Nicki's Central West End Guide

Shakespeare Festival's "Othello" opens this week

"Places everyone!" for the opening of the 12th Season of the Shakespeare Festival in Forest Park's Shakespeare Glen. This season features the Bard's Othello, which according to Festival Executive Director Rick Dildine, is one of their audience's most requested plays.

When I stopped by last week, signage was laid out and ready to be installed at the top of the beautiful glen northeast of the Art Museum; and actors were arriving to step onto the outdoor stage for the first time. 
Othello is directed by Bruce Longworth, head of the acting program at Webster University. Longworth also directed Hamlet in 2010. The Shakespeare Festival's production is set in 1912 during a lesser-known war between Italy and Turkey. The set designer is Robbie Jones and the costumes--always at the top of my list--are designed by Lou Bird.

Over the past eleven years the Shakespeare Festival has attracted over 500,000 people. The photo of the huge crowd above was taken two years ago when Hamlet was being performed. Bring your blanket, lawn chairs, and a picnic--or purchase food and drink under a tent on the festival grounds. Othello will be performed each evening at 8 p.m. (except Tuesdays) from May 23 (May 23 & 24 are preview performances) through June 17. Complimentary backstage tours, 20-minute Talkback sessions, and Green Show activities are available starting at 6:30.

Major donors to the Shakespeare Festival include Emerson, Wells Fargo Advisors, UMB, Missouri Arts Council, Ameren and Scottrade. While the Shakespeare Festival is free, individual donations are definitely encouraged.  Call the festival office at (314) 531-9800 or check the website for more information. 

Sifting through a photographer's archives: Part IV

 
Today's photo from Martin Schweig's archives feature a 1927 Gardner Model 90 Roadster parked on the upper Muny Opera lot, filled with what Martin assumes are actresses involved in a Muny Opera production. 

To get more information about the automobile, Martin sent a copy of the photo to Al Mercer, President of the AACA (Antique Automobile Club of America). After some research Al reported that Gardners were semi-luxury automobiles built in St. Louis from 1919 to 1932. Mercer continued,  "The photo was probably a publicity photo for Gardner and the Muny."

Other automobiles manufactured in St. Louis (approximately 10) in the early part of the 20th century were the Moon, Diana, Ruxton, and the Dorris, which was manufactured in the building now known as the Dorris Lofts at Laclede and Sarah.

The photographs above and below were also taken by Martin's father on the Muny grounds during the same time period.

Some of the women look as if posing with the stuffed toys is the last thing they want to do, don't they?

Thanks again Martin for sharing these photos. Next up from the archives: Bridal photographs.

Sifting through a photographer's archives, Part II

I've noticed, somewhat sadly, that Easter bonnets seem to be a fashion trend of the past. So before the week is over, I want to remind you how fabulous hats can look by showing you a couple of beautiful photographs from the 1920's that I found in Martin Schweig's archive of photos. These were taken by Martin's father, Martin Sr., or his grandfather, Morris Schweig, in their studio at 4927 Delmar. The fashion photographs in the photos above and below, were probably commissioned by a department store, according to Martin.

 

Martin thinks the amazing over-the-top chapeau in the photograph above must be part of a costume for the Muny Opera. You will see the same landscape used as a backdrop in most of the fashion shots I'll post soon.

"Dazzle Me Twice" benefit for Actors' Studio Weds.

"Dazzle Me Twice" is the second time around for Marty London's consignment shop located in a building she owns on McPherson at Walton. Years ago, the original shop was a favorite haunt of mine for unusual finds, including a sweater that is still part of my wardrobe from Chicago knitwear designer Maria Rodriguez.

I have not yet had a chance to peruse Marty's latest offerings, but a friend raves about recent discoveries of  designer clothing at amazing prices. You can kill two birds with one stone at Wednesday night's benefit for the St. Louis Actors Studio.  Enjoy a glass of wine and hors d'oeuvres, meet an energetic bunch of Actors' Studio supporters, and then, when you find something wonderful on the racks (which I am sure you will), 15% of your purchase will go to a great neighborhood cause. See particulars on the poster above.

Dazzle Me Twice, 4632 McPherson at Walton, Friday evenings from 5 to 8 p.m., Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., and next Wednesday evening for the benefit. St. Louis Actors' Studio's production of "My Three Angels" at Gaslight Theater, 358 N. Boyle until December 18.

 

From here to there, and lots in between

Last evening I decided to forego my usual Tuesday yoga class in favor of taking a leisurely stroll up Lindell to get a closer look at one of the major events that was causing traffic congestion in town--a fund-raiser for President Obama at the Carnahan residence. Downtown there was, of course, the Cardinal-Phillies game (with an unfortunate outcome), the Wilco concert, and Obama's arrival at the Renaissance Grand.

My first stop as I headed west was the serene Murphy Lake across from the entry to Westmoreland and Portland Places, above.

For out-of-town readers, this is one of the beautiful mansions that line Lindell Boulevard, which borders Forest Park from Kingshighway to Skinker.

 

An electronic sign at Union announced that Lindell was closed from DeBaliviere to Skinker for the Obama event. When I started seeing parked cars, and people walking with picnic baskets and folding chairs, I realized there was also a Twilight Tuesday Concert at the Missouri History Museum above, adding even more traffic congestion.

Concert-goers also set up chairs and barbecue across Lindell at DeBaliviere. Amusingly, when I asked several people who was playing, no one knew--or at least they had only part of the name correct (it was Dirty Muggs). One couple said they didn't really pay much attention to who was on tap, they just like to get out of the house and make these Tuesdays part of their routine.

Some dressed up for the occasion above, or wore their message where they sat, below.

There were hot dogs on the grill at Twilight Tuesdays, and a much different scene a half-block west.

Barricades and police had cordoned off the Carnahan residence in advance of the President's  appearance.

And there were demonstrators, below...

When one of my neighbors told the demonstrators, above, that their message was ridiculous, one yelled back that this was about raising taxes. Hmmm, I cattily thought, I bet most of the people who would be affected by a tax increase were home getting dressed for the $25,000 a ticket fund-raiser.

Walking home with a very quiet Lindell at my back was a real pleasure.

And as I got closer to home this gorgeous scene just confirmed how lucky we are to have all of this entertainment and diversity right in our own backyard.

What's 10denza?

Ultra-hip 10denza (from the Italian tendenza meaning "following a trend") opened the middle of September at 44 Maryland Plaza in the space formerly occupied by Design Within Reach. The often-heard assumption that shopping on Maryland Plaza is somewhat exclusive and expensive will be blown away when you enter this urban emporium. Chris Lanter, below, the creator and "arbiter" (as he identifies himself on his business card), has been observing the commercial real estate market in the CWE for a couple of years, waiting for the right space to become available. An aficionado of pop culture and current trends, Chris knew that this eclectic neighborhood was the only place in town where his vision of a shop would fit.

Chris started working as a d.j. while in college and for a time afterwards. So, naturally, one of the first things you'll notice when you walk into 10denza is the music playing in the background. There are 5 ipod listening stations where you can preview a wide variety of music available for purchase. Chris avidly reads music reviews and listens to new artists to introduce. He offers new releases featuring imports from Europe, D.J. mixes, alternative, and electronic music, $13 to $19. 

There are a few tables containing a large selection of coffee table books on art, design, music, pop culture, and as Chris said, "street stuff," $20 to $50. I was told the books are meant to be handled, and there are comfortable chairs, below, to sit and peruse.

10denza has a "no pressure" staff--Kerrie Knoll & Darren Compton (not photographed)--who add to the very relaxed vibe, and the shop stocks a wide range of merchandise you won't find elsewhere, $5 to $800.

 

 

There is a display wall with shoes for women, left, and men, below, in casual and sneaker style.

 

Brands include Puma, Pointer, and ALife, $55 to $160.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

There is jewelry too, including this set, shown left, from Brooklyn-based designers Digby & Iona.

 

  
  

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

10denza carries casual, comfortable clothing for men and women ranging from "arty" t-shirts starting at $30 on up to jackets at $700. 

Chris also supports local designers, stocking clothing from Vintage Highway and CWEnder Amy Johnson, who designs under the name of Kay-oss. Amy's adorable skirt, right, is $190, and in the shop window you'll see one of her great black dresses with tiny ruffles on the cuffs. I watched three of them get snapped up on as many visits.                

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

  

Personal tech gear includes ipad covers above, $29.95, headphones, and other tech accessories. A new shipment of winter clothing including mittens right, $25, and unusual knit hats upper right, $45, is now on the shelves.

Brightly-colored TOY watches, above, come in "jellys," $160, or "velvety," $225 (not shown). 10denza also carries sunglasses, $100, from a philanthropic Brooklyn company named Contego, that sends a pair to a charity with each purchase. The glasses are named after Nobel Laureates.

Chris's 10 year-old daughter, Olivia, and 13 year-old son, Blaise, help with merchandising decisions. Blaise, who knows a lot about what's hip in toyland, suggested the Kid Robot collection, toys designed by different artists. Toys range in price from $5 up to $200, some of which are shown in the glass jars on the counter above.

                               

Toygiants by Daniel & Geo Fuchs is an illustrated journey into the world of toys, right.                                        

You too should follow the trend and stop by 10denza when you have some time to browse, enjoy the music, and the company. The shop is a wonderful addition and such an enjoyable experience.

10denza, 44 Maryland Plaza, 12 to 8 Monday - Saturday, 12 to 5 Sunday, (314) 361-1010. 

Join the fun at the Beacon Festival!

I have been meaning to tell you about the upcoming St. Louis Beacon Festival for days now but this week has flown by, no pun intended, and I am just getting to it. It isn't too late though for you to consider signing up for what I began to call "Camp Beacon" during last year's tremendously fun travel-fest. The festival is the brainchild of Bob Duffy (in blue shirt above), a dear friend who worked at the St. Louis Post Dispatch for 32 years, and is now Associate Editor of the St. Louis Beacon. Bobby knows everyone and everything about our town and is the best travel guide ever.

Last year's week-long festival included a trip to the last remaining Indian mound within the city limits. At the site, just off Hwy 55, we were invited to take part in a symbolic cleansing ceremony led by Eve Perlmutter, who is of Native American ancestry (shown above). After a climb to the top of the Mound, which belongs to the Cahokia tribe, with its commanding view of the mighty Mississippi, we headed to the new Six Row Brewery on Forest Park for a tour and beer sampling. That was just in time frankly, because most of us were feeling pretty glum thinking about what our ancestors had done to the Native Americans. One of the owners of Six Row is Rick Holton, a CWEnder who is active in Native American culture and is involved in an effort to give all the rivers and streams in Missouri appropriate N.A. names. (The beer is very good too.)

There is a return trip planned this year to the New Sunny Mount Missionary Baptist Church on Sunday, June 5. Last year's visit, shown in the photo above, was one of the most inspiring, hand-clapping church services I have ever attended. Hallelujah and Amen!

A return to Bellefontaine Cemetary is scheduled for Friday, June 3. Last year we heard a Baroque ensemble perform in the Chapel there; this year renowned architect Gene Mackey will discuss Louis Sullivan and St. Louis in the same location. This talk includes a private tour of Sullivan's Wainwright Tomb.

Two of the Festival's events take place in the Central West End. Washington University author-in-residence and Guggenheim Fellow Kathleen Finneran will read from a recent work in Lucie and Antony Garnett's magnificent book-filled mansion on Lindell Boulevard on Wednesday, June 1. A light lunch is included in the $30 ticket price.

The Festival kicks off on Memorial Day with a brunch in the most gorgeous garden you've ever seen on Westmoreland Place. UCity's Winslow's Home is doing the cooking. The living quarters above the stable was the site of last year's reading by Curtis Sittenfeld, author of Prep and American Wife.

For a complete listing of events and ticket information, visit the website here. Tickets are limited, so hurry!

 

ANNONYArts Performance at Centro Thurs.

Please join Centro for a celebration, wine tasting, and performances featuring ANNONYArts Artistic Director Beckah Voight Reed and consortium artists Tom Brady, Dawn Karlovsky, Monica Newsam, and Nicki Tipton Tallent. Wines for tasting provided by The Vino Gallery and small bites provided by The Fountain on Locust.  All proceeds will benefit programming and community outreach for ANNONYArts.

WHERE:  Centro

DATE:  Thursday, May 12

TIME: 6 to 9 (Performance at 7)

TICKETS: $35 each ($60 pair) at door or www.aarts2011.eventbrite.com

INFO: (314) 652-3003

ANNONYArts is an organization dedicated to supporting a consortium of independent movement and performing artists who present original works and provide arts education.

Centro Modern Furnishings, 4727 McPherson, (314) 454-0111.

Tennessee Williams 100th Birthday Celebration benefits The Central West End Association

Join friends of the Central West End Association on Sunday, April 10 to celebrate Tennessee Williams' 100th birthday at the Gaslight Theater, home of the wonderful St. Louis Actors Studio. The benefit is the brainchild of CWEnder Lana Pepper who is also Director of the performance.

The Central West End Association is not the only organization on Lana's dance card, however. Friday night's performance is a benefit for the Actors' Studio, and Saturday's for the St. Louis Beacon, both worthwhile organizations to be sure. But Sunday evening belongs to the Central West End Association, so please support it by buying a ticket. It promises to be a very entertaining evening, and with dinner following the performance, how can you miss?

See poster, above, for ticket information.

 

 

The CWE's Own Star of The Joffrey Ballet's Nutcracker

 
It was over cups of Bissinger's fabulous hot chocolate that I met with ballerina Isabelle Knapp last Friday, a few hours before her first appearance in Dance St. Louis' production of "The Joffrey Ballet in Nutcracker." Isabelle, her sister Caroline and her parents, Elizabeth Barnes and George Knapp, moved to the Central West End from Florida last February. She started ballet lessons at UCity's COCA about the same time.

In September Dance St. Louis held auditions at area dancing schools to cast about 100 children who would dance in Nutcracker, which was performed last weekend at The Fabulous Fox. Isabelle and another student from COCA were told immediately that they made the cut and were cast in the "Soldiers Dance." Children in the production ranged in age from 6 to 13, Isabelle's age, and could be no taller than 5 feet.

Children's Ballet Master, Christine Knoblauch-O'Neal, and four assistants started rehearsals with the young dancers almost immediately after casting. By the time Isabelle actually rehearsed with the Joffrey Ballet--the Tuesday before her Friday performance--she could dance her part in her sleep. It was that Tuesday that they also had their first costume fittings. The children had been divided into two groups, "Cast A" and "Cast B." They shared costumes and alternated performances. Isabelle's group danced in three of the six performances over the weekend. I asked Isabelle if any of the Joffrey dancers spoke to the children, and she breathlessly replied: "Yes, the Nutcracker Prince came up and talked to us and it was so cool..."

Isabelle was born in D.C. and has seen Nutcracker every year since she was 4. She never dreamed she would one day be part of it. She laughingly told me she was always so afraid of the life-sized mice in the dance, and considered it sweet justice that her part called for shooting at them with a toy musket.

To add to the glamour of the experience, a friend of her father's sent flowers from New York, and sixty-six friends and a teacher from MICDS, where she is in the 7th grade, were in the audience. Isabelle said that the kids at school were like, "Wow, you're in the Nutcracker?" Isabelle: "I know, it's pretty cool!"

Here is a picture of Isabelle in costume taken backstage. She told me that she did her own makeup, and to complete the costume taped two red circles to her cheeks (not shown). She plans to continue studying ballet twice a week with her "amazing" teacher, Miss Mimi McDonald, at COCA. The ballerina bug has bitten and Isabelle hopes to dance someday with Alvin Ailey or with the National Ballet in Washington.

I attended Sunday evening's performance and was enchanted with the absolutely beautiful production and, of course, with the "Soldier's Dance," made extra special knowing whose rosy cheeks were part of the troupe.

Thanks, Isabelle, for taking time out of your busy weekend to share your story with my readers. I know they will love getting to know you as much as I enjoyed our time together.