John Contini News

It wasn't until a couple of years ago that I actually saw the stage version of THE SOUND OF MUSIC. Of course, I'd been exposed to the movie version long before that, but I never really enjoyed watching it until they started letterboxing the film for broadcast presentations, because the 'pan and scan' versions always ruined the beautiful vistas captured by the cinematographer. But, you don't have to worry about that at the Muny, which offers up its own 'widescreen' take on this classic musical (it is a big stage, after all), producing a solid and enjoyable outing fit for the entire family.

The St. Louis Muny's upcoming production of THE SOUND OF MUSIC will feature some Broadway talent. Ashley Brown (MARY POPPINS, BEAUTY AND THE BEAST) will play Maria von Trapp opposite Tom Hewitt (CHICAGO, THE ROCKY HORROR SHOW, THE LION KING) as Baron von Trapp, Playbill reports. The production opens July 26 and runs through August 1.

St. Louis is a baseball town, of that there can be no doubt. We live and die with our beloved Cardinals, ever optimistic that if we don't win this year, we'll give it our best shot the next. So, with our national pastime taking it's annual hiatus for the All-Star game, this is the perfect opportunity for fans to check out the best musical ever written about the subject; DAMN YANKEES. And, don't fret about the weather, even an impressive light show by Mother Nature wasn't enough to stop the show or dampen the audience's spirit on opening night at the Muny.

The St. Louis Muny's upcoming production of THE SOUND OF MUSIC will feature some Broadway talent. Ashley Brown (MARY POPPINS, BEAUTY AND THE BEAST) will play Maria von Trapp opposite Tom Hewitt (CHICAGO, THE ROCKY HORROR SHOW, THE LION KING) as Baron von Trapp, Playbill reports. The production opens July 26 and runs through August 1.

THE COUNTRY GIRL will end its run at the Avalon Theatre Company on May 2nd. Georgie Elgin has suffered long years of devotion to actor husband, Frank. When Frank is offered what is needed to revive his career - a big role in an important new play, the play's brilliant director believes Georgie is the key to Frank's downfall...until a dynamic incident reveals the country girl's identity and exposes Frank's reality.

Don't let the title fool you...THE COUNTRY GIRL isn't a homespun theatre piece, but a biting, 1950's backstage drama with masterful characterization by Odets at his finest. Georgie Elgin has suffered long years of devotion to actor husband, Frank. When Frank is offered what is needed to revive his career - a big role in an important new play, the play's brilliant director believes Georgie is the key to Frank's downfall...until a dynamic incident reveals the country girl's identity and exposes Frank's reality.

Don't let the title fool you...THE COUNTRY GIRL isn't a homespun theatre piece, but a biting, 1950's backstage drama with masterful characterization by Odets at his finest. Georgie Elgin has suffered long years of devotion to actor husband, Frank. When Frank is offered what is needed to revive his career - a big role in an important new play, the play's brilliant director believes Georgie is the key to Frank's downfall...until a dynamic incident reveals the country girl's identity and exposes Frank's reality.

The 5th Annual Kevin Kline Award Ceremony, held on Monday, March 22 at 7pm at the Loretto-Hilton Theater honored excellence in professional theatre in St. Louis. Recipients included: Jason Cannon (Doubt), John Contini (Barrymore), Neva Rae Powers (Souvenir), Jerry Russo (Glengarry Glen Ross), Cathy Simpson (A Song for Coretta), and Kirsten Wylder (Wonder of the World).

The Fifth Annual Kevin Kline Awards will take place on Monday, March 22, at 7pm, at the Loretto-Hilton Center on the campus of Webster University. 125 productions presented by 40 constituent theatres were judged in 2009, and awards will be given out in 22 categories.

The Fifth Annual Kevin Kline Awards will take place on Monday, March 22, at 7pm, at the Loretto-Hilton Center on the campus of Webster University. 125 productions presented by 40 constituent theatres were judged in 2009, and awards will be given out in 22 categories.

The nominees for the 5th Annual Kevin Kline Awards have been announced. The annual ceremony will be held on Monday, March 22 at 7pm at the Loretto-Hilton Theater.

Luce's play creates the fictional device of having the aging Barrymore in preparation for a comeback performance as Richard III. Essentially a one man show, the only other actor is a man Barrymore has hired to help him with his lines. Though this incident never actually occurred, it provides an opportunity for the actor to reflect on his colorful life, and gives the audience a glimpse of his madness and his greatness.

The winners of the Kevin Kline Awards have been announced

Seventeen St. Louis theater companies are represented in the nominations for the second annual Kevin Kline Awards. Thirty-seven plays and musicals produced in the St. Louis area during 2006 now share 115 nominations in 22 different categories for the coveted award. The nominations were announced on KWMU-FM's 'Cityscape' on January 19.