtheatre.org.

Life is a Dream
Photo: ProPhotoSTL

Upstream Theater presents the professional premiere of Spanish playwright Pedro Calderón de la Barca's Life is a Dream in a new translation by G.J. Racz, October 24, 25, 26, 31 and November 1, 2 at 8:00 pm; and October 27 and November 3 at 2:00 pm. “Pedro Calderón de la Barca's best-known drama follows the journey of Prince Segismundo, who was imprisoned at birth due to a prophecy. As he grapples with his newfound freedom within a world of court intrigue, Segismundo ponders the nature of his existence and the power of his own choices. A play of enduring relevance in an age filled with political uncertainty.” Performances take place at The Marcelle in Grand Center. For more information: www.upstreamtheater.org.

The Washington University Theatre Department presents Kate Hamill’s comic adaptation of Jane Austin’s Pride and Prejudice October 25 through November 2. “Kate Hamill's reimagining of the Jane Austen classic is a brilliant comedic romp with an irreverent soul. Here, love is a game with winners and losers everywhere, and ludicrous circumstances abound and surround all matters of the heart. Finding a soulmate is serious play and true love is a madcap ordeal with confounding rules but a huge payoff.” Performances take place at the Edison Theatre on the Washington University Campus. For more information: pad.wustl.edu/events.

 

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.

St. Louis theatre calendar for the week of September 23, 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

Aquarian Rising Productions presents Top Dog/Under Dog by Suzan Lori-Parka Fridays and Saturdays at 7 pm and Sundays at 4 pm, through September 29.  “A darkly comic fable of brotherly love and family identity, Topdog/Underdog tells the story of Lincoln and Booth, two brothers whose names were given to them as a joke, foretell a lifetime of sibling rivalry and resentment. Haunted by their past, the brothers are forced to confront the shattering reality of their future. This piece features mature content. “ Performances take place at the Jefferson Avenue Mission, 2241 Jefferson Avenue. For more information: www.ticketleap.events.

Blues in the Night
Photo: Keshon Campbell

The Black Rep presents the musical Blues in the Night through September 29. “This dynamite, dramatic revue thrills us with the universal language of the blues. The soul of the blues wails out full and strong in Blues in the Night, a scorching, Tony-nominated musical! The 26 hot and torchy numbers that tell of the sweet, sexy, and sorrowful experiences that three women have with the lying, cheating snake of a man who does them wrong will leave you energized, inspired, and ready to wail.” Performances take place at the Edison Theatre on the Washington University campus. For more information: www.theblackrep.org.

The Blue Strawberry presents Seeking My Fred Astaire with singer Hannah Bagnall and pianist/music Joe Dreyer on Thursday, September 26, at 7:30 pm.  “Looking for love in the modern world is tricky, but looking for love when you were raised on an exclusive diet of Old Hollywood dreamboats like Gene Kelly, William Powell, and Fred Astaire? That's a whole other problem! With a delightful mix of songs from musical theatre, jazz standards, and a few you might not have heard, Hannah Bagnall will make you laugh and sigh as she dreams of finding her very own Fred Astaire!” The Blue Strawberry is at 364 N. Boyle. For more information: bluestrawberrystl.com.

Ann Hampton Callaway

The Blue Strawberry presents Finding Beauty: Inspired Classics and Originals with singer, songwriter, and pianist Ann Hampton Callaway on Friday and Saturday, September 2y and 28, at 7:30 pm.  “Ann’s show is comprised of classics from her songwriting inspirations- Carole King, Joni Mitchell, James Taylor, Paul Simon, and many more. Also, the recent inductee into The Women Songwriters Hall of Fame shares songs from her new CD “Finding Beauty: Originals Vol. 1.” Expect AHC hits like Streisand's “At the Same Time” as well as new songs she's co-written with Oscar winner Alan Bergman, Grammy winner Melissa Manchester, and Grammy nominee, Amanda McBroom. Spoil yourself with a spellbinding show of rousing showstoppers and exquisite ballads, as we follow the arc of Ann’s musical inspiration!” The Blue Strawberry is at 364 N. Boyle. For more information: bluestrawberrystl.com. [Read my interview at KDHX.]

The Fabulous Fox presents the Back to the Future: The Musical September 24 – October 6. "When Marty McFly finds himself transported back to 1955 in a time machine built by the eccentric scientist Doc Brown, he accidentally changes the course of history. Now he’s in a race against time to fix the present, escape the past, and send himself... back to the future. When Back to the Future hits 88mph, it’ll change musical theatre history forever.”   The Fabulous Fox is on North Grand in Grand Center. For more information: fabulousfox.com.

Trayf
Photo: Jon Gitchoff

New Jewish Theatre presents Trayf Thursdays at 7:30 pm, Saturdays at 4 and 8 pm and Sundays at 2 pm through September 29. “Zalmy lives a double life. By day, he drives a Chabad “Mitzvah Tank” through 1990s New York City, performing good deeds with his best friend Shmuel. By night, he sneaks out of his orthodox community to roller-skate and listen to rock and roll. But when a curious outsider offers him unfettered access to the secular world, is it worth jeopardizing everything he’s ever known? This road-trip bromance is a funny and heartwarming ode to the turbulence of youth, the universal suspicion that we don’t quite fit in, and the faith and friends that see us through.”  Performances take place at the SFC Performing Arts Center, 2 Millstone Campus Drive. For more information: jccstl.com/arts-ideas/new-jewish-theatre/current-productions.

American Idiot
Photo: Jill Ritter Lindbergh

New Line Theatre presents the rock musical American Idiot, based on the album by Green Day, through October 5. “Lost and disconnected in a post-9/11 America, three friends, Johnny, Tunny and Will, struggle to find meaning in their lives. The three men flee the constraints of their hometown for the thrills of city life, but their paths quickly diverge as Tunny enters the armed forces, Will is called back home to attend to a pregnant girlfriend, and Johnny descends into an urban underworld, following a seductive love interest and a deadly new friendship. As each of the three learns to navigate his "alienation," we see in them America's struggle to find a new path in this new millennium, after a long period of darkness.” Performances take place at the Marcelle Theatre in Grand Center. For more information: www.newlinetheatre.com.

Dial M for Murder
Photo: Jon Gitchoff

The Repertory Theatre of St. Louis presents the thriller Dial M for Murder through October 13. “Step into the shadows of a meticulously planned murder. In the elegant home of Tony and Margot Wendice, a sinister game of cat and mouse unfolds. Tony, a calculating mastermind, plots to kill his wife for her inheritance, fueled by revenge and greed. When his perfect plan spirals into chaos, a web of lies and deceit is spun, threatening to ensnare the innocent. Join the relentless Inspector Hubbard as he unravels the twisted truth. Will Tony’s trap hold, or will justice be served? Experience the suspense and intrigue of Dial “M” for Murder, a play that will leave you breathless until the final curtain falls.” Performances take on the main stage of the Loretto-Hilton Center on the Webster University campus. For more information: www.repstl.org.

Tempest in a Teapot
Photo: Joey Rumpell

SATE presents the world premiere of Tempest in a Teapot by Shualee Cook Wednesdays through Saturdays at 8 pm, through September 28. “At age 10, Alice Liddell inspired Lewis Carroll to write Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland. But at age 21, she finds herself trapped between the fantasy world created for her, and the restrictive Victorian world of Oxford, England – each with a very specific role she is expected to play. Then a chance meeting with Carroll after years of silence leads her down the rabbit hole again to the Mad Tea Party, where a seemingly casual suggestion by Carroll that she read Shakespeare’s The Tempest turns into a philosophical treasure hunt. With help from the Mad Hatter, March Hare, Dormouse and Cheshire Cat, Alice proceeds to act out the classic play in hope that it holds the key to her crisis of identity, and offers a way of dealing with her magical but complicated past.,Performances are at The Chapel, 6238 Alexander Drive. For more information: www.eventbrite.com.

Stages St. Louis presents the musical Ragtime through October 20. “At the dawn of a new century, everything is changing and anything is possible. A sweeping musical portrait of early twentieth-century America, RAGTIME, tells the story of three families united by courage, compassion, and a belief in not only the American dream, but the promise of tomorrow. Told through a dazzling array of musical styles from the era, this Tony Award-Winning musical is bursting with emotion and hope as the surprising interconnections of the heart are discovered and history’s timeless contradictions of wealth and poverty, freedom and prejudice, and hope and despair are confronted.” Performances take place at the Kirkwood Performing Arts Center in Kirkwood, MO. For more information: stagesstlouis.org.

The St. Louis Writers Group presents the second of three rounds of its annual Playwright Slam Event on Monday, September 23, at 6:30 pm. “Get ready for a night of fun impromptu theater. The order of scripts to be read will be chosen at random. Each script will be given a five minute read, and rated by a panel of judges based upon audience reaction. The judges will select several plays to move on to round two which will be ten minutes of the same script, from which a winner will be chosen.”  The reading takes place at Square One Brewery and Distillery in Lafayette Square.  More information is available at the St. Louis Writers Group Facebook page.

Take Two Productions presents the Stephen Sondheim musical Merrily We Roll Along September 27 through October 5.  “The authors of the landmark Company reunite to turn the traditional showbiz musical on its head in this thrilling and compelling Broadway fable about friendship, compromise and the high price of success. Stephen Sondheim and George Furth expertly blend the excitement and energy of a backstage musical with a poignant and emotional contemporary story about the importance of staying true to one's ideals.” Performances take place in Johnson Hall at Third Baptist Church, 620 N. Grand in Grand Center. For more information: https://www.taketwoproductions.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.

St. Louis theatre calendar for the week of September 16, 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

Aquarian Rising Productions presents Top Dog/Under Dog by Suzan Lori-Parka Fridays and Saturdays at 7 pm and Sundays at 4 pm, September  20 through 29.  “A darkly comic fable of brotherly love and family identity, Topdog/Underdog tells the story of Lincoln and Booth, two brothers whose names were given to them as a joke, foretell a lifetime of sibling rivalry and resentment. Haunted by their past, the brothers are forced to confront the shattering reality of their future. This piece features mature content. “ Performances take place at the Jefferson Avenue Mission, 2241 Jefferson Avenue. For more information: www.ticketleap.events.

Blues in the Night
Photo: Keshon Campbell

The Black Rep presents the musical Blues in the Night through September 29. “This dynamite, dramatic revue thrills us with the universal language of the blues. The soul of the blues wails out full and strong in Blues in the Night, a scorching, Tony-nominated musical! The 26 hot and torchy numbers that tell of the sweet, sexy, and sorrowful experiences that three women have with the lying, cheating snake of a man who does them wrong will leave you energized, inspired, and ready to wail.” Performances take place at the Edison Theatre on the Washington University campus. For more information: www.theblackrep.org.

Trayf
Photo: Jon Gitchoff

New Jewish Theatre presents Trayf Thursdays at 7:30 pm, Saturdays at 4 and 8 pm and Sundays at 2 pm through September 29. “Zalmy lives a double life. By day, he drives a Chabad “Mitzvah Tank” through 1990s New York City, performing good deeds with his best friend Shmuel. By night, he sneaks out of his orthodox community to roller-skate and listen to rock and roll. But when a curious outsider offers him unfettered access to the secular world, is it worth jeopardizing everything he’s ever known? This road-trip bromance is a funny and heartwarming ode to the turbulence of youth, the universal suspicion that we don’t quite fit in, and the faith and friends that see us through.”  Performances take place at the SFC Performing Arts Center, 2 Millstone Campus Drive. For more information: jccstl.com/arts-ideas/new-jewish-theatre/current-productions.

New Line Theatre presents the rock musical American Idiot, based on the album by Green Day, through October 5. “Lost and disconnected in a post-9/11 America, three friends, Johnny, Tunny and Will, struggle to find meaning in their lives. The three men flee the constraints of their hometown for the thrills of city life, but their paths quickly diverge as Tunny enters the armed forces, Will is called back home to attend to a pregnant girlfriend, and Johnny descends into an urban underworld, following a seductive love interest and a deadly new friendship. As each of the three learns to navigate his "alienation," we see in them America's struggle to find a new path in this new millennium, after a long period of darkness.” Performances take place at the Marcelle Theatre in Grand Center. For more information: www.newlinetheatre.com.

The Repertory Theatre of St. Louis presents the thriller Dial M for Murder, September 18 through October 13. “Step into the shadows of a meticulously planned murder. In the elegant home of Tony and Margot Wendice, a sinister game of cat and mouse unfolds. Tony, a calculating mastermind, plots to kill his wife for her inheritance, fueled by revenge and greed. When his perfect plan spirals into chaos, a web of lies and deceit is spun, threatening to ensnare the innocent. Join the relentless Inspector Hubbard as he unravels the twisted truth. Will Tony’s trap hold, or will justice be served? Experience the suspense and intrigue of Dial “M” for Murder, a play that will leave you breathless until the final curtain falls.” Performances take on the main stage of the Loretto-Hilton Center on the Webster University campus. For more information: www.repstl.org.

SATE presents the world premiere of Tempest in a Teapot by Shualee Cook Wednesdays through Saturdays at 8 pm, September 18 – 28. “At age 10, Alice Liddell inspired Lewis Carroll to write Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland. But at age 21, she finds herself trapped between the fantasy world created for her, and the restrictive Victorian world of Oxford, England – each with a very specific role she is expected to play. Then a chance meeting with Carroll after years of silence leads her down the rabbit hole again to the Mad Tea Party, where a seemingly casual suggestion by Carroll that she read Shakespeare’s The Tempest turns into a philosophical treasure hunt. With help from the Mad Hatter, March Hare, Dormouse and Cheshire Cat, Alice proceeds to act out the classic play in hope that it holds the key to her crisis of identity, and offers a way of dealing with her magical but complicated past.,Performances are at The Chapel, 6238 Alexander Drive. For more information: www.eventbrite.com.

Stages St. Louis presents the musical Ragtime September 20 – October 20. “At the dawn of a new century, everything is changing and anything is possible. A sweeping musical portrait of early twentieth-century America, RAGTIME, tells the story of three families united by courage, compassion, and a belief in not only the American dream, but the promise of tomorrow. Told through a dazzling array of musical styles from the era, this Tony Award-Winning musical is bursting with emotion and hope as the surprising interconnections of the heart are discovered and history’s timeless contradictions of wealth and poverty, freedom and prejudice, and hope and despair are confronted.” Performances take place at the Kirkwood Performing Arts Center in Kirkwood, MO. For more information: stagesstlouis.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.

St. Louis theatre calendar for the week of August, 19 2019

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

Hamilton
Photo: Joan Marcus

The Fabulous Fox presents the hit Broadway musical Hamilton August 28 through September 8. “HAMILTON is the story of America then, told by America now. Featuring a score that blends hip-hop, jazz, R&B and Broadway, HAMILTON has taken the story of American founding father Alexander Hamilton and created a revolutionary moment in theatre—a musical that has had a profound impact on culture, politics, and education. With book, music, and lyrics by Lin-Manuel Miranda, direction by Thomas Kail, choreography by Andy Blankenbuehler, and musical supervision and orchestrations by Alex Lacamoire, HAMILTON is based on Ron Chernow’s acclaimed biography.”   The Fabulous Fox is on North Grand in Grand Center. For more information: fabulousfox.com.

Just One Look
Photo courtesy of The Blue Strawberry

The Midnight Company presents an encore performance of Just One Look by Joe Hanrahan, starring Kelly Howe as Linda Ronstadt, on Thursday August 22 at 7:30 pm. “Linda Ronstadt ruled the pop charts and filled stadiums in the 70’s and 80’s. The reigning rock goddess of her era, she later took on light opera - Gilbert and Sullivan on Broadway - and The Great American Songbook with Nelson Riddle. Her involvement in social issues accelerated during her relationship with California Governor Jerry Brown, then running for President. But for Linda, it was always a search for the next great song. Kelly Howe will portray Linda Ronstadt and sing her sensational songs.” Performances take place at The Blue Strawberry, 356 N. Boyle. For more information: bluestrawberrystl.com.

The Muny presents Cole Porter's Anything Goes  August 19 through 25 at 8:15 pm.  “Cole Porter’s hilarious musical comedy Anything Goes debuted nearly 90 years ago and was last seen on our stage in 1999. In this tap-dancing romp on the high seas, two unlikely pairs on the S.S. American set sail for true love and a boatload of comedic chaos. Unforgettable songs include “I Get a Kick Out of You,” “You’re the Top” and the showstopping title tune. Come aboard for some good old-fashioned fun!  ” Performances take place on the Muny's outdoor stage in Forest Park. For more information: muny.org.

Prism Theatre Company presents [title of show] through September 8.  “[title of show] is a Broadway musical written by Hunter Bell and Jeff Bowen about two aspiring writers in New York City who attempt to create an original musical for the New York Musical Theatre Festival. The show follows the writers, Hunter and Jeff, and their friends as they navigate the challenges of collaboration, self-expression, and working with others to create something original. The musical is both funny and heartbreaking, and is considered a love letter to musical theater. This gender-bent version puts a spotlight on female writers and highlights the beauty and uniqueness of female friendships.” Performances take place at the Kranzberg Center in Grand Center. For more information: prismtheatrecompany.org.

The Tempest
Photo: Theo R. Welling

The St. Louis Shakespeare Festival presents The Tempest as its 2024 touring production, playing through August 25. “The 90-minute TourCo performance created especially for audiences of all ages will travel to 24 parks across the region. Pack your picnic, blankets and chairs and join us for a summer adventure.” For a complete schedule: stlshakes.org.

Disney's Newsies
Photo: Phillip Hamer

Stages St. Louis presents Disney’s Newsies through August 25. “It’s time to make headlines with Disney’s NEWSIES, the smash-hit, crowd pleasing, Tony Award-Winning musical that marks the first Disney production to be featured in STAGES’ mainstage season! This rousing tale takes us to New York City where a band of newsboys, led by the charismatic Jack Kelly, become unlikely heroes as they stand up to the titans of the publishing industry. Along the way they learn what it means to come together, fight for what they believe in, and truly seize the day. Disney’s NEWSIES is an uplifting story fit for every member of the family and packed with non-stop thrills and a timeless message.” Performances take place at the Kirkwood Performing Arts Center in Kirkwood, MO. For more information: stagesstlouis.org

Ruthless
Photo: John Lamb

Stray Dog Theatre presents the musical Ruthless Thursdays through Saturdays at 8, through August 24. “Eight-year-old Tina Denmark knows she was born to play Pippi Longstocking, and she’ll do anything to win the part in her school musical. Her mother, fellow students, and the rest of the world had better watch out because nothing will stop her quest for stardom! Cunningly spoofing classic musicals and campy films from Gypsy to The Bad Seed, this aggressively outrageous musical garnered rave reviews during its long Off-Broadway run.” Performances take place at Tower Grove Abbey, 2336 Tennessee in Tower Grove East. For more information: www.straydogtheatre.org.

Into the Woods
Photo: Dan Donovan

Union Avenue Opera presents Sondheim’s Into the Woods Fridays and Saturdays at 8 pm through August 24. “A Little Night Music explores the tangled web of affairs centered around the Join Cinderella, Jack, Little Red Riding Hood, Rapunzel and more as they cross paths with a baker and his wife on their quest through the woods. Who will live happily ever after and who will learn that magic comes at a price? But be careful what you wish for, because there’s a witch who’s out to get them, and a giant who’s not too happy about a beanstalk. Don’t miss this witty and whimsical show that will make you laugh, cry, and think twice before venturing into the woods.” Performances are sung in English with projected English supertitles and take place at Union Avenue Christian Church, 733 Union at Enright in the Central West End. For more information: unionavenueopera.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.

St. Louis theatre calendar for the week of August 12, 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

Chorus of Fools presents the world premiere of two new plays in their debut production, Twice Upon a Stage Friday and Saturday at 7:30 pm and Sunday at 2 pm, August 16 through 18. “The first is Candlelight Dinner written by Jim Danek In this laugh-out-loud comedy, what begins as a romantic candlelight dinner quickly spirals into a chaotic and hilarious night as everything that could go wrong does. In The Reason Why, penned by e.k. doolin, the increasing world of rural addiction creates a strange set of bed-fellows. A series of weekly meetings opens up old and new wounds on the road to recovery in this beautiful play.” Performances take place at the Greenfinch Theatre, The Greenfinch Theater, 2525 S. Jefferson. For more information: www.greenfinchstl.com.

Christ Memorial Productions presents the musical My Fair Lady Fridays and Saturdays at 7:30 pm and Sundays at 2:30 pm, through August 18.  Performances take place at Christ Memorial Lutheran Church, 5252 S. Lindbergh Blvd.  For more information, visit CMPShows.org or call 314-631-0304.

First Run Theatre presents A Comedy Double Feature Fridays and Saturdays at 8:00 pm and Sundays at 2:00 pm through August  11. The plays are The Conversation About The Keys - Part One - Tim Without Thaliaby Yu-Li Alice Shen and Cash Flow by Marjorie Williamson. Performances take place at the Kranzberg Black Box theatre at Grand and Olive in Grand Center. For more information: sswww.metrotix.com.

Big Machine
Photo: Ian Gilbert

Fly North Theatricals presents Big Machine through August 18. A new musical by Colin Healy. Big Machine, is based on largely-forgotten true events, about how “The Man Who Harmed The World The Most” took us all for a ride. Performances are at The Marcelle, 3310 Samuel Shepard in Grand Center. For more information: flynorthmusic.com/

The Gaslight Theatre presents the world premiere of Longing by Liz Lewy Friday at 7 pm, Saturday at 2 and 7 pm, and Sunday at 2 pm, August 16 through 18. “The performance currently runs at 70 minutes no intermission and contains flashing lights, strong language, explicit sexual dialogue, and adult themes.” For more information: Lxnging.com.

The Midnight Company presents an encore performance of Just One Look by Joe Hanrahan, starring Kelly Howe as Linda Ronstadt, on Thursday May 22 at 7:30 pm. “Linda Ronstadt ruled the pop charts and filled stadiums in the 70’s and 80’s. The reigning rock goddess of her era, she later took on light opera - Gilbert and Sullivan on Broadway - and The Great American Songbook with Nelson Riddle. Her involvement in social issues accelerated during her relationship with California Governor Jerry Brown, then running for President. But for Linda, it was always a search for the next great song. Kelly Howe will portray Linda Ronstadt and sing her sensational songs.” Performances take place at The Blue Strawberry, 356 N. Boyle. For more information: bluestrawberrystl.com.

In the Heights
Photo: Phillip Hamer

The Muny presents In the Heights through August 15 at 8:15 pm.  “Before Hamilton, the visionary Lin-Manuel Miranda made a splash on Broadway with In the Heights. Set against the beats of salsa and hip-hop, the acclaimed musical tells the story of Usnavi, who longs to pick up his roots and move away from Washington Heights, the tight-knit New York City neighborhood that shaped him. This vibrant show will fill your heart with its spellbinding choreography and infectious energy. A Muny premiere.” Performances take place on the Muny's outdoor stage in Forest Park. For more information: muny.org.

Prism Theatre Company presents [title of show] August 16 through September 8.  “[title of show] is a Broadway musical written by Hunter Bell and Jeff Bowen about two aspiring writers in New York City who attempt to create an original musical for the New York Musical Theatre Festival. The show follows the writers, Hunter and Jeff, and their friends as they navigate the challenges of collaboration, self-expression, and working with others to create something original. The musical is both funny and heartbreaking, and is considered a love letter to musical theater. This gender-bent version puts a spotlight on female writers and highlights the beauty and uniqueness of female friendships.” Performances take place at the Kranzberg Center in Grand Center. For more information: prismtheatrecompany.org.

St. Louis Shakespeare’s Magic Smoking Monkey Theatre presents The Return of the One-Hour Lord of the Rings Trilogy through August 9 17. “Revisit the legend of Frodo, Gandalf, and the rest as they embark on their monumental quest, all while racing against the clock. This whirlwind rendition captures the essence of Tolkien's masterpiece but with a twist only the Monkeys could deliver. Expect side-splitting interpretations of iconic scenes, rapid-fire costume changes, and a narrative pace that would give even the swiftest Nazgûl a run for its money.” Performances take place at Lift for Life Academy High School, 1731 S. Broadway. For more information: www.stlshakespeare.org/pages/magic-smoking-monkey

The STL Fringe Festival opens with performances of the solo ballet Amnesiac and Red Hot Patriot, a tribute to the late columnist Molly Ivins, Tuesday August 13 at 5 pm. The annual festival, which features over three dozen different performers at various locations in Grand Center, runs through Saturday August 18.  For information on shows, performance schedules, and tickets: stlfringe.org

The Tempest
Photo: Theo R. Welling

The St. Louis Shakespeare Festival presents The Tempest as its 2024 touring production, playing through August 25. “The 90-minute TourCo performance created especially for audiences of all ages will travel to 24 parks across the region. Pack your picnic, blankets and chairs and join us for a summer adventure.” For a complete schedule: stlshakes.org.

The St. Louis Writers Group presents a reading of Tatyana by Shahnaz Ahmed on Monday, August 12, at 6:30 pm. “When a call from a hospital interrupts a conversation between a father and his teenage son, the past will be explored and secrets will be revealed.” The reading takes place at Square One Brewery and Distillery in Lafayette Square.  More information is available at the St. Louis Writers Group Facebook page.

Disney's Newsies
Photo: Phillip Hamer

Stages St. Louis presents Disney’s Newsies through August 25. “It’s time to make headlines with Disney’s NEWSIES, the smash-hit, crowd pleasing, Tony Award-Winning musical that marks the first Disney production to be featured in STAGES’ mainstage season! This rousing tale takes us to New York City where a band of newsboys, led by the charismatic Jack Kelly, become unlikely heroes as they stand up to the titans of the publishing industry. Along the way they learn what it means to come together, fight for what they believe in, and truly seize the day. Disney’s NEWSIES is an uplifting story fit for every member of the family and packed with non-stop thrills and a timeless message.” Performances take place at the Kirkwood Performing Arts Center in Kirkwood, MO. For more information: stagesstlouis.org

Ruthless
Photo: John Lamb

Stray Dog Theatre presents the musical Ruthless Thursdays through Saturdays at 8, through August 24, with an additional  performance at 2 pm on Sunday August 18. “Eight-year-old Tina Denmark knows she was born to play Pippi Longstocking, and she’ll do anything to win the part in her school musical. Her mother, fellow students, and the rest of the world had better watch out because nothing will stop her quest for stardom! Cunningly spoofing classic musicals and campy films from Gypsy to The Bad Seed, this aggressively outrageous musical garnered rave reviews during its long Off-Broadway run.” Performances take place at Tower Grove Abbey, 2336 Tennessee in Tower Grove East. For more information: www.straydogtheatre.org.

Cat on a Hot Tin Roof
Photo: Suzy Gorman

The Tennessee Williams Festival presents Cat on a Hot Tin Roof Thursdays through Saturdays at 7:30 pm and Sundays at 3:00 pm, through August 18. ”This Pulitzer Prize winning drama follows the story of the Pollitts, a wealthy southern family whose history of greed and deception looms overhead as the imminent death of the family’s patriarch approaches. Siblings and spouses go head-to-head to secure the Pollitt fortune, weaving an overwhelming web of mistruths.” Performances take place at The Grandel Theatre in Grand Center. For more information: www.twstl.org.

The Tennessee Williams Festival presents Life Upon the Wicked Stage: A Series of One Acts directed by Brian Hohlfield at 1:00pm and 3:00pm Saturdays and Sundays through August 18.  “Experience the Grand Center of Tennessee Williams’ time with these shows about show business. “In Our Profession”, “The Magic Tower”, and “The Fat Man’s Wife” will be presented as a series of one-acts at the Curtain Call Lounge in Grand Center.”  For more information: www.twstl.org.

Union Avenue Opera presents Sondheim’s Into the Woods Fridays and Saturdays at 8 pm, August 16 through 24. “A Little Night Music explores the tangled web of affairs centered around the Join Cinderella, Jack, Little Red Riding Hood, Rapunzel and more as they cross paths with a baker and his wife on their quest through the woods. Who will live happily ever after and who will learn that magic comes at a price? But be careful what you wish for, because there’s a witch who’s out to get them, and a giant who’s not too happy about a beanstalk. Don’t miss this witty and whimsical show that will make you laugh, cry, and think twice before venturing into the woods.” Performances are sung in English with projected English supertitles and take place at Union Avenue Christian Church, 733 Union at Enright in the Central West End. For more information: unionavenueopera.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.