Chris has been active in the local theatre scene for over 30 years and reviewing local theatre for over 11. In addition to his acting work, he's also contributed as a director, writer and composer. Though, initially a film buff, he grew tired of the sanitized, PG-13 rated blockbusters that were being continually shoved down his throat by the studios. An opportunity to review theatre in St. Louis has grown exponentially with the sudden explosion of venues and talent in the region. He now finds himself obsessed with witnessing those precious, electric moments that can only happen live, on stage.
Though at first it may seem like an odd pairing of one acts, there's actually a connection between playwright Christopher Durang's introductory work, MRS.
While watching playwright Amy Herzog's wonderful play, 4000 MILES, I kept being reminded of my own relationship with my grandmother (on my mother's side of the family) who passed away many years ago (unfortunately, I never met my grandmother on my father's side).
In case you didn't know it already, Bartolomeo Cristofori was the inventor of the piano, and in 1988 David Lanz paid tribute to him with his rich album, Cristofori's Dream, itself a lovely album of considerable grace and beauty.
WICKED is pure spectacle, or to quote Glinda the Good Witch herself, it's a "thrill-ifying" experience that dazzles and delights, with terrific performances and eye-popping scenic design and special effects.
If you're looking for heart-warming fare this holiday season, then look no further than The New Jewish Theatre's splendid production of playwright Lanford Wilson's work, TALLEY'S FOLLY.
Before his untimely death in a plane crash in the mid-1980's, playwright Larry Shue had penned two community theatre staples, The Nerd and THE FOREIGNER.
With IMAGINARY JESUS, author Matt Mikalatos has written an interesting look at the way that people of faith envision their savior, and playwright Deanna Jent has taken a stab at a stage adaptation that manages to capture it's whimsical approach.