If the opening bars of John Williams’ iconic soundtrack give you a thrill, you’ll want to listen as the St. Louis Symphony Orchestra performs it live during Star Wars: A New Hope in Concert. January 24–27. Powell Hall.
You might recognize comedian Chris D’Elia from his popular Netflix special Man on Fire or his podcast Congratulations. Then there was his role on NBC’s Undateable, and his turn in the upcoming Life in a Year (starring Cara Delevingne). He was last in St. Louis in 2016; this year, he’s added the city as a last-minute stop on his Follow the Leader Tour. January 12. Stifel Theatre.
Twelfth Night marks the official start of Mardi Gras in Soulard (and means it’s only 55 more days until the big parade). Kick off the evening by watching performers petition the board with liquid bribes, continue with a bar crawl and the crowning of the Mardi Gras Rex, and cap it alloff with fireworks. January 6. Soulard neighborhood.
Winner of 10 Tonys and one of the longest runs in Broadway’s history, Fiddler on the Roof proves that sometimes you don’t mess with...tradition! (Forgive us.) January 29–February 10. Fox Theatre.
Sure, ice sculptures abound at the annual Loop Ice Carnival. Two more reasons to check it out: Friday’s bash—sorry, Snow Ball—at the Moonrise Hotel and Saturday’s 5K. January 18–20. Delmar Loop.
Ever seen an eagle ride an ice floe? Depending on the weather, now might be your chance. The Mississippi plays host to one of the biggest groups of the birds of prey. Hunker down on the Old Chain of Rocks Bridge for Eagle Days and peep the birds nesting, fishing, and flying. January 19 & 20.Old Chain of Rocks Bridge.
The gritty cold-cast metal sculptures in Christine Corday’s Relative Points invite the visitor's touch. Guan Xiao transforms digital media into sculpture. Oliver Laric’s 2000 Cliparts animates copyright-free images. January 18–April 21. Contemporary Art Museum St. Louis.
A librarian, a children’s book about a white rabbit marrying a black rabbit, and a pro-segregation senator (who wants to ban aforementioned book) all feature in Alabama Story, set in 1959 Montgomery and inspired by real events. January 2–27. Repertory Theatre of St. Louis, repstl.org.
During the MLK Community Celebration, families read stories with the St. Louis Black Authors of Children’s Literature, participate in activism workshops, and create peace art to honor the life of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. January 21. Missouri History Museum.
Eric Church’s Double Down Tour sees the artist performing two totally different concerts spanning six albums on back-to-back nights. Pitchfork calls his latest, Desperate Man, the sound of a “renegade settling into his mature period.” January 25 & 26. Enterprise Center.