St. Louis theatre calendar for the week of July 24, 2017

9 to 5, the Musical

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Stages St. Louis presents the 9 to 5, the Musical through August 20. "Based on the seminal 1980 hit movie, this hilarious musical romp that explores friendship and revenge in the Rolodex era is outrageous, romantic, and even a little bit thought provoking in its heroines' desire to break the glass ceiling. Chock-full of upbeat and optimistic songs by country superstar Dolly Parton and featuring the toe-tapping title tune, "9 to 5", three female coworkers concoct a plan to live out their wildest fantasies by giving their sexist, egotistical, lying, hypocritical bigot of a boss the boot! In the process, the women give their workplace a dream makeover and take control of the company that had always kept them down. A bright and brand new musical bon-bon for STAGES audiences and a celebration for anyone who has ever struggled with any kind of authority figure, you will laugh, cry, and ultimately cheer the exploits of Violet, Judy, and Doralee as they discover the joys of working 9 to 5!" Performances take place in the Robert G. Reim Theatre at the Kirkwood Community Center, 111 South Geyer Road in Kirkwood. For more information: stagesstlouis.org.

Over Due Theatre presents musical Annie Fridays and Saturdays at 7:30 PM and Sundays at 2 PM, July 28 - August 2. Performances take place at the Olivette Community Center, 9723 Grandview Drive, in Olivette, MO. For more information, call 314-210-2959 or visit overduetheatrecompany.com.

Union Avenue Opera presents the Rodgers and Hammerstein's Carousel Fridays and Saturdays at 8 PM, July 28 - August 5. Performances take place at the Union Avenue Christian Church, 733 Union at Enright in the Central West End. " The time is 1873. The place, a small fishing village on the rocky New England coastline. Billy Bigelow, the handsome and swaggering barker for Mrs. Mullin's carousel in the local amusement park, meets Julie Jordan, a lovely young working girl at the nearby mill, when Julie and her friend Carrie Pipperidge come to the carousel. Billy and Julie fall in love and are soon married. But as the community unties against them, it soon becomes apparent that marriage doesn't guarantee "happily ever after." The production is directed by Ken Page. The opera is sung in English with projected English text. For more information, visit unionavenueopera.org or call 314-361-2881.

The Muny presents the musical A Chorus Line opening on Saturday, July 29, at 8:15 p.m. and running through the August 4th. "This singular sensation of a musical tells the story of 19 dancers at a final audition, vying for a spot in a Broadway show. A landmark American musical, A Chorus Line has been called "the greatest musical - ever." With music by Oscar and Tony winning Marvin Hamlisch, A Chorus Line celebrates the dreams, guts and sweat that we all need to take our place "on the line." Performances take place on the Muny's outdoor stage in Forest Park. For more information: muny.org.

The Playhouse at Westport Plaza presents Church Basement Ladies Thursdays through Sundays through October 1. "Church Basement Ladies, a celebration of the church basement kitchen and the women who work there, features four distinct characters and their relationships as they organize the food and the problems of a rural Minnesota church. From the elderly matriarch of the kitchen to the young bride-to-be learning the proper order of things, the book and music give us a touching, funny look at their lives as we see them handle a record breaking Christmas dinner, the funeral of a dear friend, a Hawaiian Easter Fundraiser, and a steaming hot July wedding. They stave off potential disasters, share and debate recipes, instruct the young, and keep the Pastor on due course while thoroughly enjoying, (and tolerating) each other." The Playhouse at Westport Plaza is at 635 West Port Plaza. For more information: playhouseatwestport.com.

The Lemp Mansion Comedy-Mystery Dinner Theater presents Death of a Blackheart through July 29. "Welcome aboard the largest, (and safest), cruise liner ever to sail the low seas. That's right. Welcome aboard the Gigantic! But wait! What do I hear? "Argggghhhhhhh!" Avast ye mateys and get yer gizzard ready to be robbed by the most famous pirate ever to pillage a maiden! Of course, we're talkin' Captain Jack Blackheart! He's the pirate that has cheated more people, emptied more pockets and pillaged more ladies than any politician. Gee. I hope no one kills him off. You'll meet lots of fun characters at this show. In fact audience members will get to play lots of fun characters in this show because it's "chock full" of "Fair Maidens", "Lost Boys", "Rival Pirates", and more. One thing is for sure. If you've ever wanted to stand up and shout out Arggggghhhh!...then "Death of a Blackheart" is the show for you!" The Lemp Mansion is at 3322 DeMenil Place. For more information: lempmansion.com.

JPEK CreativeWorks Theatre presents NV and Paige Otis in A Legends Review: Chaka Kahn and Tina Marie on Sunday, July 30, at 3 and 6 p.m. The performances take place at the Kranzberg Arts Center, 501 North Grand in Grand Center. For more information: kranzbergartscenter.org/calendar.

Ignite Theatre Company presents the musical Little Shop of Horrors on Thursday through Saturday at 7 p.m. and Sunday at 2 p.m., July 27 - 30. "The meek floral assistant Seymour Krelborn stumbles across a new breed of plant he names "Audrey II" - after his coworker crush. This foul-mouthed, R&B-singing carnivore promises unending fame and fortune to the down and out Krelborn as long as he keeps feeding it, BLOOD. Over time, though, Seymour discovers Audrey II's out of this world origins and intent towards global domination!" Performances take place at South Hampton Church, 4716 Macklind. For more information: www.brownpapertickets.com.

The Fox Theatre presents the musical Mamma Mia!, based on the songs of ABBA, Friday through Sunday, July 28 - 30. The Fox Theatre is at 517 North Grand in Grand Center. For more information: fabulousfox.com.

St. Louis Actors' Studio presents the Neil LaBute New Theater Festival, Part 2 through July 31 at the Gaslight Theatre, 358 North Boyle. The festival features professional, new and previously unproduced one-act plays 45 minutes or less in length, chosen from submissions to the festival over the previous year. . The plays in Part 2 are "Hate Crime" by Neil LaBute, "How's Bruno?" by Cary Pepper, and "Sin Titulo" by Tearrance Chrisholm. For more information call 314-458-2978 or visit stlas.org.

The Hawthorne Players present the musical Once Upon a Mattress July 28 - August 6. "Due to an unhappy curse, King Sextimus is unable to speak. Mean- while, his terror-of-a-wife, Queen Aggravain, has taken over control of the kingdom. In an attempt to keep Prince Dauntless single, has decreed that only the princess that can pass her test may marry her son. Luckily, Sir Harry is able to find an amazing princess who instantly catches the attention of Prince Dauntless. In the end, Winnifred is able to pass the Queen's impossible sensitivity test." The performances take place at the Florissant Civic Center Theatre at Parker and Waterford in Florissant, MO. For more information, call 921-5678 or visit hawthorneplayers.info.

The Bissell Mansion Murder Mystery Dinner Theatre presents Phantom of the Grand Old Opry through July 30. The Bissell Mansion is at 4426 Randall Place. For more information: bissellmansiontheatre.com.

The Looking Glass Playhouse presents the musical The Rocky Horror Show Friday and Saturday, July 28 and 29. "In this cult classic, sweethearts Brad and Janet, stuck with a flat tire during a storm, discover the eerie mansion of Dr. Frank-N-Furter, a transvestite scientist. As their innocence is lost, Brad and Janet meet a houseful of wild characters, including a rocking biker and a creepy butler. Through elaborate dances and rock songs, Frank-N-Furter unveils his latest creation: a muscular man named Rocky." Performances take place at 301 West St. Louis Street in Lebanon, Ill. For more information, visit www.lookingglassplayhouse.com.

Hard Road Theatre Productions presents the musical Sister Act July 28 - August 6. "Blessed with a rollicking musical score from Alan Menken - the composer who brought us BEAUTY AND THE BEAST, THE LITTLE MERMAID, NEWSIES, and ALADDIN - this divine comedy about a sassy, low-rent lounge singer forced to hide out from the mob in the last place anyone would ever look for her - a convent - recently became one of Broadway's smash hit musicals and continues to attract flocks of faithful followers wherever it goes thanks to its soulful chorus of swingin' sisters." Performances will be held at the Highland Elementary School Auditorium, 12760 Troxler Ave, Highland IL. For more information: www.hardroad.org.

The Unsinkable Molly Brown

The Muny presents the musical The Unsinkable Molly Brown nightly at 8:15 through July 27th. "Hannibal Missouri's own brash and beguiling Molly Brown shines in this exhilarating adaptation of Meredith Willson's 1960 musical. Her rags-to-riches story sparkles with a new book by Dick Scanlan (Thoroughly Modern Millie), and new songs from the Meredith Willson songbook. The tempestuous can't-live-with-him/can't-live-without-him love story that survived the Silver Boom, Gold Rush and sinking of the Titanic returns to the stage with more fun and flair than ever. This is one of those classic musicals that will have your heart soaring!" Performances take place on the Muny's outdoor stage in Forest Park. For more information: muny.org.

St. Charles Community College presents the musical You're a Good Man, Charlie Brown Wednesday through Friday at 7:30, Saturday at 2 and 7:30 p.m, and Sunday at 2 p.m., July 26 - 30. "This revival of the original 1967 musical is a fresh approach to the comic book world of Charles Schulz. All your favorite characters are here: Charlie Brown, Sally, Linus, Lucy, Schroeder, and even Snoopy as they experience "an average day in the life of Charlie Brown." It really is just that - a day made up of little moments picked from various comic strips and set to music. Come see Charlie and the gang battle with kites, book reports, baseball games, Valentine's Day, and childhood crushes before finally realizing what true happiness is all about." Performances take place in the FAB 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.

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

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

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

St. Louis theatre calendar for the week of July 17, 2017

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Stages St. Louis presents the 9 to 5, the Musical July 21 - August 20. "Based on the seminal 1980 hit movie, this hilarious musical romp that explores friendship and revenge in the Rolodex era is outrageous, romantic, and even a little bit thought provoking in its heroines' desire to break the glass ceiling. Chock-full of upbeat and optimistic songs by country superstar Dolly Parton and featuring the toe-tapping title tune, "9 to 5", three female coworkers concoct a plan to live out their wildest fantasies by giving their sexist, egotistical, lying, hypocritical bigot of a boss the boot! In the process, the women give their workplace a dream makeover and take control of the company that had always kept them down. A bright and brand new musical bon-bon for STAGES audiences and a celebration for anyone who has ever struggled with any kind of authority figure, you will laugh, cry, and ultimately cheer the exploits of Violet, Judy, and Doralee as they discover the joys of working 9 to 5!" Performances take place in the Robert G. Reim Theatre at the Kirkwood Community Center, 111 South Geyer Road in Kirkwood. For more information: stagesstlouis.org.

All Shook Up

The Muny presents All Shook Up through Wednesday, July 19. "Set to the hits of the King of Rock and Roll himself, Elvis Presley, this musical will have you dancing in your "Blue Suede Shoes" all night long. Inspired by Shakespeare's Twelfth Night, the music is all Elvis, and the result is a night of hilarious and enchanting 1950s fun. When Chad, the mysterious hip-swiveling roustabout arrives in town, suddenly everyone's lip-curling and all shook up with secrets, music and love." Performances take place on the Muny's outdoor stage in Forest Park. For more information: muny.org .

Southern Illinois University at Edwardsville presents the musical The Addams Family, Wednesdays through Saturdays at 7:30 p.m. and Sundays at 2 p.m. through July 23. "The weird and wonderful family created by New Yorker cartoonist Charles Addams comes to life in this zany musical comedy. All the memorable 'creepy and kooky"' characters are there: Morticia, Gomez, Uncle Fester, Lurch, Grandmama, Wednesday and Pugsley, accompanied on stage by some of their deceased ancestors. In this story, Morticia and Gomez Addams want to continue living amongst death, pain and suffering as they always have. But there is a change brewing." Performances take place in the Dunham Hall Theater on the campus in Edwardsville, IL. For more information, call 618-650-2774 or visit siue.edu.

COCA Theatre Company presents Disney's Beauty and the Beast Friday at 7 p.m. and Saturday and Sunday at 1 and 5 p.m., July 21 - 23. " A classic story of a young woman and a prince trapped under an enchantress' spell, which only needs the power of love to break. This production features the film's Academy Award-winning score with music by Alan Menken and lyrics by Howard Ashman, with additional song with music by Alan Menken and lyrics by Tim Rice. The book is by Linda Woolverton. COCA Theatre Company (CTC) is an auditioned ensemble of students enrolled in COCA's Pre-Professional Division." The performances take place in the Founder's Theater at COCA, 524 Trinity in University City. For more information: cocastl.org.

Tim Schall

The Cabaret Project and presents the Broadway Open Mic Night on Thursday, July 20, from 7:30 to 10:30 p.m. Drop by and enjoy a night of great music from St. Louis cabaret artists, backed up by the pianist and music director Carol Schmidt. The special guest MC this month in Tim Schall. 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. This month's open mic takes place at The Stage at KDHX. For more information: thecabaretproject.org.

The St. Louis Writers' Group presents a reading of the operetta Caligari's Carnival, based on the silent film The Cabinet of Dr. Caligari Monday, July 17, at 6:30 p.m. "The carnival has come to town and the mysterious yet charismatic Dr. Caligari presents, for the first time anywhere, his strange sideshow exhibit of Cesare the Somnambulist. Twenty-three year old Cesare knows every secret of the past, present, and future. He awakens from his death-like trance only once a day at Caligari's command to give his predictions, not all of which are entirely pleasant. It is up to Francis and Jane to discover the nature of Cesare's dark prophecies before more harm is done. There's every kind of entertainment at the fair ...and there's murder!" The event takes place upstairs at Big Daddy's, 1000 Sindey in Soulard. For more information: www.stlwritersgroup.com.

The Playhouse at Westport Plaza presents Church Basement Ladies Thursday through Sunday, July 21 - October 1. "Church Basement Ladies, a celebration of the church basement kitchen and the women who work there, features four distinct characters and their relationships as they organize the food and the problems of a rural Minnesota church. From the elderly matriarch of the kitchen to the young bride-to-be learning the proper order of things, the book and music give us a touching, funny look at their lives as we see them handle a record breaking Christmas dinner, the funeral of a dear friend, a Hawaiian Easter Fundraiser, and a steaming hot July wedding. They stave off potential disasters, share and debate recipes, instruct the young, and keep the Pastor on due course while thoroughly enjoying, (and tolerating) each other." The Playhouse at Westport Plaza is at 635 West Port Plaza. For more information: playhouseatwestport.com.

The Lemp Mansion Comedy-Mystery Dinner Theater presents Death of a Blackheart through July 29. "Welcome aboard the largest, (and safest), cruise liner ever to sail the low seas. That's right. Welcome aboard the Gigantic! But wait! What do I hear? "Argggghhhhhhh!" Avast ye mateys and get yer gizzard ready to be robbed by the most famous pirate ever to pillage a maiden! Of course, we're talkin' Captain Jack Blackheart! He's the pirate that has cheated more people, emptied more pockets and pillaged more ladies than any politician. Gee. I hope no one kills him off. You'll meet lots of fun characters at this show. In fact audience members will get to play lots of fun characters in this show because it's "chock full" of "Fair Maidens", "Lost Boys", "Rival Pirates", and more. One thing is for sure. If you've ever wanted to stand up and shout out Arggggghhhh!...then "Death of a Blackheart" is the show for you!" The Lemp Mansion is at 3322 DeMenil Place. For more information: lempmansion.com.

St. Louis Actors' Studio presents the Neil LaBute New Theater Festival, Part 2 July 22 - 31 at the Gaslight Theatre, 358 North Boyle. The festival features professional, new and previously unproduced one-act plays 45 minutes or less in length, chosen from submissions to the festival over the previous year. . The plays in Part 2 are "Hate Crime" by Neil LaBute, "How's Bruno?" by Cary Pepper, and "Sin Titulo" by Tearrance Chrisholm. For more information call 314-458-2978 or visit stlas.org.

On Golden Pond
Photo: John Lamb

Insight Theatre Company presents the drama On Golden Pond through July 23. "On Golden Pond had its Broadway appearance in 1979. Directed by Ernest Thompson and reopened again the following season. It received a Tony Award for Best Actress in a Play and received 5 Drama Desk Awards: When it was adapted for the screen in 1981, it starred Henry Fonda, Katherine Hepburn and Jane Fonda, and was highly acclaimed. It is a love story of Ethel and Norman Thayer, a long married couple in their near 80s and their relationship with their daughter, Chelsea." Performances take place at The .ZACK, 3224 Locust in Midtown. For more information, call 314-556-1293 or visit insighttheatrecompany.com.

The Bissell Mansion Murder Mystery Dinner Theatre presents Phantom of the Grand Old Opry through July 30. The Bissell Mansion is at 4426 Randall Place. For more information: bissellmansiontheatre.com.

Curtain's Up Theatre presents the Stephen Schwartz musical Pippin Fridays and Saturdays at 7:30 p.m. through July 22. "A prince learns the true meaning of glory, love and war in this iconic musical allegory." Performances take place at the Alfresco Art Center, 2401 Delmar in Granite City, IL. For more information, visit curtainsuptheater.com .

The St. Louis Cabaret Conference presents the Final Showcase and Closing Night Party on Saturday, August 25, at 7:30 p.m., as part of the 2017 St. Louis Cabaret Festival. "Singers come from all around the country as well as our hometown to be mentored by the renowned artists who are performing as part of the St. Louis Cabaret Festival. This is the closing night revelry to honor their work. Don't miss this audience favorite and the go-to singer showcase of the year. Seats are limited. Who knows -- maybe the next St. Louis Cabaret Festival headliner will be on the stage! Directed by Marilyn Maye, Peisha McPhee, and Jeff Harnar and music directed by Tedd Firth, Chris Denny, and Michael Orland." The performance takes place at The Stage @ KDHX in Grand Center. For more information: www.ticketfly.com.

The St. Louis Cabaret Conference presents the High School Teen Showcase on Tuesday, July 18, at 7:30 p.m. as part of the 2017 St. Louis Cabaret Festival. "Join Broadway's Karen Mason, American Idol's Peisha McPhee and St. Louis Cabaret Conference's Carol Schmidt as they present to you the new, young voices of cabaret. These talented young people will have just worked with the above faculty on the art and craft of song performance. And tonight they will celebrate what they have learned with a special showcase performance of their budding talents. As the saying goes 'There's a lot of talent out there' and this evening singers at the first stages of their careers prove it." The performance takes place at The Stage @ KDHX in Grand Center. For more information: www.ticketfly.com.

The St. Louis Cabaret Conference presents the Professional Track Showcase on Saturday, July 22, at 7:30 p.m. as part of the 2017 St. Louis Cabaret Festival. "Directed by Tony Winner Faith Prince with music direction by Alex Rybeck, these six singers take to the stage to show you why they are on the right track! The St. Louis Cabaret Conference presents these select singers in their own showcase of mini cabaret sets to show so you can see why they are ready to take their talents and ambitions and make their mark in the cabaret world - if they haven't already." The performance takes place at The Stage @ KDHX in Grand Center. For more information: www.ticketfly.com.

The Kirkwood Theatre Guild presents Twisted Improv on Friday, July 21, at 8 p.m. 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.

The Muny presents the musical The Unsinkable Molly Brown opening on Friday, July 21, at 8:15 p.m. and running through the 27th. "Hannibal Missouri's own brash and beguiling Molly Brown shines in this exhilarating adaptation of Meredith Willson's 1960 musical. Her rags-to-riches story sparkles with a new book by Dick Scanlan (Thoroughly Modern Millie), and new songs from the Meredith Willson songbook. The tempestuous can't-live-with-him/can't-live-without-him love story that survived the Silver Boom, Gold Rush and sinking of the Titanic returns to the stage with more fun and flair than ever. This is one of those classic musicals that will have your heart soaring!" Performances take place on the Muny's outdoor stage in Forest Park. For more information: muny.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.

Review: The Shakespeare Festival's "A Winter's Tale" is seriously great, even when it's not serious

The Sicilian court

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I won't mince words. The Shakespeare Festival St. Louis production of Shakespeare's 1610 comedy/drama The Winter's Tale, which runs through June 25th, is seriously great theatre. It demands to be seen.

This isn't just one of the best Shakespeare productions I've ever seen, it's one of the best productions of any play I've ever seen. It's superbly acted, beautifully designed, and directed in a way that shows a deep understanding of and respect for the text-something far too many Shakespeare directors seem to lack.

A Winter's Tale is often regarded as a "problem play" because of the way it shifts abruptly from tragedy to bucolic comedy to redemptive romance. Some critics have seen that as a weakness, but director Bruce Longworth, in his program notes, begs to differ. "I think it's a strength," he writes. "Life can turn on a dime and frequently does: laughter in the morning, tears at night…Shakespeare understood this and embraced it in his story-telling." Mr. Longworth goes with Shakespeare's flow, setting a brisk pace and allowing the feel of the production to change along with Shakespeare's text.

The Bohemian countryside

And those changes are significant. For its first three acts, A Winter's Tale is a dark tale of jealously and paranoia run rampant, as Leontes, the King of Sicilia, effectively goes insane and accuses his pregnant wife Hermonie of having an affair with Leontes' long-time friend Polixenes, the King of Bohemia. By the time Shakespeare's third act (and this production's first) ends, there have been multiple deaths and Leontes realizes, too late, how much damage he has caused.

The last two acts, which take place sixteen years later, are mostly taken up with rustic comedy in Bohemia, as Polixenes' son Florien woos the girl he believes to be a shepherdess but who is actually the supposedly dead daughter of Leontes and Hermonie. Everyone eventually winds up back in Sicilia for a wildly improbable happy ending.

This could all be a mess, but under Mr. Longworth's skilled guidance this outstanding cast makes it all work. Their obvious comfort with Shakespeare's language allows them to communicate every nuance clearly with the audience who, the night I saw the show, were rapt from the first scene.

Charles Pasternak perfectly conveys Leontes' madness and remorse, Cherie Corinne Rice is a perfect picture of wounded innocence as Hermonie, and Rachel Christopher makes Hermonie's gentlewoman Paulina a tower of righteous strength as she defends Hermonie from Leontes' lunacy.

Charles Pasternak, Rachel Christopher,
Cherie Corinne Rice

Anderson Matthews is a wonderfully sympathetic Camillo, torn between what Leontes wants and what he knows is right. And Whit Richert's performance as the Shepherd who rescues Leontes' infant daughter from the elements is a comic gem. Ditto for Gary Glasgow as the rogue Autolycus, deftly picking pockets and bursting into song.

In fact, there is not a weak performer in this ensemble. Rather than list them all here, I'll just refer you to the Festival's web site. Scenic Designer Scott Neale and Costumer Designer Dorothy Marshall Englis set an appropriately fanciful tone, placing the action in a kind of vaguely 18th century Neverland. And the live music by Matt Pace, Brien Seyle, and Emma Tiemann adds an extra bit of polish to the show.

The Shakespeare Festival St. Louis production of The Winter's Tale is performed nightly at 8 in Shakespeare Glen across from the Art Museum in Forest Park, although the pre-show entertainment starts at around 6:30. You only have a few more days to catch this beautiful and completely entertaining event; don't miss it.

St. Louis theatre calendar for the week of June 13, 2016

[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.

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Ariadne on Naxos
Photo: Ken Howard

Opera Theatre of St. Louis presents Richard Strauss's comedy Ariadne on Naxos running through June 24. "The wealthiest man in Vienna has hired both divas and clowns to perform two separate shows at the end of a lavish dinner party. When dinner runs long, the artists are stunned to find they must all take the stage together. What results is a mashup of slapstick comedy and deeply profound romance - mixing coloratura fireworks with spectacular arias." Performances take place at the Loretto-Hilton Center at 135 Edgar Road on the Webster University campus. All performances are sung in English with projected English text. For more information: experienceopera.org or call 314-961-0644.

New Line Theatre presents the St. Louis premiere of the musical Atomic Thursdays through Saturdays at 8 PM through June 25. "New Line continues its 25h season with the regional premiere of the exhilarating and provocative new rock musical ATOMIC, based on the true story of the creation of the atomic bomb. With book and lyrics by Danny Ginges, and music and lyrics by Philip Foxman, this powerful rock musical blasts open the doors of The Manhattan Project, a government-funded program of top scientists with the task of creating the world's first Atomic Bomb." Performances take place at the Marcelle Theater, 3310 Samuel Shepard Drive, three blocks east of Grand, in Grand Center. For more information, visit newlinetheatre.com or call 314-534-1111.

La Bohème
Photo: Ken Howard

Opera Theatre of St. Louis presents Puccini's La Bohème running through June 25. "One of the most performed operas of all time, La bohème has gripped audiences for over a century. Rodolfo and his friends scrape by as bohemian artists, using their wit and charm to escape life's harsher consequences. Rodolfo can't imagine how love will change him until he encounters a beautiful dressmaker, Mimì. Set to lush, irresistible music, Puccini's masterpiece never fails to move audiences to both laughter and tears." Performances take place at the Loretto-Hilton Center at 135 Edgar Road on the Webster University campus. All performances are sung in English with projected English text. For more information: experienceopera.org or call 314-961-0644. Read my 88.1 KDHX review!

Act Inc presents Neil Simon's autobiographical comedy Brighton Beach Memoris June 25-26. " Precocious 15-year-old Eugene Jerome comes of age in the bosom of his close-knit family during the Great Depression. Take this unique opportunity to be a "fly on the wall" and discover the environment that bred a comic genius!" Performances take place in the Emerson Black Box Theatre at the J. Scheidegger Center for the Arts on the Lindenwood campus in St. Charles, MO. For more information, visit actincstl.com.

Broken Bone Bathtub
Photo: Kimberly N.

That Uppity Theatre Company and The Drama Club Stl present the St. Louis Premiere of Broken Bone Bathtub Thursdays at 7 and 9:30 p.m, Fridays and Saturdays at 7:30 and 9:30 p.m., and Sundays at 2 p.m. through June 26. "Created and performed by Siobhan O'Loughlin, this performance piece highlights disability-temporary or ongoing, vulnerability, the female body, community, and innovative theatre. Broken Bone Bathtub is an immersive theatre experience taking place inside a bathtub, in an actual home. After a serious bike accident, a young woman musters up the courage to ask for help, and shares her story, exploring themes of trauma, suffering, human generosity, and connection. The audience takes on the role of Siobhan's close friends; not only listening but sharing in their experiences, and assisting the cast-clad artist in the actual ritual of taking a bath." Friday through Sunday performances take place at the Lemp Mansion, 3322 DeMenil Place in south St. Louis. Thursday performances take place in bathtubs of private homes throughout the St. Louis metropolitan area. For more information: uppityco.com.

The Lemp Mansion Comedy-Mystery Dinner Theater presents Bullets in the Bathtub through July 30. The Lemp Mansion is at 3322 DeMenil Place. For more information: mansion.com

Carol Schmidt

The Cabaret Project and 88.1 KDHX present the cabaret open mic night on Wednesday, June 15, from 7 to 10 PM at the Tavern of Fine Arts. "Drop by and enjoy a night of great music from St. Louis cabaret artists, backed up by the inimitable Carol Schmidt on the baby grand." The guest master of ceremonies for the evening will be Cabaret Project Executive Director Tim Schall. If you're planning to sing, be prepared to do one or two songs and bring music, preferably in your key. At least one of your two songs should be a medium-or up-tempo number. We'd 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.

Insight Theatre Company presents Stephen Sondheim's musical Company June 17 - July 3. Performances take place in the Heagney Theatre, 530 East Lockwood on the campus of Nerinx Hall High School in Webster Groves. For more information, call 314-556-1293 or visit insighttheatrecompany.com.

Ben Nordstrom

The Emerald Room at the Monocle presents Ben Nordstrom in Diary of an Almost Grown-Up on Friday and Saturday, June 17 and 18, at 8 p.m. "Do you ever think to yourself, “Maybe next year I'll start to feel like an adult?” Then the next thing you know, you're geeking out over the casting announcement of the next Star Wars movie or playing whiffle ball in the toy aisle at Wal-Mart. In his return to the cabaret stage, Ben explores the insecurities and follies of stumbling from childhood to adulthood. Do we ever really grow up? The musically eclectic evening will include funny, fresh material from new composers Joe Iconis and Ryan Scott Oliver, as well as songs by Stephen Sondheim, the Beatles, Rodgers & Hammerstein, and Paul Simon." Justin Smolik is pianist and music director for the show. The performances take place in The Emerald Room at The Monocle Bar, 4510 Manchester in The Grove neighborhood. For more information: www.buzzonstage.com/st-louis

Stages St. Louis presents the musical Disney's Alice in Wonderland June 15 - July 3. "Tumble down the rabbit hole with Alice as she falls into the madcap world of Wonderland and meets such extraordinary characters as Tweedle Dee and Tweedle Dum, the Mad Hatter, the Queen of Hearts, and the frantically late White Rabbit. Inviting and magical, Disney's ALICE IN WONDERLAND is a fantastic adventure the whole family can enjoy! Based on the classic literary tales of Lewis Carroll and the beloved Walt Disney film, this whimsical journey to a land beyond imagination is sure to bring you and yours the perfect“Zip-A-Dee-Do-Dah” day." Performances take place in at the Playhouse at Westport Plaza. For more information, visit stagesstlouis.org or call 314-821-2407.

Five Women Wearing the Same Dress

Stray Dog Theatre presents the comedy Five Women Wearing the Same Dress Thursdays through Saturdays at 8 PM through June 25. “During a grandiose wedding reception at a Southern estate, five identically clad bridesmaids hide out in an upstairs bedroom. Each woman has a different reason for avoiding the festivities below. As the afternoon wears on, they find a common bond in a joyously irreverent and touching celebration of the female spirit." Performances take place at The Tower Grove Abbey, 2336 Tennessee. For more information, visit straydogtheatre.org or call 314-865-1995.

Clayton Community Theatre presents the drama Inherit the Wind Thursdays through Saturdays at 8 p.m. and Sundays at 2 p.m., through June 26. "Inherit the Wind is far more than a dramatic retelling of the Scopes Trial of 1925. It is a parable about attempting to mold society by enforcing a specific worldview or philosophy. It seeks, instead, to celebrate the individuality of man as a reasoning being, capable of living life according to his own personal convictions." Performances take place at the Washington University South Campus Theatre. For more information, call 314-721-9228 or visit placeseveryone.org.

Act Inc presents J.B. Priestley's drama An Inspector Calls June 17-19 and 24-25. "Set in a pre-WWI English industrial town, nothing is as it seems for the Birling family when the curious Police Inspector Goole interrupts a celebratory dinner to investigate the tragic demise of a young woman. Who is responsible for her untimely death? Is anybody guilty? Is anybody truly innocent? Are there any answers at all?" Performances take place in the Emerson Black Box Theatre at the J. Scheidegger Center for the Arts on the Lindenwood campus in St. Charles, MO. For more information, visit actincstl.com.

Stages St. Louis presents the musical It Shoulda Been You through July 3. "You are cordially invited to join us for what is certain to be the wedding of the year! Direct from Broadway and in its Mid-Western premiere, IT SHOULDA BEEN YOU comes to STAGES with a mad-cap wedding celebration we know you won't want to miss! After all, who doesn't love a wedding? Especially one that includes a beautiful blushing bride, her uninvited and unrequited boyfriend, a groom with a secret, a sister with her own hidden agenda, and a pair of mothers from hell. This refreshingly modern romantic comedy has more than a few surprising twists in store as out comes the bride and groom in a wedding you are sure to remember. Be the first to say “I do” to this wonderfully witty musical that kept Broadway audiences rolling in the aisles. " Performances take place in the Robert G. Reim Theatre at the Kirkwood Community Center, 111 South Geyer Road in Kirkwood. For more information, visit stagesstlouis.org or call 314-821-2407.

Macbeth
Photo: Ken Howard

Opera Theatre of St. Louis presents Verdi's Macbeth, based on the Shakespeare tragedy, running through June 26. "This opera is a thriller from start to finish - from the eerie prophecies of witches, to Lady Macbeth's sleepwalking scene, to the chilling and bloody finale. Experience Shakespeare's tale of ruthless ambition and murder as a classic Verdi masterwork, set to some of the most magnificent music in all of opera." Performances take place at the Loretto-Hilton Center at 135 Edgar Road on the Webster University campus. All performances are sung in English with projected English text. For more information: experienceopera.org or call 314-961-0644.

St. Louis Shakespeare's Magic Smoking Monkey Theatre presents Mad Max: A Magic Smoking Monkey Parody Fridays and Saturdays at 8 and 10:30 p.m. through June 18. Performances take place at the Regional Arts Commission in University City. For more information: stlshakespeare.org.

Shakespeare Festival St. Louis presents the comedy A Midsummer Night's Dream nightly except for Tuesdays through June 26. "It's time for a comedy! Last seen at the Festival in 2002, Midsummer will feature a diverse cast of actors portraying some of Shakespeare's most beloved characters as they get lost and fall in and out of love in the woods around Athens." Beginning at 6:30 the Green Show presents pre-play entertainment a variety of local performers on multiple stages. The play begins at 8 p.m. Performances take place in Shakespeare Glen next to the Art Museum in Forest Park. For more information, visit shakespearefestivalstlouis.org.

The Bissell Mansion Murder Mystery Dinner Theatre presents Nursery Crimes through July 31. The Bissell Mansion is at 4426 Randall Place. For more information: bissellmansiontheatre.com.

Circus Flora presents its new show, Pastime, through July 3 under the air-conditioned, red-and-white, big top tent in Grand Center next to Powell Hall. "Along with runs and hits, the box score will fill-up with flips, flights, and laughs throughout PASTIME. When the hometown Zephyrs struggle to get out of last place, only their biggest fan and some incredible (and unlikely) stunts can help them turn their season around. Join us, and the magic of baseball." For more information: circusflora.org.

Shalimar the Clown
Photo: Ken Howard

Opera Theatre of St. Louis presents the world premiere of Shalimar the Clown, based on the novel by Salman Rushdie, running through June 23. "Shalimar and his beloved Boonyi grow up together in a pastoral Kashmiri village, making people laugh as acrobats and dancers in a traditional folk theater. They fall in love, a youthful romance that culminates in a joyful wedding. But when the new American ambassador meets Boonyi, he seduces with the promise of a new life, sending Shalimar down a dangerous path of revenge." Performances take place at the Loretto-Hilton Center at 135 Edgar Road on the Webster University campus. All performances are sung in English with projected English text. For more information: experienceopera.org or call 314-961-0644.

Alfresco Productions presents the Lieber and Stoller musical revue Smokey Joe's Café June 17- 25. Performances take place at the Alfresco Art Center, 2401 Delmar in Granite City, IL. For more information: (618) 560-1947 or www.alfrescoproductions.org.

The Department of Theatre and Dance at Southern Illinois University at Edwardsville presents Shakespeare's Two Gentlemen of Verona June 17 - 26. Performances take place in the Metcalf Student Experimental Theater on the campus in Edwardsville, IL. For more information, call 618-650-2774 or visit siue.edu

The Muny presents the musical The Wizard of Oz nightly at 8:15 PM, Monday through Sunday, June 13-22, in the outdoor theatre in Forest Park. "Fly 'over the rainbow' for this all-time American and Muny classic. Whenever Dorothy and her friends follow their hearts down the yellow brick road, you're guaranteed an evening of enchantment. One of the most popular shows-if not THE most popular show - in Muny history, this lavish musical is a joyful reminder that come summer, there's no place like The Muny." For more information, visit muny.org or call 314-361-1900.

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