All the world’s a stage for Tom Ridgely, recently appointed executive producer for the Shakespeare Festival St. Louis. The Drama Desk-nominated director, producer and educator comes to the post from New York, where he served as artistic director of Waterwell, a drama program he co-founded at Professional Performing Arts School in 2002.
Fair Saint Louis is back under the Gateway Arch! Just announced are this year’s musical headliners: Martina McBride, Jason Derulo and the St. Louis Symphony Orchestra. The fair runs July 4, 6 and 7 and features fireworks, air shows, food, drinks and lots more live entertainment—all in celebration of our nation’s birthday. Visit fairsaintlouis.org for the full slate of activities, and plan ahead!
Ladue Horton Watkins High School earned very good grades in U.S. News & World Report’s 2018 ranking of the nation’s best high schools, which listed it second overall in Missouri (behind Metro Academic and Classical High School). In national rankings, LHWHS came in at No. 239 (up from No. 363 last year), and it was the highest-ranked non-selective public school in Missouri. Criteria include state assessment performance and students’ college readiness.
Local author and businesswoman Laurie Marchel (aka Kendall Rose) has translated her blended family experiences into a book, The Stepmoms’ Club: How to Be a Stepmom without Losing Your Money, Your Mind and Your Marriage. Marchel says she stayed sane in her role through her friendship with five other local women in the same situation. The book arose from their conversations over coffee and cocktails. It recently was featured in the New York Post. Available at amazon.com.
the main events
Head to Left Bank Books at 7 p.m. May 31 for a signing and discussion with Allison Coffelt, author of Maps Are Lines We Draw: A Road Trip through Haiti. The Columbia, Missouri -based writer will talk about her life-changing travels in the Caribbean nation.
Enjoy an evening of song at Opera Theatre of Saint Louis’ Regina, a story of siblings and spouses in the South, with five performances from June 6 to 24. After the June 8 performance, retire to the theater’s gardens for Encore!, a special gathering with OTSL singers, photo ops and treats.
Get in step with classical Indian dancers from around the world at the 10th American Natya Festival June 8 through 17 at Rockwood Summit High School. It includes a competition, awards, a variety of performances, workshops and more.
