Photo by Jerry Naunheim, Jr., courtesy of the Repertory Theatre of St. Louis
Patrick Ball and John Woodson in "All My Sons" at The Rep.
All My Sons | January 5–29
The Rep kicks off the new year with Arthur Miller's first hit play, which opened 70 years ago this month at the Coronet Theater in New York. Miller vowed to quit playwrighting should this show fail; it won him a New York Drama Critics Circle Award and, due to its questioning of American capitalism, a summons to appear before the House Un-American Activities Committee. The plot, which is based on a true story, revolves around two businessmen who knowingly sell defective airplane parts to the military during World War II. That results in the deaths of several soldiers and a prison sentence for only one of the men. Three years after the war, those actions continue to have repercussions that deeply affect both families. $18–$81.50. See website for showtimes. The Repertory Theatre of St. Louis, Loretto-Hilton Center, 130 Edgar, repstl.org.
Barbie Nation: An Unauthorized Tour | January 5
If you haven't seen TOYS of the '50s, '60s and '70s, a nostalgic look back at vintage playthings (including Mr. Potato Head and the now-illegal-to-sell game of Jarts), here's another reason to head to the museum to see the exhibit before it closes January 22: The museum is hosting a free screening of Barbie Nation, a documentary about one the most popular—and controversial—toys in history. The filmmakers aimed to capture various aspects of their subject while visiting Barbie conventions, anti-Barbie demonstrations, and even interviewing "Barbie's Mom," Ruth Handler. Free. 7 p.m. Lee Auditorium at the Missouri History Museum, 5700 Lindell, mohistory.org.
Twelfth Night in Soulard | January 6
Every January, parade krewes and revelers stand on the steps at Johnny's Bar, petitioning the board of Mardi Gras Inc. to throw another big pre-Lenten party in Soulard. After much deliberation (and drinking), the board gives its not-so-surprising decision to hold Mardi Gras another year. Then a parade of 300 or so winds through the neighborhood (with stops at neighborhood bars) and ends at Soulard Market in Rudy Commons, where the year's Rex is crowned, fireworks go off, and the Mardi Gras flag is hoisted. (For a first-hand account, including a photo slideshow, check out Thomas Crone and Sara Truckey's 2016 Twelfth Night report here. And while you're at it, read a list of suggestions for a more perfect Mardi Gras here.) Free. Festivities begin at 5 p.m. at Johnny's, 1017 Russell; parade begins in the Soulard neighborhood at 7 p.m. stlmardigras.org.
Harlem Globetrotters | January 6–8
This amazing group of exhibition players has been around since the '20s. During that span of time, the team's played nearly 30,000 games in 122 countries. (The "Globetrotter" part of the name is absolutely literal.) And though most entertainment that delighted kids circa 1920 doesn't always translate to modern audiences, the Globetrotters do. The group's combo of top-notch athleticism, humor, and eye-popping tricks still makes it one of the most beloved, family-friendly shows around. (Read our interview with Globetrotter Scooter Christensen here.) $22.50–$129. 7 p.m. Fri, 3 p.m. Sun. Scottrade Center, 1401 Clark, scottrade.com.
One Nation Classic | January 8
The Cardinals and Blues hit the ice together as part of the Winter Classic closing ceremonies. The event kicks off with Blues players showing off their talents in a skills competition. Then fans can watch "St. Louis' Greatest Pick-Up Hockey Game," featuring alum from both teams, including Kerry Robinson, Jim Edmonds, Brett Hull, and Bernie Federko. The event closes as local policemen and firefighters face off in the temporary rink. Proceeds benefit Blues for Kids youth hockey efforts and Cardinals Care. $10. 11:30 a.m., Busch Stadium, 700 Clark, mlb.com/cardinals/tickets/info/one-nation-classic.
And don't miss these other events, happening around the St. Louis area this weekend:
Top 5 family events this weekend
Dallas Stars v. St. Louis Blues
Superhero Night at The Magic House
That Rat Fest at The Ready Room
Women of the Blues: A Coast-to-Coast Collection
FarFetched Presents: The Prologue VI Release Party
Daniel Shular: Camp-Pain opening at The Dark Room
"I've Been to the Mountaintop" at Washington Tabernacle Missionary Baptist Church
Arch Rival Roller Derby at Midwest Sport Hockey in Queeny Park
