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Peter Dombrovskis, Vine in Forest, Wakaya, Fiji, 1994
Through January 25: “Past, Present and Future of Nature Photography”
At the “Past, Present and Future of Nature Photography” exhibit, see nature shots from acclaimed photographers like Peter Dombrovskis and Noppadol Paothong. $5, $3 students and seniors. 11 a.m.–6 p.m. Wed & Thu, 11 a.m.–4 p.m. Fri–Sun. International Photography Hall of Fame and Museum, 3415 Olive, 314-535-1999, iphf.org.
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The Black Rep
December 4: Black Nativity
The Black Rep kicks off its 37th season in its new digs at Harris-Stowe State University, with a play based on a Langston Hughes poem, Black Nativity, retelling the nativity story—with a new twist. Call for prices and times. Emerson Performance Center, 3101 Laclede, 314-534-3810, theblackrep.org.
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The Repertory Theatre of St. Louis
December 4 through 29: The Mousetrap
The Rep stages Agatha Christie’s classic mystery play The Mousetrap, the tale of guests snowed in at Monkswell Manor—with a murderer among them. $16.50–$55. Visit repstl.org for prices and times. The Repertory Theatre of St. Louis, Loretto-Hilton Center for the Performing Arts, 130 Edgar, 314-968-4925, repstl.org.
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Scott Suchman
December 7: The Screwtape Letters
A tale of spiritual warfare told from the perspective of the devil might seem like heavy stuff, but this adaptation of C.S. Lewis’ The Screwtape Letters is both mirthful and provocative. $29–$69. 4 and 8 p.m. Blanche M. Touhill Performing Arts Center, 1 University, 314-516-4949, touhill.org.
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Peabody Opera House
December 8: Moscow Ballet’s Great Russian Nutcracker
Celebrate the holidays and the best of Russian ballet with Moscow Ballet’s Great Russian Nutcracker. The classic story of Masha and her prince is accentuated with an exclusive tribute to world peace, in which two dancers transform into a dove with a 20-foot wingspan. $35–$90. 5 p.m. Peabody Opera House, 1400 Market, 314-499-7600, peabodyoperahouse.com.
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Lafayette Square
December 8: Lafayette Square Holiday Parlor Tour
Looking at Christmas décor is the idea of a holiday home tour—but you can sneak a peek at the kitchens, too. $15–$20. 10 a.m.–5 p.m. Begins at Park House, 2023 Lafayette, 314-772-5724, lafayettesquare.org.
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St. Louis Symphony
December 12 & 13: Too Hot to Handel: A Gospel Messiah
George Frideric Handel’s Messiah is always a moving piece, but the version by the St. Louis Symphony and IN UNISON Chorus, Too Hot to Handel: A Gospel Messiah, promises to really move people. $30–$60. 7 p.m. Powell Hall, 718 N. Grand, 314-534-1700, stlsymphony.org.
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Yosra El-Essawy
December 14: Beyoncé
Pop singer Beyoncé might be using her married name for The Mrs. Carter Show World Tour, but she’s still known for single-lady anthems about women running the world. $45–$250. 8 p.m. Scottrade Center, 1401 Clark, 314-622-5435, scottradecenter.org.
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Joan Marcus
December 17 through 29: Elf
In the musical Elf, an orphan boy who grew up at the North Pole returns to New York to find his birth father and teach everyone about the meaning of Christmas. $25 to $80. Visit fabulousfox.com for times. Fox Theatre, 527 N. Grand, 314-534-1111, fabulousfox.com.
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Peter Wochniak
December 31: First Night–Saint Louis
Enjoy fireworks, dance performances, kids’ activities, and more to kick off 2014, as St. Louis turns 250. $10 adults, $5 children. 6 p.m.–12:15 a.m. Grand Center, Grand Boulevard and Olive Street, 314-289-1521, firstnightstl.org.
By Nancy Curtis and Rosalind Early
Lafayette Square, a New Year’s Eve celebration at Grand Center, and more.
By Rosalind Early and Nancy Curtis
