Even when the weather outside is frightful, the lure of enticing cultural events pulls people out to hear live music, see a play, tour an exhibit, sit spellbound at an opera, linger at a flower show, attend a dance concert or enjoy a special outing with the kids or grandkids. As spring unfolds, the inclination is even stronger to take advantage of the rich bounty available in the metropolitan area.

Here are just a few highlights scheduled between now and May 20:

• Learn from George Saunders about “Vigil,” his new novel (Feb. 11)

• Attend a musical tribute to Miles Davis (March 28) 

• Lean in at New Jewish Theatre’s production of “Prayer for the French Republic” (April 16-May 3)

• Laugh loud and long at “Monty Python’s Spamalot” (May 5-17)

ADVERTISEMENT

Speaking of merriment, a veritable host of comedians is headed to town: Jim Gaffigan (Jan. 29-31), Kevin Nealon (Feb. 5-7), Leslie Jones (Feb. 13-14), Hannah Berner (Feb. 21), Bridget Everett (March 10), Samantha Bee (March 15), Seth Meyers (April 10) and Ali Wong (May 16).   

Peruse the offerings, check your calendar, score tickets and prepare to be out and about.

February

City Winery presents Denise Thimes at 7 p.m. Feb. 1 in “The Nina Simone & Billie Holliday Experience.” The gifted Thimes is known for her “unmistakable tendency to steal the show and astonish crowds of every size and background.” Hear for yourself at 3730 Foundry Way. Tickets start at $48. See citywinery.com/st-louis

“Primary Trust” by Eboni Booth, which won the 2024 Pulitzer Prize for Drama, is a heartwarming play described as “a modern, tiki-lit homage to slices of Americana.” See it Feb. 4-March 1 on the main stage at the Repertory Theatre of St. Louis on the Webster University campus. For tickets, see repstl.org

“The Black Feminist Guide to the Human Body” is a new work hailed as “a joyous, raucous, spiritual event, but also a love letter to Black women and their families—knowing that in spite of it all, we are still here.” The Black Rep presents the show Feb. 4-March 1 at the A.E. Hotchner Studio Theatre on the campus of Washington University. For show times and tickets, see theblackrep.org

Comic Kevin Nealon offers five shows during a three-night gig Feb. 5-7 at the Helium Comedy Club at 1151 St. Louis Galleria Street. A former cast member on “Saturday Night Live,” Nealon “has established himself as one of the premiere television, theatrical and stand-up comedians of his generation.” For show times and tickets, see st-louis.heliumcomedy.com

Treat the kids or grandkids to “Disney on Ice: Mickey’s Search Party” Feb. 5-8 at Enterprise Center. The “fast-paced, family-friendly production follows the search for Tinker Bell through stunning worlds” featuring beloved Disney characters. For show times and ticket prices, see enterprisecenter.com

When Stray Dog Theatre presents “Deathtrap” by Ira Levin, expect “twists, turns, and deadly deception…in this edge-of-your-seat mystery.” It’s onstage Feb. 5-21 at Tower Grove Abbey, 2336 Tennessee Ave. For tickets, see straydogtheatre.org/deathtrap

St. Louis Actors’ Studio presents “A Doll’s House Part 2” by Lucas Hnath, on stage Feb. 6-22 at the Gaslight Theatre, 360 North Boyle Ave. The drama takes place 15 years after Nora Helmer walks out on her husband and children in Ibsen’s 1879 play. Why has she returned? What happens next? For show times and tickets, see stlas.org

The Booker Prize-winning author of “Lincoln in the Bardo,” George Saunders talks about “Vigil: A Novel,” his new book, at 7 p.m. Feb. 11 at the Clark Family Branch of the St. Louis County Library, 1640 S. Lindbergh Blvd. “With the explosive imagination we’ve come to expect, Saunders takes on the gravest issues of our time…and…spins a tale that encompasses life and death, good and evil, and the thorny question of absolution.” Tickets cost $38 and include a copy of the book. See slcl.org

Honored as one of Time magazine’s 100 Most Influential People, Leslie Jones also is funny, as she has proven again and again on “Saturday Night Live.” Now see her live at City Winery, 3730 Foundry Way, with shows at 6 p.m. and 9:30 p.m. Feb. 13 and 14. Tickets start at $60. See citywinery.com/st-louis

In “St. Louis Blues — Call It Love!” the Saint Louis Ballet explores “the intersection of classical technique, modern rhythm and emotional depth” Feb. 14-15, with matinee and evening performances at the Touhill Performing Arts Center. For tickets, see metrotix.com

The Jazz St. Louis Big Band, featuring special guest trombonist Wycliffe Gordon, presents a musical celebration of  the life and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. at 7:30 p.m. Feb. 20 and again Feb. 21 at the Harold and Dorothy Steward Center for Jazz, 3536 Washington Ave. “President and CEO Victor Goines will lead the ensemble in his original work, ‘The MLK Suite,’ which consists of seven movements that reflect Dr. King’s life, vision, and lasting influence.” For tickets and parking passes, see my.jazzstl.org/4117

The St. Louis Symphony Orchestra presents “Mozart’s Magic Flute: Opera in Concert” at 7:30 p.m. Feb. 20 and again at 3 p.m. Feb. 22 at Powell Symphony Hall. “One of Mozart’s most brilliant orchestral scores, this magnificent, extravagant opera-in-concert production combines the talents of the SLSO, a cast of acclaimed vocalists, and the impeccable St. Louis Symphony Chorus. For tickets, see slso.org

Jewish comedian and podcast host Hannah Berner brings her “None of My Business Tour” to town at 7:30 p.m. Feb. 21, on stage at the Stifel Theatre. She’s best known for her Netflix special “We Ride At Dawn” and the podcast “Giggly Squad” with Paige DeSorbo. For tickets, see stifeltheatre.com

Special guest Andy Richter is the host for “Dancing with the Stars: Live!,” heating up the stage at 7:30 p.m. Feb. 27 at the Stifel Theatre. For deluxe packages or regular tickets, see stifeltheatre.com

“Art in Bloom,” the Saint Louis Art Museum’s annual celebration of flowers and fine art, opens Feb. 27 and runs through March 1. The free exhibit features regional florists’ botanical interpretations of dozens of works from the museum’s collection. Expect special ticketed events, family activities, dining and shopping. See slam.org

A tale as old as time — not that one, but Charles Gounod’s “Roméo et Juliette” — comes to Winter Opera St. Louis, with performances at 7:30 p.m. Feb. 27 and again at 2 p.m. March 1 at the Kirkwood Performing Arts Center, 210 E Monroe Ave. “Prepare for soaring melodies and heart-wrenching drama as Romeo and Juliet defy fate in their desperate pursuit of love.” For tickets, see winteroperastl.org