St. Louis theatre calendar for the week of August 21, 2023

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

The Blue Strawberry presents magician Chris Korn on Tuesday, August 22, at 7:30 pm. “Globally renowned, Chris Korn has captivated audiences in over 20 foreign countries - from Japan to South Africa - and in over 100 cities in the United States, showcasing his extensive repertoire of ecstatic illusion. Chris has also performed at Buckingham Palace for the Royal Family."  The Blue Strawberry is at 364 N. Boyle. For more information: bluestrawberrystl.com

Ken Haller

The Blue Strawberry presents a Singers Open Mic on Wednesday, August 23, at 7 pm. “Focusing on Pop, Standards old and new, Broadway and Musical Theater. But anything goes! Bring sheet music in your key.” Ken Haller is your host with Ron McGowan at the piano  The Blue Strawberry is at 364 N. Boyle. For more information: bluestrawberrystl.com

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

You Made Me Love You

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

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

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

Godspell
Photo: John Lamb

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

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

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

Ragtime
Photo: Dan Donovan

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

The Westport Playhouse presents Disbelief, a Night of Wonder and Laughter on Saturday, August 26, at 2 and 8 pm. "Witness the incredible unfold before your eyes at Disbelief, the top magic show in St Louis. Staged at the famous Westport Playhouse, this recurring spectacle showcases the mesmerizing talents of three of the city's finest magicians: Josh Weidner, Jesse Bader, and Randy Kalin." For more information: thewestportplayhouse.com

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

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

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

St. Louis theatre calendar for the week of June 5, 2023

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

Albion Theatre presents Alan Ayckbourn’s Absent Friends June 9 through 25. “A tea party is arranged supposedly to console an old friend, but it reveals the troubled relationships of the others at the party.  One of Ayckbourn’s most successful plays, it has been called ‘the saddest.…and the funniest” of his plays’.” Performances take place at the Kranzberg Arts Center 501 N. Grand in Grand Center. For more information: https://albiontheatrestl.org.

The Black Rep presents Denise Thimes: Celebrating the Artistry of Bessie Smith on Saturday, June 10, at 7 and 9 pm.  Tickets are free but reservations are required.  Performances take place in the Legends Room at the National Blues Museum downtown. For more information: www.theblackrep.org.

Laurence Levy

The Blue Strawberry presents presents Laurence "Nothing Up My Sleeve" Levy and Not Quite Right Improv in an evening of magic and comedy on Monday, June 5, at 6:30 pm The Blue Strawberry is at 364 N. Boyle in the Central West End. The Blue Strawberry is at 364 N. Boyle. For more information: bluestrawberrystl.com.

The Blue Strawberry presents presents a Singers Open Mic on Tuesday, June 6, from 7 to 9:30 pm. “Focusing on Pop, Standards old and new, Broadway and Musical Theater. But Anything Goes! Bring sheet music in your key.” Ken Haller is your host with Ron McGowan at the piano. The Blue Strawberry is at 364 N. Boyle. For more information:  bluestrawberrystl.com

The Cherokee Street Theatre Company presents The Clash of the Titans Live Parody through June 17th. “Perseus must prove his worth to his daddy, foil his step-mom, complete  heroic tests, battle Medusa and the KRAKEN to save the Princess Andromeda live on stage Cherokee Street Theater style.” Performances take place through June 1st at Upstairs at The Golden Record, 2720 Cherokee, and June 9 through 17 at the Playhouse at Westport Plaza. For more information: www.cherokeestreettheatercompany.com.

Circus Flora presents Undercover through June 25. “This summer, Circus Flora enters the daring world of espionage! With nods to beloved spy stories throughout the years, Undercover introduces the world’s top double agent who faces an archvillain obsessed with world domination. Our spy has plenty of helpful allies – but the villain has a team, too. Will good overcome bad . . . and how? Aerialists, acrobats, contortionists, and comedians will craft this thrilling story, which will captivate your whole family!” Performances take place at The Big Top on Washington next to Powell Hall in Grand Center. For more information: circusflora.org.

ERA Theatre presents The Brechtfast Club through June 11. “The Brechtfast Club is ERA’s theatrical adaptation of the classic movie The Breakfast Club in the style of Bertolt Brecht! In the late 1980’s in the village of Shermer, East Germany, the five members of the worst-performing Stasi firm in the country and their boss work on a Saturday to try to reach their political dissident quota. Just when their ability to uncover secret intelligence seems hopeless, a special radio attachment expands their listening network all the way to the United States. What the Stasi hear, or what they think they hear, might not only pull them out of their slump but also put an end to Gorbachev's Perestroika nonsense.” Performances take place at The Chapel, 6238 Alexander Drive in Clayton. For more information: eratheatre.org.  

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

Just One Look
Photo: The Midnight Company

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

Gloria: A Life
Photo: John Gitchoff

New Jewish Theatre presents Emily Mann’s Gloria: A Life Thursdays at 7:30 pm, Saturdays at 4 and 8 pm and Sundays at 2 pm, through June 18 “Gloria: A Life explores the iconic feminist's legacy. Decades after Gloria Steinem began raising her voice for equality and championing the voices of others, her vision is as urgent as ever. This play embodies Steinem's philosophy that conversation is a catalyst for change as it celebrates one of the most inspiring women of our time.” Performances take place at the SFC Performing Arts Center, 2 Millstone Campus Drive. For more information: jccstl.com/arts-ideas/new-jewish-theatre.

A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum
Photo: Jill Ritter Lindberg

New Line Theatre presents Sondheim’s musical comedy A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum Thursdays through Saturdays at 8 pm through June 24. “To close New Line's 31st season, Sondheim and comic playwright and screenwriter Burt Shevelove take the classical Roman comedies of Plautus, mash them up with American vaudeville, and the result is one of the great musical farces of all time, every bit as smart and subversive as Sondheim’s later shows. In 1962, this show satirized America’s hang-ups about sex at the beginning of the Sexual Revolution; today, the show bumps up against lots of complicated questions we’ve all been asking lately, about sex, gender, and more.” Performances take place at the Marcelle Theatre in Grand Center. For more information: www.newlinetheatre.com.

Treemonisha
Photo: Eric Woolsey

Opera Theatre of St. Louis presents Scott Joplin’s Treemonisha through June 24. “Sometimes out of the deepest tragedy springs the greatest hope. Embark on a life-affirming journey of love and creativity in Scott Joplin’s opera Treemonisha, re-imagined with two new acts by composer Damien Sneed and librettist Karen Chilton. As Joplin celebrates his wedding to his new bride, Freddie Alexander, he is inspired to write a masterpiece — with Freddie as his muse. His heroine will be called Treemonisha, and she will lead her community into a bright and bountiful future of education, opportunity, and prosperity.” Performances are sung in English with projected English supertitles and take place at the Loretto-Hilton Center on the Webster University Campus. For more information: opera-stl.org

Tosca
Photo: Eric Woolsey

Opera Theatre of St. Louis presents Puccini’s Tosca opening on Saturday, May 25, at 7:30 pm and running through June 25. “The year is 1800. Rome is caught in the middle of a war between Napoleon and the Austrian empire, and republican sympathizers are on the run from the police. Spying, double-crossing, and torture have become the order of the day. Tosca would do anything to protect her lover, the painter Cavaradossi — a fact that the lustful police chief Scarpia is all too ready to exploit. When Cavaradossi is accused of harboring political prisoners, Scarpia asks Tosca to make an unthinkable decision. Little does he know how fiercely she will fight to protect herself and those she loves. ” Performances are sung in English with projected English supertitles and take place at the Loretto-Hilton Center on the Webster University Campus. For more information: opera-stl.org

Opera Theatre of St. Louis presents Mozart’s comedy Così fan tutte through June 23. “Love makes fools of us all. Guglielmo and Ferrando naively insist that their girlfriends Fiordiligi and Dorabella could never fall for other men, and the two women believe that their suitors are the hottest catches in town. But when the jaded Don Alfonso and housemaid Despina team up to prove the young couples wrong, things are primed for an epic battle of the sexes. Set to some of Mozart’s most beautiful music, Così fan tutte embraces the line between romantic comedy and social satire.” Performances are sung in English with projected English supertitles and take place at the Loretto-Hilton Center on the Webster University Campus. For more information: opera-stl.org.

Opera Theatre of St. Louis presents Carlisle Floyd’s drama Susannah opening on Saturday, June 10, at 7:30 pm and running through June 24. “The young and innocent Susannah lives with her brother in a small town in Appalachia. One fateful day, men from her church happen to spot her bathing in a stream and begin to spread vicious rumors about her. As gossip circulates, the community turns their back on Susannah, forcing her to choose between conformity and isolation. But Susannah won’t be made a victim forever. She refuses to give a false confession, inflaming the town around her with tragic, life-altering consequences. Set to a rich score, this classic American opera offers a powerful indictment of religious and social hypocrisy.” Performances are sung in English with projected English supertitles and take place at the Loretto-Hilton Center on the Webster University Campus. For more information: opera-stl.org.

Twelfth Night
Photo: St. Louis Shakespeare Festival

St. Louis Shakespeare Festival presents the comedy Twelfth Night Tuesdays through Sundays at 8 pm through June 25. “Often regarded as Shakespeare’s greatest comedy, Twelfth Night is bursting with romance, music and high times. The tale of Viola and her shipwrecked twin brother – separated and finding their way in a strange new world – this year’s Shakespeare in the Park sets them in glamorous, celebrity-filled Miami. In a world of appearances, not everyone is who they seem, but love is love in this glorious Latin-inflected story of longing and reinvention.” Performances take place nightly at 8 pm except for Mondays at Shakespeare Glenn next to the Art Museum in Forest Park. For more information: stlshakes.org.

The St. Louis Writers' Group presents a reading of the play The Potentate's Apparel by Robert Schmidt on Tuesday June 6 at 6:30 pm. "Winner of the first round of the 2022 St Louis Playwright Slam, The Potentate’s Apparel is a proven winner. It is the story of three activists who try to get the queen to put on some clothes who are frustrated by two conniving nobles, a pair of enabling soldiers, and one potentate." The reading takes place upstairs at Big Daddy’s in Soulard. For more information, visit the St. Louis Writers' Group Facebook page.

Stages St. Louis presents the musical Aida through July 2. “A timeless love story for the ages, Disney’s AIDA tells the tale of the transcendent love triangle between Aida, a Nubian princess stolen from her country; Amneris, an Egyptian princess; and Radames, the soldier they both love. Set in a time of great turmoil in ancient Egypt, this story of forbidden love has thrilled audiences for over twenty years. Wrapped in an electric Tony and Grammy Award-Winning score by Elton John and Tim Rice, AIDA is both a stunning musical theatre experience, and an uplifting story of faith, duty, and redemption.” Performances take place at the Kirkwood Performing Arts Center in Kirkwood, MO. For more information: stagesstlouis.org.

Stray Dog Theatre presents the comedy Vampire Lesbians of Sodom by Charles Busch Thursdays through Saturdays June 8 – 24. “One of the longest running comedies in Off Broadway history, Vampire Lesbians of Sodom tells the saga of two fatally seductive vampiresses. Their immortal paths collide throughout history, from ancient Sodom to 1920s Hollywood, and end up in current day Las Vegas. Their bitter rivalry as actresses endures for more than two thousand years! Showbiz has never been so blood thirsty.” Performances take place at Tower Grove Abbey, 2336 Tennessee in Tower Grove East. Tickets are only offered in physically distanced groups of two or four. For more information: www.straydogtheatre.org

The Wildey Theatre presents Get Your Kicks!, a musical travelogue along Edwardsville's historic Route 66, on Thursday, June 8, at 7 pm. "This one-night-only event is being produced as an Alumni Players! and Friends of The Wildey Community Partnership Event. The cast-all Edwardsville High School alums-will perform songs from the Pop Charts of the 1940's, 50s & 60's, reminding us of what was on the minds and the radios of a generation of motorists passing right through our HomeT own USA as they traveled The Mother Road. Vintage cars, historic images and local Route 66 Memorabilia on display prior to the performance, as well as the travelogue that accompanies the show, all highlight Edwardsville's special and very personal history with her most lasting legacy." The show is produced and directed by singer Craig Becker. The Wildey Theatre is at 250 N. Main in Edwardsville, IL. For more information: wildeytheatre.com
 

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

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

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

St. Louis theatre calendar for the week of May 8, 2023

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

The Black Rep presents the musical revue Eubie!  through May 21.  “Eubie! is a musical revue from the 1970s that taught Broadway audiences about Eubie Blake, a groundbreaking American musician and composer of the early 1900s. Blake helped break down racial barriers with his 1921 musical, Shuffle Along - the first Broadway musical written, directed by, and starring Black Americans. The show helped shape American musical theater as we know it today.” Performances take place at the Edison Theatre on the Washington University campus. For more information: www.theblackrep.org

The Blue Strawberry presents  Christian the Magician and ventriloquist Mike Coleman on Monday, May 8, at 7 pm. "Christian the Magician’s magic is like a rock opera! It combines exciting background music with great magic and Christian’s unique brand of comedy. Christian was the resident magician at the City Museum for 15 years, where he performed thousands of shows for thousands of families from around the world. Mike Coleman is a master comedy ventriloquist. Amazingly, his dummy can also sing! Mike has performed at the VP Fair, Six Flags, and many fairs and festivals." The Blue Strawberry is at 364 N. Boyle in the Central West End. The Blue Strawberry is at 364 N. Boyle. For more information: bluestrawberrystl.com.

Samantha Pauly

The Blue Strawberry presents Samantha Pauly from the original Broadway cast of Six: The Musical on Thursday and Friday, May 11 and 12, at 7:30 pm. “Best known for originating the role of Katherine Howard in Broadway’s SIX the Musical, and her captivating performance of Eva Peron in Jamie Lloyd’s critically acclaimed revival of Evita on London’s West End, Samantha has carefully crafted an evening that reflects the last few years of her life.  Join her as she sings you through some career highlights, major life changes, and all the fun stuff in between.” The Blue Strawberry is at 364 N. Boyle in the Central West End. The Blue Strawberry is at 364 N. Boyle. For more information: bluestrawberrystl.com.

The Blue Strawberry presents the Sargent Conservatory of Theatre Arts at Webster University Musical Theatre Class of 2023 Senior Cabarets on Saturday, May 13, at 5 pm. The performance, which will also be available via live video stream, takes place at The Blue Strawberry, 364 N. Boyle in the Central West End. For more information: bluestrawberrystl.com.

Circus Harmony presents Swashbuckle! Saturdays at 3 and 7 pm and Sundays at 3 pm through June 3rd. “Circus Harm!ony is back with their annual, full length, ticketed show. This year, it is an epic adventure with somersaulting, sword fighting, and circus.  The show features all-new acts co-created with Circus Harmony’s sensational staff and talented students. Swashbuckle! features a Pirate Queen, a sea witch, and a real parrot all after the same treasure. The show is presented in the circus ring at City Museum that Circus Harmony calls home. Acts include unicycling, contortion, minitrampoline, wire-walking and much more. Circus Harmony performs at the City Museum downtown. For more information: circusharmony.org

Jesus Christ Superstar
Photo by Evan Zimmerman

The Fabulous Fox presents the Broadway musical Jesus Christ Superstar May 9 through 21. “Celebrating its 50th Anniversary, a new mesmerizing production of the iconic musical phenomenon returns to the stage. Originally staged by London’s Regent’s Park Open Air Theatre and helmed by the acclaimed director Timothy Sheader (Crazy for You, Into the Woods) and cutting-edge choreographer Drew McOnie (King Kong, Strictly Ballroom), this production won the 2017 Olivier Award for Best Musical Revival garnering unprecedented reviews and accolades. Appealing to both theater audiences and concert music fans, this production pays tribute to the historic 1971 Billboard Album of the Year while creating a modern, theatrical world that is uniquely fresh and inspiring.” The Fabulous Fox is on North Grand in Grand Center. For more information: fabulousfox.com

First Run Theatre presents its 20th Birthday Fundraiser and Celebration on Monday, May 8, at 6 pm. The event includes an open wine and beer bar, hors  d'oeuvres, live music, and short selections of scenes from our the plays Crab Cakes by Joan Lipkin of St. Louis, MO and Forgive Thyself by John Busser of Avon, OH. The event takes place at The Chapel, 6238 Alexander Drive in Clayton. For more information: firstruntheatre.org

The Kirkwood Theatre Guild presents the classic musical The Sound of Music May 12 through 21. “This final collaboration between Rodgers & Hammerstein was destined to become the world’s most beloved musical. Featuring a trove of cherished songs, The Sound of Music won the hearts of audiences worldwide. The inspirational story, based on the memoir of Maria Augusta Trapp, follows an ebullient postulate who serves as governess to the seven children of the imperious Captain von Trapp, bringing music and joy to the household. But as the forces of Nazism take hold of Austria, Maria and the entire von Trapp family must make a moral decision.” Performances take place at the Robert Reim Theatre in Kirkwood, MO. For more information: ktg-onstage.org

KTK Productions presents the musical Sister Act Fridays and Saturdays at 7:30 pm and Sundays at 2 pm, May 12 through 21. “When lively lounge singer Deloris Van Cartier sees her mobster beau, Curtis, commit murder, she is relocated for her protection. Set up in the guise of a nun in a California convent, Deloris proceeds to upend the quiet lives of the resident sisters. In an effort to keep her out of trouble, they assign Deloris to the convent's choir, an ensemble that she soon turns into a vibrant and soulful act that gains widespread attention.” Performances take place at the Saint John The Baptist Gymnasium, 4200 Delor Street in south St. Louis. For more information: http://kurtainkall.org

The Lemp Mansion Murder Mystery Dinner Theatre and Jest Mysteries present Death of a Blackheart May 12 through August 26. "Ahoy matey! Join us for an exciting evening of murder, mystery and pirates at the best comedy dinner theater show in town. Don your favorite pirate gear and escape to the high seas for an adventure fraught with peril! What part will you play in this hilarious show full of fair maidens, lost boys, rival pirates and wenches? Whichever character you acquire, beware of that famous pirate Captain Jack Blackheart! Aye, he's a scurvy seadog if my eye ever seed one! Gee, I hope no one kills him off!" The Lemp Mansion is at 3322 DeMenil Place in south city. For more information: www.lempmansion.com

The Midnight Company presents the one-actor show The Absolute Brightness of Leonard Pelkey by Celeste Lecesne through May 20. “Joe Hanrahan, Midnight’s Artistic Director, portrays a detective and other characters in a small New Jersey town as he unravels the story of THE ABSOLUTE BRIGHTNESS OF LEONARD PELKEY. Pelkey is a tenaciously optimistic and flamboyant fourteen-year-old boy who has gone missing.  A luminous force of nature whose magic is only truly felt once he is gone, Leonard becomes an unexpected inspiration as the town’s citizens question how they live, who they love, and what they leave behind.  Alicen Moser directs. The New York Times said ABSOLUTE BRIGHTNESS “…leaves you beaming with joy…a superlative solo show."   And The New York Post called the show “…moving…intimate and affectionate, about the difference one person can make-and perhaps, with any luck, one show.” Performances take place at The Blue Strawberry, 356 N. Boyle. For more information: www.midnightcompany.com

Just One Look
Photo: The Midnight Company

The Midnight Company presents Just One Look by Joe Hanrahan, starring Kelly Howe as Linda Ronstadt, on Wednesday May 10th at 7:30 pm. “Linda Ronstadt ruled the pop charts and filled stadiums in the 70’s and 80’s. The reigning rock goddess of her era, she later took on light opera - Gilbert and Sullivan on Broadway - and The Great American Songbook with Nelson Riddle. Her involvement in social issues accelerated during her relationship with California Governor Jerry Brown, then running for President. But for Linda, it was always a search for the next great song. Kelly Howe will portray Linda Ronstadt and sing her sensational songs.” Performances take place at The Blue Strawberry, 364 N. Boyle. For more information: bluestrawberrystl.com.

Opera Theatre presents The Road to Freedom on Friday, May 12, at 7:30 pm. “Join Opera Theatre for a special celebration of Black excellence and the 61st anniversary of the Freedom Riders...a story that affirms all that is possible when people from different backgrounds come together. This concert is curated by award-winning artist Damien Sneed who has worked with such luminaries as Aretha Franklin, Jessye Norman, Stevie Wonder, and many more. He is also the composer behind the new performing edition of Scott Joplin's Treemonisha, which makes its debut May 20.” The concert takes place at Third Baptist Church in Grand Center. Admission is free but reservations are recommended. For more information: opera-stl.org

Gruesome Playground Injuries
Photo: Phillip Hamer

The Repertory Theatre of St. Louis presents Rajiv Joseph’s Gruesome Playground Injuries through May 13. “Doug and Kayleen meet as eight-year-olds in the school infirmary. (He tried to ride his bike off the roof. She has a stomachache that her mother blames on “bad thoughts.”) Their lives intersect for the next three decades as they return to each other, alternately revealing and concealing their injuries — both physical and psychological — as they struggle with attraction, vulnerability,  and love.” Performances take place on the main stage at the Kirkwood Performing Arts Center in Kirkwood, MO. For more information: www.repstl.org.

The Repertory Theatre of St. Louis’s Imaginary Theatre Company presents James and the Giant Peach and The Miraculous Journey of Edward Tulane on a double bill on Saturday, May 13, at 11 am. James and the Giant Peach will also be performed by itself on Thursday, May 11, at 6:30 pm and The Miraculous Journey of Edward Tulane on Saturday, May 13, at 1:30 pm.  Performances take place at the Kirkwood Performing Arts Center in Kirkwood, MO. For more information: www.repstl.org

The Tennessee Williams Festival St. Louis presents Something Spoken, a series of radio plays by Tennessee Williams, Saturdays at 4 pm through May 20. The plays are Case of the Crushed Petunias on May 13, and Sunburst on May 20. The plays are broadcast on Classic 107.3. For more information: twstl.org.

The Seven-Year Itch

The Theatre Guild of Webster Groves presents the comedy The Seven-Year Itch through May 13. “In the midst of a summer heat wave, New Yorker Richard Sherman ships his wife, Helen, and their son off to Maine for vacation. Left alone to work back in Manhattan, Richard encounters a gorgeous blonde model who has moved into the apartment upstairs, and becomes immediately infatuated. While pondering infidelity, Richard dreams of his beautiful new neighbor -- but will his fantasies about her become a reality?” Performances take place at the Guild theatre at 517 Theatre Lane, at the corner of Newport and Summit in Webster Groves. For more information: theatreguildwg.org

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

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

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

St. Louis theatre calendar for the week of April 3, 2023

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

The Black Rep, presents Dominique Morisseau's Skeleton Crew through April 16.  “The Great Recession threatens the future of one of the last auto stamping plants in Detroit, and with it—the future of those whose jobs are on the line. Each worker must grapple with how to move forward if the plant goes under. Skeleton Crew is the third of Dominique Morisseau's Detroit cycle trilogy” Performances take place at the Berges Theater at COCA in University City. For more information: www.theblackrep.org

Zi the Mentalist

The Blue Strawberry presents Zi the Mentalist on a double bill with Your Crazy Man improv on Monday, April 3 at 7 pm, at “Zi the Mentalist will take you on a journey where miracles and impossibilities happen right before your eyes! Can you trust your senses?  You may need to rethink your answer after experiencing Zi’s amazing mentalism. Since their initial meeting in improv class 5 years ago, Your Crazy Man improvisers Scott Leeker and Scott Weinberg have been inseparable as improv partners, constantly challenging each other to grow in the art form.”  The Blue Strawberry is at 364 N. Boyle. For more information: bluestrawberrystl.com.

The Blue Strawberry presents a Singers Open Mic on Tuesday, April 4, from 7 to 9:30 pm. “Focusing on Pop, Standards old and new, Broadway and Musical Theater. But anything goes! Bring sheet music in your key.” Ken Haller is your host with Ron McGowan at the piano. The Blue Strawberry is at 364 N. Boyle. For more information: bluestrawberrystl.com.

Shana Farr

The Blue Strawberry presents Shana Farr in The Julie Andrews Songbook. “Missouri native, and now New York-based, soprano Shana Farr brings her show The Julie Andrews Songbook to St. Louis for the first time. She has performed this much acclaimed, 5-star reviewed concert all over the U.S. and in London, in both grand concert halls and great supper clubs. Inspired by the rich collection of lyrics and melodies that are synonymous with Julie Andrews, Shana weaves an evening of songs that represent not only great American standards by Rodgers & Hammerstein, Lerner & Loewe, the Gershwin’s, and the Sherman Brothers, but also beautiful, lesser-known songs by Henry Mancini, Arthur Schwartz, Noel Coward, and Jimmy van Heusen.”   The Blue Strawberry is at 364 N. Boyle. For more information: bluestrawberrystl.com.

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

Max and Louie Productions presents What the Constitution Means to Me April 6 through 23.  “Playwright Heidi Schreck’s boundary-breaking play breathes new life into our Constitution and imagines how it will shape the next generation of Americans. Fifteen-year-old Heidi earned her college tuition by winning Constitutional debate competitions across the United States. In this endearingly funny, hopeful and achingly human new play, actor Michelle Hand brilliantly resurrects Schreck’s teenage and present self in order to trace the profound relationship between four generations of women in her family and the founding document that shaped their lives.”  Performances take place at the Kranzberg Center, 501 N. Grand in Grand Center.  For more information: maxandlouie.com

Metro Theater Company presents Go, Dog. Go!, adapted by Allison Gregory and Steven Dietz from the book by P.D. Eastman through April 16. “Yellow Dog, Blue Dog, Red Dog and dogs of all colors, shapes, and sizes live in a magical world where dogs are king. See them work, play, eat, sing, dance, play musical instruments, swim, skate, ride bikes, drive cars, and go for a boat ride. They do it all! They snorkel. They howl at the moon. They ride a Ferris wheel. They celebrate their world with a big party in a tree. It’s like a pop-up book that comes to life – and never stops.” Performances take place at the Big Top in Grand Center. For more information: www.metroplays.org

Just One Look
Photo: The Midnight Company

The Midnight Company presents Just One Look by Joe Hanrahan, starring Kelly Howe as Linda Ronstadt through Friday April 14. “Linda Ronstadt ruled the pop charts and filled stadiums in the 70’s and 80’s. The reigning rock goddess of her era, she later took on light opera - Gilbert and Sullivan on Broadway - and The Great American Songbook with Nelson Riddle. Her involvement in social issues accelerated during her relationship with California Governor Jerry Brown, then running for President. But for Linda, it was always a search for the next great song. Kelly Howe will portray Linda Ronstadt and sing her sensational songs.” Performances take place at The Blue Strawberry, 356 N. Boyle. For more information: bluestrawberrystl.com

Murder on the Orient Express
Photo: Phillip Hamer

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

The St. Louis Theater Circle presents the eighth annual Awards Gala on Monday, April 3, at 8:30 pm. A cash bar will be open beginning at 6:30 pm. Nominees in more than 30 categories will vie for honors covering comedies, dramas, musicals and operas produced by local professional theater and opera companies in the calendar years 2022. Approximately 90 productions have been considered for nominations for this year’s event. This compares to roughly 120 productions normally considered in one year alone prior to the pandemic. Nationally recognized playwright, theater producer, and long-time advocate for the arts Joan Lipkin will be honored with a special award for lifetime achievement. The event takes place at the Loretto-Hilton Center on the Webster University campus. Visit the Theater Circle Facebook page for more information.

Into the Woods
Photo by John Lamb

Stray Dog Theatre presents Sondheim’s Into the Woods Thursdays through Saturdays through April 22. There is an additional performance at 2 pm on April 16th.  “When fairy tales collide, familiar characters must brave the darkness of the woods in an effort to break a curse, conquer their fears, and find out if what they’ve always wished for is what they truly want. This Sondheim classic reminds us that life is an unpredictable journey and that no one is alone.” Performances take place at Tower Grove Abbey, 2336 Tennessee in Tower Grove East. Tickets are only offered in physically distanced groups of two or four. For more information: www.straydogtheatre.org

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

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

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

St. Louis theatre calendar for the week of November 14, 2022

Now including both on-line and live events during the pandemic. 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.

Touch Baseball and
Tim Shegitz

The Blue Strawberry presents A Night of Comedy Improv and Magic with Touch Baseball and Tim Shegitz Monday at 7:00 pm, November 14. “Direct from the Improv Shop, Touch Baseball is two-person, comedy improv team featuring long-time St. Louis improvisers Ryan Myers and Ashley Rube. After playing together on numerous teams for over 3 years, Ryan and Ashley formed Touch Baseball at the outset of the Covid-19 pandemic to find hope and distraction from the literal end of the world. Just back from headlining at House of Cards in Nashville, Tim Shegitz regularly performs at Hollywood’s Magic Castle and Las Vegas WonderGround. Timothy’s magic features mystery--wrapped around a story--with a comedy flair. " The Blue Strawberry is at 364 N. Boyle. For more information: bluestrawberrystl.com.

Chuck Lavazzi and Carol Schmidt

The Cabaret Project and The Blue Strawberry present a Singers Open Mic Tuesday, November 15, from 7 to 9:30 pm. “Chuck Lavazzi is your host, with pianist and music director Carol Schmidt. If you plan to sing bring sheet music or a chart in your own key, and perform your favorite Broadway, pop, or jazz tunes. Medium/up-tempo songs are encouraged but not required. Or you can just relax, have a drink and dinner or a snack, and enjoy the music. No admission or cover, but there is always a tip jar! All proceeds go to The Cabaret Project, a 501c3 non-profit dedicated to promoting, developing, and sustaining the art cabaret in St. Louis." The Blue Strawberry is at 364 N. Boyle. For more information: bluestrawberrystl.com.

Meghan Kirk

The Blue Strawberry presents Some Songs for You with singer Meghan Kirk and pianist Ron McGowan Wednesday at 7:00 pm, November 16. “Let the world disappear for a while, as song bird Meghan Kirk and pianist Ron McGowan take you on a musical journey through some of the greatest songs ever written." The Blue Strawberry is at 364 N. Boyle. For more information: bluestrawberrystl.com.

The Blue Strawberry presents Ben Jones: I Think We Should See Other People Saturday at 7:30 pm, November 19. “Ben Jones returns to Blue Strawberry with a funny, moving and deeply personal evening of classic standards, soaring showstoppers and modern hits, punctuated with raucous, side-splitting and devastatingly honest stories from his own love life. Serenading audiences with his 'extraordinary voice' (Night Life Exchange), Jones appears alongside his music director and collaborator, the legendary Ron Abel." The Blue Strawberry is at 364 N. Boyle. For more information: bluestrawberrystl.com.

The Lemp Mansion Murder Mystery Dinner Theatre and Jest Mysteries present A Dickens of a Killilng through January 27th, 2023. "Death is in the air as guests join Marilyn Monroe, Babe Ruth, Baaaaa Huuuumbug!!! Ebenezer Scrooge will be back to his old tricks and is bound to make a few enemies at this Christmas Party chock full of Charles Dicken's Characters. Just when Beep (The Minstrel) gets everyone in the Holiday Spirit, Scrooge barges in and starts talking about gruel. Geez, hope no one snuffs Scrooge out before he stops bellowing! Guests will dive into the fictious world of Charles Dickens and join Pip, Martha Cratchit, Oliver Twist, The Ghost of Jacob Marley, Tiny Tim and so many more in this cheerful murder mystery parody of a Holiday Classic. Whether you want to participate a little or a lot, you're sure to have a jolly good time, in jolly olde England, where there is sure to be "A Dickens of a Killing!" The Lemp Mansion is at 3322 DeMenil Place in south city. For more information: www.lempmansion.com

The Repertory Theatre of St. Louis presents the second annual production of Michael Wilson’s adaptation of Dickens’s A Christmas Carol November 18 through December 30. “At long last, the ghosts of Ebenezer Scrooge’s past, present and future have caught up with him. Now London’s most infamous miser must face down his demons, reconcile the consequences of his choices and experience the power and joy of a miraculous redemption. This magical production will again be directed by Hana S. Sharif, Augustin Family Artistic Director at The Repertory Theatre of St. Louis and choreographed by Kirven Douthit-Boyd, Artistic Director at The Big Muddy Dance Company. The world of Charles Dickens’ will be brought to life by Tim Mackabee (Scenic Design), Dede Aytie (Costume Design), Seth Reiser (Lighting Design), and Hana S. Kim (Production Design). Chales Coles and Nathan Roberts provide the music and sound design, with musical direction by Tre’von Griffith.” Performances take on the main stage of the Loretto-Hilton Center on the Webster University campus.. For more information: www.repstl.org.

St. Louis Community College at Forest Park presents Mike Bartlett's Contractions on Friday, November 18, Saturday November 19 at 7:30pm, and Sunday November 20 at 2:00pm. "Emma’s been seeing Darren. She thinks she’s in love. Her boss thinks she’s in breach of contract. In a series of cordial but increasingly tense conversations, the two dissect the differences between “sexual” and “romantic,” negotiate the nature of Emma’s interoffice relationship, and face the consequences of shrinking privacy and binding contracts." Performances take place in the Theater at the Bastian Center for the Performing Arts on the Forest Park Campus. All performances are free of charge. For more information: stlcc.edu.

St. Louis University Theatre presents Everybody, directed by guest artist Alicia Like, Thursday through Sunday, October November 17-20. “Everybody, a one-act play by Branden Jacobs-Jenkins, premiered Off-Broadway in 2017 at the Signature Theatre and was first published in 2018. It is a modern retelling of Everyman, the most well-known and anthologized example of a medieval morality play, which was adapted from a Dutch play by an anonymous 15th-century English writer. Morality plays first appeared in the 12th century, evolving from the Catholic Church’s cycle plays and liturgical dramas, which reenacted biblical scenes, and became popular in the late Middle Ages (15th/16th centuries). They began as religious allegories designed to teach the audience a moral lesson by representing abstract concepts and ideas as characters.” Performances take place at the Xavier Hall Main Stage on the campus at 3733 West Pine Mall in Grand Center. For more information: www.slu.edu.

Slaying Dragons presents Giving Mental Illness a Stage, the company’s 12th anniversary fund raiser, Friday at 7:30 pm, Saturday at 6:30 pm, and Sunday at 1:30 pm, November 18-20. The mission of Slaying Dragons is to destroy the sitgma of mental illness through theatre. The event features performances from three of the company’s previous shows and takes place at the Center for Spiritual Living in St. Louis. For more information: www.slayingdragons.org.

Tesseract Theatre Company presents the musical Ordinary Days by Adam Gwon Fridays and Saturdays at 8 pm and Sundays at 4 pm, November 18-27. “Ordinary Days tells the story of four young New Yorkers whose lives intersect as they search for fulfillment, happiness, love, and cabs. Through a score of vibrant and memorable songs, their experiences ring startlingly true to life. Ordinary Days is an original musical for anyone who's ever struggled to appreciate the simple things in a complex place. With equal doses of humor and poignancy, it celebrates how 8.3 million individual stories combine in unexpected ways to make New York City such a unique and extraordinary home.” Performances take place at the .ZACK, 3224 Locust in Grand Center. For more information: www.tesseracttheatre.com.

The Good Ship St. Louis

Upstream Theater presents the world premiere of The Good Ship St. Louis, a new play by Philip Boehm with original music by Anthony Barilla, running through November 20. “On May 13, 1939, a ship left Hamburg flying the German Nazi flag and carrying over 900 Jewish refugees. They held valid visas for Cuba and most planned to emigrate to the United States. But when they reached Havana their documents were declared invalid, and the US declined to admit them. The ship returned to Europe, where the refugees were caught up in the tide of war and occupation. The ship was the MS St. Louis, and we are taking this voyage a starting point for a soulful examination of the basic human right to asylum by linking its story to the history of our city with the same name, known for welcoming refugees from the former Yugoslavia in the 1990s”. Performances take place at the Marcelle Theatre, 3310 Samuel Shepard Dr. in Grand Center. For more information: upstreamtheater.org.

The Washington University Performing Arts Department presents The Dust Thursday and Friday at 8 pm, Saturday at 2 and 8 pm, and Sunday at 2 pm, November 17-20. “Love and Mortality. Existence and Destruction. These are the tensions at play in Hsu Yen Ling’s ‘The Dust.’ The play presents a series of seemingly unrelated scenes unfolding at what the writer calls the “instant of explosion.” Explosion of a building? Of a city? Of individual lives? A mother meets an estranged son. A professional couple debate what they choose to know about how they will die. A surrogate mother imagines starting a new world with the birth father. The Dust presents fragments of lives hovering on the brink of annihilation, and yet, all these people are doing their very best to move beyond fear to live lives of authentic happiness. Annelise Finnegan’s translation gives Hsu’s beautiful work a clear theatrical voice. First produced in November of 2013 in Taiwan, this is the U.S. premiere of The Dust. Performances take place in the A.E. Hotchner Studio Theatreon the Washington University Campus. For more information: pad.wustl.edu.

La Rondine
Photo: Rebecca Haas

The Westport Playhouse presents Disbelief, and Evening of Wonder and Laughter on Friday, November 11th, at 7:30 pm. “Spend the evening being amazed and amused by three mysterious and hilarious magicians. You'll leave the theatre smiling and wondering, "how did they do that?"”. The Westport Playhouse is in the Westport Plaza Business and Entertainment District. For more information: thewestportplayhouse.com.

Winter Opera presents Puccini’s La Rondine Friday at 7:30 pm and Sunday at 2 pm, November 18 and 20. “Inspired by Viennese Operetta, La Rondine by Giacomo Puccini tells the story of true love between the courtesan Magda and a young modest boy named Ruggero. As a kept woman of Rombaldo, Magda leads a comfortable life in Paris, but will she decide on a life of luxury or love? Enjoy the lush melodies of Puccini in this timeless love story.” Performances take place at the Kirkwood Performing Arts Center, 201 E. Monroe in Kirkwood, MO. For more information: https://www.winteroperastl.org.

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

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

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

St. Louis theatre calendar for the week of August 8, 2022

Now including both on-line and live events during the pandemic. Your event information should be in text format (i.e. not part of a graphic), but feel free to include publicity stills. To get your event listed here, send an email to calendar [at] stageleft.org.

L-R: Laurence Levy,
Professor Longhair

The Blue Strawberry presents Magical Mondays with sleight of hand artist Laurence Levy and the comedy magic of Professor Longhair’s Old Tyme Medicine Show on Monday, August 8, at 7:00 pm.  The Blue Strawberry is at 364 N. Boyle in the Central West End.  For more information: bluestrawberrystl.com.

The Blue Strawberry presents Grayson Jostes in I’m Ready for My Close-Up on Thursday, August 11, at 7:30 pm. “Grayson has been in over 26 musical theatre productions during his career and is the winner of the 2018 Best Duo/Group Performance Award from the Over-Due Theatre Company.  Grayson is a regular at Blue Strawberry’s Open Mic Nights, where he WOW’s the audience with his vivacious performances.” Ron McGowan is pianist and music director for the show, with direction by Tim Schall. The Blue Strawberry is at 364 N. Boyle in the Central West End. The show is also available via streaming video. For more information: bluestrawberrystl.com.

ERA Theatre presents the radio play SHE by Nancy Bell with music by Joe Taylor and Lyrics by Nancy Bell via on-demand streaming  "SHE controls the radio station of the fascist regime in power. SHE's also the star of the broadcast. Her recording studio abounds with music and oysters. But in the nearby government camps full of misfits and would-be revolutionaries, only torture and starvation is thick on the ground. Tonight, however, SHE's realm feels different. The bombs sound closer. Time moves faster. But SHE will finish her radio show, and it will be her finest. If executing every number in the broadcast means some people need to die, so be it; it is a small sacrifice. The citizens need her and she will not let them down." SHE is available on most major platforms including Spotify, Amazon Music, Apple Music, YouTube, and BandCamp. For more information: www.eratheatre.org

First Run Theatre presents Locked Ward by Amy Crider Fridays and Saturdays at 8 pm and Sundays at 2 pm, August 12-21. "When the body of a nurse is found late at night in a psychiatric ward, the patients realize they’re all suspects.They must hold themselves together to investigate the mystery as they yearn for connection and normalcy." Performances take place in the black box theatre in the Kranzberg Arts Center in Grand Center. For more information: firstruntheatre.org

The Lemp Mansion Murder Mystery Dinner Theatre and Jest Mysteries present The Comic Book Killer through August 27. "Calling all superheros and villains! There’s trouble afoot for you both! Evil Doctor Weevil is back and he’s trying to erase your very existence! The time has come to join forces against true evil and restore balance to the comic universe. But who will be the hero or heroes and rid this plain of Evil Dr. Weevil forever? Could it be you? Quick…to the Prius! Dawn your cape and spandex and meet us the famously haunted Lemp Mansion for a mystery like no other! Here I come to save the daaaaaay!!!!"  The Lemp Mansion is at 3322 DeMenil Place in south city. For more information: www.lempmansion.com

L-R: Nasia Thomas and Anastacia McCleskey in
The Color Purple Photo: Julie A. Merkle

The Muny presents the musical The Color Purple through August 9 at 8:15 pm.  “Based on Alice Walker’s Pulitzer Prize-winning novel and Steven Spielberg’s landmark film, The Color Purple makes its Muny debut! Featuring a Grammy Award-winning score infused with jazz, ragtime, gospel and African blues, this moving tale is a testament to the healing power of love, faith, resilience and sisterhood. Winner of the 2016 Tony Award for “Best Revival of a Musical,” this epic staging promises a joyous evening of courage, hope and healing.” Performances take place on the Muny's outdoor stage in Forest Park. For more information: muny.org.

The Muny presents the musical Joseph and The Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat August 13-18 at 8:15 pm.  “Originally written by Tim Rice and Andrew Lloyd Webber as a children’s oratorio, Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat has, in time, expanded to become one of the most beloved shows ever. The story of Jacob, his 12 sons, and the amazing Technicolor adventures of Joseph features a multi-colored score of favorites including “Any Dream Will Do,” “Go, Go, Go Joseph” and “Close Every Door.” The first Muny production in a decade, audiences are guaranteed a night of big Muny family joy – with, of course, a megamix!” Performances take place on the Muny's outdoor stage in Forest Park. For more information: muny.org.

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

St. Louis Shakespeare Festival presents free outdoor performances of a new adaptation of Shakespeare’s comedy A Midsummer Night’s Dream at area parks nightly at 6:30 pm through August 27. “The Festival’s 20-year-old touring program returns for the second time as the free and outdoor public park tour, TOURCO, throughout Missouri and Illinois with A Midsummer Night’s Dream. The production will be directed by Tre’von Griffith, St. Louis/NYC-based theater artist, composer and founder of WerQfest also known as Tre-G, and featuring costumes by acclaimed local fashion designer Brandin Vaughn. This 90-minute highly musical afro-futurist adaptation will play in 24 different locations starting on opening night at Kiener Plaza in the heart of downtown St. Louis.” For more information: stlshakes.org.

In the Heights
Photo: Phillip Hamer

Stages St. Louis presents Lin-Manuel Miranda’s In the Heights through August 21. “IN THE HEIGHTS, the Tony Award Winning Best Musical from the creator of HAMILTON, tells the universal story of a vibrant community in New York’s Washington Heights neighborhood – a place where the coffee from the corner bodega is light and sweet, the windows are always open and the breeze carries the rhythm of three generations of music. It’s a community on the brink of change, full of hopes, dreams and pressures, where the biggest struggle can be deciding which traditions to take with you, and which ones to leave behind.” Performances take place at the Kirkwood Performing Arts Center in Kirkwood, MO. For more information: stagesstlouis.org

The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee
Photo: John Lamb

Stray Dog Theatre presents the musical The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee Thursdays through Saturdays through August 20. There are additional performances at 2 pm Sunday, August 14 and 8 pm Wednesday, August 17. “An eclectic group of sixth-graders vie for the spelling championship of a lifetime. In hilarious, touching, and catchy songs, each speller reveals their hopes, struggles, and passions as they make their way through the competition. The “Bee” will have you falling in love with its “perspicacious,” “jocular,” and “effervescent” spellers.” Performances take place at Tower Grove Abbey, 2336 Tennessee in Tower Grove East. Tickets are only offered in physically distanced groups of two or four. For more information: www.straydogtheatre.org

Mark Rodgers in
Discover DaVinci and Michaelangelo

The Westport Playhouse presents writer/actor Mark Rodgers in Discover DaVinci and Michaelangelo—the Titans Experience Fridays and Saturdays at 7 pm and Sundays at 2 pm through August 28th.  “Over 100 successful Broadway shows, Includes an art installation and self-guided tour of DaVinci's models, artwork, and more...including our new unique theatrical 40' Video Wall!” The show marks the reopening of the Playhouse after extensive renovation. The Westport Playhouse is in the Westport Plaza Business and Entertainment District. For more information: thewestportplayhouse.com

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

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

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