2019 Fall Arts Guide
Published August 29, 2019
Labor Day weekend may signal the official end of summer — though not necessarily the end of hot weather — but it also signals the start of the 2019 Fall Arts Season, with enough performances, concerts and art openings to heat up the landscape. But hey, don’t sweat it — we’ve got you covered with a comprehensive guide to help you pick and choose. All you need to do is read on.
Labor Day weekend
St. Louis Blues will be front and center at the 24th Annual Big Muddy Blues Festival in historic LACLEDE’S LANDING. This year’s celebration has been scaled-back to just one day, with more than a dozen acts, including Marquise Knox, Jeremiah Johnson, David Dee, Big George Brock and more scheduled to performSaturday, Aug. 31 from 2 to 11 p.m. The good news is that the festival is now free, and attendees can receive a $5 off beverage coupon with a suggested donation of $5 or more. For more information, go to www.bigmuddybluesfestival.com.
The annual art fair at QUEENY PARK from Aug. 30-Sept. 1 features 130 juried artists from roughly 20 states showing works in various media including painting, sculpture and jewelry making. In addition to the fair held at Greensfelder Recreation Complex, the event includes children’s activities and wine tastings. Admission is $5. For hours and more information, including $1 off admission coupon, go to www.artfairatqueenypark.com.
Three-time Grammy Award winner and Matchbox Twenty co-founder Rob Thomas visits the STIFEL THEATRE at 7:30 p.m. Sept. 1, touring behind his fourth solo album, “Chip Tooth.” Tickets range from $27.50 to $67.50 and are available at the Stifel box office, by phone at 800-745-3000, or at www.ticketmaster.com.
If Thomas doesn’t get your inner rocker rocking, perhaps Kiss will as the band pulls into HOLLYWOOD CASINO AMPHITHEATRE at 7:30 p.m. Sept. 1for their End of the Road World Tour. Does that really mean this will be your last chance to see Gene Simmons, Paul Stanley and the gang perform together? Tickets, which start at $24.75 and go up, up and upper, are available at www.livenation.com.
From taiko drumming to martial arts demonstrations to candlelight walks in the Japanese Garden, the Japanese Festival at the MISSOURI BOTANICAL GARDEN is one of the largest and oldest celebrations of its kind in the nation. It offers Japanese-influenced art, dance, food and entertainment for thousands of visitors each year and takes place from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Aug. 31-Sept. 1 and 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sept. 2. Admission ranges from $5 to $16. Learn more at www.mobot.org.
September
Grammy-award winning singer-songwriter John Mayer will perform at the ENTERPRISE CENTER at 7:30 p.m. Sept. 3. The show has no opening act; Mayer will play two full sets of solo music. Got to give the guy credit for his energy — he started his solo tour just weeks after ending a string of Dead and Company gigs. Tickets, ranging in price from $46.50 to $147, are available at www.enterprisecenter.com or www.ticketmaster.com.
THE BLACK REP opens its season with “Don’t Bother Me, I Can’t Cope,” Sept. 4-22 at the EDISON THEATRE on the Washington University campus. First performed in 1971, the show’s themes of economic and racial injustice still ring true today. Poignant social commentary is weaved between musical and dance that fuse gospel with jazz, soul and calypso. For tickets, ranging from $20 to $50, and performance times, call 314-534-3810 or go to www.theblackrep.org.
Tony Kushner’s Tony-and Pulitzer Prize-winning two-part masterpiece, “Angels in America,” about the AIDS epidemic, kicks off the Main Stage season at the REPERTORY THEATRE OF ST. LOUIS Sept. 4-Oct. 6. Among those navigating Kushner’s swirling tapestry of American culture, myths and spirituality are Prior Walter, whose prophetic visions lead him toward an uncertain destiny; Joe Pitt, a devout and painfully closeted Mormon and Roy Cohn, a lawyer whose AIDS diagnosis forces him to face a lifetime of misdeeds. These twin plays’ vision of a wounded and chaotic nation struggling toward redemption is more urgent than ever. Both parts of “Angels in America” will be performed in a rotating “rep” schedule throughout the run, which includes special marathon days with both parts performed back-to-back at the Loretto-Hilton Center, 130 Edgar Road in Webster Groves. For tickets, ranging from $20 to $97.50, call 314-968-4925 or go to www.repstl.org.
Multi-Grammy winner country crooner and Golden, Texas native Kasey Musgraves brings her Oh What A World Tour II to the STIFEL THEATRE at 8 p.m. Sept. 5, with Yola opening. Tickets range from $93 to $360 and are available through www.ticketmaster.com.
The weekend after Labor Day means it’s time for the ST. LOUIS ART FAIR, with more than 200 nationally renowned, juried artists displaying their wares in downtown Clayton Sept. 6-8 (for a list of artists, see http://bit.ly/STL-Art-Fair2019). Also expect live performances, activities for children and booths staffed by top local chefs. Hours are 5 to 10 p.m. Friday, 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. Saturday and 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday. No admission charge.
“Man of La Mancha” tells the epic story of 17th-century author Miguel de Cervantes and his immortal literary creation Don Quixote. This poignant tale of heartbreak and triumph comes to STAGES ST. LOUIS Sept. 6-Oct. 6. with a lushly melodic score that includes the rapturous “Dulcinea” and the classic Broadway anthem “The Impossible Dream.” Matinee and evening performances are at the Robert G. Reim Theatre, 111 S. Geyer Road in Kirkwood. For ticket prices and times, see www.stagesstlouis.org or call 314-821-2407.
The CONTEMPORARY ART MUSEUM fall exhibitions open Sept. 6, featuring Stephanie Syjuco, Bethany Collins, Jonathas de Andrade and Margaret Keller. Mixed-media conceptual artist Syjuco employs installation, photography, sculpture and textile to explore the complexities of such politically charged concepts as citizenship, immigration and nationality. You can hear her talk about her work at 11 a.m. Sept. 7; all of these artists’ exhibits run through Dec. 29. For more information, go to www.camstl.org.
Time to get your funk on — NOLA’s Rebirth Brass Band is coming to the ATOMIC COWBOY in the Grove Sept. 6. The band is known for combining traditional brass band music, including the N’awlins tradition of second line, with funk, jazz, soul and hip hop. Tickets, ranging from $20 to $23, are available at www.atomiccowboystl.com. Laissez les bon temps rouler!
Grammy Hall-of-Famers The Temptations bring their catalog of Motown classics and much more to THE SHELDON at 7:30 p.m. Sept. 8. Expect to hear solid gold standards such as “Papa Was a Rolling Stone,” “Just My Imagination,” “Ain’t Too Proud to Beg,” “My Girl” and “Get Ready,” among others. Tickets range from $30 to $60. Call 314-533-9900 or visit www.TheSheldon.org.
Known for his undeniable, energetic gigs, Lenny Kravitz elevates the union of rock ‘n’ roll, funk, blues and soul once again on his 11th full-length album, “Raise Vibration.” Expect to hear songs from his latest, as well as highlights of his previous work, when he comes to the FOX THEATRE at 8 p.m. Sept. 10. Tickets are available through MetroTix, and range from $39 to $99. Call 314-534-1111 or see www.fabulousfox.com.
The ST. LOUIS SYMPHONY will present a free concert at 7 p.m. Sept. 12 in FOREST PARK and then, over the weekend, perform familiar music for movies composed by John Williams under the direction of SLSO music director Stéphane Denève at POWELL HALL, 718 N. Grand Blvd. Hear legendary scores from films including “E.T.,” “Superman,” “Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone,” “Indiana Jones”and more Sept. 13-15. For ticket prices and information on the full season, go to www.slso.org or call 314-534-1700.
Jonatics — and you know who you are — no doubt already have tickets to see their beloved Jonas Brothers when theybring their “Happiness Begins Tour” to the ENTERPRISE CENTER at 7:30 p.m. Sept. 14 with special guests Bebe Rexha and Jordan McGraw. Tickets start at $51.95 and can be purchased at www.ticketmaster.com.
You may know him from playing Larry David’s sidekick on “Curb Your Enthusiasm,” but JB Smoove has a lot more on his comedy plate that he’s sharing with audiences when he brings his stand-up Lollygaggin’ Tour to THE PAGEANT at 8 p.m. Sept. 14. Reserved tickets are $35 and available at www.ticketmaster.com.
Comedian and longtime “Tonight Show” host Jay Leno returns to the J. SCHEIDEGGER CENTER FOR THE ARTS on the Lindenwood University campus at 8 p.m. Sept. 14. Opening the event will be the Steve Schankman Orchestra featuring singer Charles Glenn. Tickets are $79.50 to $109.50, available at www.lindenwood.edu/j-scheidegger-center-for-the-arts.
“The Shape of Abstraction: Selections from the Ollie Collection” at the ST. LOUIS ART MUSEUM celebrates the 2017 gift of the Thelma and Bert Ollie Memorial Collection with an exhibition of 40 abstract paintings, drawings and prints by black artists. The exhibition includes Norman Lewis’s gestural drawings, Sam Gilliam’s radically shaped paintings, James Little’s experiments with color, and Chakaia Booker’s explorations in printmaking, among many others. The show runs from Sept. 17 to March 8. For hours of operation and more details go to www.slam.org.
The 47th annual BALLOON GLOW starts at 5 p.m. Sept. 20 on Art Hill in Forest Park, with live music from Boogie Chyld starting at 6 and the festivities ending with fireworks at 9:15 p.m. Opening ceremonies for the GREAT FOREST PARK BALLOON RACE begin at 3:30 p.m. Sept. 21 before the balloons start to take off at 4:45. Fun activities for all ages, including inflatables for the kids, various dance performances and skydivers, get underway at noon. Both events are free. For details, see www.greatforestparkballoonrace.com.
Iconic rock band America, now celebrating their 50th anniversary, are likely to perform hits such as “Horse with No Name,” I Need You,” “Ventura Highway,” “Lonely People” and “Sister Golden Hair,” among others, during a concert at the TOUHILL PERFORMING ARTS CENTER on the campus of University of Missouri-St. Louis. The show is at 8 p.m. Sept. 20. Tickets range from $37 to $109. Call 314-516-4949 or see www.touhill.org.
Plenty of jazz and blues as well as food and drink highlight the 2019 OLD WEBSTER JAZZ AND BLUES FESTIVAL, which runs from noon to 11 p.m. Sept. 21 in downtown Webster Groves. More than a dozen groups, including Jim Manley, Jerimiah Johnson, David Dee and the Hot Tracks and Marquise Knox, will perform on two stages at this free event. Remember to bring a lawn chair. See www.oldwebsterjazzfest.com for more details.
The MILDRED LANE KEMPER ART MUSEUM on the campus of Washington University reopens Sept. 28th with “Ai Weiwei: Bare Life,” billed as a thematic exhibition offering new insight into the Chinese artist’s work on human rights and his deep engagement with China’s past. On view through Jan. 5, the exhibition features more than 35 artworks, including ones never before exhibited in the United States. For more information, go to www.kemperartmuseum.wustl.edu.
Ballet stars from companies across the world, including the acclaimed Joffrey Ballet, San Francisco Ballet and National Ballet of Cuba, will perform new works and cherished favorites when DANCE ST. LOUIS presents “An Evening of Ballet Stars 2” at 7:30 p.m. Sept. 28 at the EDISON THEATRE. Tickets available at 314-534-6622 or dancestlouis.org.
Wayward youth, juvenile delinquents, sexual repression, cool music, dirty lyrics, social rejects – we could only be talking about NEW LINE THEATRE, which never disappoints with its good-natured irreverence. Its 29th season opens with the rockabilly musical “Cry-Baby,” based on the classic John Waters film, and runs from Sept, 26-Oct. 19 at the Marcelle Theatre in Grand Center. Tickets, available through www.MetroTix.com or by calling 314-534-1111, go from $12.50 to $30.
Thank goodness acclaimed saxophonist Joshua Redman decided to forgo Yale Law School and become a fulltime musician after graduating from Harvard. Redman and his quartet come to JAZZ AT THE BISTRO in Grand Center Sept. 25-29 for a total of nine shows (7:30 and 9:30 p.m. each night) with tickets between $10 and $46. To purchase them and for more information, go to www.jazzstl.org.
October
The irrepressible Dolly Gallagher Levi is up to what she does best – matchmaking and meddling — as she looks to find a wife for the grumpy “well-known unmarried half-a-millionaire” Horace Vandergelder in the Broadway musical classic, “Hello Dolly,” playing at the FOX THEATER Oct. 1-13. Tickets are available at www.metrotix.com or by calling 314-534-1111. See www.fabulousfox.com for more information.
The SHAW ART FAIR returns Oct. 5-6 to the 4100 and 4200 blocks of Flora Avenue. About 135 artists from around the country will display their work in a professionally juried event. Admission is $10 for adults and free for children 14 and under. Bring a non-perishable food item for Isaiah 58 Ministries and receive $1 off. For details, visit http://bit.ly/Shaw-Art.
Also make sure to check out the BEST OF MISSOURI MARKET at the Missouri Botanical Gardens that same weekend (and Friday night). For details, visit www.mobot.org.
“Nine Sinatra Songs”by Twyla Tharpopens the St. Louis Ballet season and features one of the renowned choreographer’s most beloved works. Choreographed in 1982, it has become a popular classic, with dancers in sultry dresses and tuxedos flashing the double edge of past and present eras. Set to classic Sinatra—including “One for My Baby,” “Strangers in the Night,” and “My Way”— dance styles range from tango to flamenco to exhibition disco. Performances are at the TOUHILL PERFORMING ARTS CENTER Oct. 4-6. Tickets, from $29-$69, are available by calling 314-516-4949 or at www.touhill.org.
NEW JEWISH THEATRE opens its 23nd season Oct. 10-27 with the first chapter of playwright Neil Simon’s Eugene trilogy, “Brighton Beach Memoirs” (preceding “Biloxi Blues” and “Broadway Bound”). Set in the title’s Brooklyn neighborhood in 1937, this coming-of-age story revolves around Polish-American Jewish teenager Eugene Jerome, who tries to maintain some level of normalcy amid his extended family’s mishegas and dysfunction. The award-winning play is a bittersweet memoir about a struggling Jewish household where, as Eugene’s father states, “if you didn’t have a problem, you wouldn’t be living here.” For performance dates and ticket prices, call 314-442-3283 or visit www.newjewishtheatre.org.
No one can accuse STRAY DOG THEATRE of being unambitious. Case in point: staging the iconic 1969 rock concept album, “The Who’s TOMMY,” Oct. 10-26. For those unfamiliar, this tale of the pinball playing, deaf, dumb and blind boy who triumphs over his adversities is really the story of hope, healing and the human spirit. Performances are at the Tower Grove Abbey, 2336 Tennessee Ave. Tickets, from $25-$30, can be ordered at www.brownpapertickets.com.
Former ST. LOUIS SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA maestro, now conductor laureate Leonard Slatkin waves the baton at Powell Hall Oct. 12-13 for a program featuring Mozart’s Oboe Concerto, K. 314, with oboeist Jelena Dirks, and Richard Strauss’ “Ein Heldenleben”(“A Hero’s Life). For ticket prices and information, go to www.slso.org or call 314-534-1700.
The great singer-songwriter John Prine had to reschedule his concert at the STIFEL THEATRE because of health issues earlier this year. The new date is Oct. 13 with the show starting at 8 p.m. His latest album, “Tree of Forgiveness” is hands-down dynamite, so expect to hear selections like “When I Get to Heaven” as well as many fan favorites from his 50 years of touring and performing. Tickets are $59.50 to $99.50 and can be purchased at www.stifeltheatre.com or 314-499-7676.
Explore music by American composers, including Barber, Copland, Gershwin and Bolcom, plus the “American” string quartet by Dvorak, when the CHAMBER MUSIC SOCIETY OF ST. LOUIS presents “No Place Like Home” Oct. 14-15 at THE SHELDON, 3648 Washington Blvd. in Grand Center. For more info and tickets, visit www.chambermusicstl.org or call 314-941-6309.
Parrotheads unite. The jukebox musical, “Escape to Margaritaville,” is sure to delight the legions of Jimmy Buffett fans with catchy tunes like “Fins,” “Volcano,” “Cheeseburger in Paradise” and many more when it comes to the FOX THEATRE Oct 18-20. Not sure if there is much of a plot here, but then what does it matter. And the good news: tickets, from $29 to $95, are likely still less than what you’d pay for a Buffett concert. To order, go to www.metrotix.com or call 314-534-1111.
“American Idol” winner Fantasia will show off her soulful pipes and likely a few dance moves when she headlines The Sketchbook Tour, which also features Robin Thicke, Tank and The Bonfyre, at the CHAIFETZ ARENA at 7:30 p.m. Oct. 20. Tickets, from $48 to $98, are available at www.ticketmaster.com.
“The Lifespan of a Fact,” on the Main Stage at the Repertory Theatre of St. Louis, Oct. 16-Nov. 10, follows Fingal, who has a small job: to fact-check articles for one of the best magazines in the country. His boss has given him a big assignment: to apply his skill to a groundbreaking piece by legendary author John D’Agata. But now Fingal has a huge problem: D’Agata made up a lot of his article. What starts professional quickly becomes profane. For tickets, ranging from $20 to $94.50, call 314-968-4925 or go to www.repstl.org.
Broadway’s acclaimed “Dear Evan Hansen,” which won six Tony Awards in 2017, plays at the FOX THEATRE Oct. 22-Nov. 3. The story centers on Evan Hansen, who has always felt as if he were invisible. But when a tragedy thrusts him into the center of a rapidly evolving controversy, he is given the opportunity of a lifetime: the chance to fit in. Tickets are available at www.metrotix.com or by calling 314-534-1111. See www.fabulousfox.com for more information.
Jazz legend and 10-time Grammy-winner, trumpeter Arturo Sandoval brings “Ultimate Duets,” featuring vocalist Jane Monheit, to THE SHELDON at 8 p.m. Oct. 26. Born on the outskirts of Havana, Sandoval is one of the most dynamic performers of our time. Monheit, meanwhile, with her soaring, velvety voice has established herself as one of today’s most versatile and acclaimed jazz vocalists. Tickets are $35-$45 and can be purchased by calling 314-533-9900 or at www.thesheldon.org.
It starts with the sound of a spoon scraping against glass and the wet noise of lips smacking together. June and Lurie have a haunting new houseguest – and she’s ravenously hungry. They do their best to keep her fed and happy, but Beatrice always demands more. As she burrows deeper and deeper into their lives, the couple faces a horrific question: what will it cost to exorcise Beatrice forever? Suggested for older teens and adults, “Feeding Beatrice” plays at the Repertory Theatre of St. Louis, Emerson Studio Theatre Oct. 30-Nov. 14. Tickets range from $46 to $71 and are available by calling 314-968-4925 or at www.repstl.org.
November
Make a nice Jewish mother like Evelyn Cohen happy by seeing her son, Bravo TV’s ANDY COHEN (a Clayton High School alum), when he teams up with his longtime friend, CNN’s ANDERSON COOPER, for “unscripted, uncensored and unforgettable night of conversation” at 8 p.m. Nov. 1 at STIFEL THEATRE. Tickets for this “AC2” event range from $66.50 to $107.50, with a VIP package available for $357. Tickets are available at the Stifel box office, by phone at 800-745-3000, or at www.ticketmaster.com.
Guest violinst James Ehnes joins the ST. LOUIS SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA at 8 p.m. Nov. 2 at Powell Hall for a performance with a dash of Hollywood. Conductor Stéphane Denève will lead the symphony in playing Barber’s “Adagio for Strings” (which has been featured in “Platoon” and “Amélie”) and John Williams’ “Violin Concerto” as well as Saint-Saens’ Symphony No. 3, “Organ.” Tickets run $15 to $83. Visit www.slso.org for tickets or more information. Later this month, on Nov. 14-15 the orchestra presents Brahms’ Fourth Symphony with a performance by Gil Shaham of Bartók’s Violin Concerto No. 2. Over Thanksgiving weekend (Nov. 29-Dec. 1), conductor Andrew Grams makes his SLSO debut with Tchaikovksy’s “The Nutcracker.”
One of the biggest names in the fashion industry, Isaac Mizrahi, will open the 41th annual ST. LOUIS JEWISH BOOK FESTIVAL. Mizrahi’s keynote address on Nov. 3 kicks off two weeks of author events at the Jewish Community Center’s Staenberg Family Complex in Creve Coeur. Authors will include New York Times-bestselling authors Pam Jenoff and Dr. Michael Roizen, 1969 Mets Outfielder Art Shamsky and former presidential speechwriter Sarah Hurwitz. For a full list of author events and festival tickets or passes, visit www.stljewishbookfestival.org or call 314-442-3299.
Sleater-Kinney visits THE PAGEANT on Nov. 5, in support of the band’s new album “The Center Won’t Hold,” the band’s first since 2015. The indie rock band, now comprising Carrie Brownstein and Corin Tucker (Janet Weiss left the band this year), started in 1994 and was part of the riot grrrl movement that combined feminism and an underground punk ethos. Tickets are $27.50 to $32.50. Visit www.thepageant.com.
William Shakespeare’s “The Merchant of Venice” is a sensitive subject in the Jewish community. The play’s lead character, the devious moneylender Shylock, seems to embody the worst anti-Semitic stereotypes. Some modern productions of the play tweak the role to be more empathetic and less villainous. So, it will be interesting to see how ST. LOUIS SHAKESPEARE handles the role as it presents its take on the Bard’s classic Nov. 1-9 at the Tower Grove Baptist Church, 4257 Magnolia Ave. in south St. Louis. Tickets are $15 to $20, available at www.stlshakespeare.org.
Comedian, actor and woodworker Nick Offerman pays a return visit to STIFEL THEATRE at 7:30 p.m. Nov. 7. Best known as government-despising municipal bureaucrat Ron Swanson on “Parks and Recreation,” Offerman will give the St. Louis crowd “an evening of deliberate talking and light dance” as part of his All Rise tour. Tickets are $36.50 to $56.50, available at the Stifel box office, by phone at 800-745-3000, or at www.ticketmaster.com. A couple of days later, on Nov. 9, comedian Kathleen Madigan makes a stop on her Hot Dogs and Angels Tour (tickets at $22-42).
The FLYOVER COMEDY FESTIVAL will return to The Grove neighborhood Nov. 7-9. The festival features local and national standup comedy talent as well as improv workshops and performances, and sketch comedy and storytelling shows. For more information, visit www.flyovercomedyfest.com.
The ST. LOUIS INTERNATIONAL FILM FESTIVAL returns Nov. 7-17. Cinephiles will find a host of independent films, documentaries, international films, and short films screening at local theaters. As of press time the schedule had not been released; for ticket prices and updated information, see cinemastlouis.org.
Mixing roots rock, folk and traditional Mexican music, Los Lobos has been delighting fans for more than 30 years. Hailing from East L.A., the band performs here at 8 p.m. Nov. 8 at THE SHELDON. Tickets are $40-$50, available at www.thesheldon.org. On Nov. 16, the venue will host Venezuelan singer Nella, who “blends contemporary Latin music with her country’s rich folkloric roots.” Tickets are $15-$40.
St. Louis dance troupe MADCO (Modern American Dance Company) performs “Wallstories” at 8 p.m. Nov. 8-9 at the TOUHILL PERFORMING ARTS CENTER on the UMSL campus. Choreographed by native Berliner Nejla Yatkin, the show commemorates the 30th anniversary of the fall of the Berlin Wall. The show includes music from Bach, Pink Floyd’s album “The Wall,” and the voices of Berlin residents who lived before, during and after the wall. Tickets are $30, available at www.touhill.org or 314-516-4949.
“Now for the pirates’ lair!” WINTER OPERA ST. LOUIS will present Gilbert and Sullivan’s beloved classic “The Pirates of Penzance” at 7:30 p.m. Nov. 8 and 3 p.m. Nov. 10 at the Skip Viragh Center for the Arts at Chaminade School, 425 Lindbergh Blvd. Tickets are $35 to $55. For more information, visit www.winteroperastl.org.
Washington University’s Department of Music will welcome Alarm Will Sound for a concert at 7:30 p.m. Nov. 9 at the 560 MUSIC CENTER, 560 Trinity Ave. in University City. The group is a 20-person chamber orchestra that plays contemporary classical music. Tickets are $20, available at http://edison.wustl.edu.
Take a musical journey to the Iberian peninsula on Nov. 9, when ST. LOUIS CLASSICAL GUITAR will welcome Spanish guitarist Andrea González Caballero for a performance at 8 p.m. at the Ethical Society of St. Louis, 9001 Clayton Road. Tickets are $24 to $28, available at www.stlclassicalguitar.org.
Although he may be best known for his acting roles as Inigo Montoya in “The Princess Bride” and Saul Berenson on “Homeland,” Mandy Patinkin will get back to his Broadway roots during a concert at the TOUHILL PERFORMING ARTS CENTER on Nov. 10. “Mandy Patinkin Presents: Diaries” showcases highlights of his Broadway career, including selections by Stephen Sondheim, as well as interpretations of classics of a different sort, like “Cat’s in the Cradle” and “Bohemian Rhapsody.” Tickets are $37 to $109, available at www.touhill.org or 314-516-4949.
Actor and Broadway singer Ken Page appears at 7:30 p.m. Nov. 13 and 14 at JAZZ AT THE BISTRO. Page provided the voice of Oogie Boogie in Tim Burton’s “The Nightmare Before Christmas” and was original Broadway cast member of “Ain’t Misbehavin” and “Cats.” Tickets are $10 to $31. Visit www.jazzstl.org for tickets or more information. Other notable visits this month include jazz trumpeter Terence Blanchard on Nov. 20-24 and trumpet player and vocalist (and St. Louis native) Jeremy Davenport on Nov. 29 and 30.
Indie rock favorite Wilco plays the FOX THEATRE at 7:30 p.m. on Nov. 14. Helmed by frontman Jeff Tweedy, a Belleville, Ill. native, the band will release its 11th studio album, “Ode to Joy” in early October. Fun fact: Tweedy married a Jewish woman and in 2013 he converted to Judaism. Tickets to the show are $35 to $85. For tickets and more information, go to www.fabulousfox.com. Another Uncle Tupelo-descended band, Son Volt, will play a pair of shows on Nov. 22-23 at Delmar Hall (tickets are $25 in advance, $28 on the day of the show — visit www.delmarhall.com).
Brooms, hubcaps, garbage cans and other everyday objects will be used to create the unique percussion creations of “Stomp,” which will have four performances at the FOX THEATRE Nov. 15-17. For tickets and more information, go to www.fabulousfox.com. Tickets are $25 to $82.
Black Violin will bring their unique mix of classically trained strings players (on viola and violin) with a DJ and a drummer during their show Nov. 17 at the TOUHILL PERFORMING ARTS CENTER. Combining hip hop and classical music, the group has worked with a variety of artists, including Kanye West, Aerosmith, Tom Petty, Wu-Tang Clan and Alicia Keys. Tickets are $22.50-$64.50, available at www.touhill.org or 314-516-4949.
Melding classical and pop music in innovative ways, The Piano Guys will perform at 7:30 p.m. Nov. 19 at the FOX THEATRE. The group’s YouTube videos (and five albums), reinterpreting chart-topping hits for cello and piano, have earned the group millions of views and a dedicated fan base. For tickets ($38.50 to $158.50) and more information, go to www.fabulousfox.com. A few days later, the male a capella group Straight No Chaser will perform, at 8 p.m. Nov. 22 (with tickets at $34.50 to $62.50).
Ballet fans won’t want to miss the Moscow Ballet’s presentation of a Tchaikovsky classic during “The Great Russian Nutcracker,” at 7 p.m. Nov. 20 and 21 at the FOX THEATRE. Tickets are $32.50 to $178.50. For more information, visit www.fabulousfox.com or call 314-534-1111.
On Nov. 23, the Imaginary Theatre Company will present “The Ant and the Grasshopper” with two performances tailored for young people with sensory sensitivity and their families (at 10:30 a.m. and 12:30 p.m.), as well as a conventional performance of the show at 3 p.m. A musical adaptation of a classic children’s tale, the show’s book, music and lyrics are written by Brian Hohlfeld, a St. Louis native whose screenwriting credits include a number of films in the “Winnie the Pooh” franchise. Shows take place at the Loretto-Hilton Center For The Performing Arts. Tickets are $10, available at www.repstl.org/events.
The MISSOURI BOTANICAL GARDEN will dazzle visitors with more than a million lights, transforming the garden each night (5 to 10 p.m.) from Nov. 23 to Jan. 4. Admission for non-members is $18 for adults (13 and older) and $10 for children (ages 3 to 12); for members: $14 for adults and $6 for children. For more information, go to www.mobot.org
St. Louis Ballet brings its take on “The Nutcracker” to the TOUHILL PERFORMING ARTS CENTER with 12 performances, with Thanksgiving weekend previews Nov. 29 to Dec. 1 as well as Dec. 19 to 23. Tickets are $25 to $72, available at www.touhill.org or 314-516-4949.
December
“Wicked”returns to the FOX THEATRE from Dec. 4 to 29. The musical flips L. Frank Baum’s novel “The Wonderful Wizard of Oz” — and the classic 1939 film — on its head, and retells the story from the witches’ point of view, with songs like “Popular” and “Defying Gravity.” As of press time, a date has not been set for tickets to go on sale.
Catch THE REPERTORY THEATRE OF ST. LOUIS production of Jane Austen’s classic novel “Pride & Prejudice” Dec. 4 to 29 on the Loretto-Hilton Center’s Mainstage, 130 Edgar Road in Webster Groves. The beloved story of the match of wits between Elizabeth Bennet and Mr. Fitzwilliam Darcy, exploring love, marriage and social status, has stood the test of time. Tickets are $20 to $99.50, available by calling 314-968-4925 or visiting www.repstl.org.
The NEW JEWISH THEATRE continues its 2019-2020 season with Becky Mode’s comedy “Fully Committed” Dec. 5-22. NJT veteran actor Will Bonfiglio will have his hands full in this one-man play where the actor plays 40 —you read that correctly, 40 —characters, centered on an out-of-work actor who works the phone at a top Manhattan restaurant taking reservations. Tickets are $45 to $49, with season tickets also available. Visit www.newjewishtheatre.org or call 314-442-3283 to purchase tickets or for more information.
The ST. LOUIS SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA presents an evening of Handel and Bach during “Baroque Fireworks” Dec. 6-8 at Powell Hall. Conductor and harpsichordist Richard Egarr will lead Handel’s “Music for the Royal Fireworks” and “Water Music” and Bach’s Brandenburg Concerto No. 5 and Orchestral Suite No. 3. Performances are at 10:30 a.m. on Dec. 6, 8 p.m. on Dec. 7 and 3 p.m. on Dec. 8. Tickets are $15-$83. Visit www.slso.org.
Three COCA dance ensembles (COCAdance, Ballet Eclectica and the COCA Hip-Hop Crew) will celebrate the work of artists of color during four performances over two days, Dec. 14-15 at the EDISON THEATRE, 6445 Forsyth Blvd. Performances are at 3 and 7 p.m. on Dec. 14 and 1 and 4 p.m. on Dec. 15. For more information, including ticket prices, call 314-935-6543 or visit http://edison.wustl.edu.
