John Pierson News

How many times have you heard someone say "my kid could have painted that" when referring to a particular piece of artwork. Art is something that has, and will always manage to, provoke different responses from different individuals. That's the true beauty and nature of it. Yasmina Reza's provocative script for her play ART (translation by Christopher Hampton) looks at those subjective perspectives, but it also examines relationships, and how they can become fractured when disagreements occur. It's equal parts amusing, thought provoking, and touching, and the St. Louis Actors' Studio has put together an excellent production of ART that is certainly worthy of your time and attention.

While THE RIDE DOWN MOUNT MORGAN might not be considered one of playwright Arthur Miller's best works, there is still plenty to chew on here. The subject matter, bigamy, is certainly a touchy one, but what makes it even more so is the way it's handled. The St. Louis Actors' Studio has assembled a fine cast to bring this interesting, and surprisingly amusing, piece to life, and the direction is top notch as well. And, while I don't necessarily agree with Miller's point of view as expressed by the lead character (Lyman Felt), it's an intriguing argument that's sure to spark debate, and that's what good theatre does.

Voting is now underway for St. Louis! We have a record number of votes in already, but if you haven't voted yet, click here to vote! If you have voted already, tell your friends.

Voting is now underway for St. Louis! We have a record number of votes in already, but if you haven't voted yet, click here to vote! If you have voted already, tell your friends.

Voting is now underway for St. Louis! We have a record number of votes in already, but if you haven't voted yet, click here to vote! If you have voted already, tell your friends.

Playwright Edward Albee has a knack for writing intriguing and provocative works, and THE GOAT OR, WHO IS SYLVIA? certainly fits the bill. It's subject matter is controversial, affecting, and powerful, inviting much conversation and discussion like great theatre should. Full of disconcerting moments and betrayals, it's just another example of the author's brilliance in provoking a response from anyone who views it. The St. Louis Actors' Studio has assembled an excellent cast to bring this show to life, and sell-out crowds are proof that this is an absolutely must-see production.

The Ceremony for the Seventh Annual Kevin Kline Awards took place last night at the Loretto-Hilton Theater, honoring productions in St Louis from 2011. We've got the full list of nominees and winners below.

A good friend told me about a production of OLEANNA (by playwright David Mamet) that he attended where the audience was actually segregated along gender lines. I can understand how that could be very intriguing and effective given the subject matter and eventual outcome of the piece. It's definitely provocative, like most of Mamet's work, and the latest presentation by HotCity Theatre, which is currently playing the Kranzberg, is a terrific evening of theatre that's buoyed by two fine performances and insightful direction. It might even be required viewing for teachers and students because of the way it blends its pokes at higher education and political correctness. You'll certainly be affected by it no matter which gender you happen to belong to, or identify with, it's that powerful.

Beer lovers: meet your artistic soulmates! Head to Andersonville for The Neoccasion: 30 Beers for 60 Minutes where local and regional micro-breweries bring their crafted beers to support The Neo-Futurists, one of Chicago's most beloved theatre companies and creators of the longest running show in Chicago, Too Much Light Makes the Baby Go Blind.

Beer lovers: meet your artistic soulmates! Head to Andersonville for The Neoccasion: 30 Beers for 60 Minutes where local and regional micro-breweries bring their crafted beers to support The Neo-Futurists, one of Chicago's most beloved theatre companies and creators of the longest running show in Chicago, Too Much Light Makes the Baby Go Blind.

Chalk and Saltwater: The Ladder Project, opens Thursday, September 15, 2011 at The Neo-Futurarium, 5153 N. Ashland.

The Neo-Futurists announce their 23rd season to include Chalk and Saltwater: The Ladder Project by John Pierson, Burning Bluebeard by Jay Torrence, and The Strange and Terrible True Story of Pinocchio (the wooden boy) as Told by Frankenstein's Monster (the wretched creature) by Greg Allen. Also on the books is another great year of the smash hit, Too Much Light Makes The Baby Go Blind.

New Repertory Theatre, in residence at the Arsenal Center for the Arts, will conclude its 27th Season with the Tony Award-winning musical Passing Strange. Directed by Kate Warner, with music direction by Todd C. Gordon, and choreography by Kelli Edwards, Passing Strange begins performances on May 1 and runs through May 22, 2011.

Think the past nine years were bad? Get ready for this. The ten-year anniversary of the festival brings even more vapid dialogue, poorly developed characters and contrived plot lines as it explodes from six weeks to ten weeks of performances.

New Repertory Theatre, in residence at the Arsenal Center for the Arts, will conclude its 27th Season with the Tony Award-winning musical Passing Strange. Directed by Kate Warner, with music direction by Todd C. Gordon, and choreography by Kelli Edwards, Passing Strange begins performances on May 1 and runs through May 22, 2011.

Woolly Mammoth Theatre Company is proud to host the return of Chicago's long-running late-night sensation Too Much Light Makes the Baby Go Blind (30 Plays in 60 Minutes) by underground favorites The Neo-Futurists.

New Repertory Theatre, in residence at the Arsenal Center for the Arts, will conclude its 27th Season with the Tony Award-winning musical Passing Strange. Directed by Kate Warner, with music direction by Todd C. Gordon, and choreography by Kelli Edwards, Passing Strange begins performances on May 1 and runs through May 22, 2011.

Woolly Mammoth Theatre Company is proud to host the return of Chicago's long-running late-night sensation Too Much Light Makes the Baby Go Blind (30 Plays in 60 Minutes) by underground favorites The Neo-Futurists.

On Monday, March 7, 2011, New Rep will be holding its very first Premiere Party at the historic Commander's Mansion. New Rep's Premiere Party 2011 is an exciting evening of entertainment to celebrate the announcement of New Rep's 2011-2012 Season.