Sydnie Grosberg Ronga wasn’t supposed to be directing “Tiny Beautiful Things: Advice on Love and Life from Dear Sugar” because the play, presented by Max & Louie Productions, was supposed to be performed last summer. Of course, we know that...
By Judith Newmark, Special to the Jewish Light
• Published March 12, 2020
Editor's update (March 16): The New Jewish Theatre has postponed "We Are The Levinsons" due to the COVID-19 pandemic. It will be rescheduled for later this summer. When Wendy Kout, author of “We Are the Levinsons,” a touching comedy opening March...
BY ROBERT A. COHN, Editor-in-Chief Emeritus
• Published January 30, 2020
A deeply affecting production at the New Jewish Theater of “My Name is Asher Lev” compellingly paints a vivid picture of the clash between a revered Hasidic rabbi and his artistic prodigy son, whose God given gifts are both brilliant and blasphemous.Caught...
BY ROBERT A. COHN, Editor-in-Chief Emeritus
• Published September 13, 2019
Hana S. Sharif has launched her first season as artistic director of the Repertory Theatre of St. Louis with a breathtaking production of Tony Kushner’s magnum opus, “Angels in America.” That the 25-year-old play still resonates today is a credit...
BY ROBERT A. COHN, Editor-in-Chief Emeritus
• Published July 25, 2019
Under the tutelage of Steve Woolf, the Repertory Theatre of St. Louis evolved from a respected regional theater to a nationally respected company known for innovation and boldness in selecting plays to produce, including some world premieres.Woolf retired...
BY JUDITH NEWMARK, SPECIAL TO THE JEWISH LIGHT
• Published July 18, 2019
If you know Jon Marans strictly as the author of “Old Wicked Songs,” the Muny has a surprise in store for you, a surprise called “Paint Your Wagon.”True, the musical about the California Gold Rush is not an obvious follow-up to the sensitive,...
Truth, immigration, loveIn any given week, numerous email pitches come my way, but here’s one from last week I couldn’t resist:Hello! I’m a St. Louis native, Solomon Schechter graduate and B’nai Amoona member. I’m based in Los Angeles, but I’m...
BY MIKE SHERWIN & ELLEN FUTTERMAN, MANAGING EDITOR & EDITOR
• Published May 22, 2019
The big chill of this past winter finally thawed, just in time for the weather — and the St. Louis arts scene — to sizzle. As the temperature heats up, so does the local entertainment scene, with literally dozens of live performances, concerts, festivals...
By Judith Newmark, Special to the Jewish Light
• Published May 22, 2019
A wedding is a lot like theater, complete with stars, costumes, sets and, not infrequently, plot twists. So, if writers take inspiration from the altar, why not? After all, the source material is abundant.Playwright Tasha Gordon-Solmon draws from that...
BY ELLEN FUTTERMAN, EDITOR
• Published May 9, 2019
Weddings, while usually joyous occasions, can also generate more than their fair share of stress, including the bride’s decision about what to wear on the big day. Google wedding dress and stress, and more than 100 million results come back. Popular...
By Ellen Futterman, Editor
• Published September 21, 2018
Chef is all the rageIf “Raging Skillet” is half as entertaining as the person on whom it is based, then St. Louis audiences should prepare for a thoroughly raucous experience. Written by Jacques Lamarre, the play takes its cue from the 2015 memoir,...
BY MIKE SHERWIN & ELLEN FUTTERMAN | MANAGING EDITOR & EDITOR
• Published May 24, 2018
Summertime and the livin’ is easy, or so we’re thinking judging from the number of live performances, concerts, festivals and other arts-related events that take place between Memorial Day and Labor Day weekends. From Shakespeare outdoors in Forest...
