St. Louis theatre calendar for the week of April 4, 2016

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

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

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The Bridges of Madison County
Photo: Matthew Murphy

The Fox Theatre presents the musical The Bridges of Madison County opening Tuesday, April 5, and running through April 17. "THE BRIDGES OF MADISON COUNTY, one of the most romantic stories ever written, first captured the nation's attention as a best-selling novel by Robert James Waller and is now an irresistible, two time Tony Award®-winning Broadway musical. This stunning new production features gorgeous, soulful music by Tony Award®-winning composer Jason Robert Brown (Parade, The Last Five Years) that the Daily News hails as "one of Broadway's best scores in the last decade." With a book by Pulitzer Prize Winner Marsha Norman (The Secret Garden, The Color Purple) and direction by Tony® winner Bartlett Sher (South Pacific, The Light in the Piazza), THE BRIDGES OF MADISON COUNTY is the unforgettable story of two people caught between decision and desire, as a chance encounter becomes a second chance at so much more." The Fox is on North Grand in Grand Center. For more information: fabulousfox.com.

That Uppity Theatre Company and The Vital Voice present Briefs: A Festival Of Short Lesbian and Gay Plays Friday through Sunday, April 8-10. "BRIEFS is a unique venture in St. Louis that brings together numerous directors and theatrical artists to showcase the work of eight different playwrights all under one roof. BRIEFS presents theatrical work that address the lives of lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer or questioning people. The festival is targeted to a diverse and mature audience that appreciates good theatre in unique settings. The playwrights include three-time Pulitzer Prize nominee and five-time Emmy nominee James Still. Still's When Miss Lydia Hinkley Gives A Bird the Bird is the story about a thinly coded women's literary club set in 1859. Award-winning General Hospital writer Scott C. Sickles, will have his world premiere of his play I Knew It, inspired by a rumored relationship between Mick Jagger and David Bowie. We are excited for emerging playwright Stephen Peirick to direct his play titled A Comfortable Fit, about a shopping excursion between a transgender mother and daughter." Performances take place at The Rialto Ballroom at Grand Center_3547 Olive. For more information, visit briefs.eventbrite.com or call (314) 995-4600.

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

Webster University's Conservatory of Theatre Arts presents The Cockfight Play Friday at 7:30 pm, Saturday at 2 and 7:30 p.m., and Sunday at 2 p.m. April 8-10. “John has been in a stable relationship with his boyfriend for a number of years. But when he takes a break, he accidentally falls in love with a woman. Torn between the two, filled with guild and conflicting emotions, he doesn't know which way to turn. As the pressure mounts, a dinner with both parties is arranged, and everyone wants to know what John's decision will be.” Performances take place in the Stage III Auditorium in Webster Hall on the Webster University campus. For more information, events.webster.edu or call 314-968-7128.

Steven Lutvak

The Presenters Dolan presents singer/songwriter Steven Lutvak in A Gentleman's Guide to the Gentleman's Guide on Friday and Saturday, April 8 and 9, at 8 PM as part of the Gaslight Cabaret Festival. "Come hear the man who was behind the Broadway hit, A GENTLEMAN'S GUIDE TO LOVE AND MURDER sing his songs, and let you in on the fascinating backstory and incredible journey of the making of a Tony Award winning musical." The performances take place at the Gaslight Theater, 358 North Boyle. For more information: gaslightcabaretfestival.com.

The West End Players Guild continues their 105th season with Lee Blessing's comedy/drama Great Falls Fridays and Saturdays at 8 PM and Sundays at 2 PM, April 8-17. "This long, strange trip is undertaken by Monkey Man, a divorced middle-aged writer, and his teenaged ex-stepdaughter, who goes by the name of Bitch. Both of them have lost their way in life, and they set off in search of answers on a road trip through the great American West. By turns funny, sad, touching and profane, Great Falls will take you on a memorable and moving theatrical tour." There will also be a show on Thursday, April 14, at 8 PM. Performances take place at the Union Avenue Christian Church, 733 North Union at Enright in the Central West End. For more information, call 314-367-0025 or visit www.westendplayers.org.

Hedwig and the Angry Inch
Photo: Tom Gannam

Stray Dog Theatre presents the rock musical Hedwig and the Angry Inch Thursdays through Saturdays at 8 PM through April 16. "The 'internationally ignored song stylist' Hedwig Schmidt, an East German diva, is also the victim of a botched sex-change operation. As she tours the U.S. with her loyal band, Hedwig candidly shares her life story. Raucous, soulful and wickedly funny with a brilliant rock score, this show has inspired legions of fans." Performances take place at The Tower Grove Abbey, 2336 Tennessee. For more information, visit straydogtheatre.org or call 314-865-1995.

Tesseract Theatre Company presents Helvetica, A Play About Stories Fridays and Saturdays at 8 p.m. and Sundays at 4 p.m., through April 10. "A children's author, with the help of her beloved stuffed bear, must face the trials of life and death through fantasy and adventure." Performances take place at the Regional Arts Commission, 6128 Delmar. For more information: tesseracttheatre.org.

The University of Missouri at St. Louis presents Idris Goodwin's How We Got On Thursday through Sunday, April 7-10. "Hank, Julian, and Luann are three talented, determined suburban teens coming of age in the 1980s. Dreaming of fame and fortune in the new Hip-Hop music scene, they must overcome cultural isolation, familial dysfunction, and ruthless rivalries to make the music that defines their lives. A sultry DJ spins their stories with her own meta-theatrical perspective in this contemporary ode to the roots of rap." The performances take place at the Touhill Performing Arts Center on the University of Missouri-St. Louis campus. For more information, touhill.org or call 314-516-4949.

Lindenwood University presents the musical Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat on Thursday, April 7 at 7 p.m.. "One of the most enduring shows of all time, Tim Rice and Andrew Lloyd Webber's Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat is the irresistible family musical about the trials and triumphs of Joseph, Israel's favorite son." The performance takes place on the main stage at the J. Scheidegger Center for the Arts on the Lindenwood campus in St. Charles, MO. For more information, call 636-949-4433 or visit lindenwood.edu/center.

Topper Productions present Dawn Schmid in Let Them Eat Cake on Sunday, April 10, at 3 p.m. " Puppy love, adolescent love, troubled love, seasoned love, self love...no matter the season, or the circumstances, love asks us to grow, to question, to trust, to risk. Talented newcomer, Dawn Schmidt explores the many questions love asks us,with a fresh new perspective, as quirky and endearing as she is!" The Boom Boom Room is at500 N. 14th St. downtown. For more information: theboomboomroomstl.com.

Love and Information
Photo: Jerry Naunheim, Jr.

The Performing Arts Department at Washington University presents Love and Information Fridays and Saturdays at 8 PM and Sundays at 2 PM, through April 10. " 57 vibrant scenes. Over 100 colorful characters. In this kaleidoscopic collection of micro-stories, Caryl Churchill explores the roller coaster of existence in our dizzying world. Within the play's vivid anthology, the characters engage in a varied menu of touching and humorous life vignettes, affirming that while we may require vast amounts of knowledge in our digitally-defined era, our hunger for human connection remains essential. The play, by one of Britain's most esteemed playwrights, premiered in 2012 at London's Royal Court Theatre." Performances take place in the Hotchner Studio Theatre in the Mallinckrodt Student Center on the Washington University campus. For more information, visit pad.artsci.wustl.edu or call 314-935-6543.

Gateway Opera presents William Bolcom's chamber opera Lucrezia Friday and Saturday, April 8 and 9, at 8:00 p.m. "Lucrezia is a chamber opera, composed by William Bolcom, with libretto by Mark Campbell, scored for five singers and two pianists. It's a zarzuela riff on Machiavelli's La Mandragola and re-imagines the comedy's heroine as an intelligent seductress in charge of her own destiny." Performances take place at Washington University's 560 Music Center, 560 Trinity in University City. For more information: gatewayopera.org.

The Westport Playhouse presents Men Are From Mars-Women Are From Venus Live! running through April 17. "The Off-Broadway hit comedy Men Are From Mars - Women Are From Venus LIVE!, is a one-man fusion of theatre and stand-up, and is a light-hearted theatrical comedy based on the New York Times #1 best-selling book of the last decade by John Gray. Moving swiftly through a series of vignettes, the show covers everything from dating and marriage to the bedroom." Performances take place at the Westport Playhouse in Westport Plaza. For more information: marsvenuslive.com.

Joe Dreyer and
Rosemary Watts

The Presenters Dolan presents Joe Dreyer and Rosemary Watts in Nuance and Novelty on Thursday, April 7, at 8 PM as part of the Gaslight Cabaret Festival. "Joe and Rosemary grace the Gaslight stage with an all new show." The performance takes place at the Gaslight Theater, 358 North Boyle. For more information: gaslightcabaretfestival.com.

The Hawthorne Players present the Thornton Wilder's Our Town April 8-17. "Narrated by a stage manager and performed with minimal props and sets, audiences follow the Webb and Gibbs families as their children fall in love, marry, and eventually-in one of the most famous scenes in American theatre-die." The performances take place at the Florissant Civic Center Theatre at Parker and Waterford in Florissant, MO. For more information, call 921-5678 or visit hawthorneplayers.info.

St. Louis Shakespeare presents Shakespeare's tragedy Richard III Thursdays at 7:30 p.m., Fridays and Saturdays at 8 p.m., and Sundays at 2 p.m., April 9-17. "A brilliant military commander, Richard, Duke of Gloucester, cannot be content in peacetime. As Richard centralizes power and makes a play for the crown, his motives grow uglier, sending him, enraged, into a bloody battle at Bosworth Field against Henry Tudor." Performances take place at the Ivory Theatre, 7620 Michigan in the Carondelet neighborhood. For more information, call 314-361-5664 or visit stlshakespeare.org.

Satchel Paige and the Kansas City Swing
Photo: John Gitchoff

The Repertory Theatre of St. Louis presents Satchel Paige and the Kansas City Swing through April 10. "The crack of the bat, the roar of the crowd-it's what every baseball player dreams of. In 1947, Jackie Robinson had broken baseball's color barrier, while Satchel Paige and his Negro League All-Stars were barnstorming against their white counterparts in the Majors. It was baseball by day and jazz by night as the impassioned and devoted players tried to find their place in a country on the verge of change." Performances take place on the mainstage at the Loretto-Hlton Center, 130 Edgar Road in Webster Groves, MO. For more information, call 314-968-4925 or visit repstl.org.

The Monroe Actors Stage Company presents Moliere's comedy Tartuffe, Fridays and Saturdays at 7:30 and Sundays at 2:30 p.m., through April 10, in the Historic Capitol Theatre in downtown Waterloo, Illinois. For more information, visit www.masctheatre.org or call 618-939-7469.

The Social Justice Center presents There is a Field on Friday, April 8, at 7 p.m. at Washington University. "As the Second Intifada erupted in the West Bank and Gaza, demonstrations also began in Palestinian villages and towns inside Israel. In October 2000, Israeli forces killed thirteen unarmed Palestinians in these demonstrations. The youngest of those killed was a 17-year old boy named Aseel Asleh. Aseel was shot point blank in the neck by Israeli police while nonviolently demonstrating outside his village. There Is A Field is a documentary-style play about Aseel's life and his killing, told from the perspective of his older sister, Nardeen. Through Nardeen's struggle to cope with the murder of her brother, the play also addresses the larger struggle facing Palestinians inside Israel." For more information: thereisafield.info.

Hands Up United and St Louis Palestine Solidarity present There is a Field on Sunday, April 10, at 3 p.m. in Ferguson, MO. "As the Second Intifada erupted in the West Bank and Gaza, demonstrations also began in Palestinian villages and towns inside Israel. In October 2000, Israeli forces killed thirteen unarmed Palestinians in these demonstrations. The youngest of those killed was a 17-year old boy named Aseel Asleh. Aseel was shot point blank in the neck by Israeli police while nonviolently demonstrating outside his village. There Is A Field is a documentary-style play about Aseel's life and his killing, told from the perspective of his older sister, Nardeen. Through Nardeen's struggle to cope with the murder of her brother, the play also addresses the larger struggle facing Palestinians inside Israel." For more information: thereisafield.info.

COCA presents Presentation House Theatre production of Where The Wild Things Are Thursday through Sunday, April 7-10. "This intimate and interactive "guided play" experience invites the audience on stage to help transform Max's bedroom into the various landscapes of his adventures...ending with a Wild Rumpus in which the audience becomes the Wild Things themselves!" COCA is at 524 Trinity in University City. For more information, call (314) 725-6555 or visit www.cocastl.org.

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 February 26, 2016

As always, the choices are purely my personal opinion. Take with a grain (or a shaker) of salt.  I'm publishing early this week since some of these shows

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New This Week:

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 Adlon Music, Barry Mann and Cynthia Weil. Go and enjoy.

Webster University's Conservatory of Theatre Arts presents Molière's comedy The Miser Wednesdays through Sundays through February 28. "Molière's classic comedy introduces us to Harpagon, a man so consumed by greed that he is set on sacrificing the happiness of his children in marriages of convenience. But Harpagon's son and daughter, Valère and Mariane, will plot against their father to marry those they love instead. Molière treats the age-old conflict between love and money with unparalleled and sparkling wit." Performances take place in the studio theatre at the Loretto-Hilton center on the Webster University campus. For more information, events.webster.edu or call 314-968-7128.

My take: The Webster Conservatory is one of the best college theatre groups in town, often producing work of real professional quality. As Steve Callahan writes in his review for KDHX, "director Rick Dildine and his student cast are placing before us a toothsomely light soufflé...As usual with Conservatory productions there are very strong performances—and excellent diction—from the student actors."

The Presenters Dolan present Ken Haller in The TV Show on Friday, February 26, at 7 p.m. "Ken performs songs written for TV from "Sesame Street" to "Smash," from "Cinderella" to "Animaniacs," from "Moonlighting" to "The Monkees." And of course, there will be songs with lyrics you love ("Mary Tyler Moore"), lyrics you never knew existed ("Bewitched"), and lyrics you can't get out of your head (the Barry Manilow Commercial Jingle Extravaganza!). KDHX's Chuck Lavazzi calls it "a tremendously entertaining and often extremely funny romp through TV land." The performance takes place in The Emerald Room at The Monocle Bar, 4510 Manchester in The Grove neighborhood. For more information: presentersdolan.com.

My take: A cabaret show based on classic TV songs and themes? Like activating the Bolonium Interface Device on "Star Trek", it's a crazy idea but it just might work! Since Ken has already quoted me in his promotional material, you might as well read the complete review of the first performance of this show in 2012 at the KDHX web site. Ken has been a fixture of the local cabaret scene for a while now and is one of our most reliably polished performers.

The Stage@KDHX presents Tim Schall: 1961 on Friday, February 26, at 8 PM. "In 1961 the Beatles debuted at the Cavern Club in Liverpool, Bob Dylan entered the Greenwich Village folk scene, 19 year old Carole King wrote her first #1 hit, Moon River won the Oscar for Best Song and in February of that year Tim Schall was born! Join Tim as he celebrates his birthday in a show dedicated to the music of his natal year." Carol Schmidt is pianist and music director for the show, with Michele Isam on percussion, vocals, and sax and Ben Wheeler on bass. The Stage@KDHX is in the KDHX building at 3524 Washington in Grand Center. For more information: ticketfly.com.

My take: I saw this show the first time around back in 2014. It was a polished, well-paced, and exceptionally entertaining evening back then. Since then Tim and music director Carol Schmidt have been refining the arrangements and have added the multi-talented Michele Isam (with Ms. Schmidt, the other half of the local jazz/pop/rock duo Jasmine from many years ago), so this is clearly one you don't want to miss.

Held Over:

And in This Corner...Cassius Clay

Metro Theatre Company and the Missouri History Museum present And in This Corner...Cassius Clay by Idris Goodwin through February 28. "This is the story of young Muhammad Ali as he struggles with racism and segregation in Jim Crow Louisville, Kentucky, how a chance encounter with police officer Joe Morgan (later to become his first coach) sets him on the path toward becoming a legendary boxer and how finally he learns that it is not enough to achieve personal success, one must also work for the good of others." Performances take place in the Lee Auditorium at the Missouri History Museum in Forest Park. For more information: mohistory.org.

My take: "Goodwin's script is crafted to draw in audience members of all ages," writes Shannon Cothran at KDHX, "and he has succeeded with "In This Corner...." A mixture of poetry and prose, the play manages to tell the story of a boy who becomes a champion despite living within a culture of hate while showing us the flaws that make him human." I've been very impressed with Goodwin's work at the Humana Festival in Louisville in 2012 and in 2014, so I'm not surprised to hear that the playwright has struck gold again.

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.

The Dispute
Photo: Valerie Goldston

YoungLiars present The Dispute: A Spectacle for Lovers and Fighters running through February 26. "It's 1744 (sort of) and an exasperated playwright with a wicked case of writer's block accidentally launches the world's first reality entertainment. Four self-absorbed teenagers, raised in total isolation, are turned loose on each other to figure out who committed the first infidelity - men or women. Baroque Farce, Euro-Dance, and The Dandy Warhols collide in this new adaptation of Marivaux's classic comedy where Courtship Etiquette turns into Mortal Combat and the only true love is the one in the mirror. The creative team that brought you Whammy! The Seven Secrets to a Sane Self and other HotCity favorites make their debut as YoungLiars. Performances take place in the fourth floor ballroom at the Centene Center for Arts and Education, 3547 Olive Street in Grand Center. For more information: youngliarsdispute.brownpapertickets.com.

My take: Composed largely of young actors who were part of the late HotCity Theatre, YoungLiars is certainly taking risks with this innovative first production, which decants an 18th century comedy into some colorful new bottles. "All in all," writes Steve Callahan at KDHX, "this debut promises great things from The Young Liars. It's filled with quite wonderful style and artifice. "

Gidion's Knot
Photo: John Lamb

St. Louis Actors' Studio presents Gidion's Knot through February 28 at the Gaslight Theatre, 358 North Boyle. "Over the course of a parent/teacher conference, a grieving mother and an emotionally overwhelmed primary school teacher have a fraught conversation about the tragic suicide of the mother's son, Gidion. Gidion may have been bullied severely-or he may have been an abuser. As his story is slowly uncovered, the women try to reconstruct a satisfying explanation for Gidion's act and come to terms with excruciating feelings of culpability." For more information, call 314-458-2978 or visit stlas.org.

My take: This appears to be a good weekend for hard-nosed dramatic examinations of big social and political issues, with both this show and the Rep's Disgraced. "Director Lee Anne Mathews has tackled the difficult script with sensitivity and a subdued confrontational approach," writes Steve Allen at Stage Door St. Louis. "It works well in easing the audience into this slippery subject matter and gives the proper amount of tension on stage. Playwright Johanna Adams has fashioned a difficult script that opens a lot of conversation about a problem that is all too often ignored- the high suicide rate among younger people." "Playwright Johnna Adams has written a compelling and riveting if also highly disturbing drama that pushes the two performers in its one act and 75 minutes to emotional exhaustion, along with the audience," writes Mark Bretz at Ladue News.

St. Louis theatre calendar for the week of March 30, 2015

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

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

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Jeremy Webb in Buyer and Cellar
©Photo by Jerry Naunheim Jr.

The Repertory Theatre of St. Louis presents Buyer and Cellar through April 12. "Inspired by Barbra Streisand's coffee table book, My Passion for Design, this uproarious fictional account of celebrity eccentricity takes us into Babs' basement, where she houses her unique collections in a small street of shops. An underemployed actor becomes the caretaker, interacting with Barbra in moments both hilarious and surprisingly tender. A runaway hit in New York, this one-man show takes us into the ultimate fantasy of a star-struck dreamer as he fills the oddest of odd jobs." Performances take place in the studio theatre at the Loretto-Hlton Center, 130 Edgar Road in Webster Groves, MO. For more information, call 314-968-4925 or visit repstl.org. Read the 88.1 KDHX review!

Kinky Boots
Photo: Matthew Murphy

The Fox Theatre presents the musical Kinky Boots through April 5. The Fox Theatre is at 527 North Grand in Grand Center. "In Kinky Boots, Charlie Price has reluctantly inherited his father's shoe factory, which is on the verge of bankruptcy. Trying to live up to his father's legacy and save his family business, Charlie finds inspiration in the form of Lola. A fabulous entertainer in need of some sturdy stilettos, Lola turns out to be the one person who can help Charlie become the man he's meant to be. As they work to turn the factory around, this unlikely pair finds that they have more in common than they ever dreamed possible... and discovers that when you change your mind about someone, you can change your whole world." For more information: fabulousfox.com. Read the 88.1 KDHX review!

Webster University's Conservatory of Theatre Arts presents Jason Robert Brown's two-character musical The Last Five Years Friday through Sunday, April 3-5. "An emotionally powerful and intimate musical about two New Yorkers in their twenties who fall in and out of love over the course of five years. The show's unconventional structure consists of Cathy, the woman, telling her story backwards while Jamie, the man, tells his story chronologically; the two characters only meet once, at their wedding in the middle of the show." Performances take place in the Stage III Auditorium on the Webster University campus. For more information, events.webster.edu or call 314-968-7128.

Lola Van Ella

The St. Lou Fringe presents The Life and Times of Marie Anoinette on Friday, April 4, at 7 p.m., preceded by a cocktail hour at 6 p.m. "We've hand-picked some of the top visual and performing artists to bring the story of MARIE ANTOINETTE to life through music, food, dance, burlesque, and visual art. Hosted by international burlesque star, St Louis’ own Lola Van Ella." The event takes place at The Ready Room, 4196 Manchester in The Grove. For more information: stlfringe.com.

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

Stray Dog Theatre presents the musical The Mystery of Edwin Drood by Rupert Holmes Thursdays through Saturdays at 8 PM April 2-18. "This raucous show within a show kicks off when a hilariously loony Victorian musical troupe 'puts on' its flamboyant rendition of an unfinished Charles Dickens mystery. Each performance ends differently depending on how the audience chooses to finish the story that Dickens didn't!" Performances take place at The Tower Grove Abbey, 2336 Tennessee. For more information, visit straydogtheatre.org or call 314-865-1995.

Nancy Kranzberg

The Presenters Dolan present Nancy Kranzberg and the Second Half in a benefit performance for the St. Louis Actors' Studio on Thursday, April 2, at 8 PM as part of the Gaslight Cabaret Festival. "With her trio The Second Half, featuring Tom George on piano. A maker and shaker in the arts, Nancy does an evening of jazz standards to benefit The St. Louis Actors' Studio." The performance takes place at the Gaslight Theater, 358 North Boyle. For more information: gaslightcabaretfestival.com.

OnSite Theatre Company presents Off the Record by Alec Wild Fridays at 8 PM, and Saturdays at 7 and 9 PM, April 3-11. "The timely comedy, Off the Record, follows the gubernatorial campaign of a promising candidate as a surprising scandal puts him and his staff on their toes and forces them into damage-control mode. As the audience takes on the role of the press corps following the candidate, pieces of information about the candidate and his wife leak to the audience bit by bit via cellphone." Audiences will board the bus at Tavolo, 6118 Delmar. For more information: www.OnSiteTheatre.org.

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

Vanya and Sonia and Masha and Spike
©Photo by Jerry Naunheim Jr.

The Repertory Theatre of St. Louis presents Christopher Durang's Vanya And Sonia And Masha And Spike through April 12. "Stuck in their family home in Bucks County, Pennsylvania, Vanya and his adopted sister Sonia live a quiet existence until their lives are thrown into comic upheaval with the arrival of their B-list celebrity sister, Masha, and her 20-something boy toy, Spike. Add to that a soothsaying housekeeper, a star struck young neighbor and a rather odd costume party, and the stage is set for mayhem and hilarity in this present-day homage to Chekhov. Winner of the 2013 Tony Award for Best Play." Performances take place on the mainstage at the Loretto-Hlton Center, 130 Edgar Road in Webster Groves, MO. For more information, call 314-968-4925 or visit repstl.org. Read the 88.1 KDHX review!

Springboard presents the 19th Annual Wise Write Festival of One-Act Plays on Monday, March 30, at 10:00 am. on the Mainstage at The Repertory theater of St. Louis in Webster Groves. " They've been working hard all school year and now is their moment in the spotlight! Join fifth grade playwrights from Hudson Elementary in Webster Groves and from Wyland Elementary in Ritenour as they see their plays come alive." Admission is free and open to the public.

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

St. Louis theatre calendar for the week of November 17, 2014

[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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Mustard Seed Theatre presents the a cappella musical All is Calm Thursdays through Saturdays at 8 PM and Sundays at 2 and 5 PM through December 14. “Join us in celebrating the power of peace in this acapella musical based on the true story of soldiers during World War I who for one night, put down their arms and played soccer instead of exchanging bullets.” Performances take place at the Fontbonne Fine Arts Theatre, 6800 Wydown Blvd. For more information, call (314) 719-8060 or visit the web site at www.mustardseedtheatre.com.

Curtain's Up Theatre presents The Best Christmas Pageant Ever on Sunday, November 23 at 2 and 7 p.m.. " The Herdmans are the worst kids in the history of the world. They lie; they steal lunches, smoke cigars, and terrorize their classmates. After learning, if you go to Sunday school, you can get all the candy and treats you want. They decide this Sunday school thing isn’t such a bad idea! No one was prepared when this outlaw family invades church one Sunday just in time to take over the annual Christmas pageant play. None of the Herdmans had ever heard the Christmas Story before." The performances take place at theWildey Theatre, 252 North Main Street in Edwardsville, Illinois. For more information, visit the web site.

The Performing Arts Department at Washington University presents the musical Bloody Bloody Andrew Jackson through November 23. "Join us for a wild romp through the life of Andrew Jackson told in an in-your-face indie rock style. This 2010 Drama Desk Award winner for “Outstanding Book of a Musical” and Outer Critic’s Circle Award winner for “Outstanding New Off-Broadway Musical,” with a bloody, bloody, sassy sense of humor, will rock the Hotchner Studio! This production contains adult language and situations and is for mature audiences." The performances take place in the Hotchner Studio Theater in the Mallinckrodt Student Center on the Washington University campus. For more information, call 314-935-6543 or visit pad.artsci.wustl.edu.

The West End Players Guild continues their 104th season with Boom Town Thursday through Saturday at 8 PM and Sunday at 2 PM, November 20-23. There will also be a show on Thursday, November 20, at 8 PM. “From the prolific pen of movie and TV star Jeff Daniels, author of more than a dozen plays, comes Boom Town. Angela Tompkins has a husband, a failing convenience store and a dream of running off to Chicago with her lover, the local banker. In an explosive story that mixes small-town politics, love and betrayal, Angela must face reality when her husband discovers the truth.” 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.

The Cabaret Project presents the cabaret open mic night on Wednesday, November 19, from 7 to 10 PM at the Tavern of Fine Arts. “Drop by and enjoy a night of great music from St. Louis cabaret artists, backed up by the inimitable Carol Schmidt on the baby grand. The special guest master of ceremonies will be Tim Schall. If you’re planning to sing, be prepared to do one or two songs and bring music, preferably in your key. We’d also recommend that you have your song memorized. The Tavern of Fine Arts is at 313 Belt at Waterman in the Central West End. There’s free parking in the lot right across the street. For more information, visit the cabaret project web site or call 314-367-7549.

The Monroe Actors Stage Company presents Dickens' A Christmas Carol, adapted for the stage by Anthony Palermo, through November 23 in the Historic Capitol Theatre in downtown Waterloo, Illinois. For more information, visit www.masctheatre.org or call 618-939-7469.

The Presenters Dolan present Christopher Limber: Riffs in a Set of 10 on Thursday, November 20, at 8 PM as part of the Gaslight Cabaret Festival. "Riffs in a Set of 10" is a hip and hot blend of Jazz and poetic interludes recalling the sizzling after-midnight club scene of the 1940's. Homage and affection is paid in joyous, tuneful reflections of the greats: Ella Fitzgerald, Count Basie, Mel Torme, Duke Ellington and Billy Holiday among others. Rhythmical illusion comes alive, setting the scene for 10 classic Jazz numbers rendered faithfully by an ensemble of musicians and St. Louis Cabaret favorites. Featuring Rose Fischer,Michele Isam, Joe Dreyer and David Torretta." The performance takes place at the Gaslight Theater, 358 North Boyle. For more information, visit the web site.

The St. Louis Family Theatre Series presents Click, Clack, Moo, Cows that Type November 23, 28 and 29 at 2 p.m. ""Cows that type? Hens on strike! Whoever heard of such a thing!" Farmer Brown cries. When his granddaughter Jenny comes for a visit, Farmer Brown declared the farm a "tech-free zone." He confiscates her laptop in the cold barn along with the shivering cows who use her computer to type messages requesting blankets. “No way," replies Farmer Brown. "No blankets!” So the cows go on strike and the chickens join them in solidarity. No blankets: no milk, no eggs! Will Farmer Brown give in to the animals' demands? Will Jenny get her computer back? Find out in a hilariously "mooooo-ving" new musical about negotiation and compromise, Based on the Caldecott Honor book by Doreen Cronin and Betsy Lewin." Performances take place at the Florissant Civic Center Theatre at Parker and Waterford in Florissant, MO. For more information, call 314-921-5678 or visit www.florissantmo.com.

St. Louis Community College at Forest Park presents Encounters November 21-23. Performances take place in the Bastian Theatre on the campus at 5600 Oakland. For more information, call 314-644-9100.

The Presenters Dolan present Lara Teeter: Lucky to Be Me on Saturday, November 22, at 8 PM as part of the Gaslight Cabaret Festival. " Join Lara Teeter as he reprises his sold out show (after taking taking it to NY's 54 Below from its debut in St. Louis last spring), in which he shares his journey as artist, teacher, husband and dad. Claimed by both our town and Broadway (a Tony Nominee) as one of its own, Lara Teeter shows us just how fresh the songbook is in a master song and dance man's hands. And feet." The performance takes place at the Gaslight Theater, 358 North Boyle. For more information, visit the web site.

Mariposa Artists presents Robert Breig in Making Evert Moment Count: The Music of Peter Allen on Friday, November 21, at 8 p.m. The show is directed by Lina Koutrakos and features Rick Jensen on piano. " After two sold-out performances, Robert Breig is delighted to bring back "Making Every Moment Count - The Music of Peter Allen" on Friday, November 21st 8PM at The Kranzberg Arts Center. And with Rick Jensen as music director and arranger of songs, this show gives us more than just a glimpse of Peter Allen's life in story and song....to Oz and beyond!" The performance takes place at the Kranzberg Center, 501 North Grand in Grand Center. For more information: brownpapertickets.com.

The Presenters Dolan present Meghan Kirk: The Story Goes On on Friday, November 21, at 8 PM as part of the Gaslight Cabaret Festival. "The beautifully talented Meghan Kirk has recently moved back to St. Louis from Los Angeles, where she performed regularly at The Gardenia. Her new show, crafted for this performance, is about the songs that have followed her throughout her life. Did you ever have a song pop into your head at a pivotal moment? A song that provided direction, that answered a question? That helped get you through? A song that you might not have thought about for years? These are the songs that make up your life soundtrack." The performance takes place at the Gaslight Theater, 358 North Boyle. For more information, visit the web site.

St. Charles Community College presents Miracle on South Division Street November 19-23. Performances take place in the Donald D. Shook Fine Arts Building on the campus at 4601 Mid Rivers Mall Drive in Cottleville, MO. For more information, call 636-922-8050 or visit stchas.edu.

The Fox Theatre presents Motown, the Musical Tuesdays through Sundays, November 18-30. "It began as one man's story… became everyone's music… and is now Broadway's musical. MOTOWN The Musical is the true American dream story of Motown founder Berry Gordy’s journey from featherweight boxer to the heavyweight music mogul who launched the careers of Diana Ross, Michael Jackson, Smokey Robinson and many more. Motown shattered barriers, shaped our lives and made us all move to the same beat. Featuring classic songs such as “My Girl” and “Ain’t No Mountain High Enough,” experience the story behind the music in the record-breaking smash hit MOTOWN The Musical!" The Fox Theatre is at 517 North Grand in Grand Center. For more information, visit the web site.

The Bissell Mansion Murder Mystery Dinner Theatre presents Murder on 34th Street through December. The Bissell Mansion is at 4426 Randall Place. For more information: bissellmansiontheatre.com

Mariposa Artists presents Beverly Brennan in A Night With Day on Saturday, November 22, at 8 p.m. The show is directed by Lina Koutrakos and features Rick Jensen on piano. "Beverly Brennan is back on her sentimental journey in "A Night With Day" on Saturday, November 22nd 8PM, paying tribute to one of her idols, the incomparable Doris Day. The show will feature songs from Doris Day's big band days, her movies and musicals, and her amazing recording career. Bev will also share stories about Doris's life, which has been far from a bed of daisies! With Rick Jensen at the piano - it's magic!" The performance takes place at the Kranzberg Center, 501 North Grand in Grand Center. For more information: brownpapertickets.com.

Tesseract Theatre Company presents Orders by Kevin Ferguson through November 23. "Orders sees Maggie, a young college student, having to make a decision that effects both her relationship to her boyfriend Troy as well as to God. Maggie loves God. Maggie loves Troy. Troy loves Maggie. Troy loves his country. Hearts get pulled when orders get in the way of their relationship. Both must choose what orders to follow." Performances take place at the Regional Arts Commission, 6128 Delmar. For more information: tesseracttheatre.org.

St. Louis University Theatre presents She Kills Monsters by Qui Nguyen through November 23. Performances take place in Xavier Hall, 3373 West Pine Mall. For more information, call (314) 977-2998 or visit www.slu.edu/theatre.

The Conservatory of Theatre Arts at Webster University presents the musical Spring Awakening Wednesday through Sunday, November 19-23. "Based off of the play of the same name by Frank Wedekind, “Spring Awakening” is centered around the lives of young teenagers as they find themselves transitioning through a confusing, yet arousing sexual awakening." Performances take place on the mainstage of the Loretto-Hilton Center on the Webster University campus. For more information, visit the web site or call 314-968-7128.

The Boo Cat Club presents Tennessee Williams' Stairs to the Roof through November 23. "Benjamin Murphy stages a one-man rebellion against the clock, the monotony of an eight-to-five job and the dehumanizing forces of an increasing mechanized and commercial society. Ben takes us on a series of fantastic adventures that culminate in an escape from the mundane...taking us up his stairs to the roof to a better, more Utopian world." The Boo Cat Club is at 812 Union in the Central West End. For more information: brownpapertickets.com. Read the 88.1 KDHX review!

COCA presents the Mermaid Theatre of Nova Scotia production of Stella, Queen of the Snow Saturday and Sunday, November 22 and 23. “Mermaid Theatre of Nova Scotia returns to tell the story of Stella, Queen of the Snow where Stella and Sam spend the day playing in the snow and discover the world of winter together. Recommended for ages 3 and up.” COCA is at 524 Trinity in University City. For more information, call (314) 725-6555 or visit the web site.

St. Louis Community College at Meramec presents Wooed and Viewed and Romance in A Flat Wednesday through Sunday, November 19-23. Performances take place in the theatre on the campus at 11333 Big Bend Road. For more information, call 314-984-7500.

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 April 25, 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:

The Conservatory of Theatre Arts at Webster University presents the musical Into the Woods Wednesday through Sunday, April 23-27. Performances take place on the Browning Mainstage Theater at the Loretto-Hilton Center on the Webster University campus. For more information: www.webster.edu/fine-arts/departments/conservatory/index.html or call 314-968-7128.

My take: The Webster Conservatory does consistently excellent work and Into the Woods is one of Sondheim's more thoughtful and inventive shows. The second act is nearly always problematic, but if anyone can make a good case for it, they can.

The Presenters Dolan present Lara Teeter in Lucky to Be Me on Friday and Saturday, April 25 and 26, at 8 PM as part of the Gaslight Cabaret Festival. "Join Lara Teeter for his St. Louis cabaret debut, sharing his journey as artist, teacher, husband and dad. Claimed by both our town and Broadway (a Tony Nominee) as one of its own, Lara Teeter shows us just how fresh the songbook is in a master song and dance man's hands. And feet. " The performance takes place at the Gaslight Theater, 358 North Boyle. For more information: gaslightcabaretfestival.com.

My take: Lara Teeter has a been an important force on the musical theatre and cabaret scene locally for many years. He and Neal Richardson have done impressive work with the musical theatre students at the Webster Conservatory, as anyone who has seen their annual cabaret night can attest. It will be interesting to see what his own show looks like.

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.

Shakespeare Festival St. Louis presents Shake 38, a city wide performance festival in which all 38 of Shakespeare's plays are performed by 38 different groups in a variety of neighborhoods and locations. Performances take place Wednesday through Sunday, April 23-27. For a complete schedule: sfstl.com.

My take: Speaking of non-traditional approaches to The Bard, Shake 38 provides more Shakespeare than you can (ahem) shake a stick at ("if that's your idea of a good time," to quote Groucho). Want to see Titus Andronicus at a hookah bar? Or Romeo and Juliet at a juvenile detention center? How about Julius Caesar at City Hall, Pericles at a coffee house, or Henry V at The Stage @ KDHX? All this and more will unfold this weekend; check out the web site for a complete schedule

Held Over:

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.

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.

My take: Once again, the Black Rep has brought us a rarely-seen show from the pen of a noted playwright—in this case Nigeria's Wole Soyinka. "This play might have come from the pen of an archaic Aristophanes," writes Steve Callahan in his review for 88.1 KDHX. "But this little play is awash in quite beautiful dance and music and ravishing African rhythms. There is African song with gorgeous harmonies. At one moment, in a frenzy of prayer, there is a shrill ululation—the most thrilling sound in the world. All of this music and dance is so exquisitely done. And it so beautifully supports the feeling of stylization—the feeling that this is an ancient folk tale." If that doesn't sound fascinating, you must be fascination proof.

St. Louis theatre calendar for the week of April 21, 2014

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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Stages St. Louis presents the musical Always..Patsy Cline April 22 -June 15. "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.

Peabody Opera House presents Blue Man Group April 25 - 27. For more information, visit peabodyoperahouse.com or call 314-622-5420.

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

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!

New Jewish Theater presents Ed Asner in his one-may play FDR Sunday, April 27, at 7 PM. “Asner's FDR, explores the life of one of America's best-loved presidents and the events and decisions that shaped a nation. This powerful play takes us through FDR's White House years including the Depression, the steps leading up to WWII and the war years. Asner shows us why this president was known as “that man in the White House,” scorned by many and admired by most.” The performance take place in the Edison Theatre on the Washington University campus. For more information: www.newjewishtheatre.org or call 314-442-3283.

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

The Conservatory of Theatre Arts at Webster University presents the musical Into the Woods Wednesday through Sunday, April 23-27. Performances take place on the Browning Mainstage Theater at the Loretto-Hilton Center on the Webster University campus. For more information: www.webster.edu/fine-arts/departments/conservatory/index.html or call 314-968-7128.

KTK Productions presents the comedy Leading Ladies by Ken Ludwig April 25 - May 4. Performances take place at Southampton Presbyterian Church, 4716 Macklind. For more information, call 314-351-8984.

Lion's Paw Theatre Company presents a reading of the plays The Hysterical Misogynist by Murray Schisgal, Charm of the British by Laura Cotton, and Siren Song of Stephen Jay Gould by Benjamin Bettenbender, on Tuesday, April 22, at noon. The reading, which includes lunch, takes place at The Hearth Room at The Hawken House, 1155 South Rock Hill Road. For more information: lionspawtheatre.org.

The Presenters Dolan present Lara Teeter in Lucky to Be Me on Friday and Saturday, April 25 and 26, at 8 PM as part of the Gaslight Cabaret Festival. "Join Lara Teeter for his St. Louis cabaret debut, sharing his journey as artist, teacher, husband and dad. Claimed by both our town and Broadway (a Tony Nominee) as one of its own, Lara Teeter shows us just how fresh the songbook is in a master song and dance man's hands. And feet. " The performance takes place at the Gaslight Theater, 358 North Boyle. For more information: gaslightcabaretfestival.com.

Equally Represented Arts presents Make Hamlet, April 21 through May 3. "This experimental, theatrical production re-envisions Shakespeare's iconic play. It uses the plays 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.

St. Louis University Theatre presents Euripides's Medea adapted by Robinson Jeffers April 25 - May 4. Performances take place in Xavier Hall, 3373 West Pine Mall. For more information, call (314) 977-2998 or visit www.slu.edu/theatre.

Lindenwood University's J. Scheidegger Center for the Arts presents Memphis: the Musical on Monday, April 21, at 8 PM. The Scheidegger Center is on the Lindenwood campus in St Charles MO. For more information, visit lindenwood.edu/center.

St. Charles Community College presents Next Year's Man of Steel Wednesday through Sunday, April 23-27. Performances take place in the Donald D. Shook Fine Arts Building on the campus at 4601 Mid Rivers Mall Drive in Cottleville, MO. For more information, call 636-922-8050 or visit stchas.edu.

Shakespeare Festival St. Louis presents Shake 38, a city wide performance festival in which all 38 of Shakespeare's plays are performed by 38 different groups in a variety of neighborhoods and locations. Performances take place Wednesday through Sunday, April 23-27. For a complete schedule: sfstl.com.

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!

Clayton Community Theatre presents Agatha Christie's The Unexpected Guest Fridays and Saturdays at 8 PM and Sundays at 2 PM, April 25 - May 4. Performances take place at the Washington University South Campus Theatre. For more information, call 314-721-9228 or visit placeseveryone.org.

Upstream Theater presents Windmill Baby by David Milroy April 25 - 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.

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

St. Louis theatre calendar for the week of March 24, 2014

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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Mariposa Artists presents an encore performance of Liz Murphy's cabaret debut The Best is Yet to Come, Sunday, March 30, at 7 PM. The show is directed by Lina Koutrakos with music direction by Rick Jensen. “Liz shares the incredible opportunities of her life, the people that have influenced her, and her eagerness for self-discovery. This show celebrates the joy of newfound possibilities: the spirit, energy, sparkle, and exuberance of a colorful life. With her musical partner, Rick Jensen, the evening of song will take us from Cy Coleman to Christopher Cross, Stephen Schwartz to Stephen Sondheim, Martina McBride to Julie Gold....just to mention a few.” The performance takes place at the Belleville Philharmonic, 116 North Jackson in Belleville, IL. For more information: www.brownpapertickets.com/event/567490

The Washington University Performing Arts Department presents Betrayal by Harold Pinter, Thursday and Friday at 8 PM, and Saturday at 2 and 8 PM and Sunday at 2 PM, March 27-20. " Harold Pinter's 1978 masterpiece about an adulterous love triangle, asks one big question: If you knew what a choice would cost you, would you still make it? With characteristically sparse dialogue and rich subtext, Pinter explores human desire and mines the depths one goes to satisfy it." 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.

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

Southern Illinois University at Edwardsville Department of Theater and Dance presents Pinter's The Caretaker through March 30. The performances take place on the campus in Edwardsville, IL. For more information, call 618-650-2774.

The Presenters Dolan present an encore performance of Connie Fairchild: Down by the River on Friday, March 28, at 8 PM as part of the Gaslight Cabaret Festival. " As the lead singer of Fairchild, one of the most popular bands ever to call St. Louis home, Connie Fairchild was recognized by the RFT as Best Female Vocalist several times. A few years on, and Connie makes her cabaret debut in a show entitled Down By The River. Connie was mesmerized by the rhythms of the rivers that surrounded her home towns. Growing up in Kentucky on the Ohio and Tennessee Rivers, in Louisiana on the Mississippi, and then following the river up to St. Louis, her voice was chiseled from other voices she listened to from these lush environments, such as Irma Thomas and Rosemary Clooney." The performance takes place at the Gaslight Theater, 358 North Boyle. For more information: gaslightcabaretfestival.com. Read the 88.1 KDHX review!

St. Louis University Theatre presents Five Women Wearing the Same Dress by Alan Ball March 28-30. Performances take place in Xavier Hall, 3373 West Pine Mall. For more information, call (314) 977-2998 or visit http://slu.edu/x38573.xml.

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

The Repertory Theatre of St. Louis presents a staged reading of Georama - A Mostly True Story of the Forgotten John Banvard with book by West Hyler and Matt Schatz, music and lyrics by Matt Schatz, and additional music and lyrics by Jack Herrick on Saturday March 29, at 3:00 PM as part of the Ignite! New Play Festival. “In the mid 1800s, American artist John Banvard created the first georama, a 3,000 foot-long scrolled painting celebrating the beauty of the Mississippi River. His creation took him from the life of a starving artist to one of luxury and notoriety when his moving panorama became a nationwide hit. But can he handle the stresses and competition this new life brings or will his passion fall by the wayside in the search for fame and fortune?” The reading takes place at the Sally S. Levy Opera Center, 210 Hazel in Webster Groves. For more information, visit repstl.org.

Peabody Opera House presents Ghost the Musical, based on the popular film, Tuesday through Sunday, March 25-20. “Ghost The Musical delivers a visual experience unlike anything you've seen before. Relive the iconic and magical moments from the Oscar-winning movie in a brand-new Broadway musical that takes you on a thrilling adventure to the afterlife. You will be amazed to see inanimate objects take on a life of their own, a person walk through a solid door right before your eyes and other special effects that will astonish and leave you gasping.” For more information, visit peabodyoperahouse.com or call 314-622-5420.

The Presenters Dolan present an encore performance of Joe Dreyer and Rosemary Watts: Swing Into Spring on Saturday, March 29, at 8 PM as part of the Gaslight Cabaret Festival. " Rosemary Watts and Joe Dreyer premier their new show "Swing Into Spring" at the Gaslight Cabaret Festival. Music from the masters of musical theatre makes up the heart of the show, with a few Dreyer originals too. The first couple of St. Louis cabaret brings a brand new show to the Gaslight stage." The performance takes place at the Gaslight Theater, 358 North Boyle. For more information: gaslightcabaretfestival.com.

Mariposa Artists Robert Breig in Making Every Moment Count: The Music of Peter Allen, Friday and Saturday, March 28 and 29, at 8 PM. The show is directed by Lina Koutrakos with music direction by Rick Jensen. “Robert Breig opens his new cabaret show "Making Every Moment Count - The Music of Peter Allen", March 28-29th, 8PM at the Kranzberg Arts Center. Rick Jensen serves as music director and arranger of songs that give us more than just a glimpse of Peter Allen's life in story and song....to Oz and beyond!” The performance takes place at the Kranzberg Center, 501 North Grand in Grand Center. For more information: www.brownpapertickets.com/event/559044

The Repertory Theatre of St. Louis presents Michael Frayn's comedy Noises Off through April 13. “Disasters abound as a frantic, sleep-deprived touring company of actors rehearses and performs their fictional farce, Nothing On. Too many doors, too many sardines and not near enough time combine to create a riotously funny situation on and off stage for both cast and crew. Michael Frayn's intricately crafted mayhem is hailed as one of the greatest comedies ever written.” 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!

The Price
Photo: John Lamb

New Jewish Theater presents Arthur Miller's The Price through April 16. “Everything has a price. In one of the most emotional pieces that Arthur Miller ever wrote, two estranged brothers reunite for one day to sort and sell their deceased father's "furniture," before the building is torn down. The brothers are forced to deal with the price of decisions made in their shared past.” Performances take place in the Marvin and Harlene Wool Studio Theater at the Jewish Community Center, 2 Millstone Campus Drive in Creve Coeur. For more information: www.newjewishtheatre.org or call 314-442-3283. Read the 88.1 KDHX review!

The Conservatory of Theatre Arts at Webster University presents Reckless by Craig Lucas Friday and Saturday at 7:30 PM and Sunday at 2 PM, March 28-20. “With Reckless... Mr. Lucas has given us a bittersweet Christmas fable for our time. It's a Wonderful Life as it might be reimagined for a bruising contemporary America in which homelessness may be a pervasive spiritual condition rather than a sociological crisis... Reckless has a simple emotional pull akin to that of a Crosby ballad born of the lonely World War II home front, it yanks us through every conceivable absurdist hoop, fracturing narrative, language and characterization on the way to its rending destination." Performances take place in the Stage III Auditorium in Webster Hall on the Webster University campus. For more information: www.webster.edu/fine-arts/departments/conservatory/index.html or call 314-968-7128

HotCity Theatre presents Red Light Winter by Adam Rapp through March 29. “A tempestuous love triangle smolders between two college buddies and the red light woman they share for a night. Sex, lies and decadence will change their lives forever!” Performances take place at the Kranzberg Arts Center, 501 North Grand in Grand Center. For more information, visit www.hotcitytheatre.org or call 314-289-4063. Read the 88.1 KDHX review!

Photo: Jill Ritter Lindberg

New Line Theatre presents the rock musical Rent Thursdays through Saturdays at 8 PM, through March 29. "New Line continues its 23rd season with Jonathan Larson's Pulitzer Prize winning, long-running rock opera Rent. This cheerfully transgressive, 1990s rock/pop riff on the classic story, set in New York City’s East Village, is best described in its creator's own words: 'In these dangerous times, where it seems the world is ripping apart at the seams, we can all learn how to survive from those who stare death squarely in the face every day and we should reach out to each other and bond as a community, rather than hide from the terrors of life at the end of the millennium.'"Performances take place at the Washington University South Campus Theatre, 6501 Clayton Road. For more information: newlinetheatre.com. Read the 88.1 KDHX review!

St. Louis Shakespeare presents Romeo and Juliet March 28 - April 6. Performances take place in the Thomas Hunter Theatre at DeSmet Jesuit High School, 233 N New Ballas Road. For more information, call 314-361-5664 or visit stlshakespeare.org.

©Photo by Jerry Naunheim, Jr.

The Repertory Theatre of St. Louis presents Soups, Stews, and Casseroles: 1976 through March 30. “When the main employer in Monroe, Wisconsin is acquired by a major manufacturer, a once peaceful small town turns into a battleground as families struggle to retain their independence, identity and livelihoods. While new opportunities develop for some, difficult choices must be made, putting loyalties and relationships to the test. This world premiere play has been commissioned by The Rep and was developed through the Ignite! New Play Festival.” Performances take place in the studio theatre at the Loretto-Hlton Center, 130 Edgar Road in Webster Groves, MO. For more information, call 314-968-4925 or visit repstl.org. Read the 88.1 KDHX review!

O'Fallon TheatreWorks presents Twelve Angry Jurors. at the O'Fallon Municipal Centre auditorium through March 30. The O'Fallon Municipal Centre is located at 100 North Main Street in O'Fallon, MO. For more information, visit www.ofallon.mo.us or call 636-379-5606.

The Fox Theatre presents the musical We Will Rock You through March 30. "From London's West End, the worldwide smash hit musical by Queen and Ben Elton comes to St. Louis for a limited engagement! We Will Rock You features the greatest hits of the legendary British rock group, Queen. Now in its 11th year in London and seen by a staggering 15 million people worldwide, this hilarious, multi-award-winning and record-breaking phenomenon boasts a fantastic score of killer Queen tunes that you just can't resist singing along to, such as Another One Bites The Dust, Crazy Little Thing Called Love, We Are The Champions, Bohemian Rhapsody and of course, We Will Rock You. It's the world champion of musicals and the show that rocks harder than any other, so don't miss the party - book your tickets now!" The Fox Theatre is at 517 North Grand in Grand Center. For more information, call 314-534-1678. 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.