Review: THE SOUND INSIDE at Robert G. Reim TheatreFebruary 12, 2024Moonstone’s THE SOUND INSIDE is a well-constructed piece of theatre but has a story that simply did not resonate. Rapp’s story left me flat. Walking away from the theatre, and reflecting on the overall production, I wanted to like THE SOUND INSIDE more than I did.
Despite the criticism of the overall story, I still suggest seeing this production for a few reasons. First, Ryan Lawson-Maeske's performance. His enigmatic Christoper is gripping. Second, Mary Louise Parker won the Tony Award for her portrayal as Bella, so there is a strong likelihood that audiences may disagree with this assessment of the script. Finally, it is a polished production with strong collaboration between the director, his actors, and the technical crew.
Review: COPENHAGEN at The Gaslight StudioFebruary 12, 2024The script is rich with scientific banter, repetitive and very talky. The running time with intermission exceeds 2-½ hours but the show flies by thanks to Salomon’s brisk direction and the tremendous performances of the three actors. Do not dissuade yourself from seeing this production based on the script’s complexities. This is a wonderful production with interesting characters that provides a different perspective to the nuclear arms race during World War II.
Review: HAIRSPRAY at Stifel TheatreFebruary 9, 2024What did our critic think of HAIRSPRAY at Stifel Theatre?The current national tour of HAIRSRAY is visiting The Stifel Theatre in St. Louis with two performances on February 8th and 9th. This production is led by St. Louisan Caroline Eiseman with an effervescent performance as the optimistic Tracy Turnblad. HAIRSPRAY continues to fill houses across the country 22 years after it premiered on Broadway.
CLUE and INTO THE WOODS Lead the St. Louis Theatre Circle Awards with 11 Nominations EachFebruary 2, 2024The St. Louis Theatre Circle announced their 2024 Nominations on Friday. STAGES St. Louis’ production of CLUE and New Jewish Theatre’s production of INTO THE WOODS lead all productions with 11 nominations each. Twenty-four different companies and 55 unique productions were represented among 165 nominations in 33 categories. Awards will be handed out on Monday, March 25th, 2024, at The Loretto-Hilton Center for the Performing Arts on the Webster University campus.
Review: DUTCHMAN at Greenfinch Theatre And Dive BarFebruary 2, 2024Soul Siren’s production of Dutchman is intentionally ostentatious in its presentation and is a dramatic success because of the dynamic and fantastic performances of Cameron Jamarr (Clay) and Eileen Engel (Lula.) Amiri Baraka’s One-Act play DUTCHMAN, directly challenges mid-century racism with a bold characterization of black and white Americans embodied by two characters.
Interview: Amadeo Fusca Talks About His One-Man Play MEN ARE FROM MARS WOMEN ARE FROM VENUS LIVE!January 31, 2024Amadeo Fusca brings his hilarious one man show MEN ARE FROM MARS WOMEN ARE FROM VENUS LIVE to the Westport Playhouse on February 14th through 18th for six shows. Part scripted, part improvisation, and part stand-up comedy, Fusca keeps things current and keeps his audience laughing each time he takes the stage. He has a lot of experience explaining the differences between men and women. He has traveled across the country performing this show more than 350 times.
Previews: The Cabaret Project of St. Louis Presents Sara SheperdJanuary 22, 2024Broadway's Sara Sheperd returns to St. Louis to perform her solo show as part of the Cabaret Project of St. Louis. Sheperd starred at The Muny this past summer in BEAUTIFUL: THE CAROLE KING MUSICAL, reprising a role she played on Broadway and as part of the National Tour. Broadway World called her performance at The Muny ‘entrancing,” and named BEAUTIFUL to its Top 10 Productions in St. Louis Theatre for 2023. Sheperd sat down with Broadway world to talk about her upcoming shows and what an influential place St. Louis is in her career.
Review: JAGGED LITTLE PILL at The Fabulous Fox TheatreJanuary 20, 2024Despite the criticism around its originality, JAGGED LITTLE PILL it is an elegantly constructed show, with an interesting story, an energetic and talented cast, visually engaging choreography, and Grammy winning music. It is a must see for fans of Morissette’s music, and a should see for fans of musical theatre. While it is not among the best of the jukebox musicals, it is a better than average effort.
Review: HALEY DRIVER at Blue Strawberry Showroom And LoungeJanuary 19, 2024Driver possesses a beautiful multi-octave vocal instrument with pleasing tone, pitch, and timbre. When she sings in her upper register, her head voice is as clear as a bell. This is a young lady with a stellar voice who has honed her vocal stylings with deliberate phrasing to create a polished presentation.
Review: HOLD ON at Edison Theatre on the Washington University CampusJanuary 13, 2024Webb’s historical drama is spectacularly brought to life by Ron Himes’ direction. The Black Rep's production of HOLD ON is spellbinding storytelling. It is a first-rate production of the momentous events that shaped the civil rights movement and resulted in important legislation. Himes, his cast, and crew have produced an exceptional piece of theatre that honors the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King.
The Top 10 Productions in St. Louis Theatre for 2023December 14, 2023This past year was a spectacular season for theatre in St. Louis. Forbes magazine recognized St. Louis as having “America’s most exciting emerging arts district.” The article credits the The Kranzberg Foundation for buying and operating spaces where artists can create. Many of the smaller theatre companies in St. Louis rely on The Kranzberg Foundation venues for performance and rehearsal space. In addition to the smaller professional companies, the mid-size and larger companies including The Muny, STAGES St. Louis, and The Black Rep all presented stellar musicals and plays that were produced locally. Blue Strawberry and The St Louis Cabaret project advanced cabaret performing in St. Louis booking amazing shows with Tony nominated Broadway performers Adam Pascal, Beth Leavel, and Robin de Jesús.
Review: JESUS AND JOHNNY APPLEWEED'S HOLY ROLLIN' FAMILY CHRISTMAS at The GrandelDecember 10, 2023JESUS AND JOHNNY APPLEWEED’S HOLY ROLLIN’ FAMILY CHRISTMAS is an irreverent musical comedy chuck full of laughs. While most of the jokes are related to changing times 7-decades ago, you don’t have to be a baby boomer to understand and appreciate Miller’s hysterical script. If you’re looking for funny, adult-themed holiday entertainment that is a complete diversion from more traditional holiday fare, JESUS AND JOHNNY APPLEWEED’S HOLY ROLLING FAMILY CHRISTMAS will certainly add some laughs to your holiday entertainment.
Review: T.3: THE OPTION UP TOUR at The Sheldon Music HallDecember 9, 2023T.3’s performance at The Sheldon Concert Hall in St. Louis was an extremely enjoyable evening of unforgettable music. The well-rehearsed 90-minute show flew by in an instant. Fennecken, Hogan, and Smith’s electric stage presence and mellifluous voices combined to create a truly memorable experience. These three gentlemen are skilled performers and song writers who know how to put on a phenomenal show.
Review: BARRYMORE at St. Louis Actors' StudioDecember 6, 2023BARRYMORE is an exquisitely written script that is exceptionally acted in this first-rate production at St. Louis Actor’s Studio. This fantastic production can be seen through December 10th at The Gaslight Theatre.
Review: WALTER CRONKITE IS DEAD at Union Avenue Christian ChurchDecember 4, 2023West End Player Guild's production of WALTER CRONKITE HAS DIED is an enjoyable piece of theatre thanks to the performances of its two leading ladies. Wobbe and Durbin’s on-stage chemistry takes a dated story, makes it interesting and funny, and delivers the playwright’s intended message. The funny and heartwarming WALTER CRONKITE IS DEAD plays at the Union Avenue Christian Church through December 10th.