Chuck's Choices for the weekend of May 2, 2014

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

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The Gateway Men's Chorus presents Cabaret Risque III on Saturday, May 3, at 8 PM. Featured performers are Bob Becherer, Robert Breig, Alice Kinsella, Chuck Lavazzi, Kay Martin Love, Donna Weinsting, and Jeffrey M. Wright. Ken Haller is master of ceremonies for the event, with music direction by Al Fischer. Procedes benefit the Gateway Men's Choruis. The show takes place Rialto Ballroom on the fourth floor of the Centene Center for the Arts, 3547 Olive in Grand Center. For more information: gmcstl.org.

My take: Well, as you can see from the description above, I'm not exactly a neutral observer on this one. In fact, I'm pretty flattered to be sharing to stage with these performers, all of whom I have worked with in the past in one way or another and all of whom are immensely talented. My set will consist of "Making Whoopee," "Lydia the Tattooed Lady," and Tom Lehrer's "Masochism Tango" (not exactly a song that has been performed all the often locally). Expect a fun and festive event, and the money goes to a good cause.

Photo: Daniel Brodie

The Fox Theatre presents the musical Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat April 29-May 11. "One of the most enduring shows of all time, JOSEPH AND THE AMAZING TECHNICOLOR DREAMCOAT is the irresistible family musical about the trials and triumphs of Joseph, Israel's favorite son. The first collaboration of Andrew Lloyd Webber (Jesus Christ Superstar, Phantom of the Opera, Cats) and Tim Rice (Jesus Christ Superstar, The Lion King) JOSEPH blends pop, country and rock into an uplifting, technicolored story of biblical proportions. 'JOSEPH is still the wittiest of Lloyd Webber's extravaganzas' declares the Orlando Sentinel." The Fox Theatre is at 517 North Grand in Grand Center. For more information: fabulousfox.com.

My take: For many years after its first appearance, Joseph was rather neglected—overshdowed by the spectacular success of Rice and Webber's second Biblical musical Jesus Christ Superstar. About 20 years ago it began to seriously emerge from the shadow of its more famous successor. By 2008 more than 20,000 schools and amateur theatre groups had produced it. The current tour uses somewhat gimmicky casting: husband and wife team Diana DeGarmo and Ace Young (both former American Idol Top 10 contestants) head the cast as Joseph and the Narrator. Still, they both appear to have legit musical theatre credentials. "Though "Joseph" touches on serious themes," writes Amy Burger in her review for 88.1 KDHX, "with the infectious and humorous songs of Weber and Rice, great cast performances, fantastic direction and choreography by Blankenbuehler, and dazzling set and costume design, the show is a fun and lighthearted good time for theatergoers of all ages."

Mainstreet Musicals presents staged readings of three new musicals on Saturday and Sunday, May 3 and 4, in the Orthwein Hall at the Muny, 1 Theatre Drive in Forest Park. The musicals are Merton Of The Movies by Doug Katsaros and Donald Brenner (6 PM Saturday and 3 PM Sunday), Pride and Prejudice by Lindsay Warren Baker and Amanda Jacobs (3 PM Saturday and noon Sunday), and Under Fire by Barry Harman and Grant Sturiale (noon Saturday and 6 PM Sunday). For more information: www.mainstreetfestivals.org/stlouis.htm.

My take: This hasn't gotten a lot of publicity—I only found out about it accidentally myself during a side conversation just prior to Lara Teeter's show at the Gaslight Theatre last weekend—so I feel called upon to draw as much attention to it as possible. I have no idea whether these musicals are worthwhile or not, but I do know that it's always a good idea to encourage new shows and the ticket price is right: $10 a pop.

Upstream Theater presents Windmill Baby by David Milroy through May 11. “Winner of the prestigious Patrick White Award, Windmill Baby is an enthralling show about an aging Aboriginal woman named MayMay, who returns briefly to the cattle station where she lived years ago in order to take care of some 'unfinished business.' With warmth, wit, and great heart she tells a story of many layers: Of Black Australians in the service of White Australia. Of unexpected romance and sudden ruination. Of overcoming heartbreak and -most wonderfully of all-of abiding love.“ Performances take place at the Kranzberg Arts Center, 501 North Grand in Grand Center. For more information, including show times: upstreamtheater.org.

My take: As Steve Callahan notes in his review for 88.1 KDHX , the play itself is not without its flaws, but the performance by Linda Kennedy is first rate. "She tells a compelling tale," he writes. "She moves deftly and with grace, as the well-trained dancer that she is. And she sparkles with wit....Miss Kennedy gives a strong, engaging performance in a play that is not, in itself, very strong."

Held Over:

Equally Represented Arts presents Make Hamlet, April 21 through May 3. "This experimental, theatrical production re-envisions Shakespeare's iconic play. It uses the play's inherent meta-theatricality to explore its theme of fractured identity. Shakespeare's tragic text, ERA's ensemble-driven ideals, and the ritual of performance collide as six actors Make Hamlet." Performances take place at The Chapel Venue, 6238 Alexander Drive. For more information: equallyrepresentedarts.com.

My take: Non-traditional approaches to Shakespeare's classics can be a risky proposition, but as Steve Callahan notes in his review for 88.1 KDHX, this production "powerfully captures all the fears, doubts, anxieties and philosophical wonderings in which Shakespeare's play is so rich. This production expects much of its audience: it expects intelligence; it expects a good familiarity with Shakespeare's play; it expects an open mind; it expects a sense of humor. But if you have these things then ERA's production of 'Make Hamlet' is certainly for you." The Chapel Venue is non-traditional in its own way. It offers the space free of charge to performers and volunteers run the bar at the back of the house. It's definitely worth supporting that kind of attitude.

Mustard Seed Theatre presents Falling, written and directed by Deanna Jent. "Fresh from its off-Broadway run, Falling returns with the original St. Louis cast. The New York Post writes: "This heartfelt and nuanced family drama is shot through with dark humor. Falling soars!" While Falling explores hard truths within a family dealing specifically with autism, the story is really about loving someone who is hard to love." Performances take place through May 4 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.

My take: St. Louis doesn't export that much theatre, so when it does it's worth taking notice. In his review for 88.1 KDHX, Steve Callahan says that "you can count your lucky stars that right now it is again playing in St. Louis. This is the most powerful, moving new play I've seen in years." I think you can take that to the bank, as they say.

St. Louis theatre calendar for the week of April 14, 2014

Updated Thursday, April 17

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 ArtsZipper site.

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The Lemp Mansion Comedy-Mystery Dinner Theater presents its Bullets in the Bathtub through April 27. The Lemp Mansion is at 3322 DeMenil Place. For more information: lempmansion.com

St. Louis Community College at Meramec Theatre Department presents the musical Bye Bye Birdie Wednesday through Sunday, April 16-20. Performances take place in the theatre on the campus at 11333 Big Bend Road. For more information, call 314-984-7500.

Stray Dog Theatre presents Kander and Ebb's musical Cabaret Thursdays through Saturdays at 8 PM through April 19. "The popular musical, based on British writer Christopher Isherwood’s semiautobiographical short novel Goodbye to Berlin, explores the decadence and seamy underbelly of 1930s Germany where beguiling, self-destructive chanteuse Sally Bowles lives with no thought for tomorrow. As the growing power of the Nazi’s Third Reich secretly begins to take hold, everything is thrown into disarray." Performances take place at The Tower Grove Abbey, 2336 Tennessee. For more information, visit straydogtheatre.org or call 314-865-1995. Read the 88.1 KDHX review!

Mustard Seed Theatre presents Falling, written and directed by Deanna Jent. "Fresh from its off-Broadway run, Falling returns with the original St. Louis cast. The New York Post writes: "This heartfelt and nuanced family drama is shot through with dark humor. Falling soars!" While Falling explores hard truths within a family dealing specifically with autism, the story is really about loving someone who is hard to love." Performances take place through May 4 at the Fontbonne Fine Arts Theatre, 6800 Wydown Blvd. For more information, call (314) 719-8060 or visit the web site at www.mustardseedtheatre.com. Read the 88.1 KDHX review!

The Bissell Mansion Murder Mystery Dinner Theatre presents Flaming Saddles through April 27. The Bissell Mansion is at 4426 Randall Place. For more information: bissellmansiontheatre.com

Photo: Joan Marcus

The Fox Theatre presents the musical Once through April 20. "Winner of eight 2012 Tony Awards® including Best Musical, ONCE is a truly original Broadway experience. Featuring an impressive ensemble of actor/musicians who play their own instruments onstage, ONCE tells the enchanting tale of a Dublin street musician who's about to give up on his dream when a beautiful young woman takes a sudden interest in his haunting love songs. As the chemistry between them grows, his music soars to powerful new heights... but their unlikely connection turns out to be deeper and more complex than your everyday romance. Emotionally captivating and theatrically breathtaking, ONCE draws you in from the very first note and never lets go. It's an unforgettable story about going for your dreams... not living in fear... and the power of music to connect all of us. " The Fox Theatre is at 517 North Grand in Grand Center. For more information: fabulousfox.com. Read the 88.1 KDHX review!

St. Louis Community College at Florissant Valley Theater Department presents Thornton Wilder's Our Town through April 19. Performances take place in the Fisher Theatre on the campus at 3400 Pershall Road. For more information, call 314-644-5522.

Photo: Stewart Goldstein

The Black Rep presents Wole Soyinka's The Trials of Brother Jero through April 27. This Nobel Prize-winning play "depicts the delightful day in the life on an evangelical con man, forced to deal with creditors, politicians, and the endless temptation of beautiful women." Performances take place at the Emerson Performance Center on the campus of Harris-Stowe State University. For more information: theblackrep.org. Read the 88.1 KDHX review!

Washington University Performing Arts Department presents Twelfth Night Thursday and Friday at 8 PM, and Saturday at 2 and 8 PM and Sunday at 2 PM, April 17-20. Cross-dressing, love, and madness in1950's Havanna, Cuba highlight this production of one ofShakespeare's funniest, most lyrical comedies." Performances take place in the Studio Theatre in the Mallinckrodt Center on the Washington University campus. For more information: pad.artsci.wustl.edu or call (314) 935-5858.

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 December 23, 2013

Happy Holidays to all of you from all of me here at Stage Left!

[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 ArtsZipper site.

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The Pub Theater Company presents Bye Bye Liver: The St. Louis Drinking Play, a comedic romp through the joys and pitfalls of The Gateway to the West's favorite pastime. Performances take place on Saturdays at 9 PM at Maggie O'Brien's, 2000 Market Street. For more information, you may call 314-827-4185, email stlouis at byebyeliver.com, or visit byebyeliver.com/stlouis.

The Bissell Mansion Murder Mystery Dinner Theatre presents A Christmas Killing through December 31. The Bissell Mansion is at 4426 Randall Place. For more information: bissellmansiontheatre.com

The Lemp Mansion Comedy-Mystery Dinner Theater presents its Christmas Show through December 31. The Lemp Mansion is at 3322 DeMenil Place. For more information: lempmansion.com

Photo: Joan Marcus

The Fox Theatre presents Elf the Musical December 17-29. “Based on the beloved 2003 New Line Cinema hit, Elf is the hilarious tale of Buddy, a young orphan child who mistakenly crawls into Santa's bag of gifts and is transported back to the North Pole. Unaware that he is actually human, Buddy's enormous size and poor toy-making abilities cause him to face the truth. With Santa's permission, Buddy embarks on a journey to New York City to find his birth father, discover his true identity, and help New York remember the true meaning of Christmas. This modern day Christmas classic is sure to make everyone embrace their inner Elf.” The Fox Theatre is at 517 North Grand in Grand Center. For more information, call 314-534-1678. Read the 88.1 KDHX review!

©Photo by Jerry Naunheim, Jr.

The Repertory Theatre of St. Louis presents Agatha Christie's The Mousetrap through December 29. “The Grande Dame of suspense weaves a clever mystery that will keep you guessing till the very end. The guests at Monkswell Manor are snowed in with a murderer in their midst. Whodunit? Sergeant Trotter is determined to find out, and his investigation turns up more shocking secrets than anyone could have anticipated. Full of intricate plot twists and shuddering suspense, it is no wonder The Mousetrap has become the world's longest-running stage production.” Performances take place 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!

©Photo by Eric Woolsey

The Rep's Imaginary Theatre Company presents The Velveteen Rabbit by Kim Esop Wylie with music and lyrics by Joe Dreyer through December 23. “ Based on Margery Williams' famed literary classic, The Velveteen Rabbit tells the story of a little boy and his stuffed bunny who wonders what it means to be “real.” After years of adventure and devotion, the bunny becomes a truly beloved friend and is magically transformed into a real woodland rabbit. Join us this holiday season and share in a heartwarming musical tale that celebrates the rewards of loyalty and the wonderful, surprising power of love.” Performances take place at Heagney Theatre at Nerinx Hall High School, 530 East Lockwood Avenue in Webster Groves. For more information: repst.org or call (314) 968-4925.Read the 88.1 KDHX review!

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

In Buddy's eyes

Photo: Joan Marcus

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What: Elf, the Musical
When: December 17-29, 2013
Where: The Fox Theatre

"Elf," the musical based on the 2003 movie of the same name, is cute the way snow is damp. It's sentimental the way an ice-covered road is slippery. It's heart-warming the way "The Little Drummer Boy" and that damn Christmas version of Pachelbel's "Canon in D" are annoying. And it's so family-friendly it made my teeth hurt.

If the foregoing makes it sound like I'm conflicted about "Elf," that's because I am. On the one hand, its shamelessly manipulative attempts to play on the audience's heartstrings feel a bit crass. On the other hand (where it's better to have fingers than toes), its message that the real meaning of Christmas is found in generosity, love, and family is so clearly right that criticizing it feels rather like scolding a misbehaving puppy. It's easy to do, but you feel like a jerk in the process.

For the benefit of those of you who, like me, have never seen the original Will Ferrell vehicle, "Elf" is, according to the official press release, the tale of Buddy, "a young orphan child who mistakenly crawls into Santa's bag of gifts and is transported back to the North Pole. Unaware that he is actually human, Buddy's enormous size and poor toy-making abilities cause him to face the truth. With Santa's permission, Buddy embarks on a journey to New York City to find his birth father, discover his true identity, and help New York remember the true meaning of Christmas."

Photo: Joan Marcus

What the press release doesn't say is that even though there are nine performers in named roles and fifteen in the ensemble, "Elf" is in many ways a one-man show. The character of Buddy is in eleven of the seventeen musical numbers, including all of the far too numerous dance sequences, and in nearly every scene. It's an insanely demanding role that calls for a strong singer and dancer who can radiate massive amounts of charisma and charm. It needs a performer who can work hard and still appear to be enjoying himself immensely.

This production has the amazing Matt Kopec, who does all of that brilliantly. His Buddy is so immediately likeable—indeed, loveable—that the character's absurd naiveté feels credible. Mr. Kopec's superhuman energy was a wonder to behold. When he was on stage—that is, for most of the evening—he made me forget that the show itself was ultimately just so much commercial yard goods. He's a treasure.

He has a solid supporting cast as well. Substituting for Matthew Alan Smith on opening night, Kevin Rockower was amusingly beleaguered as Buddy's dad Walter and Jane Bruce was winning as Walter's wife Emily, trying to cope with the discovery that he has a six foot tall elf as a stepson. As Walter and Jane's son Michael, Tyler Altomari proved that child actors can be just as polished as adults. And Gordon Gray is a charmingly avuncular Santa Claus.

Kate Hennies showed a nice vulnerability as Jovie, the Macy's employee who falls for Buddy. She made the most of the clever lyrics in "Never Fall in Love," her big second act solo, and there was believable chemistry between her and Buddy. Clyde Voce had a couple of great comic turns as the Macy's store manager and a disillusioned department store Santa. Jacqueline Grabois hit all the right notes, comic and musical, as the wisecracking Deb and Kyle McIntire was appropriately nasty as Walter's Scroogish boss, Mr. Greenway.

Photo: Joan Marcus

That fifteen-member ensemble I mentioned earlier deserves a big round of applause as well. Portraying everything from elves (dancing on their knees, like the prince in the "Shrek" musical) to ice skaters in Rockefeller Plaza (dancing on roller skates) to sad sack chain store Santas, they displayed remarkable versatility and boundless energy.

The songs by Matthew Sklar and Chad Beguelin are essentially generic musical theatre, mostly reminding me of Andrew Byrne's satirical "A Contemporary Musical Theatre Song." Andrew Meehan and Bob Martin's book, manipulative though it may be, conveys a message of family and fellowship that's as true as it is trite so, as noted earlier, it's hard to really dislike it—although both writers have done much better work elsewhere. And the production overall is glossy, colorful, and fast paced enough to provide a pleasant if somewhat over-long evening's entertainment. The amplified sound was far too loud, at least from our seats in row L of the orchestra, but that seems to be the norm these days as we all slowly go deaf.

So, bottom line, "Elf the Musical" is a pleasant bit of holiday fluff. My goddaughter, who is a great fan of the original film, thought the show missed some of the whimsy and charm of the original, particularly in the final scene in which an outburst of Christmas spirit from the citizens of New York City powers Santa's sleigh. But her nine-year-old son enjoyed it, so those of you looking for some theatrical entertainment for the whole family might enjoy a two and one-half hour visit (including intermission) with Buddy the Elf.

"Elf the Musical" is at the Fox in Grand Center through December 29th. For more information: fabulousfox.com.

Chuck's Choices for the weekend of November 1, 2013

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

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Darick Pead as Beast and Hilary Maiberger as Belle
Photo by Joan Marcus.

The Fox Theatre presents Disney's Beauty and the Beast Friday through Sunday, November 1-3. The Fox Theatre is at 517 North Grand in Grand Center. For more information, call 314-534-1678.

My take: Yeah, I know. But let's face it—Beauty and the Beast is a big, brash, amusement park of a show. It's fast, colorful, loud, opulent, shamelessly sentimental, unapologetically vulgar, and (when done properly) highly entertaining. The well-known story is simple enough to keep the kids' attention, and polished enough to amuse all but the most jaded adults. If this isn't a family show, I don't know what is.

Zach Wachter as Mr. Gibbs, Roger Erb as Lush
Photo: John Lamb

The West End Players Guild continues their 103rd season with Pinter's The Hothouse by Fridays and Saturdays at 8 PM and Sundays at 2 PM, November 1-10. There will also be a show on Thursday, November 7, at 8 PM. “Enjoy an evening of Pinter's wicked humor at its darkest. Set in a government-run mental institution on Christmas day, The Hothouse is wild, impudent and blisteringly funny. When one patient dies mysteriously and another turns up pregnant, director Roote seems to be losing control - or is he merely losing his mind?” 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.

My take: I'm on the board of West End Players Guild and was the one who first proposed that the group take on this rarely-seen (the last local performance was over 30 years ago; I was in it) Pinter.  Now, as then, I was amazed at how much like a Monty Python sketch (albeit a very dark and odd one) this play is.  I don't know whether Pinter was influenced by the Pythons at all, but it's hard to read this and not visualize specific Python actors in the roles.  Graham Chapman, for example, would have been an ideal Roote, the asylum director.  But what the heck—go and see for yourself.

R-S Theatrics presents its second annual KIDaret on Saturday, November 2, at 7 PM. “This is a fundraiser cabaret designed for families and featuring some of your favorite R-S Theatrics performers, this year's Halloween themed KIDaret will handle difficult subjects like whether or not Istanbul really is Constantinople, what to do with your Undead Mummy, and how to dance the Monster Mash. This event is designed to be a relaxed evening of musical performances, where children are invited to sing along and dance in the aisles during the show with costumes encouraged to show off their best ghoul-ish attire. In addition to the performance, there will be a silent auction, concessions, and craft paper and drawing materials for kids of all ages.” The cast includes Rachel Hanks, Marshall Jennings, Mark Kelley, Nick Moramarco, Macia Noorman, Christina Rios, Antonio Rodriguez, Kirsten Wylder, and Michael Young. Music direction is by Nick Moramarco. For more information: www.brownpapertickets.com/event/475773

My take: R-S is a company worth supporting for its daring choices (they took on the local premiere of Jason Robert Brown's Parade, for example) and the performers in this show constitute a nice cross section of local theatre talent.  Should be fun, and certainly less pricey than Beauty and the Beast as a family night out.

Slightly Askew Theatre Ensemble presents the thriller The Woman in Black Wednesdays through Saturdays at 8 and Fridays and Saturdays at 10, October 30 - November 9. Performances take place at The Chapel Venue, 6238 Alexander Drive. For more information: slightlyoff.org.

My take: if your only exposure to this creepy little masterpiece is the recent film version with Daniel Radcliffe, you're in for a bit of a surprise.  Stephen Mallatratt's stage adaptation of the original Susan Hill novel—still running after 25 years in London's West End—is a tour de force for two actors. "The Woman in Black," says the London production's web site, "combines the power and intensity of live theatre with a cinematic quality inspired by the world of film noir. It gives audiences an evening of unremitting drama as they are transported into a terrifying and ghostly world."  Yep.  And as a neat bit of chamber theatre, this should play to SATEs strengths.

Held Over:

Photo: John Lamb

Stray Dog Theatre presents Evil Dead: The Musical Thursdays through Saturdays at 8 PM through November 1. Performances take place at The Tower Grove Abbey, 2336 Tennessee. For more information, visit straydogtheatre.org or call 314-865-1995.

My take: Honestly, this is not my particular thing, but the reviews have been so good and I'm so favorably inclined towards Stray Dog shows anyway that I have to include it. "If you like your scary stories served with a generous helping of ribald and slapstick humor," writes Tina Farmer in her review for 88.1 KDHX, "you'll want to put Evil Dead The Musical at the top of your must see list. Stray Dog Theatre kicks off its eleventh season with a show that takes the company's tagline "Come out and play" and ratchets it up to new levels in an energetic, yet playful, spoof on the teen horror movie genre." Besides, how can you not like a show that includes a dance number titled "Do the Necronomicon"?

©Photo by Jerry Naunheim, Jr.

The Repertory Theatre of St. Louis presents drama Fly through November 10. “Based on the experiences of the Tuskegee Airmen, this inspiring story follows four courageous young African-American pilots as they train to fly combat aircraft during World War II. Facing powerful conflict both on and off the battlefield, the men form a lasting brotherhood, paving the way for the desegregation of the military and giving hope to a changing America on the horizon. Soaring and inventive, Fly combines live action, video and the compelling “Tap Griot,” an innovative dancing storyteller who expresses the anger, fear and triumph that the officers cannot.” Performances take place at the Loretto-Hlton Center, 130 Edgar Road in Webster Groves, MO. For more information, call 314-968-4925 or visit repstl.org.

My take: As I wrote in my OnSTL.com blog, the world premiere of Trey Ellis and Ricardo Khan's drama Fly at the Repertory Theatre of St. Louis is the most inspiring, enraging, and sad thing you can see in a theatre this week. Inspiring because this story of the legendary Tuskegee Airman—an all-black fighter pilot unit who escorted an unprecedented 200 of 205 bomber missions without losing an aircraft and earned a raft of medals in the process. Enraging because the white Americans whose lives and freedom they were protecting treated them as subhuman. Sad because we seem to have learned so little in the intervening seven decades." Other critics have been equally effusive. This is definitely a "must see."

Photo: Jill
Ritter Lindbergh

New Line Theatre presents the musical version of the film Night of the Living Dead Thursdays through Saturdays at 8 PM through November 2. Performances take place at the Washington University South Campus Theatre, 6501 Clayton Road. For more information, newlinetheatre.com.

My take: This is not, as you might think, another horror send-up along the lines of Evil Dead the Musical. "This is no spoof," writes Steve Callahan in his review for 88.1 KDHX, "nor is it merely an homage; if you let it, it will lead you to think...By approaching these rather two-dimensional characters with such deep seriousness the cast leads us to consider some thoughts that make this show more than just a zombie thriller: How fragile is peace. How fragile is happiness. Death, despair, catastrophe can come suddenly, with no warning. War, a tornado, an economic crash—they can destroy us in a moment, just like a horde of zombies." So, no, not a lot of laughs, but rather a serious musical about what's out there in the dark—very appropriate to open the current season by "the bad boy of musical theatre." Before you go, check out my interview with director Scott Miller.

Photo: Whitney Curtis

Washington University Performing Arts Department presents the musical Spring Awakening Friday and Saturday at 8 PM and Sunday at 2 PM. "A girl asks awkward questions. A boy, frustrated by a dead language, erupts into a new one. Latin falls to rock ‘n’ roll. Steven Sater’s Spring Awakening—with its blunt depictions of adolescent sexuality and startling mixture of contemporary expression and fin de siècle restraint—is among the most influential, unexpected and beloved Broadway shows of recent years." Performances take place in the A.E. Hotchner Studio Theatre in the Mallinckrodt Student Center on the Washington University campus. For more information, call 314-935-6543.

My take: This powerful rock musical of teens struggling with raging hormones in a repressive social system is pretty much ideal material, I think, for a collegiate theatrical program. In her review for 88.1 KDHX, Tina Farmer says this "is a beautifully produced and acted piece, filled with youthful exuberance and cold truths that linger well after the final song."

OnSite Theatre Company presents the world premiere of The Trivia Job by St. Louis native and San Francisco playwright Dan Rubin Fridays and Saturdays at 8 PM, through November 9. “When the women of the St. Francis Knitting Ministry learn that their beloved church is on the brink of financial ruin, they do exactly what anyone else would do: they plan an elaborate bank heist, using a special trivia night fundraiser as their cover. But will the replacement emcee, a young priest from their church, screw up all of their plans? With a complete evening of trivia interwoven into a thrilling comedy set in a site-specific location, The Trivia Job promises to be a night of theater like none you've ever before experienced. Get ready to be accessories to fun!” Performances take place at Metropolitan Community Church of Greater St. Louis, 1919 S Broadway in Soulard. For more information: www.OnSiteTheatre.org.

My take: For many local theatre companies, not having a fixed abode is a problem. For OnSite, it's a mission. Their site-specific productions have taken them to bars, restaurants, a bowling alley, and a laundromat, among other non-traditional locations.  In her review for 88.1 KDHX, Andrea Braun says The Trivia Job "is clever, fun and surprisingly moving. Anna Pileggi had her hands full directing this complex operation, and she pulls it off with apparent ease."

Chuck's Choices for the weekend of October 18, 2013

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

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New this week:

Photo: John Lamb

Stray Dog Theatre presents Evil Dead: The Musical Thursdays through Saturdays at 8 PM through November 1. Performances take place at The Tower Grove Abbey, 2336 Tennessee. For more information, visit straydogtheatre.org or call 314-865-1995.

My take: Honestly, this is not my particular thing, but the reviews have been so good and I'm so favorably inclined towards Stray Dog shows anyway that I have to include it. "If you like your scary stories served with a generous helping of ribald and slapstick humor," writes Tina Farmer in her review for 88.1 KDHX, "you'll want to put Evil Dead The Musical at the top of your must see list. Stray Dog Theatre kicks off its eleventh season with a show that takes the company's tagline "Come out and play" and ratchets it up to new levels in an energetic, yet playful, spoof on the teen horror movie genre." Besides, how can you not like a show that includes a dance number titled "Do the Necronomicon"?

Photo: Jill
Ritter Lindbergh

New Line Theatre presents the musical version of the film Night of the Living Dead Thursdays through Saturdays at 8 PM through November 2. Performances take place at the Washington University South Campus Theatre, 6501 Clayton Road. For more information, newlinetheatre.com.

My take: This is not, as you might think, another horror send-up along the lines of Evil Dead the Musical. "This is no spoof," writes Steve Callahan in his review for 88.1 KDHX, "nor is it merely an homage; if you let it, it will lead you to think...By approaching these rather two-dimensional characters with such deep seriousness the cast leads us to consider some thoughts that make this show more than just a zombie thriller: How fragile is peace. How fragile is happiness. Death, despair, catastrophe can come suddenly, with no warning. War, a tornado, an economic crash—they can destroy us in a moment, just like a horde of zombies." So, no, not a lot of laughs, but rather a serious musical about what's out there in the dark—very appropriate to open the current season by "the bad boy of musical theatre." Before you go, check out my interview with director Scott Miller.

Held Over:

Photo: Peter Wochniak

Upstream Theater the St. Louis premiere of Nicolai Gogol's Diary of a Madman, as adapted by David Holman, with Neil Armfield and Geoffrey Rush, through October 20. The production features live music by Joe Dreyer. Performances take place at the Kranzberg Arts Center, 501 North Grand in Grand Center. For more information, including show times: upstreamtheater.org.

My take: Once again, Upstream is taking on unusual material, apparently with great success.  "The script," writes Tina Farmer in her review for 88.1 KDHX, "mixes metaphor, language and wordplay with ease, and is clearly understood and delivered with a deft touch by both actors. Director Philip Boehm and Scenic Designer Michael Heil deliver a briskly paced, visually memorable show that does justice to Gogol's original story, considered by many to be a masterpiece of the era."  Joe Dreyer performs his original music live on the keyboard.

Photo: Richard Termine

The Fox Theatre presents the tour of the new Broadway revival of Adrew Lloyd Webber's Evita through October 20. The Fox Theatre is at 517 North Grand in Grand Center. For more information, call 314-534-1678.

My take: As I note in my review for 88.1 KDHX, this creatively re-invented revival of Tim Rice and Andrew Lloyd Webber's unlikely 1976 concept album-turned-musical is innovative, exciting, and worth seeing whether you're familiar with the show or not.  New musical arrangements, lots of new choreography, and an interpretation of Che that goes back to the show's roots all make this unlike any Evita you've probably seen before.

Photo: John Lamb

New Jewish Theater presents Neil Simon's The Good Doctor through October 20. 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.

My take: this series of eight short plays—sketches, really—based on the work of Chekov is great fun when done well.  In her review for 88.1 KDHX, Andrea Braun praises the work of the four actors as well as Bobby Miller's "masterful" direction.

Valhalla Cemetery and The Hawthorne Players present Voices Of Valhalla: A Hayride Through Time through October 19. "Don’t miss out this year when haywagons take you to locations in historic Valhalla Cemetery where actors from Hawthorne Players bring to life the stories of some of the cemetery’s permanent residents.  You’ll hear stories of remarkable triumph over adversity, heroism and intrigue, sacrifice and greed. Not recommended for children.  The hayrides leave every 15 minutes, beginning at 6:30 p.m." Valhalla Cemetery is located at 7600 St. Charles Rock Road. For more information, visit hawthorneplayers.com.

My take: This is one of the most interesting examples of "site specific" theatre that I can think of, and couldn't be more appropriate for the weeks approaching Hallowe'en.  We Americans have a very bad tendency to forget our past, often endangering our future in the process.  Shows like this serve to remind us of who we were and, therefore, who we are.

Chuck's choices for the weekend of October 11, 2013

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

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The Conservatory of Theatre Arts at Webster University presents Alice in Wonderland Wednesdays through Sundays, October 2-13. Performances take place on the Emerson Studio Theater at the Loretto-Hilton Center on the Webster University campus. For more information, call 314-968-7128.

My take: "Dare you dive head-first down a rabbit hole," asks Steve Callahan in his review for 88.1 KDHX.  "Wonders await you if you'll only close your eyes and jump!  No, no, don't close your eyes—keep them wide open lest you miss a morsel of this delightful Alice in Wonderland that the Webster Conservatory now offers you."  This musical version of the classic story has an all student cast and it appears that they're all very accomplished.

Photo: Peter Wochniak

Upstream Theater the St. Louis premiere of Nicolai Gogol's Diary of a Madman, as adapted by David Holman, with Neil Armfield and Geoffrey Rush, through October 20. The production features live music by Joe Dreyer. Performances take place at the Kranzberg Arts Center, 501 North Grand in Grand Center. For more information, including show times: upstreamtheater.org.

My take: Once again, Upstream is taking on unusual material, apparently with great success.  "The script," writes Tina Farmer in her review for 88.1 KDHX, "mixes metaphor, language and wordplay with ease, and is clearly understood and delivered with a deft touch by both actors. Director Philip Boehm and Scenic Designer Michael Heil deliver a briskly paced, visually memorable show that does justice to Gogol's original story, considered by many to be a masterpiece of the era."  Joe Dreyer performs his original music live on the keyboard.

Photo: Richard Termine

The Fox Theatre presents the tour of the new Broadway revival of Adrew Lloyd Webber's Evita October 8-20. The Fox Theatre is at 517 North Grand in Grand Center. For more information, call 314-534-1678.

My take: As I note in my review for 88.1 KDHX, this creatively re-invented revival of Tim Rice and Andrew Lloyd Webber's unlikely 1976 concept album-turned-musical is innovative, exciting, and worth seeing whether you're familiar with the show or not.  New musical arrangements, lots of new choreography, and an interpretation of Che that goes back to the show's roots all make this unlike any Evita you've probably seen before.

Photo: John Lamb

New Jewish Theater presents Neil Simon's The Good Doctor through October 20. 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.

My take: this series of eight short plays—sketches, really—based on the work of Chekov is great fun when done well.  In her review for 88.1 KDHX, Andrea Braun praises the work of the four actors as well as Bobby Miller's "masterful" direction.

Valhalla Cemetery and The Hawthorne Players present Voices Of Valhalla: A Hayride Through Time October 11-19. "Don’t miss out this year when haywagons take you to locations in historic Valhalla Cemetery where actors from Hawthorne Players bring to life the stories of some of the cemetery’s permanent residents.  You’ll hear stories of remarkable triumph over adversity, heroism and intrigue, sacrifice and greed. Not recommended for children.  The hayrides leave every 15 minutes, beginning at 6:30 p.m." Valhalla Cemetery is located at 7600 St. Charles Rock Road. For more information, visit hawthorneplayers.com.

My take: This is one of the most interesting examples of "site specific" theatre that I can think of, and couldn't be more appropriate for the weeks approaching Hallowe'en.  We Americans have a very bad tendency to forget our past, often endangering our future in the process.  Shows like this serve to remind us of who we were and, therefore, who we are.

A new Argentina

Photo: Richard Termine

What: The tour of the Broadway revival of Evita
Where: The Fox Theatre, St. Louis
When: October 8-20, 2013

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"The truth is she never left you,” proclaims the billboard for the tour of the smartly re-invented new revival of Tim Rice and Andrew Lloyd Webber's unlikely 1976 concept album-turned-musical Evita. For once, there's truth in advertising; Evita has been continually in the repertory since Hal Prince first staged it in London's West End in 1978.

Most of those productions, though, have taken that 1978 version as their starting point. This tour is based on 2006 London and subsequent Broadway revivals that threw all that out and went back to, among other things, the original two-LP set for inspiration.

[Note to younger readers: the LP is a primitive sound reproduction device invented by the ancient Mayans.]

The most obvious change is in the character of Che, who is no longer the revolutionary Che Guevara but rather the Argentinian everyman Lloyd Webber and Rice originally created ("che," in Argentinian slang, translates as "guy" or "pal"). Fortunately they didn’t go all the way and restore the subplot in which Che is a chemist trying to sell his new insecticide. Some of the changes made for the stage were real improvements.

The other obvious change is that this Evita is a dancer's show. Original choreographer Rob Ashford and tour choreographer Chris Bailey have the small ensemble cast in almost constant movement, using steps heavily influenced by tango and other Latin dance styles. This not only solves the problem posed by the static nature of some scenes, it also make the transitions between them that much more fluid. Combine that with Neil Austin’s sharp lighting design and Christopher Oram’s quickly shifting sets, and you have an Evita that moves along briskly (it comes in at around two-and-one-half hours, including intermission) without ever feeling rushed.

The arrangements have changed as well. The new orchestrations by Lloyd Webber and David Cullen use Latin percussion more than the rock-flavored original did and the accordion—an instrument strongly associated with the sound of the Argentinian tango—is very much in evidence.

Photo: Richard Termine

This is, in short, a new and improved Evita with a strong cast headed by Caroline Bowman in the title role (alternating with Desi Oakley in some performances), Josh Young as Che, Sean MacLaughlin as Peron, and Christopher Johnstone as Magaldi.

On opening night, Ms. Bowman fell just a trifle short of the necessary vocal power in spots (mostly the ones that drove her down to the bottom of her range) but overall she came across as a dynamic and forceful Eva Peron—rather like the young Barbara Stanwyck but with great dance moves. Her “Don’t Cry for Me Argentina” was powerfully focused and her portrayal of the character’s physical decline towards the end felt tragically real; as good a piece of physical acting as I’ve seen in some time.

Mr. Young’s Che was acted beautifully acted and sung. The range of the part is absurdly wide but Mr. Young was only rarely forced up into his falsetto. His voice sounded uniformly strong throughout and made the character instantly likeable—very important in a role that is a combination Greek chorus and narrator.

Mr. MacLaughlin’s Peron was also immensely impressive. There was a genuine warmth to the character that I haven’t always seen, which made his relationship with Evita that much more believable and his anguish at her final collapse that much more real. Mr. Johnstone’s Magaldi was also nicely nuanced.

In fact, there seems to be more depth of character throughout this “Evita” than I recall in earlier versions of this show. Some of that can be attributed to the fine work by the cast, but I expect much of the credit also goes to Michael Grandage and Seth Sklar-Heyn (the original and tour directors, respectively).

Bottom line, this Evita looks and sounds like a million dollars. The brilliantly theatrical staging of the opening “Requiem”—which combines Lloyd Webber’s daringly bitonal and polyrhythmic music with newsreel footage of Eva Peron’s funeral—is almost worth the price of admission itself. And it’s only one of several coups de theatre in this canny re-thinking of the show. I would have liked to see a somewhat larger ensemble than the one they’re using for this tour—numbers like “A New Argentina” really do call for lots of bodies on stage—but that’s a minor complaint.

If you've never seen Evita before—or even if you have and think there's nothing new this show has to offer—you owe it to yourself to check this production out. It's at the Fox in Grand Center through October 20th. For more information: fabulousfox.com.

Chuck's Choices for the weekend of June 7, 2013

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

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New this week:

Photo: Michael Young

R-S Theatrics presents the musical The Cherry Sisters Revisited June 6-16. “Based on the true story of The Cherry Sisters - a vaudeville act that gained fame and notoriety for being...awful. Why are the audition portions of American Idol the most watched? What does it say about our society that we are entertained by others' failures? And if you reached the height of your profession only to realize that you were only there as a joke - would you stay?” I'm probably not going to get to see this one because of prior commitments, a fact which I deeply regret. The story of the Cherry Sisters is one of those "truth is stranger than fiction" items from the heydey of American vaudeville. Performances take place at The Chapel, 6238 Alexander. For more information: r-stheatrics.com.

Upstream Theater presents An Iliad through Sunday. Performances take place at the Kranzberg Arts Center, 501 North Grand in Grand Center. "The inimitable Jerry Vogel returns to Upstream to play the poet who has come to enchant us, move us, and dare us to recognize ourselves as we peer into the bronze-tinged reflection of an ancient war...Featuring live music by longtime Upstream collaborator Farshid Soltanshahi." In his review for 88.1 KDHX, Steve Callahan describes it as "an evening you will never forget. Be prepared to weep." For more information, including show times: upstreamtheater.org.

Photo: Ken Howard

Opera Theatre of St. Louis presents Puccini's Il Tabarro and Leoncavallo's I Pagliacci in rotating repertory with three other operas through June 29. Performances take place at the Loretto-Hilton Center at 135 Edgar Road on the Webster University campus. All performances are sung in English with projected English text. As I note in my review for 88.1 KDHX, this is "a dramatically powerful and musically impeccable combination of two classics of verismo opera." For more information, you may visit experienceopera.org or call 314-961-0644.

Held over:

The Fox Theatre presents the Broadway revival of the classic Cole Porter musical Anything Goes through Sunday. This is the tour of the 2011 Roundabout Theatre revival and it's definitely a winner. You can see my review for 88.1 KDHX for details, but the main point is that you should get tickets immediately. The Fox Theatre is at 517 North Grand in Grand Center. For more information, call 314-534-1678.

New Line Theatre presents the St. Louis premier of the musical Bukowsical Thursdays through Saturdays at 8 PM through June 22. "With book and lyrics by Spencer Green and Gary Stockdale, and music by Stockdale, Bukowsical is a wacky, high-energy – and gleefully adult – musical comedy, an ironic and insightful 21st-century reboot of the classic American musical comedy, exploring the intersection between sex, drugs, booze, and art, all through the life story of the great American novelist and poet Charles Bukowski." I haven't seen this, but the idea is so much in line with the mission of the Church of the SubGenius that it demands attention. "The show is, I think, ephemera," writes Steve Callahan in his review for 88.1 KDHX, "But it’s the sort of ephemera that a company like New Line should be doing. And they do it so very, very well!" Performances take place at the Washington University South Campus Theatre, 6501 Clayton Road. For more information, call 314-534-1111.

Circus Flora presents its new show, A Trip to the Moon through June 23 under the air-conditioned, red-and-white, big top tent in Grand Center next to Powell Hall. "Inspired by Georges Méliès' groundbreaking 1902 film, A Trip to the Moon, Circus Flora's creative team captures the film's imaginative spirit ...A Trip to the Moon borrows this iconic piece of cinematic history and Méliès' artistic instruments to construct the visual styling, costuming and narrative elements." For more inforamtion, visit circusflora.org.

Photo: Ken Howard

Opera Theatre of St. Louis presents Gilbert and Sullivan's The Pirates of Penzance in rotating repertory with three other operas through June 29. Performances take place at the Loretto-Hilton Center at 135 Edgar Road on the Webster University campus. All performances are sung in English with projected English text. As I note in my review for 88.1 KDHX, this may not be a perfect production, but it's pretty darned good and well worth seeing. For more information, you may visit experienceopera.org or call 314-961-0644.

Photo: John Lamb

New Jewish Theater presents Shlemiel the First through Sunday. "A joyous klezmer musical based on the tale by Isaac Bashevis Singer, follows the naive beadle Shlemiel from Chelm, a village of fools, on a pilgrimage to spread the wisdom of the local sages. His simple-minded folly turns an already absurd world hilariously upside down, and the play’s small cast, complete with a live klezmer band and a topsy-turvy set, amasses large measures of adoration from audiences nationwide." I'm not sure I'm the right audience for this show—the material has no real cultural resonance for me—but there's no denying the quality of this production. The storybook set by Margery and Peter Spack and Cristie Johnston is also a triumph. 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.

Chuck's Choices for the weekend of May 31, 2013

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

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New this week:

The Fox Theatre presents the Broadway revival of the classic Cole Porter musical Anything Goes throuh June 9. This is the tour of the 2011 Roundabout Theatre revival and it's definitely a winner. You can see my review for 88.1 KDHX for details, but the main point is that you should get tickets immediately. The Fox Theatre is at 517 North Grand in Grand Center. For more information, call 314-534-1678.

New Line Theatre presents the St. Louis premier of the musical Bukowsical Thursdays through Saturdays at 8 PM, May 30-June 22. "With book and lyrics by Spencer Green and Gary Stockdale, and music by Stockdale, Bukowsical is a wacky, high-energy – and gleefully adult – musical comedy, an ironic and insightful 21st-century reboot of the classic American musical comedy, exploring the intersection between sex, drugs, booze, and art, all through the life story of the great American novelist and poet Charles Bukowski." I haven't seen this, but the idea is so much in line with the mission of the Church of the SubGenius that it demands attention. Performances take place at the Washington University South Campus Theatre, 6501 Clayton Road. For more information, call 314-534-1111.

Circus Flora presents its new show, A Trip to the Moon, May 30 through June 23 under the air-conditioned, red-and-white, big top tent in Grand Center next to Powell Hall. "Inspired by Georges Méliès' groundbreaking 1902 film, A Trip to the Moon, Circus Flora's creative team captures the film's imaginative spirit ...A Trip to the Moon borrows this iconic piece of cinematic history and Méliès' artistic instruments to construct the visual styling, costuming and narrative elements." For more inforamtion, visit circusflora.org.

Held over:

Opera Theatre of St. Louis presents Gilbert and Sullivan's The Pirates of Penzance in rotating repertory with three other operas May 25-June 29. Performances take place at the Loretto-Hilton Center at 135 Edgar Road on the Webster University campus. All performances are sung in English with projected English text. As I note in my review for 88.1 KDHX, this may not be a perfect production, but it's pretty darned good and well worth seeing. For more information, you may visit experienceopera.org or call 314-961-0644.

Photo: John Lamb

New Jewish Theater presents Shlemiel the First through June 9. "A joyous klezmer musical based on the tale by Isaac Bashevis Singer, follows the naive beadle Shlemiel from Chelm, a village of fools, on a pilgrimage to spread the wisdom of the local sages. His simple-minded folly turns an already absurd world hilariously upside down, and the play’s small cast, complete with a live klezmer band and a topsy-turvy set, amasses large measures of adoration from audiences nationwide." I'm not sure I'm the right audience for this show—the material has no real cultural resonance for me—but there's no denying the quality of this production. The storybook set by Margery and Peter Spack and Cristie Johnston is also a triumph. 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.