Chris Gibson - Page 22

Dame Agatha Christie is considered to be one of the most successful authors of all time, with her mystery novels and short stories selling literally millions of copies. In fact, her work has been produced on stage, in films, and on television. Additionally, a lot of the basic ideas and plots have been utilized in countless mediums. But, despite this proliferation, they still remain clever and entertaining in their own right. Stray Dog Theatre's current production of AND THEN THERE WERE NONE is a prime example, combining a great cast, stylish appointments, and solid direction to provide audiences with a terrific experience that's well worth seeing, even if you've been exposed to this, or similar works, before.

I'm constantly amazed at the way New Line Theatre is able to find so many hidden gems among the countless shows that play on or off Broadway, exposing all of their true beauty and charms in newly imagined stagings. You begin to wonder how critics could be so misguided in their initial assessments, but then you begin to realize that artistic director Scott Miller truly understands, and takes the time to dissect, the reasons behind a good show's commercial failure. And then he fixes it. If you want to see a prime example of this skill, and believe me - you do, then you have to check out New Line's current production of BONNIE & CLYDE. You'll be blown away by how engaging the story and characters are, and you'll be humming the score as you walk out the doors because it's just so incredibly and infectiously catchy.

If you listen to a lot popular country music these days you'll find that most of it is really just pop music with a twang. That's not to say it isn't good. In fact, there are some great artists out there writing great tunes, and musicians that can play with astonishing skill and style. It's just that the industry itself has changed. It started with the 'countrypolitan' path artists took during the late 1960's and 70's, when their hits began to crossover to top the pop chart as well as the country ones. Somewhere along the line that true, pure and traditional sound just wasn't as prevalent as it had been. That's why Marty Stuart's appearance at The Sheldon Concert Hall was an event to remember. Marty and his aptly named band mates, The (His) Fabulous Superlatives, reach back to the roots of country music, producing an achingly beautiful sound in the process. Their appearance as the first act on this seasons' folk music series at the hall (October 3, 2014) marked the opportunity to hear this genuinely joyful noise in person.

The Repertory Theatre of St. Louis opens their 48th season with one of the most hilarious shows I've ever been privileged to see. ONE MAN, TWO GUVNORS (written by Richard Bean, but based on The Servant of Two Masters by Carlo Goldini) is a brilliant work of pure farcical comic genius, and it's enhanced immeasurably by a bevy of equally appealing musical interludes (some really cool skiffle and beat songs by Grant Olding) that neatly transition the action from scene to scene. You have no excuse not the see this show immediately. It's a wildly funny ride that demands your attendance!

It's just a fact that Stages St. Louis is a very special theatre company that always brings a sense of joy and enthusiasm to the shows they stage year end and year out. FIDDLER ON THE ROOF, their current production (book by Joseph Stein, lyrics by Sheldon Harnick and music by Jerry Beck), is another terrific example of their expertise in these endeavors. Lovingly crafted and performed with equal parts gusto and tenderness, this is a presentation that perfectly illustrates the art of musical theatre, while also touching the heart and soul of those who view it.

THE GREAT AMERICAN TRAILER PARK MUSICAL, the latest show by Dramatic License Productions, is a nutty little work that lampoons the denizens of its community, as well as a number of aspects of American culture, like the daytime reality TV shows made popular by the likes of Dr. Phil and Jerry Springer. It may be short on plot, but the songs are generally catchy, the characters are sublimely absurd, and the jokes come fast and furious.

The Human Terrain System is a military initiative designed to utilize the research capabilities of individuals in areas where there are conflicts in order to forge a better understanding of the population of a region by gathering sociocultural information. For example, the intrepid protagonist of playwright Jennifer Blackmer's work, THE HUMAN TERRAIN, is a civilian anthropologist who's been shipped to Fallujah, Iraq (circa 2007-2008). It's her job to attempt to figure out, through intelligence data drawn from contacts, the issues that are driving the local people to commit acts of aggression directed at each other and the military presence that resides there. But, doing so requires her to gain the trust of individuals while also remaining loyal to her country. It's a fine line and a slippery slope to tread, and this powerful and effective production by Mustard Seed Theatre reveals the moral and ethical dilemmas faced by participants in this program.

It's always nice to have the opportunity to attend something new and fresh when you see as many shows as I do, and local playwright/actor/director Stephen Peirick's original play, FOUR SUGARS, delivers an engaging and entertaining experience. In this age of cynicism we currently find ourselves in, it's also a relief, emotionally at least, to find something that's both amusing and hopeful. A well acted and directed presentation of this work was recently produced as part of of SDT's (Stray Dog Theatre) New Works Laboratory (August 21-23), and played to packed houses at the Tower Grove Abbey that definitely appreciated the humor and antics Peirick has crafted. Count me among those who found this to be a wonderfully funny show that truly deserves the warm response that it received.

There have been a lot of versions of Jim Jacobs and Warren Casey's (book, music and lyrics) GREASE that I've seen over the years. Only one, New Line Theatre's brilliant staging a few years back, actually adhered to the musical as originally conceived. The majority have followed the template laid down by the 1978 movie version that was tailored to fit the stars; Olivia Newton-John and John Travolta. That's the version currently gracing the stage of The MUNY, although it features a number of interesting changes, beginning with a choral version of the opening "Alma Mater" that actually utilizes the lyrics to the song "We Go Together". It's certainly an entertaining ride, and is much improved in many ways over the version staged here back in 2007.

Tonight, August 2, at 7:30 p.m., a performance entitled Kids' Kabaret: A Broadway Inspired Benefit for SSM Cardinal Glennon Children's Medical Center will be held at the beautiful Ivory Theatre at 7620 Michigan Ave, St Louis, MO 63111.

The corporate business world of today is far removed from the tropes that abound in the musical HOW TO SUCCEED IN BUSINESS WITHOUT REALLY TRYING, and that's one of things that makes it so interesting and enjoyable to watch, particularly when it's a production as sharply staged and exuberantly performed as the current presentation by Stages St. Louis. This is the type of musical that this company really excels at, and the overall enthusiasm and energy expended on the stage of the Robert G. Reim Auditorium makes this show an absolute must-see!

Cartoonist and creator of the creepy and kooky characters that make up THE ADDAMS FAMILY, Charles Addams, probably never envisioned his work gracing the Broadway stage, but then, could anyone have imagined that such a thing would come to pass. After all, the original single panel cartoons only hinted at the oddly dark nature of his characters. The rest was fleshed out by a terrific TV show that ran in the early sixties, and a couple of feature films that came along in the early 1990's. The current production of the Broadway show is now playing The MUNY, and it's a riotously amusing presentation that had me and my son laughing at the onstage antics (book by Marshall Brickman and Rick Elice), and bouncing along to the catchy score (Andrew Lippa). This is an exceptional show that features a great cast who seem to be having an absolutely splendid time. The Addams Family is must-see entertainment.

St. Louis should feel honored that the St. Louis Actors' Studio has established a new summer tradition with their LABUTE NEW THEATER FESTIVAL which began last week. It is an opportunity for all theater-goers to see fresh one act plays that are both thought-provoking and engaging. As a special treat playwright/screenwriter/director Neil LaBute also contributes a piece each year. This event is truly special and one that should not be missed.

When you think of classic operas LA TRAVIATA is certainly one that immediately comes to mind. Composer Giuseppe Verdi (with a libretto by Francesco Maria Piave) created a wonderful piece that has stood the test of time, and when hearing it, you'll often find a number of familiar themes, some of which have appeared as background underscoring for cartoons, films, and commercials. It has all the elements that define our conceptions of what opera is: a superb score, the demand for inspired performances, and a tragic love story. The Union Avenue Opera has put together a memorable and moving production of this timeless work that demands your time and attention.

Though the weather was stormy on the opening night of the MUNY's presentation of the American Repertory Theater's 2011 update of THE GERSHWINS' PORGY AND BESS, and believe me I drove through some heavy downpours as I made my way to Forest Park, somehow the rain held off and allowed this wonderful show to proceed. Purists have been in an uproar over the fact that the original show has been altered, and while I certainly understand what all the fuss was about, there's no denying the fact that this new interpretation is a moving and compelling production that's definitely a winning crowd-pleaser.

Edgar Rice Burroughs (1875-1950) got into writing as a lark, musing that he could produce stories that were better than the pulp fiction that was currently on display. Of course, the rest is history, with the prolific author producing a number of memorable series (Tarzan, John Carter, Pellucidar, etc) that are still selling today. His most famous creation, Tarzan of the Apes, became a cultural icon shrewdly marketed in comic strips, novelty items and motion pictures. But, I wonder how the writer would have felt about his hero singing on stage about his conflicts and feelings? Actually, I think he'd be pleased because the story, expanded and slightly altered here and there from Disney's animated film version of TARZAN, still remains true to his original concept (book by David Henry Hwang). And,the MUNY's current production is great family fun that tackles issues of loyalty and love against an action-packed jungle backdrop that cleverly brings to life the creatures that inhabit that world.

Along with their regular productions each season, Stages St. Louis always presents a show that's part of their Theatre for Young Audiences series. Since I've been reviewing theatre in St. Louis I've made an effort to attend one of these performances (with my son along for the experience) because they're always very well done, and it's important to me that children are exposed to the arts. This year's effort is Disney's SLEEPING BEAUTY, and it continues an excellent tradition of providing families with a lively and fun show that's a genuine treat.

A lot happens over the course of the three acts that comprise playwright Terence McNally's work LOVE! VALOUR! COMPASSION!. What's particularly interesting is that way that he balances the funny moments that occur with the more poignant ones. There's no doubt that it's an important gay play, and yet, what I got out of the experience had nothing to do with homosexuality, but with the sheer humanity on display here. Stray Dog Theatre has assembled a talented and brave cast (there's a considerable amount of nudity) that really brings each of these characters to life in meaningful ways. This is powerful and compelling theatre that demands to be seen.

Another St. Louis tradition continues this summer with the start of the MUNY's 96th season. The opening show is BILLY ELLIOT the Musical, and there are some absolutely electric moments to be found here. Adapted from the excellent film of the same name, the story follows a young boy who would rather dance in the ballet than take boxing lessons, drawing the ire of a strict father who's coping with the loss of his wife, and the possible loss of his livelihood due to the current politics of the time. The story is set in the early 1980's during the time that union-busting Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher was in power, and personally orchestrating the swift decline of a once thriving British coal industry. Despite this rather dire backdrop, this is an inspirational show that's well worth seeing under the stars in Forest Park.

On August 2, at 7:30 p.m., a performance entitled KID'S KABARET: A Broadway Inspired Benefit for SSM Cardinal Glennon Children's Medical Center will be held at the beautiful Ivory Theatre at 7620 Michigan Ave, St Louis, MO 63111. Young actor Sam Poon is turning thirteen years old, and instead of a party, he is returning to St. Louis from NYC to perform in a show with many of his friends to raise money for the hospital that saved his life as an infant. Sam suffered from pertussis (whooping cough) and was septic as a young infant, and suffered a cardiac arrest. The doctors and nurses at SSM Cardinal Glennon saved his life. Rather than receiving gifts for his first teenage birthday, he would much rather give a gift to the children cared for by SSM Cardinal Glennon.