Movies. Music. Monster trucks. Oh, the joys that the week ahead has to offer. Those who have followed this newsletter for a while may remember my love for the Monster Jam, which continues to charm me, even though deafening noise, diesel smells, and big trucks donât usually hold much interest for me. (I mean, I donât even drive.) Iâll be there on Sunday (Sunday SUNDAY!) to cap off a wild week of taking in some of the best that St. Louis has to offer.
The rest of my schedule this week includes a stop at Powell Hall for the latest Playlist concert (see below), an afternoon trip to the Saint Louis Art Museum to take in the grandeur of Anselm Kiefer: Becoming the Sea, and a visit to the Alamo Drafthouse to cash in my birthday treat and catch the latest entry in the 28 Days Later franchise. By the time this weekend has wrapped up, I think Iâll be grateful for Monster Jamâs midday end time. Long live family-friendly event hours.
As always, thanks for subscribing, and feel free to reply to this email with your thoughts, ideas, and questions. Until next time!
LOVE ST. LOUIS?Wear it proudly with St. Louis Magazine merch! Every purchase supports local journalism. Free shipping to Missouri and Illinois. Shop Merch »
KNOW SOMEONE WHO'D ENJOY THIS EMAIL? DIRECT THEM HERE TO SIGN UP.
Dacre Montgomery and Bill SkarsgÄrd in Dead Man's Wire (2025). Directed by Gus Van Sant. Courtesy of Rotten Tomatoes.
Dead Manâs Wire stokes the flames of high-profile Midwestern film productions
Missouri actor Michael Ashcraft offers his perspective on working with director Gus Van Sant and the bright future for film productions in the Midwest.
Director Gus Van Santâs latest film, Dead Manâs Wire, which releases wide on January 16, is the latest in a string of film productions that show how Hollywood productions are slowly making their way to the Midwest.
The setup: Set in Indianapolis in 1977, the film follows the real-life story of Tony Kiritsis (Bill SkarsgĂ„rd), a real estate developer who takes mortgage lender Richard Hall (Dacre Montgomery) hostage, believing Hall and his father are scheming to sell a property out from under him at a profit. Kiritsis wired the muzzle of a sawed-off shotgun to the back of Hallâs head with a âdead manâs wireâ (hence the filmâs name), which would kill Hall if police tried to shoot and kill Kiritsis. The film dives deep into the specifics of the situation, particularly the response from law enforcement and the media circus that ensued.
Casting call: Kansas Cityâbased actor Michael Ashcraft, who plays Deputy County Prosecutor George Martz in Dead Manâs Wire, has seen the trendâs impacts firsthand. Ashcraft has been working for more than 30 years, but has recently had luck finding work with productions that have been coming to Missouri and beyond. He was hired for the role through the St. Louis agency TalentPlus and found himself in Louisville working on the project in January 2025.
Star power: âThe opportunity to work in top-notch productions with top talent coming to the Midwest is so exciting,â Ashcraft says. âNever in my wildest dreams did I think I would be sitting in a green room with Colman Domingo and Cary Elwes, working with Gus Van Sant, making a movie not in Los Angeles.â
Presented by the New Zealandâbased Indian Ink Theatre Company, the latest production in The Repâs Steve Woolf Studio Series gives a new meaning to the phrase âdinner theater.â The two actors who bring Mrs. Krishnanâs Party to life juggle the responsibilities of hosting, telling their stories, and cooking daal (a hearty, delicious lentil curry) for their guests, all while rolling with the punches of an improvised performance. No performance is exactly the same, so you may just find yourself longing for another invitation. January 14âFebruary 8. Emerson Studio Theatre, 130 Edgar.
DO
The Dream Reimagined: Youth Voices Uplifted
This yearâs Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Celebration at the Saint Louis Art Museum will see performances from St. Louis Poet Laureate Elaine Anderson and students from local schools and performing arts institutions. Experience music, dance, theater, and poetry inspired by Kingâs lasting legacy at this afternoon performance in the museumâs Farrell Auditorium. January 18. Saint Louis Art Museum, 1 Fine Arts.
LISTEN
Playlist: Symphony Happy Hour
If youâve ever been intimidated by a night at the symphony, the St. Louis Symphony Orchestraâs Playlist concert series is for you. These one-hour concerts provide helpful context and encourage thoughtful listening during the performance, then invite audience members to stick around for a drink, conversation, and more music. This weekâs edition will see Samuel Hollister conduct Beethovenâs Symphony No. 7. January 15. Jack C. Taylor Music Center, 718 N. Grand.
READ
Firestorm
This Friday, the St. Louis County Library Foundationâs Westfall Politics and History Series will welcome MS NOW senior political and national correspondent Jacob Soboroff to discuss Firestorm: The Great Los Angeles Fires and Americaâs New Age of Disasters. The new book is Soboroffâs on-the-ground account of the 2025 LA fires, reported during and after the devastation through conversations with firefighters, victims, politicians, scientists, and more. January 16. St. Louis County Library Clark Family Branch, 1640 S. Lindbergh.
Canaan Wellspring fights through pushback to bring Palestinian dance to St. Louis stage (STLPR): Palestinian dance troupe Canaan Wellspring has had difficulty finding spaces to perform dabke, the traditional Levantine folk dance thatâs performed for many occasions in Palestine. But on January 10, the group finally hosted a first-of-its-kind performance at Logan University in Chesterfield.
Steve Ewing to launch residency shows downtown (St. Louis American): The Urge frontman and co-owner of Steveâs Hot Dogs is launching a new weekly residency, Steve Ewing & Friends, at Broadway Oyster Bar. The late-night shows will feature a rotating lineup of local guest artists.
Laumeier Sculpture Park announces 50th anniversary programming (Laumeier Sculpture Park): Laumeier Sculpture Park turns 50 this year, and the art park is marking the anniversary with a year-long celebration themed around the idea of âwhere wander turns to wonderâ featuring special exhibitions, new commissions, public programs, storytelling, and the release of an accompanying publication.
Anyway you slice it (or fry it, or bake it), everyone loves a T-rav, including STLâs best chefs who canât wait to put their spin on this iconic local delicacy. Don't miss out.
Hosted by local entrepreneur and CEO Keith Alper, Fast Forward STL explores the stories, strategies, and surprises behind regional innovation. Watch the trailer and subscribe before the first episode drops on January 15.
đ The Black Rep launches its 49th season: The slate ranges from laughs to womenâs health, history to Shakespeareâwith a twist. Read Now »
đș Kirkwood-based comedian will co-host ABCâs The Greatest Average American: The new primetime game show will see Greg Warren supporting his friend Nate Bargatze. Read Now »
.jpg?upscale=true&width=300&upscale=true&name=REP_Logo%20(1).jpg)
%20(1).png?upscale=true&width=1120&upscale=true&name=Mrs.%20K%20newsletter%20(1)%20(1).png)
.jpg?upscale=true&width=460&upscale=true&name=MHM%20T-rav%201%20(1).jpg)
