http://stageleft-stlouis.blogspot.com/A theatrical blog and occasional podcast of CD reviews, news and interviews from the world of stage, screen, cabaret and related places.ennoreply@blogger.com (Chuck Lavazzi)Sat, 26 May 2012 22:12:56 PDTBlogger http://www.blogger.com324125musical,theatre,,theatre,,cabarert,,film,music,,soundtracksArts/Performing Artsnoreply@blogger.comChuck LavazziChuck Lavazzinomusical,theatre,,theatre,,cabarert,,film,music,,soundtracksA podcast of CD reviews, news and interviews from the worlds of stage, screen and cabaret.A podcast of CD reviews, news and interviews from the worlds of stage, screen and cabaret.Stage Left is a podcast of CD reviews, news and interviews from the worlds of stage, screen and cabaret.http://stageleft-stlouis.blogspot.com/2012/05/st-louis-theatre-calendar-for-week-of_26.htmlst. louis theatre calendarst. louis theater calendarnoreply@blogger.com (Chuck Lavazzi)Sat, 26 May 2012 22:12:56 PDTtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30600205.post-2693967595166972614[Looking for auditions and other artistic opportunities? Check out the St. Louis Auditions site.] For information on events beyond this week, check out the searchable database at the Regional Arts Commission's ArtsZipper site. Share on Google+ R-S Theatrics presents a Bill Cain's 9 Circles, based on Dante's Divine Comedy, at 8 PM Fridays and Saturdays, and 7 PM Sundays, June 1-10. 0http://stageleft-stlouis.blogspot.com/2012/05/chucks-choices-for-weekend-of-may-25.htmlhotcity theatreopera theatre of st. louisslightly askew theatre ensemblenoreply@blogger.com (Chuck Lavazzi)Fri, 25 May 2012 13:20:55 PDTtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30600205.post-2248890895696350411As always, the choices are purely my personal opinion. Take with a grain (or a shaker) of salt. Share on Google+: New this week: The Slightly Askew Theatre Ensemble presents Lanford Wilson's Burn This through Saturday at 8 PM. Performances take place at Black Cat Theatre, 2810 Sutton in Maplewood. SATE is a small but ambiltious theatre company that doesn't appear to shy away from the 0http://stageleft-stlouis.blogspot.com/2012/05/en-blanc-et-noir.htmlopera theatre of st. louisbizetkendall gladencarmennoreply@blogger.com (Chuck Lavazzi)Tue, 22 May 2012 13:52:22 PDTtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30600205.post-526891922744859858 Kendall Gladen Who: Opera Theatre of St. Louis What: Carmen When: May 19-June 23, 2012 Where: The Loretto-Hilton Center Share on Google+ Carmen as film noir? With a femme fatale heroine, a doomed anti-hero, and a netherworld in which cops (well, OK, the fascist Guardia Civil) and crooks meet, the concept behind Opera Theatre’s production has genuine merit. It’s not without its missteps, 0http://stageleft-stlouis.blogspot.com/2012/05/invitations-to-dance.htmlsarina zhangsaint-saensleonard bernsteinward staregeorge gershwinst. Louis symphonyraveldvoraknoreply@blogger.com (Chuck Lavazzi)Tue, 22 May 2012 13:52:09 PDTtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30600205.post-3828030141843792536Who: Pianist Sarina Zhang and The St. Louis Symphony Orchestra conducted by Ward Stare What: Music of Dvořák, Saint-Saëns, Gershwin, Bernstein, and Ravel Where: Powell Symphony Hall, St. Louis When: May 18, 2012 Share on Google+ Sarina Zhang and friends play the Saint-Saëns Dance Macabre It was a lively and entertaining evening at Powell Hall last night with a dance-infused program that 0http://stageleft-stlouis.blogspot.com/2012/05/st-louis-theatre-calendar-for-week-of_20.htmlst. louis theatre calendarst. louis theater calendarnoreply@blogger.com (Chuck Lavazzi)Tue, 22 May 2012 20:21:11 PDTtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30600205.post-816657368629639514Updated Tuesday, May 23 [Looking for auditions and other artistic opportunities? Check out the St. Louis Auditions site.] For information on events beyond this week, check out the searchable database at the Regional Arts Commission's ArtsZipper site. I'm now adding my own purely personal comments to events about which I think I have anything worthwhile to say. Because that's what bloggers do0http://stageleft-stlouis.blogspot.com/2012/05/chucks-choices-for-weekend-of-may-18.htmlhotcity theatrechuck's choicesshow me burlesqueopera theatre of st. louischuck lavazzist. Louis symphonyStray Dog Theatremagic smoking monkey theatrenoreply@blogger.com (Chuck Lavazzi)Wed, 16 May 2012 20:19:09 PDTtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30600205.post-2837451658676177194As always, the choices are purely my personal opinion. Take with a grain (or a shaker) of salt. Share on Google+: New this week: Carmen, circa 1940 Opera Theatre of St. Louis presents Bizet's Carmen in rotating repertory with three other operas May 19 through June 23. Performances take place at the Loretto-Hilton Center at 135 Edgar Road on the Webster University campus. The 0http://stageleft-stlouis.blogspot.com/2012/05/fine-way-to-treat-steinway.htmlmichael feinsteingreat american songbookst. Louis symphonynoreply@blogger.com (Chuck Lavazzi)Wed, 16 May 2012 14:37:00 PDTtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30600205.post-1104224847729659285Who: Michael Feinstein with Sam Kriger and the St. Louis Symphony What: The Great American Songbook Where: Powell Symphony Hall When: May 13, 2012 Share on Google+ "I Won't Send Roses" from Jerry Herman's Broadway at Holiday Bowl (1993) Michael Feinstein’s appearance with the St. Louis Symphony on Mother’s Day had all the elements of a classic, well-crafted cabaret show. Yes, there was a 0http://stageleft-stlouis.blogspot.com/2012/05/st-louis-theatre-calendar-for-week-of_13.htmlst. louis theatre calendarst. louis theater calendarnoreply@blogger.com (Chuck Lavazzi)Tue, 15 May 2012 20:24:35 PDTtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30600205.post-5302146747238904144Updated Tuesday, May 15 [Looking for auditions and other artistic opportunities? Check out the St. Louis Auditions site.] For information on events beyond this week, check out the searchable database at the Regional Arts Commission's ArtsZipper site. I'm now adding my own purely personal comments to events about which I think I have anything worthwhile to say. Because that's what bloggers 0http://stageleft-stlouis.blogspot.com/2012/05/blog-post.htmlpeabody opera housemusical theatremary poppinsnoreply@blogger.com (Chuck Lavazzi)Sat, 12 May 2012 07:10:37 PDTtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30600205.post-4658473677846954350 Rachel Wallace and Case Dillard What: Mary Poppins Where: Peabody Opera House, St. Louis When: May 8-13, 2012 Share on Google+: The staging looks a bit cramped at times, especially in the big ensemble numbers, and the show itself feels a bit too long, but on the whole it truly is a jolly holiday with Mary Poppins, thanks to solid production values and a great cast. Based on both the 0http://stageleft-stlouis.blogspot.com/2012/05/chucks-choices-for-weekend-of-may-11.htmlchuck's choicespeabody opera housechuck lavazzist. Louis symphonymary poppinsStray Dog Theatrefox theatre saint louismagic smoking monkey theatreblack rep saint louisnoreply@blogger.com (Chuck Lavazzi)Thu, 10 May 2012 13:35:08 PDTtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30600205.post-8780340249445142433As always, the choices are purely my personal opinion. Take with a grain (or a shaker) of salt. Share on Google+: New this week: Rachel Wallace and Case Dillard asMary Poppins and Bert Peabody Opera House presents the classic musical Mary Poppins through Sunday. The staging looks a bit cramped at times, especially in the big ensemble numbers, and the show itself feels a bit too long, 1http://stageleft-stlouis.blogspot.com/2012/05/rach-on.htmlstephen houghbeethovenpeter oundjianrachmaninoffst. Louis symphonyglinkanoreply@blogger.com (Chuck Lavazzi)Mon, 07 May 2012 17:24:21 PDTtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30600205.post-6832098365390058364 Who: Pianist Stephen Hough and The St. Louis Symphony Orchestra conducted by Peter Oundjian What: Music of Glinka, Rachmaninoff, and Beethoven Where: Powell Symphony Hall, St. Louis When: May 4-6, 2012 Powell Hall was packed to the last row of the balcony Saturday night for a coruscating Rachmaninoff Third Piano Concerto with Stephen Hough (who had just performed the First Concerto the night 0http://stageleft-stlouis.blogspot.com/2012/05/st-louis-theatre-calendar-for-week-of.htmlst. louis theatre calendarst. louis theater calendarnoreply@blogger.com (Chuck Lavazzi)Sat, 12 May 2012 21:29:15 PDTtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30600205.post-760119271376110268[Looking for auditions and other artistic opportunities? Check out the St. Louis Auditions site.] For information on events beyond this week, check out the searchable database at the Regional Arts Commission's ArtsZipper site. I'm now adding my own purely personal comments to events about which I think I have anything worthwhile to say. Because that's what bloggers do. If I have left your 0http://stageleft-stlouis.blogspot.com/2012/05/heart-of-rock-n-roll-is-still-beating.htmlmemphis the musicalfox theatre saint louisnoreply@blogger.com (Chuck Lavazzi)Fri, 04 May 2012 16:01:47 PDTtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30600205.post-8110370565919898849 What: Memphis (USA tour) Where: The Fox Theatre, St. Louis When: May 1-13, 2012 Share on Google+: At a time when far too many Broadway musicals are either theme parks or retreads, Memphis stands out by offering an intelligent book with a message of hope and decency amid hate and fear, a solid score, and terrific performances. Inspired by the life of 1950s Memphis DJ Dewey Phillips, whose 0http://stageleft-stlouis.blogspot.com/2012/05/chucks-choices-for-weekend-of-may-4.htmlchuck's choiceschuck lavazzist. louis theatrest. Louis symphonyStray Dog Theatrememphis the musicalgateway men's chorusfox theatre saint louismagic smoking monkey theatreblack rep saint louisnoreply@blogger.com (Chuck Lavazzi)Thu, 03 May 2012 09:33:57 PDTtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30600205.post-755527692096912381As always, the choices are purely my personal opinion. Take with a grain (or a shaker) of salt. Share on Google+: Stray Dog Theatre’s production of Tony Kushner’s Angels in America continues this weekend with Part 2: Perestroika. Next week they’ll present Part 1: Millennium Approaches again, with the entire enterprise concluding the weekend of May 17. These are beautifully written plays 0http://stageleft-stlouis.blogspot.com/2012/05/country-gardens.htmlopera reviewunion avenue operahandelacis and galateanoreply@blogger.com (Chuck Lavazzi)Tue, 01 May 2012 14:29:15 PDTtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30600205.post-816217112680478064 Who: Union Avenue Opera What: Acis and Galatea When: April 27-29, 2012 Where: Union Avenue Christian Church Share on Google+: The production of Handel’s 1739 pastoral opera Acis and Galatea that graced Union Avenue Opera’s stage this past weekend was pretty much a perfect fit for the company and its space. With a small orchestra (ten pieces including harpsichord continuo), a cast of seven,0http://stageleft-stlouis.blogspot.com/2012/04/rach-and-roll-part-2.htmlstephen houghrachmaninoffst. Louis symphonyhans grafnoreply@blogger.com (Chuck Lavazzi)Mon, 30 Apr 2012 20:00:14 PDTtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30600205.post-6078953951379369753 Who: Pianist Stephen Hough and The St. Louis Symphony Orchestra conducted by Hans Graf What: Music of Rimski-Korsakov, Shostakovich, and Rachmaninoff Where: Powell Symphony Hall, St. Louis When: April 28 and 29, 2012 Share on Google+: [Download the complete St. Louis symphony program notes in PDF format] Rachmaninoff’s Second may not be the best of his four piano concerti—both the 0St Louis, MO, USA38.6270025 -90.199404238.527764000000005 -90.3573327 38.726241 -90.0414757http://stageleft-stlouis.blogspot.com/2012/04/st-louis-theatre-calendar-for-week-of_29.htmlst. louis theatre calendarst. louis theater calendarnoreply@blogger.com (Chuck Lavazzi)Fri, 04 May 2012 16:02:51 PDTtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30600205.post-8188294697744258888Updated Friday, May 4 [Looking for auditions and other artistic opportunities? Check out the St. Louis Auditions site.] For information on events beyond this week, check out the searchable database at the Regional Arts Commission's ArtsZipper site. I'm now adding my own purely personal comments to events about which I think I have anything worthwhile to say. Because that's what bloggers do.0http://stageleft-stlouis.blogspot.com/2012/04/rach-and-roll-part-1.htmlstephen houghdimitri shostakovichrachmaninoffrimski-korsakovst. Louis symphonyhans grafnoreply@blogger.com (Chuck Lavazzi)Sun, 29 Apr 2012 19:41:41 PDTtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30600205.post-8902251029946360387Who: Pianist Stephen Hough and The St. Louis Symphony Orchestra conducted by Hans Graf What: Music of Rimski-Korsakov, Shostakovich, and Rachmaninoff Where: Powell Symphony Hall, St. Louis When: April 27, 2012 Share on Google+: [Download the complete St. Louis symphony program notes in PDF format] Pianist Stephen Hough has both tremendous power and a delicate touch. Hans Graf is a 0http://stageleft-stlouis.blogspot.com/2012/04/chucks-choices-for-weekend-of-april-27.htmlchuck's choicesthe black repchuck lavazzist. Louis symphonyunion avenue operaStray Dog Theatrenoreply@blogger.com (Chuck Lavazzi)Sun, 29 Apr 2012 10:33:05 PDTtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30600205.post-1845618499227364349As always, the choices are purely my personal opinion. Take with a grain (or a shaker) of salt. Share on Google+: Union Avenue Opera presents Handel’s Acis and Galatea Friday and Saturday at 8 PM and Sunday at 3 PM, April 27-29. Performances take place at the Union Avenue Christian Church, 733 Union at Enright in the Central West End. The opera is sung in English with projected English 0http://stageleft-stlouis.blogspot.com/2012/04/lees-summit.htmldaniel leesmetanatchaikovskypeter oundjianst. Louis symphonydvoraknoreply@blogger.com (Chuck Lavazzi)Mon, 23 Apr 2012 20:02:13 PDTtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30600205.post-1943649030580142828 Who: Cellist Daniel Lee and The St. Louis Symphony Orchestra conducted by Peter Oundjian What: Music of Smetana, Dvořák, and Tchaikovsky Where: Powell Symphony Hall, St. Louis When: April 20-22, 2012 [Download the complete St. Louis symphony program notes in PDF format] If St. Louis Symphony Principal Cello Daniel Lee isn’t feeling extraordinarily pleased with himself right now, it must mean 0http://stageleft-stlouis.blogspot.com/2012/04/st-louis-theatre-calendar-for-week-of_22.htmlst. louis theatre calendarst. louis theater calendarnoreply@blogger.com (Chuck Lavazzi)Sun, 29 Apr 2012 10:33:16 PDTtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30600205.post-7054255981461234912[Looking for auditions and other artistic opportunities? Check out the St. Louis Auditions site.] For information on events beyond this week, check out the searchable database at the Regional Arts Commission's ArtsZipper site. I'm now adding my own purely personal comments to events about which I think I have anything worthwhile to say. Because that's what bloggers do. If I have left your 0http://stageleft-stlouis.blogspot.com/2012/04/here-comes-sun.htmldavid robertsonleon fleisherst. Louis symphonynoreply@blogger.com (Chuck Lavazzi)Fri, 20 Apr 2012 17:17:09 PDTtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30600205.post-2887823372552116569 Who: Pianist Leon Fleisher and The St. Louis Symphony Orchestra conducted by David Robertson What: Music of Rachmaninoff, Ravel, and Prokofiev Where: Powell Symphony Hall, St. Louis When: April 14 and 15, 2012 [Download the complete St. Louis symphony program notes in PDF format] In case you’re wondering where all the brass players in St. Louis were this weekend, they were at Powell Hall 0http://stageleft-stlouis.blogspot.com/2012/04/st-louis-theatre-calendar-for-week-of_15.htmlst. louis theatre calendarst. louis theater calendarnoreply@blogger.com (Chuck Lavazzi)Mon, 16 Apr 2012 21:54:52 PDTtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30600205.post-7716860301857919221Updated Monday, April 16 [Looking for auditions and other artistic opportunities? Check out the St. Louis Auditions site.] For information on events beyond this week, check out the searchable database at the Regional Arts Commission's ArtsZipper site. I'm now adding my own purely personal comments to events about which I think I have anything worthwhile to say. Because that's what bloggers 0http://stageleft-stlouis.blogspot.com/2012/04/southern-exposure.htmltim schallthe presenters dolancabaretchuck lavazzicarol schmidtsteve schenkelkranzberg arts centerjeffrey wrightnoreply@blogger.com (Chuck Lavazzi)Sun, 15 Apr 2012 13:05:11 PDTtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30600205.post-7518430588265157374 Jeffrey M. Wright: Southern Roots The Presenters Dolan at The Kranzberg Center, St. Louis April 13 and 14, 2012 [Full disclosure: I have worked on stage with Jeffrey M. Wright, Carol Schmitt, and Tim Schall in the past.] Call it nostalgia or simple habituation, but the fact is most of us have strong emotional attachment to the music with which we grew up. It’s no surprise, then, that those 0http://stageleft-stlouis.blogspot.com/2012/04/its-shatner-world-after-all.htmlstage left st. louisshatner's worldchuck lavazziwilliam shatnernoreply@blogger.com (Chuck Lavazzi)Sun, 15 Apr 2012 13:06:49 PDTtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30600205.post-8331074954554643246Who: William Shatner What: Shatner’s World: We Just Live in It Where: The Peabody Opera House, St. Louis When: April 12, 2012 Share on Google+: Not all one-person shows are created alike. Some are like quality off-the-rack suits that can be worn effectively by anyone of the right physical type; think “Belle of Amherst” or “Barrymore”. Others are like custom-tailored outfits designed for a 0Chuck Lavazzinonadult