St. Louis is home to the Gateway Arch, some of the best pizza you can find, and one of the most vibrant and diverse local theatre scenes in the United States. In the heart of this thriving cultural landscape stands NJT, a premier theatre that features local professional actors in awe-inspiring stage performances that explore universal themes through a Jewish lens. Theatre brings together people from all walks of life, nurtures creativity for audiences and actors alike, and gives a platform for all points of view and voices to be heard. Thinking about checking out a play in St. Louis? Here’s why you should support local theatre by attending a show from NJT’s 2025 season!
Why Supporting Local Theatre In St. Louis Matters
Going to a show at NJT is a fantastic way to entertain and educate the entire family. In addition to having a fun time with your loved ones, seeing a theatre production helps the entire community. It creates an outlet for audiences and artists to exchange ideas, all while supporting the local economy. Here are some reasons why you should check out a show in St. Louis at the NJT this season!
Cultural Enrichment
Local theatre serves as a cultural cornerstone, offering unique experiences that reflect and shape our community’s identity. NJT shares experiences through the eyes of all types of characters as they explore many of the struggles others face but from their unique perspective. Through thought-provoking productions, NJT provides a platform for important conversations and cultural exploration.
For example, our upcoming production of “The Wanderers” by Anna Ziegler explores two very different Jewish marriages – one Orthodox and one secular. The play delves into the challenges faced by these couples as they strive to balance their individual identities with their family commitments, offering a nuanced look at contemporary Jewish life.
“The Wanderers” encourages audiences to consider different perspectives on marriage, faith, and identity, fostering empathy and understanding for those whose experiences may differ from their own. By witnessing the characters’ struggles and triumphs, viewers may find themselves more open to appreciating the diversity within their own communities and beyond.
Community Building
Attending theatre performances is a powerful community-building experience that extends far beyond the stage. From the casual conversations struck up while waiting in line at the concession stand to the animated discussions with your neighbor during intermission, theatre provides organic opportunities to connect with fellow audience members. You might even unexpectedly run into an old friend, sparking a renewed connection over a shared love of the arts.
There’s a unique beauty in shared experiences, and live theatre offers this in abundance. How many of us will forever remember the electrifying energy of a particular performance, the soaring melodies of a musical, or the thought-provoking themes explored in a play?
These shared moments create a sense of unity and belonging. It fosters a stronger, more connected community that celebrates the power of storytelling. With its timeless music and relevant themes, productions like “Cabaret” have the potential to become unforgettable experiences that bind us together through art.
Economic Impact
Supporting local theatre is a feel-good time for the audience, but it also has a positive ripple effect on the St. Louis economy. Theatres create jobs for actors, directors, technicians, and administrative staff.
When you spend your hard-earned money on a theatre ticket, it helps the community. Your support enables people to make an honest living. Buying tickets enables your community members to put food on their tables, neighbors to enroll their children in dance and sports clubs, or local actors to pay their way through school.
Plus, many of us look at going to the theatre as a night out. A lot of theatre-goers often combine their experience with dining and shopping, boosting revenue for nearby businesses. So, when there’s a show going on in St. Louis, everyone wins!
Artistic Growth
Frequenting local theatre performances in St. Louis plays a crucial role in nurturing artistic growth. Actors thrive on repetition and audience feedback, refining their craft with each performance.
By supporting NJT, you’re actively participating in the artistic development of talented individuals. The energy and reactions from a live audience provide invaluable insights that help actors fine-tune their portrayals and develop their skills.
NJT has established itself as a prestigious platform for nurturing talent. This is evidenced by its impressive 175 nominations and 29 wins from the St. Louis Theatre Circle Awards over its 25-year history. The theater’s commitment to excellence is further underscored by its recent 19 nominations for the 2024 season.
The plays chosen by NJT offer unique and challenging roles that allow actors to push their boundaries and showcase their versatility. For instance, “Two Jews Walk into a War” presents two complex characters, Ishaq and Zeblyan, as the last remaining Jews in Afghanistan.
This Middle Eastern odd couple must navigate their differences while preserving their faith, providing actors with rich, multifaceted roles to explore. By attending such productions, audiences witness captivating performances while supporting the growth and development of actors tackling these nuanced characters.
It’s Fun
Local theatre offers a fantastic, affordable night out for the entire family in St. Louis. From captivating plays to engaging musicals, there’s something for everyone to enjoy.
Whether you’re a seasoned theatre-goer or a first-time attendee, the experience of witnessing a live performance is truly special. It can spark meaningful conversations, introduce you to new cultures, and create lifelong memories.
NJT’s upcoming season is full of fun and engaging options for the entire family! If you’re seeking a classic theatrical experience, “Cabaret” promises a dazzling night of music and drama. For those who enjoy a good laugh, “Ken Ludwig’s Baskerville: A Sherlock Holmes Mystery” offers a hilarious twist on the iconic detective story. And if you’re looking for a thought-provoking and inspiring story, “The Heidi Chronicles” explores the journey of a woman navigating a changing world.
No matter your preference, local theatre in St. Louis provides memorable and enriching experiences that won’t break the bank. So gather your friends and family, explore the diverse offerings, and discover the joy of live theatre!
2025 St. Louis Theatre Season: NJT’s Upcoming Shows
Get ready for a season of laughter, tears, and unforgettable stories with NJT’s 2025 lineup! From March through December, we’re bringing you a collection of shows that will touch your heart, tickle your funny bone, and leave you pondering long after the curtain falls.
Cabaret (March 20 – April 6)
Step into the smoky, alluring Kit Kat Klub in 1930s Berlin, where life is beautiful! But beneath the dazzling surface lies a city on the brink of change. This daring and provocative musical will have you humming along while also prompting reflection on a society in turmoil.
The Heidi Chronicles (May 29 – June 15)
Follow Heidi Holland as she navigates the evolving landscape of American womanhood from the 1960s to the 1980s. Wendy Wasserstein’s Pulitzer Prize-winning play is both witty and poignant, exploring Heidi’s search for identity and fulfillment in a rapidly changing world.
Two Jews Walk into a War… (July 24 – August 10)
Get ready to laugh out loud with this unconventional comedy! Meet Ishaq and Zeblyan, the last two Jews in Afghanistan. This duo must find a way to keep their traditions alive without driving each other crazy. It’s a heartwarming and hilarious tale of faith, friendship, and the enduring power of community.
The Wanderers (September 11 – September 28)
Delve into the complexities of marriage and identity in this thought-provoking play by Anna Ziegler. “The Wanderers” explores two seemingly different Jewish marriages and the challenges they face in balancing individual desires with family obligations. It’s funny, moving, and sure to spark conversation.
Ken Ludwig’s Baskerville: A Sherlock Holmes Mystery (November 20 – December 7)
Put on your deerstalker cap and prepare for a sidesplitting adventure! Comedic genius Ken Ludwig transforms Arthur Conan Doyle’s classic “The Hound of the Baskervilles” into a fast-paced, laugh-out-loud whodunit. With clever twists and zany characters, this is one mystery you won’t want to miss!
Don’t miss out on these incredible shows! Grab your season tickets now and join us for a year of exceptional theatre. We can’t wait to see you at the theatre!