The Humans | February 7–March 4
Stephen Karam’s play, set in a New York City apartment during an especially tense Thanksgiving dinner in which multiple generations sit around the table, took the Pulitzer Prize for drama in 2016—and picked up four Tony Awards along the way, including for Best Play. The New York Times praised its "fresh-feeling blend of documentary-like naturalism and theatrical daring," calling it "a haunting, beautifully realized play." The Rep’s own Steven Woolf directs. $18.50–$89. See website for performance dates and times. The Repertory Theater of St. Louis, Loretto-Hilton Center for the Performing Arts, reptstl.org.
In Living Color | February 9–April 13
All Black Creatives—a collective "connecting creators, artists, business owners, entrepreneurs, dreamers and doers of color"—curates this group show dedicated to St. Louis artists, including Basil Kincaid, Brock Seals, Danny McGinnist, Erica Jones, Hayveyah McGowan, Kas King, Lola Ogbara, Marley Billie D, Maxine du Maine, and Valencia Miller. DJ Crim Dolla Cray spins records during the opening reception, and the after-party features performances from wildFLWR (a.k.a. Danielle Elise, founder of All Black Creatives), Bates and Eric Donte. Free. Opening reception 6–8 p.m., after-party 8:30 p.m. TechArtista, 4818 Washington, techartista.org.
Buddy: The Buddy Holly Story | February 9 & 10
We all know Chuck Berry invented rock ‘n’ roll, but Buddy Holly wasn’t far behind. This production includes such classic hits as “That’ll Be The Day,” “Oh, Boy,” and “Not Fade Away” to tell the story of Holly's bright, brief life—and its huge impact on American popular culture. $30–$82. 7:30 p.m. Fri, 2 p.m. Sat. Peabody Opera House, 1400 Market, peabodyoperahouse.com.
Africa World Documentary Film Festival | February 9–11
Now in its 11th year, this annual festival brings in films from across the African continent, as well as works from filmmakers within the disaspora. Last year’s fest included docs on a a secret society in Cameroon, a searing look at genocide in Sudan, and a profile of an exiled African president living in anonymity on the outskirts of New York City. This year's lineup includes the 3-D film Froze in my Clothes Celebrating A Radio Icon; the doc The Voice of the Kora, which looks at the history of the tradition instrument used by African griots; and Where Art Thou? a series of interviews with contemporary artists of color from all over the world. Free. See website for venues and screening times, africaworldfilmfestival.com.
Mardi Gras' Bud Light Grand Parade and Fat Bluesday Watch Party | February 10 & 13
Mardi Gras season is coming to a close, with one last weekend before Lent. On Saturday, the Bud Light Grand Parade makes its way from downtown to Soulard beginning at 10 a.m. (This year's parade theme pays tribute to The Muny's centennial.) Then, on Tuesday at 6 p.m., cheer on the home team during the Fat Bluesday Watch Party. Free. Soulard, stlmardigras.org.
Check out SLM's calendar for other happenings, including Orchid Nights at the Missouri Botanical Garden, Alarm Will Sound at The Sheldon, Infected at the Kranzberg Arts Center, Carmina Burana at Powell Hall, Of Mice and Men at The Ready Room, Ashleyliane Dance Company at .ZACK, and more.
