May is abloom with everything you need for fun in the sun or a night out to remember. Our picks range from ’80s pop superstars on stage to a blockbuster season opener at Opera Theatre and The Black Rep’s must-see season finale production of “Jitney.” Plus, the ever-popular Rosé Day festival in the Central West End!
WHAT: ROSÉ DAY
WHEN: Noon to 6 p.m., Saturday, May 7
WHERE: Fountain at Maryland Plaza in the Central West End
Raise a glass to summertime’s favorite wine at Rosé Day, the annual festival in the Central West End that helps raise awareness for local nonprofits working to improve the quality of life for women and girls.
Each ticket includes a commemorative wine glass and a “passport” for collecting rosé samples at 10 different stops through the neighborhood. Other highlights include a Festival Marketplace, curated by the Women’s Creative, featuring dozens of local, mostly women-owned businesses, plus live music and more. Proceeds support organizations such as Safe Connections, Pink Ribbon Girls, Diamond Divas Foundation, St. Louis Ovarian Cancer Awareness, Habitat for Humanity Saint Louis, Missouri Job’s Daughters and others. $35; rosedaystl.com
WHAT: JITNEY
WHEN: Various times; May 11 to 29
WHERE: Edison Theatre at Washington University
Exploring the theme of identity and self-worth, The Black Rep’s milestone 45th season closes with “Jitney,” August Wilson’s first play in his 10-play cycle of 10 decades of history in Pittsburgh.
Directed by Black Rep founder and producing director Ron Himes, the play is set in the late 1970s in the midst of urban renewal, which threatens to eliminate the makeshift gypsy cab service. The story follows a group of men who make a living driving these cabs, as they navigate love as fathers and sons, loss and hope, and ultimately, community. It’s a must-see work that comes to life with a passion that transcends all races. $15 -$50; theblackrep.org
WHAT: NEW KIDS ON THE BLOCK: THE MIXTAPE TOUR 2022
WHEN: 8 p.m., Saturday, May 14
WHERE: Enterprise Center
This really will remind you of your ‘80s mixtape, with the New Kids on the Block bringing along their other hitmaker friends of the decade, including Salt-N-Pepa, Rick Astley and En Vogue. So, get ready to be “Hangin Tough with “The Right Stuff” as NKOTB delight with many of their chart-topping hits. Plus, it’ll be worth the price of admission to see fan favorite Rick Astley, and Salt-N-Pepa and En Vogue performing “Whatta Man” is sure to be a highlight! from $26.95 to $176.95; via Ticketmaster
WHAT: CARMEN
WHEN: Various times; May 21 to June 25
WHERE: Loretto-Hilton Center
Opera Theatre of Saint Louis opens its 2022 Festival Season with Bizet’s “Carmen.” One of the most popular operas ever written. “Carmen” is also among the most performed, with songs like “Habañera” and the “Toreador Song” widely considered the most well-known of all classical operatic arias.
Bizet’s masterwork follows the ill-fated romance of Carmen and Don José, a young soldier who falls head over heels with the most desired woman in town. The two begin a passionate affair that leaves José obsessed and ready to sacrifice everything for Carmen, including his reputation, his career and even his family. Their love story takes a tragic turn when Carmen falls for the handsome bullfighter, Escamillo. $25 to $125; opera-stl.org
