Warm and Genuine ‘A Real Pain’ Explores Family Ties, Heritage

Warm and Genuine ‘A Real Pain’ Explores Family Ties, Heritage

By Lynn Venhaus Complicated family ties and honoring Jewish heritage are explored in the heartfelt “A Real Pain.” With its strong emotional pull as two... Details
Winter Opera’s 18th Season Sets Sail With a Buoyant ‘H.M.S. Pinafore’

Winter Opera’s 18th Season Sets Sail With a Buoyant ‘H.M.S. Pinafore’

By CB Adams Timing, as they say, is everything. And Winter Opera’s sprightly production of Gilbert and Sullivan’s “H.M.S. Pinafore” succeeds thanks to all sorts... Details
Hugh Grant Embraces Evil in Impressive Horror-Thriller ‘Heretic’

Hugh Grant Embraces Evil in Impressive Horror-Thriller ‘Heretic’

By Alex McPherson In large part due to a deliciously sinister performance from Hugh Grant, co-directors Scott Beck and Bryan Woods’ “Heretic” is a taut,... Details
Strong Performances Celebrate Neil Diamond’s Music in ‘A Beautiful Noise’

Strong Performances Celebrate Neil Diamond’s Music in ‘A Beautiful Noise’

By Lynn Venhaus Come for the music, stay for the lovefest. A gleaming crowd-pleasing tribute, “A Beautiful Noise: The Neil Diamond Musical” celebrates the singer-songwriter’s... Details
Mikey Madison Stuns in Sean Baker’s ‘Anora,’ One of 2024’s Best Films

Mikey Madison Stuns in Sean Baker’s ‘Anora,’ One of 2024’s Best Films

By Alex McPherson An intense, darkly funny, and, ultimately, heartbreaking tribute to those striving to achieve the American Dream, featuring a magnificent performance from Mikey... Details
Dynamic Duo Delights in The Rep’s Offbeat Comedy ‘The Roommate’

Dynamic Duo Delights in The Rep’s Offbeat Comedy ‘The Roommate’

By Lynn VenhausSometimes, adults need a playdate too. For a merry good time, head to The Repertory Theatre of St. Louis’s Emerson Studio to join... Details
Mizell Masters Poe in Moody, Gloomy Theatrical ‘Nevermore’ at Stray Dog

Mizell Masters Poe in Moody, Gloomy Theatrical ‘Nevermore’ at Stray Dog

By Lynn Venhaus Edgar Allan Poe’s tremendous body of work has impacted pop culture for generations – art, photography, music, movies and television. Now Stray... Details
Vivid ‘Emilia Perez’ is Bravura Filmmaking Featuring Electric Performances

Vivid ‘Emilia Perez’ is Bravura Filmmaking Featuring Electric Performances

By Lynn Venhaus Fearless and unflinching, writer-director Jacques Audiard’s bold fever dream of a movie colors outside the genre lines. “Emilia Perez” is unlike any... Details
Ace Ensemble Invigorates Upstream Theatre’s Classic ‘Life Is a Dream’

Ace Ensemble Invigorates Upstream Theatre’s Classic ‘Life Is a Dream’

By Lynn Venhaus Pondering a conundrum like destiny or free will is what the Spanish classic drama “Life is a Dream” aims to do. Because... Details
Duo’s Vigorous Work Grabs Hold in Albion’s Witty Drama ‘Lungs’

Duo’s Vigorous Work Grabs Hold in Albion’s Witty Drama ‘Lungs’

By Lynn VenhausWith its emotionally rich storytelling, “Lungs” demands much from Joel Moses and Nicole Angeli, who fearlessly tackle those challenges in their finely chiseled... Details