St. Louis theatre calendar for the week of February 19, 2024

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

The Alpha Players present  Prelude to a Kiss by Craig Lucas Fridays and Saturdays at 7:30 pm and Sunday (March 3 only) at 2 pm, February 23 through March 3. “Snuggle up for a “late” Valentine’s Day with this modern fairy tale about the enduring power of love! It’s a romantic fantasy about newlyweds Peter and Rita. At their wedding a mysterious elderly man congratulates Rita with a kiss and by a quirky twist of fate, the kiss causes them to switch souls. Rita finds herself living in the old man’s body and the old man in hers. To complicate matters, the old man is dying. Peter must think fast to reverse the spell and regain his bride. Advisory: Contains some adult themes and language.” Performances take place in the James J. Eagen Center in Florissant. For more information: www.alphaplayers.org

Fly
Photo: Keshon Campbell

The Black Rep presents Fly by Joseph L. Edwards through March 10.  “Premiering off-Broadway in 1997, this one-person dramatic comedy received three AUDELCO awards for excellence in Black theatre and has had a limited tour in the years since. The story centers around an African American man who believes he will receive the power to fly on the night of a special celestial event. As he prepares for the event on a Brooklyn rooftop, he shares the comic, dramatic and tragic experiences that have pushed him to the edge of reality.” Performances take place at the Edison Theatre on the Washington University campus. For more information: www.theblackrep.org.

Marilyn Maye

The Cabaret Project presents Marilyn Maye Thursday and Friday, February 22 and 23, at 7:30 pm. “Get ready to be star-struck by the one and only Marilyn Maye. If you’ve witnessed her greatness before you know it’s time to see her again. If you haven’t, there’s no time like the present. The word iconic is often overused, but in the case of Maye it seems just right. This showbiz legend has been performing for over 75 years, was a favorite singer of Ella Fitzgerald and TV great Johnny Carson called her “super singer”.  Still in top form, she sings all over the country and returns to her beloved audiences in St. Louis after a busy year that included her epic 2023 Carnegie Hall triumph. There is no one else who delivers popular American standards, from Cole Porter to James Taylor, like the Marvelous Marilyn Maye.” All performances take place in the Ballroom at The Sheldon Concert Hall in Grand Center. For more information: www.thecabaretproject.org.

The Lemp Mansion Murder Mystery Dinner Theatre and Jest Mysteries present A Fistful of Hollars  through May 4. "Gun slingers, dance hall girls, cowboys, gold diggers, cowboy boots and ten-gallon-hats will abound. Rowdy cowboys will duel to the death as the crooked sheriff watches with glee. But none of these characters are as dangerous as Nasty Nate, he’s the orneriest gun in the west and word is that he’s going to be stirring up trouble at the Lemp Mansion. " The Lemp Mansion is at 3322 DeMenil Place in south city. For more information: www.lempmansion.com

The Sound Inside
Photo: John Gitchoff

Moonstone Theatre Company presents The Sound Inside by Adam Rapp through February 25. “Opening on Broadway to rave reviews and nominated for the Tony Award for Best Play in 2020, The Sound Inside is a gripping drama centered around brilliant Ivy League professor Bella Baird.  Bella begins to mentor the brilliant but enigmatic student Christopher and the two form an unexpectedly intense bond.  As their lives and the stories they tell about themselves become intertwined in unpredictable ways, Bella makes a surprising request of Christopher that neither knows if he can fulfill.  Brimming with suspense, Rapp's riveting play explores the limits of what one person can ask of another.” Performances take place in the Reim Theater at the Kirkwood Community Center in Kirkwood, MO. For more information: moonstonetheatrecompany.com.

Moby Dick
Photo: Liz Lauren

The Repertory Theatre of St. Louis presents Moby Dick, adapted and directed by David Catlin from the book by Herman Melville, through February 25. “Madness, obsession and bloodlust take harrowing flight in a thrilling revision of Melville’s masterpiece. Captain Ahab’s hunt for the great White Whale soars to new heights through an exhilarating acrobatic and theatrical spectacle that invites audiences into the heart of the action. This adaptation from Lookingglass Theatre Company brings a literary legend to life in an experience that’s both visceral and evocative.” Performances take on the main stage of the Loretto-Hilton Center on the Webster University campus.. For more information: www.repstl.org.

Copenhagen

St. Louis Actors' Studio (STLAS) presents Copenhagen by Michael Frayn Thursday, Friday and Saturday evenings at 8 pm and Sundays at 3 pm, through February 25. “In 1941, German physicist Werner Heisenberg goes to Copenhagen to see his Danish counterpart, Niels Bohr. Together they revolutionized atomic science in the 1920s, but now they are on opposite sides of a world war. In this incisive drama by the prominent British playwright, which premiered at the Royal National Theatre in London and opened to rave reviews on Broadway (ultimately winning the 2000 Tony Award for Best Play), the two men meet in a situation fraught with danger in hopes of discovering why we do what we do.” Performances take place at the Gaslight Theatre on North Boyle. For more information: stlas.org.

The Washington University Performing Arts Department presents Shakespeare’s The Winter’s Tale Friday and Saturday at 7:30 pm, and Sunday at 2 pm, February 23 through March 3. “Once upon a time . . . King Leontes of Sicilia accused his childhood friend King Polixenes of Bohemia of seducing his wife. His jealousy was groundless and preposterous, and yet no one could dissuade him from it. Even when the “Oracle” confirmed his wife Hermione’s innocence, he rejected the truth and pushed his entire kingdom into further turmoil. Ultimately, Leontes lost everything -- wife, family, and all those who loved him. Years passed . . . and a new generation moved the world beyond the imperious behavior of delusional men. Geography shifted, magic became possible, and a world formerly driven by rage was re-envisioned to one where reconciliation and understanding prevail.”  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 October 9, 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

Ben Jones

The Blue Strawberry presents Let Me Be Frank with singer Ben Jones on Sunday, October 15, at 7 pm. “Award-winning vocalist Ben Jones and legendary pianist, composer and music director Ron Abel combine their considerable talent for an evening of side-splitting laughs and unbelievable music celebrating the deep catalog of Frank Sinatra.”  The Blue Strawberry is at 364 N. Boyle in the Central West End. For more information: bluestrawberrystl.com

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, October 12 through 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.

Beetlejuice
Photo: Matthew Murphy

The Fabulous Fox presents the musical Beetlejuice October 10 through 22.  “It’s showtime! Based on Tim Burton’s dearly beloved film, this hilarious musical tells the story of Lydia Deetz, a strange and unusual teenager whose whole life changes when she meets a recently deceased couple and a demon with a thing for stripes.” The Fabulous Fox is on North Grand in Grand Center. For more information: fabulousfox.com

KTK Productions presents the comedy Play On! Fridays and Saturdays at 8 pm and Sundays at 2 pm, October 13 through 22. “One plucky community theatre is about to produce a show called Murder Most Foul, a new “murder mystery play” with the same title as an Agatha Christie novel but with no relation whatsoever. The director/theatre manager, Gerry, thought producing the play was a good idea since the inexperienced playwright has agreed to let the company perform the show for no charge. Gerry, however, had no idea wat disasters awaited her: the show is hilariously amateur, the “murder mystery” plot doesn’t really have a murder, and to top it off the playwright keeps changing the story and script only two days from its premiere! It doesn’t help that the cast is disgruntled, and the playwright accidentally deletes the entire sound effect board. All of the disasters come to fruition in Act III when the company performs the actual show with hilarious mishaps as every turn. Play On! is a hilarious love letter to community theatre.” Performances take place at the Saint John The Baptist Gymnasium, 4200 Delor Street in south St. Louis. For more information: kurtainkall.org

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

Metro Theater Company presents Maddi’s Fridge by Anne Negri, adapted from the Book by Lois Brandt with illustrations by Vin Vogel.  “What if the only way to help a friend was to break a promise? Sofia and Maddi are best friends. They live in the same neighborhood, go to the same school, and play at the same rock-climbing gym. But when Sofia learns a secret about Maddi’s family, she’s faced with a difficult decision: to keep her promise or tell her parents about Maddi’s empty fridge. With humor and heart, this play is sure to inspire conversations with your young people about honesty, sensitivity, empathy and helping others.”  Best enjoyed by ages 5 – 11, the show’s approximate run time is 50 minutes with no intermission. It's available for school tours through October 22. For more information: www.metroplays.org

The Lion in Winter
Photo: Todd Davis

The Midnight Company presents James Goldman’s comedy/drama The Lion in Winter Thursdays through Saturdays 8pm and Sundays (October 15 only), through October 21. “Comedic in tone, dramatic in action - THE LION IN WINTER takes place in 1183, in a Castle in Chinon, France, telling the story of the Plantagenet family, who are locked in a free-for-all  of competing ambitions to inherit a crown.  The queen, and wealthiest woman in the world, Eleanor of Aquitaine, has been kept in prison since raising an army against her husband, King Henry II of England.  She’s been let out only for the holidays, and hence the play centers around the inner conflicts of the royal family - including their sons -  the warrior Richard Lionheart, the crafty middle son Geoffrey, and the youngest and Henry’s favorite John - as they battle over the kingdom.  The situation is complicated by Henry’s paramour - Alais, a French princess - and her brother, Philip, the new King of France, itching for his own war against England.” Performances take place at the .ZACK in Grand Center. For more information: midnightcompany.com

The Immigrant
Photo: Ethan Aylesworth

New Jewish Theatre presents The Immigrant Thursdays at 7:30 pm, Saturdays at 4 and 8 pm and Sundays at 2 pm, October 12 through 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

Kevin Roston Jr. in Twisted Melodies
Photo: Richard Anderson

The Repertory Theatre of St. Louis presents Twisted Melodies through October 4 22. “This powerful one-man show is based on the life of St. Louis soul music icon Donny Hathaway. Twisted Melodies is an immersive and crushing play about the brilliant singer and composer’s compelling inner struggle. Torn between the muses that inspire him and the mental illness that torments him, Hathaway evaluates his life in a gripping performance by St. Louis native Kelvin Roston, Jr.” Performances take place at the Berges Theatre at COCA in University City. For more information: repstl.org

St. Louis Actors’ Studio presents Dr. Ride’s American Beach House through October 22. “Dr Ride’s American Beach House is an intimate snapshot of queer anti-heroines. On the eve of Dr. Sally Ride’s historic space flight, four women with passionate opinions and no opportunities sit on a sweltering St. Louis rooftop, watching life pass them by.” Performances take place at the Gaslight Theater, 360 N. Boyle. For more information: stlas.org.

The St. Louis Writers' Group presents Round Two of its Playwright Slam on Tuesday, October 10, at 6:30 pm. “In rounds one and two each script will be given a five minute read, and scored by a panel of judges based upon audience reaction. the highest scoring plays will go to the final, which is based on  which will be ten minutes of the same script, from which a winner will be chosen.” The Playwright Slam takes place upstairs at Big Daddy’s in Soulard. For more information, visit the St. Louis Writers' Group Facebook page.
 

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

Upstream Theater presents the US premiere of Bitter Fruit, by award-winning playwright Héctor Levy-Daniel in a translation by Philip Boehm, October 13 through 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

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 11, 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

Jeff Harnet

The Blue Strawberry presents A Collective Cy with Jeff Harnar on Friday, September 15 at 7:30 pm. "JEFF HARNAR salutes Emmy, Grammy, Tony winning songwriter CY COLEMAN in his award-winning, critically acclaimed show A COLLECTIVE CY originally performed at Feinstein’s in New York City. Expect to hear familiar standards like “The Best is Yet To Come,” “Witchcraft,” “Hey Look Me Over,” “When in Rome,” as well as surprises from Coleman’s six decade career that included Broadway hits like “Sweet Charity." ALEX RYBECK conducts The Rhythm of Life Quartet and the show is Directed by SARA LOUISE LAZARUS. ” The Blue Strawberry is at 364 N. Boyle. For more information: bluestrawberrystl.com.

Clayton Community Theatre presents The Cemetery Club Thursdays through Saturdays at 8 pm and Sundays at 2 pm, September 14 through 24.  “Three Jewish widows meet once a month for tea before going to visit their husbands’ graves. Ida is sweet tempered and ready to begin a new life; Lucille is a feisty embodiment of the girl who just wants to have fun; and Doris is priggish and judgmental, particularly when Sam the butcher enters the scene. He meets the widows while visiting his wife’s grave. This play is genuinely funny while with a serious subject matter. It runs through a range of emotions. There are secrets, some anger, a little bit of betrayal, but a lot of love too.” Performances take place at the Washington University South Campus Theatre, 6501 Clayton Rd. For more information: www.placeseveryone.org

Kineteic Tapestry Physical Theatre Company presents Space: A Celestial Circus Show through September 16. “A cosmic feast for the senses including unicycles, aerial acts, comedy, juggling, and acrobatics set to original music by St Louis composer Abbie Steiling against an incredible backdrop of space images by Frederick Steiling.” Performances take place at the Florissant Performing Arts Center in Florissant, MO. For more information: www.kinetictapestry.org/space

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

Jennell Gilreath Owens

The Midnight Company presents You Made Me Love You: A Tribute to Judy Garland starring Jennelle Gilreath Owens through September 14. The show is written by Joe Hanrahan with a band headed by John and Lea Gerdes.  Performances take place at The Blue Strawberry is at 364 N. Boyle. .For more information: midnightcompany.com

Prism Theatre Company presents Wrens by Anne V. McGravie September 15 through 24.  “Wrens by Anne V. McGravie, celebrates the independence and courage of seven young women during World War II serving in the Women’s Royal Naval Service (WRNS). Set in 1945 on the eve of victory in Europe, this diverse group of women all struggle with personal feelings about what the end of the war will mean for their futures, and for the freedom and respect they have discovered serving in the Wrens. While wrestling with uncertainty, a sudden crisis forces them to come together to save one of their own. With humor, compassion, and strikingly real characters that touch our hearts, Wrens shines a light on a remarkable group of women who committed themselves to help change the world forever. Content Advisory: This play contains discussions of rape and abortion, and there is one very brief moment of partial nudity.” Performances take place at the black box theatre at the Kranzberg Center in Grand Center. For more information: www.prismtheatrecompany.org

The Lehman Trilogy
Photo: T. Charles Erickson

The Repertory Theatre of St. Louis presents The Lehman Trilogy through September 24. “Experience this epic tale of one family’s passionate pursuit of the American Dream and the piercing cost of greed, excess and unbridled power. In the late 1840s, three young brothers from Bavaria arrived in America with near-empty pockets but full of hope and ambition. Over the course of two centuries, their family business grew to unimaginable heights and ultimately collapsed into bankruptcy” Performances take place on the main stage of the Loretto-Hilton Center on the Webster University Campus. For more information: repstl.org

St. Louis Shakespeare Festival’s Shakespeare in the Streets presents The Game’s Afoot, a new play inspired by true stories from a century of soccer in St. Louis, Thursday and Friday at 8 pm and Saturday at 6 pm, September 14 – 16. The Game’s Afoot is written by Benjamin Hochman (St. Louis Post-Dispatch sports columnist) and adapted from Shakespeare’s historic saga of Henry V. Join Hal, Falstaff, and St. Louis soccer characters past and present to save the city in an epic battle on and off the pitch. The Game’s Afoot takes place on 22nd Street between Olive and Locust, directly across from City Park.  For more information: stlshakes.org/plan-your-visit

The St. Louis Writers' Group presents a Week 2 of its annual One-Act Play Festival on Tuesday, September 12, at 6:30 pm. The plays are First Love Second Chance by David Hawley, The Dark Shadow by David Hawley, Measure Twice, Cut Once by Peg Flach, Ibid by Dennis Fisher, and Purgatory by Robert Schmidt . The readings take place upstairs at Big Daddy’s in Soulard. For more information, visit the St. Louis Writers' Group Facebook page.

Stages St. Louis presents the musical Million Dollar Quartet through October 8. “The music industry stars truly aligned by pure happenstance when Elvis Presley, Johnny Cash, Jerry Lee Lewis, and Carl Perkins came together for an impromptu 1956 recording session at Sun Records in Memphis. This legendary session became known as the MILLION DOLLAR QUARTET and is the setting for this wildly entertaining audience favorite. Filled with such classic tunes as “Blue Suede Shoes”, “I Walk the Line”, “Hound Dog”, and “Great Balls of Fire”, MILLION DOLLAR QUARTET is sure to have you dancing in the aisles!” Performances take place at the Kirkwood Performing Arts Center in Kirkwood, MO. For more information: stagesstlouis.org

The Tennessee Williams Festival St. Louis presents Suddenly Last Summer through September 17. “This fresh retelling of Suddenly Last Summer, first performed in 1957, focuses on the life and death of closeted gay poet Sebastian Venable, who is brutally murdered while on a trip to Italy with his cousin Catharine. After the recent tragedy, Mrs. Venable will stop at nothing to keep her son’s (and her own) secrets safe. Generally accepted as a modern-day horror story, this play has autobiographical roots from Williams’ own family life.” Performances take place at the Berges Theatre at COCA in University City. For more information: twstl.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 December 26, 2022

Now including both on-line and live events during the pandemic. 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.

Mark and Anne Burnell

The Blue Strawberry presents Anne and Mark Burnell: Two for the Road on Wednesday, December 21, at 7 pm. “From Paris and Amsterdam to New York, husband and wife team Anne Burnell and Mark Burnell have delighted audiences the world over with their unique vocal harmonies on jazz, pop and blues classics.”  The Blue Strawberry is at 364 N. Boyle. For more information: bluestrawberrystl.com.

The Lemp Mansion Murder Mystery Dinner Theatre and Jest Mysteries present A Dickens of a Killilng through January 27th, 2023. "Death is in the air as guests join Marilyn Monroe, Babe Ruth, Baaaaa Huuuumbug!!! Ebenezer Scrooge will be back to his old tricks and is bound to make a few enemies at this Christmas Party chock full of Charles Dicken's Characters. Just when Beep (The Minstrel) gets everyone in the Holiday Spirit, Scrooge barges in and starts talking about gruel. Geez, hope no one snuffs Scrooge out before he stops bellowing! Guests will dive into the fictious world of Charles Dickens and join Pip, Martha Cratchit, Oliver Twist, The Ghost of Jacob Marley, Tiny Tim and so many more in this cheerful murder mystery parody of a Holiday Classic. Whether you want to participate a little or a lot, you're sure to have a jolly good time, in jolly olde England, where there is sure to be "A Dickens of a Killing!" The Lemp Mansion is at 3322 DeMenil Place in south city. For more information: www.lempmansion.com

A Christmas Carol

The Repertory Theatre of St. Louis presents the second annual production of Michael Wilson’s adaptation of Dickens’s A Christmas Carol through December 30. “At long last, the ghosts of Ebenezer Scrooge’s past, present and future have caught up with him. Now London’s most infamous miser must face down his demons, reconcile the consequences of his choices and experience the power and joy of a miraculous redemption. This magical production will again be directed by Hana S. Sharif, Augustin Family Artistic Director at The Repertory Theatre of St. Louis and choreographed by Kirven Douthit-Boyd, Artistic Director at The Big Muddy Dance Company. The world of Charles Dickens’ will be brought to life by Tim Mackabee (Scenic Design), Dede Aytie (Costume Design), Seth Reiser (Lighting Design), and Hana S. Kim (Production Design). Chales Coles and Nathan Roberts provide the music and sound design, with musical direction by Tre’von Griffith.” Performances take on the main stage of the Loretto-Hilton Center on the Webster University campus. For more information:

The Twelve Dates of Christmas

The Westport Playhouse presents writer/actor Mark Rodgers in Discover DaVinci and Michaelangelo—the Titans Experience on selected dates through December 30.  “Over 100 successfull 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 Westport Playhouse is in the Westport Plaza Business and Entertainment District. For more information: thewestportplayhouse.com.

The Westport Playhouse presents Jennifer Theby Quinn in The Twelve Dates of Christmas on selected dates through December 30.  “After seeing her fiance kiss another woman at the televised Thanksgiving Day Parade, Mary's life falls apart -- just in time for the holidays. Over the next year, she stumbles back into the dating world, where "romance" ranges from weird and creepy to absurd and comical. It seems nothing can help Mary's growing cynicism, until the charm and innocence of a five-year-old boy unexpectedly brings a new outlook on life and love. This heartwarming one-woman play offers a hilarious and modern alternative to the old standards of the holiday season”  The Westport Playhouse is in the Westport Plaza Business and Entertainment DistrictFor 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.

Opera Review: At Opera Theatre, Poulenc's "La voix humaine" is a personal triumph for Patricia Racette

The best reason to see Opera Theatre’s production of Francis Poulenc’s 1959 one-act opera “La voix humaine” (“The Human Voice”) is soprano Patricia Racette’s bravura performance in the one and only role of Elle (French for either “she” or “her” depending on context). The libretto, adapted by Poulenc and Jean Cocteau from the latter’s 1928 play, consists of Elle’s side of a telephone conversation with her lover, who has left her for another. We’re left to infer that other side of the conversation both from Elle’s reaction to it and from Poulenc’s score, which reinforces and comments on Elle’s emotional state

Patricia Racette
Photo by Eric Woolsey

That asks a lot of a performer’s range, both as an actor and a singer, so it’s not surprising that many noted sopranos have taken it on. It is to Ms. Racette’s considerable credit that she so completely and clearly communicates the many shades of Elle’s grief and sense of abandonment along with some notion of her ex-lover’s character, even if it does come through the distorted lens of her self-deception and painful neediness. As both star and director, Ms. Racette is utterly compelling and believable whether she’s raging at the unpredictability of the telephone network, quietly remembering happier times, or engaging in shamelessly passive-aggressive manipulation of the man who has discarded her. She does not shirk from showing us Elle’s dishonesty, nor does she spare us the sometimes embarrassing depth of her desperation.

Congratulations are also due Ms. Racette’s artistic partners, Collaborative Pianist Sun Ha (Sunny) Yoon and Creative Consultant Beth Clayton

As her title implies, Ms. Yoon takes on the role of the orchestra here, playing a full-size weighted electronic keyboard and working closely with Ms. Racette. Although Poulenc completed a version of “La voix humaine” for voice and piano first, it was the full orchestral version that was first performed in 1959. It wasn’t until 2013 that his niece finally allowed the piano original to be used, and since then many performers, including Ms. Racette, have decided that they prefer the more intimate sound of that earlier version. She and Ms. Yoon certainly make a good case for it here

Ms. Clayton worked with Ms. Racette on some revisions of the English-language version of the libretto and, I expect, served as an extra pair of eyes when it came to the staging. She has, in any case, great insight into the work as her preview video on OTSL’s YouTube channel clearly demonstrates. It’s essential viewing for anyone interested in the internal plumbing of Poulenc’s score.

Patricia Racette
Photo by Eric Woolsey

That said, I’m not persuaded that the opera’s libretto, brilliantly reinforced as it is by Poulenc’s minimalist score, is worthy of the amount of talent that has been lavished on it. The composer, the librettist, and the singer for whom the opera was written (Denise Duval, who had played a major role in Poulenc’s earlier opera “Dialogues des Carmélites”) all felt deeply connected to the work’s subject matter because of unhappiness in their own romantic lives, but I’m not sure how many audience members will feel the same connection. Critical reception of the opera has been mixed from the start as well

The central issue, for me, is that the character of Elle is ultimately too shallow, too dishonest, and too manipulative to be interesting. Poulenc and Cocteau give us a 45-minute slice of her life in real time when she is seen at her absolute emotional worst. It’s impossible to know whether the cringe-worthy self-abasement on display is acute or chronic. As it is, “La voix humaine” feels rather like an extended version of the 1967 Vicki Carr hit “It Must Be Him” (surely one of the most irritating torch songs every written)

To finish on a more positive note, let me acknowledge Allen Moyer’s evocative, “fifty shades of grey” set. It’s more upscale than Cocteau envisioned, but it does strongly reinforce the sense that Elle’s world has been drained of color. Costume Designer James Schuette’s black nightgown adds to the sense of mourning

OTSL’s “La voix humaine” is impeccably staged and performed and is a personal triumph for Patricia Racette, right up there with her creative direction of “La Traviata” for OTSL in 2018 and her compelling Donna Elvira in “Don Giovanni” in 1993. I’m not convinced that the material is worthy of her talent but that, as they say, is another story. Performances continue through June 20th on Opera Theatre’s new outdoor stage, in rotation with the season’s three other operas. “La voix humaine” is sung in English (and a soupçon of French) with projected English text. For more information, visit the Opera Theatre web site.

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

St. Louis theatre calendar for the week of April 22, 2019

Variety is the spice of theatre this week, running the gamut from a new adaptation of Capek's R.U.R. at SIU to Miss Saigon at the Fox.

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Southern Illinois University at Edwardsville presents Are U R?, based on the play R.U.R. by Karel Cepak, opening on Wednesday, April 24 at 7:30 pm and running through April 28. "From Metropolis to The Matrix, from Brave New World to Westworld, humans are obsessed with the possibility of intelligent machines and the all the questions that they inspire - What is the mind? What is consciousness? And what will it look like when smart technology turns against its creators? Inspired by the classic 1920 Czech play, this SIUE original adaptation is an irreverent and provocative mash-up of humor and horror, philosophy and science/fiction, pop culture and faith that explores the nature of artificial intelligence and human consciousness. " Performances take place in the Metcalf Theater on the campus in Edwardsville, IL. For more information, call 618-650-2774 or visit www.siue.edu.

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.

Deenie Nast is Back

Ten Directions and presents Audrey Crabtree in her one-woman show Deenie Nast Is Back on Friday, April 26, at 8 pm. "Oscar-winner, Emmy-winner, 2-time Tony winner, 6-time Kevin Klein Award Nominee and international performance superstar Deenie Nast delivers a no holds barred, song-filled tribute to her lonely fans. Nast heads to St Louis with a hilarious and heartbreaking exploration of relationships, loneliness, and true connections. Nast is back with a vengeance, singing the hits from her past, revealing very personal stories, and re-enforcing her legendary status to modern audiences. Songs, physical comedy, audience interaction and general 'Nast-iness" will ensue!" Performances take place in the Emerald Room at The Monocle in the Grove. For more information: www.deenienast.com.

The University of Missouri at St. Louis presents From Jimmy, to America: An Ode to James Baldwin Saturday at 7:30 pm and Sunday at 2 pm, April 27 and 28. "Through the words of James Baldwin, this production explores race, identity, and America. In collaboration with Nu-World Contemporary Danse Theatre, actors and dancers explore our racial identity through the works, words, and musicality of James Baldwin." Performances take place at Touhill Performing Arts Center on the UMSL campus. For more information: www.touhill.org

The University Theatre at Saint Louis University presents the 2012 retelling of the Stephen Schwartz musical Godspell Thursday through Saturday at 8 pm and Sunday at 2 pm, April 25-28. " The musical, based on the gospel of St. Matthew, will feature new arrangements and contemporary references as it takes us on a rousing journey through the parables of Jesus and is directed by Stephanie Tennill." Performances take place at The Grandel, 3610 Grandel Square. For more information: metrotix.com or 314.534-1111. Tickets are also available at the door.

St. Charles Community College presents the drama The Laramie Project Wednesday through Sunday, April 24-28. “This gripping play concerns Americans' reaction to the murder of Matthew Shepard. In October of 1998, Shepard was kidnapped, severely beaten, and left to die in Laramie, Wyoming. Kaufman and others went to Laramie and conducted more than 200 interviews about the event, from which they wrote this play." Performances take place in the SCC Center Stage Theater in the Donald D. Shook Fine Arts Building on the campus at 4601 Mid Rivers Mall Drive in Cottleville, MO. For more information, call 636-922-8050 or visit stchas.edu.

R-S Theatrics and Three Blind Pigs presents Shakespeare's comedy A Midsummer Night's Dream Friday and Saturday at 7 pm and Sunday at 5 pm, April 26-28. "Come experience lovers' spats, clueless actors, and a fairy queen in one of Shakespeare's most beloved comedies. Shake38 may be gone, but Blind Pigs' partnership with R-S Theatrics lives on." Performances take place at the William Kerr Foundation, 21 O'Fallon Street in North St. Louis. For more information: r-stheatrics.com

Miss Saigon

The Fabulous Fox Theatre presents the musical Miss Saigon opening on Tuesday, April 23, at 7:30 pm and running through May 5. "Experience the acclaimed new production of the legendary musical Miss Saigon, from the creators of Les Misérables. This is the story of a young Vietnamese woman named Kim who is orphaned by war and forced to work in a bar run by a notorious character known as the Engineer. There she meets and falls in love with an American G.I. named Chris, but they are torn apart by the fall of Saigon. For 3 years, Kim goes on an epic journey of survival to find her way back to Chris, who has no idea he's fathered a son. Featuring stunning spectacle and a sensational cast of 42 performing the soaring score, including Broadway hits like “The Heat is On in Saigon,” “The Movie in My Mind,” “Last Night of the World” and “American Dream,” this is a theatrical event you will never forget." The Fabulous Fox Theatre in on N. Grand in Grand Center. For more information: fabulousfox.com.

Clinton County Showcase presents the musical Monty Python's Spamalot Fridays and Saturdays at 8 pm and Sundays at 2 pm, February 8 - 17. "Spamalot! Lovingly ripped off from the classic film comedy Monty Python and the Holy Grail, Spamalot retells the legend of King Arthur and his Knights of the Round Table, and features a bevy of beautiful show girls, not to mention cows, killer rabbits, and French people. Did we mention the bevy of beautiful show girls?" Performances take place at the Avon Theater, 525 North 2nd Street Breese IL. For more information, visit ccshowcase.com.

The Lemp Mansion Comedy-Mystery Dinner Theater presents Muurder in Maaaybury! April 19 - July 27. The Lemp Mansion is at 3322 DeMenil Place. For more information: lempmansion.com.

The Bissell Mansion Murder Mystery Dinner Theatre presents Nursery Crimes through May 9. The Bissell Mansion is at 4426 Randall Place. For more information: bissellmansiontheatre.com.

Upstream Theater presents the St. Louis premiere of Salt, Root and Roe opening on Friday, April 26, at 8 pm and running through May 12. "Tim Price's Salt, Root and Roe is a poetic masterwork about the nature of change, the comfort of home, and the eternal bond of love, set against the mythical backdrop of the Pembrokeshire coast in western Wales. The play centers on identical twins Iola and Anest, who are very devoted to each other. Ageing fast, and with the time they have together more fragile by the day, they arrive at a desperate decision. Word of this reaches Anest's daughter Menna, who rushes to her long-abandoned childhood home where her own ideas of love and compromise are tested to the limit. In spite of its somber themes, the play is light, textured and at times very funny-and in the words of one reviewer “like a pebble picked from a Pembrokeshire beach… something to take home and reflect over, something that evokes a smell of the sea...”Another US premiere from Upstream Theater, in co-production with Stages Repertory Theatre of Houston." Performances take place at the Kranzberg Arts Center, 501 North Grand in Grand Center. For more information, including show times: upstreamtheater.org.

The Black Mirror Theatre presents Brien Friel's Translations opening on Thursday, April 25, at 7:30 pm and running through May 4. "Translations is an intimate look into a world at odds with itself. It could have been set in one of any number of eras and lands - anywhere in which an alien force imposes it's culture on a conquered people through the suppression of all that which gave and gives that culture cohesion, especially its language. One need look no farther than America, where indigenous peoples still struggle to maintain and transmit their values, beliefs, their souls thru their native tongues." Performances take place at the .ZACK, 3224 Locust in Grand Center. For more information: blackmirrortheatre.com

Act Two Theatre presents Tuesdays with Morrie opening on Wednesday, April 24, at 7:30 pm and running through May 5. "The autobiographical story of Mitch Albom, an accomplished journalist driven solely by his career, and Morrie Schwartz, his former college professor. Sixteen years after graduation, Mitch happens to catch Morrie's appearance on a television news program and learns that his old professor is battling Lou Gehrig's Disease. Mitch is reunited with Morrie, and what starts as a simple visit turns into a weekly pilgrimage and a last class in the meaning of life." Performances take place in the St. Peters Cultural Arts Centre at 1 St Peters Centre Blvd, St. Peters, MO 63376. For more information: act2theater.com.

True West
Photo by Patrick Huber

St. Louis Actors' Studio presents Sam Shepard's True West Thursdays through Saturdays at 8 pm and Sundays at 3 pm, through April 28. " This American classic explores alternatives that might spring from the demented terrain of the California landscape. Sons of a desert-dwelling alcoholic and a suburban wanderer clash over a film script. Austin, the achiever, is working on a script he has sold to producer Sal Kimmer when Lee, a demented petty thief, drops in. He pitches his own idea for a movie to Kimmer, who then wants Austin to junk his bleak, modern love story and write Lee's trashy Western tale." Performances take place at the Gaslight Theatre, 358 North Boyle. For more information call 314-458-2978 or visit stlas.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 January 28, 2019

Companies with new shows this week include R-S Theatrics, SATE, and Metro Theatre Company. There's also a classic musical at the Fox.

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The Playhouse at Westport Plaza presents the musical Avenue Q running through March 3. "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.

The Lemp Mansion Comedy-Mystery Dinner Theater presents Bullets in the Bathtub through April 13. The Lemp Mansion is at 3322 DeMenil Place. For more information: lempmansion.com.

Slightly Askew Theatre Ensemble presents Classic Mystery Game Wednesdays through Saturdays at 8 pm, January 30 - February 16. "Classic Mystery Game: a parody (or a spoof, maybe a send-up, possibly a take-off). The use of parody in human culture is ritualistic, so here is SATE, once more, to perform yet another ritual. Classic Mystery Game investigates Western society in 2019 through the lens of the hilarious 1985 movie, CLUE...which in turn was investigating Western society in 1985 through the lens of McCarthyism. Perhaps by distilling our world through so many layers of comedy, as the ritual calls for, we'll discover a bit of Truth - even if it's merely a smile at the end of a funny play." Performances take place at The Chapel Venue, 6238 Alexander Drive. For more information: slightlyoff.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.

Black Anthology presents The Creation Friday and Saturday at 7 p.m., February 1 and 2. "Black Anthology was founded in 1989 by Marcia Hayes-Harris to provide a means of commemorating the history and progress of African Americans. Since its creation, the program was totally student run, from the script to set and costume design. However in the beginning skits were compilations centered on pertinent literature. Over the years, the productions have become a scripted play. Even with the changes in the format of the show, Black Anthology's aims remain the same and we, the executive board, hope to see the program continue to thrive." The performances take place in the Edison Theatre on the Washington University campus. For more information: edison.wustl.edu

Dennie Nast Is Back

Ten Directions and the St. Lou Fringe present Audrey Crabtree in her one-woman show Dennie Nast Is Back Fridays at 8 pm, February 1 - 15. "Oscar-winner, Emmy-winner, 2-time Tony winner, 6-time Kevin Klein Award Nominee and international performance superstar Deenie Nast delivers a no holds barred, song-filled tribute to her lonely fans. Nast heads to St Louis with a hilarious and heartbreaking exploration of relationships, loneliness, and true connections. Nast is back with a vengeance, singing the hits from her past, revealing very personal stories, and re-enforcing her legendary status to modern audiences. Songs, physical comedy, audience interaction and general 'Nast-iness" will ensue!" Performances take place in the Emerald Room at The Monocle in the Grove. For more information: www.deenienast.com.

District Merchants
Photo by Eric Woolsey

New Jewish Theater presents District Merchants: An Uneasy Comedy Wednesdays and Thursdays at 7:30 pm, Saturdays at 2 and 8 pm, and Sundays at 2 pm through February 10. "In District Merchants, love, litigation, deep passions and predatory lending are taken to a new level. The play wades fearlessly into the complexities of life in America. It is set among Black and Jewish populations in an imagined time and place, simultaneously Shakespearean and post- Civil War Washington, D.C. In Posner's reimagining, the play becomes less about the quality of mercy and more about how flexible a supposedly egalitarian society can be to the varied tribes struggling to find partners in America. Aaron Posner expertly blends humor, emotional truths and topics that make people think. He is able to create characters who are deeply flawed, like we are. In his “uneasy” comedy, he wants us to look at a snapshot in time, the Reconstruction Era, but what he has written is relevant to audiences today." 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.

Fontbonne University presents the musical Edges Thursday through Saturday at 8 pm and Sunday at 2 pm, January 31 - February 3. “From Pasek and Paul, the musical genius behind Dogfight, Dear Evan Hansen, The Greatest Showman, and La La Land, comes a thrilling song-cycle about coming of age in these fast moving times.” 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.

The Fabulous Fox Theatre presents the musical Fiddler on the Roof opening on Tuesday, January 29, and running until February 10. "Tony®-winning director Bartlett Sher and the team behind South Pacific, The King and I and 2017 Tony-winning Best Play Oslo, bring a fresh and authentic vision to this beloved theatrical masterpiece from Tony winner Joseph Stein and Pulitzer Prize winners Jerry Bock and Sheldon Harnick. The original production won ten Tony Awards, including a special Tony for becoming the longest-running Broadway musical of all time. You'll be there when the sun rises on this new production, with stunning movement and dance from acclaimed Israeli choreographer Hofesh Shechter, based on the original staging by Jerome Robbins. A wonderful cast and a lavish orchestra tell this heartwarming story of fathers and daughters, husbands and wives, and the timeless traditions that define faith and family." The Fabulous Fox Theatre in on N. Grand in Grand Center. For more information: fabulousfox.com.

The Hundred Dresses

Metro Theatre Company presents The Hundred Dresses opening on Sunday, February 3 at 2 pm and running through February 25 " Wanda Petronski, the new girl in Room 13, is a Polish immigrant who lives in a shabby house and doesn't have any friends. Every day she wears the same faded blue dress, but tells her new class-mates that she has a hundred dresses at home. Her classmates tease Wanda about her hundred dresses until one day she disappears from school. As guilt overtakes the children, they decide to find out what happened to Wanda and to make amends. But is it too late? Bullying, friendship and forgiveness are at the center of this play adapted from the beloved Newbery Honor Book by Eleanor Estes." The performance takes place at the Grandel Theatre, 3610 Grandel Square in Grand Center. For more information: metroplays.org.

The Looking Glass Playhouse presents the musical Jesus Christ Superstar Thursdasy through Saturdays at 7:30 pm and Sundays at 2 pm through February 3. A global phenomenon that has wowed audiences for over 40 years, Jesus Christ Superstar is a timeless work set against the backdrop of an extraordinary and universally-known series of events but seen, unusually, through the eyes of Judas Iscariot." Performances take place at 301 West St. Louis Street in Lebanon, Ill. For more information, visit www.lookingglassplayhouse.com.

Alton Little Theater presents Maybe This Time Friday and Saturday at 7:20 pm and Sunday at 2 pm, February 1-3. "This play shows four online dates with good and bad, humorous and sad results. You not only see and hear the two people on the blind date but also see and hear what their brains are thinking. It shows how miscommunication and misunderstanding can lead to all kinds of unexpected and unwarranted consequences. You will laugh, you will be moved and you may even see yourself in there too." Performances take place at 2450 North Henry in Alton, IL. For more information, call 618.462.6562 or visit altonlittletheater.org.

The Motherf*Cker With the Hat
Photo by Jill Lindberg

R-S Theatrics presents the St. Louis premiere of The Motherf*Cker With The Hat Fridays and Saturdays at 8 PM, and Sundays at 7 PM through February 1. "How do you know where you're going...if you don't know who has been in your home? The seriocomedy explores how 5 people in New York navigate loyalty, trust, and duty through friendship, love and the challenges of adulthood. And how no one should ever underestimate the importance of cleaning up their accessories. Performances take place at the .ZACK, 3224 Locust in midttown. For more information: r-stheatrics.com.

The Bissell Mansion Murder Mystery Dinner Theatre presents Nursery Crimes through May 9. The Bissell Mansion is at 4426 Randall Place. For more information: bissellmansiontheatre.com.

Wittenberg
Photo by ProPhotoSTL

Upstream Theater presents the St. Louis premiere of Wittenberg Fridays and Saturdays at 8 pm and Sundays at 7 pm (except for February 10, which is at 2 pm) through February 10. "It's October 1517, and the new fall semester at the University of Wittenberg finds certain members of the faculty and student body at personal and professional crossroads. Hamlet (senior, class of 1518) is returning from a summer in Poland spent studying astronomy, where he has come in contact with a revolutionary scientific theory that threatens the very order of the universe, resulting in psychic trauma and a crisis of faith for him. His teacher and mentor John Faustus (Professor of Philosophy) has decided at long last to make an honest woman of his paramour, Helen, a former nun who is now one of the Continent's most sought-after courtesans. And Faustus' colleague and Hamlet's instructor and priest, Martin Luther (Professor of Theology), is dealing with the spiritual and medical consequences of his long-simmering outrage at certain abusive practices of the Church. Tavern disputes, tennis duels, 16th century lounge hits, and the slings and arrows of outrageous wit will tickle your brain into overdrive." Performances take place at the Kranzberg Arts Center, 501 North Grand in Grand Center. For more information, including show times: upstreamtheater.org.

The Wolves
Photo by Jon Gitchoff

The Repertory Theatre of St. Louis presents the St. Louis premiere of The Wolves by Sarah DeLappe through February 3. "Nine teenage girls prepare for battle on a soccer field. As they stretch and warm up together, the teammates' nonstop banter reveals how a collection of disparate personalities bonds to form a team. With its engrossing flow of dialogue and authentic characters, DeLappe's acclaimed new play distills the raw passion, confusion and wonder of adolescence into exhilarating theatre." Performances take place in the studio theatre at the Loretto-Hilton Center on the Webster University campus. For more information: repstl.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 January 14, 2019

We have new shows this week from (among others) Circus Harmony, The Rep, Max and Louie, and Mariposa Productions, along with the monthly singers open mic at Sophie's, hosted by yours truly.

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Circus Harmony presents Accelerando - A Circus Spy Thriller Saturdays at 12 and 2 pm and Sundasy at 2 pm, January 19 - 27. "The annual show features Circus Harmony's flying children with all new acts including Chinese Pole and Hoop Diving, some coached by Circus Harmony graduates who are touring the world performing these acts with Cirque du Soleil and les 7 Doigts de la Main!" Performances take place at City Museum, downtown. For more information www.circusharmony.org/accelerando.

Alabama Story
Photo by John Gitchoff

The Repertory Theatre of St. Louis presents the drama Alabama Story running through January 27th. "A determined librarian and a segregationist senator face off over an innocent children’s book in 1959 Montgomery. Depicting the marriage of two rabbits – who happen to have different-colored fur – the story has Sen. E.W. Higgins calling for a book ban. But even as the pressure mounts, librarian Emily Wheelock Reed refuses to yield to censorship. Inspired by true events, Alabama Story is a stirring testament to free expression." Performances take place at the Loretto-Hilton Center on the Webster University campus. For more information: repstl.org,

The Lemp Mansion Comedy-Mystery Dinner Theater presents Bullets in the Bathtub through April 13. The Lemp Mansion is at 3322 DeMenil Place. For more information: lempmansion.com.

Canfield Drive
Photo by Peter Spack

The Black Rep presents the world premiere of Canfield Drive running through January 27. "In this World Premiere production, two high-powered news reporters from across the aisle are thrown together during a ratings frenzy in Ferguson, Missouri, following the shooting of unarmed teenager Michael Brown. As they untangle the real cause of Brown's death, they struggle to keep their own secrets out of the spotlight. Created from diverse interviews of people from around the corner and around the world, Canfield Drive shines a light of hope as it wrestles with the greatest questions of our age. Canfield Drive, written by Kristen Adele Calhoun and Michael Thomas Walker, is a National Performance Network (NPN) Creation and Development Fund Project co-commissioned by 651 Arts in partnership with The St. Louis Black Repertory Company, and NPN." Performances take place at the Edison Theatre on the Washington University campus. For more information: theblackrep.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 St. Louis Family Theatre Series presents the Two Beans Productions presentation of Dr. Seuss's The Cat in the Hat Saturday and Sunday at 2 pm, January 19 and 20. " From the moment his tall, red-and-white-striped hat appears around the door, Sally and her brother know that The Cat in the Hat is the funniest, most mischievous cat they have ever met. With the trickiest of tricks and the craziest of ideas, he is certainly fun to play with. And he turns a rainy afternoon into an amazing adventure. But what will Mum find when she comes home...?" 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 florissantmo.com.

Kirkwood Theatre Guild presents the thriller I'll Be Back Before Midnight through January 20. "The play centers on the experiences of Jan, a young wife who recovering from a nervous disorder. She and her husband rent a remote cabin from an odd farmer who delights in telling gruesome ghost stories. Then the husband's strange sister arrives, and all manner of frightening events occur. What happens to fragile Jan as bodies appear and disappear give this classic thriller its tremendously frightening impact." Performances take place in the Robert G. Reim Theatre of the Kirkwood Community Center, 111 South Geyer Road. For more information, call 314-821-9956 or visit ktg-onstage.org.

Debby Lennon

Max and Louie Productions presents Debby Lennon in the one-woman show Love, Linda January 17 - 27. "Linda Lee Thomas was the Southern beauty who married and was the driving force behind legendary song writer Cole Porter at the dawn of the roaring twenties. Though Cole Porter was gay, their companionship and love lasted through 35 years of marriage and a spectacular, glamour-filled life. With innovative jazz arrangements, the timeless music and lyrics of Cole Porter weave through “Love, Linda” examining the darker sides of their life, while also celebrating the deep love that blossomed through their unconventional relationship." Performances take place at the Marcelle Theatre in Grand Center. For more information: maxandlouie.com

Hard Road Theatre Productions presents The Marvelous Wonderettes Fridays and Saturdays at 7 pm and Sundays at 2 pm, January 18-26. “The pop doesn't stop in this smash hit musical! A high school prom in 1958 and a 10-year reunion in 1968 provide the backdrop for some of the biggest hits of both decades, performed by an irrepressible quartet of young women. Featuring a stacked playlist that includes “Mr. Sandman,” “It's in His Kiss,” “Respect,” “Son of a Preacher Man” and "Lollipop," it's a joyous snapshot of a musical era.” Performances will be held at the Highland Elementary School auditorium in Highland IL. For more information: www.hardroad.org.

Lina Koutrakos

Mariposa Artists presents a Master Teachers' Performance featuring Rick Jensen, Jeff Klitz, Charles Busch, and Lina Koutrakos on Thursday, January 17, at 8 pm. The show is part of the Gateway Performance Workshop for cabaret and musical theatre singers and takes place at the .ZACK, 3224 Locust in Grand Center. For more information: metrotix.com.

The Chapel presents My Infinite Sadness: A New Play by Darrious Varner running through January 20th. "When left alone in one's own mind, who is it that you are really talking to? Step into the subconscious of a person suffering with Depression. See the ups and downs, the twists and turns, the aches and pains that are living with mental illness. Playwright Darrious Varner introduces you to a whole new view of Depression with My Infinite Sadness. By personifying Depression, giving it a face and a voice, he shows just how hard the struggle can be, even on good days. There will be a 30 minute talk back after each show." The Chapel is at 6238 Alexander Drive in Clayton. For more information: www.brownpapertickets.com

The Bissell Mansion Murder Mystery Dinner Theatre presents Nursery Crimes through May 9. The Bissell Mansion is at 4426 Randall Place. For more information: bissellmansiontheatre.com.

Alton Little Theater presents the drama On Golden Pond Fridays and Saturdays at 7:30 pm and Sundays at 2 pm, January 18-27. " The touching play takes place at a summer lake home and focuses on a daughter's turbulent relationship with her father and the trials of a loving couple in the twilight years of a long marriage. A testament to the power of love and family and redemption." Performances take place at 2450 North Henry in Alton, IL. For more information, call 618.462.6562 or visit altonlittletheater.org.

Mariposa Artists presents a Participant Showcase on Sunday, January 20, at 3 pm. The show features 20 talented individuals from across the country attending the Gateway Performance Workshop for cabaret and musical theatre singers. Musical directors are Rick Jensen and Jeff Klitz. Co-Directors are Lina Koutrakos and Charles Busch. The performance takes place at the .ZACK, 3224 Locust in Grand Center. For more information: metrotix.com

The Kirkwood Theatre Guild presents Recipes for Ice, their monthly improv show, on Friday, January 18, at 8 and 10:30 pm at The Steamboat Room, 314 S. Clay in Kirkwood, MO. "Join Adam and his crew for an interactive night of fun and laughter. Beer, wine and food available from Kirkwood Station Brewery." For more information: ktg-onstage.org.

Chuck Lavazzi

The Cabaret Project presents its weekly Singers Open Mic Night on Wednesday, January 16, 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 and hosted by 88.1 KDHX's Chuck Lavazzi. 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 on the second floor of the .ZACK performing arts space at 3226 Locust in Grand Center. For more information: thecabaretproject.org.

The Repertory Theatre of St. Louis presents the St. Louis premiere of The Wolves by Sarah DeLappe January 16 - February 3. "Nine teenage girls prepare for battle on a soccer field. As they stretch and warm up together, the teammates' nonstop banter reveals how a collection of disparate personalities bonds to form a team. With its engrossing flow of dialogue and authentic characters, DeLappe's acclaimed new play distills the raw passion, confusion and wonder of adolescence into exhilarating theatre." Performances take place in the studio theatre at the Loretto-Hilton Center on the Webster University campus. For more information: repstl.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.