The Rep’s ‘House of Joy’ Offers Style But Not Enough Substance

The Rep’s ‘House of Joy’ Offers Style But Not Enough Substance

By Lynn VenhausWith shimmering visuals and costumes, “House of Joy” shows flashes of dazzling technical brilliance at the Repertory Theatre of St. Louis. Unfortunately, while... Details
Kevin Smith Aims for the Heart in Conclusion to ‘Clerks’ Slacker Trilogy

Kevin Smith Aims for the Heart in Conclusion to ‘Clerks’ Slacker Trilogy

By Lynn Venhaus “Clerks III” is strictly for fans, a View Askew production set in that Kevin Smith universe that the writer-director broke through the... Details
Heart-warming ‘Bandera, Texas’ Spotlights Strong Women

Heart-warming ‘Bandera, Texas’ Spotlights Strong Women

By Lynn VenhausThe adage, “Bloom where you are planted,” is the theme of “Bandera, Texas,” an amiable new play about marriage, motherhood, and enduring family... Details
Satire Blasts Commodified Religion in ‘Honk for Jesus. Save Your Soul’

Satire Blasts Commodified Religion in ‘Honk for Jesus. Save Your Soul’

By Lynn VenhausA well-acted, well-written satirical comedy about organized religion manipulators has one major obstacle: Its subject matter is icky. And infuriating. And such easy... Details
Playful ‘A Midsummer Night’s Dream’ Part of Free Shakespeare Park Tour

Playful ‘A Midsummer Night’s Dream’ Part of Free Shakespeare Park Tour

By Lynn VenhausWhat treasures St. Louis Shakespeare Festival and our bi-state area public parks are! We are so fortunate to have such forward thinkers in... Details
‘Three Thousand Years of Longing’ Technical Marvel, Weak Storytelling

‘Three Thousand Years of Longing’ Technical Marvel, Weak Storytelling

By Lynn Venhaus Visually stunning, “Three Thousand Years of Longing” is wonder on a grand scale. While attending a conference in Istanbul, Dr. Alithea Binnie... Details
‘Bodies Bodies Bodies’ Is a Stressful and Surprisingly Deep Satire

‘Bodies Bodies Bodies’ Is a Stressful and Surprisingly Deep Satire

By Alex McPherson Sharp and cynical with plenty on its mind, director Halina Reijn’s “Bodies Bodies Bodies” delivers an unpredictable, ruthless, and highly entertaining experience.... Details
Nimble Ensemble Shines in Unconventional ‘The Rose Tattoo’

Nimble Ensemble Shines in Unconventional ‘The Rose Tattoo’

By Lynn VenhausEmphasizing romantic symbolism along with its operatic life and death themes, an unconventional production of Tennessee Williams’ “The Rose Tattoo” is cleverly staged... Details
Union Avenue Ends Festival Season With Some Scrumptious Sondheim

Union Avenue Ends Festival Season With Some Scrumptious Sondheim

By CB Adams It’s been a bit of a “Sondheim Summer” here in St. Louis, bookended by Far North Theatricals' "Assassins," The Muny’s “Sweeney Todd”... Details
First Run Theatre Presents ‘Locked Ward’ with Care and Concern

First Run Theatre Presents ‘Locked Ward’ with Care and Concern

By Lynn VenhausA strong ensemble cast acts naturally in an unnatural setting in “Locked Ward,” a world premiere mystery-drama by Chicago-based playwright Amy Crider. Now... Details