Chris Gibson
'American Idiot' is still timely and a blast
"American Idiot" is an absolute blast, a musical filled with energy and exuberance, both evidenced in the music and in the performances.
Wicked
The Fox
Through January 6, 2008
Reviewed by Chris Gibson
Wicked is pure spectacle, or to quote Glinda the Good Witch herself, it's a "thrill-ifying" experience that dazzles and delights, with terrific performances and eye-popping scenic design and special effects. The plot gives a backstory to L. Frank's Baum's Wizard of Oz, that is unexpected, and infused with a positive message about accepting people for who they are and not how they appear.
To Kill a Mockingbird
The O'Fallon Repertory Theatre
Through 11/04/2007
Reviewed by Chris Gibson
The O'Fallon Repertory Theatre is presenting Christopher Sergel's adaptation of Harper Lee's Pulitzer Prize winning novel, To Kill a Mockingbird. But by dramatically condensing the action and events that take place over a three year period in the book, the playwright lessens the scope of the story and dilutes the tension. An intermission that occurs right as the pivotal trial begins only adds to the problems with this production.
The Sunshine Boys
The Lyceum Theatre
Through 8/1/2007
Reviewed by Chris Gibson
Neil Simon's The Sunshine Boys is equal parts comedy and drama. The play is basically a love letter to all the great comedy teams that performed in vaudeville, movies and television, but was supposedly inspired by the largely forgotten duo of Smith and Dale. The Secret Garden
Overdue Theatre Company
Through 10/7/2007
Reviewed by Chris Gibson
With each successive show, Over Due Theatre Company continues to grow and improve. Their current production is the musical adaptation of Frances Hodgson Burnett's novel, The Secret Garden. While this ambitious production might not be a complete success, it's certainly entertaining and moving.
The Seamstress of St. Francis Street
First Run Theatre
Through 8/19/2007
Reviewed by Chris Gibson
First Run Theatre continues their season with Mario Farwell's play, The Seamstress of St. Francis Street. I can appreciate that the mission of First Run is to present new, original works by local playwrights to the public, but I think more care needs to be taken to ensure that the plays are truly ready for an audience.
The SantaLand Diaries
Stray Dog Theatre
Through December 22, 2007
Reviewed by Chris Gibson
If you're the type of person whose view of Christmas is a bit left of center, then Stray Dog Theatre's production of The SantaLand Diaries, is the must-see event of the season. The SantaLand Diaries is a brilliant and biting series of comic riffs on Christmas from the point of view of a former Macy's elf.The Philadelphia Story
The Lyceum Theatre
Through 8/15/2007
Reviewed by Chris Gibson
Philip Barry's The Philadelphia Story is probably most famous for its 1940 movie adaptation which starred Katherine Hepburn. But, I'd read that the play was actually much wittier than the film and explored the themes of class division, as well as satirizing fashionable society.The Music Man
Alpha Players
Through 10/14/2007
Reviewed by Chris Gibson
Sure it's corny and quaint, but Meredith Wilson's play, The Music Man, is also filled with some wonderful songs that have become standards. Alpha Players present a solid if unspectacular production of the show as their first of the season.
The Bomb-itty of Errors
The Repertory Theatre of St. Louis - Off Ramp Series
Through December 9, 2007
Reviewed by Chris Gibson
Some people would rather see Shakespeare performed in traditional fashion, but I personally prefer an inspired re-imagining. After all, the bard himself was well known for his prowess at remaking the work of others. KDHX.org MORE
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Local Artist Spotlight
Since 1902: Slightly Elevated
Tue June 18Since 1902 is a St. Louis indie rock band who recently released their latest album, Slightly Elevated. The band records and produces most of their music at home, and draws from influences across genres. Their new album combines dreamy and relatable lyrics with catchy percussion and layered guitar tones to draw the listener in from start to finish. Click here to download "Our Front Yard" from Slightly…
The Maness Brothers present their debut album 'Grief Factory'
Mon June 10Dave and Jake Maness of The Maness Brothers stopped by the KDHX studio to talk about their new album 'Grief Factory'. Click here to download their song River…
