Stephen Peirick
Playwright & Actor - St. Louis, MO
Stephen Peirick, Playwright
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Stephen's Short Play, A Comfortable Fit, will play as part of The Uppity Theatre Company's 2016 BRIEFS Festival in April 2016 in St. Louis.
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Stephen will present a new short play, The Cell Phone, produced by Stray Dog Theatre for the 2016 Grand Center Theatre Crawl.
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Stephen received a nomination for a 2015 St. Louis Theatre Circle for Outstanding New Play for the 2014 Stray Dog Theatre
production of Four Sugars.
PLAYWRIGHTING REVIEWS:
Four Sugars at Stray Dog Theatre New Works Lab,
Aug. 21 - 23, 2014
"A laugh-out-loud relationship comedy by local playwright Stephen Peirick, "Four Sugars," premiered Thursday with a tight ensemble creating memorable characters and smoothly delivering snappy dialogue."
-Lynn Venhaus, Belleville News Democrat, Full Review
"A well acted and directed presentation of this work was recently produced as part of of SDT's (Stray Dog Theatre) New Works Laboratory (August 21-23), and played to packed houses at the Tower Grove Abbey that definitely appreciated the humor and antics Peirick has crafted. Count me among those who found this to be a wonderfully funny show that truly deserves the warm response that it received."
-Chris Gibson, Broadway World, Full Review
"Peirick is particularly good with dialogue; the conversations are always as interesting as they are funny, and the comebacks snappy and more insightful than they first appear."
-Tina Farmer, KDHX, Full Review
"The developments between these individuals nicely balance sharp comedy with a more sober coming-of-age tale of sorts, showcasing Peirick's ear for dialogue, with rapid-fire exchanges and clever juxtapositions in conversation. With Peirick's tight direction, the universally strong cast members make the most of their characters' moments of growth, and play off of each other with great timing."
-Andrea Torrance, St. Louis Theatre Snob, Full Review
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Complicated Lives: An Evening of Short Plays at Stray Dog Theatre New Works Lab, Aug. 22-24, 2013
"It was a great night of theatre with an enlightening talk-back. I've always enjoyed Peirick's plays in the past, and "Wake Up, Cameron Dobbs" earned him a St. Louis Theater Circle nomination for Outstanding New Play last year, while his short plays have received productions or staged readings in nine states, with "Tangled" being a Winner at the 2013 New Plays from the Heartland in Normal, Il." - Andrea Torrence, The St. Louis Theatre Snob
"This year, four short plays by Stephen Peirick were produced under the title "Complicated Lives." Peirick is also familiar to audiences as an actor, turning in a number of memorable performances with several St. Louis theater companies. His observational abilities and quick wit serve him well as a storyteller, no matter the medium." - Tina Farmer, KDHX
"...by far the best of the quartet is The Dock, a charming and compelling slice-of-life that reveals the hearts and minds of its trio of characters in natural, unforced fashion. Jan Meyer, Antonio Rodriguez and Betsy Bowman inhabit Peirick’s characters, bringing them to absorbing and affecting life in low-key, believable fashion." - Mark Bretz, The Ladue News
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Wake Up, Cameron Dobbs at West End Players Guild, February - March, 2012:
“Remarkably, Wake Up is Stephen Peirick's first full-length play. His ear for dialogue and his eye for the funny way out of a scene speak very well for his future endeavors. For now this is all we have from him, though, so go see it.” – Paul Friswold, The Riverfront Times
“West End Players Guild, now in its 101st season, is on a roll this year…Now, WEPG is presenting the world premiere of this two-act comedy by Union, Mo. native and local actor Stephen Peirick, and the result is a rousing, rollicking success. This first production of any of Peirick’s full-length works has been lovingly nurtured and stylishly crafted by director Robert Ashton and a first-rate cast that shows impressive aplomb developing their characters and delivering Peirick’s fitfully funny dialogue with flair and finesse.” – Mark Bretz, Ladue News
“It's nice when a local playwright gets the opportunity to stage their work, and Stephen Peirick's comedy, Wake Up, Cameron Dobbs, is certainly a worthy first effort. There are a lot of good lines that were lost to the Sunday matinee crowd I saw it with, so we can ignore them and get straight on to the play. West End Players Guild has put together a fitfully funny, and a times, quite amusing comedy, and it's definitely worthy of your attention. A fine cast and clean, crisp direction help to make this an engaging experience.” – Chris Gibson, Broadway World
“The West End Players Guild continues its season with Wake Up, Cameron Dobbs, a world premiere penned by St. Louis actor and playwright, Stephen Peirick. Written in 2006, this comedy is getting a splendid treatment with thoughtful, nimble performances and direction.” – Andrea Torrence, The St. Louis Theatre Snob
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ACTING REVIEWS:
Devil Boys from Beyond by Buddy Thomas, Kenneth Elliot, and Drew Fornarola at Stray Dog Theatre, Dec. 3 - 19, 2015
"Broad, coarse and laugh-out-loud goofy, “Devil Boys” playwrights Buddy Thomas and Kenneth Elliot were inspired by two mid-century genres — trashy romance novels and subpar sci-fi movies — plus drag, which is timeless."
-Judith Newmark, St. Louis Post-Dispatch, Full Review
"Peirick's Graham is more thirsty than chatty, but the little dances he performs every time a drink is in sight tell you everything you need to know about his internal life."
-Paul Friswold, Riverfront Times, Full Review
"Sarajane Alverson and Stephen Peirick are fitfully funny as the trailblazing Matilda and her “emasculated” ex Greg, who can stay away from the bottle for a few days until one of these ‘dames’ frustrates him back into the booze."
-Mark Bretz, Ladue News, Full Review
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Off the Record by Alex Wild, presented by OnSite Theatre, April 3 - 11, 2015
"Stephen Peirick, as the candidate, is every inch the aspiring politician. With an engratiating smile and a ready hand-shake he is proud of his sterling record of progressive accomplishment. He convinces us that Neale is a real straight-arrow, committed to telling the absolute truth."
-Steve Callahan, KDHX, Full Review
"Stephen Peirick and Maggie Conroy display appealing chemistry as the well-intentioned Henry, a liberal candidate in a conservative state, and his fashionable mate, who doesn’t mind admitting how much she pays for a pair of sneakers or a purebred pet, and displays a sharp mind of her own when tested."
-Mark Bretz, Ladue News, Full Review
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God of Carnage by Yasmina Reza, translated by Christopher Hampton at Stray Dog Theatre, Feb. 5 - 21, 2015
"The show is very well cast, and that's especially important for this particular ensemble piece...Stephen Peirick is terrific as the perpetually condescending and preoccupied Alan..."
-Chris Gibson, Broadway World, Full Review
"Sarajane Alverson, as Veronica, and Stephen Peirick, as Alan, are wonderfully prickly and superficially polite as the more aggressive parent in each set...Peirick is obnoxious and obtuse when he's absorbed in his business calls, but his Alan is paying attention, even when barking orders to his assistant. His hooks have precision and an element of surprise."
-Tina Farmer, KDHX, Full Review
"A great script, a top notch cast, and Director Gary F. Bell's deft artistic hand all combine to make for a night of unforgettable theater. This production showcases ensemble acting at its best. Do yourself a favor and reserve your tickets before every show sells out."
-Jim Ryan, Boom Magazine, Full Review
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The Normal Heart by Larry Kramer at HotCity
Theatre, Sept. 12 - 27, 2014
With Flack as a red-hot coal burning at the center of a fine cast (which also includes Paul Cereghino and Stephen Peirick, in multiple roles), Stanberry shapes this play in personal terms. He lets us see things the way Ned’s friends do, one patient at a time. But we also see that Ned, blessed or cursed with a wider view, will be proved right. The personal will turn political faster than even he knows.
-Judith Newmark, St. Louis Post-Dispatch, Full Review
"In multiple roles, Steve Peirick and Paul Cereghino portray earnest characters who emphasize the hysteria and sheer terror of those times."
-Lynn Venhaus, Belleville News Democrat, Full Review
"Good critics like to watch closely and, likewise, good audiences will be amply rewarded for giving these performers their undivided attention."
-Richard Green, Talkin' Broadway, Full Review
"Stephen Peirick shines in a brief role as an indifferent government official deciding what organizations receive money for research, and Paul Cereghino is quite good as a young man driven to hysteria by his prognosis and rapid decline."
-Mark Bretz, Ladue News, Full Review
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Love! Valour! Compassion! by Terrenve McNally
at Stray Dog Theatre, June 12 - 28, 2014
"Peirick, a familiar face at St. Louis theaters, does his best work ever as Perry, a lawyer whose reasonable outlook is much needed by his more emotional friends. He acts as a kind of guide for the audience, too, often narrating the action for us."
-Judith Newmark, St. Louis Post-Dispatch, Full Review
"Stephen Peirick has a great 1,000 mile stare, as the long summer draws to a close, and many difficult moments have finally passed; and Jonathan Hey summons up great gay indignation for a particularly unpleasant houseguest."
-Richard Green, Talkin' Broadway, Full Review
"I also thoroughly enjoyed Stephen Peirick's solid performance as Perry. This is the character I identify with the most. It’s like I was watching a better looking and much thinner version of myself. Peirick gives a well-balanced presentation serving as narrator most of the show. Out of all the performances, I felt his was the most genuine."
-Jim Ryan, PlaybackSTL, Full Review
"Jonathan Hey (Arthur Pape) and Stephen Peirick (Perry Sellars) do marvelous work as companions who, sometimes, seem ill-suited to one another due to their differing temperaments. But, beneath the surface tension is a deep bond that defines their relationship."
-Chris Gibson, Broadway World, Full Review
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All My Sons by Arthur Miller with Kirkwood Theatre Guild, Jan. 17 - 26, 2014
"Stephen Peirick offers a solid, well-etched turn as Ann’s tortured brother, George, whose hatred for Joe slowly gives way to sympathy until a fateful slip of the tongue by Kate brings his anger back to the fore." - Mark Bretz, Ladue News
"Strong performances were also turned in by the supporting cast, particularly Amanda Vick as Ann Deever and Stephen Peirick, as George Deever, the children torn by their father's continued imprisonment." - Tina Farmer, KDXH
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The Butterfingers Angel, Mary and Joseph, Harod the Nut and the Slaughter of 12 Hit Carols in a Pear Tree by William Gibson at Stray Dog Theratre, Dec. 5 - 21, 2013
"Stephen Peirick does a nice job as Joseph, who's had a long-standing infatuation with Mary that, to this point, has gone unrequited. So, imagine his surprise when she finally acquiesces, then imagine his surprise again as he's told the reason for Mary's sudden need to be wed." -Chirs Gibson, Broadway World
"And Stephen Peirick, as Joseph, is great in his prayer near the end, explaining all his doubts." - Richard Green, Talkin' Broadway
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Opus by Michael Hollinger at West End Players Guild, April 2013:
"Stephen Peirick leads the way and commands the stage even when he isn’t present. As perhaps the biggest ego but the most demanding and meticulous of the quartet, he really keeps them on the path to a quality sound. But this strive for perfection keeps the others “unstrung,” as it were. You hear comments about “it’s good enough,” or “let’s keep that take.” But Peirick’s Dorian knows they won’t reach and keep their high standards without the effort." - Steve Allen, Stage Door St. Louis
"Jerry McAdams directs, getting a highly authentic, astringent realism from his cast of five (the quartet and a former member). John Wolbers is excellent as the neurotic violinist who seems to find every bowl of porridge either far too hot or far too cold. And Stephen Peirick, as his ex-lover Dorian, is very nearly a femme fatale in his own right: teasing and tormenting Wolbers' character with the most clever and delicious persistence." - Richard Green, Talking Broadway
"Under the direction of Jerry McAdams, the actors give us bright characterizations: Peirick and Wolbers as tense, quarrelsome artists whose romantic history complicates their work, charmingly bearish Hey, Mickey as the understandably uneasy newcomer." - Judith Newmark, St. Louis Post-Dispatch
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Psycho Beach Party by Charles Busch at Stray Dog Theatre, February 2013:
"Absolutely not to be missed is Chicklet’s mother Mrs. Forrest, played by the scene-stealing Stephen Peirick." - Nancy Fowler, St. Louis Beacon
"Peirick wonderfully hams it up with a brilliant turn as Mrs. Forrest, Chicklet's mother." - Andrea Torrence, St. Louis Theatre Snob
"On the other end of the female-impersonation scale is Stephen Peirick as Chicklet's sweet but tough mother, Mrs. Forest. Picture a linebacker playing June Cleaver — now picture her swigging an ever-ready martini. It's a burlesque performance that becomes more riotous the more we learn about Mrs. Forest's past — and the more obvious his five-o'clock shadow becomes." - Paul Friswold, The Riverfront Times
"...if you have a taste for loopy camp — don’t make the same mistake twice. In a way, “Psycho Beach Party” is double the fun because it features not just one but two drag characters: Chicklet (Ben Watts), an adorable teenage surfer, and her strong-willed mom, Mrs. Forrest (Stephen Peirick)." - Judith Newmark, St. Louis Post-Dispatch