What's Happening in Kirkwood, MO…

The YoungLiars, a new theater company in St. Louis, started its inaugural season with a production called ‘The Dispute’.

The offering was based on the French play ‘La Dispute’, which dates back to the 18th Century. The original was written by Chamblain de Marivaux and adapted for today's audiences by its director, Chuck Harper, and Maggie Conroy. They cite using a “semi-literal Google translation”, as well as a number of etiquette texts from various time periods.

The new theatrical troupe, which includes several members of the now-closed HotCity Theatre, says it hopes to create “unique, inter-disciplinary” theatrical performances. In the case of ‘The Dispute’, this approach meant having the audience walking around the Centene Center's ballroom as cast members offered them drinks and made conversation. In the background, Jeff Skoblow, playing the role of a man named Mssr. Monsieur, complained over a microphone about the loss of his inspiration. Cast members then assembled chairs, the audience took seats, and the performance began in earnest.

YoungLiars' schedule is projected to include both radical reimaginings of classic theatrical pieces, and new works. At the moment, the company does not have a permanent home, but performs in whichever venue best suits the material.

Since they need to reach their audience, YoungLiars management could work with a flyer printing company on a mailer for St. Louis residents, listing upcoming productions, dates, and locations of the performances.