Anthony Bourdain Coming-of-Age Story ‘Tony’ Makes Satisfying Meal of Familiar Ingredients

Anthony Bourdain Coming-of-Age Story ‘Tony’ Makes Satisfying Meal of Familiar Ingredients

By Alex McPherson Director Matt Johnson’s “Tony” is an excellently acted mini-biopic that goes beyond  familiar plot beats to paint a textured portrait of a... Details
The Folksy Charm of ‘The Rivals of Amziah King’ Surprises and Uplifts

The Folksy Charm of ‘The Rivals of Amziah King’ Surprises and Uplifts

By Lynn VenhausIn “The Rivals of Amziah King,” bluegrass, beekeeping and backwoods buddies keep this folksy fable brimming with surprises – with its twisty story,... Details
Take Ten with Bryce A Miller

Take Ten with Bryce A Miller

By Lynn Venhaus Some actors pull you in by their genuine presence and emotional depth, that they understand the assignment to create a believable character... Details
UAO’s Beautifully Sung ‘Samson et Dalila’ Struggles to Cohere

UAO’s Beautifully Sung ‘Samson et Dalila’ Struggles to Cohere

By CB Adams There is a particular sadness when the pieces of an opera production, many of them individually accomplished, never quite cohere. Union Avenue... Details
Bravura Performances Illuminate NJT’s Alarming, Volatile ‘JOB’

Bravura Performances Illuminate NJT’s Alarming, Volatile ‘JOB’

By Lynn Venhaus Taut and tense, “JOB” is an unsettling psychological thriller that will spark a broad spectrum of conversations. While the play’s hot-button issues... Details
Muny Delivers a Wondrous and Jubilant ‘Meet Me in St. Louis’

Muny Delivers a Wondrous and Jubilant ‘Meet Me in St. Louis’

By Lynn Venhaus Wow, just wow! The latest heart-warming production of “Meet Me in St. Louis,” which is self-referential – us sitting in Forest Park... Details
St. Louis Shakespeare Festival’s ‘The Two Gentlemen of Verona’ Charms With Six Spunky, Spry Players

St. Louis Shakespeare Festival’s ‘The Two Gentlemen of Verona’ Charms With Six Spunky, Spry Players

By Lynn Venhaus With boundless enthusiasm, a six-person ensemble enlivens “The Two Gentlemen of Verona,” an early Shakespeare comedy about boundaries in friendship and romance... Details
First Run Theatre’s ‘Tenn’ Spotlights Playwright’s Backstage Drama

First Run Theatre’s ‘Tenn’ Spotlights Playwright’s Backstage Drama

By Lynn Venhaus The rich legacy of Tennessee Williams has become a major point of pride in St. Louis, where he spent his formative years.... Details
Animated High Rollers and Holy Rollers Enliven Stages St. Louis’ Jaunty ‘Guys and Dolls’

Animated High Rollers and Holy Rollers Enliven Stages St. Louis’ Jaunty ‘Guys and Dolls’

By Lynn Venhaus With extra oomph in every song and dance number, Stages St. Louis delivers a festive confection in “Guys and Dolls.” The snazzily... Details
Union Avenue Opera’s ‘L’elisir d’amore’ Finds the Real Magic

Union Avenue Opera’s ‘L’elisir d’amore’ Finds the Real Magic

By CB Adams Gaetano Donizetti's "L'elisir d'amore" ("The Elixir of Love") has delighted audiences for nearly two centuries. Union Avenue Opera's current production, directed by... Details