Showing posts with label st. louis theatre circle. Show all posts
Showing posts with label st. louis theatre circle. Show all posts

Monday, October 21, 2024

St. Louis theatre calendar for the week of October 21, 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 Lungs by Duncan MacMillan November 3. “Climate change, overpopulation, war, and political division. Why would anyone want to bring a baby into this world? Successful English playwright Macmillan addresses these issues in this “off-kilter love story (that) is brutally honest, funny, edgy and current” (The Guardian). It will be presented using its original British script.” Performances take place in the Black Box Theatre at the Kranzberg Center, 501 N. Grand in Grand Center. For more information: albiontheatrestl.org.

Tim Schall and Joe Dreyer
The Blue Strawberry presents Sunday Standard Time with Tim Schall and Joe Dreyer on Sunday, August 4, at 6 pm. “Join Tim Schall (vocals) and Joe Dreyer (piano) and Willem Von Hombracht (bass) in the lounge for a casual, classy Sunday evening of jazz standards, a little sophisticated pop and a dash of classic Broadway.”   The Blue Strawberry is at 364 N. Boyle. For more information: bluestrawberrystl.com

Clayton Community Theatre presents Tennessee Williams’s Night of the Iguana, Thursdays through Saturdays at 7:30 pm and Sundays at 2 pm, through October 27. “Reverend T. Lawrence Shannon is a minister recently fallen from grace and expelled from his congregation for a "nervous breakdown," who travels to 1940s Mexico to work as a travel guide. Among his group of tourists, however, is a 16-year-old girl, Charlotte Goodall, with whom Shannon has recently been accused of an inappropriate relationship. Meanwhile, his friend and motel owner Maxine Faulk sees in Shannon an escape for her loneliness following the death of her husband, Fred. The situation is only complicated further by the arrival of Hannah Jelks, a spinster from Nantucket, and her father, Nonno, a renowned poet in failing health who is attempting to compose what will be his final work. As Shannon and Jelks develop a deep bond, Maxine's jealousies get the best of her.” Performances take place at the Washington University South Campus Theatre, 6501 Clayton Rd. For more information: www.placeseveryone.org.

Am I Dangerous?
Photo: Carolee Carmelita
Contraband Theatre presents Am I Dangerous? by St. Louis playwright, e.k. doolin Wednesdays through Saturdays at 7:30pm through October 26. “All of her life, sixteen-year-old Philoten has been told about dangerous women. Those who flaunt their bodies. Those who are different. Those who do not follow the rules. And she’s tried, so hard, not to be dangerous. But then, something really awful happens. A few things, actually, but one of them is unforgivable and forces her to ask the question of herself, Am I Dangerous? Am I Dangerous? springboards off ancient questing stories like Shakespeare’s Pericles, creating a brand-new fem-tagonist origin story with themes around coming of age, familial reconciliation, bodily autonomy, and cultivation of the native and natural biosphere.” Performances take place at The Chapel, 6238 Alexander Drive in Clayton. For more information: www.contrabandtheatre.org.

The Fabulous Fox presents the Cirque du Soleil’s Songblazers: A Journey Into Country Music October 24 – 27. “Delivering the perfect harmony of guitar grooves & breathtaking moves, SONGBLAZERS is a one-of-a-kind theatrical production celebrating country music that pays homage to its legendary and modern day trailblazers. With its acrobatic and live musical performance showcasing the captivating artistry of Cirque du Soleil and the soul-stirring melodies of beloved country rhythms, this engaging experience celebrates the diverse influences of country music and its heartfelt stories through time.” The Fabulous Fox is on North Grand in Grand Center. For more information: fabulousfox.com.

First Run Theatre presents a Playwright’s Workshop on Monday, October 21, at 6:30 pm. At the workshop new scripts are by local playwrights are read by experienced actors in front of an audience. The Playwright’s Workshop takes place on the 2nd and 4th Monday of each month at Square One Brewery in Lafayette Square. For more information: firstruntheatre.org.

Kirkwood Theatre Guild presents the comedy Boeing Boeing October 25 through November 3. 1960s, Paris. Bachelor Bernard has a flat in Paris and three airline stewardesses all engaged to him without knowing about each other. Bernard’s life gets bumpy, though, when his friend Robert comes to stay, and complications such as weather and a new, speedier Boeing jet disrupt his careful planning. Soon, all three stewardesses are in the city simultaneously and catastrophe looms. Performances take place at the Reim Theatre in the Kirkwood Community Center on South Geyer Road. For more information, ktg-onstage.org.

The Repertory Theatre of St. Louis presents the dark comedy The Roommate October 13 through November 27. “In the quietest corner of the Midwest, middle-aged Sharon, recently divorced and seeking a sensible roommate, opens her home to Robyn, a mysterious woman with a murky past. Entwining this unlikely duo's lives in shared dish-duty and shady business, Jen Silverman takes us on an uproarious journey of self-discovery, secrets and revelations. Challenge societal norms, embrace the unexpected, and revel in the reinvention that only true friendship can spark in this dark comedy that proves coming of age can happen anytime, anywhere- even your own kitchen table!” Performances take place in the Emerson Studio Theatre of the Loretto-Hilton Center on the Webster University campus. For more information: www.repstl.org.

Riverside Theatre Project presents Shakespeare’s Macbeth Fridays and Saturdays at 8 pm and Sundays at 2 pm, through October 27. "Three witches tell the Scottish general Macbeth that he will be King of Scotland. Encouraged by his wife, Macbeth kills the king, becomes the new king, and kills more people out of paranoia. Civil war erupts to overthrow Macbeth, resulting in more death." Performances take place at the historic Showboat Theatre in Hermann, Missouri. For mor information: www.riversidetheatreproject.com.

St. Louis Shakespeare presents Julius Caesar October 25 – November 2. “Rome, 44BC. Julius Caesar, the most popular general in Rome, has parlayed his military success to attain the seat of highest power: Emperor. Alarmed by his aspirations to kingship, members of the aristocracy plot his assassination. But the murdered man’s friend, Mark Antony, rouses the public against the conspirators, resulting in strife that could bring Rome to the brink of anarchy.” Performances take place at the Donn Lux Family Theatre, 1731 S. Broadway in Soulard. For more information: https://www.stlshakespeare.org.

 
Nevermore
Photo: John Lamb
Stray Dog Theatre presents the musical Nevermore: The Imaginary Life and Mysterious Death of Edgar Allan Poe Thursdays through Saturdays at 8 through November 2. “This unique and wildly theatrical experience combines haunting music and poetic storytelling to chronicle the fascinating life of iconic American writer Edgar Allan Poe. At once gorgeous and grotesque, Nevermore explores the events that shaped Poe’s character and career, blurring the lines between fact and fiction—after all, as Poe himself writes, “All that we see or seem is but a dream within a dream.”” Performances take place at Tower Grove Abbey, 2336 Tennessee in Tower Grove East. For more information: www.straydogtheatre.org.

Life is a Dream
Photo: ProPhotoSTL
Upstream Theater presents the professional premiere of Spanish playwright Pedro Calderón de la Barca's Life is a Dream in a new translation by G.J. Racz, October 24, 25, 26, 31 and November 1, 2 at 8:00 pm; and October 27 and November 3 at 2:00 pm. “Pedro Calderón de la Barca's best-known drama follows the journey of Prince Segismundo, who was imprisoned at birth due to a prophecy. As he grapples with his newfound freedom within a world of court intrigue, Segismundo ponders the nature of his existence and the power of his own choices. A play of enduring relevance in an age filled with political uncertainty.” Performances take place at The Marcelle in Grand Center. For more information: www.upstreamtheater.org.

The Washington University Theatre Department presents Kate Hamill’s comic adaptation of Jane Austin’s Pride and Prejudice October 25 through November 2. “Kate Hamill's reimagining of the Jane Austen classic is a brilliant comedic romp with an irreverent soul. Here, love is a game with winners and losers everywhere, and ludicrous circumstances abound and surround all matters of the heart. Finding a soulmate is serious play and true love is a madcap ordeal with confounding rules but a huge payoff.” Performances take place at the Edison Theatre on the Washington University Campus. For more information: pad.wustl.edu/events.

 
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.

Friday, February 22, 2013

Lou, Lou, Louie, Goo'Bye!

What was it Robert Burns said about the best-laid plans of mice and men? It appears that things can "gang aft agley" for theatre critics as well as other members of homo sapiens and their rodent friends. The St. Louis Theatre Circle Awards are no longer "The Louies" (seems that there was a national organization already was using that name for an awards program) and the location is no longer the Gaslight Theater (nice space, but too small to hold everyone). We are now the St. Louis Theater Circle Awards and our first presentation will be Monday, March 18, at the Florissant Civic Center. For details, see our latest press release, below.

And spread the word, OK?

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DATE AND LOCATION CHANGED AND CATERER ADDED
FOR INAUGURAL ST. LOUIS THEATER CIRCLE AWARDS

ST. LOUIS, February 22, 2013 -- Performances by local professional theater companies, ranging in size from The Muny and its productions in the 11,000-seat Forest Park amphitheater to small companies performing in modest venues around the area, will be recognized at the inaugural St. Louis Theater Circle Awards.

Date and location for the event have been changed. The ceremony will now take place on Monday, March 18, 2013 at the Florissant Civic Center Theatre in the James J. Eagan Civic Center, which is located at the intersection of Parker Road and Waterford Drive in Florissant. The event will celebrate theatrical achievements in the year 2012 in local professional theater as recognized by the St. Louis Theater Circle, a new organization comprised of area reviewers.

Other cities around the country, such as Boston, Chicago, Los Angeles, Philadelphia, San Diego, San Francisco and Washington D.C., honor their own local theatrical productions with similar awards programs. Because of potential legal issues, the name of the awards has been changed to the St. Louis Theater Circle Awards.

Tickets to the event will be $10 apiece, payable in cash or check at the door on the night of the ceremony or in advance by mailing payment by check to St. Louis Theater Circle, 7162 Delmar Blvd., St. Louis, MO 63130. Reservations can be made in advance (and then paid for at the box office on the night of the event) by contacting stltheatercircle at sbcglobal.net.

Additionally, With Love Catering, which services a number of theaters locally including The Repertory Theatre of St. Louis and Stages St. Louis, will cater the event, offering food and drinks available on a cash basis. Tickets for a special pre-dinner buffet also will be sold for $15 apiece, which includes one drink along with a buffet. Buffet tickets may be reserved in advance or paid for in advance at the same addresses as above.

The buffet will feature assorted fresh fruits, cheeses and flat breads; buffalo chicken won ton cups; baked brie in phyllo with cranberries, apples and pecans; smoked chicken and Colby quesadillas, tequila lime sour cream; pulled pork sliders with crispy onion straws; and billy goat potato chips with green onion dip.

The box office will open at 6 p.m. and the ceremony will begin at 7 p.m. The pre-event buffet will be served beginning at 5:30 p.m. A post-ceremony celebration will take place following the event until 11:30 p.m.

Additionally, well-known pianist Carol Schmidt will provide musical accompaniment throughout the presentation.

The mission of the St. Louis Theater Circle is simple: To honor St. Louis professional theater. While various reviewers may also cover professional touring shows at The Fox and the Peabody Opera House as well as selected community and college productions, The St. Louis Theater Circle Awards are designed to focus attention on dozens of area theater companies which showcase the artistic efforts of actors, directors and technical artists in the metropolitan area.

“We are delighted that Mayor Thomas Schneider and the City of Florissant have made the Florissant Civic Center Theatre available for this inaugural event,” said Judith Newmark, theater critic for the St. Louis Post-Dispatch and a founding member of the St. Louis Theater Circle. “Our goal is to recognize and celebrate artistic accomplishments on the professional scene in the 2012 calendar year.”

Nominations for The St. Louis Theater Circle Awards are divided into categories for musicals, dramas and comedies. Approximately 100 local professional theatrical productions were presented in the St. Louis area in 2012.

The nominees for the 2012 St. Louis Theater Circle Awards are:

NOMINEES FOR MUSICALS

Outstanding Production
  • Ain’t Misbehavin’, Stages St. Louis
  • Chicago, The Muny
  • Spring Awakening, Stray Dog Theatre
  • Sunday in the Park with George, The Repertory Theatre of St. Louis
  • Sweeney Todd, Opera Theatre Saint Louis
Outstanding Director
  • Justin Been, Spring Awakening, Stray Dog Theatre
  • Michael Hamilton, Ain’t Misbehavin’, Stages St. Louis
  • Denis Jones, Chicago, The Muny
  • Scott Miller, High Fidelity, New Line Theatre
  • Rob Ruggiero, Sunday in the Park with George, The Rep
Outstanding Actor
  • Ron Bohmer, Sunday in the Park with George, The Rep
  • Ryan Foizey, Cry-Baby, New Line Theatre
  • Rod Gilfry, Sweeney Todd, Opera Theatre
  • Antonio Rodriguez, Urinetown, Stray Dog Theatre
  • John Sparger, Bloody Bloody Andrew Jackson, New Line Theatre
Outstanding Actress
  • Erin Davie, Sunday in the Park with George, The Rep
  • Natascia Diaz, Chicago, The Muny
  • Tari Kelly, Thoroughly Modern Millie, The Muny
  • Jennifer Theby, Urinetown, Stray Dog Theatre
  • Karen Ziemba, Sweeney Todd, Opera Theatre Saint Louis
Outstanding Supporting Actor
  • Dean Christopher, Chicago, The Muny
  • Mike Dowdy, Cry-Baby, New Line Theatre
  • Zachary Allen Farmer, High Fidelity, New Line
  • Ryan Foizey, Spring Awakening, Stray Dog Theatre
  • Steve Isom, My One and Only, Stages St. Louis
Outstanding Supporting Actress
  • Terrie Carolan, Cry-Baby, New Line Theatre
  • Beth Leavel, Thoroughly Modern Millie, The Muny
  • Susanne Menzer, Sweeney Todd, Opera Theatre Saint Louis
  • Deborah Sharn, Urinetown, Stray Dog Theatre
  • Anna Skidis, Spring Awakening, Stray Dog Theatre
Outstanding Acting Ensemble
  • Ain’t Misbehavin’, Stages St. Louis
  • Chicago, The Muny
  • High Fidelity, New Line Theatre
  • Sunday in the Park with George, The Rep
  • Urinetown, Stray Dog Theatre
Outstanding Set Design
  • David Blake, The Great American Trailer Park Musical, Stray Dog Theatre
  • Adrian Jones, Sunday in the Park with George, The Rep
  • Scott L. Schoonover, High Fidelity, New Line Theatre
  • Michael Schweikardt, The King and I, The Muny
  • James Wolk, Ain’t Misbehavin’, Stages St. Louis
Outstanding Costume Design
  • Lou Bird, Ain’t Misbehavin’, Stages St. Louis
  • Brad Musgrove, My One and Only, Stages St. Louis
  • Alexandra Scibetta Quigley, Spring Awakening, Stray Dog Theatre
  • Alejo Vietti, Sunday in the Park with George, The Rep
Outstanding Lighting Design
  • Tyler Duenow, Spring Awakening, Stray Dog Theatre
  • Seth Jackson, Chicago, The Muny
  • John Lasiter, Sunday in the Park with George, The Rep
  • Matthew McCarthy, Ain’t Misbehavin’, Stages St. Louis
Outstanding Choreography
  • Robin Michelle Berger, Cry-Baby, New Line Theatre
  • Denis Jones, Chicago, The Muny
  • Dana Lewis, My One and Only, Stages St. Louis
  • Lara Teeter, Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat, The Muny
  • Chris Bailey, Thoroughly Modern Millie, The Muny
Outstanding Musical Direction
  • Lisa Campbell Albert, Ain’t Misbehavin’, Stages St. Louis
  • Stephen Lord, Sweeney Todd, Opera Theatre Saint Louis
  • Chris Petersen, Spring Awakening, Stray Dog Theatre
  • Justin Smolik, High Fidelity, New Line Theatre
  • F. Wade Russo, Sunday in the Park with George, The Rep
NOMINEES FOR DRAMAS

Outstanding Production
  • Angels in America, Stray Dog Theatre
  • Clybourne Park, The Rep
  • Good, St. Louis Actors’ Studio
  • Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom, St. Louis Black Repertory Company
  • The Hairy Ape, Upstream Theater
Outstanding Director
  • Gary Bell, Angels in America, Stray Dog Theatre
  • Deanna Jent, Going to See the Elephant, Mustard Seed Theatre
  • Timothy Near, Clybourne Park, The Rep
  • Ed Smith, Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom, The Black Rep
  • Milton Zoth, Good, St. Louis Actors’ Studio
Outstanding Actor
  • John Hickok, The Invisible Hand, The Rep
  • Michael Scott Rash, 9 Circles, R-S Theatrics
  • Michael James Reed, A Steady Rain, The Rep
  • Ben Watts, Angels in America, Stray Dog Theatre
  • B Weller, Good, St. Louis Actors’ Studio
Outstanding Actress
  • Nancy Bell, Clybourne Park, The Rep
  • Rachel Fenton, Oleanna, HotCity Theatre
  • Rachel Hanks, Angels in America, Stray Dog Theatre
  • Patrese McClain, No Child, The Black Rep
  • Kirsten Wylder, Bug, Muddy Waters Theatre
Outstanding Supporting Actor
  • Larry Dell, Killer Joe, St. Louis Actors’ Studio
  • Greg Fenner, Angels in America, Stray Dog Theatre
  • Terry Meddows, Way to Heaven, New Jewish Theatre
  • Joshua Thomas, Othello, Shakespeare Festival St. Louis
  • David Wassilak, Angels in America, Stray Dog Theatre
Outstanding Supporting Actress
  • Teresa Doggett, Good, St. Louis Actors’ Studio
  • Rachel Fenton, Killer Joe, St. Louis Actors’ Studio
  • Laura Kyro, Angels in America, Stray Dog Theatre
  • Elizabeth Ann Townsend, The Maids, Upstream Theater
  • Kelley Weber, Lost in Yonkers, New Jewish Theatre
Outstanding Acting Ensemble
  • Angels in America, Stray Dog Theatre
  • Clybourne Park, The Rep
  • Going to See the Elephant, Mustard Seed Theatre
  • Good, St. Louis Actors’ Studio
  • The Hairy Ape, Upstream Theater
NOMINEES FOR COMEDIES

Outstanding Production
  • Jacob and Jack, New Jewish Theatre
  • The Comedy of Errors, The Rep
  • The Divine Sister, HotCity Theatre
  • The Foreigner, The Rep
  • The Violet Hour, Max & Louie Productions
Outstanding Director
  • Paul Mason Barnes, The Comedy of Errors, The Rep
  • Edward Coffield, Jacob and Jack, New Jewish Theatre
  • Suki Peters, The Compleat Wks of Wm Shkspr (Abridged), St. Louis Shakespeare
  • Marty Stanberry, The Divine Sister, HotCity Theatre
  • Edward Stern, The Foreigner, The Rep
Outstanding Actor
  • Ryan DeLuca, Brighton Beach Memoirs, The Rep
  • Greg Fenner, Fully Committed, Stray Dog Theatre
  • John Flack, The Divine Sister, HotCity Theatre
  • Bobby Miller, Jacob and Jack, New Jewish Theatre
  • John Scherer, The Foreigner, The Rep
Outstanding Actress
  • Emily Baker, Season’s Greetings, St. Louis Actors’ Studio
  • Sarah Cannon, Dinner with Friends, Dramatic License Productions
  • Tarah Flanagan, The Comedy of Errors, The Rep
  • Meghan Maguire, Talley’s Folly, New Jewish Theatre
  • Carol Schultz, The Foreigner, The Rep
Outstanding Supporting Actor
  • Matthew Galbreath, A Midsummer Night’s Dream, The Black Rep
  • Chopper Leifheit, The Divine Sister, HotCity Theatre
  • Casey Predovic, The Foreigner, The Rep
  • Antonio Rodriguez, The Violet Hour, Max & Louie Productions
  • Lenny Wolpe, The Comedy of Errors, The Rep
Outstanding Supporting Actress
  • Sarajane Alverson, Wake Up, Cameron Dobbs, West End Players Guild
  • Lavonne Byers, The Divine Sister, HotCity Theatre
  • Teresa Doggett, Season’s Greetings, St. Louis Actors’ Studio
  • Shanara Gabrielle, The Comedy of Errors, The Rep
  • Kirsten Wylder, The Divine Sister, HotCity Theatre
Outstanding Acting Ensemble
  • Jacob and Jack, New Jewish Theatre
  • The Comedy of Errors, The Rep
  • The Divine Sister, HotCity Theatre
  • The Foreigner, The Rep
  • The Violet Hour, Max & Louie Productions
COMEDIES and DRAMAS

Outstanding Set Design
  • Jason Coale, The Maids, Upstream Theater
  • Dunsi Dai, Imaginary Jesus, Mustard Seed Theatre
  • Scott Neale, Clybourne Park, The Rep
  • Erik Paulson, The Comedy of Errors, The Rep
  • John Stark, Way to Heaven, New Jewish Theatre
Outstanding Costume Design
  • Felia Katherine Davenport, Good, St. Louis Actors’ Studio
  • Sarita Fellows, A Midsummer Night’s Dream, The Black Rep
  • Daryl Harris, Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom, The Black Rep
  • Alexandra Scibetta Quigley, Angels in America, Stray Dog Theatre
  • Margaret E. Weedon, The Comedy of Errors, The Rep
Outstanding Lighting Design
  • Steve Carmichael, The Hairy Ape, Upstream Theater
  • Tyler Duenow, Angels in America, Stray Dog Theatre
  • Phil Monat, Brighton Beach Memoirs, The Rep
  • Nathan Schroeder, Talley’s Folly, New Jewish Theatre
  • Michael Sullivan, Way to Heaven, New Jewish Theatre
Outstanding Sound Design
  • Justin Been, Angels in America, Stray Dog Theatre
  • Zoe Sullivan, Going to See the Elephant, Mustard Seed Theatre
  • Rusty Wandall, A Steady Rain, The Rep
  • Robin Weatherall, Good, St. Louis Actors’ Studio
  • Robin Weatherall, Way to Heaven, New Jewish Theatre
Outstanding New Play
  • Imaginary Jesus, Deanna Jent, Mustard Seed Theatre
  • Stupefy! The 90-Minute Harry Potter Live!, Jaysen Cryer, Magic Smoking Monkey Theatre
  • The Invisible Hand, Ayad Akhtar, The Rep
  • The New World, Nancy Bell, Shakespeare Festival St. Louis
  • Wake Up, Cameron Dobbs, Stephen Peirick, West End Players Guild.
Founding members of the St. Louis Theater Circle include Steve Allen, Stagedoorstl.com; Andrea Braun, The Vital Voice and Playback; Mark Bretz, Ladue News; Bob Cohn, St. Louis Jewish Light; Chris Gibson, Broadwayworld.com; Harry Hamm, KMOX; Gerry Kowarsky, Two on the Aisle, HEC-TV; Chuck Lavazzi, KDHX; Eleanor Mullin, local actress and arts supporter, who is the group’s administrator; Judith Newmark, St. Louis Post-Dispatch; Andrea Torrence, Stlouistheatresnob.com; Lynn Venhaus, Belleville News-Democrat; and Bob Wilcox, Two on the Aisle and Town & Style.

For more information, contact stltheatercircle at sbcglobal.net or 314-838-9371.

Saturday, January 19, 2013

Will it go round in circles

By now you've probably heard about The St. Louis Theater Circle (of which yours truly is a member) and our Louie Awards for outstanding work by local professional theatre companies.  If not, here's the official press release.  As you can see, our aims are modest: celebrate local theatre and have a party in the process.  Come one down and join us.  The Gaslight Theater is cozy and I think you'll find the food and drink at the West End Grill and Pub most agreeable.

No, we don't have a web site just yet.  But we do have a Facebook page where you can "like" us.  Because we're performing arts types and we're needy.

Anyway, congratulations to all the nominees.  As you can see, we collectively liked a lot of what we saw in 2012.  We have a rockin' theatre scene here in St. Louis; here's a toast to everyone who makes it that way.

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=============================

For more information contact:

Mark Bretz, Bretz Public Relations

314-838-9371 or mark at bretzpr.com For Immediate Release:

NOMINATIONS ARE ANNOUNCED FOR INAUGURAL LOUIE AWARDS TO HONOR OUTSTANDING WORK IN LOCAL PROFESSIONAL THEATER

ST. LOUIS, January 18, 2013 -- Performances by local professional theater companies, ranging in size from The Muny and its productions in the 11,000-seat Forest Park amphitheater to small companies performing in modest spaces throughout the area, will be recognized at the inaugural Louie Awards.

The first Louie Awards presentation, to be held March 11, 2013 at the Gaslight Theater in the Central West End, will celebrate theatrical achievements in the year 2012 in local professional theater as recognized by the St. Louis Theater Circle, a new organization of area reviewers. Tickets will be $10 apiece, payable in cash only at the door on the night of the event, and can be reserved by contacting stltheatercircle at sbcglobal.net. Additional seating will be available at the West End Grill & Pub, which adjoins the Gaslight Theater, where food and drinks can be purchased throughout the evening.

The mission of the St. Louis Theater Circle is simple: To honor St. Louis professional theater. While various reviewers may also cover touring shows at The Fox and the Peabody Opera House as well as selected community and college productions, The Louies are designed to focus attention on dozens of area theater companies which showcase the artistic efforts of actors, directors and technical artists in the metropolitan area. Other cities around the country, such as Phoenix, San Diego, Boston, Chicago, Philadelphia and Washington D.C., honor their own local theatrical productions with similar awards programs.

Nominations for The Louies are divided into categories for musicals, dramas and comedies. Approximately 100 local professional theatrical productions were presented in the St. Louis area in 2012.

The nominees for the 2012 Louie Awards are:

NOMINEES FOR MUSICALS

Outstanding Production
  • Ain’t Misbehavin’, Stages St. Louis
  • Chicago, The Muny
  • Spring Awakening, Stray Dog Theatre
  • Sunday in the Park with George, The Repertory Theatre of St. Louis
  • Sweeney Todd, Opera Theatre Saint Louis
Outstanding Director
  • Justin Been, Spring Awakening, Stray Dog
  • Michael Hamilton, Ain’t Misbehavin’, Stages
  • Denis Jones, Chicago, The Muny
  • Scott Miller, High Fidelity, New Line Theatre
  • Rob Ruggiero, Sunday in the Park with George, The Rep
Outstanding Actor
  • Ron Bohmer, Sunday in the Park with George, The Rep
  • Ryan Foizey, Cry-Baby, New Line
  • Rod Gilfry, Sweeney Todd, Opera Theatre
  • Antonio Rodriguez, Urinetown, Stray Dog
  • John Sparger, Bloody Bloody Andrew Jackson, New Line
Outstanding Actress
  • Erin Davie, Sunday in the Park with George, The Rep
  • Natascia Diaz, Chicago, The Muny
  • Tari Kelly, Thoroughly Modern Millie, The Muny
  • Jennifer Theby, Urinetown, Stray Dog
  • Karen Ziemba, Sweeney Todd, Opera Theatre
Outstanding Supporting Actor
  • Dean Christopher, Chicago, The Muny
  • Mike Dowdy, Cry-Baby, New Line
  • Zachary Allen Farmer, High Fidelity, New Line
  • Ryan Foizey, Spring Awakening, Stray Dog
  • Steve Isom, My One and Only, Stages
Outstanding Supporting Actress
  • Terrie Carolan, Cry-Baby, New Line
  • Beth Leavel, Thoroughly Modern Millie, The Muny
  • Susanne Menzer, Sweeney Todd, Opera Theatre
  • Deborah Sharn, Urinetown, Stray Dog
  • Anna Skidis, Spring Awakening, Stray Dog
Outstanding Acting Ensemble
  • Ain’t Misbehavin’, Stages
  • Chicago, The Muny
  • High Fidelity, New Line Theatre
  • Sunday in the Park with George, The Rep
  • Urinetown, Stray Dog
Outstanding Set Design
  • David Blake, The Great American Trailer Park Musical, Stray Dog
  • Adrian Jones, Sunday in the Park with George, The Rep
  • Scott L. Schoonover, High Fidelity, New Line
  • Michael Schweikardt, The King and I, The Muny
  • James Wolk, Ain’t Misbehavin’, Stages
Outstanding Costume Design
  • Lou Bird, Ain’t Misbehavin’, Stages
  • Brad Musgrove, My One and Only, Stages
  • Alexandra Scibetta Quigley, Spring Awakening, Stray Dog
  • Alejo Vietti, Sunday in the Park with George, The Rep
Outstanding Lighting Design
  • Tyler Duenow, Spring Awakening, Stray Dog
  • Seth Jackson, Chicago, The Muny
  • John Lasiter, Sunday in the Park with George, The Rep
  • Matthew McCarthy, Ain’t Misbehavin’, Stages
Outstanding Choreography
  • Robin Michelle Berger, Cry-Baby, New Line
  • Denis Jones, Chicago, The Muny
  • Dana Lewis, My One and Only, Stages
  • Lara Teeter, Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat, The Muny
  • Chris Bailey, Thoroughly Modern Millie, The Muny
Outstanding Musical Direction
  • Lisa Campbell Albert, Ain’t Misbehavin’, Stages
  • Stephen Lord, Sweeney Todd, Opera Theatre
  • Chris Petersen, Spring Awakening, Stray Dog
  • Justin Smolik, High Fidelity, New Line
  • F. Wade Russo, Sunday in the Park with George, The Rep
NOMINEES FOR DRAMAS

Outstanding Production
  • Angels in America, Stray Dog Theatre
  • Clybourne Park, The Rep
  • Good, St. Louis Actors’ Studio
  • Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom, St. Louis Black Repertory Company
  • The Hairy Ape, Upstream Theater
Outstanding Director
  • Gary Bell, Angels in America, Stray Dog
  • Deanna Jent, Going to See the Elephant, Mustard Seed Theatre
  • Timothy Near, Clybourne Park, The Rep
  • Ed Smith, Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom, The Black Rep
  • Milton Zoth, Good, St. Louis Actors’ Studio
Outstanding Actor
  • John Hickok, The Invisible Hand, The Rep
  • Michael Scott Rash, 9 Circles, R-S Theatrics
  • Michael James Reed, A Steady Rain, The Rep
  • Ben Watts, Angels in America, Stray Dog
  • B Weller, Good, St. Louis Actors’ Studio
Outstanding Actress
  • Nancy Bell, Clybourne Park, The Rep
  • Rachel Fenton, Oleanna, HotCity Theatre
  • Rachel Hanks, Angels in America, Stray Dog
  • Patrese McClain, No Child, The Black Rep
  • Kirsten Wylder, Bug, Muddy Waters Theatre
Outstanding Supporting Actor
  • Larry Dell, Killer Joe, St. Louis Actors’ Studio
  • Greg Fenner, Angels in America, Stray Dog
  • Terry Meddows, Way to Heaven, New Jewish Theatre
  • Joshua Thomas, Othello, Shakespeare Festival St. Louis
  • David Wassilak, Angels in America, Stray Dog
Outstanding Supporting Actress
  • Teresa Doggett, Good, St. Louis Actors’ Studio
  • Rachel Fenton, Killer Joe, St. Louis Actors’ Studio
  • Laura Kyro, Angels in America, Stray Dog
  • Elizabeth Ann Townsend, The Maids, Upstream Theater
  • Kelley Weber, Lost in Yonkers, New Jewish Theatre
Outstanding Acting Ensemble
  • Angels in America, Stray Dog
  • Clybourne Park, The Rep
  • Going to See the Elephant, Mustard Seed Theatre
  • Good, St. Louis Actors’ Studio
  • The Hairy Ape, Upstream Theater
NOMINEES FOR COMEDIES

Outstanding Production
  • Jacob and Jack, New Jewish Theatre
  • The Comedy of Errors, The Rep
  • The Divine Sister, HotCity Theatre
  • The Foreigner, The Rep
  • The Violet Hour, Max & Louie Productions
Outstanding Director
  • Paul Mason Barnes, The Comedy of Errors, The Rep
  • Edward Coffield, Jacob and Jack, New Jewish Theatre
  • Suki Peters, The Compleat Wks of Wm Shkspr (Abridged), St. Louis Shakespeare
  • Marty Stanberry, The Divine Sister, HotCity
  • Edward Stern, The Foreigner, The Rep
Outstanding Actor
  • Ryan DeLuca, Brighton Beach Memoirs, The Rep
  • Greg Fenner, Fully Committed, Stray Dog
  • John Flack, The Divine Sister, HotCity
  • Bobby Miller, Jacob and Jack, New Jewish Theatre
  • John Scherer, The Foreigner, The Rep
Outstanding Actress
  • Emily Baker, Season’s Greetings, St. Louis Actors’ Studio
  • Sarah Cannon, Dinner with Friends, Dramatic License Productions
  • Tarah Flanagan, The Comedy of Errors, The Rep
  • Meghan Maguire, Talley’s Folly, New Jewish Theatre
  • Carol Schultz, The Foreigner, The Rep
Outstanding Supporting Actor
  • Matthew Galbreath, A Midsummer Night’s Dream, The Black Rep
  • Chopper Leifheit, The Divine Sister, HotCity
  • Casey Predovic, The Foreigner, The Rep
  • Antonio Rodriguez, The Violet Hour, Max & Louie Productions
  • Lenny Wolpe, The Comedy of Errors, The Rep
Outstanding Supporting Actress
  • Sarajane Alverson, Wake Up, Cameron Dobbs, West End Players Guild
  • Lavonne Byers, The Divine Sister, HotCity Theatre
  • Teresa Doggett, Season’s Greetings, St. Louis Actors’ Studio
  • Shanara Gabrielle, The Comedy of Errors, The Rep
  • Kirsten Wylder, The Divine Sister, HotCity Theatre
Outstanding Acting Ensemble
  • Jacob and Jack, New Jewish Theatre
  • The Comedy of Errors, The Rep
  • The Divine Sister, HotCity Theatre
  • The Foreigner, The Rep
  • The Violet Hour, Max & Louie Productions
COMEDIES and DRAMAS

Outstanding Set Design
  • Jason Coale, The Maids, Upstream Theater
  • Dunsi Dai, Imaginary Jesus, Mustard Seed Theatre
  • Scott Neale, Clybourne Park, The Rep
  • Erik Paulson, The Comedy of Errors, The Rep
  • John Stark, Way to Heaven, New Jewish Theatre
Outstanding Costume Design
  • Felia Katherine Davenport, Good, St. Louis Actors’ Studio
  • Sarita Fellows, A Midsummer Night’s Dream, The Black Rep
  • Daryl Harris, Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom, The Black Rep
  • Alexandra Scibetta Quigley, Angels in America, Stray Dog
  • Margaret E. Weedon, The Comedy of Errors, The Rep
Outstanding Lighting Design
  • Steve Carmichael, The Hairy Ape, Upstream Theater
  • Tyler Duenow, Angels in America, Stray Dog
  • Phil Monat, Brighton Beach Memoirs, The Rep
  • Nathan Schroeder, Talley’s Folly, New Jewish Theatre
  • Michael Sullivan, Way to Heaven, New Jewish Theatre
Outstanding Sound Design
  • Justin Been, Angels in America, Stray Dog
  • Zoe Sullivan, Going to See the Elephant, Mustard Seed
  • Rusty Wandall, A Steady Rain, The Rep
  • Robin Weatherall, Good, St. Louis Actors’ Studio
  • Robin Weatherall, Way to Heaven, New Jewish Theatre
Outstanding New Play
  • Imaginary Jesus, Deanna Jent, Mustard Seed Theatre
  • Stupefy! The 90-Minute Harry Potter Live!, Jaysen Cryer, Magic Smoking Monkey Theatre
  • The Invisible Hand, Ayad Akhtar, The Rep
  • The New World, Nancy Bell, Shakespeare Festival St. Louis
  • Wake Up, Cameron Dobbs, Stephen Peirick, West End Players Guild.
Founding members of the St. Louis Theater Circle include Steve Allen, Stagedoorstl.com; Andrea Braun, The Vital Voice and Playback; Mark Bretz, Ladue News; Bob Cohn, St. Louis Jewish Light; Chris Gibson, Broadwayworld.com; Harry Hamm, KMOX; Gerry Kowarsky, Two on the Aisle; Chuck Lavazzi, KDHX; Judith Newmark, St. Louis Post-Dispatch; Andrea Torrence, Stlouistheatresnob.com; Lynn Venhaus, Belleville News-Democrat; and Bob Wilcox, Two on the Aisle and Town & Style.

For more information, contact stltheatercircle at sbcglobal.net or 314-838-9371.