St. Louis theatre calendar for the week of July 10, 2023

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

Jarrod Spector

The Blue Strawberry presents Tony-nominated singer/actor Jarrod Spector on Wednesday, July 12, at 7:30 pm. “Blue Strawberry is thrilled to welcome Jarrod Spector to the stage after his run in two Muny shows! See Jarrod as Barry Man in Beautiful: The Carole King Musical (the role for which he received a Tony nomination) and Frederick Trumper in Chess at The Muny this summer and then come see him up close and personal for an evening of songs and stories.”   The performance takes place at The Blue Strawberry, 364 N. Boyle. For more information: bluestrawberrystl.com

The Lemp Mansion Murder Mystery Dinner Theatre and Jest Mysteries present Death of a Blackheart 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 Years
Photo The Midnight Company

The Midnight Company presents The Years by Cindy Lou Johnson Thursdays through Saturdays at 8 and Sundays at 2 pm, July 13 through 29. “The play opens on a tumultuous day for two sets of cousins: Andrea and Eloise, and Isabelle and Andrew. It is Andrea’s wedding day, and she and her sister Eloise, are dealing with the recent death of their father, which was soon followed by their mother’s suicide. On the day of her wedding, Andrea has gone into work to help someone, and returning home is mugged. Meanwhile Eloise has just learned of her husband’s betrayal and the end of their marriage. They make it through that turbulent day. And as the story continues, thirteen years pass, and all of the cousins are forced to deal with the vagaries of life and death that the years deliver.” Performances take place at The Chapel, 6238 Alexander Drive in Clayton. For more information: 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 selected Wednesdays through August 30 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 continue at The Blue Strawberry, 356 N. Boyle. For more information: bluestrawberrystl.com.

The Nerd
Photo: Jon Gitchoff

Moonstone Theatre Company presents Larry Shue’s The Nerd through July 23. “In The Nerd, aspiring young architect Willum Cubbert, has often told his friends about the debt he owes to Rick Steadman, a fellow ex-GI whom he has never met but who saved his life after he was seriously wounded in Vietnam. He has written to Rick telling him that, as long as he is alive, “you will have somebody on Earth who will do anything for you." Willum is delighted when Rick shows up unexpectedly at his apartment on the night of his birthday party, but his delight soon fades as it becomes apparent that Rick is a hopeless nerd —a bumbling oaf with no social sense, little intelligence and less tact. As Rick stays on and on, his continued presence among Willum and his friends leads to one uproarious incident after another, until the normally placid Willum finds himself contemplating extreme measures—a dire development which, happily, is staved off by a surprising twist ending.” Performances take place at the Kirkwood Performing Arts Center in Kirkwood, MO. For more information: moonstonetheatrecompany.com

Chess
Photo: Phillip Hamer

The Muny presents the musical Chess through July 11 at 8:15 pm.  “Before Mamma Mia!, members of the pop group ABBA teamed up with Tim Rice (Jesus Christ Superstar, The Lion King, Evita) to create a dynamic drama centered around the world chess championship; mirroring the 1980s Cold War tensions of USA vs. Soviet Russia. The dazzling and beautiful pop rock score became a worldwide smash, including the hit single “One Night in Bangkok.” Chess makes its move to St. Louis (home of the first world championship) and onto the Muny stage for the first time, as the game’s long history continues to rise in popularity. In partnership with the Saint Louis Chess Club and World Chess Hall of Fame .” Performances take place on the Muny's outdoor stage in Forest Park. For more information: muny.org.

The Muny presents West Side Story July 15-21 at 8:15 pm.  “One of the greatest and most powerful musicals of our time. Loosely based on Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet, West Side Story is a love story that has endured the test of time. Tony and Maria find themselves in each other’s arms in a dance of romance, but can they escape the tensions in the streets? The classic Sharks and Jets rivalry leaps onto the Muny stage for the first time in a decade. With the memorable “Maria,” “Tonight” and “I Feel Pretty” this is your chance to fall in love with this story all over again!” Performances take place on the Muny's outdoor stage in Forest Park. For more information: muny.org.

Safe Space
Photo: Patrick Huber

The St. Louis Actors’ Studio presents the ninth annual LaBute New Theater Festival through July 23. “STLAS received hundreds of submissions worldwide and selected four to be produced on the stage at The Gaslight Theater, along with a brand new piece by esteemed film director, screenwriter and playwright Neil LaBute, for whom the festival and is named and who serves on its creative team. This year's productions include the following works/playwrights: The Mockingbird's Nest by Craig Bailey of Vermont, One Night in the Many Deaths of Sonny Liston by JB Heaps of New York, Da Vinci's Cockroach by Amy Tofte of California, The Blind Hem by Bryn McLaughlin of Oregon, Safe Space by Neil LaBute” Performances take place at The Gaslight Theater on North Boyle in the Central West End. For more information: www.stlas.org

The St. Louis Writers' Group presents a night of one act plays including Gertie and Amos, a "1920's vaudeville-style musical" by Rob Miller and Kris Oliver. "Gertie, a put-upon lower middle-class housewife, grows overwhelmed when her husband, Amos, comes home with yet another get-rich-quick scheme." The reading takes place upstairs at Big Daddy’s in Soulard. For more information, visit the St. Louis Writers' Group Facebook page.

Tesseract Theatre presents Amy Lyte’s Red Curtain Rivalry through July 16 as part of the company’s New Play Festival.  “Two community theaters in the same city are putting on the same musical at the same time. And war has been declared. Between big misunderstandings, plenty of shenanigans, and a lot of lessons learned, each company battles to win the most audience members and prove themselves the best production of "A Doll's House: The Musical!" that the community theatre community has ever seen.” Performances take place at the Marcelle Theatre in Grand Center. For more information: https://www.tesseracttheatre.com/

Tesseract Theatre presents Gwyneth Slope’s In Bloom opening on Friday, July 14 at 8 pm and running through July 23 as part of the company’s New Play Festival.  “Dorothy is raising four teenage girls all on her own, but when she meets someone new at her mother's wedding, she begins a pivotal year of balancing her happiness with the wants of her daughters. Rosalind (18) is going off to college in the fall, Lorelei (16) is discovering her own privacy, Camille (14) is frustrated with her medical condition, and Eileen (12) doesn't understand why everything isn't about her.” Performances take place at the Marcelle Theatre in Grand Center. For more information: https://www.tesseracttheatre.com/

The Turn of the Screw
Photo Dan Donovan

Union Avenue Opera presents Benjamin Britten’s The Turn of the Screw Fridays and Saturdays at 8 pm through July 15. "Hired by a mysterious and absent guardian, a young governess travels to a remote English country house to care for two precocious young orphans. Greeted by the housekeeper Mrs. Grose (Christine Brewer), she soon is faced with the possibility that something sinister is afoot. What follows are a series of increasingly ominous supernatural accounts with two of the manor’s previous staff—Miss Jessel, the children’s depraved former governess, and the valet, Peter Quint, her diabolical lover. Based on the mid-19th century horror novella by Henry James, Britten’s seductive, luminous, and brilliantly structured score builds delicious tension to create one of opera’s greatest ghost stories that will have you gripping the edge of your seat" Performances are sung in English with projected English supertitles and take place at Union Avenue Christian Church, 733 Union at Enright in the Central West End. For more information: unionavenueopera.org
 

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

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

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

St. Louis theatre calendar for the week of September 5, 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.

The Black Rep presents The African Company Presents Richard III by Carlyle Brown, opening on Wednesday, September 7th and running through September 25th.  “It’s 1821 in New York, and two productions of Shakespeare’s Richard III are vying for audiences. One is presented by the African Company of New York, a downtown theater known for its growing popularity with both Black and white audiences. A white theater owner is threatened by the success of his competition and will stop at nothing to shut them down. Learn what happens in this true story straight from American theater history.” Performances take place at the Edison Theatre on the Washington University campus. For more information: www.theblackrep.org

Marsh Cobb

The Blue Strawberry presents presents Marsh Cobb in In Sinatra’s Shadow: A Salute To The Great Crooners on Sunday, September 11, at 4 pm. “Join Marsh Cobb as he salutes the great crooners Tony Bennett, Nat “King” Cole, Jack Jones and more!” Joe Dreyer is pianist and music director for the show, which is directed by Christy Simmons. The show will also be available for live video streaming.The Blue Strawberry is on North Boyle in the Central West End. For more information: bluestrawberrystl.com.

The Blue Strawberry presents Ken Haller’s The TV Show on Saturday, September 10, at 7:30 pm. “In this clever, funny and fast-paced show, Ken Haller is at the top of his game. TV has meant a lot to Ken, and his enthusiasm is infectious. He takes us through the songs of TV’s golden age. If you were around at the time, you’ll still be very surprised at how many of the songs - including all the lyrics – are burned into your memory. You’ll also hear fun facts about the actors, behind-the-scenes show gossip, even the jingles on the commercials. More than one famous songwriter and composer was intimately involved, and you’ll hear those stories too.” The Blue Strawberry is on North Boyle in the Central West End. For more information: bluestrawberrystl.com.
The Blue Strawberry presents a weekly open mic night Sundays at 7:30 pm. "Come and sing, play, speak or just listen and enjoy!" The Blue Strawberry in at 256 North Boyle in the Central West End. 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 Lemp Mansion Murder Mystery Dinner Theatre and Jest Mysteries present Dead Like Me through October 29th. "Death is in the air as guests join Marilyn Monroe, Babe Ruth, Juliet and her Romeo, Nixon and other grizzly ghouls as they emerge from the Land of The Dead for the annual Brotherhood of Obituary Occupants Union Meeting (That’s BOO for short). Be sure to leave your pulse at home because everyone at this party is dead... even you! There are lots of shadowy characters at this fun, interactive murder mystery but none are as sneaky as P.T. Barnum himself. He’s always got some devious slimy trick up his translucent sleeves. Gee, hope nothing happens to him! But just in case it does... will you figure out who-dun-it? Or will all waggling fingers be pointing at you?"  The Lemp Mansion is at 3322 DeMenil Place in south city. For more information: www.lempmansion.com

New Jewish Theatre presents the world premiere of The Bee Play by Elizabeth Savage Thursdays at 7:30 pm, Saturdays at 4 and 8 pm, and Sundays at 2 pm, September 8-25. “The Bee Play is a story of what dreams, anxieties, hopes and forgiveness might look like in the 21st century. 18-year-old Carver Washington, a brilliant Black Bronx beekeeper, finds his only respite from caring for his little sister and his housebound grandmother by escaping to his oasis on his building’s roof. His rooftop visits from Devora, a kindred spirit fresh out of Yale and who is setting up a kibbutz in the neighborhood, lead them to share their dreams, anxieties and hopes during a time of colony collapse – both for bees and humans. With the city far below, Carver and Devora use their unique time together to explore their lives, actions and futures.” Performances take place at the SFC Performing Arts Center, 2 Millstone Campus Drive. For more information: jccstl.com/arts-ideas/new-jewish-theatre

House of Joy
Photo: Eric Woolsey

The Repertory Theatre of St. Louis presents House of Joy by Madhuri Shekar through September 18. “At first glance, The House of Joy is a dazzling utopia. But when a new guard joins the emperor’s army, she discovers it’s more prison than paradise. This genre-busting adventure fantasy is filled with stunning locales, electrifying combat, steamy romance and badass girl power.” Performances take place on the Emerson Main Stage at the Loretto-Hilton Center on the Webster University campus. For more information: www.repstl.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

The St. Louis Writers' Group presents An Evening of One-Act Plays on Tuesday, September 6 at 6:30 p.m.  "This Tuesday we present a set of new one act (10-20 minute) plays by local playwrights on several themes. We are likely to need actors for this event so if you are an actor and would like to take part in a fun evening reading new material them come along. We also welcome new playwrights who have scripts that they would like to have read. If you do have a script then it would be best to get in touch first, as if there are a lot, we will push some to part two of this event on Tuesday 20th September. " The reading takes place at Big Daddy’s, 1000 Sidney in Soulard. For more information, visit the St. Louis Writers' Group Facebook page.

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 February 24, 2020

Highlights this week include the Q Collective's annual Transluminate festival, a new musical at the Fox, and a Lennon/McCartney cabaret with Marissa Mulder at the Blue Strawberry.

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The Band's Visit
Photo by Matthew Murphy

The Fabulous Fox Theatre presents the musical The Band's Visit opening on Tuesday, March 25, at 7:30 pm and running through March 8.  "In this joyously offbeat story, set in a town that's way off the beaten path, a band of musicians arrive lost, out of the blue. Under the spell of the desert sky, and with beautiful music perfuming the air, the band brings the town to life in unexpected and tantalizing ways. Even the briefest visit can stay with you forever." The Fabulous Fox Theatre in on N. Grand in Grand Center. For more information: fabulousfox.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.

Curtain's Up Theatre presents The Ever After on Saturday, February 29, at 6:30 pm. Performances take place at Dunham Hall of the campus of Southern Illinois University in Edwardsville, IL. For more information, visit curtainsuptheater.com.

Flanagan's Wake
Photo by John Flack

The Playhouse at Westport Plaza presents the interactive comedy Flanagan's Wake running through March 21. "The hit show from Chicago, Flanagan's Wake, is the hilarious interactive show that brings Flanagan's Irish family to St. Louis where they will memorialize his passing. Audiences participate in this comedic memorial with plenty o' pints, crazy sing-a-longs, telling of witty tales and mourn the passing of one of their own: Flanagan. Audiences will pay their respects to glowering Mother Flanagan and to poor grieving fiancée, Fiona Finn. Listen to a eulogy written by County Sligo's best-known writer, Mickey Finn, and tip a pint with Brian Ballybunion, himself a weaver of tales. You can cross yourself with the blessings from St. Gregory's parish priest, Father Damon Fitzgerald, or cross your fingers that local pagan Kathleen Mooney doesn't cast a spell on you. Mayor Martin O'Doul will preside over the proceedings with an iron hand (and a parched throat)." The Playhouse at Westport Plaza is at 635 West Port Plaza. For more information: playhouseatwestport.com.

Ghost
Photo by Jennifer A. Lin

Metro Theatre Company presents Ghost Fridays at 7 pm and Sundays at 2 pm, through March 1. "Metro Theater Company presents the rolling world premiere of a new play adapted by Idris Goodwin from Jason Reynolds's award-winning best-seller for young readers. Running is all that Castle Cranshaw, a.k.a. "Ghost," has ever known, but he runs for all the wrong reasons until he meets Coach, who sees something in him: raw talent. The story follows Castle as he tries to stay on track, literally and figuratively, harnessing his aptitude for speed on an elite local track team while battling the difficult realities of his past and present. Ghost also highlights the importance of allyship. As his teammates become friends and Coach stands in as a father figure, Castle finds a place where he belongs. " The performances take place at The Grandel Theatre, 3610 Grandel Square in Grand Center. For more information: metroplays.org.

Over Due Theatre presents Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat Fridays and Saturdays at 7:30 pm and Sundays at 2 pm, July 26 - August 4. "Celebrating its 50th anniversary in 2019, Joseph is one of the most enduring shows of all time and reimagines the biblical story of Joseph, his father Jacob, eleven brothers and the coat of many colors." 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.

Marissa Mulder

The Blue Strawberry presents Marissa Mulder in The John Lennon and Paul McCartney Songbooks on Friday and Saturday, February 28 and 29, at 8 pm. " Join extravagantly-praised singer Marissa Mulder as she dives into the songbook of two of the most prolific and beloved songwriting duos of all time, John Lennon and Paul McCartney. Backed by savant Jon Weber on piano, you will hear each song as you never have before." The Blue Strawberry is at 364 N. Boyle in the Central West End. For more information: www.bluestrawberrystl.com.

The St. Louis Family Theatre Series presents the TheatreworksUSA production of The Magic School Bus: Lost in the Solar System Saturday, February 29, at 2 pm. "When the class gets lost on the way to the planetarium, Ms. Frizzle saves the day by blasting into outer space for an epic interplanetary field trip! But when rivalries both old and new threaten to tear the students apart, our young heroes must learn to pull together or risk getting forever lost in the solar system. Hop on the Magic School Bus for a ride in this new musical adaptation based on the original book series published by Scholastic." Performances take place at the Florissant Civic Center Theatre at Parker and Waterford in Florissant, MO. For more information, call 314-921-5678 or visit www.florissantmo.com

The Performing Arts Department at Washington University presents Men on Boats through March 1. "Men on Boats recounts the exhilarating story of John Wesley Powell's expedition down the Green and Colorado rivers. The history of this 19th Century journey may have been the exclusive domain of men, but Jaclyn Backhaus calls for casting "…radically diverse actors who are female identifying, trans-identifying, gender fluid, and/or non-gender conforming." This dynamic and very funny piece of writing is a provocative lens for re-examining an extraordinary American moment. " The performances take place in the A.E. Hotchner Studio Theatre on the Washington University campus. For more information, call 314-935-6543 or visit pad.artsci.wustl.edu.

The Mystery of Irma Vep
Photo by John Gitchoff

The Repertory Theatre of St. Louis presents Charles Ludlam's comedy The Mystery of Irma Vep running through March 8. "Classic horror, B-movie mysteries and wild farce get tossed into a blender in this feverish, supernatural sprint. On a dark and stormy night, the howls of a werewolf echo across the moors, a newly revived mummy stirs in its sarcophagus and a mysterious portrait holds the key to an ancient family curse. Two actors bring this diabolical tale to life, with the help of a few dozen costume changes and a lot of wigs." Performances take place at the Loretto-Hilton Center on the Webster University campus. For more information: repstl.org

The Bissell Mansion Murder Mystery Dinner Theatre presents Phantom of the Grand Ole Opry through April 26. "Millions of people flock to the Grand Ole Opry House to see Tammy Whino's one woman show, "Stand By Your Man." Here, amid the fried chicken, line dancing and dinner theatre, Tammy is the Queen of the Grand Ole Opry. Or is she? When she is found murdered, many suspect the Phantom because everyone knows the house is haunted. Or could the murderer be Billy Ray Serious, Naomi Dudd, and we can't forget about Nelson Willy?" For more information: bissellmansiontheatre.com.

Webster University's Conservatory of Theatre Arts presents William Inge's Picnic Thursdays and Fridays at 7:30 pm, Saturdays at 2 and 7:30 pm, and Sundays at 2 pm through March 1. "The play takes place on Labor Day weekend in the joint backyards of two widows. One house belongs to Flo Owens, who lives there with her two daughters, Madge and Millie, and a schoolteacher boarder. The other house belongs to Helen Potts, who lives with her elderly and invalid mother. Into this female atmosphere comes a young man named Hal Carter, whose animal vitality seriously upsets the entire group." Performances take place in the Stage III Auditorium on the Webster University campus. For more information, www.webster.edun or call 314-968-7128.

The Roommate
Photo by John Lamb

The West End Players Guild continues its 109th season with the St. Louis premiere of The Roommate Thursday through Saturday at 8 pm and Sunday at 2 pm, February 27 - March 1. "Sharon lives alone in a big old house in Iowa City, IA. Her husband has left her; her grown son has moved to New York and rarely calls; and Sharon looks somewhat fearfully ahead to the decades to come. She has a lot of life left to live but no idea what to do with it, and she is really, really bored with her life to date. She decides that a roommate might at least help with the constant loneliness and she posts an ad. Enter Robyn. Robyn turns out to be just about everything Sharon isn't. Sharon is small-town Iowa; Robyn is the big, bad Bronx. Sharon's diet is Iowa health food - porkchops, baked beans, corn on the cob, all with lots of butter; Robyn is a vegan (and has to explain to Sharon was a "vegan" is). Sharon is white wine; Robyn is recreational drugs, some of which she grows herself. Sharon is straight; Robyn is…. flexible. Sharon needs a new life; Robyn needs a place to hide." 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 University Theatre at Saint Louis University presents Saint Joan of Arc Thursday through Saturday at 8 pm and Sunday at 2 pm, February 21 - March 1. "This contemporary retelling of how a peasant girl, inspired by love of God and country, became a 15th century French military leader is a collaborative piece with Prison Performing Arts." Performances take place at the Kranzberg Arts Center, 501 N. Grand in Grand Center. For more information: www.metrotix.com.

Jeffrey Carter

The Blue Strawberry presents Jeffrey Carter in Songs I Wish My Mother Had Taught Me on Tuesday, February 25, at 8 pm. "Jeffrey Richard Carter has succumbed to the cabaret bug, and is presenting his second show about growing up and being musical. At Webster University, Jeff is Professor & Chair of the Department of Music. He leads the only undergraduate program in the country in musical direction for musical theatre. He is the recipient of 'best supporting actor' and 'best musical director' awards for local theatre work. Jeff's a composer, voice teacher, singer, collaborator, and music director with international credits. He promises that he will cry at least twice in this show. Songs I WISH Mother Had Taught Me is a light-hearted remembrance of a very Christian mother who couldn't sing to save her soul." The Blue Strawberry is at 364 N. Boyle in the Central West End. For more information: https://www.bluestrawberrystl.com.

The Black Rep presents Ntozake Shange's Spell #7 running through March 8. "This striking choreopoem by the author of For Colored Girls, Ntozake Shange,is set in a bar in St. Louis frequented by Black artists and musicians, actors, and performers. In a series of dreamlike vignettes and poetic monologues, they commiserate about the difficulties they face as black artist. The piece is framed by the narrator, Lou, a magician who wants to use his magic to help the artist come to terms with their blackness and rejoice in their identities. " Performances take place at the Edison Theatre on the Washington University campus. For more information: theblackrep.org.

The Q Collective presents Transluminate, a short-play festival and celebration of transgender, agender, non-binary, genderqueer, and genderfluid artists, Thursday and Friday, February 27 and 28, at 7:30 pm; Saturday, March 1, at 4 and 7:30 pm, and Sunday, March 1, at 4 pm . Performances take place at The Chapel, 6238 Alexander Drive in Clayton. For more information: theqcollective.theater

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

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

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

Chuck's Choices for the weekend of December 5th, 2019

There's a lot going on this weekend, including some cabaret shows that are well worth your attention.

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New This Week:

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The International Brotherhood of Magicians presents their annual Active Military, Veterans and First Responders Tribute Magical Holiday Show on Sunday, December 8, at 3 pm. "The Active Military, Veterans and 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.

My take: I love a good magic show, and this one features a number of local professionals. First responders, active military, and veterans get in free, and you won't want to miss the close up magic in the lobby; personally, it's my favorite kind since the apparently impossible happens right under your nose.

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Dean Christopher

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.

My take: Here are a couple of back-to-back holiday shows that look like great fun. The effervescent Debby Lennon will be familiar to local audiences from her many stage appearances, including a stunning portrayal of Florence Foster Jenkins in Souvenir two years ago. Mr. Christopher is also be familiar from his stage work here, including multiple appearances at the Muny. I will be in the audience for both of them, rest assured.

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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

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

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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.

My take: While I haven't seen this production of That High Lonesome Sound, I was very taken with the play when I saw it at the Humana Festival in 2015, so I'm recommending this show strictly on the strength of the material. The show's title, according to Hannah Rae Montgomery's essay in the original Humana program, "comes from a phrase commonly used to describe the wistful tenor twang of many bluegrass singers." I'd say it also describes the way this music conjures up the remote woods and mountains where bluegrass originated, and where the membrane separating the worlds of the living and the dead seems more permeable. Ghosts put in regular appearances in traditional music, and at least three of these plays contain elements of the supernatural. They're a varied and beautifully written collection of comedy and drama. Most involve some live music, and all of them use music as a dramatic element.

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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.

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

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Held Over:

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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.

My take: Well, it wouldn't be the holidays without someone doing a stage version of this beloved movie. Metro's approach has the advantage of treating it as the basis for a story that's less about the original film and more about the intrepid group of employees of a fictional radio station doing their best to work together to bring it to life over the air. "Metro Theater Company's It's a Wonderful Life brings an hour or so of a captivating and classy good time to an appreciative audience, a terrific start to the holiday season," writes Mark Bretz at Ladue News. "Don't forget to clap on cue."

St. Louis theatre calendar for the week of July 15, 2019

Cabaret is busting out all over this week, with shows from the St. Louis Cabaret Conference and The Cabaret Project. There are also musicals at Stages and the Muny, new plays from St. Louis Actors' Studio and First Run, and a provocative double feature from Encore Theatre Group.

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Marilyn Maye

The Cabaret Project presents the 2019 Cabaret Gala, featuring performances by Marilyn Maye, Jim Caruso, Jeff Harner, and Peisha McPhee and hosted by Sirius XM Radio's Christing Pedi, on Thursday, July 18, at 7:30 pm. The show is preceded by cocktails and hors d'oeuvres at 6:30 and takes place at Jazz St. Louis on Washington in Grand Center. Proceeds beenfit The Cabaret Project's performance and training programs. For more information: thecabaretproject.org.

The St. Louis Writers' Group presents a reading of Blind by Dennis Fisher on Monday, July 15, at 6:30 pm. " Dave and Lloyd, who haven't seen each other in twenty years, reunite to go duck hunting. As they discuss old times, Lloyd reveals he has invited another old classmate to join them in the duck blind. The reunion does not go well." The event takes place upstairs at Big Daddy's, 1000 Sidney in Soulard. For more information: www.stlwritersgroup.com.

Cinderella
Photo courtesy of The Muny

The Muny presents Rodgers and Hammerstein's Cinderalla through Tuesday, July 16. "A magical evening awaits, but we mustn't be late! This Rodgers and Hammerstein treasure began as one of the most-watched television programs in history and was finally produced on Broadway in 2013, receiving nine Tony Award nominations. With winsome charm and irresistible fantasy, the score features shoe-in favorites, including "In My Own Little Corner," "The Prince is Giving a Ball" and "Ten Minutes Ago." "It's Possible" this timeless tale will have your heart soaring and prove, once and for all, dreams really can come true." Performances take place on the Muny's outdoor stage in Forest Park. For more information: muny.org.

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

The HIlton St. Louis Frontenac presents The Dinner Detective Murder Mystery Dinner Show through July 27. "Solve a hilarious crime while you feast on a fantastic dinner. Just beware! The culprit is hiding in plain sight somewhere in the room, and you may find yourself as a Prime Suspect before you know it!" For more information: https://www.thedinnerdetective.com/st-louis

Encore Theatre Group presents A Dream Deferred Double Feature, consisting of performances of Lorraine Hansberry's drama A Raisin in the Sun and the Bruce Norris comedy Clybourne Park, on Saturday July 20. Raisin in the Sun is performed at 2:30 pm and Clybourne Park at 7:30 pm. "A RAISIN IN THE SUN tells the story of the Youngers, a burdened but strong family consisting of a widowed Mother, a bright and lively college student daughter and a less than satisfied with life son who houses his wife and child in his mother's cramped one bedroom apartment in 1959 South Chicago. A seemingly perfect opportunity for the family members to advance on each of their dreams comes in the form of a $10,000 life insurance check for the life of the late Mr. Younger. Each of them have their own plans for the money's best use but it is ultimately up to Momma (Lena Younger) to decide how the money will be used. Will their dreams flourish with this new seed of hope? Or will the plight of poverty and hopelessness continue to crush and dry them up like a raisin in the sun? CLYBOURNE is the 2009 response to the question, 'What happened to the Youngers after leaving Chicago's south side?' Clybourne Park is a political satire that lends the perspective of the White family who sold the Youngers their house in a less than welcoming neighborhood. In the second act, the audience will witness a fast-forward in time to a modern day conversation between the current homeowners (Younger descendants) and new hopeful White purchasers. WARNING: CONTAINS ADULT LANGUAGE AND SITUATIONS!" The performance takes place at The Fellowship, 3453 S. Jefferson. For more information: www.eventbrite.com

The St. Louis Cabaret Conference presents the Final Showcase and Celebration on Sunday, July 21, at 7:30 pm. " 20 singers take to the stage and sing their hearts out for you. Stick around and enjoy drink and a nosh and say farewell to another STL Cabaret Conference. Celebrate with us!." The event takes place at The Stage at KDHX on Washington in Grand Center. For more information: www.eventbrite.com

The Bissell Mansion Murder Mystery Dinner Theatre presents Flaming Saddles through July 28 The Bissell Mansion is at 4426 Randall Place. For more information: bissellmansiontheatre.com

The Muny presents the musical Footloose opening on Thursday, July 18, at 8:15 p.m. and running through July 24. "Kick off your Sunday shoes with this 80s favorite! Based on the 1984 Academy Award-nominated blockbuster hit, Footloose shows how a little teenage rebellion and a love of music can open hearts and transform a town. Featuring chart-topping hits, including "Let's Hear It for the Boy," "Holding Out for a Hero" and the Grammy-nominated title track "Footloose," this four-time Tony Award-nominated dancing-sensation will have the entire family burning and yearning to cut loose!" Performances take place on the Muny's outdoor stage in Forest Park. For more information: muny.org.

Stages St. Louis presents the musical Grease July 19 through August 18. " Welcome to Rydell High where Danny Zuko and his gang of Burger Palace Boys and Pink Ladies rule the school! Bursting with explosive energy and 1950's nostalgia, GREASE blends an irresistible mix of adolescent angst and All-American teen spirit to create a high-octane, pop-culture phenomenon you won't want to miss!" 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.

St. Louis Shakespeare's Magic Smoking Monkey Theatre presents Jaws: The Parody, opening on Friday, July 19, at 8 pm and running through July 27. Performances take place at the Regional Arts Commission in University City. For more information: www.stlshakespeare.org

Southern Illinois University at Edwardsville presents the musical Mamma Mia!, based on the songs of ABBA, Fridays and Saturdays at 7:30 pm and Sundays at 2 pm through July 21. "This smash Broadway hit is a hilarious and touching story of marriage, family and finding where you belong. Set on an idyllic Greek island on the eve of a wedding, the musical follows a mother, her daughter, and three possible dads on an unforgettable trip down the aisle. Mamma Mia! features the greatest hits of supergroup ABBA, including "Super Trouper," "Lay All Your Love On Me," "Dancing Queen," "Waterloo" and more! Come see why more than 54 million people worldwide have laughed and danced to this unforgettable jukebox musical. " Performances take place in the Dunham Hall Theater on the campus in Edwardsville, IL. For more information, call 618-650-2774 or visit www.siue.edu.

Take Two Productions the musical Mamma Mia!, based on the songs of ABBA, Thursday through Saturday, July 18-20, at 7:30 pm. "ABBA's hits tell the hilarious story of a young woman's search for her birth father. This sunny and funny tale unfolds on a Greek island paradise. On the eve of her wedding, a daughter's quest to discover the identity of her father brings three men from her mother's past back to the island they last visited 20 years ago." Performances take place at Tower Grove Baptist Church, 4257 Magnolia in the Shaw neighborhood. For more information, visit taketwoproductions.org.

The Lemp Mansion Comedy-Mystery Dinner Theater presents Muurder in Maaaybury! through July 27. The Lemp Mansion is at 3322 DeMenil Place. For more information: lempmansion.com.

Great Negro Works of Art
Photo by Patrick Huber

St. Louis Actors' Studio presents the Neil LaBute New Theater Festival, Part 2 July 19-28 at the Gaslight Theatre, 358 North Boyle. The festival features professional, new and previously unproduced one-act plays 45 minutes or less in length, chosen from submissions to the festival over the previous year. . The plays in part 2 are "Great Negro Works of Art" by Neil LaBute, Predilections by Richard Curtis, "Henrietta" by Joseph Krawczyk, and "Sisyphus and Icarus a Love story" by William Ivor Fowke. For more information, call 314-458-2978 or visit stlas.org.

First Run Theatre presents the plays Overdone by David Hamley and Screaming at Optimum Pitch by Peg Flach Fridays and Saturdays at 8 pm and Sundays at 2 pm, July 19-28. Performances take place at the Theatre Guild of Webster Groves, 517 Theatre Lane in Webster Groves, MO. For more information: firstruntheatre.com.

The St. Louis Cabaret Conference presents the Professional Track Showcase on Saturday, July 20, at 7 pm. "6 select singers from around the country each perform a cabaret set in this culmination of 9 days of study with the St. Louis Cabaret Conference's renowned faculty." The event takes place at The Stage at KDHX on Washington in Grand Center. For more information: www.eventbrite.com

The St. Louis Cabaret Conference presents the Sing Center Stage Showcase on Tuesday, July 16, at 7:30 pm. "18 talented teens take to the stage to showcase the work they've been doing for 5 days as part of this summer performance intensive. This is just the beginning!" The performance takes place at Jazz St. Louis on Washington in Grand Center. For more information: tickets.jazzstl.org

Carol Schmidt

The Cabaret Project presents its monthly Singers Open Mic Night on Wednesday, July 17, from 7 to 10 pm. Drop by and enjoy a night of great music from St. Louis cabaret artists, backed up by pianist and music director Carol Schmidt. Your MC is Chuck Lavazzi of KDHX-FM. If you're planning to sing, be prepared to do one or two songs and bring music, preferably in your key. It's also recommend that you have your song memorized. The event takes place at Sophie's Artist Lounge in the .ZACK Performing Arts Center in Grand Center. For more information: thecabaretproject.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 8, 2019

This week, we have new shows from The Muny and Independent Theatre Company along with cabaret Queen tribute and two different productions of Mamma Mia!.

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Candide
Photo by Dan Donovan

Union Avenue Opera presents Leonard Bernstein's Candide Fridays and Saturdays at 8 PM, through July 13. Performances take place at the Union Avenue Christian Church, 733 Union at Enright in the Central West End. The opera is sung in English with projected English text. For more information, visit unionavenueopera.org or call 314-361-2881.

The Muny presents Rodgers and Hammerstein's Cinderalla opening on Monday, July 8, at 8:15 p.m. and running through Tuesday, July 16. "A magical evening awaits, but we mustn't be late! This Rodgers and Hammerstein treasure began as one of the most-watched television programs in history and was finally produced on Broadway in 2013, receiving nine Tony Award nominations. With winsome charm and irresistible fantasy, the score features shoe-in favorites, including "In My Own Little Corner," "The Prince is Giving a Ball" and "Ten Minutes Ago." "It's Possible" this timeless tale will have your heart soaring and prove, once and for all, dreams really can come true." Performances take place on the Muny's outdoor stage in Forest Park. For more information: muny.org.

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

The HIlton St. Louis Frontenac presents The Dinner Detective Murder Mystery Dinner Show through July 27. "Solve a hilarious crime while you feast on a fantastic dinner. Just beware! The culprit is hiding in plain sight somewhere in the room, and you may find yourself as a Prime Suspect before you know it!" For more information: https://www.thedinnerdetective.com/st-louis

The Bissell Mansion Murder Mystery Dinner Theatre presents Flaming Saddles through July 28 The Bissell Mansion is at 4426 Randall Place. For more information: bissellmansiontheatre.com

Independent Theater Company presents Ntozake Shange's choreopoem For Colored Girls who have Considered Suicide when the Rainbow is Enuf Friday and Saturday at 7:30 pm and Sunday at 2 pm, July 12-14. "Ntozake Shange's groundbreaking 'choreopoem' is a spellbinding collection of vivid prose and free verse narratives about and performed by Black women." Performances take place at the Theatre Guild of Webster Groves, 517 Theatre Lane in Webster Groves, MO. For more information: www.brownpapertickets.com.

Southern Illinois University at Edwardsville presents the musical Mamma Mia!, based on the songs of ABBA, Fridays and Saturdays at 7:30 pm and Sundays at 2 pm, July 12-21. "This smash Broadway hit is a hilarious and touching story of marriage, family and finding where you belong. Set on an idyllic Greek island on the eve of a wedding, the musical follows a mother, her daughter, and three possible dads on an unforgettable trip down the aisle. Mamma Mia! features the greatest hits of supergroup ABBA, including "Super Trouper," "Lay All Your Love On Me," "Dancing Queen," "Waterloo" and more! Come see why more than 54 million people worldwide have laughed and danced to this unforgettable jukebox musical. " Performances take place in the Dunham Hall Theater on the campus in Edwardsville, IL. For more information, call 618-650-2774 or visit www.siue.edu.

Take Two Productions the musical Mamma Mia!, based on the songs of ABBA, Friday and Saturday, July 12 and 13, at 7:30 pm and Thursday through Saturday, July 18-20, at 7:30 pm. "ABBA's hits tell the hilarious story of a young woman's search for her birth father. This sunny and funny tale unfolds on a Greek island paradise. On the eve of her wedding, a daughter's quest to discover the identity of her father brings three men from her mother's past back to the island they last visited 20 years ago." Performances take place at Tower Grove Baptist Church, 4257 Magnolia in the Shaw neighborhood. For more information, visit taketwoproductions.org.

The Presenters Dolan presents Terry Barber's Mercury - The Music of Freddie Mercury and Queen on Saturday, July 13, at 8 pm. "A band that rocked the world, and the fame, decadence, tragedy and triumph that swirled around its leader. Hear incredible renditions of We Will Rock You, The Show Must Go On, Under Pressure, I Want It All, Hammer To Fall, Radio Ga Ga, Fat Bottomed Girls, Love Of My Life, We Are The Champions, Barcelona, The Great Pretender, Crazy Little Thing Called Love, Bohemian Rhapsody and more. Performances take place at the Grandel Theatre, 3610 Grandel Square in Grand Center. For more information: www.metrotix.com

The Lemp Mansion Comedy-Mystery Dinner Theater presents Muurder in Maaaybury! through July 27. The Lemp Mansion is at 3322 DeMenil Place. For more information: lempmansion.com.

Color Timer
Photo by Patrick Huber

St. Louis Actors' Studio presents the Neil LaBute New Theater Festival, Part 1 through July 14 at the Gaslight Theatre, 358 North Boyle. The festival features professional, new and previously unproduced one-act plays 45 minutes or less in length, chosen from submissions to the festival over the previous year. The plays in part 1 are "Great Negro Works of Art" by Neil LaBute, "Color Timer" by Michael Long, "Privilege" by Joe Sutton, and "Kim Jong Rosemary" by Carter W. Lewis. For more information, call 314-458-2978 or visit stlas.org.

Encore Theatre Group presents Lorraine Hansberry's drama A Raisin in the Sun Thursday, July 11, at 7:30 pm. "A RAISIN IN THE SUN tells the story of the Youngers, a burdened but strong family consisting of a widowed Mother, a bright and lively college student daughter and a less than satisfied with life son who houses his wife and child in his mother's cramped one bedroom apartment in 1959 South Chicago. A seemingly perfect opportunity for the family members to advance on each of their dreams comes in the form of a $10,000 life insurance check for the life of the late Mr. Younger. Each of them have their own plans for the money's best use but it is ultimately up to Momma (Lena Younger) to decide how the money will be used. Will their dreams flourish with this new seed of hope? Or will the plight of poverty and hopelessness continue to crush and dry them up like a raisin in the sun?" The performance takes place at The Fellowship, 3453 S. Jefferson. For more information: www.eventbrite.com.

The Revolutionists
Photo by John Lamb

Insight Theatre Company presents The Revolutionists by Lauren Gunderson Thursdays through Saturdays at 8 pm and Sundays at 2 pm through July 14. "Four beautiful, badass women lose their heads in this irreverent, girl-powered comedy set during the French Revolution's Reign of Terror. Playwright Olympe de Gouges, assassin Charlotte Corday, former queen (and fan of ribbons) Marie Antoinette, and Haitian rebel Marianne Angelle hang out, murder Marat, and try to beat back the extremist insanity in 1793 Paris. This grand and dream-tweaked comedy is about violence and legacy, art and activism, feminism and terrorism, compatriots and chosen sisters, and how we actually go about changing the world. It's a true story. Or total fiction. Or a play about a play. Or a raucous resurrection…that ends in a song and a scaffold. " Performances take place at the Marcelle Theatre in Grand Center. For more information, call 314-556-1293 or visit insighttheatrecompany.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 March 15, 2019

Theatre springs forward this week with The Aphra Behn festival, a jukebox musical at the Fox, musical theatre composer Jason Robert Brown at the Grandel, a world premiere at the Rep Studio, Well at Mustard Seed, and the Gateway Men's Chorus spring concert.

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New This Week:

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Slightly Askew Theatre Ensemble presents The Aphra Behn Emerging Artists Showcase Friday through Sunday at 8 pm March 15-17. " Now in its third year, this year's festival will consist of three plays written and directed by promising female artists. The festival is named after Aphra Behn, the British playwright, poet, translator and fiction writer from the Restoration era. As one of the first English women to earn her living by her writing, Aphra Behn broke cultural barriers and served as a literary role model for later generations of women authors." Performances take place at The Centene Center for the Arts and Education, 3547 Olive in Grand Center. For more information: brownpapertickets.com

My take: What could be more appropriate for Women's History Month than the Aphra Behn Showcase? SATE has an impressive track record of producing new and innovative theatre in St. Louis.

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Beautiful, the Carole King Musical

The Fabulous Fox Theatre presents Beautiful, The Carole King Musical opening on Tuesday, March 12, at 7:30 pm and running through March 17. " BEAUTIFUL - The Carole King Musical tells the inspiring true story of King's remarkable rise to stardom, from being part of a hit songwriting team with her husband Gerry Goffin, to her relationship with fellow writers and best friends Cynthia Weil and Barry Mann, to becoming one of the most successful solo acts in popular music history. Along the way, she made more than beautiful music, she wrote the soundtrack to a generation." The Fabulous Fox Theatre in on N. Grand in Grand Center. For more information: fabulousfox.com.

My take: As I wrote in my review of the 2016 tour, Beautiful, The Carole King Musical is a bright, fast-paced jukebox of a show loosely based on the early years of Carole King's songwriting career, culminating with her emergence as a singer in her own right with her best selling Tapestry LP and subsequent Carnegie Hall concert in 1971. You won't get much in the way of insight into King's life or her songwriting process here, but with so many polished production numbers and a nostalgic score of '50s and '60s hits, that hardly matters. The show is pure fun, and the bits of pop music trivia in Douglas McGrath's book only add to the appeal.

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Jason Robert Brown

The Kranzberg Arts Foundation presents Jason Robert Brown on Friday, March 15, at 7 pm. "Jason Robert Brown is the three-time Tony Award-winning composer and lyricist of Songs for a New World (1995), Parade (1998), The Last Five Years (2002), 13 (2008), The Bridges of Madison County (2013) and Honeymoon In Vegas (2014). His shows are regularly performed on stages across the world, and his songs are regularly heard on television, film and recordings. Jason has recorded several albums, featuring his band The Caucasian Rhythm Kings, and is much in demand as a pianist, singer and conductor. He lives in New York City with his wife, Georgia Stitt, and his two daughters. For this unique performance, Tony Award-winning composer and lyricist Jason Robert Brown will incorporate an eclectic mix of material, featuring music from throughout his acclaimed career, along with works from his new album How We React and How We Recover. The performance takes place at The Grandel, 2610 Grandel Square in Grand Center. For more information: metrotix.com.

My take: Great musical theatre composers are not necessarily great or even good performers in their own right. Stephen Sondheim comes to mind as an example. Mr. Brown is one of those rare examples of a composer who is also a dynamic and appealing performer. The Grandel is where cabaret started in St. Louis many years ago with the Grandel Cabaret Series, and the newly remodeled theater space is just about ideal for this most intimate of musical theatre genres. Plus, there's a well-stocked bar and respectable food menu out in the lobby.

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Nonsense and Beauty
Photo: Jerry Naunheim, Jr.

The Repertory Theatre of St. Louis presents the St. Louis premiere of Nonsense and Beauty through March 24. "In 1930, the writer E.M. Forster met and fell in love with a policeman 23 years his junior. Their relationship, very risky for its time, evolved into a 40-year love triangle that was both turbulent and unique. Based on a true story, Nonsense and Beauty captures the wit and wisdom of one of the last century's great writers. This world premiere, developed as part of The Rep's 2018 Ignite! Festival of New Plays, explores the power of love and forgiveness." Performances take place in the studio theatre at the Loretto-Hilton Center on the Webster University campus. For more information: repstl.org.

My take: As I write in my review of the show, Nonsense and Beauty is a fundamentally sound work that could use with some fine tuning, largely around the character of Buckingham, but it's a worthy addition to the Rep's studio season nevertheless. The cast could hardly be better and Seth Gordon's direction is spot on.

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The Gateway Men's Chorus presents Seasons of Love on Friday and Saturday, March 15 and 16, at 8 p.m. "Our spring concert is the perfect time to take you through a year of infatuation, passion, happiness, betrayal, heartbreak, and hope: the unpredictability of love. You will be utterly absorbed listening to GMC's specially chosen collection of ballads, blues, and Broadway, as well as the concert's namesake "Seasons of Love" from Rent." The concert takes place at Union Avenue Christian Church, 733 Union at Enright in the Central West End. For more information: gmcstl.org.

My take: The Gateway Men's Chorus has been a local cultural treasure for three decades now, and deserves our support. And with hatred seemingly pressing in on us from all sides these days, we can certainly use a celebration of love right now, don't you think?

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Well
Photo by Ann Aurbach

Mustard Seed Theatre presents Well by Lisa Kron Thursday through Saturday at 8 and Sunday at 2 pm through March 17. "Lisa's experimental play intends to explore racial and religious integration and cultural concepts of health. She does NOT want to talk about her Mother, who unexpectedly joins her on stage. What could possibly go wrong?" Performances take place at the Fontbonne Fine Arts Theatre, 6800 Wydown Blvd. For more information, call (314) 719-8060 or visit the web site at www.mustardseedtheatre.com.

My take: Based on the reviews, I should have included this one earlier, but better late than never. "A fine 95 minutes of intellectual exercise," says Ann Lemmons Pollack. "Unexpectedly charming and heartfelt," writes Lynn Venhaus, "the experimental but relatable “Well” breaks the fourth wall just enough to easily win over the audience." At STLToday, Calvin Wilson describes it as "exuberantly imaginative and smartly funny." And this weekend is your last chance to see it.

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Avenue Q
Photo by John Flack

The Playhouse at Westport Plaza presents the musical Avenue Q running through March 17 (extended from March 3rd). "Part flesh, part felt and packed with heart, AVENUE Q is a laugh-out-loud musical telling the timeless story of a bright-eyed college grad named Princeton. When he arrives in the city with big dreams and a tiny bank account, he has to move into a shabby apartment all the way out on AVENUE Q. Still, the neighbors seem nice. There, he meets Kate (the girl next door), Lucy (the slut), Rod (the Republican), Trekkie (the internet entrepreneur), superintendent Gary Coleman (yes, that Gary Coleman) and other new friends! Together, they struggle to find jobs, dates, and their ever-elusive purpose in life." The Playhouse at Westport Plaza is at 635 West Port Plaza. For more information: www.playhouseatwestport.com.

My take: A smart, hip, and very funny parody of Sesame Street, Avenue Q is also an entertaining (if R-rated) story of college-educated twentysomethings--both flesh and foam rubber--coming to grips with the economic, political and sexual facts of life. The show is good, not-so-clean fun and always worth seeing. This production is "outrageously funny" (Calvin Wilson, STLToday). "A blend of national and local talent brings zest, exquisite precision and rampant enthusiasm to this delightful version of the Tony Award-winning musical melange of puppeteered optimism at its finest," writes Mark Bretz at Ladue News.

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La Cage aux Folles
Photo by Jill Ritter Lindberg

New Line Theatre presents the musical La Cage aux Folles Thursdays through Saturdays at 8 PM through March 23. "What happens when the son of a middle-aged gay couple brings home the daughter of an arch-conservative politician -- and her parents -- for dinner? Musical comedy ensues. Come join us on the French Riviera for a night of love, laughs, illusions and truths, and the triumph of family over bullies and bigots." 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: I have always been a great admirer of this show. Although it's over thirty years old now, La Cage feels relevant all over again in a time when obsessive culture warriors are denouncing loving long-term relationships like that of Georges and the flamboyant Albin as an existential threat to family life when, in fact, they are an affirmation of it. Jerry Herman's score is one of his strongest, with a French pop-music flavor reminiscent of Jacques Brel or Edith Piaf. Songs like "The Best of Times", "With Anne on My Arm", and "La Cage Aux Folles" are both irresistible and unforgettable. And the book by Tony–award winning playwright Harvey Fierstein is both witty and wise. The current New Line production apparently benefits from what Lynn Venhaus calls a "tour-de-force performance from Zachary Allen Farmer as the drag diva Zaza/Albin." Mark Bretz agrees, calling Mr. Farmer's work "triumphant."