St. Louis theatre calendar for the week of December 11, 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 Jonathan Karrant in A Christmas Wish on Thursday December 14 at 7:30 pm. “Renowned singer Jonathan Karrant brings you a delightful evening celebrating some of the most beloved holiday songs of all time. Jonathan will be performing some song selections from the album and sharing some of his favorite Christmas memories. Jonathan doesn't cover songs, he uncovers them. The evening will leave you filled with the holiday spirit!  Jonathan will be joined on stage by some of St. Louis' most talented musicians including pianist Adam Maness, bassist Bob DeBoo and drummer Kaleb Kirby.”  The Blue Strawberry is at 364 N. Boyle. For more information: bluestrawberrystl.com.

Christmas with C.S. Lewis

Emery Entertainment presents Christmas with C.S. Lewis starring Gregory Williams Welsch through December 17. "In the early years of his young adult life C. S. Lewis believed the story of Christ’s birth was nothing more than feel-good myth. That all changed after a particular encounter with his great friend and fellow author, J R R Tolkien. Although both men loved mythology in general, Tolkien was convinced that the Jesus myth was the one true myth. That was the start of Lewis’ journey from Atheism to Christianity. From that point on, Christmas, for Lewis, took on an entirely different meaning. Here we find him at his home near Oxford on Christmas Eve hosting a group of Americans who are Christmassing in England. They are about to experience an unforgettable assortment of Yuletide recollections which stimulates a whole range of emotions – curiosity, laughter, gladness and even some tears. Above all, they will discover how that encounter with Tolkien forever changed his Christmas celebrations." Performances take place at the Westport Playhouse in Westport Plaza. For more information: www.aneveningwithcslewis.com.

Never Let Go: a one-woman Titanic

ERA Theatre presents Never Let Go: a one-woman Titanic Thursdays through Saturdays at 7 pm through December 16. “Twenty-four years ago, Rose 'Dawson' miraculously survived the sinking of the Titanic. But her lover, Jack Dawson, did not, and she is not over it. Despite her grief, she's pursuing her dream of becoming an Academy Award-nominated actress. In this production, Rose pitches the idea of turning her story into a work of theatre, or even a motion picture, to an audience of potential producers and investors. She shifts seamlessly from past and present, often without warning, and artistically, and maybe somewhat insanely, blurs the distinction between reality and imagination. Join us for the maiden voyage of your life and never let go!” Performances take place at the Kranzberg Arts Center in Grand Center. For more information: www.metrotix.com.

Disney's Aladdin
Photo: Deen Van Meer

The Fabulous Fox presents Disney’s Aladdin Tuesday through Friday at 7:30, Saturday at 2 and 7:30 pm, and Sunday at 1 pm, pm December 12 through 17. “From the producer of The Lion King comes the timeless story of ALADDIN, a thrilling new production filled with unforgettable beauty, magic, comedy and breathtaking spectacle. It’s an extraordinary theatrical event where one lamp and three wishes make the possibilities infinite.” The Fabulous Fox is on North Grand in Grand Center. For more information: https://fabulousfox.com

Fly North Theatricals presents The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee through December 17. “Winner of the Tony and Drama Desk Awards for Best Book, The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee, about an eclectic group of six pre-pubescents who are vying for the spelling championship of a lifetime, has charmed audiences across the country with its effortless wit and humor.  While candidly disclosing hilarious and touching stories from their home lives, the tweens spell their way through a series of (potentially made-up) words, hoping never to hear the soul-crushing, pout-inducing, life un-affirming "ding" of the bell that signals a spelling mistake.  Six spellers enter; one speller leaves a champion!  At least the losers get a juice box.” Performances take place at the Greenfinch Theater & Dive, 2525 S. Jefferson. For more information: flynorthmusic.com.

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

Into the Woods
Photo: John Gitchoff

New Jewish Theatre presents Sondheim’s Into the Woods Thursdays at 7:30 pm, Saturdays at 4 and 8 pm and Sundays at 2 pm through December 17. “What happens after happily ever after? Stephen Sondheim’s beloved musical revisits all your favorite fairy tale characters including Cinderella, Rapunzel, Jack and the Beanstalk and Little Red Riding Hood as they work to make their wishes come true, only to realize that sometimes getting what you want isn’t all you dreamed it would be. This Tony-Award winning musical adventure is at turns delightful and haunting, but always enchanting.” Performances take place at the SFC Performing Arts Center, 2 Millstone Campus Drive. For more information: jccstl.com/arts-ideas/new-jewish-theatre

Jesus and Johnny Appleweed's Holy Rollin'
Family Christmas
Photo: Jill Ritter Lindberg

New Line Theatre presents the world premiere of the rock musical Jesus & Johnny Appleweed's Holy Rollin' Family Christmas, with book, music, and lyrics by Scott Miller, Thursdays through Saturdays at 8 pm through December 16. “Poor Harry Goodson learns his lessons the hard way, as he’s visited overnight by his dead twin brother, Jesus Christ, Sandra Dee, and Johnny Appleweed, and he finally learns what his family already knows, that the answer to all his problems is marijuana! A wacky companion piece to the unintentionally hilarious 1936 scare film Reefer Madness, this new musical is a crazy mashup of A Christmas Carol, Reefer Madness, and 1950s musical comedy, a tongue-in-cheek response to the War on Drugs and the Culture Wars, a comic look at what a little pot and a little truth can do to a normal, average, Midwestern, American family at mid-century, just as America plunges into the chaos of the 1960s.” .  Performances take place at the Grandel Theatre in Grand Center. For more information: http://www.newlinetheatre.com

It's a Wonderful Life: A Live Radio Play
Photo: Jon Gitchoff

The Repertory Theatre of St. Louis presents It’s a Wonderful Life: A Live Radio Play through December 23. “Engage your imagination in the world of vintage radio broadcasting as you rediscover the magic of the holiday season with It's A Wonderful Life - A Live Radio Play. Experience the Golden Age of Radio through this classic holiday film reimaged as a live radio performance. Bear witness to this timeliness holiday story that explores the life of George Bailey, a compassionate and selfless man, standing on the brink of despair, when an angel named Clarence is sent down to Earth to teach George the power of kindness, the importance of family and friends, and the realization that each life, no matter how ordinary it may seem, is truly wonderful.” Performances take on the main stage of the Loretto-Hilton Center on the Webster University campus.. For more information: www.repstl.org.

Q Brothers Christmas Carol
Photo: Philip Hamer

The St. Louis Shakespeare Festival presents the Q Brothers Christmas Carol through December 23. “In this laugh-out-loud hip-hop remix of Dickens’ classic tale, Ebenezer Scrooge is visited by the Ghosts of Hip-Hop Past, Present, and Future. As Scrooge is shown the path of rhythm and redemption, will he throw off his selfish chains and get down to the beat? Q Brothers Christmas Carol mixes everything from reggae to rock, taking this beloved tale of love, forgiveness, and Christmas spirit to the next level. Best enjoyed by ages 12 & up.” Performances take place at the National Blues Museum downtown. For more information: https://stlshakes.org/production/carol.

The St. Louis Writers Group presents a Christmas Party and Farewell to Big Daddy’s on Tuesday, December 12, at 6:30 pm. “Fun! Frolics! Food! Raffles! Prizes! Your Host for the evening : Jen Kerner. All previous actors, readers, writers and audience are especially invited to our final night in Soulard before we move in the New Year.” The event takes place upstairs at Big Daddy’s in Soulard. For more information, visit the St. Louis Writers Group Facebook page.  

Sister Mary Ignatius Explains It All to You
Photo: John Lamb

Stray Dog Theatre presents the Christopher Durang comedy Sister Mary Ignatius Explains It All to You Thursdays through Saturdays at 8 through December 16, with an additional performance at 2 pm on Sunday December 10. “Sister Mary Ignatius has happily been teaching children about the glories of Catholicism and the perils of sin and hellfire for years at her church. What’s a good shepherd to do when it is revealed that members of her flock have strayed far from the path of righteousness? The results are surprising, yet absolutely hilarious. Sister Mary examines the sharp truths about  human nature and religion.” Performances take place at Tower Grove Abbey, 2336 Tennessee in Tower Grove East. For more information: www.straydogtheatre.org.

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

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

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

St. Louis theatre calendar for the week of April 2, 2018

Born Yesterday
Photo by Jerry Naunheim, Jr.

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The Repertory Theatre of St. Louis presents the classic comedy Born Yesterday through April 8. "Junkyard tycoon Harry Brock swaggers into Washington, D.C., determined to buy a senator or two. The monkey wrench in his schemes is Billie Dawn, his seemingly dim-witted ex-showgirl girlfriend. But when Brock hires a reporter to tutor Billie, she rapidly comes into her own as a force to be reckoned with. This sharp and snappy comedy hilariously skewers Beltway corruption." Performances take place at the Loretto-Hilton Center on the Webster University campus. For more information: repstl.org.

The West End Players Guild concludes its 107th season with the St. Louis premiere of Hansol Jung's drama Cardboard Piano Fridays and Saturdays at 8 PM and Sundays at 2 PM, April 6 - 15. "In civil war-torn northern Uganda a missionary's daughter and a local teenaged girl exchange secret wedding vows and plan their escape, but they cannot evade the reach of the encroaching civil war. The play explores the deep but tragic relationship between the two young women and a troubled child soldier they try to save. The cardboard piano is their symbol of the hope and courage needed to carry on in a hopeless world. But can anyone have the courage to forgive the unforgiveable?" There will also be a show on Thursday, April 12, at 8 pm. Performances take place at the Union Avenue Christian Church, 733 North Union at Enright in the Central West End. For more information, call 314-367-0025 or visit www.westendplayers.org.

Clinton County Showcase presents the musical comedy Church Basement Ladies Fridays and Saturdays at 8 pm and Sundays at 2 pm, April 6 - 15. Performances take place at the Avon Theater, 525 North 2nd Street Breese IL. For more information, visit ccshowcase.com.

CSZ St. Louis presents The ComedySportz Show on Saturday nights at 7:30 pm. The show is "action-packed, interactive and hilarious comedy played as a sport. Two teams battle it out for points and your laughs! You choose the winners the teams provide the funny!" Performances take place on the second floor of the Sugar Cubed, 917 S Main St. in St Charles, Mo. For more information: www.cszstlouis.com.

The Lemp Mansion Comedy-Mystery Dinner Theater presents The Comic Book Killer through April 14. The Lemp Mansion is at 3322 DeMenil Place. For more information: lempmansion.com.

Webster University's Conservatory of Theatre Arts presents Fly by Night Friday at 7:30 pm, Saturday at 2 and 7:30 pm, and Sunday at 2 pm, April 6 - 8. "A star-crossed prophecy. A lot of music. Just not a lot of light. In this darkly comic rock-fable, a melancholy sandwich maker's humdrum life is intersected by two entrancing sisters. A sweeping ode to young love set against the backdrop of the Northeast blackout of 1965, Fly By Night is a tale about making your way and discovering hope in a world beset by darkness." Performances take place in the Stage III Auditorium on the Webster University campus. For more information, www.webster.edu or call 314-968-7128.

Hamilton

The Fox Theatre presents the musical Hamilton opening on Tuesday, April 3, and running through April 22. "HAMILTON is the story of America's Founding Father Alexander Hamilton, an immigrant from the West Indies who became George Washington's right-hand man during the Revolutionary War and was the new nation's first Treasury Secretary. Featuring a score that blends hip-hop, jazz, blues, rap, R&B, and Broadway, HAMILTON is the story of America then, as told by America now." The Fox is at 527 North Grand in Grand Center. For more information: fabulousfox.com.

The Bissell Mansion Murder Mystery Dinner Theatre presents Mayhem in Mayberry through April. "Welcome to the 10th annual Mayberry-fest. Everyone is looking forward to the highlight of this event - the Miss Mayberry contest. YOU and Sheriff Andy Trailer will judge the contestants (chosen from the audience) on beauty, poise, cookin' skills and a new category this year - Hog callin'. Will the next Miss Mayberry be the vivacious Dazey Doof from Hazzard County? Or the beautiful hillbilly, Elly May Klumpett? Or will it be the lovely Lois Lame from Smallville? Don't county out the charming Paris Hoosier from Hoosierville. She's the main reason the train stops at Petticoat Junction! Sheriff Andy, Deputy Blarney and Aint Bee invite you to join the fun and the mayhem in Mayberry cause it won't be the same without y'all." The Bissell Mansion is at 4426 Randall Place. For more information: bissellmansiontheatre.com.

New Jerusalem
Photo by Eric Woolsey

New Jewish Theater presents David Ives' New Jerusalem, the Interrogation of Baruch de Spinoza at Torah Talmud Congregation: Amsterdam, July 27, 1656 April 4 - 22. The play is the true story of Jewish philosopher Baruch de Spinoza who was excommunicated from the Jewish community of Amsterdam in the mid-1600's in order to keep the peace for that city's Jews." Performances take place in the Marvin and Harlene Wool Studio Theater at the Jewish Community Center, 2 Millstone Campus Drive in Creve Coeur. For more information: www.newjewishtheatre.org or call 314-442-3283.

The Repertory Theatre of St. Louis presents a staged reading of the play Nonsense and Beauty on Saturday, April 7, at 7:30 pm. "In 1930, the writer E.M. Forster met and fell in love with a policeman 23 years his junior. Their relationship, very risky for its time, evolved into a 40-year love triangle that was both turbulent and unique. Based on a true story, Nonsense and Beauty captures the wit and wisdom of one of the last century's great writers." The reading takes place in the Studio Theatre of the Loretto-Hilton Center on the Webster University campus. For more information: repstl.org.

Norm Lewis

The Cabaret Project presents Norm Lewis: Up Close and Personal on Saturday, April 7, at 8 pm. "Tony nominated star of Phantom of the Opera, NBC's Jesus Christ Superstar, Porgy and Bess & Les Miserables takes the night off of his current starring role in Broadway's Once On This Island to perform for St. Louis audiences." The performance takes place at the Sheldon Concert Hall on Washington in Grand Center. For more information: thecabaretproject.org.

The Rogue Theatre Company presents The Rampage at the Rouge, a Harry Potter-inspired murder mystery dinner theatre, on Friday, April 6, at 7 pm. "Join us for a night of intrigue and murder as we try to solve a mysterious death. No actors! No scripts! And YOU are the detective! Enjoy a full catered meal, participate in team challenges, search for clues, solve puzzles, and more, all while trying to avoid the killer. Unless the killer is you!" The event takes place at 1320 Milton Rd. in Alton IL. For more information: theroguetheatreco.ticketspice.com

St. Louis Shakespeare presents Tom Stoppard's Rosenkrantz and Guildenstern Are Dead Thursdays at 7:30 p.m., Fridays and Saturdays at 8 p.m., and Sundays at 2 p.m., April 6 - 15. "This comedy, penned during the height of the absurdist movement, follows the two hapless friends of Hamlet, Rosencrantz and Guildenstern, as they go on a journey from which they never return. On a day like any other, Rosencrantz and Guildenstern's peaceful morning is suddenly disrupted when a messenger from Elsinore castle raps on their window informing them that they have been summoned. Thus, begins the journey for our befuddled travelers as they explore fate, their purpose and very nature of existence." Performances take place at the Ivory Theatre, 7620 Michigan in the Carondelet neighborhood. For more information, call 314-361-5664 or visit stlshakespeare.org.

Ken Haller

The Presenters Dolan presents Ken Haller in Song by Song by Sondheim on Friday and Saturday, April 6 and 7, at 8 pm. "This will be the Year of Stephen Sondheim in St. Louis, as he is honored with the prestigious 2018 Saint Louis Literary Award. To salute the master lyricist and composer, Ken Haller is thrilled to reprise his critically-acclaimed debut cabaret show, "Song by Song by Sondheim." In songs as sentimental, witty, lacerating, sweet, and rollicking as Not a Day Goes By, Everybody Says Don't, Losing My Mind, Not While I'm Around, Marry Me a Little, and his own unique take in Send in the Clowns, Ken displays the gifts that led the St. Louis Post-Dispatch to name him Best St. Louis Cabaret Performer 2015." The performances take place at The Kranzberg Arts Center, 501 N. Grand in Grand Center. For more information: metrotix.com

Lindenwood University presents the Bertolt Brecht/Kurt Weill musical Threepenny Opera Thursday through Saturday at 7:30 pm, April 5 - 7. "Brecht and Weill turned to John Gay's 18th-century 'The Beggar's Opera' to fashion this savage, biting commentary on bourgeois capitalism and modern morality. Set in Victorian London, the bitter tale is told of the predatory outlaw known as Mack the Knife.Brecht and Weill turned to John Gay's 18th-century 'The Beggar's Opera' to fashion this savage, biting commentary on bourgeois capitalism and modern morality. Set in Victorian London, the bitter tale is told of the predatory outlaw known as Mack the Knife. " The performances take place at The Lindenwood Theatre at the J. Scheidegger Center for the Arts on the Lindenwood campus in St. Charles, MO. For more information, call 636-949-4433 or visit www.lindenwood.edu/center.

The Repertory Theatre of St. Louis presents a staged reading of the musical Wind-Up Girl on Tuesday, April 3, at 7:30 pm. "Based on a true story, this imaginative new musical has René Descartes, the father of modern philosophy, attempting a very unusual project after being left bereft by the death of his daughter. A moving historical fantasy about the irrational machinations of the human heart." The reading takes place in the Studio Theatre of the Loretto-Hilton Center on the Webster University campus. For more information: repstl.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 March 26, 2018

As It Is in Heaven
Photo by John Lamb

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Mustard Seed Theatre presents the drama As It Is in Heaven Fridays and Saturdays at 8 pm and Sundays at 2 pm through March 31. "The tranquility of women living in an 1830's Shaker community in Kentucky is threatened by the arrival of newcomers claiming to see angels." Performances take place at the Fontbonne Fine Arts Theatre, 6800 Wydown Blvd. For more information, call (314) 719-8060 or visit the web site at www.mustardseedtheatre.com.

The Repertory Theatre of St. Louis presents the classic comedy Born Yesterday through April 8. "Junkyard tycoon Harry Brock swaggers into Washington, D.C., determined to buy a senator or two. The monkey wrench in his schemes is Billie Dawn, his seemingly dim-witted ex-showgirl girlfriend. But when Brock hires a reporter to tutor Billie, she rapidly comes into her own as a force to be reckoned with. This sharp and snappy comedy hilariously skewers Beltway corruption." Performances take place at the Loretto-Hilton Center on the Webster University campus. For more information: repstl.org.

The Color Purple

The Fox Theatre presents the musical The Color Purple through April 1. "The a soul-raising score of jazz, gospel, ragtime and blues, THE COLOR PURPLE gives an exhilarating new spirit to this Pulitzer Prize-winning story. Don't miss this stunning re-imagining of an epic story about a young woman's journey to love and triumph in the Ameri'one of the greatest revivals ever.' Experience the exhilarating power of this Tony-winning triumph!" The Fox is at 527 North Grand in Grand Center. For more information: fabulousfox.com.

CSZ St. Louis presents The ComedySportz Show on Saturday nights at 7:30 pm. The show is "action-packed, interactive and hilarious comedy played as a sport. Two teams battle it out for points and your laughs! You choose the winners the teams provide the funny!" Performances take place on the second floor of the Sugar Cubed, 917 S Main St. in St Charles, Mo. For more information: www.cszstlouis.com.

The Lemp Mansion Comedy-Mystery Dinner Theater presents The Comic Book Killer through April 14. The Lemp Mansion is at 3322 DeMenil Place. For more information: lempmansion.com.

The Bankside Repertory Theatre Company presents The Devil's Passion by Justin Butcher Friday and Saturday at 7 pm, March 30 and 31. "This thought-provoking, one-man "passion play" presents the story of Jesus through the eyes of Satan. And he's not happy. " Performances take place at The Principia School, 13201 Clayton Road. For more information: www.banksiderep.com.

The Sheldon Concert Hall presents Great Leading Ladies of Song with singer Deborah Sharn and pianist Carolbeth True Tuesday and Wednesday at 10 am. "St. Louis favorites, vocalist Deborah Sharn and pianist Carolbeth True, perform classic songs by Peggy Lee, Rosemary Clooney, Doris Day and other “great ladies of song.” Enjoy “Tenderly,” “Fever,” “Mambo Italiano,” “Over the Rainbow” and more!" Performances take place at the Sheldon Concert Hall on Wasghington in Grand Center. For more information: thesheldon.org.

The Repertory Theatre of St. Louis presents a staged reading of the play Hurricane Colleen on Wednesday and Thursday, March 28 and 29, at 7:30 pm. "Six months after their sister Colleen has died of cancer, two women rent a beach house in Melbourne, Fla., to scatter her ashes. But when a tropical depression suddenly turns into a hurricane and strange encounters with wildlife occur, the sisters struggle to ride out the storms both outside and inside. From the author of Molly's Hammer, developed in Ignite! and produced at The Rep in 2016." The Wednesday reading takes place in the Studio Theatre of the Loretto-Hilton Center on the Webster University campus while the Thursday reading takes place at UMSL at Grand Center, 3651 Olive. For more information: repstl.org.

The Bissell Mansion Murder Mystery Dinner Theatre presents Mayhem in Mayberry through April. "Welcome to the 10th annual Mayberry-fest. Everyone is looking forward to the highlight of this event - the Miss Mayberry contest. YOU and Sheriff Andy Trailer will judge the contestants (chosen from the audience) on beauty, poise, cookin' skills and a new category this year - Hog callin'. Will the next Miss Mayberry be the vivacious Dazey Doof from Hazzard County? Or the beautiful hillbilly, Elly May Klumpett? Or will it be the lovely Lois Lame from Smallville? Don't county out the charming Paris Hoosier from Hoosierville. She's the main reason the train stops at Petticoat Junction! Sheriff Andy, Deputy Blarney and Aint Bee invite you to join the fun and the mayhem in Mayberry cause it won't be the same without y'all." The Bissell Mansion is at 4426 Randall Place. For more information: bissellmansiontheatre.com.

Menopause the Musical

The Playhouse at Westport Plaza presents Menopause the Musical, "a celebration of women and The Change," through March 31. Four women meet while shopping for a black lace bra at a lingerie sale. After noticing unmistakable similarities among one another, the cast jokes about their woeful hot flashes, mood swings, wrinkles, weight gain and much more. The Playhouse at Westport Plaza is at 635 West Port Plaza. For more information: playhouseatwestport.com.

Lion's Paw Theatre Company presents Plays on the Menu, a reading of the plays The Chinese Restaurant Syndrome by Corinne Jacker, The Next Contestant by Frank D. Gilroy, and Watermelon Boats by Wendy MacLaughlin, on Tuesday, March 27, at noon at The Hearth Room at The Hawken House, 1155 South Rock Hill Road. The readings include lunch. For more information: lionspawtheatre.org.

Lion's Paw Theatre Company presents Plays on the Menu, a reading of the plays The Chinese Restaurant Syndrome by Corinne Jacker, The Next Contestant by Frank D. Gilroy, and Watermelon Boats by Wendy MacLaughlin, on Wednesday, March 28, at noon at St. Louis Artists' Guild, 12 North Jackson in Clayton. The readings include lunch. For more information: lionspawtheatre.org.

The St. Louis Theater Circle members in 2017
Photo by Jill Ritter Lindberg

The St. Louis Theater Circle presents the St. Louis Theater Circle Awards on Monday, March 26, at 7 PM. The awards recognize outstanding achievement in locally produced professional theatre as judged by local theatre critics who are members of the Circle. Presenters will include KDHX's own Chuck Lavazzi. Live music will be provided by Joe Dreyer. The ceremony is preceded by an optional buffet dinner at 5:30 PM from With Love Catering and takes place at the Loretto-Hilton Center on the Webster University campus. For more information: brownpapertickets.com.

Webster University's Conservatory of Theatre Arts presents the comedy She Kills Monsters Friday at 7:30 pm, Saturday at 2 and 7:30 pm, and Sunday at 2 pm, March 30 - April 1. "A comedic romp into the world of fantasy role-playing games, She Kills Monsters tells the story of Agnes Evans as she leaves her childhood home in Ohio following the death of her teenage sister, Tilly. When Agnes finds Tilly's Dungeons & Dragons notebook, however, she stumbles into a journey of discovery and action-packed adventure in the imaginary world that was Tilly's refuge. In this high-octane dramatic comedy laden with homicidal fairies, nasty ogres, and 90s pop culture, acclaimed playwright Qui Nguyen offers a heart-pounding homage to the geek and warrior within us all." Performances take place in the Studio Theatre of the Loretto-Hilton Center on the Webster University campus. For more information, www.webster.edu/conservatory/season or call 314-968-7128.

Inevitable Theatre Company presents the Risk Theatre Initiative production of Stiff: A Fast Paced Story About Moving Slow through April 1. "Award-winning Dallas actress Sherry Jo Ward chronicles her struggle with Stiff Person Syndrome, an incredibly rare disease which impairs her mobility and causes her unexplained pain. Part stand-up comedy, part PowerPoint presentation, STIFF is a "must-see" theatrical event - a unique and engaging first person account of what it means to re-assess one's own goals and ambition when confronted with a life-altering diagnosis." Performances take place in the black box theatre at the Kranzberg Arts Center, 501 N. Grand in Grand Center. For more information: inevitabletheatre.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.