Jim Poulos News

If I were asked to provide the perfect introduction to the work of playwright William Shakespeare I would advise that person to check out The Repertory Theatre of St. Louis' current production of A MIDSUMMER NIGHT'S DREAM. Unlike the bard's histories or tragedies, this play is truly lyrical, funny, and filled with magical elements that make it especially appealing. It's also one of his few tales that isn't based on another source, springing with startling originality from his own fervid imagination, which makes it particularly special among his bountiful canon. It seems like I'm always saying this about the Rep, but they provide must-see entertainment on a regular basis, with this enchanting presentation acting as another fine example of their exemplary work.

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.

Music, Lyrics, and Book duo Michael Roberts and Charlie Schulman reunite once again after their recent production of The Fartiste, which had a successful run Off-Broadway in 2011-12 and West End Concert following its 2006 FringeNYC Outstanding Musical Award. Their newest venture, The Goldstein Variations, after concert presentations at the JCC in Manhattan, American University, and Abingdon Theater, will be seen by supporters at The Playroom Theater in a limited, developmental presentation from May 12th through 15th, open to the general public. The Goldstein Variations will be directed by Daniel Kutner.

The York Theatre Company and its acclaimed Developmental Reading Series, will present the premiere of two new musicals: Monet, with Book by Joan Ross Sorkin and Music & Lyrics by Carmel Owen, and Goodbye Barcelona, written by Judith Johnson and K.S. Lewkowicz at The York Theatre Company at Saint Peter's (Entrance on East 54th Street, just east of Lexington Avenue). The readings are open to the public with a suggested donation of $5.00.

Only one play in history has received the Pulitzer Prize for Drama, Broadway's Tony Award for Best Play, and London's Olivier Award for Best New Play. Securing the 'Triple Crown' of theatre has made Bruce Norris' Clybourne Park one of the most acclaimed American plays in recent memory, earning accolades from such diverse critics as Entertainment Weekly ('indisputably, uproariously funny') to The New Yorker ('superb, elegantly written and hilarious'). Cleveland Play Housewill present this wickedly funny and fiercely provocative play from today, March 21 - April 13 in the Allen Theatre at PlayhouseSquare.

Only one play in history has received the Pulitzer Prize for Drama, Broadway's Tony Award for Best Play, and London's Olivier Award for Best New Play. Securing the 'Triple Crown' of theatre has made Bruce Norris' Clybourne Park one of the most acclaimed American plays in recent memory, earning accolades from such diverse critics as Entertainment Weekly ('indisputably, uproariously funny') to The New Yorker ('superb, elegantly written and hilarious'). Cleveland Play Housewill present this wickedly funny and fiercely provocative play from March 21 - April 13 in the Allen Theatre at PlayhouseSquare.

Geva Theatre Center' 41st Season continues with Clybourne Park by Bruce Norris. Directed by Mark Cuddy, this wickedly funny and fiercely provocative play about the volatile combination of race and real estate begins performances tonight, February 11 and runs in the Elaine P. Wilson Mainstage through March 9.

Geva Theatre Center' 41st Season continues with Clybourne Park by Bruce Norris. Directed by Mark Cuddy, this wickedly funny and fiercely provocative play about the volatile combination of race and real estate begins performances on February 11 and runs in the Elaine P. Wilson Mainstage through March 9.

On November 28, a beloved Rochester tradition returns to Geva Theatre Center on the Wilson Mainstage. A Christmas Carol, Dickens' classic tale of redemption for the most despised man in London, will awaken your heart and rekindle your spirit this holiday season. This production of A Christmas Carol premiered to great acclaim in 2010 and features a script adapted by Mark Cuddy from Charles Dickens' novella with music and lyrics by Gregg Coffin, composer of Geva favorites, Five Course Love and Convenience.

All in all, thanks to the fine performances of the cast and crew - an excellent and enjoyable evening of musical theatre.

The Arvada Center will open the award winning musical, Curtains directed by Gavin Mayer tonight, July 9. Curtains is written by Rupert Holmes, and is based on the original book by Peter Stone, with music by John Kander and lyrics by Fred Ebb (Chicago and Cabaret).

The Arvada Center will open the award winning musical, Curtains directed by Gavin Mayer on Tuesday, July 9. Curtains is written by Rupert Holmes, and is based on the original book by Peter Stone, with music by John Kander and lyrics by Fred Ebb (Chicago and Cabaret).

"Exposed: Drew Gasparini in Concert" will be presented March 24th, 2013 at the Time Out Lounge at New World Stage

Geva Theatre Center's 40th Anniversary Season gets off to a stellar start with You Can't Take It With You by Moss Hart and George S. Kaufman, directed by Mark Cuddy.

Geva Theatre Center's 2011-2012 Wilson Mainstage Season concludes with Stephen Sondheim and George Furth's musical Company, which begins performances tonight, May 9 and runs in the Elaine P. Wilson Mainstage through June 10.

Geva Theatre Center's 2011-2012 Wilson Mainstage Season concludes with Stephen Sondheim and George Furth's musical Company, which begins performances on May 9 and runs in the Elaine P. Wilson Mainstage through June 10.

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.

Anyone who reads my reviews regularly knows that I'm a fan of Shakespearean re-imaginings. Sure, I like my Shakespeare played straight as well, but sometimes when one of his plays is tinkered with in just the right fashion it comes to life in new and unexpectedly exciting ways. Such is the case with the Rep's slapstick take on THE COMEDY OF ERRORS, which is given the background of New Orleans during Mardi Gras, and given a heavy dose of 1930's period music to liven things up considerably. It's a brilliant take and leaves the Rep with a perfect batting average for the season. It's the reason why we go to Rep in the first place; they consistently provide entertaining shows that are expertly acted and directed, in a theatre that puts you right on top of the action. What more could you ask for?