Bright Lights Column: Give My Regards to Broadway

Bright Lights Column: Give My Regards to Broadway

Local actor-singer lands national tour, Tony-nominated local playwright ready for another Broadway go-round, managing editor Lynn Venhaus back on Broadway (the street) and reflects on Neil Simon, local fest in lieu of Lou Fest and more!
SOMETHING WONDERFUL: St. Louis’s own Mark Saunders has landed a plum role in a national tour of the Tony-nominated musical “Something Rotten!” He is playing Brother Jeremiah, the father of Portia, a Puritan girl who falls in love with the single Bottom brother, Nigel.
The new Work Light Productions’ non-Equity tour will launch Sept. 19 at the RiverCenter for the Performing Arts in Columbus, Georgia, and he’ll be on the road until next June. The tour includes a one-day stop in March at the Stifel Theatre (formerly the Peabody).
This hilarious musical comedy tells the story of brothers Nick and Nigel Bottom, two playwrights stuck in the shadow of that Renaissance rock-star William Shakespeare. When a soothsayer foretells the next big thing in theatre involves singing, dancing, and acting at the same time, the Bottom brothers set out to write the world’s very first musical.
“Something Rotten!” premiered on Broadway in 2015 and was nominated for nine Tony Awards, with Christian Borle winning for Best Featured Actor as Shakespeare.
So, how did this exciting opportunity happen? Mark, a St. Louis native and graduate of Bishop DuBourg High School, said he responded to an audition notice and asked for advice from a friend who had worked on the producing side of the original Broadway production.

“After chatting with him, and a lot of amazing people helping me out, I was able to get my materials (headshot, resume, website, etc.) to the casting agency and they called me in for an audition,” he said.
It was on his birthday, a Monday. He was called back that Thursday and found out the next day he was cast.
“It was even crazier because the day that I found out and flew home, I had to perform a piece by Rachmaninov in Russian with the St. Louis Symphony Chorus. So, I landed around 3-ish and had to get my life together and be at Powell Hall for a concert at 7 p.m. It was a crazy nine days from the day that I got the initial email to the day that I found out that I booked the show,” he said.
Currently, he is rehearsing in NYC. During the past few weeks, he has been getting fittings done, and taking care of other logistics.
When he had a shoe fitting for a custom pair of boots at LaDuca, he described it as “an insanely happy moment.”
“You hear about all these kinds of moments, but when it’s actually you, it’s crazy!” he said. “I’m super excited that we’re going to play the Stifel Theatre in St. Louis on March 13, 2019! I can’t wait to share this amazing cast and show with my family and friends.”
Born and raised in Dogtown, Mark has worked different day jobs while pursuing performing opportunities. Recently, he was in Union Avenue Opera’s “Lost in the Stars” and can be seen in a Missouri Lottery commercial for The Voice VIP Promotion. He has been a paid singer with the St. Louis Symphony Chorus for the past five years.
In addition to Mark, the cast features Matthew Baker as Shakespeare, Matthew Janisse as Nick Bottom, Greg Kalafatas as Nostradamus, Emily Kristen Morris as Bea, Jennifer Elizabeth Smith as Portia, and Richard Spitaletta as Nigel Bottom.
For more info or tickets, visit www.rottenbroadway.com
Bravo and Break a Leg!
***IN LIEU FESTIVAL: Sunday will still be a Fun Day, thanks to the Kranzberg Arts Foundation, who has come to the rescue of local bands without a venue now that the Lou Fest has been cancelled.
“The Sound of St. Louis Showcase,” a free musical festival will take place on two stages — at The Grandel Theatre and the Dark Room (in the Grandel) — from 2 to 10 p.m. Sept. 9 in the Grand Center Arts District.
In addition to the Kranzbergs, other sponsors include Urban Chestnut Brewing Company, Gaslight, the Regional Arts Commission of St. Louis, Express Scripts, and Red Bull are presenting this showcase of “some of the best talent in our vibrant music scene. Help us uplift and celebrate ‘The Sound of St. Louis.’ More local vendors may become involved.
The local line-up includes Ben Reece’s Unity Quartet, Bob DeBoo, The Burney Sisters, Dracla, Grace Basement, Jesse Gannon, Kasimu-tet, Kevin Bowers, Nova, The Knuckles, Mo Egeston, Owen Ragland, Ptah Williams Trio, The River Kittens, Scrub & Ace Ha and Tonina.
***
GO SEE A PLAY POLL: Oh, what a beautiful day! You can win two free tickets to “Oklahoma!” at Stages St. Louis for either this Friday or Saturday.
Rodgers and Hammerstein’s first collaboration will open at Stages St. Louis Sept. 7 and will run through Oct. 7. When it debuted on Broadway 75 years ago, it changed the face of the American musical, and ran for more than five years.
Were you in a school production, in community theater or professional regional theater? It seems many people were. Who is your favorite among the iconic characters?
Such history! Those unforgettable classic songs “Oh What a Beautiful Mornin,” “People Will Say We’re in Love,” “The Surrey with the Fringe on Top,” “I Cain’t Say No” and “Kansas City,” not to mention the title number, always stay with you.
You can see Stages’ fresh take on this historic musical by entering our Go See a Play Poll. Respond to our poll question on who your favorite iconic character is, along with your name and phone number, and send to: lynnvenhaus@gmail.com by noon Friday, Sept. 7. We will draw a name, and you can choose either Friday or Saturday, Sept. 7 or 8, at 8 p.m. performance – two tickets. We’ll let you know and help arrange your selected evening with the fine folks at Stages St. Louis.
Who is your favorite character from “Oklahoma!”?
Ado Annie Carnes
Aunt Eller
Gertie Cummings
Jud Fry
Ali Hakim
Curly McClain
Will Parker
Laurey Williams
Peter Wochniak photo
***THE KIDS ARE ALRIGHT: Every year, new theater troupes pop up in the metropolitan St. Louis area, but perhaps the biggest growth is with youth groups. The Debut Theatre started this year and all proceeds benefit Pedal the Cause, which funds cancer research. The youth-founded group will present its third Acting Against Cancer event with a performance of “Into the Woods” on Saturday, Sept. 22 at the Chesterfield YMCA.
Debut Theatre Company was founded by youth to promote life-long learning and appreciation of the arts toward a more conscious and compassionate community. Its goal is to engage, inspire and entertain.
The mission statement includes: “We hope to make a difference for our artists, our audiences and those who benefit through our charitable cause. This youth centered company celebrates the essential power of the theatre to illuminate our common humanity.”
In the metro-east, St. Clare of Assisi Catholic Church music director Stephen Eros and his wife, Jamie Marble Eros, music director at St. Clare School, organized a community theatre troupe to present “Godspell,” with 13 adults and teens in the cast, last month. A 25-member children’s chorus, which rehearsed through a week-long music camp at the church, joined the cast for two public performances.
***SIDE BY SIDE: Tony nominee Chad Beguelin of Centralia, Ill., is gearing up for another Broadway opening. He co-wrote the book with Bob Martin and lyrics for the musical “The Prom,” which begins previews Oct. 23, along with writing partner Matthew Sklar, who composed the music.
Chad Beguelin of Centralia, Ill. on 42nd Street near graphics of shows he’s both a part of on Broadway. Photo provided.He posted this recent picture in front of the Longacre Theatre at 220 W. 42nd Street, the new home of “The Prom,” while “Aladdin” is currently running next door, at the New Amsterdam Theatre. He wrote the book and new lyrics to the 2011 musical “Aladdin,” invited by Alan Menken to do so, and landed his third and fourth Tony nominations in the process. Fun to have two of your shows collide (his other major works include “The Wedding Singer” – Tony nominations for book and lyrics — and “Elf”). The duo’s website is: www.sklarandbeguelin.com
“The Prom” is about a canceled high school dance and four fading Broadway stars who seize the opportunity to fight for justice — and a piece of the spotlight
Beth Leavel and Adam HellerBest wishes to Muny favorite Beth Leavel and her leading man, Adam Heller, on their recent engagement. They played Rose and Herbie in The Muny production of “Gypsy” this summer, and she is preparing to star in The Prom.” They are shown here attending the 2015 premiere of “It Shoulda Been You.”
Those aren’t the only local connections. “The Prom” producers include Jack Lane, Terry Schnuck and Ken and Nancy Kranzberg, all of St. Louis.
Talk about timing! New Line Theatre will produce “Be More Chill” in May, and the musical sensation is moving to Broadway in March.
Attagirls to the MVPs of SATE, who dealt with an audience medical emergency during the final performance of “No Exit” at The Chapel Sept. 1. Kudos to Kristen Strom, stage manager; Bess Moynihan, director; and Ellie Schwetye, producer for the cool and calm efforts.
(And another round of applause for the cast – Rachel Tibbetts, Shane Signorino, Sarah Morris and Katy Keating — for their professionalism).
***,
WORD: “I can’t take his genius anymore.” – Rita Hayworth, on divorcing Orson Welles.
On Sept. 7, 1943, Welles whisked Hayworth away from the set of “Cover Girl” and they were married at the Santa Monica City Hall. She was 25, he was 28. Their marriage would last less than four years; they had one daughter, Rebecca.
***
BROADWAY BOUND:  During a recent trip to NYC to visit my youngest son, I was fortunate to see “Straight White Men” starring Armie Hammer, Josh Charles, Paul Schneider and Stephen Payne, with introduction and some supporting work from Kate Bournstein and Ty Dafoe, at Broadway’s Helen Hayes Theatre. It is a 10-week limited run ending Sept. 9.
Charlie and Lynn Venhaus at Helen Hayes Theatre, Aug. 26.Written by Young Jean Lee, she is the first Asian-American female playwright to be produced on Broadway. She provided laughter and poignancy, striking a chord about family interactions when you are grown-ups.
The Helen Hayes Theatre is the smallest on Broadway, at 597 seats, and recently renovated to become Second Stage’s new home.
It starts out on Christmas Eve with a widowed dad and his three grown sons — two who live out of town. With its Christmas setting, the play about family dynamics and the responsibilities that come with education and privilege lends itself to the intimate atmosphere. It’s 90 minutes, no intermission.
All the actors were good – convincing as a real family – but Paul Schneider is the one I’d for sure single out for awards. I hope it’s considered for multiple Tony Award nominations.
So many people connected with this show were Steppenwolf Theatre veterans and involved in the “This Is Our Youth” revival that both sons and I saw at the Cort Theatre in November 2014, notably director Anna D. Shapiro and scenic designer Todd Rosenthal. They also launched Tracey Letts’ “August: Osage County.”
No wonder this was so tip-top. I can see local theater groups wanting to produce it, and there is plenty of local talent to fill those roles. I suspect I will see it again. This play will likely have a good run with groups across the country.
***
Barbra Streisand sings “Don’t Rain on My Parade”TRIVIA TIME-OUT:  Fifty years ago, the movie adaptation of “Funny Girl” premiered on Sept. 8, 1968, earning Barbra Streisand her first Oscar for her first movie role. However, she had originated the role of Fanny Brice on Broadway.
The Academy Award was the first and only tie for Best Actress. Who did she share the award with?
What was Streisand’s second Oscar for?
In 1964, Streisand lost the Tony Award for her performance in “Funny Girl” to what actress?
Answers:
Katharine Hepburn in “The Lion in Winter”
Best Song: “Evergreen” from “A Star is Born”
Carol Channing for “Hello, Dolly!”
TRIBUTE: He was one of my first theater idols and continued to be a favorite, decades later. I discovered Neil Simon in high school, used “The Star-Spangled Girl” for speech competition (comedy interp) senior year, was in his plays “Fools” (Lenya) and “Plaza Suite” (Karen) in community theatre, and made it a point to see pretty much all his shows.
He influenced me in the way he wrote such distinct characters with specific snippets of dialogue to give you hilarious insights into their personalities. He had such an impact on modern comedy!
On Aug. 26, the day Neil Simon died, at age 91, I happened to be in New York City and was planning a Broadway afternoon. So I went by the Neil Simon Theatre to pay my respects and see any tributes.
The playwright had written over 30 plays and movie scripts, mostly adaptations of his own works, but a few originals (“The Out-of-Towners” and “The Goodbye Girl.”)
We headed to the Neil Simon Theatre on W. 52nd in the twilight — as all the marquees began to light up the night, I knew the sign would be dark as a tribute to the legendary funny man. A small memorial had started.
His influence on comedy writers was significant. I read “The Odd Couple” when I was 15 and had never laughed so hard. That was around the time I saw the 1967 movie “Barefoot in the Park” with Jane Fonda and Robert Redford, who had played Paul on Broadway. Then I saw “Promises, Promises” with Jerry Orbach at the Muny in 1970, and I marveled at genius. That man was a quip machine!
I realized that reading/seeing Simon’s plays had given me a yearning to see NYC (along with early Woody Allen movies). It was his town, his people. He taught us Midwesterners all about the Big Apple.
Now it was back to my son Charlie’s apartment in Brooklyn, where once upon a time I envisioned Eugene being scolded by his Mom Blanche as he envisioned himself pitching for the Brooklyn Dodgers. (“Brighton Beach Memoirs” is one of the few Simon works that makes me cry).
Thank you, Mr. Simon, for making us laugh and recognize ourselves along the way.
Lynn Venhaus as Lenya in Monroe Actors Stage Company’s “Fools” in November 2009.What are your favorites? Please add your comments.
“Fools” was the funniest play I ever was in, and it was my final performance in community theater.

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Go See a Play! What’s Happening Sept. 6 – 12

Go See a Play! What’s Happening Sept. 6 – 12

By Lynn Venhaus
Managing Editor
“Try to remember the kind of September when life was slow, and oh so mellow”…Anyone?
I only recall Septembers with lots o’ activities and many good theater choices. Have we got them this week!
An Andrew Lloyd Webber masterpiece about celebrity and power, an American classic celebrating 75th anniversary, Disney wholesomeness, celebration of black women with the vocal gifts of Anita Jackson, and fresh young voices in St. Louis, capturing a time and place – shout out to Tre’von Griffith. And that’s just musicals. Drama from the great American playwrights Lillian Hellman opens, and a modern opera is offered, too.
Go See a Play!

“Bye Bye Birdie”
Ignite Theatre Company
Wednesday, Sept. 12
7 p.m.
Bayless High School
Special Sensory Performance
www.ignitewithus.org
314-717-1851
“The Children’s Hour”
The Theatre Guild of Webster Groves
Sept. 7 – 16
Friday and Saturday at 8 p.m., Sunday at 2 p.m.
314-962-0876
www.theatreguildwg.org
What It’s About:  Longtime friends Karen and Martha run a boarding school for girls. After a malicious youngster starts a rumor about the two women, the rumor soon turns to scandal. As the young girl comes to understand the power she wields, she sticks by her story, which precipitates tragedy for the women. It is later discovered that the gossip was pure invention, but it is too late. Irreparable damage has been done
Director: Barbara Mulligan
Cast: Jessica Johns Kelly, Nori Rhodes, Pepi Parshall, Patrick Ryan, Melanie Klug, Betsy Gasoske, Kaylee Ryan, Lydia Foss, Valletta Thurmon, Adrianna Misra, Sydney McClenning, Jesen Clendennen, Gracie Giles, Gentry Giles, Sophia Leritz and Christian Davis.
Of Note: Tickets are Adults $15, Seniors and Students $12, and are available at the door (cash or check). They do not take advanced reservations.
The Guild is a very old building, historic in fact, but because of this we are not wheelchair or handicap accessible. The Guild has a total of 31 steps.
Robert Stevens photo
“Crowns: The Gospel Musical”
The Black Repertory Theatre of St. Louis
Sept. 5 – 23
Edison Theatre at Washington University
Box Office: (314) 534-3807
www.blackrep.org
What It’s About: Crowns refers to hats worn by black women. Hats become a springboard for an exploration of black history and identity as seen through the eyes of a young black woman who has come down South to stay with her aunt after her brother is killed in Brooklyn.
Hats are everywhere, in exquisite variety, and the characters use the hats to tell tales about everything from the etiquette of hats to their historical and contemporary social functions.
Director: Linda Kennedy
Cast: Anita Jackson leads the cast as Mother Shaw, with Maureen Williams as Wanda, Amber Rose as Velma, Leah Stewart as Mabel, Eleanor Humphrey as Jeannette, Myke Andrews as The Man and Tyler White as Yolanda.
Of Note: Director Linda Kennedy says: “The mothers and grandmothers, women of the church, were the glue that held us all together. They helped to raise us and helped make us accountable for our actions. We feared them then but are so grateful to them now. One of the greatest gifts a child can receive is the opportunity to sit and listen to and learn from an elder.” Rounding out the behind the scenes team will be the stage manager, Tracy D. Holliway-Wiggins, set designer, Dunsi Dai, lighting by Joe Clapper, and costumes by Daryl Harris.
“Evita”
The Repertory Theatre of St. Louis
Sept. 5 – 30www.repstl.org
What It’s About:  The incandescent Eva Perón’s rise from poverty to power electrified the world – and made her an iconic political celebrity. Winner of seven Tony Awards, Andrew Lloyd Webber and Tim Rice’s tour-de-force musical revels in the glamour, charisma and controversy that defined the First Lady of Argentina. With its unforgettable anthem “Don’t Cry for Me Argentina” and kaleidoscope of sights and sounds, “Evita” dazzles with pure passion.
Director: Rob Ruggiero, with music direction by Charlie Alterman and choreography by Gustavo Zajac.
Cast: Michelle Aravena (Eva Perón), Pepe Nufrio (Che), Sean MacLaughlin (Juan Perón), Nicolas Dávila (Augstín Magaldi/Ensemble), Shea Gomez (Perón’s Mistress/Ensemble).
Ensemble: Maria Bilbao, Nathaniel Burich, Ben Chavez, Samuel Druhora, Carmen Garcia, Esmeralda Garza, Samantha Gershman, Julie Hanson, Keith Hines, Jose Luaces, Ben Nordstrom, Waldemar Quinones-Villanueva, April Strelinger and Tim Wessel.
Eric Woolsey Photo
Disney’s “Newsies”
Next Generation Theatre Company
Aug. 31 – Sept. 9
Fridays and Saturdays at 7:30 p.m. and Sundays at 2 p.m.
Florissant Civic Center Theatre
314-921-5678
www.nextgenerationtheatre.company
What It’s About: Disney’s Newsies tells the rousing tale of Jack Kelly, a charismatic newsboy and leader of a band of teenaged ‘newsies.’ When titans of publishing raise distribution prices at the newsboys’ expense, Jack rallies newsies from across the city to strike against the unfair conditions and fight for what’s right.
Based on the 1992 motion picture and inspired by a true story, “Newsies” features a Tony Award-winning score by Alan Menken (Little Shop of Horrors, Sister Act) and Jack Feldman and a book by Tony Award winner Harvey Fierstein (Kinky Boots). Featuring the now classic songs “Carrying the Banner,” “Seize the Day,” and “Santa Fe,” Newsies is packed with non-stop thrills and a timeless message that is perfect for the whole family.
Director: Joe Elvis Baker, who is also choreographer, with music direction by Meredith Todd.
Cast: Main characters – Jack Kelly – Matthew Riordan; Crutchie – Matthew Cox; Davey – Jack Erbs; Les – Max Slavik; Katherine Plumber – Leigha Stockton; Joseph Pulitzer – Joel Hackbarth; and Medda Larkin – Brenda Bass.
Newsies: Race – Andrew Maroney, Albert/Crutchie Understudy – Corey Fraine, Romeo – Braden Stille, Henry – DJ Wojciehowski, Finch – Isaiah Henry, Specs – Rebekah Side, Elmer – Conrad Powell, Mush – Joel Brown, Jo Jo – Mia Polittle, Buttons – Andrea Brown, Sniper – Justin Harris, Splasher – Jess Gerst, Spot Conlon – Kellen Green, Scab 1 – Cami Dummerth, Scab 2 – Hayden Rodgers, Scab 3 – Justin Harris, Trey Ball, Elise Brubaker, Sabrina Furman, Gabby Diebold, Nya Martin, Kate Shaefer, Sarah Burke, Logan Brown, Aiden Kelly, Rebecca Walthall
Nuns: Mica Tharp, Elise Brubaker, Caitlin Sauors, Mackenzie Baum
Bowery Beauties: Devon Shipley, Nya Martin, Kate Shaefer, MacKenzie Baum
“Oklahoma!”
Stages St. Louis
Sept. 7 – Oct. 7
Robert G. Reim Theatre
Kirkwood Community Center, 111 South Geyer Road
www.stagesstlouis.org
What It’s About: Romance, conflict, comedy and colorful characters set in 1906 in the Oklahoma territory.
Director: Michael Hamilton
Starring: Blake Price as Curly, Sarah Ellis as Laurey, Con O’Shea-Creel as Will Parker, David Sajewich as Jud Fry, Lucy Moon as Ado Annie, Matthew Curiano as Ali Hakim, Zoe Vonder Haar as Aunt Eller, John Flack as Andrew Carnes, Leah Berry as Bertie Cummings, Mark MacKillop as Slim, Christopher Deprophetis as Ike Skidmore and Steve Isom as Cord Elam.
Of Note: “Oh, what a beautiful musical! Rodgers and Hammerstein’s timeless first collaboration was, in many ways, their most innovative. And while OKLAHOMA! completely changed the face of American musical theatre 75 years ago, it remains as fresh and vital today as it was then with its loving celebration of the American spirit. A stunning blend of drama, music, and dance, the exhilarating Rodgers and Hammerstein score contains such classics as “People Will Say We’re In Love,” “The Surrey With The Fringe On Top,” “Kansas City,” “I Cain’t Say No,” and the pulsating title tune, “Oklahoma!” A gold standard that set the bar for all great musicals that came after it.
Peter Wochniak Photo
“Three Decembers”
STL Opera Collective
Friday and Saturday, Sept. 7-8
7:30 p.m.
Kranzberg Arts Center
501 N. Grand
www.stloperacollective.org
What It’s About: The secrets that have shaped a family’s relationships. Composer Jake Heggie’s deeply moving opera explores the emotional shrapnel, secrets and hard truths that take place over three decades in the life of a Broadway diva, who has long ignored her children, now adults, as she pursues her career. Her daughter is struggling with a failing marriage, and her son is facing the death of his partner. The libretto is by Gene Scheer. The beautiful score highlights the tangled emotions of this family as they come to grips with the secrets which have shaped their relationships.”
Cast: Stephanie Ruggles, Aleksander Dragojevic, Emily Truckenbrod, Curtis Moeller, Kurtis Shoemake
“VOICES: Sounds of America”
TLT Productions
Sept. 6 – 9 for five performances
.Zack
What It’s About: A musical montage of monologues and songs by Tre’von Griffith and Lauron Thompson-Cosby that aim to bridge the gap between young and old, educate and inspire. The showed inspired by youth in St. Louis bring to life issues of race, self-esteem, identity and body image.
Of Note: This is the finale of their second season. The company founded by creative duo, Tre’von “TreG” Griffith and Lauron “Linnae” Thompson-Cosby, will end this season the way their inaugural season began. VOICES, possesses a timeliness the duo felt was worth revisiting. Identity, self-esteem, social justice, family matters and community are just a few of the subject matters addressed in this musical montage created by Griffith and Cosby.
“VOICES is one of our cornerstone works. It’s a compilation of our personal experiences and data generated from workshops done with youth in St.Louis. The workshops conducted, over the course of six years focused on life in this city and the daily issues teens face. We used a lot of their opinion to structure the show,” Griffith said.
Griffith and Cosby will be starring in this show alongside a core of TLT’s ensemble members.
It was last produced in 2017, at the Marcelle Theater.
Of Note: For more information visit metrotix.com or kranzbergartsfoundation.org/events Tickets are also available at the door.
 

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Tennessee Williams Festival St. Louis Announces One-Man Show

Tennessee Williams Festival St. Louis Announces One-Man Show

The Tennessee Williams Festival will present “Confessions of a Nightingale” Nov. 1-4 at Curtain Call Lounge.
In “Confessions of a Nightingale,” Terry Meddows stars as Tennessee Williams, riveting us with untold stories of Williams’ private life and professional challenges. It will be directed by Lana Pepper and presented November 1-4 at the Curtain Call Lounge at the Fox Theatre in the Grand Center Arts District.
The Tennessee Williams Festival St. Louis was named 2019 Best Arts Startup by the Arts & Education Council
St. Louis’s own Tennessee Williams, widely considered to be America’s greatest playwright, sat almost four decades ago for an extensive, self-revelatory interview with Charlotte Chandler. She, along with Ray Stricklyn, transformed that interview into a play that provides an unforgettable evening. The play has received rave reviews. The Los Angeles Times calls it “an irresistibly charismatic one-man show.” Time Magazine characterizes it as “ingratiatingly salty,” and the Hollywood Reporter gushes that it is “a thrilling evening.”
As the New York Times said, “This is 90 minutes spent in the company of a born dramatist ineluctably drawn to tell tales out of school.”  Tennessee gossips about Tallulah Bankhead, Truman Capote, Marlon Brando, and Greta Garbo—but in one of many deeply human moments of the play, he confesses that gossip, for him, is way of diverting people from that which is most personal–his work. And how would he like it all to end? ‘If I could choose my spot to die,” he says, “I would like it to be in a Broadway theater on opening night, listening to the wild ovation at the end of my newest play.”
Meddows, who is from Fairview Heights, Ill., and lives in St. Louis, has won acting awards from the St. Louis Theater Circle Award and the Kevin Kline, and been nominated several times. In recent years, he has performed “Grey Gardens” with Max and Louie Productions, “The Diary of Ann Frank” and “Yentl” at the New Jewish Theater, and “Waiting for Godot” at the St. Louis Actors’ Studio. He was in the 2017 Tennessee Williams Festival play, “Will Mr. Merriweather Return from Memphis?”.
Tickets for “Confessions of a Nightingale” go on sale on Friday, Sept. 7 through MetroTix, at the Fox Box Office or at the door. General admission tickets are $30, preferred seating is $35 and students with a valid ID are $25.  Parking available in Grand Center.
The full Tennessee Williams Festival season announcement will be coming soon at www.twstl.org.
About Tennessee Williams Festival St. Louis
Now in its fourth year, the Tennessee Williams Festival St. Louis enriches the cultural life of St. Louis by producing an annual theater festival and other artistic and educational events that celebrate the art and influence of Tennessee Williams. The Tennessee Williams Festival St. Louis is led by Executive Artistic Director Carrie Houk, a producer,  casting director, actor, and teaching artist. For more information, visit www.twstl.org.

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The Rep Announces $1 Million Endowment Goal to Honor Steven Woolf

The Rep Announces $1 Million Endowment Goal to Honor Steven Woolf

The Repertory Theatre of St. Louis has launched a $1 million fundraising campaign to honor the artistic legacy of Steven Woolf, who will retire as The Rep’s Augustin Family Artistic Director at the end of the 2018-2019 season.
The $1 million raised will fund an endowment in Woolf’s name that will support the hiring of brilliant directors, designers and actors for future productions in The Rep’s Studio Theatre. The endowment campaign will run throughout the upcoming season, concluding on May 31, 2019.

The Berges Family Foundation will support the campaign through a $350,000 challenge grant, matching 100% of all gifts up to that amount.
Thanks to early gifts from Rep donors and matching support from the Berges Family Foundation, The Rep has already raised $300,000 toward its goal.
Steven Woolf has been The Rep’s artistic leader since 1986. His stewardship helped to stabilize the theatre during a rocky period of transition, before rapidly expanding its profile into a nationally recognized artistic force. During his tenure, The Rep has won more than 100 combined awards for its onstage excellence, while also topping $1 million in single-ticket sales across the past two seasons.
Those interested in donating to the campaign can do so here.

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Ghost Tours Return to Fox Theatre in October

Ghost Tours Return to Fox Theatre in October

The Fabulous Fox Theatre is excited to announce the return of the extremely popular Ghost Tours this October. The Fabulous Fox Ghost Tours will explore the untold history of the many ghost sightings and unexplained occurrences reported at the Fabulous Fox during its nearly 90-year history.
The Fabulous Fox Ghost Tours will offer an evening of spine-chilling tales from Fox staff members and first-hand accounts from investigations by paranormal researchers. Go behind the scenes of the Fabulous Fox to see what happens after the shows have closed and the stage lights go dim.
Guided tours will be offered at 6 p.m., 7:30 p.m. and 9 p.m. on Monday, Oct. 1, Monday, Oct. 8, and Monday, Oct. 15. Tickets are $40 each and include a one-hour guided tour of the Fabulous Fox and parking.
Tickets are now on sale at the Fabulous Fox Box Office, by calling 314-534-1111 and online at MetroTix.com. All tickets are available without a service charge, regardless of purchase method. Ghost tours are not recommended for young children.
 In addition to the guided tours, other activities and attractions will be available to guests from 5 p.m. to 11 p.m. Snacks and specialty cocktails will be sold in Curtain Call Lounge. Readings from independent psychics and tarot card readers will be available throughout the evening at an additional cost.
The St. Louis Paranormal Research Society will be offering séances each night at 8 p.m., 9 p.m. & 10 p.m. Those interested will be able to purchase tickets at Fox Guest Services in the main lobby during the evening of the tour for a $20 fee. There will be a limited number of tickets available for each séance.
 
Special thanks to the St. Louis Paranormal Research Society for their contributions to this event.

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New Line Theatre’s Scott Miller Publishes Book on 14 Oddball Musicals

New Line Theatre’s Scott Miller Publishes Book on 14 Oddball Musicals

New Line Theatre is proud to announce that artistic director Scott Miller has published another collection of essays, “LITERALLY ANYTHING GOES: 14 ODDBALL MUSICALS AND WHAT MAKES THEM TICK.” Miller’s fifth book of deep-dive musical theatre exploration is a surprising and entertaining journey into more than a dozen quirky but fascinating musicals, some famous, some less so.
The shows surveyed literally span the history of the art form, and New Line has produced them all — “The Threepenny Opera,” “Anything Goes,” “The Nervous Set,” “The Fantasticks,” “Zorba,” “Two Gentlemen of Verona,” “The Robber Bridegroom,” “Evita,” “Return to the Forbidden Planet,” “Kiss of the Spider Woman,” “A New Brain,” “Reefer Madness,” “Bukowsical”, and “Love Kills” — proving that there have always been oddball musicals and oddball musical theatre writers eager to crash through the existing conventions to something new and different. Times haven’t changed as much as we think.
And if you think some of these shows don’t seem all that oddball to you, see if you feel the same way after you read the book. As Miller puts it, “Anything Goes is the old-fashioned family classic that really isn’t any of those things;” and “The Fantasticks is a deceptively complex, Beat-inspired, jazz fable.”
Miller’s other analysis collections include From Assassins to West Side Story, 1996, now in its 8th printing (covering Assassins, Cabaret, Carousel, Company, Godspell, Gypsy, How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying, Into the Woods, Jesus Christ Superstar, Les Misérables, Man of La Mancha, Merrily We Roll Along, My Fair Lady, Pippin, Sweeney Todd, and West Side Story);Deconstructing Harold Hill, 1999, (covering Ragtime, Camelot, Chicago, Passion, The Music Man, March of the Falsettos, Sunday in the Park with George, and The King and I); Rebels with Applause, 2001, (covering Hair, Rent, Oklahoma!, Pal Joey, Anyone Can Whistle, Floyd Collins, Jacques Brel, The Cradle Will Rock, Songs for a New World, and The Ballad of Little Mikey); andSex, Drugs, Rock & Roll, and Musicals, 2011, (covering The Wild Party, Grease, Hair, Jesus Christ Superstar, The Rocky Horror Show, The Best Little Whorehouse in Texas, I Love My Wife, Bat Boy, Hedwig and the Angry Inch, and High Fidelity).
Scott Miller is a musical theatre composer, lyricist, bookwriter, historian, consultant, fanboy, and the founder and artistic director of New Line Theatre in St. Louis. He has written nine musicals, two plays, and seven books about musical theatre. For fifteen years, he co-hosted the radio show Break a Leg: Theatre in St. Louis and Beyond on KDHX, and now he hosts the theatre podcast Stage Grok, available on iTunes and at StageGrok.com.
The cover art for Literally Anything Goes was designed by St. Louis artist Matt Reedy.
Miller has also recently put together a novelty book of 400 questions about the musical theatre, to test your knowledge, your opinions, and your insights into our art form. The book is called It’s a Musical! 400 Questions to Ponder, Discuss, and Fight About, and it’s addictive. It’s the perfect gift for the musical theatre obsessive who has everything. His other books include Strike Up the Band: A New History of Musical Theatre, and Let the Sun Shine In: The Genius of Hair.
AMAZON SMILE
And just a reminder, when you shop at Amazon, go to smile.amazon.com instead (and bookmark it) — it’ll ask you to choose a charity (you’ll choose New Line Theatre), and then whatever you buy on the site will kick back a small donation to New Line! It really adds up!
ABOUT NEW LINE THEATRE
New Line Theatre, “the bad boy of musical theatre,” is a professional company dedicated to involving the people of the St. Louis region in the exploration and creation of daring, provocative, socially and politically relevant works of musical theatre. New Line was created back in 1991 at the vanguard of a new wave of nonprofit musical theatre just starting to take hold across the country. New Line has given birth to several world premiere musicals over the years and has brought back to life several shows that were not well served by their original New York productions.
Altogether, New Line has produced 85 musicals since 1991, and the company has been given its own entry in the Cambridge Guide to American Theatre and the annual Theater World. New Line receives funding from the Missouri Arts Council, a state agency.
The 2018-2019 season includes the world premiere of The Zombies of Penzance in October, the classic La Cage aux Folles in March, and the new rock musical Be More Chill, based on the bestselling novel, next June.
Read more about The Zombies of Penzance here.
Read more about La Cage aux Folles here.
Read more about Be More Chill here.
For other information, visit New Line Theatre’s full-service website at www.newlinetheatre.com. All programs are subject to change.

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Peter Mayer Named Upstream Theater’s Managing Director

Peter Mayer Named Upstream Theater’s Managing Director

Upstream Theater is excited to announce the appointment of Peter Mayer as Managing Director.
Mayer will work closely with Artistic Director Philip Boehm as the company—now entering its 14th season—continues to bring a world of theater to St. Louis with plays that “move you, and move you to think.”
A longtime member of Actors’ Equity, Mayer also brings a wealth of experience in business and law to the company. Board chair Mary Wertsch is excited by the development:
“We feel extremely fortunate to have someone as experienced, knowledgeable, and well networked as Peter Mayer in the position of managing director, particularly at this time of seriously diminished funding of theater companies by arts agencies.  He shares Upstream’s dream of providing sustainably funded, thought provoking, all-professional theater to St. Louis for many years to come.”

For his part, Mayer is equally pleased to join what he calls “a vibrant, exciting theater characterized by an artistic vision and an intellectual dimension that are quite rare. It will be an honor to work alongside Philip.”
Since 2005, Upstream Theater has produced over two dozen U.S. or world premieres by leading playwrights from nearly twenty countries. With this appointment the company looks forward to strengthening their organizational capacity, expanding their outreach, and extending their influence beyond St. Louis, both by developing new projects and by partnering with other institutions in the region.
The 2018-2019 season includes “Chef” by Sabrina Mahfouz, starring Linda Kennedy and directed by Marianne de Pury, Sept. 28030, Oct. -7, 11-14; and “Salt, Root and Roe” by Tim Price, directed by Kenn McLaughlin, set for April 26-28, May 2-5, 9-12.
A winter show is to be determined, and dates are Jan. 25-27, Jan. 31-Feb. 3 and Feb. 7-10.
Shows are Thursday through Saturday at 8 p.m., and the first two Sundays at 7 p.m., and the final Sunday at 2 p.m.
Season tickets are on sale now. For more information, visit www.upstreamtheater.org
 

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Kranzberg Arts Foundation Launches Second Season at The Grandel

Kranzberg Arts Foundation Launches Second Season at The Grandel

 
Following a highly successful first year in operation, The Grandel, newly renovated by the Kranzberg Arts Foundation (KAF), will launch its second Fall/Winter season of programming on the main stage in September, starting with “Labor of Love 2018: A Kranzberg Arts Foundation Resident Showcase” at The Grandel on Saturday, Sept. 1.
Hosted by Artists for a Cause’s Terry Barber, this unique evening of dance, theatre and music by top local talent includes performances by KAF resident organizations, with all proceeds directly benefiting the companies and artists performing.
In addition to forthcoming national touring productions, comedy and musical acts, shows and events currently scheduled in the 2018-2019 season at The Grandel are as follows:

Sept. 1: Labor of Love 2018: A Kranzberg Arts Foundation Resident Showcase
Sept. 8: CommUNITY Arts Festival
Sept. 15: Dance St. Louis presents “Wewolf”
Sept. 22: Karlovsky & Company Dance presents Playful Pairings: Dance, Beats, Wine and Treats
Sept. 25: St. Louis Paranormal Research Society presents The Grandel Haunted Tour
Oct. 11-14: Saint Louis University Theatre presents “Eurydice”
Oct. 20-21: Ashleyliane Dance Company presents Roots and Rhythm: A Tribute to Jazz
Oct. 28-November 24: Shakespeare Festival St. Louis presents “In the Works: A New Play Festival”
Dec. 2-31: Metro Theater Company presents “Wonderland: Alice’s Rock and Roll Adventure”
Jan. 10-13: Ignite Theatre Company presents “Disney’s Beauty and the Beast”
Jan. 18 & 20: Artists for a Cause Dance for Food
Jan. 19: Winter Jazz Fest Featuring John Patitucci
Jan. 26: The Big Muddy Dance Company presents “Homegrown
Feb. 3-24: Metro Theater Company presents “The Hundred Dresses”
“We had a fantastic first year and we’re excited to continue the momentum as we kick off our second full season with our outstanding resident companies,” said Kranzberg Arts Foundation Executive Director Chris Hansen. “With The Grandel we have created a true example of diversity in audience, programming and organizational use that furthers the mission of the Grand Center Arts District to create a place where people are connected to the arts and the arts can flourish.”
More events and performances will be added to the schedule regularly. Visit The Grandel online or on Facebook for the complete calendar, ticket info and regular updates.
 About Kranzberg Arts Foundation
The Kranzberg Arts Foundation is committed to providing the essential infrastructure necessary for the arts to thrive in the St. Louis community. Through the development of performing arts venues, visual arts galleries, free music programs, and work spaces for non-profit arts organizations, the Foundation creates opportunities for and nurtures the growth of artists, while working with emerging and leading arts organizations to engage with St. Louis’s diverse community in ways that are relevant, inclusive, and inspiring. For more information, visit www.kranzbergartsfoundation.org.

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Broadway Actor Terrence Mann to Appear in Variety Theatre’s ‘The Little Mermaid’

Broadway Actor Terrence Mann to Appear in Variety Theatre’s ‘The Little Mermaid’

Broadway icon Terrence Mann comes to St. Louis in the fall to play the part of King Triton in Variety Theatre’s production of Disney’s The Little Mermaid for six shows-October 18-21, at the Touhill Performing Arts Center.
A three-time Tony nominee, Terry was the original Rum Tum Tugger in Cats, the original Inspector Javert in Les Misérables, and the original Beast in Beauty and the Beast.  He also originated the role of Chauvelin in The Scarlet Pimpernel and The Man in the Yellow Suit in Tuck Everlasting.  His most recent Tony nomination was for his portrayal of King Charlemagne in Pippin, which also earned him the Outer Critics Circle Award.
Last spring, Terry starred as Jerry Springer in The New Group New York premiere of Jerry Springer: The Opera at the Signature Theatre. Other Broadway credits include The Addams Family (Mal Bienekie), Lennon (Ensemble), The Rocky Horror Show (Frank ‘N Furter),Getting Away with Murder (Greg), A Christmas Carol (Scrooge), Rags (Saul), Barnum (Ringmaster), and Jerome Robbins Broadway (Narrator).

Terry’s credits also include a wide range of film and TV work. Currently, he can be seen as arch-villain Mr. Whispers on the Netflix series “Sense8.”  He appeared as Bob on the Sci-Fi Channel’s series “The Dresden Files.”
Additional credits include features CRITTERS, A CHORUS LINE, BIG TOP PEE-WEE, and SOLAR BABIES and TV shows; ”Sleepy Hollow,” “Instinct,” “Law and Order,” “Mrs. Santa Claus,” “American Revolution,” and “One Life to Live.”.
Terry’s theatre credits also include work as a director, composer, professor and artistic director.  He is the Director/Composer for the musical adaptation on Romeo and Juliet currently in development. He was the founding Artistic Director of the Carolina Arts Festival and currently serves as the endowed chair of Musical Theatre at Western Carolina University. In addition, he is the Artistic Director of the Connecticut Repertory Theater’s Nutmeg Summer Theater Festival.  He and his wife Charlotte d’Amboise are co-artistic directors of the Triple Arts Musical Theatre intensive for young performers at Western Carolina University.
Now in its 10th year, Variety Theatre is the country’s only production of its kind. Featuring an inclusive Children’s Ensemble performing alongside a professional adult cast, this Broadway classic is a must-see event. In 2018, Variety Theatre was awarded the “Special Award for a Body of Work” by the St. Louis Theater Circle, an honor that is not an annual award, but is only presented when it is felt it is truly deserved.
“But one theater here defies a particularly persistent stereotype:  the assumption that only able-bodied people can perform in musical theater.  In recognition of their eye-opening, audience delighting productions, we are very happy to present our special award for a body of work to Variety Theatre”. Judith Newmark, Post-Dispatch
 Yet again under the direction of Tony Award nominee, Lara Teeter, Variety’s production of Disney’s The Little Mermaid will feature Variety children with disabilities in the children’s ensemble, along with St Louis’ most talented children, as well as Adult Actors’ Equity Association performers.
The 2018 cast of Disney’s The Little Mermaid will include 16 children with a disability, including cerebral palsy, spina bifida, Down’s syndrome, autism, brittle bone disease, muscular dystrophy, hearing impairment, and blindness.  They will all be singing and dancing their way into your heart.  Behind the scenes, 10 children with disabilities including cerebral palsy, Down’s syndrome, hearing loss and neuro-muscular disorder, will be working as interns with the designers and directors.
About Variety the Children’s Charity of St. Louis
Variety empowers children with physical and developmental disabilities, also referred to as children with special needs, and improves their quality of life. Our programs highlight ability rather than disability. This holistic approach gives access to critical medical equipment and therapies, along with innovative Camp and Performing Arts programs, which provide opportunities for recreation, socialization, and artistic expression. Children gain or maintain independence, boost socialization among their friends and family, demonstrate belief in themselves, and increase skills they need to engage their world as fully as possible. www.varietystl.org
Photo credit: Merie Weismiller Wallace

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Go See a Play! What’s Happening Aug. 30 – Sept. 5

Go See a Play! What’s Happening Aug. 30 – Sept. 5

By Lynn Venhaus
Managing Editor
Holiday, celebrate! It will be so nice if you take the time to see a play over the next few days. Stray Dog Theatre’s New Works Laboratory is presenting a fresh slate of one-acts, SATE gives us existential question to ponder in their final performances of “No Exit” and Next Generation Theatre Company opens the first community theatre production of “Newsies.”
Both the Black Rep and The Repertory Theatre of St. Louis kick off their seasons with musicals Wednesday – The Black Rep opens its 42nd with the spirit-stirring hand-clapping good time “Crowns” while The Rep opens its 52nd with the Andrew Lloyd Webber masterpiece “Evita.”
So take a holiday, celebrate with theater. In the words of Madonna, “It’s time for the good times, Forget about the bad times, One day to come together, To release the pressure, We need a holiday.” Go See a Play!
“Crowns: The Gospel Musical”
The Black Repertory Theatre of St. Louis
Sept. 5 – 23
Edison Theatre at Washington University
Box Office: (314) 534-3807
www.blackrep.org
What It’s About: Crowns refers to hats worn by black women. Hats become a springboard for an exploration of black history and identity as seen through the eyes of a young black woman who has come down South to stay with her aunt after her brother is killed in Brooklyn.
Hats are everywhere, in exquisite variety, and the characters use the hats to tell tales about everything from the etiquette of hats to their historical and contemporary social functions.
Director: Linda Kennedy
Cast: Anita Jackson leads the cast as Mother Shaw, with Maureen Williams as Wanda, Amber Rose as Velma, Leah Stewart as Mabel, Eleanor Humphrey as Jeannette, Myke Andrews as The Man and Tyler White as Yolanda.
Of Note: Director Linda Kennedy says: “The mothers and grandmothers, women of the church, were the glue that held us all together. They helped to raise us and helped make us accountable for our actions. We feared them then but are so grateful to them now. One of the greatest gifts a child can receive is the opportunity to sit and listen to and learn from an elder.” Rounding out the behind the scenes team will be the stage manager, Tracy D. Holliway-Wiggins, set designer, Dunsi Dai, lighting by Joe Clapper, and costumes by Daryl Harris.
“An Evening of One-Acts”
Stray Dog Theatre New Works Laboratory
Thursday through Saturday, Aug. 30 – Sept. 1, 8 p.m.
Tower Grove Abbey
2336 Tennessee Avenue, St. Louis
314-865-1995www.straydogtheatre.org
What It’s About: The evening consists the one-act plays “Marge” by Lawrence E. Mooney, “Lights in the Sky” by Courtney Taylor, “Joyland” by Karen Saari, and “Life Ever After” by Alyssa Ward.
With the New Works Laboratory, the audience, performers, and writer all take part in the play development process. The writer creates the script, the actors translate the page to the stage, and audience members exchange immediate and uncensored reaction to the play, providing all with insight into further development of the product.
Playwrights with a unique vision, innovative subject matter, and diverse perspectives are thus given a voice which otherwise might never be afforded to them in the contemporary world of performing arts.
Directors: “Marge” – Lavonne Byers, “Lights in the Sky” — Kevin O’Brien, “Joyland” –Stephen Peirick, and “Life Ever After” – Miles Bledsoe.
Casts: “Joyland” – Sarajane Alverson and Sara Rae Womack; “Lights in the Sky” – Stephen Henley and Luis Castro; “Life Ever After” – Chrissie Watkins, Maria Bartolotta, and Jonathan Hey; and “Marge” – Jan Nieoff, Jonathan Hey, Dawn Schmid and Simon Desilets.
Of Note: Tickets are free. To reserve yours, please visit: www.straydogtheatre.
“Evita”
The Repertory Theatre of St. Louis
Sept. 5 – 30www.repstl.org
What It’s About:  The incandescent Eva Perón’s rise from poverty to power electrified the world – and made her an iconic political celebrity. Winner of seven Tony Awards, Andrew Lloyd Webber and Tim Rice’s tour-de-force musical revels in the glamour, charisma and controversy that defined the First Lady of Argentina. With its unforgettable anthem “Don’t Cry for Me Argentina” and kaleidoscope of sights and sounds, “Evita” dazzles with pure passion.
Director: Rob Ruggiero, with music direction by Charlie Alterman and choreography by Gustavo Zajac.
Cast: Michelle Aravena (Eva Perón), Pepe Nufrio (Che), Sean MacLaughlin (Juan Perón), Nicolas Dávila (Augstín Magaldi/Ensemble), Shea Gomez (Perón’s Mistress/Ensemble).
Ensemble: Maria Bilbao, Nathaniel Burich, Ben Chavez, Samuel Druhora, Carmen Garcia, Esmeralda Garza, Samantha Gershman, Julie Hanson, Keith Hines, Jose Luaces, Ben Nordstrom, Waldemar Quinones-Villanueva, April Strelinger andTim Wessel.
Disney’s “Newsies”
Next Generation Theatre Company
Aug. 31 – Sept. 9
Fridays and Saturdays at 7:30 p.m. and Sundays at 2 p.m.
Florissant Civic Center Theatre
314-921-5678www.nextgenerationtheatre.company
What It’s About: Disney’s Newsies tells the rousing tale of Jack Kelly, a charismatic newsboy and leader of a band of teenaged ‘newsies.’ When titans of publishing raise distribution prices at the newsboys’ expense, Jack rallies newsies from across the city to strike against the unfair conditions and fight for what’s right.
Based on the 1992 motion picture and inspired by a true story, “Newsies” features a Tony Award-winning score by Alan Menken (Little Shop of Horrors, Sister Act) and Jack Feldman and a book by Tony Award winner Harvey Fierstein (Kinky Boots). Featuring the now classic songs “Carrying the Banner,” “Seize the Day,” and “Santa Fe,” Newsies is packed with non-stop thrills and a timeless message that is perfect for the whole family.
Director: Joe Elvis Baker, who is also choreographer, with music direction by Meredith Todd.
Cast: Main characters – Jack Kelly – Matthew Riordan; Crutchie – Matthew Cox; Davey – Jack Erbs; Les – Max Slavik; Katherine Plumber – Leigha Stockton; Joseph Pulitzer – Joel Hackbarth; and Medda Larkin – Brenda Bass.
Newsies: Race – Andrew Maroney, Albert/Crutchie Understudy – Corey Fraine, Romeo – Braden Stille, Henry – DJ Wojciehowski, Finch – Isaiah Henry, Specs – Rebekah Side, Elmer – Conrad Powell, Mush – Joel Brown, Jo Jo – Mia Polittle, Buttons – Andrea Brown, Sniper – Justin Harris, Splasher – Jess Gerst, Spot Conlon – Kellen Green, Scab 1 – Cami Dummerth, Scab 2 – Hayden Rodgers, Scab 3 – Justin Harris, Trey Ball, Elise Brubaker, Sabrina Furman, Gabby Diebold, Nya Martin, Kate Shaefer, Sarah Burke, Logan Brown, Aiden Kelly, Rebecca Walthall
Nuns: Mica Tharp, Elise Brubaker, Caitlin Sauors, Mackenzie Baum
Bowery Beauties: Devon Shipley, Nya Martin, Kate Shaefer, MacKenzie Baum
Of Note: The performance on Sept. 2 at 2 p.m. will be a sensory friendly performance. This performance will have a few adjustments to create a welcoming environment for our entire community, such as the house lights being at half for the entire performance. If you would like more information regarding this performance or a “What to Expect” guide, please contact us at contact@nextgenerationtheatre.company.
“No Exit”
Slightly Askew Theatre Ensemble
Aug. 15 – Sept. 1
Wednesday through Saturday at 8 p.m.
The Chapel
6238 Alexander Drive
www.slightlyoff.org
What It’s About: Jean-Paul Sartre’s existential play “No Exit” is about three damned souls are brought to the same room in hell by a mysterious Valet. Expecting medieval torture devises to punish them for eternity, they are surprised by the deceptively simple and relatively ugly room. As they are all introduced, none of them will admit the reason for their damnation. But Inez demands that they all stop lying to themselves and confess to their crimes. The play is an exploration into the human psyche and the invisible wounds we are capable of inflicting upon others, and ourselves.
Director: Bess Moynihan
Cast: Rachel Tibbetts, Shane Signorino, Sarah Morris, Katy Keating
Of Note “No Exit” is the source of Sartre’s famous quotation ‘L’enfer, c’est les autres’ or “Hell Is Other People.”
Photo by Joey Rumpell

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