BWW Review: THE NIGHT OF THE IGUANA Kicks Off Fourth Annual Tennessee Williams Festival St. Louis
If you know Tennessee Williams, and I hope you do/will, you know there's a lot to unpack in his work. His characters are tormented and textured, plotlines layered with the riddles and aches of the human heart. There's no mercy when Tennessee Williams shines a flashlight into the darkest corners of a soul, and you will likely come away from the work exhausted and amazed for both the damage and any bit of renewal you've witnessed. Such is the case in The Night of the Iguana, playing at The Grandel Theatre now, as the main stage production of the 2019 Tennessee Williams Festival St. Louis.
BWW Reviews: The Rep's Uplifting and Amusing GUESS WHO'S COMING TO DINNER
It seems like more and more films are being adapted for the stage these days. Some for the better and some for the worse. Which brings us to the classic film, GUESS WHO'S COMING TO DINNER, which starred Spencer Tracy (in his final screen appearance), Katherine Hepburn and Sidney Poitier, in a wonderfully inspiring and humorous production being presented by the Repertory Theatre of St. Louis. One might think that this particular piece of cinema is outdated, but the fact is that this story is one that will still resonate with audiences today, and maybe that's a just a sad dose of reality that we all have to face. Todd Kreidler's script follows the movie fairly closely (based on the original screenplay by William Rose), but includes large doses of laughs that neatly leaven the dramatic aspects of the piece, making it an engaging and thoroughly entertaining theatrical experience that I cannot recommend highly enough.
Repertory Theatre of St. Louis to Present GUESS WHO'S COMING TO DINNER
The Repertory Theatre of St. Louis presents Guess Who's Coming to Dinner by Todd Kreidler and directed by Seth Gordon. Based on the screenplay by William Rose, Guess Who's Coming to Dinner will be performed on the Browning Mainstage of the Loretto-Hilton Center for the Performing Arts, 130 Edgar Road (on the campus of Webster University), Webster Groves, January 7-February 1, 2015.
BWW Reviews: The St. Louis Actors' Studio Hilarious and Moving Production of TALKING HEADS
TALKING HEADS started life as a series of BBC television monologues before it became a play (actually a couple of them), and if you're expecting a rather static work you'll be pleasantly surprised by these compelling, poignant, and sometimes hilarious vignettes. Author Alan Bennett (as both writer and performer he was a member of the famous Beyond the Fringe revue, which included the late Peter Cook and his partner in crime, Dudley Moore) has put together a fascinating career that includes stage plays, screenplays, novels and radio plays, and this particular collection showcases his ability to craft intriguing and engaging situations and characters. The St. Louis Actors' Studio's current production is distinguished by a wonderful cast and fine direction, making it a must-see presentation.
Erin Davie, Karen Ziemba, and More Earn 2013 Louie Awards Nominations
The St. Louis Theater Circle has just announced the nominees for the 2013 Louie Awards, honoring excellence in professional theater. The ceremony is set to take place on March 11 at the Gaslight Theater (358 North Boyle Avenue). To reserve tickets, email stltheatercircle@sbcglobal.net.
BWW Reviews: The Rep's Must-See Production of GOOD PEOPLE
Sometimes bad things happen to good people. It's just the way life is. Things aren't always "fair" or even equitable, but that's just something we all have to understand and accept. In these tough economic times that we live in, it's a hard fact that everyone needs to be made aware of, and playwright David Lindsay-Abaire examines this issue in his brilliant play GOOD PEOPLE. I think it's a tremendously engaging work that absolutely demands to be seen. Thankfully, the Repertory Theatre of St. Louis has staged a must-see production of this play at a time when it's especially relevant, and I cannot recommend it highly enough. The casting and direction are spot on, and the message, told with humor and drama in a remarkably even balance, is one that is very important to all of us.
Photo Flash: First Look at Denise Cormier, Andrea Gallo and More in GOOD PEOPLE
The Repertory Theatre of St. Louis (The Rep) presents Good People by award-winning playwright David Lindsay-Abaire. This biting drama will be performed on the Browning Mainstage of the Loretto-Hilton Center for the Performing Arts, 130 Edgar Road (on the campus of Webster University), Webster Groves, January 2-27, 2013. BroadwayWorld has a first look at the show below.
GOOD PEOPLE Continues The Rep's 46th Season, Now thru 1/27
The Repertory Theatre of St. Louis (The Rep) presents Good People by award-winning playwright David Lindsay-Abaire. This biting drama will be performed on the Browning Mainstage of the Loretto-Hilton Center for the Performing Arts, 130 Edgar Road (on the campus of Webster University), Webster Groves, tonight, January 2-27, 2013.
GOOD PEOPLE Continues The Rep's 46th Season, 1/2-27
The Repertory Theatre of St. Louis (The Rep) presents Good People by award-winning playwright David Lindsay-Abaire. This biting drama will be performed on the Browning Mainstage of the Loretto-Hilton Center for the Performing Arts, 130 Edgar Road (on the campus of Webster University), Webster Groves, January 2-27, 2013.
BWW Reviews: Upstream Theater's Mesmerizing Production of BLOOD WEDDING
Federico Garcia Lorca's tragic play, BLOOD WEDDING, which Upstream Theater is currently presenting, is given a lyrical translation by Langston Hughes and a stunningly dark adaption by Melia Bensussen. From the opening moments until the final blackout, there's an intensity rarely found in theatrical productions, and only the coldest of souls will not be moved by the expected, but still deeply disturbing, ending. Superb work is culled from all the actors by Philip Boehm who has a real talent for delivering exceptionally atmospheric mood pieces such as this.
BWW Review: New Jewish Theatre Presents Marvelous Production of AWAKE AND SING!
Though playwright Clifford Odets wrote AWAKE AND SING! in 1933, it still has the power to resonate with an audience over 70 years later, not only due to the fact that our country is currently struggling with its own economic uncertainties, but also because the theme of pursuing your dream under undeniably dire circumstance is a timeless one. Revived in 2006, but rarely staged otherwise, this is a rare opportunity to see an American masterpiece. The New Jewish Theatre's current production is a real stunner, chock-full of drama and humor, and brimming with electric performances.