St. Louis theatre calendar for the week of November 15, 2021

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

Chuck Lavazzi and Carol Schmidt

The Cabaret Project and The Blue Strawberry present a Singers Open Mic Tuesday, November 16, from 7 to 9:30 pm. “Chuck Lavazzi is your host, with pianist and music director Carol Schmidt. If you plan to sing bring sheet music or a chart in your own key, and perform your favorite Broadway, pop, or jazz tunes. Medium/up-tempo songs are encouraged but not required. Or you can just relax, have a drink and dinner or a snack, and enjoy the music. No admission or cover, but there is always a tip jar! All proceeds go to The Cabaret Project, a 501c3 non-profit dedicated to promoting, developing, and sustaining the art cabaret in St. Louis. "   The Blue Strawberry is operating under a "COVID careful" arrangement with mandatory vaccination and masking. The Blue Strawberry is at 364 N. Boyle. For more information: thecabaretproject,org.

Cats Cradle Theatre presents The Last Days of Judas Iscariot Thursdays through Saturdays at 7 pm, through November 20. "Set in a space between heaven and hell, THE LAT DAYS OF JUDAS ISCARIOT tells the story of a court case over the ultimate fate of Judas Iscariot. In this courtroom drama of epic proportions, lawyers call for the testimonies of historic witnesses who share imagined memories, religious ramblings, and philosophical arguments. The results of this trial ask both the characters and the audience to reconsider what they thought they knew about forgiveness, faith, despair, and the humanity inside not only one of history’s most famous villains, but ourselves. While this play cross-examines the gospels, posing complex moral and spiritual questions about divine justice, and human failures of virtue – it’s not a play about religion. It’s an examination of the intersection of humanity, grace, and justice and what it means to be good to each other, and ourselves in this world." Performances take place at Jefferson Avenue Mission at 2241 S. Jefferson. For more information: www.catscradletheatre.com.

Circus Harmony in St. Louis and Circus Circuli in Stuttgart, St. Louis's German sister city, present Sister City Circus, on Circus Harmony’s YouTube page.  "Through a series of online meetings, workshops, and classes the two troupes created 6 different circus acts and then filmed them at iconic architectural locations in each of their cities." This and many other Circus Harmony videos are available at the Circus Harmony YouTube channel.

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

Pretty Woman

The Fabulous Fox presents the musical Pretty Woman, opening on Tuesday, November 16, at 7:30 pm and running through November 28.  “PRETTY WOMAN: THE MUSICAL, based on one of Hollywood’s most beloved romantic stories of all time, is now on tour! Starring Broadway superstar and Tony Award®-nominee Adam Pascal as Edward Lewis and rising star Olivia Valli as the charming and charismatic Vivian Ward, PRETTY WOMAN: THE MUSICAL springs to life with a powerhouse creative team led by two-time Tony Award®-winning director and choreographer Jerry Mitchell (Hairspray, Kinky Boots, Legally Blonde).” The Fabulous Fox is on North Grand in Grand Center. For more information: www.fabulousfox.com.

The Gateway Center for Performing Arts presents the musical Annie Thursday and Friday at 7 pm, Saturday at 2 and 7 pm, and Sunday at 2 pm, November 18-21. “With equal measures of pluck and positivity, little orphan Annie charms everyone's hearts despite a next-to-nothing start in 1930s New York City. She is determined to find the parents who abandoned her years ago on the doorstep of a New York City Orphanage that is run by the cruel, embittered Miss Hannigan. With the help of the other girls in the Orphanage, Annie escapes to the wondrous world of NYC. In adventure after fun-filled adventure, Annie foils Miss Hannigan's evil machinations... and even befriends President Franklin Delano Roosevelt! She finds a new home and family in billionaire, Oliver Warbucks, his personal secretary, Grace Farrell, and a lovable mutt named Sandy.”  Performances take place at the Robert G. Reim Theatre in the Kirkwood Community Center, 111 S. Geyer. For more information: www.gcpastl.org.

The Kirkwood Theatre Guild presents the Kaufman and Hart comedy The Man Who Came to Dinner through November 21. “While on a speaking tour in Ohio, opinionated and arrogant radio personality Sheridan Whiteside injures himself slipping on ice and becomes an unexpected houseguest for a prominent area family. Whiteside proceeds to make brash proclamations and offer his unsolicited advice to the family members. When a romance begins between Whiteside’s assistant and a local reporter, he interferes with that as well!”  Performances take place at the Kirkwood Performing Arts Center in Kirkwood. For more information: www.ktg-onstage.org.

The Lemp Mansion Murder Mystery Dinner Theatre and Jest Mysteries present The Christmas Killer through January 8. "Join classic Christmas characters like Frosty the Snowman, Rudolf, Grandma and Santa’s Elves for the annual Misfit Toys Banquet event hosted by Chatty Cathy herself.  It’s going to be a great party so long as the wrong element doesn’t show up.  We’re talking about that slimy, no good, rotten, Ricky Stitch of course.  Why, I wouldn’t touch him with a 39 ½ foot pole!  Gee, sure hope he doesn’t try to ruin Christmas…again.  If he does, I’m sure someone will show him who makes the candy canes around here! But how will we figure out whodunnit…was it you?" The Lemp Mansion is at 3322 DeMenil Place in south city. For more information: www.lempmansion.com

Looking Glass Playhouse presents the comedy Lend Me a Tenor Thursdays through Saturdays at 7:30 pm and Sundays at 2 pm, through November 21. “On a very important night for the Cleveland Grand Opera Company, Tito Mirelli, the world-famous Italian tenor, is set to perform the starring role in Otello. Henry Saunders — General Manager of the company — is beyond stressed about everything turning out right, and insists that his assistant, Max — a nervous, young fellow and secret tenor extraordinaire — watch over Tito’s every move to ensure smooth sailing. After a huge fight with his fiery, Italian wife Maria, Tito receives a double dose of tranquilizers through a series of mishaps. Throw in Diana, an ambitious, female co-star; Maggie, Max’s giddy girlfriend; Julia, a flirty head of the opera guild; and a meddling bellhop fighting for Tito’s attention. Together, you have a recipe for comedic disaster. Max navigates the company through one catastrophe after the next — an angry wife, a presumed death, crazy costumes, secret sex romps, and loads and loads of slamming doors and mistaken identities — and, ultimately, takes on the role of Otello to great effect. Together, Max and Saunders find a way to save the Opera Company’s big night in grand, farcical fashion.” Performances take place at 301 West St. Louis Street in Lebanon, IL. For more information: lookingglassplayhouse.com.

Monroe Actors Stage Company presents the Mel Brooks musical Young Frankenstein Fridays and Saturdays at 7:30 pm and Sundays at 2:30 pm, through November 21. “Grandson of the infamous Victor Frankenstein, Frederick Frankenstein (pronounced “Fronk-en-steen”) inherits his family’s estate in Transylvania. With the help of a hunchbacked sidekick, Igor (pronounced “Eye-gore”), and a leggy lab assistant, Inga (pronounced normally), Frederick finds himself in the mad scientist shoes of his ancestors. “It’s alive!” he exclaims as he brings to life a creature to rival his grandfather’s. Eventually, of course, the monster escapes and hilarity continuously abounds.” Performances take place at the Capitol Theatre in Waterloo, IL. For more information: www.masctheatre.org.

Jake's Women
Photo by Philip Hamer

Moonstone Theatre Company presents Moonstone Connections, a series of in-depth interviews with arts leaders by company founder Sharon Hunter. The latest episode features John O’Brien, who currently serves as Director of Programming for The Fabulous Fox Theatre in St. Louis, where he is responsible for programming the U.S. Bank Broadway Series.  New episodes air the third Tuesday of each month; see linktr.ee/moonstoneconnections for more information.

Moonstone Theatre Company presents Neil Simon’s Jake’s Women Thursdays through Saturdays at 7:30 pm and Sundays at 2 PM through November 21.  “This warm and poignant comedy from America’s premier comic playwright makes another hilarious foray into the world of modern relationships. Jake, a novelist who is more successful with fiction than with life, faces a marital crisis by daydreaming about the women in his life. The wildly comic and sometimes moving flashbacks played in his mind are interrupted by visitations from actual females. Jake’s women include a revered first wife who was killed years earlier in an accident, his daughter who is recalled as a child but is now a young woman, his boisterous and bossy sister, an opinionated analyst, his current wife who is leaving Jake for another man, and a prospective third wife.” Performances take place at the Kirkwood Performing Arts Center studio theatre in Kirkwood. For more information: moonstonetheatrecompany.com.

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

St. Louis University Theatre presents Shakespeare’s A Midsummer Night’s Dream Thursday through Sunday, November 18-21. “Mischief is in the air when the King and Queen of the Fairies quarrel and Puck is left in charge of the love potion. Four young people are lost in the woods on midsummer’s night. Will they find each other and true love, or will Puck’s meddling leave them broken-hearted and alone? A band of players prepares to entertain the Duke of Athens. But now that the fairies have made a donkey out of their leading man, will Quince and the others ever get to play their parts? Is there time to put everything right before this magical night is over?” Performances take place at the Xavier Hall Main Stage on the campus at 3733 West Pine Mall in Grand Center. For more information: www.slu.edu.

SATE, in collaboration with COCA and Prison Performing Arts, presents Project Verse: Creativity in the Time of Quarantine. Project Verse presents two new plays: Quatrains in Quarantine by e.k. doolin and Dream On, Black Girl:Reflections in Quarantine by Maxine du Maine. The performances are streamed free of charge on SATE’s website and Facebook page. For more information: slightlyoff.org.

The Washington University Performing Arts Department presents The Science of Leaving Omaha Thursday and Friday at 8 pm, Saturday at 2 and 8 pm, and Sunday at 2 pm, November 18-21. “Iris is working the night shift at the Belladonna Funeral Home when Baker breaks in to say farewell to his wife, who recently died in a bungled robbery.  As they sort through the comedic rubble of their young lives, they discover a mutual yearning to escape. Will they make a run for it before they lose their last chance to leave Omaha behind?” Performances take place at the A.E. Hotchner Studio Theatre on the Washington University Campus. For more information: pad.wustl.edu.

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

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

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

"Every Day a Little Death": Stray Dog's "Lobby Hero" movingly tells of small tragedies

The essence of tragedy is the fatal flaw in the protagonist’s noble character. It’s a crack in the foundation that eventually causes the entire edifice of their life to come crashing to the ground, usually with fatal consequences for all involved.

Gary F. Bell and the cast of Lobby Hero

This can be thrilling in the theatre, I think, at least partly because it so rarely happens in real life. Most people have very few great flaws, but very many minor failings. Little mistakes, tiny hurts, and small betrayals can inflict pain, but there’s no great, heaven-storming crash. “Every Day a Little Death,” as the song from A Little Night Music goes.

The four characters in Kenneth Lonergan’s 2001 drama Lobby Hero, live streaming in a compelling production by Stray Dog Theatre through Friday July 31st, are ordinary working stiffs rather than nobility, and their story isn’t so much tragic as it is ironic. All four do what they think is the right thing, but it inevitably turns out wrong. No empires fall, but feelings are hurt, careers damaged, and friendships crippled. Life goes on, but everyone dies a little.

Jeremy Goldmeier

Set in the lobby of a middle-income apartment building in New York City in the wee hours of several consecutive mornings, the story of Lobby Hero revolves around the hapless Jeff (Jeremy Goldmeier), whose aimless life has left him working the graveyard shift as the building security guard. His stern boss William (Abraham Shaw) tells him to shape up and pushes self-help books on him which, of course, Jeff never reads. Jeff yearns to impress rookie cop Dawn (Eileen Engel), but she’s smitten with her overbearing senior partner Bill (Stephen Peirick)—until she discovers that the purpose of his late-night visits to the building is a regular hookup with a woman on the 22nd floor.

William, meanwhile, has problems of his own. His brother has been implicated in the particularly heinous rape and murder of a nurse who had the misfortune to witness a gang of teenagers stealing drugs from a hospital. William’s brother claims he’s innocent, but he hasn’t got an alibi and asks William to cover for him by claiming they were at the movies together. For a man of William’s moral principles, it’s a serious conflict. He’s not completely convinced by his brother’s protestations of innocence, but he also knows the cops will assume a young black man with a troubled past and no alibi is guilty regardless of the truth.

Mr. Lonergan has drawn all four characters in such believable depth and detail that their trials are immediately moving. The more I think about the play, the more powerful it grows—a sure sign of great writing.

Director Gary F. Bell has assembled a very strong cast for his production. Mr. Peirick is completely convincing as the swaggering bully Bill—the sort of role he rarely gets to play, in my experience. Mr. Shaw shows the slow crumbling of William’s moral foundation in painful detail.

Ms. Engel all too clearly details the painful choices demanded of a woman taking on a man’s world in the pre-#metoo era and the personal cost of making them. And Mr. Goldmeier’s Jeff is a sad and touching combination of decency and ineptitude. The ultimate schlemiel, he means well but does a good thing badly, with unfortunate results for everyone.

The cast of Lobby Hero

Mr. Bell has given Lobby Hero a semi-staged production recorded live on the Stray Dog stage. All the characters are in costume and make limited use of props, but each one is enclosed in an acoustically dampened plexiglass booth to insure maximum protection from the coronavirus pandemic. They communicate via microphones and headsets, creating a kind of hybrid of stage production and radio play. Video edits allow actors to “fade to black” when they exit, but otherwise this has the immediacy of a real-time performance.

That said, the lack of blocking and a physical set tends to make the play a bit static at times and the actors can’t do much in the way of movement inside their individual booths. I couldn’t help wondering whether this might have worked better as an actual radio play, with liberal use of sound effects to make up for the lack of set and some props. It is, in any case, a creative approach to doing theatre during the plague years.

Lobby Hero is available for on-demand streaming through Friday the 31st, but you must reserve a ticket in advance online.

Chuck's Choices for the weekend of September 23, 2016

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:

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Anna Skidis

The Presenters Dolan and the Emerald Room Cabaret present singer/actress Anna Skidis in Almost There on Saturday, September 24, at 8 p.m. "It feels great to set and achieve your dreams, but what about that bit in the middle? It's not as easy as a quick, musical montage like in the movies... but here's some music, anyway. Anna Skidis Vargas sings the songs of Radiohead, Katie Thompson, Etta James, Disney, and more." The performance takes place in The Emerald Room at The Monocle Bar, 4510 Manchester in The Grove neighborhood. For more information: themonoclestl.com.

My take: It's my view that some of the best cabaret comes from experienced actors. That's because a well-constructed cabaret show is much like a one-act play, with an emotional arc and a distinct sends of beginning, middle, and end. Actors are most likely to be familiar with that structure. Ms. Skidis is a well-established local actor, so I'd expect this to be a show well worth your attention.

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Stone Spiral Coffeehouse presents Jan Marra in a solo concert of original songs on Friday, September 23, at 8 p.m. "The Stone Spiral is in its ninth year of providing the friendliest and tastiest atmosphere in the neighborhood, with newspapers, coffee, tea, beer, wine and most especially espresso. Then there's all the nice plates of food and books to read and art to look at and buy." Stone Spiral Coffeehosue is at 2500 Sutton in Maplewood, MO. For more information: stonespiralcoffee.com.

My take: Jan provided us with some pretty amazing performances at the Cabaret Project's open mic night at the late lamented Tavern of Fine Arts over the years, so this should be a fascinating show. And Stone Spiral is a very funky and intimate setting (I have performed there myself in the past) with a nice selection of food and drink.

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Toy Hyams and Lisa Rothauser

The Presenters Dolan and the Emerald Room Cabaret present Tor Hyams and Lisa Rothauser in The Songs of Tor and Lisa: How we became successful musical theater writers in only four years, three months, twenty-two days and eleven hours... on Friday, September 23, at 8 p.m. "Grammy-nominated songwriter Tor Hyams and veteran Broadway performer Lisa Rothauser debut their favorite selections from the dynamic duo's four-year collaboration in musical theatre. This one-night-only event will showcase music from four of their original musicals currently in development (Stealing Time, Auburn, LIFE. Who Knew?, and Green Acres The Musical) and a few songs too early to tell what they are. Tor and Lisa met at a bar one night four years, three months, twenty- two days and eleven hours ago and the rest is this story." The performance takes place in The Emerald Room at The Monocle Bar, 4510 Manchester in The Grove neighborhood. For more information: themonoclestl.com.

My take: It's always interesting to hear from singer/songwriter teams. As a bonus, this show provides a behind-the-scenes look at some projects that are still in the development stage. And, let's face it, aren't you just a little bit intrigued by what Green Acres the Musical might sound like? As an added incentive, local musical theatre and cabaret star Ben Nordstrom will be opening for Hyams and Rothauser.

Held Over:

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Follies
Photo: Jerry Naunheim, Jr.

The Repertory Theatre of St. Louis presents Stephen Sondheim's musical Follies through October 2. “Featuring an all-star cast that includes three Tony nominees, Broadway stars and local favorites, Follies is the biggest Rep production in more than a decade. Join us for our 50th anniversary season opener as we present a breathtaking rendition of this Stephen Sondheim classic!” 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.

My take: Laurel wreaths are in order for director Rob Ruggiero and the cast and crew of this production of the utterly brilliant 1971 commercial flop by Stephen Sondheim and James Goldman (best known for his popular comedy/drama "The Lion in Winter"). Broadway and cabaret stars Christiane Noll and Emily Skinner head the large and impressive ensemble cast. This remarkable story of personal and cultural disintegration has always been an expensive challenge to produce, but the Rep has proved to be more than up to the task, getting their 50th season off to a rousing start. The big "mirror" production number, in particular, is a true coup de théâtre, as women of the ensemble execute Ralph Perkins' complex choreography with superhuman precision.

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A Gentleman's Guide to Love and Murder
Photo: Joan Marcus

The Fox Theatre presents the musical A Gentleman's Guide To Love And Murder opening Tuesday, September 13, and running through September 25. "Coming direct from New York, where a most gentlemanly NPR critic said he'd “Never laughed so hard at a Broadway musical," Gentleman's Guide tells the uproarious story of Monty Navarro, a distant heir to a family fortune who sets out to jump the line of succession by - you guessed it - eliminating the eight pesky relatives (all played by one fearless man) who stand in his way. All the while, Monty has to juggle his mistress (she's after more than just love), his fiancée (she's his cousin but who's keeping track?), and the constant threat of landing behind bars! Of course, it will all be worth it if he can slay his way to his inheritance... and be done in time for tea." The Fox is on North Grand in Grand Center. For more information: fabulousfox.com.

My take: Speaking of rave reviews, this hit Broadway musical has been gather them for some time now, copping the 2014 Tony for Best Musical along the way. This tour has gotten great notices locally. "Sometimes people complain that theater isn’t 'fun", writes Judy Newmark at STLToday.com. "These people need to see 'A Gentleman’s Guide to Love & Murder,' the blithe treat that opened Tuesday at the Fox Theatre. If that doesn’t make them change their minds, nothing will."

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Miss Julie, Clarissa and John
Photo: Phillip Hamer

The Black Rep presents the drama Miss Julie, Clarissa And John through September 25. "Inspired by August Strindberg's groundbreaking 1888 naturalistic drama Miss Julie, Mark Clayton Southers relocates the action from Sweden to a Reconstruction-era Virginia plantation.The dangerous attraction between the landowner's daughter and his top servant takes on new shades as its taboo nature expands from crossing boundaries of social class to also encompass racial lines. The situation is heightened further by Southers' extensive development of the third onstage character from Strindberg's play, who in this searing version becomes central to the conflict through her identity as the mulatto daughter of a slave woman. The result of the Midwest premiere production is an intense struggle that illuminates cultural dynamics of two key moments in U.S. history: then and now." Performances take place at the Edison Theatre on the Washington University campus. For more information: theblackrep.org

My take: Rewriting Strindberg's 1888 tragedy and moving it to the post-Civil War South could be an invitation to disaster, but Mr. Southers appears to have pulled it off, based on the reviews. At Stage Door STL, Steve Allen says the script is "is nothing short of brilliant" while the production itself is "powerful theatre, well directed and a splendid cast who exemplifies the quality and longevity of the Black Rep."

St. Louis theatre calendar for the week of May 23, 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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La Bohème
Photo: Ken Howard

Opera Theatre of St. Louis presents Puccini's La Bohème opening on Saturday, May 21, and running through June 25. "One of the most performed operas of all time, La bohème has gripped audiences for over a century. Rodolfo and his friends scrape by as bohemian artists, using their wit and charm to escape life's harsher consequences. Rodolfo can't imagine how love will change him until he encounters a beautiful dressmaker, Mimì. Set to lush, irresistible music, Puccini's masterpiece never fails to move audiences to both laughter and tears." 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. For more information: experienceopera.org or call 314-961-0644. Read my 88.1 KDHX review!

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

Alpha Players present the comedy Dearly Departed through May 29 The Florissant Civic Center Theater, Parker Rd. at Waterford Dr. in Florissant, MO. "Dearly Departed is a drop-dead funny comedy about families, funerals, and fried chicken." For more information: alphaplayers.org, call 314-921-5678.

Opera Theatre of St. Louis presents Verdi's Macbeth, based on the Shakespeare tragedy, opening on Saturday, May 28, and running through June 26. "This opera is a thriller from start to finish - from the eerie prophecies of witches, to Lady Macbeth's sleepwalking scene, to the chilling and bloody finale. Experience Shakespeare's tale of ruthless ambition and murder as a classic Verdi masterwork, set to some of the most magnificent music in all of opera." 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. For more information: experienceopera.org or call 314-961-0644.

Tesseract Theatre Company presents Mitzi's Abortion Fridays and Saturdays at 8 p.m. and Sundays at 4 p.m., through May 29. "A young woman trying to make an intensely personal decision in a system determined to make it a political one." Performances take place at the Regional Arts Commission, 6128 Delmar. For more information: tesseracttheatre.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.

The Two-Character Play

The Midnight Company presents The Two-Character Play by Tennessee Williams Fridays and Saturdays at 8 p.m. through June 4. "Two actors, a brother and a sister, are stranded in a theatre, struggling to perform, struggling to survive." Performances take place at the Winter Opera Space, 2322 Marconi on The Hill. For more information: midnightcompany.com.

Yentl
Photo: Eric Woolsey

New Jewish Theater presents the musical Yentl through June 5 “Based on Isaac Bashevis Singer's short story “Yentl the Yeshiva Boy” and updated with new music and lyrics by Jill Sobule, “Yentl” tells the story of a young girl in 19th century Eastern Europe forbidden to pursue her dream of studying Talmud. Unwilling to accept her fate, she disguises herself as a man. But when she falls in love, Yentl must decide how far she's willing to go to protect her identity. This marks 40 years since the play - then without music - ran on Broadway. With parallels in Singer's short story coinciding with the burgeoning second wave of feminism, we find Yentl as an outsider seeking to find her own voice within a very proscribed world.” 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.

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.

Chuck's Choices for the weekend of March 4, 2016

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:

Jeffrey M. Wright

The Presenters Dolan present Jeffrey M. Wright in The 40's: Theirs...And Mine on Saturday, March 5, at 8 PM as part of the Gaslight Cabaret Festival. "A very popular and immensely likable leading man, Jeff Wright comes back with his sold-out splash. Songs made famous by Comden and Green, Cole Porter, Garth Brooks, Jimmy Webb, U2 and Rodgers and Hammerstein." The performance takes place at the Gaslight Theater, 358 North Boyle. For more information: gaslightcabaretfestival.com.

My take: Jeff, as I have written in the past, has classic “leading man” charisma, an equally classic crooner’s voice and substantial musical theatre credentials. Granted, I have worked with Jeff on stage in the past and know him fairly well so I'm not exactly disinterested. But I know real talent when I see it, and he's got it.

Elephant's Graveyard
Photo: Joe Angeles

The Performing Arts Department at Washington University presents Elephant's Graveyard Fridays and Saturdays at 8 PM and Sundays at 2 PM, February 26 - March 6. "Something went very wrong when Sparks Traveling Circus arrived in the small Appalachian town of Erwin, Tennessee in 1916. Join us for this unbelievable, yet true, story about the desire for spectacle and Old Testament-style retributive justice in America." Performances take place in the Edison theatre in the Mallinckrodt Student Center on the Washington University campus. For more information, visit pad.artsci.wustl.edu or call 314-935-6543.

My take: “The Elephant’s Graveyard by George Brant," writes Steve Callahan at KDHX, "is part poetic dream, part nightmare. And though it’s set in a small Tennessee town in 1916 its thrill and its horror are frighteningly resonant with rising populist urges we see in headlines every day. It’s a play you will never forget...This Wash U production is an example of the very best that Educational Theatre can offer—and it can offer very fine things indeed. The student cast are, without exception, excellent. The designers of set, lights, costumes and sound quite perfectly serve the needs of this play. And I’ve never heard more wonderfully managed live music." University-based theatre companies have the kinds of resources that can allow them to take on risky and unusual material that other companies can't, and Washington University has been at the forefront of that kind of theatre lately.

Robert Breig

The Presenters Dolan present Robert Breig in Making Every Moment Count-The Music of Peter Allen on Sunday, March 6, at 3 PM as part of the Gaslight Cabaret Festival. "Robert Breig celebrates the life and times of Peter Allen, a giant of live performance in the 70s and 80s. Judy Garland discovered him in 1964, at age 20, performing in a trio at the Hong Kong Hilton. (Allen was Australian.) He left immediately to go on tour with Garland, and soon after married her daughter, Liza Minelli. Thus anointed, he started performing in small cabarets in New York, including Reno Sweeney, the Continetental Baths and the Bitter End. His grew so popular that he regularly sold out the 6,000-seat Radio City Music Hall. His signature songs were "I Go to Rio" and "Quiet Please, There's a Lady Onstage." If you don't know his music or performance genius, check out the video of Peter Allen below." The performance takes place at the Gaslight Theater, 358 North Boyle. For more information: gaslightcabaretfestival.com.

My take: Robert is a very open and engaging personality on stage with a smooth, seamless voice that is a good match for Mr. Allen's music. The fact that he created this show in collaboration with cabaret powerhouses Lina Koutrakos and Rick Jensen (both fiercely talented performers in their own right) is icing on the cake.

L-R: Maria Kanyova and Neil Nelson

Winter Opera St. Louis presents Verdi's Il Trovatore Friday at 8 PM and Sunday at 3 PM, March 4 and 6. Performances take place at The Skip Viragh Center for the Arts at Chaminade College Preparatory School, 425 S. Lindbergh. For more information, visit winteroperastl.org.

My take: We saw the final dress rehearsal of this production on Wednesday, and while there were a few minor technical glitches of the sort one would expect in a final dress, the production looked very solid on the whole. The principal singers—tenor Jorge Pita Carreras as Manrico, soprano Maria Kanyova as Leonora, mezzo Claudia Chapa as Azucena, and baritone Neil Nelson as Count di Luna—all have impressive voices. Ms. Kanyova, Ms. Chapa, and (especially) Mr. Nelson are also fine actors, highly invested in their characters (not always a given in opera, even in these more theatrically aware days). The orchestra sounds great and the Viragh Center is one of the best venues for musical theatre in town.

Held Over:

Beautiful—The Carole King Musical
Photo: Joan Marcus

The Fox Theatre presents Beautiful—The Carole King Musical opening on Tuesday, February 23, and running through March 6. "BEAUTIFUL - The Carole King Musical tells the inspiring true story of King's remarkable rise to stardom, from being part of a hit songwriting team with her husband Gerry Goffin, to her relationship with fellow writers and best friends Cynthia Weil and Barry Mann, to becoming one of the most successful solo acts in popular music history. Along the way, she made more than beautiful music, she wrote the soundtrack to a generation." The Fox is on North Grand in Grand Center. For more information: fabulousfox.com.

My take: Abby Mueller shines in the title role of this bright, fast-paced jukebox musical loosely based on the early years of Carole King's songwriting career, culminating with her emergence as a singer in her own right with her best selling Tapestry LP in 1971. The performers playing pop idols like The Drifters, The Shirelles, Little Eva, and The Righteous Brothers, though, really steal the show. There's just enough plot to keep things going without getting in the way of a nostalgic score that highlights hits by King and her first songwriting partner (and first husband) Gerry Goffin as well as equally well-known tunes by their fellow songwriters at Aldon Music, Barry Mann and Cynthia Weil. Go and enjoy.

Disgraced
Photo: Peter Wochniak

The Repertory Theatre of St. Louis presents Disgraced by Ayad Akhtar through March 6. "Successful corporate lawyer Amir Kapoor comes from a Pakistani family, but he long ago distanced himself from his roots to embrace life as a slick New Yorker. On course to become a partner at his law firm, Amir's carefully constructed world begins to unravel when unexpected events cause him to question his own beliefs. Raw, turbulent and unsettling, this smart drama reveals hidden attitudes toward modern culture and faith. Winner of the 2013 Pulitzer Prize for Drama." 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.

My take: The playwright who gave us the brilliant Invisible Hand at the Rep Studio back in 2012 it again with a powerful portrayal of the problems immigrants face, especially when they're part of a demonized and poorly understood minority. How much can you assimilate before you lose your own identity? And is it ever enough for people who will always see you as the "other" no mater what you do or say? We learn from history that we do not learn from history, which makes this a very relevant play these days.

St. Louis theatre calendar for the week of February 29, 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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Jeffrey M. Wright

The Presenters Dolan present Jeffrey M. Wright in The 40's: Theirs...And Mine on Saturday, March 5, at 8 PM as part of the Gaslight Cabaret Festival. "A very popular and immensely likable leading man, Jeff Wright comes back with his sold-out splash. Songs made famous by Comden and Green, Cole Porter, Garth Brooks, Jimmy Webb, U2 and Rodgers and Hammerstein." The performance takes place at the Gaslight Theater, 358 North Boyle. For more information: gaslightcabaretfestival.com.

New Line Theatre presents the musical American Idiot, based on the album by Green Day, Thursdays through Saturdays at 8 PM, March 3-26. " New Line continues its 25th season with the powerful, high-octane, rock fable AMERICAN IDIOT, based on the powerhouse album by Green Day, a scorching attack on what they saw as the hypocrisy and moral evils of the Bush Administration after the attacks of Sept. 11, as well as the increasingly submissive nature of the American public. The score includes every song from Green Day's hit album American Idiot, as well as several songs from their follow-up release, 21st Century Breakdown, with music by Green Day, lyrics by frontman Billie Joe Armstrong, a book by Armstrong and Michael Mayer, and musical arrangements and orchestrations by Broadway composer Tom Kitt (High Fidelity, Next to Normal, If/Then). The Toronto Star called the show 'the first great musical of the 21st century.'" Performances take place at the Marcelle Theater, 3310 Samuel Shepard Drive, three blocks east of Grand, in Grand Center. For more information, visit newlinetheatre.com or call 314-534-1111.

The Bissell Mansion Murder Mystery Dinner Theatre presents And Away You Go through March 27. The Bissell Mansion is at 4426 Randall Place. For more information: bissellmansiontheatre.com.

Beautiful—The Carole King Musical
Photo: Joan Marcus

The Fox Theatre presents Beautiful—The Carole King Musical running through March 6. "BEAUTIFUL - The Carole King Musical tells the inspiring true story of King's remarkable rise to stardom, from being part of a hit songwriting team with her husband Gerry Goffin, to her relationship with fellow writers and best friends Cynthia Weil and Barry Mann, to becoming one of the most successful solo acts in popular music history. Along the way, she made more than beautiful music, she wrote the soundtrack to a generation." The Fox is on North Grand in Grand Center. For more information: fabulousfox.com. Read the 88.1 KDHX review!

The Lemp Mansion Comedy-Mystery Dinner Theater presents Clueless through April 16. The Lemp Mansion is at 3322 DeMenil Place. For more information: lempmansion.com

Disgraced
Photo: Peter Wochniak

The Repertory Theatre of St. Louis presents Disgraced by Ayad Akhtar through March 6. "Successful corporate lawyer Amir Kapoor comes from a Pakistani family, but he long ago distanced himself from his roots to embrace life as a slick New Yorker. On course to become a partner at his law firm, Amir's carefully constructed world begins to unravel when unexpected events cause him to question his own beliefs. Raw, turbulent and unsettling, this smart drama reveals hidden attitudes toward modern culture and faith. Winner of the 2013 Pulitzer Prize for Drama." 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. Read the 88.1 KDHX review!

Elephant's Graveyard
Photo: Joe Angeles

The Performing Arts Department at Washington University presents Elephant's Graveyard Fridays and Saturdays at 8 PM and Sundays at 2 PM, February 26 - March 6. "Something went very wrong when Sparks Traveling Circus arrived in the small Appalachian town of Erwin, Tennessee in 1916. Join us for this unbelievable, yet true, story about the desire for spectacle and Old Testament-style retributive justice in America." Performances take place in the Edison heatre in the Mallinckrodt Student Center on the Washington University campus. For more information, visit pad.artsci.wustl.edu or call 314-935-6543.

The Presenters Dolan presents Emily West on Thursday and Friday, March 3 and 4, at 8 PM as part of the Gaslight Cabaret Festival. "A finalist in the 2014 America's Got Talent show, a grad of the Grand Olde Opry and the chicest rooms on both coasts, Emily West is as stunning with a plaintive ballad as she is with a powerhouse anthem. " The performances take place at the Gaslight Theater, 358 North Boyle. For more information: gaslightcabaretfestival.com.

The Improv Shop presents Heartbreak running through March 19. "Heartbreak is an improvised serial show where we explore, in depth, the stages of doomed relationships. Watch characters go from strangers to friends, friends to lovers, and from lovers to heartbreakers. Heartbreak. It doesn't happen all at once." The Improv Shop is at 510 North Euclid in the Central West End. For more information on this and other Improv Shop shows: theimprovshop.com.

St. Charles Community College presents the comedy Lend Me a Tenor Wednesday through Sunday, March 2-6. "The harried impresario, the haughty socialite Board Chair, the Italian superstar opera singer, his shrewish wife, the young lovers ... all get farcical treatment in this non-stop, door-slamming, hilarious comedy. Set in a fancy hotel suite in 1934, the Cleveland Opera Company is poised to present the world-famous tenor, Tito Morelli, as the lead in their history-making production of Othello.” Performances take place in the FAB Theater 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.

Robert Breig

The Presenters Dolan present Robert Breig in Making Every Moment Count-The Music of Peter Allen on Sunday, March 6, at 3 PM as part of the Gaslight Cabaret Festival. "Robert Breig celebrates the life and times of Peter Allen, a giant of live performance in the 70s and 80s. Judy Garland discovered him in 1964, at age 20, performing in a trio at the Hong Kong Hilton. (Allen was Australian.) He left immediately to go on tour with Garland, and soon after married her daughter, Liza Minelli. Thus anointed, he started performing in small cabarets in New York, including Reno Sweeney, the Continetental Baths and the Bitter End. His grew so popular that he regularly sold out the 6,000-seat Radio City Music Hall. His signature songs were "I Go to Rio" and "Quiet Please, There's a Lady Onstage." If you don't know his music or performance genius, check out the video of Peter Allen below." The performance takes place at the Gaslight Theater, 358 North Boyle. For more information: gaslightcabaretfestival.com.

The St. Louis Art Museum presents a high-definition video broadcast of the Metropolitan Opera's production Puccini's Manon Lescaut on SaturdayMarch 5, at 11:55 a.m. "Soprano Kristine Opolais and tenor Roberto Alagna join forces in Puccini's obsessive love story. Opolais sings the title role of the country girl who transforms herself into a Parisian temptress, while Alagna is the dashing student who desperately woos her. Director Richard Eyre places the action in occupied France in a film noir setting. “Desperate passion” is the phrase Puccini himself used to describe the opera that confirmed his position as the preeminent Italian opera composer of his day. Met Principal Conductor Fabio Luisi leads the stirring score." The live digital HD video broadcast from New York takes place in The Farrell Auditorium at the Art Museum in Forest Park. For more information: slam.org.

The Hettenhausen Center for the Arts presents the Mcendree College Theatre Department production of Shakespeare's A Midsummer Night's Dream on Thursday through Saturday, March 3-5. The Hettenhausen Center for the Arts is at 701 College Rd., at Alton St. on the McKendree University campus in Lebanon, IL. For more information: www.thehett.com.

Christ Memorial Productions presents Once Upon a Tree Friday sand Saturday at 7:30 PM and Sunday at 2 PM, March 4-6. "Once Upon a Tree is an original dramatic production that presents glimpses into the life of Christ with an emphasis on Christ's sacrificial gift of love for all people. Once Upon a Treeuses powerful musical scores and a full orchestra to bring the dramatic interpretation of The Greatest Story Ever Told to life. The production focuses on the Gospel as recorded by Luke, and depicts a world of passion, faith, deceit, truth, power, murder, and undying love. Pepper Choplin's musical scores and other powerful songs are incorporated into this dramatic musical presentation, and is directed by Dianne Mueller." Performances take place at Christ Memorial Lutheran Church, 5252 South Lindbergh. For more information, visit CMPShows.org or call 314-631-0304.

Zi

The Emerald Room Cabaret presents magician Zi in Playing With Impossibilities on Friday and Saturday, March 4 and 5, at 8 p.m. "When was the last time you were truly blown away by a Magic show? Curious about what Mentalism means? There will be no rabbits in hats or doves from sleeves here! Instead, come experience jaw-dropping moments as Zi amazes and delights with feats of the mind, and makes you reconsider the true depths of what we are capable of! Watch as everything from how we think to how we connect with each other become charged with an element of the supernatural, and come witness as things happen that should be utterly impossible. Watch as the impossible becomes a playground. " The performances take place in the Emerald Room at The Monocle, 4510 Manchester in the Grove neighborhood. For more information: buzzonstage.com/st-louis

On Saturday, March 5, from 1 to 2:30 p.m., Opera Theatre of St. Louis presents author Salman Rushdie, composer Jack Perla, and OTSL General Manager Timothy O'Leary in a panel discussion of the opera Shalimar the Clown, based on Mr. Rushdie's novel. Opera Theatre will be presenting the world premiere the opera as part of its 2016 season in June. The event takes place at the Sheldon Concert Hall, 3648 Washington. For more information: opera-stl.org/shalimarevents.

Winter Opera St. Louis presents Verdi's Il Trovatore Friday at 8 PM and Sunday at 3 PM, March 4 and 6. Performances take place at The Skip Viragh Center for the Arts at Chaminade College Preparatory School, 425 S. Lindbergh. For more information, visit winteroperastl.org.

The Theatre Guild of Webster Groves presents the comedy The Underpants by Carl Sternhiem, as adapted by Steve Martin, March 4-13. "Louise and Theo Markes, a couple whose conservative existence is shattered when Louise's bloomers fall down in public. Though she pulls them up quickly, Theo thinks the incident will cost him his job as a government clerk. Even though it does not result in the feared scandal, it does attract two infatuated men, each of whom wants to rent the spare room in the Markes' home. Oblivious of their amorous objectives, Theo splits the room between them, happy to collect rent from both of them." Performances take place in the Guild theatre at Newport and Summit in Webster Groves, MO. For more information: theatreguildwg.org or call 314-962-0876.

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. Lou Fringe Report 4: Big Comedy Finale

This past Saturday (June 27th, 2015) was the last day of the St. Lou Fringe Festival and, by sheer coincidence, also the best one as far as the shows I saw went. Better yet, three of the four I saw were by local groups.

Sorry, Please Continue
www.facebook.com/SorryPleaseContinue

It was mostly a day of comedy, beginning with "Sorry, Please Continue." Described as a mix of the storytelling of the "Moth Radio Hour" with the off-the-cuff wisecracks of "Mystery Science Theatre 3000," the show features "some amazing stories told by anyone who wants to participate mixed with commentary from some of St. Louis’ funniest comedians."

The theme Saturday afternoon was "Family." The first storyteller (Siobhan O'Loughlin, whose "The Rope in Your Hands" was also part of the Fringe) related how she, as a result of a bizarre set of accidents (puppets were apparently involved) found herself sleeping in bed with her sister and her sister's boyfriend—only to be awakened by the couple doing the Horizontal Cha-Cha right next to her. The second storyteller (Christine Compas) described how she became embroiled in a true Wedding From Hell. Burlap and Christmas lights were involved.

Both stories, while fairly interesting, were transmuted into comedy gold by the three members of "Sorry, Please Continue" (Jeremy Hellwig, Amy Milton, and Stryker Spurlock at this show). They played off each other expertly and invariably timed their interruptions for maximum comic effect. I think it would be easy to come across as snarky or just plain mean in a situation like this, but not these three; it was good-natured fun all the way. If you want to see them in action, they perform on the third Thursday of each month at Foam, 3359 South Jefferson. You can also check out their Facebook page.

Moscow!
eratheatre.org

Next was the Equally Represented Arts production of "Moscow!" Described as a drinking-game version of Chekov's "Three Sisters," Lucy Cashion's script was an ingenious one-hour reduction of the original, with everyone in the cast (and much of the audience) taking a drink whenever anyone said "Moscow." Which, if you know your Chekov, happens a lot.

Julia Crump, Ellie Schwetye, and Rachel Tibbets headed a remarkably talented cast as the three titular sisters. Under Ms. Cashion's direction, the show moved at light speed, with actors rattling off vast chunks of Chekov with machine-gun precision while marching about the stage in precise steps through the box-like maze of red chairs that served as a set.

Music Arranger and Director Joe Taylor underscored it all with wonderful selection of Russian melodies (mostly Prokofiev and Khachaturian, as I recall) performed live. The entire production, in short, displayed the kind of polish and professionalism that would make it welcome almost anywhere; I hope they repeat it. For more information on ERA, visit their web site.

L-R: Johnny Iguana, Yana, Michael Caskey
claudettes.com / Marisa Klug-Morataya

Next it was music with a weirdly comic edge with "Welcome to Claudette's Bar" at TheStage @ KDHX. The concept is that pianist Johnny Iguana and drummer Michael Caskey were dragooned by the semi-mythical Claudette into playing in her dive bar in Oglesby, IL ("an hour and a half southwest of Chicago's South Side"), where she put them on salary and dubbed them "The Claudettes." She never appears in person, but harasses them via cell phone into selling drinks during their show.

That's all set up in an amusing video before Mr. Iguana and Mr. Caskey come out on stage. As they launched into their live set—which sounded like a hard-driving combination of Vince Guaraldi, Raymond Scott, and Eric Satie on speed—an LED display ran bizarre commercial messages from Claudette. These ranged from weird drink specials ("$8 Midori Shooters," "MONDAY NIGHT: DESIGNER NIGHT! You design shot, I design price") to warnings ("You: Fake ID Me: Real Gun") to the occasional political statement ("This machine kills fascists!"). Mr. Iguana's electric piano is hidden behind a box painted to look the like the back of an old-fashioned upright piano, adding to the diver bar ambience.

Through it all, the duo performed with a slightly unhinged intensity, mugging it up and delivering solid, power-chord punk piano originals along with some fairly bent versions of classics like "California, Here I Come" and "Brazil." It was great fun, but it would have been nice had their vocalist Yana been there to change the sound up a bit. As it is, she appeared only on the video.

For more information on the Chicago-based Claudettes, check out their web site.

Poor Monsters at the Fringe awards
www.facebook.com/poormonsters

The evening ended with one of the most inspired theatrical productions of the festival: "Or What You Will" by the all-female ensemble Poor Monsters: Laurel Kassenbrock, Katy Keating, Alicen Moser, Kristin Rion, Taylor Steward, and Sarah Griffith. The show consisted of twelve short plays by seven women playwrights, all inspired by Shakespeare's "Twelfth Night." The plays were presented in sets of two, and after each set the audience decided, by their applause, which of the two would advance to the next round until, in sports bracket fashion, one was finally declared the winner.

Although I enjoyed all twelve of the playlets, my own favorites were Ms. Griffith's "Her Breast Is Fit for Pearls, But I Was Not a Diver," which proves to be a surprisingly touching gloss on the life and poetry of Emily Dickinson; Ms. Moser's "The Shape of Love," in which the playwright, as Feste, tries to invent an increasingly tricky song about the increasingly complex relationships of the play; and Ms. Keating's "Revenge of the Siss," in which Malvolio finally triumphs over his enemies in the boxing ring.

Poor Monsters doesn't appear to have a web site, but they do have a Facebook page where you can find out what they're up to next.

I've been an enthusiastic supporter of the St. Lou Fringe since its scrappy beginnings in June of 2012. Three years later, the Fringe is a major player on the local cultural scene and is attracting attention nation-wide. If you've never "fringed," you have missed an awful lot of unusual—and often unique—entertainment. When it comes around again next summer, don't miss it. I know I won't.

Chuck's Choices for the weekend of August 29th, 2014

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:

Rachel Tibbetts and Ellie Schwetye
Photo: Joey Rumpell

Slightly Askew Theatre Ensemble presents Mary Shelley Monster Show by Nick Otten Wednesdays through Saturdays at 8 through August 30. "Was Mary Shelley's most famous novel, Frankenstein, really an autobiography? Is she the creator or the creature?" Performances take place at The Chapel Venue, 6238 Alexander Drive. For more information: slightlyoff.org.

My take: In what Tina Farmer, in her KDHX review, describes as "a very intriguing and intellectually bent production," playwright Otten and his actor/collaborators Rachel Tibbetts and Ellie Schwetye have put together what looks like a fascinating experiment in story telling that allows Mary Shelley to be interviewed by her famous Monster. Ms. Farmer says it's "a thought-provoking, thoroughly entertaining performance that lingers, daring you to consider its questions." SATE has never been afraid to take chances and that fearless attitude deserves our support.

Held Over:

Photo: John Lamb

Union Avenue Opera presents Wagner's Siegfried in a condensed and reduced version by English composer Jonathan Dove, Fridays and Saturdays at 8 PM, through August 30. Performances take place at the Union Avenue Christian Church, 733 Union at Enright in the Central West End. The opera is sung in German with projected English text. For more information, visit unionavenueopera.org or call 314-361-2881.

My take: Union Avenue opera is topping off a highly successful 20th season with the third entry in its multi-year traversal of Wagner's "Ring" cycle. Even in Dove's reduced versions, this is a highly ambitious undertaking for this highly ambitious company, and probably the only opportunity for local opera fans to see productions of these massive works here in town. The nearest city with a large and well-equipped enough opera house to mount the full productions is the Lyric Opera in Chicago, and they won't be doing one until 2016. "All the male voices of this production," writes Gary Scott in his KDHX review, "exude richness and vibrancy, and each one displays a keen sense of articulation, accurate phrasing and solid German diction."

Photo: Peter Wochniak

Stages St. Louis presents the musical Always..Patsy Cline through August 31. "Jacqueline Petroccia and Zoe Vonder Haar star in the return engagement of the show critics called 'exceptional, must see entertainment.' The touching and true story of Country music legend Patsy Cline and her friendship with Texas housewife Louise Seger returns to STAGES this spring. Combining down home country humor, heartache and 27 of Patsy Cline's unforgettable hits such as 'Crazy,' 'Walkin' After Midnight,' and 'Sweet Dreams,' Always... Patsy Cline endures as a piece of genuine Americana." Performances take place at The Playhouse at Westport Plaza. For more information, visit stagesstlouis.org or call 314-821-2407.

My take: Call this a qualified recommendation. If you're a lover of Patsy Cline or country music in general, I think you'll have a great time at this show, which is really more of a celebrity impersonation review than a book musical per se. Jacqueline Petroccia captures Cline's voice and manner so accurately it's eerie and Zoe Vonder Haar is a hoot and a half as Louise Seger, the real-life Houston fan who became a close friends and correspondent of Cline. With over two dozen Patsy Cline hits performed to perfection by Ms. Petroccia and a six-piece band, the show is a real feast for fans. See my KDHX review for more information. The show closes on the 31st but will re-open with the same cast on September 18th.

Chuck's Choices for the weekend of August 22, 2014

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:

Stray Dog Theatre's New Works Laboratory presents Stephen Peirick's Four Sugars Thursdays through Saturday, August 21-23. "Alyse and her gay best friend, Travis, are getting ready to bid adieu to their “fake” marriage of three years and celebrate Alyse having become an official U.S. citizen. Unfortunately, no aspect of their real-life relationships seem to operate as smoothly as their make-shift marriage did. This two-act, contemporary serio-comedy is written by St. Louis Playwright Stephen Peirick, who is the recipient of an Individual Artist Grant from the Regional Arts Commission to help make this fully realized production of Four Sugars a reality. " Performances take place at The Tower Grove Abbey, 2336 Tennessee. For more information, visit straydogtheatre.org or call 314-865-1995.

My take: Stray Dog's New Works Lab deserves your support for giving local playwrights a chance to present their work to an audience in a supportive atmosphere. I've performed in a couple of these shows in the past and can attest to the fact that Stray Dog gives them the same loving care they lavish on their regular shows. Stephen Peirick's name will be familiar to many of you as both an actor and playwright. His comedy Wake Up, Cameron Dobbs had a very successful run at West End Players a couple of years ago.

Photo: Brian Peters

St. Louis Shakespeare presents The Liar by David Ives, adapted from the comedy by Pierre Corneille through August 24. "David Ives (the brilliant mind who penned All In The Timing) offers a fresh, witty and split-your-pants funny translation of Pierre Corneille's 1644 comedy about Dorante, a compulsive liar who masterfully spins an intricate web of lies...now if he could only keep his lies straight!" Performances take at the 560 Music Center in University City. For more information, call 314-361-5664 or visit stlshakespeare.org.

My take: Ives is a funny and creative playwright who has come up with a clever modern reworking of a classic French farce. In her review for 88.1 KDHX, Tina Farmer describes this as a "a fast-paced, light-hearted romantic comedy."

Photo: Ron Lindsey

Union Avenue Opera presents Wagner's Siegfried in a condensed and reduced version by English composer Jonathan Dove, Fridays and Saturdays at 8 PM, August 22-30. Performances take place at the Union Avenue Christian Church, 733 Union at Enright in the Central West End. The opera is sung in German with projected English text. For more information, visit unionavenueopera.org or call 314-361-2881.

My take: Union Avenue opera is topping off a highly successful 20th season with the third entry in its multi-year traversal of Wagner's "Ring" cycle. Even in Dove's reduced versions, this is a highly ambitious undertaking for this highly ambitious company, and probably the only opportunity for local opera fans to see productions of these massive works here in town. The nearest city with a large and well-equipped enough opera house to mount the full productions is the Lyric Opera in Chicago, and they won't be doing one until 2016.

Held Over:

Photo: Peter Wochniak

Stages St. Louis presents the musical Always..Patsy Cline through August 31. "Jacqueline Petroccia and Zoe Vonder Haar star in the return engagement of the show critics called 'exceptional, must see entertainment.' The touching and true story of Country music legend Patsy Cline and her friendship with Texas housewife Louise Seger returns to STAGES this spring. Combining down home country humor, heartache and 27 of Patsy Cline's unforgettable hits such as 'Crazy,' 'Walkin' After Midnight,' and 'Sweet Dreams,' Always... Patsy Cline endures as a piece of genuine Americana." Performances take place at The Playhouse at Westport Plaza. For more information, visit stagesstlouis.org or call 314-821-2407.

My take: Call this a qualified recommendation. If you're a lover of Patsy Cline or country music in general, I think you'll have a great time at this show, which is really more of a celebrity impersonation review than a book musical per se. Jacqueline Petroccia captures Cline's voice and manner so accurately it's eerie and Zoe Vonder Haar is a hoot and a half as Louise Seger, the real-life Houston fan who became a close friends and correspondent of Cline. With over two dozen Patsy Cline hits performed to perfection by Ms. Petroccia and a six-piece band, the show is a real feast for fans. See my KDHX review for more information.