St. Louis Theatre + Broadway News

BWW Reviews: The New Jewish Theatre's Giddy Delight of SCHLEMIEL THE FIRST

(5/24/2013) - SCHLEMIEL THE FIRST is a giddy delight, with songs and laughs barreling along at a frenetic pace. Based on the play by Isaac Bashevis Singer (conceived and adapted by Robert Brustein), this Klezmer musical (composed by Hankus Netsky and Zalmen Miotek, with lyrics by Arnold Weinstein) is guaranteed fun from start to finish, and The New Jewish Theatre has put together an exceptional production that is well worth your time and attention.

Alton Brown's THE EDIBLE INEVITABLE TOUR to Play Fox Theatre, 2/1/2014

(5/24/2013) - Alton Brown, Iron Chef host and renowned television personality is taking his brand of quirky humor and culinary science on the road with the 'Alton Brown Live! The Edible Inevitable Tour.' Brown will appear at the Fox Theatre on Saturday, February 1 at 8pm. Tickets go on sale Friday, June 7 at 10am. Prices are $60.50, $50.50, $45.50, & $35.50 with a limited number of Gold Circle seats also available. Tickets are available at the Fox Box Office, online at metrotix.com or by calling (314) 534-1111.

Shakespeare Festival St. Louis Opens TWELFTH NIGHT Tonight

(5/24/2013) - Kimiye Corwin and Anderson Matthews will headline Shakespeare Festival St. Louis' production of 'Twelfth Night' tonight, May 24 through June 16 at Shakespeare Glen in Forest Park. Both Corwin and Matthews were last seen in SFSTL's production of 'Hamlet' as Ophelia and Polonius, respectively, in 2010. Preview performances are scheduled for May 22-23. Rick Dildine, executive director of Shakespeare Festival St. Louis, will direct.

Producer Rocco Landesman Joins St. Louis Walk of Fame

(5/23/2013) - Broadway producer Rocco Landesman was born and raised in St. Louis, where his family owned the Crystal Palace, a Gaslight Square cabaret that featured cutting edge theater and performers. Landesman developed and produced the Broadway musical Big River, which won 7 Tony Awards in 1985.

TWELFTH NIGHT Features Rats & People Orchestra at Shakespeare Festival St. Louis, Now thru 6/16

(5/22/2013) - In a first for Shakespeare Festival St. Louis, live music will be featured during the performances of 'Twelfth Night,' which is scheduled May 24 through June 16 in Shakespeare Glen, Forest Park. Preview performances are scheduled tonight, May 22-23.

Now Playing Onstage in St. Louis - Week of 5/19/2013

(5/19/2013) - Upcoming Shows - Week of 5/19/2013 for St. Louis

New Line Theatre's NIGHT OF THE LIVING DEAD Will Feature Zachary Allen Farmer, Mike Dowdy and More

(5/17/2013) - New Line Theatre has announced the cast for the regional premiere of the taut musical thriller NIGHT OF THE LIVING DEAD, which will open its 23rd season, running Oct. 10-Nov. 2, 2013, and closing on Halloween weekend. The rest of New Line's 2013-2014 season will be announced soon.

Photo Flash: First Look at New Line Theatre's BUKOWSICAL

(5/16/2013) - New Line Theatre, 'the bad boy of musical theatre,' closes its 22nd season May 30-June 22, 2013, with the regional premiere of one of the most outrageous shows the company has ever produced. With book and lyrics by Spencer Green and Gary Stockdale, and music by Stockdale, BUKOWSICAL is a wacky, high-energy - and gleefully adult - musical comedy, an ironic and insightful 21st-century reboot of the classic American musical comedy, exploring the intersection between sex, drugs, booze, and art, all through the life story of the great American novelist and poet Charles Bukowski. BroadwayWorld has a first look at the cast onstage below!

BWW Exclusive: Jenny Powers and Rob McClure to Star in The Muny's MARY POPPINS!

(5/14/2013) - The Muny announced principal casting for the sixth show of its fantastic 95th Season, Disney and Cameron Mackinstosh's Mary Poppins the Musical, directed by Gary Griffin and choreographed by Alex Sanchez. Mary Poppins the Musical is sponsored by Ameren.

Now Playing Onstage in St. Louis - Week of 5/12/2013

(5/12/2013) - Upcoming Shows - Week of 5/12/2013 for St. Louis

Photo Flash: Norbert Leo Butz Gives Webster University Commencement Speech at the Muny

(5/11/2013) - Tony Award Winner and Webster University alumnus Norbert Leo Butz delivered the commencement address and received an honorary Doctor of Humane Letters degree at Webster University's 2013 commencement ceremony this morning, May 11 at The Muny in Forest Park. Scroll down for a photo of the new 'Dr.' Butz giving his speech!

Shakespeare Festival Announces Dining for TWELFTH NIGHT

(5/10/2013) - Shakespeare Festival St. Louis has just confirmed new agreements with Butler's Pantry and the Saint Louis Zoo to provide food and beverages for this year's production of "Twelfth Night" at Shakespeare Glen in Forest Park, it was announced today by executive director Rick Dildine. The show runs May 24-June 16 (excluding Tuesdays); preview performances are scheduled May 22-23.

BWW Reviews: HotCity Theatre's Intriguing Production of MAPLE AND VINE

(5/9/2013) - With his work, MAPLE AND VINE, playwright Jordan Harrison presents an interesting choice for the modern family struggling to cope with the modern world. They are given a chance to let go of all their connections to the information highway and head back in time to 1955. For some, this is the opportunity to start life anew, albeit, in a time that's fraught with issues of its own. HotCity Theatre is presenting an excellent production of this Serling-esque piece, and it's the kind of must-see experience that I always recommend; one that makes you laugh and think.

BWW Reviews: Black Rep's Premiere Production of SMASH/HIT!

(5/9/2013) - I'm still not sure exactly how I feel about the Black Rep's latest premiere production, SMASH/HIT!, although there is certainly a lot of potential to the story, and various elements that make up the plot, it's not completely cohesive. There's an awful lot to digest here in this drama that contains music, which might be better served as a complete musical (or as a less musical drama), instead of winding up neither fish nor fowl. But, I can't honestly say that I can't recommend this show, because it is engagingly acted, contains some catchy tracks, and has fine overall direction. It's a mixed bag, but it's a mixed bag worth seeing for yourself.

ANYTHING GOES National Tour To Make Its St. Louis Premiere At The Fabulous Fox Theatre, 5/28

(5/8/2013) - The national tour of Roundabout Theatre Company's ANYTHING GOES, the new Broadway revival of Cole Porter's timeless classic musical theatre masterpiece, will make its St. Louis premiere May 28 - June 9 at the Fabulous Fox Theatre.

BWW Exclusive: Hugh Panaro and Norm Lewis to Star in LES MISERABLES at the Muny July 15 - 21; Highly Anticipated Cast Announced!

(5/8/2013) - The Muny announced principal casting for the fifth show of its fantastic 95th season, Les Miserables. Broadway veterans Hugh Panaro and Norm Lewis make their Muny debuts starring as Jean Valjean and Javert, respectively. Also starring is Michael McCormick as Thenardier. The production is directed by Richard Jay-Alexander, who served as the associate director and executive producer of the original Broadway, touring and Canadian companies of Les Miserables.

ALWAYS... PATSY CLINE to Kick Off Stages' 27th Season, 5/31

(5/6/2013) - STAGES ST. LOUIS celebrates music legend and cross-over sensation Patsy Cline, May 31 through June 30 at the Robert G. Reim Theatre in Kirkwood. The touching true story, Always... Patsy Cline combines humor, heartache and 27 of Patsy's most unforgettable hits, such as 'Crazy,' 'Walkin' After Midnight,' 'Sweet Dreams,' and more.

THE WIZARD OF OZ North American Tour to Launch from Las Vegas in September 2013; Danielle Wade to Play 'Dorothy'

(5/6/2013) - Producers Bill Kenwright, The Really Useful Group, David Mirvish, Troika Entertainment & Warner Bros. Theatre Ventures have just announced that the first North American tour of Andrew Lloyd Webber's new stage adaptation of THE WIZARD OF OZ will commence on September 10, 2013 at The Smith Center in Las Vegas, NV.

Alabama Adds Second Show to Fox Theatre, 11/9

(5/6/2013) - Due to overwhelming demand, ALABAMA has announced the addition of a second show at the Fabulous Fox Theatre on Saturday, November 9 at 8 pm. After 40 years of making music, selling millions of records and performing for fans all over the world, country music's most famed group ALABAMA will embark on a brand new tour to celebrate their very first concert at The Bowery in Myrtle Beach, SC. The Back to the Bowery Tour will stop in St. Louis for two shows only; Friday, November 8 and Saturday, November 9. Tickets for the added show on November 9 will go on sale Friday, May 17 at 10 am. Tickets start at $49.50 and can be purchased at www.metrotix.com, by calling (314) 534-1111 or at the Fox Theatre box office.

Now Playing Onstage in St. Louis - Week of 5/05/2013

(5/5/2013) - Upcoming Shows - Week of 5/05/2013 for St. Louis

Exclusive: Full Cast Revealed for SPAMALOT at the Muny; Ragusa, Cahoon, Scherer, Hibbard & More Join - Plus the Voice of Bob Costas!

(5/3/2013) - As previously announced, John O'Hurley will star as King Arthur. Also starring will be Michelle Ragusa as The Lady of the Lake, Kevin Cahoon as Historian, John Scherer as Sir Robin, David Hibbard as Patsy, Chris Hoch as Sir Lancelot, Ben Davis as Sir Dennis Galahad, and Tally Sessions as Dennis' Mother/Sir Bedevere. Joining them will be broadcast legend Bob Costas as The Voice of God.

Voting Opens for the 2013 BroadwayWorld Awards! Vote Now for the Best of the 2012-13 Theatre Season...

(5/2/2013) - The Tony Awards Nominators had their say earlier this week and now it's your turn! We're pleased to announce that voting has now opened for the 11th Annual BroadwayWorld.com Awards!

Fox Theatre Restores Auditorium Ceiling to its Original 1929 Splendor

(5/1/2013) - This summer the Fabulous Fox Theatre will undertake the most massive project since the original restoration in 1981 by restoring the auditorium ceiling.

Now Playing Onstage in St. Louis - Week of 4/28/2013

(4/28/2013) - Upcoming Shows - Week of 4/28/2013 for St. Louis

STAGE TUBE: Preview the Muny's 2013 Season - SPAMALOT, SHREK, NUNSENSE and More!

(4/27/2013) - Following the announcement yesterday of SHREK's all-star cast at The Muny in St. Louis this summer, executive producer Mike Isaacson gives a preview of the theater's upcoming season, which will feature the talents of Julia Murney, Rob McClure, John O'Hurley, Phyllis Smith and more. Click below!

BWW Reviews: St. Louis Actors' Studio's Terrific WAITING FOR GODOT

(4/26/2013) - I'm a big fan of the St. Louis Actors' Studio because they always seem to manage to mix the old with the new in intriguing fashion during their theme based seasons, and you can wind up catching a classic like WAITING FOR GODOT along the way. It's always a fun and engaging ride no matter what they offer up, and this time around they're presenting the absurdly profound work I just mentioned. Playwright Samuel Beckett's wacky characterizations and dialogue, along with it's see-through symbolism, is given a wonderful presentation by the company, with excellent performances and expert direction.

BWW Reviews: Rockin' Good Time at the Fox with MILLION DOLLAR QUARTET

(4/26/2013) - It's true that on December 4, 1956, Sun Records was host to an incredible meeting of four gentleman (Elvis Presley, Carl Perkins, Johnny Cash and Jerry Lee Lewis) who would go on to lay the foundation for Rock 'n' Roll, but a listen to the actual recording made that day prove that it was a much simpler affair than what's presented in the stage musical MILLION DOLLAR QUARTET. Still, the inspiration that story provides (book by Colin Escott and Floyd Mutrux) makes for a rockin' good time, and this award-winning show is fun from start to finish.

BWW Reviews: Mustard Seed Theatre's Outstanding Production of JANE EYRE

(4/26/2013) - Playwright Julie Beckman does wonderful work in adapting Charlotte Bronte's novel, JANE EYRE, for the stage. It's so literate that the characters even voice their thoughts, giving way at times to some much needed humor for this sad, but hopeful Gothic tale of loss and romance. Mustard Seed Theatre's production of this play is superb, with excellent performances buoyed by incisive direction and lush interior design.

BWW Exclusive: Alexander Gemignani, Julia Murney, Rob McClure, Michael James Scott to Lead SHREK at the MUNY this June

(4/26/2013) - The Muny announced principal casting for the second show of its fantastic 95th Season, Dreamworks Shrek The Musical, directed by John Tartaglia and choreographed by Vince Pesce. Shrek is sponsored by US Bank.

BWW Reviews: Stray Dog Theatre Continues Stellar Season with GYPSY

(4/25/2013) - GYPSY is the penultimate stage mother musical, but it's also a look at the decline of vaudeville and the rise of burlesque during the depression, and it's ultimately a look at how the famous stripper, Gypsy Rose Lee, made her debut in show business. Jules Styne (composer), Stephen Sondheim (lyricist), and Arthur Laurents (book) have constructed a sturdy classic that's interesting to watch at a time when reality television has essentially revived the Ted Mack Amateur Hour, and all the baggage that comes with that. Stray Dog Theatre continues their stellar season with a rousing production of this popular standard.

Jacqueline Petroccia to Lead Stages St. Louis' ALWAYS...PATSY CLINE, Beg. 5/31

(4/24/2013) - STAGES ST. LOUIS is proud to announce casting for Always... Patsy Cline, Legally Blonde, The Musical and My Fair Lady. This season exceptional talent will bring life tothree passionate women who broke down society's barriers and stereotypes by refusing to be limited by the vision of others. STAGES also announces the cast for the Theatre for Young Audiences production of, the 'princess story' that started it all, Disney's Cinderella. All season and single tickets are on sale now.

Futurists and Industry Leaders to Imagine 2023 at League of American Orchestras' 68th National Conference

(4/23/2013) - Participants will consider multiple views of the future of orchestras at the League of American Orchestras' 68th National Conference, June 18-20, 2013 in St. Louis. The Conference, under the theme Imagining 2023, will include a keynote and breakout sessions with futurist thinkers and industry leaders, live participatory performances and traditional concerts, and a master class with conductor David Robertson, music director of the St. Louis Symphony, which is co-hosting the Conference. Nearly 1000 professionals and volunteers from across the orchestra field are expected to attend the three-day event. The closing general session will be video streamed live.

Beth Leavel, THE OFFICE's Phyllis Smith and More Set to Headline The Muny's NUNSENSE

(4/23/2013) - The Muny announced principal casting for the third show of its fantastic 95th Season, Nunsense Muny Style!, directed by Matt Lenz, choreographed by Teri Gibson, and supervised by Dan Goggin.

Norbert Leo Butz to Deliver Commencement Address at Webster University, 5/11

(4/22/2013) - Tony Award Winner and Webster University alumnus Norbert Leo Butz will deliver the commencement address and receive an honorary Doctor of Humane Letters degree at Webster University's 2013 commencement ceremony, to be held at 10 a.m. on Saturday, May 11 at The Muny in Forest Park.

Cyber-Bullying Play WINNING JULIET Opens at Clayton High School, 4/26-5/4

(4/22/2013) - Performances begin this week for Winning Juliet, the new cyber-bullying educational play produced by Shakespeare Festival St. Louis.

Now Playing Onstage in St. Louis - Week of 4/21/2013

(4/21/2013) - Upcoming Shows - Week of 4/21/2013 for St. Louis

SHAKE38 Kicks Off Blind Shake Readings Today

(4/19/2013) - From truck beds and parking garages to coffee shops and rooftops, William Shakespeare's words will electrify the city with the fourth annual SHAKE38, today, April 19-23. This year's SHAKE38 will culminate on the Bard's 449th birthday.

ROCK OF AGES Opens 5/24 in St. Louis

(4/18/2013) - In 1987 on the Sunset Strip, a small-town girl met a big-city dreamer - and in L.A.'s most legendary rock club, they fell in love to the greatest songs of the '80's. It's ROCK OF AGES, a hilarious, feel-good love story told through the hit songs of iconic rockers Journey, Styx, REO Speedwagon, Foreigner, Pat Benatar, Whitesnake, and many more. This 5 time Tony nominated musical is rockin' its way back to the Fabulous Fox Theatre for four performances only May 24-26. Don't miss this awesomely good time about dreaming big, playing loud and partying on!

Webster University's Conservatory of Theatre Arts Presents LEGALLY BLONDE, 4/24-28

(4/17/2013) - Webster University's Conservatory of Theatre Arts presents 'Legally Blonde The Musical' with music and lyrics by Laurence O'Keefe and Nell Benjamin, and book by Heather Hach.

SHAKE38 Kicks off Friday April 19

(4/16/2013) - From truck beds and parking garages to the canoes in the Grand Basin at Forest Park, William Shakespeare's words will electrify the city with the fourth annual SHAKE38 which kicks off this Friday (April 19) and culminates on the Bard's 449th birthday on Tuesday, April 23.