This past year was a spectacular season for theatre in St. Louis. Forbes magazine recognized St. Louis as having “America’s most exciting emerging arts district.” The article credits the The Kranzberg Foundation for buying and operating spaces where artists can create. Many of the smaller theatre companies in St. Louis rely on The Kranzberg Foundation venues for performance and rehearsal space. In addition to the smaller professional companies, the mid-size and larger companies including The Muny, STAGES St. Louis, and The Black Rep all presented stellar musicals and plays that were produced locally. Blue Strawberry and The St Louis Cabaret project advanced cabaret performing in St. Louis booking amazing shows with Tony nominated Broadway performers Adam Pascal, Beth Leavel, and Robin de Jesús.
The Evolution Festival features headliners the Black Keys and Brandi Carlisle, plus a focus on local barbecue. Its producers hope to build it into a signature event in St. Louis but are counting on a strong first year.
Theatre, music or art, there are many great opportunities to immerse yourself into the fine arts around St. Louis. So much so, that one local arts scene earned some new praise on a national level.