u/STL_CPA

New broadcast shows starting in 6-8 weeks. What fall shows are folks excited about???

Just saw Meet Me In St. Louis stage production (in St. Louis of course) and it's a fun throwback to a different time. Here are some things I learned about it.

- The movie version, released in 1944, was inspired by the success of Oklahoma! It went on to be one of the most successful films of that year.

- Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas- the melancholy song near the end, was written for the audience of 1944 when World War II had separated many families. The original lyric, "It may be your last" had to be changed to "let your heart be light".

- The musical was based on New Yorker articles by Sally Benson and memories of her childhood in 1904.

- The 1904 Worlds Fair was supposed to be in 1903- the 100th anniversary of the Louisiana Purchase but was delayed by financial and construction problems. It was still billed as the Louisiana Purchase Exhibition.

- The musical didn't hit Broadway until 1989, when it got nominated for 4 Tony Awards.

- In addition to the most well-known songs like the Trolley Song, more than 25 additional songs have been written into various versions, including a new one for the 2026 St. Louis version.

- Meet Me In St. Louis has played in St Louis 9 times since its debut in 1960, playing on the same fairgrounds as the original 1904 fair.

https://preview.redd.it/eudk0l5axkih1.png?width=750&format=png&auto=webp&s=120585082e5aae881129889be5a59e9a83759aef

I've tried to enter the SNL lottery every August for several years and never heard back. Do they read the submissions? Is there anything I could add to increase my chances? And how far in advance to they let you know for those of us who would have to make travel plans? SNL live taping is definitely a bucket list item for me.

What are people's favorite pre-1970's musicals? I'm afraid the younger generation may be missing out on Rogers and Hammerstein and their cohorts.

One of our local companies is asking for input into next year. Which of the following would people vote for?

- Heart of Rock and Roll- the Huey Lewis Musical

- A Wonderful World- The Louis Armstrong Musical

- Trading Places- the new Broadway musical

- 17 Again- A new musical

- Catch me if you can

-Kimberly Akimbo

I'm not familiar with any of these and none have ever been to my city. They are mixing these with some golden oldies like Annie, Funny Girl, Bye Bye Birdie, Man of La Mancha, Cabaret and Hello Dolly. I never know exactly who they will pick or who to vote for, but it's nice to be asked.

Seeing newsies tonight at an outdoor theater. Has to be one of my top ten. What are folks opinions on the musical changes from the Disney movie?