The Grandel Theater

It's a Wonderful Life from Metro Theater Company

This version of It's A Wonderful Life has a clever twist: the story is staged as a play within a play. More specifically, a 1940s live radio broadcast within a play. Complete with microphones, live sound effects by a Foley artist, 1940s period costumes and a diverse company of characters, the adaptation charmingly tells the story of George Bailey and the town of Bedford Falls and brilliantly touches on all the fascinating character backstories. The play also illuminates the powerful, life-affirming message that one life can change the whole fabric of a community. The show, recommended for ages 8 and up, is 50 minutes long, followed by 10 minutes of Q&A between the cast and audience.

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The Hundred Dresses

The Hundred Dresses tells the story of Wanda Petronski, the new girl in Room 13, who is a Polish immigrant who lives in a shabby house and doesn't have any friends. Every day she wears the same faded blue dress, but tells her new classmates that she has a hundred dresses at home. Her classmates tease Wanda about her hundred dresses until one day she disappears from school. As guilt overtakes the children, they decide to find out what happened to Wanda and to make amends. But is it too late? Bullying, friendship, and forgiveness as at the center of this play adapted from the beloved Newberry Honor Book by Eleanor Estes. 

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Hans Brinker and the Silver Skates

In this timeless story, Hans and Gretel Brinker strive to provide for their family and prove their own worth by entering a local speedskating contest. First prize is a pair of gleaming silver skates! The story culminates with a spectacular St. Nicholas Day race on the stage of The Grandel Theatre. Hans Brinker and the Silver Skates celebrates generosity, helping others and is an exhilarating tale of courage and determination. Save 20% on tickets with our promo code.

 

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St. Louis African Arts Festival
Monday, May 25, 2026

The St. Louis African Arts Festival, held in Forest Park, celebrates the rich and diverse cultures of Africa and African people. Children's activities include storytelling, arts and crafts, mask-making and educational workshops. In conjunction with the festival, the Saint Louis Zoo will have special activities focused on a different African animal each day.

 

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Sea Lion Shows at the Saint Louis Zoo

See the Zoo's California sea lions perform acrobatic and athletic feats, including Olympic-style dives on a high-diving platform, flipper walks, frisbee tosses and plenty of surprises. While on stage with the sea lions, the Zoo's trainers explain sea lion behavior and positive-reinforcement training, in addition to the need for conserving the sea lion's ocean habitat.

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Mermaids on the Mississippi

Come face-to-face with mermaids at the St. Louis Aquarium during Mermaids on the Mississippi. Mermaids will swim the aquarium, and dive in shark canyon with the sharks, rays, sea turtles and other underwater creatures.

 

 

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