Photograph by Adam Pascale
The cast of "Something Rotten"
David Robertson conducts A Night of Symphonic Hip Hop Featuring Nelly—and yes, Nelly will rap with the orchestra, including such hits as “Country Grammar” and “Hot in Herre.” February 3, Powell Hall, 718 N. Grand, stlsymphony.org.
Set in the 16th century, Something Rotten! tells the speculative story of the world’s first musical—in musical form, natch. February 7–19, Fox Theatre, 527 N. Grand, fabulousfox.com.
It’s Only Love, Saint Louis Ballet’s lighthearted Valentine’s Day show, features a George Gershwin score and choreography by George Balanchine, Francis Patrelle, and company artistic director Gen Horiuchi. February 11 & 12, Touhill Performing Arts Center, 1 University, touhill.org.
SLAM’s first blockbuster show of 2017, Degas, Impressionism, and the Paris Millinery Trade, comprises 60 works by the Edgar Degas, including pastels and paintings that have never been show in the United States. February 12–May 7, Saint Louis Art Museum, 1 Fine Arts, slam.org.
Rolling Stone gave Sting’s newest album, 57th & 9th, three-and-a-half stars out of five and described it as a “no-lute zone”—that is, it’s his most straightforward rock record in years. February 17, The Pageant, 6161 Delmar, thepageant.com.
Dogs, cats, and even llamas and caged canaries will be out on the streets of Soulard for two of St. Louis’ favorite holiday events: the Mardi Gras Beggin’ Pet Parade and the Wiener Dog Derby. February 19, Soulard neighborhood, mardigrasinc.com.
New York’s Fiasco Theater hits St. Louis with its acclaimed version of Steven Sondheim’s popular musical Into the Woods, which braids several fairy tales together into one powerhouse musical. February 19, Peabody Opera House, 1400 Market, peabodyoperahouse.com.
Bon Jovi’s still topping the charts, 34 years after its start. The band’s latest, This House Is Not for Sale, is its sixth No. 1 record. February 19, Scottrade Center, 1401 Clark, scottradecenter.com.
Emily Robbins’ debut novel, A Word for Love, is set in contemporary Syria. Bea, the protagonist, seeks an ancient manuscript known only as “The Astonishing Text.” Its pursuit transforms her life—and her understanding of the human heart. February 22, Left Bank Books, 399 Euclid, left-bank.com.
Every year, Mardi Gras Grand Parade delights with more than 100 floats, tens of thousands of strands of beads, and memorable parade units such as the Banana Bike Brigade. The party continues afterward with food and drink booths and events like the High Heel Drag Race. February 25, downtown St. Louis (Busch Stadium–Anheuser-Busch Brewery, mardigrasinc.com.
