April Strelinger News

Set during a period of great turmoil just prior to the Russian revolution (1905), FIDDLER ON THE ROOF is a joyous celebration of life in times of uncertainty. Most versions I've seen have been scaled down considerably, focusing on the more intimate scenes. That's certainly not the case here. The MUNY's spectacular production gives us the full breadth and scope of Joseph Stein, Sheldon Harnick and Jerry Bock's thoughtful and heart warming take on themes of family and tradition. Anchored by a particularly strong cast and top notch staging this, is quite simply, perfection!

Footage of opening night of Jerry Bock and Sheldon Harnick's, Fiddler on the Roof, at The Muny in St. Louis, MO, featuring a previously unheard song by the show's composers!

The Muny announced today the complete cast for its production of Fiddler on the Roof directed by Gary Griffin, choreographed by Alex Sanchez and music directed by Brad Haak.

Following its recent 2016 Arts Organization Award from the Missouri Arts Council and five St. Louis Theater Circle Awards, STAGES St. Louis has announced casting for its celebratory 30th Anniversary Season: It Shoulda Been You, The Drowsy Chaperone, and Sister Act.

On Friday, November 13th, 2015 STAGES St. Louis celebrated the countdown to its 30th Anniversary Season at its fourteenth annual Applause! Gala, a benefit to support the organization's Education and Artistic Programs. Applause! 2015 raised proceeds of over $320,000. This year's numbers came on the heels of a spectacular 29th Season, which exceeded revenue goals with nearly $2 million in ticket sales. Judy and Jerry Kent served as the event's Presenting Sponsors and Honorary Co-Chairs, with Lynne Turley as Committee Chairperson. STAGES stars Kari Ely and Steve Isom co-hosted the night.

If you've seen the movie version of the THE FULL MONTY, and even if you haven't, you should make it a point to see STAGES St. Louis' current production of the musical version, because it's a fabulous show. Sometimes it's silly, sometimes it's serious, but one thing is certain, it's a show that tugs at the heart and has you rooting hard for these unemployed steel workers to pull off the scheme one of them hatches in order to earn some real cash. The show is wonderfully cast, and smartly directed, and more importantly, features a splendid, catchy score (music and lyrics by David Yazbek), and a top notch script by Terrence McNally that retains a lot of the more significant issues that made the movie so special to begin with. At its core it's a story of hope and following your dreams in the face of adversity, something we could all use more of, and that alone makes it an absolute must-see event.

STAGES St. Louis welcomes back its red-hot award-winning smash hit The Full Monty! Featuring a powerful story with enduring characters, this hilarious, yet heartwarming musical comedy will run tonight, September 4, through October 4 at the Robert G. Reim theatre in Kirkwood. 

The Muny presents OKLAHOMA!, which began performances on August 10 and runs through August 16, 2015, directed by Rob Ruggiero, choreographed by Susan Stroman and music directed by Kevin Stites. Ginger Thatcherrestages Stroman's choreography. Meet Jenni Barber (who plays Ado Annie) in the video below!

STAGES St. Louis welcomes back its red-hot award-winning smash hit The Full Monty! Featuring a powerful story with enduring characters, this hilarious, yet heartwarming musical comedy will run September 4 - October 4 at the Robert G. Reim theatre in Kirkwood. 

The Muny presents OKLAHOMA!, which began performances on August 10 and runs through August 16, 2015, directed by Rob Ruggiero, choreographed by Susan Stroman and music directed by Kevin Stites. Ginger Thatcherrestages Stroman's choreography. BroadwayWorld has a first look at some backstage shots below!

The Muny presents OKLAHOMA!, which began performances on August 10 and runs through August 16, 2015, directed by Rob Ruggiero, choreographed by Susan Stroman and music directed by Kevin Stites. Ginger Thatcherrestages Stroman's choreography. BroadwayWorld has a first look at the cast partying the night away below!

The Muny presents OKLAHOMA!, which began performances on August 10 and runs through August 16, 2015, directed by Rob Ruggiero, choreographed by Susan Stroman and music directed by Kevin Stites. Ginger Thatcherrestages Stroman's choreography. BroadwayWorld has a first look at the cast partying the night away below!

The Muny presents its production of Oklahoma! (August 10-16) directed by Rob Ruggiero, choreographed by Susan Stroman and music directed by Kevin Stites. Ginger Thatcher will restage Ms. Stroman's choreography.

The Muny presents OKLAHOMA!, which began performances on August 10 and runs through August 16, 2015, directed by Rob Ruggiero, choreographed by Susan Stroman and music directed by Kevin Stites. Ginger Thatcher restages Stroman's choreography. BroadwayWorld has a first look at the cast in action below!

The Muny announced today the cast for its production of Oklahoma! (August 10 -16) directed by Rob Ruggiero, choreographed by Susan Stroman and music directed by Kevin Stites. Ginger Thatcher will restage Ms. Stroman's choreography.

I purposely avoided the recent film version of INTO THE WOODS because I really didn't find the previews or the stunt casting appropriate. For me, it's a work that requires an audience to use their imagination to a great extent, and movies tend to give form to those things that are much better left conjured up in your own mind. That's why my son and I absolutely loved The MUNY's current presentation of the show. Let's face it, a woodland setting created utilizing green screen technology and a few key set pieces is nowhere near as effective at conveying the atmosphere desired, especially when you already have those actual elements growing freely at the back of this marvelous outdoor stage. Stephen Sondheim (music and lyrics) and James Lapine (book) crafted a brilliant mash-up of several fairy tales and fables that is smart, funny, and, ultimately, touching. When I asked my boy what he thought of the show at the end of the night he neatly summed it up: 'I thought it was awesome!' I agree wholeheartedly. Superbly cast and conceived, this is a production that's simply tailor made for The MUNY. Go see it, and take your kids with you! It may have a few moments that are a bit gruesome or adult in content, but they'll have a wonderful time, and so will you!

Stephen Sondheim (music and lyrics) and James Lapine's (book) INTO THE WOODS opened July 21, at the Muny, and is playing through July 27 in Forest Park. The production is directed by Gary Griffin, choreographed by Chris Bailey and music directed by Brad Haak. Check out a first look at the cast in action on opening night below! The cast includes Heather Headley (Witch), Erin Dilly (Baker's Wife), Rob McClure (Baker), Ken Page (Narrator), Andrew Samonsky (Cinderella's Prince/Wolf), Elena Shaddow (Cinderella) and Ryan Silverman (Rapunzel's Prince), will be Jason Gotay (Jack), Ellen Harvey (Cinderella's Stepmother), Sara Kapner (Little Red Ridinghood), Samantha Massell (Rapunzel), Michael McCormick (Mysterious Man/Cinderella's Father) and Zoe Vonder Haar (Jack's Mother). Rounding out this incredible cast are Anna Blair (Granny/Cinderella's Stepmother), Jennifer Diamond (Florinda), Gary Glasgow (Steward), Maggie Lakis (Milky White) and April Strelinger (Lucinda).

Stephen Sondheim (music and lyrics) and James Lapine's (book) INTO THE WOODS opened July 21, at the Muny, and is playing through July 27 in Forest Park. The production is directed by Gary Griffin, choreographed by Chris Bailey and music directed by Brad Haak. Check out a first look at the cast in action on opening night below!

Stephen Sondheim (music and lyrics) and James Lapine's (book) INTO THE WOODS begins tonight, July 21, at the Muny, playing through July 27 in Forest Park. The production is directed by Gary Griffin, choreographed by Chris Bailey and music directed by Brad Haak.  Check out an exclusive look at some backstage shots below!