St. Louis Theatre + Broadway News

Beth Leavel, Leslie Uggams, and Tari Kelly to Lead THOROUGHLY MODERN MILLIE at the MUNY

(5/11/2012) The Muny will present THOROUGHLY MODERN MILLIE as a part of the 94th season in Forest Park. Set to star in the production are Broadway favorites Beth Leavel, Leslie Uggams, and Tari Kelly as Mrs. Meers, Muzzy, and Millie respectively. The production, running June 18-24, will be directed by Marc Bruni and choreographed by Chris Bailey.

Max & Louie Productions Opens THE NEW CENTURY Tonight, 5/10; THE VIOLET HOUR Set for 8/23

(5/10/2012) Max & Louie Productions will feature two plays in its 2012 season, the St. Louis premiere of The New Century by Paul Rudnick and The Violet Hour by Richard Greenberg, both being staged at COCA’s intimate Black Box Theatre (524 Trinity Avenue, University City, MO 63130).

BWW Reviews: The New Jewish Theatre Offers Delightful Production of JACOB AND JACK

(5/9/2012) Playwright James Sherman has crafted a charming and delightful work with his play JACOB AND JACK. It's a fond remembering of the last days of the Yiddish theatre and it weaves in the modern day with the past with considerable flair. It has farcical elements, including the requisite doors, six in this case, to go in and out of while the action switches back and forth between the two times. The New Jewish Theatre has put together a lovely rendering of this show, and the cast is absolutely superb. This is a brisk-paced comedy that's absolutely worth seeing.

BWW Reviews: Peabody Opera House Presents Charming Production of MARY POPPINS

(5/9/2012) The touring production of MARY POPPINS that's currently gracing the stage of the Peabody Opera House is “practically perfect”, featuring eye-popping special effects, a glorious set, and terrific performances that manage to capture the spirit of the 1964 Disney film, as well as the P.L. Travers books that inspired it. While some of the more beloved elements from the movie are noticeably absent, they've been replaced with sequences that are every bit as magical and engaging. Though the staging is a bit cramped, this is a spectacular show that appeals to both children and adults. And, I should know because I brought along my six-year old son, and he loved it.

SHAKE 38 - Performances of All 38 Shakespeare Plays - Begins May 18

(5/8/2012) From truck beds to basements to coffee shops and rooftops, William Shakespeare’s words will electrify the city with the 3rd annual Shake 38 beginning on Friday, May 18, and culminating with the Bard’s preview performance of “Othello” on Wednesday, May 23 at Shakespeare Glen in Forest Park. “Othello” is the Shakespeare Festival St. Louis’ 12th annual production of free theater in an outdoor setting at the park.

Voting Opens for the 2012 BroadwayWorld.com Awards - Vote Now on the Best of the New York Season!

(5/3/2012) 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 10th Annual BroadwayWorld.com Awards!

Shakespeare Festival St. Louis Set for OTHELLO 5/25-6/17 -Billy Eugene Jones and Justin Blanchard Star

(5/3/2012) Shakespeare Festival St. Louis will present a free production of OTHELLO from 5/25 to 6/17, 2012 at Shakespeare Glen, Forest Park nightly at 8pm with previews 5/23-24.

BWW Reviews: The Charming Mythology of ACIS AND GALATEA by the Union Avenue Opera

(5/2/2012) To open their 18th season, the Union Avenue Opera has chosen an English text version (John Gay) of Handel's take on the mythological, with ACIS AND GALATEA (seen April 29, 2012). This is definitely a tale of two acts, with the first being devoted to their love for one another, this semi-divine sea nymph, and her faithful shepherd. But, things take a nasty turn in the second act, even though Galatea is able to resurrect the slain Acis as a river. If that seems a bit fanciful, it is, but that's the charm of Handel's work. It bears the catchy repetition he's famous for, and it's well played by a small cast filled with superior voices. This is deceptively demanding in the amount of coloratura that shapes so many of his phrases.

BWW Reviews: Fox Theatre's Lively Presentation of MEMPHIS

(5/2/2012) While it may look through its world through “rose colored glasses”, MEMPHIS celebrates a time when race music was beginning to catch on with a white, mostly teenaged audience. It's a crackling, amusing, and fast-paced show (book and lyrics by Joe DiPietro, music and lyrics by David Bryan) that takes you on a musical journey through the eyes of young Huey, a wannabe DJ, who gets his wish, and may get his girl, if they can survive the glare of the fifties, when mixing of the races was against the law. Does this all sound heavy? Well it's not, not by a long shot. Instead, it's a bouncy and bluesy production that's easy to take and listen to. It's currently playing the Fox Theatre (through May 13, 2012), and there's a reason this show is so successful, it's just edgy enough to appeal to the jaded, and it lightens the tone of this historical racist behavior just enough to succeed with the masses.

INSIDIOUS Opens 5/23 at the Black Rep of St. Louis

(5/2/2012) Ibn Shabazz’s Insidious , an original play that first premiered in 2010 for Western New York (WNY) theatre company Road Less Traveled Productions (RLTP), returns to the stage this month at the nation’s largest African American theatre company, The Black Rep of St. Louis. The Black Rep’s production of Insidious opens Wednesday, May 23rd , 2012.

MEMPHIS Comes to St. Louis, Opening Tonight, 5/1

(5/1/2012) MEMPHIS, the 2010 Tony® Award Winner for Best Musical, opens at the Fabulous Fox Theatre tonight, May 1, for a limited engagement.

Yanni Plays the Fox Theatre Tonight, 4/29

(4/29/2012) YANNI, music’s true world citizen and most popular contemporary composer, is coming to the Fabulous Fox Theatre for one night only tonight, April 29 at 7:30 p.m. Tickets are on sale now through MetroTix and are $84.50, $74.50, $64.50 & $49.50. All prices subject to change.

2nd Annual St. Louis Teen Talent Showcase Chooses Winners; Program to Air 5/21

(4/28/2012) On Friday, April 27th, eleven metro area high school acts performed at The Fabulous Fox Theatre for the St. Louis Teen Talent Showcase Competition Finals. Eighteen students competed for thousands of dollars in personal scholarships and special prizes. A distinguished panel of performing arts professionals - with careers spanning film, TV and Broadway - had the difficult job of judging the acts. But the winners have been announced.

BWW Reviews: Upstream Theater's Exceptional Production of CONVERSATIONS WITH AN EXECUTIONER

(4/27/2012) Dedicated to bringing the world to St. Louis, Upstream Theater takes a to Poland this time for an engrossing and compelling tale based on the memoirs of Kazimierz Moczarski (adapted by artistic director Philip Boehm). It's a fascinating story based on his own experience in Warsaw, originally involved in counter-intelligence during the second World War before being imprisoned by the Stalinist Polish secret police and charged with cooperating with the enemy. With CONVERSATIONS WITH AN EXECUTIONER, Boehm and company have produced a brilliant piece of work that it well worth your time and attention.

First Run Theatre Announces Shows BROOKLYN BAGATELLE by Neville Mur, SPECTRUM Short Play Festival & More for 2012-13 Season

(4/27/2012) First Run Theatre has announced the line up of its tenth season, which includes BROOKLYN BAGATELLE by Neville Mur, the SPECTRUM short play festival, OPEN SUNDAYS, ALL MAKES REPAIRED by Gerry Mandel and PREDICAMENT by Patrick Conroy. First Run theatre is the only professional theatre company in St. Louis dedicated to producing new plays by St. Louis regional playwrights.

2nd Annual St. Louis Teen Talent Showcase Competition Holds Finals Tonight at Fox Theatre

(4/27/2012) On Saturday, March 31st, 32 metro area high schools acts continued their journey toward college scholarships, special awards, prizes and performance opportunities throughout the city by competing in the St. Louis Teen Talent Showcase Competition Semi-finals. Performing arts professionals judged the groups and narrowed the acts to 11 who will move on to the finals tonight, April 27th at 8pm at The Fabulous Fox Theatre (list of acts attached and can be found on our website). The final competition is a Broadway style show and is FREE and open to the public. Tickets are required and available now at no charge at The Fox box office and through Metrotix.

BWW Reviews: Black Rep's Excellent Production of MA RAINEY'S BLACK BOTTOM

(4/25/2012) Revisiting a popular play in the ten work “Pittsburgh Cycle” from August Wilson, the Black Rep has put forth a superior effort. MA RAINEY'S BLACK BOTTOM is especially interesting to me as a musician since the focus is really on the interplay that goes on between Ma Rainey's band as they banter about various aspects of life and the music business, all while waiting for Ma to show up, or trying not to incur her wrath when she does. A terrific cast makes for an enjoyable, if tragic, ride that's well worth your time and attention.

Webster University’s Conservatory of Theatre Arts Presents LADY WINDERMERE'S FAN, 4/25-29

(4/25/2012) Webster University’s Conservatory of Theatre Arts presents “Lady Windermere's Fan,” by Oscar Wilde. The production will run from April 25-29 in the Browning Mainstage Theatre of Webster University's Loretto-Hilton Center, 130 Edgar Road.

STAGES St. Louis Announces New Staff Members

(4/24/2012) STAGES ST. LOUIS today announced new additions to the administrative staff. Kristen Goodman assumed the position of Marketing Director in April, James Compton recently began as Manager of Individual Giving and Events, and Susan Mintz has been promoted to the role of Development Director.

BWW Reviews: St. Louis Actors' Studio Present Killer Show with KILLER JOE

(4/24/2012) KILLER JOE is a killer show! I only regret not being able to see this show until I'd returned from my vacation, effectively eliminating my chance to laud the show properly in order to drive an audience to it. My sincerest apologies, because I'm a fan of playwright Tracy Letts, and, not having seen this show before, I was unprepared for its sheer rawness. It's a hilarious pulpy send-up on the classic idea of hiring a hitman to off someone in order to benefit monetarily from the situation, and the St. Louis Actors' Studio have outdone themselves with an excellent rendering of this early work. The direction and acting of the entire ensemble is fearless and superb.

COCA Announces Author Series, 2012 Summer Arts Programs and More

(4/18/2012) COCA announces its line-up for this weekend, including TRIumphant, its Spring Repertory Concert to be held this Friday, April 20 at 7 p.m. and April 21, 22 at 2 p.m.

THREE DAYS OF HAMLET Coming to STL with Actor/Director Alex Hyde-White

(4/18/2012) Actor/filmmaker Alex Hyde-White (“Dexter,” “Game Change,” “The Fantastic Four,” “Buck Rogers”) will be in St. Louis for a one night only showing of his documentary “Three Days of Hamlet” at the Tivoli on April 18th, 7pm. Tickets for this event can be bought at https://tickets.landmarktheatres.com/Ticketing.aspx?TheatreID=258&ShowDate=4/18/2012 or at the Tivoli box office.

Celtic Thunder Goes On Sale at the Fox, 4/23

(4/17/2012) Surpassing sales of one million units combined, the musical phenomenon that is Celtic Thunderhas been hailed as BILLBOARD’s Top World Music Artist, along with Top World Music Imprint and Top World Album of 2011 for Heritage.

Idina Menzel to Play Peabody Opera House, 6/17

(4/17/2012) As previously reported on BroadwayWorld, stage empress Idina Menzel has launched an extensive national tour playing throughout the United States in 2012. She is set to play the Peabody Opera House in June, and tickets for this one-night only event are on sale now.

STAGE TUBE: Director Gordon Greenberg Discusses PIRATES! Part 2

(4/15/2012) Gordon Greenberg, Co-Creator and Director of Pirates! (or Gilbert and Sullivan Plunder'd) describes the themes behind this 2012 Muny production in part two of his conversation with Mike Isaacson. Watch the video below!

Webster University’s Conservatory of Theatre Arts Presents LADY WINDERMERE'S FAN, 4/25-29

(4/12/2012) Webster University’s Conservatory of Theatre Arts presents “Lady Windermere's Fan,” by Oscar Wilde. The production will run from April 25-29 in the Browning Mainstage Theatre of Webster University's Loretto-Hilton Center, 130 Edgar Road.

Riverdance Brings Farewell Tour to the Fox Theatre, 5/18-20

(4/10/2012) Recently, the producer of RIVERDANCE, Moya Doherty, announced that the United States touring production of the internationally-acclaimed worldwide phenomenon will close in June, 2012. RIVERDANCE will play the Fabulous Fox Theatre May 18-20 FOR THE VERY LAST TIME, for 5 performances only! Tickets for RIVERDANCE are on sale now and range from $70 to $26 and are available through MetroTix.

New Line Theater Completes Casting for HIGH FIDELITY

(4/10/2012) New Line Theatre, "the Bad Boy of Musical Theatre," will close its 21st season May31-June 23, 2012, with HIGH FIDELITY, the funny, rowdy, emotional rock musical that garnered positive reviews in New Line's 2008 production, the first production of the show after its Broadway run.

STAGE TUBE: Director Gordon Greenberg Discusses PIRATES!

(4/10/2012) Gordon Greenberg, Co-Creator and Director of Pirates! (or Gilbert and Sullivan Plunder'd) describes the themes behind this 2012 Muny production in part one of his conversation with Mike Isaacson. Watch the video below!

Human Nature Comes to the Fox Theatre, 4/10

(4/10/2012) HUMAN NATURE, Australia’s #1 pop vocal group with millions of albums sold worldwide, is presenting its first-ever U.S. National tour. The tour will stop at the Fabulous Fox Theatre for one night only on April 10 at 7:30 p.m. Tickets are on sale now through MetroTix and are $56 & $32. All prices are subject to change. Presented by the Nine Network.

Joe Bonamassa Tickets Go On Sale at the Fox Theatre Thursday

(4/9/2012) Award-winning blues rock star, guitar hero and singer-songwriter Joe Bonamassa and his ace touring band will perform in concert at the Fox Theatre on November 3.

BRING IT ON: THE MUSICAL Closes at the Fox Theatre, 4/8

(4/8/2012) The National Tour of Bring It On: The Musical arrives in St. Louis for 16 performances at the Fabulous Fox Theatre through April 8, 2012!

The Rep Closes 45th Season With THE COMEDY OF ERRORS

(4/8/2012) The Repertory Theatre of St. Louis (The Rep) presents William Shakespeare’s The Comedy of Errors. The show 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, through April 8, 2012.

STAGE TUBE: Rob Ruggiero and Mike Isaacson Talk The Muny's THE KING AND I, Part 2

(4/6/2012) The Muny will present THE KING AND I as a part of its line-up for the 94th season in Forest Park. Single tickets will go on sale Saturday, June 2, 2012. For more ticket information, call (314) 361-1900 or visit www.muny.org.

Webster Conservatory of Theatre Arts Presents DINNER WITH FRIENDS, 4/6-8

(4/6/2012) Webster University’s Conservatory of Theatre Arts presents "Dinner with Friends" by Donald Margulies. The production runs from April 6–8, in Stage III, Webster Hall, 470 E. Lockwood Ave. Curtain times are 7:30 p.m. on Friday, 2 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. on Saturday, and 2 p.m. only on Sunday.

The Jacksons Bring Unity Tour 2012 to the Fox Theatre in July

(4/5/2012) When siblings Jackie, Jermaine, Marlon, and Tito Jackson rose to fame with their late brother Michael in the 1970s, they instantly became a global sensation.

BWW Reviews: CAVALIA Wows Crowd and Extends Run

(4/4/2012) CAVALIA is nearly impossible to describe as a show, at least in terms of giving you a true perspective on all the things that are happening at once on stage, and yet, I can say it's an elegant, athletic, visual and audio delight that combines a number of elements in achieving its success. First off, there are the nearly 50 horses of various beautiful breeds (all geldings and stallions) that are paraded in various “scenes” to great effect, and then there are the acrobats, riders, band members, singers, as well as an awesome projected scenic design that take us all the way back to ancient times with cave drawings, bas relief work, and coliseum settings that all occur in the first act alone. CAVALIA is a wondrous delight, a trip through time filled with atmosphere and dynamic dynamite maneuvers. It's an eye-popping experience, an equestrian extravaganza, and the run for the show has been extended due to popular demand.

BWW Reviews: Hot and Sexy LE FREAK C'EST CHIC at the Black Rep

(4/4/2012) The Black Rep presented Le Freak C'est Chic as part of their Sunday concert series this past weekend (April 1, 2012), and it's an interesting mix of dance, music, and incredible vocalizations that was thoroughly entertaining and as sexy as advertised. The show gave St. Louis an opportunity to see some of the finer singers, dancers, and musicians, that this town has to offer, and thankfully, they were greeted with a very warm reception. The production basically takes us on a tour through Cabaret to Funk, and then on to Rock Star, and gives everyone involved a chance to show off their various skills.

SPECTRUM SHORT PLAY FESTIVAL Open for Scrips Submissions Until June 30

(4/4/2012) First Run Theatre is now accepting script submissions for its Spectrum short play festival to be presented in October. The submission period is from April 2 to June 30 2012.

Seventh Annual Kevin Kline Awards - Full Winners!

(4/4/2012) The Ceremony for the Seventh Annual Kevin Kline Awards took place last night at the Loretto-Hilton Theater, honoring productions in St Louis from 2011. We've got the full list of nominees and winners below.