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

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

Share on Google+:

New This Week:

Kay Love

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

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

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

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

Ken Haller

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

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

The Mystery of Edwin Drood
Photo: John Lamb

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

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

Stephen Peirick and Maggie Conroy
in Off the Record

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

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

Held Over:

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

The Repertory Theatre of St. Louis presents Buyer and Cellar through April 12 (extended from March 29). "Inspired by Barbra Streisand's coffee table book, My Passion for Design, this uproarious fictional account of celebrity eccentricity takes us into Babs' basement, where she houses her unique collections in a small street of shops. An underemployed actor becomes the caretaker, interacting with Barbra in moments both hilarious and surprisingly tender. A runaway hit in New York, this one-man show takes us into the ultimate fantasy of a star-struck dreamer as he fills the oddest of odd jobs." Performances take place in the studio theatre at the Loretto-Hlton Center, 130 Edgar Road in Webster Groves, MO. For more information, call 314-968-4925 or visit repstl.org.

My take: One-man shows can be risky propositions, but this one is apparently a success. "If you are a Streisand fan (and who among us isn't?)," writes Bob Cohn at St. Louis Jewish Light, "'Buyer & Cellar' is a double treat. Not only is the play itself highly amusing and satisfying, it also contains enough Streisand trivia to satisfy an entire season of questions on 'Jeopardy.'" "Jonathan Tolins is a very clever writer," says Bob Wilcox at KDHX. "Jeremy Webb is a very smart actor. Put them together, with some inventive guidance from director Wendy Dann, and you get a quite enjoyable ninety minutes or so in the Studio Theatre at the Repertory Theatre of St. Louis."

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

The Repertory Theatre of St. Louis presents Christopher Durang's Vanya And Sonia And Masha And Spike through April 12. "Stuck in their family home in Bucks County, Pennsylvania, Vanya and his adopted sister Sonia live a quiet existence until their lives are thrown into comic upheaval with the arrival of their B-list celebrity sister, Masha, and her 20-something boy toy, Spike. Add to that a soothsaying housekeeper, a star struck young neighbor and a rather odd costume party, and the stage is set for mayhem and hilarity in this present-day homage to Chekhov. Winner of the 2013 Tony Award for Best Play." Performances take place on the mainstage at the Loretto-Hlton Center, 130 Edgar Road in Webster Groves, MO. For more information, call 314-968-4925 or visit repstl.org.

My take: This starts out as a broad, noisy parody of Chekov but finishes as something much more deep and satifying. "Playwright Christopher Durang," writes Tina Farmer at KDHX, "won a Tony Award for this insightfully hilarious look at aging and modern life through a lens tinted with Chekhov and Greek tragedy. The actors in The Repertory Theatre of St. Louis' production of Vanya and Sonia and Masha and Spike bring these characters to life convincingly, emphasizing their quirks, vanities and flaws in a production layered with humor and pathos, second questions and, perhaps, second chances." I couldn't agree more. Director Michael Evan Haney can be proud of this one.

St. Louis theatre calendar for the week of March 30, 2015

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

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

Share on Google+

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

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

Kinky Boots
Photo: Matthew Murphy

The Fox Theatre presents the musical Kinky Boots through April 5. The Fox Theatre is at 527 North Grand in Grand Center. "In Kinky Boots, Charlie Price has reluctantly inherited his father's shoe factory, which is on the verge of bankruptcy. Trying to live up to his father's legacy and save his family business, Charlie finds inspiration in the form of Lola. A fabulous entertainer in need of some sturdy stilettos, Lola turns out to be the one person who can help Charlie become the man he's meant to be. As they work to turn the factory around, this unlikely pair finds that they have more in common than they ever dreamed possible... and discovers that when you change your mind about someone, you can change your whole world." For more information: fabulousfox.com. Read the 88.1 KDHX review!

Webster University's Conservatory of Theatre Arts presents Jason Robert Brown's two-character musical The Last Five Years Friday through Sunday, April 3-5. "An emotionally powerful and intimate musical about two New Yorkers in their twenties who fall in and out of love over the course of five years. The show's unconventional structure consists of Cathy, the woman, telling her story backwards while Jamie, the man, tells his story chronologically; the two characters only meet once, at their wedding in the middle of the show." Performances take place in the Stage III Auditorium on the Webster University campus. For more information, events.webster.edu or call 314-968-7128.

Lola Van Ella

The St. Lou Fringe presents The Life and Times of Marie Anoinette on Friday, April 4, at 7 p.m., preceded by a cocktail hour at 6 p.m. "We've hand-picked some of the top visual and performing artists to bring the story of MARIE ANTOINETTE to life through music, food, dance, burlesque, and visual art. Hosted by international burlesque star, St Louis’ own Lola Van Ella." The event takes place at The Ready Room, 4196 Manchester in The Grove. For more information: stlfringe.com.

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

Stray Dog Theatre presents the musical The Mystery of Edwin Drood by Rupert Holmes Thursdays through Saturdays at 8 PM April 2-18. "This raucous show within a show kicks off when a hilariously loony Victorian musical troupe 'puts on' its flamboyant rendition of an unfinished Charles Dickens mystery. Each performance ends differently depending on how the audience chooses to finish the story that Dickens didn't!" Performances take place at The Tower Grove Abbey, 2336 Tennessee. For more information, visit straydogtheatre.org or call 314-865-1995.

Nancy Kranzberg

The Presenters Dolan present Nancy Kranzberg and the Second Half in a benefit performance for the St. Louis Actors' Studio on Thursday, April 2, at 8 PM as part of the Gaslight Cabaret Festival. "With her trio The Second Half, featuring Tom George on piano. A maker and shaker in the arts, Nancy does an evening of jazz standards to benefit The St. Louis Actors' Studio." The performance takes place at the Gaslight Theater, 358 North Boyle. For more information: gaslightcabaretfestival.com.

OnSite Theatre Company presents Off the Record by Alec Wild Fridays at 8 PM, and Saturdays at 7 and 9 PM, April 3-11. "The timely comedy, Off the Record, follows the gubernatorial campaign of a promising candidate as a surprising scandal puts him and his staff on their toes and forces them into damage-control mode. As the audience takes on the role of the press corps following the candidate, pieces of information about the candidate and his wife leak to the audience bit by bit via cellphone." Audiences will board the bus at Tavolo, 6118 Delmar. For more information: www.OnSiteTheatre.org.

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

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

The Repertory Theatre of St. Louis presents Christopher Durang's Vanya And Sonia And Masha And Spike through April 12. "Stuck in their family home in Bucks County, Pennsylvania, Vanya and his adopted sister Sonia live a quiet existence until their lives are thrown into comic upheaval with the arrival of their B-list celebrity sister, Masha, and her 20-something boy toy, Spike. Add to that a soothsaying housekeeper, a star struck young neighbor and a rather odd costume party, and the stage is set for mayhem and hilarity in this present-day homage to Chekhov. Winner of the 2013 Tony Award for Best Play." Performances take place on the mainstage at the Loretto-Hlton Center, 130 Edgar Road in Webster Groves, MO. For more information, call 314-968-4925 or visit repstl.org. Read the 88.1 KDHX review!

Springboard presents the 19th Annual Wise Write Festival of One-Act Plays on Monday, March 30, at 10:00 am. on the Mainstage at The Repertory theater of St. Louis in Webster Groves. " They've been working hard all school year and now is their moment in the spotlight! Join fifth grade playwrights from Hudson Elementary in Webster Groves and from Wyland Elementary in Ritenour as they see their plays come alive." Admission is free and open to the public.

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 Theatre Choices for the weekend of May 23, 2014

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

Share on Google+:

New this week:

Alpha Players present the musical The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee through May 25 at The Florissant Civic Center Theater, Parker Rd. at Waterford Dr. in Florissant, MO. For more information: alphaplayers.org or, call 314-921-5678.

My take: This charming if slight musical is kind of a natural for small theatre companies, especially those with a wealth of talent young enough to believably portray awkward adolescents. When I reviewed the national tour back in 2007 at the Fox, it seemed to me that much of the show's charm was lost in the cavernous interior of that 5000-seat spacel; it was, after all, developed for a 300-seat space originally. The 600-seat Florissant Civic Center theatre ought to be just right. "It is charming, and smart, and witty," writes Bob Wilcox in his review for KDHX, "and some of the definitions and sample sentences have, I think, been revised and updated – I don't know if by Alpha folks or by Rachel Sheinkin, the original book author, or Jay Reiss, who's credited for added material. But that added a little more pleasure to a very pleasurable production."

OnSite Theatre Company presents A Prayer for the Gun Bug by Carter Lewis Friday at 9 PM, Saturday at 4 and 9 PM, and Sunday at 2 PM, May 23-25. “A Prayer for the Gun Bug is a sidelong glance at a world in hysteria. Carter W. Lewis's three short plays expose the world to be an overpopulated sardine can, crammed to the gills with incensed spiritual fanatics, most of whom are annoyed, confused and stockpiling weapons. So why are we laughing so hard?” Performances take place at Meskerem Ethiopian Restaurant, 3210 S. Grand Blvd. For more information: www.OnSiteTheatre.org.

My take: OnSite has what is, as far as I know, a unique mission, at least locally: the production of site-specific shows in spaces that match the settings of the scripts. So, for example, we had Carter Lewis's Hit-Story performed in a gym, an evening of one-acts about bowling in a bowling alley, and local playwright Elizabeth Birkenmeier's There's a Gun in Your Goodbye Bag in a laundromat. "Their productions," writes Steve Callahan in his review of the current collection of one-acts for KDHX, "are always good, and sometimes—like this time—they're remarkably fine. If you ever get tired of seeing plays that seem to be just "the same old same old" you should take in something by OnSite...Thank you OnSite Theatre. (And thank you Meskerem Restaurant for a most delicious meal.)"

Held Over:

Photo: Peter Wochniak

Stages St. Louis presents the musical Always..Patsy Cline through June 22. "Jacqueline Petroccia and Zoe Vonder Haar star in the return engagement of the show critics called 'exceptional, must see entertainment.' The touching and true story of Country music legend Patsy Cline and her friendship with Texas housewife Louise Seger returns to STAGES this spring. Combining down home country humor, heartache and 27 of Patsy Cline's unforgettable hits such as 'Crazy,' 'WalkinÄô After Midnight,' and 'Sweet Dreams,' Always... Patsy Cline endures as a piece of genuine Americana." Performances take place at The Playhouse at Westport Plaza. For more information, visit stagesstlouis.org or call 314-821-2407.

My take: Call this a qualified recommendation. If you're a lover of Patsy Cline or country music in general, I think you'll have a great time at this show, which is really more of a celebrity impersonation review than a book musical per se. Jacqueline Petroccia captures Cline's voice and manner so accurately it's eerie and Zoe Vonder Haar is a hoot and a half as Louise Seger, the real-life Houston fan who became a close friends and correspondent of Cline. With over two dozen Patsy Cline hits performed to perfection by Ms. Petroccia and a six-piece band, the show is a real feast for fans. See my KDHX review for more information.

Shakespeare Festival St. Louis presents Henry IV nightly except for Tuesdays, May 15 through June 14. Henry IV, Parts 1 and 2, written as two separate plays, have been edited to fit into one evening. Beginning May 25, the production alternates with performances of Henry V. "Audience members can expect a once-in-a-lifetime theatrical experience this season," said Rick Dildine, Artistic and Executive Director of Shakespeare Festival St.Louis. "Many theaters around the world have performed these plays in consecutive seasons; however, we are performing them at the same time with the same cast on the same set." Performances take place in Shakespeare Glen next to the Art Museum in Forest Park. Curtain time is 8 PM. For more information, visit shakespearefestivalstlouis.org.

My take: This is a rare opportunity to see two (well, three, if you count the two parts of Henry IV) of Shakespeare's history plays back to back and with a single unifying concept. Costuming is period, but the themes are timeless. As Tim Ocel says in his director's notes for Henry IV, this is "the story of human beings shaping a civilization...Shakespeare saw that the future inclines to those who believe in a forward moving energy, not to those who hold back mankind's potential due to a selfish lack of vision." If that sounds familiar it's probably because, as Walt Kelly once wrote, "those things which make us human are, curiously enough, always close at hand. Resolve, then, that on this very ground, with small flags waving and tiny blasts of tiny trumpets, we shall meet the enemy, and not only may he be ours, he may be us."  Check out my interview with the directors for more information.

New Jewish Theater presents Old Jews Telling Jokes through June 1. "Think you've heard them all before? Think again! If you've ever had a mother, visited a doctor or walked into a bar with a priest, a rabbi and a frog, OLD JEWS TELLING JOKES will sit in the dark, give you a second opinion and ask you where you got that. You'll laugh til you plotz. It is a kosher pickle barrel full of laughs! Straight from NY, this is the first independent production; recommended for mature audiences." Performances take place in the Marvin and Harlene Wool Studio Theater at the Jewish Community Center, 2 Millstone Campus Drive in Creve Coeur. For more information: www.newjewishtheatre.org or call 314-442-3283.

My take: "I'm sorry not to be able to delve into the arc of the plot or the themes that this evening investigates," writes Steve Callahan in his review for 88.1 KDHX, "for in fact there are none. But after all, whaddya get when five old Jews walk into a theatre? You get—at its simplest, at its purest—entertainment." Besides, any show that includes a sing-along version of Tom Lehrer's "I'm Spending Hannukah in Santa Monica" has got my vote. So go, already. Enjoy.

St. Louis theatre calendar for the week of May 19, 2014

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 ArtsZipper site.

Share on Google+

Alpha Players present the musical The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee through May 25 at The Florissant Civic Center Theater, Parker Rd. at Waterford Dr. in Florissant, MO. For more information: alphaplayers.org or, call 314-921-5678. Read the 88.1 KDHX review!

Photo: Peter Wochniak

Stages St. Louis presents the musical Always..Patsy Cline through June 22. "Jacqueline Petroccia and Zoe Vonder Haar star in the return engagement of the show critics called 'exceptional, must see entertainment.' The touching and true story of Country music legend Patsy Cline and her friendship with Texas housewife Louise Seger returns to STAGES this spring. Combining down home country humor, heartache and 27 of Patsy Cline's unforgettable hits such as 'Crazy,' 'Walkin' After Midnight,' and 'Sweet Dreams,' Always... Patsy Cline endures as a piece of genuine Americana." Performances take place at The Playhouse at Westport Plaza. For more information, visit stagesstlouis.org or call 314-821-2407. Read the 88.1 KDHX review!

Chuck Lavazzi

The Cabaret Project and 88.1 KDHX present the gala Second Anniversary Cabaret Open Stage Night on Wednesday, May 12, from 7 to 10 PM at the Tavern of Fine Arts. The master of ceremonies is 88.1 KDHX senior performing arts critic Chuck Lavazzi and the music director is Carol Schmidt. 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 Tavern of Fine Arts is at 313 Belt at Waterman in the Central West End. There's free parking in the lot right across the street. For more information, visit tavern-of-fine-arts.blogspot.com or call 314-367-7549.

The Bissell Mansion Murder Mystery Dinner Theatre presents The Dapper Flappers through July 27. The Bissell Mansion is at 4426 Randall Place. For more information: bissellmansiontheatre.com

The Black Mirror Theatre Company presents Gonne/Yeats, A Literary Cabaret by local playwright and director Denis Corcoran on Saturday and Sunday, May 24 and 25, at 5 PM. "He, William Butlter Yeats, perhaps the world's greatest poet. She, Maud Gonne (McBride), an Irish patriot, feminist, ardent defender of Ireland's poor and homeless, said, in her day, to be the most beautiful woman in Ireland. He feel deeply in love with at their first meeting, a love which was the driving force behind so much of his poetry. Yet she preferred pike, pistol and politics to sweet words. In dialogue, verse and song, this is one of the most moving love stories, seldom told." Performances take place at Central Print, 2612 N. 14th Street. For more information, email blackmirrortheatre at gmail.com or call 314-740-6514.

Shakespeare Festival St. Louis presents Henry IV nightly except for Tuesdays through June 14. Henry IV, Parts 1 and 2, written as two separate plays, have been edited to fit into one evening. Beginning May 25, the production alternates with performances of Henry V. “Audience members can expect a once-in-a-lifetime theatrical experience this season,” said Rick Dildine, Artistic and Executive Director of Shakespeare Festival St.Louis. “Many theaters around the world have performed these plays in consecutive seasons; however, we are performing them at the same time with the same cast on the same set.” Performances take place in Shakespeare Glen next to the Art Museum in Forest Park. Curtain time is 8 PM. For more information, visit shakespearefestivalstlouis.org and don't forget to check out my interview with the directors. Read the 88.1 KDHX review!

Shakespeare Festival St. Louis presents Henry V nightly except for Tuesdays, May 22 through June 15. Beginning May 26, the production alternates with performances of Henry IV. Performances take place in Shakespeare Glen next to the Art Museum in Forest Park. Curtain time is 8 PM. For more information, visit shakespearefestivalstlouis.org and don't forget to check out my interview with the directors.

St. Louis Actors' Studio continues its seventh season, themed Sins of the Father, with Pinter's The Homecoming, May 23 – June 8. " In an old and slightly seedy house in North London there lives a family of men: Max, the aging, crude patriarch, his ineffectual brother Sam and two of Max's three sons, both unmarried- Lenny, a small-time pimp and Joey, who dreams of success as a boxer. Into this sinister abode comes the eldest son Teddy, now a successful professor of philosophy in America. After six years abroad, Teddy brings his wife Ruth, to meet the family for the first time. In the style that became a trademark, Pinter creates mounting tension, with insidiously bizarre accusations and proposals by the men to Ruth, The Homecoming gives way to an ominous game of cat and mice." Performances take place at the Gaslight Theater, 358 North Boyle. For more information, call 314-458-2978 or visit stlas.org.

Opera Theatre of St. Louis presents Mozart's The Magic Flute in rotating repertory with three other operas May 24-June 28. Performances take place at the Loretto-Hilton Center at 135 Edgar Road on the Webster University campus. All performances are sung in English with projected English text. For more information, you may visit experienceopera.org or call 314-961-0644.

New Jewish Theater presents Old Jews Telling Jokes through June 1. “Think you've heard them all before? Think again! If you've ever had a mother, visited a doctor or walked into a bar with a priest, a rabbi and a frog, OLD JEWS TELLING JOKES will sit in the dark, give you a second opinion and ask you where you got that. You'll laugh til you plotz. It is a kosher pickle barrel full of laughs! Straight from NY, this is the first independent production.; recommended for mature audiences.” 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. Read the 88.1 KDHX review!

Opera Theatre of St. Louis presents Opening the Doors to 27 rue de Fleurus: The world premiere of “27”. "Audiences will have the unique chance to enter the world of Gertrude Stein and Alice B. Toklas through the music of composer Ricky Ian Gordon and the words of librettist Royce Vavrek in this world premiere, the second in Opera Theatre's New Works, Bold Voices cycle. Led off with remarks by Mr. Gordon and Mr. Vavrek, in this panel audiences will learn more about the famous salons that Stein and Toklas hosted, as well as the many luminaries and artists that crossed their doorstep. Additional panelists include conductor Michael Christie and director James Robinson, OTSL's artistic director." It's part of their Spotlight on Opera, a series of four insightful dialogues exploring the ideas in each season's opera, and it takes place on Monday, May 19, at 7:30 PM at the Ethical Society, 9001 Clayton Road. For more information, you may visit experienceopera.org or call 314-961-0644.

OnSite Theatre Company presents Prayer for the Gun Bug by Carter Lewis Friday at 9 PM, Saturday at 4 and 9 PM, and Sunday at 2 PM, May 23-25. “A Prayer for the Gun Bug is a sidelong glance at a world in hysteria. Carter W. Lewis's three short plays expose the world to be an overpopulated sardine can, crammed to the gills with incensed spiritual fanatics, most of whom are annoyed, confused and stockpiling weapons. So why are we laughing so hard?” Performances take place at Meskerem Ethiopian Restaurant, 3210 S. Grand Blvd. For more information: www.OnSiteTheatre.org. Read the 88.1 KDHX review!

Tesseract Theatre Company presents This is Nowhere by Caitlin McCommis Fridays and Saturdays at 8 PM and Sundays at 4 PM, May 32 – June 1 "Annie has built her life around travel and adventure, but it takes an unexpected turn when she's diagnosed with a debilitating chronic illness. She's ready to settle down, but when an old friend and fellow-wanderer returns to tell her about his recent adventures, she finds herself yearning for a past life and faces a tough choice: to fight against the illness or to fight for herself?" Performances take place at the Regional Arts Commission on Delmar, across from the Pageant. For more information: tesseracttheatre.org.

Big Daddy's presents a free public workshop reading of the one-act play Sins of the Flesh or The Virgin Gallows by KDHX theatre reviewer Steve Callahan on Monday, May 19, at 6:30 PM. "Consider an imagined pre-Renaissance village in . . . where? Flanders? Lorraine? It's a world where cardinal thought-sins are capitally punished. Come hear the story of Geneviève, innocent (except in her mind); Père Noël, priest of an authoritarian Church; Violette, mute and a mere child, but a gifted seamstress; and the strange, magical and poetic Tavika—an itinerant chef and tinker." Big Daddy's is at 1000 Sidney in Soulard.

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

Chuck's Choices for the weekend of November 8, 2013

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

Share on Google+:

New this week:

Mustard Seed Theatre presents the a capella musical All is Calm: The Christmas Truce of 1914 Thursdays through Saturdays at 8 PM and Sundays at 2 PM, November 8-24. “Join us in celebrating the power of peace in this a capella musical based on the true story of soldiers during World War I who for one night, put down their arms and played soccer instead of exchanging bullets.” 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: The play is based on a remarkable true story of a spontaneous truce between Allied and German forces in No Man's Land during Christmas of 1914. In some areas it lasted only one night while elsewhere it lasted until New Year's Day. While it was in effect, soldiers laid down their arms, shared Christmas carols (as well as food and drink), buried each others' dead, and even played soccer. Playwright Peter Rothstein, artistic director of Theater Latté Da where the play was developed, wanted to tell the story in the words of the real soldiers who experienced it. "I created the drama," he relates, "primarily through found text including letters, official war documents, autobiographies, World War I poetry, grave stone inscriptions and even an old radio broadcast." Reviewing the world premiere production in Minneapolis in 2010 for Minneapolis St. Paul Magazine, Lani Willis called it a "dramatic, real-life musing about the power this season has to make us stop, reflect, and decide to operate in a mode of peace."

Dance St. Louis presents the Shanghai Ballet production The Butterfly Lovers Friday at 8 PM and Saturday at 2 and 8 PM, November 8 and 9. “The elegant, folk-infused ballet, where Western ballet meets Chinese dancing, follows the fairytale story of the blossoming yet ill-fated romance of a young couple. It is often considered the Chinese version of Romeo and Juliet. The four-act production showcases stunning and ornate costumes; elaborate set designs reflecting the changing seasons; and breathtaking choreography that highlights Shanghai Ballet's striking classical technique.” Performances take place at the Touhill Center on the University of Missouri-St. Louis campus. For more information: dancestlouis.org.

My take: Most classical music lovers will know the classic Chinese folk tale as the basis for The Butterfly Lovers' Violin Concerto (the Lian Zhu Violin Concerto in Chinese), a 25-minute work written in 1958 by Chen Gang and He Zhanhao. The Shanghai Ballet's production has music by Xu Jianqiang and story by Luo Huaizhen. If the images and excerpts on YouTube are any indication, this should be a pretty impressive show.

The Hawthorne Playerspresent Paul Osborn's comedy Morning's at Seven November 8-17. The performances take place at the Florissant Civic Center Theatre at Parker and Waterford in Florissant, MO. For more information, call 921-5678 or visit hawthorneplayers.com.

My take: I've always had a soft spot for this funny and touching tale of four aging sisters in a small Midwestern town in 1938 and their eccentric families—even more so since I played the role of the sarcastic David in the Stray Dog Theatre production a few years ago. Originally produced on Broadway by Joshua Logan in 1939 (with a cast that included Dorothy Gish and Jean Adair), the play got a new lease on life after a 1980 Broadway revival sparked productions all over the country, including one locally by Act Inc in 1982. This is family friendly fare in the very best sense of the term.

Held Over:

©Photo by Jerry Naunheim, Jr.

The Repertory Theatre of St. Louis presents drama Fly through November 10. “Based on the experiences of the Tuskegee Airmen, this inspiring story follows four courageous young African-American pilots as they train to fly combat aircraft during World War II. Facing powerful conflict both on and off the battlefield, the men form a lasting brotherhood, paving the way for the desegregation of the military and giving hope to a changing America on the horizon. Soaring and inventive, Fly combines live action, video and the compelling “Tap Griot,” an innovative dancing storyteller who expresses the anger, fear and triumph that the officers cannot.” Performances take place at the Loretto-Hlton Center, 130 Edgar Road in Webster Groves, MO. For more information, call 314-968-4925 or visit repstl.org.

My take: As I wrote in my OnSTL.com blog, the world premiere of Trey Ellis and Ricardo Khan's drama Fly at the Repertory Theatre of St. Louis is the most inspiring, enraging, and sad thing you can see in a theatre this week. Inspiring because this story of the legendary Tuskegee Airman—an all-black fighter pilot unit who escorted an unprecedented 200 of 205 bomber missions without losing an aircraft and earned a raft of medals in the process. Enraging because the white Americans whose lives and freedom they were protecting treated them as subhuman. Sad because we seem to have learned so little in the intervening seven decades." Other critics have been equally effusive. This is definitely a "must see."

Zach Wachter as Mr. Gibbs, Roger Erb as Lush
Photo: John Lamb

The West End Players Guild continues their 103rd season with Pinter's The Hothouse by Fridays and Saturdays at 8 PM and Sundays at 2 PM, November 1-10. There will also be a show on Thursday, November 7, at 8 PM. “Enjoy an evening of Pinter's wicked humor at its darkest. Set in a government-run mental institution on Christmas day, The Hothouse is wild, impudent and blisteringly funny. When one patient dies mysteriously and another turns up pregnant, director Roote seems to be losing control - or is he merely losing his mind?” Performances take place at the Union Avenue Christian Church, 733 North Union at Enright in the Central West End. For more information, call 314-367-0025 or visit www.westendplayers.org.

My take: I'm on the board of West End Players Guild and was the one who first proposed that the group take on this rarely-seen (the last local performance was over 30 years ago; I was in it) Pinter.  Now, as then, I was amazed at how much like a Monty Python sketch (albeit a very dark and odd one) this play is.  I don't know whether Pinter was influenced by the Pythons at all, but it's hard to read this and not visualize specific Python actors in the roles.  Graham Chapman, for example, would have been an ideal Roote, the asylum director.  But what the heck—go and see for yourself.

OnSite Theatre Company presents the world premiere of The Trivia Job by St. Louis native and San Francisco playwright Dan Rubin Fridays and Saturdays at 8 PM, through November 9. “When the women of the St. Francis Knitting Ministry learn that their beloved church is on the brink of financial ruin, they do exactly what anyone else would do: they plan an elaborate bank heist, using a special trivia night fundraiser as their cover. But will the replacement emcee, a young priest from their church, screw up all of their plans? With a complete evening of trivia interwoven into a thrilling comedy set in a site-specific location, The Trivia Job promises to be a night of theater like none you've ever before experienced. Get ready to be accessories to fun!” Performances take place at Metropolitan Community Church of Greater St. Louis, 1919 S Broadway in Soulard. For more information: www.OnSiteTheatre.org.

My take: For many local theatre companies, not having a fixed abode is a problem. For OnSite, it's a mission. Their site-specific productions have taken them to bars, restaurants, a bowling alley, and a laundromat, among other non-traditional locations.  In her review for 88.1 KDHX, Andrea Braun says The Trivia Job "is clever, fun and surprisingly moving. Anna Pileggi had her hands full directing this complex operation, and she pulls it off with apparent ease."

Slightly Askew Theatre Ensemble presents the thriller The Woman in Black Wednesdays through Saturdays at 8 and Fridays and Saturdays at 10 through November 9. Performances take place at The Chapel Venue, 6238 Alexander Drive. For more information: slightlyoff.org.

My take: if your only exposure to this creepy little masterpiece is the recent film version with Daniel Radcliffe, you're in for a bit of a surprise.  Stephen Mallatratt's stage adaptation of the original Susan Hill novel—still running after 25 years in London's West End—is a tour de force for two actors. "The Woman in Black," says the London production's web site, "combines the power and intensity of live theatre with a cinematic quality inspired by the world of film noir. It gives audiences an evening of unremitting drama as they are transported into a terrifying and ghostly world."  Yep.  And as a neat bit of chamber theatre, this should play to SATEs strengths.

Chuck's Choices for the weekend of November 1, 2013

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

Share on Google+:

New this week:

Darick Pead as Beast and Hilary Maiberger as Belle
Photo by Joan Marcus.

The Fox Theatre presents Disney's Beauty and the Beast Friday through Sunday, November 1-3. The Fox Theatre is at 517 North Grand in Grand Center. For more information, call 314-534-1678.

My take: Yeah, I know. But let's face it—Beauty and the Beast is a big, brash, amusement park of a show. It's fast, colorful, loud, opulent, shamelessly sentimental, unapologetically vulgar, and (when done properly) highly entertaining. The well-known story is simple enough to keep the kids' attention, and polished enough to amuse all but the most jaded adults. If this isn't a family show, I don't know what is.

Zach Wachter as Mr. Gibbs, Roger Erb as Lush
Photo: John Lamb

The West End Players Guild continues their 103rd season with Pinter's The Hothouse by Fridays and Saturdays at 8 PM and Sundays at 2 PM, November 1-10. There will also be a show on Thursday, November 7, at 8 PM. “Enjoy an evening of Pinter's wicked humor at its darkest. Set in a government-run mental institution on Christmas day, The Hothouse is wild, impudent and blisteringly funny. When one patient dies mysteriously and another turns up pregnant, director Roote seems to be losing control - or is he merely losing his mind?” Performances take place at the Union Avenue Christian Church, 733 North Union at Enright in the Central West End. For more information, call 314-367-0025 or visit www.westendplayers.org.

My take: I'm on the board of West End Players Guild and was the one who first proposed that the group take on this rarely-seen (the last local performance was over 30 years ago; I was in it) Pinter.  Now, as then, I was amazed at how much like a Monty Python sketch (albeit a very dark and odd one) this play is.  I don't know whether Pinter was influenced by the Pythons at all, but it's hard to read this and not visualize specific Python actors in the roles.  Graham Chapman, for example, would have been an ideal Roote, the asylum director.  But what the heck—go and see for yourself.

R-S Theatrics presents its second annual KIDaret on Saturday, November 2, at 7 PM. “This is a fundraiser cabaret designed for families and featuring some of your favorite R-S Theatrics performers, this year's Halloween themed KIDaret will handle difficult subjects like whether or not Istanbul really is Constantinople, what to do with your Undead Mummy, and how to dance the Monster Mash. This event is designed to be a relaxed evening of musical performances, where children are invited to sing along and dance in the aisles during the show with costumes encouraged to show off their best ghoul-ish attire. In addition to the performance, there will be a silent auction, concessions, and craft paper and drawing materials for kids of all ages.” The cast includes Rachel Hanks, Marshall Jennings, Mark Kelley, Nick Moramarco, Macia Noorman, Christina Rios, Antonio Rodriguez, Kirsten Wylder, and Michael Young. Music direction is by Nick Moramarco. For more information: www.brownpapertickets.com/event/475773

My take: R-S is a company worth supporting for its daring choices (they took on the local premiere of Jason Robert Brown's Parade, for example) and the performers in this show constitute a nice cross section of local theatre talent.  Should be fun, and certainly less pricey than Beauty and the Beast as a family night out.

Slightly Askew Theatre Ensemble presents the thriller The Woman in Black Wednesdays through Saturdays at 8 and Fridays and Saturdays at 10, October 30 - November 9. Performances take place at The Chapel Venue, 6238 Alexander Drive. For more information: slightlyoff.org.

My take: if your only exposure to this creepy little masterpiece is the recent film version with Daniel Radcliffe, you're in for a bit of a surprise.  Stephen Mallatratt's stage adaptation of the original Susan Hill novel—still running after 25 years in London's West End—is a tour de force for two actors. "The Woman in Black," says the London production's web site, "combines the power and intensity of live theatre with a cinematic quality inspired by the world of film noir. It gives audiences an evening of unremitting drama as they are transported into a terrifying and ghostly world."  Yep.  And as a neat bit of chamber theatre, this should play to SATEs strengths.

Held Over:

Photo: John Lamb

Stray Dog Theatre presents Evil Dead: The Musical Thursdays through Saturdays at 8 PM through November 1. Performances take place at The Tower Grove Abbey, 2336 Tennessee. For more information, visit straydogtheatre.org or call 314-865-1995.

My take: Honestly, this is not my particular thing, but the reviews have been so good and I'm so favorably inclined towards Stray Dog shows anyway that I have to include it. "If you like your scary stories served with a generous helping of ribald and slapstick humor," writes Tina Farmer in her review for 88.1 KDHX, "you'll want to put Evil Dead The Musical at the top of your must see list. Stray Dog Theatre kicks off its eleventh season with a show that takes the company's tagline "Come out and play" and ratchets it up to new levels in an energetic, yet playful, spoof on the teen horror movie genre." Besides, how can you not like a show that includes a dance number titled "Do the Necronomicon"?

©Photo by Jerry Naunheim, Jr.

The Repertory Theatre of St. Louis presents drama Fly through November 10. “Based on the experiences of the Tuskegee Airmen, this inspiring story follows four courageous young African-American pilots as they train to fly combat aircraft during World War II. Facing powerful conflict both on and off the battlefield, the men form a lasting brotherhood, paving the way for the desegregation of the military and giving hope to a changing America on the horizon. Soaring and inventive, Fly combines live action, video and the compelling “Tap Griot,” an innovative dancing storyteller who expresses the anger, fear and triumph that the officers cannot.” Performances take place at the Loretto-Hlton Center, 130 Edgar Road in Webster Groves, MO. For more information, call 314-968-4925 or visit repstl.org.

My take: As I wrote in my OnSTL.com blog, the world premiere of Trey Ellis and Ricardo Khan's drama Fly at the Repertory Theatre of St. Louis is the most inspiring, enraging, and sad thing you can see in a theatre this week. Inspiring because this story of the legendary Tuskegee Airman—an all-black fighter pilot unit who escorted an unprecedented 200 of 205 bomber missions without losing an aircraft and earned a raft of medals in the process. Enraging because the white Americans whose lives and freedom they were protecting treated them as subhuman. Sad because we seem to have learned so little in the intervening seven decades." Other critics have been equally effusive. This is definitely a "must see."

Photo: Jill
Ritter Lindbergh

New Line Theatre presents the musical version of the film Night of the Living Dead Thursdays through Saturdays at 8 PM through November 2. Performances take place at the Washington University South Campus Theatre, 6501 Clayton Road. For more information, newlinetheatre.com.

My take: This is not, as you might think, another horror send-up along the lines of Evil Dead the Musical. "This is no spoof," writes Steve Callahan in his review for 88.1 KDHX, "nor is it merely an homage; if you let it, it will lead you to think...By approaching these rather two-dimensional characters with such deep seriousness the cast leads us to consider some thoughts that make this show more than just a zombie thriller: How fragile is peace. How fragile is happiness. Death, despair, catastrophe can come suddenly, with no warning. War, a tornado, an economic crash—they can destroy us in a moment, just like a horde of zombies." So, no, not a lot of laughs, but rather a serious musical about what's out there in the dark—very appropriate to open the current season by "the bad boy of musical theatre." Before you go, check out my interview with director Scott Miller.

Photo: Whitney Curtis

Washington University Performing Arts Department presents the musical Spring Awakening Friday and Saturday at 8 PM and Sunday at 2 PM. "A girl asks awkward questions. A boy, frustrated by a dead language, erupts into a new one. Latin falls to rock ‘n’ roll. Steven Sater’s Spring Awakening—with its blunt depictions of adolescent sexuality and startling mixture of contemporary expression and fin de siècle restraint—is among the most influential, unexpected and beloved Broadway shows of recent years." Performances take place in the A.E. Hotchner Studio Theatre in the Mallinckrodt Student Center on the Washington University campus. For more information, call 314-935-6543.

My take: This powerful rock musical of teens struggling with raging hormones in a repressive social system is pretty much ideal material, I think, for a collegiate theatrical program. In her review for 88.1 KDHX, Tina Farmer says this "is a beautifully produced and acted piece, filled with youthful exuberance and cold truths that linger well after the final song."

OnSite Theatre Company presents the world premiere of The Trivia Job by St. Louis native and San Francisco playwright Dan Rubin Fridays and Saturdays at 8 PM, through November 9. “When the women of the St. Francis Knitting Ministry learn that their beloved church is on the brink of financial ruin, they do exactly what anyone else would do: they plan an elaborate bank heist, using a special trivia night fundraiser as their cover. But will the replacement emcee, a young priest from their church, screw up all of their plans? With a complete evening of trivia interwoven into a thrilling comedy set in a site-specific location, The Trivia Job promises to be a night of theater like none you've ever before experienced. Get ready to be accessories to fun!” Performances take place at Metropolitan Community Church of Greater St. Louis, 1919 S Broadway in Soulard. For more information: www.OnSiteTheatre.org.

My take: For many local theatre companies, not having a fixed abode is a problem. For OnSite, it's a mission. Their site-specific productions have taken them to bars, restaurants, a bowling alley, and a laundromat, among other non-traditional locations.  In her review for 88.1 KDHX, Andrea Braun says The Trivia Job "is clever, fun and surprisingly moving. Anna Pileggi had her hands full directing this complex operation, and she pulls it off with apparent ease."

Chuck's Choices for the weekend of October 25, 2013

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

Share on Google+:

New this week:

©Photo by Jerry Naunheim, Jr.

The Repertory Theatre of St. Louis presents drama Fly through November 10. “Based on the experiences of the Tuskegee Airmen, this inspiring story follows four courageous young African-American pilots as they train to fly combat aircraft during World War II. Facing powerful conflict both on and off the battlefield, the men form a lasting brotherhood, paving the way for the desegregation of the military and giving hope to a changing America on the horizon. Soaring and inventive, Fly combines live action, video and the compelling “Tap Griot,” an innovative dancing storyteller who expresses the anger, fear and triumph that the officers cannot.” Performances take place at the Loretto-Hlton Center, 130 Edgar Road in Webster Groves, MO. For more information, call 314-968-4925 or visit repstl.org.

My take: As I wrote in my OnSTL.com blog, the world premiere of Trey Ellis and Ricardo Khan's drama Fly at the Repertory Theatre of St. Louis is the most inspiring, enraging, and sad thing you can see in a theatre this week. Inspiring because this story of the legendary Tuskegee Airman—an all-black fighter pilot unit who escorted an unprecedented 200 of 205 bomber missions without losing an aircraft and earned a raft of medals in the process. Enraging because the white Americans whose lives and freedom they were protecting treated them as subhuman. Sad because we seem to have learned so little in the intervening seven decades." Other critics have been equally effusive. This is definitely a "must see."

Photo: Whitney Curtis

Washington University Performing Arts Department presents the musical Spring Awakening Fridays and Saturdays at 8 PM and Sundays at 2 PM, October 25 - November 3. "A girl asks awkward questions. A boy, frustrated by a dead language, erupts into a new one. Latin falls to rock ‘n’ roll. Steven Sater’s Spring Awakening—with its blunt depictions of adolescent sexuality and startling mixture of contemporary expression and fin de siècle restraint—is among the most influential, unexpected and beloved Broadway shows of recent years." Performances take place in the A.E. Hotchner Studio Theatre in the Mallinckrodt Student Center on the Washington University campus. For more information, call 314-935-6543.

My take: This powerful rock musical of teens struggling with raging hormones in a repressive social system is pretty much ideal material, I think, for a collegiate theatrical program.

OnSite Theatre Company presents the world premiere of The Trivia Job by St. Louis native and San Francisco playwright Dan Rubin Fridays and Saturdays at 8 PM, October 25 - November 9. “When the women of the St. Francis Knitting Ministry learn that their beloved church is on the brink of financial ruin, they do exactly what anyone else would do: they plan an elaborate bank heist, using a special trivia night fundraiser as their cover. But will the replacement emcee, a young priest from their church, screw up all of their plans? With a complete evening of trivia interwoven into a thrilling comedy set in a site-specific location, The Trivia Job promises to be a night of theater like none you've ever before experienced. Get ready to be accessories to fun!” Performances take place at Metropolitan Community Church of Greater St. Louis, 1919 S Broadway in Soulard. For more information: www.OnSiteTheatre.org.

My take: For many local theatre companies, not having a fixed abode is a problem. For OnSite, it's a mission. Their site-specific productions have taken them to bars, restaurants, a bowling alley, and a laundromat, among other non-traditional locations.

Opera Theatre of St. Louis presents the children's opera The Very Last Green Thing on Saturday, October 26, at 10 and 11:30 AM. “Journey to a classroom in the year 2413 where a group of students is raised and taught by an android. On a rare field trip “outside,” a shy and obedient child named Amy unexpectedly discovers the very last green thing on earth. Soon she must confront the truth and make important choices as the secrets of the past are uncovered.” Performances take place at the Touhill Performing Arts Center on the University of Missouri - St. Louis campus. For more information: touhill.org or call 314-516-4949

My take: Originally written in 1992, The Very Last Green Thing is a children's opera with an ecological message that is, in some ways, more even more urgent now than it was originally. And it doesn't just stop with the fictional elements. As Sarah Bryan Miller noted in an stltoday.com article last week, the production "seeks to practice what it preaches — and keep down costs — by using recycled elements, including water bottles and cardboard, in its deliberately green set design."

Held Over:

Photo: John Lamb

Stray Dog Theatre presents Evil Dead: The Musical Thursdays through Saturdays at 8 PM through November 1. Performances take place at The Tower Grove Abbey, 2336 Tennessee. For more information, visit straydogtheatre.org or call 314-865-1995.

My take: Honestly, this is not my particular thing, but the reviews have been so good and I'm so favorably inclined towards Stray Dog shows anyway that I have to include it. "If you like your scary stories served with a generous helping of ribald and slapstick humor," writes Tina Farmer in her review for 88.1 KDHX, "you'll want to put Evil Dead The Musical at the top of your must see list. Stray Dog Theatre kicks off its eleventh season with a show that takes the company's tagline "Come out and play" and ratchets it up to new levels in an energetic, yet playful, spoof on the teen horror movie genre." Besides, how can you not like a show that includes a dance number titled "Do the Necronomicon"?

Photo: Jill
Ritter Lindbergh

New Line Theatre presents the musical version of the film Night of the Living Dead Thursdays through Saturdays at 8 PM through November 2. Performances take place at the Washington University South Campus Theatre, 6501 Clayton Road. For more information, newlinetheatre.com.

My take: This is not, as you might think, another horror send-up along the lines of Evil Dead the Musical. "This is no spoof," writes Steve Callahan in his review for 88.1 KDHX, "nor is it merely an homage; if you let it, it will lead you to think...By approaching these rather two-dimensional characters with such deep seriousness the cast leads us to consider some thoughts that make this show more than just a zombie thriller: How fragile is peace. How fragile is happiness. Death, despair, catastrophe can come suddenly, with no warning. War, a tornado, an economic crash—they can destroy us in a moment, just like a horde of zombies." So, no, not a lot of laughs, but rather a serious musical about what's out there in the dark—very appropriate to open the current season by "the bad boy of musical theatre." Before you go, check out my interview with director Scott Miller.