Metro Theater Company’s upcoming production of “Last Stop on Market Street” will feature jazz legend’s Denise Thimes’ return to the theatrical stage.
Metro Theater Company produces premier professional theater for youth and families and is St. Louis’ third-oldest theater company.
Thimes stars as “Nana” in the musical, described as a “Motown-meets-hip hop” production that will run Feb. 6 to Feb. 27 at the Grandel Theatre with socially distant seating.
Thimes, who has performed at the White House and for world monarchs, toured internationally and shared the stage alongside Wynton Marsalis and other music greats, began her career as a stage actress. In “Last Stop on Market Street,” she appears alongside Daniel McRath as CJ, and Robert Crenshaw, Valentina Silva, Cameron Tyler and Tyler White in the ensemble.
The musical tells the story of CJ, who is reluctantly staying with his Nana. Knowing CJ is used to being plugged in to his phone and tablet all the time, Nana takes him on a bus ride that’s loud, gritty and offbeat – guiding her grandson to travel a little close to his roots and see that things are not always what they seem.
Adapted for the stage by veteran playwright Cheryl L. West from the New York Times bestselling and Newbery Medal-winning picture book by Matt de la Peña and illustrator Christian Robinson, “Last Stop on Market Street” features a spectacular, spirited score by Motown legend Lamont Dozier and his son, Paris Ray Dozier.
Metro Theater Company’s production of “Last Stop on Market Street” is directed by Jacqueline Thompson, who is also a St. Louis actor and theatre professor at UMSL. Philip A. Woodmore serves as musical director; Christopher Page-Sanders is the choreographer.
The musical, hailed by the Minneapolis Star Tribune as “like Hamilton for kids,” is recommended for audiences 5 and older.
In addition to the live, on-stage performances at The Grandel, a virtual streaming option is available from Feb. 11 to 27. For tickets and more information, as well as COVID-19 safety guidelines, visit metroplays.org.
