Jim Butz News

“Our theater program equips us with talented mentors who take the art very seriously. They challenge us and provide a viewpoint from the work field which is more intensive compared to other schools.” -Josie Mosley

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.

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. 

In the 16th and 17th centuries, Amsterdam was a haven for Jewish refugees escaping the Inquisition in Portugal. A large Sephardic community resettled there and the Jews were able to practice their religion openly and peacefully. So much so that Amsterdam was often referred to as the "New Jerusalem." That brings us to the subject of the next NJT production, David Ives' New Jerusalem, the Interrogation of Baruch de Spinoza at Torah Talmud Congregation: Amsterdam, July 27, 1656, the true story of Jewish philosopher Baruch de Spinoza who was excommunicated from the Jewish community of Amsterdam in the mid-1600's in order to keep the peace for that city's Jews.

The votes have been counted... Check out the fill list of winners for the 2017 BWW Regional Awards!

The 2017 awards honor productions which opened between October 1, 2016 and September 30, 2017. Nominations were completely reader-submitted and after the nomination period ended October 31, BroadwayWorld's local editors proofed the list for eligibility and errors.

The 2017 awards honor productions which opened between October 1, 2016 and September 30, 2017. Nominations were completely reader-submitted and after the nomination period ended October 31, BroadwayWorld's local editors proofed the list for eligibility and errors.

The 2017 awards honor productions which opened between October 1, 2016 and September 30, 2017. Nominations were completely reader-submitted and after the nomination period ended October 31, BroadwayWorld's local editors proofed the list for eligibility and errors.

The 2017 awards honor productions which opened between October 1, 2016 and September 30, 2017. Nominations were completely reader-submitted and after the nomination period ended October 31, BroadwayWorld's local editors proofed the list for eligibility and errors.

The 2017 awards honor productions which opened between October 1, 2016 and September 30, 2017. Nominations were completely reader-submitted and after the nomination period ended October 31, BroadwayWorld's local editors proofed the list for eligibility and errors.

The 2017 awards honor productions which opened between October 1, 2016 and September 30, 2017. Nominations were completely reader-submitted and after the nomination period ended October 31, BroadwayWorld's local editors proofed the list for eligibility and errors.

REBEL AND MISFITS PRODUCTIONS is thrilled to announce 'Uncle Vanya: Valiantly Accepting Next Year's Agony,' the second piece in its' series called The Immersive Theatre Project. This production, directed by Kelly Hummert, Artistic Director of the company, will feature a two-hour interpretation of Russian playwright Anton Chekhov's 'Uncle Vanya.' The event will run for two weeks, Today through Monday, from August 24 through September 3 at a private residence at 110 Dielman Road in Ladue.

REBEL AND MISFITS PRODUCTIONS is thrilled to announce 'Uncle Vanya: Valiantly Accepting Next Year's Agony,' the second piece in its' series called The Immersive Theatre Project. This production, directed by Kelly Hummert, Artistic Director of the company, will feature a two-hour interpretation of Russian playwright Anton Chekhov's 'Uncle Vanya.' The event will run for two weeks, Thursday through Monday, from August 24 through September 3 at a private residence at 110 Dielman Road in Ladue.

Parts of playwright Brian Friel's DANCING AT LUGHNASA are joyous, and some are unsettling, mainly because we come to care so much about the Mundy family that inhabits it. I personally found it fascinating and disturbing at the same time. It's that dichotomy that drives the action, and it provides no easy answers for the viewer. I actually like that aspect. Because life isn't a bed of roses for most of us, instead it's a journey where obstacles pop up, sometimes unexpectedly, forcing us to constantly adapt and change, or risk being steamrolled by circumstance. Mustard Seed Theatre is presenting this engrossing play as they close their tenth season, and it's a production well worth your time and attention. Go see it!

New York, 1905, Esther, a black seamstress, lives in a boarding house where she sews intimate apparel for clients ranging from wealthy white patrons to prostitutes. As the other denizens of the boarding house marry and move away, Esther remains, lonely and longing. Through a mutual acquaintance, she begins to receive beautiful letters from a lonesome Caribbean man working on the Panama Canal.

New York, 1905, Esther, a black seamstress, lives in a boarding house where she sews intimate apparel for clients ranging from wealthy white patrons to prostitutes. As the other denizens of the boarding house marry and move away, Esther remains, lonely and longing. Through a mutual acquaintance, she begins to receive beautiful letters from a lonesome Caribbean man working on the Panama Canal.

The New Jewish Theatre's production of playwright Lynn Nottage's INTIMATE APPAREL is a very engaging work that presents the audience with layers of text and subtext to chew on. It's primarily about the pursuit of a dream, and the events that occur that may delay or derail that dream, but not to the point where the protagonist ever gives up hope. Though set in New York at the turn of the last century, there are a lot of issues brought forth that will ring true for a modern audience. In these especially difficult times, it's a reminder of the way people of color were treated then, something we have to work vigilantly to make sure doesn't happen again. Drawing on the experiences of her great-grandmother, Nottage has written a wonderfully touching, and ultimately hopeful, work that is brought to life with an incredibly well done production by The New Jewish Theatre. I recommend it highly!

The New Jewish Theatre continues its 20th Season with the Award-winning Lynn Nottage play, Intimate Apparel from January 26 - February 12.

The New Jewish Theatre continues its 20th Season with the Award-winning Lynn Nottage play, Intimate Apparel from January 26 - February 12.

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.