Ron Himes and Linda Kennedy in The Black Rep's production of "On Golden Pond"
It's the first week of January, which means 12th Night's approaching, if you get into that Mardi Gras type of stuff. If not, there's also plenty of theater, a stop-off by the Harlem Globetrotters, and more:
Thursday, January 5
On Golden Pond
When elderly Norman and Ethel Thayer find themselves babysitting their daughter Chelsea's new stepson during a vacation at their Maine summer home, they're a little put out. Slowly, though, crotchety Norman bonds with the little boy, which transforms his tense relationship with his grown daughter. Starring Ron Himes as Norman and Linda Kennedy as Ethel. $20-$47.50. Time: 8 p.m. The Black Rep, The Grandel Theatre, 3610 Grandel Square, 314-534-3810, theblackrep.org.
Sunday in the Park With George
Stephen Sondheim's 1984 Pulitzer Prize-winning musical is based on French artist Georges Seurat's famous pointilist painting "A Sunday Afternoon on the Island of La Grande Jatte." The musical explores the ways that art and real life intertwine. $16-$57. Time: 8 p.m. The Repertory Theatre of St. Louis, Loretto-Hilton Theatre, 130 Edgar, 314-968-4925, repstl.org.
Friday, January 6
In the Loop2
This popular, high-energy hip-hop/modern dance showcase returns for its second year, featuring performances by COCADance, Hip-Hop Crew, and COCA instructors Kelly Ging and Redd Williams. The show also features COCA alums Antonio Douthit and Kirvin Boyd (Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater); Christopher Page (Cleo Parker Robinson Dance Ensemble); and Rob Scoggins, assistant professor of dance at UMSL. $14–$18. Times: Friday, Jan 6 - 7pm Fri, 2 & 5pm Sat, 1:30 & 3:30pm Sun. COCA Family Theatre, Center of Creative Arts, 524 Trinity, 314-725-6555, cocastl.org.
Harlem Globetrotters
This legedary exhibition basketball team launches its 2012 tour with a lineup that includes Paul “Tiny” Sturgess (who, at 7'8", is currently the world's tallest basketball player), and Fatima "TNT" Maddox, the Globetrotter's ninth woman player, and the first since 1993. $17-$133. Time: 7 p.m. Scottrade Center, 1401 Clark,
314-622-5435, scottradecenter.com.
12th Night in Soulard
This official kick-off to Mardi Gras season features petitioners who recite poems, sing songs, or even put together puppet shows to appeal to organzers to have Mardi Gras again this year. After a few drinks inside Johnny's (where Soulard Mardi Gras began), a proclamation to have Mardi Gras is read on the bar's front stepts. Then, a musical procession winds through the neighborhood, leading the crowd to 7th and Soulard, where the Mardi Gras flag is raised as fireworks are lit. Organizers encourage revelers to dress in layers appropriate to the weather. Free. TIme: 5 p.m. Johnny's Restaurant, 1017 Russell, mardigrasinc.com.
Saturday, January 7
1772 Twelfth Afternoon Ball
The Old Courthouse, which is still sparkling with Victorian holiday decorations, hotsts a historical 12th Night celebration with 18th century dancing (led by Deborah Hyland) and Cajun/Creole music from the Old Mines area, performed by Dennis Stroughmatt et L'Esprit Creole. According to tradition, there will also be a king's cake, and the crowning of a king and queen. Free. Time: noon-4pm. Jefferson National Expansion Memorial, The Old Courthouse , 11 N. 4th Street, 314-655-1700, nps.gov.
12th Night Colonial Ball
Guests are not required to dress up in 18th century garb for La Guiannee Society's French Colonial costume ball, but costumes are definitely encouraged. The king and queen of the ball are crowned at 9:30pm, and music's provided by Cousin Curtis and String Connection. $10. Time: doors at 6pm, music at 8pm. American Legion Hall, Prarie du Rocher, Ill., 618-284-7300, visitprairiedurocher.com/community_events/twelfth_night_ball.html
Sunday, January 8
The Okee Dokee Brothers Family Matinee
The Okee Dokee Brothers play bluegrass tunes about kooky, kid-friendly topics like the fastest talker in the world (the auctioneer), the longest word in the English language (antidisestablishmentarianism), and water balloons (a song that only has two words).$8, $10 day of show. Time: 3 p.m. Off Broadway, 3511 Lemp, 314-773-3363, offbroadwaystl.com.
The White Stripes: Under Great White Northern Lights
The Culture Shock Film Series presents Under the Great White Northern Lights, Emmet Malloy's 2009 Grammy Award-winning concert film, shot during one of the last tours of now-defunct cult band, The White Stripes. $6 suggested donation; proceeds benefit Helping Kids together, an arts and culture-based inclusion and diversity project. Time: 8 p.m. Schlafly Bottleworks, 7260 Southwest, 314-221-3085 , afilmseries.com.
