WHAT: Candide
WHERE: Union Avenue Opera (733 N. Union Blvd.)
WHEN: 8 p.m., July 5, 6, 12 and 13
Union Avenue Opera’s production of Leonard Bernstein’s “Candide” kicks off UAO’s 25th anniversary season. The cast includes world renowned opera legend Christine Brewer as “The Old Lady,” in this part-opera, part-musical take on Voltaire’s 1759 biting satire of the same name. Bernstein’s vivid score abounds with spectacular music that includes the soprano showpiece, “Glitter and Be Gay,” and the soaring finale, “Make Our Garden Grow.” The story follows young Candide, whose marriage proposal to a baron’s daughter doesn’t quite go as planned, thrusting him into an eye-opening odyssey across lands near and far to discover the horrors of existence at every turn. Through all its hysterical scouring of 18th-century wickedness and woe, Candide still finds a way to move and inspire with life-affirming lessons that, surprisingly, ring just as true today. Presented in English. $15 to $55; unionavenueopera.org
WHAT: Footloose
WHERE: The Muny
WHEN: 8:15 p.m., July 18 to 24
Dance party alert! Everybody’s gotta cut loose with this ‘80s box-office favorite! Based on the 1984 Academy Award-nominated sensation, “Footloose” shows how a little teenage rebellion and a love of music can open hearts and transform a town. The production stars Broadway’s original “Ren,” Jeremy Kushnier, this time around as the Rev. Shaw Moore. He’ll be joined by Mason Reeves as Ren McCormack, McKenzie Kurtz as Ariel Moore, Heather Ayers as Vi Moore and Darlesia Cearcy as Ethel McCormack. Featuring chart-topping hits, such as “Let’s Hear It for the Boy,” “Holding Out for a Hero” and the Grammy-nominated title track, “Footloose,” this four-time Tony Award-nominated musical have the entire family burning and yearning to cut loose! $15 to $105; muny.org
WHAT: Ocean’s 8
WHERE: Art Hill in Forest Park
WHEN: 6 p.m., July 26
Make it a girls’ night out in Forest Park with the glitzy and glamorous “Ocean’s 8,” featuring the sexiest heist on film! Sandra Bullock, Cate Blanchett, Anne Hathaway, Rihanna, Helena Bonham Carter, Mindy Kaling, Sarah Paulson and Awkwafina will have you holding your breath—and holding onto your jewels—in this all-female caper with fabulous fashions and a killer soundtrack. The 2018 blockbuster is the third of four movies featuring big-screen dream teams as part of the 10th annual Art Hill Film Series presented by the Saint Louis Art Museum. The event opens at 6 p.m. with music and food truck vendors; the movie begins promptly at 9. Coolers, picnic baskets, lawn chairs and blankets are welcome. Other films in the series include: “Black Panther” (July 12), “Anchorman: The Legend of Ron Burgundy” (July 19), and “The Goonies” (Aug. 2). Free; slam.org/ArtHillFilms
WHAT: Diana Ross
WHERE: The Fabulous Fox
WHEN: 8 p.m., July 25
Considered one of the most successful recording artists and entertainers of all time, Diana Ross is taking her 2019 tour to St. Louis for one night only as part of the yearlong Diamond Diana Celebration marking the superstar’s 75th birthday. From her landmark solo career to her early days as the leader of The Supremes, the Motown legend has helped shape the sound of popular music, changing the landscape and paving the way for today’s hits. The singer, who turned 75 earlier this year, has also announced plans for a new album in 2020. $46.50 to $151.50; fabulousfox.com
The Muny Unveils New Stage in Anticipation of Its 101st Season
