THEATER

WHAT: “Smash/Hit”

WHEN: through May 18

WHERE: The Black Rep at Grandel Theatre, 3610 Grandel Square, St. Louis

HOW MUCH: $20-$47

THE 411:  This world-premiere hip-hop play features original music written by Steve Broadnax and Michael S. Bordner. Two best friends try to just get by in their poverty-stricken community and also make it in the tumultuous world of hip-hop. They struggle with the dilemma of writing a hit with no substance in order to get signed, or to be true to themselves and write music about their experiences and the crumbling world around them.

MORE INFO: 314-534-3807 or www.theblackrep.org

MUSIC

WHAT: Dianne Reeves

WHEN: 8 p.m. Saturday

WHERE: Sheldon Concert Hall, 3648 Washington Boulevard, St. Louis

HOW MUCH: $15-$45

THE 411: Multi-Grammy Award-winner Dianne Reeves sets the standard for today’s jazz vocalists. Her career has included extensive work with the Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra, the Chicago Symphony Orchestra and the Los Angeles Philharmonic, and worldwide touring with her own group, featuring pianist, music director and St. Louisan Peter Martin.

MORE INFO: 314-533-9900 or www.thesheldon.org

LITERARY

WHAT: Eric Jerome Dickey

WHEN: 7 p.m. Monday

WHERE: St. Louis Public Library – Central Branch, 1301 Olive Street, St. Louis

HOW MUCH: Free

THE 411: The New York Times best-selling author returns to the life of Nia Simone Bijou (of “Pleasure” fame) as she embarks on a quest to enhance her artistic gifts through heightened sensory experience, Hollywood-style.

MORE INFO:

www.left-bank.com