Lavonne Byers

Previews: MIDNIGHT COMPANY 2023 SEASON at Midnight Company

The Midnight Company announces it 2023 five-show season that includes two world premiere productions. The Season opens on March 1, 2023 with the world premiere production of JUST ONE LOOK based on the life and career of Linda Ronstadt at The Blue Strawberry. Midnight Company continues its season with THE ABSOLUTE BRIGHTNESS OF LEONARD KELLY at The Kranzberg Black Box  May 4th -20th,  THE YEARS at The Chapel July 13th-29th, and YOU MADE ME LOVE YOU at The Blue Strawberry July 26th – August 9th.  Midnight Company closes its season with a production of THE LION IN WINTER at the .ZACK October 5th-21st.

BWW Review: GOOD PEOPLE at Tower Grove Abbey

Now in production by Stray Dog Theatre, Good People ironically offers very little decency in its presentation of working-class Southies looking to catch a break. At its core is Margie Walsh, a tough-as-nails, blue-collar working mother whose desire to do right by her mentally challenged daughter upends her life. Saddled with unreliable caregivers and always looking for more money, she struggles to keep steady work and make ends meet.

4th Tennessee Williams Fest STL Is A Massive Success

Tennessee Williams Festival St. Louis produced its 2019 festival in the Grand Center Arts District to much critical acclaim and record-breaking attendance. Running May 9 through May 19, with multiple offerings across various venues, the Festival breathed new life into the work and legacy of St. Louis' own, Tennessee Williams.

BWW Review: THE NIGHT OF THE IGUANA Kicks Off Fourth Annual Tennessee Williams Festival St. Louis

If you know Tennessee Williams, and I hope you do/will, you know there's a lot to unpack in his work. His characters are tormented and textured, plotlines layered with the riddles and aches of the human heart. There's no mercy when Tennessee Williams shines a flashlight into the darkest corners of a soul, and you will likely come away from the work exhausted and amazed for both the damage and any bit of renewal you've witnessed. Such is the case in The Night of the Iguana, playing at The Grandel Theatre now, as the main stage production of the 2019 Tennessee Williams Festival St. Louis.

Tennessee Williams Festival St. Louis Announces THE NIGHT OF THE IGUANA as the 2019 Main Stage Production

The Tennessee Williams Festival St. Louis will present Tennessee Williams' steamy and startling 'The Night of the Iguana' as its main stage production at the Grandel Theatre on May 9-19.

Tennessee Williams Fest STL Announces 2019 Main Stage Production

The Tennessee Williams Festival St. Louis - named the "Arts Startup of the Year" for 2019 by the Arts & Education Council - will present Tennessee Williams' steamy and startling "The Night of the Iguana" as its main stage production at the Grandel Theatre on May 9-19.  Jim Butz, Lavonne Byers, Nisi Sturgis, Elizabeth Townsend, and Harry Weber headline as Americans who are hiding-or seeking-or both-at a seedy Mexican hotel during the run-up to World War II. Tim Ocel will once again direct, having guided last year's "A Streetcar Named Desire" to a record 11 award nominations by the St. Louis Theater Circle. 

Stray Dog Theatre Presents JESUS CHRIST SUPERSTAR

Jesus Christ Superstar has captivated audiences for more than 40 years. Loosely based on the Gospels of Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John, this timeless rock opera follows the last week of Jesus' life, exploring his personal relationships and struggles with Judas Iscariot, Mary Magdalene, his disciples, and the Roman Empire. 'Jesus Christ Superstar.'

Stephen Sondheim's gloriously dark and enormously tuneful take on the tale of the 'Demon Barber of Fleet Street', SWEENEY TODD, is given a highly entertaining presentation in Stray Dog Theatre's latest production. There have been several different stagings of the musical over the years, one of which even featured the actors playing the music score, but this one features a great music ensemble, terrific performances, and a wonderful representation of a grungy and corrupt London, circa 1846. Since Stray Dog first started performing musicals a few years ago they've become more and more adept at it with each successive offering. SWEENEY TODD: THE DEMON BARBER OF FLEET STREET is an exceptional show, and if you haven't gotten your tickets yet, you'd better hurry because the run is selling out quickly. It's a must-see!

A macabre musical tells the tale of Sweeney Todd, an unjustly exiled barber, who returns to London seeking vengeance.

A macabre musical tells the tale of Sweeney Todd, an unjustly exiled barber, who returns to London seeking vengeance. The road to revenge leads Todd to Mrs. Lovett, proprietress of a failing pie shop, whose luck improves when the demon barbers thirst for blood inspires a new ingredient for her meat pies. Londoners start queuing up for a taste of her unique delectable treats!