A nonprofit, independent news source to inform, inspire, educate and connect the St. Louis Jewish community.

St. Louis Jewish Light

A nonprofit, independent news source to inform, inspire, educate and connect the St. Louis Jewish community.

St. Louis Jewish Light

A nonprofit, independent news source to inform, inspire, educate and connect the St. Louis Jewish community.

St. Louis Jewish Light

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2023 Fall Arts Guide

More than 100 arts events you can look forward to between now and December
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Naomi Rodgers as ‘Tina Turner’ in the North American touring production of TINA – THE TINA TURNER MUSICAL. Photo by Matthew Murphy for MurphyMade, 2022

 

The 2023 Fall Arts Guide is made possible by the generous support of the Kranzberg Arts Foundation. 

When summer comes to an end and the downhill slide to the turkey begins, fill your fall calendar with special events galore. Expect art fairs, museum exhibits, seasonal festivals, theater performances, lots of live music for every taste, comedy acts, dance presentations, opera and yes, even more. 

Like what? A beloved balloon race, a “citywide symphony Shabbat,” a tribute to Tina Turner, a visit from Jerry Seinfeld, a “reimagined circus,” a six-hour bus tour of historic Jewish sites, the compelling Best of Missouri Market and an evening with Ringo Starr. In our guide, you’ll find plenty to do for all ages for the rest of the year. Don’t miss a minute!  


SEPTEMBER ARTS EVENTS IN ST. LOUIS

The Repertory Theatre of St. Louis season opened Sep. 5 with the highly acclaimed “The Lehman Trilogy,” billed as “an epic tale of one family’s passionate pursuit of the American Dream and the piercing cost of greed, excess and unbridled power.” Performances run through Sept. 24 at the Loretto-Hilton Center. Tickets cost $25-$75. For show times and prices, see repstl.org

From left, Firdouss Bamji, Joshua David Robinson and Scott Wentworth in The Rep’s production of ‘The Lehman Brothers Trilogy,’ which runs through Sept. 24. Photo: T. Charles Erickson/The Rep

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The Nitty Gritty Dirt Band will bring “The Hits, The History & Dirt Does Dylan” to the Sheldon Concert Hall at 7:30 p.m. Sept. 7. Tickets, available at Metrotix (314-534-1111 or metrotix.com), range from $55.50-$80.50. For more information, see thesheldon.org/events/nitty-gritty-dirt-band

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The 8th annual Tennessee Williams Festival St. Louis is on for Sept. 7-17, with performances of “Suddenly Last Summer,” a show said to be “drenched in Southern Gothic humidity, sex, passion, and insanity.” Performances will be on stage at COCA’s Catherine B. Berges Theatre. For performance times and ticket information, call 314-517-5253 or see twstl.org 

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Schlafly Beer will sponsor the 19th annual Art Outside Festival Sept. 8-10 at Schlafly Bottleworks in Maplewood. Expect art interpreted in acrylic, ceramics, glass, jewelry, metalwork, oil, pastel/pencil/charcoal, pen/ink, photography, stonework, tempera, textile/fiber, watercolor and woodworking. For times and more information, see schlafly.com/events/artoutside

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The architectural identity of St. Louis will be referenced in two new exhibits opening Sept. 8 at the Pulitzer Arts Foundation. One is “Sarah Crowner: Around Orange,” a painting installation “nearly as long as a tennis court” that represents Crowner’s “intergenerational visual dialogue” with the late Ellsworth Kelly. The other exhibit is “Urban Archaeology: Lost Buildings of St. Louis,” which presents 25 artifacts from the National Building Arts Center. For details, see pulitzerarts.org

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Three new exhibits are scheduled to open Sept. 8 at the Contemporary Art Museum: “Hajra Waheed: A Solo Exhibition,” “Dominic Chambers: Birthplace” and “Justin Favela: Ruta Madre.” All three are on display through Feb. 11, 2024. For information on related special events and museum hours, go to camstl.org

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Though we weren’t there the night in 1956 when Elvis Presley, Johnny Cash, Jerry Lee Lewis and Carl Perkins showed up for an impromptu recording session at Sun Records in Memphis, we promise being in the audience for “Million Dollar Quartet” is almost as good. The lively show, presented at Stages St. Louis, will be performed Sept. 8-Oct. 8 at the Ross Family Theatre at the Kirkwood Performing Arts Center. Tickets range from $51 to $76. For performance times, see stagesstlouis.org or call 314-821-2407.

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Now marking its 30th year, the St. Louis Art Fair will fill the streets of downtown Clayton Sept. 8-10 once again, promising “high-quality” artists, music, food, fun and activities for children. See saintlouisartfair.com

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Jewish in St. Louis” is the theme of a six-hour bus tour Sept. 9, sponsored by the Missouri History Museum. Participants will learn the history of the Jewish population in St. Louis, with “an overview of significant sites and organizations important to the community’s history and development.” The tour will include a visit to the St. Louis Kaplan Feldman Holocaust Museum. Tickets cost $80 for museum members; $90 for non-members. For more information or to register, see mohistory.org/events/jewish-in-st-louis

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Music at the Intersection (photo above from the 2022 festival), presented by the Kranzberg Arts Foundation, takes place Sept. 9 and 10 in the Grand Center Arts District. Photo: Philip Hamer/ @phillip_hamer_photography

Music at the Intersection, presented by the Kranzberg Arts Foundation, will fill multiple stages Sept. 9-10 in the Grand Center Arts District. This celebration of music and heritage — now in its third year — will feature St. Louis-based musicians and national acts “spanning musical genres such as blues, jazz, soul, R&B, rock ‘n’ roll and hip-hop.” For information on ticket packages, see musicattheintersection.org

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On Sept. 10 — and every Sunday —families are invited to explore galleries and take part in a hands-on art activity from 1 to 4 p.m. at the St. Louis Art Museum. Admission is free. For more information, visit slam.org 

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The Ozark Mountain Daredevils top the bill at 7 p.m. Sept. 10 at the KSHE Klassic Car Show Concert at The Factory. Tickets start at $39.50 and do not include admission to the car show outside. See thefactorystl.com/event/ozark-mountain-daredevils

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Eric Clapton and special guest Jimmie Vaughan are doing a short tour this year — and St. Louis is on the calendar. They will perform at 7:30 p.m. Sept. 12 at the Enterprise Center. Tickets range from $46.50- $372. See enterprisecenter.com or ticketmaster.com

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Jewish singer/songwriter Noah Kahan and special guest Ruston Kelly will perform at 8 p.m. Sept. 13 at St. Louis Music Park in Maryland Heights. For tickets, see centenecommunityicecenter.com/events/detail/noah-kahan

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The Cemetery Club,” tells of three Jewish widows who meet once a month for tea before going to visit their husbands’ graves. Ida is sweet tempered, Lucille is feisty and Doris (played by 2023 Jewish Light Unsung Hero Helene Meyer) is priggish and judgmental, particularly when Sam the butcher enters the scene while visiting his wife’s grave. The play, at Washington U’s South Campus Theatre, 6501 Clayton Rd., runs Sept. 14-24 (no show Sept. 15). Tickets are $15-$25 and available by calling 314-721-9228 or at simpletix.com/e/the-cemetery-club-tickets

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The annual Balloon Glow starts at 5 p.m. Sept. 15 on Emerson Central Fields in Forest Park and the festivities end with fireworks, which start at 9:15 p.m. The next day, the field opens at 2 p.m. for activities that lead up to the Great Forest Park Balloon Race. The opening ceremony begins at 3:30 p.m. and the “Hare” is expected to launch at 4:30. Both events are free. For details, see greatforestparkballoonrace.com/schedule-of-events

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Ain’t no mountain high enough to keep us from seeing the incredible Diana Ross when she performs her greatest hits and more at 8 p.m. Friday, Sept. 15 at the Fabulous Fox Theatre in Grand Center. Tickets range from $76 to $251 and are available at metrotix.com.

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The Old Webster Jazz & Blues Fest will fill downtown Webster from noon to 11 p.m. Sept. 16, promising non-stop jazz and blues from two stages, food and drink from area restaurants, street entertainers and events for kids. Admission is free. See oldwebsterjazzfest.com

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The Big Muddy Dance Fest will take place Sept. 16-18 in Grand Center. Classes for individuals at all dance and fitness skill levels will be available, and you can enjoy a showcase performance at 7:30 Sept. 16 at The Grandel Theatre. For a full schedule and more info, go to thebigmuddydanceco.org/dancefest/showcases

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The Chamber Music Society of St. Louis opens its 15th season at 7:30 p.m. Sept. 18 with “Romancing the Baroque,” featuring conductor Nicholas McGegan at the 560 Music Center in University City. For ticket information, call 314-941-6309 or see chambermusicstl.org/concerts/romancing-the-baroque

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Two nights only: Let loose with Midnight Company’s Joe Hanrahan in “Professor Sunshine’s Traveling Post-Apocalyptic Rock ‘n’ Roll Revival” with the Divided House Band, on stage at 7:30 p.m. Sept. 20 and 8 p.m. Sept. 23 at the Blue Strawberry, 364 North Boyle. Tickets cost $25-$30. For more info, see bluestrawberrystl.com or call 314-256-1745.

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Pack a picnic and bring a blanket for the St. Louis Symphony’s annual free concert from 7 to 10 p.m. Sept. 21 on Art Hill in Forest Park. Expect a fireworks display as well! For details, go to slso.org

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Gather up the kids and grandkids! Hosted by Mickey and Minnie, Disney on Ice will present “Frozen & Encanto, with visits to both Arendelle and the Casita Madrigal. Presenters say, “Sing along and celebrate the power of love at Disney on Ice,” with daytime and evening performances Sept. 22-24 at the Chaifetz Arena. Tickets range from $29.50-$114. See chaifetzarena.com/events/detail/disney-on-ice

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Jazz guitarist Norman Brown will be in concert with Marion Meadows, Alex Bugnon and 3Central at 7 p.m. Sept. 23 at the Touhill Performing Arts Center. Tickets cost $55-$75. See www.touhill.org

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The St. Louis Symphony Orchestra opens the season with a visit from violinist Hilary Hahn gracing the stage. One of the world’s leading soloists, Hahn returns to St. Louis after 21 years to perform Mendelssohn’s “Violin Concerto” at the Stifel Theatre. Stéphane Denève conducts. Concerts will take place at 7:30 p.m. Sept. 23 and at 3 p.m. Sept. 24. For prices and tickets, see shop.slso.org/7687

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Remember the Beatles? Ringo Starr and His All-Starr Band (featuring Warren Ham, Edgar Winter, Steve Lukather, Hamish Stuart, Colin Hay and Gregg Bissonette) will take the stage at 8 p.m. Sept. 23 at the Fox Theatre. Tickets cost $55-$250. See fabulousfox.com/events/detail/ringo-starr 

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Margaret Cho will bring her “Live and Livid” tour to St. Louis at 8 p.m. Sept. 24 at The Pageant. The five-time Grammy and Emmy nominee also has chops as a comedian, actor, musician, advocate and entrepreneur. Tickets start at $35. See thepageant.com/event/margaret-cho-092423

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The St. Louis Kaplan Feldman Holocaust Museum and the St. Louis Symphony Orchestra are partnering for “Holocaust Composer Stories: Pavel Haas” at 7 p.m. Tuesday Sept. 26 at the museum. Helen Turner, director of education and interpretation for the museum, will discuss Haas’ tragic experience during the Holocaust, followed by a performance of Haas’ String Quartet No. 3 played live by musicians of the SLSO. The hour-long event is free, but RSVPs are requested. Seating is limited. Visit slso.org for more information.

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Tony Award-winning actor (and hometown theater hero) Norbert Leo Butz will celebrate the release of his latest album, “King of Hearts,” in concert with Devon Cahill in “Special Notes From Home” at 7:30 p.m. Sept. 29 at The Sheldon. Tickets cost $35. See thesheldon.org/events/nobert-leo-butz-23

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Fiber arts aficionados: “Aso Oke: Prestige Cloth from Nigeria” will be on display Sept. 29 through March 10 at the St. Louis Art Museum. The free exhibit will feature textiles created by Yoruba weavers in southwestern Nigeria that were fashioned into clothing for celebratory and ceremonial occasions from the early 19th to late 20th century, selections from the Museum’s permanent collection, recent acquisitions and mid 20th-century cloths from a local collector. See slam.org/exhibitions/aso-oke-prestige-cloth-from-nigeria


OCTOBER ARTS EVENTS IN ST. LOUIS

Touring behind the release of his album “Rough and Rowdy Ways,” Bob Dylan and his band will bring the tour of the same name to the Stiefel Theatre on Oct 4. Tickets range from $66.60 to $142 and are available at ticketmaster.com

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The Repertory Theatre of St. Louis will present “Twisted Melodies,” Kelvin Roston Jr.’s one-man show about St. Louis soul icon Donny Hathaway. The play is on stage Oct. 4-22 at the Catherine B. Berges Theatre at COCA in University City. Tickets cost $25-$75. For show times and prices, see repstl.org/events/detail/twistedmelodies

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Lavonne Byers and Midnight Company’s Joe Hanrahan will perform “The Lion in Winter” Oct. 5-21 at the Kranzberg Arts Foundation’s .Zack Theatre at 3224 Locust. For performance times and tickets, see metrotix.com or midnightcompany.com

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Stray Dog Theatre will heat up the stage Oct. 5-28 at Tower Grove Abbey with a stage adaption of “Saturday Night Fever.” For performance times and ticket prices, call 314-865-1995 or see straydogtheatre.org/saturday-night-fever-oct-2023

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On Oct. 6 — and the first Friday of every month — museums and galleries in the Grand Center Arts District are free and stay open until 9 p.m. For participating locations at First Fridays each month, see grandcenter.org/firstfridays

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The St. Louis Ballet will partner with the Chamber Music Society of St. Louis to present “Giselle” Oct. 6-8, with evening and matinee performances at the Touhill Performing Arts Center. For tickets, see metrotix.com

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Joy to the world — Three Dog Night, with special guest Chris Trapper, will play at 6:30 p.m. Oct. 8 at The Factory in Chesterfield. The legendary music icons are celebrating nearly five decades of success. For ticket prices, see thefactorystl.com/event/three-dog-night

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Don’t miss the Best of Missouri Market, where our state’s vendors will offer arts, crafts, food and beverages Oct. 6-8 at the Missouri Botanical Garden. Tickets run $8-$16, with discounts for garden members. For hours and other details, see missouribotanicalgarden.org

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Just across the street from the Garden, on Oct. 7-8 the 31st annual Shaw Art Fair will take over Flora Place at Tower Grove Ave. You’ll meet artists from around the country. Admission is $8 in advance or $10 at the gate for adults and free for children 14 and under when accompanied by an adult. At-the-gate ticket is $1 off with canned food donation. For hours and more details, visit https://shawstlouis.org/attractions-amenities/historic-shaw-art-fair

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Lucinda Williams and her band bring the “Don’t Tell Anybody the Secrets Tour” to The Pageant at 8 p.m. Oct. 8. Tickets start at $51. Though she can’t play her guitar after suffering a stroke in 2020, she still sings with the best of them. thepageant.com/event/lucinda-williams-100823

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“Bill Maher: Live on Stage” will spend “real time” with St. Louis at 8 p.m. Oct. 7 at the Fox Theatre. Tickets cost $47.50-$135. See fabulousfox.com/events/detail/bill-maher

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From left, Peggy Billo, Robert Thibaut, Michelle Hand, Gary Wayne Barker starred in the New Jewish Theatre’s 2011 production of ‘The Immigrant.’ NJT is revisiting the play with a new production, on stage Oct. 12-29. File photo: John Lamb

“The Immigrant” will open at New Jewish Theatre Oct. 12 and run through Oct. 29 at the Jewish Community Center’s Staenberg Family Complex. Mark Harelik’s play tells the true story of a young Russian-Jewish immigrant — the playwright’s grandfather — who comes to America in 1909 and settles in a small town in rural Texas. Tickets for matinee and evening performances cost $27.02-$58.37. See newjewishtheatre.org

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Hear St. Louis native Peter Martin — acclaimed jazz pianist, educator and founder of Open Studio — and his famed trio (Rueben Rogers on bass and Gregory Hutchinson on drums) Oct. 18-22 at the Bistro at Jazz St. Louis’ Harold and Dorothy Stewart Center for Jazz. For show times and ticket prices, call 314-571-6000 or visit jazzstl.org

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A special display of the work of artist Ellsworth Kelly opens Oct. 20 and continues through April 7, 2024, on the South Terrace and in Roxanne H. Frank Galleries 255 and 257 at the St. Louis Art Museum. Admission is free. Expect “paintings, sculpture, drawings and prints” that showcase Kelly’s work from six decades. For more information, see slam.org/exhibitions/ellsworth-kelly

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In celebration of its 50th year producing top-quality theater for families, Metro Theater Company’s Fall Family Festival Oct. 21-22 will offer free theater, educational activities and fun for families and young people in the Grand Center Arts District. Expect other arts and education partners to be on hand, as well as food trucks. The weekend will include performances of Metro’s “Maddi’s Fridge” and “Eddie & Vinnie.” For details, see metroplays.org/family-festival

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The kids and grandkids may enjoy “A Zoo Called Earth,” presented at 3 p.m. Oct. 22 by the St. Louis Symphony and the St. Louis Zoo at the Touhill Performing Arts Center. “You’ll hear creatures ranging from fish and dinosaurs to kangaroos and elephants come to life from the perspective of an extraterrestrial tourist” — and kids are encouraged to wear Halloween costumes. Tickets range from $15-$20. See shop.slso.org/7934/7935

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The son of Mexican, Argentinian and Jewish immigrants, Daniel Weingarten (maybe you’ve seen him on Comedy Central) specializes in comedy that touches on “culture, family, relationships and everything in between.” See him at 8 p.m. Oct. 24 at the Helium Comedy Club. Tickets range from $27-$37. For audiences 18 and older. Go to https://st-louis.heliumcomedy.com/shows/226702

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See Aerosmith’s farewell tour at 7 p.m. Oct. 26 at Enterprise Center, featuring special guests The Black Crowes. Tickets start at $56.95. See ticketmaster.com

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Attend “Citywide Symphony Shabbat at The J” at 5:30 p.m. Oct. 27 at the J’s Staenberg Family Complex, when St. Louis Symphony’s Kevin McBeth will lead a performance of music by Jewish composers such as George Gershwin, Ben Steinberg and Ernest Bloch. Guest singers Rabbi Amy Feder and Cantor Ronald Eichaker will perform sacred and secular selections. The concert is free, but RSVPs are requested. Seating is limited and available on a first-come, first-served basis. Doors for the concert open at 5 p.m. To register, see https://shop.slso.org/7930

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Metro Theater Company’s production of “Eddie & Vinnie,” about an unstoppable artist with a uniquely beautiful mind and his gecko best friend, is featured at the Grandel Theatre from Oct. 27-Nov. 5. This play is 70-minutes long with no intermission and best suited for ages 6 to 12. Tickets range from $20 to $38. For tickets and more information, go to metroplays.org/eddie-vinnie


NOVEMBER ARTS EVENTS IN ST. LOUIS

The Queen’s Cartoonists perform music from cartoons at 8 p.m. Nov. 2 at Lindenwood University’s J. Scheidegger Center for the Arts. Watch your favorite classic cartoons characters interact with the musicians on the stage and expect the unexpected from the “golden age of animation,” cult classic cartoons and modern animated films. Tickets run from $25-$55 and are available at luboxoffice.universitytickets.com

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Hear thrilling music from around the globe at “As We Speak: Béla Fleck, Zakir Hussain, Edgar Meyer and Rakesh Chaurasia,” on stage at 8 p.m. Nov. 3 at The Sheldon. Tickets range from $45-$55. See thesheldon.org

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Metallica’s “M72 World Tour” comes to the Dome at America’s Center Nov. 3 and 5, featuring show openers Pantera & Mammoth WVH on Friday and Five Finger Death Punch & Ice Nine Kill on Sunday. Tickets start at $92 for a two-show pass. See ticketmaster.com

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From Nov. 3-5, the Fox Theatre will present “Come From Away,” an uplifting, funny and poignant show that tells the true story of 7,000 stranded passengers and the small town in Newfoundland that welcomed them on Sept. 11, 2001. A promo for the show states: “Cultures clashed and nerves ran high, but uneasiness turned into trust, music soared into the night, and gratitude grew into enduring friendships.” For performance times and ticket prices, see fabulousfox.com/events/detail/come-from-away

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Andrew Rhe, Rebecca Minkoff, Martin Fletcher and Mitch Albom

The 45th annual St. Louis Jewish Book Festival is on for Nov. 4-20 at the Jewish Community Center’s Staenberg Family Complex. Rebecca Minkoff, author of Fearless: The New Rules for Unlocking Creativity, Courage, and Success,” and Mitch Albom, author of “The Stranger in the Lifeboat” and “Tuesdays with Morrie,” will be featured, along with authors writing about “business, cooking, economics, family, fiction, history, music, religion, sports and more.” For a schedule plus tickets and information about passes, call 314-442-3294 or visit stljewishbookfestival.org

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Comedian Kathleen Madigan brings her show “Boxed Wine & Tiny Banjos” to the Stifel Theatre at 7:30 p.m. Nov. 4. For tickets, ranging from $31.75 to $56.75, see stifeltheatre.com/events/detail/kathleen-madigan-3

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The 32nd Annual Whitaker St. Louis International Film Festival will take place Nov. 9-19. Expect in-person and virtual events plus independent films, documentaries, international films and short films screening at local theaters. For details, ticket prices and available packages, see cinemastlouis.org/sliff/festival-home

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Comedy will reign Nov. 9-11 at the 6th annual Flyover Comedy Festival, featuring standup comedy showcases, improv workshops and performances, plus sketch and storytelling shows. Expect more than 100 performers in more than 30 events, all on several stages in The Grove neighborhood. For single ticket prices, packages and venues, check out flyovercomedyfest.com

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Here’s more funny business, times two: Jerry Seinfeld and Jim Gaffigan will be on stage at 7:30 p.m. Nov. 11 at Enterprise Center. Tickets, ranging from $32 to $496, are available at enterprisecenter.com or ticketmaster.com

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Benny Benack III celebrates the release of his album “Third Time’s the Charm” at 7:30 p.m. Nov. 11 at the Blue Strawberry, 364 North Boyle. Known as “a fiery trumpet player,” Benack was recognized by the 2022 Downbeat Critics Poll as both the #2 Rising Star Male Vocalist and a top Rising Star Trumpeter. Tickets cost $30-$45. For more info, see https://bluestrawberrystl.com/ or call 314-256-1745.

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Dance St. Louis welcomes Trinity Irish Dance Company on Nov. 11 for a performance with live muisc at the Touhill Performing Arts Center. Photo: LOIS GREENFIELD

On Nov. 11, Dance St. Louis presents Trinity Irish Dance Company at the Touhill Performing Arts Center on the UMSL campus, featuring performances “ranging from those displaying virtuosic footwork to a hybrid of Irish step and American tap to original, classic pieces by founding artistic director Mark Howard that reflect his unique fusion of vibrant Irish traditions with ever-evolving American innovation.” The event will include live music by a band led by singer/songwriter Brendan O’Shea. At 6:30 p.m. there is  a free pre-show talk with representatives from Trinity Irish Dance Company, followed by the performance at 7:30 p.m. Tickets are $45-69, available at metrotix.com.

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The St. Louis Symphony will present “Opera in Concert: Cavalleria rusticana” at 7:30 p.m. Nov. 11 and 3 p.m. Nov. 12 at the Stifel Theatre, with James Gaffigan (no, not the previously mentioned Jim Gaffigan) conducting. For tickets, see https://shop.slso.org/7692

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“Tina: The Tina Turner Musical” showcases the life and times of the dynamic music star whose early career included gigs in St. Louis and East St. Louis. See this Broadway megahit Nov. 14 – 26 at the Fox Theatre. For ticket prices and show times, see fabulousfox.com/events/detail/tina

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Funny man, actor and MOT Michael Rapaport brings his stand-up to City Winery, located at the City Foundry, on Nov. 17-18, with two shows each night, at 7 and 10 p.m. Tickets range from $35 to $55 and are available at citywinery.com/stlouis

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Winter Opera presents Mozart’s “Don Giovanni” at 7:30 p.m. Nov. 17 and at 2 p.m. Nov. 19 at the Kirkwood Performing Arts Center, 210 E. Monroe Ave. For single ticket prices and more info, see winteroperastl.org/performances

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The annual Garden Glow will light up the night in a most festive way from 5 to 10 p.m. Nov. 18 through Jan. 6 at the Missouri Botanical Garden. Plan to spend about 1.5 hours. Prices vary for Bargain Nights and Family Nights and for members and nonmembers. For details and tickets, see https://glow.missouribotanicalgarden.org

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Budding ballet dancers will thrill to St. Louis Ballet’s annual production of “The Nutcracker” on stage Nov. 25-26 and Dec. 15-23 at the Touhill Performing Arts Center. Tickets range from $36-$84. Younger fans may appreciate the shorter version, with performances Dec. 15-19, also at the Touhill. Tickets cost $27-$42. See metrotix.com

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The New Jewish Theatre boldly follows Stephen Sondheim and James Lapine on their musical journey “Into the Woods,” with performances Nov. 30-Dec. 17 at the J’s Staenberg Family Complex. The Tony Award-winning musical about favorite fairy tale characters is known for surprising, delighting and touching audiences. Tickets range from $52.97-$59.45. For tickets for matinee and evening performances, see newjewishtheatre.org

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Stray Dog Theatre will present Christopher Durang’s hilarious play “Sister Mary Ignatius Explains It All for You” Nov. 30-Dec. 16 at Tower Grove Abbey, 2336 Tennessee Ave. Amid the laughs, expect to hear “sharp truths about human nature and religion.” For performance times and ticket prices, call 314-865-1995 or go to straydogtheatre.org


DECEMBER ARTS EVENTS IN ST. LOUIS

St. Louis Actor’s Studio presents “Barrymore,” which depicts actor John Barrymore (played here by John Contini) a few months before his death in 1942 as he is rehearsing a revival of his 1920 Broadway triumph as Richard III. The play runs Dec. 1-11 at the Gaslight Theatre, 358 N. Boyle. For tickets and other info, go to stlas.org. 

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As part of its Guitar Masters Series, St. Louis Classical Guitar will welcome Adam Levin at 7:30 p.m. Dec. 2 at the 560 Music Center, 560 Trinity Ave. in University City. A prize-winning and Billboard top-charting classical guitarist and recording artist, Levin is a founding member of The Kithara Project, an organization that promotes “equitable access to the guitar for youth around the world.” Tickets cost $28-$35. See stlclassicalguitar.org

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Circus Reimagined — that’s what Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey® promise at “The Greatest Show On Earth®,” in town Dec. 9-10 at Enterprise Center. Expect “a spectacle of superhuman feats, pushing the limits of possibility and thrilling families and fans of all generations.” Multiple performances are scheduled, with ticket prices starting at $20. See enterprisecenter.com/events/detail/ringling-bros-and-barnum-bailey

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USA Today goes so far as to call Disney’s “Aladdin” an example of “Pure Genie-Us,” and you and the kids (or grandkids) can judge for yourselves Dec. 12-17 at the Fox Theatre. Expect songs from the animated movie as well as new hits penned by such established talents as Alan Menken, Howard Ashman, Tim Rice and Chad Beguelin. For performance times and ticket prices, see fabulousfox.com/events/detail/aladdin

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‘Mrs. Doubtfire: A New Musical Comedy’ comes to the Fox Theatre Dec. 27-Jan. 7. Photo: JOAN MARCUS

Here’s something new when it comes to shape-shifting: Mrs. Doubtfire: A New Musical Comedy, on stage Dec. 26-Jan. 7 at the Fox Theatre. Critics have deemed the show “wonderful, heart-warming, and laugh-out-loud funny” and “a feel-good, family-friendly comedy that delivers.” For ticket prices and show times, see fabulousfox.com/events/detail/mrs-doubtfire

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Ring in the new year with the St. Louis Symphony Orchestra at 7:30 p.m. Dec. 31 at the Stifel Theatre. Norman Huynh — “a favorite of St. Louis audiences known for his humor and high spirits” — will conduct. Tickets cost $47-$127. Visit https://shop.slso.org/7773 

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