Ken Kranzberg News

Designer Sarah Stallmann will use William Shakespeare's 38-play canon to inspire some original clothing ensembles at "Reclamation: Contemporary Fashion and the Canon," SHAKE 38's kick-off event, set for 5 to 7 p.m., on Wed., April 18, at the St. Louis Fashion Fund Incubator (1533 Washington Ave.). The event marks the beginning of the ninth annual five-day community-based marathon of the Bard's work, performed in just about every location imaginable across the St. Louis metro area.

Sophia Brown and Nick Narcisi will create the tempestuous relationship between renowned characters Blanche DuBois and Stanley Kowalski in "A Streetcar Named Desire," the main stage production of the third annual Tennessee Williams Festival St. Louis, May 10-19, at the Grandel Theatre. Tim Ocel will direct the production for this year's Festival titled, "Tennessee Williams: The French Quarter Years."

Hungry for Shakespeare? Thirty-eight of the city's most talented culinary masters, including Ben Grupe of Olio and Elaia, Bill Cardwell of Cardwell's at the Plaza and Simone Faure of La Patisserie Chouquette, will be serving up a tantalizing array of menu items and calling their creations "38 Eats" as part of one of the most diverse offerings to date during the eighth annual SHAKE 38, April 19-23, at multiple venues throughout the city. 

???????Thirty-eight culinary masters will be whipping up some eclectic menu items and calling their creations '38 Eats' as part of one of the most adventurous offerings to date during the eighth annual SHAKE 38, April 19-23, at multiple venues throughout the city.

In addition to dozens of performances throughout the city, SHAKE 38 will feature its first headlining event, Cry Havoc, a one-man play written and performed by actor/veteran Stephan Wolfert, at 2 p.m. on Sat., April 23 at the St. Louis Public Library - Central Branch.

In May, the city of St. Louis will pay homage to the city's favorite playwright - Tennessee Williams  - with an annual Tennessee Williams Festival St. Louis (TWFSTL).  This inaugural celebration kicks off May 11th and runs through the 15th on a variety of both conventional and unexpected stages in the Grand Center and Central West End areas. Highlights from this first festival include a Hirschfeld Exhibition Unveiling and An Evening with Olympia Dukakis.  With a focus on St. Louis, the TWFSTL will offer something for all tastes - theatrical productions, movies, a visual art exhibition, readings, panel discussions, a tour, and live music.   Tickets will be available through Metrotix.