STAGES St. Louis is preparing to launch an exciting new chapter for musical theater in the region. This month, the performing arts company will present a pre-Broadway debut production of Austen’s Pride, a new show that puts a unique spin on Jane Austen’s most beloved novel, Pride and Prejudice. “This is an exciting opportunity for STAGES and the community as a whole,” marketing director Michael Adkins says. “St. Louis is a regional theater powerhouse with a rich and diverse arts community. We aren’t simply a ‘flyover city.’ This is a mecca for theater with the potential to be a major artistic hub like New York City or Chicago.”

Austen’s Pride will hit the stage at the Kirkwood Performing Arts Center from July 25 through Aug. 24. The musical places Jane Austen front and center, as Pride and Prejudice becomes the catalyst for her own journey of self-discovery. The audience is transported along with the author into the world of Elizabeth Bennet and Fitzwilliam Darcy. “This production is not just for Pride and Prejudice lovers, it’s for everyone,” Adkins says. “It’s a great introduction to Austen and her work. The musical was written to be accessible to everyone—you don’t have to do your English homework before seeing it!”

Austen’s Pride features a book, music and lyrics by Lindsay Warren Baker and Amanda Jacobs, and it is directed by Igor Goldin with choreography by Lisa Shriver and musical direction by Sheela Ramesh. The STAGES production is the first step in the musical’s journey to Broadway. Following its run in St. Louis, the show will embark on a multi-city tour. “St. Louisans have the opportunity to be among the first to see this exciting new musical,” Adkins says. “It’s an honor to bring productions like these to the region before they make their mark across the country.”

This latest pre-Broadway debut is just one example of how STAGES has been working to put St. Louis on the theatrical map. In 2022, the performing arts company brought the world premiere of The Karate Kid: The Musical to the StL. “The success of these productions are a testament to the support of the community,” Adkins notes. “When it comes to the arts, St. Louis is one of the most supportive communities in the country, and what STAGES does wouldn’t be possible without audiences showing up. Together, we’re establishing what a creative force our region is.”

STAGES’ 2025 season will conclude with a production of Beautiful: The Carole King Musical. The show follows the incredible journey of the songwriter from her humble beginnings to becoming a music legend. The theatrical company also is looking forward to 2026 when it will celebrate its 40th anniversary. Adkins notes that St. Louis can look forward to three amazing musical productions to commemorate the milestone season. “For 39 years, STAGES has been dedicated to offering patrons new experiences and sharing unique points of view,” he says. “Looking to the future, we’re excited to continue innovating and building the theatrical legacy of St. Louis.”

STAGES St. Louis is presenting a pre-Broadway production of Austen’s Pride July 25 through Aug. 24 at the Kirkwood Performing Arts Center. Pictured on the cover: Sheela Ramesh, Andrew Kuhlman, Olivia Hernandez, Gayle Seay, Igor Goldin. For more information and to purchase tickets, call 314.821.2407 or visit stagesstlouis.org.

Cover design by Julie Streiler
Cover photo by Tim Parker Photography

Pictured at top: Rehearsals for Austen’s Pride
Photo courtesy of STAGES St. Louis