In St. Louis, theater is spelled S-T-A-G-E-S. From pre-Broadway premieres of shows like The Karate Kid: The Musical and Austen’s Pride to preeminent productions of musical classics, STAGES St. Louis has been elevating and innovating the theatrical legacy of the region for four decades. As the theatrical company celebrates its 40th anniversary, it continues to offer patrons new experiences spotlighting the artistic potential of St. Louis. This milestone season begins with The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee, on stage at the Kirkwood Performing Arts Center through June 28.

The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee follows a group of quirky students competing in a local spelling bee, revealing their hilarious and touching personal stories. For this show, audiences will have the unique opportunity to get closer to action with seats on the stage. The STAGES production is especially impactful for the region as its cast consists entirely of local performers. “This is the first time since 1987 that all of our actors, designers and technicians are from St. Louis,” producing artistic director Gayle Seay notes. “Spelling Bee is a joyous and heartfelt show, and it is such an amazing opportunity to spotlight all of the talent in the region. Our goal is to incorporate St. Louis into what we do as much as possible.”

This commitment to St. Louis is a reflection of the dedication of STAGES’ founders Michael Hamilton and Jack Lane. They helped build the company into a theatrical force in the region, and Seay notes it continues to support the growth and development of the arts through community partnerships. “There is nothing like live theater,” she says. “Each production is unique—even if a show plays 37 times, no two performances are going to be exactly the same. It’s a special experience that allows you to laugh, cry and feel with your neighbors. That welcoming spirit extends into the local community.”

STAGES’ 40th anniversary season also includes Guys and Dolls and Come From Away. The former will be directed by Tony Award-winning performer James Monroe Iglehart. All three shows offer powerful examples of people working together and supporting one another, a fitting theme, according to Seay. “This season is about people coming together despite their differences, which we could all use more of right now,” she says. “It is especially powerful that we will be doing Come From Away in September around the 25th anniversary of the September 11 attacks. What an amazing way to honor the first responders and families impacted by the tragedy.”

As STAGES celebrates 40 years of serving St. Louis, it’s also looking forward to the future. Seay notes that the theatrical company is excited to continue to spotlight the artistic excellence and talent that can be found in the region. This year, it launched a rebrand, including a new logo. The top of the iconic STAGES star is now the Gateway Arch. “Our productions aren’t brought in from somewhere else—they are fully St. Louis,” she says. “STAGES is grateful to be a part of this amazing arts and theater community. It’s been incredibly fulfilling to reach our audience, and we hope to continue to touch the lives of St. Louisans for decades to come.”

STAGES St. Louis’ 40th anniversary season begins with The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee, on stage at the Kirkwood Performing Arts Center through June 28. Pictured on the cover: The cast of The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee. For more information, call 314.821.2407 or visit stagesstlouis.org.

Cover design by Julie Streiler
Cover photo courtesy of STAGES St. Louis

Pictured at the top: The company of The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee
Photo courtesy of STAGES St. Louis