Even if you don’t earn a prize, you are still a winner for having attended “Broke: The Game Show Show,” a convivial interactive musical comedy parody.
Created by partners Liz Muller and C.E.Simon, this world premiere strives for a party atmosphere. Fortunately, the Saturday night I was there, a bachelorette party attended, ready to have a good time, as were the other audience members.
Muller deftly directed the inventive show with a livewire attitude in mind and kept the music direction peppy and light-hearted. The show has been extended from May 6 through May 19.
Ryan Myers and Ashley Rube excel as the two quick-witted actors in the show within a show. Myers is perfectly congenial as Hank the Host, with a dash of snark and swagger, while Rube is relatable as the more exasperated and pragmatic Alex the Technical Director.
Both are connected to the Improv Shop and other local theatrical endeavors, and their veteran improvisational skills are put to good use, as they keep the tempo lively and project a sense that wackiness will ensue.
It really is true that no two shows are the same, as the performers and contestants feed off the energy of the crowd. If you are not laughing at some of the antics, check your pulse.
During the goofy game show, people answer trivia questions for their shot to be a contestant on stage. And they have an appealing assortment of prizes to giveaway from generous local donors to give away, like tickets, meals, and fun outings.
But if you’d rather just watch from the sidelines, that’s OK – no one is forcing you to go onstage.
The experience is enhanced by the 30-foot LED video wall projections, and the “Broke” creators designed the slick video background to give it a professional game show feel – and the technical difficulties seem real. Joel Wilper has added effective lighting design while Lenny Mink and Wilper smoothly handled the sound engineering.
Stage Manager J. Myles Hesse keeps things moving swiftly, no matter what appears to be going awry (all scripted). The performance is at least 90% game show, with the behind-the-scenes story of the host and tech crew a personal subplot for character development.
The show is performed with one intermission, and drinks are permitted in the playhouse.
“Broke” is as advertised, a silly romp well-suited for diverting you from more serious world affairs – and produced with spreading good cheer in mind. Providing a communal good time is always a welcome endeavor.
“Broke: The Game Show Show” is performed every Friday and Saturday at 7:30 p.m. through May 19 at the Westport Playhouse in St. Louis, with a 2 p.m. matinee set for the final day besides an evening show. It is recommended for ages 18 and older. Tickets are $30 and are available at www.westportplay.com. Groups of 10 or more can call 314-605-3799 for special rates.
Lynn Venhaus has had a continuous byline in St. Louis metro region publications since 1978. She is a Rotten Tomatoes-approved film critic, currently reviews films for Webster-Kirkwood Times and KTRS Radio, covers entertainment for PopLifeSTL.com and co-hosts podcast PopLifeSTL.com…Presents, and writes features and news for Belleville News-Democrat and contributes to other publications. She is a member of CCA, AWFJ and St. Louis Film Critics Association. She is a founding member of the St. Louis Theater Circle.
The promising new direction of the Westport Playhouse as a live entertainment venue bodes well for the future, and the one-woman holiday show, “The Twelve Dates of Christmas,” appeals to merry revelers.
Actor/playwright Ginna Hoben wrote this personal comedy that was first performed in 2010, and it’s a heartfelt and humorous chronicle of her dating hits and misses during a calendar year.
After starting out the mega-holiday season with Thanksgiving at her family’s home in Ohio, the lead character Mary must endure the humiliation of seeing her fiancé kiss his co-worker on national television during the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade. This is after he bailed on the trip, saying he was ill.
Oh, the horror of the life you expected vs. the real world is the gift that keeps on giving during the Christmas holiday and beyond. And those pesky female relatives that offer advice or judgment or know better.
Mary is an actress, and obviously a drama queen, sharing her rocky journey. The versatile Jennifer Theby Quinn dials it up to 11 sometimes to depict the jilted, bitter, and frustrated single woman. She does find the funny in the pathos – I mean, you kinda sorta must for survival.
She conveys a gamut of emotions, as she allows herself to jump back into the dating world. Some of the romances are weird, creepy, absurd, and comical, which leads to cynicism, but there are glimmers of hope – and more heartbreak.
The material lends itself to broad interpretations, and in its format, is not as polished as the Hallmark Channel rom-coms, yet there are nuggets of recognition in the hook-ups.
When fate intervenes in a good way, Theby-Quinn is at her best in the quieter, more touching moments — those heart-on-sleeve confessions, and revelations where she is at her most natural.
The genuine encounters with a charming little boy playing Tiny Tim in a production Mary is in are designed to tug at the heartstrings. And Theby-Quinn is effective in depicting the sweetness she experiences dealing with such an innocent 5-year-old. You can feel your heart melt as hers does (and she differentiates the characters well).
A sunny presence, Theby-Quinn is energized by the audience and works hard to engage them. To keep the show lively, director Lee Anne Mathews has kept her moving all over the stage so it’s not as boxed in as other solo shows.
That’s a lot of stamina for 90 minutes, and it’s a demanding run as well (nearly a month). She’s a tenacious trouper, familiar with the space, after playing Kate Monster in “Avenue Q” in 2019 and Fiona in “Flanagan’s Wake” in early 2020, then forced to shut down during the coronavirus lockdown.
Theby-Quinn is one of the most skilled performers in St. Louis, impressive in dramas, comedies, and musicals, earning two St. Louis Theater Circle Awards and multiple nominations.
She can plum more emotional depths, given tougher material, as these lightweight vignettes are designed to mostly elicit laughs and resonate. (But does an actress in the big city? Of course – because she’s as exhausted as other single women — “One hundred and twenty-five jackasses it takes to meet one decent man!” is my favorite line. We can all empathize).
Single women who have been unlucky at love and those who have had good relationships that didn’t work out, can understand Mary’s quest for Mr. Right. Perhaps the material would be more endearing if there was a guy to tango with, but Mary ‘s tasked with performing other characters (about a dozen) vocally, and that helps.
The snazzy production values – a large LED screen adds perky images and clever animated artwork from master video designers Margery and Peter Spack – help to open it and add to the storytelling, instead of having a boxed-in feeling that can typically happen in solo shows.
It was late in the run when I saw it, and the sound was distorted at times, but according to colleagues who had seen it on different nights, it was just fine, no problems.
Jacob Baxley incorporates a fine mix of songs to enhance the holidays throughout the year, and Dan MacLaughlin’s lighting design adds warmth. Liz Henning is listed as a wardrobe consultant, and that’s always a good sign. Lenny Mink’s and Kurtis Gibbs’ video editing and photography enhances the show, as does Joel Wilper’s work as an audio/video technician.
One can understand the desire for a crowd-pleaser at this crazy-busy time of year when everyone’s trying to have a joyous holiday season, and that this is a tad overzealous in trying to ramp up the jolly.
But the sincerity and goodwill evident both on and off stage works in its favor.
“The 12 Dates of Christmas” runs from Nov. 25 to Dec. 23 at the Westport Plaza, in the Westport Plaza Business and Entertainment District. Because of COVID-cancellation at the run’s end, a special 2 p.m. performance on Dec. 30 has been scheduled and tickets available at the box office. For more information, visit www.thewestportplayhouse.com
Lynn Venhaus has had a continuous byline in St. Louis metro region publications since 1978. She is a Rotten Tomatoes-approved film critic, currently reviews films for Webster-Kirkwood Times and KTRS Radio, covers entertainment for PopLifeSTL.com and co-hosts podcast PopLifeSTL.com…Presents, and writes features and news for Belleville News-Democrat and contributes to other publications. She is a member of CCA, AWFJ and St. Louis Film Critics Association. She is a founding member of the St. Louis Theater Circle.
By Lynn Venhaus A 10-time Tony winner’s national tour comes to the ‘Lou, world premieres of “The Roommate” and last chance to see a whole roster of shows. There is a feast of choices as we usher March in, and spring can’t be far behind. Here’s what’s on local stages.
“Annapurna” St. Louis Actors’ Studio The Gaslight Theatre N. Boyle Ave., St. Louis Thursday – Saturday at 8 p.m. Sunday at 3 p.m. Feb. 14 – March 1 www.stlas.org 314-458-2978
Laurie McConnell and John Pierson star as Emma and Ulysses in Sharr White’s play about love and loss in the backdrop of the Colorado Rockies. Once married, they have a child, but haven’t seen each other for a long time.
“The Band’s Visit” Fox Theatre 527 N. Grand Feb. 25 – March 8 www.fabulousfox.com
Winner of 10 Tony Awards, including Best Musical in 2018, this joyously offbeat story is set in a remote town where a band of musicians arrive, lost. They bring the town to life in unexpected ways. This is an adaptation of a 2007 Israeli film, with music and lyrics by David Yazbek. It is performed without intermission.
Here is our review: https://www.poplifestl.com/unforgettable-music-big-heart-distinguish-tony-winner-the-bands-visit-at-the-fox/
“The Ever After” Curtain’s Up Saturday, Feb. 29, at 6:30 p.m. Dunham Hall, SIUEdwardsville www.curtainsuptheater.com
A cheesy talk show host invites familiar fairy tale characters who have been estranged for 20 years to reconcile on the show.
Brett Amber
“Flanagan’s Wake” Emery Entertainment The Playhouse at Westport Plaza 635 Westport Plaza Jan. 24 – March 21 www.playhouseatwestport.com
This interactive hit show from Chicago is set in an Irish pub, and Flanagan’s family and friends give him a comedic memorial with plenty o’ pints, crazy sing-a-longs and witty tales. Cast includes Brian Ballybunion, Fiona Finn (Jennifer Theby-Quinn), Mickey Finn Father Damon Fitzgerald (Patrick Blindauer), Kathleen Mooney, Mayor Martin O’Doul
“Ghost”
Metro Theatre Company
Feb. 2 – March 1
Fridays at 7 p.m., Sundays at 2 p.m.
The Grandel Theatre
3610 Grandel Square
www.metroplays.org
World premiere of a new play adapted by Idris Goodwin from
Jason Reynolds’ award-winning bestseller for young readers. Castle Cranshaw,
aka “Ghost,” has only known running, but he runs for all the wrong reasons
until he meets Coach. Directed by Jacqueline Thompson and stars
“Men on Boats”
The Performing Arts Department at Washington University
Feb. 21 – March 1
Edison Theatre on campus
pad.artsci.wustl.edu
John Wesley Powell’s expedition down the Green and Colorado rivers is a 19th
century journey.
“The Mystery of Irma Vep” The Repertory Theatre of St. Louis Feb. 14 – March 8 Loretto-Hilton Center on the Webster University campus www.repstl.org
One dark and stormy night…two actors play eight characters, with a few dozen costume changes, a lot of wigs and a blending of classic horror, B-movie mysteries and farce. Charles Ludlam’s supernatural comedy includes a newly revived mummy, a mysterious portrait, a family curse and a howling werewolf.
“The Office! A Musical Parody”
Emery Entertainment
March 4 – 8
Wednesday-Friday at 8 p.m.
Saturday at 4 p.m. and 8 p.m.
Sunday at 2 p.m.
The Grandel Theatre
Tickets: Metrotix 314-534-1111 or one hour before showtime at Grandel box
office.
www.theofficemusicalparody.com/tour
Dunder Mifflin is opening an office near you. This is the third
North American tour of the unauthorized off-Broadway show, written by Bob and
Tobly McSmith. It is still playing at the Jerry Orbach Theatre at 210 West 50th
Street in NYC.
Mashable calls it “the world’s most elaborate inside job,
created with a whole lot of love, just for fans.” It’s a typical morning at
Scranton’s third largest paper company until, for no logical reason, a
documentary crew begins filming the lives of the employees.
“Picnic” Webster University’s Conservatory of Theatre Arts Feb. 20 – March 1 Thursday and Friday at 7:30 p.m. Saturday at 2 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. Sunday at 2 p.m. Stage III Auditorium www.webster.edu 314-968-7128
William Inge’s play is set in a small town one Labor Day Weekend in the joint backyards of two widows. One lives with her two daughters and a boarder; the other is a woman and her mother. A studly young man, Hall, comes to town, and the resulting electrical charge causes some friction.
Photo by John Lamb
“The Roommate” The West End Players Guild Friday and Saturday at 8 p.m. Sunday at 2 p.m. Additional Thursday show Feb. 27 at 8 p.m. Feb. 21 – March 1 Union Avenue Christian Church 733 N. Union at Enright www.westendplayers.org 314-367-0025
St. Louis premiere of Jen Silverman’s contemporary comedy
has been described as “The Odd Couple” meets “Breaking Bad.” Sharon, a divorced
empty nester takes on a roommate in her Iowa City house – and Robyn has come from
the Bronx. She has a mysterious, shady past who moves around a lot. She is
everything Sharon is not — a vegan and gay, for starters. They begin to
influence each other in surprising ways.
“Saint Joan of Arc”
The University Theatre at Saint Louis University
Collaborative piece with Prison Performing Arts
Thursday through Saturday at 8 p.m.
Sunday at 2 p.m.
Feb. 21 – March 1
Kranzberg Arts Center
501 N. Grand
Tickets: www.metrotix.com
Inspired by love of God and country, Joan became a 15th century
French military leader. This is a contemporary retelling directed by Lucy
Cashion.
“Spell #7”
The Black Rep
Wednesday at
Feb. 19 – March 8
A.E. Hotchner Studio at Washington University.
www.theblackrep.org
Ntozake Shange’s Spell #7 is a choreopoem set in a bar in St. Louis frequented
by Black artists and musicians, actors, and performers. In a series of
dreamlike vignettes and poetic monologues, they commiserate about the
difficulties they face as black artist.
“Transluminate”
A short-play festival
The Q Collective
Thursday and Friday, Feb. 27 and 28, at 7:30 p.m.
Saturday, Feb. 29, at 4 and 7:30 p.m.
Sunday at 4 p.m.
The Chapel
6238 Alexander Drive www.theqcollective.theater
“The Vagina Monologues”
St. Louis College of Pharmacy
Friday, Feb. 28 at 7 p.m.
Academic and Research Building Auditorium
4531 Children’s Place, St. Louis, MO 63110
Tickets: $5 at the door (cash only) or available for purchase on Eventbrite
ahead of time
Note: All proceeds from ticket and dessert sales will go
directly to Lydia’s House in St. Louis
Eve Ensler’s play is based on interviews with more than 200
women. With humor and grave, the piece celebrates sexuality and strength.
Through this play and the liberation of this one-word, countless people throughout
the world have taken control of their bodies and their lives.
The play gave birth to V-Day, a global activist movement to end violence against
all women and girls. Activists are working to end harassment, rape, battery,
incest, female genital mutilation and sex slavery. (https://www.vday.org/homepage.html)
It is sponsored by the Department of Liberal Arts and the
Office of Diversity and Inclusion. For more information, email angela.doerr@stlcop.edu
Lydia’s House works in faith to end domestic violence by
being a place of healing and a voice of hope for abused women and their
children.” (https://www.lydiashouse.org/)
Lynn Venhaus has had a continuous byline in St. Louis metro region publications since 1978. She is a Rotten Tomatoes-approved film critic, currently reviews films for Webster-Kirkwood Times and KTRS Radio, covers entertainment for PopLifeSTL.com and co-hosts podcast PopLifeSTL.com…Presents, and writes features and news for Belleville News-Democrat and contributes to other publications. She is a member of CCA, AWFJ and St. Louis Film Critics Association. She is a founding member of the St. Louis Theater Circle.
