Cultural evolution

Fifty years ago, culture and entertainment were rare commodities in Cape Girardeau. The Jaycee Follies and concerts by the community singing group called the Choraliers were the high points of every season. A dramatic evolution has occurred since then.

Early in October the Southeast Missouri State University Department of Theatre and Dance presented Euripides' play "The Trojan Women." The department's second production, the contemporary comedy "Art," opened Tuesday night at the Rose Theatre and continues through the weekend.

Complementing these stage productions was Jackson High School's recent "The Butler Did It." The River City Players' production of the thriller "Wait Until Dark" continues this weekend. Notre Dame Regional High School's production of the Noel Coward play "Blithe Spirit" will be Nov. 3-5.

Prior to this year, Cape Girardeau native Judith Farris was giving voice lessons to Broadway stars. Now she's having an impact on the arts locally by teaching musical theater at the university. That began last fall when she coached the singers in the university's brilliant production of "Guys and Dolls." Backed by the Southeast Missouri State University Orchestra, Farris gave her own recital of Broadway show tunes at Academic Auditorium last week.

Friday night, the same auditorium hosted a piano concert by English Gershwin specialist Jack Gibbons.

Last night, Gary Miller and the university orchestra performed an organ concerto at Old St. Vincent's Church.

The Show Me Center, which goes through periods of relative somnolence, has perked up lately. The country/bluegrass band Alison Krauss and Union Station brought down the house over and over again earlier this month. Last weekend, comedian Larry the Cable Guy and country music legend Willie Nelson entertained in separate shows.

The Show Me Center ceiling will shake late in November when the Trans-Siberian Orchestra returns to present the rock band's popular Christmas show.

Art is never absent from the offerings. First Friday has quickly become a monthly tradition of gallery openings in downtown Cape Girardeau. On Nov. 4, a newly created artist co-op -- the area's second -- will hold its first show on the top floor of Buckner's Brewery.

Much more culture will come when the River Campus' new performing arts center opens in the fall of 2007.

Cape Girardeau's relationship with the arts continues to grow.