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
People Do Really Stupid Things When Animals Attack in ‘Beast’

People Do Really Stupid Things When Animals Attack in ‘Beast’

By Lynn VenhausEven an actor as good as Idris Elba can’t save this overblown and half-baked adventure-thriller. When poachers slaughter a pride of lions, ticking... Details
The Muny’s Festive ‘Joseph’ Puts Audience in a Golden State of Mind

The Muny’s Festive ‘Joseph’ Puts Audience in a Golden State of Mind

By Lynn VenhausAs frothy as a cappuccino and sweet as cotton candy, “Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat” took hold of The Muny stage as... Details
‘Gabby Giffords Won’t Back Down” Documentary Depicts Former Congresswoman’s Compelling Life

‘Gabby Giffords Won’t Back Down” Documentary Depicts Former Congresswoman’s Compelling Life

By Lynn Venhaus“She’s a fighter like nobody else I know,” states Mark Kelly about the woman he married in 2007, in the new documentary, “Gabby... Details
‘Thirteen Lives’ Recounts Daring ‘Miracle in the Cave’ Rescue in 2018

‘Thirteen Lives’ Recounts Daring ‘Miracle in the Cave’ Rescue in 2018

By Lynn Venhaus Director Ron Howard knows how to tug on the heartstrings, and with its life-or-death scenario, “Thirteen Lives” is ready-made for an agonizing... Details
“Prey” — Intense, Well-Acted, and Downright Awesome

“Prey” — Intense, Well-Acted, and Downright Awesome

By Alex McPherson Director Dan Trachtenberg’s “Prey” is a lean, primal, nerve-wracking, and vividly shot underdog story smeared in glistening blood, featuring an expert performance... Details
Jolly Fun and Zippy Improv at Stray Dog’s Delightful ‘Spelling Bee’

Jolly Fun and Zippy Improv at Stray Dog’s Delightful ‘Spelling Bee’

By Lynn VenhausHow do you define J-O-C-U-L-A-R-I-T-Y? The literal translation is “The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee,” now playing at Stray Dog Theatre. A... Details
Love and Light Shines Through the Muny’s Glorious ‘The Color Purple’

Love and Light Shines Through the Muny’s Glorious ‘The Color Purple’

By Lynn Venhaus In its Muny premier, “The Color Purple” is a momentous experience -- one that cannot be missed for its historic and landmark... Details
Stages St Louis ‘In the Heights’ Celebrates Culture And Connection

Stages St Louis ‘In the Heights’ Celebrates Culture And Connection

By Lynn Venhaus A jubilant celebration of culture, community, and connection, “In the Heights” is a warm embrace emphasizing the meaning of home. This Stages... Details
Union Avenue Opera Offers a ‘Falstaff’ Full of Mirth and Girth

Union Avenue Opera Offers a ‘Falstaff’ Full of Mirth and Girth

By CB Adams There’s a moment in the “classic” 1989 movie “Fletch Lives” when Chevy Chase as Fletch says it takes a big man to... Details