Jerry Vogel News

Following its initial casting announcement, The Muny announced today additional principal casting for its spectacular 99th season. This star-packed group includes a mixture of some of the brightest names from stage and screen, with many making their Muny debut this summer.

The Repertory Theatre of St Louis is presenting Christopher Sergel's adaptation of Harper Lee's Pulitzer Prize winning novel, To Kill a Mockingbird, and it's a stunning production that is sure to be a smash hit. The addition of a representative group of African Americans referenced in the program as 'The Community' improves the experience immeasurably. The play itself has only a couple of characters of color, and in previous productions I've seen this presented a problem for me, given that the story is about injustice. This seemed to me to be a sort of injustice in and of itself. The basic story was there, of course, but something was missing that would further enhance a clearer understanding of the atmosphere and period. Now I can't imagine a staging that shouldn't follow this lead. This is a powerful and timely show that qualifies impressively as must-see entertainment.

The vengeful and doubting King Leontes and his falsely accused wife Queen Hermione will be played by Festival veterans Charles Pasternak and Cherie Corinne Rice in Shakespeare Festival St. Louis' production of The Winter's Tale, June 2-25, at Shakespeare Glen in Forest Park. This marks the company's 17th season of free, outdoor, professional theatre in the park. Preview performances are scheduled May 31 and June 1.  Performances run nightly, except Tuesdays, and begin at 8 p.m. 

When President Barack Obama gave his farewell address earlier this month, he chose to quote a great literary character: To Kill a Mockingbird's Atticus Finch.

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!

The Repertory Theatre of St. Louis presents A Christmas Carol, adapted by David H. Bell from the novella by Charles Dickens and directed by Steven Woolf.

The Repertory Theatre of St. Louis presents A Christmas Carol, adapted by David H. Bell from the novella by Charles Dickens and directed by Steven Woolf.

Set during a period of great turmoil just prior to the Russian revolution (1905), FIDDLER ON THE ROOF is a joyous celebration of life in times of uncertainty. Most versions I've seen have been scaled down considerably, focusing on the more intimate scenes. That's certainly not the case here. The MUNY's spectacular production gives us the full breadth and scope of Joseph Stein, Sheldon Harnick and Jerry Bock's thoughtful and heart warming take on themes of family and tradition. Anchored by a particularly strong cast and top notch staging this, is quite simply, perfection!

Footage of opening night of Jerry Bock and Sheldon Harnick's, Fiddler on the Roof, at The Muny in St. Louis, MO, featuring a previously unheard song by the show's composers!

It's always fun to take in the many treats available at Shakespeare Festival St. Louis each year in Forest Park, and I'm not just talking about the food and drink stands, but also all the performers, mini-versions of the show, etc, that take place before the main attraction begins (arrive early). And,with the weather just a touch cooler there's no excuse not to attend, Besides, it's truly special watching a classic work by the immortal bard under the stars. This year a most apropos example of his work, A MIDSUMMER NIGHT'S DREAM, takes flight in the wooded confines, exactly the place where the action of this play occurs. It's a match made in heaven, and it's also a work that, as I've stated in other reviews, is a great introduction to the playwright. So, by all means, bring the family and enjoy this fantastic production.

The Muny announced today the complete cast for its production of Fiddler on the Roof directed by Gary Griffin, choreographed by Alex Sanchez and music directed by Brad Haak.

Shakespeare Festival St. Louis' production of A Midsummer Night's Dream opens at 8 p.m. on Fri., June 3, at Shakespeare Glen in Forest Park. Highlights to this year's production include the creative twist of twins in the role of Puck, original music composed by New York actor-musician Peter Mark Kendall and St. Louis-based The Rats & People Motion Picture Orchestra, the unveiling of Schlafly 1616, a beer brewed specifically for the Festival, and a uniquely enthralling set design that features three stories of doors.

Music has the power to move people in many different ways. As someone who plays a variety of instruments, I can speak firsthand about the ways it's made me feel, and the ways in which I've seen it affect others. I'm certainly no prodigy, and I've always been jealous of those who were born with gifts that I have to constantly work on to improve. Maybe that's one of the reasons The New Jewish Theatre's inspirational production of playwright Jon Maran's OLD WICKED SONGS, resonates so much with me. Full of surprising and moving revelations, this presentation is excellently conceived and executed. Issues of faith and identity abound in a play that absolutely demands your time and attention.

? Renowned New York actress and Olivier nominee Nancy Anderson will play the role of Titania in Shakespeare Festival St. Louis' production of A Midsummer Night's Dream, June 3-26, at Shakespeare Glen in Forest Park.  This marks the company's 16th season of free, outdoor, professional theatre in the park.  Preview performances are scheduled June 1-2.  Performances run nightly, except Tuesdays, and begin at 8 p.m. 

Everyone needs someone who's a good listener when they're troubled. And, when you find yourself hesitant or unable to open up to a loved one about something, you can always seek out a therapist to talk to. Therapists offer objective observations that allow their patients to express their feelings without the fear of being judged harshly or over-critically. They're also there to provide assistance in modifying behaviors and thought patterns which are affecting your ability to fully function, at least, if they're any good at what they do. But, they're people too. They have their own lives and their own baggage. Playwright Conor McPherson enters this private world with his work, SHINING CITY, a spellbinding examination of a group of people who all seem to have 'unfinished business', and as director Toni Dorfman notes in the program, 'a need for absolution'. Upstream Theater's production is excellent, and I found myself completely immersed to the point where the play lingered in my memory for days after I'd seen it. That's compelling stuff, and it's the type of work that Upstream does on a consistent basis.

My lists for the best plays/musicals in St. Louis is in chronological order. I'm not limiting myself to any specific number of entries either. These are simply the best productions and performances in various categories that I witnessed during a packed year filled with companies closing and new ones opening. It continues to be a great time to be a theater-goer in our town, with many, many choices of quality shows available for your viewing pleasure on any given day or evening. My favorite show among all thesel selections just might be Upstream Theater's THE RIME OF THE ANCIENT MARINER. My son and I attended, and were simply delighted by the mix of music and drama occurring on stage. It was a magical experience that I was able to share with my then nine year old little boy, and we both highly recommend that you check out the band Sleepy Kitty.

Happy Holidays! It's the last week to vote for the 2015 BroadwayWorld St. Louis Regional Awards! Check out the latest live stats as of December 18. Nominations were reader-submitted and after the nomination period ended, BroadwayWorld's local editors proofed the list for eligibility and errors. Voting runs through December 31!

Time is running out to vote for the 2015 BroadwayWorld St. Louis Regional Awards! Check out the latest live stats as of December 18. Nominations were reader-submitted and after the nomination period ended, BroadwayWorld's local editors proofed the list for eligibility and errors. Voting runs through December 31!

Voting is fully underway for the 2015 BroadwayWorld St. Louis Regional Awards! Check out the latest live stats as of December 11. Nominations were reader-submitted and after the nomination period ended, BroadwayWorld's local editors proofed the list for eligibility and errors. Voting runs through December 31.

Voting has opened for the 2015 BroadwayWorld St. Louis Regional Awards! Check out the latest live stats as of November 27th. Nominations were reader-submitted and after the nomination period ended, BroadwayWorld's local editors proofed the list for eligibility and errors. Voting runs through December 31.