Dramatic License Productions Debuts at Artopolis in Chesterfield Mall with STEEL MAGNOLIAS Feb 4-20

Former St. Louis radio personality, public relations executive and local professional actress, Kim Furlow and her husband, Andy Knef, both of Ballwin will open Dramatic License Theatre February 4, at the new "Artropolis" arts district at Chesterfield Mall, with the comedy/drama, Steel Magnolias. The new theatre and cabaret Production Company (dba: Dramatic License Productions) will be the first to present high-quality professional theatre and cabaret west of I-270. Seating 95 patrons, the new Dramatic License Theatre is accessible via the upper-level Chesterfield Mall entrance next to Houlihans.

The couple invested more than $25,000 and coordinated with Chesterfield Arts, the Regional Arts Commission and CBL Properties, Inc. to convert the 4,295 sq. ft. former retail space at Chesterfield Mall into Dramatic License Theatre. The intent is to close the geographical and cultural gap for local theatre patrons between West County and downtown St. Louis.

"Despite the challenging economy, a large number of Wildwood, Chesterfield, Ballwin, Manchester and St. Charles County residents have said they would attend professional theatre more often if it were presented closer to home," said Furlow, the company's executive producer. "Dramatic License Theatre offers professionally-produced, well-known, classic and contemporary plays and cabaret performances along with free parking and popular Chesterfield Mall restaurants all in one place and close by."

Dramatic License Productions kicks off its 2010 season Feb. 4-20 with Robert Harling's Steel Magnolias, a warm and witty celebration of friendship, Southern style. "Two Broads and a Mimbo - An Evening of Comedy and Cabaret" runs May 7-8, and from Aug. 5-21, DLP presents That Championship Season by Jason Miller, the story of four former high-school basketball champions, now adults, who reunite with their coach for what may be their last celebration of that ultimate victory.

In addition to its main stage productions, Dramatic License will provide educational outreach in the form of week-long drama camps throughout the year called Lights Up! on Kids/Teens. Designed to enhance self-esteem and presentational skills, the camps offer children ages 8-15 hands-on experience in all aspects of theatre arts. The company also provides free-of-charge theatre arts workshops to non-profits serving children.

For more information about Dramatic License Productions 2010 season, educational programs, or other information about the new theatre space, visit www.DramaticLicenseProductions.com or call 636.220.7012.

Calendar Editors: Dramatic License Productions presents Steel Magnolias by Robert Harling, Feb. 4-20 (Thurs. - Sat. 8 p.m./Sat. matinee 3 p.m.) at Dramatic License Theatre, upper level of Chesterfield Mall near Houlihans. Tickets: $20/Adults, $18/Students & Seniors (60+), $15/Groups 10+

Credit Card Purchases: www.DramaticLicenseProductions.com; Cash/Check only accepted at door. Seating is limited. Reservations encouraged: 636-220-7012

Media Contact: David Nowak (phone 314-580-9550 or email dmnowak@sbcglobal.net) or DramaticLicensePR@charter.net

(PHOTO COURTESY - JOHN LAMB)

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