Chris has been active in the local theatre scene for over 30 years. In addition to his acting work, he's also contributed as a director, writer and composer. Though, initially a film buff, he grew tired of the sanitized, PG-13 rated blockbusters that were being continually shoved down his throat by the studios. An opportunity to review theatre in St. Louis has grown exponentially with the sudden explosion of venues and talent in the region. He now finds himself obsessed with witnessing those precious, electric moments that can only happen live, on stage.
 BWW Reviews: HotCity Theatre's Intriguing Production of MAPLE AND VINE
May 9, 2013
With his work, MAPLE AND VINE, playwright Jordan Harrison presents an interesting choice for the modern family struggling to cope with the modern world. They are given a chance to let go of all their connections to the information highway and head back in time to 1955. For some, this is the opportunity to start life anew, albeit, in a time that's fraught with issues of its own. HotCity Theatre is presenting an excellent production of this Serling-esque piece, and it's the kind of must-see experience that I always recommend; one that makes you laugh and think.
 BWW Reviews: Black Rep's Premiere Production of SMASH/HIT!
May 9, 2013
I'm still not sure exactly how I feel about the Black Rep's latest premiere production, SMASH/HIT!, although there is certainly a lot of potential to the story, and various elements that make up the plot, it's not completely cohesive. There's an awful lot to digest here in this drama that contains music, which might be better served as a complete musical (or as a less musical drama), instead of winding up neither fish nor fowl. But, I can't honestly say that I can't recommend this show, because it is engagingly acted, contains some catchy tracks, and has fine overall direction. It's a mixed bag, but it's a mixed bag worth seeing for yourself.
 BWW Reviews: St. Louis Actors' Studio's Terrific WAITING FOR GODOT
April 26, 2013
I'm a big fan of the St. Louis Actors' Studio because they always seem to manage to mix the old with the new in intriguing fashion during their theme based seasons, and you can wind up catching a classic like WAITING FOR GODOT along the way. It's always a fun and engaging ride no matter what they offer up, and this time around they're presenting the absurdly profound work I just mentioned. Playwright Samuel Beckett's wacky characterizations and dialogue, along with it's see-through symbolism, is given a wonderful presentation by the company, with excellent performances and expert direction.
 BWW Reviews: Rockin' Good Time at the Fox with MILLION DOLLAR QUARTET
April 26, 2013
It's true that on December 4, 1956, Sun Records was host to an incredible meeting of four gentleman (Elvis Presley, Carl Perkins, Johnny Cash and Jerry Lee Lewis) who would go on to lay the foundation for Rock 'n' Roll, but a listen to the actual recording made that day prove that it was a much simpler affair than what's presented in the stage musical MILLION DOLLAR QUARTET. Still, the inspiration that story provides (book by Colin Escott and Floyd Mutrux) makes for a rockin' good time, and this award-winning show is fun from start to finish.
 BWW Reviews: Mustard Seed Theatre's Outstanding Production of JANE EYRE
April 26, 2013
Playwright Julie Beckman does wonderful work in adapting Charlotte Bronte's novel, JANE EYRE, for the stage. It's so literate that the characters even voice their thoughts, giving way at times to some much needed humor for this sad, but hopeful Gothic tale of loss and romance. Mustard Seed Theatre's production of this play is superb, with excellent performances buoyed by incisive direction and lush interior design.
 BWW Reviews: Stray Dog Theatre Continues Stellar Season with GYPSY
April 25, 2013
GYPSY is the penultimate stage mother musical, but it's also a look at the decline of vaudeville and the rise of burlesque during the depression, and it's ultimately a look at how the famous stripper, Gypsy Rose Lee, made her debut in show business. Jules Styne (composer), Stephen Sondheim (lyricist), and Arthur Laurents (book) have constructed a sturdy classic that's interesting to watch at a time when reality television has essentially revived the Ted Mack Amateur Hour, and all the baggage that comes with that. Stray Dog Theatre continues their stellar season with a rousing production of this popular standard.
 BWW Reviews: The New Jewish Theatre's Fascinating Production of CONVICTION
April 10, 2013
Oren Neeman's CONVICTION, as translated and adapted by actor/writer Ami Dayan, is a brilliant tour de force. This tale, told in historical flashbacks, is an intriguing piece that focuses our attention on a priest who forsakes his vows to return to the roots of his true faith and be with the woman he loves. This staging, in the round by director Joe Gfaller, keeps us on our toes as characters weave their way through this fascinating and engaging story. The New Jewish Theatre's current production is a smartly played treat that's another example of must-see theatre.
 BWW Reviews: The Black Rep's Powerful Production of THE WHIPPING MAN
April 4, 2013
THE WHIPPING MAN is a fascinating and intriguing look at religion and the aftereffects of emancipation that's set in the days following the end of the Civil War. It examines a subject unfamiliar to most, and that's the fact that there were slaves on plantations that were raised in the Jewish faith. This interesting twist gives this engaging and powerful story an educational depth that both informs and entertains. Playwright Mathew Lopez's work gets its St. Louis premiere with an excellent production by the Black Rep.
 BWW Review: Stunning and Touching WAR HORSE Plays the Fox Theatre
March 17, 2013
Nick Stafford's adaptation of the novel, WAR HORSE, by Michael Morpurgo is an awe-inspiring and jaw-dropping spectacle brought to life by the Handspring Puppet Company. It's a fascinating and heart-wrenching tale that follows a horse named Joey and a boy named Albert, who will go to great lengths, even joining the Army, to try and locate him. The stagecraft employed for this production is remarkable. The combination of a kind of puppetry where the puppeteer is nearly invisible, dramatic projections for backdrops, and a sharp cast and director, add up to a total theatrical experience that's well worthy of your time and attention. The current touring company now playing the Fox Theatre (through March 24, 2013) is definitely up to the task at hand.
 BWW Review: The Rep's Moody and Engaging Production of DOUBLE INDEMNITY
March 17, 2013
The Repertory Theatre of St. Louis closes their season with a bang, literally, presenting a dramatically atmospheric production of novelist James M. Cain's classic work, DOUBLE INDEMNITY (lovingly adapted by David Pichette and R. Hamilton Wright). It's a script that overflows with double entendres, and is populated by the kind of hard boiled characters you would expect from this famous piece of pulp fiction. It even manages to outdo Billy Wilder's film noir version to a degree because it doesn't have to deal with the censor's deep cuts that left the movie a lot less racy and edgy than the book. Suffice to say, this is an incredibly cool, and surprisingly amusing, presentation that is another example of the kind of must-see theatre the Rep consistently produces.
 BWW Reviews: The Rep's Sizzling Production of VENUS IN FUR
March 14, 2013
VENUS IN FUR is currently being presented in the Studio Theatre by the Repertory Theatre of St. Louis, and it's an erotically-charged, sizzling presentation that's powered by incisive direction and exceptional performances. I can't speak highly enough of this smoldering tale. It unfolds with a myriad of twists and turns that serve to heighten the dramatic tension considerably. I can only say that this is an effort that demands to be seen, and I recommend it wholeheartedly.
 BWW Reviews: St. Louis Actors' Studio's Premiere of DAY OF THE DOG
March 14, 2013
Playwright Daniel Damiano's DAY OF THE DOG is a quirky little dramatic comedy that explores a fractured family's dysfunction through their relationship with an aggressive canine. There are a number of good laughs, and a lot of therapeutic interactions, that occur as this premiere production by the St. Louis Actors' Studio unfolds. It's still a work in progress in some regards, but it's done well, with an excellent cast doing a fine job interpreting their roles, and solid direction.
 BWW Reviews: Dramatic License Production's Comical Farce BOEING,BOEING
March 6, 2013
Playwright Marc Camoletti's BOEING, BOEING (translated by Beverly Cross) has had its share of success over the years, running for nearly 20 years in Paris, and being turned into a Jerry Lewis and Tony Curtis film in 1965, before being revived on Broadway in 2008. Now, Dramatic License Productions is presenting their take on this swingin' sixties farce, and they've put together an excellent presentation. The cast is terrific, the story is cute, and the direction is sharp as a tack. This amusing play is well worth your time and attention.
 BWW Reviews: New Line Theatre's Powerful Production of NEXT TO NORMAL
March 4, 2013
I remember seeing NEXT TO NORMAL at the Fox Theatre a while back and being impressed by the show, especially since so many things that happened to the lead character were/are taking place in my own life. But, New Line Theatre, for me, sets the local standard for musical theatre in our burgeoning arts community, and they've put together a superior staging of the play that hits even closer to the bone, and part of this is due to intimacy of the theatre itself, but a major reason is the fact that it's blocked and staged in a manner that brings the message of the play clearly in focus. New Line Theatre's production of NEXT TO NORMAL is easily the best show I've seen this year so far. It has a terrific cast, a top notch band which is augmented with strings, and brilliant direction. This is a show you must see, even if it may hit home a little deeply with its subject manner.
 BWW Review: Hilarious THE BOOK OF MORMON at the Fox Theatre
March 1, 2013
It would be easy to be either immediately won over by the hype surrounding this show before ever seeing it, or to be disappointed once you had, because it couldn't possibly live up to it. That's why I go into these things with reasonable expectations. I'm already a fan of Trey Parker and Matt Stone (South Park, Team America, Cannibal! The Musical, etc) and Robert Lopez (Avenue Q, Phineas and Ferb, etc), and I can certainly appreciate the work they did creating the book, music and lyrics for this show, THE BOOK OF MORMON. But, I do think you have to be attuned to their particular brand of humor in order to fully appreciate it. Poking fun at religion is certainly nothing new for any of them, and they've always brought a sense of the conventions of musical theatre to whatever art form they've tackled, and with THE BOOK OF MORMON they've produced something which is both terribly funny and catchy as well.
 BWW Reviews: HotCity Theatre's Intriguing Production of CONNECTED
February 13, 2013
CONNECTED, by Lia Romeo, is a fascinating look at the cyber world we live in today and how it directly affects our younger generation. They're growing up in a world where anything that can be captured on video can go viral, for better or worse. Romeo's work plays out in four vignettes, all of which touch on themes of loneliness and deception. Alternately amusing and heart-breaking, CONNECTED features a young and talented cast playing multiple roles.
 BWW Reviews: Stray Dog Theatre's Riotous Production of PSYCHO BEACH PARTY
February 13, 2013
Playwright Charles Busch has created a number of entertaining and offbeat works, and PSYCHO BEACH PARTY is no exception. Focusing on the exploits of the Gidget-like 'Chicklet Forrest', the play combines elements that evoke the psychological horrors of Alfred Hitchcock, while also poking fun at teenage surfer films and the slasher genre. It's a zany and outlandish potpourri that's a compelling laugh riot.
 BWW Reviews: The Rep's Exceptional Production of SENSE AND SENSIBILITY
February 13, 2013
Director/Playwright Jon Jory has neatly adapted Jane Austen's SENSE AND SENSIBILITY, maintaining the crux of the novel while streamlining it for the stage. It's a compelling and engaging presentation that utilizes a single set to tell its tale, and there are a number of noteworthy performers gracing the stage. All in all, this literary classic is well served by an excellent cast and sharp production.
 BWW Reviews: The New Jewish Theatre's Engaging and Lively Production of SPEED THE PLOW
February 8, 2013
I'm a big fan of the works of playwright David Mamet, and with his play, SPEED THE PLOW, he takes aim at the cutthroat world of Hollywood. It's a fascinating look at what sells and what doesn't when you're talking about the big screen. And, it also shows how friendships can be pushed to the brink by perceived betrayals. Marked by solid performances from the cast, the play is funny and telling in equal measure. The current production by The New Jewish Theatre is nicely constructed and executed, as well as providing ample food for thought.
 BWW Reviews: St. Louis Actors' Studio's Provocative THE GOAT OR, WHO IS SYLVIA?
February 3, 2013
Playwright Edward Albee has a knack for writing intriguing and provocative works, and THE GOAT OR, WHO IS SYLVIA? certainly fits the bill. It's subject matter is controversial, affecting, and powerful, inviting much conversation and discussion like great theatre should. Full of disconcerting moments and betrayals, it's just another example of the author's brilliance in provoking a response from anyone who views it. The St. Louis Actors' Studio has assembled an excellent cast to bring this show to life, and sell-out crowds are proof that this is an absolutely must-see production.
 BWW Reviews: The Fox Theatre's Colorful Production of PRISCILLA, QUEEN OF THE DESERT
February 1, 2013
Part of my job is to be a critic, so I criticize positively, and sometimes negatively, the shows that I get to see. But part of my job is also to report, and when an audience responds enthusiastically to a show, whether I find fault with it or not, I have to be honest and make mention of that fact. Such is the case with the musical remake of the 1994 movie PRISCILLA, QUEEN OF THE DESERT, which I think is a great film. Here, it's been turned into a so-so jukebox musical, filled with familiar tunes, mostly from the disco era, but also including some country tunes, a few 80's numbers, and a couple of 60's songs.
 BWW Reviews: The Black Rep's Stellar Production of THE PIANO LESSON
January 29, 2013
With this fourth foray into his Pittsburgh cycle, playwright August Wilson crafts another masterwork with THE PIANO LESSON. Wilson's play, once again, captures an era rich in detail in African American history, and ponders the meaning of the word legacy, and how it applies to different individuals. The Black Rep's current production is very nicely crafted and performed, and if you haven't seen it yet, there's still time. It's certainly a journey well worth taking.
 BWW Reviews: Upstream Theater's Masterful CAFE CHANSON
January 29, 2013
Conceived, written and directed by renowned actor/writer/director Ken Page, CAFE CHANSON is a memorable production that's affecting and intriguing. It acts as both a tribute to the soldiers who have served our country with valor and conviction, as well as positing the idea of an afterlife that allows the dead to relive an experience from the past life before they pass over to the other side. This is a haunting and beautifully imagined work that cannot be recommended highly enough by me. Upstream Theater has, once again, provided an unusual and fascinating theatrical event that goes above and beyond the norm.
 BWW Reviews: Mustard Seed Theatre's Amusing Pairing of MRS. SORKEN and THE DUCK VARIATIONS
January 29, 2013
Though at first it may seem like an odd pairing of one acts, there's actually a connection between playwright Christopher Durang's introductory work, MRS. SORKEN and David Mamet's THE DUCK VARIATIONS. Towards the end of Mrs. Sorken, a direct reference is made to the the plays of David Mamet, and his frequent use of the "f word". It's an ironic one, since this is one of the few pieces in which Mamet doesn't use that particular curse word. Mustard Seed Theatre's production of these two plays is very well done, and it features three incredibly good performances that make this pair well worth seeing.
 BWW Review: The Rep's Touching and Heartfelt Production of 4000 MILES
January 22, 2013
While watching playwright Amy Herzog's wonderful play, 4000 MILES, I kept being reminded of my own relationship with my grandmother (on my mother's side of the family) who passed away many years ago (unfortunately, I never met my grandmother on my father's side). I secretly wished that I had been able to speak with her with the same amount of candor and openness that the character of Leo is able to in the play, but I was simply much too young, and she was far too reserved for that to have ever happened. That being said, the experience of watching these two interact was tremendously affecting, and something that will stay with me for a very long time. The Repertory Theatre of St. Louis has put together a great show that's both hilarious and extremely touching, and it features a terrific cast. I found it to be a marvelous production, and I highly recommend it.
 BWW Reviews: Overblown FLASHDANCE THE MUSICAL Misses the Mark
January 16, 2013
It's a bit disconcerting when you see a play or musical that's set in an era you lived through. Kind of makes you feel a little older than you'd like to feel. In this case, it's the midwest premier of FLASHDANCE THE MUSICAL. I remember when director Adrian Lyne's film came out in 1983, and it was at a time when I was purchasing lots of cassettes (remember them?). So, I'm very familiar with the tunes that made up that soundtrack, and it's a little bit weird for me to be sitting through a new musical version of that movie. In some ways, it has a perfect plot for a musical, but unfortunately the characterizations are just too thin, and the musical itself too long, to be completely successful.
 BWW Reviews: The Rhythmic Delights of STOMP
January 16, 2013
The last time STOMP came to the Fabulous Fox Theatre I made sure to bring along my son. I made a point of taking him this time as well, because their antics seem to absolutely delight him. I can understand why. If you've ever drummed on your steering wheel to a song on the radio, or absentmindedly tapped your pencil on your desk, creating your own rhythmic accompaniment, then you already grasp the concept at the heart of STOMP. Over the course of an hour and a half, a group of performers demonstrate how you can make music with just about anything, and in doing so, create a genuinely joyful noise. It's akin to taking the guy in office with the annoying habit of pounding on things, and elevating what he does to high art; but, it works like a charm.
 BWW Reviews: The Rep's Must-See Production of GOOD PEOPLE
January 7, 2013
Sometimes bad things happen to good people. It's just the way life is. Things aren't always "fair" or even equitable, but that's just something we all have to understand and accept. In these tough economic times that we live in, it's a hard fact that everyone needs to be made aware of, and playwright David Lindsay-Abaire examines this issue in his brilliant play GOOD PEOPLE. I think it's a tremendously engaging work that absolutely demands to be seen. Thankfully, the Repertory Theatre of St. Louis has staged a must-see production of this play at a time when it's especially relevant, and I cannot recommend it highly enough. The casting and direction are spot on, and the message, told with humor and drama in a remarkably even balance, is one that is very important to all of us.
 BWW CD Reviews: David Lanz's Brilliant CRISTOFORI'S DREAM...RE-ENVISIONED
January 3, 2013
In case you didn't know it already, Bartolomeo Cristofori was the inventor of the piano, and in 1988 David Lanz paid tribute to him with his rich album, Cristofori's Dream, itself a lovely album of considerable grace and beauty. But, that work was enhanced by other musicians who built up the overall sound. Here, with CRISTOFORI'S DREAM...RE-ENVISIONED, Lanz revisits this seminal piece and attacks it with his solo piano skills. It works as more of a tribute in this way, bringing to the fore the true sound of invention and the joy of discovering it.
 BWW Reviews: Chris Gibson's Best of 2012 in St. Louis
December 23, 2012
I'm lucky enough to see over a hundred shows every year, and I'm happy to report that 2012 was an excellent year for theatre in St. Louis. So, here I am again, offering up my lists for the best productions of 2012. While I'm not going to include the touring companies that came through town this year in my listings, I'd like to give them a shout out just the same.
 BWW Reviews: Imaginary Theatre Company's A GNOME FOR CHRISTMAS Charms
December 20, 2012
I'm a big fan of the Repertory Theatre of St. Louis's Imaginary Theatre Company because their productions are consistently entertaining and they never fail to send a positive message to their audience. This is important to me as a parent, because there are plenty of Christmas plays for children, but they rarely convey the kind of moral I'd like my child to be getting, or else they're ham-handed in the way that they present it. Playwright Sarah Brandt, along with composer Stephen James Neale, has concocted a nice little gem for the holiday season called A GNOME FOR CHRISTMAS, and it's engaging and informative, teaching a valuable lesson about accepting others for who they are and what they can accomplish, rather than how they appear.
 BWW Reviews: Stunning FULLY COMMITTED by Stray Dog Theatre
December 19, 2012
Performing a one-person show can be a daunting task. After all, even in a two-person show there's someone else to guide you should you go astray, or come up suddenly blank. Of course, you also need a good script or, at least a sturdy framework, to allow the actor to succeed. But, when both of these things click, it's a wondrous thing to experience. That's exactly what occurs in Stray Dog Theatre's brilliant production of FULLY COMMITTED, as sharp direction (Gary Bell), impeccable acting (Greg Fenner), and a funny play (Becky Mode) come together in must-see fashion.
 BWW Reviews: Terrific WICKED Takes Flight at the Fox Theatre
December 14, 2012
WICKED is pure spectacle, or to quote Glinda the Good Witch herself, it's a "thrill-ifying" experience that dazzles and delights, with terrific performances and eye-popping scenic design and special effects. The plot gives a back story to L. Frank's Baum's Wizard of Oz, that is unexpected, and infused with a positive message about accepting people for who they are and not how they appear.
 BWW Reviews: The Reduced Shakespeare Company's THE ULTIMATE CHRISTMAS SHOW (Abridged)
December 12, 2012
I love it when the Reduced Shakespeare Company comes to town. Their humor runs the gamut from simple puns and wordplay to sophisticated laughs that require a bit of intellect. The last time I saw them was a couple of years ago at the Edison Theatre on the campus of Washington University. I didn't see the main members that time, but this time the heavy artillery was broken out and Reed Martin, Austin Tichenor and Matt Rippy, all original contributors (Daniel Singer is the actual founding member), made the trip to our fair city. Once again they played the Edison (December 7-8) and, this time, took on the holiday season with THE ULTIMATE CHRISTMAS SHOW(abridged). The production was a pure delight from start to finish.
 BWW Reviews: Magic Smoking Monkey Theatre's Clever STUPEFY! THE 90 MINUTE HARRY POTTER
December 11, 2012
You'd have to have been a hermit living in a cave the past few years not to be aware of the cultural impact of J. K. Rowling's seven best-selling Harry Potter books. Not to mention the eight blockbuster movies that they spawned. The last couple years may have seen the "Twilight" series overshadow them slightly, but Harry still has a huge following that's not going away any time soon. The Magic Smoking Monkey Theatre takes full advantage of this following by presenting the fun and funny STUPEFY! THE 90 MINUTE HARRY POTTER.
 BWW Reviews: The New Jewish Theatre Stages Lovely TALLEY'S FOLLY
December 8, 2012
If you're looking for heart-warming fare this holiday season, then look no further than The New Jewish Theatre's splendid production of playwright Lanford Wilson's work, TALLEY'S FOLLY. This is a romantic and touching play that features two wonderful performances and masterly direction. It's a perfect contrast to some of the more edgy productions currently playing in town, and it's ideal fit for couples looking for something that's engaging, entertaining, and brimming with hope. For me, this is a great example of must-see theatre.
 BWW Reviews: St. Louis Actors' Studio Holiday Offering SEASON'S GREETINGS
December 3, 2012
I have to confess that I'm not particularly fond of playwright/director Alan Ayckbourn's brand of British farce. I just don't think it translates very well to American audiences, and it requires the actors involved to sport solid accents, or it loses its credibility. That's why I was a bit surprised by the St. Louis Actors' Studio's choice of his work, SEASON'S GREETINGS, as their holiday offering. They're best known, to me at least, for their edgy premieres and inspired revivals, so this is something of a disappointment. Perhaps, they were drawn to it's sudden violence and black comic trappings, but it just doesn't suit them as well as it might.
 BWW Reviews: HotCity Theatre's Side-Splitting Production of THE DIVINE SISTER
December 3, 2012
If Die!Mommy!Die lovingly skewers swinging suburbia, then THE DIVINE SISTER is a swift kick to the groin of Catholicism and religion in general. Like his twin son from a different mother, filmmaker John Waters, playwright Charles Busch is adept at crafting overwrought melodramatic tales that are hilarious to some, and offensive to others. I fall into the former category, thoroughly enjoying his playfully perverse creations. HotCity Theatre has put together another holiday alternative with their production of this controversial and side-splitting work.
 BWW Reviews: The Rep's Hilarious Production of THE FOREIGNER
December 3, 2012
Before his untimely death in a plane crash in the mid-1980's, playwright Larry Shue had penned two community theatre staples, The Nerd and THE FOREIGNER. While I'm not a big fan of the former, the latter is a fast-paced farce brimming with humor that builds to a hilariously satisfying climax. The current production by the Repertory Theatre of St. Louis is nicely mounted and features a fine cast and direction that takes full advantage of the comic opportunities presented.
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