Chris Gibson - Page 56

The Muny closes it's 2009 season with an exuberant and colorful staging of HAIRSPRAY, the musical based on film director John Waters' most mainstream feature. Even though it's been toned down ever so slightly, this production is still very enjoyable. And, the chance to hear the score performed by an orchestra makes this an especially unique experience.

Love and Honor take center stage in St. Louis Actor's Studio third season 2009-10 season includes something for everyone.

Over Due Theatre Company is presenting the classic musical THE WIZARD OF OZ as their Summer Musical Theatre Camp production for 2009.

DOUBT, A PARABLE by John Patrick Shanley is powerful entertainment that plucks its tale from the headlines, but sets the action in 1964. Anyone who's been following issues surrounding the Catholic Church and its problems with pedophile priests will find this story riveting. Dramatic License Productions (in association with Vanity Theatre) makes a strong initial foray with this riveting presentation, driven by four terrific performances.

T.H. White's classic book, The Once and Future King, is the basis of Alan Jay Lerner's script and lyrics for CAMELOT, but the real focus of this musical adaptation is the romantic triangle that forms between King Arthur, Lady Guenevere and Sir Lancelot.

Come join the party as Union Avenue Opera presents Franz Lehár's charming DIE LUSTIGE WITWE(THE MERRY WIDOW), running July 31, August 1, 7, 8 and 9.

George S. Kaufman and Moss Hart's perennial favorite, You Can't Take It With You, is given a pleasant and breezy staging in the Lyceum Theatre's current production. This venerable comedy classic comes to life in splendid fashion, with a fine cast proving that Kaufman and Hart's punchlines still stand up over 70 years after they were written.

If you're feeling a little blue, or maybe just experiencing some 'non-specific' sadness, a sure cure for that condition can be found by attending Stages St. Louis's sparkling presentation of THE DROWSY CHAPERONE. This is an uproariously funny show that pokes gentle fun at the very core of musical theatre conventions. Everything is fair game in Bob Martin and Don McKellar's witty script, which even manages to lampoon opening blackouts and intermissions.

The Muny brings a bigness to their current production of THE MUSIC MAN that cannot be denied. And, with the beautiful unseasonable weather we've been experiencing, it's certainly a nice way to enjoy a cool summer evening under the stars.

THE 25th ANNUAL PUTNAM COUNTY SPELLING BEE pokes fun at these competitions with a cunning mixture of bizarre characters and catchy tunes that's an over the top delight. New Line Theatre's current production is a perfectly cast show filled with moments of high hilarity.

If most of the cast survives, and there's no 'King' in the title, then you must be watching one of William Shakespeare's comedies. THE MERCHANT OF VENICE is one such example. And, while it may not be as highly regarded as some of his other work, it's an amusing and intriguing play nonetheless.

In addition to showing us the relationship between an aspiring young writer and her teacher/mentor, COLLECTED STORIES also examines issues of ownership regarding ones' own life story. It's a compelling and engaging tale, and The Orange Girls have put together a wonderfully realized production that features a pair of exceptional performances.

I remember seeing THE ROCKY HORROR PICTURE SHOW at the old Varsity Theatre before it closed down. There was a mood generated by the grungy atmosphere of that old movie house, with fans packed in and dressed for the occasion, that's difficult to recreate when you can just pop in the DVD and watch it at home. Devotees are left waiting for a local production to be staged to get their ROCKY HORROR fix. Happily, Stray Dog Theatre is presenting an enjoyable and engaging production by the [Insert Name Here] Theatre Project.

Dramatic License Productions-a new St. Louis theatre and cabaret production company--presents its debut drama, DOUBT, A PARABLE by John Patrick Shanley. The play will be produced in conjunction with Vanity Theatre and directed by Kevin Kline Award nominee, Jason Cannon.

The Muny is presenting a very good production of GODSPELL that's buoyed by a talented and energetic cast. Even if you're not a particularly religious person, you'll still find plenty to appreciate in this family-friendly show.

These good looking gentlemen with their operatic voices definitely have that certain 'something' that appeals to a wide range of people. And, judging by the response of the crowd at the Fox Theatre (July 10, 2009), they're likely to be around for a while.

KATHY GRIFFIN'S talent is not only her ability to talk non-stop for nearly two hours, but to make it all seem so effortless. You imagine that she's making it all up on the spot, but comedy requires a lot more work than that to appear that way. And, on this particular evening, she was absolutely hilarious.

Adam Szymkowicz's nightmarish comedy NERVE tackles the subject of online dating in hilarious fashion, with its creepy tale of a hookup gone horribly askew. The Echo Theatre Company's presentation is a must-see production that features two of the St. Louis's finest actors.

I remember seeing THE ROCKY HORROR PICTURE SHOW at the old Varsity Theatre before it closed down. There was a mood generated by the grungy atmosphere of that old movie house, with fans packed in and dressed for the occasion, that's difficult to recreate when you can just pop in the DVD and watch it at home. Devotees are left waiting for a local production to be staged to get their ROCKY HORROR fix. Happily, Stray Dog Theatre is presenting an enjoyable and engaging production by the [Insert Name Here] Theatre Project.

The Muny's current production of MEET ME IN ST. LOUIS offers the opportunity to relive the nostalgia of those golden days at the turn of the 20th century.