BWW Review: The Repertory Theatre of St. Louis's Timeless Classic A CHRISTMAS CAROL
Perhaps the best way to approach Dickens' venerable A CHRISTMAS CAROL is straight-forward, with a generous helping of music, sterling performances, and some cool effects to liven up the proceedings. After all, the story, which dates from 1843, has been reworked, parodied, and used as a device by nearly every sitcom and animated show ever made. So, what's old seems new again in The Repertory of St. Louis' current presentation for the holidays. And, what a treat it is. David H. Bell's adaptation is faithful to the spirit and language of the story, which occurs when the industrial revolution has wreaked havoc on the lives of both the old and young. Filled with energy and enthusiasm, this is an absolute must-see for the Christmas season!
Stages Adds Special Matinee Performance to Grand Finale of 30th Anniversary Season
Due to unprecedented advance ticket sales, STAGES St. Louis is thrilled to announce the addition of a special matinee performance to the original Sister Act show schedule. A conscious effort to meet patron demand, this extra show marks the first additional matinee STAGES has put on in its 30 year history. The added performance will be held on Thursday, September 29th at 2pm.
SISTER ACT To Close Out Stages 30th Anniversary Season
There's a real reason to rejoice for everybody's favorite nun, Deloris Van Cartier, is coming to STAGES to stir up her special brand of habit-forming fun! Playing September 9-October 9 at the Robert G. Reim Theatre in Kirkwood, Sister Act will close STAGES' 30th Anniversary Season with the gift of laughter, the power of music, and a touch of heavenly inspiration.
BWW Review: Delightful and Charming YENTL at The New Jewish Theatre
Apparently, due to legal issues with rights that had to be worked out, this version of YENTL, based on the short story "Yentl, the Yeshiva Boy" written by Isaac Bashevis Singer (book by Leah Napolin and Singer), cannot be referred to in its title as a musical. It all has to do with Barbra Streisand's dreary and dreadful (although some people adore it) 1983 musical film version. But, there's no confusing the two once you see this utterly charming adaptation. It adheres closely to Singer's work, while the film veers off into a direction which not only makes little sense, but also butchers the author's intent. That's a shame, but when you're writing, directing, starring, etc, you can tend to lose sight of the actual story, turning it instead into a nothing more than a self-serving star vehicle. Jill Sobule's music (she composed "I Kissed a Girl", oddly enough) provides a genre-hopping mix of styles that may, at times, seem anachronistic, but which serve the tale very well. The New Jewish Theatre's current production is a delight, and I heartily recommend it.
BWW Reviews: Outstanding Production of THE WINSLOW BOY by The Repertory Theatre of St. Louis
The Repertory Theatre of St. Louis' artistic director, Steven Woolf, always has a knack for finding a classic, sometimes a neglected one, to present each season. This year it's Terence Rattigan's revered play THE WINSLOW BOY, which some will remember from various revivals and film versions (1948 & 1999), and which stands out as a dramatic piece fraught with injustice. It's a story, based on fact, that is still as relevant today as it was when it was written. A splendid cast and keenly sharpened direction combine to provide a very compelling piece of theatre.
Repertory Theatre of St. Louis to Continue Season with THE WINSLOW BOY
The Repertory Theatre of St. Louis presents The Winslow Boy by Terence Rattigan and directed by Steven Woolf. Based on a true events, The Winslow Boy 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, February 11-March 8, 2015.
Photo Flash: Sneak Peek at STAGES St. Louis' Celebration of FIDDLER'S 50th!
(ST. LOUIS) - STAGES St. Louis is pleased to announce the opening of the timeless Tony Award ® winning musical Fiddler on the Roof. The treasured tale of family and tradition plays at the Robert G. Reim Theatre in Kirkwood through October 5th. Due to an unprecedented advance in sales, STAGES has added a performance to the original schedule on Sunday, September 28 at 7:30 pm. Check out a first look at the opening night celebration below!