Union Avenue Opera – Pop Life STL

Union Avenue Opera’s ‘Salome’ Delivers Power and Uneven Spectacle

By CB AdamsIt is a rare pleasure to encounter "Salome," Richard Strauss’s 1905 masterpiece (after Oscar Wilde’s scandalous play), on a St. Louis stage. Union... Details

A Classic Reimagined: Union Avenue Opera’s Vocally Rich ‘My Fair Lady’

Chas Adams
July 7, 2025
10 min read

By CB Adams Once considered the sacred domain of soaring arias and tragic finales, the modern opera house has become an increasingly hospitable venue for... Details

The Beauty of Union Avenue Opera’s ‘Into the Woods’ Is No Fairytale

By CB AdamsUnion Avenue Opera’s production of “Into The Woods,” stage directed by Jennifer Wintzer, is a rich tapestry. From the set design through the... Details

Union Avenue Opera’s Pared Down ‘Aida’ Soars on Vocal Performances

By CB Adams Union Avenue Opera’s concert version of Giuseppe Verdi’s “Aida” seems to have taken its cue from George Bernard Shaw when he wrote:... Details

Union Avenue Opera’s ‘Carmen’ Delivers Compelling Moments Tempered by Contemporary Issues

Chas Adams
July 8, 2024
11 min read

By CB Adams Poor Carmen. As the protagonist in George Bizet’s 1875 opera, she’s sometimes reduced to being the poster person for critical analysis of... Details

Union Avenue Opera’s ‘Don Pasquale’ Is a Frothy, Summery Treat

By CB Adams As if to serve as a counterpoint to Union Avenue Opera’s (UAO) festival-opening but decidedly heavy “Turn Of the Screw,” the company... Details

Union Avenue Delivers a Powerfully Haunting ‘Turn of the Screw’

By CB Adams Benjamin Britten said that “Composing is like driving down a foggy road.” He could just as easily been describing the experience of... Details

The Black Rep and Stages St. Louis Tie with 7 Wins at St. Louis Theater Circle

By Lynn VenhausStages St. Louis' "In the Heights," a jubilant celebration of culture, community, and connection, won six awards, including Outstanding Musical Production, Music Director,... Details

Union Avenue Ends Festival Season With Some Scrumptious Sondheim

By CB Adams It’s been a bit of a “Sondheim Summer” here in St. Louis, bookended by Far North Theatricals' "Assassins," The Muny’s “Sweeney Todd”... Details