Dean Emeritus Peter Sargent Has Passed Away
Peter Sargent, the founding dean of the Webster University Leigh Gerdine College of Fine Arts, a mentor to some of the biggest stars on Broadway and in Hollywood, and a recognized local, state and national leader in the performing arts, passed away this afternoon, a statement from his family said.
Hope Summer Rep Begins Rehearsals For 48th Season
Hope Summer Repertory Theatre (HSRT), Western Michigan's premier summer theatre, has begun rehearsals for their highly anticipated 2019 season! The company was established at Hope College in 1972 and is entering their 48th Season.
Hope Summer Rep Begins Rehearsals For 47th Season
Hope Summer Repertory Theatre (HSRT), Western Michigan's premier summer theatre, has begun rehearsals for their highly anticipated 2018 season! The company was established at Hope College in 1972 and is entering their 47th Season with newly named New York City Theatre Artist Lenny Banovez, as the company's new Artistic Director.
Educational Theatre Association Honors Webster University Dean
Peter Sargent of Webster University has been honored with the Educational Theatre Association's Founders' Award which is presented to an individual or group who has made significant contributions to the growth and development of theatre education, research, and practice. The award recognizes work that supports the principles and mission of the EdTA founders to promote and strengthen theatre education.
BWW Review: The Repertory Theatre of St. Louis's Compelling ALL MY SONS
It's hard to believe that award-winning playwright Arthur Miller crafted ALL MY SONS as a last ditch effort to produce a commercially successful work after his initial offering failed after less than a week of performances. Based upon a true story, Miller's work is a compelling story that succeeded and sent him on his way to writing some of the most powerful plays of the twentieth century. For the second half of their 50th anniversary season, the Repertory Theatre of St. Louis produces an excellent rendering that features stellar direction and an excellent cast. I highly recommend this show.
BWW Review: The Repertory Theatre of St. Louis' Spine-Chilling ANGEL STREET (GASLIGHT)
Every season the Repertory of St. Louis plucks a gem or two from the past to mix in with some of their more current selections. It's undoubtedly a treat when it happens, because there's always something there that rings true with a modern audience. Whether it's a comedy whose jokes still maintain a since of topicality due to our current economic or political woes, or a drama that gives us insight into situations that are still being addressed, the Rep finds these works that are, in a sense, timeless. British writer Patrick Hamilton came up with some interesting and dark works that Hollywood embraced and had success putting up on the big screen. One of those was the play GASLIGHT (another was Hitchcock's ROPE) which changed its name for its American premier to ANGEL STREET. Although already lensed before in Britain, the 1944 Hollywood film version is a classic, featuring the smoothly sinister acting of Charles Boyer subtly menacing our fragile heroine, played by Ingrid Bergman. But now you can see the play as it was originally written, and marvel at how this piece, in the right hands, can still be the same suspense-filled thriller it was intended to be. This is expertly crafted entertainment that will surely get you in the mood for the Halloween season, and I highly recommend it!
The Muny and Webster University Announce the 2015 Summer Intensive for Emerging Young Artists
The Muny, America's premier summer musical theatre, and Webster University's Leigh Gerdine College of Fine Arts Conservatory of Theatre Arts, a national leader in training for Musical Theatre, have joined forces to launch a summer intensive for emerging young artists. This three-week program invites 10 rising junior and senior high school students from across the nation to participate in an immersive theatrical experience. The first Muny/Webster Intensive for Emerging Young Artists will be held during the summer of 2015.
BWW Reviews: The Rep's Incredibly Funny Production of NOISES OFF
The Repertory Theatre of St. Louis closes another wonderful season with playwright Michael Frayn's hilarious farce within a farce, NOISES OFF. Frayn's work is just downright funny, but it's especially amusing to anyone who's ever taken part in a stage production sometime in their life. The Rep's presentation is excellent, with a talented cast that seems to be having a blast playing this material. It's a marvelous way to bring the season to an end, and it's a must-see production.
BWW Reviews: The Rep's Hilarious Production of THE FOREIGNER
Before his untimely death in a plane crash in the mid-1980's, playwright Larry Shue had penned two community theatre staples, The Nerd and THE FOREIGNER. While I'm not a big fan of the former, the latter is a fast-paced farce brimming with humor that builds to a hilariously satisfying climax. The current production by the Repertory Theatre of St. Louis is nicely mounted and features a fine cast and direction that takes full advantage of the comic opportunities presented.
YOU CAN'T TAKE IT WITH YOU Opens The Rep Stage's 2010-2011 Mainstage Season
The Repertory Theatre of St. Louis (The Rep) opens its 2010-2011 Mainstage series with You Can't Take It With You by Moss Hart and George S. Kaufman. Performances of You Can't Take It With You will be given on the Browning Mainstage of the Loretto-Hilton Center for the Performing Arts, 130 Edgar Road (on the campus of Webster University), Webster Groves, September 8 through October 3, 2010.