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Now Playing Onstage in St. Louis - Week of 5/19/2013

Sun, 19 May 2013 10:00:00 PST

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RAGTIME
METROPOLITAN ENSEMBLE THEATRE
5/23-6/9/2013
Called by Time Magazine "A triumph for the stage," and bythe International Herald Tribune "the best musical in twenty years," this acclaimedmusical won 1998 Tony Awards for Best Score, Book and Orchestrations, and wonboth the Drama Desk and Outer Critics Circle Awards for Best Musical and BestScore. RAGTIME is not only a powerful portrait of life inturn-of-the-century America,but a relevant tale for today. Written by the award-winning composer/lyricistteam of Stephen Flaherty and Lynn Ahrens (ONCE ON THIS ISLAND, SEUSSICAL and LUCKY STIFF), noted playwright Terrence McNally, (KISS OF THE SPIDER WOMAN, MASTER CLASS), and based on E.L. Doctorow's distinguished novel, the musicalintertwines the stories of three extraordinary families, as they confronthistory's timeless contradictions of wealth and poverty, freedom and prejudice,hope and despair, and what it means to live in America.The Tony-winning score by Lynn Ahrens and Stephen
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TWELFTH NIGHT
Shakespeare Festival St Louis
5/22-6/16/2013
Shakespeare Glen: - William Shakespeare.
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New Line Theatre's NIGHT OF THE LIVING DEAD Will Feature Zachary Allen Farmer, Mike Dowdy and More

Fri, 17 May 2013 17:34:52 PST

New Line Theatre has announced the cast for the regional premiere of the taut musical thriller NIGHT OF THE LIVING DEAD, which will open its 23rd season, running Oct. 10-Nov. 2, 2013, and closing on Halloween weekend. The rest of New Line's 2013-2014 season will be announced soon.

The cast includes Zachary Allen Farmer (Ben), Marcy Wiegert (Barbara), Mike Dowdy (Harry), Sarah Porter (Helen), Joseph McAnulty (Tom), Mary Beth Black (Judy) and Phoebe Desilets (Karen).

From the dynamic, up-and-coming team of writer-lyricist Stephen Gregory Smith and composer-lyricist Matt Conner (Nevermore, Partial Eclipse, The Hollow) comes this powerful psychological thriller, based on the classic 1968 American horror film, re-imagining George Romero's iconic walpurgisnacht for these times, zeroing in on the relationships among seven doomed strangers, who just may be the living dead themselves. Could it be that these seven are trapped in this house for eternity, reliving the last night of their lives over and over, as a deadly force from the outside threatens to find its way in? In this post-9/11 world, the metaphor is clear: Who are "they" and can we ever really be safe?

The show was workshopped in New York and has had only one production so far, at a small theatre in Maryland. New Line is very proud to present the regional premiere and the first professional production of this thrilling new work from these talented young writers.

New Line Theatre is a professional company dedicated to involving the people of the St. Louis region in the exploration and creation of daring, provocative, socially and politically relevant works of musical theatre. New Line was created in 1991 at the vanguard of a new wave of nonprofit musical theatre just starting to take hold across the country. New Line has given birth to several world premiere musicals over the years and has brought back to life several shows that did not do well in their original New York productions. Altogether, New Line has produced 69 musicals and 5 concerts of theatre songs since 1991. New Line Theatre was recently given its own entry in the latest edition of the Cambridge Guide to American Theatre. New Line receives funding from the Regional Arts Commission, the Fox Performing Arts Charitable Foundation, and the Missouri Arts Council, a state agency.

New Line's next show this season, the regional premiere of the outrageous adult musical comedy BUKOWSICAL, runs May 30-June 22, 2013, on Thursday, Friday, and Saturday evenings, at 8:00 p.m., at the Washington University South Campus Theatre (formerly CBC High School), 6501 Clayton Road, just east of Big Bend. Tickets are on sale through Metrotix.com and all Metrotix outlets, including the Fox Theatre Box Office, or by calling 314-534-1111.

For other information, visit New Line Theatre's full-service website at www.newlinetheatre.com. All programs are subject to change.

Photo Flash: First Look at New Line Theatre's BUKOWSICAL

Thu, 16 May 2013 22:36:07 PST

New Line Theatre, "the bad boy of musical theatre," closes its 22nd season May 30-June 22, 2013, with the regional premiere of one of the most outrageous shows the company has ever produced. With book and lyrics by Spencer Green and Gary Stockdale, and music by Stockdale, BUKOWSICAL is a wacky, high-energy - and gleefully adult - musical comedy, an ironic and insightful 21st-century reboot of the classic American musical comedy, exploring the intersection between sex, drugs, booze, and art, all through the life story of the great American novelist and poet Charles Bukowski. BroadwayWorld has a first look at the cast onstage below!

The New Line cast includes Zachary Allen Farmer as Bukowski, with an ensemble of New Line All-Stars, Ryan Foizey, Joel Hackbarth, Nicholas Kelly, Kimi Short, Christopher Strawhun, Marcy Wiegert, and Chrissy Young. Farmer has appeared with New Line as Barry in the American regional premiere of High Fidelity, as Sheriff Merle Karnopp in the world premiere of Love Kills, as Dr. Prospero in Return to the Forbidden Planet, as Charles Guiteau in Assassins, as Proteus in Two Gentlemen of Verona, and in several other shows as well, including this season's Bloody Bloody Andrew Jackson and Next to Normal.

BUKOWSICAL will be directed by Scott Miller, with music direction by Justin Smolik, choreography by Robin Michelle Berger, scenic design by Scott L. Schoonover, costume design by Amy Kelly, and lighting design by Kenneth Zinkl.

Bukowski was known for the vulgarity of his language and the adult content of his work. So BUKOWSICAL tells Bukowski's life story on his terms, the way he'd write a musical, if the inclination had ever struck him, using the all-American conventions of old-school musical comedy ironically, to explore his dark, damaged, decadent life. Along the way, the show also takes a look at how the experiences of an artist's life affect his art, and how that art becomes universal through its truth-telling.

The musical started life as a 50-minute one-act in Los Angeles, was revised and expanded, and then went on to the New York Fringe Festival, where it won the award for Outstanding Musical.

Charles Bukowski (1920-1994) was an American poet, novelist and short story writer. His work focused on the ordinary lives of the working poor, on the act of writing, on work, on alcohol, and on his disastrous relationships with women. He wrote thousands of poems, hundreds of short stories, and six novels, eventually publishing over sixty books. In 1986 Time called Bukowski a "laureate of American lowlife." Adam Kirsch of The New Yorker wrote, "the secret of Bukowski's appeal is that he combines the confessional poet's promise of intimacy with the larger-than-life aplomb of a pulp-fiction hero." The Los Angeles Times Book Review once said, "Wordsworth, Whitman, William Carlos Williams, and the Beats in their respective generations moved poetry toward a more natural language. Bukowski moved it a little further."

New Line Theatre is a professional company dedicated to involving the people of the St. Louis region in the exploration and creation of daring, provocative, socially and politically relevant works of musical theatre. New Line was created back in 1991 at the vanguard of a new wave of nonprofit musical theatre just starting to take hold across the country. New Line has given birth to several world premiere musicals over the years and has brought back to life several shows that did not do well in their original New York productions. Altogether, New Line has produced 67 musicals since 1991, and the company was recently given its own entry in the latest edition of the Cambridge Guide to American Theatre. New Line receives funding from the Regional Arts Commission, the Fox Performing Arts Charitable Foundation, and the Missouri Arts Council.

BUKOWSICAL runs May 30-June 22, 2013, on Thursday, Friday, and Saturday evenings, at 8:00 p.m., at the Washington University South Campus Theatre (formerly CBC High School), 6501 Clayton Road, just east of Big Bend. May 30 is a preview. Tickets are on sale now through the Fox Theatre Box Office, or by calling 314-534-1111. This show contains adult content and adult language.

For more information about the show, visit http://www.newlinetheatre.com/bukowsicalpage.html.

Photo Credit: Jill Ritter Lindberg

The cast of New Line Theatre's "Bukowsical," 2013. L-R, Ryan Foizey, Nicholas Kelly, Christopher Strawhun (in back), Chrissy Young, Zachary Allen Farmer (as Charles Bukowski), Marcy Wiegert, Kimi Short, Joel Hackbarth.

Zachary Allen Farmer as Charles Bukowski

The cast of New Line Theatre's "Bukowsical," 2013. L-R, Nicholas Kelly, Christopher Strawhun, Zachary Allen Farmer (as Charles Bukowski), Chrissy Young, Joel Hackbarth, Ryan Foizey, Kimi Short, Marcy Wiegert.

Zachary Allen Farmer (as Charles Bukowski) with (L-R) Chrissy Young, Kimi Short, Marcy Wiegert

The cast of New Line Theatre's "Bukowsical," 2013. L-R, Nicholas Kelly (in front), Ryan Foizey, Christopher Strawhun (in back), Chrissy Young, Zachary Allen Farmer (as Charles Bukowski), Marcy Wiegert, Kimi Short, Joel Hackbarth.

Kimi Short as One True Love and Zachary Allen Farmer as Charles Bukowski

Joel Hackbarth as the narrator and Zachary Allen Farmer as Charles Bukowski

BWW Exclusive: Jenny Powers and Rob McClure to Star in The Muny's MARY POPPINS!

Tue, 14 May 2013 16:48:27 PST

The Muny announced principal casting for the sixth show of its fantastic 95th Season, Disney and Cameron Mackinstosh's Mary Poppins the Musical, directed by Gary Griffin and choreographed by Alex Sanchez. Mary Poppins the Musical is sponsored by Ameren.

Jenny Powers will star in the title role, with Rob McClure co-starring as Bert. Joining them will be Erin Dilly as Winifred Banks and Stephen Buntrock as George Banks. Rounding out the cast will be Elizabeth Teeter as Jane Banks, Aidan Gemme as Michael Banks, James Anthony as Admiral Boom, Zoe Vonder Haar as Mrs. Brill, Anthony Christian Daniel as Robertson Ay, Laura Ackermann as the Bird Woman, and Rebecca Finnegan as Queen Victoria.

For the first time in The Muny's 95-year history, a character will fly over the Muny audience. Mary Poppins' magical effect is being created by ZFX, one of the premier flying-effect companies in the nation.

"This is a thrilling team and cast," said Muny Executive Producer Mike Isaacson. "They promise to take the Muny audience to new heights, which is also something we've taken rather literally. It's going to be an evening of true Muny magic."

According to a ZFX spokesperson, "We are absolutely thrilled to collaborate with The Muny on their historic premiere of Disney and Cameron Mackintosh's Mary Poppins the Musical! We've been working with them on this for over a year, and we believe ZFX's cutting-edge flying effects, along with The Muny's mission to provide great theatre, will definitely create a magical experience (full of surprises...wink, wink) for all of the audience members, both young and old."

Mary Poppins the Musical is based on the "Mary Poppins" series of children's books by P.L. Travers, and the 1965 Disney film of the same name. The musical features a book by Downton Abbey creater, Julian Fellowes, music and lyrics by the Academy Award-winning Sherman Brothers, and additional music and lyrics by George Stiles and Anthony Drewe.

The Muny production features scenic design by Michael Schweikardt, sound design by Jason Krueger, lighting design by Seth Jackson, video design by Nathan Scheuer, and costume design by Nancy Missimi. Michael Horsley serves as the musical director, and the production stage manager is Nevin Hedley.

Jenny Powers (Mary Poppins) was most recently seen as Lois Lane in the NYC Encores! production of It's a Bird...It's a Plane...It's Superman, and is currently starring in the Irish Rep's production of Donnybrook! On Broadway, she has been seen as Rizzo in Grease! and Meg in Little Women. Other roles include Veronica Franco in Dangerous Beauty (Pasadena Playhouse), Gina in Happiness (Lincoln Center), Sydney Sharp in It's a Bird...It's a Plane...It's Superman (DTC), and Diana Devereaux in Of Thee I Sing (Encores!). Jenny's TV and film credits include The Good Wife, Mercy, Law & Order: CI, Six Degrees, Nurse Jackie, I Think I Love My Wife, and Confessions of a Shopaholic.

Rob McClure (Bert) received 2013 Tony, Drama League, and Outer Critics Circle Award nominations for his performance as Charlie Chaplin in Chaplin The Musical on Broadway, a role he originated at La Jolla Playhouse (Craig Noel Award-winner). Prior to that he charmed audience and critics alike with another title role, leading the cast of Where's Charley? at Encores! A two-time Barrymore Award-winner, Rob starred on Broadway as Princeton/Rod in the Tony Award-winning musical, Avenue Q. He made his Broadway debut in the 2002 Broadway revival of I'm Not Rappaport alongside Judd Hirsch and Ben Vereen. Other selected credits include Avenue Q (first national tour, Helen Hayes nomination), Amadeus (Mozart, Walnut Street Theatre), Little Shop of Horrors (Seymore, The Muny), The Game's Afoot (world premiere by Ken Ludwig, Cleveland Playhouse), The Producers (Carmen Ghia, Walnut Street Theatre), The Flea and the Professor (world premiere, Adren Theatre) and Johnny Baseball (world premiere, American Repertory Theater).

Erin Dilly (Winifred Banks) has been seen on Broadway as Mother in A Christmas Story, Billie Bendix in Nice Work If You Can Get It, Truly Scrumptious in Chitty Chitty Bang Bang (Tony and Outer Critics Circle Award nominations), Cinderella in Into the Woods, Luciana in The Boys From Syracuse and Young Phyllis in Follies. Erin has also starred in Ken Ludwig's play Leading Ladies. Off-Broadway, she has starred in Fiorello! (Encores!), Things You Shouldn't Say Past Midnight, and Babes in Arms (Encores!). National tours include South Pacific, Beauty and the Beast and Cameron Mackintosh's Martin Guerre (Helen Hayes Award nomination for Best Actress). TV and film credits include Elementary; Gossip Girl; Law & Order; Criminal Intent; SVU; The Jury; HBO's Everyday People, The Diary of Preston Plummer; Too Big To Fail and Julie & Julia. Among her regional credits are the Guthrie Theater, the Alley Theatre, the Cleveland Playhouse, Goodspeed Opera House and Paper Mill Playhouse. Erin can be heard on the recordings of Babes in Arms and Louisiana Purchase. She will be starring opposite her real-life husband, Stephen Buntrock.

Stephen Buntrock (George Banks) returns to The Muny after making his Muny debut last summer as Trevor Graydon in Thoroughly Modern Millie. Broadway engagements include starring opposite Bernadette Peters as Fredrik Egerman in A Little Night Music, Curly in Oklahoma!, Gaston in Beauty and The Beast, St. John in the original cast of Jane Eyre, Barrett in Titanic the Musical, Enjolras in the Tenth Anniversary cast of LES MISERABLES, The Phantom of the Opera, and creating Teen Angel for the latest revival of Grease! He has toured extensively across the United States and Canada as Bob Wallace (Bing Crosby) in Irving Berlin's White Christmas, Rueben in Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat starring Donny Osmond, originating the role of Arnaud du Thil in Cameron Mackintosh's production of Martin Guerre, and The Phantom of the Opera. Stephen has enjoyed many concert appearances as well, most recently in the New York Encores! production of Gentleman Prefer Blondes with Megan Hilty and performing alongside Dame Julie Andrews in London with the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra. He will be playing opposite his real life Mrs. Banks, Erin Dilly, his wife of almost ten years.

Elizabeth Teeter (Jane Banks) comes home to St. Louis to play Jane in Mary Poppins after making her Broadway debut as Jane Banks in the closing company. Most recently, she was seen in New York City playing the role of young Marguerite in the workshop of the new musical Ever After, directed and choreographed by multiple Tony winner Kathleen Marshall, and as Eva in the reading of the new musical Lord Tom based on the book Uncle Tom's Cabin. Favorite Muny roles include Flounder in Disney's The Little Mermaid, Tootie in Meet Me In St. Louis, and Marta VonTrapp in The Sound of Music. Other St. Louis roles include Young Cosette in LES MISERABLES (Nerinx Hall) and The Girl in New Jewish Theatre's powerful production of Way To Heaven, as well as ensemble work at the Repertory Theatre of St. Louis and Opera Theatre of St. Louis. Recordings include 2012 Carols for a Cure (Mary Poppins cast) and Lord Tom: The Musical production demo. Elizabeth will reunite with her Broadway "Michael" Aidan Gemme.

Aidan Gemme (Michael Banks) is making his Muny debut. On Broadway he appeared in Mary Poppins (Michael Banks). Film credits include Treasure Buddies (Babu), and Disney's upcoming Santa Pups (Noble). TV roles include Dora the Explorer (Benny the Bull), and Nickelodeon. Regionally he has been seen in The Secret Garden (Colin), Oliver!, and Random Farms Kids Theater.

JAMES ANTHONY (Capt. Brackett) last appeared at The Muny in 2011's Singin in the Rain and Bye Bye Birdie. Since 1991, he has performed in 42 productions at The Muny, including The Music Man (Mayor Schinn), Mame (Claude Upson), and Peter Pan (Smee), to name just a few. He has also performed at the Repertory Theatre of St. Louis as one of the 12 Angry Men, and in St. Joan (Archbishop of Riems). In New York he appeared on daytime's One Life to Live. His film credits include Murder Ordained (Richard Jordan), Back to Hannibal (The Sheriff), Gone in the Night (Detective Foley), The Black Hole (Spencer Toland), and the recently released Joint Body (Cappy Knight). His professional career spans five decades and includes more than 230 productions.

Zoe Vonder Haar (Mrs. Brill) toured in the first international company of A Chorus Line for 2 ½ years before returning to her hometown of St. Louis to raise her family. She has since appeared in over 100 productions including many at The Muny. She has been blessed to perform such roles as Mama Rose in Gypsy; Mame Dennis in Mame; Cassie in A Chorus Line; Golde in Fiddler on the Roof; Meg in Damn Yankees; Fraulein Schneider in Cabaret; Mrs. Paroo in The Music Man; Margo Channing in Applause; Dolly Levi in Hello, Dolly! at Stages St. Louis (Kevin Kline Award for Outstanding Actress in a Musical); Mrs. Higgins in My Fair Lady at The Muny (Kevin Kline Nomination); Old Lady in Sunday in the Park With George and Ms. Pennywise in Urinetown: The Musical at the Repertory Theater of St. Louis (Kevin Kline nomination), and Jeanette in The Full Monty at both Stages St. Louis and American Musical Theater San Jose. She is an original cast member of The American Musical, which performs throughout the year at the Sheldon Concert Hall. Zoe also teaches dance, musical theater and choreographs at 7 area schools.

Anthony Christian Daniel (Robertson Ay) makes his Muny debut in Mary Poppins. He has been seen in national tours of Disney's Mary Poppins and High School Musical, as well as the 40th Anniversary production of Fiddler on the Roof. Other favorites include How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying (J. Pierrepont Finch); South Pacific (Professor); Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat (Zebulun); You're a Good Man, Charlie Brown (Charlie Brown); Oklahoma! (Will Parker); and Gypsy (Tulsa).

Laura Ackermann (Bird Woman) returns to The Muny for her 16th season. Mary Poppins is show number 35 for her. She's gone full circle, from the Lullaby League in 1975 to Auntie Em in the 2001 production of The Wizard of Oz, when a real tornado made an appearance on opening night. You may also recognize her from her performances as Mrs. Pearce in My Fair Lady, Frau Schmidt in The Sound of Music, Eleonor Widener in Titanic the Musical, and Alma Hicks in The Music Man. Laura is a member of the St. Louis cast of Menopause the Musical (Earth Mother) and has played such roles as Nettie in Avalon Theater's production of The Subject Was Roses, and Mama in The New Jewish Theater's Last of the Red Hot Mamas. For Stages St. Louis, she has appeared as Miss Adelaide in Guys and Dolls and Fraulein Kost in Cabaret. Most recently, she wrote, directed and choreographed the Christmas Cabaret at Dramatic License Theater.

Rebecca Finnegan (Queen Victoria) makes her Muny debut. She is a Chicago-based actress whose work at home has been honored with five Joseph Jefferson Awards and three After Dark Awards. Chicago credits include Tommy Tune's Turn of the Century and Mary Zimmerman's production of Candide at the Goodman Theatre, Michael Greif's world premiere of In The Bubble with Northwestern and the midwest premiere of Fiorello! at Timeline Theatre. Regional Credits include Candide at the Huntington Theatre and the Washington Shakespeare Theatre, A... My name is Alice and Godspell with Arkansas Repertory, A Christmas Carol at Cincinnati Playhouse in the Park, Prelude to a Kiss and Beehive at Human Race Theatre and Chicago at Peninsula Players. Broadway and first national tours include: Summer and Smoke at The Roundabout and The Secret Garden. Rebecca will be playing the title role in the midwest premier of Juno at Timeline Theatre in 2013.

To purchase season tickets by phone, call (314) 361-1900, extension 550, or order online at www.muny.org. The Muny Box Office is now open from 9 am to 5 pm, Monday through Friday.

Season Ticket buyers will enjoy their reserved seats for Mary Poppins from July 25 - 31. Additional performances (August 1 and 2) are non-subscribed, and offer exceptional seating opportunities for groups.

Groups of 20 or more people can enjoy a 20% discount. The group sales office is taking orders now. For more information or to make reservations, call (314) 361-1900, extension 308.

Single tickets will be available beginning 9 am Saturday, June 1 at The Muny Box Office in Forest Park, online or by phone. For more information, call (314) 361-1900 or visit www.muny.org.

For information on becoming a Muny Partner, visit www.muny.org or call (314) 361-1900.

Now Playing Onstage in St. Louis - Week of 5/12/2013

Sun, 12 May 2013 10:00:00 PST

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QUICK DELIGHT 12TH NIGHT
Shakespeare Festival St Louis
2/11-5/17/2013
ON TOUR: - adapt: Christopher Limber from William Shakespeare; music: Christopher Limber.
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ALL THE WORLD'S A STAGE
Shakespeare Festival St Louis
2/11-5/17/2013
ON TOUR: - adapt: Christopher Limber from Christopher Limber, William Shakespeare; music: Christopher Limber.
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QUICK DELIGHT 12TH NIGHT
Shakespeare Festival St Louis
2/11-5/17/2013
ON TOUR: - adapt: Christopher Limber from William Shakespeare; music: Christopher Limber.
Click Here for More Information
ALL THE WORLD'S A STAGE
Shakespeare Festival St Louis
2/11-5/17/2013
ON TOUR: - adapt: Christopher Limber from Christopher Limber, William Shakespeare; music: Christopher Limber.
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MAPLE AND VINE
HotCity Theatre
5/2-5/18/2013
Blackbox Theatre: - Jordan Harrison; dir: Doug Finlayson.
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SONGS FOR A NEW WORLD
SILHOUETTES Production Company
5/16-5/19/2013
Jason Robert Brown says, "it's about one moment. It's about hitting the wall and having to make a choice, or take a stand, or turn around and go back." These are the stories and characters of today, the SONGS FOR A NEW WORLD.Brown transports his audience from the deck of a 1492 Spanish sailing ship to a ledge 57 stories above Fifth Avenue to meet a startling array of characters ranging from a young man who has determined that basket-ball is his ticket out of the ghetto to a woman whose dream of marrying rich nabs her the man of her dreams and a soulless marriage. With a small, powerhouse multi-ethnic cast and a driving, exquisitely crafted score running the gamut of today's popular music, SONGS FOR A NEW WORLD is a great way to bring the next generation into the theatre.
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A FUNNY THING...FORUM
K'S THEATRICAL KORPS
5/10-5/19/2013
Broadway's greatest farce is light, fast-paced, witty, irreverent and one of the funniest musicals ever written. A FUNNY THING HAPPENED ON THE WAY TO THE FORUM takes comedy back to its roots, combining situations from time-tested, 2000 year old comedies of Roman playwright Plautus with the infectious energy of classic vaudeville.A FUNNY THING HAPPENED ON THE WAY TO THE FORUM is a non-stop laugh-fest in which Pseudolus, a crafty slave, struggles to win the hand of a beautiful but slow-witted courtesan named Philia, for his young master, Hero, in exchange for freedom. The plot twists and turns with cases of mistaken identity, slamming doors, and a showgirl or two.This unforgettable, hysterical musical allows a terrific ensemble of comedic actors to shine--"something for everyone, a comedy tonight!"
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SMASH/HIT
St Louis Black Repertory Company
4/24-5/19/2013
- Steve Broadnax; dir: Ron Himes.
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Photo Flash: Norbert Leo Butz Gives Webster University Commencement Speech at the Muny

Sat, 11 May 2013 12:11:20 PST

Tony Award Winner and Webster University alumnus Norbert Leo Butz delivered the commencement address and received an honorary Doctor of Humane Letters degree at Webster University's 2013 commencement ceremony this morning, May 11 at The Muny in Forest Park. Scroll down for a photo of the new "Dr." Butz giving his speech!

Butz was born and raised in St. Louis and received a bachelor's of fine arts from Webster's Conservatory of Theatre Arts program in the Leigh Gerdine College of Fine Arts in 1990. He received the Outstanding Alumni Award from the Leigh Gerdine College of Fine Arts in 2000.

Butz made his Broadway debut as Roger Davis in the musical "Rent" in 1996. Since then he has gone on to star in numerous Broadway shows including "Dead Accounts," "Enron," "Speed the Plow," "Wicked" and "Thou Shalt Not." He won a Tony Award for Best Performance by a Leading Actor in a Musical for his work in "Dirty Rotten Scoundrels" in 2005 and for "Catch Me If You Can" in 2011. He is currently starring in the new musical "Big Fish," which began a pre-Broadway engagement in Chicago in early April and will head to Broadway in October 2013.

In addition to his work on the stage, his film credits include "Greetings from Tim Buckley," "The English Teacher," "Higher Ground" and "Dan In Real Life." His television work includes "The Deep End," "Comanche Moon," "The Good Wife," "CSI" and "Law & Order: Special Victims Unit."

Butz also helped produce, write and record an album for The Angel Band Project, a non-profit organization created after the tragic murder of his sister, Teresa Butz. The Angel Band Project uses music to promote healing, raise awareness and create positive change for survivors of sexual violence. Money raised by The Angel Band Project goes to the Voices and Faces Project and also helps fund The Angel Band Project's pilot music therapy program for sexual violence survivors.

With its home campus in St. Louis, Webster University (www.webster.edu) is the only Tier 1, private, non-profit U.S.-based university providing a network of international residential campuses. Founded in 1915, Webster University's campus network today includes metropolitan, military and corporate locations around the world, as well as traditional residential campuses in Asia, Europe and North America. The university is committed to delivering high-quality learning experiences that transform students for global citizenship and individual excellence.

The new "Dr." Norbert Leo Butz giving the commencement speech on the Muny stage for Webster University's 2013 graduation ceremony.

Shakespeare Festival Announces Dining for TWELFTH NIGHT

Fri, 10 May 2013 13:45:12 PST

Shakespeare Festival St. Louis has just confirmed new agreements with Butler's Pantry and the Saint Louis Zoo to provide food and beverages for this year's production of "Twelfth Night" at Shakespeare Glen in Forest Park, it was announced today by executive director Rick Dildine. The show runs May 24-June 16 (excluding Tuesdays); preview performances are scheduled May 22-23.

The Saint Louis Zoo will be responsible for the concession area located at the top of the hill near the event's entrance walkway. Items available will include assorted dollar roll sandwiches served with kettle chips, an antipasto platter of marinated olives and assorted cheeses and sausage, a vegetarian wrap in a spinach tortilla, slow-cooked pulled pork sandwiches, fruit and cheese snack packs, plus nachos and cheese, soft pretzels and cheese, cotton candy, bratwursts and even jumbo hot dogs with sauerkraut. Alcoholic beverages and soft drinks will also be available for purchase. A separate drink stand will be located across the walkway. All stands will accept cash, debit and credit cards.

Bixby's, Butler's Pantry own restaurant, located on the second floor of the Missouri History Museum, will also feature an intimate and elegant communal dining experience for six nights throughout the run of the show. A full-course meal will begin at 6 p.m. on Thursdays and Fridays beginning May 30. Tickets are $50 and must be purchased in advance at www.SFSTL.com and will include the cost of the dinner and a reserved seat; a cash bar will be available as well. Availability is on a first come, first served basis. Butler's Pantry will also be providing the catering services for the festival's VIP Hospitality tent throughout the duration of the show.

"We are constantly evaluating how we can provide the best theatrical experience for our audience members and that includes not only what is happening on stage in front of them, but the services available to them both before and during the performances," Dildine said. "The Saint Louis Zoo and Butler's Pantry have decades of experience in food service and catering, and we wanted to bring that experience to Shakespeare Glen for our patrons."

As in previous years, the pre-show Festival activities will include free pre-performance backstage tours and a nightly Green Show at 6:30 p.m. The pre-show will include a 20-minute adaptation of "Twelfth Night" which will introduce the characters and plot to children of all ages; musicians, dancers, singers, jugglers; and a craft table for kids.

In the past 12 years, the Shakespeare Festival has attracted more than 550,000 people to the performances in Forest Park. The organization has reached an additional 250,000 students through its educational touring productions, school programs, summer camps, and community partnerships. For more information, please visit www.sfstl.com or call 314/531-9800.

BWW Reviews: HotCity Theatre's Intriguing Production of MAPLE AND VINE

Thu, 09 May 2013 16:07:41 PST

With his work, Maple and Vine, playwright Jordan Harrison presents an interesting choice for the modern family struggling to cope with the modern world. They are given a chance to let go of all their connections to the information highway and head back in time to 1955. For some, this is the opportunity to start life anew, albeit, in a time that's fraught with issues of its own. HotCity Theatre is presenting an excellent production of this Serling-esque piece, and it's the kind of must-see experience that I always recommend; one that makes you laugh and think.

Katha and Ryu are having problems in their mixed marriage, but it has nothing to do with race. It has everything to do with the stresses of everyday living and working, combined with Katha's inability to deal successfully with a miscarriage she suffered. One day a man named Dean, in a odd looking period suit and hat, gives a pamphlet to Katha that changes her perspective. Though her husband, Ryu, is skeptical to say the least, he eventually agrees to give the idea. The idea is that they will live in a self-sustaining community where the year is always 1955, it never goes forward or backward. The conventions and social mores of that era are in place as well, which means that their mixed marriage is looked upon much differently. I'd like to write more, but I'd be spoiling the various twists and turns that this engaging work presents.

Shanara Gabrielle is terrific as Katha (renamed Kathy in her 1955 setting), gasping for breath under the weight of a daily routine that never seems to let up. She embraces her new surrounding wholeheartedly, and winds up heading the committee on authenticity. Alan C. David also does strong work as her husband Ryu, an in-demand plastic surgeon in his previous life, he finds himself putting together cardboard boxes in his new home. Chad Morris charms as Dean, the founder of this little "Peyton Place", who seems to be living a dream, but has a number of skeletons in his closet. Michelle Hand is excellent as the typical homemaker from this period in time, and I can't imagine anyone else in the role. Her forced smiles and hardened exterior only mask the pain she feels inside. Robby Suozzi does a nice job as the insouciant Omar, and also as Roger, a worker at the box assembly plant who's trying to keep his own particular proclivities under wraps.

Doug Finlayson's direction pulls vibrant and colorful performances from the small ensemble. The action is paced well, and the scenes transition smoothly. Sean Savoie's scenic design captures the period look with minimal pieces. Meg Brinkley provides the props which fit the time depicted as well. Michael Sullivan's lighting captures the various moods with subtle style. JC Krajicek's costumes also add to the overall atmosphere.

Maple and Vine is a fascinating work, and HotCity Theatre's wonderful production continues through May 18, 2013 at the Kranzberg Arts Center.

BWW Reviews: Black Rep's Premiere Production of SMASH/HIT!

Thu, 09 May 2013 14:53:49 PST

I'm still not sure exactly how I feel about the Black Rep's latest premiere production, Smash/Hit!, although there is certainly a lot of potential to the story, and various elements that make up the plot, it's not completely cohesive. There's an awful lot to digest here in this drama that contains music, which might be better served as a complete musical (or as a less musical drama), instead of winding up neither fish nor fowl. But, I can't honestly say that I can't recommend this show, because it is engagingly acted, contains some catchy tracks, and has fine overall direction. It's a mixed bag, but it's a mixed bag worth seeing for yourself.

The setting is Spin City, the World of Hip Hop in the years between 2000-2005. Money and Chance are two rappers looking to make it in the big time, with their name even reflecting their attitude; "No Plan B". But, that's not a realistic outlook, because Money's girlfriend Joi is pregnant. Because Money grew up without a father, he's determined that this won't happen to his own child, and he enlists in the reserves in order to make a living for his new family. In the meantime, Chance hooks up with Good Boy, a promoter/agent/radio personality, who's looking for some fresh acts. When Money returns from battle, he's scarred by the experience, and he wants his lyrics to be more honest and real. This creates conflict with Chance, because he just wants to record a hit. Oh, and we find out Chance is gay as well. All this leads to a conclusion that's true to its characters, but downbeat nonetheless.

Ronald L. Conner is exceptional as Money, bursting with a creative spark that goes dark once he endures a round of combat. Conner neatly transitions from player to walking wounded, brandishing a pistol at the most inopportune moments, and contemplating suicide when there so seems to be no future that isn't fractured by his experiences. Matthew Galbreath is playful and energetic as Chance, and together they have a nice chemistry that makes their being "blood brothers" convincing, and both display sharp rap skills that serve the story well. Justin Ivan Brown does smooth work as Good Boy, enticing Chance with his ability to link him up with studio time and appearances, but turning off Money with his slick behavior and choice of venues. FeliceSkye is good as Joi, but she's only given a little bit to chew on here, even though the part cries out for more. Her resignation at her circumstance is undeniably real, but you'd like a bit more fight out of her. DJ Super Nova does great work mixing the grooves for the underscore as well as the songs that are showcased.

Ron Himes does fine work here, and even though the show runs about a half hour to forty-five minutes too long, he keeps the action moving at a brisk pace, which is aided by Jim Burwinkels starkly simple scenic design. David Warfel's lighting quickly adjusts between the flashy rap numbers, and the more intimate scenes. Lou Bird's costumes fit the characters well, and Robin Weatherall's sound design adds necessary feel to the proceedings.

Steven Broadnax and Michael S. Bordner have crafted an intriguing and entertaining play with Smash/Hit!, and while it doesn't quite live up to its name, it's a piece that could be molded into either a powerful musical, or a more succinct and affecting drama with music. Check out the Black Rep's production of Smash/Hit!, now playing at the Grandel Theatre through May 18, 2013.

ANYTHING GOES National Tour To Make Its St. Louis Premiere At The Fabulous Fox Theatre, 5/28

Wed, 08 May 2013 12:48:12 PST

The national tour of Roundabout Theatre Company's ANYTHING GOES, the new Broadway revival of Cole Porter's timeless classic musical theatre masterpiece, will make its St. Louis premiere May 28 - June 9 at the Fabulous Fox Theatre.

Performances of ANYTHING GOES at the Fox Theatre run Tuesday through Saturday evenings at 8pm; Saturday & Sunday matinees at2pm and Sunday, June 2 at 7:30 pm. There is a matinee Thursday, June 6 at 1pm. To purchase tickets, visit MetroTix.com, call 314-534-1111 or visit the Fox Theatre Box Office at 531 N. Grand Blvd. Ticket prices start at $15. Prices are subject to change; please refer to FabulousFox.com for current pricing. ANYTHING GOES is part of the U.S. Bank Broadway Series and Dance St. Louis' 2012-2013 subscription season.

Winner of the 2011 Tony Award for Best Revival of a Musical, Roundabout Theatre Company's ANYTHING GOES sails direct from Broadway under the direction of Kathleen Marshall, who won the 2011 Tony Award for Best Choreography. The New York Times calls it "a zesty new revival with knockout numbers and white-hot dancing" while the AP exclaims that it's, "so delightful, so delicious, so de-lovely!"

Rachel York will star as Reno Sweeney and Fred Applegate will star as Moonface Martin. The principal cast also includes Josh Franklin as Billy Crocker, Jeff Brooks as Purser, Joyce Chittick as Erma, Alex Finke as Hope Harcourt, Dennis Kelly as Elisha Whitney, Vincent Rodriguez III as Luke, Marcus Shane as John, Sandra Shipley as Mrs. Evangeline Harcourt, Edward Staudenmayer as Sir Evelyn Oakleigh, and Chuck Wagner as Captain.

The ensemble includes Sarah Agar, Jeremy Benton, Jacqueline Burtney, Jan Leigh Herndon, Kristie Kerwin, Gary Lindemann, Dionna Thomas Littleton, Michael Milton, Bobby Pestka, Courtney Rottenberger, Vanessa Sonon, Ryan Steer, Kristopher Thompson-Bolden, Aaron Umsted, Mackenzie Warren, Sean Watkins, Sara Andreas, Audrey Cardwell, Sean McKnight, and Tony Neidenbach.

Roundabout Theatre Company's ANYTHING GOES features music and lyrics by Cole Porter; original book by P.G. Wodehouse & Guy Bolton and Howard Lindsay & Russel Crouse; and new book by Timothy Crouse and John Weidman. The creative team includes music direction by Jay Alger with additional orchestrations by Bill Elliot, original scenic design by Derek McLane, costumes by Martin Pakledinaz, lighting design by Howell Binkley and sound design by Brian Ronan.

The National Tour of Roundabout Theatre Company's ANYTHING GOES is dedicated to the memory of Martin Pakledinaz, a beloved member of the Roundabout Theatre Company family.

Cole Porter's roundup of nostalgic hits in the production include "You're the Top," "Friendship," "I Get a Kick Out of You," "It's De-Lovely," "Blow, Gabriel, Blow" and, of course "Anything Goes."

ANYTHING GOES, the 1934 musical comedy about the lovers, liars and clowns on a transatlantic cruise is "a daffy, shipshape romp!" -Variety. When the S.S. American heads out to sea, etiquette and convention head out the portholes as two unlikely pairs set off on the course to true love... proving that sometimes destiny needs a little help from a crew of singing sailors, an exotic disguise and some good old-fashioned blackmail.

The New Broadway Cast Recording of Roundabout Theatre Company's ANYTHING GOES, nominated for a 2011 Grammy Award for Best Musical Show Album, is available on Ghostlight Records.

Kathleen Marshall received 2011 Tony, Drama Desk and Outer Critics Awards for choreography and Tony, Drama Desk andOuter Critics nominations for direction for Roundabout Theatre Company's Anything Goes. Also for Roundabout, Kathleen directed and choreographed The Pajama Game and choreographed Follies and 1776. Other Broadway credits include Wonderful Town; Grease; Boeing-Boeing; Little Shop of Horrors; Seussical; Kiss Me, Kate; and Swinging on a Star. Off-Broadway: Two Gentlemen of Verona (New York Shakespeare Festival), Saturday Night (Second Stage), Violet (Playwrights Horizons) and As Thousands Cheer (Drama Dept). City Center Encores!: Bells Are Ringing, Applause, Carnival, Hair and Babes in Arms; Artistic Director for four seasons. For ABC/Disney: "Once Upon a Mattress" and Meredith Willson's "The Music Man" (Emmy nomination). She has received two Tony Awards, two DramaDesk Awards, two Outer Critics Circle Awards, the Astaire Award, the George Abbott Award, the Richard Rodgers Award and the Pennsylvania Governor's Award for the Arts. Ms. Marshall is the Vice President of the Stage Directors and Choreographers Society and is an Associate Artist of the Roundabout Theatre Company. For Scott, Ella and Nathaniel.

ROUNDABOUT THEATRE COMPANY (Todd Haimes, Artistic Director) is committed to producing the highest quality theatre with the finest artists, sharing stories that endure, and providing accessibility to all audiences. Founded in 1965, Roundabout has become one of New York City's most accomplished cultural institutions and one of the country's largest not-for-profit theatre companies. Each year, Roundabout presents a variety of plays, musicals, and new works on its five stages, both on Broadway and off, reaching over 675,000 people. In addition to providing an artistic home for many of the finest actors, playwrights, composers and directors of our time, Roundabout is home to model education and outreach programs designed to diversify and develop the theatre's audiences. Currently on Roundabout's stages: The Big Knife at the American Airlines Theatre, and Talley's Folly at the Harold and Miriam Steinberg Center for Theatre/Laura Pels Theatre.

For more information, visit www.anythinggoesthemusical.com