‘Travel the World’: St. Louis Jewish Film Festival Goes Virtual

‘Travel the World’: St. Louis Jewish Film Festival Goes Virtual

The 25th Annual St. Louis Jewish Film Festival will have a new and exciting look and feel this year. From Sunday, November 9 through Thursday, November 15 the Festival will present a wonderful selection of 12 documentary and narrative feature films from around the world virtually, so you can watch them in the comfort of your home…either on your computer or TV! While all films depict a slice of the Jewish experience, the films are universal and meant to be appealing to all, regardless of faith.

Music and Broadway play a big part in this year’s festival including Fiddler: Miracle of Miracles, an incredible tale of the world wide influence of the famous musical, Good Thoughts, Good Words, Good Deeds, a portrait of Zuben Mehta, Conductor of the Israeli Philharmonic and Crescendo a feature about young Palestinian and Israeli musicians who try to find common ground through music. Remarkable historic figures will be showcased in The Spy Behind Home Plate, a documentary about Mo Berg, professional baseball player and Spy during WWII, and Golda, a window into the life and career of Israel’s only female Prime Minister. Holy Silence, looks into the role of the Catholic Church during the Holocaust and Shared Legacies examines the shared struggles of Blacks and Jews in the US. There is also a comedy called Love in Suspenders.  Features originate from France, Germany, Uzbekistan, Israel, Poland and the United States.

Many of the filmmakers will be on hand for interactive film discussions the week of the Jewish Film Festival. For a complete list of films and discussions, go to www.stljewishfilmfestival.org.

All films will be available for viewing throughout the festival and screened virtually through the film platform Eventive.  Ticket prices are $14 for each individual film and for the first time an all access pass can be purchased for $95. View the complete Film Festival schedule and buy tickets at stljewishfilmfestival.org starting on September 8.

This year’s Jewish Film Festival co-chairs are Marilyn K. Brown, Jeffrey Korn and Paula Sigel. The Jewish Film Festival is a program of the Jewish Community Center.

ABOUT THE J:
The J is an interactive, multi-generational gathering place that offers a variety of programs and services to both the St. Louis Jewish community, and the community at large. The Jewish Community Center provides educational, cultural, social, Jewish identity-building and recreational programming and offers two, state-of-the art fitness facilities, all designed to promote physical and spiritual growth. Everyone is welcome at the J.

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Vibrant ‘Mulan’ Dazzles in Live-Action Epic Adventure

Vibrant ‘Mulan’ Dazzles in Live-Action Epic Adventure

By Lynn Venhaus
A sweeping, sprawling epic adventure brimming with elegance and emotion, “Mulan” triumphs as one of Disney’s best makeovers.

The vibrant live action remake features gorgeous panoramic views, stunning symmetry, a bold palette and strong, colorful characters to advance the action.

The epic tale of China’s legendary warrior is brought to life in this live action re-imagining of the 1998 animated film. A fearless young woman, Hua Mulan (Yifei Liu) risks everything out of love for her family and country when the Emperor of China (Jet Li) issues a decree that one man per family must serve in the Imperial Army to defend the country from northern invaders. As the eldest daughter of an honored warrior, Mulan steps in to take the place of her ailing father, and masquerades as a man. When she harnesses her inner strength and reveals her true potential, she becomes an honored warrior and saves the dynasty.

Yifei Liu

A star is born in Yifei Liu, who commands the screen in much the same way as Gal Gadot in Wonder Woman in recent DC movies, You can’t take your eyes off of Liu, who depicts how brave and strong Mulan is. She also did 90 percent of the stunts, and showcases remarkable martial arts skills.

Much of the original has been scrapped to start over with a culturally appropriate story that involves more realism in characters – and a cast of Asian actors. Gone is Mushu, the dragon voiced by Eddie Murphy, and others that aren’t necessary here.

This 2020 version is not a musical like the 1998 animated film was. However, the musical’s original song “Reflection” is used over the credits here, first sung by Christina Aguilera in English and then sung by lead Yifei Liu in Mandarin.

Suggested by the poem, “The Legend of Mulan,” this bracing spectacle is laser-focused on the talented warrior who happens to be a girl, born at a time when only men were in combat. Tomboy Mulan is expected to get married to bring honor to her family, but instead Hua Mulan takes the place of her ailing father in the Imperial Army who must fend off the Rourans’ attempts to take over. She must disguise herself but her martial arts abilities are too strong to hide, and eventually, she shows what a powerful and swift fighting machine she is. In other words, she has great ‘chi’ energy.

Nevertheless, she is conflicted about her lie, as honesty is part of the warrior’s code. She wrestles with the consequences of her actions, but truth wins out.

The screenplay is by Rick Jaffa and Amanda Silver, who are married and responsible for the three rebooted “Planet of the Apes” films as well as “Jurassic World,” along with Lauren Hynek and Elizabeth Martin. They cut to the chase, conveying culture and conflict specific to the story.

The ensemble is strong, with good work by Tzi Ma as Mulan’s father Hua Zhou, Donnie Yen as Commander Tung, Yosan An as Mulan’s soldier friend Honghui, Jet Li as the emperor, Jason Scott Lee as Bori Khan and Gong Li as the witch Xianglang.

Director Niki Caro, who helmed “Whale Rider” in her native New Zealand, and in recent years “The Zookeeper’s Wife” and “McFarland, USA,” captures the grandeur and excels at the battle scenes, but maintains an intimacy that makes us care about Mulan’s plight.

The cinematography by Mandy Walker is stunning – and hopefully we can see this on the big screen someday.

While the intense action has merited the first PG-13 for a Disney live-action remake, older children can appreciate the devotion to family theme as well as not accepting limits to what you can do in life. Its focus on empowerment and inclusion is also timely and important.

“Mulan” is an action-adventure directed by Niki Caro and starring Yifei Liu, Jason Scott Lee, Tzi Ma, Donnie Yen, Yosan An, Jet Li, Gong Li. Rated PG-13 for sequences of violence, the run time is: 1 hour, 55 minutes. Lynn’s Grade: A-. Disney Plus is releasing it Sept. 4 for a fee of $29.99. In December, subscribers to the streaming channel will not be charged an additional fee.

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‘Tenet’ Dazzles Visually But Plot Is Messy

‘Tenet’ Dazzles Visually But Plot Is Messy

By Lynn Venhaus
For all his technical brilliance, Christopher Nolan’s ambition and vision sometimes impede his screenplays from making sense. And despite its dazzling action scenes, “Tenet” can’t overcome an unwieldy time-travel plot to make us care – about the future, present or past on screen.

The dangerous time-bending mission is to prevent the start of World War III.

Basically, this jumbo-sized James Bond-type thriller, complete with fabulous gadgets and zippy globe-trotting, is complicated, trying to employ algorithms and explain inversion in its race to thwart doomsday. The layers are murky, the dialogue isn’t always convincing and the complexities lead to overthinking. By midway, it’s a lot to keep straight.

As a director, Nolan’s bombast and daring are unmatched today. And for every letdown like “Interstellar,” there is a masterpiece like “The Dark Knight.” That’s why I look forward to his films, and this one drew me into a theater for the first time since mid-March.

Its stunning set pieces – especially an airport scene and a highway car chase that features speeding cars going backwards, are quite something, and make it a blockbuster worthy of the big screen (and IMAX if you want the upgrade).

As a writer, Nolan’s obsession with puzzles, obviously one of his signatures, and his ability to frame a shot with the fanaticism of a Kubrick, is admirable, but he is often too cold and clinical. With little backstory, we aren’t sympathetic to the principal characters or drawn into their world, with the exception of Elizabeth Debicki, a strikingly beautiful and tall actress playing the Hitchcock blonde, art dealer Kat. She married a vicious oligarch and arms dealer Andrei Sator (Kenneth Branagh), who is keeping her estranged from her young son. And he has plutonium. And tons of money.

Branagh chews the scenery in a cartoonish role, and his thick Russian accent doesn’t help in deciphering his threats, as he attempts to be menacing with a steady monotone.

The Protagonist, John David Washington, seems miscast. As good as he was in “BlacKkKlansman,” he appears ill-at-ease here, and it’s not just in the fancy suits to convince others he has wealth. On the other hand, Robert Pattinson is fine as his handler, the mysterious Neil. We don’t know much about him by design, but he and Washington make a good pair.

Clues are dispensed in a frustrating fashion. Oh, there are many big ideas, paradoxes, secrets — and plenty of head-scratching, but by the third act, interest fades. At 150 minutes, it is not exactly taut, although the action is fluid. When military guys in shields show up in droves, and the visors make them unrecognizable, that is a problem.

Nolan is very serious here – maybe too serious. He is good at harrowing — it just always seems we are kept at a distance. Think of this as “Inception” times 10.

“People saw the world for what might have been,” one character says at the end. This did not help me in understanding.

I don’t go to movies to do math. And you shouldn’t have to see a movie again to figure it out, although I’m not sure a second viewing would help anyway, because the story is too convoluted, not to mention flat dialogue and sound-mixing issues.

The movie is very loud – but Ludwig Goransson’s musical score effectively ratchets up danger and suspense with its ominous tone. Goransson won an Oscar for the “Black Panther” score.

The Nolan production team is stellar – magnificent cinematography from Hoyte van Hoytema and smart, crisp editing from Jennifer Lame are among its virtues.

For all its pomp, “Tenet” was a victim of circumstance with its release delayed by the coronavirus global pandemic. It has pulled us back in to theaters, but its lack of connection makes the flaws stand out more than the spectacle.

“Tenet” is an action, suspense film written and directed by Christopher Nolan. It stars John David Washington, Robert Pattinson, Elizabeth Debecki, Kenneth Branagh, Michael Caine and Hamish Patel. Rated PG-13 for intense sequences of violence and action, some suggestive references and brief strong language. Run-time is 150 minutes. Released on Sept. 3 in movie theaters and IMAX.
Lynn’s Grade: C+ A version of this review was published in the Webster-Kirkwood Times.

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Fun, Festive and Fabulous: Announcing the Stages Collection — Creative Online Shopping

Fun, Festive and Fabulous: Announcing the Stages Collection — Creative Online Shopping

Stages St. Louis has announced the launch of The STAGES Collection, a creative online shopping division. One of a kind, handmade items designed and built by Stages artists, will be available beginning Sept. 1.

Executive Director Jack Lane said in a time when the creative process must be taken to new heights, we are thrilled to unveil a new line of collectibles hand made by the immensely talented STAGES artisans. Our productions have always been known for their incredible attention to design details, and The STAGES Collection is no exception. As with our productions, we have aimed to create a “jewel box” of quality and aesthetic with this unique Collection.

Living in a new era where traditional fundraising needs to think way outside of the box, we have gathered our designers to create items of both stunning beauty and heart-felt whimsy.  These one-of-a-kind, hand-crafted items are sure to make you, your family, and your friends smile with an appreciation for happier times to come. And why not make them come sooner by purchasing one or more of our original designs from The STAGES Collection. You’ll not only be adding some joy to your life, you’ll also be supporting STAGES St. Louis as we maneuver our way through these challenging financial times.

These items were specifically chosen to create happiness for all those who choose to purchase from the Collection. Whether playing games with loved ones, pushing forward with the upcoming holiday season, or reflecting on stunning home decor, there is truly something for everyone in The STAGES Collection!

We invite you to take a stroll through our online shop and visualize how so many of them would be perfect for you and your loved ones. Personally, I’ve already put in orders for every item we are making. And we also consult on additional special items, such as hand crafted furniture and elaborate sets of jewelry. Our artisans are remarkable and are happy to work with you as you generously support STAGES.

Ordering is easy! Simply follow the instructions on the order form or call 314.604.6127 for any specific questions. Pick up is easy too, as we’ll have specific weekday hours for you to receive your purchases in a safe and timely manner.

Enjoy looking through The STAGES Collection. And thank you for helping to support STAGES as we head into our 35th Anniversary in the beautiful new Kirkwood Performing Arts Center, Lane said.

For more information, visit https://stagesstlouis.org/shop/

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Hettenhausen Center Announces 6 Films for Annual Series at McKendree

Hettenhausen Center Announces 6 Films for Annual Series at McKendree

 McKendree University’s Hettenhausen Center for the Arts plans to show six critically acclaimed movies during its 2020-2021 Film Art Series at the Lebanon, Ill., campus. A university professor will briefly discuss each film’s theme or concept beforehand during an informal “Screen Talk” at 6 p.m.  

Appropriate precautions will be taken to protect audience members’ health and safety during the COVID-19 pandemic, said Liz Crabtree, director of the Hett. The Hett will follow state and local public health recommendations for events as outlined by the governor’s current Restore Illinois recovery plan. Seating capacity may be reduced to create more distance between individual seats, or pairs of adjacent seats, to minimize contact inside the 488-seat auditorium.  

Admission is free to all screenings. Some films contain adult themes or language and may not be appropriate for everyone. For more information, visit theHett.com, or call 618-537-6863. The schedule is as follows: 

Sept. 22: “Booksmart” (2019) On the eve of their high school graduation, two academic overachievers try to cram four years of fun into one chaotic, adventurous night. Rated R; 1 hour, 42 minutes. Screen Talk host: Dr. Jenny Mueller, professor of English. 

Oct. 12: “The Night of the Hunter” (1955) Released from prison for car theft, a religious fanatic marries a gullible widow, whose children are reluctant to say where their dad hid $10,000 he stole in a robbery. Not rated; 1 hour, 32 minutes. Screen Talk host: Dr. Jessica Campbell, assistant professor of English. 

Nov. 12: “Scotland, Pa.” (2001) A modern black comedy retelling of Shakespeare’s “Macbeth” is set in a suburban Pennsylvania hamburger stand in the early 1970s. Rated R; 1 hour, 44 minutes. Screen Talk host: Dr. Nichole DeWall, professor of English. 

Feb. 11, 2021: “Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse” (2018) Bitten by a radioactive spider in the subway, a Brooklyn teenager suddenly develops mysterious powers that transform him. Rated PG; 1 hour, 57 minutes. Screen Talk host: Dr. Brenda Boudreau, professor of English. 

Feb. 23: “The Last Black Man in San Francisco” (2019) Jimmie and his best friend try to reclaim the house built by his grandfather, taking them on a poignant odyssey that connects them to their past and tests their friendship and sense of belonging. Rated R; 2 hours, 1 minute. Screen Talk host: Amy MacLennan, M.F.A., associate professor of art. 

Apr. 22: “Anthropocene: The Human Epoch” (2018) Filmmakers travel to six continents and 20 countries to capture stunning images documenting the catastrophic impact humans have made on the planet. Not Rated, 1 hour, 27 minutes. Screen Talk host: Dr. Martha Patterson, professor of English. 

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The Rep is Back with In-Person Performances Starting March 2021

The Rep is Back with In-Person Performances Starting March 2021

Innovative Virtual Theatrical Experiences Begin This Fall

The Repertory Theatre of St. Louis is thrilled to announce a return to live, in-person performances in March 2021.

“Over the past months we have not been able to gather together in the theater, but the hunger for storytelling that illuminates our humanity is fiercer than ever,” said Hana S. Sharif, The Rep’s Augustin Family Artistic Director. “I still believe that great art can transform lives, so we have adapted this season to create unique and safe opportunities to bring arts to our community.”

In March, The Rep shares joy and laughter with the family-friendly musical Little Shop of Horrors at the Loretto-Hilton Center, and May brings the majestic and powerful Mlima’s Tale by Pulitzer Prize-winner Lynn Nottage, at the state-of-the-art Catherine B. Berges Theatre at COCA. Focused on the well-being of the St. Louis community, The Rep continues to develop safety plans for all in-person performances.

In addition to these two productions, Rep artists are hard at work creating a hybrid of interactive, site-specific and virtual experiences that make theatre more accessible for everyone. The Rep will announce these exciting initiatives throughout the fall and winter.

The first virtual event of the 20-21 season is a free staged reading of Black Like Me by Monty Cole, based on the memoir of the same name by John Howard Griffin.

This noir docu-drama tells the true story of a white journalist in 1959 who temporarily dyed his skin in an effort to experience life as a Black man. Playwright/Director Cole created modern-day Black characters to reenact the story, respond in real time to the events of the play and wrestle with their own concepts of equality and social justice. The one-night-only staged reading of Black Like Me is free and available for online streaming anywhere in the world on September 10 at 7:30 p.m. CDT. People can register here to reserve a virtual “seat.”  

Rep subscriptions are on sale now. Single tickets go on sale February 15, 2021. For tickets or more information, call The Rep Box Office Monday through Friday between 10:30 a.m. and 5 p.m. at 314-968-4925, or visit repstl.org.

ABOUT THE REPERTORY THEATRE ST. LOUIS

The Rep is the St. Louis region’s most honored live professional theatre company. Founded in 1966, The Repertory Theatre of St. Louis is a fully professional theatrical operation belonging to the League of Resident Theatres, The League of St. Louis Theatres and is a constituent member of Theatre Communications Group, Inc., the national service organization for the not-for-profit professional theatre. www.repstl.org.

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SATE Presents Project Verse: Creativity in the Time of Quarantine

SATE Presents Project Verse: Creativity in the Time of Quarantine

SATE presents Project Verse: Creativity in the Time of Quarantine  
in collaboration with COCA and Prison Performing Arts,  Featuring two new plays —  Quatrains in Quarantine by e.k. doolin and Dream On, Black Girl: Reflections in Quarantine by Maxine du Maine  Premiering online Aug. 28, 2020 at 7 p.m.(CST) Presented free of charge on SATE’s website (slightlyoff.org), Facebook page (facebook.com/satestl), Instagram @satestl. 

Maxine du Maine

 SATE presents the culminating week of Project Verse, a three-week collaboration with COCA and Prison Performing Arts (PPA) as education and engagement partners. COCA presented the artist talks on their Facebook page to celebrate the creativity of those who are caregivers and artists.

Artist talks included poetry with jessica Care moore and King Thomas Moore on August 12 and visual arts with Maxine du Maine on August 19. The final week’s offering on August 26 was dance and poetry with Delaney Piggins and Norah Brozio.  Quatrains in Quarantine was written by e.k. doolin in response to a call for scripts based in the Zoom platform. The call was issued by COCA (Center of Creative Arts).

The COCAwrites program seeks to produce works that are intended for a multi-generational audience. Cara is a young poet, trying to process the unprecedented time she is living through in the best way she knows how – her verse. Nicole is her mother, trying to survive another day of uncertainty and working/parenting simultaneously from home. Mimi is her friend, seemingly winning at all things. JJ is her brother, absent in more ways than one. 

Quatrains in Quarantine is directed by Ellie Schwetye and features Rachel Tibbetts and Clayton High School students Claudia Taylor, Anna Lawrence, and Tommy Karandjeff.  Dream On, Black Girl: Reflections in Quarantine, written and directed by Maxine du Maine, focuses on a writing teacher guiding two young ladies through a poetry class on Zoom.

Both students share poems that reflect on the tragedies that continue to plague their community during the quarantine. The poems in the play are inspired by the young black children that were quarantined before COVID-19. They spent their time in a juvenile detention center reflecting on their lives, experiences and emotions through powerful art and writing.  Young black youth are tomorrow’s leaders and deserve a platform to represent themselves accurately in the media and have their voice heard. 

Dream On, Black Girl: Reflections in Quarantine is their platform. The performing ensemble includes Maxine du Maine, Gabby Eubanks, and Alana Wilson. 


 Please call (314) 827-5760, email sate.stl@gmail.com, or visit the SATE website at slightlyoff.org for more information.  Project Verse is made possible by funding from COCA, Prison Performing Arts, Regional Arts Commission, and SATE.

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The Rep Goes Virtual with ‘Black Like Me’ for Free Streamed Staged Reading Sept. 10

The Rep Goes Virtual with ‘Black Like Me’ for Free Streamed Staged Reading Sept. 10

The Repertory Theatre of St. Louis invites audiences to witness the new play development process firsthand on September 10 with a virtual, staged reading of Black Like Me by Monty Cole, based on the memoir of the same name by John Howard Griffin. This entertaining noir docu-drama examines the fine line between allyship and appropriation.

In 1959, a white journalist sought a doctor’s help to temporarily darken his skin so he could “pass” as Black. He traveled the segregated South for three weeks and published his experiences in 1961. Griffin’s journal has been celebrated by many as an indictment of racism, while others have described it as patronizing or offensive.

Chicago-based artist Monty Cole was compelled to express the conflicting feelings he experienced while reading the book, so he created modern-day Black characters to reenact the story, respond in real time to the events of the play and wrestle with their own concepts of equality and social justice. The piece is a captivating juxtaposition of historical and contemporary, analytical and emotional, lighthearted and heartbreaking.

“As I read Griffin’s book, I was simultaneously enticed and repulsed, understanding and critical, pushing back against it and being sucked into the Twilight Zone aspect of it,” said Cole. 

The Chicago-based cast and artistic team include Director/Playwright: Monty Cole, Dramaturg: Regina Victor, Project Manager: Christopher Maxwell and Actors: Adia Alli, Breon Arzell, Brianna Buckley, McKenzie Chinn, Joe Dempsey, Eric Gerard, Daniel Kyri and Netta Walker. They will workshop the script for four days and record a staged reading, incorporating the changes honed during those rehearsals. Fans of The Rep’s Ignite New Play Festival know the electricity of offering input that helps a new play come to life.

“Of the many doors that theatre opens, civic dialogue is one of my favorites,” said Hana S. Sharif, The Rep’s Augustin Family Artistic Director. “Monty Cole’s brilliant new play is a compassionate and creative entry point. The Rep is thrilled to elevate this artist and this work.”

The one-night-only staged reading of Black Like Me is free and available for online streaming anywhere in the world on September 10, 2020, at 7:30 p.m. CST. There are a limited number of “seats,” so don’t wait to register. Visit this link to reserve your online viewing and experience this theatrical event from the comfort of your home.

For more information, visit repstl.org or call The Rep Box Office at 314-968-4925 Mondays through Fridays between 10:30 a.m. and 5 p.m.

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ABOUT PLAYWRIGHT/DIRECTOR MONTY COLE

Monty Cole

Cole is a Chicago-based director, producer and playwright who has workshopped and directed new plays and re-imaginings of classic texts around the country, working with significant companies such as Steppenwolf, Center Theatre Group, The Goodman Theatre, Victory Gardens Theater, Cape Cod Theatre Project, Alley Theatre All New Festival, American Theatre Company, California Institute of the Arts and others. He directed the Jeff Award winning production of The Hairy Ape for Oracle Productions. Cole has a BFA in Theatre Studies from Emerson College and an MFA in Directing from the California Institute of the Arts. www.monty-cole.com

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ABOUT THE REPERTORY THEATRE ST. LOUIS

The Rep is the St. Louis region’s most honored live professional theatre company. Founded in 1966, The Repertory Theatre of St. Louis is a fully professional theatrical operation belonging to the League of Resident Theatres, The League of St. Louis Theatres and is a constituent member of Theatre Communications Group, Inc., the national service organization for the not-for-profit professional theatre. www.repstl.org

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Science-Fiction and Fantasy Short Film Contest has Mega Monster Movie Focus This Year

Science-Fiction and Fantasy Short Film Contest has Mega Monster Movie Focus This Year

Cinema St. Louis (CSL) and the Saint Louis Science Center are excited to announce the third edition of their science-fiction and fantasy short film contest – an opportunity for regional filmmakers to let their imaginations shine. This year’s edition has a Mega Monster Movie focus.

The following films have been selected as part of this year’s event. Beginning Monday, Aug. 24, and continuing through Thursday, Sept. 3, the films will be available to stream for free. Viewers will also have the opportunity to vote on their three favorite films, and the winners will be announced as part of the Saint Louis Science Center’s Virtual First Friday event on Friday, Sept. 4.
Follow SLSC’s Event Page for more details.

The Bowl
 (Christina Sittser, 2020, 2 min.) A snack leads to an unusual afternoon when a girl discovers her kitchen bowl has a special power.
CowBot 
(Rahul Menon, 2020, 3 min.) Based on a rumor that might just be true.
Dinosaurs … in Space? 
(Thomas Watson, 2020, 4 min.) 65 million years ago, two outer-space explorers were sent to Earth to capture a specimen and collect the DNA of a dinosaur for scientific study.
EneMe
 (Lacey Turner, 2020, 2 min.) Jason wakes up and is desperate to run away from something.
Exchange
(Goldie Vang, 2020, 3 min.) A shaman travels to the spirit world to save his friend.
Just Boom It 
(Ivon Wuchina, 2020, 3 min.) A young man with a broken heart overcomes his troubles with the magic of music.
Kerosene and Matches
 (Trevan Jay Hiatt & Chris Stempel, 2020, 5 min.) A glimpse into the life of a black-ops agent working deep within the CIA.
MAYA the Sacrifice Trailer
 (Maria Brenda, 2020, 1 min.) A film dedicated to mental health.
Monochrome Heart 
(Angel Stefano, 2020, 3 min.) Breaking their usual routine, two artists invite another friend to collaborate on a much larger project.
N.E.O. 421 
(Wyatt Weed, 2020, 4 min.) Two astronauts intercept an asteroid on a collision course with Earth, but on closer examination, they discover that it may not be an asteroid at all.
Period. 
(Gonzalo Peral Perez, 2020, 2 min.) A fictional story about the evolution of the universe.
Potluck
 (Jared Goudsmit & Olivia Squires, 2020, 5 min.) Five lovely ladies organize a neighborhood get-together.
Shrine
 (Julia Koza, 2020, 5 min.) A young girl performs a spell in order to find love.
Tiffanys
 (Caitlin Chiusano, Sean Esser & Zhara Honore, 2020, 5 min.) A planet-conquering alien mistakes a high-school girl for the ruler of Earth and competes against her for the prom-queen crown.

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The Black Rep Adds Virtual Programming for September

The Black Rep Adds Virtual Programming for September

The St Louis Black Repertory Company announces three virtual programs for the month of September. Two virtual readings and a virtual discussion with playwright Melda Beaty and Artistic Director of The Ensemble Theatre in Houston, Eileen Morris.

Coconut Cake will be presented in conjunction with The Ensemble Theatre in Houston who originally produced a zoom reading of the play on Father’s Day Weekend. The Black Rep will stream this production September 11-13, 2020 at 7pm.  Coconut Cake features Producing Director Ron Himes who says,

“What I miss most is the chatter in the lobby and the feeling of anticipation as the lights go down and we sit for a moment anticipating another evening in the theatre. We can never replace that experience but we can maintain our connections with our audiences until it’s safe for us to come together again. We are so happy to introduce the work of Melda Beaty to our audiences in September.”

When Eddie Lee’s wife, Iris, joins him in retirement, the truth about his “ladies man” ways resurface. To avoid her, Eddie retreats to the sanctuary of McDonald’s where coffee refills are free and the rest of his retired friends, with marital problems of their own, wait faithfully for him. When a mystery woman moves in down the street, with her Creole wiles, melt in your mouth coconut cake, and medicine cabinet secrets, Eddie is not the only one who pays her a visit; a visit that threatens to change all their lives forever.  Coconut Cake also features, Jason Carmichael, Ted Lange, Alex Morris, and Ed Muth. 

The Black Rep will then have a virtual discussion with Eileen Morris, who directed the production of Coconut Cake, and Melda Beaty, the playwright. This will take place on Friday September 18, 2020.

Melda Beaty

The Black Rep will close the month of September with a virtual production of Front Porch Society by Melda Beaty.  America is on the eve of electing its first Black president. Amidst the town’s excitement over Barack Obama, Carrie Honey grieves her son’s tragic death. After 40 years of failed attempts to seek justice, Carrie has grown bitter and is no longer interested in life’s celebrations, but when a scandal in town rocks this historic day, a past secret is revealed that restores her faded faith.

This production will be live-streamed with direction by Ron Himes. This cast will feature Marjorie Johnson, Marsha Cann, Thomasina Clarke, Perri Gaffney, Keith Bolden, Christian Kitchens, and Wendy Gordon. This production will live stream on September 25, 2020 at 7pm.  The production will then be available until Sunday September 27, 2020 until 7pm.

Additional programming will be announced at a later date.

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About The St. Louis Black Repertory Company

The St Louis Black Repertory Company was founded in 1976 by Producing Director Ron Himes. The Black Rep is one of the largest, professional African-American theatre companies in the nation and the largest African-American performing arts organization in Missouri. Quality professional dramas, comedies and musicals by primarily African-American and third world playwrights are produced. Mainstage productions and education programs combine to reach more than 80,000 people annually.

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