Jerry Vogel News

Taking it's name from the campaign slogan Lyndon B. Johnson would utilize for his run for the presidency in 1964, playwright Robert Schenkkan has crafted a brilliant, compelling, and very informative work with ALL THE WAY that picks up right after the assassination of President John F. Kennedy in November of 1963. Schenkkan has actually written another play (THE GREAT SOCIETY) that follows subsequent events in Johnson's life from 1964-1968. But, here the focus is on that tumultuous period when the nation was basically in shock as they witnessed their iconic fresh-faced president being gunned down, and with it their dreams of a 'new frontier'. However, they didn't realize they were in the hands of a career politician who knew that the road to something more than an 'accidental' presidency lay in his ability to make sweeping changes in our society, no matter what the cost. The Repertory Theatre of St. Louis opens their season with a masterful production of this intriguing play, and I think you'll be blown away by revelations that have been glossed over in history books. A very strong cast and crew bring this story to life with amazing results that are thought-provoking and fascinating.

The Repertory Theatre of St. Louis presents All the Way by Robert Schenkkan and directed by Steven Woolf. More topical than ever before, this behind-the-scenes view of Lyndon B. Johnson's presidency runs September 9 - October 4 on the Browning Mainstage of the Loretto-Hilton Center for the Performing Arts, 130 Edgar Road (on the campus of Webster University).

In the director's notes for Upstream Theater's recent production of THE RIME OF THE ANCIENT MARINER, Patrick Siler mentions the fact that he was first exposed to Samuel Taylor Coleridge's work when he was around ten years of age. Interestingly enough, I brought my nine year old along with me so that he could experience this wonderful classic for the first time. And, what he saw was an absolutely amazing production, adapted by Siler with original music composed and performed by Sleepy Kitty. What a great introduction to a timeless piece. From the excellent musical accompaniment, which was simply beyond cool, to the projected images of Gustave Dore's original wood-engraved illustrations, to the fabulous performance of the cast, this was a presentation that was truly special in every sense of the word.

New Line Theatre's production of BONNIE & CLYDE tied with Stages St. Louis' rendition of HOW TO SUCCEED IN BUSINESS WITHOUT REALLY TRYING with nine nominations apiece for the St. Louis Theater Circle Awards to lead nominations for all shows produced by local professional theater companies in 2014.

There's no doubt in my mind that people who are familiar with the despicable actions of Bernie Madoff will never find it in their hearts to forgive the way he bilked so many trusting and innocent victims out of their life savings with his nefarious Ponzi schemes. And yet, with playwright Deborah Margolin's work, IMAGINING MADOFF, we're given an opportunity to examine in detail the man who concocted this plan. It's not that you feel any empathy or understanding for his motives, but that you see him as a real person, and not just another criminal elevated by the media due to his notorious actions. It's a really engaging and thought-provoking piece of theatre that exemplifies the kind of material that the New Jewish Theatre has become so well known for, and it's one that should not be missed at all costs.

The Repertory Theatre of St. Louis presents the comedy A Midsummer Night's Dream by William Shakespeare and directed by Paul Mason Barnes. This enchanting play will be performed on the Browning Mainstage of the Loretto-Hilton Center for the Performing Arts, 130 Edgar Road (on the campus of Webster University), Webster Groves, today, October 15-November 9, 2014.

The Repertory Theatre of St. Louis presents the comedy A Midsummer Night's Dream by William Shakespeare and directed by Paul Mason Barnes. This enchanting play will be performed on the Browning Mainstage of the Loretto-Hilton Center for the Performing Arts, 130 Edgar Road (on the campus of Webster University), Webster Groves, October 15-November 9, 2014.

Jim Butz will play the expansive role of Prince Hal/King Henry V in Shakespeare Festival St. Louis' productions of Henry IV and Henry V, today, May 17 through June 15, at Shakespeare Glen in Forest Park, it was announced today by Rick Dildine, artistic and executive director of Shakespeare Festival St. Louis.

Writer Arthur Miller's THE PRICE is a powerful and engaging work that uses a simple set up to discuss the "price" everyone pays for the decisions they make in life. Each choice we make makes an impact on those around us, often deeper than we're aware of. Though emotionally charged and dramatic, this is also a play that is quite funny at times. The current production by The New Jewish Theatre crackles with the kind of bristling energy we've come to associate with Miller's work, and with exceptional theatre. The Price is definitely worth checking out.

FORGET ME NOT by playwright Tom Holloway explores a story torn from the tragic practice of "child migration" that was utilized during times of war and unrest in Great Britain since the 1600s. This is a poignant, touching and, ultimately, heart-breaking tale of one family's journey to reconnect. The acting and direction are simply superb, and you'd have to be a pretty tough person not to be moved by it. Upstream Theater's intimate production will linger in your memory long after the lights come up.

Jim Butz will play the expansive role of Prince Hal/King Henry V in Shakespeare Festival St. Louis' productions of Henry IV and Henry V, May 17 through June 15, at Shakespeare Glen in Forest Park, it was announced today by Rick Dildine, artistic and executive director of Shakespeare Festival St. Louis.

Voting is now underway for St. Louis! We have a record number of votes in already, but if you haven't voted yet, click here to vote! If you have voted already, tell your friends.

Voting is now underway for St. Louis! We have a record number of votes in already, but if you haven't voted yet, click here to vote! If you have voted already, tell your friends.

Voting is now underway for St. Louis! We have a record number of votes in already, but if you haven't voted yet, click here to vote! If you have voted already, tell your friends.

Voting is now underway for St. Louis! We have a record number of votes in already, but if you haven't voted yet, click here to vote! If you have voted already, tell your friends.

Voting is now underway for St. Louis! We have a record number of votes in already, but if you haven't voted yet, click here to vote! If you have voted already, tell your friends.

Writers Lisa Peterson and Denis O'Hare have concocted an intriguing take on Homer's The Iliad (translation by Robert Fagles) with their brilliantly interactive work, AN ILIAD. The distinction comes from the fact that this play not only utilizes the basic historical information contained within that classic Greek epic, but also confronts us with the sad truth that war has become a constant in our lives, and that some things are simply out of our control whether we like it or not. This amazing piece of theater is brought to the stage by Upstream Theater, and it's brought to life by actor Jerry Vogel. It's an experience that absolutely demands your time and attention as a theater-goer.

Playwright Janet Langhart Cohen has crafted an intriguing work with ANNE & EMMETT, which brings together two seemingly disparate people from history, and then proceeds to show how similar their lives were. The Black Rep's current production is nicely conceived and executed, and features four fine performances. The message conveyed about racism, and its different guises, is an important one, and one not soon forgotten.

When Iago talks about 'Jealousy…the green-eyed monster,' he might as well be referring to himself. It's his envy of Cassio's promotion under the leadership of Moorish general Othello that sets a devious plot in motion that will leave many dead and others wounded. And so it goes, in St. Louis Shakespeare Festival's sparkling production of OTHELLO, which is currently being performed in Forest Park. Be sure to arrive early to enjoy the festivities, and to stake your claim on a prime spot from where you can view this splendidly realized show.

The Repertory Theatre of St. Louis (The Rep) presents William Shakespeare's The Comedy of Errors. The show will be performed on the Browning Mainstage of the Loretto-Hilton Center for the Performing Arts, 130 Edgar Road (on the campus of Webster University), Webster Groves, through April 8, 2012.