Summer in St. Louis ushers in highly anticipated live theatre performances, including Opera Theatre’s electric staging of a Puccini masterpiece, Shakespeare Festival’s mainstage production under the stars, Circus Flora’s island adventure and The Muny’s mega-musical season opener.
WHAT: LA BOHÈME
WHERE: Loretto-Hilton Center
WHEN: Various times, June 14, 20 22, 26 and 30
Set against the backdrop of Paris, Opera Theatre of Saint Louis’ production of Puccini’s masterpiece is intense, emotional and intoxicating with soaring arias and electrifying duets. The story revolves around a group of bohemian artists who find solace and camaraderie in their shared dreams. Amid winter’s chill, love blossoms between the seamstress Mimi and the poet Rodolfo. But their romance begins to face adversity as winter gives way to spring – and just like the seasons, some love affairs must come to an end.
$15 to $143; opera-stl.org
WHAT: AS YOU LIKE IT
WHERE: Shakespeare Glen in Forest Park
WHEN: 8 p.m., May 29 to June 23 (except Mondays)
Prepare to be transported to the Forest of Arden in the middle of Forest Park for St. Louis Shakespeare Festival’s mainstage production of “As You Like It.” Romantic, whimsy and playful, The Bard’s timeless comedy tells the story of the spirited and resourceful Rosalind, who is exiled to the forest with her friends, where they forge new identities, form friendships and find love. The team of cast and creatives, led by director Nancy Bell and featuring music by St. Louis singer-songwriter Beth Bombara, boasts the largest group of local talent than any other previous season.
Free (limited number of reserved seating available from $20 to $300); stlshakes.org
WHAT: MAROONED!
WHERE: The Big Top
WHEN: Various dates and times, June 6 to 23
Circus Flora’s 38th season transports thrill-seekers to a mysterious deserted island, where enchantment, adventure and enlightenment await. A story of survival, camaraderie and the enduring spirit of the human heart, “Marooned” features Circus Flora’s signature flair for excitement, comedy and charm featuring some of the most talented circus acts from around the world. Performers include: The Flying Tabares on the Flying Trapeze, The Flying Wallendas on the High Wire, Carlos Morales and the Wheel of Death, group acrobatics from Circus Harmony’s St. Louis Arches, bareback equestrian acrobatics from The Daring Horseman, Amadeus Lopez’s and Ruby Quinn’s aerial “iron jaw” act and more.
$10 to $99; circusflora.org
WHAT: LES MISÉRABLES
WHERE: The Muny
WHEN: 8:15 p.m. nightly, June 17 to 23
The Muny’s season-opener is always special, but even more so this year when its production of the epic “Les Misérables” will feature members of St. Louis Symphony Chorus. Twenty members of the chorus will join the Muny cast of 35 professional and 22 youth performers, making a total company of 77 for the staging of this mega-musical set in post-Revolutionary France. “Les Misérables” follows the journey of ex-convict Jean Valjean and his relentless pursuer, Javert. Based on Victor Hugo’s 1862 classic tale of love, sacrifice and redemption against a lush soundtrack of powerful anthems, including “Do You Hear the People Sing?” and “One Day More,” “Les Misérables” is among the most beloved musicals ever made.
$21 to $135; muny.org
