Curtain up! Light the lights! Just as we start the downhill slide to the turkey (Thanksgiving is Nov. 26), the St. Louis arts scene sheds the last of summer’s many recreations and revs up anew to fill our fall calendars.  We’ve sifted and sorted through the many selections and offer here some of the particularly enticing exhibits, performances and festivals. For additional events, check the websites provided – no one need ever sit at home in the months to come.

September

Only a few more performances left of “Spinning Into Butter” from INSIGHT THEATRE. The show, which explores racism in America with a few surprising twists, closes Sept. 13. Performances at the Heagney Theatre at Nerinx Hall, 530 East Lockwood Avenue in Webster Groves. Tickets cost $25-$35. See insighttheatrecompany.com or call 314-566-1293. 

“The Amish Project” at MUSTARD SEED THEATER runs through Sept. 13 at the Fine Arts Theatre on the campus of Fontbonne University. The play is “a fictional exploration of the Nickel Mines schoolhouse shooting in an Amish community, and the path of forgiveness and compassion forged in its wake.” Tickets cost $25-$30. For show times, see mustardseetheatre.com or call 314-719-8060.

THE BLACK REP promises “nonstop music that will have you dancing in your seats and in the aisles” at artistic director Ron Himes’ production of “Tell me Somethin’ Good.” This musical “stroll down memory lane” runs Sept. 3-20 at Edison Theatre on the Washington University campus. For ticket prices and performance times, call 314-534-3810 or see theblackrep.org.

Join the neighborhood gallery walk the first Friday of every month through the end of the year (Sept. 4, Oct. 2, Nov. 6 and Dec. 4) in GRAND CENTER when eight visual arts galleries welcome the public for free from 5 to 9 p.m. For details, call 314-533-1884 or see grandcenter.org.

Looking for “razor-sharp humor and toe-tapping pizzazz?” That’s “The Full Monty,” back by popular demand at STAGES ST. LOUIS. The show runs Sept. 4-Oct. 4 at the Robert G. Reim Theatre, 111 S. Geyer Road in Kirkwood. Tickets cost $20-$57 – and remember, this one’s not for the kids. See stagesstlouis.org or call 314-821-2407.

Hear those distant drums? It’s the Taiko drummers gearing up for the annual Japanese Festival Sept. 5-7 at the MISSOURI BOTANICAL GARDEN. Admission is $15 for adults and children 13 and older and $5 for children 3 through 12. For details, call 314-577-5700 or see missouribotanicalgarden.org.

Attention, Wild Things and fans of same! “Maurice Sendak: 50 Years, 50 Works, 50 Reasons” will be on display Sept. 5-Oct. 18 at the ST. LOUIS PUBLIC LIBRARY on the third floor of the Central Branch downtown. This memorial exhibition, which is free, features a child-sized version of Max’s private boat. 

The Third Annual BLACK FILM FESTIVAL kicks off Sept. 8 and runs through Sept. 13, with music videos, short films, short documentaries and full-length films. For showings, ticket prices and locations, see facebook.com/pages/St-Louis-Black-Film-Festival/179694092087006.

“All the Way,” which won the 2014 Tony Award for Best Play, depicts Lyndon Johnson’s “accidental presidency,” highlighting LBJ’s power plays as he worked to earn a full term of office. See it Sept. 9-Oct. 4 at the REPERTORY THEATRE OF ST. LOUIS, with evening and matinee performances at the Loretto-Hilton Center, 130 Edgar Road in Webster Groves. For ticket prices, call 314-968-4925 or go to repstl.org.

Funny man Patton Oswald continues to find success in all areas of entertainment, from his Grammy-nominated comedy specials to his many memorable guest roles on TV to the upcoming comedy “The Secret Life of Walter Mitty” coming out this December. He brings his one-man show to THE PAGEANT, 6161 Delmar Boulevard in the Loop, at 7:30 p.m. Sept. 10. Tickets are available at the box office or through ticketmaster at 800-745-3000.

More than 50 St. Louis-based artists will take part in ART OUTSIDE, a juried “alternative art fair” Sept. 11-13 on the parking lot of Schlafly’s Bottleworks at 7260 Southwest in Maplewood. Bands perform throughout the free three-day festival, and Schlafly’s offers food and their signature locally brewed beers. Click on events at schlafly.com.

The ST. LOUIS ART FAIR, a lively celebration of the visual and performing arts Sept. 11-13, takes over downtown Clayton for a juried exhibition of fine art and crafts, with more than 150 artists. Local restaurateurs staff aromatic food booths. For details, see culturalfestivals.com.

British artist Hurvin Anderson is best known for evocative paintings of lush landscapes and urban barbershops that explore themes of memory, place, and the indelible connection between the two. The CONTEMPORARY ART MUSEUM, 3750 Washington Boulevard, presents the most comprehensive survey of Anderson’s work to date, from Sept. 11-Dec. 27. The exhibit runs concurrently with Paris-based American artist Sheila Hicks, who has been creating hand-woven, abstract fiber-based installations and sculptures for nearly 60 years. Admission is free. Call 314-535-4660 for museum hours or go to camstl.org.

An hour-long adaptation of Shakespeare’s “Twelfth Night” will take place Sept. 17-19 on N. 14th Street (near St. Louis Avenue and Montgomery Street) as part of SHAKESPEARE FESTIVAL ST. LOUIS’ “Shakespeare in the Streets” program. The production will feature professional actors performing alongside local residents and students. For show times, call 314-531-9800 or see sfstl.com.

The 43^rd annual BALLOON GLOW startsat 7 p.m. Sept. 18 at the Central Field in Forest Park, culminating in fireworksat 9:15 p.m. The GREAT FOREST PARK BALLOON RACE takes place at 3 p.m. Sept. 19, with festive events starting at noon. Both events are free. If it rains Saturday, the race will be held on Sunday. For details, see greatforestparkballoonrace.com.

Billed as “a biting Broadway comedy,” Theresa Rebeck’s “Seminar” opens the ninth season for ST. LOUIS ACTORS’ STUDIO, on stage Sept. 18-Oct. 4 at the Gaslight Theatre, 360 N. Boyle Avenue in the West End. Tickets are $35 for adults, $30 for students and seniors 65 and older. For more information, call 314-458-2978 or go to stlas.org.

Strike up the band! The 136^th season of the ST. LOUIS SYMPHONY opens Sept. 18-20, with violinist Joshua Bell. The program includes works by Lalo, Janáček and Kodály, conducted by music director David Robertson at Powell Symphony Hall, 718 N. Grand Boulevard. To see the entire season, go to stlsymphony.org or call 314-534-1700. Tickets this year range from $31.50 to $111.

“Chances Are” you are a longtime fan of Johnny Mathis (Barbra Streisand says she is!) and now you can hear him sing his greatest hits and personal favorites at 8 p.m. Sept. 19 at the FOX THEATRE. Tickets cost $50-$125. Call 314-534-1111 or see fabulousfox.com.

The 15^th annual OLD WEBSTER JAZZ AND BLUES FESTIVAL will celebrate these storied genres from noon to 11 p.m. Sept. 19 from two stages in downtown Webster Groves. Expect food and drink booths, and street performers too. Bring your own chairs. See facebook.com/oldwebsterjazzblues.

Tony Bennett may have left his heart in San Francisco, but the rest of him will perform in concert at 8 p. m. Sept. 19 at the J. SCHEIDEGGER CENTER FOR THE ARTS on the Lindenwood University campus. Tickets cost $69.50-$99.50. See luboxoffice.com or call 636-949-4433 for more information.

Michael Castro and Eugene Redmond — poets extraordinaire – take part in the 2015-16 season of RIVER STYX, on stageat 7:30 p.m.Sept. 21 at Tavern of Fine Arts, 313 Belt Avenue. Admission is $4-$5. Call 314-533-4541 or go to riverstyx.org for info on the rest of the season. 

If The Mouse (we speak of Mickey) and his friends rule in your house, you may want to treat the kids (or grandkids) to “Disney On Ice: Let‘s Celebrate,” which offers matinee and evening performances Sept. 24-27 at CHAIFETZ CENTER, 1 S. Compton Avenue. Tickets range from $15-$67. Ask about kids’ discounts for some shows. Call 314-977-5000 or see thechaifetz.com.

The SHELDON and KDHX team up to bring the 4th Annual Folk and Roots Festival, a three-day event, to Grand Center. The Tillers open the festival Sept. 25, followed by headliner Sam Bush on Sept. 26 and a fiddle contest on Sunday. Package tickets run $60; individual concert prices vary. For more information, call 314-533-9900 or see thesheldon.org.

The ST. LOUIS GUITAR SOCIETY presents Swedish guitarist and composer Johannes Möller, who has made more than 500 appearances in Europe, Asia, South and North America. The show at the Ethical Society, 9001 Clayton Road, begins at 8 p.m. Sept. 26. Call 314-229-8686 or go to guitarstlouis.net for additional details.

October

NEW LINE THEATRE opens its 25^th season in the Marcelle Theater at 3310 Samuel Shepard Drive, a new black box space in Grand Center. The first production is the “pitch-black comedy” titled “Heathers,” written by Kevin Murphy (“Reefer Madness”) and Laurence O’Keefe (“Bat Boy” and “Legally Blonde”). The show runs Oct. 1-24. Tickets cost $15-$25. For show times, see newlinetheatre.com. 

“wUNDERland,” an original dance production created and choreographed by Anthony “Redd” Williams, puts a hip-hop spin on Lewis Carroll’s “Alice in Wonderland.” See it Oct. 2-11 in the Founder’s Theatre at COCA, 524 Trinity Avenue in University City.  Tickets cost $16-20. For show times and ticket prices, call 314-725-6555 or see cocastl.org.

The extraordinary Paul Taylor Dance Company performs Oct. 2-3, presented by DANCE ST. LOUIS at the TOUHILL CENTER FOR PERFORMING ARTS on the campus of the University of Missouri at St. Louis. The company “delivers dynamic and thought-provoking pieces that have been pushing boundaries for over 60 years.” Tickets cost $30-$50. Call 314-516-4949 or see touhill.org.

ST. LOUIS SHAKESPEARE presents the Bard’s twin-infested comedy “Twelfth Night” Oct. 2-11 at the Ivory Theater, 7620 Michigan Avenue. Tickets, available through Brown Paper Tickets, cost $15-$20. See stlshakespeare.org/twelfth.htm or call 314-361-5664. 

Drink up! “Coffee: The World in Your Cup & St. Louis in Your Cup” opens Oct. 3 and runs through Jan. 3 at the MISSOURI HISTORICAL SOCIETY in Forest Park. The exhibit allows visitors to “follow coffee’s journey from plantation to your cup” as you meet knowledgeable people and hear stories about how coffee is grown and harvested around the globe. For admission fees and details about related programs, see mohistory.org/node/9881 or call 314-746-4599.

See the work of some 130 artists Oct. 3-4 at the SHAW ART FAIR, in the 4100 and 4200 block of Flora Avenue. Expect live music and food booths as well. Admission is $7 for adults and free for children 14 and under. That same weekend (and Friday night too), revel in the BEST OF MISSOURI MARKET at the Missouri Botanical Gardens. For more information, see shawartfair.org and missouribotanicalgardens.org.

Welcome back Neil Simon’s brilliance at “The Sunshine Boys,” which opens the season at the NEW JEWISH THEATRE. The show, about “aged, feuding comedians who were partners and stars in vaudeville,” runs Oct. 8-Nov. 1, with evening and matinee performances at the Jewish Community Center’s Wool Studio Theatre, 2 Millstone Campus Drive. Tickets range from $39.50 to $43.50. Call 314-442-3283 or see newjewishtheatre.org.

STRAY DOG THEATRE presents “Dogfight,” Oct. 8-24 at the Tower Grove Abbey, 2336 Tennessee Avenue, in south St. Louis. A musical adaption of the notable film, the story focuses on three young Marines who set out on the eve of their deployment in 1963 for one final night of debauchery. A “dogfight” competition ensues to determine who can find the most unattractive girl to bring to a party. Corporal Eddie Birdlace picks Rose, an awkward, idealistic waitress, who will rewrite the rules of the game and teach him the power of love and compassion. 314-865-1995 or straydogtheatre.org.

The SOCIETY FOR MIDWEST METALSMITHS stages its biggest show and sale of the season Oct. 9-10 at the Ethical Society of St. Louis, 9001 Clayton Road. Members incorporate a broad range of styles and materials in their work, with pieces ranging from elaborate, one-of-a-kind statement jewelry to whimsical sculpture at various price points. For more information, call 314-821-5060 or [email protected]  

Maybe somewhere back in your long ago you remember The Doobie Brothers? See them at 8 p.m. Oct. 10 at the J. SCHEIDEGGER CENTER FOR THE ARTS on the Lindenwood University campus. Tickets cost $69.50-$99.50. See luboxoffice.com or call 636-949-4433 for more information.

ST. LOUIS BALLET opens its season Oct. 10-11 (both shows at 8 p.m.) at the TOUHILL PERFORMING ARTS CENTER with “Best of Balanchine: Serenade and Western Symphony” — two ballets that demonstrate the genius of George Balanchine, one of the 20^th century’s most prolific choreographers and considered to be the “father” of American ballet. Tickets are $32-$51 and can be gotten at touhill.org.

Ringling Bros. & Barnum Bailey present “Circus Xtreme,” Oct. 16-18 at SCOTTRADE CENTER, 1401 Clark Avenue. Tickets run $20 to $90 and can be ordered through Ticketmaster at 800-745-3000or ticketmaster.com.

And now for something completely different: Josh Groban, on stage at 7:30 p.m. Oct. 19 at the PEABODY OPERA HOUSE, 1400 Market Street. Groban is on tour promoting “Stages,” his new recording. Tickets cost $43-$147. Call 800-745-3000 or buy on line at ticketmaster.com. 

“MATILDA THE MUSICAL” tells the story of an extraordinary girl who, armed with a vivid imagination and a sharp mind, dares to take a stand and change her own destiny. The show comes to the FOX THEATRE, 527 N. Grand Boulevard,Oct. 21-Nov.1 with ticket prices from $25 to $88. Call 314-534-1111 for tickets or go to fabulousfox.com for more details about show times, etc.

Gather up the family and head for a family hayride Oct. 24 (evening rides) and Oct. 25 (daytime rides) at GREENSFELDER PARK, sponsored by St. Louis County Parks. After the hayride, roast marshmallows, sip hot chocolate and hear live country music. Tickets cost $10 and advance registration is required. Call 314 615-5572.  (For rides at other parks, see stlouisco.com/parksandrecreation/thingstodo/hayrides)

Gilbert and Sullivan’s “Yeoman of the Guard” comes to WINTER OPERA ST. LOUIS at 8 p.m. Oct. 30 and again at 3 p.m. Nov. 1 at the Skip Viragh Center for the Arts at Chaminade College Preparatory School, 425 S. Lindbergh Boulevard in Frontenac. For ticket prices and more information, call 314-865-0038 or see winteroperastl.org.

Celebrate Halloween with “Classically Spooky” music as performed by the ST. LOUIS CIVIC ORCHESTRA at 7 p.m. Oct. 30 at Logan University’s William D. Purser, 1851 Schoettler Road in Chesterfield. Tickets, which can be purchased online at stlco.org or up to an hour before the performance at the box office, range from $12 to $18, with children 5 and under free. 

November 

Dennis Ross, a diplomat for Middle East peace relations, and Leigh Steinberg, famed sports agent, are among the featured national, regional and local authors taking part in the 37th annual ST. LOUIS JEWISH BOOK FESTIVAL scheduled for Nov. 1-15 at the Staenberg Family Complex at the JCC. See stljewishbookfestival.org or call 314-442-3299 for more information.

The 24th annual ST. LOUIS INTERNATIONAL FILM FEST runs Nov. 5-15,with hundreds of features, documentaries and short films (plus a lecture series) all taking place on a variety of local screens. (Rumor has it that Alex Winter of “Bill and Ted’s Excellent Adventure” fame is bringing “Deep Web,” his new documentary.) For details on showings and ticket prices, see cinemastlouis.org.

Duo Mirić — twin sisters from Bosnia and Herzegovina – bring their award-winning sound to St. Louis, presented by the ST. LOUIS CLASSICAL GUITAR SOCIETY. The two will perform at 8 p.m. Nov. 7 at the Ethical Society of St. Louis, 9001 Clayton Road. Tickets cost $28. For more information, call 314-567-5566 or see guitarstlouis.net.

“St. Louis Modern” explores a dynamic period in our region’s history (1935–65) when St. Louis-based architects, artists, and designers made innovative contributions to midcentury modern design. Commemorating the 50th anniversary of Eero Saarinen’s Gateway Arch, the exhibition at the ST. LOUIS ART MUSEUM features more than 150 modern design objects and artworks – many being show for the first time. The exhibit runs Nov. 8 to Jan. 31. Slam.org.

By popular demand, MADCO brings back “Liquid Roads” (think rivers), a celebration of the music and dance of St. Louis. Broadway World called the performance a “very special presentation.” See for yourself Nov. 13-14 at the TOUHILL CENTER FOR PERFORMING ARTS on the campus of the UMSL. Tickets cost $30. Call 314-516-4949 or see touhill.org.

Diana Nayad, who swam from Cuba to Key West at the age of 64, will speak at 8 p.m. Nov. 17 at the ST. LOUIS SPEAKERS’ SERIES, presented by Maryville University at Powell Symphony Hall, 718 N. Grand Boulevard. For ticket prices and more information on the series, go to stlouisspeakersseries.org.

Jackson Browne brings his music to St. Louis at 7:30 p.m. Nov. 19 at the PEABODY OPERA HOUSE, 1400 Market Street. “Standing In The Breach,” Browne’s new studio album, is “at turns deeply personal and political, exploring love, hope, and defiance in the face of the advancing uncertainties of modern life.” Tickets cost $27-$127. Call 800-745-3000 or buy on line at ticketmaster.com. 

JAZZ ST. LOUIS plays as host to four-time Grammy Award winner and recording artist Stanley Clarke and his renowned band to town at 8 p.m. Nov. 21 at the Touhill Center for Performing Arts on the campus of the University of Missouri at St. Louis. Tickets cost $25-$59. Call 314-516-4949 or see touhill.org.

The Moscow Ballet brings “The Great Russian Nutcracker” to St. Louis, complete with Tchaikovsky’s beautiful music, playful puppets and handcrafted sets and costumes. See it at 7 p.m. Nov. 30 at the FOX THEATRE. Tickets cost $31-$125, with family packages available. Call 314-534-1111 or see fabulousfox.com.

December

Round up the family for the REPERTORY THEATRE OF ST. LOUIS’ production of “Peter and the Starcatcher,” a charming show described as the “swashbuckling and fanciful prequel” to “Peter Pan.” Evening and matinee performances run Dec. 2-27 at the Loretto-Hilton Center, 130 Edgar Road in Webster Groves. For ticket prices, call the box office at 314-968-4925 or go to repstl.org.

Celebrating its momentous 12th season and its exciting new stage vs. street format, “So You Think You Can Dance?” Top 10 finalists make their way to the FOX THEATRE at 7:30 p.m. Dec. 2 for an evening of non-stop dance. Tickets range from $39.50 to $59.50. Call 314-534-1111 for tickets or go to fabulousfox.com for more details.

Long before that girl from Kansas arrives in Munchkinland, two girls meet in the land of Oz. One — born with emerald green skin — is smart, fiery and misunderstood. The other is beautiful, ambitious and very popular. How these two grow to become the Wicked Witch of the West and Glinda the Good Witch is the backdrop of the Tony Award winning play “Wicked” at the FOX THEATRE Dec. 9-Jan 3. Tickets range from $40 to $175. Call 314-534-1111 for tickets or go to fabulousfox.com for more details.

Joshua Harmon’s savage comedy “Bad Jews,” at the NEW JEWISH THEATRE Dec. 3-30, is about two brothers and their newly observant cousin as they mourn their grandfather’s passing. Evening and matinee performances at the Wool Studio Theatre at the Jewish Community Center, 2 Millstone Campus Drive. Tickets range from $39.50 to $43.50. Call 314-442-3283 or see newjewishtheatre.org.

Armed with nothing but their sharp wit, comedians Colin Mochrie and Brad Sherwood,known by TV audiences for their work on “Whose Line is it Anyway?” take to the live stage at 8 p.m. Dec. 4 to create hilarious and original scenes in their two-man show at the TOUHILL PERFORMING ARTS CENTER. Tickets range from $25 to $59 and can be ordered by calling 314-516-4949 or at touhill.org.

The Pulitzer Prize-winning “Gin Game” – about a card game as a metaphor for life – will be dealt out Dec. 4-20 at ST. LOUIS ACTORS’ STUDIO, on stage at the Gaslight Theatre, 360 N. Boyle Avenue in the West End. Tickets are $35 for adults, $30 for students and seniors 65 and older. For more information, call 314-458-2978 or go to stlas.org.

Movie buffs that admire composer John Williams (“Star Wars,” “Raiders of the Lost Ark,” “E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial,” “JFK,” “Jurassic Park,” “Harry Potter” and other famous films) will delight in the ST. LOUIS SYMPHONY’s program celebrating the composer Dec. 11-13 at Powell Symphony Hall, 718 N. Grand Boulevard. For tickets, go to stlsymphony.org or call 314-534-1700. 

Ring out the old and bring in the new at FIRST NIGHT, celebrated in great style Dec. 31 at indoor and outdoor venues in Grand Center. Musicians, storytellers, dancers, magicians, actors, puppeteers and artists all are part of the event, which opens at 6 p.m. on the Main Stage at Grand and Lindell boulevards and ends at midnight with the Grand Finale Fireworks. (Children’s fireworks at 9:00 p.m.) See grandcenter.org or call 314-289-8121.

Sneak peek at 2016

Here, arranged by date, are 10 special arts events scheduled for the early months of 2016. Don’t wait to buy tickets!

January 

“Underneath the Lintel” – a compelling tale about a Dutch librarian whose life is changed by one particular book — opens at the NEW JEWISH THEATRE Jan. 28 and runs through Feb. 13. Evening and matinee performances at the Wool Studio Theatre at the Jewish Community Center, 2 Millstone Campus Drive. Tickets range from $39.50 to $43.50. Call 314-442-3283 or see newjewishtheatre.org.

Unlike any dance you’ve seen before, the much-acclaimed Momix takes the stage Jan. 29-39 in “Alchemia” at the Touhill Performing Arts Center on the campus of the University of Missouri at St. Louis. This compelling multi-media show is presented by DANCE ST. LOUIS. Tickets cost $30-$50. Call 314-534-6622 or visit dancestlouis.org.

Don’t miss “Million Dollar Quartet,” on stage for just two shows Jan. 30 at the PEABODY OPERA HOUSE, 1400 Market Street. This raucous Tony Award-winning Broadway musical was inspired by the true story of a recording session that once brought together Elvis Presley, Johnny Cash, Jerry Lee Lewis and Carl Perkins. For ticket prices, call 800-745-3000 or see ticketmaster.com. 

February 

Former Congresswoman Gabby Giffords and her husband, astronaut Mark Kelly, will share their stories at 8 p.m. Feb. 9 at the ST. LOUIS SPEAKERS’ SERIES, presented by Maryville University at Powell Symphony Hall, 718 N. Grand Blvd. For ticket prices and more information on the series, go to stlouisspeakersseries.org.

In celebration of its 50th anniversary, folk icon Arlo Guthrie (and friends) will perform “The Alice’s Restaurant Massacree” in its entirety – and other fan favorites – at 7:30 p.m. Feb. 16 at the TOUHILL CENTER FOR PERFORMING ARTS on the campus of the University of Missouri at St. Louis. Tickets cost $29-$79. Call 314-516-4949 or see touhill.org.

In partnership with the SHAKESPEARE FESTIVAL, the ST. LOUIS SYMPHONY will honor the Bard with a month-long music festival Feb. 19 through March 12 on the 400th anniversary of his death. Audiences will hear orchestral music inspired by Shakespeare’s plays and composed by Berlioz, Mendelssohn and Prokofiev. Powell Symphony Hall, 718 N. Grand Boulevard. Tickets cost $31.50-$111. See stlsymphony.org or call 314-534-1700. 

“AC2: An Intimate Evening with Andy Cohen and Anderson Cooper” promises “deep talk and shallow tales,” set for 8 p.m. Feb. 20 when these longtime friends interview each other and take questions from the audience. At the FOX THEATRE. For ticket information, call 314-534-1111 or see fabulousfox.com.

Three nights later, also at the FOX THEATRE, “Beautiful: The Carol King Musical” opens Feb. 23 and runs through March 6. If you love King’s music, you will delight in learning more about her life and hearing your favorite songs again. For ticket information, call 314-534-1111 or see fabulousfox.com.

March

Green Day fans will want to see “the powerful, high-octane, rock fable” that is “American Idiot,” March 3-26 at NEW LINE THEATRE. The show will be on stage at the Marcelle Theater, 3310 Samuel Shepard Drive in Grand Center. Tickets cost $15-$25. For show times, see newlinetheatre.com. 

“Molly’s Hammer,” based on a true story about a housewife who a took a hammer to a nuclear warhead in 1980 to protest the buildup of America’s nuclear arsenal, concludes the Studio Theater series at the REPERTORY THEATRE OF ST. LOUIS.Evening and matinee performances run March 9-27 at the Loretto-Hilton Center, 130 Edgar Road in Webster Groves. For ticket prices, call the box office at 314-968-4925 or go to repstl.org.