Chris Gibson - Page 6

The New Jewish Theatre's production of playwright Lynn Nottage's INTIMATE APPAREL is a very engaging work that presents the audience with layers of text and subtext to chew on. It's primarily about the pursuit of a dream, and the events that occur that may delay or derail that dream, but not to the point where the protagonist ever gives up hope. Though set in New York at the turn of the last century, there are a lot of issues brought forth that will ring true for a modern audience. In these especially difficult times, it's a reminder of the way people of color were treated then, something we have to work vigilantly to make sure doesn't happen again. Drawing on the experiences of her great-grandmother, Nottage has written a wonderfully touching, and ultimately hopeful, work that is brought to life with an incredibly well done production by The New Jewish Theatre. I recommend it highly!

Playwright Nick Payne takes an unusual approach to his work, CONSTELLATIONS, crafting a simple story that's made more complex by the way in which he allows it to unfold. It's a interesting and engaging piece of theatre that the less open minded might find a bit frustrating due to the very nature of its construction. The Repertory Theatre of St. Louis had put together a fascinating production of this work, which is graced with two excellent performances and sharp direction that fully seeks to explore the world that is created. I found it thoroughly engaging, and I think it's a play that deserves your time and attention.

The 1951 film, AN AMERICAN IN PARIS, was recently broadcast on Turner Classic Movies, and I had a chance to watch it before attending the recent musical adaptation that is currently playing the Fox Theatre. The film is a classic, and I'm happy to report that the new musical version is an excellent take on the story. Filled with wonderful "triple threat" (acting, dancing, singing) performances that do more than justice to the original work, this is an uplifting, amusing, and immensely entertaining production that I cannot recommend highly enough. The opportunity to hear such lush orchestrations of George Gershwin's (lyrics by Ira Gershwin) music, combined with some extraordinary dance sequences and a compelling story, is one that should not be missed.The 1951 film, AN AMERICAN IN PARIS, was recently broadcast on Turner Classic Movies, and I had a chance to watch it before attending the recent musical adaptation that is currently playing the Fox Theatre. The film is a classic, and I'm happy to report that the new musical version is an excellent take on the story. Filled with wonderful "triple threat" (acting, dancing, singing) performances that do more than justice to the original work, this is an uplifting, amusing, and immensely entertaining production that I cannot recommend highly enough. The opportunity to hear such lush orchestrations of George Gershwin's (lyrics by Ira Gershwin) music, combined with some extraordinary dance sequences and a compelling story, is one that should not be missed.

It's hard to believe that award-winning playwright Arthur Miller crafted ALL MY SONS as a last ditch effort to produce a commercially successful work after his initial offering failed after less than a week of performances. Based upon a true story, Miller's work is a compelling story that succeeded and sent him on his way to writing some of the most powerful plays of the twentieth century. For the second half of their 50th anniversary season, the Repertory Theatre of St. Louis produces an excellent rendering that features stellar direction and an excellent cast. I highly recommend this show.

Perhaps the best way to approach Dickens' venerable A CHRISTMAS CAROL is straight-forward, with a generous helping of music, sterling performances, and some cool effects to liven up the proceedings. After all, the story, which dates from 1843, has been reworked, parodied, and used as a device by nearly every sitcom and animated show ever made. So, what's old seems new again in The Repertory of St. Louis' current presentation for the holidays. And, what a treat it is. David H. Bell's adaptation is faithful to the spirit and language of the story, which occurs when the industrial revolution has wreaked havoc on the lives of both the old and young. Filled with energy and enthusiasm, this is an absolute must-see for the Christmas season!

If you're looking for spectacular entertainment that fills you with wonder then look no further; FINDING NEVERLAND is the show for you. This would be a very good show based solely on the book (James Graham) and music (music and lyrics by Gary Barlow and Eliot Kennedy) that it features, but it goes far beyond that in conjuring up an absolutely remarkable theatrical experience. Based on THE MAN WHO WAS PETER PAN, by Allan Knee, as well as the eponymous motion picture, this is a marvelously cast, tune-filled excursion into the imagination of J.M. Barrie. It's really a must-see show, so catch it while you can!

Playwright Alfred Uhry's Pulizter Prize winning work, DRIVING MISS DAISY, is the latest offering by The New Jewish Theatre, and it's an excellent production. Over the years this play has provided a lot of famous actors and actresses with the opportunity to bring these wonderful characters to life, and of course, there's a very well known film version as well. But forget all that and just enjoy the intimacy and immediacy of live theatre. This is a delightful 90 minute show, and I highly recommend it.

The incredibly accomplished pianist David Lanz continues to deliver imaginative and creative works, and they've come at time in his life when he seems positively re-energized; making vital, emotional, and personal compositions with Kristin Amarie Lanz that are simply a pleasure to listen to. NORWEGIAN RAIN continues the tradition with a collection of songs that conjure up images of Norway in all its seasonal and cultural splendor. Inspired by trips to Norway, and the musical relationship he formed with his wife's grandfather's upright piano, Lanz has produced a truly special work well worthy of your time and attention. I highly recommend it!

I was book shopping a while back and stumbled across the graphic novel FUN HOME by Alison Bechdel. I sat down and read through it, appreciating Bechdel's artistic style, but also thoroughly engaged in the glimpses into her life that filled the pages. The musical version (music by Jeanine Tesori, with book and lyrics by Lisa Kron) definitely captures the essence of Bechdel's work, and that's really important when something is adapted for the stage. The current touring production of this show is playing at the Fox Theatre and I highly recommend this 2015 Tony Award winner.

Mustard Seed Theatre has brought back their popular staging of ALL IS CALM - THE CHRISTMAS TRUCE OF 1914 (for what they say is the last time, at least, for a while), which premiered in 2013, and it remains a piece of theatre that's worthy of your time and attention. Originally broadcast on Minnesota Public Radio, but later turned into a moving and compelling theatrical experience. The creators of this amazing work are Peter Rothstein, Erick Lichte, and Timothy C. Takach. If you haven't see it then you need to make sure you do so during its current run, and even if you have see it before, I don't have to tell you that it's well worth seeing again.

Few playwrights tackle the subject of HIV/AIDS like Terrence McNally. Watching a generation wither away before his eyes has led him to explore the impact it has had in a number of works. One is ANDRE'S MOTHER, a short play which he was asked to expand. But, McNally opted to continue the story into the present day, and that choice acts to remind us that those left behind still suffer the pain of having lost a loved one, no matter how much time has passed, or how much things have changed medically and culturally. The Repertory Theatre of St. Louis opens their Studio Theatre season with an intimate and moving production of MOTHERS AND SONS, and it's driven by an exceptional cast and thoughtfully conceived direction.

The Repertory Theatre of St. Louis continues their 50th season with the powerful and thought-provoking one person play UNTIL THE FLOOD by Dael Orlandersmith, who also stars. This is the world premier of a work specifically commissioned by The Rep. While focusing on the events surrounding and following the death of Michael Brown, who was shot by a policeman in Ferguson, MO, the characters we meet will no doubt resonate with people in many communities around the country. This is gripping theatre that gives us a group of composite characters who all affected in one way or another by the situation that occurred. It's also a must-see show that will have a profound effect on everyone who views it.

I can recall viewing The Rocky Horror Picture Show at the old Varsity Theatre in the Delmar Loop before it closed its doors many years ago. There was a mood generated by the grungy atmosphere of that old movie house, with fans packed in like sardines, and dressed in various character costumes for the occasion, that's impossible to recreate when you can just pop in the DVD or Blu-Ray and watch it at home by yourself. Besides, it's always more fun to see it with an enthusiastic crowd. Happily, Stray Dog Theatre is presenting an enjoyable and thoroughly engaging production of the original musical the film was based upon, THE ROCKY HORROR SHOW, and they encourage audience participation (within reason). Go and have an absolute blast!

Upstream Theater opens their new season with a work by playwright Maya Arad Yasur called SUSPENDED. It's a fascinating piece of theater that touches on the issue of immigrants, and the challenges they face. Many cling to their old beliefs and ways, while some try to completely immerse themselves in our culture because they seek to blend in rather than stand out. These two points of view are discussed at length as a pair of window washers address the world that exists behind the glass they clean. At the same time, a link between the gentleman emerges that reveals some painful truths as to what went on before they actually came to this country. Once again, Upstream Theater has given us something that timely, and which will provide plenty to chew on. It's an engaging and entertaining 75 minute presentation that demands to be seen.

After playwright William Gibson's GOLDA fizzled he reworked the material to form the one woman show GOLDA'S BALCONY. It's been a big success for the actresses who have undertaken the role, and we're lucky to have one of St. Louis' finest portraying this historically important figure. The New Jewish Theatre's current production, which opens their 20th season, gives Lavonne Byers the opportunity to, once again, thoroughly engage and enthrall an audience, while giving us insights into Golda Meir's fascinating life story. This is an incredibly well crafted presentation that definitely deserves your attendance.

Though I'm extremely familiar with Tom Jones' (words) and Harvey Schmidt's (music) most popular work, THE FANTASTICKS, I had never seen their follow up, CELEBRATION. What I'd read while doing research was that it really fizzled once it was on Broadway. However, after seeing it I can understand why; it's a smaller scaled show that requires just the right venue to succeed. That's why I'm so glad New Line Theatre opened their 26th season with this fanciful and tune-filled musical. Through their superlative efforts we're able to see the premiere of a version that's been revised by Tom Jones. I'm not sure what was changed, but what we're privy to is a very engaging and entertaining production that will make you wonder why it isn't performed with more regularity. The score itself is gorgeous, and I cannot recommend this neglected gem highly enough.

I attended the world premiere of THE HUNGER, a new operatic work by Donnacha Dennehy in collaboration with the group Alarm Will Sound, and co-produced by Opera Theatre of St. Louis this weekend, and I was blown away by how affecting and compelling this 90 minute piece is. It's a multi-media exercise that attempts to convey a sense of the seven year famine that Ireland suffered through from 1845 - 1852. It was a time of starvation and widespread disease that saw many families emigrate to other countries, cutting the overall population by a nearly a quarter. This production at the Touhill (September 17, 2016) is both harrowing and invigorating in equal measure, and an absolute must-see for people interested in modern opera.

While I was watching FOLLIES, I was reminded of our own beloved Fox Theatre, and how it had tread a similar path during the 1970's. Like the fictional Weismann Theatre where this story's action takes place, it had been fallen on hard times, reduced to screening Kung-Fu and exploitation film fare before being renovated and reopened. But there is no restoration in the cards for the Weismann, and the people that come to it for one final celebrated glimpse may be nearing the point of being past reclamation themselves. This is superior Sondheim, and though it's not revived as often as some of his other works, it's full of the kind of interweaving melodies and motifs that this master composer is so adept at creating. Find out for yourself just how compelling and engaging this musical is by seeing The Repertory Theatre of St. Louis' stunning production that opens their 50th season.

STAGES St. Louis closes their 30th season with SISTER ACT, a musical based on the hit 1992 film of the same name, although this might actually be more entertaining in a lot of ways. Having seen a touring production a few years back, I was a bit concerned about some of the rougher edges that the show presents. But, this regional premier staging focuses on the inspirational aspects, and that lightens the mood considerably, producing delightful results in the process. This is a splendidly rendered production, and I cannot recommend it highly enough.

So, this was my first time seeing A GENTLEMAN'S GUIDE TO LOVE & MURDER, and as the plot began to unfold, I was struck by its similarity to a film I saw many years before. Growing up I remember watching selections from the Janus Films collection on my local PBS station (KETC, channel 9 in St. Louis), and the film that immediately came to mind was Kind Hearts and Coronets, which featured Alec Guinness in a variety of roles. Reading the program I noticed that Roy Borniman's novel of the same name was the basis for this Tony winning musical. Mystery solved. This is a wonderfully fun take on the story, and makes for an engaging and highly entertaining experience. Even if you've never seen the movie or read the book, you'll find plenty to love about this splendid adaptation that makes it all seem very fresh and funny!