Photograph by Joan Marcus
Euan Morton as Hedwig in "Hedwig and the Angry Inch."
Hedwig and the Angry Inch | January 27–29
The outrageous glam-rock musical Hedwig and the Angry Inch actually has a local angle: The first scene takes place in a St. Louis dive called Bilgewater’s (and it only gets better from there). At turns funny and poignant, the award-winning show ruminates on gender identity, love, and sacrifice. For the uninitiated, find a few facts about the gender-bending musical here. $30–$82. See website for performance times. Peabody Opera House, 1400 Market, peabodyoperahouse.com.
Bernice King: My LIfe, My Love, My Legacy | January 27–29
The County Library launches its Black History Celebration with a Frankie Freeman Inspirational Lecture featuring Bernice King, daughter of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. and Coretta Scott King. Ms. King, who is the CEO of the Martin Luther King Jr. Center for Nonviolent Social Change, will discuss the re-release of her mother's autobiography, My Life, My Love, My Legacy, and describe her own social-justice work, which carries on the legacy of her mother and father. Free. Doors open at 6 p.m., lecture at 7 p.m. St. Louis County Library Headquarters, 1640 Lindbergh, slcl.org.
Year of the Bicycle | January 27–February 12
One day in 2007, two former childhood friends suffer concussions at exactly the same moment. So begins The Year of the Bicycle, a South African play that has its U.S. premiere at Upstream Theatre on January 27. (Theater writer Rosalind Early spoke with playwright Joanna Evans, who was in town to offer feedback during the play's rehearsals; read her story here.) $22–$33.75. See website for performance times. Kranzberg Arts Center Black Box Theatre, 501 N. Grand, upstreamtheater.org.
Opening Reception: Spring Exhibits at CAM | January 27
The Contemporary Art Museum–St. Louis opens its spring exhibits with work from photographer Deanna Lawson in the Main Galleries, a new mural from expat St. Louisan Katherine Bernhardt, and the expressive work of British-born painter Nicola Tyson. The exhibits are on view through April 16. Free. 7 p.m. 3750 Washington, camstl.org.
Drive-By Truckers with Kyle Craft | January 27
Some St. Louisans might remember seeing Drive-by Truckers in the intimate confines of the late Frederick's Music Lounge. Or, if you're one of those musical omnivores who never turn off KDHX, then you've definitely heard the band's mix of punk, country, and blues. Their latest, American Band, has been called the perfect album for this political moment. The show opens with singer/songwriter Kyle Craft, whose spirited SubPop debut, Dolls of Highland, was praised by Pitchfork for its "vivid, immersive storytelling and sharply focused, fat-free songs that have the lived-in feel of 40-year-old FM-radio favorites." $25. Kyle Craft, 8:15 p.m., Drive-By Truckers 9:30 p.m. The Pageant, 6161 Delmar, thepageant.com.
And don't miss these other events happening around the St. Louis area this weekend:
The Top 5 family-friendly events this weekend
Sierra Club Mayoral Forum, moderated by SLM co-owner Ray Hartmann
An American in Paris at the Fox Theatre
New Jewish Theater: Intimate Apparel
HEARDing Cats: Analogue Revenge
Marcelle Theatre: There's an Alien in My Soup
Ian Bagg at Helium Comedy Club
Turnpike Troubadours at The Pageant
Steve Aoki at Ameristar Casino
