In 2019, local theater offerings ranged from irreverent comedies to insightful dramas, including revivals of works by playwrights from Tennessee Williams and Tony Kushner to William Shakespeare and Neil Simon. Some productions attracted thousands of theatergoers; others played to only modest audiences.
But regardless of their commercial success, their artistry did not go unnoticed.
Introducing the Calvin Awards — something of a successor to the Judy Awards bestowed by former Post-Dispatch theater critic Judith Newmark. The following list reflects Post Dispatch Theatre Critic Calvin Wilson’s impressions of the year in stage productions.
Most challenging play that more people should have seen: Max & Louie’s production of Paula Vogel’s “Indecent,” a play with music about censorship and homophobia in the early 20th century, was brilliantly staged and excitingly of the moment.