Showing posts with label play reading. Show all posts
Showing posts with label play reading. Show all posts

Sunday, August 25, 2024

St. Louis theatre calendar for the week of August 26, 2024

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

The Black Tulip Chorale presents Cabaret Soirée 2024 on Wednesday, August 28, at 7:00 pm. “Dr. Ken Haller, St. Louis Post-Dispatch 2015 and 2019 Cabaret Artist of the Year, again hosts this festive fundraiser as singers from the Chorale surprise, amaze, and amuse you.” Cabaret Soirée takes place at The Blue Strawberry on North Boyle in Midtown. For more information: events.humanitix.com

The Blue Strawberry presents There Were Bells with singer Caitlin Hadeler and pianist/music director Lynda Marshall on Saturday August 31 at 7:30 pm. “An evening of standards and musical theatre favorites with Caitlin Hadeler and Lynda Marshall. Caitlin’s bell-like voice rings in tunes of Gershwin, Rodgers and Hammerstein, Sondheim, and more.” The Blue Strawberry is at 364 N. Boyle.  For more information: bluestrawberrystl.com.

Hamilton
Photo: Joan Marcus
The Fabulous Fox presents the hit Broadway musical Hamilton August 28 through September 8. “HAMILTON is the story of America then, told by America now. Featuring a score that blends hip-hop, jazz, R&B and Broadway, HAMILTON has taken the story of American founding father Alexander Hamilton and created a revolutionary moment in theatre—a musical that has had a profound impact on culture, politics, and education. With book, music, and lyrics by Lin-Manuel Miranda, direction by Thomas Kail, choreography by Andy Blankenbuehler, and musical supervision and orchestrations by Alex Lacamoire, HAMILTON is based on Ron Chernow’s acclaimed biography.”   The Fabulous Fox is on North Grand in Grand Center. For more information: fabulousfox.com. [Watch the video interview with ensemble member Nathaniel Hirst on Chuck's Culture Channel.]

Prism Theatre Company presents [title of show] through September 8.  “[title of show] is a Broadway musical written by Hunter Bell and Jeff Bowen about two aspiring writers in New York City who attempt to create an original musical for the New York Musical Theatre Festival. The show follows the writers, Hunter and Jeff, and their friends as they navigate the challenges of collaboration, self-expression, and working with others to create something original. The musical is both funny and heartbreaking, and is considered a love letter to musical theater. This gender-bent version puts a spotlight on female writers and highlights the beauty and uniqueness of female friendships.” Performances take place at the Kranzberg Center in Grand Center. For more information: prismtheatrecompany.org.

The St. Louis Writers Group presents a reading of The Great Debate by Bill Brizzard on  Monday, August 26, at 6:30 pm. “Saint Louis, 1916: A time of evolving social change. Since the nation’s founding women had been denied the right to vote. Prudence Merriweather is a mother and a suffragette who is called upon to publicly debate the topic of suffrage against her husband’s employer, Frank Steadman, a male chauvinist. Comedy and mayhem result due to the contrast in cultural attitudes between their respective families.”  The reading takes place at Square One Brewery and Distillery in Lafayette Square.  More information is available at the St. Louis Writers Group Facebook page.

Looking for auditions and other artistic opportunities? Check out the St. Louis Auditions site.
To get your event listed here, send an email to chuck at kdhx.org Your event information should be in text format (i.e. not part of a graphic), but feel free to include publicity stills.
Would you like to be on the radio? KDHX, 88.1 FM needs theatre reviewers. If you're 18 years or older, knowledgeable in this area, have practical theatre experience (acting, directing, writing, technical design, etc.), have good oral and written communications skills and would like to become one of our volunteer reviewers, send an email describing your experience and interests to chuck at kdhx.org. Please include a sample review of something you've seen recently.

Monday, August 12, 2024

St. Louis theatre calendar for the week of August 12, 2024

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

Chorus of Fools presents the world premiere of two new plays in their debut production, Twice Upon a Stage Friday and Saturday at 7:30 pm and Sunday at 2 pm, August 16 through 18. “The first is Candlelight Dinner written by Jim Danek In this laugh-out-loud comedy, what begins as a romantic candlelight dinner quickly spirals into a chaotic and hilarious night as everything that could go wrong does. In The Reason Why, penned by e.k. doolin, the increasing world of rural addiction creates a strange set of bed-fellows. A series of weekly meetings opens up old and new wounds on the road to recovery in this beautiful play.” Performances take place at the Greenfinch Theatre, The Greenfinch Theater, 2525 S. Jefferson. For more information: www.greenfinchstl.com.

Christ Memorial Productions presents the musical My Fair Lady Fridays and Saturdays at 7:30 pm and Sundays at 2:30 pm, through August 18.  Performances take place at Christ Memorial Lutheran Church, 5252 S. Lindbergh Blvd.  For more information, visit CMPShows.org or call 314-631-0304.

First Run Theatre presents A Comedy Double Feature Fridays and Saturdays at 8:00 pm and Sundays at 2:00 pm through August  11. The plays are The Conversation About The Keys - Part One - Tim Without Thaliaby Yu-Li Alice Shen and Cash Flow by Marjorie Williamson. Performances take place at the Kranzberg Black Box theatre at Grand and Olive in Grand Center. For more information: sswww.metrotix.com.

Big Machine
Photo: Ian Gilbert
Fly North Theatricals presents Big Machine through August 18. A new musical by Colin Healy. Big Machine, is based on largely-forgotten true events, about how “The Man Who Harmed The World The Most” took us all for a ride. Performances are at The Marcelle, 3310 Samuel Shepard in Grand Center. For more information: flynorthmusic.com/

The Gaslight Theatre presents the world premiere of Longing by Liz Lewy Friday at 7 pm, Saturday at 2 and 7 pm, and Sunday at 2 pm, August 16 through 18. “The performance currently runs at 70 minutes no intermission and contains flashing lights, strong language, explicit sexual dialogue, and adult themes.” For more information: Lxnging.com.

The Midnight Company presents an encore performance of Just One Look by Joe Hanrahan, starring Kelly Howe as Linda Ronstadt, on Thursday May 22 at 7:30 pm. “Linda Ronstadt ruled the pop charts and filled stadiums in the 70’s and 80’s. The reigning rock goddess of her era, she later took on light opera - Gilbert and Sullivan on Broadway - and The Great American Songbook with Nelson Riddle. Her involvement in social issues accelerated during her relationship with California Governor Jerry Brown, then running for President. But for Linda, it was always a search for the next great song. Kelly Howe will portray Linda Ronstadt and sing her sensational songs.” Performances take place at The Blue Strawberry, 356 N. Boyle. For more information: bluestrawberrystl.com.

In the Heights
Photo: Phillip Hamer
The Muny presents In the Heights through August 15 at 8:15 pm.  “Before Hamilton, the visionary Lin-Manuel Miranda made a splash on Broadway with In the Heights. Set against the beats of salsa and hip-hop, the acclaimed musical tells the story of Usnavi, who longs to pick up his roots and move away from Washington Heights, the tight-knit New York City neighborhood that shaped him. This vibrant show will fill your heart with its spellbinding choreography and infectious energy. A Muny premiere.” Performances take place on the Muny's outdoor stage in Forest Park. For more information: muny.org.

Prism Theatre Company presents [title of show] August 16 through September 8.  “[title of show] is a Broadway musical written by Hunter Bell and Jeff Bowen about two aspiring writers in New York City who attempt to create an original musical for the New York Musical Theatre Festival. The show follows the writers, Hunter and Jeff, and their friends as they navigate the challenges of collaboration, self-expression, and working with others to create something original. The musical is both funny and heartbreaking, and is considered a love letter to musical theater. This gender-bent version puts a spotlight on female writers and highlights the beauty and uniqueness of female friendships.” Performances take place at the Kranzberg Center in Grand Center. For more information: prismtheatrecompany.org.

St. Louis Shakespeare’s Magic Smoking Monkey Theatre presents The Return of the One-Hour Lord of the Rings Trilogy through August 9 17. “Revisit the legend of Frodo, Gandalf, and the rest as they embark on their monumental quest, all while racing against the clock. This whirlwind rendition captures the essence of Tolkien's masterpiece but with a twist only the Monkeys could deliver. Expect side-splitting interpretations of iconic scenes, rapid-fire costume changes, and a narrative pace that would give even the swiftest Nazgûl a run for its money.” Performances take place at Lift for Life Academy High School, 1731 S. Broadway. For more information: www.stlshakespeare.org/pages/magic-smoking-monkey

The STL Fringe Festival opens with performances of the solo ballet Amnesiac and Red Hot Patriot, a tribute to the late columnist Molly Ivins, Tuesday August 13 at 5 pm. The annual festival, which features over three dozen different performers at various locations in Grand Center, runs through Saturday August 18.  For information on shows, performance schedules, and tickets: stlfringe.org

The Tempest
Photo: Theo R. Welling
The St. Louis Shakespeare Festival presents The Tempest as its 2024 touring production, playing through August 25. “The 90-minute TourCo performance created especially for audiences of all ages will travel to 24 parks across the region. Pack your picnic, blankets and chairs and join us for a summer adventure.” For a complete schedule: stlshakes.org.

The St. Louis Writers Group presents a reading of Tatyana by Shahnaz Ahmed on Monday, August 12, at 6:30 pm. “When a call from a hospital interrupts a conversation between a father and his teenage son, the past will be explored and secrets will be revealed.” The reading takes place at Square One Brewery and Distillery in Lafayette Square.  More information is available at the St. Louis Writers Group Facebook page.

Disney's Newsies
Photo: Phillip Hamer
Stages St. Louis presents Disney’s Newsies through August 25. “It’s time to make headlines with Disney’s NEWSIES, the smash-hit, crowd pleasing, Tony Award-Winning musical that marks the first Disney production to be featured in STAGES’ mainstage season! This rousing tale takes us to New York City where a band of newsboys, led by the charismatic Jack Kelly, become unlikely heroes as they stand up to the titans of the publishing industry. Along the way they learn what it means to come together, fight for what they believe in, and truly seize the day. Disney’s NEWSIES is an uplifting story fit for every member of the family and packed with non-stop thrills and a timeless message.” Performances take place at the Kirkwood Performing Arts Center in Kirkwood, MO. For more information: stagesstlouis.org

Ruthless
Photo: John Lamb
Stray Dog Theatre presents the musical Ruthless Thursdays through Saturdays at 8, through August 24, with an additional  performance at 2 pm on Sunday August 18. “Eight-year-old Tina Denmark knows she was born to play Pippi Longstocking, and she’ll do anything to win the part in her school musical. Her mother, fellow students, and the rest of the world had better watch out because nothing will stop her quest for stardom! Cunningly spoofing classic musicals and campy films from Gypsy to The Bad Seed, this aggressively outrageous musical garnered rave reviews during its long Off-Broadway run.” Performances take place at Tower Grove Abbey, 2336 Tennessee in Tower Grove East. For more information: www.straydogtheatre.org.

Cat on a Hot Tin Roof
Photo: Suzy Gorman
The Tennessee Williams Festival presents Cat on a Hot Tin Roof Thursdays through Saturdays at 7:30 pm and Sundays at 3:00 pm, through August 18. ”This Pulitzer Prize winning drama follows the story of the Pollitts, a wealthy southern family whose history of greed and deception looms overhead as the imminent death of the family’s patriarch approaches. Siblings and spouses go head-to-head to secure the Pollitt fortune, weaving an overwhelming web of mistruths.” Performances take place at The Grandel Theatre in Grand Center. For more information: www.twstl.org.

The Tennessee Williams Festival presents Life Upon the Wicked Stage: A Series of One Acts directed by Brian Hohlfield at 1:00pm and 3:00pm Saturdays and Sundays through August 18.  “Experience the Grand Center of Tennessee Williams’ time with these shows about show business. “In Our Profession”, “The Magic Tower”, and “The Fat Man’s Wife” will be presented as a series of one-acts at the Curtain Call Lounge in Grand Center.”  For more information: www.twstl.org.

Union Avenue Opera presents Sondheim’s Into the Woods Fridays and Saturdays at 8 pm, August 16 through 24. “A Little Night Music explores the tangled web of affairs centered around the Join Cinderella, Jack, Little Red Riding Hood, Rapunzel and more as they cross paths with a baker and his wife on their quest through the woods. Who will live happily ever after and who will learn that magic comes at a price? But be careful what you wish for, because there’s a witch who’s out to get them, and a giant who’s not too happy about a beanstalk. Don’t miss this witty and whimsical show that will make you laugh, cry, and think twice before venturing into the woods.” Performances are sung in English with projected English supertitles and take place at Union Avenue Christian Church, 733 Union at Enright in the Central West End. For more information: unionavenueopera.org.

Looking for auditions and other artistic opportunities? Check out the St. Louis Auditions site.
To get your event listed here, send an email to chuck at kdhx.org Your event information should be in text format (i.e. not part of a graphic), but feel free to include publicity stills.
Would you like to be on the radio? KDHX, 88.1 FM needs theatre reviewers. If you're 18 years or older, knowledgeable in this area, have practical theatre experience (acting, directing, writing, technical design, etc.), have good oral and written communications skills and would like to become one of our volunteer reviewers, send an email describing your experience and interests to chuck at kdhx.org. Please include a sample review of something you've seen recently.

Monday, April 08, 2024

St. Louis theatre calendar for the week of April 8, 2024

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

The Blue Strawberry presents Johnny Mathis: Different Stands Alone with singer Steve Brammeier and the Pfeffer Trio on Thursday, April 11 at 7:30 pm. “Join Steve and The Pfeffer Trio as he celebrates Johnny Mathis, sings some of his hit songs and some lesser known tunes while sharing stories about Johnny’s life and career.”  The Blue Strawberry is at 364 N. Boyle. For more information: bluestrawberrystl.com.

Tim Schall and Carol Schmidt
The Blue Strawberry presents Sunday Standard Time with Tim Schall and Carol Schmidt on Sunday April 14 at 6 pm. “Join Tim Schall (vocals) and Carol Schmidt (piano) in the lounge for a casual, classy Sunday evening of jazz standards, a little sophisticated pop and a dash of classic Broadway. Tim is no stranger to the theater and concert stages of St. Louis, Chicago and New York's Lincoln Center. Carol has a rich history of entertaining St. Louis audiences as musician and singer. Together they will help you wind down your weekend with timeless music and a lot of irreverent dry humor.”  The Blue Strawberry is at 364 N. Boyle. For more information: bluestrawberrystl.com.

The Play That Goes Wrong
Photo: Dan Donovan
Clayton Community Theatre presents The Play That Goes Wrong Thursdays through Saturdays at 8 pm and Sundays at 2 pm, through April 14.  ““Break a leg!” takes on a whole new meaning for a woefully misguided troupe of players at the Cornley University Society’s opening night performance of . An unconscious leading lady, a corpse who can’t play dead, a ruffled detective, and a word-mangling butler (among others) must battle against technical gaffes, forgotten lines, and sabotaging scenery in a quest to arrive all in one piece at the final curtain call. Part Monty Python, part Sherlock Holmes, all mayhem, this 1920s whodunit is disastrously delightful.” Performances take place at the Washington University South Campus Theatre, 6501 Clayton Rd. For more information: www.placeseveryone.org.

Emery Entertainment presents David Payne in Churchill Friday through Saturday, April 12 through 14. “In this often funny, sometimes touching and always engaging one-man-show... veteran British actor, David Payne brings Churchill to life onstage. Audiences will be delighted to hear of his exploits during the Boer War, his constant battles with Britain's fellow politicians, and his special relationship with America and America's presidents. But most telling of all, Churchill enlightens the audience with intimate and touching details of the two special women in his life—his wife Clementine and Queen Elizabeth. Performances take place at the Playhouse at Westport Plaza. For more information: thewestportplayhouse.com

The Book of Mormon
Photo: Julieta Cervantes
The Fabulous Fox presents the Broadway musical The Book of Mormon April 9 through 14. “This outrageous musical comedy follows the adventures of a mismatched pair of missionaries, sent halfway across the world to spread the Good Word. With standing room only productions in London, on Broadway, and across North America, THE BOOK OF MORMON has truly become an international sensation.” The Fabulous Fox is on North Grand in Grand Center. For more information: fabulousfox.com.

The Midnight Company presents Just One Look by Joe Hanrahan, starring Kelly Howe as Linda Ronstadt, on Wednesday April 10 at 7:30 pm. “Linda Ronstadt ruled the pop charts and filled stadiums in the 70’s and 80’s. The reigning rock goddess of her era, she later took on light opera - Gilbert and Sullivan on Broadway - and The Great American Songbook with Nelson Riddle. Her involvement in social issues accelerated during her relationship with California Governor Jerry Brown, then running for President. But for Linda, it was always a search for the next great song. Kelly Howe will portray Linda Ronstadt and sing her sensational songs.” The performance takes place at The Blue Strawberry, 356 N. Boyle. For more information: www.midnightcompany.com

The Whale
St. Louis Actors' Studio (STLAS) presents The Whale by Samuel D. Hunter Thursday, Friday and Saturday evenings at 8 pm and Sundays at 3 pm, through April 21. “On the outskirts of Mormon Country, Idaho, a 600-pound recluse hides away in his apartment and slowly eats himself to death. Desperate to reconnect with his long-estranged daughter, he reaches out to her, only to find a viciously sharp-tongued and wildly unhappy teen. Big-hearted and fiercely funny, The Whale tells the story of a man's last chance at redemption, and of finding beauty in the most unexpected places.” Performances take place at the Gaslight Theatre on North Boyle. For more information: stlas.org.

St. Louis Shakespeare presents Hamlet through April 13. “Immerse yourself in the world of "Hamlet," a gripping story of vengeance and moral corruption. This Shakespearean classic invites the audience into the troubled mind of Prince Hamlet, who, haunted by his father's ghost, seeks to avenge his untimely death. Set in the gloomy castle of Elsinore, the play weaves a tale of deception, madness, and existential dread.” Performances take place at Lift for Life Academy High School, 1731 S. Broadway. For more information: www.stlshakespeare.org

The St. Louis Shakespeare Festival presents the Confluence New Play Festival of staged readings Friday through Sunday at 7 pm, April 12-14. “Showcasing three new works from Missouri and Illinois playwrights read publicly for the first time by St. Louis’s best performers and directors. Be challenged and moved with these thrilling stories.” Performances take place at the Festival Rehearsal Hall at 3333 Washington in Grand Center. For more information: stlshakes.my.salesforce-sites.com/ticket

The St. Louis Writers Group presents an Evening of One-Acts on  Monday, April 8, at 6:30 pm at the Schlafly Tap Room in Midtown.  More information is available at the St. Louis Writers Group Facebook page.

The Stifel Theatre presents The Cher Show Wednesday and Thursday, April 10 and 11, at 7:30 pm. “Superstars come and go. Cher is forever. For six straight decades, only one unstoppable force has flat-out dominated popular culture - breaking down barriers, pushing boundaries and letting nothing and no one stand in her way. THE CHER SHOW is the Tony Award®-winning musical of her story, and it’s packed with so much Cher that it takes three women to play her: the kid starting out, the glam pop star, and the icon.” The Stifel Theatre is at 14th and Olive downtown. For more information: www.stifeltheatre.com

Xanadu
Photo: John Lamb
Stray Dog Theatre presents the musical Xanadu Thursdays through Saturdays at 8, through April 27, with additional performances at 2 pm on April 14 and 21. “Xanadu follows the journey of a magical and beautiful Greek muse who descends from the heavens of Mount Olympus to Venice Beach, California. It’s 1980 and she’s on a quest to inspire a struggling artist to achieve the greatest creation of all time – the first ROLLER DISCO! But when she falls into forbidden love with a mortal, her jealous sisters take advantage of the situation and chaos abounds.” Performances take place at Tower Grove Abbey, 2336 Tennessee in Tower Grove East. For more information: www.straydogtheatre.org.

Upstream Theater presents Don't Wait for the Marlboro Man a play by Olivier Garofalo (Luxembourg) translated by Philip Boehm. Performances are  Fridays and Saturdays at 8 pm with additional shows Sunday, April 14, at 7 pm and April 21 at 2 pm. “Two very different people meet in a hospital. Sarah has just received news of her partner's motorcycle accident and rushed out of her office, cell phone in hand. Word has also reached Pedro, the hospitalized man’s good-natured motorcycle buddy. Their encounter reveals a collision of lifestyles and values that touches on larger issues of risk and security, individual freedom, and social responsibility—all with vivid dialogue in an intriguingly theatrical frame.” Performances take place at the Kranzberg Center in Grand Center. For more information: www.upstreamtheater.org

West End Players Guild presents Dark Matters by Roberto Aguirre-Sacasa at 8 pm Thursday through Saturday and 2 pm Sunday, April 11 through 14. “In an isolated house at the edge of a cornfield, in the mountains of Virginia, something almost beyond belief is happening to the Cleary family. When Bridget Cleary goes missing, in the dead of the night, her husband Michael and son, Jeremy, scramble to help Sheriff Richard Egan find her. Then, as suddenly as she vanished, Bridget reappears, talking about strange visitations and otherworldly beings. Is she lying? Or are supernatural forces at work? DARK MATTERS is a suspense thriller about the secrets that hold families together and the terrible truths we sometimes choose to ignore in the people we love.” Performances take place at the Union Avenue Christian Church, 733 Union in the Central West End. For more information: westendplayers.org

Looking for auditions and other artistic opportunities? Check out the St. Louis Auditions site.
To get your event listed here, send an email to chuck at kdhx.org Your event information should be in text format (i.e. not part of a graphic), but feel free to include publicity stills.
Would you like to be on the radio? KDHX, 88.1 FM needs theatre reviewers. If you're 18 years or older, knowledgeable in this area, have practical theatre experience (acting, directing, writing, technical design, etc.), have good oral and written communications skills and would like to become one of our volunteer reviewers, send an email describing your experience and interests to chuck at kdhx.org. Please include a sample review of something you've seen recently.

Sunday, March 10, 2024

St. Louis theatre calendar for the week of March 11, 2024

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

Albion Theatre Company presents Molly Sweeny by Brian Friel March 15 through 31. “Blind since infancy, Molly is persuaded by her husband and a surgeon to undergo an operation to try to restore her sight. “What has she got to lose?” the men ask.  This powerful drama by one of Ireland’s greatest playwrights tells Molly’s story through monologues from the perspective of three characters: Molly, her husband Frank, and her surgeon Mr. Rice.” Performances take place in the Black Box Theatre at the Kranzberg Center, 501 N. Grand in Grand Center. For more information: albiontheatrestl.org.

The Black Rep presents The Wedding Band by Alice Childress opening on Wednesday, March 13, and running through March 31.  “Carrying the subtitle “A Love/Hate Story in Black and White,” this is one of American drama’s most revealing tales of interracial love, addressing prejudice and ignorance in early 20th- century America. Set in the Deep South at the end of World War I during the flu epidemic, the play traces a devoted couple’s caustic confrontations with anti-miscegenation laws, family racism, community disapproval, and their own long-buried feelings.” Performances take place at the Berges Theatre at COCA in University City  For more information: www.theblackrep.org.

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

Eileen Engel in Jacey's Jazz Joint
The Midnight Company presents Eileen Engel in Jacey’s Jazz Joint Wednesdays, March 13 and 27, at 7:30 pm. “Engel is Jacey.  You’re at her place, and she wants you to have the best time.  Jacey and her band will be performing some of the best songs you’ve ever heard, done in their inimitable Jacey’s Jazz style.  As the evening goes on, the songs will trigger memories, and Jacey will re-veal stories of where the money came from to open the joint (a guy named Johnny), how the thorny relationship with Johnny evolved, and the dangerous conclusion to their romantic journey.  The heartfelt songs Jacey sings echo the joy and pain of their love.” The show is written and directed by Joe Hanrahan with music direction by Colin Healy. Performances take place at the Blue Strawberry on North Boyle.  For more information: bluestrawberrystl.com

Sweet Potato Queens
Photo: Jill Ritter Lindberg
New Line Theatre presents the musical Sweet Potato Queens through March 23. “Get ready for the outrageous, high-powered, Southern rock musical that tells the true story of "Boss Queen" Jill and her closest friends in Mississippi, and how they learn to grab life by the sequins, feathers and tiaras to live their lives out loud, on their own terms.” Performances take place at the Marcelle Theatre in Grand Center. For more information: www.newlinetheatre.com

The Political Theatre Group presents A St. Paddy's Day Palooza Saturday at 8 pm Saturday and 2 pm on Sunday. “Act One contains popular Irish songs performed by Paul Kruta.  Paul is a regular performer of Irish music at Morrison's Irish Pub in Alton, IL. Set list includes rebel/patriot tunes and Irish drinking songs.  Act Two contains the Irish one-man play The Good Thief by Conor McPherson and performed by Anthoy Wininger.  A ruffian reveals the remorse and regret he feels after a botched job leads to murder, kidnapping, and finally a desperate flee that results in unfortunate casualties and imprisonment.  The show contains graphic language.” The show takes place at The Gaslight Theater, 358 N. Boyle Ave. For more information:  tickets.gaslighttheater.net.

The St. Louis Writers Group presents a reading of David Hawley’s new one-act plays Elly and Hubert and Dad's Comfortable Dinner with His Family on  Monday, March 11, at 6:30 pm.  More information is available at the St. Louis Writers Group Facebook page.

The Servant's Last Serve
The Theatre Guild of Webster Groves presents the comedy The Servant’s Last Serve Friday and Saturday at 7:30 pm and Sunday at 2 pm through March 17.  “It is 1912, London. Due to a misdiagnosis from his incompetent doctor, wealthy Sir Winston Livingston believes he is going insane and does not have long to live. He summons his staff and opportunist niece from North Carolina for a formal reading of his will. Livingston Manor falls into chaos when Sir Winston announces he is willing the entire estate to his beloved cat, Master Fifi. Included in this announcement is the provision that should the cat predecease Winston the estate would be divided among the servants and his niece.” Performances take place at the Guild theatre at 517 Theatre Lane, at the corner of Newport and Summit in Webster Groves. For more information: www.webstergrovestheatreguild.com

Looking for auditions and other artistic opportunities? Check out the St. Louis Auditions site.
To get your event listed here, send an email to chuck at kdhx.org Your event information should be in text format (i.e. not part of a graphic), but feel free to include publicity stills.
Would you like to be on the radio? KDHX, 88.1 FM needs theatre reviewers. If you're 18 years or older, knowledgeable in this area, have practical theatre experience (acting, directing, writing, technical design, etc.), have good oral and written communications skills and would like to become one of our volunteer reviewers, send an email describing your experience and interests to chuck at kdhx.org. Please include a sample review of something you've seen recently.

Sunday, November 05, 2023

St. Louis theatre calendar for the week of November 6, 2023

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

Dom L'Amour
The Blue Strawberry presents singer Dom L’Amour in A Night of Sam Cooke on Wednesday, November 8 at 7:30 pm. “Sam Cooke was the American Songbook for the late 1950s and early 1960s and Dom L’Amour is returning to St. Louis with a cabaret of his songs. From ‘Cupid ’ to ‘A Change Gonna Come’, you’ll hear how Cooke inspired both Dom L’Amour and America itself. Dom’s voice serves as a contemporary clarion call to beauty and hope as we celebrate a great talent!”   The Blue Strawberry is at 364 N. Boyle in the Central West End. For more information: bluestrawberrystl.com

Tim Schall and Carol Schmidt
The Blue Strawberry presents Sunday Standard Time with Tim Schall and Carol Schmidt on Sunday November 12 at 6 pm. “Join Tim Schall (vocals) and Carol Schmidt (piano) in the lounge for a casual, classy Sunday evening of jazz standards, a little sophisticated pop and a dash of classic Broadway. Tim is no stranger to the theater and concert stages of St. Louis, Chicago and New York's Lincoln Center. Carol has a rich history of entertaining St. Louis audiences as musician and singer. Together they will help you wind down your weekend with timeless music and a lot of irreverent dry humor.” The Blue Strawberry is at 364 N. Boyle. For more information: bluestrawberrystl.com.

Encore Theatre Group presents Cuéntame: Honoring Our Stories Friday and Saturday at 7 pm and Sunday at 2:30 pm, November 10 through 12. “CuéntameSTL is a storytelling initiative by Latinx Arts Network STL and EncoreSTL to honor our community experiences by providing the space and means to tell our stories and present those stories in a captivating way for others to enjoy and experience. We want you to display your artwork during the performances! The artwork should be related to a story which you will also submit and it will be placed alongside your art. While the stories on stage will be from the Latinx community, we invite and encourage artists from all backgrounds to submit their art to be displayed. We want to learn from everyone's stories!” Performances take place at 2607 Patomac in the Marine Villa neighborhood. For more information: https://www.encorestl.org/shows

Daddy Long Legs
The Hawthorne Players present the musical Daddy Long Legs Fridays and Saturdays at 7:30 pm through November 11, and Sunday, November 12, at 2 pm.  “A heartwarming Cinderella story about a witty and winsome young woman and her mysterious benefactor, based on the classic novel, which inspired the 1955 movie starring Fred Astaire. Jerusha Abbott is the “Oldest Orphan in the John Grier Home” until a mysterious benefactor decides to send her to college to be educated as a writer. Required to write him a letter once a month, she is never to know the benefactor’s identity – so she invents one for him: Daddy Long Legs. Jerusha’s letters chronicle her emergence as a delightfully independent “New American Woman”. Yet, there is one startling fact that Jerusha has yet to uncover – a fact that will change her life forever.”  Performances take place in the Florissant Civic Center Theatre in Florissant, MO. For more information: www.hawthorneplayers.info.

The Lemp Mansion Murder Mystery Dinner Theatre and Jest Mysteries present Harm for the Hoidays through November 10 through January 13, 2024. "This may look like a festive Holiday Party for a family-owned, candle-making business but there is danger lurking beneath the mistletoe! Slimy characters, sneaky thieves, blackmailers, cheats and liars prowl around every corner and you oughta know since you’re one of them!  They’re malicious conspiring reveals the true nature of Harm Enterprises…organized crime (shhh…don’t tell Grandpa!)  But the shortest fuse in the room belongs to Hector Harm, he’s the grinchiest of the Harm siblings and he’s got one of his beady little eyes on old Grandma Harm’s Job.  Hope he doesn’t snuff her out before her time!" The Lemp Mansion is at 3322 DeMenil Place in south city. For more information: www.lempmansion.com

Professor Sunshine's Traveling Post-Apocalyptic
Rocn 'n Roll Revival
The Midnight Company presents the premiere of the new cabaret theatre show Professor Sunshine’s Traveling Post-Apocalyptic Rock ’n Roll Revival Friday and Saturday, November 10 and 11, at 7:30 pm. “The Rock ’n Roll Revival is today’s version of Old West traveling shows, when a ragtag theatrical company would sweep into town, bringing some light and entertainment to crumbling, precarious Gold Rush towns.  And now, once again, there are hard, hard times, troubled days in the dark, desolate lands we inhabit, where one can at least hope to see the Show coming to town, lifting spirits with rock songs and road stories. Professor Sunshine (Joe Hanrahan) presents the sultry chanteuse Cheyenne (Kelly Howe), delivering her signature renditions of all the classic, savage rock 'n roll we can remember, pulling together to continue their never-ending tour to the savage horizon ahead. Guaranteed to deliver you - or at least distract you - from these evil days with a new vision of the salvation music can bring.”  Performances take place at the Greenfinch Theater Dive at 2525 S. Jefferson. For more information: midnightcompany.com

The St. Louis Writers' Group presents a reading of the play Thoughts of Candy by Jim Danek Tuesday, November 7, at 6:30 pm. “Thoughts of Candy revolves around an 11-13 year old girl, Candy Kane, who lives with her father, Roger Burch and her grandfather, Joseph Kane. Candy has a school chum, Billy Major, also 11-13 years old. Candy has a very optimistic outlook on life most of the time. Billy Major is a wiz at school and many times will help Candy with her homework. Candy's father Roger is plagued by demons from the past, demons that won't let him think straight some days. Candy's mother, Marjorie Kane-Burch and the next door neighbor, Lillian Grant, also take part in the proceedings. Finally we will also meet Ramona Stevens who has her own demons to contend with.”  The reading takes place upstairs at Big Daddy’s in Soulard. For more information, visit the St. Louis Writers' Group Facebook page.

Tesseract Theatre presents The Mad Ones Fridays and Saturdays at 8 pm and Sundays at 4 pm, through November 12.  “Samantha Brown balances on the edge of her future, car keys in hand. Caught between a yearning for the unknown and feeling bound by expectation, she telescopes back to a time before her world had fallen apart. As she sits in the driver's seat, she faces a choice: will she follow in her mother's footsteps, or take the dare of her impetuous best friend and chart a new path?” Performances take place at the Marcelle Theatre in Grand Center. For more information: www.tesseracttheatre.com.

Looking for auditions and other artistic opportunities? Check out the St. Louis Auditions site.
To get your event listed here, send an email to chuck at kdhx.org Your event information should be in text format (i.e. not part of a graphic), but feel free to include publicity stills.
Would you like to be on the radio? KDHX, 88.1 FM needs theatre reviewers. If you're 18 years or older, knowledgeable in this area, have practical theatre experience (acting, directing, writing, technical design, etc.), have good oral and written communications skills and would like to become one of our volunteer reviewers, send an email describing your experience and interests to chuck at kdhx.org. Please include a sample review of something you've seen recently.

Saturday, August 12, 2023

St. Louis theatre calendar for the week of August 14, 2023

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

Seth Sikes and Nicholas King
The Blue Strawberry presents Seth Sikes and Nicolas King: The New Belters on Friday August 18 at 7:30 pm. “Nicolas King and Seth Sikes, two of New York’s most popular young nightclub entertainers, join forces for an evening you won’t want to miss. The swinging American Songbook is the specialty of these performers. They will pay tribute to the show-stopping stars who paved the way for modern day entertainers, such as Sammy Davis Jr., Anthony Newley, Eydie Gormé, Liza Minnelli, Judy Garland, Ethel Merman, Barbra Streisand and more! Nicolas and Seth will carry the torch from these legendary performers and the great songwriters who wrote so many of their hits.” The Blue Strawberry is at 364 N. Boyle. For more information: bluestrawberrystl.com.

Tim Schall
The Blue Strawberry presents Sunday Standard Time with Tim Schall and Carol Schmidt on Sunday August 20 from 6:30 to 9:00pm. “Join Tim Schall (vocals) and Carol Schmidt (piano) in the lounge for a casual, classy Sunday evening of jazz standards, a little sophisticated pop and a dash of classic Broadway. Tim is no stranger to the theater and concert stages of St. Louis, Chicago and New York's Lincoln Center. Carol has a rich history of entertaining St. Louis audiences as musician and singer. Together they will help you wind down your weekend with timeless music and a lot of irreverent dry humor.” The Blue Strawberry is at 364 N. Boyle. For more information: bluestrawberrystl.com.

Christ Memorial Productions
presents the musical Disney’s Freaky Friday Fridays and Saturdays at 7:30 pm and Sundays at 2:30 pm, through August 20.  Performances take place at Christ Memorial Lutheran Church, 5252 S. Lindbergh Blvd.  For more information, visit CMPShows.org or call 314-631-0304.

First Run Theatre presents Wayward by Eric Berg through August 11 20. “You won't want to miss this beautiful and moving new play by Eric Berg.  Based on real stories of women in the 1960's homes for wayward girls, Berg weaves a tale that will transport and touch your heart.” Performances take place in the black box theatre in the Kranzberg Arts Center in Grand Center. For more information: firstruntheatre.org

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

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

The Midnight Company presents Just One Look by Joe Hanrahan, starring Kelly Howe as Linda Ronstadt, on selected Wednesdays through August 30 at 7:30 pm. “Linda Ronstadt ruled the pop charts and filled stadiums in the 70’s and 80’s. The reigning rock goddess of her era, she later took on light opera - Gilbert and Sullivan on Broadway - and The Great American Songbook with Nelson Riddle. Her involvement in social issues accelerated during her relationship with California Governor Jerry Brown, then running for President. But for Linda, it was always a search for the next great song. Kelly Howe will portray Linda Ronstadt and sing her sensational songs.” Performances continue at The Blue Strawberry, 356 N. Boyle. For more information: bluestrawberrystl.com.

The Muny presents Sister Act August 14 - 20 at 8:15 pm.  “Based on the smash hit film, Sister Act is a heavenly musical comedy that proves nothing can stand in the way of sisterhood! Disco diva Deloris dreams of fame and fortune, but is she prepared for the way she receives it? Songs inspired by Motown, soul and disco, including “Take Me to Heaven,” “Fabulous, Baby!,” and “Raise Your Voice,” this score is sure to raise your spirits. The grand finale to the Muny season promises to be divine!”  Performances take place on the Muny's outdoor stage in Forest Park. For more information: muny.org.

SATE presents This Palpable Gross Play: A Kind-of Midsummer Night’s Dream August 16 through September 2.  Adapted by Ellie Schwetye and directed by Lucille Cashion, the play re-tells Shakespeare’s A Midsummer Night’s Dream imagining if the Mechanicals were rehearsing a play about star-crossed lovers: Hermia, Lysander, Helena, and Demetrius. Meanwhile, Puck, Titania, and Oberon use whatever - and whoever - around them to work out their feud, turning a story from one we think we all know into This Palpable Gross Play. Performances take place at The Chapel, 6238 Alexander Drive. For more information: satestl.org

Clue
Photo: Phillip Hamer
Stages St. Louis presents Clue through August 20. “Based on the iconic 1985 Paramount movie which was inspired by the classic Hasbro board game, CLUE is a hilarious farce-meets-murder mystery. The play begins on a dark and stormy night at a remote mansion, where six mysterious guests assemble for an unusual dinner party. When their host turns up dead, they all become suspects. Sip soup with Miss Scarlett, Professor Plum, Mrs. Peacock, Colonel Mustard, and a host of other classic oddballs as you unravel this whodunnit. CLUE is laugh-a-minute, high-octane fun for the entire family!” Performances take place at the Kirkwood Performing Arts Center in Kirkwood, MO. For more information: stagesstlouis.org

The STL Fringe Festival takes place August 14 through 20 with over two dozen acts at various locations in Grand Center.  For information on shows, performance schedules, and tickets: www.stlfringe.org

St. Louis Shakespeare Festival’s TourCo on presents free performances of The Merry Wives Of Windsor Tuesdays through Sundays at 6:30 pm, through August 27.  “This is a condensed 90-minute adaptation performed by six actors in a 90’s sitcom style, adapted and directed by Suki Peters.” Performance take place at local parks; see https://stlshakes.org/plan-your-visit/ for details.

The St. Louis Writers' Group presents a reading of the play The Huddled Masses Part 3 - The Jap by Brad Slavik on Tuesday, August 15, at 6:30 pm. "Ryoko “Rose” Tanaka is Issei, first generation Japanese-American and it’s 1944. She is living in an interment camp in Arizona while her husband is fighting in Europe.She is pregnant and the camp doctor, Major Joe Rosenstein, has a severe resentment against all Japanese." The reading takes place upstairs at Big Daddy’s in Soulard. For more information, visit the St. Louis Writers' Group Facebook page.

Godspell
Photo: John Lamb
Stray Dog Theatre presents the Stephen Schwartz musical Godspell Thursdays through Saturdays through 26. “Prepare ye for the timeless tale of friendship, loyalty, and adoration! Godspell uses song, dance, and storytelling to retell the passion and parables of the gospels. This reimagined theatrical celebration brings messages of kindness, tolerance, and love to life.” Performances take place at Tower Grove Abbey, 2336 Tennessee in Tower Grove East. Tickets are only offered in physically distanced groups of two or four. For more information: www.straydogtheatre.org

The Tennessee Williams Festival St. Louis presents Something Spoken: Tennessee Williams on the Air, a series of one act plays by Tennessee Williams, Saturdays at 3:30 pm through August 26. The plays are Something Unspoken, The Case of the Crushed Petunias, Sunburst, and The Magic Tower. The plays are broadcast on Classic 107.3. For more information: twstl.org.

Tesseract Theatre presents the musical Kinky Boots August 17 through 27.  “Kinky Boots is the big-hearted musical extravaganza that won six Tonys including Best Musical, the Grammy for Best Musical Theatre album and London’s Olivier Award for Best Musical. Kinky Boots features a joyous, Tony-winning score by pop icon Cyndi Lauper, and a hilarious, uplifting book by four-time Tony winner, Harvey Fierstein.” Performances take place at the Grandel Theatre in Grand Center. For more information: www.tesseracttheatre.com

Union Avenue Opera presents Ragtime by Flaherty and Ahrens Fridays and Saturdays at 8 pm, August 18 through 26. “Scored with the syncopated rhythms of a hopeful new age, Ragtime effectively weaves together three distinctly American tales: from the Jewish immigrant searching for a better life for his daughter, to the stifled upper-class wife yearning for something more, to the daring young Harlem musician with the determination to empower change. Social and racial conflicts rise to the surface as the lives of the characters become intertwined. United by their courage, compassion and belief in the promise of the future, together they confront history’s timeless contradictions of wealth and poverty, freedom and prejudice, and hope and despair. The Tony-winning score is just as diverse as the melting pot of America itself, from the ragtime rhythms of Tin Pan Alley to the klezmer of the Lower East Side, with waltzes, banjo tunes, period parlor songs and expansive anthems throughout. Ragtime is an impassioned, jubilant, and timeless tribute to the American Dream.” Performances are sung in English with projected English supertitles and take place at Union Avenue Christian Church, 733 Union at Enright in the Central West End. For more information: unionavenueopera.org

Looking for auditions and other artistic opportunities? Check out the St. Louis Auditions site.
To get your event listed here, send an email to chuck at kdhx.org Your event information should be in text format (i.e. not part of a graphic), but feel free to include publicity stills.
Would you like to be on the radio? KDHX, 88.1 FM needs theatre reviewers. If you're 18 years or older, knowledgeable in this area, have practical theatre experience (acting, directing, writing, technical design, etc.), have good oral and written communications skills and would like to become one of our volunteer reviewers, send an email describing your experience and interests to chuck at kdhx.org. Please include a sample review of something you've seen recently.

Sunday, March 12, 2023

St. Louis theatre calendar for the week of March 13, 2023

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

Albion Theatre presents Harold Pinter’s The Birthday Party Fridays and Saturdays at 8 pm and Sundays at 2 pm through March 26. “In a small boarding house at the English seaside.  Stanley, the only lodger, has a secret.  Two mysterious strangers arrive with a job to do.  Nothing is what it appears to be but what happens at Stanley’s birthday party changes everyone’s lives.  Combining realism and absurdism, humor and menace, this classic of British theater remains as powerful as it did when first performed in 1958.” Performances take place at the Kranzberg Arts Center 501 N. Grand in Grand Center. For more information: albiontheatrestl.org.

The Lemp Mansion Murder Mystery Dinner Theatre and Jest Mysteries present Murder at the Abbey through May 6th. "Immerse yourself in a world full of aristocracy, old money a perhaps a touch of murder!  You’ve been invited to the dinner party held by the Earl of Grantham himself. Some would kill for the opportunity to meet the Crawley family.  They’ll all be there!  The Earl, his beautiful wife and three daughters…not to mention all your favorite characters in, and around, the Grantham house." The Lemp Mansion is at 3322 DeMenil Place in south city. For more information: www.lempmansion.com

Just One Look
Photo: The Midnight Company
The Midnight Company presents Just One Look by Joe Hanrahan, starring Kelly Howe as Linda Ronstadt Wednesdays at 7:30 pm through March 29. “Linda Ronstadt ruled the pop charts and filled stadiums in the 70’s and 80’s. The reigning rock goddess of her era, she later took on light opera - Gilbert and Sullivan on Broadway - and The Great American Songbook with Nelson Riddle. Her involvement in social issues accelerated during her relationship with California Governor Jerry Brown, then running for President. But for Linda, it was always a search for the next great song. Kelly Howe will portray Linda Ronstadt and sing her sensational songs.” Performances take place at The Blue Strawberry, 356 N. Boyle. For more information: bluestrawberrystl.com

Moonstone Theatre Company presents Grand Horizons by Bess Wohl March 16 through April 2. “The comedy is sophisticated, funny, delightful, and sometimes provocatively honest, as it takes an intimate look at the unpredictable and enduring nature of love. Happily married for 50 years, Bill and Nancy practically breathe in unison. They anticipate each other’s sighs, sneezes and ends of sentences. But just as they settle into their new retirement home in Florida, Nancy wants out. As their two adult sons struggle to cope with the news, they’re forced to question everything they assumed about the people they thought they knew best.” Performances take place at the Kirkwood Performing Arts Center in Kirkwood, MO. For more information: moonstonetheatrecompany.com

New Jewish Theatre presents Duncan MacMillan's Every Brilliant Thing Fridays and Saturdays at 8 pm and Sundays at 2 pm, March 16 – April 2 “You're 7-years old. Mom's in the hospital. Dad says she's "done something stupid." She finds it hard to be happy. So you start to make a list of everything that's brilliant about the world. Everything that's worth living for.  1. Ice cream.  2. Kung Fu movies.  3. Staying up past your bedtime and being allowed to watch TV.  4. The color yellow. You leave it on her pillow. You know she read it because she's corrected your spelling. Soon the list will take on a life of its own. A play about depression and the lengths we go to for those we love.” Performances take place at the SFC Performing Arts Center, 2 Millstone Campus Drive. For more information: jccstl.com/arts-ideas/new-jewish-theatre.

Nine
Photo: Gerry Love
New Line Theatre presents the musical Nine Thursdays through Saturdays at 8 pm, through March 25. “Based on filmmaking legend Federico Fellini’s iconic 1963 (semi-)autobiographical film 8 1/2, the musical NINE is a funny, crazy psychoanalytical roller coaster ride through the mind of a troubled, self-doubting genius who's suffering a midlife crisis. Underneath the comedy, it's a story about creation and creators, the sacrifices and compromises and demons, and the mysterious, delicate process of making great art.” .  Performances take place at the Marcelle Theatre in Grand Center. For more information: www.newlinetheatre.com

Opera Theatre of St. Louis presents the New Works Collective Friday through Sunday, March 16 - 18 at 7:30 pm. “Experience the future of opera with three all-new 20-minute works! Last winter, more than 130 artists applied to create new operas with OTSL. Ultimately, just three multi-genre teams were selected by a panel of St. Louis artists, advocates, and community leaders. Now, those three teams are about to prove just how innovative, inclusive, and fun opera can be. These stories will whisk audiences from 1920s Harlem to the modern-day Supreme Court, and from the exuberance of drag ball culture to the empowerment of a young female inventor. Get ready for a night full of boundary-breaking surprises and joyful voices as we celebrate diverse cultures, stories, and the power of the human spirit!”  The performance are sung in English with projected English supertitles and takes place at the Berges Theater at COCA in University City For more information: opera-stl.org

The Repertory Theatre of St. Louis presents Agatha Christie’s Murder on the Orient Express, adapted for the stage by Ken Ludwig, March 17 – April 9. “It’s 1934, just after midnight, and a snowstorm has stopped the opulent Orient Express sleeper train in its tracks. A wealthy American businessman is discovered dead, and the brilliant and beautifully mustachioed Hercule Poirot must solve the mystery before the murderer strikes again.” Performances take place on the main stage at the Loretto-Hilton Center on the Webster University campus. For more information: www.repstl.org

The St. Louis Writers' Group presents a free reading of Act II of Broom by Mario Farwell Wednesday at 6:30 pm “Broom is an experimental play dealing with the origins and ramifications of police brutality in America. The play is structured around the events of the brutal assault on a Haitian American by the New York Police Department. Abner Louima was arrested in1997 and charged with disorderly conduct and resisting arrest. He was taken to the 70th precinct in Brooklyn, NY, and soon after his arrival at the precinct was taken to a bathroom and sodomized with a broomstick by two of the arresting officers.." The reading takes place at The High Low, 3301 Washington. For more information, visit the St. Louis Writers' Group Facebook page.

Take Two Productions presents the Stephen Schwartz musical Godspell March 17 - 25. “A small group of people help Jesus Christ tell different parables by using a wide variety of games, storytelling techniques and hefty doses of comic timing. An eclectic blend of songs, ranging in style from pop to vaudeville, is employed as the story of Jesus' life dances across the stage. Dissolving hauntingly into the Last Supper and the Crucifixion, Jesus' messages of kindness, tolerance and love come vibrantly to life.” Performances take place at Third Baptist Church, 620 N. Grand in Grand Center. For more information: www.taketwoproductions.org.

The Theatre Guild of Webster Groves presents the drama Stranger in the Attic. “Brian, a true crime writer, receives a late-night visitor claiming to have all the details of a murder that has not happened yet. Defying pleas from his wife and his own better judgement to report this to the police, Brian decides to interview the stranger. Dana, Brian’s wife, becomes fearful Brian may be sympathizing with the murderer, as Brian helplessly allows himself to be drawn deeper into the plot.”  Fridays and Saturdays at 7:30 pm and Sundays at 2 pm through March 19. Performances take place at the Guild theatre at 517 Theatre Lane, at the corner of Newport and Summit in Webster Groves. For more information: theatreguildwg.org.

Looking for auditions and other artistic opportunities? Check out the St. Louis Auditions site.
For information on events beyond this week, check out the searchable database at the Regional Arts Commission's Events Calendar.
Would you like to be on the radio? KDHX, 88.1 FM needs theatre reviewers. If you're 18 years or older, knowledgeable in this area, have practical theatre experience (acting, directing, writing, technical design, etc.), have good oral and written communications skills and would like to become one of our volunteer reviewers, send an email describing your experience and interests to chuck at kdhx.org. Please include a sample review of something you've seen recently.

Sunday, May 02, 2021

St. Louis theatre calendar for the week of May 3, 2021

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

Arts for Life presents an on-demand video stream of their fifth annual Theatre Mask Awards, honoring excellence in community theatre productions during 2020, on their YouTube channel. Act Two Theatre’s production of the farce “Who’s in Bed with the Butler?” leads this year’s Theatre Mask Awards nominations with nine. Alton Little Theater, with its two productions of “Inherit the Wind” and “The Miracle Worker,” earned 12 nominations in total – six for each. Two classic comedies by Clayton Community Theatre, “The Philadelphia Story,” and Monroe Actors Stage Company, “The Solid Gold Cadillac,” both received eight nominations apiece. Arts For Life announced the TMA nominations on March 12, during the nonprofit organization’s first-ever virtual trivia night. For more information: www.artsforlife.org

The Black Mirror Theatre Company presents Nuts and Bolts: Playwriting 101, an interactive, 6-week introductory class on Zoom, Thursdays from 7 to 9 pm through May 6. "Are you interested in writing your first short play, improving your playwriting basics or simply joining a short-term writing group to give your skills a spring work out? Join local playwright Michelle Zielinski in an exploration of the elements that make a good play." For more information, send emtil to blackmirrortheatrestl [at] gmail.com.

The Blue Strawberry presents Stephanie and Marty Fox in But Here You Are Friday, May 7, at 7:30 pm. "Join Stephanie and Marty Fox as they chronicle their love story through song.  Witness the highs, the lows, and everything in between as they recount their journey and rediscover why it's so important to have someone you love along for the ride." The club is operating under a "COVID careful" arrangement with restricted indoor capacity, mask requirements, and other precautions. Tickets are also available for a live video stream of the show. The Blue Strawberry is on North Boyle in the Central West End. For more information: bluestrawberrystl.com.

The Blue Strawberry
presents Open Mic Night with Sean Skrbec and Patrick White Sundays at 7 pm. "Come on down and sing, come on down to play, or come on down to listen and enjoy." The club is operating under a "COVID careful" arrangement with restricted indoor capacity, mask requirements, and other precautions. The Blue Strawberry is on North Boyle in the Central West End. For more information: bluestrawberrystl.com.

Sister City Circus
Circus Harmony in St. Louis and Circus Circuli in Stuttgart, St. Louis's German sister city, present Sister City Circus, on Circus Harmony’s YouTube page.  "Through a series of online meetings, workshops, and classes the two troupes created 6 different circus acts and then filmed them at iconic architectural locations in each of their cities." This and many other Circus Harmony videos are available at the Circus Harmony YouTube channel.

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

The Lemp Mansion Murder Mystery Dinner Theatre presents A Fistful of Hollers through May 8. "Gun slingers, dance hall girls, cowboys, gold diggers, cowboy boots and ten-gallon-hats will abound. Rowdy cowboys will duel to the death as the crooked sheriff watches with glee. But none of these characters are as dangerous as Nasty Nate, he’s the orneriest gun in the west and word is that he’s going to be stirring up trouble at the Lemp Mansion." The Lemp Mansion is at 3322 DeMenil Place in south city. For more information: www.lempmansion.com

The Very Hungry Caterpillar Show
Metro Theater Company presents The Very Hungry Caterpillar Show (La Oruga Muy Hambrienta Espectáculo), a bilingual production based on the books by Eric Carle, through May 16. "He's enchanted generations of readers since he first began nibbling his way to our hearts in 1969. Now, everyone's favorite caterpillar takes the stage in a dazzling, critically acclaimed production – featuring a menagerie of more than 75 larger-than-life, magical puppets." Live performances take place outdoors at the Kirkwood Performing Arts Center, 210 E. Monroe Avenue in Kirkwood. MO. The production is also available via on-demand video streaming April 28 through May 16. For more information: www.metroplays.org

Moonstone Theatre Company presents Moonstone Connections, a series of in-depth interviews with arts leaders by company founder Sharon Hunter. New episodes air the third Tuesday of each month; see linktr.ee/moonstoneconnections for more information.

The Muny presents Attuned: Cast Me at the Muny, a nine-part podcast that "showcases audition tips and funny stories, while offering an inside look at what makes casting a Muny show so challenging." The series is available on demand at the Classic 107.3 web site. For more information: classic1073.org/podcasts

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

Deal Orlandersmith in
After the Flood
The Repertory Theatre of St. Louis and All Arts present Until the Flood, written and performed by Dael Orlandersmith, via on-demand streaming. "On August 9, 2014, Darren Wilson, a white police officer, shot and killed Michael Brown, an African American teenager in Ferguson, Missouri. The shooting ignited weeks of social unrest, propelled the Black Lives Matter movement and prompted a controversial investigation by the U.S. Department of Justice. Celebrated writer, performer and Pulitzer Prize finalist Dael Orlandersmith traveled to St. Louis and conducted interviews with dozens of people who were grievously shaken by Brown’s shooting and the turbulent aftermath. From these intimate conversations, Orlandersmith created eight unforgettable characters who embody a community struggling to come to terms with the personal damage caused by these events." For more information: allarts.org

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

Come Together
The St. Louis Shakespeare Festival presents streaming videos from the SHAKE20 festival, including re-imagined, condensed versions of classic Shakespeare plays and new takes on old favorites like Joe Hanrahan's Come Together, at the Shakespeare Festival Facebook page at www.facebook.com/pg/STLShakesFest/videos

The St. Louis Writers' Group presents a reading of Rita Winters's play Dead Names Walking on Monday, MY 3, at 6:30 pm via Zoom. "They’ve been walking together for years. But now, will an old secret, and someone new, come between them?" For more information, visit the St. Louis Writers' Group Facebook page.

SATE, in collaboration with COCA and Prison Performing Arts, presents Project Verse: Creativity in the Time of Quarantine. Project Verse presents two new plays: Quatrains in Quarantine by e.k. doolin and Dream On, Black Girl: Reflections in Quarantine by Maxine du Maine. The performances are streamed free of charge on SATE’s website and Facebook page. For more information: slightlyoff.org.

Classic Mystery Game
SATE also offers streaming performances of the shows originally scheduled for live 2020 productions: The Mary Shelley Monster Show, As You Like It (produced for SHAKE20, Project Verse, and Classic Mystery Game. The shows are available on their YouTube channel.

Upstream Theater presents Healing: an Upstream Theater Retrospective available on demand at the company's YouTube channel Fridays at 8 pm through Sundays at 9 pm through May 9th. "We hope you are as eager to return to the stage as we are. In the meantime, we asked some of our Upstream artists to revisit a few of our past productions that in one way or the other explored the theme of healing." For more information: https://www.upstreamtheater.org

Supper
The Performing Arts Department at Washington University presents Washington University Dance Collective production Supper via on-demand video through May 16. "Defined as a meal of an intimate nature, this is what you will experience, small but delightful morsels of creatively short dance offerings that work together to create a feast for the “virtual” senses.  Join us for an evening of dance that is both fulfilling and satisfying." For more information: edison.wustl.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.