Cabaret Review: Ken Haller returns to the Blue Strawberry and year older and even a bit wiser

The pandemic has all but shut down the local cabaret scene. The one exception has been Jim Dolan's Blue Strawberry nightclub, although even there a "new normal" is very much in force with reduced capacity, mandatory masking, and other precautions, including (for some events) a reduced-price ticket for a live video stream of the evening's show.

Nick Valdez and Ken Haller

That, in fact, is how I saw the return engagement of Ken Haller's 2019 show "When I'm 65" on Hallowe'en (which is also Mr. Haller's birthday). Retitled "When I'm 66," the new version is so nearly identical to the original that I'm going to refer you to my review of that one for the stuff that remained unchanged. One of those things that remained unchanged, happily, was the varied and neatly balanced song list, blended with just enough patter to let us know why the list made sense. The result, once again, was a perfect mix of the mirthful and the moving.

That said, there were some small differences this time around. To begin with,  Nick Valdez replaced Mr. Haller's original music director, Marty Fox. Last year I was impressed by the close rapport of the Haller/Fox team. I'm happy to say that I saw much the same close collaboration in the Haller/Valdez team-up.

There were also a few tweaks here and there in the patter and the song list. The most significant change was in the moving and powerful segment on love and loss built around Mr. Haller's reminiscences of the first great love of his life, Bob Corsico, and the lessons he took from that relationship. The original set segued from William Finn's "Heart and Music" (from "A New Brain") into "I Could Write a Book" from Rodgers and Hart's "Pal Joey." It worked well enough, but this time it led instead to Harold Arlen's "If I Only Had a Heart" (from "The Wizard of Oz"). It was a somewhat more powerful and risky choice, and gave the set—already the emotional heart of the show—even more punch this time around.

Mr. Haller's encore was the same as last year—James Taylor's "Shower the People" done as a sing-along. But right now, in the middle of a pandemic and with a torrent of hatred pouring from the White House, the refrain feels even more urgent than it did a year ago:

Shower the people you love with love
Show them the way you feel
Things are gonna be much better if you only will

If we only could.

There were a few fluffed lyrics here and there (an occupational hazard of the cabaret artist), and Mr. Haller's normally sturdy voice had a bit of a ragged edge brought on by an allergy attack and the drying effect antihistamines have on the throat and nasal passages. As a lifetime allergy sufferer myself, I can relate. These were minor distractions, though, which is why I have left them for the end of the review.

Ken Haller's wise and witty "When I'm 66" played for one night only, but shows continue at the Blue Strawberry on North Boyle into the new year. Visit the web site for more information.

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

Review: The holiday doctor is in

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

Ken Haller and Marty Fox

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The doctor is in, and he's got the cure for your holiday blues. All of them.

Happy Haller Days!, the latest show from singer/actor/pediatrician Ken Haller, is 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.

The song choices are varied and sometimes even inspired. Memories of the hard life of Mr. Haller's Swedish grandmother, for example, introduce an Independence Day segment that features a low-key version of Neil Diamond's "America." For Labor Day, reflections on his days as a resident physician on Manhattan's posh Upper West Side lead to Harburg and Lane's rarely heard "When the Idle Poor Become the Idle Rich" from Finian's Rainbow.

Perhaps the most emotional moment, though, comes with the return to Christmas, as Mr. Haller's thoughts on his decade as a pediatrician in poverty-stricken inner city East St. Louis, make way for an inspiring arrangement of "Light," from Next to Normal. Based on an arrangement for the Gateway Men's Chorus by the late Neal Richardson, it blends the voices of Mr. Haller and his pianist and music director Marty Fox in tight and powerful harmony. The song's hope that the light will make "wasted world we thought we knew...look brand new" feels particularly relevant in the context of today's bleak political landscape.

Balancing out the drama are some true comic gems, like "I Want a Hippopotamus for Christmas," which the ten-year-old Gayla Peevey took to number 24 on the Billboard charts in 1963. Mr. Haller does an impressive job of channeling his own inner child in his charming performance. Perhaps the biggest laughs of the evening, though, came from the Valentine's Day entry, Marilyn Miller and Cheryl Hardwick's "Making Love Alone," a hymn of praise in beguine tempo to (ahem) taking matters into one's own hands. Bernadette Peters brought the house down with it on The Tonight Show in 1989. The Haller and Fox team got even more mileage out of it by taking it just a bit slower, giving the audience room to laugh at the song's many jokes.

As I have written previously, Mr. Haller never fails to deliver a combination of theatrical smarts and vocal authority that has made him one of our town's principal cabaret exports. He and Mr. Fox also have a great rapport on stage, something that was obvious in their last effort, The Medicine Show. Expert direction by Gaslight Cabaret Festival producer Jim Dolan kept everything moving at a good pace and helped insure the sense of a dramatic arc that, in my view, is a major characteristic of a well-designed cabaret performance. The capacity crowd at the Gaslight Theater clearly loved what they saw.

That said, I have to note that while it may be true that, as the old wheeze goes, an elephant never forgets, there's no escaping the fact that people do. On opening night, Mr. Haller occasionally got lost in a couple of lyric-heavy numbers, which suggests to me that there might be too many of those in the show. That's a very minor complaint, though, which is why it's at the very end of this review.

Ken Haller and Marty Fox will reprise Happy Haller Days! at 8 p.m. on Thursday, November 9, at the Gaslight Theater in the Central West End, as part of the Gaslight Cabaret Festival. It's a tremendously entertaining evening from one of our best and most prolific cabaret stars; go and enjoy.

Review: Ken Haller's latest cabaret show is just what the doctor ordered

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

Ken Haller and Marty Fox

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Laughter, the old saying goes, is the best medicine. If so, The Medicine Show, the newest diadem in the crown of St. Louis cabaret star Ken Haller, was just what the doctor ordered. And Mr. Haller is a doctor, so he should know.

Sure, there were serious moments in this cabaret evening inspired by Dr. Haller's long and distinguished career in pediatric medicine. That included a sensitive version of Jason Robert Brown's "Someone to Fall Back On" and a truly moving rendition of "How Glory Goes" from Adam Guettel's Floyd Collins. But ultimately The Medicine Show was about good cheer.

And that's a good thing, given that contemporary American politics often leaves the more thoughtful citizen feeling (to continue the medical theme) like a Christian Scientist with appendicitis (a joke I stole from Tom Lehrer).

The comic tone was set at the very beginning as Mr. Haller (I'm dropping the "Doctor" from here on out, if we're all OK with that) entered from the house wearing an obviously fake black wig and singing "Ken Haller's Miracle Elixir" (formerly "Pirelli's Miracle Elixir" from Sweeney Todd) with music director/pianist Marty Fox playing Todd to his Toby.

It was fast and funny, and set an engaging tone for the rest of the evening. It also showed the strong rapport between Mr. Haller and Mr. Fox, who often added a second voice to the evening to complement his sterling pianism.

The show reached its emotional heart with a lovely medley of "Holding to the Ground" from Falsettos), "Home" from The Wiz, and that Muppet classic "The Rainbow Connection" that was all about home, hope, and holding fast to what counts in life. Through it all, Mr. Haller delivered the goods with that combination of theatrical smarts and vocal authority that has made him one of our town's principal cabaret exports.

The Medicine Show was performed on April 8 at The Stage at KDHX where it will make a return engagement on Saturday, June 24. The Stage is the state of the art performance space with seating for around 100, great sight lines, and an adjoining café, it's a welcome addition to the roster of cabaret rooms in town.

Chuck's Choices for the weekend of May 1, 2015

s always, the choices are purely my personal opinion. Take with a grain (or a shaker) of salt.

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New This Week:

Kevin Spirtas

The Gateway Men's Chorus presents Cabaret Risque on Saturday, May 2, at 8:30 p.m., preceded by a cocktail hour at 7 p.m. The show will star St. Louis native Kevin Spirtas, star of television's Days Of Our Lives, Jim Brickman's PBS special Love Songs and Lullabies, and Broadway's A Chorus Line, Hairspray, and The Boy From Oz. Ken Haller is master of ceremonies and guest performer for the event, with music direction by Al Fischer. Proceeds benefit the Gateway Men's Chorus. The show takes place Rialto Ballroom on the fourth floor of the Centene Center for the Arts, 3547 Olive in Grand Center. For more information: gatewaymenschorus.org.

My take: I sang in last year's Cabaret Risque and I have to say it was a heck of a good time for a good cause. This year, Kevin Spirtas has an impressive track record and Ken Haller is one of St. Louis' cabaret treasures. Another reason to attend: this will be the last appearance in town of outgoing GMC musical director Al Fischer, who had to find another job out of town when the fine people at the Catholic Archdiocese fired him from his teaching job for the high crime of marrying his partner Charlie Robin in New York. And if that's not enough, consider that your ticket includes a nice selection of food and drink along with the chance to bid on a variety of collectibles at a silent auction. Last year I walked away with a box full of CDs and DVDS by performers who had appeared at the Edison Theatre's Ovations! Series (which Mr. Robin headed until its demise at the end of this season). Just saying.

Clayton Community Theatre presents Shakespeare's Macbeth Fridays and Saturdays at 8 PM and Sundays at 2 PM, through May 3. Performances take place at the Washington University South Campus Theatre. For more information, call 314-721-9228 or visit placeseveryone.org.

My take: I haven't seen this production, but this play has always been one of my favorites. For a Shakespearean tragedy, it's remarkably compact and its protagonist goes downhill rather quickly as a result of a monstrous case of hubris. So I'm always willing to recommend a production of it.

Once on This Island
Photo: Stewart Goldstein

The Black Rep presents the musical Once on This Island through May 3. "Once on this Island is a warm fairy tale for children of all ages, told with breezy Caribbean rhythms. A young peasant girl in the French Antilles uses the power of love to bring together people of very different social classes." Performances take place at the Edison Theatre on the Washington University campus. For more information: theblackrep.org.

My take: Once on This Island is yet another wonderfully engaging musical from the peerless team of Stephen Flaherty and Lynn Ahrens, whose other hits include Ragtime and the charming Seussical. Writing for Lade News, Mark Bretz describes this as "an enchanting, mystical excursion into the fantastical and uplifting, accentuated by graceful dancing, spirited singing and a winning way that makes this one-act musical a joyful exercise." Chris Gibson at Broadwayworld.com says the show " is simply delightful, and filled with a slew of catchy Caribbean-influenced songs that make up the score. I think it's truly a crime that this under-appreciated presentation is coming to a close this weekend, and I challenge anyone reading this review to get out and see it. You will certainly not be disappointed, in fact, you'll probably fall in love with it in the same way that my son and I did." "Nuff said.

KTK Productions presents the farce Sex, Please, We're Sixtythrough May 3. "Mrs. Stancliffe's Rose Cottage Bed and Breakfast has been successful for many years. Her guests (nearly all women) return year after year. Her next door neighbor, the elderly, silver-tongued, Bud "The Stud" Davis believes they come to spend time with him in romantic liaisons. The prim and proper Mrs. Stancliffe steadfastly denies this, but really doesn't do anything to prevent it. She reluctantly accepts the fact that "Bud the Stud" is, in fact, good for business. Her other neighbor and would-be suitor Henry Mitchell is a retired chemist who has developed a blue pill called "Venusia," after Venus the goddess of love, to increase the libido of menopausal women. The pill has not been tested. Add to the guest list three older women: Victoria Ambrose, a romance novelist whose personal life seems to be lacking in romance; Hillary Hudson a friend of Henry's who has agreed to test the Venusia: and Charmaine Beauregard, a "Southern Belle" whose libido does not need to be increased! Bud gets his hands on some of the Venusia pills and the fun begins, as he attempts to entertain all three women! The women mix up Bud's Viagra pills with the Venusia, and we soon discover that it has a strange effect on men: it gives them all the symptoms of menopausal women, complete with hot flashes, mood swings, weeping and irritability! When the mayhem settles down, all the women find their lives moving in new and surprising directions." Performances take place at Southampton Presbyterian Church, 4716 Macklind. For more information: kurtainkall.org or call 314-351-8984.

My take: While nobody would mistake this sex farce for Great Art, KTK is apparently insuring that both the cast and audience have fun with it. "The dialogue is clever and filled with current references," writes Tina Farmer at KDHX, "...and the lively, vibrant cast gives the stereotypical senior characters a needed boost of energy...KTK Productions' current show is a delightfully light piece, with a well-constructed story and likeable characters, though it suffers from predictability and clichés. Thankfully, the cast is game for the humor and delightfully over-exaggerated, ensuring that 'Sex, Please, We're 60'..keeps audiences laughing."

Held Over:

Art
Photo: John Lamb

St. Louis Actors' Studio presents Yasmina Reza's comedy Art through May 3 at the Gaslight Theatre, 358 North Boyle. "How much would you pay for a white painting? Would it matter who the painter was? Would it be art? One of Marc's best friends, Serge, has just bought a very expensive painting. It's about five feet by four, all white with white diagonal lines. To Marc, the painting is a joke, but Serge insists Marc doesn't have the proper standard to judge the work. Another friend, Ivan, though burdened by his own problems, allows himself to be pulled into this disagreement. Eager to please, Ivan tells Serge he likes the painting. Lines are drawn and these old friends square off over the canvas, using it as an excuse to relentlessly batter one another over various failures. As their arguments become less theoretical and more personal, they border on destroying their friendships. At the breaking point, Serge hands Marc a felt tip pen and dares him: "Go on." This is where the friendship is finally tested, and the aftermath of action, and its reaction, affirms the power of those bonds." For more information, call 314-458-2978 or visit stlas.org.

My take: Playwright Reza seems to specialize in scripts about Men Behaving Badly. Art is probably her best known and most popular play, and it looks like STLAS is doing well by it. The Snoop's Theatre Thoughts blog says that "the cast here is uniformly excellent, working together well and portraying a convincing combative friendship," while over at KDHX Tina Farmer says "[the] dialogue is crisp and artfully crafted, with lots of interesting turns but no real surprises. It's delightful to listen to the conversations of the three characters, Marc, Serge and Yvan, even though none of them are particularly sympathetic or more than marginally likable. John Pierson, Drew Battles and Larry Dell comfortably inhabit their characters and skillfully glide through dialogue that is at times complex and tongue twisting."

An Invitation Out
Photo: John Lamb

Mustard Seed Theatre presents An Invitation Out by Shaulee Cook through May 3. "In this world-premiere comedy of manners, a young man searches for "truth" while living in virtual reality and explores the "reality" of life offline." 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: Mustard Seed specializes in plays that deal with difficult ethical issues. In this case, they've chosen to take on the question of identity in a virtual world where a screen name might mean everything or nothing, and they're doing it in a way that pays homage to Oscar Wilde. In his review for KDHX, Robert Nickles says the plays characters "must make choices about identity within the confines of complex social expectations. Like any comedy of manners, the script hides profound truths behind the silliness and superficiality of human conventions. This visually stunning production combines fun and philosophy to produce a thoroughly entertaining social critique." At stltoday.com, Judy Newmark says the show is "is big in every way: the size of its cast, the characters’ outlandish costumes, the generous imagination that playwright Shualee Cook poured into her vision of a neo-Victorian future."

Chuck's Choices for the weekend of April 10, 2015

As always, the choices are purely my personal opinion. Take with a grain (or a shaker) of salt.

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New This Week:

Kay Love

The Presenters Dolan present Kay Love in Girls Just Want to Have Fun (the women who wrote the songs) on Saturday, April 11, at 8 PM as part of the Gaslight Cabaret Festival. "Kay does cabaret at its purest. The shows of this wonderful singer are completely put together." The performance takes place at the Gaslight Theater, 358 North Boyle. For more information: gaslightcabaretfestival.com.

My take: I see cabaret as a form of musical theatre, and Kay is an accomplished musical theatre actress of long standing locally. I don't see how you can go wrong with her show.

The Presenters Dolan present Gina Otto in The Lovers, the Dreamers, and Me on Thursday, April 9, at 8 PM as part of the Gaslight Cabaret Festival. "Jazzy standards segue into pop, Broadway and sassy, Western Swing. An accomplished local singer, sharp and funny and endearing, steps into the cabaret scene." The performance takes place at the Gaslight Theater, 358 North Boyle. For more information: gaslightcabaretfestival.com.

My take: Gina Otto is new to the local cabaret scene, but I've been hearing good things about this show.

Ken Haller

The Presenters Dolan present Ken Haller in a return engagement of his show Mama's Boy on Friday, April 10, at 8 PM as part of the Gaslight Cabaret Festival. "Charmer Dr. Haller comes back with Mama's Boy after a sold-out success last fall. He just does good shows. Ken got love of music from his Irish-Catholic mom who would sing standards while keeping house and raising five kids. You won't want to miss this heartwarming, hilarious, moving show from one of St. Louis's foremost cabaret artists!" The performance takes place at the Gaslight Theater, 358 North Boyle. For more information: gaslightcabaretfestival.com.

My take: Ken's musical tribute to his late mother is a charming show, filled with great songs and memories. And, yes, there will be Sondheim. Reviewing the premiere of this show last November for KDHX, Katie McGrath praised it as "touching, over-too-soon glimpse into his history with stories about small moments that had huge impact on his life."

The Mystery of Edwin Drood
Photo: John Lamb

Stray Dog Theatre presents the musical The Mystery of Edwin Drood by Rupert Holmes Thursdays through Saturdays at 8 PM through April 18. "This raucous show within a show kicks off when a hilariously loony Victorian musical troupe 'puts on' its flamboyant rendition of an unfinished Charles Dickens mystery. Each performance ends differently depending on how the audience chooses to finish the story that Dickens didn't!" Performances take place at The Tower Grove Abbey, 2336 Tennessee. For more information, visit straydogtheatre.org or call 314-865-1995.

My take: This clever show-within-a-show musical has always been a favorite of mine. If your only exposure to Holmes' music has been his big tacky hit "Escape (The Piña Colada Song)," you're in for a surprise with this show with it's clever mock-Victorian score and witty lyrics. There's a good reason why it won the 1985 Tony Award. Reviews have described it as a rowdy good time. Typical is Mark Bretz's review at Ladue News, which describes this as "a clever, ingratiating production that is filled with verve and panache."

Stephen Peirick and Maggie Conroy
in Off the Record

OnSite Theatre Company presents Off the Record by Alec Wild Fridays at 8 PM, and Saturdays at 7 and 9 PM, through April 11. "The timely comedy, Off the Record, follows the gubernatorial campaign of a promising candidate as a surprising scandal puts him and his staff on their toes and forces them into damage-control mode. As the audience takes on the role of the press corps following the candidate, pieces of information about the candidate and his wife leak to the audience bit by bit via cellphone." Audiences will board the bus at Tavolo, 6118 Delmar. For more information: www.OnSiteTheatre.org.

My take: OnSite has an unusual mission: site-specific theatre. "From hotels to public restrooms," says their web site, "site-specific theatre takes the theatergoers out of their seats and thrusts them into the setting of the play. This form of theatre emphasizes stories and events that reveal the relationship between our physical environment and us." The site in this case is a bus; specifically, a school bus that plays the role of the campaign bus on which the play takes place. "Director Tom Martin masters the several unique technical difficulties of the venue," writes Steve Callahan at KDHX, "and leads his cast to a brisk and bright performance."

Held Over:

Jeremy Webb in Buyer and Cellar
©Photo by Jerry Naunheim Jr.

The Repertory Theatre of St. Louis presents Buyer and Cellar through April 12 (extended from March 29). "Inspired by Barbra Streisand's coffee table book, My Passion for Design, this uproarious fictional account of celebrity eccentricity takes us into Babs' basement, where she houses her unique collections in a small street of shops. An underemployed actor becomes the caretaker, interacting with Barbra in moments both hilarious and surprisingly tender. A runaway hit in New York, this one-man show takes us into the ultimate fantasy of a star-struck dreamer as he fills the oddest of odd jobs." Performances take place in the studio theatre 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: One-man shows can be risky propositions, but this one is apparently a success. "If you are a Streisand fan (and who among us isn't?)," writes Bob Cohn at St. Louis Jewish Light, "'Buyer & Cellar' is a double treat. Not only is the play itself highly amusing and satisfying, it also contains enough Streisand trivia to satisfy an entire season of questions on 'Jeopardy.'" "Jonathan Tolins is a very clever writer," says Bob Wilcox at KDHX. "Jeremy Webb is a very smart actor. Put them together, with some inventive guidance from director Wendy Dann, and you get a quite enjoyable ninety minutes or so in the Studio Theatre at the Repertory Theatre of St. Louis."

Vanya and Sonia and Masha and Spike
©Photo by Jerry Naunheim Jr.

The Repertory Theatre of St. Louis presents Christopher Durang's Vanya And Sonia And Masha And Spike through April 12. "Stuck in their family home in Bucks County, Pennsylvania, Vanya and his adopted sister Sonia live a quiet existence until their lives are thrown into comic upheaval with the arrival of their B-list celebrity sister, Masha, and her 20-something boy toy, Spike. Add to that a soothsaying housekeeper, a star struck young neighbor and a rather odd costume party, and the stage is set for mayhem and hilarity in this present-day homage to Chekhov. Winner of the 2013 Tony Award for Best Play." 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: This starts out as a broad, noisy parody of Chekov but finishes as something much more deep and satifying. "Playwright Christopher Durang," writes Tina Farmer at KDHX, "won a Tony Award for this insightfully hilarious look at aging and modern life through a lens tinted with Chekhov and Greek tragedy. The actors in The Repertory Theatre of St. Louis' production of Vanya and Sonia and Masha and Spike bring these characters to life convincingly, emphasizing their quirks, vanities and flaws in a production layered with humor and pathos, second questions and, perhaps, second chances." I couldn't agree more. Director Michael Evan Haney can be proud of this one.

St. Louis theatre calendar for the week of April 6, 2015

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

For information on events beyond this week, check out the searchable database at the Regional Arts Commission's events web site.

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Jeremy Webb in Buyer and Cellar
©Photo by Jerry Naunheim Jr.

The Repertory Theatre of St. Louis presents Buyer and Cellar through April 12. "Inspired by Barbra Streisand's coffee table book, My Passion for Design, this uproarious fictional account of celebrity eccentricity takes us into Babs' basement, where she houses her unique collections in a small street of shops. An underemployed actor becomes the caretaker, interacting with Barbra in moments both hilarious and surprisingly tender. A runaway hit in New York, this one-man show takes us into the ultimate fantasy of a star-struck dreamer as he fills the oddest of odd jobs." Performances take place in the studio theatre at the Loretto-Hlton Center, 130 Edgar Road in Webster Groves, MO. For more information, call 314-968-4925 or visit repstl.org. Read the 88.1 KDHX review!

The West End Players Guild concludes their 104th season with the drama The Cockfighter Fridays and Saturdays at 8 PM and Sundays at 2 PM, April 10-19. "At once elegant and brutal, this coming-of-age story is set against the savage backdrop of professional cockfighting. The gift of a fighting bird of his own sets a young boy on a journey to adulthood and to choices that will change him - and his family - forever. Based on the novel by acclaimed southern author Frank Manley and adapted for the stage by Vincent Murphy, it is another St. Louis premiere." There will also be a show on Thursday, April 16, at 8 PM and the playwright will conduct a special talkback session with the audience after the April 18th performance. Performances take place at the Union Avenue Christian Church, 733 North Union at Enright in the Central West End. For more information, call 314-367-0025 or visit www.westendplayers.org.

Kay Love

The Presenters Dolan present Kay Love in Girls Just Want to Have Fun (the women who wrote the songs) on Saturday, April 11, at 8 PM as part of the Gaslight Cabaret Festival. "Kay does cabaret at its purest. The shows of this wonderful singer are completely put together." The performance takes place at the Gaslight Theater, 358 North Boyle. For more information: gaslightcabaretfestival.com.

The University of Missouri at St. Louis presents Good People on Thursday and Friday at 7:30 p.m., Saturday at 2 and 7:30 p.m., and Sunday at 2 p.m., April 9-12. "In South Boston, this month's paycheck covers last month's bills, bingo is a night out on the town, and single-mom Margie Walsh has lost her job again and is a Bingo game away from homelessness. She reaches out to an old flame from her youth - now a successful doctor - Margie risks everything to find her fresh start in this humor - filled drama, from Pulitzer Prize winner David Lindsay-Abaire, about how the twists and turns of life are fated to determine our path." The performance takes place at the Touhill Performing Arts Center on the University of Missouri-St. Louis campus. For more information, touhill.org or call 314-516-4949.

The Hettenhausen Center for the Arts presents John Lithgow: Stories by Heart on Saturday, April 11, at 7:30 PM. " Invoking memories of his grandmother and father before him, Lithgow traces his roots as an actor and storyteller, interspersing his own story with two great stories that were read to him and his siblings when they were children. These are "Uncle Fred Flits By" by P.G. Wodehouse and "Haircut" by Ring Lardner. In the first, a fretful young Englishman is taken on a wild afternoon's escapade in suburban London by his irrepressible uncle. In a hilarious tour de force, Lithgow performs with zany abandon, portraying ten distinct, outrageous characters (including a parrot). By contrast, "Haircut" is a darkly comic look at Midwestern American implacability. It is a captivating yarn told by a gossipy barber in small-town Michigan as he gives a shave and a haircut to a stranger in town. " The Hettenhausen Center for the Arts is at 701 College Rd., at Alton St. on the McKendree University campus in Lebanon, IL. For more information: www.thehett.com.

Over Due Theatre presents the musical Little Shop of Horrors Fridays and Saturdays at 8 PM and Sundays at 2 PM, April 10-19. Performances take place at the Olivette Community Center, 9723 Grandview Drive, in Olivette, MO. For more information, call 314-210-2959 or visit overduetheatrecompany.com.

The Presenters Dolan present Gina Otto in The Lovers, the Dreamers, and Me on Thursday, April 9, at 8 PM as part of the Gaslight Cabaret Festival. "Jazzy standards segue into pop, Broadway and sassy, Western Swing. An accomplished local singer, sharp and funny and endearing, steps into the cabaret scene." The performance takes place at the Gaslight Theater, 358 North Boyle. For more information: gaslightcabaretfestival.com.

Ken Haller

The Presenters Dolan present Ken Haller in a return engagement of his show Mama's Boy on Friday, April 10, at 8 PM as part of the Gaslight Cabaret Festival. " Ken Haller turns 60 this Halloween, and his birthday present to YOU is his long-awaited, brand new cabaret show "Mama's Boy". Ken got love of music from his Irish-Catholic mom who would sing standards while keeping house and raising five kids. You won't want to miss this heartwarming, hilarious, moving show from one of St. Louis's foremost cabaret artists!" The performance takes place at the Gaslight Theater, 358 North Boyle. For more information: gaslightcabaretfestival.com.

The University of Missouri at St. Louis presents Hal Holbrook in Mark Twian Tonight on Saturday, April 11, at 8 p.m. "Returning to the Touhill after a sold out 2012 performance, Hal Holbrook reprises his magnificent portrayal of legendary American author, humorist, and storyteller Mark Twain. Holbrook knows Twain as well as he knows himself, bringing richness to the character far beyond the quoting of Twain's most memorable lines. His ever-changing selection of material from Twain's vast body of work coincides with current events, keeping the show as fresh as ever, and amazing audiences with the relevancy to today." The performance takes place at the Touhill Performing Arts Center on the University of Missouri-St. Louis campus. For more information, touhill.org or call 314-516-4949.

The Lemp Mansion Comedy-Mystery Dinner Theater presents Muuurder in Maaaybury through April 25. The Lemp Mansion is at 3322 DeMenil Place. For more information: lempmansion.com.

The Mystery of Edwin Drood
Photo: John Lamb

Stray Dog Theatre presents the musical The Mystery of Edwin Drood by Rupert Holmes Thursdays through Saturdays at 8 PM through April 18. "This raucous show within a show kicks off when a hilariously loony Victorian musical troupe 'puts on' its flamboyant rendition of an unfinished Charles Dickens mystery. Each performance ends differently depending on how the audience chooses to finish the story that Dickens didn't!" Performances take place at The Tower Grove Abbey, 2336 Tennessee. For more information, visit straydogtheatre.org or call 314-865-1995. Read the 88.1 KDHX review!

OnSite Theatre Company presents Off the Record by Alec Wild Fridays at 8 PM, and Saturdays at 7 and 9 PM, through April 11. "The timely comedy, Off the Record, follows the gubernatorial campaign of a promising candidate as a surprising scandal puts him and his staff on their toes and forces them into damage-control mode. As the audience takes on the role of the press corps following the candidate, pieces of information about the candidate and his wife leak to the audience bit by bit via cellphone." Audiences will board the bus at Tavolo, 6118 Delmar. For more information: www.OnSiteTheatre.org. Read the 88.1 KDHX review!

The Bissell Mansion Murder Mystery Dinner Theatre presents Phantom of the Grand Ole Opery through April 26. The Bissell Mansion is at 4426 Randall Place. For more information: bissellmansiontheatre.com

The Monroe Actors Stage Company presents Prescription Murder Fridays and Saturdays at 7:30 and Sundays at 2:30 p.m., Aprl 10-19, in the Historic Capitol Theatre in downtown Waterloo, Illinois. For more information, visit www.masctheatre.org or call 618-939-7469.

Upstream Theater presents The Rime of the Ancient Mariner by Samuel Taylor Coleridge adapted for the stage and directed by Patrick Siler with live music composed and performed by Sleepy Kitty, April 10-19. Performances take place at the Kranzberg Arts Center, 501 North Grand in Grand Center. For more information, including show times: upstreamtheater.org.

Clinton County Showcase presents The Sting April 10-19. “This show takes place in Chicago many years ago in a world of small-time hustlers and their girls, their money nonexistent but their ingenuity abundant. Johnny Hooker joins a friend in a successful con of a 'runner.' Unfortunately for them, the runner works for a powerful, vindictive rackets boss, Doyle Lonnegan, who is infuriated and arranges the killing of Johnny's friend. Hoping to avenge this senseless murder, Johnny enlists the aid of the master con man Henry Gondorf. Together they decide to try the big con called 'The Wire.'” Performances take place at the Avon Theater, 525 North 2nd Street Breese IL. For more information, visit ccshowcase.com.

The Fox Theatre presents the “international percussion sensation” Stomp Friday through Sunday, April 10-12. The Fox Theatre is at 527 North Grand in Grand Center. For more information: fabulousfox.com.

The Florissant Fine Arts Council presents the drama To Kill a Mockingbird on Friday, April 10, at 8 PM at the Florissant Civic Center Theatre at Parker Road at Waterford Drive in Florissant, MO. "This Pulitzer Prize winning Harper Lee Classic novel turned play offers a keyhole view into the struggles faced by a small town and its people." For more information: florissantfinearts.com/wp1/

Vanya and Sonia and Masha and Spike
©Photo by Jerry Naunheim Jr.

The Repertory Theatre of St. Louis presents Christopher Durang's Vanya And Sonia And Masha And Spike through April 12. "Stuck in their family home in Bucks County, Pennsylvania, Vanya and his adopted sister Sonia live a quiet existence until their lives are thrown into comic upheaval with the arrival of their B-list celebrity sister, Masha, and her 20-something boy toy, Spike. Add to that a soothsaying housekeeper, a star struck young neighbor and a rather odd costume party, and the stage is set for mayhem and hilarity in this present-day homage to Chekhov. Winner of the 2013 Tony Award for Best Play." 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. Read the 88.1 KDHX review!

Would you like to be on the radio? KDHX, 88.1 FM needs theatre reviewers. If you're 18 years or older, knowledgeable in this area, have practical theatre experience (acting, directing, writing, technical design, etc.), have good oral and written communications skills and would like to become one of our volunteer reviewers, send an email describing your experience and interests to chuck at kdhx.org. Please include a sample review of something you've seen recently.

Chuck's St. Louis theatre choices for the weekend of October 31, 2014

As always, the choices are purely my personal opinion. Take with a grain (or a shaker) of salt.

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New This Week:

The Presenters Dolan present Ken Haller in his new show Mama's Boy on Friday and Saturday, October 30 and 31, at 8 PM as part of the Gaslight Cabaret Festival. "Ken Haller turns 60 this Halloween, and his birthday present to YOU is his long-awaited, brand new cabaret show "Mama's Boy". Ken got love of music from his Irish-Catholic mom who would sing standards while keeping house and raising five kids. You won't want to miss this heartwarming, hilarious, moving show from one of St. Louis's foremost cabaret artists!" Al Fischer is the music director and the show is directed by Tim Schall. The performance takes place at the Gaslight Theater, 358 North Boyle. For more information: gaslightcabaretfestival.com.

My take:
Yes, I have worked on stage with Mr. Haller in the past and we've known each other personally for several years now, but that doesn't change the fact that he's an immensely talented gent with impressive credentials in both the theatrical and cabaret worlds. I described his last show "The TV Show," as "a tremendously entertaining and often extremely funny romp through TV land" in my review for KDHX back in 2012, and having just seen this new one I can say without reservation that it's definitely in the same league. But don't just take my word for it. "Haller is a charming and talented performer with a voice as smooth as a brandy Alexander," wrote Robert Mitchell in a KDHX review of Mr. Haller's "Song by Song by Sondheim" show back in 2011.

Edison Theatre Ovations! presents Three Acts, Two Dancers, One Radio Host Saturday at 8 p.m. and Sunday at 2 p.m., November 1 and 2. "This American Life host Ira Glass, with Monica Bill Barnes and Company have invented a new show that combines two art forms that -as Glass puts it-'have no business being together-dance and radio.' So what happens when you take one art form that is all words and no visuals and combine it with another art form that is all visuals and no words? You get a funny, lively and talky evening of dance and story. According to Ira Glass, 'People who like This American Life will probably like this because it is just like the radio show, um, if you picture dancers during all the stories.'" Performances take place in the Edison Theatre on the Washington University campus. For more information, call (314) 935-6543, e-mail edison at wustl.edu or visit edison.wustl.edu.

My take: I ask you, how can you not want to see a mix of dance, story telling, and radio? If I weren't otherwise engaged this weekend, I would be there. There's no reason you can't be. If you've ever heard Mr. Glass' popular NPR show, you know you can expect a unique evening of entertainment.

The Presenters Dolan present The Webster Student Showcase and Benefit on Saturday, November 1, at 8 PM as part of the Gaslight Cabaret Festival. "These Webster kids have talent, and energy and promise and ambition. At this showcase, three seniors will each perform a 20-mintue show. It's a benefit for the program at Webster -- all proceeds go towards spring auditions in NY and LA." The performance takes place at the Gaslight Theater, 358 North Boyle. For more information: gaslightcabaretfestival.com.

My take: Here's you chance to see the cabaret and musical theatre stars of tomorrow in action. I've seen a couple of these showcases in the past and have always been impressed.

Held Over:

Photo: John Lamb

New Jewish Theater presents The Diary of Anne Frank through November 2. "The iconic story of Anne Frank who hid with her family and four others in the annex of her father's factory. In this gripping and transcendently powerful new adaptation of the original story based on Anne's diary, we see Anne as a living, lyrical, intensely gifted young girl who confronts her rapidly changing life and the increasing horror of the time with astonishing honesty, wit and determination.This young girl's remarkable diary has become a testament to the human spirit and illuminates Anne's unwavering belief in justice and love. This moving, true story is essential viewing for every generation - a new adaptation for a new generation." 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: I should note at the outset that this is a new adaptation of Anne Frank's diaries by Wendy Kesselman based on the older dramatization by Frances Goodrich and Albert Hackett that most of us have seen in the past. "The current production by The New Jewish Theatre is simply heart wrenching in its exquisite and engaging execution," writes Chris Gibson at broadwayworld.com. "A wonderful cast and sensitive direction allow this true and tragic tale to blossom fully." Other reviews have been equally effusive. At the Jewish Light, for example, Bob Cohn calls it "heart-stopping." 'Nuff said.

Photo: Jerry Naunheim, Jr.

The Repertory Theatre of St. Louis presents Shakespeare's A Midsummer Night's Dream through November 9. "Magic, merriment and romance all unite in one of Shakespeare's most beloved and imaginative comedies. Starry-eyed lovers escape to an enchanted forest full of lust and bewitchment, where mischievous fairies play tricks, bumbling actors rehearse for a love-play and couples pursue one another, all under the light of the moon." 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 Rep's track record with Shakespeare has been uneven over the years, but judging from Tina Farmer's review for us at KDHX, they have come up a winner this time. Director Paul Mason Barnes "admirably succeeds in creating a well-paced production that brings out both the comedy and commentary on the human condition that are inherent in this play. It is very clear that both the director and actors understand the words and intent of the script, something which is sadly lacking in many productions of Shakespeare." Chris Gibson at broadwayworld.com concurs. "If I were asked to provide the perfect introduction to the work of playwright William Shakespeare," he writes, "I would advise that person to check out The Repertory Theatre of St. Louis' current production of A Midsummer Night's Dream." My own reaction, while not as unreservedly positive, is awfully close. This "Midsummer" succeeds far more often than not, and its hits are so completely on target that they more than make up for the few misses.

A new brain

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Who: Taylor Pietz with Justin Smolik
What: If I Only Had a Brain
When: April 10, 2014
Where: The Gaslight Cabaret Festival at the Gaslight Theatre

The title of actor/singer Taylor Pietz's show "If I Only Had a Brain" is somewhat deceptive.  She not only clearly has a brain, she has put it to good use concocting a fresh, funny, and polished cabaret evening that gave the old "this is my life" school of cabaret a quirky, self-effacing spin. 

I'm not normally a big fan of the autobiographical approach, but she made it work well, providing a nice theatrical through line for her song choices.

I should point out that I have known Ms. Pietz professionally for over a decade now.  We first met during a production of "The Best Little Whorehouse in Texas" nearly eleven years ago when she was 17 and I was—well—eleven years less old than I am now.  I was playing Senator Wingwoah and she, appropriately, was playing Shy.  I say "appropriately" because she struck me than as a somewhat shy young lady—but with terrific pipes and impressive acting skills. 

The ensuing years have only sharpened those skills and developed that voice into a lovely precision musical instrument.  That old shyness seems to have morphed into a kind of pixyish, cheerfully ironic stage persona.  With her first song ("Put on a Happy Face" from "Bye Bye Birdie") she projected a combination of poise and vulnerability that immediately got (and kept) the audience on her side.

That opening number allowed her to talk about how being an actress involved putting on somebody else's happy (or sad) face and losing yourself in a role.  Her real life, she noted, was closer to the lyrics of her next song, Jamie Cullum's "Twentysomething."  And, in fact, the end of that song's refrain—"I'm still having fun and I guess that's the key / I'm a twentysomething and I'll keep being me"—was something of a recurring theme throughout the evening.  If this show had a message, it would probably be Polonius's admonition to Hamlet: "to thine own self be true."

For the rest of the show, Ms. Pietz touched on subjects such as her checkered academic career ("Don't Wanna Be Here" from Adam Gwon's "Ordinary Days" and "No Reason at All" from Jonathan Reid Gealt's "Thirteen Stories Down"), her questionable dating decisions ("Fuck Was I" by Jenny Owen Youngs), and her inability, as a freelancer, to turn down a project, no matter how insane ("I Cain't Say No," with clever new lyrics by Ms. Pietz).

As you might gather from that last paragraph, "If I Only Had a Brain" heavily favored newer singer/songwriters and the younger generation of theatre composers.  I'm happy to say there were a number of songs here I'd never heard before, which is something that happens all too rarely, at least in my experience.  When she did turn her attention to a classic, though (such as her title song), she made it entirely her own.

Of course, every cabaret show is a team effort, and Ms. Pietz had some pretty substantial talent to help shape this one.  Her music director and pianist, Justin Smolik, has been the resident music director of New Line Theatre (where Ms. Pietz and I first met) since 2010 and has worked with many local professional companies.  His arrangements fitted Ms. Pietz's voice and style like a well-tailored suit and delivered some surprises along the way.  I was especially taken with his semi-ragtime approach to the Beatles classic "Help."

Directing Ms. Pietz was local cabaret and theatre veteran Ken Haller, whose own shows have been big critical and commercial successes.  He and Ms. Pietz gave a nice shape to the show, with the kind of dramatic arc I associate with a well-planned cabaret evening. 

"If I Only Had a Brain" finished in appropriately upbeat style with "That's Life," after which Ms. Pietz came back to accompany herself on a number of her own.  It's still a work in progress, but her current title for it is "That's What My Daddy Said."  I won't tell you exactly what her daddy said, but I will note that 1) it was another "to thine own self be true" message and 2) it brought her show to a conclusion that was as unexpected as it was funny.

And the audience loved it.

Chuck's Choices for the weekend of October 26, 2012

As always, the choices are purely my personal opinion. Take with a grain (or a shaker) of salt.

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New this week:

The Presenters Dolan presents Breaking the Rules starring pianist, music director, and singer Al Fischer with special guest Charlie Robin. The performance is directed by Ken Haller and takes place on Friday and Saturday, October 26 and 27, at 8 PM at The Kranzberg Center, 501 North Grand in Grand Center. I got to hear a preview of Al's show at the Cabaret Project's montly open mic night last week and was very impressed. It looks like an entertaining evening. I'm also curious to see what Ken Haller's directorial debut looks like. For more information: licketytix.com or 314-725-4200 ext. 10.

The St. Louis Symphony celebrates Hallowe’en a bit early this year with three showing of the classic film The Wizard of Oz. Ward Stare, one of the rising stars in the conducting firmament, leads the orchestra in a live performance of the score to accompany the film. There’s also a costume contest one hour prior to the concert, with winners walking away with a grab bag of Symphony-related goodies, including tickets to the Pirates of the Caribbean film later in the season. Some music lovers may look askance at mass-market events like this, but my attitude is if they help keep the orchestra afloat and possibly even recruit some new listeners, it’s all good. And who doesn't love this movie?  Performances are Friday and Saturday at 7 and Sunday at 2 at Powell Symphony Hall, 718 North Grand. For more information: stlsymphony.org.

Held over:

The Repertory Theatre of St. Louis presents the musical Daddy Long Legs through November 4. Performances take place on the main stage at the Loretto-Hlton Center, 130 Edgar Road in Webster Groves, MO.  In her review for 88.1 KDHX Connie Bollinger recommends this "unique treatment of an old favorite." I saw the show last weekend and found it completely charming.  Two-character musicals are difficult to pull off, but this one does the trick. For more information, call 314-968-4925 or visit repstl.org.

The Fox Theatre presents the 25th anniversary production of Les Miserables through October 28. The Fox Theatre is at 527 North Grand in Grand Center. As I note in my review for 88.1 KDHX, Les Misérables is not only one of the best pieces of musical theatre to emerge from the late 20th century, it's also a powerful refutation of the gospel of greed and arrogance currently being preached in this country. The new production retains all the virtues of the original and adds a few novel ones. For more information, visit fabulousfox.com or call 314-534-1678.

Chuck's Choices for the weeked of September 13, 2012

As always, the choices are purely my personal opinion. Take with a grain (or a shaker) of salt.

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New this week:

The Presenters Dolan present a return engagement of Ken Haller's The TV Show, featuring themes from classic TV shows. Al Fischer is music director for the show, which takes place Friday and Saturday, June 14 and 15, at the Kranzberg Center, 501 North Grand in Grand Center. In my review of the original producion this past June, I described the show as "a very clever idea smartly executed" and that it was, on the whole, "a tremendously entertaining and often extremely funny romp through TV land." For more information, visit licketytix.com

Held over:

R-S Theatrics presents The Adding Machine: A Musical, based on the fantasy drama by Elmer Rice, through September 16. The original Expressionist play has some profound things to say about the dehumanizing effects of corporate culture. On the basis of that alone I think this rarely seen musical is worth your time. Performances take place at the Gaslight Theatre, 358 North Boyle in the Central West End. For more information: r-stheatrics.com or 314-968-8070.

Mustard Seed Theatre presents Going to See the Elephant through September 16 at the Fontbonne Fine Arts Theatre, 6800 Wydown Blvd. Deanna Jent's original production of this for the now-defunct Orange Girls company was well received. In her review for 88.1 KDHX, Andrea Braun says that she can "enthusiastically recommend you consider enjoying this engaging evening of theatre." For more information, call (314) 719-8060 or visit the web site at www.mustardseedtheatre.com.

As seen on TV

Who: The Presenters Dolan
What: Ken Haller: The TV Show
When: June 1 and 2, 2012
Where: The Kranzberg Center

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[Full disclosure: I have worked on stage with Mr. Haller in the past.]

A cabaret show based on classic TV songs and themes? Like activating the Bolonium Interface Device on Star Trek, it’s a crazy idea but it just might work!

In fact, Ken Haller’s The TV Show was a very clever idea smartly executed. Rather than simply throwing together a program of TV themes peppered with “remember when” nostalgia, Mr. Haller and his director Tim Schall assembled a highly personal journey seen in the flickering blue light of the “big, enormous twelve inch screen” that was the centerpiece of so many childhood living rooms for those of us Of a Certain Age. In The TV Show, nostalgia was a means to an end rather than an end in itself.

So, for example, Mr. Haller (a pediatrician who often appears on local TV discussing children's health issues) used a set of theme songs from shows about characters with special powers (I Dream of Jeanie, Bewitched, My Favorite Martian) to reflect on how those shows resonated with his growing awareness, rushing towards puberty, of his gay sexuality. “Bein’ Green” (from Sesame Street) became a meditation on being different and accepting it while the only non-TV song in the show—“Somewhere That’s Green” from Little Shop of Horrors—led into reminiscences of growing up in suburban Hicksville on Long Island. And “Let Me Be Your Star” (from Smash) underscored a touching anecdote about how his mother, after seeing a video of his Sondheim show, turned to him and said “you really are a star!”

That’s not to say The TV Show was all touchy-feely stuff. Mr. Haller was careful not to push the confessional aspect of cabaret too far, so most of the evening was a tremendously entertaining and often extremely funny romp through TV land.

There was a medley of Barry Manilow’s commercial jingles, for example (demonstrating his early talent for writing a tune with a great hook) and a reenactment of a particularly hallucinatory segment from Gilligan’s Island in which the castaways put on a musical version of Hamlet using tunes from classic operas. My own favorite, though, was “Yakko’s World” (from Anmaniacs), which involved rattling off all the nations of the world to the tune of “The Mexican Hat Dance”. No human could possibly memorize that, of course, so Mr. Haller made a very funny bit out of reading the lyrics off 3X5 cards and tossing them around the stage a la Rip Taylor.

No Ken Haller shows would be complete without a Sondheim song, of course. He was represented here by “Take Me to the World” (from Evening Primrose, the TV special that also gave us the lovely “I Remember”), which music director Al Fischer combined in a charming medley with Rogers and Hammerstein’s “Ten Minutes Ago” (from Cinderella).

Speaking of Mr. Fischer, his voice and piano were so much a part of The TV Show that it was almost a duet act. He and Mr. Haller clearly had a solid working relationship that resulted in an easy camaraderie on stage. Mr. Schall’s work was visible throughout the evening as well in the logical flow and pacing as well as in the canny use of the Kranzberg’s limited playing space.

The TV Show is over for the time being, but given the fact that both performances were sold out, I suspect a re-run may be in the cards. If so, you'll want to catch it.

Chuck's choices for the weekend of June 1st, 2012

As always, the choices are purely my personal opinion. Take with a grain (or a shaker) of salt.

Revised June 1, 2012

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New this week:

Debbie Gravitte

The St. Louis Symphony continues the post-season season with Bond and Beyond: 50 Years of 007 Saturday at 8 PM. "The STL Symphony takes you on a thrilling adventure through the music of James Bond and other secret agents whose mission is to save the day. Hear selections from classic films including From Russia with Love, Goldfinger, Casino Royale and The Pink Panther." Yes, it's quite a leap from the penultimate to the ultimate film in that list, so it will be interesting to see how they tie this all together. The symphony will be conducted by Michael Krajewski (Principal Pops Conductor of the Houston, Atlanta, and Jacksonville orchestras) with vocals by Debbie Gravitte, a legit Broadway belter who will, I hope, be singing the themes from Goldfinger and Diamonds Are Forever. As a fan of both the Ian Fleming novels and most of the Bond movies (I'm easily amused), I'm looking forward to this one. The performance takes place at Powell Hall, 718 North Grand. For more information, visit stlsymphony.org or call 314-534-1700.

New Line Theatre presents the rock musical High Fidelity Thursdays through Saturdays at 8 PM, May 31 through June 21. Performances take place at the Washington University South Campus Theatre, 6501 Clayton Road. I'm determined to finally catch this reprise of New Line's highly successful production of this show. I've been an admirer of the cast recording for years and Jeff Wright strikes as me as ideal for the lead role of the owner of the "last real record store on earth." For more information, call 314-534-1111.

The Presenters Dolan present Ken Haller's new cabaret act The TV Show, featuring songs and themes from classic TV programs. Al Fishcher is pianist and music director for the show. Performances take place Friday and Saturday, June 1 and 2, at the Kranzberg Center, 501 North Grand in Grand Center. I haven't seen the show yet, of course, but how can you not like this idea? I've worked with Ken on stage before and have had many occasions to admire his work as both a singer and actor. For more information, visit licketytix.com

ACT Inc. presents Travels With My Aunt, based on the novel by Graham Greene, Fridays and Saturdays at 8 PM and Sundays at 2 PM, June 1 through 3 and 14 through 17. Performances take place at the Fontbonne Fine Arts Theatre and the campus at 6800 Wydown. Greene's classic story of a timid Englishman thrust into international intrigue by his Bohemian aunt was freely adapted into a charming film in 1972. This 1989 stage version uses a cast of four men to tell the tale, along the lines of the much-praised adaptation of The 39 Steps from a few years back. For more information, call 314-725-9108 or visit actinc.biz.

Circus Flora presents its brand new show, The Wizard: Merlin and the Legends of King Arthur, May 31 through June 24 under the air-conditioned, red-and-white, big top tent in Grand Center next to Powell Hall. Sadly, I'm going to miss Circus Flora this year but it past seasons are any indication, there will be fun for all. For more information, visit circusflora.org.

Held over:

Sweeney prepares Judge Turpin
for a close shave

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

Kendall Gladen

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