Michael James Reed News

The Repertory Theatre of St. Louis (The Rep) concludes its 2011-2012 Studio Theatre series with The Invisible Hand by Ayad Akhtar. This timely and intriguing production will be performed in the Emerson Studio Theatre at the Loretto-Hilton Center for the Performing Arts, 130 Edgar Road (on the campus of Webster University), Webster Groves, March 7-25, 2012.

The Repertory Theatre of St. Louis (The Rep) concludes its 2011-2012 Studio Theatre series with The Invisible Hand by Ayad Akhtar. This timely and intriguing production will be performed in the Emerson Studio Theatre at the Loretto-Hilton Center for the Performing Arts, 130 Edgar Road (on the campus of Webster University), Webster Groves, March 7-25, 2012.

The Repertory Theatre of St. Louis (The Rep) concludes its 2011-2012 Studio Theatre series with The Invisible Hand by Ayad Akhtar. This timely and intriguing production will be performed in the Emerson Studio Theatre at the Loretto-Hilton Center for the Performing Arts, 130 Edgar Road (on the campus of Webster University), Webster Groves, March 7-25, 2012.

It's easy to see some of the elements of A Steady Rain that playwright Keith Huff owes a debt to. There are certainly enough police procedural shows on television that reference enough of same plot points to breed a certain familiarity to the material, including a crucial bit concerning a Dahmer-like serial killer. But there's something more going on here that deserves your attention. Powered by two spectacular performances and crisp, incisive direction, A STEADY RAIN is an emotionally charged storm that never lets up, and you'll find yourself completely enraptured by the Repertory of St. Louis's current studio theatre production.

The Repertory Theatre of St. Louis (The Rep) continues its 2011-2012 Studio Theatre series with A Steady Rain by Keith Huff.

The Repertory Theatre of St. Louis (The Rep) continues its 2011-2012 Studio Theatre series with A Steady Rain by Keith Huff.

Federico Garcia Lorca's tragic play, BLOOD WEDDING, which Upstream Theater is currently presenting, is given a lyrical translation by Langston Hughes and a stunningly dark adaption by Melia Bensussen. From the opening moments until the final blackout, there's an intensity rarely found in theatrical productions, and only the coldest of souls will not be moved by the expected, but still deeply disturbing, ending. Superb work is culled from all the actors by Philip Boehm who has a real talent for delivering exceptionally atmospheric mood pieces such as this.

The Repertory Theatre of St. Louis (The Rep) concludes its 2010-2011 Studio Theatre series with the remarkable and clever In The Next Room or the vibrator play by Sarah Ruhl.

Playwright Sarah Ruhl has crafted a brilliantly funny and touching work with IN THE NEXT ROOM OR THE VIBRATOR PLAY, a piece that's as moving, in the end, as it is hilarious and erotic. While it concerns itself with the invention of the device mentioned in the title, it's also an amusing look at all things Victorian, and acts as a send-up of the kind of societal comedies that authors like Oscar Wilde made so famous. The Repertory Theatre of St. Louis has mounted an exceptional production of this arousing play that features a marvelous cast and savvy direction.

The Repertory Theatre of St. Louis (The Rep) concludes its 2010-2011 Studio Theatre series with the remarkable and clever In The Next Room or the vibrator play by Sarah Ruhl.

The Repertory Theatre of St. Louis (The Rep) presents Macbeth by William Shakespeare. This poetic and potent drama will be performed on the Browning Mainstage of the Loretto-Hilton Center for the Performing Arts, 130 Edgar Road (on the campus of Webster University), Webster Groves, thru March 6, 2011.

Shakespeare Festival St. Louis has announced the cast of its May 25-June 19 production, THE TAMING OF THE SHREW. 'Once again the Festival has attracted top-tier talent from across the country, and we are in for a fantastic season,' says Executive Director Rick Dildine. As previously announced Sean Graney will direct the production with a design team that includes Scott C. Neale (Scenic Designer), Alison Siple (Costume Designer), John Wylie (Lighting Designer) and Robin Weatherall (Sound Designer).

Since I've become a theatre critic I've had the opportunity to see several productions of William Shakespeare's MACBETH, and most have left me wanting in one way or another. But, just as Roman Polanski's gritty 1971 film adaptation is, for me at least, the best interpretation of the Bard's play that has been made into a movie, the Repertory Theatre of St. Louis has produced a staging that is vastly superior to any I have encountered to this point. This dark, bloody, and brooding production of Macbeth provides an excellent evening of theatre, and features a talented cast and powerful design and direction.

The Repertory Theatre of St. Louis (The Rep) concludes its 2010-2011 Studio Theatre series with the remarkable and clever In The Next Room or the vibrator play by Sarah Ruhl.

The Repertory Theatre of St. Louis (The Rep) presents Macbeth by William Shakespeare.

The Repertory Theatre of St. Louis (The Rep) presents Macbeth by William Shakespeare.