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Arts & Entertainment

Relive Classic Showtunes with "The World Goes Round"

The musical revue from Insight Theatre Company begins its run this weekend.

Insight Theatre Company is bringing a modern take to classic showtunes with their production of The World Goes Round, set to run from June 14-17 and June 21-24 at the Heagney Theatre in Webster Groves. 

The musical revue features the work of John Kander and Fred Ebb and includes such favorites as Chicago, Cabaret and Cellophane Man. Insight Theatre's Artistic Director Maggie Ryan said the goal is to really present the classic numbers in the context of 2012. 

"Some of the surprises in it are really fun," she said. 

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Ryan is a long-time University City resident and received her college education from . For many years, she has taught theatre at and performed and directed professionally, but five years ago she took the chance to fulfill a lifelong dream and founded Insight Theatre Company. 

The opportunity came about after Nerinx Hall built a new theater for its students. Ryan proposed using the space as a venue for a professional company as well that could work in tandem with students to give them hands-on experience with being part of theatre at the next level. 

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"In addition to doing the best quality production that we can, we are also dedicated to the idea of nurturing young people to learn more about all different aspects of [theatre production]," Ryan said. 

This takes the form of internships that also include master classes taught by the professionals that help form the company. 

The World Goes Round is the second show of Insight's fifth season with three more productions set for later in the summer. Ryan said the company has grown since it first started and she attributed its success to the support of the St. Louis community. 

"I think there is incredible support from our patrons," she said. "People who come to the shows love what we are doing. We offer them the opportunity to see professional talent in St. Louis doing really incredible plays."

Although the medium may be more old-fashioned, Ryan said going to a play remains a unique experience. 

"I would say there is nothing like live theater," Ryan said. "You have an opportunity to see [the actors] living and breathing in front of you ... It can really move you and change you."

Tickets for The World Goes Round start at $25 and can be purchased online or by calling 314-556-1293. The Heagney Theatre is located at 530 E. Lockwood Ave. and showtimes are at 8 p.m. Thursday, Friday and Saturday and at 2 p.m. Sunday. 

The World Goes Round is directed by Edward Caulfield and stars Marty Fox, Stephanie Long, Katie Tibbets, Peter Merideth and Charlie Ingram. The musical director is Steve Neal with choregraphy by Emily Fischer. 

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