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STAGES St. Louis to Welcome Local, NYC Stars for 30th Season; Casting Set!
by BWW News Desk - April 18, 2016
Following its recent 2016 Arts Organization Award from the Missouri Arts Council and five St. Louis Theater Circle Awards, STAGES St. Louis has announced casting for its celebratory 30th Anniversary Season: It Shoulda Been You, The Drowsy Chaperone, and Sister Act.
Family Musical Theater Continues its Strong Tradition of Community and Charity with KISS ME, KATE
by Louisa Brady - April 09, 2016
It will indeed be a historic introduction to our 2016 season when Family Musical Theater takes to the stage for their first show of the season, "Kiss Me, Kate". 
BWW Reviews: Passions Erupt in THE BRIDGES OF MADISON COUNTY at The Fox Theatre
by Chris Gibson - April 09, 2016
Based on the novel by Robert James Waller, that people seem to either love or loath, THE BRIDGES OF MADISON COUNTY would seem to be a story which relies very heavily on particular imagery conjured up in the readers' mind by the landscape the characters occupy. The film version did make a valiant effort to convey that, even if it had a number of shortcomings. But, that would seem to be a rather large hurdle to clear for a stage production, much less a musical. So, I was pleasantly surprised by how much I genuinely enjoyed this musical adaptation. Jason Robert Brown's music and lyrics (book by Marsha Norman) fit each character and moment like a glove, while dancing around different styles to reflect various moods and emotions. Plus, the story is compelling enough to translate to a wide audience, especially those who like their stories a bit sentimental and bittersweet. The current touring production onstage at The Fox Theatre is certainly well worthy of your time and attention, and you can see it through April 17th, 2016.
THE BRIDGES OF MADISON COUNTY Tour Cast to Host BC/EFA Benefit in St. Louis
by BWW News Desk - April 08, 2016
Members of the cast of THE BRIDGES OF MADISON COUNTY national tour Lucy Horton, Amy Linden, Bryan Welnicki, Cole Burden, Mary Callanan, Caitlin Houlahan, J Michael Zygo, John Campione, Tom Treadwell, Cullen Titmas, Brad Greer, and Jessica Sheridan will perform at the Curtain Call Lounge (521 North Grand Blvd.) on Monday, April 11 at 7PM to benefit Broadway Cares/Equity Fights Aids (BCEFA). Doors to the event will open at 6 p.m.
Gateway Center for Performing Arts' Youth Theatre Company to Close 2015-16 Season with THOROUGHLY MODERN MILLIE
by BWW News Desk - April 08, 2016
Gateway Center for Performing Arts' Youth Theatre Company finishes its 2015/2016 Mainstage Season with the beloved musical Thoroughly Modern Mille.  This Tony Award winning musical is set in 1922 follows Millie Dillmount, straight off the bus from Salina, Kansas as she searches for more in New York City. With grand plans to marry the 'modern' way, for money and not love, she finds herself on a madcap adventure that proves everything is not what it seems.  With music by Jeanine Tesori, lyrics by Dick Scanlan and Book by Dick Scanlan and Richard Morris, you won't want to miss tunes like Not for the Life of Me, Forget About the Boy, and Gimme Gimme in a story filled with bobbed hair, raised skirts and fiery tap numbers!
BWW Review: HEDWIG AND THE ANGRY INCH Wows at Stray Dog Theatre
by Chris Gibson - April 08, 2016
John Cameron Mitchell's (text) scathing and kinky rock and roll cabaret, HEDWIG AND THE ANGRY INCH, is given its just desserts with Stray Dog Theatre's memorable production, which is currently running at the Tower Grove Abbey through April 16, 2016. Michael Baird bares his soul as tortured songwriter, Hedwig/Hansel, forever altered and made androgynous by a sex change operation gone horribly, horribly wrong. It's more than that though, and what makes this presentation especially powerful is the way that Baird interacts with the crowd, gamely challenging them to listen to his/her angst-filled lament. With a score by Stephen Trask, this show is just amazing to listen to and react to. Trask finds the right voices in song for the various moods and emotions being touched on at any given moment, and a tight band led by Chris Petersen brings that vision to light. Go see it!
Annual BRIEFS: A Festival of Short LGBTQ Plays Kicks Off This Weekend
by BWW News Desk - April 06, 2016
Pearl Vodka in conjunction with That Uppity Theatre Company and Vital VOICE Magazine will present the fifth annual BRIEFS: A Festival of Short LGBTQ Plays. BRIEFS is a unique venture in St. Louis that brings together numerous directors and theatrical artists to showcase the work of eight different playwrights all under one roof. BRIEFS presents theatrical work that address the lives of lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer or questioning people. The festival is targeted to a diverse and mature audience that appreciates good theatre in unique settings.
Cast Announced for JERSEY BOYS Tour Engagement at Fabulous Fox
by BWW News Desk - April 05, 2016
Casting has been announced for the St. Louis engagement of the Tony, Grammy and Olivier Award-winning hit musical JERSEY BOYS, the story of Frankie Valli and The Four Seasons, playing at the Fox Theatre May 18-22. The cast of JERSEY BOYS will be led by Matthew Dailey (Tommy DeVito), Aaron De Jesus (Frankie Valli), Keith Hines (Nick Massi) and Drew Seeley (Bob Gaudio) as The Four Seasons, with Barry Anderson and Thomas Fiscella.
Moscow Ballet's GREAT RUSSIAN NUTCRACKER Coming to Fox Theatre, 11/30
by BWW News Desk - March 30, 2016
Announcing tickets on sale Friday, April 1 for Moscow Ballet's celebrated Great Russian Nutcracker in St Louis at Fox Theatre Wednesday, November 30 at 7 p.m. Direct from Russia, the classic Great Russian Nutcracker will entertain the whole family this Christmas.
Phillip Phillips & Matt Nathanson to Perform at Fabulous Fox Theatre, 6/25
by BWW News Desk - March 29, 2016
Phillip Phillips and Matt Nathanson are teaming up for a 40+ city U.S. co-headline tour. Kicking off on June 17 at San Diego County Fair- the singers will visit major markets including a stop in St. Louis at the Fabulous Fox Theatre on Saturday, June 25 at 7 p.m. Singer-songwriter Eric Hutchinson will perform as special guest for the St. Louis engagement.
One-Man Play CRY HAVOC to Headline SHAKE 38
by BWW News Desk - March 28, 2016
In addition to dozens of performances throughout the city, SHAKE 38 will feature its first headlining event, Cry Havoc, a one-man play written and performed by actor/veteran Stephan Wolfert, at 2 p.m. on Sat., April 23 at the St. Louis Public Library - Central Branch.
New St. Louis Theatre Fan Website THE SCENE SHOP Launches Today
by BWW News Desk - March 25, 2016
Sean Michael, St. Louis actor and director, has announced the launch of THE SCENE SHOP, 'Your Backstage Tour of the St. Louis Theater Scene,' for Today, March 25. The new site will feature behind-the-scenes news, local artist profiles, company profiles, interviews, announcements, discussions, venue information (including nearby dining and drinking), and much more.
STAGES Recieves Five 2016 Theater Circle Awards
by BWW News Desk - March 24, 2016
STAGES St. Louis has received five awards from the St. Louis Theater Circle during its fourth-annual awards ceremony this past Monday. The Theater Circle Awards - presented by an organization of local critics - honor the outstanding work by actors, directors, designers and playwrights of St. Louis professional theatre in the preceding year.
BWW Review: The Repertory Theatre of St. Louis' Amazing SATCHEL PAIGE AND THE KANSAS CITY SWING
by Chris Gibson - March 24, 2016
With spring training winding down, and the approach of another baseball season approaching, The Repertory Theatre of St. Louis closes their 49th season with a terrific selection; SATCHEL PAIGE AND THE KANSAS CITY SWING. Set after the end of World War II, at a time when race relations were beginning to show small, incremental signs of progress, this story offers us an entertaining and thoughtful look at a time in our history when a beloved pastime could become one of the catalysts for the civil rights movement that would follow years later. It's a snapshot of an era which also reminds us that we still have issues that remain unresolved or fully addressed. And, it's told through the eyes of legendary pitcher Satchel Paige, who played in the Negro Leagues before making his debut in the majors as its oldest 'rookie'. Full of tension, disappointment, and Paige's own rascally sense of humor, the Rep's lovingly crafted production is a true must-see, and deserves a game ball!
BWW Review: The New Jewish Theatre's Inspirational OLD WICKED SONGS
by Chris Gibson - March 23, 2016
Music has the power to move people in many different ways. As someone who plays a variety of instruments, I can speak firsthand about the ways it's made me feel, and the ways in which I've seen it affect others. I'm certainly no prodigy, and I've always been jealous of those who were born with gifts that I have to constantly work on to improve. Maybe that's one of the reasons The New Jewish Theatre's inspirational production of playwright Jon Maran's OLD WICKED SONGS, resonates so much with me. Full of surprising and moving revelations, this presentation is excellently conceived and executed. Issues of faith and identity abound in a play that absolutely demands your time and attention.
BWW Review: The Rep's MOLLY'S HAMMER Delivers Powerful Impact
by Chris Gibson - March 23, 2016
Although activism is still alive and well, one wonders if future generations will be moved to make change due to their increased isolationism. We live in a world where people feel more and more entitled, and have been raised to expect instant gratification. People who make a stand are becoming rarer and rarer to find. Maybe that's why a play like Tammy Ryan's MOLLY'S HAMMER (based on the book Hammer of Justice by Liane Ellison Norman) is so important. The Repertory Theatre of St. Louis has, again, put together an outstanding production that will make you ponder weighty issues that still exist, but that have been replaced by a fear of terrorism that can arrive so suddenly and unexpectedly that we feel helpless against it. Maybe that's why you should take a young adult with you to experience this story. Nuclear weapons are still a threat to our continued existence on this planet, and we must never forget that we have a duty as citizens of the world to speak out and act out against tyranny. This excellent show takes us back to 1980, when a Pittsburgh housewife took just such a stand.
IF/Then Cast Performs Intimate Evening of Songs to Benefit 'Broadway Cares/Equity Fights Aids' Charity
by Chris Gibson - March 21, 2016
An incredible opportunity has presented itself to the cast of If/Then upon arriving in St. Louis last Tuesday to carry out a 2 week run at The Fabulous Fox Theatre (March 15-27th). After sitting and talking with Anthony Rapp (star of If/Then, RENT), he told us that the Hard Rock Cafe contacted them and offered to donate their space for them to perform in, if they could find a use.
Fabulous Fox Theatre Announces 2016-2017 U.S. Bank Broadway Series
by BWW News Desk - March 19, 2016
The Fabulous Fox Theatre announces an extraordinary season of Tony Award-winning Best Musicals in the 2016-2017 U.S. Bank Broadway Series including FUN HOME, Fox Theatricals' own critically-acclaimed 2015 Tony Award-winning Best Musical. FUN HOME is one of six shows making its St. Louis debut and one of seven shows in this season's lineup which can claim the Tony Award for Best Musical honor.
First Run Theatre to Kick Off 2016 Play Reading Festival This Month
by BWW News Desk - March 18, 2016
First Run Theatre is holding its annual Play Reading Festival. This festival showcases original scripts by St. Louis playwrights interested in seeing their work produced on a state-of-the-art stage.
BWW Review: Uneven but Tuneful IF/THEN at The Fox Theatre
by Chris Gibson - March 17, 2016
It's interesting to me that IF/THEN is billed as 'a new musical'. It's the use of the word 'new' that I find puzzling. The concept certainly isn't an original one, having been explored on the big screen in the films Blind Chance (1981) and its sort-of remake, Sliding Doors (1998). And, even though neither of those movies were musicals, they both featured the idea of having their lead traverse optional story lines, with Blind Chance even offering up three different scenarios for its protagonist to experience. But, this show is new in the sense that it explores contemporary trends, with the caveat that some audiences may not find much to identify with, and it features a wonderfully fresh and tuneful score (music by Tom Kitt, book and lyrics by Brian Yorkey). All of that just might be enough to make this show worth seeing. Because it does feature a talented cast who have the ability to pull off these roles and the memorable songs provided with considerable conviction. But, the trickery seems a bit cloying at times, and the show does seem to drag at over 2 ½ hours. I guess, like our heroine, Elizabeth, I'm straddling the fence too, at least when it comes to my opinion.
Celtic Thunder to Play Fabulous Fox, 10/8
by BWW News Desk - March 17, 2016
? Storming onto the main stage are international megastars Celtic Thunder, with LEGACY, a brand new show that celebrates the influence of Irish and Celtic music around the world.
IF/THEN Cast Presents Benefit Concert for BC/EFA at Hard Rock Cafe in St. Louis, 3/21
by BWW News Desk - March 17, 2016
Hard Rock Cafe in St. Louis presents IF/THEN's 'Now/Then: A Benefit Cabaret for BC/EFA', Monday, March 21 at 7pm to raise money for Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS. 
THE SOUND OF MUSIC Set for the Fabulous Fox, 4/26-5/8
by BWW News Desk - March 14, 2016
Casting has been announced for the brand new production of THE SOUND OF MUSIC, directed by three-time Tony Award winner Jack O'Brien. This lavish new production premieres in St. Louis at the Fabulous Fox Theatre April 26 - May 8.
BWW Review: MADCO and UMSL Music Department's Superb PULSE - A MADCO CABARET PERFORMANCE
by Chris Gibson - March 14, 2016
If you look up the definition of the word pulse in a dictionary, or at www.dictionary.com as I did, you find that the third meaning completely resonates with PULSE - A MADCO (Modern American Dance Company) Cabaret Performance, which is a collaborative effort with the UMSL Music Department. The 'rhythmic recurrence of strokes, vibrations, or undulations', captures the spirit and essence of this thoroughly enjoyable experience. While considered a 'work-in-progress', to a degree, I would have to say that it rises well above that plateau to reach considerable heights as an experience into how music and dance intertwine. Music provides the rhythms and sounds that dancers can move or react to, whether balletic, theatrical, or modern, etc, in nature and style. PULSE takes that a step further with a series of five examples of how they can actually interact down to the subtlest note or phrase, and it's set to a score, that was performed with amazing precision, that runs the gamut from classical pieces to newly created ones, to standards, to free-form jazz. A total trip through music and dance itself, divided up into five sections, each featuring a different choreographer, and its own selection of musical choices. It's an absolute success, and it's challenging, playful, filled with moments of both grace and humor, and brimming with athleticism and energy.
New St. Louis Theatre Fan Website THE SCENE SHOP Launches on 3/25
by BWW News Desk - March 13, 2016
Sean Michael, St. Louis actor and director, has announced the launch of THE SCENE SHOP, "Your Backstage Tour of the St. Louis Theater Scene," for Friday, March 25. The new site will feature behind-the-scenes news, local artist profiles, company profiles, interviews, announcements, discussions, venue information (including nearby dining and drinking), and much more.

Videos


 Cheers, Darling! - A Spectaculaire New Year's Eve in St. Louis Cheers, Darling! - A Spectaculaire New Year's Eve
Casa Loma Ballroom (12/31 - 1/1)
Man of La Mancha in St. Louis Man of La Mancha
Clayton Community Theatre (4/23 - 5/3)
Primary Trust in St. Louis Primary Trust
The Repertory Theatre of Saint Louis (2/4 - 3/1)
The Little Mermaid in St. Louis The Little Mermaid
Catherine B. Berges Theatre at COCA (7/17 - 7/26)
Promenade in St. Louis Promenade
Marcelle Theater (3/5 - 3/28)
St. Louis Blues - Call It Love! in St. Louis St. Louis Blues - Call It Love!
Blanche M. Touhill Performing Arts Center (2/14 - 2/14)
First Impressions in St. Louis First Impressions
The Chapel (2/12 - 2/15)
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