Metro Theater Company’s After Dark gala is back in-person next month at Palladium Saint Louis. There’ll be plenty to celebrate, including a successful 49th season, which is winding down with “In My Granny’s Garden,” as well as anticipation for the organization’s milestone 50th anniversary. The gala, from 6:30 to 9:30 p.m. on Thursday, June 9, will feature a keynote from award-winning children’s book author Matt de la Peña, whose New York Times-bestselling titles include “Mexican WhiteBoy,”“We Were Here” and “Superman: Dawnbreaker.” Guests will also be among the first to hear music from a world premiere of a new musical coming to the Metro Theater stage in 2023. Proceeds from After Dark benefit the company’s educational programming and theatrical performances. For tickets and additional information, visit After Dark’s official event page.
Gazelle is a proud media sponsor of the 2022 After Dark gala.
Speaking of world premieres, Opera Theatre of Saint Louis’ 2022 Festival Season, which kicked off last weekend, is ushering in two world premieres based on 20th-century icons. “Awakenings,” from June 5 to 24, tells the story of Dr. Oliver Sacks, the groundbreaking neurologist who discovered a revolutionary treatment for a mysterious sleeping illness. “Harvey Milk,” from June 11 to 25, is based on the legendary civil rights and human rights leader who started a national movement in the 1970s when he became one of the first openly gay men elected to public office.
Opera Theatre has also announced two world premiere productions for its upcoming 2023 and 2024 seasons. Next year, OTSL will present a reimagined version of Scott Joplin’s “Treemonisha,” updated by composer Damien Sneed and librettist Karen Chilton. Joplin’s 110-year-old oeuvre was last performed at OTSL to wide acclaim in 2000. The revival will feature new material for a 21st-century audience. In 2024, “This House” will make its world premiere on the OTSL stage. From composer Ricky Ian Gordon and the mother-daughter writing team of Lynn Nottage and Ruby Aiyo Gerber, “This House” follows members of the fractured Walker family as they deal with their tumultuous history amid the changing economic landscape of their Harlem neighborhood.
Jody Sowell has been named the new president of the Missouri Historical Society, which oversees the Missouri History Museum, MHS Library & Research Center, and Soldiers Memorial Military Museum. Sowell replaces Frances Levine, who is retiring. Sowell, currently the Missouri History Museum’s managing director of public history, has been with the organization for 16 years and will officially take the helm on July 11.
We salute longtime St. Louis Symphony Chorus director Amy Kaiser, who is retiring at the end of this season. Kaiser, who has led the chorus for 27 years, performed her final concerts as director on April 30 and May 1. The New York native was appointed as chorus director in 1995 by then-St. Louis Symphony Orchestra (SLSO) music director Leonard Slatkin. In the years since, she has led some 800 rehearsals for the SLSO chorus, including for classical and holiday concerts and community performances. Kaiser has served under four music directors, including current maestro Stéphane Denève. She has also collaborated with dozens of guest conductors throughout her tenure and led the chorus in several appearances at Carnegie Hall in New York City.
Forest Park may be getting all the attention lately – USA Today recently named the 1,400-acre urban playground its Readers’ Choice Best City Park for 2022 – but another local greenspace landmark is also getting ready for its close-up: Tower Grove Park will officially begin its yearlong sesquicentennial celebration next month. The park, which opened to the public 150 years ago, is one only eight National Historic Landmark parks in America. Located in South St. Louis, Tower Grove is an accredited arboretum and renowned for its Victorian architecture. It’s also a popular community gathering spot, serving as the venue for the Tower Grove Farmers Market, Pride festivals and countless wedding proposals and ceremonies over the years. To mark the occasion, “Love in the Park” will be held at the Roman Pavilion on Sunday, June 12. The free event will feature music and food and drink vendors, as well as a ceremonial vow renewal for those who want to commemorate their special day.
An award-winning journalist recognized for her media leadership and for promoting diversity in her profession, Gazelle editor-in-chief Trish Muyco-Tobin has more than 25 years of experience in print and broadcast media. She is also a proud community volunteer. The Trish Set is her monthly St. Louis column featuring good news and goodwill.
Exhibit Celebrates Rich, Fascinating History of St. Louis Music
