I do admit that St. Louis may not exactly be the most happening place in the US of A, but if you keep track, there is always a bunch of stuff happening over the weekend. One of our favorite things is to keep track of the University Theater circuit. There are still student performances and some good visiting actor groups. Here is a round-up of a few that we caught!
The Crucible (Production by USML)
One was “The Crucible” by Arthur Miller performed by the dramatics department of the University of Missouri, St Louis (UMSL). Based on the Salem witch trials, this play examines the power of superstition and hysteria as it grips a town of seemingly rational people. Most of the actors in the UMSL production were senior year students who were quite remarkable in their roles. The only problem was in the acoustics of the actual theater.
I have read the screenplay before and realize that it provides a compelling social commentary. Even if you don’t get a chance to catch the play in your city, I would recommend everyone to read it.
Shadowlands (Production by Mustard Seed Theatre)
Photo by stefano stacchini on Unsplash
Another performance that I happen to catch was Shadowlands presented by the Mustard Seed Theatre ( isn’t that lovely name?). This play written by William Nicholson, describes the relationship between the famous British writer, CS Lewis, and Joy Gresham and is based on actual events
I wasn’t familiar with the play, so I wasn’t sure what to expect. But within five minutes, I was hooked. The first act focuses on C.S. Lewis’s bachelor life, his correspondence with Mrs. Joy Gresham, and their first meeting and their marriage of convenience. The first act is bittersweet, witty, and thoroughly entertaining. The second act focuses on Joy’s illness, which brings Lewis’s feelings towards her into the open. It focuses on their short but loving relationship and ends at Joy’s tragic death. Throughout the play, we see struggle Lewis struggle with his faith and his changing thoughts about the nature of God.
As this was a professional production, the quality of acting was quite incredible. Gary Barker, Chair of the Fine Arts Department, St. Louis University, gave an excellent performance in the role of Lewis. Kelley Ryan was delightful and charming as Joy Gresham. The supporting cast was great too. If you are in the Missouri area, definitely catch a production by Mustard Seed Theatre
2 comments
There is nothing like live theatre, is there? I am lucky enough to live close to Stratford upon Avon which means that I have a constant stream of first class Shakespeare and modern works. What I don’t get to see so often is the sort of classic theatre you have clearly have access to. Still we can’t have everything. ‘Macbeth’ for me this coming weekend.
@Annie – You live in Shakespeare country – how nice is that? And I am pretty sure nothing gets more classic than Shakespeare!! Isn’t Stratford upon Avon beautiful? I have been to UK but never there – I did go to Bath which I just loved.
I love theater. My very first exposure to it was in the 9th grade when my dad got passes to go and watch “Gaslight” in the local univ auditorium in Baroda, India ! I just loved the sets, the anticipation of what new character would come onto the stage next and how interactive it all felt ( even it really isn’t!) – and the amount of talent that is required to pull off a performance!
Btw, I dont know if you watch Bollywood – but I would recommend watching Maqbool and Omkara – they are two Indian movies based on Macbeth and Omkara by this director Vishal Bhardwaj. I am wary of Bollywood movies myself- but these are amazing – they apply the tragic story telling to a very Indian context and create an extremely macabre but poetic result