‘Meet Me in St. Louis’ continues to charm…
Stages St. Louis offers a visual treat, warm-hearted presentation…There’s still time to see this gift from Stages to St. Louis

 By Brooks Hines for America’s Seniors at www.TodaysSeniorsNetwork.com

When my husband and publisher of www.TodaysSeniorsNetwork.com came down with a severe respiratory ailment that prevented him from seeing ‘Meet Me in St. Louis’ at Stages St. Louis, it was difficult to know who was more disappointed, him or me.  After all, he had played the father many years ago in a high school play, and had fallen in love with Judy Garland as she sang ‘The Boy Next Door.’

But, he suggested that I invite our 92-year-old friend and neighbor, Madeline who loves musical theater.  I am glad he did because it enabled Madeline and I to enjoy a truly charming presentation of the warmth and intimacy that Stages brings to its presentations. 

This show is a visual delight and the casting is simply superb.   Julie Hanson is absolutely stunning as Esther, and Melinda Cowan (as Rose )and Ms. Hanson complement each other as two sisters in love with life and each other.  The little girls of the family are scene stealers (Molly Ryan alternates with Abigail Isom, and Alexis L. Kinney alternates with Berklea Going). Tootie was played by Abigail Isom the night we attended, and she was simply outstanding. 

And, while some reviewers might have missed it, there is a subplot that often gets lost in the fun and romance of the younger people in the show.  It’s the love story between Fatherz Alonzo Smith, played  by Muny favorite Steve Isom, and Mrs. Anna Smith, played by Kari Ely.  They made a wonderful couple, and Isom once again shows his versatility and illustrates why he is such a favorite.

 This is just a truly enjoyable show, especially for anyone from St. Louis or someone who loves our city. 

And, once again, Stages St. Louis shows that it fits in that category, with each presentation offering a visual and sound present to its hometown.