‘Beetlejuice: The Musical’ Playing at The Fox Theater Through October 22nd
It is with increasing regularity that movies/films are being adapted into stage plays. Some are masterpieces like The Lion King, The Producers, and Spamalot. Others come along – I won’t name and shame – and they drop the ball completely. It might be because they simply rehash the source material and add a few jaunty […]
Theatre Review: COSI FAN TUTTE Offers A Comedic Clash of the Sexes
The battle of the sexes is in full effect at Opera Theatre of St. Louis. This clever mêlée of wits drives their production of Mozart’s comedic opera, Cosi fan tutte. What starts as a leisurely vacation turns into a high-stakes competition when two fresh recruits, Guglielmo and Ferrando foolishly believe that their girlfriends, Fiordiligi and Dorabella, […]
God, Guns, and Gossip: OTSL Delivers a Sparkling SUSANNAH
There was a rapturous moment offstage during the opening night of Opera Theatre of St. Louis’ Susannah. Conductor Gemma New, herself in the midst of a glorious performance, took advantage of a musical pause to set aside her baton, fold her hands and take in the moment before joining the audience in their thunderous applause for soprano […]
Theatre Review: Stages St. Louis’ Beautiful and Engaging AIDA
Loosely based on Giuseppe Verdi’s opera of the same name, Aida follows the story of a Nubian Princess captured and enslaved during war by an Egypt general. As they learn more about each other, the two fall in love – to perilous consequences. Tim Rice (lyrics) and Elton John (music) joined with book writers Linda […]
Theatre Review: Passionate and Political, Opera Theatre St. Louis’ TOSCA Refreshes a Classic
There is not much color in Opera Theatre St. Louis’ production of Tosca. But that does not mean it is drab. Relying on minimalist lighting, projections and powerful singing, stage director James Robinson has accentuated the powerful drama of Puccini’s opera and taken a cue from Orson Welles, giving audiences a stark and sleek presentation that fully […]
Opera Theatre’s “Treemonisha” Gloriously Revives Scott Joplin’s Final Opera
Every king needs a queen. If you’re Scott Joplin, the king of Ragtime, that queen is Treemonisha. Opening Opera Theatre of St. Louis’ 2023 season, Treemonisha is an emotive production featuring powerful performances and a rousing score from the St. Louis Symphony Orchestra. This rendering of Treemonisha, now presented as an opera within an opera, was envisioned and created […]
Theatre Review: JESUS CHRIST SUPERSTAR at The Fabulous Fox
Jesus Christ Superstar – with music by Andrew Lloyd Webber and lyrics by Tim Rice is celebrating 50 years since its initial performances. The current North America tour celebrating this monumental milestone proves why this iconic show highlighting the last days of Jesus’ life has sustained its prominence as a popular musical with theater audiences. […]
Theatre Review: WICKED Celebrates 20 Years, Returns to The Fabulous Fox
The fourth-longest running show on Broadway (surpassing Cats just last week), Wicked makes its return to St. Louis for the 7th time since opening in 2003. Playing The Fabulous Fox Theatre through May 7, the “Popular” musical is a prequel (based on the 1995 novel by Gregory Maguire) to one of the most beloved stories […]
Theatre Review: TOOTSIE at The Fabulous Fox
In 1982, Dustin Hoffman donned Tootsie’s iconic red sequin dress as he played protagonist Michael Dorsey. The film reached critical acclaim, including being listed on the American Film Institute’s List of 100 Greatest American Films of All Time. Continuing with a Broadway trend of movie adaptations turned into theater, (ie. Mean Girls, Waitress, Legally Blonde, […]
Theatre Review: NINE Showcases Talented Cast and Emotional Journey of Self-Discovery
Based on Fellini’s incredible 1963 film 8½, NINE is the latest musical production from New Line Theatre. Adapted for the stage by Maury Yeston (music and lyrics) and Arthur Kopit (book), the Tony Award-winning show takes the audience on a powerful journey of self-exploration and introspection through the mind of an artist. NINE is the […]