Chris Gibson - Page 69

Over thirty years later, this charming and delightful work by Thomas Meehan, with music by Charles Strouse and lyrics by Martin Charnin, still maintains its humor and heart with it's simple search for love and acceptance. The Lyceum Theatre is presenting a solid, tuneful production, perfectly suitable for children and adults to attend and enjoy.

Good theatre makes you think, and Albee has given the audience a lot to chew on here. Issues concerning death and the ways in which we identify ourselves are keys to figuring it out, but don't expect to decipher it all, even Albee doesn't fully explain what he's getting at. At times, it's rather messy and convoluted, but THE LADY FROM DUBUQUE provokes a dialog, and that's truly the key to understanding it.

42ND STREET, the 'all talking, all singing, all dancing' extravaganza, is precisely the kind of colorful and splashy entertainment that the Muny does so well.

Slightly Askew Theatre Ensemble, a 2009 Kevin Kline Award nominee for Outstanding Ensemble in a Play, presents a unique spin on Shakespeare's Scottish Play with an all-female cast in the Old Post Office Plaza, downtown's newest open space, for THREE WEEKENDS in July and August.

Though it may have seemed more shocking when it was originally written and staged during the 1960's, Edward Albee's adaptation of Giles Cooper's EVERYTHING IN THE GARDEN still packs a healthy punch. Stray Dog Theatre closes their 2008-2009 season with a wonderfully dark and funny production of Albee's work, that's performed by an exceptional cast.

The French-infused concoction, MEDRANO, provided my son and I with our first experiences witnessing the magic that this one ring circus conjures up each summer in our own backyard. To quote John Lennon, who was himself referencing an old circus poster he'd found in a junk shop: 'A splendid time is guaranteed for all'.

BLUES IN THE NIGHT is a delightful compilation of material that celebrates the many styles associated with the music known as the blues. As conceived by Sheldon Epps, this musical follows three women and a saloon singer as they recall memories from their past in song form. The Black Rep's current production showcases four superb vocalists who bring their own unique talents to the work, creating a marvelous and uplifting experience, filled with enough genuine warmth and good humor, that it may well redefine how you feel about the blues.

Muddy Waters Theatre Company continues their season of Albee with LADY FROM DUBUQUE at the Kranzberg Arts Center.

Continuing their tradition of quality entertainment, Stages St. Louis's production of LITTLE SHOP OF HORRORS is a blast - a campy and tune filled flashback to the early 60's

What makes this touring company of RENT so special is the presence of Adam Pascal and Anthony Rapp reprising their leading roles as Roger and Mark, respectively. The electricity that the pair generates is reason enough to check out this very special production.