St. Louis classical calendar for the week of March 28, 2016

Time for Three

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The Community Music School of Webster University presents a concert by Time for Three on Thursday, March 31, at 7:30 p.m. "The classically trained trio (Nicholas Kendall and Nikki Chooi, violins; and Ranaan Meyer, double bass) defies any traditional genre classification. With virtuosity and showmanship, the trio performs music from Bach to Brahms and beyond, including originals and their own arrangements of everything from bluegrass to ingenious pop-music mash-ups." The Community Music School is at 535 Garden Avenue on the Webster University campus. For more information: webster.edu/cms.

DaySpring Arts and Education presents a Bach Birthday Bash on Friday, April 1, at 7:00 p.m. "DaySpring students and faculty are joined by members of the Bach Society of Saint Louis for a fun and educational concert showcasing Johann Sebastian Bach's large body of work. Listen to pieces on period instruments, enjoy unique dance collaborations with DaySpring's Volé Connection, learn about the 330-year-old master's extensive career and life, and be entertained by Saint Louis's oldest continuous chorus." The performance takes place in the Black Box at DaySpring Arts and Education's new state-of-the-art facility, 2500 Metro Blvd. Maryland Heights, MO. For more information: dayspringarts.org.

Eliot Unitarian Chapel presents a Friends of Music concert on Sunday, April 3, at 3 PM. The program features music by Mozart, Brahms, and Telemann. The concert takes place at Eliot Unitarian Chapel is at 100 South Argonne in Kirkwood. For more information: fomcstl.org.

The Ethical Society presents a Great Artist Guitar Series concert with Lukasz Kuropaczewski on Saturday, April 2, at 8 p.m. "A native of Gniezno, Poland, Mr. Kuropaczewski studied with Manuel Barrueco at the Peabody Conservatory, awarded the Artist Diploma in 2008. He has appeared on stage at the Royal Festival Hall in London, the Concertgebouw in Amsterdam, the National Philharmonic Hall in Warsaw, Tchaikovsky Hall in Moscow and Carnegie Hall in New York. " The performance takes at the Ethical Society of St. Louis, 9001 Clayton Road. For more information: ethicalstl.org.

2 Cellos

The Fox Theatre presents 2 Cellos on Thursday, March 31, at 7:30 p.m. "Propelled into international fame in 2011 after their version of Michael Jackson's "Smooth Criminal” went viral, the Croatian cellists, Luka Sulic and Stjepan Hauser, continue to wow their fans with dynamic music videos and covers of today's most classic and popular songs. Most recently their Baroque inspired, yet high octane head-banging video of AC/DC's "Thunderstruck” garnered over 45 Million views to date. The duo returned to their rock roots on their recently released, critically acclaimed, third album Celloverse.” The Fox Theatre is at 527 North Grand in Grand Center. For more information: fabulousfox.com.

David Robertson conducts the St. Louis Symphony Orchestra with soprano soloist Susanna Phillips in Ravel's Mother Goose Suite, Claude Vivier's Lonely Child and Mahler's Symphony No. 4 on Saturday at 8 p.m. and Sunday at 3 p.m., April 2 and 3. "Originally composed for the enjoyment of young children at the piano, Ravel's Mother Goose Suite was later transcribed for full orchestra, offering audiences a vivid orchestration of the adolescent fairytale. Mahler also reveals the innocence of youth depicting a child's view of celestial bliss in the finale of his Fourth Symphony. Returning after her captivating 2013 performance in Peter Grimes with the STL Symphony, soprano Susanna Phillips will astound audiences singing the finale of Mahler's Fourth." Performances take place at Powell Symphony Hall, 718 North Grand. For more information: stlsymphony.org.

Second Presbyterian Church presents Cortango Orquesta on Friday, April 1, at 7:0 p.m. "Cortango Orquesta – an ensemble of musicians from The St. Louis Symphony with Cally Banham, English horn and oboe, Asako Kuboki, violin, David DeRiso, bass, and guest pianist Adam Maness– team up with Principal Harp Allegra Lilly to perform a concert that features tango with a symphonic twist. Free and open to the public." The church is at 4501 Westminster Place in the Central West End. For more information: secondchurch.net.

Julia Bullock
sheldonconcerthall.org

The Sheldon Concert Hall presents soprano Julia Bullock and pianist Renate Rohlfine on Wednesday, March 30, at 8 PM. "Soprano Julia Bullock is a rising star in the opera world, with performances in New York, Boston, San Francisco and Paris to her credit. A St. Louis native and graduate of Opera Theatre's Artist-in-Training program, Bullock won the 2014 Naumburg International Vocal Competition, and is currently pursuing an Artist Diploma at The Juilliard School. Don't miss an exciting performance by a singer The New York Times hails as "ravishingly visceral.”” The Sheldon is at 3648 Washington in Grand Center. For more information: thesheldon.org.

The Tavern of Fine Arts presents tenor Phil Touchette and pianist Jon Garrett in Liederabend: Beloved Schubert and Brahms Songs on Wednesday, March 30, at 8 p.m. "Tenor Phil Touchette returns to the Tavern with pianist Jon Garrett for a Liederabend recital of beloved songs by Franz Schubert and Johannes Brahms. In addition to these works, Phil has prepared a special set comprised of well known "Lieder" that didn't originate in German, but have become quite popular in German-speaking countries. Do you want to know the theme? You'll have to come and join us." The Tavern of Fine Arts is at 313 Belt in the Debaliviere Place neighborhood. For more information: tavern-of-fine-arts.blogspot.com.

The Tavern of Fine Arts presents baritone Erik Olson and pianist Jon Garrett on Friday, April 2, at 8 p.m. The Tavern of Fine Arts is at 313 Belt in the Debaliviere Place neighborhood. For more information: tavern-of-fine-arts.blogspot.com.

The Tavern of Fine Arts presents Reuel Umali, tenor and Diana Umali, piano on Saturday, April 3 at 8 p.m. The Tavern of Fine Arts is at 313 Belt in the Debaliviere Place neighborhood. For more information: tavern-of-fine-arts.blogspot.com.

The Town and Country Symphony Orchestra presents a special Holiday Concert on Sunday, April 3, at 2:30 PM. "The Orchestra also performs in a variety of musical styles — classical, pops, Christmas pops, operettas, and oratorios." The performance includes David Diamond's Rounds for String Orchestra and Peter Warlock's Capriol Suite and takes place at Parkway UCC Auditorium, 2841 N. Ballas Road. For more information: tcsomo.org.

Chuck's Choices for the weekend of March 25, 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:

If/Then
Photo: Joan Marcus

The Fox Theatre presents the musical If/Then opening on Tuesday, March 15, and running through March 27. "IF/THEN is a contemporary Broadway musical about living in New York today - and all the possibilities of tomorrow. With unforgettable songs and a deeply moving story by the Pulitzer Prize and Tony Award®-winning creators of Next to Normal, this "fascinating, ambitious, and original new musical" (New York Post) simultaneously follows one woman's two possible life paths, painting a deeply moving portrait of the lives we lead, as well as the lives we might have led." The Fox is on North Grand in Grand Center. For more information: fabulousfox.com.

My take: Ever wonder about the path not taken? If/Then follows two parallel story lines featuring the same character but different life choices. I find this a fascinating premise and would have seen the show if a family medical emergency hadn't intervened. Originally a starring vehicle of Idina Menzel of Wicked fame, If/Then on tour features Menzel's Broadway understudy Jackie Burns in the lead role, and she's apparently an impressive performer. Writing for the Belleville News-Democrat, Lynn Venhaus says Burns "makes the role her own with tremendous poise and powerhouse vocals."

Old Wicked Songs
Photo: Eric Woolsey

New Jewish Theater presents the Old Wicked Songs through April 3 "Hoping to reconnect with his music and shatter the artistic block that has plagued his career, a young American piano prodigy travels to Vienna in the spring of 1986. He is assigned to a vocal teacher who gives him the "Dicheterliebe" song cycle by Robert Schumann. Marans incorporates the poetry of Heinrich Heine and the music of Robert Schumann into the series of events. Through the sessions between the two men, Marans creates a link between two generations who find they much more in common than they think. This is the inspirational journey of two very different men who, with music as their one common bond, must find a way to break through their pasts." Performances take place in the Marvin and Harlene Wool Studio Theater at the Jewish Community Center, 2 Millstone Campus Drive in Creve Coeur. For more information: www.newjewishtheatre.org or call 314-442-3283.

My take: I recall being very taken with this script when the Rep did it many years ago. In the Jewish Light, Bob Cohn describes this as "a challenging, thought-provoking play." "Playwright Jon Marans has created a play that ebbs and flows like a musical composition," writes Steve Allen for Stage Door St. Louis. "Yes, the music is at the heart of the production but the real heart in the production is the strength and resolve of teacher and student and the life lessons they each learn from one another. It’s a beautiful script handled by two truly great actors."

The Repertory Theatre of St. Louis Ignite! New Play Festival presents Until the Flood by Daniel Orlandersmith Friday at 7:30 p.m. and Saturday at 1 p.m., March 25 and 26. "The Rep has commissioned celebrated writer, performer and Pulitzer Prize finalist Dael Orlandersmith to write and perform a play about the recent events in Ferguson. She has fashioned a sensitive and moving portrayal of the people in our community, and how they feel about an event that placed St. Louis in a spotlight it didn't expect or relish." The Friday performance takes place at the Sally S. Levy Opera Center, 210 Hazel Avenue in Webster Groves and the Saturday performance at St. Louis Public Radio in Grand Center. For more information www.repstl.org/ignite.

My take: It's always interesting to see new plays—it's the main reason I attend the Humana Festival every year— and the shows previewed in Rep's Ignite! festival often go on to full productions at the Rep and elsewhere. This is a good chance to see art while it's being made.

Held Over:

American Idiot
Photo: Jill Ritter Lindberg

New Line Theatre presents the musical American Idiot, based on the album by Green Day, Thursdays through Saturdays at 8 PM through March 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 front man 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.

My take: As you can see from the description of this show, it could hardly be more relevant during the current primary campaign season, especially in light of the Republican Party's slide into drooling insanity. In her review for KDHX, Tina Farmer says this "is a fantastic production, and several scenes flash with brilliance. The cast are uniformly strong singers and the interpretations of the songs are spot on. " At Ladue News, Mark Bretz says "New Line’s presentation superbly captures the musical essence of the album and show as well as making the most of the straightforward plot."

Molly's Hammer
Photo: Jerry Naunheim, Jr.

The Repertory Theatre of St. Louis presents the world premiere of Molly's Hammer through March 27. "Molly Rush was focused on the endgame- save the world, protect her family. But what would she have to sacrifice? In 1980, the Pittsburgh housewife and mother of six walked into a General Electric plant and took a hammer to a nuclear warhead to protest the buildup of America's nuclear arsenal. Based on the true story of the Plowshares Eight, Molly's Hammer is the world-premiere account of one woman's unwavering beliefs and her family's desperate attempts to protect her from infamy." Performances take place in the studio theater 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: What's the price of compassion? What is the extent of a citizen's obligation to oppose fundamentally evil policies by a government? How much should one be expected to sacrifice for the common good? As I write in my review, these and many other questions are raised by Tammy Ryan's gripping drama Molly's Hammer. At a time when the very foundations of our political system are being openly challenged by the forces of fascism and hysterical fear, and when the leading candidates of one of our political parties are almost drooling with pleasure at the possibility of starting a nuclear war, these questions could not be more timely.

The party's over: a look back at the Fourth Annual St. Louis Theater Circle Awards

The St. Louis Theater Circle critics at the 2016 awards

So, (to paraphrase Mr. Kipling a bit) the tumult and the shouting have died after the Fourth Annual St. Louis Theater Circle Awards last night. The general consensus appears to be that we have really hit our stride with this one, with a new and very classy venue at the Skip Viragh Center on the Chaminade campus, slick media production from HEC-TV, and an all-around positive vibe from everyone in attendance, regardless of who did or didn't get an award or nomination.

Speaking of the awards, though, here's the official list of who got what. For those of you keeping score, the companies that got the largest number of awards were Stages St. Louis and the Repertory Theatre of St. Louis with five awards each. Next were Opera Theatre of St. Louis and St. Louis Actors' Studio with four each; Mustard Seed Theatre, Shakespeare Festival, and Upstream Theater with two each; and one each for Insight Theatre Company, Max and Louie Productions, Metro Theatre Company, Slightly Askew Theatre Ensemble, The Black Rep, Union Avenue Opera, and West End Players Guild.

As someone who reviews classical music as well as theatre, I was struck by how well our local opera companies did this time around. I thought it was especially notable that the awards for outstanding actor/actress in a musical both went to opera productions. That says something, I think, about the dedication local opera companies have to the theatrical aspects of their craft.

The event was broadcast live on HEC-TV and, for those of you who missed it, will be available on their web site shortly. Thanks to them for all their great work on this project.

Congratulations are also due to some Theater Circle members who go above and beyond the call of duty in helping put this whole shebang together. Specifically:

• St. Louis Post-Dispatch critic Judith Newmark for her script
• Andrea Torrance of St. Louis Theater Snob for pulling all the production photos together
• Bob Wilcox and Gerry Kowarsky for their work with HEC-TV
• Executive Board member Mark Bretz of Ladue News for his tireless work behind the scenes, along with Judith and our administrator Eleanor Mullin
• The original Funny Lady herself, Donna Weinsting, for her hilarious opening monologue

It was fun, folks. See you next year. And meanwhile, keep reading our reviews. And here's the complete list:

Category	Person	Show	Company
Supporting Actress in a Comedy	Betsy Bowman	Who’s Afraid of Virginia Woolf?	St. Louis Actors’ Studio
Supporting Actor in a Comedy	Michael Brightman	Mr. Marmalade	West End Players Guild
Actress in a Comedy	Kari Ely	Who’s Afraid of Virginia Woolf?	St. Louis Actors’ Studio
Actor in a Comedy	Jeremy Webb	Buyer and Cellar	Repertory Theatre of St. Louis
Lighting Design in a Play	Peter E. Sargent	Angel Street	Repertory Theatre of St. Louis
Sound Design in a Play	Greg Mackender and Rusty Wandall	Antony and Cleopatra	Shakespeare Festival St. Louis
Costume Design in a Play	Beth Ashby	An Invitation Out	Mustard Seed Theatre
Set Design in a Play	Wilson Chin	Angel Street	Repertory Theatre of St. Louis
Supporting Actress in a Drama	Jennifer Theby-Quinn	Afflicted: Daughters of Salem	Metro Theater Company
Supporting Actor in a Drama	John Flack	Sublime Intimacy	Max & Louie Productions
Actress in a Drama	Amy Loui	The Amish Project	Mustard Seed Theatre
Actor in a Drama	J. Samuel Davis	Bashir Lazhar	Upstream Theater
New Play	Nancy Bell	The World Begun	Shakespeare Festival St. Louis
Musical Director	George Manahan	Emmeline	Opera Theatre of Saint Louis
Choreographer	Keith Tyrone Williams	Once on This Island	The Black Rep
Supporting Actress in a Musical	Zoe Vonder Haar	The Full Monty	Stages St. Louis
Supporting Actor in a Musical	Joneal Joplin	The Fantasticks	Insight Theatre Company
Lighting Design in a Musical	Christopher Akerlind	Emmeline	Opera Theatre of Saint Louis
Set Design in a Musical	Shoko Kambara	The Barber of	Seville Opera Theatre of Saint Louis
Costume Design in a Musical	Brad Musgrove	Anything Goes	Stages St. Louis
Actress in a Musical	Joyce El- Khoury	Emmeline	Opera Theatre of Saint Louis
Actor in a Musical	Jordan Shanahan	Rigoletto	Union Avenue Opera
Ensemble in a Comedy		The 39 Steps	Slightly Askew Theatre Ensemble
Ensemble in a Drama		All the Way	Repertory Theatre of St. Louis
Ensemble in a Musical		Anything Goes Stages	St. Louis
Director of a Comedy	John Contini	Who’s Afraid of Virginia Woolf?	St. Louis Actors’ Studio
Director of a Drama	Patrick Siler	The Rime of the Ancient Mariner	Upstream Theater
Director of a Musical	Michael Hamilton	Anything Goes	Stages St. Louis
Production of a Comedy		Who’s Afraid of Virginia Woolf?	St. Louis Actors’ Studio
Production of a Drama		All the Way	Repertory Theatre of St. Louis
Production of a Musical		Anything Goes	Stages St. Louis

St. Louis theatre calendar for the week of March 21, 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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American Idiot
Photo: Jill Ritter Lindberg

New Line Theatre presents the musical American Idiot, based on the album by Green Day, Thursdays through Saturdays at 8 PM through March 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.

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

The Presenters Dolan present Natalie Douglas in Hello Dolly: The Music of Dolly Parton on Thursday, March 24, at 8 PM as part of the Gaslight Cabaret Festival. "Called "a true force of nature" by The Times UK and "sensational" by Time Out New York. After a Birdland residency and a weeklong triumph in London, Natalie Douglas - a buxom beauty herself - brings her acclaimed Dolly Parton show to our town.." The performance takes place at the Gaslight Theater, 358 North Boyle. For more information: gaslightcabaretfestival.com.

If/Then
Photo: Joan Marcus

The Fox Theatre presents the musical If/Then opening on Tuesday, March 15, and running through March 27. "IF/THEN is a contemporary Broadway musical about living in New York today - and all the possibilities of tomorrow. With unforgettable songs and a deeply moving story by the Pulitzer Prize and Tony Award®-winning creators of Next to Normal, this "fascinating, ambitious, and original new musical" (New York Post) simultaneously follows one woman's two possible life paths, painting a deeply moving portrait of the lives we lead, as well as the lives we might have led." The Fox is on North Grand in Grand Center. For more information: fabulousfox.com.

The Presenters Dolan present Liam Forde: Live! on Friday and Saturday, March 25 and 26, at 8 PM as part of the Gaslight Cabaret Festival. " Liam's one break away from the heights - catch him now." The performance takes place at the Gaslight Theater, 358 North Boyle. For more information: gaslightcabaretfestival.com.

The Repertory Theatre of St. Louis presents the world premiere of Molly's Hammer through March 27. "Molly Rush was focused on the endgame- save the world, protect her family. But what would she have to sacrifice? In 1980, the Pittsburgh housewife and mother of six walked into a General Electric plant and took a hammer to a nuclear warhead to protest the buildup of America's nuclear arsenal. Based on the true story of the Plowshares Eight, Molly's Hammer is the world-premiere account of one woman's unwavering beliefs and her family's desperate attempts to protect her from infamy." Performances take place in the studio theater at the Loretto-Hlton Center, 130 Edgar Road in Webster Groves, MO. For more information, call 314-968-4925 or visit repstl.org. Read my review!

Old Wicked Songs
Photo: Eric Woolsdy

New Jewish Theater presents the Old Wicked Songs through April 3 "Hoping to reconnect with his music and shatter the artistic block that has plagued his career, a young American piano prodigy travels to Vienna in the spring of 1986. He is assigned to a vocal teacher who gives him the "Dicheterliebe" song cycle by Robert Schumann. Marans incorporates the poetry of Heinrich Heine and the music of Robert Schumann into the series of events. Through the sessions between the two men, Marans creates a link between two generations who find they much more in common than they think. This is the inspirational journey of two very different men who, with music as their one common bond, must find a way to break through their pasts." Performances take place in the Marvin and Harlene Wool Studio Theater at the Jewish Community Center, 2 Millstone Campus Drive in Creve Coeur. For more information: www.newjewishtheatre.org or call 314-442-3283.

The Presenters Dolan present Pink Martini: A Spring Fling Featuring China Forbes on Monday, March 21, at 8 PM as part of the Gaslight Cabaret Festival. The performance takes place at the Sheldon Concert Hall in Grand Center. For more information: metrotix.com.

The St. Louis Theater Circle presents the St. Louis Theater Circle Awards on Monday, March 21, at 7 PM. The awards recognize outstanding achievement in locally produced professional theatre as judged by local theatre critics who are members of the Circle. Presenters will include KDHX's own Chuck Lavazzi. The ceremony takes place at The Skip Viragh Center on the campus of Chaminade University . Tickets are available in advance at brownpapertickets.com. A pre-ceremony buffet and open bar will be situated just outside the theater entrance. Food and drinks will be available on a cash basis, but the buffet has to be ordered and paid for in advance. Check out the With Love Catering site for details or call 314-637-7907. The event will be broadcast and webcast live on HEC-TV Charter channel 989, U-Verse channel 99, and at hectv.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 March 16 - 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.

On Wednesday, March 23, at 7:30 p .m. the Repertory Theatre of St. Louis Ignite! New Play Festival presents Unseen by Mona Monsour. "Conflict photographer Mia wakes up in the Istanbul apartment of her on-again, off-again girlfriend after being found unconscious at the scene of a massacre she was photo-graphing. When Mia's mother arrives from the U.S., the apartment is filled with tension as the women try to unravel what happened. Unseen is a provocative look at one American's attempt to commune with another very foreign, much discussed part of the world." The performance takes place at the Sally S. Levy Opera Center, 210 Hazel Avenue in Webster Groves. For more information www.repstl.org/ignite.

The Repertory Theatre of St. Louis Ignite! New Play Festival presents Until the Flood by Daniel Orlandersmith Friday at 7:30 p.m. and Saturday at 1 p.m., March 25 and 26. " The Rep has commissioned celebrated writer, performer and Pulitzer Prize finalist Dael Orlandersmith to write and perform a play about the recent events in Ferguson. She has fashioned a sensitive and moving portrayal of the people in our community, and how they feel about an event that placed St. Louis in a spotlight it didn't expect or relish." The Friday performance takes place at the Sally S. Levy Opera Center, 210 Hazel Avenue in Webster Groves and the Saturday performance at St. Louis Public Radio in Grand Center. For more information www.repstl.org/ignite.

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 classical calendar for the week of March 21, 2016

The St. Louis Brass Band

The Sheldon Concert Hall presents the St. Louis Brass Band in High, Fast, and Loud on Tuesday, March 22, at 7:35 PM. “Calling all Trumpet Players, Brass Players, and Music Lovers!!! Come hear Karin Bliznik, Principal Trumpet of the St. Louis Symphony Orchestra, performing in the intimate, and beautiful Sheldon Concert Hall, with the Saint Louis Brass Band! The Brass Band is thrilled to have Ms. Bliznik join us as Guest Artist and want you to help make this a very special evening for one and all. In addition to the solo works, the band will be performing Shostakovich’s “Festive Overture,” Philip Sparke’s “Harmony Music,” and the beautiful and moving “Hymn for Diana.” As always, the Brass Band will bring along a surprise or two as well. This is an evening of brass music you just can’t miss!!!!” The Sheldon is at 3648 Washington in Grand Center. For more information: thesheldon.org.

The Tavern of Fine Arts presents Manuela Kaymakanova, violin and Diana Umali, piano in a concert of music by Mozart, Fauré, Piazzolla, and others on Saturday, March 26, at 8 p.m. The Tavern of Fine Arts is at 313 Belt in the Debaliviere Place neighborhood. For more information: tavern-of-fine-arts.blogspot.com.

Chuck's Choices for the weekend of March 18, 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:

This Friday through Sunday, March 18-20, Fontbonne University Theatre Department presents Almost, Maine. Welcome to Almost, Maine, a town that's so far north, it's almost not in the United States-it's almost in Canada. One night in the middle of winter, while the northern lights hover in the sky above, Almost's residents find themselves falling in and out of love in the strangest ways. And life for the people of Almost, Maine will never be the same. Performances take place in the Fontbonne Fine Arts Theatre on Wydown. For further details about Almost Maine, www.fontbonne.edu/academics/departments/fine-arts-department/theatre-productions.

My take:This is a charming set of romantically comic one acts with a strong dose of a kind of magical realism. We did the local premier of this a few years back at West End Players Guild and the show has been cropping up here and there ever since. I haven't seen the Fontbonne production, but I can attest to the fact that the play itself is first-class stuff.

Marisaa Mulder

The Presenters Dolan present Marissa Mulder in Fragments of Marilyn on Friday and Saturday, March 18 and 19, at 8 PM as part of the Gaslight Cabaret Festival. " In this utterly fascinating show, Marissa explores Marilyn Monroe, mind, heart and soul, and her journey from orphanage to celebrity's epicenter. A magical mix of real cabaret theater. The first public performance of Marilyn from one of the emergent talents in all of cabaret." The performance takes place at the Gaslight Theater, 358 North Boyle. For more information: gaslightcabaretfestival.com.

My take: Ms. Mulder, as I noted in my review of her Tom Waits show back in 2014, is a fine singer who is also a gifted actor, with the ability to truly inhabit the characters in her songs. If anyone can conjure up the spirit of the late Ms. Monroe (who, while not a strong singer, also knew how to really sell a lyric) it would be Ms. Mulder.

The Presenters Dolan present Jon Weber in From Joplin to Jarrett on Sunday, March 20, at 3 PM as part of the Gaslight Cabaret Festival. " A history of jazz piano in 70 minutes, from the host of NPR's Piano Jazz." The performance takes place at the Gaslight Theater, 358 North Boyle. For more information: gaslightcabaretfestival.com.

My take: Now there's something you don't see every day, Chauncey (as they used to say on Rocky and His Friends); a cabaret show where the focus is on piano instrumentals rather than songs. As a frustrated pianist myself, I think this looks like a fascinating show. The evolution of African-influenced piano composition from the classical approach of Scott Joplin to the disciplined improvisations of Keith Jarrett covers a lot a impressive musical territory.

Molly's Hammer
Photo: Jerry Naunheim, Jr.

The Repertory Theatre of St. Louis presents the world premiere of Molly's Hammer through March 27. "Molly Rush was focused on the endgame- save the world, protect her family. But what would she have to sacrifice? In 1980, the Pittsburgh housewife and mother of six walked into a General Electric plant and took a hammer to a nuclear warhead to protest the buildup of America's nuclear arsenal. Based on the true story of the Plowshares Eight, Molly's Hammer is the world-premiere account of one woman's unwavering beliefs and her family's desperate attempts to protect her from infamy." Performances take place in the studio theater 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: What's the price of compassion? What is the extent of a citizen's obligation to oppose fundamentally evil policies by a government? How much should one be expected to sacrifice for the common good? As I write in my review, these and many other questions are raised by Tammy Ryan's gripping drama Molly's Hammer. At a time when the very foundations of our political system are being openly challenged by the forces of fascism and hysterical fear, and when the leading candidates of one of our political parties are almost drooling with pleasure at the possibility of starting a nuclear war, these questions could not be more timely.

This Friday, Saturday and Sunday First Run Theater is holding its annual Play Reading Festival. This festival showcases original scripts by St. Louis playwrights interested in seeing their work produced on a state-of-the-art stage; all readings are open to the public. The performances take place in the theatre on the campus of DeSmet Jesuit High School on Ballas Road in Creve Coeur. For more information on First Run Theater's Play Reading Festival, firstruntheatre.com

On Saturday afternoon the Repertory Theatre of St. Louis Ignite! New Play Festival presents Replica. In the near future, a terminally ill woman volunteers for an experimental procedure that will allow her memories and personality to live on in her clone. The performance begins at 2:00 PM at inside the Opera Center at Opera Theatre of St. Louis, on Hazel Avenue in Webster Groves. For more information about Saturday's performance of Replica repstl.org/ignite

My take: It's always interesting to see new plays—it's the main reason I attend the Humana Festival every year— and both the Rep and First Run are giving you a chance to see some newly-hatched theatrical chicks this weekend. First Run shows are by local playwrights while the Rep features writers from around the country. First Run's festival is this weekend only while the Rep has shows Wednesday, Friday, and Saturday of next week.

The Tavern of Fine Arts presents Tim Schall's Cabaret Party on Friday, March 18, at 8 p.m. "Hosted by Tim Schall with Carol Schmidt at the piano, this promises to be fun, lively and entertaining - a musical party with Tim, Carol and their talented friends- each singing lots of tunes for you! The guests that will sing their hearts out on March 18 include: Mara Bollini, Meghan Kirk, Ben Nordstrom and Tim and Carol, of course. The Tavern of Fine Arts is at 313 Belt in the Debaliviere Place neighborhood. For more information: tavern-of-fine-arts.blogspot.com.

My take: This is the first in a planned series of showcases of local cabaret talent presented in the informal atmosphere of the Tavern of Fine Arts, which is where I host The Cabaret Project's monthly open mic night. As the executive director of The Cabaret Project and the organizer of the yearly St. Louis Cabaret Festival, Tim Schall is one of the genre's leading exponents here in St. Louis, and Carol Schmidt is one of our most sought-after music directors. Their guests for this first outing are all impressive performers in their own right, so you can expect serious entertainment here. I intend to be in the audience; join me and enjoy,

Held Over:

American Idiot
Photo: Jill Ritter Lindberg

New Line Theatre presents the musical American Idiot, based on the album by Green Day, Thursdays through Saturdays at 8 PM through March 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 front man 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.

My take: As you can see from the description of this show, it could hardly be more relevant during the current primary campaign season, especially in light of the Republican Party's slide into drooling insanity. In her review for KDHX, Tina Farmer says this "is a fantastic production, and several scenes flash with brilliance. The cast are uniformly strong singers and the interpretations of the songs are spot on. " At Ladue News, Mark Bretz says "New Line’s presentation superbly captures the musical essence of the album and show as well as making the most of the straightforward plot."

Review: "Molly's Hammer" strikes a blow for conscience at the Rep Studio, through March 27, 2016

L-R: Joe Osheroff and Nancy Bell
Photo: Jerry Naunheim, Jr.

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What's the price of compassion? What is the extent of a citizen's obligation to oppose fundamentally evil policies by a government? How much should one be expected to sacrifice for the common good?

These and many other questions are raised by The Repertory Theatre of St. Louis production of Tammy Ryan's gripping drama Molly's Hammer. At a time when the very foundations of our political system are being openly challenged by the forces of fascism and hysterical fear, and when the leading candidates of one of our political parties are almost drooling with pleasure at the possibility of starting a nuclear war, these questions could not be more timely.

Based on Liane Ellison Norman's 1989 book Hammer of Justice: Molly Rush and The Plowshares Eight, Molly's Hammer is the story of the Pittsburgh housewife and mother of six who, along with seven other activists, including radical priest Daniel Berrigan, walked into a General Electric plant in King of Prussia, Pennsylvania, in 1980 and took a hammer to the nuclear warheads manufactured there.

Joe Osheroff
Photo: Jerry Naunhiem, Jr.

The act was symbolic—a realization of the call in Isaiah 2:3-4 to beat swords into plowshares—but the Federal government's response was not. Rush and her fellow activists were charged with more than ten different felony and misdemeanor counts. Rush herself spent 78 days in Pennsylvania jails until two Pittsburgh religious orders—the Sisters of Mercy and the Sister of St. Joseph—posted $125,000 bail. After ten years of legal battles Rush and her fellow activists were convicted on some of the less severe charges and sentenced to time served. Rush continues to be a peace activist.

Ms. Ryan's script concentrates on Rush's conflict with her less idealistic husband Bill and the agonizing choices she faces between her obligations to her family and her concern for the future of all families. Belligerent talk by political leaders about surviving a nuclear holocaust has her worried that her children might never live to see adulthood. Rush decides that she must do something to oppose the madness regardless of the personal cost.

Nancy Bell and Kevin Orton
Photo: Jerry Naunheim, Jr.

Nancy Bell is an immediately sympathetic and credible Molly Rush. The character's occasional ideological outbursts could come across as strident and unrealistic, but Ms. Bell infuses them with the kind of simple sincerity which, I expect, the real Molly Rush must have felt.

Joe Osheroff is equally real as her baffled but ultimately loving husband, who goes on the longest psychological journey during the play. Staring with a seven-point plan to stop his wife from pursuing a course of action that he believes will destroy their lives, he eventually becomes her most loyal supporter, actively campaigning on her behalf. Mr. Osheroff makes his gradual change of heart believable and engaging.

All the other roles in the play are portrayed by Kevin Orton in a masterful display of physical and vocal acting techniques. In one remarkable scene he changes from Daniel Berrigan to Molly's 12 year old son in a matter of seconds with a quick alteration of vocal range and body language. Over the course of the play he takes on an wide variety of roles of different ages and sexes including, most impressively, a very pregnant friend of Molly's.

Seth Gordon's direction is clear and focused. Gianni Downs's simple set consists of a backdrop of boards attached to pipes—a reflection of Bill Rush's job in the plumbing business—with small set pieces that are easily pulled on and off, making the many scene changes quick and fluid. Mark Wilson's lights clearly delineate playing areas, and his pre show slide show of period activist images vividly evokes the anxieties of the era. Amada Werre's pre show mix of Bob Dylan classics completes the period feel.

Kevin Orton
Photo: Jerry Naunheim, Jr.

"Bad men need nothing more to compass their ends," observed John Stuart Mill in 1867, "than that good men should look on and do nothing." I can't speak for anyone else, but I came away from this production asking myself not "how could Molly Rush have done that" but rather "why haven't I done more?" This a first-rate production of a play which, if it punts the ultimate question of whether or not its heroine's sacrifice was really all that great or all that effective, nevertheless deserves to bee seen and debated.

Molly's Hammer continues through March 27 in the studio space at the Repertory Theatre of St. Louis. For more information, visit the Rep web site.