The St. Louis Muny Opera for 2007

The Muny Opera in St. Louis is set for their summer season. The first production is set for June 18-24 with the return of Oklahoma to the Forest Park stage.

The Muny is the nations largest and oldest outdoor theater. In the past many famous stars have performed on the outdoor stage. Stars like Bob Hope, Red Skelton, and Phyllis Diller have graces the famous stage.

This will be the tenth time that Oklahoma has been performed. The last time being in 1996.

Here is last of the different productions and their dates.
Oklahoma (June 18-24)
Grease (June 25-July 3)
Hello Dolly (July 9-15)
Peter Pan (July 16-22)
The Pajama Game (July 23-29)
Joesph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat (July 30-August 5)
Les Miserables (August 6- 15)

The Muny first dated back to the World's Fair in 1904. Then in 1916, the first major production of As you like it took place. Then in 1917 the construction of the Muny took place. The crowds in 1916 averaged 8,000 people per performance. Something permanent had to be constructed to handle the crowds. The Muny was built to help showcase the city of St. Louis. Ticket prices back then were from 25 cents to one dollar. In an attempt to give everyone a chance to see major productions, a free area was added at the top of the hillside and at the back. This is a tradition that continues to this day. Even the poor have a chance to enjoy the fine arts of theater entertainment.

Showboat and Desert Song are two of the more popular shows that have been performed the most at the Muny. Each season the Muny works to bring in a variety of different performers and productions. It is a way to bring a bit of Broadway to the Midwest.

Forest Park is located in the middle of St. Louis and is very easy to reach by automobile. There is plenty of parking available. However, one needs to be prepared to hoof it. It is also handicapped accessible.

Season tickets are sold for those that don't want to miss a production. Regular single show tickets go on sale June 2nd. Ticket prices vary on what you want and where you sit. Single tickets go from $9 to $62. Season tickets go from $49 to $441. A charge for the handling of tickets is $7.

They also have a rain policy in case of inclement weather that night. There is also plenty of refreshments sold at the Muny. You can even arrive early and dine at the Culver Pavilion. However, reservations must be made at least 24 hours in advance. Their phone number is 314-361-1900 x 530.

Tickets can be purchased at Muny Box Office in Forest Park, at ticket outlets throughout the city, or on line at www.munyinfo@muny.org .

So if you are passing through St. Louis on vacation this summer, take advantage of a Broadway in the Midwest. Visit the Muny in Forest Park.