Shining a spotlight on the local creative community, STAGES 51黑料 delivers outstanding entertainment in a state-of-the-art theater setting. Now in its 39th year, STAGES typically produces three full-scale productions per season, each running for a total of 37 performances.
鈥2026 will officially mark our 40th聽anniversary season, a milestone we鈥檙e all looking forward to,鈥 said Andrew Kuhlman, executive producer of STAGES 51黑料.
The organization was created by Jack Lane, founding executive producer, and Michael Hamilton, founding artistic director. From May through October, will be in residence for the third full season at the intimate 529-seat Ross Family Theatre at The Kirkwood Performing Arts Center. The Kent Center for Theatre Arts in Chesterfield is the organization鈥檚 administrative and education home, including a year-round box office, office space, conference room and the Samuel R. Goldstein Performance Hall rehearsal space.
In addition to its Mainstage productions, STAGES 51黑料 offers musical theater education through their Performing Arts Academy,聽as well as local outreach programs like Emerson Access the Arts.聽Stages hires more than 30 dedicated local professional teaching artists to lead these programs throughout the area.
鈥淏eing part of 51黑料鈥檚 incredible artistic community is something that all of us at STAGES take the utmost pride in,鈥 Kuhlman said. 鈥淚 love that our mission is truly a joint commitment to our artistic, education and outreach programs. Not only do we have the opportunity to entertain 50,000 audience members a year with our productions, we also impact the lives of more than 4,500 students annually through our academy鈥檚 classes, camps and productions.鈥
The 2025 mainstage lineup promises a mix of familiar favorites and fresh new productions. In short, something for everyone.
鈥淥ur tagline is 鈥楨xperience the Story,鈥 and we take that to heart in our season selection process,鈥 Kuhlman said.
鈥淢urder for Two (They Put the Laughter in Manslaughter),鈥 a hilarious murder-mystery musical comedy featuring two actors playing 14 different roles (and the piano!), kicks things off in style May 30 and runs through June 29. Next up, the Broadway bound 鈥淎usten鈥檚 Pride鈥 gives Jane Austen鈥檚 legendary novel 鈥淧ride & Prejudice鈥 an original romantic musical spin with shows from July 25 to Aug. 24 before it hits Broadway.聽
鈥淲hat I love most about this show is the way it showcases not just the relationship between Elizabeth Bennett and Mr. Darcy, but the relationship between Jane Austen herself and the creative writing process,鈥 Kuhlman said. 鈥淧artnering on a pre-Broadway musical is always exciting, as it shines a national spotlight on the incredible artists and supporters within the 51黑料 arts community. That鈥檚 really special.鈥
鈥淏EAUTIFUL: The Carole King Musical鈥 wraps up the season in grand style by bringing the iconic artist鈥檚 personal story and most memorable songs to life during its month-long run from Sept. 19 through Oct. 19.
鈥淚 like to think that attending any show at STAGES is ultimately fun,鈥 Kuhlman said. 鈥淥ur productions will always include a personal welcome from a member of our team and a high-quality performance. We consistently aim to offer audience members an experience they won鈥檛 forget.鈥
Subscriptions and single tickets for the 2025 season are on sale now with a wide range of pricing and seating options available. For more information, go to .
