Chuck's Choices for the weekend of June 15, 2018

An already crowded hit list becomes even bigger, with shows by Act Inc, Stray Dog, the Muny, and Opera Theatre.

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Blithe Spirit
Photo by John Lamb

Act Inc presents Noël Coward's comedy Blithe Spirit Fridays at 8 pm and Saturdays and Sundays at 2 pm through June 24. "Blithe Spirit is a comic play by Noël Coward. The play concerns the socialite and novelist Charles Condomine, who invites the eccentric medium and clairvoyant, Madame Arcati, to his house to conduct a séance, hoping to gather material for his next book. The scheme backfires when he is haunted by the ghost of his annoying and temperamental first wife, Elvira, after the séance. Elvira makes continual attempts to disrupt Charles's marriage to his second wife, Ruth, who cannot see or hear the ghost." Performances take place in the Emerson Black Box Theatre at the J. Scheidegger Center for the Arts on the Lindenwood campus in St. Charles, MO. For more information, visit actincstl.com.

My take: Coward's arch take on ghostly goings-on has been so popular for so long for very good reasons. Tina Farmer calls it an "entertaining diversion" in her review for KDHX, and I'd say that summarizes the play's appeal perfectly. Act Inc has also gotten the technical demands right, it seems, which is where productions of the play can sometimes fall down.

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Hedda Gabler
Photo by John Lamb

Stray Dog Theatre presents Ibsen's tragedy Hedda Gabler Thursdays through Saturdays through June 23. There will also a 2 pm on Sunday, June 17. "A masterpiece of modern theatre, Hedda Gabler exposes a powerful and reckless heroine who finds herself stranded in the seemingly ordinary but dangerously imbalanced Victorian Era. Employing methods that define the modern psychological drama, the plot stealthily reveals the bitter conflicts and thwarted longings that lie just below the "civilized" interactions of daily life and unflinchingly leads us to a shocking but inevitable conclusion." Performances take place at The Tower Grove Abbey, 2336 Tennessee. For more information, visit straydogtheatre.org or call 314-865-1995.

My take: Well, you don't need me to tell you that Hedda Gabler is one of the classics of 20th-century theatre. It is, however, easy to get it wrong and make it tedious. Needless to say, Stray Dog has done nothing of the kind, which means (to quote Tina Farmer at KDHX), "Ibsen’s dark drama is as juicy and pointedly acerbic as it is sharply perceptive and every moment is purposeful." At Ladue News, Mark Bretz concurs, noting that director Gary Bell "elicits compelling performances from his talented cast and keeps this version of Hedda Gabler intriguing and involving throughout its three acts and three hours, which never drags despite its length."

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Jerome Robbins' Broadway

The Muny presents Jerome Robbins' Broadway, running through Sunday, June 17. "In its first staging ever in the world since its original Broadway production and tour, Jerome Robbins' Broadway is an epic musical anthology that honors the career highlights of Tony Award-winning director and choreographer, Jerome Robbins. Filled with mesmerizing production numbers from some of Robbins' biggest hits, including West Side Story, On the Town, Peter Pan, The King and I and Fiddler on the Roof, this is one monumental Muny premiere befitting a celebratory start to our centennial season!" Performances take place on the Muny's outdoor stage in Forest Park. For more information: muny.org.

My take: If you're up for the heat and humidity, this rarely-seen compilation of legendary choreographer Jerome Robbins' greatest hits is pure gold. You can read more in my review for KDHX, but the bottom line is that this is a must-see for any lover of musical theatre. It's also the first performance of this revue since its 1989 Broadway run, so this could literally be a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.

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Orfeo and Euridice
Photo by Ken Howard

Opera Theatre of St. Louis presents Gluck's Orfeo and Euridice through June 21. "What would you do if you lost your soulmate? For Orfeo, the answer is simple: get her back - even if it means traveling to the underworld. He braves every challenge, armed with nothing more than his music and his devotion. Little does he realize that his greatest obstacle will ultimately be his own passion. As a myth, it's a celebration of love and of music's transcendent power. As an opera, it's a ravishing masterpiece." Performances take place at the Loretto-Hilton Center at 135 Edgar Road on the Webster University campus. All performances are sung in English with projected English text. For more information: experienceopera.org call 314-961-0644.

My take: Director Ron Daniels' modern, minimalist production takes a bit of getting used to, but when all is said and done it works pretty darned well as a contemporary theatre piece while still honoring the intentions of the opera's creators. That's not an easy task. Check out my review at KDHX for more details.

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Held Over:

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An American Soldier
Photo by Ken Howard

Opera Theatre of St. Louis presents the world premiere of An American Soldier, by Huang Ro and David Henry Hwang, running through June 22. "Danny Chen is the son of Chinese immigrants, and a proud American. He enlists in the US Army in 2011, eager to serve his country. In boot camp, Danny is welcomed by his band of brothers. But in Afghanistan, his own base becomes enemy territory as military hazing turns deadly. Based on a true story, this opera asks powerful questions about what it means to be an American." Performances take place at the Loretto-Hilton Center at 135 Edgar Road on the Webster University campus. All performances are sung in English with projected English text. For more information: experienceopera.org call 314-961-0644.

My take: While I'm not particularly taken with Huang Ro's score, David Henry Hwang's libretto is so strong and the performances of the cast are so compelling that I'm recommending this important new opera without hesitation. As I write in my review for KDHX, it's a work that forcefully reminds of us the gap that far too often exists between our nation's ideals and its realities, and it deserves to be seen.

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Corinne Melançon and Steve Isom
in I Do! I Do!Photo by Peter Wochniak

Stages St. Louis presents the musical I Do! I Do!, by the creators of The Fantasticks, through July 1. "I DO! I DO! tells the poignant story of 50 years in the married lives of Michael and Agnes. This two character musical version of the comedy/drama 'The Fourposter' takes place entirely in a bedroom and takes its audience on a whirlwind journey that begins in 1895 and ends half a century later. I DO! I DO! offers its audiences a frank look at the miracle of marriage as Michael and Agnes experience childbirth, parenthood, and the eventual settling down to face the future and their advancing years together. Originally written for the Broadway stars, Mary Martin and Robert Preston, STAGES employs the innovative theatrical hat-trick of two separate rotating casts: neither of which you will want to miss! An unabashed gift to the many couples who have walked through our doors, I DO! I DO! will be sure to steal your heart while celebrating the many triumphs and heartaches of marriage: past, present, and future!" Performances take place in the Robert G. Reim Theatre at the Kirkwood Community Center, 111 South Geyer Road in Kirkwood. For more information: stagesstlouis.org.

My take: Originally staged on Broadway back in 1966 and revised for a revival 30 years later, this charming if slight show will strike some familiar chords for anyone who has been married for any length of time. Despite a coupe of emotional crises that are resolved with implausible ease, the emotional stakes in this script are not high, but the appealing score (including the "My Cup Runneth Over," a lovely number that was inescapable back in the late 1960s) and polished production still make this well worth your time. Because, really, not everything has to be fraught with dramatic weight. I saw the "purple" cast, consisting of Stages regular Steve Isom and Corinne Melançon (who is also the production's dance captain). Their work is impeccable, but I don't think you can go wrong with the "red" cast of David Schmittou and Kari Ely either.

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Regina
Photo by Ken Howard

Opera Theatre of St. Louis presents Mark Blitzstein's Regina running through June 24. "Theft. Blackmail. Murder. Is there nothing that Regina Giddens won't do to satisfy her ambition? Based on Lillian Hellman's play The Little Foxes, and set against a Southern backdrop of spirituals, jazz, and ragtime, this deliciously twisted opera pits siblings and spouses against each other in a battle for the family business. Prepare to be scandalized - and entertained - as the renowned Susan Graham returns to Opera Theatre to portray one of the American stage's most fascinating characters." Performances take place at the Loretto-Hilton Center at 135 Edgar Road on the Webster University campus. All performances are sung in English with projected English text. For more information: experienceopera.org call 314-961-0644.

My take: As I write in my review for KDHX, Regina is an American classic, and the Opera Theater production is a triumph in every respect. Don't miss it. Its condemnation of the ethical vacuum at the heart of crony capitalism and the ugly brutality of those who practice it could hardly be more relevant today. You should not miss it.

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La Traviata
Photo by Ken Howard

Opera Theatre of St. Louis presents Verdi's La Traviata through June 23. "Violetta has one important rule: never fall in love. As a Parisian courtesan, her life is full of parties, admirers, and - most importantly - freedom. Then she meets Alfredo. His naive sincerity sweeps her off her feet. Just when Violetta thinks she has escaped her past, she is asked to make an unthinkable sacrifice. Will pride, love, or honor prevail? Embrace the romance of this Verdi masterpiece, featuring the directing debut of star soprano Patricia Racette" Performances take place at the Loretto-Hilton Center at 135 Edgar Road on the Webster University campus. All performances are sung in English with projected English text. For more information: experienceopera.org call 314-961-0644.

My take: There was a time (before November 2016) when I would have suggested that the mix toxic chauvinism and smug self-righteousness of the males characters in Verdi's opera was starting to look dated. Now I'm not so sure. In any case, this new production is getting rave notices for the quality of the singing and acting on display. Having finally seen it myself, I have to agree that, while it may not be my favorite Traviata (that position is still held by Union Avenue's wonderful 2014 production), it's an awfully good one. Besides, it stars the immensely talented Sydney Mancasola, who was so impressive in OTSL's La Rondine in 2015.

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Yeast Nation
Photo by Jill Ritter Lindberg

New Line Theatre presents the St. Louis premiere of the rock musical Yeast Nation Thursdays through Saturdays at 8 PM, through June 23. "The world's first bio-historical musical comedy, from the mad geniuses who brought you Urinetown! It is the year 3,000,458,000 BC. The Earth's surface is a molten mass of volcanic islands and undulating waves. The atmosphere is a choking fog lit by a dim red sun. And the mighty waters of the world are inhabited only by rocks, sand, salt, more rocks, a little silt, and the great society of salt-eating yeasts - yes, yeasts! - the world's very first life form! These single-cell salt-eaters are the only living creatures on earth, and they're struggling against a food shortage, a strange new emotion called Love, and the oppression of a tyrannical yeast king. But when the king's son ventures out of the known yeastiverse, the yeasts' epic story - and ours - is changed forever." Performances take place at the Marcelle Theater, 3310 Samuel Shepard Drive, three blocks east of Grand, in Grand Center. For more information, visit newlinetheatre.com or call 314-534-1111.

My take: One of the takeaways from the success of Urientown is that you can make a musical out of pretty much anything. So it should be no surprise that Mark Hollmann and Gret Kotis decided to follow up on the success of that first show with a musical about that most song-inducing of subjects, salt-eating yeasts. The show, as Tina Farmer writes at KDHX, features "vibrant color and effective performances that are delightfully engaging and thoroughly satisfying. You might learn a little science if you listen closely, but you're sure to leave the theater with a smile, a melody in your head and a new appreciation for our distant neighbors those salt-eating yeasts." Sounds...um...tasty.

Review: The age of gold

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

The ensemble in the West Side Story suite

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The Muny is celebrating its centennial this season, and they're kicking it off this week with a big, bright theatrical present in the form of the musical revue "Jerome Robbins' Broadway."

A compilation of musical numbers from shows either directed or choreographed by the legendary Jerome Robbins, "Jerome Robbins' Broadway" was originally presented on Broadway in 1989, where it was directed and choreographed by Mr. Robbins himself. It ran for 633 performances and 44 previews.

No theatre has produced it since then, primarily because of the massive legal and financial hurdles involved. The individual numbers have to be approved for performance by the estates of nearly two dozen composers and authors, and the production involves the work of dozens of singers and dancers (62 in the Broadway original, 59 at the Muny).

L-R: Drew Redington, Leeds Hill, Garen Schreiber
in "New York, New York" from On the Town

It's a massive undertaking, which is why the current Muny production will probably be a once in a lifetime opportunity for lovers of musical theatre. Although it clocks in at just under three hours, the Muny revival lacks two of the numbers from the Broadway version, but it's otherwise as close as you can get to that famed original. If you love a good musical, in short, "Jerome Robbins' Broadway" is a must-see event.

Because the show is essentially a "greatest hits" compilation, there isn't a single number that isn't at least good, and most are great, although I found some more memorable than others.

Scenes from shows that are rarely seen were the most interesting for me, beginning with the "Charleston" sequence from "Billion Dollar Baby," a 1945 show set in the "Roaring 20s" with a score by noted composer Morton Gould. The setup is deceptively simple: groups of classic 1920s types--flappers, college kids in raccoon coats, gangsters, slumming socialites in evening dress--dash into and out of a speakeasy. They all do character-specific versions of the titular dance step, often combined with a stiff-legged, rocking motion that makes them seem to glide across the stage as if pulled by an invisible string.

L-R: Berklea Going, Marina Lazzaretto, Melissa Hunter McCann,
Peter Garza, Chris Lingner in "Charleston"
from Billion Dollar Baby

On that foundation, Gould and Robbins build an elaborate and wildly inventive sequence crackling with energy. Unlike most of the other numbers, there's no singing here at all, unless you count the occasional bit of spoken period slang ("It's the bees knees!" "Whoopee!") used to punctuate small moments. It's pure dance heaven.

"I Still Get Jealous" (from "High Button Shoes," 1947) is far more modest, featuring only two performers: Maggie Lakis and Rob McClure. Their elegant, Vaudeville-inspired soft shoe is a delight, and allows the rest of the company to recuperate a bit after the strenuous "Charleston." Ms. Lakis and Mr. McClure (who also acts as the show's narrator) are also impressive as Golde and Tevye in the "Fiddler on the Roof" selections in Act II.

The "Bathing Beauty Ballet" (to the tune of "On a Sunday By the Sea"), the other selection from "High Button Shoes," goes on just a bit too long for my taste. But the Mack Sennett-inspired chase scene, with dancers throwing themselves in and out of doors like a Feydeau farce on steroids, is so astonishingly complex and performed with such superhuman precision that I was ultimately captivated.

L-R: Drew Redington, Sarah Bowden, Leeds Hil, Jenny Powers,
Garen Scribner in "Ya Got Me" from On the Town

"The Small House of Uncle Thomas" from "The King and I," is another high point in the evening. In it, Tuptim (Sarah Bowden), one of the King of Siam's slaves, narrates a performance of her own adaptation of the book "Uncle Tom's Cabin," that Anna has loaned her. The play within a play is done in the manner of Siamese ballet, with arms and legs often cocked at unnatural right angles. The Muny cast carries off the highly stylized movement beautifully, led by Erica Wong in the demanding role of Eliza.

And let's hear it for Jenny Powers' smoky, sultry delivery of the Irving Berlin novelty number "Mr. Monotony," about a trombone player whose limited repertory drives his wife into the arms of a clarinetist. It was originally written for (and then dropped from) the 1948 film "Easter Parade" as well as the stage musicals "Miss Liberty" and "Call Me Madam." The fourth time is the charm, apparently. The dance number that followed featured dramatically athletic performances from Alexa De Barr, Garen Scribner, and Sean Rozanski.

For most audience members, I expect, the big hits were the selections from "On the Town" and West Side Story." The latter is probably the most familiar, if only because of the immense popularity the 1961 film version, which Mr. Robbins co-directed. Both are filled with the mix of classical, jazz, and modern dance moves that were typical of his work, and the versatile cast of singers and dancers the Muny has assembled here do them full justice.

Rob McClure and ensemble in
"On a Sunday By the Sea" from High Button Shoes

Sailors Chip, Ozzie, and Gaby (Drew Redington, Leeds Hill, and Garen Scribner) seem to defy gravity as they zip across the stage in "On the Town." Ensemble members posture aggressively and leap through the fight sequences in "West Side Story." Hildy and Claire (Jenny Powers and Sarah Bowden) join the sailors for a raucous comedy number in "Ya Got Me." And the entire ensemble delivers a moving version of "Somewhere" to conclude the first act.

"I'm Flying," from the ever-popular "Peter Pan," was a big hit with the audience as well, with Sarah Marie Jenkins and the three Darling kids (Elizabeth Teeter, Gabriel Cytron, and Cole Joyce) zooming around the stage on flying rigs. The stagehands may be responsible for keeping performers airborne, but it takes a skilled dancer like Ms. Jenkins to make it look graceful.

This is, in short, musical theatre gold.

The program lists Harrison Beal, Dan Knechtges, and Ralph Perkins as "additional choreographers." I'm not sure where Robbins's work ends and theirs begins, but the overall result certainly feels like a Robbins show, which is probably what really matters.

L-R: Sarah Marie Jenkins, Elizbeth Teeter, Gabriel Cytron,
Cole Joyce in "I'm Flying" from Peter Pan

Robin L. McGee's seemingly endless array of eye-catching costumes, Paige Hathaway's bright sets, and Nathan W. Scheuer's video projections all add to the strong visual appeal of the show. Michael Horsley conducts the orchestra in an expert rendition of the long and sometimes complex score (even in pared-down orchestrations, Leonard Bernstein's music can be tricky). And director Cynthia Onrubia pulls everything together into a satisfying whole.

Yes, the unseasonably hot June weather this year can make a trip to the Muny less comfortable than it was in previous decades, but it's worth it for the unique experience that is "Jerome Robbins' Broadway." Performances continue nightly at 8:15 through Sunday on the outdoor stage in Forest Park.

Chuck's Choices for the weekend of November 10th, 2017

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

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Emily Skinner

The Gaslight Cabaret Festival presents Emily Skinner in Broadway Her Way on Saturday, November 11, at 8 p.m. "In her captivatingly all-in cabaret show, Tony-nominated Broadway star Emily Skinner (Side Show, Billy Elliot, The Full Monty) takes us on a tour of her neighborhood. A favorite at The Rep in Follies and at the MUNY in The Little Mermaid. Among his many accomplishments, Emily's MD John Fischer is the Music Director of the renowned center of dance, Jacob's Pillow, located in The Berkshires of western Massachussetts." The performances take place at the Gaslight Theater, 358 North Boyle. For more information: gaslightcabaretfestival.com.

My take: If you liked Alice Ripley's show last month, there's a good chance you'll find this one appealing as well, since she and Ms. Ripley (who famously co-starred in Sideshow on Broadway) teamed up for a duet show, Unattached, at 54 Below last year. If you were lucky enough to see her in Follies at the Rep last year, you know she's a real musical theatre pro.

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Elsie Parker

The Jacoby Arts Center presents Elsie Parker and the Poor People of Paris in Days of Wine and Piaf, an evening of the songs of Edith Piaf, on Friday, November 10, at 8 p.m. The Jacoby Arts Center is at 627 E. Broadway in Alton, IL. For more information: jacobyartscenter.org.

My take: i will confess to being a huge admirer of Edith Piaf (I have visited her grave in Paris twice) and French popular songs in general. Elsie Parker and her group have the same affection for this material and it shows on their polished and committed performances.

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Katie McGrath

The Gaslight Cabaret Festival presents Katie McGrath in Significant Others on Friday, November 10, at 8 p.m. "Significant Others: the people, places and events that make us - well, us. Features a lively mix of Great American Songbook, pop, country and soul. McGrath's proceeds will benefit St. Louis's own Guardian Angel Settlement Association, whose social services programs and developmental childcare program work to improve the lives of those in our community struggling with poverty." The performances take place at the Gaslight Theater, 358 North Boyle. For more information: gaslightcabaretfestival.com.

My take: Katie McGrath was a notable cabaret artist here in St. Louis for years before her recent move to the Big Apple. In addition to her solo work, she was a member of the rockin' Women Under the Influence as well as a political activist, organizing two Concert Across America events to raise awareness about gun violence. Since then she has been making a name for herself in NYC. It's good to have her back in town for a few days.

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The Spitfire Grill
Photo: Ken Clark

The Hawthorne Players present musical The Spitfire Grill through November 12. "Recent parolee, Percy Talbott, is trying to find a place for a fresh start and ends up in the small town of Gilead, Wisconsin. The local sheriff finds her a job at the only eatery in this struggling town, The Spitfire Grill-for sale for the last 10 years. Percy suggests the gruff owner, Hannah, try raffling it off. The entry fee is one hundred dollars and an essay on why you want the grill. This musical triumph is an inspiring celebration of new beginnings and the power of what one person can do." The performances take place at the Florissant Civic Center Theatre at Parker and Waterford in Florissant, MO. For more information, call 921-5678 or visit hawthorneplayers.info.

My take: Is this production worth a trip out Florissant? Richard Green over at Talkin' Broadway certainly thinks so. "100% charming, and perfectly cast, the 2001 musical Spitfire Grill finds its magic in unexpected places," he writes. "There's the frightening modern chasm of economic dislocation (set in a rural Wisconsin community) and a slow-dawning miracle of escape for all concerned, as you may remember from the 1996 movie with Ellen Burstyn. And, at the Florissant Civic Center Theatre, Hawthorne Players gives it the perfect setting, heartwarming, with a good dash of snark. Yes, this is an unadulterated rave." My experience with Hawthorne is that they often do very good work, and have a well-equipped and comfortable theatre to work with.  Add this to your musical theatre list for the weekend.

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Stones in His Pockets
Photo: John Lamb

The West End Players Guild continues its 107th season with the comedy Stones in His Pockets Fridays and Saturdays at 8 PM and Sundays at 2 PM, November 10 - 19. "The play offers a sharply satiric look at what happens when an American movie company sets up shop in a down-on-its-luck village in County Kerry, Ireland, to film a major motion picture. Enticed by the prospect of making more money as film extras every day than most can make in a week, everyone in the village wants in on the action. Most do get involved but some are left behind, and the village soon learns that there can be a steep price to pay for a few weeks of easy money and Hollywood excitement." There will also be a show on Thursday, November 17, at 8 PM. 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.

My take: Full disclosure: I'm on the board and play reading committee at West End, but I have also been a great admirer of the remarkable comedy/drama since my wife and I first saw it in London many years ago. It's a virtuoso exercise for the two-man cast, who have to shift characters rapidly and often to portray around 30 roles in the course of the evening. I have shared the stage with both of the guys in this cast and I can tell you from personal experience that they've got the goods.

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The Student Prince
Photo: Wylde Brothers Productions

Winter Opera St. Louis presents Sigmund Romberg's operetta The Student Prince Friday at 8 PM and Sunday at 3 PM, November 10 and 12. Performances take place at The Skip Viragh Center for the Arts at Chaminade College Preparatory School, 425 S. Lindbergh. For more information, visit winteroperastl.org.

My take: We don't get to see much operetta these days. Sure, there's the occasional Gilbert and Sullivan, but I can't recall the last time I saw a professional production of Rombert's tuneful The Student Prince. Winter Opera gave us one of the best productions of Merry Widow I've ever seen last year, and while what I saw at final dress rehearsal last night wasn't quite in that league, it was still quite good. Soprano Caitlin Cisler and tenor Andrew Marks Maughan sound terrific in the leads and in the role of Detlef tenor Zachary Devin leads the men's chorus in a fine version of the famous "Serenade." The orchestra under Scott Schoonover has never sounded better.

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Held Over:

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Windsor Theatre Group presents the musical revue Broadway: The Early 1900's - Victor Herbert and His Contemporaries at 7 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday, November 11 and and 12. "Talented professional singers and dancers will take the audience to an era that was very interesting for music lovers. Fantastic shows were staged on Broadway, and jazz, blues and tango began receiving mainstream recognition. Broadway tunes include the great male chorus numbers from Rose-Marie, The Student Prince, The Merry Widow, and The New Moon. There will be solo and duet performances of more Broadway selections and the other genres gaining fame. In addition, highlights of plots or other interesting facts about a song will enhance the enjoyment of the attendees." Performances take place at the historic Ozark Theatre, 103 E. Lockwood in Webster Groves. For more information call 314-832-2114 or visit the group's Facebook page.

My take: I'm putting this on the list for the simple reason that I'm very fond of music from the early years of the 20th century. Heck, I even created an entire show around it. Herbert and his contemporaries aren't heard that much these days, which is a pity. Thanks to Windsor for bringing us a full evening of this classic stuff.

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Ken Haller and Marty Fox

The Gaslight Cabaret Festival presents singer Ken Haller and pianist Marty Fox in Happy Haller Days on Thursday, November 9, at 8 p.m. "In his take on the holidays, Ken promises to be surprising,funny, personal, moving, great company and just a little exasperating. Just like all our holidays! The very well done video below by Paul Schankman takes you into the world of Ken's shows. " The performances take place at the Gaslight Theater, 358 North Boyle. For more information: gaslightcabaretfestival.com.

My take: In my review of Ken's last production, The Medicine Show, I noted that he "delivered the goods with that combination of theatrical smarts and vocal authority that has made him one of our town's principal cabaret exports." He and Marty Fox have done another first rate job this time around; check out my review of this show for details.

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Titus Androgynous

YoungLiars presents Titus Androgynous through November 11. "Did you know that Shakespeares most brutal tragedy is actually a comedy? YoungLiars aim to prove the point with a vengeance in this riotous reimagining of Titus Andronicus - where the Italian Commedia smashes into All-American Splatter, and Shakespeare comes along for the ride. Titus Androgynous is YoungLiars deliciously deranged deep-dive into the perverse passions and vaudeville violence of the Bard's bloodiest play." Performances take place in in the hundred-year-old basement of the Centene Center for the Arts, 3547 Olive Street in Grand Center. For more information: brownpapertickets.com.

My take: I'm not a fan of grand guignol theatre in general, but if (say) Evil Dead: The Musical is your particular cup of stage blood, you might want to take a look at this unapologetically outrageous revision of Shakespeare's most violent play (which, to be fair, is often cited as an early example of grand guignol). Over at Ladue News, Mark Bretz praises the production's "inspired silliness" and says this Hallowe'en-themed show is "as much treat as trick."

St. Louis theatre calendar for the week of November 6, 2017

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

Emily Skinner

The Gaslight Cabaret Festival presents Emily Skinner in Broadway Her Way on Saturday, November 11, at 8 p.m. "In her captivatingly all-in cabaret show, Tony-nominated Broadway star Emily Skinner (Side Show, Billy Elliot, The Full Monty) takes us on a tour of her neighborhood. A favorite at The Rep in Follies and at the MUNY in The Little Mermaid. Among his many accomplishments, Emily's MD John Fischer is the Music Director of the renowned center of dance, Jacob's Pillow, located in The Berkshires of western Massachussetts." The performances take place at the Gaslight Theater, 358 North Boyle. For more information: gaslightcabaretfestival.com.

Windsor Theatre Group presents the musical revue Broadway: The Early 1900's - Victor Herbert and His Contemporaries at 7 p.m. on Friday, November 10; and 2 and 7 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday, November 11 and and 12. "Talented professional singers and dancers will take the audience to an era that was very interesting for music lovers. Fantastic shows were staged on Broadway, and jazz, blues and tango began receiving mainstream recognition. Broadway tunes include the great male chorus numbers from Rose-Marie, The Student Prince, The Merry Widow, and The New Moon. There will be solo and duet performances of more Broadway selections and the other genres gaining fame. In addition, highlights of plots or other interesting facts about a song will enhance the enjoyment of the attendees." Performances take place at the historic Ozark Theatre, 103 E. Lockwood in Webster Groves. For more information call 314-832-2114 or visit the group's Facebook page.

O'Fallon TheatreWorks presents the musical Bye Bye Birdie at the O'Fallon Municipal Centre auditorium through November 12. The O'FallonTheatreWorks production of Bye Bye Birdie takes audiences back to the 1950s as the era of rock 'n roll is taking off. But to the consternation of legions of fans, rock star and teen heart throb Conrad Birdie is being drafted into the U.S. Army, But no one is more devastated than struggling songwriter Albert Peterson, whose song Birdie was just about to record. Albert's longtime girlfriend, Rosie, pushes Albert to write a new tune, “One Last Kiss,” which Birdie will perform on television to a fan selected in a contest. The scheme works, with attractive Ohio teenager Kim McAfee declared the winner, but no one has counted on the jealous wrath of her boyfriend. The musical score includes popular songs, “Put on a Happy Face” and “Honestly Sincere” in addition to “One Last Kiss.” The O'Fallon Municipal Centre is located at 100 North Main Street in O'Fallon, MO. For more information, visit www.ofallon.mo.us or call 636-379-5606.

The Lemp Mansion Comedy-Mystery Dinner Theater presents The Christmas Killer through December 31. " Welcome to the party sponsored by Chatty Cathy, (and the "Misfit Toys"). We certainly hope that you can find a good home for one of our toys! Of course, it'll be a fun party as long as the wrong element doesn't show up! We're talking about Ricky Stitch, of course. Gee! I hope nothing bad happens to him! Anyway, you'll meet lots of characters tonight. In fact, you'll be a character too! Whether you'd like to participate a lot, or just a little, we promise you great holiday fun when you attend "The Christmas Killer!"" The Lemp Mansion is at 3322 DeMenil Place. For more information: lempmansion.com.

The Jacoby Arts Center presents Elsie Parker and the Poor People of Paris in Days of Wine and Piaf, an evening of the songs of Edith Piaf, on Friday, November 10, at 8 p.m. The Jacoby Arts Center is at 627 E. Broadway in Alton, IL. For more information: jacobyartscenter.org.

Over Due Theatre presents musical The Drowsy Chaperone Friday and Saturday at 7:30 PM and Sunday at 2 PM, November 10 - 12. "With its laugh-a-minute script and one show-stopping song and dance number after another, it's easy to see why THE DROWSY CHAPERONE won the most Tony Awards of any musical on Broadway in 2006, including Best Book and Score. It all begins when a die-hard musical theatre fan decides to play his favorite cast album in his small brownstone apartment - a 1928 smash hit musical called “The Drowsy Chaperone.” The show magically bursts to life before him as audiences are instantly transported to an earlier time and place and immersed in the glamorous and hilarious tale of a celebrity bride and her uproarious wedding day, complete with gangsters, mistaken identities, an off-course aviatrix, and an uplifting ride to the rafters." 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 St. Louis Writers Group presents a reading of End of Silence by Gerry Mandel on Monday, November 6, at 6:30 p.m. "Based on actual events, with a dose of imagination and dramatic license, End of Silence takes us to Hollywood in the late 1930s, when Hitler was brutalizing Europe, while Hollywood said and did nothing to protest. The play focuses on Charlie Chaplin, silent comic film genius, who faces the two biggest challenges of his phenomenal career: Make a "talkie", and take on Hitler and Nazi Germany, while the studio heads remained silent and fearful." The event takes place at Big Daddy's, 1000 Sidney in Soulard. For more information: stlwritersgroup.com.

The Playhouse at Westport Plaza presents Girls Night: The Musical opening on Tuesday, November 7th, at 8 p.m. and running through Sunday the 12th. "This touching and hilarious musical takes audiences on a journey into the lives of a group of female friends as they go from heartbreak to happiness during a wild night of karaoke. Audience members can't help but laugh, cry and even find themselves singing and dancing in the aisles to some of the most popular hit songs of the '80s and '90s." The Playhouse at Westport Plaza is at 635 West Port Plaza. For more information: playhouseatwestport.com.

The Theatre Guild of Webster Groves presents the thriller The Haunting of Hill House Fridays through Sunday through November 12. "A small group of people are brought together in a brooding, mid-Victorian mansion believed to harbor evil. Led by Dr. Montague, an investigator of supernatural phenomena, the visitors probe the secrets of the old house and draw forth the paranormal powers that it is alleged to possess - powers which have brought madness and death to those who have lived there in the past." Performances take place in the Guild theatre at Newport and Summit in Webster Groves, MO. For more information: theatreguildwg.org or call 314-962-0876.

Heisenberg
Photo: John Gitchoff

The Repertory Theatre of St. Louis presents Heisenberg through November 12. "A serendipitous encounter at a London train station propels two very different people into a shared orbit. Georgie is crass, deeply odd and impulsive. On a whim, she kisses the neck of Alex, a much older and more subdued man who is sitting by himself. In the unexpected conversations that follow, Georgie and Alex discover shared passions amidst the uncertainty of personal connection. This life-affirming play uncovers the extraordinary in the everyday." Performances take place in the studio theatre at the Loretto-Hilton Center on the Webster University campus. For more information: repstl.org.

Kirkwood Theatre Guild presents the comedy Lend Me a Tenor through November 12. "It's 1934 and Saunders, the general manager of the Cleveland Grand Opera Company, is primed to welcome world famous, Tito Morelli, Il Stupendo, the greatest tenor of his generation, to appear for one night only as Otello. The star arrives late and, through a hilarious series of mishaps, is given a double dose of tranquilizers and passes out, is he dead? Will crisis be averted with a substitute? Will the audience be fooled? Not likely! A sensation on Broadway and in London's West End, Ken Ludwig's Tony Award winning, madcap comedy is guaranteed to leave audiences teary-eyed with laughter." Performances take place in the Robert G. Reim Theatre of the Kirkwood Community Center, 111 South Geyer Road. For more information, call 314-821-9956 or visit ktg-onstage.org.

Act Two Theatre presents the musical Little Shop of Horrors Wednesdays through Fridays at 7:30 and Sundays a 2 p.m. through November 12. Performances take place in the St. Peters Cultural Arts Centre at 1 St Peters Centre Blvd, St. Peters, MO 63376. For more information: act2theater.com.

The Bissell Mansion Murder Mystery Dinner Theatre presents Murder on 34th Street through December 31. The Bissell Mansion is at 4426 Randall Place. For more information: bissellmansiontheatre.com.

Slightly Askew Theatre Ensemble presents Of Mice and Men Wednesdays through Saturdays at 8 p.m., November 8 - 18. "George, an affable migrant farm worker and Lennie, a towering, simple-minded, pleasantly humble young man, have just arrived to work at a ranch. They are bound together by George's devotion and Lennie's seeming-helplessness, but George's guardianship soon leads to an omnious slippery slope. With an approaching lynch mob and blood on Lennie's hands, George is faced with a moral question: spare his friend or allow the ranchers to take matter into their own hands." Performances take place at The Chapel Venue, 6238 Alexander Drive. For more information: slightlyoff.org.

The Fabulous Fox presents On Your Feet: The Gloria and Emilio Estafen Broadway Musical opening on Tuesday, November 7, at 7:30 p.m. and running through the 19th. "From their humble beginnings in Cuba, Emilio and Gloria Estefan came to America and broke through all barriers to become a crossover sensation at the very top of the pop music world. But just when they thought they had it all, they almost lost everything. From international superstardom to life-threatening tragedy, ON YOUR FEET! takes you behind the music and inside the real story of this record-making and groundbreaking couple who, in the face of adversity, found a way to end up on their feet." The Fox is at 527 North Grand in Grand Center. For more information: fabulousfox.com.

On Monday, November 6, at 7 p.m. That Uppity Theatre Company in conjunction with US Green Building Council-Missouri Gateway Chapter and Missouri Interfaith Power and Light present Playhouse Emissions: A Climate Change Theatre Action. Produced by Joan Lipkin and Pamela Reckamp, Playhouse Emissions: A Climate Change Theatre Action will feature a sampling of the CCTA international collection of short plays inspired by climate change and prevailing attitudes towards science. Admission is free, but registration is requested online or at the door. Registration and networking at 7-7:30, program will begin at 7:30, with resource tables following from 8:45-9:30. The event takes place at the Ethical Society, 9001 clayton Road. For more information: www.usgreenbuildingcouncilstlouisregionalchapter.memberlodge.org

The Looking Glass Playhouse presents the comedy Ripcord Thursdays through Saturdays at 7:30 p.m. and Sundays at 2 p.m., November 9 - 19. "A sunny room on an upper floor is prime real estate in the Bristol Place Senior Living Facility, so when the cantankerous Abby is forced to share her quarters with new-arrival Marilyn, she has no choice but to get rid of the infuriatingly chipper woman by any means necessary. A seemingly harmless bet between the old women quickly escalates into a dangerous game of one-upmanship that reveals not just the tenacity of these worthy opponents, but also deeper truths that each would rather remain hidden." Performances take place at 301 West St. Louis Street in Lebanon, Ill. For more information, visit www.lookingglassplayhouse.com.

The Gaslight Cabaret Festival presents Katie McGrath in Significant Others on Friday, November 10, at 8 p.m. "Significant Others: the people, places and events that make us - well, us. Features a lively mix of Great American Songbook, pop, country and soul. McGrath's proceeds will benefit St. Louis's own Guardian Angel Settlement Association, whose social services programs and developmental childcare program work to improve the lives of those in our community struggling with poverty." The performances take place at the Gaslight Theater, 358 North Boyle. For more information: gaslightcabaretfestival.com.

First Run Theatre presents the 2017 Spectrum One-Act Play Festival Fridays and Saturdays at 8 PM and Sundays at 2 PM, November 10 - 19. This year's plays are Storage by Tom Moore, Cooter Holland Rides a Tractor by Tim Naegelin, Raisinets by Samantha L. Shanker, Wake-Up Call by Zachary Michael Jack, Pride of Dummies by Joe Wegescheide, and Placebo Effect by David Hawley. Performances take place in the Thomas Hunter Theatre at DeSmet Jesuit High School, 233 N New Ballas Road. For more information, call (314) 352-5114 or visit www.firstruntheatre.com.

The Spitfire Grill

The Hawthorne Players present musical The Spitfire Grill through November 12. "Recent parolee, Percy Talbott, is trying to find a place for a fresh start and ends up in the small town of Gilead, Wisconsin. The local sheriff finds her a job at the only eatery in this struggling town, The Spitfire Grill-for sale for the last 10 years. Percy suggests the gruff owner, Hannah, try raffling it off. The entry fee is one hundred dollars and an essay on why you want the grill. This musical triumph is an inspiring celebration of new beginnings and the power of what one person can do." The performances take place at the Florissant Civic Center Theatre at Parker and Waterford in Florissant, MO. For more information, call 921-5678 or visit hawthorneplayers.info.

The West End Players Guild continues its 107th season with the comedy Stones in His Pockets Fridays and Saturdays at 8 PM and Sundays at 2 PM, November 10 - 19. "The play offers a sharply satiric look at what happens when an American movie company sets up shop in a down-on-its-luck village in County Kerry, Ireland, to film a major motion picture. Enticed by the prospect of making more money as film extras every day than most can make in a week, everyone in the village wants in on the action. Most do get involved but some are left behind, and the village soon learns that there can be a steep price to pay for a few weeks of easy money and Hollywood excitement." There will also be a show on Thursday, November 17, at 8 PM. 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.

Winter Opera St. Louis presents Sigmund Romberg's operetta The Student Prince Friday at 8 PM and Sunday at 3 PM, November 10 and 12. Performances take place at The Skip Viragh Center for the Arts at Chaminade College Preparatory School, 425 S. Lindbergh. For more information, visit winteroperastl.org.

YoungLiars presents Titus Androgynous running through November 11. "Did you know that Shakespeares most brutal tragedy is actually a comedy? YoungLiars aim to prove the point with a vengeance in this riotous reimagining of Titus Andronicus - where the Italian Commedia smashes into All-American Splatter, and Shakespeare comes along for the ride. Titus Androgynous is YoungLiars deliciously deranged deep-dive into the perverse passions and vaudeville violence of the Bard's bloodiest play." Performances take place in in the hundred-year-old basement of the Centene Center for the Arts, 3547 Olive Street in Grand Center. For more information: brownpapertickets.com.

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

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

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

Chuck's Choices for the weekend of November 3, 2017

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:

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Will Bonfiglio in Balloonacy

COCA presents the Will Bonfiglio in Balloonacy Saturday and Sunday at 1 and 5 p.m., November 4 and 5. "A grownup discovers the fun, imagination and companionship of childhood with the help of a red balloon. This sensory-friendly production packed with physical comedy, intended for young audiences, is a great introduction to live theatre. Written by Barry Kornhauser." COCA is at 524 Trinity in University City. For more information: cocastl.org.

My take: Looking for something fun for the kids this weekend? Look no farther then this production from the folks at COCA, starring local theatre star Wil Bonfiglio. Think of it as the omega to YoungLiars' alpha (see below). Or vice-versa.

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Farah Alvin and William Michals

The Gaslight Cabaret Festival presents Farah Alvin and William Michals in Broadway's Greatest Hits of All Time on Friday and Saturday, November 3 and 4, at 8 p.m. "The show that every musical-theater lover has been waiting for. The songs that made Broadway great, that made your heart soar, that you sing leaving the theatre and in the shower! You will hear many of the greatest Broadway songs of all time performed by two of Broadway's most acclaimed voices. The Gaslight is the first stop outside of New York for Scott Siegel's critically acclaimed and wildly popular concert series, which has been playing for 18 months at at Feinstein's/54 Below." The performances take place at the Gaslight Theater, 358 North Boyle. For more information: gaslightcabaretfestival.com.

My take: How can any musical theatre fan resist a show with this title? Grab a drink at the bar and shamelessly immerse yourself in the best the Great White Way has to offer.

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The Gaslight Cabaret Festival presents singer Ken Haller and pianist Marty Fox in Happy Hallerdays on Thursdays, November 2 and 9, at 8 p.m. . "In his take on the holidays, Ken promises to be surprising,funny, personal, moving, great company and just a little exasperating. Just like all our holidays! The very well done video below by Paul Schankman takes you into the world of Ken's shows. " The performances take place at the Gaslight Theater, 358 North Boyle. For more information: gaslightcabaretfestival.com.

My take: In my review of Ken's last production, The Medicine Show, I noted that he "delivered the goods with that combination of theatrical smarts and vocal authority that has made him one of our town's principal cabaret exports." Here's your chance to confirm that I know what I'm talking about.

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Conductor Gemma New
Photo: Roy Cox

St. Louis Symphony Orchestra Resident Conductor Gemma New leads the orchestra in John William's score for Jurassic Park, accompanying a showing of the film. Performances are Friday and Saturday at 7 p.m. and Sunday at 2 p.m., November 3-5, at Powell Hall in Grand Center. For more information: stlsymphony.org.

My take: No, it's not theatre, but it's entertaining as hell and I will definitely be there on Friday night to see it. The SLSO movie events are always a good time and always very well attended. The screen on which the movies are shown is huge and no matter how good the sound system is at your local megaplex, there's nothing quite like the sound of a live orchestra. The usual rules are relaxed a bit, allowing the audience to bring drinks and food (including, of course, popcorn) into the auditorium. So if you attend, be careful not to spill anything, OK?

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Titus Androgynous

YoungLiars presents Titus Androgynous opening on Friday, October 27, and running through November 11. "Did you know that Shakespeares most brutal tragedy is actually a comedy? YoungLiars aim to prove the point with a vengeance in this riotous reimagining of Titus Andronicus - where the Italian Commedia smashes into All-American Splatter, and Shakespeare comes along for the ride. Titus Androgynous is YoungLiars deliciously deranged deep-dive into the perverse passions and vaudeville violence of the Bard's bloodiest play." Performances take place in in the hundred-year-old basement of the Centene Center for the Arts, 3547 Olive Street in Grand Center. For more information: brownpapertickets.com.

My take: I'm not a fan of grand guignol theatre in general, but if (say) Evil Dead: The Musical is your particular cup of stage blood, you might want to take a look at this unapologetically outrageous revision of Shakespeare's most violent play (which, to be fair, is often cited as an early example of grand guignol). Over at Ladue News, Mark Bretz praises the production's "inspired silliness" and says this Hallowe'en-themed show is "as much treat as trick."

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Held Over:

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Windsor Theatre Group presents the musical revue Broadway: The Early 1900's - Victor Herbert and His Contemporaries at 2 and 7 p.m. on Sunday, November 5; 7 p.m. on Friday, November 10; and 2 and 7 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday, November 11 and and 12. "Talented professional singers and dancers will take the audience to an era that was very interesting for music lovers. Fantastic shows were staged on Broadway, and jazz, blues and tango began receiving mainstream recognition. Broadway tunes include the great male chorus numbers from Rose-Marie, The Student Prince, The Merry Widow, and The New Moon. There will be solo and duet performances of more Broadway selections and the other genres gaining fame. In addition, highlights of plots or other interesting facts about a song will enhance the enjoyment of the attendees." Performances take place at the historic Ozark Theatre, 103 E. Lockwood in Webster Groves. For more information call 314-832-2114 or visit the group's Facebook page.

My take: I'm putting this on the list for the simple reason that I'm very fond of music from the early years of the 20th century. Heck, I even created an entire show around it. Herbert and his contemporaries aren't heard that much these days, which is a pity. Thanks to Windsor for bringing us a full evening of this classic stuff.

St. Louis theatre calendar for the week of October 30, 2017

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St. Louis Community College at Florissant Valley presents the classic comedy Arsenic and Old Lace, opening on Friday, November 3, and running through November 11th. Performances take place in the Fisher Theatre on the campus at 3400 Pershall Road. For more information, www.stlcc.edu/fv or call 314-644-5522.

Will Bonfiglio in Balloonacy

COCA presents the Will Bonfiglio in Balloonacy Saturday and Sunday at 1 and 5 p.m., November 4 and 5. "A grownup discovers the fun, imagination and companionship of childhood with the help of a red balloon. This sensory-friendly production packed with physical comedy, intended for young audiences, is a great introduction to live theatre. Written by Barry Kornhauser." COCA is at 524 Trinity in University City. For more information: cocastl.org.

Windsor Theatre Group presents the musical revue Broadway: The Early 1900's - Victor Herbert and His Contemporaries at 2 and 7 p.m. on Sunday, November 5; 7 p.m. on Friday, November 10; and 2 and 7 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday, November 11 and and 12. "Talented professional singers and dancers will take the audience to an era that was very interesting for music lovers. Fantastic shows were staged on Broadway, and jazz, blues and tango began receiving mainstream recognition. Broadway tunes include the great male chorus numbers from Rose-Marie, The Student Prince, The Merry Widow, and The New Moon. There will be solo and duet performances of more Broadway selections and the other genres gaining fame. In addition, highlights of plots or other interesting facts about a song will enhance the enjoyment of the attendees." Performances take place at the historic Ozark Theatre, 103 E. Lockwood in Webster Groves. For more information call 314-832-2114 or visit the group's Facebook page.

Farah Alvin and William Michals

The Gaslight Cabaret Festival presents Farah Alvin and William Michals in Broadway's Greatest Hits of All Time on Friday and Saturday, November 3 and 4, at 8 p.m. "The show that every musical-theater lover has been waiting for. The songs that made Broadway great, that made your heart soar, that you sing leaving the theatre and in the shower! You will hear many of the greatest Broadway songs of all time performed by two of Broadway's most acclaimed voices. The Gaslight is the first stop outside of New York for Scott Siegel's critically acclaimed and wildly popular concert series, which has been playing for 18 months at at Feinstein's/54 Below." The performances take place at the Gaslight Theater, 358 North Boyle. For more information: gaslightcabaretfestival.com.

O'Fallon TheatreWorks presents the musical Bye Bye Birdie at the O'Fallon Municipal Centre auditorium November 3-12. The O'FallonTheatreWorks production of Bye Bye Birdie takes audiences back to the 1950s as the era of rock 'n roll is taking off. But to the consternation of legions of fans, rock star and teen heart throb Conrad Birdie is being drafted into the U.S. Army, But no one is more devastated than struggling songwriter Albert Peterson, whose song Birdie was just about to record. Albert's longtime girlfriend, Rosie, pushes Albert to write a new tune, “One Last Kiss,” which Birdie will perform on television to a fan selected in a contest. The scheme works, with attractive Ohio teenager Kim McAfee declared the winner, but no one has counted on the jealous wrath of her boyfriend. The musical score includes popular songs, “Put on a Happy Face” and “Honestly Sincere” in addition to “One Last Kiss.” The O'Fallon Municipal Centre is located at 100 North Main Street in O'Fallon, MO. For more information, visit www.ofallon.mo.us or call 636-379-5606.

The Lemp Mansion Comedy-Mystery Dinner Theater presents The Christmas Killer November 3 - December 31. " Welcome to the party sponsored by Chatty Cathy, (and the "Misfit Toys"). We certainly hope that you can find a good home for one of our toys! Of course, it'll be a fun party as long as the wrong element doesn't show up! We're talking about Ricky Stitch, of course. Gee! I hope nothing bad happens to him! Anyway, you'll meet lots of characters tonight. In fact, you'll be a character too! Whether you'd like to participate a lot, or just a little, we promise you great holiday fun when you attend "The Christmas Killer!"" The Lemp Mansion is at 3322 DeMenil Place. For more information: lempmansion.com.

The Black Rep presents the Crossin' Over in Concert on Saturday, November 4, at 8 p.m. "From roots in Africa - from village to slave ship - through the middle passage - from auction block to plantation fields and up to the modern Civil Rights movement, Crossin' Over tells its tale with traditional West African drumming, hymns, psalms and Gospel standards such as 'Swing Low, Sweet Chariot,' 'Precious Lord,' and 'We Shall Overcome,' as well as contemporary gospel music in the Black church today. Presentation ofThe Frankie Muse Freeman Spirit Awards and The Woodie Lifetime Acheivement Awards will take place at 7:30 p.m." The performance takes place at the 560 Music Center, 560 Trinity in University City. For more information: theblackrep.org.

Over Due Theatre presents musical The Drowsy Chaperone Fridays and Saturdays at 7:30 PM and Sundays at 2 PM, November 3 - 12. "With its laugh-a-minute script and one show-stopping song and dance number after another, it's easy to see why THE DROWSY CHAPERONE won the most Tony Awards of any musical on Broadway in 2006, including Best Book and Score. It all begins when a die-hard musical theatre fan decides to play his favorite cast album in his small brownstone apartment - a 1928 smash hit musical called “The Drowsy Chaperone.” The show magically bursts to life before him as audiences are instantly transported to an earlier time and place and immersed in the glamorous and hilarious tale of a celebrity bride and her uproarious wedding day, complete with gangsters, mistaken identities, an off-course aviatrix, and an uplifting ride to the rafters." 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.

Fontbonne University presents the musical Elegies Wednesday through Sunday, November 2 - 5. Elegies is a song cycle about the deaths of friends and family, written in response to the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks. Performances take place in the Fontbonne Fine Arts Theatre on Wydown and Big Bend. For more information: fontbonne.edu

The Playhouse at Westport Plaza presents Brandon Bennett in the one-man show Elvis My Way opening on Thursday, November 2nd, at 2 and 8 p.m. and running through Sunday the 5th. "Elvis: My Way stars the electrifying Brandon Bennett, who most recently appeared in Chicago's "Million Dollar Quartet." Bennett sets the stage ablaze in a spine-tingling tribute to the King himself Elvis Presley. With his pure-bred Southern charm, powerful voice, and scandalous moves, Bennett was named the "Ultimate Elvis Tribute Artist" by Elvis Presley Enterprises at Graceland. His must-see show traverses Elvis' career from the Rock n' Roll nativity of the '50s-to the iconic comeback television concert of the 60s-to the legendary jumpsuits of the '70s. All-time greatest hits include "Blue Suede Shoes," "Can't Help Falling in Love," "Suspicious Minds," and many more." The Playhouse at Westport Plaza is at 635 West Port Plaza. For more information: playhouseatwestport.com.

The Fabulous Fox presents An Evening With Garrison Keillor: Just Passing Through on Saturday, November 4th, at 8 p.m. "In a solo performance, the acclaimed host of A Prairie Home Companion, Garrison Keillor, shares hilarious anecdotes about growing up in the American Midwest, the people of Lake Wobegon, and "late-life fatherhood." With a wonderful, dry sense of humor (and sometimes with music), Keillor captivates audiences using his unique blend of comedy, class, charisma, and wisdom as he shares his journey to becoming one of America's greatest storytellers." The Fox is at 527 North Grand in Grand Center. For more information: fabulousfox.com.

Hamlet
Photo: Peter Wochniak

The Repertory Theatre of St. Louis presents Shakespeare's Hamlet through November 5. "For the first time in its 50-year history, The Rep will produce Hamlet. Spurred on to vengeance by the ghost of his father, Prince Hamlet hovers in limbo between bloody retribution and madness. Potentially fatal indecision delays his every step. With its profound soliloquies, complexly shaded characters and brutal plotting, it's Shakespeare's most enduring tragedy." Performances take place at the Loretto-Hilton Center on the Webster University campus. For more information: repstl.org.

The Gaslight Cabaret Festival presents singer Ken Haller and pianist Marty Fox in Happy Hallerdays on Thursdays, November 2 and 9, at 8 p.m. . "In his take on the holidays, Ken promises to be surprising,funny, personal, moving, great company and just a little exasperating. Just like all our holidays! The very well done video below by Paul Schankman takes you into the world of Ken's shows. " The performances take place at the Gaslight Theater, 358 North Boyle. For more information: gaslightcabaretfestival.com.

The Theatre Guild of Webster Groves presents the thriller The Haunting of Hill House Fridays through Sundays, November 3 - 12. "A small group of people are brought together in a brooding, mid-Victorian mansion believed to harbor evil. Led by Dr. Montague, an investigator of supernatural phenomena, the visitors probe the secrets of the old house and draw forth the paranormal powers that it is alleged to possess - powers which have brought madness and death to those who have lived there in the past." Performances take place in the Guild theatre at Newport and Summit in Webster Groves, MO. For more information: theatreguildwg.org or call 314-962-0876.

Heisenberg
Photo: John Gitchoff

The Repertory Theatre of St. Louis presents Heisenberg through November 12. "A serendipitous encounter at a London train station propels two very different people into a shared orbit. Georgie is crass, deeply odd and impulsive. On a whim, she kisses the neck of Alex, a much older and more subdued man who is sitting by himself. In the unexpected conversations that follow, Georgie and Alex discover shared passions amidst the uncertainty of personal connection. This life-affirming play uncovers the extraordinary in the everyday." Performances take place in the studio theatre at the Loretto-Hilton Center on the Webster University campus. For more information: repstl.org.

Kirkwood Theatre Guild presents the comedy Lend Me a Tenor November 3 - 12. "It's 1934 and Saunders, the general manager of the Cleveland Grand Opera Company, is primed to welcome world famous, Tito Morelli, Il Stupendo, the greatest tenor of his generation, to appear for one night only as Otello. The star arrives late and, through a hilarious series of mishaps, is given a double dose of tranquilizers and passes out, is he dead? Will crisis be averted with a substitute? Will the audience be fooled? Not likely! A sensation on Broadway and in London's West End, Ken Ludwig's Tony Award winning, madcap comedy is guaranteed to leave audiences teary-eyed with laughter." Performances take place in the Robert G. Reim Theatre of the Kirkwood Community Center, 111 South Geyer Road. For more information, call 314-821-9956 or visit ktg-onstage.org.

Act Two Theatre presents the musical Little Shop of Horrors Wednesdays through Fridays at 7:30 and Sundays a 2 p.m., November 3 - 12. Performances take place in the St. Peters Cultural Arts Centre at 1 St Peters Centre Blvd, St. Peters, MO 63376. For more information: act2theater.com.

The Bissell Mansion Murder Mystery Dinner Theatre presents Murder on 34th Street November 3 - December 31. The Bissell Mansion is at 4426 Randall Place. For more information: bissellmansiontheatre.com.

The Spitfire Grill

The Hawthorne Players present musical The Spitfire Grill November 3 - 12. "Recent parolee, Percy Talbott, is trying to find a place for a fresh start and ends up in the small town of Gilead, Wisconsin. The local sheriff finds her a job at the only eatery in this struggling town, The Spitfire Grill-for sale for the last 10 years. Percy suggests the gruff owner, Hannah, try raffling it off. The entry fee is one hundred dollars and an essay on why you want the grill. This musical triumph is an inspiring celebration of new beginnings and the power of what one person can do." The performances take place at the Florissant Civic Center Theatre at Parker and Waterford in Florissant, MO. For more information, call 921-5678 or visit hawthorneplayers.info.

YoungLiars presents Titus Androgynous opening on Friday, October 27, and running through November 11. " Did you know that Shakespeares most brutal tragedy is actually a comedy? YoungLiars aim to prove the point with a vengeance in this riotous reimagining of Titus Andronicus - where the Italian Commedia smashes into All-American Splatter, and Shakespeare comes along for the ride. Titus Androgynous is YoungLiars deliciously deranged deep-dive into the perverse passions and vaudeville violence of the Bard's bloodiest play." Performances take place in in the hundred-year-old basement of the Centene Center for the Arts, 3547 Olive Street in Grand Center. For more information: brownpapertickets.com.

Lindenwood University presents the drama The Visit Wednesday through Saturday, November 2 - 4, at 7:30 p.m. " A wealthy woman returns to her debt ridden home town and offers a sum greater than they have ever imagined to help out. But there is a condition: she wants the life of a villager who years ago had caused her to be expelled from town in disgrace. Ringing denial of this absurd demand is followed by the gradual corruption of everyone in town. He is murdered and money is passed over his body to the town. The lady leaves with a fantastic entourage and with the coffin of her old lover." The performances take place at The Lindenwood Theatre at the J. Scheidegger Center for the Arts on the Lindenwood campus in St. Charles, MO. For more information, call 636-949-4433 or visit www.lindenwood.edu/center.

The Jacoby Arts Center presents Paper Slip Theater's improv show When We First Met on Saturday, November 4, at 8 p.m. "Under the direction of company founder Ed Reggi, the evening’s host, the troupe will take real life stories about dating and falling in love to a whole new comedy experience. Audience members provide all the stories as the evening unfolds into hilarity." The Jacoby Arts Center is at 627 E. Broadway in Alton, IL. For more information: jacobyartscenter.org.

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

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

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