Since 1996, the St. Louis Show Stoppers, an all-volunteer, amateur cast of 40 singers and dancers has produced an annual musical revue to support cancer research at the Siteman Cancer Center at Barnes-Jewish Hospital and Washington University School of Medicine, all thanks to a Jewish woman named Mariane Rosenberg.
Known around town simply as “Babe,” she had a long career of singing, dancing and directing Broadway-style shows, from St. Louis to New York to Florida. Along with her love of theater, Babe also possessed an unwavering passion for bringing people together. It was because of this passion that in 1996 she left a St. Louis musical production company after they refused to cast anyone over age 50 to participate.
To remedy this problem Babe started her own company, the St. Louis Show Stoppers, and began producing musicals throughout the area, featuring casts ranging from young children to spirited individuals in their 80s.
The Jewish Light never missed an opportunity to share the news of Babe’s latest endeavors. Light columnist Lois Caplan (z’l)often spoke fondly of her, describing her as the “indefatigable spirit” behind the annual Siteman shows.
“The only way I would consider directing and producing this show was if the money raised went to Barnes-Jewish Hospital for cancer research,” Babe told Caplan in 2000. “This show takes a lot of work so there had to be a purpose for me to do it.”
Babe’s connection to fighting cancer was personal: her son died of cancer at the age of 48 and many cast members over the years had been touched by the disease.
No stopping the Show Stoppers
Babe led the Show Stoppers until her passing on June 4, 2014, but her troupe’s mission continues to this day. The current rendition of the Show Stoppers is finally back with their first shows since 2020 because of COVID-19.
The Show Stoppers are debuting their latest musical revue Saturday, Aug. 5 at 7 p.m. This will be the first of four performances, the other three are Sunday, Aug. 6 at 2 p.m., Saturday, Aug.12 at 7 p.m. and Sunday, Aug. 13 at 2 p.m.
This year’s show will feature “Herman’s Hits,” a tribute to Jewish composer Jerry Herman with songs from “Hello Dolly,” “Mac and Mabel” and “Mame.” In addition, the Show Stoppers will preform songs from “Brigadoon,” “Finian’s Rainbow” and will close with songs from The Wizard of Oz, The Wiz, and Wicked.
St. Louis Show Stoppers’ “Herman’s Hits
When: August 5, 6, 12, and 13.
Where: Clayton High School, #1 Mark Twain Circle
How Much: All tickets for all four performances are $22 and are all general admission. Tickets can be purchased online at stlss.booktix.com
If you have any questions, you may email [email protected].
