Podcast appearances and mentions of ron himes

Ron Himes never intended to spend his life on the stage but when he saw fellow Black students at Washington University left out of productions he wanted to do something. In 1976 he created his own theater company which would eventually evolve into The Black Rep of St. Louis. For nearly 50 years they've put on shows of all sizes and in all forms with the goal of sharing the African American experience through the power of art. As they gear up for their milestone season, we sat down with Ron, the theater's founder to talk about the story behind the company and what the future holds.

Lynn & Carl are joined by Saint Louis Theatre Legend, Ron Himes to talk about his role in The Rep's Clyde's now thru 3/2 and the Black Rep's production of Coconut Cake also through 3/2. Plus his upcoming SECOND completion of The August Wilson Century Cycle. Then they discuss the new release of Captain America: Brave New World. Plus the Theatre Roundup and SNL 50.

Presumptive 1st Congressional District, Congressman Wesley Bell, started things off with some insightful comments, indicating his willingness,  to work together, with other elected officials in the first district, for the betterment of all first district residents. ----  Bell, appears to be comfortable, with embracing his new role as Congressman, for Missouri's 1st Congressional District. ----- Ray Hartmann, is the Democratic candidate for Congress, in the 2nd Congressional District, a seat long occupied by incumbent, Republican Ann Wagner, joined us at the bottom of the first hour. ------ Hartmann was the owner and publisher of the Riverfront Times and StLouis Magazine. Ray is also well known after 37 years, as a staunch liberal on Donnybrook, on the local PBS station, channel nine. ------ Ray Hartmann, has always through his publications, supported the African American Community's, rights, to fair treatment in criminal justice matters and a woman's right to choose, he subscribes to a “progressive” agenda. ------   Hartmann, does acknowledge that his is an “up hill battle” to unseat six term incumbent Ann Wagner, in Missouri's 2nd Congressional District, in the upcoming November General Elections. -----    We next spoke with Tameka Dovail Stigers, a founding member, of the grass roots organization, North St. Louis Business Coalition. The group, led the efforts to bring attention to what they refer to as the “atrocious mismanagement” of the North City Small Business & Non-Profit Grant Program, led by SLDC. ------ Ron Himes, founder director of our world renowned, St. Louis Black Repertory Company, rounded off two hours of informative, entertaining and interesting conversations on the 175th episode of the Kdhx podcast Tangazo. ------ Himes, is entering his 48th year, as director of the black communities, most venerable and prestigious cultural institution. ----- The theater group, is hosting its annual fall fundraiser at CASA, scheduled for November 9th, featuring the Golden Voices Choir, of Spellman College. Jazz Diva, Denise Thimes's, is one of this year's Woodie awards recipients  Old friend Rudy Nickens, longtime Black Repertory supporter, will also receive an award for his work and dedication to human and civil rights for all people.  Find Tangazo and other great podcast at podcast.kdhx.org. ------- 

The 170th episode of Tangazo, begins with Ferguson Police spokesperson Patricia Washington, updating us on injured Ferguson Police officer Travis Brown. ----- Officer Brown,remains in critical condition as a result of injuries, sustained during an ill advised protest, at the Ferguson Police Department. The group had assembled in Ferguson to commemorate the 10th anniversary, of the death of Michael Brown, that sparked demonstrations that led to looting and the destruction, of a number businesses in Ferguson and nearby Dellwood.  Michael Browns death, also led to numerous reforms including total integration, of the once all white police department, the election of Ferguson'e first black mayor, Ella M. Jones and the election of Wesley Bell, as St.Louis County's first African American Prosecutor! ------ Tim Person and social justice activist Attorney Jerryl Christmas, joined me studio during the 1st hour, which included Robert Green, promoting his Afro Day in the Park, in celebration of civil rights activist, the legendary Percy Green II. The event is scheduled for October 5th- 7th., at Fairgrounds Park. ------ The second hour of Tangazo, focuses on  The St. Louis Black Repertory Company's 48th season opening play,  the Blues in the night, which opens September 4th and runs through September 22nd. ------- Longtime Black Repertory actor, J Samuel Davis and Musical Director Khalid McGhee,  led an animated conversation describing “Blues In The Night” as a must see, wonderful evening of entertainment! ------- We encourage you to support Ron Himes and our nationally renowned,  St.Louis Black Repertory Company! ------

This 161st episode of Tangazo - a Podcast from KDHX, will have something for everyone, with social, political and cultural matters being discussed. ------   Social Justice activist Reverend Darryl Gregory Gray, along with Dr. Jazmine Nolan-Echols PhD, former Chairman of the StLouis Charter Commission, join me in the 1st hour for an insightful, informative and compelling discussion, on the cities efforts to further streamline city government. -----   Ron Himes, founder of our magnificent StLouis Black Repertory Theater Company was on hand to talk about the Blk Repertory's new production of Timbuktu, debuting last evening at the Edison Theater on the Washington University campus. -----     We were privileged to be there for opening night to witness another spectacular performance by the StLouis The St. Louis Black Repertory Company. ------   Timbuktu is a dazzling play, a musical drama that we thoroughly enjoyed along with our guest, Sheila Reed, of St.Louis Public radio and former State Representative, James Whitmore. Andreal Hoosman and Nicole Adewale along with hubby Abe Adewale, Clement and Marsha Cann, were just a few of the many friends, I spotted enjoying opening night of TIMBUKTU! Book by Luther Davis, music and lyrics by Robert Wright , at the Edison Theater at Washington University. ----- 

Sgt Donnie Walters explains why the Ethical Society of Black Police Officers Association, supports State takeover of SLPD. ---- Ron Himes Founder Director of the award winning St.Louis Black Repertory Theater and Robert Green, artist/activist and community organizer talk theatre art and the Juneteenth celebration scheduled for June 19th in Fairground Park. ----

On this episode of Tangazo - a Podcast from KDHX, we had another all star lineup discussing upcoming arts, cultural and entertainment events kicking off this MLK weekend in the St.Louis metro area.   My guest for this episode of Tangazo, included Robert A Powell, founder of the Portfolio Arts and Education Gallery, discussing his upcoming annual “All Colors” Visual Arts Invitational exhibit, at the StLouis Artists Guild,located at 12 North Jackson ave in Clayton.  Thirty nine artists, from across the country including local  artists, will display over sixty five, works of art.  The event will open Saturday January 13th, with a reception 5pm until 8 and will run through February 17th. T   Ron Himes, the iconic founder and director of the world renowned St.Louis Black Repertory Theatre Company, discussed his 47th season which opens with Paul Webb's, world premiere of his play “Hold On” at the Edison Theater January 12th. on the Washington University campus.  The play deals with the March on Selma and the collective struggle for voting rights, for black peoples in America. Local media celebrity Tammie Holland, makes her acting debut in Paul Webb's powerful drama “Hold On.”   Dwight Bosman, of the legendary Bosman Twins, sat in with us for this remarkable conversation on art, theater and jazz music.  Dwayne Bosman, was under the weather and unable to join us.  The Bosman Twins  are very popular in Chicago and are regularly featured at the iconic Winters Jazz Club, in the Windy City, along with  Denise Thimes.    

Another all star panel, for the latest episode of the KDHX podcast Tangazo. ------   World renowned Jazz Diva the incomparable Denise Thimes, spoke passionately about her mission with the Mildred Thimes Pancreatic Foundation, which she founded in 2011. -------   The foundation is named for Denise's mother the late Mildred Thimes, who succumbed to pancreatic cancer. -------   Denise, also talks about her deep relationship with Ron Himes and the iconic, St.Louis Black Repertory Theatre Company.  Thimes was featured in numerous Black Repertory productions throughout the years, including “Joe Turner Has Come and Gone” and one of my all time favorites,”Seven Guitars with the late, Linda Kennedy. -------   She also talks about how she and the Bosman Twins have taken Chicago by storm, often appearing back to back on weekends at the iconic Winters Jazz Club,  in downtown Chicago. ------   Himes, Founder and Director of the world recognized StLouis  Black Repertory Theatre Company, talks with energy and enthusiasm about his upcoming 47th season and the Reps annual Fall fundraising Gala, scheduled for November the 11th.. -----   The gala will feature the nationally known Tuskegee Golden Voices Concert Choir directed by Dr. Wayne Barr. The choir was founded in 1887 by Booker T Washington. ------   Actor  Wendell Pierce, will receive the Black Repertory's Woodie King lifetime achievement award, at the Gala . -----   Pierce won critical acclaim for his starring role of ‘Willie Lomax, in Arthur Millers, “Death of a Salesman” on broadway.  He has had role's in numerous movies including, Malcom X, Selma and Waiting to Exhale, just to name a few. ------   Antonio Fargus aka Huggy Bear, of the Starsky and Hutch tv series, will be in attendance.   Lastly we spoke with Ousmane Gaye, a Griot fellow with the “Griot Black History Museum,” founded by its Director Lois Conley, once  known as the, “World Black History Wax Museum.” -------   The Griot Black History Museum, has gained national recognition as one of the best Black History Museums in the nation. ------   

Lynn & Carl speak with The Black Rep's Ron Himes about his new show Eubie! about (who else) Eubie Brooks starting next week at the Edison Theatre. They then discuss new releases: Are You There God? It's Me, Margaret, Ghosted, Showing Up, Peter Pan & Wendy and Carole King: Here Again. Plus they discuss the theatre round-up.

It's been a busy last few days highlighted by the StLouis Metropolitan Urban Leagues,”Salute to Blacks in Media,”downtown Luncheon. ———  It was the awards ceremony that was more than you could have ever imagined it would be! A special thanks Urban League President Michael Patrick McMillan and Vice President of Communications, Patricia Washington and their wonderful support staff.—— Congratulations to all of my fellow awardees. it was a great honor to have been selected with such a legendary group of radio, television and media professionals! —— Last evening we put the finishing touches another Black History Month , with a few special friends from the arts and entertainment community. ——— Robert Lawrence Salter aka Scotty Lawrence, joined us to talk about his new musical pursuits, including the release of his inspirational cd titled,”Scotty's Journey.” ——— Bob credits divine intervention, as his pathway toward fulfilling his life's destiny. ——- The ever amazing Bosman Twins, Dwayne an Dwight Bosman, have taken Chicago by storm , routinely selling out every show, at the Winters Jazz club, in downtown Chicago. ——— Between upcoming shows in Detroit and Atlanta, there's Joes Cafe, in Clayton where their sets consistently sell out. —— Ron Himes, founder and Director of the iconic nationally known, StLouis Black Repertory Company, talks extensively about the Reps touring company's play, celebrating the life Of StLouis Attorney Frankie Freeman.  The play is performed at schools throughout the StLouis Metro area. ——— Ron reminds us that the current play,”Light,” starring Coda Boyce, who we know from the Black Reps play,” Fire Flies,” is running now through March 5th. ——— Friend cabaret singer/ actress Laka Pronounced Lay-ka, shared her historical experience with StLouis's black culture, while performing the lead role in, Joe Hanrahan's ”StLouis Woman,” this past fall. ——— The one woman play featured biopics of StLouis natives, Tina Turner, Josephine Baker, Katherine Dunham and gospel legend, Willie Mae Ford. ——— StLouis Woman, ran for several weeks, at the downtown Zack Theater, receiving rave reviews while playing to full houses. ——— This is a very entertaining and interesting program befitting the end of, Black History Month 2023. ———

Tonight on this episode of the KDHX podcast Tangazo, we asked the question, are we losing the importance of preserving our black culture, in our mad dash for assimilation into white America. —— Our distinguished panel all purveyors of black culture included Ron Himes, founder and director of our magnificent St. Louis Black Repertory Theater company and Victor Little, of the iconic Afro World. ——— Lauren A. Parks, founder and CEO of the east sides, House of Miles and Owen K Woodard, producer of the short film, ”The Mink Slide.” ——— On our last episode of Tangazo, we discussed the legacy of civil rights icon, the late Dr. Martin Luther King jr. We agreed that King's push for total integration, had many negative consequences, especially for a once-thriving black community, in the city of St. Louis. Including contributing to the mass exodus, of the Black middle class, into St. Louis county. ——— Understanding that the basic components, of our black culture, are rooted in our African heritage, with unity and a common sense of purpose, being the foundation for our survival, of centuries of racial oppression. ——— This is a conversation that our community needs to have as we head into,” Black History Month.” ——— Produced by Sasha Hay for KDHX

Ron Himes, St. Louis Black Rep joins Tom and Debbie discussing the upcoming season and saving historic murals.

Last evening on the kdhx podcast Tangazo, we continued our tour of Upcoming cultural and artistic events, in the Stlouis metro area. Of course the bedrock for the Stlouis African American culture scene, has to be the magnificent St. Louis Black Repertory Theater company and its iconic founder and director Ron Himes. —— The Black Repertory opens its 46th season September 7th, with “The African Company Presents Richard 111,” written by Carlyle Brown and directed by Ron Himes. ——— The legendary Bosman Twins, are without a doubt the face of jazz music in the metro area and are now taking Chicago like a storm, they along with Super star jazz vocalist Denise Thimes, are regularly featured at the Winters jazz club, in downtown Chicago. ——— The iconic twins, Dwayne and Dwight Bosman are excited about their upcoming appearance, at the “Music At The Intersection,” event at Grandel Square, with 50 acts across 4 stages scheduled for September 10-11. ——— We are also joined by Hana S Sharif, Artistic Director of Repertory Theater of St. Louis, aka Loretta Hilton, of Webster Groves. Ms. Shariff has enjoyed an extensive theater career, including artistic leader, director, playwright and producer with a specialty in “strategic and cross functional leadership.” ——— Hana and Ron Himes, are both excited with their abilities to collaborate on theatrical projects. ——— The Repertory Theater of St. Louis's 2022 season, began August 30th with Madhuri Shekar's, House of Joy.

Ron Himes Black Repretory Theatre

Last night's episode of the KDHX podcast Tangazo focused on live theater in the St. Louis metro area. —— We begin with Ron Himes, the iconic founder and director of the magnificent St. Louis Black Repertory Company, discussing Dontrell Who Kissed the Seas, which debuted last week at the Edison Theater to rave reviews and runs through July 24th. —— Next up is Joe Hanrahan, artistic director for the Midnight Theater and Film company, talking about his play St. Louis Woman set to debut on October 6th, starring our very own Laka (Pronounced Lay-ka). Ron Himes and Joe Hanrahan,  began their theatrical careers at the same time and have collaborated throughout their 40-plus years in theater in the St. Louis metro area.  ——- Laka is set to make her stage debut in St. Louis Woman Hanrahan's play about black women singers who came from St. Louis, such as Josephine Baker, Tina Turner and Fontella Bass. —— Ours was a candid conversation of how the St. Louis Repertory Theatre company, once known as the Loretta Hilton in Webster Groves, differs from the St. Louis Black Repertory Company, in terms of their missions. This episode of Tangazo is actually St. Louis theater 101.

Olajuwon Davis had big dreams for the theater stage and movie screen, but his arrest during the Ferguson protests of 2014 led to headlines about the Black Panthers, the FBI and a foiled bomb plot. After six years in federal prison, Davis is a free man and back on stage in St. Louis with the Black Rep. Joined by Black Rep founder Ron Himes, Davis discusses his downfall, his time in prison, and his new roles in “Dontrell, Who Kissed the Sea.”

Brennan and Marxkors begin the final week for Brennan by discussing about protestors at the house of a couple Supreme Court Justices and your phone calls on President Biden wanting to forgive student loans. Jane Hoffman, former Commissioner of Consumer Affairs for NYC and author of Your Data, Their Billions: Unraveling and Simplifying Big Tech talks about how big tech knows more about us than our family and friends. Ron Himes, Founder of the St. Louis Black Repertory Company joins Brennan and Marxkors talking about what is new at the Black Repertory that is starting this Friday.

Ron Himes, Founder of the St. Louis Black Repertory Company joins Brennan and Marxkors talking about what is new at the Black Repertory that is starting this Friday. 

We are always so delighted to talk with Ron Himes, even if it's just for a few minutes in his busy day.  Mr. Himes, Founder and Producer of The Black Rep in St. Louis, was invited along with his cast and crew to perform “Sweat” at the 2022 Inge Festival (Kansas' Official State Playwright Festival in Independence, Kansas) by Lynn Nottage on Friday, April 22nd.  Ms. Nottage is being honored at this Playwright Festival.  You can either go in person this weekend, or you can watch it virtually (link below).     And the cast and crew in St. Louis is in rehearsal for August Wilson's play, Jitney, which opens May 11th, 2022.  There will be more to come about this play, but we were able to chat just a little about it with Mr. Himes!   ST. LOUIS REPERTORY COMPANY CONTACT INFORMATION:  Website:  https://www.theblackrep.org/  Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/stlblackrep Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/stlblackrep/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/stlblackrep 6662 Olive Blvd, University City, MO.  314.534.3810   2022 Inge Festival in Independence, Kansas William Inge Center for the Arts Website:  https://ingecenter.org/ Get your Virtual or in-person Tickets online here: https://ingecenter.org/civicrm/event/register/?id=4&reset=1    ***** HOW TO LISTEN TO THE PLATTE RIVER BARD PODCAST  Listen at https://platteriverbard.podbean.com or anywhere you get your podcasts.  We are on Apple, Google, Pandora, Spotify, iHeart Radio, Podbean, Overcast, Listen Now, Castbox and anywhere you get your podcasts. You may also find us by just asking Alexa.  Listen on your computer or any device on our website: https://www.platteriverbard.com. Find us on You Tube: https://youtube.com/channel/UCPDzMz8kHvsLcJRV-myurvA. Please find us and Subscribe!

It's our 100th Episode!  And we are celebrating by talking with Ron Himes, founder and Producing Director of the St. Louis Black Repertory Company, who graces us with a devised piece, Traveling Shoes, at the Nebraska Repertory Theatre.  There are only two performances of this important piece of work which includes poems, prose, dance, and songs to convey the need to have difficult conversations and realizations about contemporary social issues. Ron also talks with us about his current productions at the St. Louis Black Repertory Company in St. Louis, Missouri, in which the rest of the current season also invokes provocative discussions - and yet, there's still more to hear in our discussion.  So listen in to the podcast, come to one (or both) of the performances this weekend March 26th and 27th at the Nebraska Repertory Theatre, and then plan your next trip to St. Louis to see Ron's other illuminating productions! ***** NEBRASKA REPERTORY THEATRE CONTACT INFO: Website: https://nebraskarep.org/  Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/nebraskarep Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nebraskarep/ Box Office phone number 402-472-2567. 301 N 12th St, Lincoln, NE 68508 ***** ST. LOUIS BLACK REPERTORY COMPANY CONTACT INFO: Website: https://theblackrep.org Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/stlblackrep Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/explore/locations/305030412/the-st-louis-black-repertory-company/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/stlblackrep 6662 Olive Boulevard, University City, MO ***** HOW TO LISTEN TO THE PLATTE RIVER BARD PODCAST  Listen at https://platteriverbard.podbean.com or anywhere you get your podcasts.  We are on Apple, Google, Pandora, Spotify, iHeart Radio, Podbean, Overcast, Listen Now, Castbox and anywhere you get your podcasts. You may also find us by just asking Alexa.  Listen on your computer or any device on our website: https://www.platteriverbard.com. Find us on You Tube: https://youtube.com/channel/UCPDzMz8kHvsLcJRV-myurvA. Please find us and Subscribe!

We speak with Ron Himes, Director of the Nebraska Repertory Theatre's production of “Dontrell, Who Kissed the Sea” November 10-21st. This play, written by Nathan Alan Davis, is a coming-of-age story, and is yet another successful collaboration with the The St. Louis Black Repertory Company, in which Ron founded. His credits and experience are quite extensive, but we hope we can at least give you a glimpse of his talent and his vast contribution to the national theatre community. It is also an example of the commitment to amplifying voices that the Nebraska Repertory Theatre, under Christina Kirks' (Director of the Johnny Carson School of Theatre and Film) fine leadership and collaboration, brings to our state - and something we are so thankful for. *********** NEBRASKA REPERTORY THEATRE CONTACT INFORMATION:  Get your tickets now at  https://nebraskarep.org/season_specific.php?show=1  Website: https://nebraskarep.org/  Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/nebraskarep Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nebraskarep/ Box Office phone number 402-472-2567. 301 N 12th St, Lincoln, NE 68508 *********** ST LOUIS REPERTORY COMPANY CONTACT INFORMATION:  Website:  https://www.theblackrep.org/  *********** HOW TO LISTEN TO THE PLATTE RIVER BARD PODCAST Listen at https://platteriverbard.podbean.com or anywhere you get your podcasts. We are on Apple, Google, Pandora, Spotify, iHeart Radio, Podbean, Overcast, Listen Now, Castbox and anywhere you get your podcasts. You may also find us by just asking Alexa. Listen on your computer or any device on our website: https://www.platteriverbard.com. Find us on You Tube: https://youtube.com/channel/UCPDzMz8kHvsLcJRV-myurvA. Please find us and Subscribe!

https://www.theblackrep.org/ (The Black Repertory Company in St. Louis) just opened its 45th season. Founder and producing director https://www.theblackrep.org/bio-ron-himes (Ron Himes) discusses the plays for this season, the pandemic and theatre, his background forming the company, and what to expect in the future. For tickets call 314.534.3810. https://www.theblackrep.org/plan-your-visit-1-1 (Covid protocols in place). [02.41] Pandemic and theatre-A Silver Lining [05:54] Let's Go Back 45 Years to the Beginning [09:21] Ron Himes-The Director and Actor [13:11] 100 Plays Later as a Director https://www.augustwilsonsociety.org/century-cycle (The American Century Cycle (Pittsburg Cycle)) by https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/August_Wilson (August Wilson) [20:35] It's all a matter of juggling and magic! [22:17] https://www.theblackrep.org/season-45-lineup (Season 45) Sweat (September 8-26, 2021) Dontrell, Who Kissed the Sea (January 12 - 30, 2022) Fireflies (February 09 - 27, 2022) Behind the Sheet (March 16 - April 03, 2022) Jitney (May 11 -29, 2022) [27:10] Annual Gala with The Fisk University Jubilee Singers [27:56] https://www.theblackrep.org/overview-education-and-programs (Education and Programs) This is Season 4! https://stlintune.com/ (stlintune.com)

Join host Hank Thompson on this episode of the KDHX podcast Tangazo! as he speaks with some of Saint Louis' most well known jazz musicians and performing artists about the impacts the pandemic had on their creative and professional lives. Hank is joined by Black Repertory Founder and Producing Director Ron Himes, jazz musicians Dwight and Dwayne Bosman of The Bosman Twins, and local singer Laka, as they share their personal takes on the almost 15-month hiatus of live entertainment and sources of inspiration during this time away from fans.       Hank Thompson         Ron Himes       Laka                      The Bosman Twins Podcast Curation and Editing by Kevin Melter, with production support by Ryan Voelkel and Jon Valley.

ArchCity Defenders and Action St. Louis present the premiere collaborative podcast, "Under The Arch." Your hosts Blake Strode, Executive Director of ArchCity Defenders, and Kayla Reed, Director of Action St. Louis, explore the issues facing our community and the people working to transform them.We're launching Season Two with a focus on Black History Month, celebrating Black Now, Black History, and Black Art. This week's episode features Ron Himes, the Founder and Producing Director of The Black Rep, and Tef Poe, STL native, rapper, musician and activist, in a conversation on St. Louis art and activism, including the Black Rep's play “Spell Number 7” and the Harvard Commonwealth scholarship.Join the conversation around this week's episode using #UnderTheArch and send us your feedback at underthearchpod@gmail.com. Know a local artist who'd like to feature their song in our Music Minute segment? Email us with subject "Music Minute".

This weekend, the Black Rep premieres its production of playwright August Wilson’s “Two Trains Running,” which tells the story of regulars at a Pittsburgh diner grappling with the civil rights movement, eminent domain and the threat of an urban renewal program that will change their neighborhood. In this segment, Sarah Fenske talks about the production with the Black Rep’s founder, Ron Himes, as well as the director for the Black Rep’s production of “Two Trains Running,” Ed Smith.

Last Friday, local theater veteran Linda Kennedy died after battling cancer. She was 68 years old. In this episode of the show, host Sarah Fenske talks with Ron Himes, founder and producing director of the Black Rep, where Kennedy performed many of her greatest roles.

In 2014, writers Michael Walker and Kristen Adele Calhoun met for the first time as grad students in New York City through a play-reading group. On that same day, a young man named Michael Brown was shot nearly 1,000 miles away in Ferguson, Missouri.   Years later, they join host Don Marsh along with The Black Rep's producing director Ron Himes to discuss their "Canfield Drive" production. 

Ron Himes founded The Black Repertory Theater Company in 1976 and he continues to serve as the company's Producing Director. Linda Kennedy has been an accomplished actor for 40 years, spending much of that time performing with the Black Rep.  Get tickets for the next performance by calling the Box Office: 314-534-3810. Here's a look at how the conversation went: Chapter 1. "How do you compete with the instant gratification of social media?" asks Kennedy. Get to know the guests and the Black Rep. (0:00-10:15) Chapter 2. "A responsibility to lead our audience." Director Himes discusses the Black Rep's place in the community. (10:15-18:45) Chapter 3. Seeing yourself represented on stage. Every performance at the theater is different - and each show has the power to change a life. (18:45-25:00) Chapter 4.  "The place to be on a Saturday night." More about the stages where the Black Rep has performed including Washington University's Edison Theater. (25:00-30:00) Chapter 5. "What's your favorite production?" asks Hank. "Generally the next one," responds Himes. (30:00-36:45) Chapter 6. How the St Louis Black Rep compares to its peers. Hint: Your presence is requested at the next performance. (36:45-45:15)   Hank refers to an "Andy" a handful of times in the course of the conversation, that would be KDHX volunteer engineer/producer, Andy Heaslet. You can catch guest host Hank Thompson on the air Sunday nights at 6pm on 88.7 WSIE. *Get well soon, DJ Wilson!*

The Bob Wilcox and Gerry Kowarsky review (1) THE FULL MONTY, by Terrence McNally & David Yazbek, at Stages St. Louis, (2) ALL THE WAY, by Robert Shenkkan, at the Repertory Theatre of St. Louis, (3) TELL ME SOMETHIN’ GOOD, conceived by Ron Himes, at The Black Rep, (4) MR. BURNS: A POST-ELECTRIC PLAY, by Anne Washburn, at R-S Theatrics, (5) FOOTLOOSE, by Dean Pitchford, Walter Bobbie, Tom Snow, et al., at KTK Productions, and (6) MOON OVER BUFFALO, by Ken Ludwig, at the Theatre Guild of Webster Groves.

Bob Wilcox and Gerry Kowarsky interview Ron Himes, Founder & Producing Director of The Black Rep, after reviewing: (1) SPELLBOUND! A MUSICAL FABLE, by Gary F. Bell & Robert L. White, at Stray Dog Theatre, and (2) OKLAHOMA!, by Rodgers and Hammerstein, at The Muny.

Bob Wilcox and Gerry Kowarsky review(1) THE MOUSETRAP, by Agatha Christie, at the Repertory Theatre of St. Louis; (2) MEDAL OF HONOR RAG, by Tom Cole, at West End Players Guild; (3) HANNAH SENESH, by David Schechter, at the New Jewish Theatre; (4) THE BUTTERFINGERS ANGEL, MARY & JOSEPH, HEROD THE NUT AND THE SLAUGHTER OF 12 HIT CAROLS IN A PEAR TREE, by William Gibson, at Stray Dog Theatre; (5) BLACK NATIVITY, by Ron Himes et al., at The Black Rep; (6) OH HELL!: BOBBY GOULD IN HELL, by David Mamet, and THE DEVIL AND BILLY MARKHAM, by Shel Silverstein, at R-S Theatrics; (7) KOSHER LUTHERANS, by William Missouri Downs, at HotCity Theatre; and (8) SMOKEY JOE'S CAFE, by Jerry Lieber and Mike Stoller, at Webster Univ. Conservatory.

State of the Arts comes to you from the newly-renovated Peabody Opera House. This architectural gem was restored to its Art Deco glory and has become one of St. Louis premiere performance locations.  Host Paul Schankman takes you backstage for an episode full of stories you won't want to miss.   Revival of a Legend - Alex Fees goes behind the scenes with the man who spearheaded the multi-million dollar renovation of the the Peabody Opera House. SLSO Season Highlights - What the St. Louis Symphony has in store for 2012-13. Show Business - HEC-TV's Executive Director Dennis Riggs talks to St. Louis Symphony CEO Fred Bronstein about his vision for the growth of the Symphony. The Next Stage - Cordell Whitlock looks at the accomplishments of The Black Rep under the leadership of Ron Himes. In the Spotlight - In our regular feature that profiles St. Louis' diverse theater groups, we place Metro Theater "in the spotlight." Songbird - A new type of musical performance comes to St. Louis modeled on the wildly popular Bluebird Café in Nashville. Blow It, Bluiett - A profile of Hamiet Bluiett, hailed as the best baritone saxophonist in the world. A Family Affair - The artist Cbabi Bayoc launches an ambitious project in 2012: a new painting each day that depicts positive images of African American fatherhood. St. Louis Ten - Aaron Mermelstein reports on a group of storytellers called the St. Louis Ten who hold roving urban story slams around St. Louis, with unique stories that are hilarious, humorous and heartwarming. Dances of India - Gina Kurre describes the beautiful and colorful tradition of Indian Dance in which each element--music, movement and costumes--combine to create a narrative.

Bob Wilcox and Gerry Kowarsky review (1) GODSPELL, by John-Michael Tebelak & Stephen Schwartz, at Mustard Seed Theatre, (2) BLACK NATIVITY, conceived by Ron Himes, at The Black Rep, (3) THE TWO GENTLEMEN OF VERONA, by William Shakespeare, at Slightly Askew Theatre Ensemble, (4) A PIECE OF MY HEART, by Shirley Lauro, at Clayton Community Theatre, (5) SAME TIME NEXT YEAR, by Bernard Slade, at KTK Productions, (6) SOCIAL SECURITY, by Andrew Bergman, at the Theatre Guild of Webster Groves, and (7) CAROUSEL, by Richard Rodgers & Oscar Hammerstein II, at Webster Univ. Conservatory.