St. Louis has many choices when it comes to theater. You can see the latest shows straight from Broadway at the Fox, or check out regional premieres of the hottest plays at The Rep, but no other theater experience is quite like the Muny in Forest Park.
How it All Started:
The Muny, or Municipal Opera, is the nation’s oldest (and some claim largest) outdoor theater. It has been a summer tradition in St. Louis since 1918. Crews built the theater in just 49 days on a hill between two giant oak trees in Forest Park. Over the years, the Muny has attracted some of the country’s biggest stars. Lauren Bacall, Debbie Reynolds, Pearl Bailey and hundreds of others have appeared on the Muny stage.
The 2009 Season:
The Muny produces seven musicals every summer. This year, you can see familiar shows like 42nd Street, Annie, The Music Man and Camelot. Plus more contemporary shows like Godspell and Hairspray. And then there's the local favorite, Meet Me in St. Louis!
Shows start at 8:15, so the weather has usually cooled enough to be comfortable. Muny fans say there is nothing like sitting under the stars on a warm summer night watching a great show. They also say you’re not a Muny veteran unless you’ve sweltered through a performance when the temperature hits 100 degrees. Ice cream and frozen lemonade are a necessity on those nights.
A Big Production:
The Muny prides itself on presenting popular shows in ways that you’ve never seen them before. The productions are big, but we’re not just talking about elaborate sets and costumes. You’ll see a real helicopter fly over the stage during the evacuation scene from Miss Saigon, or an authentic street car rolling by in Meet Me in St. Louis. The Muny’s large stage and outdoor setting are perfect for bringing such realistic elements to the shows.
See it for Free:
Ticket prices for the Muny are affordable, but you don’t have to pay at all. You can see one, or all seven, of the shows for free. The Muny has 11,000 seats but for every performance about 1500 are given away for free. The free seats are in the last nine rows of the theater and are available on a first come, first served basis. The gates for the free seats open at 7 p.m. and there is always a line. Many people bring a picnic and eat while they wait. If you’re seeing a show from the free seats it’s also a good idea to bring binoculars to get a good look at the action on the stage.
Tickets & Parking:
For those preferring to buy at ticket, prices start at $9 for the back terrace and go up to $62 for box seats. Season ticket packages are also available. The Muny is located in the heart of Forest Park along Grand Drive. There is free parking, but the lots fill up quickly. If you prefer you can skip the parking and take the Munylink Shuttle. The shuttle goes from the theater to the Forest Park-Debaliviere Metrolink Station. No matter how you get to the Muny, it’s a great way to spend a summer evening in St. Louis.
Contact the Muny:
You can reach the Muny's box office by calling (314) 361-1900, or find out about upcoming shows, see seating charts and plan your visit on
The Muny's website.
