Chris Gibson - Page 33

Though not as frequently performed or fondly remembered as some of the classics in the Shakespearean canon, PERICLES is an interesting tale nonetheless. While it's usually cataloged along with the romances and comedies, its circumstances are really quite tragic, until it reaches for a fairytale ending that neatly resolves matters in a satisfactory manner. The Black Rep's inspired re-imagining of this piece makes for a very captivating evening of theatre, as the characters travel back and forth in time, and locations are altered from the original text to include scenes in Haiti, Cuba, Sapelo Island, Georgia and New Orleans.

Author and playwright Walter Mosley has a real knack for writing hard-boiled fiction, as evidenced by his extensive, best-selling body of work, and his first foray writing for the theatre, THE FALL OF HEAVEN, is a stunning success. Mosley deftly reworks 'The Tempest Tales' into an incendiary piece of theatre that's both enthralling and engaging, drawing in the audience and never letting them go. The Repertory Theatre of St. Louis is currently presenting this exciting new play in a production that's smartly conceived and executed, with excellent performances all around.

As an avowed Monty Python fan, it was with much anticipation that I looked forward to finally getting the opportunity to see SPAMALOT. Unfortunately, this hodgepodge of scenes cobbled from the cult film (although admittedly, it is a very large cult) Monty Python and the Holy Grail, failed to fully engage me. In fact, it's the additional elements that book writer and Python member Eric Idle includes, along with a couple of fresh songs he's written with frequent collaborator John Du Prez, that really standout in this dubious homage. But, a game cast put on a fine display nonetheless at the Fox Theatre this past weekend (January 7-9, 2011).

Meet Victor and Walter Franz - brothers who haven't spoken to one another in 16 years. One a beat cop, the other a successful surgeon, they meet in the attic of a soon-to-be-demolished house to sell their deceased parents' property. THE PRICE, an essential Miller drama, explores missed opportunities, seething resentments, and the price of life decisions.

Alice Kinsella & Deborah Sharn debut their new cabaret show in an evening of great music with a dash of humor, schmaltz and poignant moments with classic standards by Cy Coleman, Kander & Ebb; classic songs by Vicki Carr and Bobbie Gentry, and hot new songwriters Heisler & Goldrich... just to name a few.

The Presenters Dolan announce their upcoming slate of artists and shows at the Kranzberg Arts Center as part of their new season celebrating Cabaret and the American Songbook. Shows begin at 8pm and tickets can be purchased at www.licketytix.com, or by calling 314-725-4200 ext 10. Artists in this series include: Joe Dreyer, Rosemary Watts, Craig Pomranz, Carol Schmidt, Craig Rubano and Jimmy Webb.

THE GIVER centers on young Jonas, who has been selected by the elders of his community to become the new Receiver of Memory. The old man known as The Giver has held the memory of all that has been stripped away - poverty, pain, war, strife - and now he must pass on that burden. Little by little, Jonas discovers the community has systematically given up much of what gives life its meaning: Color, music, truth and love. At the end of the story, Jonas faces a decision that will define him and set a path toward hope.

The theatre scene in St. Louis in 2010 turned out to be another year filled with fine productions and superb performances. Despite the economic barriers faced by all the local theatre companies many continued to take risks, presenting material that challenged audience expectations, but entertained them as well. And so, I'm presenting my own top ten of 2010, to honor the shows that beguiled and entranced me this past year.

William Shakespeare's PERICLES, a sweeping tale of politics and intrigue, laughter and tears, loss and reunion, lies and treachery, exhilaration and sex, magic and mystery, and death and miracles will be presented by The Black Rep, January 5 through January 30, 2011, at the Grandel Theatre, with performances Wednesdays and Thursdays at 7pm, Fridays and Saturdays at 8pm, with matinees Saturdays and Sundays at 3pm.

Upstream Theater presents the US premiere of COOKING WITH ELISA by Argentine playwright Lucía Laragione, in an English version by Philip Boehm, directed by Bonnie Taylor. The play, which has won prestigious awards in Spain as well as Argentina, features Jane Paradise and Shanara Gabrielle.

SHADOWLANDS is based on the real-life story of C.S. Lewis, who unexpectedly falls in love with young American poet Joy Gresham. A romance with a bittersweet ending, by William Nicholson, with direction by Deanna Jent. The cast includes B.Weller, Terry Meddows, Richard Lewis, Michael Brightman, Jackson Mabry and Resident Artists Carmen Larimore Russell, Kelley Ryan as Joy Gresham and Gary Barker as C.S. Lewis.

The Imaginary Theatre Company provided a very fitting offering for the holiday season with their delightful and amusing take on THE NUTCRACKER. This version is cleverly scripted by playwright Sarah Brandt, with original music and lyrics by Neal Richardson, and though it differs somewhat from E.T.A. Hoffman's original story, 'The Nutcracker and the Mouse King', it brings that Christmas classic to life in fine fashion, with Richardson's score utilizing tuneful original compositions as well as arrangements of Tchaikovsky's familiar music from the ballet version of the tale. This blending of traditional and new elements produces a pleasant and engaging show that children and their families can enjoy together.

Seven talented young senior students from Webster University were showcased on the stage of the Kranzberg Arts Center this past Tuesday (12/14/2010) by the Presenters Dolan. I'd heard that this show was usually presented at the university itself, but I think that the group benefited greatly from having the opportunity to strut their stuff within the intimate confines of the Kranzberg, because it allowed them the chance to actually 'work' in the type of environment they may encounter in the near future. I was privileged enough to have been invited to attend this event, and I have to say that it's an almost certain guarantee that the people I'm about to discuss may not be familiar to you now, but will probably be some day very soon.

HotCity Theatre, a professional theatre company with a focus on contemporary programming and new play development announces the opening of SLASHER, by Minneapolis-based playwright Allison Moore. SLASHER premiered at the 2009 Humana Festival of New American Plays and it continues to be produced in theatres across America. HotCity brings this 'horrifying comedy' to St. Louis as the final show in their 2010 Season. Chuck Harper directs.

Stray Dog Theatre presents AS BEES IN HONEY DROWN by Douglas Carter Beane. Take a heavy dose of Auntie Mame, add a hearty splash of Sally Bowles, mix generously with the spirit of Holly Golightly, and you have one of the most intriguing, self-made celebrities of all time. When Alexa Vere de Vere sinks her claws into media 'hottie' Evan Wyler, sparks begin to fly. As illusion gives way to reality, this deliciously wicked satire takes aim at style over substance.

With a sardonic wit and tongue-in-cheek look at modern society, Academy Award-winning pianist, composer and singer Randy Newman has become one of today's most respected social satirists. From hits such as 'Short People' and 'I Love L.A.,' to original movie soundtracks for 'Monsters Inc.,' 'Seabiscuit,' 'The Natural,' 'Cars,' 'Toy Story' and more, the sharp-witted performer combines pop, rock, R&B and blues music to create a sound all his own.

Raised in St. Louis, and with strong roots in the New Orleans jazz scene, Peter Martin is an accomplished pianist, producer, arranger and composer, and has traveled the world and played with today's finest jazz musicians, from Diane Reeves to Wynton Marsalis. Through the recurring Peter Martin Music: Live series, Martin showcases jazz masters past and present in an intimate and casual setting.

The classic film It's a Wonderful Life is brought to the stage by Dramatic License Productions in a unique presentation, re-imagined as THIS WONDERFUL LIFE, and finding one actor taking on all the roles. Mark Setlock and Steve Murray's adaptation condenses 130 minutes of screen time into 75 minutes of pure fun. It's a tremendous undertaking with the wealth of diverse characters that parade through this venerable work based on Philip Van Doren Stern's story 'The Greatest Gift', and actor/director Alan Knoll is more than up to challenge.

Stray Dog Theatre provides the discerning viewer with more alternative fare during the holiday season with their fine production of Douglas Carter Beane's pop culture-driven work AS BEES IN HONEY DROWN. Beane's script is peppered with blisteringly funny lines that tumble forth with reckless abandon, often going nearly unnoticed until they resonate later. Stray Dog's production of this clever and amusing work is a real delight, smartly staged and filled with strong performances.

There are a number of unique holiday-themed shows currently playing in local theatres, and the NonProphet Theater Company has joined in the yuletide fray with their current production of RECKLESS. Playwright Craig Lucas has crafted a strangely affecting little tale that takes any number of twists and turns as it lurches forward through time, playfully confounding expectations along its path toward a surprisingly satisfying conclusion.