Sunday, 01 January 2006 17:16
Weekly update on theater events in St. Louis.The Professional Theatre Awards Council of St. Louis announced the nominees for the first annual Kevin Kline Awards to recognize theater in St. Louis. The Nominees include Outstanding Musical: Footloose, Stages St. Louis; A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum, The Repertory Theatre of St. Louis; Hello, Dolly!, Stages St. Louis; Man of La Mancha, Stages St. Louis; and West Side Story, The Muny. Outstanding Play: Going to See the Elephant, Orange Girls; The Merchant of Venice, New Jewish Theatre; Take Me Out, The Repertory Theatre of St. Louis; The Tempest, Shakespeare Festival of St. Louis; and Valhalla, HotCity Theatre. Outstanding Director of a Musical: Kevin Backstrom, West Side Story, The Muny; Ron Gibbs, Jesus Christ Superstar, The Muny; Michael Hamilton, Footloose, Stages St. Louis; Michael Hamilton, Hello, Dolly!, Stages St. Louis; Michael Hamilton, Man of La Mancha, Stages St. Louis; and Edward Stern, A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum, The Repertory Theatre of St. Louis. Outstanding Director of a Play: Deanna Jent, Going to See the Elephant, Orange Girls; Tom Martin, Lobby Hero, The Repertory Theatre of St. Louis; Rob Ruggiero, Take Me Out, The Repertory Theatre of St. Louis; Wayne Salomon, Frankie and Johnny in the Clair de Lune, Spotlight Theatre; and Russell Treyz, The Tempest, Shakespeare Festival of St. Louis. Outstanding Musical Direction: are Lisa Campbell Albert, Man of La Mancha, Stages St. Louis; Tim Carpenter, Crowns, The Repertory Theatre of St. Louis; Al Fischer, Hello, Dolly!, Stages St. Louis; Kelsey Halbert, West Side Story, The Muny; and Ben Whiteley, Beauty and the Beast, The Muny. Outstanding Choreography: Kevin Backstrom, West Side Story, The Muny; Dana Lewis, Footloose, Stages St. Louis; Dana Lewis, Hello, Dolly!, Stages St. Louis; Janet Watson, A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum, The Repertory Theatre of St. Louis; Vivian Anderson-Watt and Theodore Jamison, Dancing on Air, Historyonics. Outstanding Costume Design: Lou Bird, Hello, Dolly!, Stages St. Louis; Jennifer "JC" Carter, Dangerous Liaisons, St. Louis Shakespeare; Michael J. McDonald, Take Me Out, The Repertory Theatre of St. Louis; Reggie Ray, Crowns, The Repertory Theatre of St. Louis; Austin Sanderson, The Tempest, Shakespeare Festival of St. Louis. Outstanding Lighting Design: Christopher Edwards, Valhalla, HotCity Theatre; Don Guy, The Tempest, Shakespeare Festival of St. Louis; John Lasiter, Take Me Out, The Repertory Theatre of St. Louis; Matthew McCarthy, Hello, Dolly!, Stages St. Louis; Matthew McCarthy, Man of La Mancha, Stages St. Louis; Peter Sargent, A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum, The Repertory Theatre of St. Louis. Outstanding Set Design: John Ezell, A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum, The Repertory Theatre of St. Louis: Mark Halpin, Hello, Dolly!, Stages St. Louis; Adrian W. Jones, Take Me Out, The Repertory Theatre of St. Louis; Christopher Pickart, Lobby Hero, The Repertory Theatre of St. Louis; Christopher Pickart, The Tempest, Shakespeare Festival of St. Louis. Outstanding Sound Design: Janet Kalas, Take Me Out, The Repertory Theatre of St. Louis; Jason Krueger, West Side Story, The Muny; Nathan Ruyle, Adult Entertainment, HotCity Theatre; Ann Slayton, The Tempest, Shakespeare Festival of St. Louis; John Taylor, Frankie and Johnny in the Clair de Lune, Spotlight Theatre. Outstanding New Play or Musical: Lee Patton Chiles, Dancing on Air, Historyonics; The Ensemble, So to Speak, Washington Avenue Players Project; Margeau Steinau and B. Weller, Famous Monsters, HotCity Theatre. Outstanding Ensemble in a Play: Adult Entertainment, HotCity Theatre; Going to See the Elephant, Orange Girls; Lobby Hero, The Repertory Theatre of St. Louis; The Tempest, Shakespeare Festival of St. Louis; This Is Our Youth, The Repertory Theatre of St. Louis. Outstanding Ensemble in a Musical: Crowns, The Repertory Theatre of St. Louis; Footloose, Stages St. Louis; A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum, The Repertory Theatre of St. Louis; Hello, Dolly!, Stages St. Louis; Man of La Mancha, Stages St. Louis; West Side Story , The Muny. Outstanding Lead Actor in a Musical: Bill Lynch, Footloose, Stages St. Louis; Ben Nordstrom, Footloose, Stages St. Louis; David Schmittou, Hello, Dolly!, Stages St. Louis; Matthew Scott, West Side Story, The Muny; Bob Walton, A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum, The Repertory Theatre of St. Louis. Outstanding Lead Actor in a Play: Philip Anthony-Rodriguez, Take Me Out, The Repertory Theatre of St. Louis; Jim Butz, Lobby Hero, The Repertory Theatre of St. Louis; Nat DeWolf, Take Me Out, The Repertory Theatre of St. Louis; Norman McGowan, I'm Not Rappaport, New Jewish Theatre; Andrew Michael Neiman, The Elephant Man, Stray Dog Theatre. Outstanding Lead Actress in a Musical: Kate Baldwin, The Sound of Music, The Muny; Andrea Burns, West Side Story, The Muny; Kari Ely, Footloose, Stages St. Louis; Sarah Litzsinger, Beauty and the Beast, The Muny; Zoe Vonder Haar, Hello, Dolly!, Stages St. Louis. Outstanding Lead Actress in a Play: Michelle Hand, Separate Tables, Act Inc.; Michelle Hand, A Streetcar Named Desire, Stray Dog Theatre; Darrie Lawrence, The Retreat from Moscow, The Repertory Theatre of St. Louis; Nancy Lewis, Going to See the Elephant, Orange Girls; Meghan Maguire, Going to See the Elephant, Orange Girls. Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Musical: Nat Chandler, A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum, The Repertory Theatre of St. Louis; Thomas E. O'Brien, Man of La Mancha, Stages St. Louis; Ken Page, Jesus Christ Superstar, The Muny; Jeffrey Pruett, The Robber Bridegroom, New Line Theatre; John Seidman, A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum, The Repertory Theatre of St. Louis. Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Play: Michael Balsley, Take Me Out, The Repertory Theatre of St. Louis; Gary Wayne Barker, Driving Miss Daisy, New Jewish Theatre; Drew Bell, Glen or Glenda: Live!, Magic Smoking Monkey Theatre; Jim Butz, The Merchant of Venice, New Jewish Theatre; John Kinney, Unexpected Tenderness, New Jewish Theatre. Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Musical: Melissa Bohon, Hello, Dolly!, Stages St. Louis; Natascia Diaz, West Side Story, The Muny; Lynn Eldredge, A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum, The Repertory Theatre of St. Louis; Georgia Engel, Mame, The Muny; Lynette Knapp, A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum, The Repertory Theatre of St. Louis; Jamie McKittrick, The Robber Bridegroom, New Line Theatre. Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Play: Teresa Doggett, Separate Tables, Act Inc.; Brooke Edwards, Going to See the Elephant, Orange Girls; Michelle Hand, Going to See the Elephant, Orange Girls; Liz Hopefl, Separate Tables, Act Inc.; Rory Lipede, Valhalla, HotCity Theatre; Magan Wiles, The Tempest, Shakespeare Festival of St. Louis. Outstanding Production for Young Audiences: Bah! Humbug!, The Imaginary Theatre Company/The Repertory Theatre of St. Louis; Free to Be … You and Me, Stages St. Louis; Honk!, DramaRama; Salt and Pepper, Metro Theatre Company; The Tempest in a Flash, Shakespeare Festival of St. Louis.
The Orange Girls will be holding a fundraiser Saturday, Feb. 25 from 7—11 p.m. at Marbles Yoga Studio (1905 Park Ave). Orange Girls Brooke Edwards, Michelle Hand, Meghan Maguire and Kelley Ryan will perform a staged reading of The Most Massive Woman Wins. Admission is $25. For reservations or more information, call 314-520-9557 or email This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
The Alton Little Theater will present their annual fundraiser, Broadway and Chocolate, on Fri., Feb. 10 at 8 p.m. The show consists of Broadway tunes followed by a chocolate reception. The show will be at the Alton Little Theater (2450 North Henry Street, Alton, IL). For reservations or information call 618-462-6562 or visit their Web site at www.altonlittletheater.org.
HotCity Theatre announces its 2006 Season. The Mainstage Season will consist of David Ives' Polish Joke, directed by William Grivna, April 20—May 6; Del Shores' Daddy's Dyin' (Whose Got The Will?), directed by Jason Cannon, July 13—29; Stephen Adley Guirgis' The Last Days of Judas Iscariot, directed by Marty Stanberry, September 7—23; and Tennesee Williams' Orpheus Descending, directed by Peter Reynolds, November 16—December 2. The GreenHouse series will consist of the United States premiere of Guillem Clua's Skin In Flames, translated by St. Louis Playwright DJ Sanders and directed by Jason Cannon, March 2—12; and Chuck Harper's play The Probe, produced in conjunction with St. Louis' dance/theatre ensemble Theatre de la Belle Bete. August 18—20 will see the first annual New Play Festival consisting of staged readings of four entries from some of America's best new playwrights. The winner of the Jury Prize receives a full production with The GreenHouse in 2007. The event will be offered FREE to the public and is dedicated to nurturing new theatrical voices from St. Louis and all across the United States. For more information, visit www.hotcitythreatre.org.
The Alton Little Theater will present their annual fundraiser, Broadway and Chocolate, on Friday, February 10 at 8:00 p.m. The show consists of Broadway tunes followed by a chocolate reception. The Alton Little Theater is located at 2450 North Henry Street in Alton, Illinois. For reservations or information call 618-462-6562 or visit their Web site at www.altonlittletheater.org.
St. Louis Shakespeare is accepting applications for paid technicians and designers for their 2006 Summer Season, which will include Metamorphosis, directed by Milt Zoth (July 21-30); Much Ado About Nothing, directed by Carolyne Hood (August 11-20); and Troilus and Cressida, directed by Donna Northcott (September 1-10). SLS is searching for a technical director, costume designers, non-Equity assistant stage managers, properties masters, a master electrician and board operators. Please email your resume and cover letter to the attention of Jim Davis, Production Manager at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it or call 314-361-5664.
St. Louis Shakespeare holds non-Equity auditions for Metamorphosis by Mary Zimmerman and Shakespeare’s Troilus and Cressida on Sat., Feb. 18 from 10 a.m.–2 p.m., & Mon., Feb. 20 from 7 p.m.—10 p.m. at St. John's United Methodist Church (5000 Washington Place).Auditions are held by appointment. Please prepare a 1-2 minute monologue from any Shakespeare play and bring a photo and resume. All roles are open; non-equity actors of all ages and types are encouraged to attend.
Magic Smoking Monkey Theatre will hold auditions for its Spring production, The Ten Commandments: Live! on Saturday, February 25 from 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. and 2:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. No appointment is necessary, and auditions will consist of cold readings from the script. Auditions will be held at the Theater at St. John's (5000 Washington Place). For more information, send an email to This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
The Hawthorne Players holds auditions for Neil Simon's Rumors on Mon., Feb. 6 at 7 p.m. in the Florissant Civic Center Theatre (111 South Geyer Road). Roles are available for five men and five women. Auditions will consist of cold readings from the script. For more information call 314-830-2509.
Stages St. Louis will hold Equity and non-Equity auditions for their 2006 Summer season which will sonsist of Cabaret, Grease, and Meet Me In St. Louis. Friday, January 27 will be open call—for actors 16 and up—starting at 5:00 p.m. On Saturday, January 28, open dance calls for men will be at 10:00 a.m. and for women at 11:30 a.m. Callbacks are Sunday, January 29 from 12:45 p.m. to 6: p.m. Children's open call auditions for the roles of Tootie and Agnes will be held on Saturday, Feruary 25 from 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. Callbacks will be held on Sunday, February 26 from 1:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. Equity members may schedule an audition in St. Louis by calling directly at 314-809-0846 beginning on January 16. Non-union performers will be seen only at the open calls or by appointment at the discretion of the casting director. All performers must bring a photo and resume and should prepare a minimum of 32 bars of music. No lead sheets; no transposition. An accompanist is provided. Songs from the current season are fine. If called back, be prepared with dance clothes and shoes. Open dance call auditionees should be ready to dance first and will sing only if asked. Bring all dance style shoes character, ballet, jazz and tap. Auditions will be held at the Kirkwood Civic Center (111 South Geyer Rd., 3rd Floor in Kirkwood). If you have any questions please visit our their Web site at www.stagesstlouis.org or call the audition hotline Monday - Friday from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. 314-809-0846.
HotCity Theatre holds auditions for two shows of its 2006 season, David Ives' Polish Joke and Del Shores' Daddy's Dyin' (Whose Got The Will?) on Saturday, January 28. Equity auditions will be held from 9:00 a.m. to 12 noon, and non-Equity auditions will be from 1:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. Auditions will be held at the Theater of St. John's (5000 Washington Place in the Central West End). Actors are asked to prepare a single, one minute comic monologue. Call 314-482-9148 for an appointment.
The Alpha Players of Florissant are currently taking directing submittals for their 2006-2007 season. The season will open in October 2006 The Sound of Music, followed by Lend Me A Tenor in February 2007, and The Canterville Ghost in May of 2007. The slots for these shows are not yet determined. The Alpha Players are a not for profit community theatre group operating in Florissant, Missouri for 49 years. All positions are voluntary, including directors. Anyone interested in directing one or more of these shows, please mail your request along with a resume to Alpha Players, 9 New Hope Ct. Florissant, MO 63033. Please have your submittal in by January 31, 2006. For further information, please call 31-4830-3554.
Center Of Creative Arts (COCA) is searching for young talented actors to become members of its 2006 theatre company. Ensemble members of the new theatre company make a significant commitment of their time, rehearse 8-12 hours a week and attend master acting classes with some of the region's top professional teachers, actors and directors. Throughout The Company's season, the cast (ages 12 through 18) performs a variety of scripted, improvised and musical revues. The Company at COCA serves as a training ground for talented young actors and future performers. Actors do not need to train currently at COCA to audition. Auditions for The Company COCA will be held at The Center of Creative Arts (524 Trinity Avenue, in the University City). The Company auditions will be Saturday, January 28 starting at 10 a.m. and Sunday, January 29 starting at 10:00 am. For further information, contact Ed Reggi at 314-725-1834 ext. 214 or, e-mail This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .
St. Louis Community College-Florissant Valley holds auditions for Lost in Yonkers
Auditions are Tuesday, Febraury 21. Auditions will begin at 7:00 p.m. in the Terry M. Fischer Theatre on campus (3400 Pershall Road in Ferguson). Written by Neil Simon, Lost in Yonkers is a touching comedy set in Yonkers, NY, in 1942. While war wages in Europe, two young brothers are forced by circumstances to live with their demanding grandmother, their loving, high-spirited and childlike Aunt Bella, and their tough-talking gangster Uncle Louie. The two boys are challenged and learn the essentials of life through their relationships with their family. Roles are for three women of varying ages, two men in their 20s to 30s, and two boys in their teens. Performance dates are March 31—April 8. For more information, call Bryant Williamson at 314-513-4487.
Bazoink Entertainment is holding auditions for a statewide children’s theater program targeted to grades K-3. Excellent pay and expenses are paid. Roles for males and females 21+. Call 314-645-4223 for more info.
Soundstage Productions is seeking a singer for the April production of Deborah Brevoort’s new play Blue Moon Over Memphis to be performed April 21–29 at 8 p.m. at HH Studios, 2500 Sutton in Maplewood. Seeking a soul/blues singer, male or female, aged 30–50; this is a paid position/non-equity. Call Randy Stinebaker at 314-968-8070 to set up an audition or submit a CD/tape. This will be Soundstage’s first annual Something Old and Something New Series; the “old” production will be The Subject Was Roses. Visit www.soundstageproductions.net for more information.
In2Closets is holding auditions for A Closet of Skeletons, a new play by Seanea Armstrong, held in March and April at COCA. African-American male and female actors are needed, as is a director for the show; this is a non-paying production. If interested, please call to schedule an audition at 314-518-7911, or e-mail This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .
New Line Theatre presents Bat Boy: The Musical, directed by Scott Miller, from Feb. 23—March. 18. Performances are at the ArtLoft Theatre (1529 Washington Ave.). Showtimes are Thurs.—Sat. at 8 p.m. Tickets are $15 general admission, $10 students and seniors, and are available at al MetroTix outlets (314-534-1111; www.metrotix.com). More information can be found at www.newlinetheatre.com.
The Repertory Theatre of St. Louis presents three shows in February. The current Browning Mainstage show, I Am My Own Wife by Doug Wright closes Feb. 3 with Shakespeare’s Henry IV up next, running Feb. 8—March 10. The Studio Theatre continues Dael Orlandersmith’s Yellowman through Feb. 5. All shows are performed at the Loretto-Hilton Center of Performing Arts (130 Edgar Rd., Webster Groves). Tickets for Mainstage shows range from $13 to $61, and Studio Theatre tickets range from $31 to $48. Tickets can be purchased at the Rep’s Web site, along with a detailed performance schedule. www.repstl.com
The NonProphet Theater Company presents St. Louis’ longest running sketch-comedy show, The Militant Propaganda Bingo Machine, Sat. Feb. 24 at 9 p.m. at the Hi Pointe Café (1001 McCausland). The show is directed by Bob Mitchell and will feature a special celebrity guest host. Tickets are $10, available at the door. To make reservations, email This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it or call 314-680-0476. www.nptco.org
The DaySpring Centre for Arts and Education presents Shakespeare's Much Ado About Nothing in two performances, Sat., Feb. 4 at 7 p.m. & Sun., Feb. 5 at 3 p.m. Shows take place at the Robert G. Reim Theater (111 South Geyer Road, Kirkwood). For more information call 314-291-8878.
Soundstage Productions presents The Long Christmas Ride Home by Paula Vogel Feb. 3—18. Showtimes are Fri. & Sat. at 8 p.m. at the HH Studio (2500 Sutton, Maplewood). Tickets are $12. For reservations or more information call 314-968-8070. www.soundstageproductions.net
The Arch Rivals Comedy Showcase presents its next show on Thurs. Feb. 23, at 7:30 p.m. at Comedy Forum (4141 N. Cloverleaf Dr., St. Peters).The Arch Rivals are beginning their second year of fun, irreverent and sometimes over-the-top scenes, characters, games and sketches, interacting with audience suggestions and volunteers. Tickets are $5 (21+) Reservations can be made online at www.comedyforum.com. For more information, call 314-495-9454.
Vanity Theater presents Toni Press-Coffman's Touchat the Black Box Theatre at Fontbonne University, January 13-21. The show is directed by Deanna Jent,and features Margeau Steinau, Travis Estes, Sarah Cannon and Jason Cannon. Touch is the story of admitted high school "science nerd," Kyle Kalke—now an astronomer—who experiences the relationship of a lifetime with flamboyant, openhearted Zoe. When a horrific crime takes Zoe out of his life, Kyle tries to lose himself in loveless sex. Touch is about a man in despair groping toward any connection that will rekindle joy. The shows is performed January 13-15 (Thursday—Sunday) at 8 p.m. and January 19-21 (Thursday—Sunday), also at 8 p.m. Tickets are $15 for general admission, and $10 for students and seniors. Seating is limited, and reservations can be made by calling 314-889-4561. The Black Box Theater is located on the campus of Fontbonne Universtiy at 6800 Wydown Boulevard (Big Bend & Wydown).
The St. Louis Black Repertory Company & HotCity Theatre present Tony Kushner’s Caroline, or Change Jan. 4–29 at the Grandel Theater (3610 Grandel Square). The show is directed by Black Rep Artistic Director Ron Himes. Performances are at 7 p.m. Thurs., 8 p.m. Fri., 3 & 8 p.m. Sat., and 3 p.m. Sun. Tickets ($17–40) are available at all MetroTix outlets, by phone at 314-534-1111, or online at www.metrotix.com. For more information, visit www.stlouisblackrep.com or www.hotcitytheatre.org.
Between-band entertainment at the PLAYBACK:stl holiday show, Unpainted Improv presents its next show Jan. 27 at the Hi-Pointe (1001 McCausland). The show begins at 9 p.m.; admission is $5 at the door.
The Metro Theatre Company presents Lily’s Purple Plastic Purse by Kevin Henkes Jan. 21–28 with performances Sat. at 11 a.m. and Sun. at 1:30 & 3:30 p.m. at the Missouri History Museum in Forest Park. Tickets are $14 adults/$12 children, available by calling 314-997-6777 or online at www.metrotheatercompany.org.
The Repertory Theatre of St. Louis presents two shows in January. First is the next Mainstage show in the Browning Auditorium, Doug Wright’s I Am My Own Wife, directed by John Going. The show runs Jan. 4–Feb. 3; tickets are $13–61. Next will be the season’s second Studio Theater offering, Dael Orlandersmith’s Yellowman, directed by Susan Gregg, running Jan. 18–Feb. 5; tickets are $37.50–48. Both productions are at the Loretto-Hilton Center of Performing Arts (130 Edgar Rd., Webster Groves). Show times and ticket prices are available by calling 314-968-4925 or online at www.repstl.org.
The Alpha Players of Florissant presents George F. Kaufman and Moss Hart's The Man Who Came To Dinner at the Florissant Civic Center Theatre Feb. 3—12. Performances are Fri. & Sat. at 8 p.m. & Sun. at 2 p.m. Tickets are $12 for general admission and $10 for students and seniors. For tickets call 314-921-5678 or order online at www.alphaplayers.org.
The Kirkwood Theatre Guild presents Ira Levin’s Deathtrap at the Robert G. Reim Theater in the Kirkwood Community Center (111 South Geyer Rd., Kirkwood). The show runs Jan.20–28, directed byB. Weller. Show times are Fri. & Sat. at 8 p.m., Sun. at 2 p.m. Tickets are $15, available at the box office. For more info, visit www.ktg-onstage.org.
The Alton Little Theatre presents David Auburn’s Proof Jan. 20–29 at the Alton Little Theater (2450 North Henry St., Alton, Ill.); the show is directed by Barry Thornell. Performances at 8 p.m. Fri. & Sat., 2 p.m. Sun.; tickets are $12 adults/$6 students, available at the box office. For more information, call 618-462-6562, or visit www.altonlittletheater.org.
The West End Players Guild presents Dylan Thomas’ Under Milk Wood Jan. 20–29 at the Union Avenue Christian Church (733 Union Blvd.). The show is directed by Steve Callahan; tickets ($10) are available at the door. For more information, call 314-367-0025 or visit www.westendplayers.org.
St. Louis Community College-Florissant Valley will present Melba Moore's one-woman play, Sweet Songs of the Soul for a one night performance on February 3. The performance is at 7 p.m. Sweet Songs of the Soul is a musical autobiographical journey of the Broadway and R&B legend's life. Following, from February 17--25 will be William Shakespeare's As You Like It. The show is directed by Chris Stephens. Performances are 8 p.m. Fri. & Sat., & 2 p.m. on Sun. This performance will be interpreted for the hearing impaired. Tickets are free, but reservations are requested. For more information, call 314-513-4488. Both shows will be performed at Terry M. Fischer Theatre on campus (3400 Pershall Road).Tickets may be picked up at the theatre box office the night of the performance. More information is available by calling 314-513-4477.