Michael James Reed News

A talk back will be held following the Friday night performance of the third annual Shakespeare in the Streets production, Good in Everything, scheduled Thursday through Saturday, Sept. 18-20, on Central Avenue in downtown Clayton. The talk back will focus on civic duty and education equality. It will be held from 9:15 to 10:00 p.m. on Friday, Sept. 19.

Local residents and professional actors will join forces in the artful adaptation of William Shakespeare's As You Like, as part of the third annual Shakespeare in the Streets presented by Shakespeare Festival St. Louis, scheduled Thursday through Saturday, Sept. 18-20, on Central Avenue between Forsyth Boulevard and Maryland Avenue in downtown Clayton.

Edgar Rice Burroughs (1875-1950) got into writing as a lark, musing that he could produce stories that were better than the pulp fiction that was currently on display. Of course, the rest is history, with the prolific author producing a number of memorable series (Tarzan, John Carter, Pellucidar, etc) that are still selling today. His most famous creation, Tarzan of the Apes, became a cultural icon shrewdly marketed in comic strips, novelty items and motion pictures. But, I wonder how the writer would have felt about his hero singing on stage about his conflicts and feelings? Actually, I think he'd be pleased because the story, expanded and slightly altered here and there from Disney's animated film version of TARZAN, still remains true to his original concept (book by David Henry Hwang). And,the MUNY's current production is great family fun that tackles issues of loyalty and love against an action-packed jungle backdrop that cleverly brings to life the creatures that inhabit that world.

The Muny presents the second show of its 96th season, TARZAN, directed by John Tartaglia, choreographed by Chris Bailey, with musical direction by Rick Bertone. Nicholas Rodriguez stars in the title role, with Kate Rockwell co-starring as Jane. Joining them are Quentin Earl Darrington as Kerchack, Katie Thompson as Kala, Gregory Haney as Terk,Ken Page as Porter, Michael James Reed as Clayton, Spencer Jones as Young Tarzan, and Nathaniel Mahone as Young Terk. BroadwayWorld brings you highlights below!

The Muny presents the second show of its 96th season, TARZAN, directed by John Tartaglia, choreographed by Chris Bailey, with musical direction by Rick Bertone. Nicholas Rodriguez stars in the title role, with Kate Rockwell co-starring as Jane. Joining them are Quentin Earl Darrington as Kerchack, Katie Thompson as Kala, Gregory Haney as Terk, Ken Page as Porter, Michael James Reed as Clayton, Spencer Jones as Young Tarzan, and Nathaniel Mahone as Young Terk.

The Muny presents the second show of its 96th season, TARZAN, directed by John Tartaglia, choreographed by Chris Bailey, with musical direction by Rick Bertone.

Since the stories and cast of HENRY IV (pts. 1 & 2) and HENRY V intertwine, it's only fitting that I review Shakespeare Festival St. Louis' marvelous productions together. The shows will alternate (every evening except Tuesdays), and there will be special performances the next two weekends where both plays will be performed back to back. It's an amazing feat and since it's free to the public there's no reason not to pack up the whole family for a trip to Forest Park to check out these entertaining history lessons. Artistic Director Rick Dildine has put together an experience that I cannot recommend highly enough. It's truly a triumph.

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.

The Muny announced principal casting for the second show of its amazing 96th season, Tarzan, directed by John Tartaglia, choreographed by Chris Bailey, with musical direction by Rick Bertone. Tarzan is sponsored by U. S. Bank.

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.

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.

I can't say that I've ever read much of Agatha Christie's work, I'm more inclined toward the convoluted and pulpy prose of Raymond Chandler myself. But, there's no denying the staying power of her play, THE MOUSETRAP, which is still running in Britain since its opening in 1952. It's become an institution, and has influenced countless writers with its mix of quirky characters and deliberately misleading red herrings. The Repertory Theatre of St. Louis is presenting this classic mystery in a splendidly performed production, and it's a perfect holiday treat that engages and entertains.

The Repertory Theatre of St. Louis (The Rep) presents the famous and fun whodunit play The Mousetrap by Agatha Christie and directed by Paul Mason Barnes. This classic mystery 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, December 4-29, 2013.

The Repertory Theatre of St. Louis (The Rep) presents the famous and fun whodunit play The Mousetrap by Agatha Christie and directed by Paul Mason Barnes. This classic mystery 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, December 4-29, 2013.

Playwright Joe Orton's writing career was brief, ending abruptly when he was bludgeoned to death in 1967. In a very short span he wrote a handful of plays that are still being performed to this day, and one wonders what he would have created if he'd lived longer. You can catch one of his early plays at HotCity Theatre as they are currently presenting his darkly cynical work ENTERTAINING MR. SLOANE. A fine cast does a splendid job of bringing these peculiar characters to life.

The Muny presents the final show of its fantastic 95th Season, West Side Story, directed by Gordon Greenberg and choreographed by Chris Bailey. West Side Story will be performed now through August 11. Click below for a behind-the-scenes look at the cast in rehearsal, a conversation with choreographer Chris Bailey, and highlights from the show!

The Muny is presenting its final show of its fantastic 95th Season, West Side Story, directed by Gordon Greenberg and choreographed by Chris Bailey. West Side Story will be performed through August 11, and is sponsored by BMO Harris. BroadwayWorld brings you photos from the opening night after party below!

The Muny is presenting its final show of its fantastic 95th Season, West Side Story, directed by Gordon Greenberg and choreographed by Chris Bailey. West Side Story will be performed through August 11, and is sponsored by BMO Harris. BroadwayWorld brings you a first look below!

The Muny announced principal casting for the final show of its fantastic 95th Season, West Side Story, directed by Gordon Greenberg and choreographed by Chris Bailey. West Side Story will be performed August 5 - 11, and is sponsored by BMO Harris.

The Muny's tenth production of Rodgers and Hammerstein's 'South Pacific' opened on July 8th for the first time in a decade. The fourth show of The Muny's fantastic 95th Season is directed by Rob Ruggiero and choreographed by Ralph Perkins. Click below to watch highlights from the show!