Joshua Thomas News

In December 2011, the Overtime Theater will present a new comedy about the holidays, The Most Wonderful Time of the Year, written by James Hartz and directed by Justin Laughlin.

HENRY V may well be the only one of Shakespeare's histories where no one is trying to oust the king of England. Instead, it's all about a plan to overthrow France, and thus we encounter one of my pet peeves; the outrageous french accent. St. Louis Shakespeare has mounted a handsome and rugged production of the play, but a number of Pythonesque accents have slipped in, marring an otherwise decent presentation. The first act is all politicking, but the second act more than makes up for it, helping us to understand why this play had been a rallying point for the British troops during World War II, with it's rousing battle at Agincourt, and the wooing of Princess Katherine.

Muddy Water Theatre continues their season devoted to playwright Paula Vogel with her work THE MINEOLA TWINS, and it's an interesting piece that covers a period of around 40 years in the lives of two very different twins, Myra and Myrna. The play is, at times, very funny and wryly examines the changing roles of women during the time that's covered, focusing primarily on three different presidential terms, including those of Eisenhower, Nixon and George Bush, Sr. It's certainly no coincidence that those are all conservative eras, and it definitely skews the attitudes and humor that abound. This production is amusing and occasionally touching, and it's definitely worth a look.

In July 2011, the Overtime Theater presents the world premiere of Life, Or A Reasonable Approximation Thereof, a new play written by Michael D. Burger and directed by Bryan Ortiz.

The idea of following the stories of four young gay men who are raised as members of a Baptist church in Texas is certainly fertile enough stuff for a play on its own. But, with SOUTHERN BAPTIST SISSIES, playwright Del Shores muddies this basic premise with a non-linear, and at times illogical, presentation that generates a modicum of laughs, but misses the mark dramatically. Although I'm usually a fan of unconventionality, I think Shores pushes too hard here, and the opportunity to create something truly memorable is lost in the process. However, Citilites Theatre has put together a fitfully funny and heartfelt production that makes the most of this decidedly uneven material, and it benefits greatly from a number of strong performances as well.

Citilites Theatre proudly presents its production of SOUTHERN BAPTIST SISSIES, Del Shores' hilarious and touching follow-up to his cult favorite Sordid Lives (stage play, movie, and TV series) at The Gaslight Theater @ 358 N. Boyle Ave. 63108 opening March 11, running through March 27.

In February-March 2011, the Overtime Theater will stage its first, full-fledged sketch comedy show: The Overtime Comedy Hour, written and performed by The Denials improv comedy troupe.

Citilites Theatre proudly presents its production of SOUTHERN BAPTIST SISSIES, Del Shores' hilarious and touching follow-up to his cult favorite Sordid Lives (stage play, movie, and TV series) at The Gaslight Theater @ 358 N. Boyle Ave. 63108 opening March 11, running through March 27.

In February-March 2011, the Overtime Theater will stage its first, full-fledged sketch comedy show: The Overtime Comedy Hour, written and performed by The Denials improv comedy troupe.

In February-March 2011, the Overtime Theater will stage its first, full-fledged sketch comedy show: The Overtime Comedy Hour, written and performed by The Denials improv comedy troupe.

The Muddy Waters Theater company concludes their season devoted to playwright Eugene O'Neill with an American classic; LONG DAY'S JOURNEY INTO NIGHT. After you see this intense and powerful play, you'll understand why O'Neill didn't allow it to be staged during his lifetime, since it's autobiographical in nature, and would have obviously rekindled painful memories from his past. This production is especially well acted, and brings this season of O'Neill to a dramatic finish.

First Run Theatre once again presents it's highly successful festival of short 10 minute new plays by St. Louis playwrights.

First Run Theatre once again presents it's highly successful festival of short 10 minute new plays by St. Louis playwrights.

First Run Theatre once again presents it's highly successful festival of short 10 minute new plays by St. Louis playwrights.

First Run Theatre and Dusty Bums Productions Presents Let There Be Thistles By Joshua Thomas: A tragicomedy of Godly proportions. When the omnipotent begin to feel impotent, strange things follow.

First Run Theatre dedicates all its efforts toward full stagings of new works by local playwrights, and on this occasion, they're presenting (along with Dusty Bums, and through the kind use of the Marble Stage Theatre space in the Crestwood Artspace) LET THERE BE THISTLES by Joshua Thomas. This is an intriguing play, and one that benefits greatly from the smaller confines the space provides, since First Run's plays are usually staged at the Thomas Hunter Theatre on the campus of DeSmet High school, which is a lovely, but imposing venue. This play probably wouldn't work as well in such a big room, but here, in a more intimate surrounding, it's far more engaging and intense.

First Run Theatre and Dusty Bums Productions Presents Let There Be Thistles By Joshua Thomas: A tragicomedy of Godly proportions. When the omnipotent begin to feel impotent, strange things follow.

First Run Theatre and Dusty Bums Productions Presents Let There Be Thistles By Joshua Thomas: A tragicomedy of Godly proportions. When the omnipotent begin to feel impotent, strange things follow.

2009 provided me with the opportunity to review 126 of the more than 200 shows that were available in the St. Louis region, and it began in terrific fashion with New Line Theatre's NIGHT OF THE LIVING SHOW TUNES. This was a wonderful sampling of contemporary show tunes performed by a cast of talented locals, and featuring artistic director Scott Miller's fine accompaniment on piano. In the acoustically perfect confines of the Sheldon Concert Hall, these unique melodies made a glorious noise. And, as I continued on my quest to expose my young son to the world of musical theatre, I ended the year with the Imaginary Theatre Company's splendid presentation of BAH! HUMBUG!. I was lucky enough to catch quite a few gems in between, and I've decided to compile a list of the ten most intriguing and engaging productions I saw in 2009.

On the heels of the well-received ensemble piece, 'Three Tall Women,' and the daring and quirky 'The Lady from Dubuque,' Muddy Waters Theatre Company wraps its 2009 Edward Albee season, Mothers and Other Strangers, with what is probably his best known and most respected play, 'Who's Afraid of Virginia Woolf?' The play will run Nov. 6-22 at the Kranzberg Art Center in the Big Brothers Big Sisters Building at Grand and Olive.