Chris Gibson - Page 67

LAKMÉ makes its Missouri debut at Union Avenue Opera August 21, with additional performances August 22, 28 and 29 at 8PM. The final and most popular opera of famed French composer Léo Delibes, Lakmé, will have its first professional performance in Missouri.

The Muny closes it's 2009 season with an exuberant and colorful staging of HAIRSPRAY, the musical based on film director John Waters' most mainstream feature. Even though it's been toned down ever so slightly, this production is still very enjoyable. And, the chance to hear the score performed by an orchestra makes this an especially unique experience.

Love and Honor take center stage in St. Louis Actor's Studio third season 2009-10 season includes something for everyone.

Over Due Theatre Company is presenting the classic musical THE WIZARD OF OZ as their Summer Musical Theatre Camp production for 2009.

DOUBT, A PARABLE by John Patrick Shanley is powerful entertainment that plucks its tale from the headlines, but sets the action in 1964. Anyone who's been following issues surrounding the Catholic Church and its problems with pedophile priests will find this story riveting. Dramatic License Productions (in association with Vanity Theatre) makes a strong initial foray with this riveting presentation, driven by four terrific performances.

T.H. White's classic book, The Once and Future King, is the basis of Alan Jay Lerner's script and lyrics for CAMELOT, but the real focus of this musical adaptation is the romantic triangle that forms between King Arthur, Lady Guenevere and Sir Lancelot.

Come join the party as Union Avenue Opera presents Franz Lehár's charming DIE LUSTIGE WITWE(THE MERRY WIDOW), running July 31, August 1, 7, 8 and 9.

George S. Kaufman and Moss Hart's perennial favorite, You Can't Take It With You, is given a pleasant and breezy staging in the Lyceum Theatre's current production. This venerable comedy classic comes to life in splendid fashion, with a fine cast proving that Kaufman and Hart's punchlines still stand up over 70 years after they were written.

If you're feeling a little blue, or maybe just experiencing some 'non-specific' sadness, a sure cure for that condition can be found by attending Stages St. Louis's sparkling presentation of THE DROWSY CHAPERONE. This is an uproariously funny show that pokes gentle fun at the very core of musical theatre conventions. Everything is fair game in Bob Martin and Don McKellar's witty script, which even manages to lampoon opening blackouts and intermissions.

The Muny brings a bigness to their current production of THE MUSIC MAN that cannot be denied. And, with the beautiful unseasonable weather we've been experiencing, it's certainly a nice way to enjoy a cool summer evening under the stars.

THE 25th ANNUAL PUTNAM COUNTY SPELLING BEE pokes fun at these competitions with a cunning mixture of bizarre characters and catchy tunes that's an over the top delight. New Line Theatre's current production is a perfectly cast show filled with moments of high hilarity.