Chris Gibson - Page 58

Piwacket Theatre for Children celebrates their 18th year in existence with the charming debut of their 18th original production SNOW WHITE AND THE 8TH DWARF (playing through January 30, 2010 at the Black Cat Theatre). This particular take on the famous fairy tale attempts to communicate the importance of having confidence in oneself, while also delivering a timely environmental message as well.

The Aquila Theatre Company brings a modern dress version of Shakespeare's fanciful play, AS YOU LIKE IT to the stage of the Edison Theatre on Feb 12th, and follows up the next evening with a performance of Henrik Ibsen's dramatic work, AN ENEMY OF THE PEOPLE on Feb 13th.

The exhibition presents a suite of new abstract paintings by Barry Leibman who has made music the focus of his work. Past series included ones inspired by a Mozart clarinet concerto and music compositions by Erik Satie. He has also created assemblage paintings using the music of jazz artists like King Oliver, Cecil Taylor and Sun Ra, which were shown at the Sheldon Art Galleries in the group exhibition, Improvisus, curated by Alison Ferring in 2003. This recent body of work uses Mahler's Ninth Symphony as a springboard.

This exhibition, from the collection of Joyce Cheney, features over 60 exquisite examples of molas made by Kuna women in Panama in the latter part of the 20th century. Mola is the word for both the traditional decorated panels and the blouses into which they are incorporated. Mola designs evolved from Kuna body painting. By the late 19th century, Kuna women began to wear cotton chemises and painted their undergarments instead of their bodies. As imported cloth became available in the early 20th century, women began sewing the designs onto blouses. Early blouses were loose, with short close-fitting cap sleeves, while today's styles dictate snug bodices and puffed sleeves. Pre-1920s mola panels were large, with rough designs and stitching and little embroidery. Geometric patterns and one-color designs were common then, and are now referred to as 'grandmother' molas. Post-1920s mola designs are more complex and varied.

Michael Hofmann's witty translation of Peter Suskind's play THE DOUBLE BASS is an intriguing work, filled with wildly funny moments, and Upstream Theater's current presentation, which is playing at the Kranzberg Arts Center through February 14, is a must-see production, powered by Philip Boehm's thoughtful direction and a riveting performance by J. Samuel Davis. It's rare you get a chance to witness such a captivating and engrossing piece of theater.

'The Assorted Short Adventures of Tom, Huck and Becky,' will be performed for area students by That Uppity Theatre Company's award-winning DisAbility Project, an ensemble of actors with and without disabilities, as part of St. Louis' 'Big Read' project. This is possibly the first production of this classic book to be created through a disability perspective and performed primarily by actors with disabilities.

Former St. Louis radio personality, public relations executive and local professional actress, Kim Furlow and her husband, Andy Knef, both of Ballwin will open Dramatic License Theatre February 4, at the new 'Artropolis' arts district at Chesterfield Mall, with the comedy/drama, STEEL MAGNOLIAS. The new theatre and cabaret production company (dba: Dramatic License Productions) will be the first to present high-quality professional theatre and cabaret west of I-270. Seating 95 patrons, the new Dramatic License Theatre is accessible via the upper-level Chesterfield Mall entrance next to Houlihans.

Eliane Elias is a superbly talented performer, having started on piano at age six in her native Brazil (Sao Paulo). She's grown up with the sounds of Bossa Nova wafting through the air and airwaves, and has become a proponent of this movement that's continued to entertain audiences for over 50 years. She kicked off her current world tour to support her latest album, 'Bossa Nova Stories', with a stunning show at the fabulous Sheldon Concert Hall, backed by an exceptional band.

SCRAPARTSMUSIC is a unique performance group that utilizes found objects to create amazing percussion instruments that are also works of art. Gregory Kozak, the inventor of this musical collective (along with co-creator Justine Murdy), who hails from Vancouver, British Columbia, brought the troupe to the Edison Theatre on the campus of Washington University for two shows that kick off their upcoming world tour, which will also find them playing at the Olympics this year.

Christopher Durang turns political humor upside down with this hilarious and provocative satire about America's 'War on Terror.' WHY TORTURE IS WRONG, AND THE PEOPLE WHO LOVE THEM tells the story of a young woman suddenly in crisis: Is her new husband, whom she married when drunk, a terrorist? Or just crazy? Or both? Is her father's hobby of butterfly collecting really a cover for his involvement in a shadow government? Don't feel guilty about laughing hard at this new black comedy for an era of yellow, orange and red alerts.

[title of show] is an interesting new musical that chronicles the very creation of the show itself, and then documents the rocky road it takes on its journey to Broadway. The musical was initially conceived as a writer's exercise by Jeff Bowen and Hunter Bell, who used a 3 ½ week deadline for a festival contest as motivation. But, somewhere along the line the play began to take on a life of its own. The Repertory Theatre of St. Louis is presenting a wonderfully clever production of this work that's greatly aided by a superb cast and sharp direction.

Mustard Seed Theatre presents FIRES IN THE MIRROR by playwright Anna Deavere Smith. The play chronicles the viewpoints of people connected to the Crown Heights, Brooklyn, crisis that occurred in 1991.

In director Chris Anthony's notes in the program she discusses the question of relevance where Shakespeare's ROMEO AND JULIET is concerned. She correctly points out that 'Shakespeare wrote a story about two families that are fighting and two teenagers that are in love. If you have ever fought or fallen in love, Shakespeare is for you.' This timeless and tragic classic continues to resonate with modern audiences, and under Anthony's guidance it gets a new coat of paint by setting the tale in the turbulent 1960's during the so-called 'summer of love'.

Jamie Adkins is a unique talent, and his extraordinary abilities were on display at the Edison Theatre (January 16, 2010), on the campus of Washington University, in his one man show CIRCUS INCOGNITUS. This unusual, but very engaging production combines many familiar elements from the world of the circus including: clowning, juggling, acrobatics, and wire work. Adkins ably takes on the challenge of each task, blending them all into a distinctly amusing experience that dazzles and delights.

More than the passage of time has turned country singer/musician Ricky Skaggs into one of the elder statesmen of bluegrass. The die was cast from the minute he stepped onto a stage at age five to pick his mandolin with the legendary Bill Monroe. And, while his long locks may have almost completely faded to gray, there's still a fire for producing the authentic sounds of country music that burns within him.

STAGES ST. LOUIS was recognized today with 27 Kevin Kline Award nominations, the most it has ever received in one year, for all four of its 2009 productions. STAGES was the top recipient of total nominations for the Awards, which honor professional theatre in the St. Louis area. The 5th Annual Kevin Kline Awards Ceremony will be held March 22nd, 2010 at the Loretto-Hilton Center on the campus of Webster University.

An all-star line-up of St. Louis musicians will donate their time and talent for 'St. Louis Musicians for Haiti', a one-night-only event, Tuesday, February 9 at 7:30 p.m. to benefit Doctors Without Borders' Haitian Earthquake Relief efforts. Hosted by Julius Hunter, the event will feature soul and R&B singer Brian Owens, folk group Mayor Taylor, the Bottoms Up Blues Gang, jazz pianist Peter Martin, jazz vocalist Mardra Thomas with husband Reggie Thomas on piano, and jazz, soul and R&B singer Kim Massie.

The one that you want is back! GREASE is rockin' across the country in this new production direct from Broadway. For one night only, experience live musical performances by the cast members of Grease! Enjoy an intimate setting and amazing vocals at the Fox Hole, inside the Atomic Cowboy. Reserve cocktail seats include a seated table with cocktail service and early entry. All proceeds benefit Saint Louis Effort for AIDS and Broadway Cares Equity Fights AIDS.

Jim Jacobs and Warren Casey's GREASE is one of my favorite shows, and I've seen several different versions of it over the last few years. Having seen the movie when I was a teenager, I'd always preferred productions that included songs from the film. But, ever since I saw New Line Theatre's raw, original take, I've become something of a purist. I still enjoy the inclusion of John Farrar and Barry Gibb's tunes, but I do think the show ends up watered down in the process. So, I was curious as to how the touring company, which features former American Idol contestant Taylor Hicks in the Teen Angel role, would play.

The summer of love gives way to a summer of hate as two families fight to rule the streets. Inspired by social movements and popular music of the late '60's, The Black Rep's dynamic production of ROMEO AND JULIET follows the Montagues and Capulets in their tragic dance with honor and destiny. And in the middle of it all, the world's most famous couple reminds us that love is the real revolution.