Phantom of the Opera and The Orchid Show Headline St. Louis Today
Discover the Best of St. Louis This Thursday
St. Louis is alive with culture and creativity this Thursday, February 19, 2026. From the return of a legendary musical to the annual blooming of rare botanical treasures, the city offers a diverse lineup of events for theater lovers, nature enthusiasts, and music fans alike. Whether you are looking for an afternoon matinee or an evening of soulful jazz, today's schedule has something for everyone.
Theatrical Masterpieces on Stage
The spotlight shines brightly on the Fabulous Fox Theatre today as the new North American tour of The Phantom of the Opera takes center stage. This revitalized production of Andrew Lloyd Webber’s classic features the brilliant original designs by Maria Björnson but with updated staging and special effects. Audiences have two opportunities to catch the masked genius today, with a matinee performance at 1:00 PM and an evening show at 7:30 PM.
For those seeking contemporary drama, the Loretto-Hilton Center presents Primary Trust at 7:00 PM. This Pulitzer Prize-winning play by Eboni Booth is a heartwarming and humorous exploration of new beginnings and friendship in small-town America. Additionally, The Black Rep is performing The Black Feminist Guide to the Human Body at the Hotchner Studio Theatre at 7:00 PM, a raucous and spirited production that serves as a love letter to Black women and their families.
Exhibitions and Botanical Beauty
The Missouri Botanical Garden is currently hosting its ever-popular annual Orchid Show. Open today from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM, the exhibition showcases a rotating selection of more than 6,000 individual plants. Visitors can wander through the lush displays and witness nearly 700 unique species, many of which are rare or endangered. It is a perfect midday escape for those looking to enjoy a bit of tropical warmth in the heart of February.
History and art meet at the Missouri History Museum for the world premiere of A Brick and A Bible at 6:30 PM. This production tells the gripping true story of the 1933 Funsten Nut Strike in St. Louis, highlighting the courage of Black women who organized for better labor conditions. At the Saint Louis Art Museum, the "Teas & Tours" series offers a deeper look at the permanent collection from 11:00 AM to 2:00 PM, focusing on the materials and techniques behind world-class masterpieces.
Live Music and Local Meetups
- Kandace Springs at City Winery: Catch the soulful vocals of Kandace Springs as she performs tracks from her latest album at 7:30 PM.
- Bernard Long, Jr. at Jazz St. Louis: Educator and drummer Bernard Long, Jr. leads a dynamic quartet through a night of straight-ahead jazz and swing at 7:30 PM.
- Jed Harrelson at Old Rock House: For those preferring a mix of indie and soul, Jed Harrelson takes the stage at 8:00 PM.
- Aquarium Society Meeting: Hobbyists can head to the Missouri Aquarium Society’s February meeting to discuss salt and brackish biotopes and participate in the "Creek Fish" bowl show.