World-Class Cultural Assets Abound Here Year-Round, Throughout Summer

One of the many fun and enjoyable aspects of my job is to promote all the cultural activities and events we have to offer in the region.

As part of National Tourism Week (NTW) in early May, I once again had that opportunity while serving as moderator during the annual NTW luncheon at the Saint Louis Zoo.

While preparing my remarks, I was struck by how many world-class cultural assets we have in our tourism toolbox to attract travelers to our community.

Each turn of the calendar page has something exciting and enriching to offer locals and visitors with this summer shaping up to be particularly scintillating in St. Louis.

For example, Opera Theatre of Saint Louis will present four fabulous operas over the next several weeks at the Loretto Hilton in Webster Groves: Carmen, Sweeney Todd, Cosi fan tutte, and Alice in Wonderland.

But you better get your tickets early. Ticket demand has never been higher. So much so, an additional performance for Carmen has been scheduled for June 19.

Overlapping the Opera Theatre season will be the Shakespeare Festival St. Louis’ production of “Othello” May 25-June 17 in Forest Park.

Interest in the tragedy should be quite high. Last year, “The Taming of Shrew” drew a record audience of 63,000.

The Muny Opera, of course, remains the strong cultural thread that runs through St. Louis every summer but always with fresh shows and productions.

Heading into its 94th season, the venerable outdoor theatre boasts The Muny production of Alladin, Chicago, Dreamgirls, Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor© Dreamcoat, The King and I, Pirates (or, Gilbert & Sullivan Plunder’d), and Thoroughly Modern Milly. 

My favorite season is almost here. Take in a show and see why St. Lou is Culturiffic!