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Sister Helen Prejean to Attend Missouri Premiere of DEAD MAN WALKING, 8/19
by Lauren Wolman - August 07, 2011
Rehearsals are underway for Union Avenue Opera's (UAO) final production of the 2011 Summer Season. Having received exceptional reviews for Puccini's Turandot and Rossini's La Cenerentola (Cinderella), UAO will take on the challenge of presenting the Missouri premiere of Jake Heggie's Dead Man Walking, an opera The Associated Press regards as 'the most compelling new American opera in decades,' and The Washington Post identifies as 'an impressive piece of work.'
BWW Reviews: NonProphet Theater Co. Provides Raunchy Adult Fun with DEBBIE DOES DALLAS-THE MUSICAL
by Harrison Kaplan - August 05, 2011
Debbie Does Dallas was a ground-breaking bit of sordid celluloid that ushered in an era of amateur pornography, where a pimply ass was not something to be ashamed of, but something to be celebrated, sort of. And it was a time when you could watch this kind of stuff at home without the fear of anyone seeing you walk out of a dingy, sticky-floored theatre like the old Fine Arts. Turning this bit of adult-oriented goofiness into a full-fledged musical is an inspired notion, and happily we have NonProphet Theatre Company to thank (and I truly mean that) for unleashing the peculiarly amusing aberration that is DEBBIE DOES DALLAS - THE MUSICAL on the stage-going public here in St. Louis.
St. Louis Premiere of THRILL ME: THE LEOPOLD & LOEB STORY, 8/4-8/14
by BWW News Desk - August 04, 2011
Brooke Edwards, Kevin Kline winner and founding member of The Orange Girls, will direct two up-and-coming musical theatre professionals in THRILL ME: THE LEOPOLD & LOEB STORY, a provocative, intoxicating two-man musical about Chicago's infamous 'thrill killers.'
BWW Reviews: Rambunctious Production's SEVEN BRIDES FOR SEVEN BROTHERS - Entertaining and Engaging
by Harrison Kaplan - August 03, 2011
When the 1954 musical Seven Brides for Seven Brothers was initially adapted for the stage it didn't meet with much success on Broadway back in the early 1980's (film director Joshua Logan had actually optioned the story for a stage musical). Yes, it's yet another adaptation culled from the big screen, which has been par for the course at The Muny this season, although to be fair, most of them have fared quite well, and actually, with its old fashioned themes, original CinemaScope filming, and rustic backdrops, this one fits the huge Muny boards like a glove, allowing the natural beauty of the trees that grace the back area of the stage to fill in for the frontier setting as realized by Steve Gilliams' scenic design. It's also an energetic, dance driven show that's both entertaining and engaging.
BWW Reviews: Union Avenue Opera's LA CENERENTOLA (CINDERELLA) Enchants
by Harrison Kaplan - August 02, 2011
Jacopo Ferretti (libretto) and Gioachino Rossini's (composer) re-imagining of the fairy tale LA CENERENTOLA (CINDERELLA) is a clever and charming take on the original work that's suitable entertainment for the entire family. Apparently, the self-described 'jocular drama' was initially met with some hostility when it debuted in 1817, but has gone on to be a very popular piece, adding a number of neat little tweaks to the story, and offering up a wonderful leading part for a coloratura contralto that actually reaches the range of mezzo soprano. Union Avenue Opera's current production is delight, with strong, engaging performances driving this familiar, but reworked classic.
NonProphet Theatre Company Presents DEBBIE DOES DALLAS - THE MUSICAL 8/4-20
by Harrison Kaplan - July 28, 2011
The NonProphet Theater Company presents the second show of their fifth theater season DEBBIE DOES DALLAS - THE MUSICAL by Erica Schmidt, Andrew Sherman & Susan L. Schwartz August 4 - August 20, 2011, Thursdays - Saturdays at 8pm, plus Sunday, August 14th at 5pm at the Regional Arts Commission, 6128 Delmar Blvd., St. Louis, Missouri 63112. Tickets are $20 general admission, $15 for students (with a valid ID) and seniors 55 and older.
BWW Reviews: Stages St. Louis' Touching Production of THE SECRET GARDEN
by Harrison Kaplan - July 28, 2011
Frances Hodgson Burnett's work, THE SECRET GARDEN, was initially serialized before being published in 1911 and becoming a children's classic. Several attempts by Hollywood have tried to capitalize on it's dramatic and hope-filled story, with the 1949 MGM adaptation, starring Margaret O'Brien, wonderfully changing from black and white into full-blown technicolor as the garden is revealed in all it's splendor. However. most folks today will probably be more familiar with the the rather staid, but thoughtful motion picture made in 1993, which was fairly well mounted. This current stage adaptation is far more appealing in any number of ways, with stronger acting and a memorably performed score being among the many highlights that are attractive to an audience interested in the material.
BWW Reviews: St. Louis Shakespeare's THE MERRY WIVES OF WINDSOR - Generally Fine
by Harrison Kaplan - July 28, 2011
It's been speculated that Queen Elizabeth I enjoyed the character of Falstaff so much she asked Shakespeare to write something else with him in it. Thus, we have one of the earliest examples of a sequel of sorts with THE MERRY WIVES OF WINDSOR. Though it definitely lacks brevity, it's an amusing trifle for the most part, and St. Louis Shakespeare has put together a generally fine production of the play.
BWW Reviews: Tasty Production of LITTLE SHOP OF HORRORS Graces The Muny Stage
by Harrison Kaplan - July 28, 2011
I'm a big fan of lowbrow horror and science fiction films, especially those made between the 1930's and late 1970's, and I've always enjoyed the work of cult director/producer Roger Corman. The original 1960 film version of LITTLE SHOP OF HORRORS, was supposedly shot in four days, and it downright bristles with a sense of energy and cheap thrills, even though the budget was a mere pittance compared to what's spent on the blockbusters we witness today. Howard Ashman (book and lyrics) and Alan Menken (music) took the basic premise put forward by writer Charles Griffith and crafted a very clever and funny off-Broadway musical which, in turn, spawned a rather lackluster and overblown movie version. So, it was with some trepidation that I looked forward to The Muny's current production. It's simply not a big splashy affair, and it would seem to benefit most from a smaller venue. Happily, they do the show justice, and the expansive stage that allows for larger production numbers doesn't get in the way of the simpleness of the story.
Photo Flash: Stages St. Louis' SECRET GARDEN
by Nicole Rosky - July 27, 2011
Unlock the magic behind The Secret Garden,opening July 22 at STAGES ST. LOUIS.The Secret Garden continues through August 21 at the Robert G. Reim Theatre in Kirkwood.
Tickets Go on Sale for THE ADDAMS FAMILY, 8/7
by Nicole Rosky - July 27, 2011
Single tickets for the national tour of the new musical THE ADDAMS FAMILY, based on the bizarre and beloved family of characters created by legendary cartoonist Charles Addams, will go on sale Sunday, August 7 at Noon. Ticket prices start at $15 & $25 and are subject to change; please refer to fabulousfox.com for current pricing. Tickets will be available inperson at the Fabulous Fox Theatre box office (527 N. Grand Blvd., St. Louis, MO 63103), online at metrotix.com, or by calling MetroTix at 314-534-1111. Group orders of 15 or more may be placed by calling 314-535-2900. Performances at the Fabulous Fox Theatre are September 27-October 9.
Gladstone Parks Host Competitive Youth Volleyball League
by BWW News Desk - July 25, 2011
This league is co-sponsored by Gladstone Parks & Recreation Department and the North Kansas City School District.
BWW Reviews: The Muny's Delightful and Tuneful Production of SINGIN' IN THE RAIN
by Harrison Kaplan - July 22, 2011
The movie version of SINGIN' IN THE RAIN is one of my all-time favorites. It has such an upbeat feel and infectious sense of humor that it's almost disappointing when you finish watching it, step outside, and it isn't raining. Happily, the stage version retains a great deal of the tone and vivacity that the movie contains, even though this kind of reverse-engineering usually winds up a mixed bag at best. But, The Muny's current production, even with the sweltering heat we're currently enduring, is worth braving the broiling for, with winning performances and a bevy of familiar hummable tunes that haven't lost a bit of their original charm.
Fox Theatre Welcomes Selena Gomez, 8/29
by Nicole Rosky - July 22, 2011
K-Mart presents platinum selling artist Selena Gomez & The Scene at the Fabulous Fox Theatre on August 29th at 7 p.m. with special guests Allstar Weekend and Christina Grimmie. Tickets are on sale now and are $45, $40, & 35. All prices subject to change. Selena said, 'I am so excited to see my incredible fans on tour. We're working a great production, and set lists including some surprise covers. I want to make sure everyone has a fun time.' In addition to her summer tour, Selena has released her third album, When the Sun Goes Down. The album features her platinum smash hit single 'Who Says.' When the Sun Goes Down debuted at #4 on Billboard's Top 200 chart, and is her fastest selling album to date. The video for 'Who Says' has over 57 million views on Vevo since its March 11 premiere.
St. Louis Arches Youth Circus Troupe Fly with Universoul Circus July 23
by Gabrielle Sierra - July 22, 2011
The St. Louis Arches youth circus troupe are known as the flying children because of their high flying circus abilities.
Fox Concerts Presents RETURN TO FOREVER IV at Fox Theatre, 8/25
by Caryn Robbins - July 21, 2011
Fox Concerts presents RETURN TO FOREVER IV at the Fabulous Fox Theatre on August 25th at 8 p.m. with ZAPPA PLAYS ZAPPA. Tickets are on sale now and are $60, $50, $40, and $30. A limited number of Gold Circle seats are also available.
The Fox Theater Announces Upcoming Renovations
by Gabrielle Sierra - July 19, 2011
The Fabulous Fox Theatre is currently in the middle of a seven-week summer hiatus in order to put in place $2 million worth of improvements to the venerable theatre in Grand Center.
Stages St. Louis Announces New Board Trustees
by Gabrielle Sierra - July 19, 2011
STAGES ST. LOUIS, the region's foremost not-for-profit musical theatre company and performing arts academy, celebrating its 25th anniversary season has named Jim Curran and Kara Meister to the Board of Trustees.
Stages St. Louis' A CHORUS LINE and 101 DALMATIONS Breaks Records
by Gabrielle Sierra - July 15, 2011
STAGES ST. LOUIS reports a new leader in box office ticket sales. The 2011 season opener and Pulitzer Prize winning musical A Chorus Line is now the all-time leader exceeding last season's previous top seller Promises, Promises.
BWW Reviews: The Muny's Colorful and Splashy Production of THE LITTLE MERMAID
by Harrison Kaplan - July 14, 2011
When initially transforming Hans Christian Andersen's fairytale THE LITTLE MERMAID into an animated film, Disney provided an instant classic that was a smash hit with children and adults (and was a key player in their animation revival). But the transition to the stage proved more troublesome and cumbersome, reworking many plot elements, inserting about a dozen or so songs, and adding about an hour to the film's 80 minutes or so (depending on the version is being viewed) running time. While there's no denying that the audience who braved the heat and humidity in vast numbers at The Muny to see this colorful spectacle had a good time, there's also no denying that a good deal of the original's charm was somehow lost in the process.
BWW Reviews: Union Avenue Opera's Stirring Production of TURANDOT
by Harrison Kaplan - July 12, 2011
The Union Avenue Opera begins season seventeen with Giacomo Puccini's classic, and final work, TURANDOT (with libretto by Giuseppe Adami and Renato Simoni), and it's an excellent production buoyed by several fine performances. The opera itself combines the exotic, the romantic, and the poignant in Puccini's dynamic score, and the orchestra, conducted by artistic director Scott Schoonover is in fine fettle with their achievements here. Although Puccini died with only about two-thirds of the material finished, it's certainly engaging from start to finish, and appears to be a fully realized piece.
BWW Reviews Citilites Theatre Presents Captivating Production of SONGS FROM AN UNMADE BED
by Harrison Kaplan - July 11, 2011
Citilites Theatre presents a late night show, making a sort of double bill for theatre patrons after they take in THE CRUMPLE ZONE, with the short musical, SONGS FROM AN UNMADE BED. Fortunately, it's well worth staying over for (although I took in a Sunday matinee performance), featuring a terrific performance from Justin Ivan Brown. It's a collection of eighteen songs by various composers, but all featuring the pithy and amusing lyrics of Mark Campbell. The brevity of the show, which runs about an hour, is perfectly suited to the material, and easily outshines the production that plays before it.
BWW Reviews: Citilities Theatre's THE CRUMPLE ZONE Fails to Spark
by Harrison Kaplan - July 11, 2011
Buddy Thomas takes the typical trappings of a romantic triangle and places them in a rundown New York apartment somewhere in Staten Island, with the twist here being that all the participants (in the triangle) are gay. THE CRUMPLE ZONE certainly has some entertaining moments and a few memorable lines, but unfortunately, it fails to spark. Part of this is the play itself, which recycles the situation with little verve or panache, and part of it is due to a lackluster presentation that's just a little too loose in execution, despite a fairly sharp cast, to succeed. Citilities Theatre is currently producing this fairly recent work as part of a double night of theatre, with SONGS FROM AN UNMADE BED taking the stage about a half hour after the initial show ends. I didn't see it in that manner, but those who do will find the latter far more engaging.
Gateway Festival Orchestra Launches 48th Season Beginning 7/10
by BWW News Desk - July 10, 2011
The Gateway Festival Orchestra will launch its 48th season of free Sunday-evening concerts July 10 with Various Variations, a program exploring the use of variations by a handful of composers from the Baroque period through the 20th century.
Holds, Lockyer, Medeiros Lead SECRET GARDEN Cast at Stages St. Louis
by Lauren Wolman - July 08, 2011
Unlock the magic behind The Secret Garden,opening July 22 at STAGES ST. LOUIS.The Secret Garden continues through August 21 at the Robert G. Reim Theatre in Kirkwood.

Videos


Wicked in St. Louis Wicked
Juanita K. Hammons Hall for the Performing Arts (4/22 - 5/3)
Don Was and the Pan-Detroit Ensemble January 24, 8pm in St. Louis Don Was and the Pan-Detroit Ensemble January 24, 8pm
The Wildey (1/24 - 1/24)
The Enigmatist in St. Louis The Enigmatist
The Repertory Theatre of Saint Louis (3/11 - 4/5)
The Addams Family in St. Louis The Addams Family
Catherine B. Berges Theatre at COCA (8/7 - 8/8)
Mrs. Krishnan's Party in St. Louis Mrs. Krishnan's Party
The Repertory Theatre of Saint Louis (1/14 - 2/8)
Man of La Mancha in St. Louis Man of La Mancha
Clayton Community Theatre (4/23 - 5/3)
ASQ Series 3 - Kammeraku Song with Kyo-Shin-An Arts in St. Louis ASQ Series 3 - Kammeraku Song with Kyo-Shin-An Arts
Blanche M. Touhill Performing Arts Center (2/20 - 2/20)
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