Review: "Horn Calls" summon audiences to a delightfully diverse musical afternoon

When St. Louis Symphony Orchestra Principal Horn Roger Kaza and Fourth Horn Julie Thayer started putting together the program for the “Horn Calls” program presented at the Sheldon last Sunday (April 7), the first piece they thought of was the rarely heard Sextet in E-flat major, Op. 81b, by Ludwig van Beethoven (1770–1827). As Thayer recalled, before Sunday’s performance, their last performance of the work took place under less than ideal conditions outdoors during the early days of the COVID pandemic. “We thought climate control would be a good addition,” she said.

I can hardly disagree. But climate control was far from the most important reason both the Beethoven Sextet (which concluded the concert) and the other works on the program were so successful. Pride of place must go to the generally high quality of the performances by Kaza, Thayer, and their fellow members of the SLSO—closely followed by the impressive diversity of the program.

Valveless "natural horn," 1797
wikipedia.org

The afternoon got off to a light-hearted start with the March in F major, K. 248, by W.A. Mozart (1756–1791). It’s a pleasant little thing scored for string quartet with two horns thrown in to lend a more martial air to the proceedings.  It’s a trifle and got a fine performance by violinists Jessica Chang Hellwege and Asako Kuboki, violist Andrew François, and cellist Alvin McCall, with Kaza and Thayer on horns. Mozart didn’t give the horns much to do in this piece since the valveless horns of the 18th had limited capabilities, but it was done quite well by Kaza and Thayer in any case.

Next, the mood became contemplative with “Solitude,” the second of the four movements from the suite of incidental music Jean Sibelius (1865–1957) wrote for the play “Belshazzar's Feast” in 1906. Originally scored for wind septet, “Solitude” had a kind of aural glow in this serene performance of an arrangement for five horns (Julie Thayer, Thomas Jöstlein, Blaine Dodson, Tod Bowermaster, and Victoria Knudtson) by Seattle-based horn player Danielle Kuhlmann.

The serenity continued with “Its Motion Keeps” by Caroline Shaw (b. 1982). Originally scored for treble choir (sopranos and altos) and solo viola, the work takes on a very different character in John Glover’s arrangement for horn quartet. The evocation of multiple choirs singing in reverberant stone cathedrals in Shaw’s original can’t be duplicated, but Glover uses muted vs. unmuted horns to create a remarkable illusion of acoustic space. Congratulations to Thayer, Dodson, Bowermaster, and Knudtson for a fine reading of some challenging music.

Principal Horn Roger Kaza
Photo courtesy of the SLSO

Speaking of challenging music, the score of the 1952 Sonata for Four Horns by Paul Hindemith (1896–1963) looks daunting if not downright scary. Complex polyphony, frequent time signature changes, rapid-fire passages with lots of accidentals, double- and triple-tonguing, and a wide tessitura—Hindemith threw everything he had into the short four-movement work. And he did it within the context of traditional forms like the Fugato opening movement and the theme-and-variations last movement.

The quartet of Kaza, Thayer, Knudtson, and Jöstlein played all of this with an assurance that made it sound far less thorny than it looks on paper. Unforgiving runs of sixteenth notes were cleanly articulated, the lines of the Fugato were clearly delineated, and the galloping final variations of the third movement were positively jolly.

The second half of the concert began with a pleasant surprise: a new work by Jöstlein inspired by the April 8th solar eclipse and scored for the unusual combination of two horns and three alphorns. Originally intended for outdoor communication among Swiss shepherds, these massive wooden instruments provided a solid drone over which a simple melodic rose and fell, invoking a sense of space and wonder. A pair of follow spots, one yellow and one blue, played the roles of sun and moon, coming together and then parting in time with the music.

The composer added to the visual element, playing his alphorn while decked out in a stylish modern version of the Tyrolean shepherd shirt.

L-R: Tod Bowermaster, Natalie Grana,
Thomas Jöstlein with alphorns

Things got a bit more serious as all six horns played the “Tristan Fantasy” by Herman Jeurissen, Principal Horn of the Residentie Orchestra in The Hague. As the title suggests, it’s an arrangement of themes from “Tristan und Isolde” by Richard Wagner (1813–1883). The solemn theme of Tristan’s death opens and closes the seven-minute work, bracketing the music of the opera’s lively hunting scene. The work got a solid, powerful performance by the ensemble.

Up next was another world premiere, this time by University of Missouri student composer J.T. Wolfe (b. 2002). Commissioned by the SLSO as part of its ongoing partnership with the university, “Cor for Four Horns” is a study in what Wolfe called “extended techniques” for the instrument. In practice, that meant that the quartet members were called upon to get every conceivable type of sound from their instruments, musical and otherwise. That included “white noise” effects created by blowing through the horns while manipulating the valves and even playing the mouthpieces without the instruments for a kazoo-like effect.

As a display of sheer virtuosity by the musicians, “Cor” was a fascinating piece. As music, it left something to be desired, feeling more like an aural high wire act. Still, it shows that Wolfe already has a deep understanding of instrumental technique, a skill which will stand him in good stead in his career.

The afternoon concluded with the Beethoven Sextet, performed by the same personnel as the opening Mozart march. Written around 1795 as the composer was just starting to make a name for himself in Vienna, the sextet shares a key signature with the later Symphony No. 3 (“Eroica”) but is otherwise a pretty well-behaved late Classical serenade: cheerful, easy on the ears, and mainstream in its form. With a sunny first movement in sonata form, a lyrical second, and a lively concluding Rondo, it could pass for late Haydn (with whom Beethoven was much impressed at the time).

Fourth Horn Julie Thayer
Photo courtesy of the SLSO

The horn parts, however, are a break from tradition. The horn was still the valveless instrument Mozart was writing for two decades earlier, but the first horn in particular has a much flashier role to play, suggesting that Beethoven might have had a particularly skilled player in mind.

In her pre-performance comments, Julie Thayer noted that the part called for the grace and flexibility of a ballerina, both of which she displayed in abundance. The same goes for Roger Kaza, whose role as second horn was almost as demanding. As in the Mozart, the teamwork among the six players was flawless, resulting a standing ovation from the audience—a well-deserved recognition for a superbly played afternoon of mostly unfamiliar works.

Next from the SLSO: This Saturday and Sunday, April 13 and 14, frequent guest conductor Norman Huynh is at the podium for “Star Wars: the Last Jedi in Concert” at the Stifel Theatre.

The regular season returns April 19 through 21 as another familiar face, John Storgårds, conducts the orchestra and soloist Marie-Ange Nguci in Beethoven’s Piano Concerto No. 2. The concert also includes the Symphony No. 7 and “Rakastava (The Lover)” by Sibelius along with “Lysning (Glade)” by contemporary Danish composer Per Nørgård. Performances take place at the Touhill Performing Arts Center on the University of Missouri-St. Louis campus. The Saturday evening concert will be broadcast live on St. Louis Public Radio and Classic 107.3.

Review: Great chamber music from the SLSOs "inner circle" at The Sheldon

I have periodically described the St. Louis Symphony Orchestra (SLSO) as an ensemble of virtuosi. The SLSO “Live at the Sheldon” concert last night (Wednesday, February 7) was a welcome opportunity to hear five of those virtuosi in action. Curated by Concertmaster David Halen and Principal Second Violin Alison Harney, the evening was an impressive mix of works old and new for string quartet with Principal Viola Beth Guterman Chu and Associate Principal Cello Melissa Brooks, and in the second half, with SLSO principal Keyboardist, Peter Henderson on piano.

L-R: Peter Henderson, Alison Harney, 
Beth Guterman Chu, David Halen,
Melissa Broois

Halen and Harney introduced the program with some interesting comments on the differences and similarities between playing chamber music and leading their respective sections in orchestral concerts. Halen noted that these four form the "inner circle" of string players, meaning they are positioned at the front of their respective sections, closest to the conductor. This setup allows for a rough approximation of playing chamber music, as they are near each other. At the same time, though, they must remain mindful of leading their respective sections, which limits the intimate give-and-take that is characteristic of chamber music. That insight provided a fascinating glimpse into how the musical sausage is made.

It was made with quality ingredients last night, beginning with the Andante Cantabile second movement from the String Quartet No. 2 in A minor by Florence Price (1887–1953). Composed in 1935 (just two years after the premiere of her unjustly neglected Symphony No. 3), the quartet displays the mix of early twentieth-century chromaticism and African American melodic material that characterizes so much of Price’s music. Coming as it does immediately after the large-scale drama of the first movement, the Andante Cantabile offers a welcome change of pace in the form of a lyrical cradle song. A rocking two-note ostinato in the second violin supports a gentle theme that Antonin Dvořák (1841–1904), whose Piano Quintet concluded the concert, would have surely appreciated.

The quartet’s performance of this little gem was exceptional as they played with seamless teamwork. It was evident that they had a great rapport and communicated with each other effortlessly. Indeed, this performance was characteristic of the entire evening. It was surprising to start the concert with such a gentle and charming piece of music, but the quartet pulled it off with great finesse.

The generally contemplative mood continued with the world premiere of “The Art of Dreaming” by Robyne Sieh (b. 2002), a 2020 winner of the Missouri Composers Project competition who has since moved to a career as a composer, pianist, and arranger. The brief work opens with a yearning first theme which gives way to a more contemplative second before moving to a more agitated section. I’m not sure how the music connected with either the title or Sieh’s description of it as being about a composer’s duty to “bring color to this world,” but the quartet’s sympathetic performance certainly made a good case for it.

Bringing color to the world is, however, a respectable description of what Maurice Ravel (1875–1937) did with his first and only String Quartet. Like his fellow Impressionist Claude Debussy, Ravel was wont to paint in musical watercolors, at least early in his career. The quartet inhabits a hazy, shifting, and sometimes indeterminate emotional landscape and poses a fair number of technical challenges.

The quartet gave an outstanding performance that captured the composer's quicksilver mood shifts while maintaining a consistent sense of momentum. When the melodic line jumped rapidly among the instruments, those leaps were always clear. The lively second movement's pizzicatos, trills, and tremolos were light and precise. The third movement (Très lent) was suitably eerie and nocturnal, while the finale bristled with energy.

Above all, Halen, Harney, Guterman Chu, and Brooks played with a cohesive ensemble sound, despite the somewhat chilly acoustics of the Sheldon’s balcony. Ravel’s scoring is remarkably democratic, with each of the four instruments given equal weight, which amply rewards serious teamwork.

The concert closed with the 1887 Piano Quintet in A major, Op. 81, by Antonin Dvořák (1841–1904), a work aptly described by writer/cellist J. Anthony McAllister as “easily one of the finest examples of late Romantic chamber music.” First performed on January 8, 1888 at a concert in the Rudolfinum in Prague, the Piano Quintet was enthusiastically received and quickly became a hot item for the composer’s publisher, Simrock. The work’s combination of craftsmanship and melodic appeal has kept it firmly in the musical mainstream ever since.

The addition of Henderson was a welcome addition to the ensemble. Over the years, I have been impressed by Henderson’s technique and versatility, playing everything from Haydn to Frederic Rzewski on everything from harpsichord to synthesizer. So I expected (and got) superb playing that stood out when it was supposed to and blended seamlessly with his fellow musicians the rest of the time.

The performance paid a great tribute to the essence of Dvořák's worldview, which brilliantly blends the contrasting elements of light and darkness. This was most apparent in the quartet’s performance of the Andante con moto second movement, which is based on the Czech dumka, a dance characterized by a mix of mirth and melancholy. The wistful little opening theme got a most sympathetic treatment by Henderson and Guterman Chu. The wild Vivace of the central section was delivered with gusto by the full ensemble, making the final return to the opening mood that much more poignant.

Next, we got a wonderfully incendiary third movement Furiant, followed by an Allegro finale (complete with a bit of fugal counterpoint) that brought the audience to its feet. Yes, the old “standing O” is easy to get in this country, but it was well-earned Wednesday night.

This was my first chance to catch one of the SLSO’s chamber music concerts at the Sheldon. I do believe I’m going to have to attend more of them in the future.

Next from the SLSO: Stéphane Denève returns to conduct the orchestra and chorus in Orff’s ever-popular “Carmina Burana,” along with works by Arvo Pärt, Wagner, and contemporary composer Lera Auerbach. Performances are Saturday at 7:30 pm and Sunday at 3 pm, February 17 and 18, at the Stifel Theater.

Review: Winter storm

Storm Large

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Singer, songwriter, actress, author, and agent provocateur Storm Large made her fifth St. Louis appearance in the last four years this past Wednesday (January 17, 2018). Having seen and very much enjoyed two of her previous shows at the Gaslight Theatre, I knew what to expect: an exuberant mix of Great American Songbook standards, rock, and pop, along with some French chansons, all delivered with the power of rock and roll and the emotional honesty that is the hallmark of cabaret.

Neither I nor the many fans who packed the Sheldon Concert Hall were disappointed. From the now-familiar borderline psychotic cover of Cole Porter's "I've Got You Under My Skin" that opened the show to the pair of original songs that closed it, this was classic Large. It was big, bold, bawdy, and emotionally real, and a good time was had by all.

Yes, her raucously funny and emotionally frank patter rambled a bit more than usual, resulting in a show which, at just under two hours, was maybe a bit too long. And her voice, still recovering from the flu that's running rampant through the nation, was more raw and less dark and rich than it has been in the past, sometimes rendering lyrics and even melodies incomprehensible. But even when Ms. Large goes all the way over the edge instead of stopping just short, she's still a magnetic presence.

As always, Ms. Large and her merry band had entertainingly original takes on familiar tunes. Her take on Porter's "It's All Right With Me" combined seduction and mania in a way that suggested Marilyn Monroe on speed. Her version of Jacque Brel's "Ne Me Quitte Pas" suggested that there might be a good reason why the object of the song's plea was leaving. And she brought a searing intensity to Prince's "Nothing Compares 2 U."

Her interpretation of Elton John and Bernie Taupin's "Goodbye, Yellow Brick Road," on the other hand, was pretty straightforward. The patter that introduced it was another story, hilariously examining the way song lyrics could be misheard back in the days when you couldn't just Google them on your smartphone.

The Storm Large originals were welcome, as always. Her next to closing song, "Angels in Gas Stations," was a beautiful little slice-of-romantic-life poem ("God is every damn where tonight," runs the refrain). And the final number, "Stand Up For Me," took a nicely poetic idea--what would Love ask of us, if it could speak?--and made it the basis for a deeply felt anthem.

"Be the light. Be the answer," goes the lyric. "Be the music in the dark. Stand up for me, and I'll stand beside you." In these days of darkness, it's an inspiring message.

Accompanying Ms. Large were pianist and music director James Beaton, guitarist Matt Brown, bass guitarist Scott Weddle, and drummer Greg Eklund. Collectively known as "Le Bonheur", they've been playing with Ms. Large for years, developing an almost telepathic rapport with her that allows them to easily adapt to her freewheeling performance style. These guys really know how to rock, but they can also sing in gorgeous four-part harmony when the song calls for it. I'm impressed.

Statuesque, slinky, and vocally versatile, Storm Large is a lean, mean entertainment machine, and it's always good to see her on stage. "We have quite a few fans in St. Louis," she observed in a recent interview for St. Louis Public Radio, "so it's kind of like a coming home usually for us." For those fans, I expect the feeling is mutual.

The appearance of Storm Large and Le Bonheur was produced by Jim Dolan's Presenters Dolan organization. Their next event is a return engagement on February 10th of Katie McGrath's superb Significant Others show, first seen here at the Gaslight Theatre last November; check out the Presenters Dolan web site for details.

This week, life is a cabaret

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Lovers of the art of cabaret will find a lot to like in Grand Center this week as The Cabaret Project of St. Louis (of which I am a board member) presents the annual St. Louis Cabaret Festival. Held in conjunction with the St. Louis Cabaret Conference, a nine-day professional training seminar for cabaret singers from St. Louis and around the country, the festival features six nights of widely varied performances by local and national artists. Both the conference and festival are spearheaded by St. Louis cabaret entrepreneur Tim Schall.

Faith Prince

It all starts on Tuesday, July 19, at 8 p.m. with First Stage: The St. Louis Cabaret Conference High School Showcase. The evening features young performers from the High School track of the St. Louis cabaret conference. As with the adult tracks, these performers first had to audition for slots. Those who made the cut then got intensive training in the art of song performance from Broadway's Karen Mason and American Idol's Peisha McPhee along with Tim Schall and Webster University's Carol Schmidt. I've seen the High School showcase in the past and it's wonderful to witness how talented these kids are so early in their careers. The performance takes place at The Stage @ KDHX, just east of Jazz at the Bistro in Grand Center.

Jason Graae

Wednesday, July 20, at 8 p.m. brings a double bill of two powerhouse performers: Tony Award winner Faith Prince and her long time friend and L.A. Drama Critics Circle winner Jason Graae. Titled The Prince and the Showboy (a joking reference to the 1957 Marilyn Monroe/Laurence Olivier comedy The Prince and the Showgirl), the evening promises to be one of belly laughs and great music. Having seen both Ms. Prince and Mr. Graae on stage in the past (and having been coached by both of them at previous St. Louis Cabaret Conferences), I can guarantee you that they are tremendously talented actors, singers, and comics. Expect an evening of high-powered entertainment that will keep you smiling long after you leave. The performance takes place at the Sheldon Concert Hall in Grand Center.

Marilyn Maye

Thursday, July 21, at 8 p.m. it's a return engagement by the astonishing Marilyn Maye with pianists and long-time collaborators Billy Stritch and Tedd Firth and (as if there weren't already enough talent on stage) a guest appearance by jazz diva Ann Hampton Callaway. A cabaret legend who appeared a record number of 76 times on The Tonight Show with Johnny Carson, Maye has been packing them in at Carnegie Hall, New York's 54 Below, Feinstein's, Birdland, and in clubs and concert venues throughout the country. Reviewing her appearance here in 2007, I praised her "immediate and honest communication with the audience." "Maye's boundless energy and obvious delight in her material," I wrote, "in combination with her cheerful, off-the-cuff repartee, establish an immediate bond with those of us on the other side of the spotlight."

Both Stritch and Firth are strong solo performers as well, by the way, and for local jazz lovers Ms. Callaway surely needs no introduction. It will be a joyous, jazzy, spectacular cabaret event created specifically for St. Louis Cabaret Festival audiences, and you can see it at the Sheldon Concert Hall.

Tony DeSare

Friday, July 22, at 8 p.m., the Sheldon will play host to Tony DeSare and his Trio in a wide-ranging evening that runs the gamut from Sinatra classics to Prince, and includes some of Mr. DeSare's own tunes. Named a Rising Star Male Vocalist in Downbeat magazine, DeSare has three top ten Billboard jazz albums under his belt and has headlined in prestigious venues such as New York's 54 Below and Carnegie Hall, along with major performing arts centers and numerous symphony orchestras throughout North America and abroad. This is Mr. DeSare's first appearance here in St. Louis, so this is a great chance to catch a rising star.

Saturday, July 23, at 8 p.m. it's back to The Stage @ KDHX for The St. Louis Cabaret Conference Professional Track Showcase. Mentored by Marilyn Maye, Faith Prince, Tedd Firth and Billy Stritch, as well as other members of the Cabaret Conference faculty, these are singers from the most advanced of the Cabaret Conference's three tracks. They're established cabaret pros from around the country, often with many shows to their credit, who are polishing their craft here in St. Louis. The showcase presents each of them in short, carefully tailored sets that display their range and talent. The first pro track showcase was last year, and it was impressive.

Ann Hampton Callaway

The St. Louis Cabaret Festival concludes on Sunday, July 24, with the St. Louis Cabaret Conference Closing Night Showcase and Celebration at the newly remodeled Jazz at the Bistro in Grand Center. After five days of working on their craft, its time for the core group of talented singers of the St. Louis Cabaret Conference to show audiences why they've come from all over the country to be mentored by the Conference's notable faculty. As someone who has seen and/or performed in most of the closing showcases over the years, I can attest to the wonderful variety and skill of the performers who take the stage in this big, two-act show. Seating for pre-show dinner or drinks begins at 6 p.m. and the show starts at 7. This year, your admission also includes a post show party complete with free munchies that starts up as soon as the last bow is taken.

For more information, visit The Cabaret Project web site. Tickets for all events are available via MetroTix. You can also hear interviews with Tim Schall and Marilyn Maye on St. Louis Public Radio and Faith Prince on KDHX, and watch Tony DeSare's preview video on YouTube.

The St. Louis Cabaret Conference and Festival are just two reasons why St. Louis is now regarded as a serious cabaret city. Come one down to Grand Center this week and find out why.

St. Louis classical calendar for the week of May 23, 2016

The Chamber Project's
Jennifer Gartley

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The Chamber Project St. Louis presents Choice on Friday, May 27, at 8:00 PM. "You vote for your favorites at all of the Chamber Project concerts all season long, and we play the winners in one epic concert. Come and hear your favorites performed one last time at our final concert of the season!" The performance takes place at The Chapel, 6238 Alexander Drive in Clayton. For more information: www.chamberprojectstl.org.

Opera Theatre of St. Louis presents Shalimar the Clown: Bringing an Acclaimed Novel from the Page to the Stage on Monday, May 23 at 7:30 p.m. Guest speakers: Jack Perla and Rajiv Joseph, the composer and librettist of the world premiere opera Shalimar the Clown. It's part of their Spotlight on Opera, a series of four insightful dialogues exploring the ideas in each season's opera, and it takes place at the Ethical Society, 9001 Clayton Road. For more information: experienceopera.org or call 314-961-0644.

The Sheldon Concert Hall presents the contemporary chamber ensemble Alarm Will Sound on Thursday, May 26, at 8 PM. “The ensemble performs the newest music being composed today with energetic virtuosity and a sense of adventure, creating programs that not only span a wide range of styles, but also transform the traditional concert experience itself.” The Sheldon is at 3648 Washington in Grand Center. For more information: thesheldon.org.

The Tavern of Fine Arts presents Death, Daggers, and Disease: A Night at the Opera on Monday, May 23 at 8 p.m. A cast of St. Louis opera singers will perform famous death scenes from favorite operas, including"Dead Man Walking," "La bohème," "Carmen," and "La Traviata." The Tavern of Fine Arts is at 313 Belt in the Debaliviere Place neighborhood. For more information: tavern-of-fine-arts.blogspot.com.

Alexander Weymann

The Tavern of Fine Arts presents pianist Alexander Weymann in a solo recital of music by Handel, Beethoven, Lutoslawski, Dutilleux, Chopin, Liszt, and Rachmaninov on Wednesday, May 25 at 8 p.m. The Tavern of Fine Arts is at 313 Belt in the Debaliviere Place neighborhood. For more information: tavern-of-fine-arts.blogspot.com.

The Tavern of Fine Arts presents The Greenleaf Singers on Friday, May 27 at 6 p.m. "The Greenleaf Singers is an exciting vocal ensemble specializing in a cappella music of the Renaissance. Their repertoire includes folk songs from village festivals, love melodies from royal palaces, and drinking numbers from raucous taverns. Come and hear their wonderfully blended voices as they bring to life the works of the most gifted composers of the 15th thru 16th Centuries." The Tavern of Fine Arts is at 313 Belt in the Debaliviere Place neighborhood. For more information: tavern-of-fine-arts.blogspot.com.

Chuck's Choices for the weekend of May 13, 2016

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

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New This Week:

Brian Owens

The Sheldon Concert Hall presents Brian Owens in Lean on Me Saturday, May14, at 11 a.m. "Acclaimed vocalist Brian Owens is quickly making a name for himself nationally as the new torch bearer for classic soul music in the tradition of Marvin Gaye and Sam Cooke. He returns to The Sheldon with a tribute to the legendary Bill Withers, performing hits including “Lean on Me,” “Just the Two of Us,” and more! " The Sheldon Concert Hall is at 3648 Washington in Grand Center. For more information: thesheldon.org.

My take: Mr. Owens is a compelling and gifted performer, especially when he steps away from recreating the work of earlier soul and rhythm and blues giants and allows us to see and hear his own takes on these classics. When that happens, it's magical.

---

The Two-Character Play

The Tennessee Williams Festival runs through May 15 at multiple venues throughout the St. Louis area. Events include theatrical performances, films, exhibits, lectures, and even a Williams-themed St. Louis bus tour. For more informatoin and a complete schedule of events, visit twstl.org.

My take: There are so many different events celebrating the life and work of this true St. Louis original that, rather than list them individually, I'm gong to suggest that you visit the festival web site and check them out yourself. Upstream's production of The Glass Menagerie (see below) and Midnight Company's local premiere (as far as I know, anyway) of The Two-Character Play (pictured)—a late Williams work that's rarely seen—have gotten some good notices, but by all means check out all the offerings.

Held Over:

The Glass Meangerie
Photo: Brian Wochniak

Upstream Theater presents Tennessee Williams' The Glass Menagerie, with live music by Joe Dreyer, through May 15. "As Tennessee Williams' classic has entered our collective memory, it has moved from cutting-edge to canonical. Upstream Theater aims to take the piece out of the museum in a way guaranteed to move you, and move you to think. We are proud to present this production in conjunction with the inaugural Tennessee Williams Festival St. Louis." Performances take place at the Kranzberg Arts Center, 501 North Grand in Grand Center. For more information, including show times: upstreamtheater.org.

My take: This radical re-thinking of the Williams classic starts with the assumption that, as a "memory play," it need not concern itself too much with realism. So, in this version, Tom is an elderly man man near the end of his life instead of a younger man still finding himself. Both Tom (J. Samuel Davis) and his mother Amanda (Linda Kennedy) are black while his sister is white, and the sister in this production is actually disabled instead of simply frail. As Steve Callahan writes in his review for KDHX, this doesn't necessarily work at all times. "The Upstream production of The Glass Menagerie will leave you wondering about many things," he says. "But that's good! Do see it. It's well worth your time." And, of course, there's the fact that Davis and Kennedy are very accomplished actors.

St. Louis theatre calendar for the week of May 9, 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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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

The Looking Glass Playhouse presents the classic musical Fiddler on the Roof Thursdays through Sundays through May 15. Performances take place at 301 West St. Louis Street in Lebanon, Ill. For more information, visit www.lookingglassplayhouse.com.

Tim Schall

The Sheldon Concert Hall presents Tim Schall in The Gaslight Generation Tuesday and Wednesday, May 10 and 11, at 10 a.m. "Clubs like The Crystal Palace lined St. Louis' Gaslight Square neighborhood and played host to the stars of tomorrow. Tim Schall takes a musical look back at this exciting time in popular music, with songs like “Moon River” and “Georgia On My Mind,” and tunes by beloved composers such as Hoagy Carmichael and Carole King. The times were a-changin' and so was the music!" The Sheldon Concert Hall is at 3648 Washington in Grand Center. For more information: thesheldon.org.

Upstream Theater presents Tennessee Williams' The Glass Menagerie, with live music by Joe Dreyer, through May 15. "As Tennessee Williams'classic has entered our collective memory, it has moved from cutting-edge to canonical. Upstream Theater aims to take the piece out of the museum in a way guaranteed to move you, and move you to think. We are proud to present this production in conjunction with the inaugural Tennessee Williams Festival St. Louis." Performances take place at the Kranzberg Arts Center, 501 North Grand in Grand Center. For more information, including show times: upstreamtheater.org.

Family Musical Theater presents the classic Cole Porter musical Kiss Me, Kate running through May 15th. "The exciting story of Kiss Me, Kate involves the production of a musical version of William Shakespeare's The Taming of the Shrew and the conflict on and off-stage between Fred Graham, the show's director, producer, and star, and his leading lady, his ex-wife Lilli Vanessi. A secondary romance concerns Lois Lane, the actress playing Bianca, and her gambler boyfriend, Bill, who runs afoul of some gangsters." Performances take place at the Ivory Theatre, 7622 Michigan. For more information, visit www.familymusicaltheater.org or call 314-571-9579.

Brian Owens

The Sheldon Concert Hall presents Brian Owens in Lean on Me Saturday, May14, at 11 a.m. "Acclaimed vocalist Brian Owens is quickly making a name for himself nationally as the new torch bearer for classic soul music in the tradition of Marvin Gaye and Sam Cooke. He returns to The Sheldon with a tribute to the legendary Bill Withers, performing hits including “Lean on Me,” “Just the Two of Us,” and more! " The Sheldon Concert Hall is at 3648 Washington in Grand Center. For more information: thesheldon.org.

The Emerald Room Cabaret at The Monocle resents Amy Armstrong in Mama's Big Ones, a musical tribute to Mama Cass Elliot of The Mamas and the Papas, Friday and Saturday at 8 p.m., May 13 and 14. " Amy is the complete package - an exceptionally fine singer and dead-on comedienne, the total pro who is fresh and compelling and funny every night. Now she is bringing us her Mama Cass show, developed and honed on her tour of Mexican resort clubs this winter. Mama's Big Ones (the title of Cass's first solo album) takes us through her life and work. Though far from all, a big part of Cass's professional life was The Mamas and The Papas, whose California Dreamin' defined a sound for a generation. 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.

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.

Act Two Theatre presents Neil Simon's The Odd Couple (Female Version) May 11-22. " Unger and Madison are at it again! Florence Unger and Olive Madison, that is, in Neil Simon's hilarious contemporary comic classic: the female version of The Odd Couple. Instead of the poker party that begins the original version, Ms. Madison has invited the girls over for an evening of Trivial Pursuit. The Pidgeon sisters have been replaced by the two Costazuela brothers. But the hilarity remains the same. " Performances take place in the St. Peters Cultural Arts Centre at 1 St Peters Centre Blvd, St. Peters, MO 63376. For more information: act2theater.com.

Alton Little Theater presents the comedy Skin Deep Thursdays through Sundays, May 12-22, at 2450 North Henry in Alton, IL. If you like a show that is filled with laugh-out-loud humor then Skin Deep is sure to please. A large, lovable, lonely-heart, named Maureen Mulligan, gives romance one last shot on a blind-date with sweet awkward Joseph Spinelli; she's learned to pepper her speech with jokes to hide insecurities about her weight and appearance, while he's almost dangerously forthright, saying everything that comes to his mind. They were set up on the date by Maureen's sister Sheila and her husband Squire, who are having problems of their own: Sheila undergoes a non-stop series of cosmetic surgeries to hang onto the attractive and much-desired Squire, who may or may not have long ago held designs on Maureen, who introduced him to Sheila. " For more information, call 618.462.6562 or visit altonlittletheater.org.

The Tennessee Williams Festival opens on Wednesday, May 11, and runs through May 15 at multiple venues throughout the St. Louis area. Events include theatrical performances, films, exhibits, lectures, and even a Williams-themed St. Louis bus tour. For more informatoin and a complete schedule of events, visit twstl.org.

The Theatre Guild of Webster Groves presents Horton Foote's drama The Trip to Bountiful Fridays through Sundays through May 15. "Mrs. Watts, an aging widow living with her son & daughter-in-law in Houston, Texas, fears that her presence may be an imposition on her family especially her demanding daughter-in-law. Mrs. Watts imagines that if she can get away and return to her old home in the town of Bountiful, she is sure to regain her strength, dignity and peace of mind. This is the story of her journey as she attempts to run away and the kind people she meets along the way." Performances take place in the Guild theatre at Newport and Summit in Webster Groves, MO. For more information: theatreguildwg.org or call 314-962-0876.

The Two-Character Play

The Midnight Company presents The Two-Character Play by Tennessee Williams Wednesdays and Thursdays at 7:30 p.m., Fridays at 8 p.m., and Saturdays and Sundays at 3 p.m., May 11-15. "Two actors, a brother and a sister, are stranded in a theatre, struggling to perform, struggling to survive." Performances take place at The Historic Mummers Theatre, 4504 Westminster in the Central West End. For more information: midnightcompany.com.

New Jewish Theater presents the musical Yentl May 11 - June 5 “Based on Isaac Bashevis Singer's short story “Yentl the Yeshiva Boy” and updated with new music and lyrics by Jill Sobule, “Yentl” tells the story of a young girl in 19th century Eastern Europe forbidden to pursue her dream of studying Talmud. Unwilling to accept her fate, she disguises herself as a man. But when she falls in love, Yentl must decide how far she's willing to go to protect her identity. This marks 40 years since the play - then without music - ran on Broadway. With parallels in Singer's short story coinciding with the burgeoning second wave of feminism, we find Yentl as an outsider seeking to find her own voice within a very proscribed world.” Performances take place in the Marvin and Harlene Wool Studio Theater at the Jewish Community Center, 2 Millstone Campus Drive in Creve Coeur. For more information: www.newjewishtheatre.org or call 314-442-3283.

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 classical calendar for the week of February 22, 2016

The Polish Baltic Philharmonic Orchestra

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The Cathedral Basilica of St. Louis presents The Polish Baltic Philharmonic Orchestra in an all-Tchaikovsky program on Sunday at 8 p.m., February 28, at the cathedral at 4431 Lindell. "Founded in 1945 on the heels of postwar Polish independence, The Polish Baltic Philharmonic is the largest music institution in northern Poland. The orchestra is visited not only by local music-lovers but by cosmopolitan Polish and international patrons alike. This is the place for those who enjoy art of the highest quality. The Philharmonic organizes symphonic concerts, recitals, and chamber music soirées performed by the most prominent Polish musicians as well as by many world-famous artists." For more information: www.cathedralconcerts.org.

Eliot Unitarian Chapel presents a Friends of Music concert on Sunday, February 28, at 3 PM. The program features Grieg's Peer Gynt Suite along with music by Antonio Vivaldi, Robert Chamberlin, George Oldroyd, Denis Bédard and Richard Purvis. The featured performers are Mark Overton, alto saxophone; Robert Chamberlin, organ; and Jan Chamberlin, glockenspiel. Chiann-yi Yawitz will perform Serge Prokofiev's Piano Sonata no. 6. The concert takes place at Eliot Unitarian Chapel is at 100 South Argonne in Kirkwood. For more information: fomcstl.org.

The St. Louis Children's Choirs present a Family and Friends Concert on Saturday, February 27, at 2 and 7 p.m. "Experience the joy of young voices united in song! This concert will feature multi-cultural selections in a variety of styles, traditions and languages and is part of the American Arts Experience-St. Louis. With performances by the Children's Choir 1A, Chorale 2A/2UC, Choristers, and Chamber Singers.' The performances take place at the 560 Music Center, 560 Trinity in University City. For more information: slccsing.org.

Hans Graf conducts the St. Louis Symphony Orchestra and Chorus along with soloists Laurel Dantas, soprano; Debby Lennon, mezzo-soprano; DeWayne Trainer, tenor; and actress Maureen Thomas Saturday at 8 p.m. and Sunday at 3 p.m. February 27 and 28. The program is part of the Symphony's four-week Shakespeare Festival. "Journey to the land of forbidden love with Mendelssohn's A Midsummer Night's Dream. Hans Graf leads the enchanting incidental music to Shakespeare's beloved play, with actress Maureen Thomas portraying vignettes from the drama on the Powell Hall stage. Mendelssohn's fairytale music is paired with Fauré's incidental music, Shylock, taking its genesis from The Merchant of Venice and providing moments of great beauty, signature of the beloved French composer. " Performances take place at Powell Symphony Hall, 718 North Grand.For more information: stlsymphony.org.

Peter Henderson

The Sheldon Concert Hall presents Sheldon Classics: The Fench Connection on Wednesday, February 24, at 8 PM. "Pianist Peter Henderson is joined by St. Louis Symphony principals Jelena Dirks, oboe, and Andrew Cuneo, bassoon, for "French Connection," featuring Poulenc's Trio for Oboe, Bassoon and Piano and Faure's Piano Trio, Op. 120. Henderson will also perform solo piano works by Ravel." The Sheldon is at 3648 Washington in Grand Center. For more information: thesheldon.org.

The Tavern of Fine Arts presents Songs Without Words, a concert of solo saxophone works by Christopher Braig on Wednesday, February 24, at 8 p.m. "Saxophonist Christopher Braig presents a solo recital on tenor and soprano saxophones titled "Songs Without Words" featuring works by Pucinni, Ellington, and Marley. Christopher Braig is an active performer and jazz instructor and is a member of the Webster University Jazz faculty." The Tavern of Fine Arts is at 313 Belt in the Debaliviere Place neighborhood. For more information: tavern-of-fine-arts.blogspot.com.

The Tavern of Fine Arts presents The Persied String Quartet in Czech Masters on Saturday, February 27, at 8 p.m. "What comes to mind when you think of Czech music? Perhaps simple folk tunes of the rural countryside, or the unusual harmonies and dark timbres of folk instruments? Or is it the lively dances and hopping rhythms? On February 27th we celebrate the works of two celebrated Czech composers: Bedrich Smetana and Antonin Dvorak. Working around the same time, they helped create a new awakening of Czech Nationalism through music. We know you'll enjoy the rousing Polkas, sad Dumky, and soaring lyrical Romances as we perform Smetana's String Quartet No. 1, 'From My Life', and Dvorak's String Quartet No. 10, op. 51." The Tavern of Fine Arts is at 313 Belt in the Debaliviere Place neighborhood. For more information: tavern-of-fine-arts.blogspot.com.

St. Louis theatre calendar for the week of February 15, 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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Act Two Theatre presents the musical The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee through February 21. "An eclectic group of six mid-pubescents vie for the spelling championship of a lifetime. While candidly disclosing hilarious and touching stories from their home life, the tweens spell their way through a series of [potentially made-up] words hoping to never hear the soul-crushing, pout-inducing, life un-affirming “ding” of the bell that signals a spelling mistake. Six spellers enter; one speller leaves! At least the losers get a juice box" Performances take place in the St. Peters Cultural Arts Centre at 1 St Peters Centre Blvd, St. Peters, MO 63376. For more information: act2theater.com.

Eve Seltzer

The Presenters Dolan present Eve Seltzer: An American Cabaret on Thursday, February 18, at 8 p.m. "Eve makes her St. Louis cabaret debut. She has performed at The Metopolitan Room, Sylvana and Jules in NYC." The performance takes place in The Emerald Room at The Monocle Bar, 4510 Manchester in The Grove neighborhood. For more information: presentersdolan.com.

The Bissell Mansion Murder Mystery Dinner Theatre presents And Away You Go through March 27. The Bissell Mansion is at 4426 Randall Place. For more information: bissellmansiontheatre.com.

Metro Theatre Company and the Missouri History Museum present And in This Corner...Cassius Clay by Idris Goodwin through February 28. "This is the story of young Muhammad Ali as he struggles with racism and segregation in Jim Crow Louisville, Kentucky, how a chance encounter with police officer Joe Morgan (later to become his first coach) sets him on the path toward becoming a legendary boxer and how finally he learns that it is not enough to achieve personal success, one must also work for the good of others." Performances take place in the Lee Auditorium at the Missouri History Museum in Forest Park. For more information: mohistory.org. Read the 88.1 KDHX review!

Chuck Lavazzi
Photo: Jill Ritter Lindberg

The Cabaret Project and 88.1 KDHX present the monthly cabaret open mic night on Wednesday, February 17, 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 special guest music director Ron McGowan on the baby grand.” The master of ceremonies is Chuck Lavazzi, senior performing arts critic at 88.1 KDHX. 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: thecabaretproject.org.

The Emerald Room Cabaret presents Cher the Love Cabaret on Friday and Saturday, February 19 and 20, at 8 p.m. "This February, 'Cher' The Love with this cabaret tribute to the fabulous icon! 'Cher The Love' spans the full and comprehensive songbook of this amazing Diva's career with comedy and a just enough love to send you off with a few butterflies!" 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.

The Lemp Mansion Comedy-Mystery Dinner Theater presents Clueless through April 16. The Lemp Mansion is at 3322 DeMenil Place. For more information: lempmansion.com

St. Louis University Theatre presents The Dead, "a charming, intimate musical based on the James Joyce short story," February 19-28. Performances take place in Xavier Hall, 3373 West Pine Mall. For more information, call 314-977-3327 or visit slu.edu/utheatre

Disgraced
Photo: Peter Wochniak

The Repertory Theatre of St. Louis presents Disgraced by Ayad Akhtar through March 6. “Successful corporate lawyer Amir Kapoor comes from a Pakistani family, but he long ago distanced himself from his roots to embrace life as a slick New Yorker. On course to become a partner at his law firm, Amir's carefully constructed world begins to unravel when unexpected events cause him to question his own beliefs. Raw, turbulent and unsettling, this smart drama reveals hidden attitudes toward modern culture and faith. Winner of the 2013 Pulitzer Prize for Drama.” Performances take place on the mainstage at the Loretto-Hlton Center, 130 Edgar Road in Webster Groves, MO. For more information, call 314-968-4925 or visit repstl.org.

YoungLiars present The Dispute: A Spectacle for Lovers and Fighters running through February 26. "It's 1744 (sort of) and an exasperated playwright with a wicked case of writer's block accidentally launches the world's first reality entertainment. Four self-absorbed teenagers, raised in total isolation, are turned loose on each other to figure out who committed the first infidelity - men or women. Baroque Farce, Euro-Dance, and The Dandy Warhols collide in this new adaptation of Marivaux's classic comedy where Courtship Etiquette turns into Mortal Combat and the only true love is the one in the mirror. The creative team that brought you Whammy! The Seven Secrets to a Sane Self and other HotCity favorites make their debut as YoungLiars."  Performances take place in the fourth floor ballroom at the Centene Center for Arts and Education, 3547 Olive Street in Grand Center. For more information: youngliarsdispute.brownpapertickets.com. Read the 88.1 KDHX review!

Educating Rita
Photo: John Lamb

The West End Players Guild continues their 105th season with Willy Russell's comedy Educating Rita Thursday through Saturday at 8 PM and Sunday at 2 PM, February 18-21. "Frank is a tutor of English in his fifties whose disillusioned outlook on life drives him to drink and to bury himself in his books. Enter Rita, a forthright 26-year-old hairdresser who is eager to learn. After weeks of cajoling, Rita slowly wins over the very hesitant Frank with her innate insight and refusal to accept no for an answer. Their relationship as teacher and student blossoms, ultimately giving Frank a new sense of self and Rita the knowledge she so craves." There will also be a show on Thursday, February 18, at 8 PM. Performances take place at the Union Avenue Christian Church, 733 North Union at Enright in the Central West End. For more information, call 314-367-0025 or visit www.westendplayers.org.

Eleemosynary
Photo: John Lamb

Mustard Seed Theatre presents the comedy Eleemosynary Thursdays through Saturdays at 8 p.m. and Sundays at 2 p.m. through February 21. "Both funny and poignant, this play examines the subtle and often perilous relationship between three remarkable women: a young girl, her mother, and her grandmother. Artie abandons her daughter Echo to be raised by Echo's grandmother, Dorothea. But when Dorothea's health begins to fail, can Artie and Echo move beyond the superficiality of words and begin to build a deeper relationship?" Performances take place at the Fontbonne Fine Arts Theatre, 6800 Wydown Blvd. For more information, call (314) 719-8060 or visit the web site at www.mustardseedtheatre.com. Read the 88.1 KDHX review!

KTK Productions presents Farce of Nature February 19-28. "From the successful writing team of Jones Hope Wooten, comes the Texas premiere of the newest, Southern-fried comedy! Meet the Wilburn family of Mayhew, Arkansas, and spend an outrageously funny day at The Reel 'Em Inn--finest little fishing lodge in the Ozarks. Can the lodge be saved from gangsters, love-starved females, jealous husbands, ruthless corporate executives, bad Swedish accents, a cranky, senior citizen maid packing heat, a jittery man masquerading as a woman, and vicious critters right outside the door? By the delightfully chaotic climax of this one remarkable day, love has blossomed, truths have been revealed and the lives of all - family, guests and gangsters alike - change in incredible and surprising ways in this laugh-'til-your-sides ache comedy!" Performances take place at Southampton Presbyterian Church, 4716 Macklind. For more information: kurtainkall.org or call 314-351-8984.

St. Louis Actors' Studio presents Gidion's Knot through February 28 at the Gaslight Theatre, 358 North Boyle. "Over the course of a parent/teacher conference, a grieving mother and an emotionally overwhelmed primary school teacher have a fraught conversation about the tragic suicide of the mother's son, Gidion. Gidion may have been bullied severely-or he may have been an abuser. As his story is slowly uncovered, the women try to reconstruct a satisfying explanation for Gidion's act and come to terms with excruciating feelings of culpability." For more information, call 314-458-2978 or visit stlas.org.

The Improv Shop presents Heartbreak running through March 19. "Heartbreak is an improvised serial show where we explore, in depth, the stages of doomed relationships. Watch characters go from strangers to friends, friends to lovers, and from lovers to heartbreakers. Heartbreak. It doesn't happen all at once." The Improv Shop is at 510 North Euclid in the Central West End. For more information on this and other Improv Shop shows: theimprovshop.com.

I'll Be Back Before Midnight
Photo: John Lamb

Stray Dog Theatre presents the thriller I'll Be Back Before Midnight Thursdays through Saturdays at 8 PM through February 20. "Having suffered a nervous breakdown, Jan retreats with her husband to an old, country farmhouse where the owner delights in telling gruesome ghost stories. Before long, eerie sounds and visions are tormenting Jan. Is she suffering another breakdown or is someone trying to drive her mad?" Performances take place at The Tower Grove Abbey, 2336 Tennessee. For more information, visit straydogtheatre.org or call 314-865-1995. Read the 88.1 KDHX review!

Ben Nordstrom

The Sheldon Concert Hall presents Ben Nordstrom: Isn't It Romantic on Tuesday and Wednesday, February 16 and 17, at 10 a.m. "One of St. Louis' most acclaimed musical theater performers, Ben Nordstrom celebrates Valentine's Day with love songs from the Great White Way. Guest vocalist Julie Hanson Battaglia, who has appeared on Broadway and at theatres around the country, joins Nordstrom for this romantic program of Broadway favorites." The performance takes place at The Sheldon Concert Hall, 3648 Washington in Grand Center. For more information: thesheldon.org.

COCA presents the musical Three Little Birds Saturday at 2 and 5 p.m. and Sunday at 1 and 4 p.m., February 20 and 21. "Based on the known and loved reggae music of Bob Marley, join the fun of this musical, which has been adapted from the children's book “Three Little Birds” by Cedella Marley. An empowering tale about triumph over anxiety, the musical's young protagonist, Ziggy, must find a way to leave the house despite a fear of hurricanes, mongooses and other things in his native Jamaica. Music and lyrics by Bob Marley himself, mon." COCA is at 524 Trinity in University City. For more information, call (314) 725-6555 or visit www.cocastl.org.

Brass Rail Players present Meshuggah Nuns Live through February 21. The performances take place at The Turkey Hill Grange, 1375 Illinois Rte. 15 in Belleville, IL. For more information, visit brassrailplayers.org.

St. Louis Community College at Florissant Valley presents Shakespeare's comedy A Midsummer Night's Dream through February 20. Performances take place in the Fisher Theatre on the campus at 3400 Pershall Road. For more information, call 314-644-5522.

Webster University's Conservatory of Theatre Arts presents Molière's comedy The Miser Wednesdays through Sundays, February 17-28. “Molière's classic comedy introduces us to Harpagon, a man so consumed by greed that he is set on sacrificing the happiness of his children in marriages of convenience. But Harpagon's son and daughter, Valère and Mariane, will plot against their father to marry those they love instead. Molière treats the age-old conflict between love and money with unparalleled and sparkling wit.” Performances take place in the studio theatre at the Loretto-Hilton center on the Webster University campus. For more information, events.webster.edu or call 314-968-7128.

The Monocle presents an open mic night every Mondays from 9:00pm to midnight. "Musical Theater actor? Cabaret singer? Balladeer? Belter? Coloratura soprano? Crooner? Student? Teacher? Performer? Fan? Come on down and sing. All are welcome. Ron Bryant is your accompanist. Bring your sheet music"." The monocle is at 4510 Manchester in The Grove neighborhood. For more information: themonoclestl.com.

Southern Illinois University at Edwardsville presents David Auburn's drama Proof Wednesday through Sunday, February 17-21. "On the eve of her 25th birthday, Catherine, a troubled young woman, has spent years caring for her brilliant but unstable father, a famous mathematician. Now, following his death, she must deal with her own volatile emotions; the arrival of her estranged sister, Claire; and the attentions of Hal, a former student of her father's who hopes to find valuable work in the 103 notebooks that her father left behind. Over the long weekend that follows, a burgeoning romance and the discovery of a mysterious notebook draws Catherine into the most difficult problem of all: How much of her father's madness - or genius - will she inherit? Winner of the 2001 Pulitzer Prize and Tony Award for Best Play, PROOF is a must see." Performances take place in the Dunham Hall Theatre on the campus in Edwardsville, IL. For more information, call 618-650-2774 or visit siue.edu.

The Repertory Theatre of St. Louis presents Ayad Akhtar, author of the current mainstage show Disgraced, in a panel discussion on Public Perceptions of Islam in Post-9/11 America on Monday, February 15, at 7:30 pm. Also on the panel will be Faizan Syed, Executive Director, Council on American-Islamic Relations - St. Louis and Dr. Ghazala Hayat, Former Board President, Islamic Foundation of Greater St. Louis. The moderator will be Associate Director of the Rep, Seth Gordon. The event takes place at the Loretto-Hilton Center on the Webster University campus. For more information: repstl.org.

Lindenwood University presents the musical Violet February 19-27. “As a girl, Violet was struck by a wayward axe blade when her father was chopping wood, leaving her with a visible scar across her face. With enough money finally saved she's traveling across the 1964 Deep South towards a miracle - the healing touch of a TV evangelist that will make her beautiful. Though she may not succeed in having the scar on her face healed, Violet is able to repair those that are lying deeper than her skin, and on the way she meets a young African-American Soldier whose love for her reaches far past her physical 'imperfections.'” Performances take at the black box theatre at the J. Scheidegger Center for the Arts on the Lindenwood campus in St. Charles, MO. For more information, call 636-949-4433 or visit lindenwood.edu/center.

The cast of The Weir

Cocktails and Curtain Calls presents The Weir, the award-winning play by Irish playwright Conor McPherson, Monday through Thursday at 8:00pm, through February 18. It will be the first local production to utilize the new Members' Project Code, under the auspices of the Actors' Equity Association. All profits from ticket sales go directly to the artists. Performances will take place at McGurk's Irish Pub and Dressel's in the Central West End. For details on performance times and locatsions, visit CocktailsandCurtainCalls.com. Read the 88.1 KDHX review! 

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 classical calendar for the week of January 18, 2016

Charis in 2011

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CHARIS, the St. Louis Women's Chorus, invites the public to open rehearsals for its next show Behind the Scenes on Tuesdays from 7 to 9:30 p.m., through January 26. "Join CHARIS - The St. Louis Women's Chorus for open rehearsals as we prepare for our final show of our 22nd season, "Behind the Scenes". We welcome you to our open rehearsals on January 5th, 19th, & 26th and to a social networking event January 12th to learn about CHARIS and the music and concept for our next concert. CHARIS is a non-auditioned community chorus open to anyone who identifies as a woman. We are a diverse group of women united in our mission to perform music that celebrates and encourages women and the LGBTQ community." Rehearsals take place at the Center for Divine Love, 3617 Wyoming in the South Grand neighborhood. For more information: charischorus.org.

The New Music Circle presents its 2016 opening concert featuring Baltimore pedal steel guitarist Susan Alcorn and Chicago percussionist Frank Rosaly on Friday, January 22, at 7 PM. "New Music Circle audiences may recall hearing percussionist Frank Rosaly at a performance in 2013 with Joshua Abrams's Natural Information Society at Joe's Cafe. As we heard, unusual percussive devices such as found objects and electronic sounds are often included in his arsenal, and he is capable of transitioning from the most subtle sounds to intense outbursts, all in the same breath. Baltimore pedal steel guitarist, Susan Alcorn, will make her first time visit to St. Louis! Alcorn is a Baltimore based composer and instrumentalist who has received international recognition as an innovator of the pedal steel guitar. Alcorn elicits an expansive range of sounds from her instrument, from accessible country glissandos to Theremin like science fiction “noir” effects." The performance takes place at Joe's Café, 6014 Kingsbury. For more information: newmusiccircle.org.

The St. Louis Symphony's Crescendo Circle presents Sips and Symphonies, featuring a discussion/presentation on Gustav Mahler's Symphony No. 5, on Thursday, January 21 at 7:00 PM. "What is Sips and Symphonies? It is a great way to learn about music in a fun, casual environment." A special cocktail is created for each event to accompany the music. The event takes place at The Tavern of Fine Arts, 313 Belt in the Debaliviere Place neighborhood. For more information: tavern-of-fine-arts.blogspot.com.

Timothy McAllister
timothymcallister.com

The St. Louis Symphony Orchestra conducted by David Robertson presents John Adams's Saxophone Concerto, with soloist Timothy McAllister, and Mahler's Symphony No. 5 Friday at 10:30 a.m. and Saturday at 8 p.m., January 22 and 23. "From the opening funeral march to the exuberant and glorious brass finale, Mahler's Fifth Symphony is a larger-than-life work capturing a wide spectrum of emotions including possibly the greatest and most famous musical love letter ever written-from Mahler to his new bride, Alma. This monumental work is paired with Adams' jazzed-infused Saxophone Concerto featuring Timothy McAllister." Performances take place at Powell Symphony Hall, 718 North Grand.For more information: stlsymphony.org.

The St. Louis Symphony Orchestra conducted by David Robertson presents Romantic Favorites Friday at 8 p.m., January 22. "David Robertson leads an evening devoted entirely to love and romance captured in music. From Mendelssohn's familiar Wedding March in A Midsummer Night's Dream, heard at countless weddings, to Mahler's hauntingly beautiful Adagietto, this concert is full of favorites that evoke the sounds of love in the air." The performance takes place at Powell Symphony Hall, 718 North Grand.For more information: stlsymphony.org.

Wednesday, January 20, at 8 pm, The Sheldon Concert Hall presents Cellist Bjorn Ranheim and violinist Shawn Weil. "Cellist Bjorn Ranheim and violinist Shawn Weil, members of the St. Louis Symphony and genre-defying acoustic quartet, The 442s, present an eclectic program in collaboration with musical friends. Including virtuosic duos by Kodály and Stefan Freund, Schoenfield's sparkling "Café Music" with pianist Peter Henderson, and a new work by composer Adam Maness for The 442s and vocalist Brian Owens, this not-to-be-missed program has something for everyone!" The Sheldon is at 3648 Washington in Grand Center. For more information: thesheldon.org.

Duo Bandini-Chiacchiaretta
bandinichiacchiaretta.com

Saturday, January 23 at 7:30 pm, The Sheldon Concert Hall presents Duo Bandini-Chiacchiaretta. "This Duo consisting of guitarist Giampaolo Bandini and bandoneon player Cesare Chiacchiaretta was formed in 2002 with the express intent of presenting the Argentinian "new tango"music of Astor Piazzolla with its two essential instruments. Their first CD "Hombres de Tango" has been greeted with great enthusiasm, selling more than 10,000 copies. Extraordinarily charismatic, the Duo has performed throughout both Eastern and Western Europe to great acclaim." The Sheldon is at 3648 Washington in Grand Center. For more information: thesheldon.org.

The Tavern of Fine Arts presents a concert by soprano Rebecca Drury on Saturday, January 23, at 8 p.m. The Tavern of Fine Arts is at 313 Belt in the Debaliviere Place neighborhood. For more information: tavern-of-fine-arts.blogspot.com.

The Tavern of Fine Arts presents the Nylönïcä Guitar Trio (David Ferrara, Mark Akin, Adam Gabbert) in an evening of trios, duos, and solos on Saturday, January 16, at 8 p.m. "Nylönïcä! is a St. Louis-based classical guitar trio specializing in modern classical and rock compositions arranged for guitar." The Tavern of Fine Arts is at 313 Belt in the Debaliviere Place neighborhood. For more information: tavern-of-fine-arts.blogspot.com.

Winter Opera St. Louis presents Mozart's comic opera Cosi fan Tutte Friday at 8 PM and Sunday at 3 PM, January 22 and 24. Performances take place at The Skip Viragh Center for the Arts at Chaminade College Preparatory School, 425 S. Lindbergh. For more information, visit winteroperastl.org.