R.E.M. co-founder Mike Mills, violinist Robert McDuffie, and a rock band join the orchestra for performances of Mills’ Concerto for Violin, Rock Band, and Orchestra; concert opens with symphonic arrangements of R.E.M. hits

The St. Louis Symphony Orchestra has announced a one-night-only symphonic tribute to the music of R.E.M., the award-winning American rock band. Mike Mills, R.E.M. co-founder and bassist, joins the orchestra in the second half of the concert for a performance of his new Concerto for Violin, Rock Band, and Orchestra, with celebrated violinist Robert McDuffie, who collaborates with the SLSO for the first time in more than 20 years. The concert is 7:30pm, Friday, April 5, at the Stifel Theatre in downtown St. Louis.

Tickets starting at $45 are on sale now and may be purchased at slso.org or by calling the Box Office at 314-534-1700.

R.E.M. Explored
Friday, April 5, 2024, 7:30 pm
Stifel Theatre 
1400 Market Street, St. Louis, Missouri, 63103 

Ward Stare, conductor
Mike Mills | bass, piano, and guitar
Robert McDuffie, violin
Gerry Hansen, drums
John Neff, guitar
William Tonks, guitar
Note: This concert does not feature vocalists.

R.E.M. Co-Founder Mike Mills and Robert McDuffie in “R.E.M. Explored” with Winston-Salem Symphony. J Farley Photography

The SLSO explores some of the greatest hits of R.E.M.—the Grammy Award-winning American rock band hailing from Georgia—in newly reimagined orchestrations of the band’s legendary catalogue. The orchestra performs many of R.E.M.’s chart toppers including “It’s the End of the World As We Know It,” “Man on the Moon,” and “Everybody Hurts.” Then, Mike Mills—R.E.M. co-founder, singer-songwriter, and bassist—joins the SLSO for performances of his eponymous Concerto for Violin, Rock Band, and Orchestra, a synthesis of his rock background fused with symphonic form that also draws partially from the band’s catalogue, including the 1993 song “Nightswimming.” Grammy-nominated violinist Robert McDuffie joins Mills and a rock band for the St. Louis premiere of this concerto.

About the St. Louis Symphony Orchestra

Celebrated as one of today’s most exciting and enduring orchestras, the St. Louis Symphony Orchestra is the second-oldest orchestra in the country, marking its 144th year with the 2023/2024 season and its fifth with Stéphane Denève, The Joseph and Emily Rauh Pulitzer Music Director. Widely considered one of the leading American orchestras, the Grammy® Award-winning SLSO maintains its commitment to artistic excellence, educational impact, and community collaborations—all in service to its mission of enriching lives through the power of music. 

The transformational expansion and renovation of its historic home, Powell Hall, slated to be completed in 2025, builds on the institution’s momentum as a civic leader in convening individuals, creators, and ideas, while fostering a culture welcoming to all. Committed to building community through compelling and inclusive musical experiences, the SLSO continues its longstanding focus on equity, diversity, inclusion, and access, embracing its strengths as a responsive, nimble organization, while investing in partnerships locally and elevating its presence globally. For more information, visit slso.org

Concerto for Violin and Rock Band. Photo J. Farley Photography

On Thanksgiving weekend, SLSO strings perform Antonio Vivaldi’s The Four Seasons and Astor Piazzolla’s The Four Seasons of Buenos Aires at three locations throughout the region, featuring Concertmaster David Halen and Associate Concertmaster Erin Schreiber 

On December 1, conductor David Danzmayr leads the orchestra in Ludwig van Beethoven’s Symphony No. 2, along with Jessie Montgomery’s Strum and Ralph Vaughan Williams’ Oboe Concerto featuring SLSO Principal Oboist Jelena Dirks

The second of five Live at The Sheldon concerts, curated by SLSO violinist Angie Smart and SLSO cellist Bjorn Ranheim, features SLSO strings players in music by Jessie Montgomery, Christian Quiñones, and Franz Schubert, plus the world premiere of a new work by University of Missouri student Harry González, December 6

On December 8, Kevin McBeth leads the SLSO and the SLSO IN UNISON Chorus in the annual Gospel Christmas concert, featuring baritone Wintley Phipps

The SLSO performs the scores to two films while the movies play on the Stifel Theatre big screen: Home Alone (December 9-10) and Back to the Future (December 28-29)

On December 12-17, the SLSO performs its traditional Mercy Holiday Celebration with a selection of holiday tunes, led by Stuart Malina and featuring vocalist Scarlett Strallen in her SLSO debut, in St. Charles and downtown St. Louis

The surprise-filled New Year’s Eve Celebration rings in 2024 with conductor Norman Huynh and vocalist Jimmie Herrod in his SLSO debut

The St. Louis Symphony Orchestra has announced details of its holiday concerts—a wide range of symphonic concerts performed across six venues throughout the region. Concerts include classical favorites, chamber music, films with scores performed live, and concerts that celebrate the holiday season. Two vocalists will make their SLSO debuts: musical theater veteran Scarlett Strallen and America’s Got Talent finalist Jimmie Herrod.

Tickets are on sale now and may be purchased at slso.org or by calling the Box Office at 314-534-1700. A full concert calendar is available at slso.org or on the SLSO’s mobile app available for iOS or Android. A broadcast of the December 1 classical concert will be aired on December 2 on 90.7 FM KWMU St. Louis Public Radio, Classic 107.3, and online. Audiences can attend a Pre-Concert Conversation, an engaging discussion about the music and artists on the program, one hour prior to each classical concert.

While the expansion and renovation of Powell Hall continues, the SLSO will perform holiday concerts at several venues throughout the region: St. Joseph Catholic Church Cottleville (November 24), Manchester United Methodist Church in Manchester (November 25), The Sheldon in Grand Center (November 26 and December 6), the Touhill Performing Arts Center at the University of Missouri–St. Louis (December 1), Stifel Theatre in downtown St. Louis (December 8-10, 16-17, 28-29, 31), and the J. Scheidegger Center for Performing Arts at Lindenwood University (December 12-13). Shuttle service will be available for concerts at the Touhill at UMSL and Stifel Theatre starting at $15 per seat. There will be two shuttle pick-up locations for performances at Stifel Theatre: Plaza Frontenac and St. Louis Community College–Forest Park. Shuttles for performances at the Touhill Performing Arts Center at UMSL will depart from Plaza Frontenac, and free parking is available on the UMSL campus.

The Eight Seasons of Vivaldi and Piazzolla 

Friday, November 24, 7:30pm 
St. Joseph Catholic Church Cottleville 
1355 Motherhead Road, Cottleville, MO 63304 

Saturday, November 25, 7:30pm 
Manchester United Methodist Church 
129 Woods Mill Road, Manchester, MO 63011 

Sunday, November 26, 3:00pm 
The Sheldon 
3648 Washington Ave, St. Louis, MO 63108   

David Halen, violin 
Erin Schreiber, violin 

Antonio Vivaldi                                      The Four Seasons 

Astor Piazzolla (arr. Desyatnikov) The Four Seasons of Buenos Aires 

The SLSO brings the melodies of the changing seasons to life in three performances on Thanksgiving weekend. The timeless charm of Antonio Vivaldi’s The Four Seasons transports listeners to the northern Italian countryside, brilliantly contrasting with the passionate soundscape of Argentina in Astor Piazzolla’s The Four Season of Buenos Aires. From Vivaldi’s iconic Spring to Piazzolla’s intense Winter, the SLSO’s own gifted violinists, Concertmaster David Halen and Associate Concertmaster Erin Schreiber, weave a seasonal musical tapestry.  Tickets for general admission are $30.

David Danzmayr

Beethoven’s Second Symphony

Friday, December 1, 10:30am CST*
Friday, December 1, 7:30pm CST
Touhill Performing Arts Center at the University of Missouri–St. Louis 
1 Touhill Circle, St. Louis, Missouri, 63121 

David Danzmayr, conductor
Jelena Dirks, oboe

Jessie Montgomery                             Strum

Ralph Vaughan Williams                   Oboe Concerto (First SLSO performances)

Ludwig van Beethoven                      Symphony No. 2

Presented by the Thomas A. Kooyumjian Family Foundation.

*Refreshments courtesy of Kaldi’s Coffee and Eddie’s Southtown Donuts.

Conductor David Danzmayr returns to the SLSO for two concerts on December 1 that pair the familiar with the new. Danzmayr pushes Ludwig van Beethoven’s Second Symphony close to the edge, revealing the magic behind one of the composer’s lesser-known symphonies. SLSO Principal Oboist Jelena Dirks’ goal is to sing through her instrument. She has every opportunity in the songful, break-your-heart musical world of Ralph Vaughan Williams’ Oboe Concerto, performed by the SLSO for the first time in these concerts. Strum by Jessie Montgomery, the in-demand American composer of this moment, salutes American folk music.   

St. Louis Symphony Orchestra: Live at The Sheldon
Wednesday, December 6, 7:30pm CST  
The Sheldon Concert Hall
3648 Washington Ave., St. Louis, Missouri, 63108

Angie Smart, curator and violin

Bjorn Ranheim, curator and cello

Andrea Jarrett, violin

Shannon Farrell Williams, viola

Aleck Belcher, double bass
   
Jessie Montgomery                             Strum

Harry González                                     New Work (World premiere)

Christian Quiñones                               Pasemisí, Pasemisá

Franz Schubert                                       String Quintet in C major

Curated by Angie Smart (SLSO violin) and Bjorn Ranheim (SLSO cello).

The performance of Harry González’s work is presented in partnership with the Mizzou New Music Initiative.

Sponsored by the Sinquefield Charitable Foundation.

The second in a five-concert chamber series in partnership with the SLSO’s Grand Center neighbor, The Sheldon, celebrates the virtuosity of SLSO string players on December 6. Curated and led by violinist Angie Smart and cellist Bjorn Ranheim, a quintet of SLSO string players performs a rich array of music by Jessie Montgomery and Christian Quiñones, as well as Franz Schubert’s Quintet in C major. In a unique partnership with the Mizzou New Music Initiative at the University of Missouri, the musicians also give the world premiere of new music by Harry González, a student composer. The St. Louis American called this new series “the hottest ticket in town.”

A Gospel Christmas

Friday, December 8, 7:30pm CST
Stifel Theatre
1400 Market Street, St. Louis, Missouri, 63103

Kevin McBeth, conductor

Wintley Phipps, vocals

St. Louis Symphony IN UNISON Chorus | Kevin McBeth, director

Leroy Anderson                                                    A Christmas Festival

Jeffrey Ames (orch. Dunsmoor)                     A Festive Praise

Traditional                                                              “Walk Together Children”

Traditional (arr. Wilberg)                                  “The Virgin Mary Had a Baby Boy”

Traditional (arr. Lawrence)                               “O Come, O Come, Emmanuel”

G.F. Handel (arr. Warren/Jackson/Kibble/Hey/Chinn) “Hallelujah” from Handel’s Messiah: A Soulful Celebration

Traditional (arr. Smith)                                      “Go Tell It On the Mountain”

Traditional (arr. Stoddart/Turner)                                 “Here’s One”

Alfred Burt (arr. Smith)                                     “Some Children See Him”

Jill Jackson (arr. Clydesdale)                            “Let There Be Peace On Earth”

Traditional (arr. Davis)                                       Deck the Halls

Brandon A. Boyd (orch. Joubert)                   “Sign Me Up”

Traditional (arr. Johnson/Davis)                    “Children, Go Where I Send Thee”

Franz Gruber (arr. Tyzik)                                   “Silent Night”

Cliff Duren                                                              Star of Wonder Medley

Traditional (arr. Clydesdale)                            “Kum Ba Yah”

Adolph-Charles Adam (arr. Smith)                                “O Holy Night”

Traditional (arr. Keveren)                                 “Amazing Grace”

Supported by Bayer Fund.

The SLSO IN UNISON Chorus returns for a beloved tradition on December 8, the Gospel Christmas concert with the SLSO, led by Chorus Director Kevin McBeth at Stifel Theatre. Joining the IN UNISON Chorus is baritone Wintley Phipps, whose silky-smooth voice highlights the soulful stylings of holiday music. Supported by Bayer Fund since 1994, the IN UNISON Chorus performs and preserves music from the African diaspora. 

Jason Seber

Home Alone in Concert

Saturday, December 9, 7:00pm CST
Sunday, December 10, 2:00pm CST
Stifel Theatre
1400 Market Street, St. Louis, Missouri, 63103

Jason Seber, conductor

Webster University Chorale | Trent Patterson, director

John Williams                                        Home Alone

Back by popular demand, the SLSO performs John Williams’ iconic score to Home Alone live to the hilarious and heartwarming holiday classic at Stifel Theatre on December 9-10. When the McCallisters leave for vacation, they forgot one thing: Kevin! Discover an experience the whole family can share. Limited tickets are available for this holiday favorite.

Mercy Holiday Celebration

Tuesday, December 12, 7:30pm CST
Wednesday, December 13, 7:30pm CST
J. Scheidegger Center for the Arts at Lindenwood University
2300 W. Clay St., St. Charles, Missouri, 63301

Saturday, December 16, 2:00pm & 7:30pm CST
Sunday, December 17, 2:00pm CST
Stifel Theatre
1400 Market Street, St. Louis, Missouri, 63103

Stuart Malina, conductor

Scarlett Strallen, vocals (SLSO debut)

Cally Banham, English horn

Samuel Coleridge-Taylor (arr. Baynes)        Christmas Overture

George Wyle (arr. Clydesdale)                        “It’s the Most Wonderful Time of the Year”

James Pierpont (arr. Waldin)                          “Jingle Bells”

Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky (arr. Ellington/Strayhorn; orch. Tyzik) Selection from The Nutcracker Suite

Irving Berlin (arr. Maness)                                               “White Christmas”

Richard Rodgers (arr. Bennett)                       “My Favorite Things” from The Sound of Music

Adolphe Adam (arr. Clydesdale)                    “O Holy Night”

Various (arr. Stephenson)                                                 A Charleston Christmas

Traditional (arr. Tyzik)                                        Chanukah Suite

Tom Lehrer (arr. Malina)                                   “Chanukah in Santa Monica”

J. Fred Coots (arr. Holcombe)                         “Santa Claus in Coming to Town”

Sergei Prokofiev                                                   “Troika” from Lieutenant Kijé Suite

Leroy Anderson                                                    Sleigh Ride

Felix Bernard (arr. Harper; orch. Blank)      “Winter Wonderland”

Various (arr. Waldin)                                          “The Christmas Song/Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas”

Various (arr. Stephenson)                                 A Holly and Jolly Sing-Along!

Presented by Mercy.

The SLSO and conductor Stuart Malina bring the music of the holiday season to the stage at Stifel Theatre and Lindenwood University in St. Charles for a cherished holiday tradition—the Mercy Holiday Celebration. Full of favorite carols and sounds of the season, this year the orchestra will be joined by special guests, Broadway and West End veteran vocalist Scarlett Strallen and SLSO English horn player Cally Banham. Even Santa makes time for these festive concerts December 12-13 (Lindenwood) and December 16-17 (three concert at Stifel Theatre)! 

Back to the Future in Concert

Thursday, December 28, 7:00pm CST
Friday, December 29, 7:00pm CST
Stifel Theatre
1400 Market Street, St. Louis, Missouri, 63103

Norman Huynh, conductor

Alan Silvestri                                          Back to the Future

Recharge your flux capacitor…and get ready to celebrate the unforgettable 1985 classic, Back to the Future, with the SLSO performing Alan Silvestri’s score live as the film plays on Stifel Theatre’s big screen on December 28-29. Back to the Future topped the box office chart, spawned two wildly successful sequels, and stamped an enduring imprint on pop culture. Join Marty McFly (Michael J. Fox), Doc Brown (Christopher Lloyd), and a time traveling DeLorean for the adventure of a lifetime.

Jimmie Herrod

New Year’s Eve Celebration

Sunday, December 31, 7:30pm CST
Stifel Theatre
1400 Market Street, St. Louis, Missouri, 63103

Norman Huynh, conductor

Jimmie Herrod, vocals (SLSO debut)

Repertoire announced from the stage.

Send 2023 off in style at the SLSO’s annual bash—the New Year’s Eve Celebration concert. Frequent guest conductor Norman Huynh leads this musical party filled with surprises. Although the repertoire is a secret, it’s sure to be a fun-filled evening with the SLSO and guest vocalist Jimmie Herrod, a Pink Martini and America’s Got Talent alumnus. This one-night-only concert takes place at the stylish Stifel Theatre on December 31.

About the St. Louis Symphony Orchestra

Celebrated as one of today’s most exciting and enduring orchestras, the St. Louis Symphony Orchestra is the second-oldest orchestra in the country, marking its 144th year with the 2023/2024 season and its fifth with Stéphane Denève, The Joseph and Emily Rauh Pulitzer Music Director. Widely considered one of the leading American orchestras, the Grammy® Award-winning SLSO maintains its commitment to artistic excellence, educational impact, and community collaborations—all in service to its mission of enriching lives through the power of music. 

The transformational expansion and renovation of its historic home, Powell Hall, slated to be completed in 2025, builds on the institution’s momentum as a civic leader in convening individuals, creators, and ideas, while fostering a culture welcoming to all. Committed to building community through compelling and inclusive musical experiences, the SLSO continues its longstanding focus on equity, diversity, inclusion, and access, embracing its strengths as a responsive, nimble organization, while investing in partnerships locally and elevating its presence globally. For more information, visit slso.org

Jelena Dirks, oboe

About the University of Missouri–St. Louis Touhill Performing Arts Center

Designed by the renowned architectural firm I.M. Pei, Cobb, Freed and Partners, the Blanche M. Touhill Performing Arts Center is a landmark performance facility on the campus of the University of Missouri-St. Louis (UMSL). The Center hosts an average of 120 events, 200 performances, and 90,000 visitors per year.

The Touhill staff manages several collaborative relationships and programs that, along with campus and community partners, bring together a diverse season of dance, theatre, music, festivals, and special events.

About Stifel Theatre

Stifel Theatre is a historic, 3,100 seat theatre in the heart of downtown St. Louis. Originally opened in 1934, Stifel Theatre’s stage has welcomed some of entertainment’s greatest performers and was the primary venue for the St. Louis Symphony Orchestra from 1934-1968. Following a $78.7 million restoration, this historical gem has been restored to its original splendor and undergone state-of-the-art upgrades.

Stifel Theatre plays host to a wide variety of events, including concerts, comedies, theatricals, family shows, holiday productions, and more.

Norman Huynh, conductor

Tribute Show Heads From St. Olaf to St. Louis for One Night Only on March 12; Tickets on Sale Oct. 13

Thank you for being a…fan! Following sold out performances and rave reviews across the country in 2023, The Golden Girls are back and better than ever with a brand new stage show that’s more exciting than a trip to the Rusty Anchor. Golden Girls: The Laughs Continue will head to more than 40 cities in 2024 including a stop at St. Louis’ Stifel Theatre on March 12 for One Night Only.

Tickets are on sale Friday, October 13, starting at $39 and can be purchased at ticketmaser.com. A very special VIP photo experience add-on includes photos with the actors on the Golden Girls set after the show.

Picture it. United States, 2024. Golden Girls: The Laughs Continue brings Miami’s sassiest seniors to stages around the country for one more hurrah. We find Sophia out on bail after being busted by the DEA for running a drug ring for retirees. Blanche and Rose have founded CreakN, a thriving sex app for seniors. And Dorothy is trying to hold it all together with help from a new (much) younger sex-crazed lover. Golden Girls: The Laughs Continueallows audiences to relive the heartfelt hilarity of the four ladies who never stopped being best friends.

Golden Girls: The Laughs Continue is a professional stage show unlike any other Golden Girls tribute that you might have experienced. The play is written by Robert Leleux, author of The Memoirs of a Beautiful Boy and The Living End. His work has also appeared in The New York Times and The New York Times Magazine and his other plays have been produced across the country. The show is directed by Eric Swanson, who was the co-founder and Executive Director of The Detroit Actors’ Theatre Company. The cast includes Ryan Bernier as Dorothy, Vince Kelley as Blanche, Adam Graber as Rose, Christopher Kamm as Sophia, and Jason Bowen as Stanley/Burt. The production is produced by Murray & Peter Present.

For more information and tour dates visit www.goldengirlstour.com. Follow Golden Girls: The Laughs Continue on Instagram, Facebook, Twitter and TikTok: @goldengirlstour and #GoldenGirlsTheLaughsContinue.

HILARY HAHN RETURNS TO OPEN THE ST. LOUIS SYMPHONY ORCHESRTA’S 144TH SEASON WITH MUSIC DIRECTOR STÉPHANE DENÈVE; SEASON-LONG BEETHOVEN PIANO CONCERTO CYCLE BEGINS, SEPTEMBER 23-30

Season-opening classical concerts at Stifel Theatre September 23-24, led by Denève, feature violinist Hilary Hahn in Felix Mendelssohn’s Violin Concerto; concerts also include Richard Strauss’ Don Juan and Till Eulenspiegel’s Merry Pranks, W.A. Mozart’s The Magic Flute Overture, and Paul Dukas’ The Sorcerer’s Apprentice

In September 29-30 concerts at the UMSL Touhill Performing Arts Center, Denève conducts Robert Schumann’s Symphony No. 4, Ludwig van Beethoven’s Coriolan Overture, and first SLSO performances of Unsuk Chin’s subito con forza; pianist Jonathan Biss performs Beethoven’s First Piano Concerto to begin the season’s complete cycle of Beethoven Piano Concertos

(August 24, 2023, St. Louis, MO) – Today, the St. Louis Symphony Orchestra announced details of its September classical concerts to open its 144th season, led by Stéphane Denève in his fifth season as Music Director. Concerts feature superstar violinist Hilary Hahn and pianist Jonathan Biss, both of whom return to the SLSO for the first time in more than a decade to perform monumental concertos by Felix Mendelssohn and Ludwig van Beethoven. These opening concerts follow the SLSO’s ceremonial opening of the season, the free community concert in Forest Park on Thursday, September 21.

Tickets start at $15 and are on sale now. Tickets may be purchased at slso.org or by calling the Box Office at 314-534-1700. A full concert calendar is available at slso.org or on the SLSO’s mobile app available for iOS or Android.  The Saturday, September 30, concert will be broadcast live on 90.7 FM KWMU St. Louis Public Radio, Classic 107.3, and online. Audiences can attend a Pre-Concert Conversation, an engaging discussion about the music and artists on the program, one hour prior to each concert. 

While the expansion and renovation of Powell Hall continues, the SLSO will perform classical concerts at two landmark performance venues: Stifel Theatre in downtown St. Louis (September 23-24) and the Touhill Performing Arts Center at the University of Missouri–St. Louis (September 29-30). Shuttle service will be available for all classical concerts starting at $15/seat. There will be two shuttle pick-up locations for performances at Stifel Theatre: Plaza Frontenac and St. Louis Community College–Forest Park. Shuttles for performances at the Touhill Performing Arts Center at UMSL will depart from Plaza Frontenac and free parking is available on UMSL campus.

Conductor Stephane Deneve, now in his fifth year

Opening Weekend with Hilary Hahn

Saturday, September 23, 2022, 7:30pm CDT
Sunday, September 24, 2022, 3:00pm CDT
Stifel Theatre
1400 Market Street, St. Louis, Missouri, 63103

Stéphane Denève, conductor
Hilary Hahn, violin

Richard Strauss                                      Don Juan
Felix Mendelssohn                                Violin Concerto
W.A. Mozart                                           The Magic Flute Overture
Paul Dukas                                               The Sorcerer’s Apprentice
Richard Strass                                         Till Eulenspiegel’s Merry Pranks

Presented by the Thomas A. Kooyumjian Family Foundation.

The SLSO’s season-opening concerts led by Denève meld grandeur, enchantment, and jollity. The program begins with Richard Strauss’ symphonic poem Don Juan, which tells the adventures of the legendary character Don Juan. Violinist Hilary Hahn delivers the heart of the concert with performances of Felix Mendelssohn’s Violin Concerto. The concerto is famous for its lyrical melodies and is one of the most beloved concertos in the violin repertoire. Hahn’s most recent performance with the SLSO was 21 years ago. She is a three-time Grammy winner and one of the foremost violinists of our time, known for her exceptional musicianship and her commitment to expanding the accessibility of classical music through her educational partnerships and through her social media engagement.

The program continues with a trio of playful works including W.A. Mozart’s The Magic Flute Overture, Paul Dukas’ The Sorcerer’s Apprentice, and Richard Strauss’ Till Eulenspiegel’s Merry Pranks. The Magic Flute, considered one of Mozart’s most famous works, overflows with dynamic and captivating melodies. Dukas’ piecetells the story of an enchanted broomstick, a piece made famous for its inclusion is Disney’s Fantasia. The excitement continues through to the final work, Strauss’ Till Eulenspiegel’s Merry Pranks which is based on a trickster from German folklore.

Beethoven’s Piano Cycle: Jonathan Biss Plays the First
Friday, September 29, 10:30am CDT*
Saturday, September 30, 7:30pm CDT
Touhill Performing Arts Center at the University of Missouri–St. Louis 
1 Touhill Circle, St. Louis, Missouri, 63121 

Stéphane Denève, conductor
Jonathan Biss, piano

Ludwig van Beethoven                        Coriolan Overture
Unsuk Chin                                              subito con forza (First SLSO performances)
Ludwig van Beethoven                        Piano Concerto No. 1
Robert Schumann                                 Symphony No. 4

*Refreshments courtesy of Kaldi’s Coffee and Eddie’s Southtown Donuts.

September 29-30 concerts honor the composer Ludwig van Beethoven. The program opens with Beethoven’s Coriolan Overture, inspired by Heinrich Joseph von Collin’s play “Coriolan,” which tells the story of the Roman general Gaius Marcius Coriolanus who seeks revenge against Rome. Korean composer Unsuk Chin’s subito con forza was composed in 2020, the 250th anniversary of Beethoven’s birth. Inspired by the Coriolan Overture, the piece references some of Beethoven’s most well-known music, his Symphony No. 5 and Piano Concerto No. 5, which the SLSO will perform later this season.

Pianist Jonathan Biss collaborates with the SLSO for the first time in 15 years in Beethoven’s Piano Concerto No. 1, the first of all five Beethoven piano concertos performed by the SLSO this season. One of today’s foremost Beethoven experts, Biss recorded an audio book, Unquiet: My Life with Beethoven, in 2020 where he details his complex relationship with the composer. Like Biss and Chin, the composer Robert Schumann took inspiration from Beethoven. In his Fourth Symphony, Schumann develops a motif throughout the four movements in a similar cyclic form to Beethoven’s works, and dramatic shifts in mood and dark orchestral textures reveal Beethoven’s influence.

SLSO at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign 
Sunday, October 1, 3:00pm CDT
Krannert Center for Performing Arts at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign 
500 S Goodwin Ave, Urbana, Illinois, 61801 

Denève, Biss, and the SLSO take the September 29-30 program to the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign’s Krannert Center for Performing Arts—the SLSO’s third visit to the university since Denève became Music Director.

The SLSO’s 144th season runs through May 2024. For more information, visit slso.org.

About the St. Louis Symphony Orchestra

Celebrated as one of today’s most exciting and enduring orchestras, the St. Louis Symphony Orchestra is the second-oldest orchestra in the country, marking its 144th year with the 2023/2024 season and its fifth with Music Director Stéphane Denève. Widely considered one of the leading American orchestras, the Grammy® Award-winning SLSO maintains its commitment to artistic excellence, educational impact, and community collaborations—all in service to its mission of enriching lives through the power of music. 

The transformational expansion and renovation of its historic home, Powell Hall, slated to be completed in 2025, builds on the institution’s momentum as a civic leader in convening individuals, creators, and ideas, while fostering a culture welcoming to all. Committed to building community through compelling and inclusive musical experiences, the SLSO continues its longstanding focus on equity, diversity, inclusion, and access, embracing its strengths as a responsive, nimble organization, while investing in partnerships locally and elevating its presence globally. For more information, visit slso.org

About the University of Missouri–St. Louis Touhill Performing Arts Center

Designed by the renowned architectural firm I.M. Pei, Cobb, Freed and Partners, the Touhill Performing Arts Center is a landmark performance facility on the campus of the University of Missouri-St. Louis (UMSL). The Touhill at UMSL hosts an average of 120 events, 200 performances, and 90,000 visitors per year.

The Touhill at UMSL staff manages several collaborative relationships and programs that, along with campus and community partners, to bring together a diverse season of dance, theatre, music, festivals, and special events.

Stifel Theatre interior

About Stifel Theatre

Stifel Theatre is a historic, 3,100 seat theatre in the heart of downtown St. Louis. Originally opened in 1934, Stifel Theatre’s stage has welcomed some of entertainment’s greatest performers and was the primary venue for the St. Louis Symphony Orchestra from 1934-1968. Following a $78.7 million restoration, this historical gem has been restored to its original splendor and undergone state-of-the-art upgrades.

Stifel Theatre plays host to a wide variety of events, including concerts, comedies, theatricals, family shows, holiday productions and more.

Fox Associates, LLC is thrilled to announce a multi-year agreement to present Broadway productions at Stifel Theatre in downtown St. Louis. “We are excited to bring more great Broadway entertainment to St. Louis” said John O’Brien, Fox Associates Vice President of Programming.

“While the Fabulous Fox will continue to be the home of our two-week Broadway season ticket series, having the ability to utilize another magnificent venue will allow us to book return and short run engagements that we would otherwise have to pass on due to a full calendar. St. Louis Broadway fans will now have a selection of even more national touring theatrical experiences to enjoy.”

“Stifel Theatre is thrilled to partner with Fox Associates, LLC, a fellow cultural gem in St. Louis’ vibrant arts landscape,” said Todd Mitchell, Enterprise Center and Stifel Theatre Vice President and General Manager. “Through this collaboration, Stifel Theatre and Fox Associates, LLC are elated to expand their commitment to present audiences bold, entertaining, and thought-stirring works. A delightful mix of classic and new, this inaugural Broadway at Stifel Theatre season promises to offer theatre-goers a wonderful night out in downtown St. Louis.”  

The first season will include three outstanding Broadway shows at Stifel Theatre in the spring of 2024: Harper Lee’s TO KILL A MOCKINGBIRD; HAIRSPRAY; THE CHER SHOW

Richard Thomas played Atticus Finch on national tour of “To Kill a Mockingbird” that was at the Fox last winter.

Harper Lee’s TO KILL A MOCKINGBIRD | January 9-10, 2024

All rise for Academy Award® winner Aaron Sorkin’s adaptation of Harper Lee’s Pulitzer Prize-winning masterwork. The New York Times Critic’s Pick TO KILL A MOCKINGBIRD is “the most successful American play in Broadway history” (60 Minutes). Rolling Stone gives it 5 stars, calling it “an emotionally shattering landmark production of an American classic,” and New York Magazine calls it “a real phenomenon. Majestic and incandescent, it’s filled with breath and nuance and soul.” With direction by Tony Award® winner Bartlett Sher, TO KILL A MOCKINGBIRD — “the greatest novel of all time” (Chicago Tribune— has quickly become “one of the greatest plays in history” (NPR). Emmy Award®-winning actor Richard Thomas plays the role of Atticus Finch in the National Tour.

HAIRSPRAY | February 8-9, 2024

You Can’t Stop the Beat! HAIRSPRAY, Broadway’s Tony Award-winning musical comedy phenomenon is back on tour! Join 16-year-old Tracy Turnblad in 1960s Baltimore as she sets out to dance her way onto TV’s most popular show. Can a girl with big dreams (and even bigger hair) change the world? Featuring the beloved score of hit songs including “Welcome to the ‘60s,” “Good Morning Baltimore” and “You Can’t Stop the Beat,” HAIRSPRAY is “fresh, winning, and deliriously tuneful!” (The New York Times). This all-new touring production reunites Broadway’s award-winning creative team led by Director Jack O’Brien and Choreographer Jerry Mitchell to bring HAIRSPRAY to a new generation of theater audiences.

Stephanie J. Block, center, won a Tony Award for her performance as Cher

THE CHER SHOW | April 10-11, 2024

Superstars come and go. Cher is forever. For six straight decades, only one unstoppable force has flat-out dominated popular culture – breaking down barriers, pushing boundaries and letting nothing and no one stand in her way. THE CHER SHOW is the Tony Award®-winning musical of her story, and it’s packed with so much Cher that it takes three women to play her: the kid starting out, the glam pop star, and the icon. THE CHER SHOW is 35 smash hits, six decades of stardom, two rock-star husbands, a Grammy®, an Oscar®, an Emmy®, and enough Tony Award-winning Bob Mackie gowns to cause a sequin shortage in New York City, all in one unabashedly fabulous new musical that will have audiences dancing in the aisles!

Performance times for all show dates is 7:30 pm. Single tickets will go on sale to the public Monday, October 2. More information about pricing and how to purchase will be available at a later date at www.stifeltheatre.com

Harper Lee’s TO KILL A MOCKINGBIRD

January 9-10, 2024 * 7:30 pm each evening

HAIRSPRAY

February 8-9, 2024 * 7:30 pm each evening

THE CHER SHOW

April 10-11, 2024 * 7:30 pm each evening

Stifel Theatre

Jeff Tweedy Will Perform an Intimate Solo Show on July 18 at The Sheldon

Today, Wilco announce a fall U.S. Tour, including three nights at Los Angeles’ The Theatre at Ace Hotel and two nights at Seattle’s Paramount Theatre, plus a slew of other dates in Texas, Missouri, Colorado, and more. The upcoming tour follows the release of Wilco’s most recent album, last year’s Cruel Country, hailed “a magnum opus” by The New York Times and named one of the year’s best by the likes of Rolling Stone, Variety, Uproxx, InsideHook, and more. Earlier this year, Wilco appeared on Late Night With Seth Meyers to perform album highlight, “Tired of Taking It Out On You.”

Shortly after Wilco’s fall tour, frontman Jeff Tweedy will release his third book, WORLD WITHIN A SONG: Music That Changed My Life and Life That Changed My Music. Out November 7th via Dutton, WORLD WITHIN A SONG is a disarming and heartening mix of memories, music, and inspiration built around the 50-plus songs that changed Tweedy’s life. Fans, music lovers, and creatives of all types will find inspiration in Tweedy’s insightful blend of music and emotion in WORLD WITHIN A SONG. ​​Additionally, Tweedy will embark on a run of solo dates in June and July, including a four-night stand in Brooklyn.

A full list of both Wilco and Jeff Tweedy solo dates are listed below with tickets on sale now.

Purchase Tickets to See Wilco Live

Purchase Cruel Country

Wilco Tour Dates (New Dates in Bold):

Thu. Aug. 10 – Cochran, BE @ Lokerse feesten
Sat. Aug. 12 – Aranda de Duero, ES @ Sonorama Festival
Mon. Aug. 14 – St. Feliu de Guíxols, ES @ Festival Porta Ferrada
Wed. Aug. 16 – Marbella, ES @ Starlite Marbella
Thu. Aug. 17 – Alicante, ES @ Plaza de Toros
Sat. Aug. 19 – Portugal, ES @ Paredes de Coura Festival
Sun. Aug. 20 – Vigo, ES @ Espazos Festival
Tue. Aug. 22 – Ramonville St. Agne, FR @ Le Bikini
Thu. Aug. 24 – San Mauro Pascoli, IT @ Acieloaperto Festival
Fri. Aug. 25 – Turin, IT @ TOdays Festival
Sun. Aug. 27 – Utrecht, NL @ TivoliVredenburg [SOLD OUT]
Mon. Aug. 28 – Utecht, NL @ TivoliVredenburg
Wed. Aug. 30 – London, UK @ 02 Forum Kentish Town
Thu. Aug. 31 – Wiltshire, UK @ End of the Road Festival
Sat. Sep. 2 – Edinburgh, UK @ Usher Hall
Sun. Sep. 3 – Birmingham, UK @ Moseley Folk Festival
Tue. Sep. 5 – Manchester, UK @ The Bridgewater Hall
Wed. Sep. 6 – Belfast, UK @ Mandela Hall+
Fri. Sep. 8 – Dublin, IE @ 3Olympia Theatre + [SOLD OUT]
Sat. Sep. 9 – Cork, IE @ Cork Opera House +

Mon. Sept. 25 – Wichita, KS @ Wave *
Tue. Sep. 26 – Tulsa, OK @ Cain’s Ballroom *
Thu. Sep. 28 – Dallas, TX @ South Side Ballroom *
Fri. Sep. 29 – Austin, TX @ Moody Amphitheater @ Waterloo Park *
Sun. Oct. 1 – Albuquerque, NM @ Kiva Auditorium *
Tue. Oct. 3 – Scottsdale, AZ @ Scottsdale Civic Center East Bowl Stage *
Wed. Oct. 4 – Los Angeles, CA @ The Theatre at Ace Hotel *
Thu. Oct. 5 – Los Angeles, CA @ The Theatre at Ace Hotel *
Fri. Oct. 6 – Los Angeles, CA @ The Theatre at Ace Hotel *
Sun. Oct. 8 – Monterey, CA @ Rebels & Renegades Festival
Wed. Oct. 11 – Los Angeles, CA @ The Bellwether *
Fri. Oct. 13 – Santa Barbara, CA @ Arlington Theatre *
Sat. Oct. 14 – Berkeley, CA @ Greek Theatre
Mon. Oct. 16 – Portland, OR @ Keller Auditorium *
Tue. Oct. 17 – Seattle, WA @ Paramount Theatre ^
Wed. Oct. 18 – Seattle, WA @ Paramount Theatre ^
Fri. Oct. 20 – Salt Lake City, UT @ Eccles Theater ^
Sun. Oct. 22 – Denver, CO @ Mission Ballroom ^
Mon. Oct. 23 – Omaha, NE @ The Astro Theater ^
Wed. Oct. 25 – Kansas City, MO @ Midland Theatre ^
Thu. Oct. 26 – St. Louis, MO @ Stifel Theatre ^
Fri. Oct. 27 – Bentonville, AR @ The Momentary ^
Sat. Dec. 2 – Wed. Dec. 6 – Riviera Maya, MX @ Sky Blue Sky (Hard Rock Hotel)

+ w/ Anna Miekie
* w/ My Brightest Diamond
^ w/ Nina Nastasia

Belleville’s own Jeff Tweedy

Jeff Tweedy Solo Tour Dates:

Mon. June 19 – South Deerfield, MA @ Summer Stage at Tree House Brewing*
Wed. June 21 – Brooklyn, NY @ Brooklyn Made *
Fri. June 23 – Brooklyn, NY @ Brooklyn Made *
Sat. June 24 – Brooklyn, NY @ Brooklyn Made * [SOLD OUT]
Sun. June 25 – Brooklyn, NY @ Brooklyn Made *
Tue. June 27 – Washington, DC @ The Atlantis *
Wed. June 28 – Washington, DC @ The Atlantis * [SOLD OUT]
Tue. July 18 – St. Louis, MO @ The Sheldon Concert Hall* [SOLD OUT]
Wed. July 19 – Salina, KS @ Stiefel Theatre *
Fri. July 21 – Boulder, CO @ Boulder Theater *
Sat. July 22 – Beaver Creek, CO @ Vilar Performing Arts Center *
Sun. July 23 – Grand Junction, CO @ Avalon Theatre *
Tue. July 25 – Boise, ID @ Egyptian Theatre *
Wed. July 26 – Sandpoint, ID @ Panida Theater *
Fri. July 28 – Carnation, WA @ Timber! Festival
Sat. July 29 – Vernon, BC – Vernon and District Performing Arts Centre ^

* w/ Le Ren
^ w/ Scott McCaughey

Wilco

Hall will be in concert with Special Guest Todd Rundgren on Thursday, Dec. 1, at 7:30 p.m. at Stifel Theatre in St. Louis

By Lynn Venhaus

A soul survivor spanning 50 years in the music business, Daryl Hall still gets excited talking about performing live.

You can hear the enthusiasm about his latest venture in his voice during a recent phone interview. He embarked on the BeforeAfter Tour April 1 in Chicago, his first solo tour in more than a decade, and it’s been extended twice, launching again on Nov. 19, and wrapping up this week.

He will appear in concert on Thursday, Dec. 1, at Stifel Theatre in St. Louis, along with his special guest — old friend and fellow Philadelphian, Todd Rundgren.

Tickets are available for the show that starts at 7:30 p.m.: https://www.ticketmaster.com/daryl-hall-and-the-daryls-house-st-louis-missouri-12-01-2022/event/06005D2F8AF11B70

The last show for this year is Dec. 3 in Evansville, Ind.

“We are so happy because it’s been beyond our expectations,” he said from his home in Connecticut. “People are loving the show. It’s a big departure for me being out on my own and starting this new thing.”

Before After

Hall has released his first-ever solo retrospective, “Before After,” which features 30 selections from his five solo albums, from “Sacred Songs” in 1980 through “Laughing Down Crying” in 2011. In addition, the collection features six never-released performances from “Live from Daryl’s House,” his acclaimed web and television series.

The two-disc album, from Legacy Recordings, a division of Sony Music Entertainment, can be purchased here: https://legacyrecordings.lnk.to/BeforeAfterPR

The current Daryl’s House Band accompanies Hall and Rundgren, and includes guitarist Shane Theriot, bassist Klyde Jones, saxophonist Charlie DeChant, keyboardist Elliott Lewis, drummer Brian Dunne and percussionist/singer Porter Carroll.

“I have the best band in the world,” he exclaimed. “They travel with me all the time. Their experience shows on stage.”

Two new episodes of “Live from Daryl’s House” have been recorded and he said they’re getting ready to do a third, so stay tuned.

Todd on Live From Daryl’s House

Hall, 76, and Rundgren, 74, continue to thrive on the music paths they started as teenagers.

Both singer-songwriters and multi-faceted musicians, they have produced and arranged recordings for much of their Hall of Fame careers.

For this tour’s setlist, Rundgren starts off with an individual set, followed by an intermission, then by Hall. Then, they come together for the grand finale.

During the pre-vaccine part of the pandemic, when the world shutdown, so did he.

“I didn’t write a song. I hardly left the house. I slowed down,” Hall said.

But working on the retrospective and mapping out a tour was the impetus he needed to get back to doing what he loves to do.

Why take to the road after having such a long illustrious career?

“I am a working musician,” he said. “I live to work. I also have these guys (the band) to take care of. It is hard to challenge just yourself. This tour is a labor of love. I enjoy the work.”

Hall was thrilled to play at Carnegie Hall in New York City and Ryman Auditorium in Nashville for the first time.

Grateful to be connecting again with live music, he’s as invigorated as the fans.

“People are ready to go out and have a good time, relax. We’ve tapped into that need for human connection after the past couple of years,” he said.

That Philly Soul

Bonded by their Philly roots and simpatico relationship, Hall and Rundgren are a match that fans have responded to, described as a ‘dream team.’

Todd, Oates, Hall in 1974 (see info below)

“We grew up 20 miles from each other in Chester County (southeast Pennsylvania, part of Philadelphia metro area, Hall in Pottstown and Rundgren in Upper Darby),” he said. “We were aware of each other, but we didn’t meet until we both had moved to New York City at the same time.”

Where they met still makes him smile.

“We met at a showing of the movie ‘Fantasia,’ which is just so perfect, and we talked about how we should record together,” he said.

That led to Rundgren producing Hall & Oates’ third album, “War Babies,” in 1974.

“We continued to work together. He’s a real kindred spirit,” he said. “Todd’s music is so soulful, eclectic. He’s a maverick. We literally come from the same place. We were made to work together.”

Fans already know how good the blue-eyed soul pair sound together, for they’ve created magic both at Daryl’s home studio and at Todd’s place in Hawaii.

Their music has been flavored with the Sound of Philadelphia – noted for its funk and rhythm and blues fusion with pop, with a jazzy melodic structure, often including horns and strings in the instrumental arrangements. Philly soul can be heard in such acts as The Spinners, O’Jays, Delfonics and Stylistics.

“It was a very big influence in my music. You can’t help but have pride in the Philly Sound, it’s still a major influence in the world,” he said.

As the best-selling duo of all-time with John Oates, Hall had six no. 1 hits in the 1970s and 1980s. Hall & Oates’ accessible pop has stood the test of time – and you can hear their greatest hits used in current commercial campaigns.

Inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame with Oates in 2014, they team up from time to time, including several concerts this past year.

Hall, whose mom was a vocal teacher and choir director, said he can’t remember a time when he wasn’t singing. While in college at Temple University, he recorded his first song with a group he formed, The Temptones. He was 18, and he’s been recording ever since.

In the early days of Hall & Oates, they didn’t break through with major success until “Sara Smile,” was released as a single in 1975.

“That song is very significant to me,” he said. “It was very exciting to hear it on the radio. It was an indescribable feeling.”

(“Sara Smile” was about his girlfriend at the time, Sara Allen, who contributed to some of Hall & Oates’ most popular songs – “You Make My Dreams,” “Maneater,” “Private Eyes” and “I Can’t Go for That” among them. They were in a long-term relationship for about 30 years, breaking up in 2001).

Live from Daryl’s House

Just as Hall & Oates had their many successes during the early days of MTV, embracing music videos as a promotional tool, Hall has managed to reinvent himself in the digital age through his award-winning series.

He launched LFDH as a free monthly show on the internet in 2007 and played music with friends. He wanted it to have a relaxed vibe of hanging out and having a good time jamming. It also ran on television, including Viacom’s Palladia channel.

“It’s been phenomenal. It was an idea whose time had come. Nobody was watching the internet then. How times have changed since then,” he said.

Fans new and old responded to his collaborations with the latest generation of musicians as well as his contemporaries – and a variety of genres. He’s played with Neon Trees, Jason Mraz, Smokey Robinson, The Spinners, Tommy Shaw, Kenny Loggins, Joe Walsh, and The Goo Goo Dolls.

Winner of a Webby Award for best variety series and O Music Award from MTV for best performance series, LFDH has recorded 82 episodes, some of which are archived on his website, while others are available on YouTube.com

For many years, he recorded the show in the 18th century home he rehabbed in New York’s Hudson Valley, in Millerton, but then moved to Connecticut. For a new place starting with the 66th episode, he renovated the former Towne Crier nightclub in Pawling, N.Y., into a restaurant-and-live-music venue, which opened in 2014. It is currently open for business and offering live entertainment.

https://www.livefromdarylshouse.com/welcome.html

For more on the artists:

John Oates, Daryl Hall

Hall & Oates

They met in 1970 while students at Temple University, and recorded their first album, “Whole Oats,” in 1972. A year later, “Abandoned Luncheonette” followed, featuring the hit “She’s Gone.”

With the release of “Sara Smile” from what’s known as “The Silver Album” in 1976, they became superstars. In 1987, the Recording Industry Association of America declared they were the best-selling musical duo of all-time and have maintained that record.

Hall would be a part of “We Are the World” and the duo was on the stage during Live Aid in Philadelphia in 1985. They also backed up Tina Turner and Mick Jagger.

As for his description of St. Louis legend Turner, Hall said: “She’s great. She’s very gracious and kind,” he said, noting that the first record he bought at age 12 was Turner’s.

Todd Rundgren

Todd Rundgren

Rundgren began playing guitar as a teenager and formed the psychedelic garage rock quartet Nazz in 1967, releasing three albums between 1968 and 1971. He re-recorded his hit song, “Hello It’s Me” as a solo artist. He released “Runt,” his first solo album, in 1970, and learned how to produce an album himself.

A production deal led him to projects with Janis Joplin, the Band, Patti Smith, and others. He also produced albums for the New York Dolls, Grand Funk Railroad, Meat Loaf and Daryl Hall & John Oates.

For his 2-disc masterpiece, “Something/Anything?” in 1972, he sang all the vocal parts and played all the instruments on three of the four sides. He has released 25 solo albums and 10 with Utopia. His latest, “Space Force,” was released on Oct. 14.

His music video for ‘Time Heals” was the eighth one played when MTV launched on Aug. 1, 1981.

He is genuinely regarded as an innovative and resourceful singer, songwriter, musician, sound engineer and record producer. A multimedia artist, he is considered a pioneer in the fields of electronic music, progressive rock, music videos, computer software, and Internet music delivery. By the mid-90s, he was experimenting with interactive CD-ROM and new video technology.

He was inducted into the Rock ‘n Roll Hall of Fame in 2021, although he refused to attend the ceremony.

He has toured with Ringo Starr and the All-Star Band, the new Cars and recently appeared on the Celebrating David Bowie tribute tour in October and November.

Photos: Todd Rundgren, on his 26th birthday, on June 22, 1974, was in concert at the Wollman Rink in Central Park, and Daryl Hall and John Oates were part of his ‘chorus.’ He was producing their “War Babies” album then. (Photo posted on YouTube, with audio, from the 1974 concert: https://youtu.be/ls0Yje9-woI)

Stifel Theatre announced today that seats in the first rows of the orchestra section will be available for $23 (inclusive of facility fee) for the Wednesday, Nov. 17 performance of RENT, the Pulitzer Prize and Tony Award-winning musical.

The $23 tickets are available for in-person purchase at the Stifel Theatre Box Office, located at 1400 Market Street, on the day of the performance only, starting two hours prior to the show – 5:30 p.m. The $23 tickets are limited to two tickets per person.

The tradition of these tickets began in 1996 in New York when the show moved to Broadway after a sold-out run in a small downtown theatre. The producers of the show are committed to continuing the tradition of offering these orchestra seats in each city the show will play.

RENT performs at Stifel Theatre Wednesday, Nov. 17 at 7:30 p.m. 

For general ticket information, call the Stifel Theatre Box Office at 314-499-7600. The Stifel Theatre Box Office is open on event days only. For guests wanting to purchase tickets outside of the RENT Rush offer, they may do so at the Enterprise Center Box Office Monday – Friday, 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. or .https://www.ticketmaster.com/event/06005B359474349F

For more information, visit: www.rentontour.net

Facebook/RentOnTour  | Twitter.com/RentOnTour | Instagram.com/RentOnTour

By Lynn Venhaus

As a regional surge in COVID-19 cases grips the area, more local arts and entertainment events have either been cancelled or postponed in the St. Louis metropolitan area. The month-long “Hamilton” national tour stop at the Fox is now postponed, the Opera Theatre of St. Louis has cancelled its festival season and people are now moving dates from spring to either later in the year or 2021.

Based on the Centers for Disease Control and World Health Organization’s recommendations on social distancing and against large group gatherings, St. Louis city and county, St. Charles County and Illinois put a public health emergency plan in place. They have shutdown gatherings of 10 or more, encouraged social distancing and ordered everyone to Stay-at-Home. Announced dates: St. Louis quarantine is through April 22; Illinois is through April April 30; Missouri is through April 24; and the nation is recommended until April 30.

Here is a round-up of the latest on community theater, regional professional theater, national touring shows, certain events and venues. If alternate programming has been put into place, it’s mentioned. As everyone knows by now, things change daily, so check with websites to see the latest. I’ll update as groups provide new information.

PROFESSIONAL VENUES

Kranzberg Arts Foundation
All Kranzberg Arts Foundation venue operations have been temporarily shut down. This includes theatres, galleries, clubs, restaurants, cafes, and libraries. These closures will remain in place until at least May 11.

This includes the Kranzberg Arts Center, The Marcelle Theatre, The .Zack Theatre, The Big Top, The Grandel Theatre, The Dark Room, Sophie’s Artist Lounge and the High-Low building.

Fox Theatre
Performances at the Fabulous Fox have been postponed through April 30 and tours have been cancelled through June 7.

On April 10, the Fox announced that “Hamilton” has been postponed but no date has been set yet. It was scheduled to play at The Fox May 5 – June 7.

“The Fox is in discussion with the HAMILTON producers to reschedule the engagement and hopes to announce that information soon. said spokesman Megan Ketcherside.

Ticket holders should keep their tickets until new dates are announced. More information will be available once new dates are secured.

The Fabulous Fox Theatre hopes to bring the show to St. Louis in 2020, but as with all things related to COVID-19 and the social distancing necessary to keep guests and associates safe, theatre management will follow the lead of government and health officials in this matter> Ketcherside said.

The other shows that have been postponed: “Charlie and the Chocolate Factory” originally scheduled for March 17-29; Teen Talent Competition originally scheduled for April 4; “Cats,” originally scheduled for April 7-19; Celtic Woman has been rescheduled for April 20, 2021; and Chaka Khan, originally scheduled for April 24.

“Charlie and the Chocolate Factory” will now be Dec. 22 – 27. “Cats” can’t be rescheduled for 2019-2020 but Fox is working on a future date.

Plans to reschedule other postponed shows are currently underway.  Ticket holders should hold on to their tickets – they will be honored on the new dates.

Decisions about other future shows will be made as we follow the evolving situation with the COVID-19 virus and the City of St. Louis’ determination of the length of this prohibition, public relations manager Megan Ketcherside said.

Operational hours are subject to change based on the COVID-19 situation. For now, the Fox Box Office is temporarily closed. The MetroTix 314-534-1111 phone hours are now from Monday to Friday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., closed on Saturday and Sunday.

Visit the website, www.fabulousfox.com/coronavirus

Family Arena

As of March 25, the Family Arena and The Family Arena Box Office is closed to the public until such time as the limit on public gatherings is lifted in St. Charles County.

Tickets are still available for purchase at Ticketmaster.com.

Manager Tom O’Keefe said if you purchased tickets at the box office for an upcoming rescheduled event that you would like a refund for, please hold on to your tickets until they re-open and they will refund your tickets at that time.

They have partnered with Ticketmaster to address all fan questions regarding the cancellation and rescheduling of live events. Visit the Ticketmaster Help Center for guidance and check back regularly for additional information and status updates, www.familyarena.com.

Stifel Theatre

The Stifel Theatre and Enterprise Center Box Offices will not open until further notice. For guests who purchased tickets to an upcoming show through the box office that has been cancelled, please hold on to your tickets until we re-open and are able to assist with your questions.

These events at Stifel Theatre have been postponed. Ticket holders should hold on to their tickets, as all tickets will be honored on the rescheduled dates.

Here are rescheduled dates:

Gabriel Iglesias, from March 13 to Oct. 15 and from March 15 to Oct. 14; Franco Escamilla, from March 14 to Nov. 13; Bob Weir and Wolf Brothers from March 18 to Oct. 14; Nathaniel Rateliff from March 19 to Nov. 14; Ron White from March 20 to Sept. 11; Bert Kreischer from April 5 to July 30; Iliza: The Forever Tour from April 23 to Sept. 24; and Trolls LIVE! From May 15-17 to Oct. 2-4.

The following events have been cancelled and refunds will be available at original point of purchase:

“Sesame Street Live,” March 27-29; TD Jakes, April 10; The Color Purple, April 11; Variety Children’s Charity featuring Steely Dan, April 23; The Spongebob Musical, May 2-3; and Mother’s Day Soul Jam, May 8.

Decisions about other future shows will be made as they continue to monitor this rapidly evolving situation. Visit www.stifeltheatre.com

Chaifetz Arena

The arena is closed until further notice and in an abundance of caution, the venue will be thoroughly cleaned while closed.

They are currently working to reschedule all impacted events and will provide updates as quickly as possible. We ask all current ticket-holders to retain their tickets for these events until such time when a new date is determined as your current ticket will be valid for the new date. “Please be patient and hang tight as we work through this unprecedented time,” a spokesman said.

Additionally, they have partnered with Ticketmaster to address all fan questions regarding the cancellation and rescheduling of live events. Visit the Ticketmaster Help Center by clicking here for guidance and check back regularly for additional information and status updates as they become available.

Impacted Events: Festival Of Laughs from March 20 to Sept. 26; Sturgill Simpson from March 21 to TBD; Gateway Blues Festival from March 28 to TBD; AEW Dynamite from April 8 to Oct. 7; NF from April 11 to Aug. 15; Legends of Hip Hop, from April 17 to Nov. 7; The Millennium Tour, from April 24 to Aug. 8; Three 6 Mafia, from May 23 to Oct. 2; and Lauren Daigle, from May 29 to TBD.

The Playhouse at Westport

All March/April events were cancelled, including “Flanagan’s Wake,” which had been extended to mid-April.

John Denver Tribute May 7-10 and Rockin’ Chair June 5-6 remain scheduled.

Refunds are available at point of purchase.

REGIONAL PROFESSIONAL THEATER

Metro Theatre Company

They are partnering with Off the Page for this project “Art Apart, Together.” Share your creativity and learn more here: https://www.metroplays.org/art-apart-together

Off the Page is launching a new way to keep making art together, in this time of separation. Please head over to ART APART, TOGETHER to help us make a new work together: https://www.offthepageeducation.org/art-apart-together/

We feel really lucky to be partnering with Alliance TheatreCry Havoc Theater Company, and Metro Theater Company on this project.

EVERYONE is encourage to participate–kids, adults, teachers, students, artists, people who don’t yet identify as artists! You read or watch the prompt and then respond immediately in the art form of your choice. We work with amazing collaborators to shape your responses in to a new work and have actors record it. We make a video of our brand new, collaborative work!

New prompts each week, so you can keep generating material while we work on new scripts. We want to hear from you.

The Muny

The Muny administrative offices and box office are closed through late April. Ticketing services for the 2020 season are available online at any time.Ticketing related questions can be sent to boxoffice@muny.org

“We are closely monitoring all developments regarding the COVID-19 outbreak and will continue to follow the guidance of health and government officials with the goal of keeping our staff and community as safe and healthy as possible,” the Muny statement reads on their website. 

“With the start of our 2020 season still months away, we remain optimistic that the season will proceed as planned and hope the restrictions on gatherings are lifted in early May, as scheduled. If that changes, we will adjust accordingly. Meanwhile, we continue communicating with health officials on all levels to stay fully informed and responsive to this unprecedented situation,” the statement reads.

Given the Stay at Home order for St. Louis City and County, and for the health and safety of our team, The Muny Offices are currently closed and some ticketing dates have changed. However, we’re still busy getting ready for the 2020 summer season, and we can’t wait to meet you at The Muny this summer!

Ticketing Update as of March 26 – These dates are subject to change. 

Muny Season Tickets will be mailed in early May

Season Ticket Exchanges: May 26 – 29

Single Ticket on Sale: June 1

To purchase new season tickets, or pay a current balance on existing season tickets, please visit:  muny.org/buy-tickets

To purchase season tickets with a gift card you currently have in-hand, please email The Muny Box Office at boxoffice@muny.org and a Muny Ticketing agent will contact you  to process your request. If you wish to purchase a gift card, it will not be mailed until the restrictions on gatherings have been lifted. 

Also, if you are looking for a way to stay entertained during these “quiet days,” we encourage you to enjoy a specially curated set of video clips from our previous productions on our social media channels. You can follow us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

The Repertory Theatre of St. Louis

The Cake starring Rigel Harris, Denny Dillon and Dria Brown. Photo by Phillip Hamer.

The Repertory Theatre had to cancel the run of “The Cake,” which began in the Studio Theatre on March 14, but was forced to be shutdown March 16, and to postpone our Mainstage world premiere of “Dreaming Zenzile” from March 21, with the goal of mounting it this summer.

“The Cake”

An online stream of “The Cake” has been made available to all Studio Theatre patrons who previously purchased tickets at no additional cost.

There are a limited number of streaming tickets available for purchase for those who are interested in viewing the final performance of the Steve Woolf Studio Series this season. That is available through April 24.

Additionally, The Rep is collaborating with a national group of theatres to commission a series of short plays specifically developed to spark joy and connection among people who are sheltering in place. These initiatives are designed to keep the art alive and vital, even in a time of isolating quarantines.

“Keep an eye out for more entertaining content and educational resources from The Rep and our local and national partners by following us on social media,” spokesman Jeremy Goldmeier said.

On March 27, The Rep announced that they have honored the entire contracts of the guest artists who devoted their talents to “Dreaming Zenzile” and “The Cake,” despite their runs being delayed or cut short.

“In these uncertain times, The Rep felt it was imperative that these artists, whose livelihoods depend on their contracts, not bear the additional burden of lost wages in this pandemic,” a statement said.

“As you know, The Rep has an extraordinarily talented and dedicated staff that works year-round to support the productions, education, and community initiatives to serve the greater St. Louis region. We have continued to pay the full salaries of our full-time, year-round administrative staff, with no furloughs or other lapses in pay. We have moved our administrative and box office teams to work remotely to serve you during this period,” a statement said.

Play at Home

The Repertory Theatre of St. Louis has teamed with Baltimore Center Stage, Long Wharf Theatre, The Public Theater and Woolly Mammoth Theatre Company to present Play at Home, a series of micro-commissioned short plays from some of the American theatre’s most exciting and prominent playwrights.

These new plays – which all run 10 minutes or less – are available for the public to download, read and perform at home for free at playathome.org.

In the wake of widespread event cancellations following the spread of the coronavirus (COVID-19), the participating theatres conceived Play at Home as a way to support artists, connect people to theatre, and to ignite imagination and joy in these uncertain times.

Each organization commissioned multiple playwrights – most of whom had plays canceled due to the coronavirus outbreak – to create new works that were big, joyful and not bound by the constraints of what might be “possible” on a traditional stage.

The Rep’s commissioned playwrights feature:

Regina Taylor (playwright of The Rep’s 2020-2021 production of Oo-Bla-Dee)

Karen Zacarias (playwright of The Rep’s 2020-2021 production of Native Gardens)

Steph Del Rosso (playwright of The Rep’s 2020-2021 world premiere of The Gradient)

Guadalís Del Carmen (who appeared at The Rep as an actor in 2020’s Mojada: A Medea in Los Angeles)

Tre’von Griffith (a St. Louis performer and playwright, co-founder of TLT Productions)

These plays are meant to be read at home among family and friends, and we highly encourage readers to share photos or videos of their home performances on social media using the hashtag #playathome.

Max and Louie Productions

Estelle Siteman of Max & Louie Productions said they optimistically look forward to bringing the second play of our 2020 season,”Looking for Normal” by Jane Anderson to the Marcelle. “This beautiful ,moving play full of wit and wisdom opens July 16 through the 26.2020,” she said.

Moonstone Theatre Company
Sharon Hunter said Moonstone Theatre Company has postponed their July opening of “The House of Blue Leaves” to July of 2021 at the Wool Studio Theatre at the J. They will announce our season shortly. which will now begin in November 2020 with a Neil Simon comedy.

Joe Hanrahan of The Midnight Company

The Midnight Company
Midnight Artistic Director Joe Hanrahan has moved his one-man play from May 28 – June 13 to a June 4 – 20 run. This is the premiere of the full version of “Now Playing Third Base for the St. Louis Cardinals…Bond, James Bond,” which will be at The Chapel, 4238 Alexander Drive, 63105. Performances are Thursdays through Saturdays at 8 p.m., with a matinee on Sunday at 2 p.m.

 It was performed in a shortened version at the 2018 St. Louis Fringe Festival, and audiences responded enthusiastically and critics raved.  Snoops Theatre Thoughts said “A delightful show that’s part personal memoir, part history lesson, part nostalgia, and all fascinating.  A difficult show to describe but what it is is excellent.”  Limelight said “Hanrahan jumps from omniscient narrator to 15-year old movie fanatic to baseball and theatre historian, the audience hanging on every word.  The Cardinals are the talk of the town again.  This show should be the talk of the town, too!” 
Hanrahan said, “There’s never been a play we’ve done that’s received such enthusiastic, visceral reaction, due, surely, to the St. Louis history of the show.  At the Fringe, productions are limited to one-hour playing time, and this new version will allow us to incorporate new material that should make the show ever more entertaining and informative.”
“Now Playing Third Base for the St. Louis Cardinals…Bond, James Bond,” concerns  a teen-age boy in 1964. JFK’s assassination still casts a pall on the nation.  The Beatles’ emergence in February of ’64 starts to lighten the mood of the nation. The Cardinals continue the good times in St. Louis with a mad dash toward the pennant. And when a new movie hero hits the screens that summer, a bunch of boys on a baseball field have their first theatre experience when one of their gang offers a 30-minute one-man show of “From Russia with Love.”  Throughout, the playwright draws links between what’s happened and happening –  from JFK to James Bond, from segregation in St. Louis to segregation in baseball’s Southern Leagues and Florida stadiums where The Beatles were supposed to play, from WWII to British film production crews and JFK hit squads, from the first cave man who stood up by the fire to the theatre musings of Peter Brook…all of it swirling in front of the eyes of a young boy, and the memory of that time.
Shane Signorino will direct the show as he did at The Fringe (Shane just received a Theatre Critics Circle nomination as Best Supporting Actor in a Comedy for Midnight’s POPCORN FALLS), Kevin Bowman will serve as Production Designer, Michael B. Perkins will design video support (as he did for Midnight productions of A MODEL FOR MATISSE, JUDGMENT AT NUREMBERG, and LITTLE THING BIG THING), and Elizabeth Henning will be Stage Manager.

There will also be a concurrent exhibit in The Chapel lobby of memorabilia from 1950’s/60’s baseball and James Bond films, presented by George Venegoni.



Grace Langford and Jaclyn Amber in “Head Over Heels” Photo by Jill Ritter Lindberg



New Line Theatre


New Line managed to get two weekends of performances of “Head Over Heels” before the local government mandates of crowd size forced it to close early in mid-March.

Its June production of “Urinetown” has been cancelled.

Stray Dog Theatre

“Annie,” which was to open April 9, has been postponed, with dates to be announced.

“We will honor all tickets already purchased to any of the new performance dates once they are announced. To purchase tickets to any other future productions, please call our box office directly at (314) 865-1995.

“We are currently planning to hold the remainder of the 2019-2020 season as scheduled. Any changes or additional information will be shared as soon as possible. If you have any questions, please feel free to contact us,” said Artistic Director Gary F. Bell.

“We would like to thank everyone for the hard work they’ve already put into the production and we would like to thank you for your patience as we work to bring you the quality story telling you, our family, deserve. Annie is that bit of light we all need right now, ‘the sun will come out tomorrow’ and we will overcome anything,” Bell said.

“We know we are not the only organization dealing with these difficult decisions and we stand with them, ready to come back stronger. Your continued support of all arts organizations is always appreciated but never more than in times like these. We look forward to seeing you soon,” he said. “Please stay safe and be kind to one another.”

Kenneth Lonergan’s “Lobby Hero” is set to run June 4 – June 20

“However, due to the extreme strain currently being faced by many organizations we have made the decision to halt online sales of upcoming productions. We will resume online sales once matters have settled and the timeline of events moving forward becomes more defined,” Bell said.

“You may continue to purchase tickets for upcoming shows by calling our Box Office at (314) 856-1995 or emailing us at boxoffice@straydogtheatre.org. Thank you for your patience and your continued support as we manage these unfortunate events.”

For more information, visit www.straydogtheatre.org

St Louis Actors’ Studio

Neil LaBute’s Ten X Ten Series 2nd Week free Video is now availalbe! Check our Twitter account for the link (http://twitter.com/STLAS1)LaBute’s Ten X Ten Series is offered as free content weekly via @STLAS1. It is a collection of original monologues initially written for AUDIENCE CHANNEL#LaBute10x10

This is in response to the cancellation of LaBute’s new play, “Comfort,” which STLAS was to stage this spring.

New Jewish Theatre

Judi Mann, Kelly Weber and Joneal Joplin in “We Are the Levinsons”

Initially, New Jewish rescheduled “We Are the Levinsons” from March 19 to May, but now they have pushed it back, along with their Sondheim musical revue, “Putting It Together.”  They would like to reschedule later this summer.

All activities at the JCCA have been suspended during the public health crisis.

For more information, please contact them by email or by phone, 314-442-3283.

Opera Theatre of St. Louis

Opera Theatre of Saint Louis has canceled its season. On April 7, Andrew Jorgensen, general director of Opera Theatre, announced the cancellation of the 2020 festival season that was to open May 23 and run through June 28 with this repertory: the world premiere of Tobias Picker and Aryeh Lev Stollman’s Awakenings, Bizet’s gripping opera Carmen, Strauss’ effervescent comedy Die Fledermaus, and the long-awaited company premiere of Carlisle Floyd’s Susannah

Unfortunately, due to the size of seasonal staff required to produce each opera season, it is not possible for us to assemble the same casts, creative teams, and backstage artisans at any other point in the next several months. Even if we could postpone our season by a month, we simply don’t know when it will be safe for groups to gather again. 

At this time, there is no active plan in place to move any of the 2020 productions into the 2021 Festival Season. However, they are still evaluating various options and scenarios — stay tuned for more!

For a complete list of all affected programs and public events, including information on whether an event is canceled or postponed, visit the website and scroll down for a complete list:

https://www.opera-stl.org/beyond-the-stage/updates-regarding-covid-19

This page will be updated frequently in the weeks ahead as new information becomes available regarding the status of events, including possible rescheduling or digital streaming.

“As always, our highest priority is the health of the entire OTSL family — patrons, staff, and artists,” the statement reads.

Shakespeare Festival St. Louis

The 2020 Shakespeare in the Park production of “Much Ado About Nothing” has been moved to Aug. 12 – Sept. 6. Producing Artistic Director Tom Ridgely said it was in order to provide the best possible chance of safely gathering artists and audiences for its 20th anniversary season. It is to be directed by Bruce Longworth.

“For the past 20 years in St. Louis, the opening of Shakespeare in the Park has helped to mark the unofficial start of summer,” Ridgely said. “This year it’s clear that the only way to care for our actors, crew, volunteers and community is to give as much time as possible for social distancing measures to take effect and hope to be one of the ways we all bring our summer 2020 to a much happier close.”

The previously announced creative team of Matt Pace & Brien Seyle (Original Music), Josh Smith (Scenic Design), Dorothy Englis (Costume Design), John Wylie (Lighting Design) and Kathy Ruvuna (Sound Design) remains the same.

In response to the widespread cancellation of live events, the Festival has already shifted to generating a full schedule of new and original content for the online and social media platforms under the umbrella of “ShakespeareTV.”

These include the previously aired “watch party” of its canceled regional tour of Cymbeline, a live reading of “Venus and Adonis” (which Shakespeare wrote during a plague-induced theater closure) and a five-night reading of Albert Camus’ postwar masterpiece “The Plague.” Together they’ve already been viewed 10,000 times.

Now through May 29 on ShakespeareTV, which can be accessed on their Facebook page:

THE ZOOM PLAYS: a weekly series of 20- to 30-minute original plays written especially to be performed live over the videoconferencing app Zoom. Created and performed by local playwrights, directors and actors.

GREEN SHOW MONDAYS: an eclectic variety program featuring music, comedy and performance from Festival favorites.

SHAKESPEARE AND CHILL: a special selection of Shakespeare-inspired movies featuring live commentary from artists and scholars, co-curated by Cinema St. Louis.

Other one-night only events to be announced.

May 29 – June 21 is SHAKE20

A 20th anniversary reboot of the beloved engagement program SHAKE38 featuring community responses to 20 of Shakespeare’s plays streaming on Facebook and Instagram Tuesdays through Sundays 8 p.m. during the Festival’s originally scheduled run, May 29-June 21.

Like the original, SHAKE20 will be a region-wide collaboration involving artists and organizations including SHAKE38 alumni: Slightly Askew Theater, Prison Performing Arts: The Alumni Group, RS-Theatrics, Poor Monsters and Theater Nuevo. More details about the program and how to apply will be shared soon.

 “In the meantime, we hope that you and yours stay well. We have planned an incredible season of free Shakespeare, and we cannot wait to share it with you. It’s an interesting time to be in the business of live theatre and touring productions, but the Festival is committed to paying our artists and staff throughout this crisis,” Ridgely said.

So, if you have ever considered becoming a member, know that we are always grateful for your support—but especially so at this time,” he said.

“During this crisis, we feel more connected to Shakespeare and his contemporaries than ever before. Biographer Jonathan Bate wrote, ‘The Plague was the single most powerful force shaping [Shakespeare’s] life and those of his contemporaries.’ During times of quarantine, Shakespeare wrote some of his most important sonnets and plays,” Ridgely said.

“We can’t claim to have his genius, but we will take inspiration from his dedication and from artists around the world that are stepping up to create, facilitate, and share stories in new and exciting ways. Stay tuned for updates on new and existing Festival programs,” he said.

For more information, visit the website sfstl.com and on social media. Visit https://www.facebook.com/shakesfestSTL

Stages St. Louis

While Stages St. Louis continues to follow guidance from the CDC as well as mandates from both local and national government, for the time being, they have made no adjustments to the schedule for our upcoming 2020 Season.

However, here are some changes regarding tickets, activities and outreach:

Single tickets for the 2020 Season will now go on sale beginning Monday, April 27.

All in-person activities with the Stages Performing Arts Academy will be canceled until the start of our Summer Semester on Monday, June 1.

The Stages administrative, production, and academy offices will remain closed until Thursday, April 23.

In the meantime, the Box Office is still open for questions or subscription ticket sales online at www.StagesStLouis.org or by phone at (314) 821-2407.

The Stages Performing Arts Academy will continue to offer digital and streaming content in order to continue performing arts education for students at home and can answer any and all questions by phone at (636) 449-5775. 

Shows are: “A Chorus Line,” May 29 – June 28; Disney’s Alice in Wonderland,” June 16 – June 28, “La Cage Aux Folles,” July 17 – Aug. 16; and “Always…Patsy Cline,” Sept. 4 – Oct. 4.

Tennessee Williams Festival St. Louis

Executive Artistic Director Carrie Houk said after careful deliberation, they find it necessary to push the 5th Annual Tennessee Williams Festival St. Louis to summer due to the outbreak of COVID-19. Our first commitment is to keeping the company and community safe. The dates were May 10-17.

The Tesseract Theatre Company
Plans are underway to present the 2020 Festival of New Plays June 11 – 28 at the .Zack Theatre. The four plays are “Last Night” by Rachel Lynett, “All That Remains” by J.M. Chambers, “Feast” by Megan Gogerty and “The Length of a Pop Song” by Taylor Gruenloh.

For more information, contact: brittaniegunn@gmail.com or visit the website, www.tesseracttheatre.com

That Uppity Theatre Company
Joan Lipkin said they we had hoped to do a new devised piece Crossing Borders/Chasing Freedom May 2-3, “but of course that is on hold. We are still planning to do Dance the Vote Sept 26 at the Missouri History Museum,” she said.

Upstream Theater
In keeping with the evolving response to the current public health crisis, Upstream Theater is postponing our premiere of IPHIGENIA IN SPLOTT until next season. The play is now scheduled to run from October 9-25.If you have purchased single tickets or a season passport we will be happy to honor your ticket at that time.

West End Players Guild

Steven Dietz’s “Bloomsday” set to open April 17 and run through April 26 has been cancelled. It was the final production of the group’s 109th season.

“As our country copes with the growing threat of the Coronavirus, one of the most important steps we must take to protect ourselves and each other is the kind of “social distancing” that is impossible at a theatrical production. Our Board of Directors believes it is highly unlikely that the need for social distancing will be any less in April than it is today, and decided that the best course of action for our company and our patrons was to act now to cancel the show,” a statement reads.

Patrons who have purchased advance tickets through Brown Paper Tickets will be issued automatic refunds. WEPG will reach out to season ticket holders in the near future with refund options.

WEPG will begin its 110th season in September.

Alfresco Productions
Auditions for “Hairspray Jr.” will be by video for the Granite City community theater production. The show is to run July 24-26 and deadline for video submissions is April 19. The age limit is from 6th grade to 18 years old. For more information, visit: https://www.alfrescoproductions.org/auditions

Alton Little Theatre

All productions and concert events through May 1 have been cancelled. Ticket holders for “Holy Laughter” and Todd Oliver and “Broadway Salutes America” may be refunded or transferred. Call 618-462-3205 for options.

“Brigadoon” has been moved from May to June, with plans for a June 5 opening, with eight performances through June 14. Season ticket holders can follow the same schedule but can call the office at 618-462-3205 anytime in May.

“Shrek” auditions have been rescheduled for Saturday, May 10, at 10 a.m. and Sunday, May 3, at 2 p.m. Director Kevin Frakes will be casting at least 30 characters. The show will run July 31-Aug. 9 for eight performances.

Clayton Community Theatre
“The Philadelphia Story” was to run March 12-22 but was cancelled after opening weekend.

They hope to premiere “Broadway Bound” July 9 -14

Curtain’s Up Theater Company
The group based in Edwardsville has postponed its production of “1776” for a future date in 2020, to be determined, and cancelled March 28 auditions. The musical was to be performed June 26-28 at The Wildey Theatre in Edwardsville. To keep informed of updates, visit www.curtainsuptheater.com

Kirkwood Theatre Guild

Kirkwood Theatre Guild cancelled its remaining two shows: “On Golden Pond” and “Shrek: The Musical,” which were set to run in April and May.

Hawthorne Players
The run of “Picnic,” set for March 27, 28 and April 3-5, was cancelled.
Auditions for “A Chorus Line,” which were scheduled March 29 have been put on hold. More information will be forthcoming. Please follow or check out website www.HawthornePlayers.com for any further announcements.

Looking Glass Playhouse
LGP began the March 12-22 run of “It’s Only a Play” but was forced to cancel it after state and local mandates due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

They have cancelled the rest of the season, including “Rock of Ages” in May and have moved it to the opening slot in the fall.

“We are reaching out to the publishers to reschedule and are hopeful that we will be able to still perform the show in September,” he said.

They hope to announce the full season soon and for patrons who renew their season tickets for next year, they will receive a 10 percent discount.

“Currently, we are still planning our summer youth production “Alice in Wonderland Jr.” and summer fundraiser “The Rocky Horror Show.”

Monroe Actors Stage Company
The current production of “Watch Over the Rhine,” which was to run April 17-19 and 24-26, has been postponed.

Due to the current health crisis in our area, all MASC rehearsals and activities at the Capitol Theater have been postponed effective Monday, March 16. 

“The MASC Board will be discussing the plan of action moving forward regarding Watch on the Rhine, the current show in production, and the remainder of the 2019-2020 season, as we monitor the progression of this crisis. Specific information regarding these two shows will be sent out accordingly. The health and safety of our membership and patrons is our highest priority,” a statement read.

O’Fallon Theatre Works

The group cancelled “Man from Earth” in March.
“The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Nighttime” is planned for July, and auditions were recently handled by video.

Over Due Theatre Company

The group in Olivette has postponed “My Fair Lady.” It was to run April 24-26 and May 1-3.
For the time being, they are still planning on holding auditions for “Bye Bye Birdie” May 9 and 10. The show is set for July 24-26 and July 31, Aug. 1 and 2.

The Theatre Guild of Webster Groves
They have postponed our May production of “Rehearsal for Murder.”

“We are hopeful and fully intend to mount this production at a later date,” a statement read.

AWARDS EVENTS

St. Louis Theater Circle
Often referred to as “Theater Prom,” the eighth annual St. Louis Theater Circle Awards were to take place on March 30 at the Loretto-Hilton Center on the campus of Webster University, but the event has been cancelled. Local theater critics will still honor outstanding regional professional theater, however.

Instead, HEC will provide a streamcast of the awards on Tuesday, April 7, at 7 p.m. on their Facebook page. So, instead of fancy outfits and schmoozing, the event will be downscaled reading of the nominations and awards.

Here is the URL link to the Higher Education Channel TV (HEC-TV):  https://www.facebook.com/hectv/live/

The event’s hashtag is #TCA20

The theater critic members of the St. Louis Theater Circle have recorded the nominations, and their voice-overs will run over photos of the nominees. Then HEC announcer Rod will announce the winner. There are 34 categories to give awards in, which cover dramas, comedies and musicals. A special award is being given to Ken and Nancy Kranzberg for their tremendous support and commitment to the arts.

Visit the Theater Circle’s Facebook page for more information.

If you would like to see who was nominated, here is the PopLifeSTL article: https://www.poplifestl.com/brighton-beach-memoirs-kinky-boots-and-man-of-la-mancha-lead-8th-annual-st-louis-theater-circle-awards/

Arts For Life

In community theater, the Arts For Life board of directors presents two awards events each year, the Best Performance Awards honor musical theater and youth productions, and the Theatre Mask Awards honor straight plays.

The fifth annual Theatre Mask Awards, which honors both dramas and comedies, was to take place at a brunch on Saturday, April 4, at The Atrium Center at Christian Hospital. However, it has been rescheduled for July 18.

The 21st annual Best Performance Awards is scheduled for Sunday, June 14, at 2 p.m. at the Skip Viragh Center for the Performing Arts at Chaminade. However, the AFL board of directors will decide shortly on whether the event will be moved. Stay tuned.

For more information and to see lists of nominations, visit www.artsforlife.org.

You can get tickets to both events for the special price of $40. Visit www.artsforlife.org for more information and to see a complete list of nominees.

Emcees are Donna Northcott, a theater professor at Lindenwood University – St. Charles, for the TMAs, and local singer-actress Karen Fulks for the BPAs.

AFL President Mary McCreight has suspended all public activities of the AFL organization, effective until at least May 1. This includes all judging activities of the Theatre Recognition Guild.

“As our world, our nation and our region face a major health threat, it falls upon us as a community to adopt measures that will both foster the protection of those who work and ‘play’ in Metro St. Louis community theatre and ultimately allow AFL to continue our charitable mission of service and recognition once the threat passes,” she said.

 (Full disclosure: I am a founding member of the St. Louis Theater Circle and I am on the Board of Directors of Arts For Life).

ST LOUIS HIGH SCHOOL MUSICAL THEATRE AWARDS

In partnership with The Fabulous Fox, The Muny and The Fox Performing Arts Charitable Foundation, the St. Louis High School Musical Theatre Awards announced today the shift from in-person celebrations to virtual for their 2019-2020 season. 

The new date for this year’s medallion ceremony, also known as the nomination ceremony, will be April 28, 2020 with the awards ceremony slated for May 24, 2020. Both streamed live online at no charge, these virtual celebrations will honor each of the 42 participating schools in the 2019-2020 season, including the schools who were unable to produce their productions due to the unprecedented circumstances associated with COVID-19. Exact times and streaming information will be released at a later date. 

ARTS CENTERS AND CONCERT HALLS

The Hettenhausen Center for the Arts

All events and performances scheduled through June 1 have been cancelled at “The Hett,” which is located on the campus of McKendree University.

 “TAO Drum” has been rescheduled from March 24 for 7:30 p.m. Monday, Sept. 14; and “Ishmael Beah” has been rescheduled from April 15 for 7:30 p.m. Thursday, March 4, 2021.

The ReMINDers has been cancelled for April 6.

They are offering patrons the possibility of applying their tickets to a future event at the Hett, donating the ticket value to the University or contacting them for a full refund, less any original mailing fees. Please contact the box office during operating hours to discuss ticket disposition at 618-537-6863. The box office is open from noon to 4 p.m. Monday-Friday.

Hettenhausen Center for the Arts is located at 701 College Road in Lebanon. For more information, please contact thehett@mckendree.edu.

St. Louis Symphony Orchestra

All performances through April 12 are postponed or canceled. For information regarding tickets and schedules, visit slso.org.

The Sheldon Concert Hall & Art Galleries

All Sheldon-presented concerts and other events through May 10 have been postponed or canceled. Plans to reschedule are underway, and ticket buyer should retain their current tickets – they will be honored for the new dates. Additional information will be provided to ticket buyers as events are rescheduled. Affected concerts include: Ian Walsh and Kevin Buckley, “Keepin’ It Reel,” March 17-18; Honoring Our Own, Miz Renee Smith, March 17; David Halen, violin, April 1; Brothers Lazaroff, April 4. Scheduling changes for events presented by non-Sheldon promoters will be handled on a case by case basis. All updates can be found at TheSheldon.org or at MetroTix.com.

The Sheldon is located at 3648 Washington Blvd., St. Louis.

Fair Saint Louis

Fair Saint Louis and America’s Birthday Parade events have been canceled this year due to concerns about the COVID-19 pandemic.

Fair Saint Louis was set to run July 2-4 at the Gateway Arch with concerts, air show, and fireworks each night.

“While we are saddened to cancel two of our region’s most popular and free Fourth of July celebrations, the safety of our community is of utmost importance to us,” said David Estes, Chairman, Fair Saint Louis. “Fair Saint Louis and America’s Birthday Parade embody the prideful spirit of our city, and over the past few weeks, we’ve seen that spirit shine so brightly within our community as we face this unthinkable challenge together.”

This year would have marked the 40th Fair Saint Louis and 138th America’s Birthday Parade.

“We look forward to returning to downtown St. Louis and celebrating with our community in the future when the time is right,” said David Plufka, Chairman, America’s Birthday Parade.

By Lynn Venhaus
Managing Editor
St. Charles will literally become a ghost town when actors take over the streets during “Legends and Lanterns” this weekend and next. Strange things will be happening not only in neighborhoods but on local stages this week, too.
More Halloween spirit can be found in “Evil Dead: The Musical” at Stray Dog Theatre and “The Zombies of Penzance” at New Line Theatre.
The Bard gets spooky in “Macbeth,” and Rebel and Misfits starts its third Immersive Theatre Project Oct. 24 with a preview of “Macbeth: Come Like Shadows.”
The Bard also gets stormy in “The Tempest,” a gender-swap production from St. Louis Shakespeare.
For fantasy fun, Variety Club celebrates its 10th season with “The Little Mermaid” at the Touhill.
Times, they are a-changing for women in “A Doll’s House, Part 2,” now surprising audiences at The Rep, while a punk-rock, lesbian chef holds court in “Raging Skillet at The New Jewish Theatre.
The LGBTQ community is sharing their stories in “The Coming Out Festival” from the Q Collective. The tragic hate-crime death of Matthew Shepard is explored in “The Laramie Project” at Clayton Community Theatre.
Mustard Seed Theatre offers a provocative look at sin, grief and grace in “The Last Days of Judas Iscariot,” with 13 actors portraying 27 characters.
Fun, fantasy, comedy, drama, spooky or tragic — take your pick, but Go See a Play!

Amanda Brasher rehearses “Weird” by Nicholas Pappas in The Coming Out Festival.The Coming Out Play Festival
The Q Collective
Oct. 19 and 20
Friday at 7 p.m., Saturday at 4:30 p.m. and 8 p.m.
The Monocle on Manchester in the Grove
www.theqcollective.theater
What It’s About: Six one-act plays that explore the coming out experience.
 
 
 
“A Doll’s House, Part II”
The Repertory Theatre of St. Louis
Oct. 11 – Nov. 4
Browning Mainstage, Loretto-Hilton Center
130 Edgar Roadwww.repstl.org
314-968-4925
Michael James Reed as Torvald and Photo by Peter Wochniak, ProPhotoSTL.comWhat It’s About: Lucas Hnath’s audacious sequel was written more than 135 years after Henrik Ibsen’s original. The familial drama remains a foundational piece of theater, with a still-controversial ending in which a married woman chooses to walk out on her family. But in 2017, Hnath took the themes and characters of that familiar classic and flipped them on their heads, imagining what would happen if protagonist Nora Helmer returned home 15 years after her dramatic exit.
Director: Timothy Near
Starring: Caralyn Kozlowski, Andrea Abello, Michael James Reed, Tina Johnson
Photo by John Lamb“Evil Dead: The Musical”
Stray Dog Theatre
Oct. 11 – 27
Thursday through Saturday; Added performance Wednesday, Oct. 24
Tower Grove Abbey
2336 Tennesseewww.straydogtheatre.org
314-865-1995
What It’s About: Based on the 1980s cult classic “Evil Dead” films, this campy show bursts with farce and blood. Five college kids take a trip to a remote cabin in the woods and encounter ancient evil spirits and revenge-seeking Candarian demons.
Director: Justin Been, with music direction by Jennifer Buchheit and choreography by Sam Gaitsch.
Starring: Riley Dunn, Dawn Schmid, Maria Bartolotta, Josh Douglas, Stephen Henley, Jennelle Gilreath, Kevin O’Brien, Corey Fraine and Christen Ringhausen.
Of Note: Some performances are sold out, and tickets are predicted to be limited during run. Wait lists will begin nightly at 7 p.m. (when the lobby opens) at the box office for any unclaimed seats and those will be handed out at 7:55 p.m.
The Splatter Zone is considered Signature Seating. With your purchase of a “Splatter Zone” seat you also receive an exclusive T-Shirt with just enough white space for us to create a one-of-a-kind souvenir.
Those adventurous enough to sit in the “Splatter Zone” are encouraged to dress down. Stray Dog Theatre is not responsible for property damage or loss resulting from the “Splatter Zone.”
“The Laramie Project”
Clayton Community Theatre
Oct. 11 – 21
Thursdays through Saturdays at 8 p.m. and Sundays at 2 p.m.
Washington University South Campus Theatre (old CBC high school)
314-721-9228
www.placeseveryone.org
What It’s About: Based on the true story of gay Matthew Shepard, the 21-year-old victim of a hate crime in 1998 in Laramie, Wy., “The Laramie Project” unfolds through the words of people in Laramie who were interviewed by members of Tectonic Theater Company in the 18 months following Matthew Shepard’s death (Oct. 12, 1998), creating a portrait of the community and key individuals in the aftermath of the event and as the victim’s killers were brought to trial and convicted.
Director: Jim Danek
Starring: Jim Abels, Kelly Hunter, Jack Janssen, Mark Lull, Tim Naegelin, Elizabeth Penny, Tina Renard, Lucy Sappington, Rob Tierney, Johnathon Waller, Chrissie Watkins
Of Note: This is the 20th anniversary of Matthew Shepard’s death.
In connection with its production, Clayton Community Theatre will be hosting post-show discussion of the issues raised in the play on Friday, Oct. 19. These conversations will be hosted by Denny Patterson, who has studied the Shepards, the Matthew Shepard Foundation, and their ongoing legacy.
Chris E. Ware and Jesse Munoz as Judas and Jesus. Ann K Photography“The Last Days of Judas Iscariot”
Mustard Seed Theatre
Oct. 10 – 28
Wednesday, Thursday and Saturday at 8 p.m., Sunday at 2 p.m., No Friday
Fontbonne University Fine Arts Theatre
6800 Wydown Blvd.www.mustardseedtheatre.com
Tickets: MetroTix.com
314-719-8060
What It’s About: Set in Purgatory, the trial to determine Judas’ fate is underway. A defense attorney argues that the disgraced disciple should not be damned for all time, that others are culpable in the greater scheme of things, while an overzealous prosecutor thinks a special place in hell is just fine.
A jury will decide Judas’ fate, but not before a parade of high-profile witnesses take the stand
Director: Adam Flores, resident artist
Starring: Courtney Bailey Parker, Rae Davis, Graham Emmon, Carmen Garcia, Chelsea Krenning, Erick Lindsey, Carl Overby, Chandler Spradling, Arielle Rovinsky, Rachel Tibbetts, Chris E. Ware, and Eric Dean White
Of Note: Mature/adult subject matter, language and content. Not recommended for children.
There are no Friday performances. Thursday evening performances on Oct. 18 and 25 are Pay With A Can/Pay What You Can performances.
Photo by Ann K Photography
“Legends and Lanterns”
Historic Main Street in St. Charles
Oct. 20-21, 26-28
Saturday, Oct. 20 – 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.; Sunday, Oct. 21 – noon to 5 p.m.; Friday, Oct. 26, from 5 to 8 p.m.; Saturday, Oct. 27 – 11 a.m. to 8 p.m., and Sunday, Oct. 28 – noon to 5 p.m.
What It’s About: This Halloween, St. Charles will become literally a ghost town. Historic Main Street will be invaded by a plethora of playful paranormal poltergeists from parts unknown. These notorious and infamous witches, villains, and spirits from lore and legend will unleash the magic of their enchanted lanterns to bring you eerie entertainment. But don’t worry, these friendly ghouls have more treats to offer than tricks, and they enjoy meeting “little monsters” of all ages.
Finding its inspiration from the past, Legends & Lanterns offers the vintage charm of Halloween in the 1910s-1930s, to the historical rituals and customs brought to the holiday by the Druids and Victorians, to the ethereal atmosphere depicted in American ghost stories and Brothers Grimm fairy tales.
As you explore every mysterious nook and cranny of Main Street, you’ll unearth various activities that will bring to “life” the backstories and origins of this beloved holiday, All Hallow’s Eve. It’s a little bit silly. It’s a little bit macabre. But it’s all fun.
Some of the programs include “The Legend of Sleepy Hollow,” “Writers Block: Unbound,” and “Eerie Jamboree.”
Pick-up your official Legends & Lanterns Passport at the Tourism Center (230 South Main Street), Scarecrow Glen, Hayride Locations, or Plaza del Dia de los Muertos.
The Little Mermaid presented by Variety – Children’s Charity St. Louis at Touhill at University of Missouri – St. Louis on Oct 23, 2014.“The Little Mermaid”
Variety Theatre
Thursday through Sunday, Oct. 18 – 21
Touhill Performing Arts Center
University of Missouri – St. Louis
www.touhill.org
What It’s About: Sing, dance and swim along as we follow Ariel’s journey to walk on land and find true love. Celebrating its 10th anniversary, 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.
Director: Lara Teeter
Starring Terrence Mann as King Triton; Berklea Going as Ariel; David Bryan Johnson as Prince Eric; Joy Boland as Ursula: Drew Humphrey, Alan Knoll, Ian Nolting, Dustin Crumbaugh, Michael Hawkins, Chandler Ford, Will Bonfiglio, Eileen Engel, Larissa White, Whit Reichert, Corbyn Sprayberry, Dena DiGiancina, Allison Newman, Caitlin Witty, JR Pruski, Jimmy Capek and Mason Kelso.
Of Note: In 2018, Variety Theatre was awarded the “Special Award for a Body of Work” by the St. Louis Theater Circle, an honor only presented when it is felt it is truly deserved.
“Macbeth: Come Like Shadows”
Rebel and Misfits Productions
Immersive Theatre Project
Oct. 24 – Nov. 10
Wednesday through Saturday at location patrons are bused to.
www.rebelandmisfitsproductions.com
What It’s About: Dive into a shocking world and discover the heart and dark underbelly of a story that you have undoubtedly come in contact with before, but never allowed full access to the dripping heat and intimacy pulled along by its characters. This is one of Shakespeare’s boldest and most passionate plays deeply imagined.
Who are the inhabitants?  Why do their souls choose the courses they embark upon?  What is behind the door? Immerse yourself in a world of direct interaction, walk into this complexly-woven tale, wade into its unlocked depths.
Co-Directors: Kelly Hummert, Sean Patrick Higgins with Jordan Woods assisting.
Starring: Sean Patrick Higgins, Jeffrey Cummings, Spencer Sickmann, Reginald Pierre, Paul Cereghino, Shane Signorino, Kelly Hummert, Aarya Locker, Phil Leveling, Patrice Foster, Joel Antony, Hailey Medrano, Tyler Cheatem, Cynthia Pohlson, Ali Linderer, Kevin Corpuz and Jordan Woods
Of Note: We invite you to meet these characters as you never have before. Drink with them.  Dance with them.  Share your secrets with them. They will, in turn, weave you into the fabric of the action. Come and experience this high-octane, dangerous, and sexy world, where nothing is ever quite what it seems.
Pick Up Location: 1615 South Broadway, St Louis, MO 63104 (parking lot near DB’s), buses will transport the audience to and from the location.
“The Naked Magicians”The Playhouse at Westport
Oct. 19-21 (5 shows)
Tickets: MetroTix at metrotix.com or by phone at 314-534-1111. Additionally, tickets will also be available at the box office one hour prior to show time.
www.playhouseatwestport.com
What It’s About: The Naked Magicians, the world’s naughtiest and funniest magic show, strips away the top hats and capes to promise full-frontal illusions with magic, muscles and endless laughs.
Starring: Mike Tyler and Christopher Wayne, two of Australia’s most famous magicians, w who have performed in seven countries and 200+cities. “Good magicians don’t need sleeves and great magicians don’t need pants,” Tyler said.
Of Note: They are back by popular demand after their sold-out performances last year. Post-show meet-and-greet tickets for an additional $20.
The show includes coarse language, sexual references and some nudity and is intended for audiences 18+. For more information, go to www.nakedmagicians.com.
“Raging Skillet”New Jewish Theatre
Oct. 4 – 21
JCCA Wool Theatre, Creve Coeur
www.newjewishtheatre.com
What It’s About: A tasty adaptation of celebrity Chef Rossi’s autobiographical memoir, “Raging Skillet” – is equal parts book launch, cooking demonstration, heaping helping of comedy and a side of Jewish mother guilt.  When Rossi’s Jewish mother discovers the microwave, home-cooked meals become a thing of the past. What starts as a rebellion against her Orthodox parents, chauvinism in the kitchen and the pressures of conformity ends with Rossi becoming New York’s #1 punk-rock, Jewish, Lesbian caterer. This hilarious and heartfelt new comedy is based on her true-life story.
Director: Lee Anne Mathews
Starring: Sarajane Alverson as Chef Rossi, Kathleen Sitzer as her mother, and Erin Renee Roberts as DJ Skillet, sous chef and part-time DJ.
Of Note: Talkback scheduled for Oct. 18.
There is food.
“Redemption of a Dogg”
Stifel Theatre
Friday, Oct. 19, at 8 p.m.
www.stifeltheatre.com
What It’s About: Je’Carvous Johnson’s new stage play examines the internal battle one man has between preserving his lifelong legacy and losing the love of his life, when he is faced with choosing fame and fortune over faith and family. It is set against a backdrop of Snoop Dogg’s greatest hits.
“The Rocky Horror Show”
Washington University
The Performing Arts Department
Oct. 19 – 28
Friday and Saturday at 8 p.m., Sunday at 2 p.m.
Edison Theatre
314-935-6543
pad.artsci.wustl.edu
What It’s About: Cult classic rock musical. Newlyweds Brad and Janet have blown a tire. They abandon their car and stumble into Frank N Furter’s castle in Transylvania.
“Silent Sky”
Insight Theatre Company
Oct. 19 – Nov. 4
Thursdays through Saturdays at 8 p.m. and Sundays at 2 p.m.
Kranzberg Arts Center, 510 N. Grand
314 – 556-1293
www.insighttheatrecompany.com
What It’s About: When Henrietta Leavitt begins work at the Harvard Observatory in the early 1900s, she isn’t allowed to touch a telescope or express an original idea. Instead, she joins a group of women “computers,” charting the stars for a renowned astronomer who calculates projects in “girl hours” and has no time for the women’s probing theories. As Henrietta, in her free time, attempts to measure the light and distance of stars, she must also take measure of her life on Earth, trying to balance her dedication to science with family obligations and the possibility of love.
Director: Maggie Ryan
Cast: Gwen Wotawa, Henrietta Leavitt; Alex Freeman, Peter Shaw; Jennifer Theby-Quinn, Margaret; Jenni Ryan, Willamina; and Chrissy Steele – Abigail.
Of Note: The true story of 19th-century astronomer Henrietta Leavitt explores a woman’s place in society during a time of immense scientific discoveries, when women’s ideas were dismissed until men claimed credit for them. Social progress, like scientific progress, can be hard to see when one is trapped among earthly complications; Henrietta Leavitt and her female peers believe in both, and their dedication changed the way we understand both the heavens and Earth.”
 
“The Tempest”
St. Louis Shakespeare
Oct. 12 – 21
Ivory Theatre
7620 Michigan
314-361-5664
www.stlshakespeare.org
What It’s About: A story of shipwreck and magic, “The Tempest” begins on a ship caught in a violent storm. Alonso, the king of Naples, is on board. On a nearby island, the exiled Duke of Milan, Prospero, tells his daughter, Miranda, that he has caused the storm with his magical powers.
Director: Patrick Siler
“Workers’ Opera”
Bread and Roses
Saturday, Oct. 20
Communications Workers of America Local 6300
Brunch Buffet & Performance Tickets are $20 in advance or at the door
Westport: 2258 Grissom Drive St. Louis, MO 63146
What It’s About: Written and performed by members of Service Employees International Union, Communications Workers of America, United Media Guild, Labor Engagement for the United Way, and others involved in the arts and organized labor.
Every sketch is full of good music, some history and lots of political humor featuring these workers-turned-actors.
Director: Kathryn Bentley, associate professor at SIU-Edwardsville and Artistic Director of the Black Theater Workshop. Music and script editing by Colin McLaughlin.

“The Zombies of Penzance”
New Line Theatre
Sept. 27 – Oct. 20
Thursdays through Saturdays at 8 p.m.
The Marcelle Theater
3310 Samuel Shepard Drive in Grand Arts Center
Tickets: 314-534-1111
www.newlinetheatre.com
What It’s About: The world premiere of the rock musical, “The Zombies of Penzance: At Night Come the Flesh Eaters,” is based on Gilbert and Sullivan’s “The Pirates of Penzance.”
Based on the conceit that the original draft, never seen before, was dated December 1878, Major-General Stanley is a retired zombie hunter, who doesn’t want his daughters marrying the dreaded Zombies of Penzance, for obvious reasons.
Co-Directors: Scott Miller and Mike Windsor-Dowdy. Miller has painstakingly reassembled these rediscovered materials into their original form, filling in the gaps with educated guesses based on other G&S shows and drafts. St. Louis composer and orchestrator John Gerdes is reconstructing Sullivan’s music.
Cast: Most of the cast from New Line’s public reading in January will return, with Sean Michael as Frederic, Melissa Felps as Mabel, Zachary Allen Farmer as Major-General Stanley the Zombie Hunter, Dominic Dowdy-Windsor as the Zombie King, with Mara Bollini, Kent Coffel, Robert Doyle, Matt Hill, Lindsey Jones, Tim Kaniecki, Kyle Kelesoma, Melanie Kozak, Sarah Porter, Christina Rios, and Kimi Short.
Of Note: New Line Theatre, “the bad boy of musical theatre,” opens its 28th season of adult, alternative musical theatre. New Line has shocked the music world by discovering a controversial, long-lost first draft by the legendary British team of librettist W.S. Gilbert and composer Arthur Sullivan, who together wrote 14 comic operas between 1871 and 1896.
One of the team’s best-known works, The Pirates of Penzance, originally debuted in New York in 1879, and was revived to great success in the early 1980s with Kevin Kline, Linda Ronstadt, and Rex Smith. What we now know is that there was an earlier, stranger draft of the show, which nobody knew about, with most of the same characters but a somewhat different plot.