Alan Knoll News

I'm a big fan of the Repertory Theatre of St. Louis's Imaginary Theatre Company because their productions are consistently entertaining and they never fail to send a positive message to their audience. This is important to me as a parent, because there are plenty of Christmas plays for children, but they rarely convey the kind of moral I'd like my child to be getting, or else they're ham-handed in the way that they present it. Playwright Sarah Brandt, along with composer Stephen James Neale, has concocted a nice little gem for the holiday season called A GNOME FOR CHRISTMAS, and it's engaging and informative, teaching a valuable lesson about accepting others for who they are and what they can accomplish, rather than how they appear.

The Imaginary Theatre Company, the young audiences touring ensemble of The Repertory Theatre of St. Louis, will present the premiere of a new children's musical, A Gnome for Christmas, this holiday season. Adapted by playwright Sarah Brandt and composer Stephen James Neale, this 45-minute performance, suitable for all ages, is a musical that reminds us of the importance of helping others and the happiness found in friends.

The Imaginary Theatre Company, the young audiences touring ensemble of The Repertory Theatre of St. Louis, will present the premiere of a new children's musical, A Gnome for Christmas, this holiday season. Adapted by playwright Sarah Brandt and composer Stephen James Neale, this 45-minute performance, suitable for all ages, is a musical that reminds us of the importance of helping others and the happiness found in friends.

Max & Louie Productions will feature two plays in its 2012 season, the St. Louis premiere of The New Century by Paul Rudnick and The Violet Hour by Richard Greenberg, both being staged at COCA's intimate Black Box Theatre (524 Trinity Avenue, University City, MO 63130).

The Rep's Imaginary Theatre Company presented a version of PUSS IN BOOTS that more in line with Charles Perrault's original fairy tale, than with the Dreamworks, sword-wielding brand we've become accustomed to. Playwright/composer Brian Hohlfeld's take is decidedly more true to its source, although it does add some cute little catchy songs, and pop-culture references in telling its tale. ITC's production was very well done, as always, and featured a fine cast and clever direction.

The Imaginary Theatre Company, the young audiences touring ensemble of The Repertory Theatre of St. Louis, supported by a $25,000 grant from Brown Shoe Company and a $25,000 grant from the Monsanto Fund, will present Puss in Boots on Saturday, March 17, at 11 a.m. and 3 p.m. at the Heagney Theatre on the campus of Nerinx Hall High School, 530 East Lockwood Avenue, Webster Groves. Tickets are $6.

The Imaginary Theatre Company, the young audiences touring ensemble of The Repertory Theatre of St. Louis, supported by a $25,000 grant from Brown Shoe Company and a $25,000 grant from the Monsanto Fund, will present Puss in Boots on Saturday, March 17, at 11 a.m. and 3 p.m. at the Heagney Theatre on the campus of Nerinx Hall High School, 530 East Lockwood Avenue, Webster Groves. Tickets are $6. Check out the production photos below!

The Imaginary Theatre Company, the young audiences touring ensemble of The Repertory Theatre of St. Louis, supported by a $25,000 grant from Brown Shoe Company and a $25,000 grant from the Monsanto Fund, will present Puss in Boots on Saturday, March 17, at 11 a.m. and 3 p.m. at the Heagney Theatre on the campus of Nerinx Hall High School, 530 East Lockwood Avenue, Webster Groves. Tickets are $6.

Max & Louie Productions will feature two plays in its 2012 season, the St. Louis premiere of The New Century by Paul Rudnick and The Violet Hour by Richard Greenberg, both being staged at COCA's intimate Black Box Theatre (524 Trinity Avenue, University City, MO 63130).

The Imaginary Theatre Company, the young audiences touring ensemble of The Repertory Theatre of St. Louis, will present its own original version of The Elves and the Shoemaker this holiday season.

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 Imaginary Theatre Company's season in conjunction with the St. Louis Rep. This, like most of their presentations for kids isn't written "down", and operates well at communicating the various morals, or things that should always be remembered like a snippet of dialogue that went something akin to: "Having each other is the best Christmas gift". But, the best morals are a bit more subtle, like the need to help people and be rewarded for your good deed, or cooperate in order to achieve your best work.

The Imaginary Theatre Company, the young audiences touring ensemble of The Repertory Theatre of St. Louis, will present its own original version of The Elves and the Shoemaker this holiday season.

The Imaginary Theatre Company, the young audiences touring ensemble of The Repertory Theatre of St. Louis, will present its own original version of The Elves and the Shoemaker this holiday season.

As we approach the 10th anniversary of 911, Blue Rose Stage Collective and River City Theatre are presenting playwright Anne Nelson's THE GUYS, which looks back at that fateful day in a most unique and diverting manner. If there's one thing this tragic day has taught us, it's to be aware and ever-vigilant, but also to remember, not just the event itself, but the brave people who gave their lives trying to rescue those poor souls trapped in the twin towers as the planes guided by terrorists struck them. It's a powerful and surprisingly, at times, light-hearted look at a particular time in our history that must never be forgotten, and this production is outstanding.

How much truth is too much? When dealing with the masses, is it better to entertain or enlighten? Should people hear what they want or need to hear? How do we find meaningful relationships in such a diverse world? These are just a few of the issues addressed with compassion and lots of humor in Bill C. Davis' comedy/drama MASS APPEAL, presented by Dramatic License Productions.

How much truth is too much? When dealing with the masses, is it better to entertain or enlighten? Should people hear what they want or need to hear? How do we find meaningful relationships in such a diverse world? These are just a few of the issues addressed with compassion and lots of humor in Bill C. Davis' comedy/drama MASS APPEAL, presented by Dramatic License Productions.