St. Louis theatre calendar for the week of July 18, 2016

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

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

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The St. Lou Fringe presents Act Your Pants Off, a special benefit performance for the Fringe, on Tuesday, July 19, beginning at 7 PM. " The stakes - and waistlines - have never been higher. St Lou Fringe pairs up with local Actor's Equity Association professional actors to offer you the very best talent in St Louis, in the most relentless setting. Top St Louis talent put themselves and their craft to the test as our city's strongest actors face off in challenges the likes of which they've never seen, fighting for audience approval - and fighting to keep their belts buckled! And you thought auditions were a beast." The event takes place at Off Broadway, 3511 Lemp. For more information: stlfringe.com

The Lemp Mansion Comedy-Mystery Dinner Theater presents Bullets in the Bathtub through July 30. The Lemp Mansion is at 3322 DeMenil Place. For more information: mansion.com

Stages St. Louis presents the musical satire The Drowsy Chaperone July 22 - August 21. "With its laugh-a-minute script and one show-stopping song and dance number after another, it's easy to see why THE DROWSY CHAPERONE won the most Tony Awards of any musical on Broadway in 2006, including Best Book and Score. It all begins when a die-hard musical theatre fan decides to play his favorite cast album in his small brownstone apartment - a 1928 smash hit musical called "The Drowsy Chaperone." The show magically bursts to life before him as audiences are instantly transported to an earlier time and place and immersed in the glamorous and hilarious tale of a celebrity bride and her uproarious wedding day, complete with gangsters, mistaken identities, an off-course aviatrix, and an uplifting ride to the rafters. " Performances take place in the Robert G. Reim Theatre at the Kirkwood Community Center, 111 South Geyer Road in Kirkwood. For more information, visit stagesstlouis.org or call 314-821-2407.

Alton Little Theater presents Fame the Musical, based on the Hollywood movie, Thursdays through Sundays, July 22 - 31. "The Broadway Musical FAME is a sequel to the beloved film of the same name. Great Dance numbers and Inspirational Ballads become part of the tale when students at a Performing Arts Academy in New York City get down to work on "making it" in Show Business. The Cast of Twenty-Five (plus) performers ages 14 -24 will embrace the energy and dedication needed to actually find "fame". Under the direction of Kevin Frakes and Sue Parton Stanard (with choreography by Khristina Bemis), the Summer showcase production (ONLY SIX SHOWS) will have audience members ready to dance and reclaim their own big dreams! Local Musical Theater Professionals will be featured as "Instructors" at the Academy, making for summer ENTERTAINMENT not to be missed!" Performances take place at 2450 North Henry in Alton, IL. For more information, call 618.462.6562 or visit altonlittletheater.org.

The Cabaret Project presents First Stage: The St. Louis Cabaret Conference High School Showcase on Tuesday, July 19, at 8 p.m. as part of the 2016 St. Louis Cabaret Festival. "Join Broadway's Karen Mason, American Idol's Peisha McPhee and St. Louis Cabaret Conference's Tim Schall and Carol Schmidt as they present to you the new, young voices of cabaret. These talented young people will have just worked with the above faculty on the art and craft of song performance. And tonight they will celebrate what they have learned with a special showcase performance of their budding talents. As the saying goes "There's a lot of talent out there" and this evening singers at the first stages of their careers prove it." The performance takes place at The Stage @ KDHX in Grand Center. For more information: thecabaretproject.org.

Tont DeSare

The Cabaret Project presents singer/pianist Tony DeSare and his Trio in From Sinatra to Prince on Friday, July 22, at 8 p.m. as part of the 2016 St. Louis Cabaret Festival. "Named a Rising Star Male Vocalist in Downbeat magazine, DeSare brings his youthful, contemporary flair to the masterful Sinatra style standards of the past and offers sophisticated takes on pop classics such as the late genius Prince's Kiss- throwing in some of his own top notch originals along the way. DeSare has three top ten Billboard jazz albums under his belt and has headlined in prestigious venues such as New York's 54 Below and Carnegie Hall, along with major performing arts centers and numerous symphony orchestras throughout North America and abroad. Tony DeSare and his trio offer St. Louis audiences a fresh take on old school class that swings, swoons and gets your feet stompin'!" The performance takes place at the Sheldon Concert Hall in Grand Center. For more information: thecabaretproject.org.

Grey Gardens
Photo: Dan Donovan

Max and Louie Productions presents the musical Grey Gardens through July 30. "Not since Mama Rose and Gypsy has there been a mother/daughter act as hilarious, as heartbreaking and as utterly unforgettable as "Big" Edith and "Little" Edie Beale - Jackie Kennedy's most outrageous relatives - in the acclaimed musical smash Grey Gardens! From the grandeur of an East Hampton high society party in 1941 to the sensational tabloid headlines that rocked the Kennedy clan in 1973, Grey Gardens is scandalously entertaining. Step into the world of Grey Gardens and see the other side of Camelot." Performances take place at the Wool Studio Theatre at the JCC, 2 Millstone Campus Drive. For more information, visit maxandlouie.com.

Jon and Jen
Photo: David Sanford

Insight Theatre Company presents the musical Jon and Jen through July 31. "This is the story of Jen and her relationships with the two Johns of her life: her younger brother, who was killed in Vietnam, and his namesake, her son who is trying to find his way in a confusing world. Jen and her younger brother John are growing up in the ever-changing world of mid-century America. As the country becomes divided over the war in Vietnam, so does the family, and battle lines are drawn between the once-close siblings. When John is killed in Vietnam, Jen is left to reconcile her memory of their fractured relationship along with his namesake, her son who is trying to find his way in a confusing world." Performances take place in the Heagney Theatre, 530 East Lockwood on the campus of Nerinx Hall High School in Webster Groves. For more information, call 314-556-1293 or visit insighttheatrecompany.com.

Family Musical Theater presents the Disney's The Little Mermaid running through July 24. Performances take place at the Ivory Theatre, 7622 Michigan. For more information, visit familymusicaltheater.org or call 314-571-9579.

The Muny presents the musical Mamma Mia!, based on the songs of ABBA, opening on Thursday, July 21, and running nightly at 8:15 pm through July 28 in the outdoor theatre in Forest Park. "After 14 years and nearly 6,000 performances on Broadway, the phenomenal worldwide megahit Mamma Mia! arrives at The Muny like a breath of fresh island air. Prepare to be swept into the contagious excitement of 22 memorable ABBA hits, including "Dancing Queen," "Take a Chance on Me" and "The Winner Takes It All." You haven't seen Mamma Mia! in its full splendor until you've seen it under the stars at The Muny." For more information, visit muny.org or call 314-361-1900.

Marilyn Maye

The Cabaret Project presents Marilyn Maye and Ann Hampton Callaway with pianists Billy Stritch and Tedd Firth on Thursday, July 21, at 8 p.m. as part of the 2016 St. Louis Cabaret Festival. "When the legendary Marvelous Marilyn Maye performs its with one of her two favorite musical collaborators at the keys - the celebrated Billy Stritch or the award winning Tedd Firth. The St. Louis Cabaret Festival thought why not put both Stritch and Firth on stage and give them each a baby grand to play? And just when you thought it couldn't get any better we decided to add their friend and St. Louis' favorite divaliscious diva herself Ann Hampton Callaway to the party. Two Divas and Two Pianos on one stage! Don't miss this joyous, jazzy, spectacular cabaret event created specifically for St. Louis Cabaret Festival audiences." The performance takes place at the Sheldon Concert Hall in Grand Center. For more information: thecabaretproject.org.

 St. Louis Actors' Studio presents the Neil LaBute New Theater Festival, Part 2 July 22 - 31 at the Gaslight Theatre, 358 North Boyle. The festival features professional, new and previously unproduced one-act plays 45 minutes or less in length, chosen from submissions to the festival over the previous year. The plays in Part 2 are "Life Model" by Neil LaBute, "American Outlaws" by Adam Seidel, "Blue Balls" by Willie Johnson, and "Show of Affection" by Laurence Klavan. For more information, call 314-458-2978 or visit stlas.org.

The Bissell Mansion Murder Mystery Dinner Theatre presents Nursery Crimes through July 31. The Bissell Mansion is at 4426 Randall Place. For more information: bissellmansiontheatre.com.

Theatre Nuevo presents Orgullo: A Pride of One Acts through July 24. Orgullo (Spanish for "pride") will feature bilingual scripts from playwrights nationwide, focusing on the themes of Latin pride and identity. Original work from national playwrights like Tlaloc Rivas, José Casas, Alvaro Saar Rios and more will be featured in the lineup of one act plays. Performances take place at the 1900 Park Creative Space in Lafayette Square. For more information: www.theatrenuevo.com.

Faith Prince and Jason Graae

The Cabaret Project presents Faith Prince and Jason Graae in The Prince and the Showboy Wednesday, July 20, at 8 p.m. as part of the 2016 St. Louis Cabaret Festival. "Tony Award winner Faith Prince unites with her long time friend and L.A. Drama Critics Circle winner Jason Graae for a night of belly laughs and great music. Combing showbiz chutzpah, great vocal chops and incomparable comedic gifts, these celebrated veterans of a combined 17 Broadway shows deliver on the promise of an evening that keeps you smiling long after you leave." The performance takes place at the Sheldon Concert Hall in Grand Center. For more information: thecabaretproject.org.

The Cabaret Project presents The St. Louis Cabaret Conference Closing Night Showcase and Celebration on Sunday, July 24, at 7 p.m. as part of the 2016 St. Louis Cabaret Festival. "The newly remolded Jazz at the Bistro is the perfect supper club! Dinner seating or just drinks and appetizers start at 6 pm. And at 7 p.m. its time for the core group of talented singers of the St. Louis Cabaret Conference to show audiences why they've come from all over the country to be mentored by the Conference's renowned faculty. Join us for this closing night showcase and stick around for the post show party that starts up as soon as the last bow is taken. Party noshes are on us!" The performance takes place at Jazz at the Bistro, across from The Fox in Grand Center. For more information: thecabaretproject.org.

The Cabaret Project presents The St. Louis Cabaret Conference Professional Track Showcase on Saturday, July 23, at 8 p.m. as part of the 2016 St. Louis Cabaret Festival. "Mentored by Marilyn Maye, Faith Prince, Tedd Firth and Billy Stritch, as well as other members of the prestigious St. Louis Cabaret Conference Faculty, these singers take to the stage to show you why they are on the right track! The St. Louis Cabaret Conference presents these select singers in there own showcase of mini cabaret sets to show so you can see why they are ready to take their talents and ambitions and make their mark in the cabaret world - if they haven't already." The performance takes place at The Stage @ KDHX in Grand Center. For more information: thecabaretproject.org.

The Midnight Company presents Will Eno's THOMPAIN (based on nothing) Fridays and Saturdays at 8 p.m., July 22 - August 6. Performances take place at Herbie's Vintage72, 405 N. Euclid in the Central West End, It will be a 10-year anniversary revival production for Midnight, with Artistic Director Joe Hanrahan once again the performer, and Larry Dell once again directing. "Nearly indescribable, THOMPAIN was described thus by the NYTimes: 'A surreal meditation on the empty promises life makes, the way experience never lives up to the weird and awesome fact of being...but also, in its odd, bewitching beauty an affirmation of life's worth...a small masterpiece.' Actor Joe Hanrahan calls it 'Existential Stand-Up,' while director Larry Dell describes it as 'Stand-Up Tragedy.'" Tickets will be on sale later in the spring at brownpapertickets.com.

Take Two Productions presents the rock musical Xanadu July 22-30. "Xanadu follows the journey of a magical and beautiful Greek muse, Kira, who descends from the heavens of Mt. Olympus to Venice Beach, California in 1980 on a quest to inspire a struggling artist, Sonny, to achieve the greatest artistic creation of all time - the first ROLLER DISCO! (Hey, it's 1980!) But, when Kira falls into forbidden love with the mortal Sonny, her jealous sisters take advantage of the situation and chaos abounds." Performances take place at Bayless High School Auditorium, 4532 Weber Road in South County. For more information, visit taketwoproductions.org.

Young Frankenstein

The Muny presents the Mel Brooks musical Young Frankenstein running nightly at 8:15 pm through July 19 in the outdoor theatre in Forest Park. "The gang's all here: Dr. Frederick Frankenstein, Igor and the horse-frightening Frau Blücher - together again in scenic Transylvania to reanimate a monster. Only the deranged mind of Mel Brooks could have inspired such lunacy. As Mel's 1974 movie comedy classic comes to bawdy, musical life onstage, you too will feel like "Puttin' on the Ritz" as you revel in a madcap evening of mad scientists, yodeling lab assistants ... everything you need for one hilarious Muny night!" For more information, visit muny.org or call 314-361-1900.

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 July 27, 2015

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

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

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Anything Goes

Stages St. Louis presents Cole Porter's Anything Goes through August 16. "Set sail on the S. S. American with a zany group of travelers, bound from New York to merry old England, where gangsters, socialites, and arrow-collar lads collide in a true tap-sensation from a by-gone era when travel was still fun and as unpredictable as the weather. There'll be laughs a-plenty set to a raucous and romantic Cole Porter score. Enjoy meltingly romantic melodies as "I Get A Kick Out Of You," "It's De-Lovely," "Easy To Love," "You're The Top," and "Anything Goes," that will inspire an uproarious and tune-filled trip across the Atlantic where ANYTHING GOES!" Performances take place in the Robert G. Reim Theatre at the Kirkwood Community Center, 111 South Geyer Road in Kirkwood. For more information, visit stagesstlouis.org or call 314-821-2407. Read the 88.1 KDHX review!

The Muny presents Beauty and the Beast nightly at 8:15 PM, opening on Wednesday, July 29 and running through Friday, August 7, in the outdoor theatre in Forest Park. "'Be Our Guest' for the magical family extravaganza, Disney's Beauty and The Beast, returning to The Muny for 10 amazing performances. This enchanting, musical tells the classic love story set to the Academy Award® winning music of Alan Menken and Tim Rice. Based on the 1991 hit animated film, Disney's Beauty and The Beast has become one of the most popular musicals in the world. For 97 years, The Muny 'family show' has been one of the greatest St. Louis traditions, and our production of this Disney classic show will thrill you and your family!" For more information, visit muny.org or call 314-361-1900. Read the 88.1 KDHX review!

The Lemp Mansion Comedy-Mystery Dinner Theater presents A Fistful Of Hollers through August 29. The Lemp Mansion is at 3322 DeMenil Place. For more information: lempmansion.com.

The Randy Dandies presents Burlesque Bingo on Thursdays from 9 to 11 p.m. "As anyone who frequents the bingo parlors knows, the facade of genteel decorum drops once the first game is won. The first cry of "Bingo!" fires up the blood something fierce, and all bets are off from that point forward. Now, imagine what would happen if you throw semi-clad young women into the mix - Ok, now stop imagining. The Randy Dandies present Burlesque Bingo from 9pm to 11:30 pm on Thursdays, and and it promises all the thrills of cutthroat bingo, with the added titillation of local burlesque performers and specialty variety acts plus silly prizes." The show takes place at Meyer's Grove, 4510 Manchester in the Grove neighborhood. For more information: therandydandies.com.

Carousel

The Hawthorne Players present the Rodgers and Hammerstein musical Carousel July 31 - August 9. "Carousel tells the story of a swaggering, carefree carnival barker, Billy Bigelow, who falls in love with a mill worker, Julie Jordan. Years after he dies tragically, Billy is given a chance to return for a day to try to brighten the life of his unhappy 15-year-old daughter Louise. He watches as the school principal inspires Louise by assuring her that so long as she has hope in her heart, she'll never walk alone." The performances take place at the Florissant Civic Center Theatre at Parker and Waterford in Florissant, MO. For more information, call 921-5678 or visit hawthorneplayers.com.

The Further Adventures of Hedda Gabler
Photo: Kim Carlson

St. Louis Shakespeare presents The Further Adventures of Hedda Gabler by Jeff Whitty Thursdays at 7:30 p.m., Fridays and Saturdays at 8 p.m., and Sundays at 2 p.m., July 31 - August 9. "This play follows Hedda into the hereafter. There, she encounters Mammy of "Gone With the Wind" fame, and they join forces. Along the way, they encounter starlets, leading ladies, and other madwomen locked in the literary attic, in this darkly funny show." Performances take place at the Ivory Theatre, 7620 Michigan in the Carondelet neighborhood. For more information, call 314-361-5664 or visit stlshakespeare.org.

The Bissell Mansion Murder Mystery Dinner Theatre presents Get “Hitched” To A Redneck Or Die July 31 - October 31. The Bissell Mansion is at 4426 Randall Place. For more information: bissellmansiontheatre.com

Take Two Productions presents the musical Legally Blonde through August 1 The show is recommended for mature audiences. Performances take place at Bayless High School Auditorium, 4532 Weber Road in South County. For more information, visit taketwoproductions.org.

Insight Theatre Company presents Ken Ludwig's farce Moon Over Buffalo through August 9. "Moon Over Buffalo centers on George and Charlotte Hay, fading stars of the 1950's who are playing Private Lives and Cyrano De Bergerac in rep in Buffalo, New York. On the brink of a disastrous split-up, they receive word that they might just have one last shot at stardom: Frank Capra is coming to town to see their matinee, and if he likes what he sees, he might cast them in his new film. Unfortunately for George and Charlotte, everything that could go wrong does. As a result, this tribute to "Life in the Theatre" is simply outrageously hilarious!! " Performances take place in the Heagney Theatre, 530 East Lockwood on the campus of Nerinx Hall High School in Webster Groves. For more information, call 314-556-1293 or visit insighttheatrecompany.com. Read the 88.1 KDHX review!

"Deirdre Dear"
Photo: John Lamb

St. Louis Actors' Studio presents the Neil LaBute New Theater Festival, Part 2 through August 2 at the Gaslight Theatre, 358 North Boyle. The festival features professional, new and previously unproduced one-act plays 45 minutes or less in length, chosen from submissions to the festival over the previous year. The plays in Part 2 are "Kandahar" by Neil LaBute; "Pitch" by Theresa Masters; Marc Pruter; "Homebody" by Gabe Mckinley; "Deirdre Dear" by Norman Yeung; and "There You Are" by Fran Dorf. For more information, call 314-458-2978 or visit stlas.org. Read the 88.1 KDHX review!

Rigoletto

Union Avenue Opera presents Verdi's Rigoletto Fridays and Saturdays at 8 PM, July 31 - August 8. "A tale of innocence lost, Rigoletto is Verdi's tense and brutal tale of a deformed court jester caught in a snare of corruption, lechery, and vengeance. It is a chilling whirlwind of revenge: Rigoletto, jester to the Duke of Mantua, cannot protect the person he most loves from the person he most loathes. His beloved daughter Gilda falls in love with the hated Duke and eventually sacrifices her life to save the Duke from the assassin hired by her father. This iconic melodrama boasts an action-packed plot and a parade of brilliant music, including the Duke's boastful “La donna è mobile,” Rigoletto's “Cortigiani, vil razza dannata,” and Gilda's stunning “Caro nome.”" Performances take place at the Union Avenue Christian Church, 733 Union at Enright in the Central West End. The opera is sung in Italian with projected English text. For more information, visit unionavenueopera.org or call 314-361-2881.

Hard Road Theatre Productions presents Shrek the Musical Fridays and Saturdays at 7:30 p.m. and Sundays at 2 p.m. through August 2. Performances will be held at Highland Elementary School Auditorium, 12760 Troxler Avenue in Highland, IL. For more information: www.hardroad.org.

Off Broadway presents Something Sketchy This Way Comes on Saturday, August 1, beginning at 8 p.m. "Six teams, randomly assigned, will have three weeks to write, rehearse and produce three brand new sketches apiece in a sketch comedy competition the likes of which St. Louis has never seen! The show is 18 and up." Off Broadway is at 3509 Lemp. For more information: www.facebook.com/sketchcompetition.

Theatre Nuevo presents This Is Not Funny, a new play directed by Anna Skidis and devised by the cast. Performances take place Thursday through Saturday 8 p.m. and Sunday at 7 p.m., July 30 - August 2. The performances take place at The Chapel, 6238 Alexander Drive. For more information: www.theatrenuevo.com.

Over Due Theatre presents the musical The Wizard of Oz Fridays and Saturdays at 7:30 PM and Sundays at 2 PM through August 2. Like so many girls her age, little Dorothy Gale of Kansas dreams of what lies over the rainbow. One day a twister hits her farm and carries her away over the rainbow to another world. Come join Dorothy, the Scarecrow, the Tinman, the Cowardly Lion and Toto as they travel the universe of Dorothy's imagination." Performances take place at the Olivette Community Center, 9723 Grandview Drive, in Olivette, MO. For more information, call 314-210-2959 or visit overduetheatrecompany.com.

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 16, 2015

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

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

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Afflicted: Daughters of Salem
Photo: Victoria Lafferty

Metro Theatre Company and the Missouri History Museum present Afflicted: Daughters of Salem by Laurie Brooks through March 22. "Abigail Williams, Ann Putnam, Mercy Lewis, Mary Warren, and Betty Paris meet deep in the dark woods of Puritan New England at night. Denied all outlets for imagination and all hope for the future, the girls unite in a secret society - Allies are found, promises made and broken, power taken. When the girls force the slave Tituba to tell their fortunes, they ignite a crucible of events that burns out of control, leading straight to the infamous Salem Witch Trials. Through their secrets, gossip and accusations these girls become some of the most notorious teens in history." Performances take place in the Lee Auditorium at the Missouri History Museum in Forest Park. For more information: mohistory.org. Read the 88.1 KDHX review!

Take Two Productions presents the musical Avenue Q, March 20-28. "The laugh-out-loud musical tells the timeless story of a recent college grad named Princeton who moves into a shabby New York apartment all the way out on Avenue Q. He soon discovers that although the residents seem nice, it's clear that this is not your ordinary neighborhood. Together, Princeton and his new-found friends struggle to find jobs, dates, and their ever-elusive purpose in life." The show is recommended for mature audiences. Performances take place at Southampton Presbyterian Church 4716 Macklind Ave. For more information, visit taketwoproductions.org.

Curtain's Up Theatre presents The Big Bad Musical on Saturday, March 21 at 2 and 7 p.m.. "A howling courtroom musical comedy! The Big Bad Wolf is slapped with a class-action lawsuit by fairy tale's quirky characters in the Enchanted Forest. The Evil Stepmother and the Fairy Godmother-clash in a trial that will be remembered 'forever after.' Little Red Riding Hood, her Grandmother, the Three Little Pigs, the Shepherd, the Boy Who Cried Wolf, and more are parts of this delightful musical cast." The performances take place in the Dunham Theatre on the campus of Souther Illinois University in Edwardsville, Illinois. For more information, visit curtainsuptheater.com.

O'Fallon TheatreWorks presents Bill W. and Dr. Bob at the O'Fallon Municipal Centre auditorium March 20-29. "This critically acclaimed, award-winning drama tells the story of the two men who pioneered Alcoholics Anonymous, and of their wives, who founded Al Anon. During the Roaring '20s, New York stockbroker Bill Wilson rides high on money,fame, and booze. In 1929, when he and the market crash, he becomes a hopeless drunk. Dr. Bob Smith, a surgeon in Akron, Ohio, and a pillar of the community, has been a secret drunk for 30 years, often going into the operating room with a hangover. His family tried everything, to no avail. Then, through an astonishing series of events, Bill and Bob meet on Mother's Day in1935. The two men form a relationship which keeps each sober. Fired up, they seek out a third drunk to see if their program will work for others. Richly textured with the ragtime and jazz of the era, the play tells a magnificent American success story." The O'Fallon Municipal Centre is located at 100 North Main Street in O'Fallon, MO. For more information, visit www.ofallon.mo.us or call 636-379-5606.

St. Louis Shakespeare presents Blood Reigns-The War of the Roses Trilogy March 20-29. "This significant piece is an adaptation of the Henry VI trilogy created specifically for St. Louis Shakespeare. In this production you will find all of the things you love most about Shakespeare's works: blood, betrayal, intrigue, forgiveness and redemption. Chris Limber directs and brings his 35 years of experience with the bard to craft a truly cunning, artful tale." Performances take place in the Thomas Hunter Theatre at DeSmet Jesuit High School, 233 N New Ballas Road. For more information, call 314-361-5664 or visit stlshakespeare.org.

The Repertory Theatre of St. Louis presents Buyer and Cellar through March 29. "Inspired by Barbra Streisand's coffee table book, My Passion for Design, this uproarious fictional account of celebrity eccentricity takes us into Babs' basement, where she houses her unique collections in a small street of shops. An underemployed actor becomes the caretaker, interacting with Barbra in moments both hilarious and surprisingly tender. A runaway hit in New York, this one-man show takes us into the ultimate fantasy of a star-struck dreamer as he fills the oddest of odd jobs." Performances take place in the studio theatre at the Loretto-Hlton Center, 130 Edgar Road in Webster Groves, MO. For more information, call 314-968-4925 or visit repstl.org. Read the 88.1 KDHX review!

Chuck Lavazzi

The Cabaret Project and 88.1 KDHX present the cabaret open mic night on Wednesday, March 18, from 7 to 10 PM at the Tavern of Fine Arts. “Drop by and enjoy a night of great music from St. Louis cabaret artists, backed up by the inimitable Carol Schmidt on the baby grand.” The master of ceremonies for the evening will be Chuck Lavazzi, senior performing arts critic at 88.1 KDHX. If you're planning to sing, be prepared to do one or two songs and bring music, preferably in your key. At least one of your two songs should be a medium-or up-tempo number. We'd also recommend that you have your song memorized. The Tavern of Fine Arts is at 313 Belt at Waterman in the Central West End. There's free parking in the lot right across the street. For more information, visit tavern-of-fine-arts.blogspot.com or call 314-367-7549.

The Presenters Dolan present Anna Blair in Inside Story - Celebrating the Songs of Fran Landesman on Saturday, March 21, at 8 PM as part of the Gaslight Cabaret Festival. "Anna got the chance to work with Fran Landesman several years ago at the Gaslight Theater, when Jim Dolan brought Fran back to Gaslight Square for several shows. He asked Anna to sing some of Fran's standards. They connected, and Anna became a devotee of Fran's songs. Prior to Fran's death, Anna was able to visit and study with her, and her then-composer Simon Wallace, in London. This show is the fruit of that collaboration." The performance takes place at the Gaslight Theater, 358 North Boyle. For more information: gaslightcabaretfestival.com.

Jerry Springer the Opera
Photo: Jill Ritter Lindberg

New Line Theatre presents the St. Louis premiere of the musical Jerry Springer the Opera Thursdays through Saturdays at 8 PM, through March 28. "The New Line season continues with one of New Line's wildest and most ambitious projects, JERRY SPRINGER THE OPERA, the smash-hit, multi-award winning musical that ran to unprecedented rave reviews and standing ovations at the National Theatre in London, after a sold-out run in London's West End. The Sunday Times called it “a shocking, irresistibly funny masterpiece.” With music by Richard Thomas, and book and lyrics by Thomas and Stewart Lee, this is an audacious, fearless piece of theatre that brilliantly and hilariously dissects the cultural forces that have kept Jerry Springer on the air all these years, the lives of quiet desperation that explode into public view in Springer's weirdly nonjudgmental, national confessional." Performances take place at the Washington University South Campus Theatre, 6501 Clayton Road. . For more information, visit newlinetheatre.com or call 314-534-1111. Read the 88.1 KDHX review!

The Lemp Mansion Comedy-Mystery Dinner Theater presents Muuurder in Maaaybury through April 25. The Lemp Mansion is at 3322 DeMenil Place. For more information: lempmansion.com.

Alpha Players present the romantic comedy Parfumerie by Miklos Laszlo March 20-29 at The Florissant Civic Center Theater, Parker Rd. at Waterford Dr. in Florissant, MO. The play was the basis for the movies "The Shop Around the Corner," "In the Good Old Summertime," and "You've Got Mail," as well as the musical "She Loves Me." For more information: alphaplayers.org or, call 314-921-5678.

Photo: Stewart Goldstein

The Black Rep presents Paul Robeson through March 29. "In Phillip Hayes Dean's biographical two-man play, the legendary actor, singer and political activist Paul Robeson sings songs and tells stories of his multi-faceted career, from triumphs in Show Boat and The Emperor Jones, to his fight for racial equality to accusations of Communist involvement." Performances take place at the Emerson Performance Center at Harris-Stowe State University in midtown. For more information: theblackrep.org. Read the 88.1 KDHX review!

The Bissell Mansion Murder Mystery Dinner Theatre presents Phantom of the Grand Ole Opery through April 26. The Bissell Mansion is at 4426 Randall Place. For more information: bissellmansiontheatre.com

Kirkwood Theatre Guild presents the drama Radium Girls through March 22. "In 1926, Grace Fyler has a supportive family, a steady boyfriend, and a good factory job. She and her girlfriends paint luminous watch dials with the newly invented radium-based paint. After some of the girls begin to experience symptoms of a mysterious illness, Grace questions whether the paint is to blame. She quits her job but she, too, develops symptoms. Grace takes action and sues her employer. Her chief adversary is former employer, Arthur Roeder, an idealistic man who cannot bring himself to believe that the same element that shrinks tumors could have anything to do with the terrifying rash of illnesses among his employees. Inspired by true events, Radium Girls is a touching and powerful story of corporate greed and the courage of one individual determined to make a difference." Performances take place in the Robert G. Reim Theatre of the Kirkwood Community Center, 111 South Geyer Road. For more information, call 314-821-9956 or visit ktg-onstage.org. Read the 88.1 KDHX review!

St. Charles Community College Young People's Theatre presents Seussical the Musical March 20-29. "The Cat in the Hat tells the story of Horton, an elephant who discovers a speck of dust containing Whos, including Jojo, a Who child sent off to military school for thinking too many "thinks." Horton faces a double challenge - not only must he protect the Whos from a world of naysayers and dangers, but he must guard an abandoned egg, left to his care by the irresponsible Mayzie La Bird. Although Horton faces ridicule, danger, kidnapping and a trial, the intrepid Gertrude McFuzz never loses faith in him. Ultimately, the powers of friendship, loyalty, family and community are challenged and emerge triumphant. SEUSSICAL is fun for the whole family as our favorite Dr. Seuss characters, including Horton the Elephant, The Cat in the Hat, Gertrude McFuzz, Lazy Mayzie and a little boy with a big imagination - Jojo, come to life and transport us from the Jungle of Nool to the Circus McGurkus to the invisible world of the Whos." Performances take place in the Donald D. Shook Fine Arts Building on the campus at 4601 Mid Rivers Mall Drive in Cottleville, MO. For more information, call 636-922-8050 or visit stchas.edu.

Alton Little Theater presents the musical Shenandoah Thursdays through Sundays, March 19-29, at 2450 North Henry in Alton, IL. " This colorful and dramatic saga is based on the 1965 film, Shenandoah - a poignant story about Charlie Anderson, a widower, who lives with his large family in the Shenandoah Valley in Virginia during the American Civil War. Anderson does not wish to be involved in the war because he doesn't consider it “his” war and tries to keep his family neutral as the Civil War rages around him. Union forces and the Confederates see things only in shades of Blue or Grey, so the family is inevitably swept up in the conflict. Their story is a heartwarming and heartrending portrayal of the upheaval that left wounds on the land and its people for generations to come." For more information, call 618.462.6562 or visit altonlittletheater.org.

Sight Unseen

New Jewish Theater presents Sight Unseen through March 29. “Jonathan Waxman, a Brooklyn Jew, has become a wealthy, critically acclaimed artist so popular that collectors will buy his work "sight unseen." In London for a major retrospective of his work, Jonathan impulsively decides to journey to the countryside to visit his former model and lover Patricia in the Norfolk farmhouse where she lives and works with her archeologist husband, Nick. In the process, we begin to question the tangled relationships of art, money, love and inspiration. It is also a commentary on the sacrifices entailed in getting older - and getting ahead.” 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. Read the 88.1 KDHX review!

Hard Road Theatre Productions presents Rodgers and Hammerstein's South Pacific-In Concert Thursday, March 19, at 7 p.m.. Performances will be held at Highland Knights of Columbus Hall,12454 Illinois 143 in Highland, IL. For more information: www.hardroad.org.

The Looking Glass Playhouse presents the Steel Magnolias Thursday through Saturday at 7:30 p.m. and Sunday at 2 p.m., March 19-22. Performances take place at 301 West St. Louis Street in Lebanon, Ill. For more information, visit www.lookingglassplayhouse.com.

Meghan Kirk

The Presenters Dolan present Meghan Kirk in The Story Goes On on Friday, March 20, at 8 PM as part of the Gaslight Cabaret Festival. "Meghan reprises her wildly popular and sold-out splash. What a talent! Recently moved back to St. Louis after appearing many times at the Gardenia in LA." The performance takes place at the Gaslight Theater, 358 North Boyle. For more information: gaslightcabaretfestival.com.

The Repertory Theatre of St. Louis presents a staged reading of This Thing of Ours by Caridad Svich on Saturday, March 21, at 3 p.m. as part of the Ignite! New Play Festival. "When an act of violence strikes an American city, how do we react? It's happened before. We say we will put our lives back together, but years will go by. We will grow apart, come together and some of us will wonder how to keep going, as we turn to myths and seek lessons there. This Thing of Ours is the latest play by Caridad Svich, winner of the Obie Award for Lifetime Achievement and author of the loving adaptation of Love in the Time of Cholera, read in the 2012 Ignite! series." The reading takes place at Sally S. Levy Opera Center, 210 Hazel Avenue, on the Webster University Campus. For more information: repstl.org

©Photo by Lon Brauer

The Repertory Theatre of St. Louis presents Christopher Durang's Vanya And Sonia And Masha And Spike March 18 - April 12. "Stuck in their family home in Bucks County, Pennsylvania, Vanya and his adopted sister Sonia live a quiet existence until their lives are thrown into comic upheaval with the arrival of their B-list celebrity sister, Masha, and her 20-something boy toy, Spike. Add to that a soothsaying housekeeper, a star struck young neighbor and a rather odd costume party, and the stage is set for mayhem and hilarity in this present-day homage to Chekhov. Winner of the 2013 Tony Award for Best Play." Performances take place on the mainstage at the Loretto-Hlton Center, 130 Edgar Road in Webster Groves, MO. For more information, call 314-968-4925 or visit repstl.org.

The Tavern of Fine Arts presents Women Under the Influence on Saturday, March 21, at 8 PM. “Women Under the Influence includes St. Louis cabaret singers Katie McGrath and Debbie Schuster, and features the former Jasmine duo Michele Isam and Carol Schmidt. With a soulful, strong and sultry style, their uplifting harmonies bring new interpretations of their girl-group musical influences, from LaBelle to Adele. Join them for songs of passion, romance, betrayal, survival and joy. A donation of $15 is suggested. All collected donations will go directly to Stray Rescue. The Tavern will also contribute a percentage of all food and drink sales to Stray Rescue.” The Tavern of Fine Arts is at 313 Belt in the Debaliviere Place neighborhood. For more information: tavern-of-fine-arts.blogspot.com.

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.

TPTBT (The Place to Be Tonight): Wednesday, May 8

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Who: Take Two Productions
What: Avenue Q the Musical
Where: Tower Grove Abby, 2336 Tennessee
When: Tonight through Saturday at 7:30 PM
Why:  As I noted in my 2008 review of the first tour of this show to hit St. Louis, this smart, hip, and very funny parody of Sesame Street, Avenue Q is also an entertaining (if R-rated) story of college-educated twentysomethings – both flesh and foam rubber - coming to grips with the economic, political and sexual facts of life. Their low-rent apartments are all on Avenue Q, in “an outer borough of New York City” that a sort of cross between the East Village and Brooklyn.

I haven't seen this production, but the show itself is pretty hilarious.  It's also definitely for adults.  "Due to adult language and situations (like full-puppet nudity)," the company web site advises,  "Avenue Q may be inappropriate for children under 16. Parents should use their discretion based on the maturity level of their children."

Proceeds from this show will benefit the Missouri Fire Service Funeral Assistance Team.