Make summer sizzle with the hottest shows in town, from Opera Theatre’s passion-filled “Tosca” to Circus Flora under The Big Top to “Twelfth Night” in Shakespeare Glen and The Muny’s “Beautiful” season-opener in Forest Park!
WHAT: TOSCA
WHERE: Loretto-Hilton Center
WHEN: June 7, 9, 13 and 25 (7:30 p.m.), June 17 and 21 (12:30 p.m.)
Opera Theatre of Saint Louis’ (OTSL) production of Puccini’s tragic masterpiece has it all: passion, jealousy, political unrest, corruption and betrayal. Set in early 19th-century Rome in the aftermath of the French Revolution, the story follows celebrated opera diva Floria Tosca, her lover, Cavaradossi, and Scarpia, Rome’s corrupt chief of police. When Cavaradossi is accused of harboring a political prisoner, Scarpia asks Tosca to make an unthinkable decision. Little does he know how fiercely she will fight to protect herself and those she loves.
Featuring a cast led by Katie Van Kooten in the title role, Robert Stahley as Cavaradossi and Hunter Enoch as Scarpia, “Tosca” is conducted by principal conductor Daniela Candillari and is under the direction of artistic director James Robinson.
$15 to $150; opera-stl.org
WHAT: TWELFTH NIGHT
WHERE: Shakespeare Glen in Forest Park
WHEN: 8 p.m., Tuesday through Sunday through June 25
Is it possible to improve upon what many call Shakespeare’s most perfect comedy? St. Louis Shakespeare Festival’s 2023 production of “Twelfth Night” answers with a resounding yes! Set against the glamor and glitz of Miami, this heightened take on The Bard’s timeless story of love and longing, of mistaken identity and deception, and of reinvention comes with a Latin-influenced mise en scene under the direction of award-winning director Lisa Portes.
An excellent ensemble cast, an exquisite set (bright lights and palm trees!) and lots of hip-swaying music by St. Louis’ own Clave Sol set the perfect tone for a classic St. Louis summer night. If music be the food of love, play on!
Free (limited reserved seating available from $20); stlshakes.org
WHAT: CIRCUS FLORA’S UNDERCOVER
WHERE: The Big Top
WHEN: Various times, through June 25
St. Louis’ celebrated one-ring circus is back under The Big Top in Grand Center for “Undercover,” a brand-new show action-packed with motorcycle stunt artists, highwire performers, contortionists, clowns and more.
Inspired by spy stories over the years, “Undercover” is hot on the trail of two double agents who face an archvillain obsessed with world domination. Performers include crossbow duo Mr. & Mrs. G, who incorporate dance and martial arts into their act; juggler Roberto Carlos; aerialist Laura Lippert; motorcycle daredevils The Globe of Speed; the world-famous Flying Wallendas highwire act; and Human Fountains, a water-spewing trio featured on “America’s Got Talent.”
$10 to $65; circusflora.org
WHAT: BEAUTIFUL: THE CAROLE KING MUSICAL
WHERE: The Muny
WHEN: 8:15 p.m., June 12 to 18
The Broadway hit is making its regional premiere as The Muny’s season opener. Featuring a tapestry of treasured songs such as “It’s Too Late,” “You’ve Got a Friend” and “I Feel the Earth Move,” the musical tells the true story of Carole King’s journey that led to a remarkable career as one of America’s most beloved singer-songwriters.
Sara Sheperd stars as Carole King, along with Jarrod Spector (Barry Mann), Jackie Burns (Cynthia Weil), Steven Good (Gerry Goffin), Noah Weisberg (Don Kirshner), Sharon Hunter (Genie Klein) and more, Marcia Milgrom Dodge directs, with choreography by Patricia Wilcox and music direction by Charlie Alterman.
$19 to $120; muny.org
