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.
SUNDAY IN THE PARK WITH GEORGE is a fascinating and visually dazzling examination of painter Georges Seurat and his unique style, which art books call pointillism.
I saw over a hundred shows again this year, and have decided to make a list of musicals as well as a list of comedies and dramas, which will be lumped together to form two different top eleven lists (in tribute to Nigel Tufnel of Spinal Tap) of 2011.
As a critic, over a relatively short period of time, I've seen several different plays several different times, and with each repeat viewing I've had to start weighing exactly how I felt about a script to begin with against the specific work of a performer (especially during a solo piece) and how th
I lost count with how many "good" messages were being poured into Sarah Brandt (playwright) and Neal Richardson's (music, lyrics, arrangements, and musical direction production of THE ELVES AND THE SHOEMAKER, which is the current holiday offering on the Heagney stage at Nerinx Hall as part of the Im
Capitalizing on the rave reviews of its initial debut as "The Ultimate Elvis Tribute Artist Tour" in 2010, the touring production has been enhanced to capture the imaginations and interests of all types of fans including Broadway, concert and Elvis aficionados.
A good cover band faces the challenge of living up to its audience's expectations every time they play a number that somebody else wrote and performed.
An alternative to the typical holiday fare exists once again at the Kranzberg this year under the auspices of HotCity Theatre's Greenhouse Series and the SIUE Department of Theater and Dance, which offers up an unusual and entertaining look at the way human beings interact, and the psychology behind
Laura Eason's recent adaptation of Mark Twain's immortal THE ADVENTURES OF TOM SAWYER is an invigorating and captivating work, full of enthusiastic performances and thrilling action.
It may not have the depth of a show like Jersey Boys, but it's easy to understand the appeal of a jukebox musical like MAMMA MIA!, especially when you consider just how tuneful the score is, overflowing with a couple dozen of ABBA's greatest hits.
My son Zachary wasn't sure if he wanted to see INTERGALACTIC NEMESIS, and then I explained to him exactly what the concept was (and showed him a couple of clips from the website).