 
          
          Talkin' Trash, performed by Metro Theater Company, tells the story of Sam (played by Nicolas Tayborn), a young boy obsessed with trash and recycling. After Sam's father loses his job, Sam's family moves to a rundown neighborhood next door to an elderly woman who struggles with compulsive hoarding.
 (played by Nicolas Tayborn), a young boy obsessed with trash and recycling. After Sam's father loses his job, Sam's family moves to a rundown neighborhood next door to an elderly woman who struggles with compulsive hoarding.
The two eventually become friends despite their six decade age difference. But when one of the neighborhood kids pressures Sam to betray the woman, their unlikely friendship is put to the test.
"It's a play about community, friendship and our relationship with 'stuff,'" said Nicholas Kryah, who was inspired to write the play by Sam Klein, a boy from St. Louis who was so fascinated by trash that he had his own recycling company by age 12. Kryah decided to introduce this boy to an elderly woman, who was once his next-door neighbor, who was obsessed with stuff and memories.
Economic stress, intergenerational divides, and community decay are purposely reoccuring themes in the play. Metro Theater's Artistic Director, Julia Flood, said she hopes Talkin' Trash will open a conversation about these issues.
"The way we treat the things and people viewed as 'throw-aways' by many in our community says a great deal about who we are," Flood said. "How do we open a dialogue with our young people about our shared responsibilities as neighbors and as global citizens?"
In addition to Tayborn, the play also stars Beckah Reed, Katy Keating and Michael Cassidy Flynn.
Free performances are set for Saturday, Oct. 10 at 7 p.m. and Sunday, Oct. 11 at 2 p.m. at the Mainstage Auditorium at Clayton High School.
Talkin' Trash is appropriate for ages 5 and up, and best for grades 2 through 8. Performances are free but tickets must be reserved.
For more information and to download free tickets, go to metroplays.org
Kids can work on existing gym skills, learn new skills or just play around during Open Gym at Miss Kelly's Gym in Creve Coeur.
Storytelling in the Museum is an in-person storytelling event happening at 10:30 a.m. at the Missouri History Museum. This event, perfect for the preschool set, features engaging stories with themes like Juneteenth, Sweet Treats, Summer and more. Storytelling in the Museum is free.
LEGO Club at the St. Louis County Library is a free opportunity for kids to gather and have fun building with LEGO bricks. LEGOs are provided.
Visit MADE for Kids for Halloween Spirit Week! Families are invited to celebrate Halloween by decorating mini pumpkins, creating spider web suncatchers, designing ghost parachutes that gracefully float in the wind tube, making Halloween-themed bookmarks and more.
Kids can wear their costumes and join in on the Halloween fun at the Edwardsville Children's Museum's Halloween Party. There will be a Halloween parade, sensory bins and crafts too.
