‘Bruised’ Pummels With Melodramatic Misery, Cliches

‘Bruised’ Pummels With Melodramatic Misery, Cliches

By Lynn Venhaus "Bruised" is a cliché-riddled and formulaic sports story that strives to be a “Million Dollar Baby” or “The Wrestler,” but pales in... Details
‘tick, tick…Boom!’ Brims With Vitality, Celebrates the Creative Process

‘tick, tick…Boom!’ Brims With Vitality, Celebrates the Creative Process

By Lynn VenhausIn the loving hands of director Lin-Manuel Miranda, the world will know Jonathan Larson’s name as more than the creator of “Rent,” one... Details
‘After We’re Over’ Is A Passionate, Bittersweet St. Louis-Set Romance

‘After We’re Over’ Is A Passionate, Bittersweet St. Louis-Set Romance

By Alex McPhersonAn earnest tribute to St. Louis and the people who live there, St. Louis native Nate Myers’ “After We’re Over” is a beautifully... Details
Cast Aces Williams’ Sisters Rise as Superstars in ‘King Richard’ Biopic

Cast Aces Williams’ Sisters Rise as Superstars in ‘King Richard’ Biopic

By Lynn VenhausAnyone’s journey on how we become who we are can be turned into a compelling narrative in the right hands, and while the... Details
‘Ghostbusters: Afterlife’ Offers Sentimental Tribute to Harold Ramis

‘Ghostbusters: Afterlife’ Offers Sentimental Tribute to Harold Ramis

By Lynn Venhaus Just in time to ride an ‘80s nostalgia wave, “Ghostbusters: Afterlife” is a sentimental link to the 1984 blockbuster hit, an opportunity... Details
Fly North Theatricals Make Merry with Free ‘A Year With Frog and Toad’

Fly North Theatricals Make Merry with Free ‘A Year With Frog and Toad’

By Lynn VenhausFilled with whimsy and good cheer, “A Year with Frog and Toad” is a delightful example of clever staging and accessible theater for... Details
‘Belfast’ Is Earnest Tribute to Home

‘Belfast’ Is Earnest Tribute to Home

By Alex McPherson Accessible and brimming with directorial skill, Sir Kenneth Branagh’s future awards hopeful, “Belfast,” is an affecting coming-of-age story set amidst civil conflict.... Details
Dull ‘Eternals’ Doesn’t Offer Anything Fresh in MCU Superhero World

Dull ‘Eternals’ Doesn’t Offer Anything Fresh in MCU Superhero World

By Lynn VenhausTrying to save the world shouldn’t be boring, but “Eternals” is one big giant yawn -- and easily the worst film in the... Details
Muny Announces 7-Show Schedule for 104th Season; Two Premieres

Muny Announces 7-Show Schedule for 104th Season; Two Premieres

The Muny announced the exciting seven show lineup for its 104th Season in 2022 Thursday.Joining the previously announced "Disney and Cameron Mackintosh's "Mary Poppins" and... Details
Take Ten With Dea Hoover: Writer, Adventurer, St. Louis Ambassador

Take Ten With Dea Hoover: Writer, Adventurer, St. Louis Ambassador

Join Her Scavenger Hunt in Her First Book, "STL Scavenger" By Lynn VenhausPortions of this article were published in the Belleville News-Democrat on Aug. 22,... Details