St. Louis theatre calendar for the week of December 23, 2024

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

Ava Berutti

The Blue Strawberry presents I’ll Be Home for Christmas, with singer/actress Ava Berutti on Sunday, December 29, at 7 pm . “Ava Berutti is home for Christmas and is over the moon to be spending the holidays making her Blue Strawberry debut. Join her for a night filled with holiday songs of old and new, stories of winter memories, and holiday magic.” The performance takes place in at The Blue Strawberry, 364 N. Boyle. For more information: bluestrawberrystl.com

How the Grinch Stole Christmas
Photo: Jeremy Daniel

The Fabulous Fox presents How the Grinch Stole Christmas: the Musical on Friday through Sunday, December 27 through 29. “Dr. Seuss' How The Grinch Stole Christmas! The Musical is the record-setting Broadway holiday sensation which features the hit songs “You’re A Mean One Mr. Grinch” and “Welcome Christmas” from the original animated special. Max the Dog narrates as the mean and scheming Grinch, whose heart is “two sizes too small,” decides to steal Christmas away from the Holiday loving Whos. Magnificent sets and costumes inspired by Dr. Seuss’ original illustrations help transport audiences to the whimsical world of Whoville and helps remind us of the true meaning of the holiday season.” The Fabulous Fox is on North Grand in Grand Center. For more information: fabulousfox.com.

First Run Theatre Playwright’s Workshop presents its annual Christmas Party on Monday, December 23, at 6:30 pm. “Write something for the event! We will be having our usual readings of short pieces, monologues, short stories, mini-plays, whatever you want, (we suggest around 5 mins long) on the subject of winter, Christmas, or such like, all for fun.” The party happens at Square One Brewery and Distillery in Lafayette Square.  For more information: firstruntheatre.org

The Greenfinch Theatre and Dive presents Winter Circus featuring Kirkos and Friends Friday and Saturday, December 27 and 28. “A multi-day exhibition of thrilling sights and sounds featuring artists, vendors, and bands from the local area and beyond. Featuring Kirkos, Elater, Hoojshwah, Tree One Four, Secret Formula, and Jacob Zengerling”  The Greenfinch Theater is at 2525 S. Jefferson. For more information: www.greenfinchstl.com.

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

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

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

St. Louis theatre calendar for the week of October 23, 2023

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

Act Two Theatre presents the musical comedy The Drowsy Chaperone Thursdays through Saturdays at 7:30 pm and Sundays at 2 pm, October 26 through November 5. “With the houselights down, a man in a chair appears on stage and puts on his favorite record: the cast recording of a fictitious 1928 musical The Drowsy Chaperone. Mix in two lovers on the eve of their wedding, a bumbling best man, a desperate theatre producer, a not-so-bright hostess, two gangsters posing as pastry chefs, a misguided Don Juan, and an intoxicated chaperone, and you have the ingredients for an evening of madcap delight. Winner of five Tony Awards, including Best Book and Best Original Score, The Drowsy Chaperone is a loving send-up of the Jazz Age musical, featuring one show-stopping song and dance number after another!” Performances take place at the St. Peters Cultural Center in St. Peters, MO. For more information: www.acttwotheatre.com

Mindgame

Albion Theatre presents the thriller Mindgame by Anthony Horowitz hrough November 5. “Horowitz is known for his novels (including The Alex Rider series, Magpie Murders and many more) and his TV work (Foyle’s War, Midsomer Murders etc.)  This is his only full-length play.  Set in an asylum for the criminally insane, a writer of ‘true crime’ paperbacks is trying to get an interview with a notorious mass murderer but nothing is as it seems.” Performances take place at the Kranzberg Arts Center 501 N. Grand in Grand Center. For more information: albiontheatrestl.org.

John Lloyd Young

The Blue Strawberry presents Tony Award-winner John Lloyd Young Wednesday and Thursday, October 25 and 26, at 7:30 pm. “John Lloyd Young's Broadway: In his signature passionate and thrilling style, Tony and Grammy Award winner John Lloyd Young interprets the spine-tingling, soul-bearing showstoppers that shaped his earliest Broadway aspirations. Young sings from Jersey Boys, The Wiz, Chicago, Hair, Les Misérables and more, along with classics by legendary Broadway writers including Rodgers, Hart, Hammerstein, and Loesser. John Lloyd Young is the Tony and Grammy award-winning star from the Original Broadway Cast of Jersey Boys, as well as Clint Eastwood's Warner Bros. movie adaptation. Young is the only American actor to date to have received all four major Lead Actor honors in a Broadway musical: the Tony, Drama Desk, Outer Critics Circle, and Theatre World Award.”   The Blue Strawberry is at 364 N. Boyle in the Central West End. For more information: bluestrawberrystl.com

Joe Serafini

The Blue Strawberry presents Joe Serafini, from Disney+'s High School Musical: The Musical: The Series Friday and Saturday, October 27 and 28, at 7:30 pm. “Joe Serafini is an actor & musician, best known for his role as Seb Matthew Smith on the Disney+ hit, High School Musical: The Musical: The Series. A theatre kid from Pittsburgh, PA, Joe grew up playing the piano and performing in musicals from a very young age. Most recently, he starred as Jack in Into the Woods at the Pittsburgh CLO. He debuted his solo show to a sold-out crowd at the Green Room 42 last summer, and is working on putting out his own original music in the near future.”    The Blue Strawberry is at 364 N. Boyle in the Central West End. For more information: bluestrawberrystl.com

Tim Schall and Carol Schmidt

The Blue Strawberry presents Sunday Standard Time with Tim Schall and Carol Schmidt on Sunday October 29 at 6 pm. “Join Tim Schall (vocals) and Carol Schmidt (piano) in the lounge for a casual, classy Sunday evening of jazz standards, a little sophisticated pop and a dash of classic Broadway. Tim is no stranger to the theater and concert stages of St. Louis, Chicago and New York's Lincoln Center. Carol has a rich history of entertaining St. Louis audiences as musician and singer. Together they will help you wind down your weekend with timeless music and a lot of irreverent dry humor.” The Blue Strawberry is at 364 N. Boyle. For more information: bluestrawberrystl.com.

See You in a Minute

Contraband Theatre presents the world premiere play See You in a Minute by Jacob Juntunen, directed by Ellie Schwetye Wednesdays at 7pm and Thursdays through Saturdays at 8 pm, through October 28. “In 2041 Kathryn returns to her parents to take care of them during a pandemic, risks her NYC job, and this brings up no 2020 trauma. Right?” Performances take place at The Chapel, 6238 Alexander Drive in Clayton, MO.  For more information:  www.eventbrite.com.

The Lemp Mansion Murder Mystery Dinner Theatre and Jest Mysteries present Zombie Love through November 4. "Calling all Zombies! Tired of being judged for munching on the occasional brain? So what if you're not really "alive" anymore. You can still enjoy socializing with the living and enjoying a hilarious show together. Well, we've got the perfect show for you. Drama! Comedy! Looove! ...And, of course, Zombies! But some zombie has ignored rule number one in the “Zombieing for Dummies” handbook…No biting.  Nina Tina Deena May will never be the same…do you know who’s to blame? And, no, it was not Mike Tyson! " The Lemp Mansion is at 3322 DeMenil Place in south city. For more information: www.lempmansion.com

The cast of Eddie and Vinnie

Metro Theater Company presents Eddie and Vinnie, a new play by Jenny Millenger, through November 5. Public performances are Fridays at 7 pm, Saturdays at 10:30 and 2 pm, and Sundays at 2 pm, October 27 through November 5.  “Eddie is an unstoppable artist with a uniquely beautiful mind – and his best friend is a gecko. Together, the pair spends hours making intricate and beautiful puzzles. But he’ll be solving worse puzzles in summer school if he can’t get his grades up. In a last-ditch effort, Eddie teams up with the overly helpful new girl for the dreaded end-of-year report. Will their presentation on MC Escher save his grades? Eddie & Vinnie reminds us all that there is more than one way to learn – and more than one way to shine.”  Best enjoyed by ages 6 – 12, the show’s approximate run time is 60 minutes with no intermission. For more information: www.metroplays.org

The Immigrant
Photo: Jon Gitchoff

New Jewish Theatre presents The Immigrant Thursdays at 7:30 pm, Saturdays at 4 and 8 pm and Sundays at 2 pm through October 29. “Rural Central Texas, 1909. A young Russian-Jewish immigrant, newly arrived in America through the port of Galveston, pulls his banana cart into the hamlet of Hamilton. Fleeing the vicious pogroms of his homeland, he has sought refuge in the land of the free. Able to speak only Yiddish, alone amid a staunchly Christian community, he begs for shelter. Taken in by a local couple, over the next 30 years, he makes a home and raises a family in this tiny town. A religion meets religion, culture meets culture, fear meets fear and love meets love. This is the true story of Haskell Harelik, ‘the Immigrant’.” Performances take place at the SFC Performing Arts Center, 2 Millstone Campus Drive. For more information: jccstl.com

Saturday Night Fever
Photo: John Lamb

Stray Dog Theatre presents the musical Saturday Night Fever Thursdays through Saturdays at 8 through October 28, with additional performances 2 pm Sundays, October 15 and 22. “Based on the 1977 film that became a cultural phenomenon, this electrifying show is packed with legendary hits from the Bee Gees, classic disco tracks, and new original songs. Burn, baby, burn!” Performances take place at Tower Grove Abbey, 2336 Tennessee in Tower Grove East. For more information: www.straydogtheatre.org

Bitter Fruit
Photo: ProPhoto STL

Upstream Theater presents the US premiere of Bitter Fruit, by award-winning playwright Héctor Levy-Daniel in a translation by Philip Boehm, through October 29. “ María doesn’t understand why her mother hired this new maid. She’s convinced the woman’s spying on behalf of the workers in their factory. But there’s something about her even more unsettling… Tensions smolder as a web of secrets, deceptions, and denials begins to unravel in this taut drama by Argentine playwright Héctor Levy-Daniel, where memory may be challenged, identities displaced, and even love may be sacrificed on the altar of class.” Performances take place at the Marcelle Theatre, 3310 Samuel Shepard Dr. in Grand Center. For more information: www.upstreamtheater.org

The Washington University Performing Arts Department presents the musical Cabaret Fridays and Saturdays at 7:30 pm and Sundays at 2 pm, October 27 through November 5. “Join us for a raucous and risqué revival of Kander and Ebb’s musical masterpiece.  Set in the chaotic world of Weimar Berlin, Cabaret is a phantasmagorical theater of pleasure, churning with hedonistic “camp,” that dances wildly on the edge of disaster.  As the looming Nazi storm becomes terrifyingly real, the play asks the challenging, and deeply resonant, question:  “What would you do?”” Performances take place in the Edison Theatre on the Washington University Campus. For more information: pad.wustl.edu

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

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

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

St. Louis theatre calendar for the week of May 8, 2023

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

The Black Rep presents the musical revue Eubie!  through May 21.  “Eubie! is a musical revue from the 1970s that taught Broadway audiences about Eubie Blake, a groundbreaking American musician and composer of the early 1900s. Blake helped break down racial barriers with his 1921 musical, Shuffle Along - the first Broadway musical written, directed by, and starring Black Americans. The show helped shape American musical theater as we know it today.” Performances take place at the Edison Theatre on the Washington University campus. For more information: www.theblackrep.org

The Blue Strawberry presents  Christian the Magician and ventriloquist Mike Coleman on Monday, May 8, at 7 pm. "Christian the Magician’s magic is like a rock opera! It combines exciting background music with great magic and Christian’s unique brand of comedy. Christian was the resident magician at the City Museum for 15 years, where he performed thousands of shows for thousands of families from around the world. Mike Coleman is a master comedy ventriloquist. Amazingly, his dummy can also sing! Mike has performed at the VP Fair, Six Flags, and many fairs and festivals." The Blue Strawberry is at 364 N. Boyle in the Central West End. The Blue Strawberry is at 364 N. Boyle. For more information: bluestrawberrystl.com.

Samantha Pauly

The Blue Strawberry presents Samantha Pauly from the original Broadway cast of Six: The Musical on Thursday and Friday, May 11 and 12, at 7:30 pm. “Best known for originating the role of Katherine Howard in Broadway’s SIX the Musical, and her captivating performance of Eva Peron in Jamie Lloyd’s critically acclaimed revival of Evita on London’s West End, Samantha has carefully crafted an evening that reflects the last few years of her life.  Join her as she sings you through some career highlights, major life changes, and all the fun stuff in between.” The Blue Strawberry is at 364 N. Boyle in the Central West End. The Blue Strawberry is at 364 N. Boyle. For more information: bluestrawberrystl.com.

The Blue Strawberry presents the Sargent Conservatory of Theatre Arts at Webster University Musical Theatre Class of 2023 Senior Cabarets on Saturday, May 13, at 5 pm. The performance, which will also be available via live video stream, takes place at The Blue Strawberry, 364 N. Boyle in the Central West End. For more information: bluestrawberrystl.com.

Circus Harmony presents Swashbuckle! Saturdays at 3 and 7 pm and Sundays at 3 pm through June 3rd. “Circus Harm!ony is back with their annual, full length, ticketed show. This year, it is an epic adventure with somersaulting, sword fighting, and circus.  The show features all-new acts co-created with Circus Harmony’s sensational staff and talented students. Swashbuckle! features a Pirate Queen, a sea witch, and a real parrot all after the same treasure. The show is presented in the circus ring at City Museum that Circus Harmony calls home. Acts include unicycling, contortion, minitrampoline, wire-walking and much more. Circus Harmony performs at the City Museum downtown. For more information: circusharmony.org

Jesus Christ Superstar
Photo by Evan Zimmerman

The Fabulous Fox presents the Broadway musical Jesus Christ Superstar May 9 through 21. “Celebrating its 50th Anniversary, a new mesmerizing production of the iconic musical phenomenon returns to the stage. Originally staged by London’s Regent’s Park Open Air Theatre and helmed by the acclaimed director Timothy Sheader (Crazy for You, Into the Woods) and cutting-edge choreographer Drew McOnie (King Kong, Strictly Ballroom), this production won the 2017 Olivier Award for Best Musical Revival garnering unprecedented reviews and accolades. Appealing to both theater audiences and concert music fans, this production pays tribute to the historic 1971 Billboard Album of the Year while creating a modern, theatrical world that is uniquely fresh and inspiring.” The Fabulous Fox is on North Grand in Grand Center. For more information: fabulousfox.com

First Run Theatre presents its 20th Birthday Fundraiser and Celebration on Monday, May 8, at 6 pm. The event includes an open wine and beer bar, hors  d'oeuvres, live music, and short selections of scenes from our the plays Crab Cakes by Joan Lipkin of St. Louis, MO and Forgive Thyself by John Busser of Avon, OH. The event takes place at The Chapel, 6238 Alexander Drive in Clayton. For more information: firstruntheatre.org

The Kirkwood Theatre Guild presents the classic musical The Sound of Music May 12 through 21. “This final collaboration between Rodgers & Hammerstein was destined to become the world’s most beloved musical. Featuring a trove of cherished songs, The Sound of Music won the hearts of audiences worldwide. The inspirational story, based on the memoir of Maria Augusta Trapp, follows an ebullient postulate who serves as governess to the seven children of the imperious Captain von Trapp, bringing music and joy to the household. But as the forces of Nazism take hold of Austria, Maria and the entire von Trapp family must make a moral decision.” Performances take place at the Robert Reim Theatre in Kirkwood, MO. For more information: ktg-onstage.org

KTK Productions presents the musical Sister Act Fridays and Saturdays at 7:30 pm and Sundays at 2 pm, May 12 through 21. “When lively lounge singer Deloris Van Cartier sees her mobster beau, Curtis, commit murder, she is relocated for her protection. Set up in the guise of a nun in a California convent, Deloris proceeds to upend the quiet lives of the resident sisters. In an effort to keep her out of trouble, they assign Deloris to the convent's choir, an ensemble that she soon turns into a vibrant and soulful act that gains widespread attention.” Performances take place at the Saint John The Baptist Gymnasium, 4200 Delor Street in south St. Louis. For more information: http://kurtainkall.org

The Lemp Mansion Murder Mystery Dinner Theatre and Jest Mysteries present Death of a Blackheart May 12 through August 26. "Ahoy matey! Join us for an exciting evening of murder, mystery and pirates at the best comedy dinner theater show in town. Don your favorite pirate gear and escape to the high seas for an adventure fraught with peril! What part will you play in this hilarious show full of fair maidens, lost boys, rival pirates and wenches? Whichever character you acquire, beware of that famous pirate Captain Jack Blackheart! Aye, he's a scurvy seadog if my eye ever seed one! Gee, I hope no one kills him off!" The Lemp Mansion is at 3322 DeMenil Place in south city. For more information: www.lempmansion.com

The Midnight Company presents the one-actor show The Absolute Brightness of Leonard Pelkey by Celeste Lecesne through May 20. “Joe Hanrahan, Midnight’s Artistic Director, portrays a detective and other characters in a small New Jersey town as he unravels the story of THE ABSOLUTE BRIGHTNESS OF LEONARD PELKEY. Pelkey is a tenaciously optimistic and flamboyant fourteen-year-old boy who has gone missing.  A luminous force of nature whose magic is only truly felt once he is gone, Leonard becomes an unexpected inspiration as the town’s citizens question how they live, who they love, and what they leave behind.  Alicen Moser directs. The New York Times said ABSOLUTE BRIGHTNESS “…leaves you beaming with joy…a superlative solo show."   And The New York Post called the show “…moving…intimate and affectionate, about the difference one person can make-and perhaps, with any luck, one show.” Performances take place at The Blue Strawberry, 356 N. Boyle. For more information: www.midnightcompany.com

Just One Look
Photo: The Midnight Company

The Midnight Company presents Just One Look by Joe Hanrahan, starring Kelly Howe as Linda Ronstadt, on Wednesday May 10th at 7:30 pm. “Linda Ronstadt ruled the pop charts and filled stadiums in the 70’s and 80’s. The reigning rock goddess of her era, she later took on light opera - Gilbert and Sullivan on Broadway - and The Great American Songbook with Nelson Riddle. Her involvement in social issues accelerated during her relationship with California Governor Jerry Brown, then running for President. But for Linda, it was always a search for the next great song. Kelly Howe will portray Linda Ronstadt and sing her sensational songs.” Performances take place at The Blue Strawberry, 364 N. Boyle. For more information: bluestrawberrystl.com.

Opera Theatre presents The Road to Freedom on Friday, May 12, at 7:30 pm. “Join Opera Theatre for a special celebration of Black excellence and the 61st anniversary of the Freedom Riders...a story that affirms all that is possible when people from different backgrounds come together. This concert is curated by award-winning artist Damien Sneed who has worked with such luminaries as Aretha Franklin, Jessye Norman, Stevie Wonder, and many more. He is also the composer behind the new performing edition of Scott Joplin's Treemonisha, which makes its debut May 20.” The concert takes place at Third Baptist Church in Grand Center. Admission is free but reservations are recommended. For more information: opera-stl.org

Gruesome Playground Injuries
Photo: Phillip Hamer

The Repertory Theatre of St. Louis presents Rajiv Joseph’s Gruesome Playground Injuries through May 13. “Doug and Kayleen meet as eight-year-olds in the school infirmary. (He tried to ride his bike off the roof. She has a stomachache that her mother blames on “bad thoughts.”) Their lives intersect for the next three decades as they return to each other, alternately revealing and concealing their injuries — both physical and psychological — as they struggle with attraction, vulnerability,  and love.” Performances take place on the main stage at the Kirkwood Performing Arts Center in Kirkwood, MO. For more information: www.repstl.org.

The Repertory Theatre of St. Louis’s Imaginary Theatre Company presents James and the Giant Peach and The Miraculous Journey of Edward Tulane on a double bill on Saturday, May 13, at 11 am. James and the Giant Peach will also be performed by itself on Thursday, May 11, at 6:30 pm and The Miraculous Journey of Edward Tulane on Saturday, May 13, at 1:30 pm.  Performances take place at the Kirkwood Performing Arts Center in Kirkwood, MO. For more information: www.repstl.org

The Tennessee Williams Festival St. Louis presents Something Spoken, a series of radio plays by Tennessee Williams, Saturdays at 4 pm through May 20. The plays are Case of the Crushed Petunias on May 13, and Sunburst on May 20. The plays are broadcast on Classic 107.3. For more information: twstl.org.

The Seven-Year Itch

The Theatre Guild of Webster Groves presents the comedy The Seven-Year Itch through May 13. “In the midst of a summer heat wave, New Yorker Richard Sherman ships his wife, Helen, and their son off to Maine for vacation. Left alone to work back in Manhattan, Richard encounters a gorgeous blonde model who has moved into the apartment upstairs, and becomes immediately infatuated. While pondering infidelity, Richard dreams of his beautiful new neighbor -- but will his fantasies about her become a reality?” Performances take place at the Guild theatre at 517 Theatre Lane, at the corner of Newport and Summit in Webster Groves. For more information: theatreguildwg.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.

St. Louis theatre calendar for the week of July 31, 2022

Now including both on-line and live events during the pandemic. Your event information should be in text format (i.e. not part of a graphic), but feel free to include publicity stills. To get your event listed here, send an email to calendar [at] stageleft.org.

Meghan Kirk

The Blue Strawberry presents a Singers Open Mic Night on Tuesday at 7:00 pm, July 5th. Meghan Kirk  hosts with Ron McGowan at the piano. Singers should bring music in their key. The Blue Strawberry is at 364 N. Boyle. For more information: bluestrawberrystl.com.

ERA Theatre presents the radio play SHE by Nancy Bell with music by Joe Taylor and Lyrics by Nancy Bell via on-demand streaming  "SHE controls the radio station of the fascist regime in power. SHE's also the star of the broadcast. Her recording studio abounds with music and oysters. But in the nearby government camps full of misfits and would-be revolutionaries, only torture and starvation is thick on the ground. Tonight, however, SHE's realm feels different. The bombs sound closer. Time moves faster. But SHE will finish her radio show, and it will be her finest. If executing every number in the broadcast means some people need to die, so be it; it is a small sacrifice. The citizens need her and she will not let them down." SHE is available on most major platforms including Spotify, Amazon Music, Apple Music, YouTube, and BandCamp. For more information: www.eratheatre.org

The Hawthorne Players present the musical A Chorus Line Friday at 7:30 pm, Saturday at 2 and 7:30 pm, and Sunday at 2 pm through August 7. ” You won't want to miss Hawthorne Players' production of this highly acclaimed musical!  Set on the bare stage of a Broadway theater, A CHORUS LINE is centered on seventeen Broadway dancers auditioning for spots in the dancing chorus.  With music by Marvin Hamlisch, lyrics by Edward Kleban, and a book by James Kirkwood, Jr. and Nicholas Dante, the original Broadway production was an unprecedented box office and critical hit, winning nine Tony Awards, in addition to the 1976 Pulitzer Prize for Drama.” Performances take place in the Florissant Civic Center Theatre in Florissant, MO. For more information: www.hawthorneplayers.info

The Lemp Mansion Murder Mystery Dinner Theatre and Jest Mysteries present The Comic Book Killer through August 27. "Calling all superheros and villains! There’s trouble afoot for you both! Evil Doctor Weevil is back and he’s trying to erase your very existence! The time has come to join forces against true evil and restore balance to the comic universe. But who will be the hero or heroes and rid this plain of Evil Dr. Weevil forever? Could it be you? Quick…to the Prius! Dawn your cape and spandex and meet us the famously haunted Lemp Mansion for a mystery like no other! Here I come to save the daaaaaay!!!!"  The Lemp Mansion is at 3322 DeMenil Place in south city. For more information: www.lempmansion.com

Legally Blonde
Photo: Phillip Hamer

The Muny presents the musical Legally Blonde July 31 and August 1 at 8:15 pm.  “Elle Woods returns! Based on the smash hit movie, Legally Blonde follows the transformation of quintessential blonde Elle Woods from sorority sister to Harvard Law graduate. Her journey of determination, self-discovery and finding true love receives its first Muny production in 11 years. Complete with a chihuahua, a bulldog and a UPS guy, The Muny is ready to ‘Bend and Snap’ for a great time!” Performances take place on the Muny's outdoor stage in Forest Park. For more information: muny.org.

The Muny presents the musical The Color Purple August 3-9 at 8:15 pm.  “Based on Alice Walker’s Pulitzer Prize-winning novel and Steven Spielberg’s landmark film, The Color Purple makes its Muny debut! Featuring a Grammy Award-winning score infused with jazz, ragtime, gospel and African blues, this moving tale is a testament to the healing power of love, faith, resilience and sisterhood. Winner of the 2016 Tony Award for “Best Revival of a Musical,” this epic staging promises a joyous evening of courage, hope and healing.” Performances take place on the Muny's outdoor stage in Forest Park. For more information: muny.org.

R-S Theatrics presents While the Ghostlight Burns, a virtual discussion series featuring R-S Artistic Director Sarah Lynne Holt in conversation with St. Louis theatre artists, Mondays at 7 pm.  Conversations will be archived at the R-S Theatrics YouTube channel. For more information: r-stheatrics.com/while-the-ghostlight-burns.html

St. Louis Shakespeare Festival presents free outdoor performances of a new adaptation of Shakespeare’s comedy A Midsummer Night’s Dream at area parks nightly at 6:30 pm August 2-27. “The Festival’s 20-year-old touring program returns for the second time as the free and outdoor public park tour, TOURCO, throughout Missouri and Illinois with A Midsummer Night’s Dream. The production will be directed by Tre’von Griffith, St. Louis/NYC-based theater artist, composer and founder of WerQfest also known as Tre-G, and featuring costumes by acclaimed local fashion designer Brandin Vaughn. This 90-minute highly musical afro-futurist adaptation will play in 24 different locations starting on opening night at Kiener Plaza in the heart of downtown St. Louis.” For more information: stlshakes.org

The St. Louis Writers' Group presents a reading of Santa Claus Ain't Coming to Town by Kevin Hester on Tuesday, August 2 at 6:30 p.m.  "What does Santa have in his bag for this not so normal office Christmas party? Unintentional ugly Christmas sweaters, an overly enthusiastic Mrs. Claus, and murder?! A group of coworkers work together to both hide and solve the killing of the jolly old Saint himself (or someone dressed very similar) while trying not to ruin Christmas for the kids in the room next door." The reading takes place at Big Daddy’s, 1000 Sidney in Soulard. For more information, visit the St. Louis Writers' Group Facebook page.

In the Heights
Photo: Phillip Hamer

Stages St. Louis presents Lin-Manuel Miranda’s In the Heights through August 21. “IN THE HEIGHTS, the Tony Award Winning Best Musical from the creator of HAMILTON, tells the universal story of a vibrant community in New York’s Washington Heights neighborhood – a place where the coffee from the corner bodega is light and sweet, the windows are always open and the breeze carries the rhythm of three generations of music. It’s a community on the brink of change, full of hopes, dreams and pressures, where the biggest struggle can be deciding which traditions to take with you, and which ones to leave behind.” Performances take place at the Kirkwood Performing Arts Center in Kirkwood, MO. For more information: stagesstlouis.org

Stray Dog Theatre presents the musical The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee Thursdays through Saturdays August 4-20. There are additional performances at 2 pm Sunday, August 14 and 8 pm Wednesday, August 17. “An eclectic group of sixth-graders vie for the spelling championship of a lifetime. In hilarious, touching, and catchy songs, each speller reveals their hopes, struggles, and passions as they make their way through the competition. The “Bee” will have you falling in love with its “perspicacious,” “jocular,” and “effervescent” spellers.” Performances take place at Tower Grove Abbey, 2336 Tennessee in Tower Grove East. Tickets are only offered in physically distanced groups of two or four. For more information: www.straydogtheatre.org

Falstaff
Photo: Dan Donovan

Union Avenue Opera presents Verdi’s Falstaff Fridays and Saturdays at 8 pm through August 6. “Old, lecherous, and down on his luck, Sir John Falstaff can’t resist the ladies. The fool hatches a plan to reverse his ill-fortune and sets his sights on not one, but two married women. Sharper than they look, Alice and Meg discover the odious Falstaff’s plan to unceremoniously seduce them and trick them out of their fortunes. The women band together and with the help of Nannetta and Dame Quickly, they concoct a scheme to teach him a lesson he’ll never forget and to put him in his place once and for all. Add in a jealous husband, a pair of young lovers, and a touch of the supernatural and what ensues is a sophisticated comedy filled with failed plans and botched disguises. Verdi’s riotous romp Falstaff bubbles with irrepressible wit and charm in this adaptation of Shakespeare’s The Merry Wives of Windsor.” Performances are sung in Russian with projected English supertitles and take place at Union Avenue Christian Church, 733 Union at Enright in the Central West End. For more information: unionavenueopera.org

Mark Rodgers in
Discover DaVinci and Michaelangelo

The Westport Playhouse presents writer/actor Mark Rodgers in Discover DaVinci and Michaelangelo—the Titans Experience Fridays and Saturdays at 7 pm and Sundays at 2 pm through August 28th.  “Over 100 successful Broadway shows, Includes an art installation and self-guided tour of DaVinci's models, artwork, and more...including our new unique theatrical 40' Video Wall!” The show marks the reopening of the Playhouse after extensive renovation. The Westport Playhouse is in the Westport Plaza Business and Entertainment District. For more information: thewestportplayhouse.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.

St. Louis theatre calendar for the week of August 17, 2020

Now including both on-line and live events during the pandemic. To get your event listed here, send an email to calendar [at] stageleft.org.

St. Louis playwright Nancy Bell's MUTE: A Play for Zoom, which was performed live via Facebook on April 5, 2020, is available as a live stream at vimeo.com. "In a world much like ours, there exists a video conference call. And in this call, there are academics, confusion, fire and...one hamster. An experimental theatre piece that steals rabidly from Ionesco, Beckett, real life and Chekhov. The play was for performance on Zoom by Nancy Bell and directed by Lucy Cashion."

The Blue Strawberry presents a Pop-Up Piano Bar with Sir Stryker, "Piano Bar Star of the Holland America Cruise Line," Tuesdays through Sundays from 6 to 10 pm. There is no cover or minimum and sidewalk seating is available. The club is operating under a "COVID careful" arrangement with restricted indoor capacity and other precautions. The Blue Strawberry is at 364 N. Boyle. For more information: bluestrawberrystl.com/

Fly North Theatricals presents three new free digital series. Their new digital line up includes The Spotlight Series, the Grown-Up Theatre Kids Podcast, and Gin and the Tonic. The Spotlight Series highlights the Fly North family of students and actors performing songs from previous FNT shows. In the Grown-Up Theatre Kids podcast you can join Colin Healy and Bradley Rohlf every other Friday as they explore life after drama club and what it means to make a living in theatre far from the lights of broadway. Gin and the Tonic is a "reckless unpacking of music history’s weirdest stories hosted by Colin Healy.” The Spotlight Series and Gin and the Tonic are available at the Fly North Theatricals YouTube channel and the Grown-Up Theatre Kids podcast can also be found on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Sticher, other podcast platforms. All three are updated on a bi-weekly (every other week) basis.

Lara Teeter and Company
at the Muny Centennial Gala (2018)
Photo by Phillip Hamer

The Muny presents the final episodes of The Muny 2020 Summer Variety Hour Live! on Monday and Thursday, August 18 and 21, at 8:15 pm at youtube.com/themunytv. "This week's episode includes archive video clips from A Chorus Line, Rodgers & Hammerstein’s Cinderella, Guys and Dolls, Gypsy, Meet Me In St. Louis, Thoroughly Modern Millie and The Muny Centennial Gala: An Evening with the Stars. The program will also feature new songs and dances from Muny artists across the U.S., a performance by Muny artists and real-life couple Erin Dilly and Stephen R. Buntrock, behind-the-scenes stories, a Broadway-style filmed-at-The-Muny dance piece from Singin’ in the Rain, conceived and choreographed by Broadway performer and St Louis native Richard Riaz Yoder, a live vocal performance from former Muny Kid and Teen, and two-time St. Louis High School Musical Theatre Awards Best Actress winner, Maggie Kuntz, an original video love letter dedicated to the behind-the-scenes Muny family written and performed by Broadway and The Muny’s Colby Dezelick, a series finale sing-along of “Auld Lang Syne,” The Muny Kids and Teens and so much more."  For more information: muny.org/varietyhour/

Opera Theatre of St. Louis presents its 2020 Digital Festival with a variety of streaming content, including Opening Night Spotlights and the Spring Artists in Training Recital, available at www.opera-stl.org/season-and-events/thisisotsl-digital-festivalas well as on its YouTube channel at www.youtube.com/user/OperaTheatreSTL.

The Playhouse at Westport Plaza presents a live performance by magician and illusionist Siegfried Tieber via Zoom on Saturday, August 22, at 7:30 pm. "Siegfried Tieber is one of the world’s great illusionists. He’s been featured on television shows such as Penn and Teller, now he explores magic and illusion in the virtual arena performing his mind-bending magic for intimate audiences.  Thanks to the technology, every attendee becomes an active participant. With plenty of “twists and turns”, his innovative, interactive show will have you scratching your head for days." For more information and reservations: www.metrotix.com.

The Repertory Theatre of St. Louis, in collaboration with Baltimore Center Stage, Long Wharf Theatre, The Public Theater and Woolly Mammoth Theatre Company, present Play at Home, a series of micro-commissioned short plays from some of the American theatre's most exciting and prominent playwrights. These new plays – which all run 10 minutes or less – are available for the public to download, read and perform at home for free at playathome.org.

The Repertory Theatre of St. Louis invites budding young writers throughout the nation to develop and submit plays to for inclusion in its all-new WiseWrite Digital Play Festival. “Through the incredible work of our education department, we've posted an online curriculum at repstl.org/wisewrite that teaches students how to construct plays and characters. We’re accepting submissions from students grades 4 through 12 from throughout the nation for inclusion in the festival, which will feature performances by professional actors.” Submissions will be accepted through August 31st. For more information:  repstl.org/wisewrite.

Hamlet vs. The State of Denmark

The St. Louis Shakespeare Festival presents streaming videos from the SHAKE20 festival, including re-imagined, condensed versions of classic Shakespeare plays and new takes on old favorites like the mock trial Hamlet vs. The State of Denmark, at the Shakespeare Festival Facebook page at www.facebook.com/STLShakesFest/

The St. Louis Shakespeare Festival is now taking reservations for A Late Summer Night’s Stroll, which will take place in Shakespeare Glen in Forest Park Tuesday through Sunday evenings through September 6. “See the park like you’ve never seen it before on this 80-minute jaunt full of poetry, music and art. Loosely inspired by Shakespeare’s A Midsummer Night’s Dream, 'A Late Summer Night’s Stroll' puts you at the center of the story: four lovers’ escape to an enchanted wood and the magical night of transformation that follows. A socially-distant self-guided tour of iconic spots and hidden gems, featuring custom installations, open-air performances and charming vignettes.” The event is free and all time slots are currently taken, but a waitlist is available . For more information: stlshakes.org/production/stroll

The St. Louis Writers Group streams live recordings of previous play reading sessions at their Facebook page. For more information: facebook.com.

The Tennessee Williams Festival St. Louis presents Something Spoken: Tennessee Williams On the Air alternating Saturdays at 5 pm on Classic 107.3 FM. Each episode will air live and then be available for streaming at classic1073.org until the day before the next episode is broadcast. Episodes include a production of a Williams one-act play, followed by commentary from Williams scholar Thomas Mitchell.  Currently Hello From Bertha is streaming until September 4. August at the Lake will begin streaming on September 5. For more information: www.twstl.org/something-spoken

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.

Review: The Muny's YouTube Variety Hour is just the thing mourning Muny fans

If you’re a fan of The Muny and have not yet had a chance to see an episode of “The Muny 2020 Summer Variety Hour” on their YouTube channel, then, to paraphrase John Adams in “1776”: “Good God, what in the hell are you waiting for?”

Laura Michelle Kelly and the cast of
South Pacific (2013)
Photo by Phillip Hamer

Presented live every Monday and Thursday night at 8:15, the “Variety Hour” (which aired its first episode the week of July 20) isn’t so much a substitute for the postponed 2020 season as it is a logical extension and expansion of the Muny’s commitment to musical theatre. Running around 75 to 90 minutes (including a seven-minute intermission), each episode features archived video clips from previous Muny shows along with a wealth of new material, both live and recorded, by The Muny Kids, Muny Teens, and performers who have made previous appearances on the big Forest Park stage.

It is, in short, a kind of re-invention of the classic Vaudeville show for the digital age, with the additional wrinkle that all the performers are physically distanced—often by many miles. Technically, it’s impressive as hell, and consistently entertaining.

Les Misérables (2013)
Photo by Phillip Hamer

The quality of the archived video clips, while variable, is generally quite good. The sound, which was apparently pulled straight from the mixing board, is excellent, and the single camera often zooms in to give you a view of the performers normally available from only the closest box seats. The August 3rd show, for example, included a performance of “I’m in Love With a Wonderful Guy” (from “South Pacific,” 2013) that brought us right up on stage with Laura Michelle Kelly’s irresistibly charming and fleet-footed Nellie Forbush, while still providing a good view of the ensemble. “One More Day,” the Act I finale of “Les Misérables” from that same year, captured the sweep and grandeur of the 81-member cast while allowing the complex counterpoint of the music to come through with a clarity that is difficult to achieve in a live performance.

And you’re guaranteed a comfortable seat with no rain or oppressive humidity or planes flying overhead. Also no crowds of people walking to the exits during the curtain call. What’s not to like?

Dancer/choreographer
Chloe O. Davis

The best parts of the “Variety Hour,” though, have been the new pieces staged specifically for the show. I have been most impressed with the dance numbers by Muny cast members.

In the first episode, St. Louis native and Muny regular Lara Teeter danced with athletic grace and perky humor through a deserted Muny to “Take Me Away.” The second episode brought us dancer/choreographer Chloe O. Davis (another St. Louis native and Muny veteran) performing a tribute to Black dance legends like Katherine  Dunham, George Faison, Debbie Allen, Hope Clarke, Gregory Hines, Donald Byrd,  Bill T. Jones and Camille A. Brown. Titled “My Tribute to Black Broadway and Black Choreography: I Thrive Now Because You Dared Then,” this bravura piece mixed audio and video clips from the original stars with Ms. Davis’s flawless recreations of their signature moves. I found it totally compelling and was sorry it wasn’t twice as long.

The August 3rd edition, though, brought us the most idiosyncratic and beautifully ambiguous work to date: “undefeat,” by dancer and choreographer Jon Rua (also a Muny vet, but probably best known for his work on the original production of "Hamilton"). Performed to the “Prelude” of Bach’s Cello Suite No. 1, it alternated video of Mr. Rua dancing on the roof of his apartment building with close-ups of him fighting off depression while “sheltering in place” from the pandemic. It was touching and brilliantly conceived.

Beth Leavel and Adam Heller in Gypsy (2018)
Photo by Phillip Hamer

There have been many other highlights over the last few weeks—far too many for a complete list. My favorite moments have included:

• The Muny Kids singing and signing “Happiness” from “You’re a Good Man Charlie Brown”; totally adorable.
• The Muny Teens in a high-energy mashup of “Not While I’m Around” and “Climb Ev’ry Mountain,” from “Sweeney Todd” and “The Sound of Music,” respectively
• Ken Page’s powerful live performance, from the Culver Pavillion just outside the east entrance, of “Memory” from “Cats”
• The cast of 2019's rewritten version of "Paint Your Wagon" singing the rousing "How Can I Wait?"
• Muny artists and real-life couple Beth Leavel and Adam Heller in their home with a thoroughly heartwarming version of “You’ll Never Get Away From Me” from “Gypsy,” which they did together at The Muny in 2018.

As this is being written, you can still see the third episode of “The Muny 2020 Summer Variety Hour” Thursday, August 6, at 8:15 pm on the Muny YouTube channel. It and other Thursday webcasts will include closed captioning as well as descriptive audio.

Mark Ballas and company in Jersey Boys (2018)
Photo by Phillip Hamer

The fourth installment, which airs August 10 and 13, includes archive video clips from “Jerome Robbins’ Broadway,” “Jersey Boys,” and “The Unsinkable Molly Brown”; Muny artists and real-life couple Jason Gotay and Michael Hartung performing “Song on the Sand” from “La Cage aux Folles”; members of The Muny’s 2018 cast of “Meet Me In St. Louis reuniting via the Internet to sing the famous title song; and "Do-Re-Mi," a special, filmed-at-The-Muny song and dance performance featuring members of The Muny Kids and Teens. If it’s anything like the first three, it should be a must see for musical theatre fans in general and lovers of The Muny in particular.

For more information on the “The Muny 2020 Summer Variety Hour,” visit The Muny’s web site.

St. Louis theatre calendar for the week of August 3, 2020

Now including both on-line and live events during the pandemic. To get your event listed here, send an email to calendar [at] stageleft.org.

St. Louis playwright Nancy Bell's MUTE: A Play for Zoom, which was performed live via Facebook on April 5, 2020, is available as a live stream at vimeo.com. "In a world much like ours, there exists a video conference call. And in this call, there are academics, confusion, fire and...one hamster. An experimental theatre piece that steals rabidly from Ionesco, Beckett, real life and Chekhov. The play was for performance on Zoom by Nancy Bell and directed by Lucy Cashion."

Robert Nelson

The Blue Strawberry presents Robert Nelson: Return to Love on Saturday, August 8, at 8 pm. “Return To Love is an intimate evening of classic love songs that capture the elegance of Ellington's Harlem jazz era, the finger snapping cool jazz of the 50's and 60's, and a return to jazz inspired interpretations of soulful contemporary classics.”  Regarding coronavirus safety, The Blue Strawberry says: “Aerosol scientists suggest that singing is an activity associated with an increased risk of audience exposure to the SARS-CoV2, the virus that causes COVID-19. In order to minimize that risk, the singers in shows presented at Blue Strawberry starting this August will all perform from as far upstage as possible. Our stage is 10 feet deep, and they will perform at the very back of the stage next to the wall. Supporting musicians will all be masked. We will also pull back our front row of seats 4 feet from the lip of the stage. This will create at least 12 feet of space between the singer and the front row of audience members. We have also reduced our inside capacity from 100 to fewer than half that number.” The Blue Strawberry is at 364 N. Boyle in the Central West End. For more information: bluestrawberrystl.com.

The Blue Strawberry presents a Pop-Up Piano Bar with Sir Stryker, "Piano Bar Star of the Holland America Cruise Line," Tuesdays through Sundays from 6 to 10 pm. There is no cover or minimum and sidewalk seating is available. The club is operating under a "COVID careful" arrangement with restricted indoor capacity and other precautions. The Blue Strawberry is at 364 N. Boyle. For more information: bluestrawberrystl.com/

Fly North Theatricals presents three new free digital series. Their new digital line up includes The Spotlight Series, the Grown-Up Theatre Kids Podcast, and Gin and the Tonic. The Spotlight Series highlights the Fly North family of students and actors performing songs from previous FNT shows. In the Grown-Up Theatre Kids podcast you can join Colin Healy and Bradley Rohlf every other Friday as they explore life after drama club and what it means to make a living in theatre far from the lights of broadway. Gin and the Tonic is a "reckless unpacking of music history’s weirdest stories hosted by Colin Healy.” The Spotlight Series and Gin and the Tonic are available at the Fly North Theatricals YouTube channel and the Grown-Up Theatre Kids podcast can also be found on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Sticher, other podcast platforms. All three are updated on a bi-weekly (every other week) basis.

Les Misérables at the Muny (2013)
Photo by Phillip Hamer

The Muny presents The Muny 2020 Summer Variety Hour Live! on Monday and Thursday, August 3 and 6, at 8:15 pm at youtube.com/themunytv. “The show will include All Shook Up, Les Misérables, Newsies and South Pacific. The program will also feature new songs and dances from Muny artists across the U.S., a performance by Muny artists and real-life couple Beth Leavel and Adam Heller, and a cast reunion sing-along to “Tomorrow” with members of The Muny’s 2018 cast of Annie.  For more information: muny.org/varietyhour/

Opera Theatre of St. Louis presents its 2020 Digital Festival with a variety of streaming content, including Opening Night Spotlights and the Spring Artists in Training Recital, available at www.opera-stl.org/season-and-events/thisisotsl-digital-festival as well as on its YouTube channel at www.youtube.com/user/OperaTheatreSTL.

The Repertory Theatre of St. Louis, in collaboration with Baltimore Center Stage, Long Wharf Theatre, The Public Theater and Woolly Mammoth Theatre Company, present Play at Home, a series of micro-commissioned short plays from some of the American theatre's most exciting and prominent playwrights. These new plays – which all run 10 minutes or less – are available for the public to download, read and perform at home for free at playathome.org.

The Repertory Theatre of St. Louis invites budding young writers throughout the nation to develop and submit plays to for inclusion in its all-new WiseWrite Digital Play Festival. “Through the incredible work of our education department, we've posted an online curriculum at repstl.org/wisewrite that teaches students how to construct plays and characters. We’re accepting submissions from students grades 4 through 12 from throughout the nation for inclusion in the festival, which will feature performances by professional actors.” Submissions will be accepted through August 31st. For more information:  repstl.org/wisewrite.

Hamlet vs. The State of Denmark

The St. Louis Shakespeare Festival presents streaming videos from the SHAKE20 festival, including re-imagined, condensed versions of classic Shakespeare plays and new takes on old favorites like the mock trial Hamlet vs. The State of Denmark, at the Shakespeare Festival Facebook page at www.facebook.com/STLShakesFest/

The St. Louis Shakespeare Festival is now taking reservations for A Late Summer Night’s Stroll, which will take place in Shakespeare Glen in Forest Park Tuesday through Sunday evenings, August 12 – September 6. “See the park like you’ve never seen it before on this 80-minute jaunt full of poetry, music and art. Loosely inspired by Shakespeare’s A Midsummer Night’s Dream, 'A Late Summer Night’s Stroll' puts you at the center of the story: four lovers’ escape to an enchanted wood and the magical night of transformation that follows. A socially-distant self-guided tour of iconic spots and hidden gems, featuring custom installations, open-air performances and charming vignettes.” The event is free, but time slots must be reserved in advance. For more information: stlshakes.org/production/stroll

The St. Louis Writers Group streams live recordings of previous play reading sessions at their Facebook page. For more information: facebook.com.

The Tennessee Williams Festival St. Louis presents Something Spoken: Tennessee Williams On the Air alternating Saturdays at 5 pm on Classic 107.3 FM. Each episode will air live and then be available for streaming at classic1073.org until the day before the next episode is broadcast. Episodes include a production of a Williams one-act play, followed by commentary from Williams scholar Thomas Mitchell.  Currently This Property in Condemned is streaming until August 7, when A Perfect Analysis Given By A Parrot will air. For more information: www.twstl.org/something-spoken

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.

St. Louis theatre calendar for the week of December 2, 2019

There's a lot of theatre in St. Louis between now and Christmas, with a vast quantity of openings this week.

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The International Brotherhood of Magicians presents their annual Active Military, Veterans & First Responders Tribute Magical Holiday Show on Sunday, December 8, at 3 pm. "The Active Military, Veterans & First Responders Tribute Magical Holiday Show will be a fantastic magic show for the whole family.  Both children and adults will embark on an unforgettable journey of comedy and magic with a special tribute for all those who help keep America free!  You will enjoy the magic of an impressive list of Professional Magicians: Christian Misner, Terry Richison, Steve Zuehlke and more.  Close up magic will be performed in the lobby prior to the show by several of the best close up magicians in St Louis."  The show will be held at the Kirkwood Community Center Theatre, 111 South Geyer Road in Kirkwood. For more information: ibmring1.com.

Clinton County Showcase presents Away in a Basement: A Church Basement Ladies Christmas Fridays through Saturdays at 8 pm and Sundays at 2 pm, December 6-15. "December, 1959. Preparations are underway for the annual church Christmas pageant. But anything that can go wrong, does go wrong! Can the Church Basement Ladies save the pageant from the brink of disaster?" Performances take place outdoors at the Avon Theatre, 535 N. 2nd St. in Breese IL. For more information, visit ccshowcase.com.

Webster University's Conservatory of Theatre Arts presents The Bomb-itty of Errors Thursdays and Fridays at 7:30 pm, Saturdays at 2 and 7:30 pm, and Sundays at 2 pm, December 5-15. "The Bomb-itty of Errors is an award-winning Ad-Rap-Tation, hip-hop theatre retelling of Shakespeare's The Comedy of Errors. The show lasts one hour and thirty minutes and is part play and part rap concert. Refreshingly current but retaining the integrity of the original." Performances take place in the Stage III Auditorium on the Webster University campus. For more information, webster.edu or call 314-968-7128.

Curtain's Up Theatre presents A Christmas Story Friday at 7:30 pm, Saturday at 2 and 7:30 pm, and Sunday at 2 pm, December 6-8. Performances take place at the Wildey Theatre at Edwardsville, IL. For more information, visit curtainsuptheater.com.

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

The Cricket on the Hearth
Photo: John Lamb

The West End Players Guild continues its 109th season with the world premiere of Vladimir Zelevinski's adaptation of Charles Dickens's The Cricket on the Hearth Fridays and Saturdays at 8 pm and Sundays at 2 pm, December 6-15, with an additional 8 pm show on Thursday, December 12. "In mid-19th century London John and Dot have fallen in love and married. Theirs is a May-December match (she is young and spritely, he is older and wiser), as unlikely as it is loving. The joy of their life is their bouncing baby boy, and their home is guarded by a friendly cricket who chirps from the hearth, an omen of good fortune. Then, a mysterious stranger enters their lives. Has he brought with him suffering and sorrow that will tear apart the lives of John, Dot and their friends, or does he bring gentler gifts? We won't spoil the ending, except to say that you just might leave the theatre with your heart a little warmer than when you entered." 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.

The Blue Strawberry presents Dean Christopher: A Classic-Vegas, Rat-Pack Christmas on Friday, December 6 and 13, at 8 pm. "One of the greatest eras in the history of entertainment, Classic Vegas meets the holiday season head-on. The style, the entertainers, all brought to life and rolled up into your favorite holiday tunes by award winning actor, singer, impressionist, Dean Christopher and his band. A holiday show you soon won't forget. Not to mention a surefire way to get into the holiday spirit." The Blue Strawberry is at 364 N. Boyle in the Central West End. For more information: bluestrawberrystl.com.

Debby Lennon

The Blue Strawberry presents Debby Lennon's Holiday Show on Thursday, December 5, at 8 pm. "Debby Lennon's Holiday Show is filled with the charm and spirit of the most wonderful time of the year. A blend of holiday sass and spice make Debby's Christmas Cabaret a little bit Naughty but oh, so nice! Featuring traditional carols from Christmas past, a touch of fun-filled showstoppers from musical theater Christmas present, and peppermint twists and turns of classic tunes launching you into a very bright and jazzy Christmas future." The Blue Strawberry is at 364 N. Boyle in the Central West End. For more information: bluestrawberrystl.com.

The Lemp Mansion Comedy-Mystery Dinner Theater presents A Dickens of a Killing through January 4. The Lemp Mansion is at 3322 DeMenil Place. For more information: lempmansion.com.

Stray Dog Theatre presents the rock musical Disenchanted opening on Thursday, December 5, at 8 pm and running through December 21. "Snow White and her posse of disgruntled princesses take the stage in the hilarious hit musical that's anything but Grimm. Forget the princesses you think you know - the original storybook heroines have come to life to set the record straight and give fairytales the bird." The show is recommended for mature audiences. Performances take place at The Tower Grove Abbey, 2336 Tennessee. For more information, visit straydogtheatre.org or call 314-865-1995.

The Drinkwater Brothers

The Blue Strawberry presents The Drinkwater Brothers on Saturday, December 7, at 8 pm. "These guys are hot, hot, hot in NY. To give you a sense of them, we'll quote liberally from a review of their show at Birdland three weeks ago. 'If someone had told me before the show last night what I was going to see, I wouldn't have believed them. While I was watching it, I didn't quite believe it. A day later I am wondering if I believe it, or if I dreamed it… It hardly seems fair, but these two fellows simply have it all - they are the ones who get that special something that you're born with, only they have fine-honed their "It" into something one might easily label genius… Here were two young men (maybe 18, maybe 21, it's hard to tell) who can sing 60's folk-rock, 70's country-rock, and bona fide classic rock, then turn around and perform their own original compositions, and a little blues, as well as a show tune or two; and they are able to effectively change their voices to fit each genre in which they are singing. John Drinkwater did something I have dreamed of seeing all my adult life: he stood perfectly still and, with a smile on his face, sang the legendary Sondheim song "Losing My Mind" ... and it worked. He didn't fall prey to the temptation to oversing or overact the simple musical story - he just sang it and let the crowd see what was in his heart. It was transcendent. For his musical theater offering, Matt chose … Jason Robert Brown, and gave out with "If I Didn't Believe", serving a performance worthy of...Liza Minelli.' - Stephen Mosher, Broadway World" The Blue Strawberry is at 364 N. Boyle in the Central West End. For more information: bluestrawberrystl.com.

The St. Louis Writers' Group presents An Evening of One-Acts on Monday, December 2, at 6:30 pm. "You can submit your 10 to 15 minute play for inclusion to ryoung at papadocs.com, or simply join us as an audience member or actor. Admission is free." The event takes place upstairs at Big Daddy's, 1000 Sidney in Soulard. For more information: www.stlwritersgroup.com.

Alfresco Productions presents the musical Frozen Jr. Fridays and Saturdays at 7 pm and Sundays at 2 pm, December 6-15. Performances take place at the Alfresco Art Center, 2401 Delmar in Granite City, IL. For more information: (618) 560-1947 or www.alfrescoproductions.org.

Fully Committed
Photo: Greg Lazerwitz

New Jewish Theater presents the comedy Fully Committed Thursdays at 7:30 pm, Saturdays at 4 and 8 pm, and Sundays at 2 pm, December 5-22 "The New Jewish Theatre's Artistic Director, Eddie Coffield, Artistic Director, announces the cast and creative team of Fully Committed. Arriving just in time for the holidays, Becky Mode's hilarious hit lets the madness run wild. “I am overjoyed to bring Fully Committed to the New Jewish Theatre during the most festive time of year!” Coffield said. “There's no actor more equipped to tackle 40-plus characters than our beloved Will Bonfiglio. I can hardly wait for St. Louis to see Will bring this timeless, one-man tour-de-force to life!” This hilarious comedy features more than 40 characters that come to life through one actor.” Performances take place in the Marvin and Harlene Wool Studio Theater at the Jewish Community Center, 2 Millstone Campus Drive in Creve Coeur. For more information: www.newjewishtheatre.org or call 314-442-3283.

Cherokee Street Theater Company presents Gremlins- Live Holiday Parody, opening on Wednesday, December 4, at 7 pm and running through December 14. "Just in time for The Holidays, Gremlins- Live Holiday Parody is a 1 hour comedic parody of the 1984 movie, Gremlins. It is performed, written, and directed by local St. Louis talent. The show pokes fun and jabs at the original film by calling out its flaws, tackiness, and blatant 80's absurdity. It is a true celebration of camp and the fantastical with a charming and semi-dark twist all with a holiday theme!" Performances take place at 2607 Potomac in the Cherokee neighborhood. For more information: cherokeestreettheatercompany.com.

It's a Wonderful Life
Photo: Jennifer Lin

Metro Theatre Company presents It's a Wonderful Life, based on the classic film, through December 15. "The beloved American holiday classic leaps to life on stage in a delightful, heartwarming new adaptation. John Wolbers' "It's a Wonderful Life" has a clever twist: it's staged as a play within a play, more specifically a radio play within a play. On Christmas Eve 1949, KMTC Radio St. Louis is prepared to perform a live radio broadcast of "It's a Wonderful Life," when unexpected events transform the station's staff into the radio play's actors. Complete with microphones, live sound effects by a Foley artist, 1940s period costumes, and a diverse company of characters, the play tells the story of George Bailey and his discovery of the life-affirming message that one life can change the whole fabric of a community. " The performances take place at The Grandel Theatre, 3610 Grandel Square in Grand Center.. For more information: metroplays.org.

The Repertory Theatre of St. Louis presents a Jane Austen Festival Friday through Sunday, December 6-8, in conjunction with the opening of its production of Pride and Prejudice. For more information on the festival, visit repstl.org/jane-austen-festival.

St. Louis Actors' Studio presents A Life in the Theatre by David Mamet Fridays and Saturdays at 8 pm and Sundays at 3 pm, December 6 - 22. "The Pulitzer Prize-winning author of Glengarry Glen Ross and Speed-The-Plow, takes us into the lives of two actors: John, young and rising into the first flush of his success; the other Robert, older, anxious, and beginning to wane. In a series of short, spare, and increasingly raw exchanges, we see the estrangement of youth from age and the wider, inevitable and endless cycle of life, in and out of the theatre." Performances take place at the Gaslight Theatre on North Boyle in the Central West End. For more information, call 314-458-2978 or visit stlas.org.

Lindenwood University presents Shakespeare's Merry Wives of Windsor Thursday through Saturday, December 5-7, at 7:30 pm. "This comedy featuring Sir John Falstaff was first published in 1602, though it is believed to have been written sometime before 1597. Sir John Falstaff, staying in Windsor and down on his luck, decides to restore his fortunes by seducing the wives of two wealthy citizens. He sends Mistress Page and Mistress Ford identical love letters, but they discover his double dealing and set about turning the tables." Performances take place at the Scheiegger Center for the Arts on the Lindenwood campus in St. Charles, MO. For more information: lindenwood.edu.

The Blue Strawberry presents an Open Mic Night on Wednesday, December 4, from 7 to 9 pm. Debby Lennon hosts the event, with Henry Palkes at the piano. The Blue Strawberry is at 364 N. Boyle in the Central West End. For more information: .bluestrawberrystl.com.

Craig Pomranz

The Kranzberg Arts Center presents St. Louis' own Craig Pomranz in The Power of Song on Friday, December 6, and 7 and 9 pm. "International song stylist, Craig offers jazz/saloon singing at its best. You'll hear classic standards, reinterpreted pop songs and brand-new material, delivered with his own unique talent and compelling vocal style. He carries the tradition of Sinatra, Bennett, Streisand, Wilson and Chet Baker with a contemporary twist." Performances take place at the Kranzberg Arts Center, 501 N. Grand in Grand Center. For more information: brownpapertickets.com

The Repertory Theatre of St. Louis presents Pride and Prejudice, adapted from the Jane Austen novel by Christopher Baker, opening on Wednesday, December 4, and running through December 29. "In a world of opulent estates and lavish private balls, where women's entire futures hinge on marriage, Elizabeth Bennet stands apart. With a vibrant wit and a headstrong sense of pride, Elizabeth places her own needs first and refuses to marry for mere convenience. But she meets her match in the unlikely figure of Mr. Darcy. Beginning as a testy battle of words and ideas, their relationship blossoms into a remarkable romance between two passionate intellects who play by their own rules. " Performances take place at the Loretto-Hilton Center on the Webster University campus. For more information: repstl.org.

The Playhouse at Westport Plaza presents Robret Dubac's Stand-Up Jesus Friday and Saturday at 8 pm, December 6 and 7. "Making his first appearance in years, He is returning to cure what ails you. If you've lost your sense of humor, here's your chance to cleanse your soul with laughter, unburden your guilt with satire and purify your sacrilege with truth. More punchlines. Less preaching. Don't miss this stand-up from the original author of humor! " The Playhouse at Westport Plaza is at 635 West Port Plaza. For more information: playhouseatwestport.com.

The Goshen Theatre Project presents Scrooge! The Musical Thursday through Saturday at 7:30 pm, December 5-7. "This timeless musical follows the plot of Charles Dickens' A Christmas Carol, in which the miserly Ebenezer Scrooge undergoes a profound experience of redemption over the course of a Christmas Eve night, after being visited by the ghost of his former partner Jacob Marley and the ghosts of Christmas past, present and future." Performances take place at Nazarene Community Theater, 400 N. Central Ave. in Roxana, IL. For more information: www.goshentheatreproject.org.

The Skivvies

The Blue Strawberry presents The Skivvies on Sunday, December 8, at 7 and 9 pm. "They're naughty and nice. The “musically thrilling,” award-winning, undie-rock, comedy-pop duo The Skivvies are making their STL debut with their acclaimed holiday show, "I Touch My Elf". Joined by special guests, including Matt Doyle (Spring Awakening, The Book of Mormon, War Horse) The Skivvies- Lauren Molina (Rock of Ages, Sweeney Todd, Candide, Marry Me A Little) and Nick Cearley (Buyer and Cellar, Pageant, A Midsummer Night's Dream, All Shook Up)-will perform stripped-down versions of eclectic covers, wacky holiday mash-ups (“I Melt with You/Frosty the Snowman,” “We Got the Beat/The Little Drummer Boy”), and eccentric originals (“It's F*cking Hanukkah,” “The Text Message Song”.) Not only is the music stripped-down-cello, ukulele, glockenspiel, melodica, and a surprising array of other under-used instruments-but The Skivvies literally strip down to their underwear to perform. Grab your spiked eggnog, hurry down the chimney, and settle in for an evening of laughter and holiday cheer! They have everything but pants!" The Blue Strawberry is at 364 N. Boyle in the Central West End. For more information: .bluestrawberrystl.com.

Southern Illinois University at Edwardsville presents That High Lonesome Sound Tuesday through Saturday at 7:30 pm and Sunday at 2 pm, December 3-8. "Bluegrass has a long and winding history, from Scottish ballads to African-American work songs, from Bill Monroe and the Blue Grass Boys to the O Brother, Where Art Thou? soundtrack. In a lively theatrical album of scenes created for the Acting Apprentice Company of the Actor's Theatre of Louisville, four writers respond with playfulness and poignancy to the signature sounds, inherited stories, and cultural impact of this very American--and very Kentucky--music tradition." Performances take place in the Metcalf Theater on the campus in Edwardsvile, IL. For more information, call 618-650-2774 or visit siue.edu.

Alton Little Theater presents A Twisted Christmas Carol Fridays and Saturdays at 7:30 pm and Sundays at 2 pm, December 6-15, as well as on Thursday (December12) at 7:30 pm. "The most unusual Christmas Eve “barbecue” you'll ever dream about. Even Charles Dickens would laugh!" Performances take place at 2450 North Henry in Alton, IL. For more information, call 618.462.6562 or visit altonlittletheater.org.

Wicked

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

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.