Belleville native, Andrew Kruep, is no stranger to the St. Louis theatre scene, but this holiday season, he'll make his Fox Theatre debut as Lefou in Beauty and the Beast. You can catch Andrew's lively performance in this Disney classic at the Fox Theatre December 20 - 24. Read on for Andrew's answers to our Five Fabulous Questions and to find out what he loves most about St. Louis!

Will this be your first time performing at the Fox? Where else have you performed in St. Louis?

Yes, this is my first time performing at the Fox, and I couldn’t be more excited! I’ve seen touring shows at the Fox for as long as I can remember, and it’s very surreal that I’m going to be performing on that stage I have idolized for so long. I actually auditioned at the Fox to be Chip in the Beauty and the Beast tour many years ago! Other St. Louis theatres that I have performed at include The Muny and Stages St. Louis. I grew up in The Muny Kids and Teens (‘97-‘03) performing in shows such as The Wizard of Oz (twice!), The Sound of Music, Godspell, The Fantasticks, The Rockettes Muny Spectacular, and more. In the past two years at Stages, I performed in the American regional premiere of The Drowsy Chaperone as well as Guys and Dolls, Disney’s Alice in Wonderland, and Big River.

Many of the touring shows and artists that have visited the Fox have left their mark by painting murals backstage. Even though Beauty and the Beast will have a backstage mural, what would your personal backstage mural look like?

I think my mural would simply be splashes of bright colors. Everything about Disney’s Beauty and the Beast has been truly amazing and definitely a whirlwind experience for me. It’s my first national tour, so I’m learning a lot about traveling, performing on the road, and myself. Switching theatres, seasons, states, and even roles (I used to be the tumbling carpet in “Be Our Guest” and in the ensemble!) has been something that I’ll never forget. I’d probably represent that in my mural by splashing bright colors on the wall!

If you could see any performance at the Fox, (any artist alive or dead; any show past or present) what would you choose? 

I would love to see the Original Broadway Production of HAIR. I did the show last year, and was able to see saw the current tour when it was on Broadway for a brief time this summer. That show overwhelms me with a flood of emotions. The need for peace, freedom, and love in this world is a timeless theme. “Life is around you, and in you.”

Do you have a hidden talent other than what you do in the show? 

Hmm….I’m not sure. I don’t know if it’s really a talent, but I love to make videos on my Macbook. Whether it’s music videos or audition reels for friends, I love to be creative with video making and editing.

What do you think is the most Fabulous thing about St. Louis? 

I think the most Fabulous thing about St. Louis is that there are so many things to do! It’s great to have a picnic in Forest Park and then see a show at The Muny or Shakespeare in the Park. I could spend hours at the City Museum exploring and finding new hidden places. Eating at the Spaghetti Factory, and then going out on the town it the Landing. And even listening to my favorite St. Louis entertainer, Kim Massie, sing at Beale on Broadway after rooting on the Cardinals at Busch Stadium. Not to mention the Science Center, Central West End neighborhood, Anheuser Busch Brewery, Art and History Museums, ice skating in Forest Park, and a whole lot more! 

Thanks for sharing your fabulous answers, Andrew! We hope you enjoy being home for the holidays!

On December 25, DreamWorks Pictures and Steven Spielberg’s “War Horse” will open in cinemas nationwide.  It is the film adaptation of the 2011 Tony Award® winning Best Drama War Horse which has been playing to sold-out audiences and critical acclaim in London and on Broadway.  It is the heartfelt tale of a boy, the horse he loves and the war which separates them.    

I am sure after seeing the movie you will wonder how this remarkable story, where the horse is the central character, was brought to life on stage.  I was fortunate to have seen the Lincoln Center production this fall and it is truly an amazing achievement.    Knowing what can be done with creative puppetry from “The Lion King” and “Avenue Q” my expectations were high - and I was not disappointed.  The geniuses at the Handspring Puppet Company have created the most incredible and believable “horses” that one could imagine.  They move and breathe so convincingly – every nuance and gesture expected of a horse is captured in these magnificent creations and by the actors who “operate” them.   “War Horse” definitely takes the bar for “suspending disbelief” and moves it to a whole new level.    

I do hope this production will tour as I would love for St. Louis to experience this extraordinary work at the Fabulous Fox Theatre.

For a video preview or more information about “War Horse” on Broadway, click here. 

The weather outside is frightful, but Christmas with The Rat Pack - Live at the Sands is heating up the Fox stage! Drift back to a glamorous era with Frank, Sammy and Dean, a live 15-piece band and the fabulous Burelli sisters singing backup. You'll enjoy an evening filled with Rat Pack classics, holiday hits, and of course, the timeless charm and style of three of the greatest entertainers of all time. 

Mark Adams, who plays Dean Martin in Christmas with The Rat Pack - Live at the Sands, travelled all the way from the United Kingdom to perform at the Fox and is visiting St. Louis for his first time. Read on for Mark's answers to our Five Fabulous Questions. Welcome to St. Louis, Mark and enjoy your stay in St. Louis!

Have you performed at the Fox before? What was the first Broadway or West End show you ever saw?

I have not performed in St. Louis but have performed in many theatres in the U.S. The most memorable experience was the Starlight Ballroom at the Waldorf with a fantastic New York swing band. Also the Rialto Theatre in Illinois, and the Youngstown ice hockey arena which was only a short trip from Dean Martin's birthplace in Ohio.

The First West End show I saw was Jesus Christ Superstar which ironically was my first musical as a professional.    

Many of the touring shows and artists that have visited the Fox have left their mark by painting murals backstage. Even though CHRISTMAS WITH THE RAT PACK – LIVE AT THE SANDS will have a backstage mural, what would your personal backstage mural look like?

I would like a mural of the three of us replicating the famous shot of Frank, Dean and Sammy in a Vegas nightclub all laughing. 

If you could see any performance at the Fox, (any artist alive or dead; any show past or present) what would you choose?

I would love to have seen Frank, Dean and Sammy at the St. Louis concert in 1965 hosted by Johnny Carson.  

Do you have a hidden talent other than what you do in the show? 

I was a semi pro soccer player and took my FA coaching badge when I stopped playing so if Bruce Arena retires from LA Galaxy I would love to coach Messrs Beckham, Donovan and Keane.  

What are you most looking forward to seeing in St. Louis?

I am most looking forward to meeting the St. Louis people and the Gateway to the West. 

The Fabulous Fox Theatre has teamed up with KMOV-TV Channel 4 this holiday season to collect canned goods & non-perishable food items for the St. Louis Area Foodbank.

Donations bins are located in the Fox Theatre Lobby and Box Office and donations will be accepted through December 31. When you visit us for one of our upcoming holiday shows, or stop by to pick up tickets, we encourage you to bring items to donate!

Below is a list from the St. Louis Area Foodbank of suggested donation items:

Canned Goods: tuna, chicken, fruit, beans, soups, chili, ravioli, and vegetables.

Non-Perishable Food Items: peanut butter, bottled jelly, boxed/bagged rice products, boxed/bagged pasta products, boxed complete meals, mac and cheese, instant mashed potatoes, fruit snacks, boxed crackers, hot and cold cereal, granola bars, powdered milk, breakfast/snack bars condiments and sauces in plastic bottles, bottled and boxed juice.

Other Items: soap/lotion, shampoo/conditioner, tooth brushes, toothpaste, feminine products, baby food in plastic containers, diapers, baby formula, and toilet tissue.

Donate 2 items and receive one free Fox Theatre tour pass!

Now through the end of the year, guests to our Saturday Public Tours who donate non-perishable food items will receive one (1) free tour pass for every two (2) cans/items they donate.

 - The offer is good for Saturday tours through Dec 31, 2011 (please note, there will not be a tour on Saturday, 12/24). 

- Complimentary tour passes are valid for that day ONLY.

- Cans/items must be turned in to the Box Office seller when ‘purchasing’ tickets.

-  There is no ticket limit to this offer.

More information is available on our website, or by calling our Tour office at 314-657-5068.

Whatever you are able to give is very appreciated. Thank you in advance for your generosity! We wish you and your family a very happy holiday season and look forward to seeing you at the Fox!