Stagecrafters opens its 2011-12 season with a nostalgic look back to the early 1900s with the musical production of "Meet Me in St. Louis," which runs Sept. 16 through Oct. 9 at the Baldwin Theatre, 415 S. Lafayette in downtown Royal Oak.
Based on the classic MGM movie musical starring Judy Garland, "Meet Me In St. Louis" is a joyous celebration of love, family and community featuring the standards "Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas," "The Trolley Song" and "The Boy Next Door." The show was written by Hugh Martin, Ralph Blaine and Hugh Wheeler. The turn of the last century will come alive on the Baldwin stage as a year in the life of the close-knit Smith family plays out against the backdrop of their beloved hometown of St. Louis as it prepares to host the 1904 World's Fair.
This simple story of family and nostalgia is the inspiration for director Dolly Scheibelhut and the production staff. "The show has no villain or major conflict. What makes it so special is the characters who are so familiar and the very simplicity of a story that is so universal and relates to everyone," she says.
Advance tickets for regular performances are $18 and $20.
In addition to the 14 scheduled performances, Stagecrafters is hosting a Ladies Night Out on Thursday, Sept. 15. The doors will open at 6 p.m. and guests will be served light hors d'oeuvres and non-alcoholic beverages as they stroll among displays of select Royal Oak retailers. Also included for the evening is a hat contest, a cash bar and the final dress rehearsal of "Meet Me in St. Louis."Tickets are $25. For complete information, call 248-541-6430.
