Tea, Tears and Tiaras – ‘Downton Abbey’ Says Farewell With a Luxe Grand Final Bow

Tea, Tears and Tiaras – ‘Downton Abbey’ Says Farewell With a Luxe Grand Final Bow

By Lynn VenhausA bittersweet wrap-up of the classy historical drama, “Downton Abbey: The Grand Finale” is a fitting final bow for its legion of fans.... Details
The Rep’s Comical Throwback ‘The Cottage’ Is A Dandy, Daffy Delight

The Rep’s Comical Throwback ‘The Cottage’ Is A Dandy, Daffy Delight

By Lynn Venhaus Sidesplitting hijinks ensue as a marital merry-go-round farce, “The Cottage,” spills the tea and twists a Noel Coward-esque comedy of manners for... Details
PopLifeSTL Picks Weekly: Sept. 1 – 7

PopLifeSTL Picks Weekly: Sept. 1 – 7

Dateline: Sept. 1By Lynn Venhaus, Alex McPherson, C.B. Adams and Carl “The Intern” Middleman Are we ready to cross into the spooky season? And no,... Details
Darren Aronofsky Takes a Detour in Hyperviolent ‘Caught Stealing’

Darren Aronofsky Takes a Detour in Hyperviolent ‘Caught Stealing’

By Alex McPherson As it descends further into chaos, director Darren Aronofsky’s crime thriller “Caught Stealing” becomes increasingly muddled; it’s a grimy, mean-spirited film that’s... Details
Austin Butler Drives Dark Comedy Action Thriller ‘Caught Stealing’

Austin Butler Drives Dark Comedy Action Thriller ‘Caught Stealing’

By Lynn Venhaus Two lethal Hasidic Jews, two Russian mobster goons, a Latino gangster and a tough-talking cop walk into a grungy East Village bar... Details
PopLifeSTL Picks Weekly: Aug. 25 – 31

PopLifeSTL Picks Weekly: Aug. 25 – 31

Dateline: Aug. 25By Lynn Venhaus, Alex McPherson, C.B. Adams and Carl “The Intern” Middleman Round 2 of our new newsletter endeavor -- our curated weekly... Details
Union Avenue Opera’s ‘Salome’ Delivers Power and Uneven Spectacle

Union Avenue Opera’s ‘Salome’ Delivers Power and Uneven Spectacle

By CB AdamsIt is a rare pleasure to encounter "Salome," Richard Strauss’s 1905 masterpiece (after Oscar Wilde’s scandalous play), on a St. Louis stage. Union... Details
Samara Weaving Only Bright Spot in Action Thrill Ride ‘Eenie Meanie’

Samara Weaving Only Bright Spot in Action Thrill Ride ‘Eenie Meanie’

By Lynn Venhaus “Eenie Meanie” is the latest Quentin Tarantino-Guy Ritchie wannabe that is derivative of “Baby Driver,” “Drive,” “Fast and Furious” franchise and other... Details
Dark and Dreary Survival Thriller ‘Eden’ Is Flip Side of Utopian Dream

Dark and Dreary Survival Thriller ‘Eden’ Is Flip Side of Utopian Dream

By Lynn Venhaus A dour, dismal retelling of a ​1​930s island utopia that goes horribly awry, “Eden” is supposed to be high-stakes drama where people... Details
‘Jersey Boys’ Uplifting Melodies, Story Hit the Right Notes at the Muny

‘Jersey Boys’ Uplifting Melodies, Story Hit the Right Notes at the Muny

 By Lynn Venhaus "But the first time the four of us made that sound, our sound, when everything dropped away and all there was, was... Details