Shakespeare Festival’s Jolly ‘Q Brothers Christmas Carol’ Sparkles

Shakespeare Festival’s Jolly ‘Q Brothers Christmas Carol’ Sparkles

By Lynn Venhaus Even the most mean-spirited holiday-hater won’t be muttering “Bah! Humbug” after sampling the jolly high-octane hip-hop musical remix of Charles Dickens’ classic... Details
Take Ten with Actor-Director-Writer John Contini

Take Ten with Actor-Director-Writer John Contini

By Lynn Venhaus Back in his day, John Barrymore was considered one of the most influential and idolized actors of stage and screen. He died... Details
Disney’s ‘Wish’ Lacks the Luster It Is Striving For in Centennial Tribute

Disney’s ‘Wish’ Lacks the Luster It Is Striving For in Centennial Tribute

By Lynn VenhausThe idealist in me wants to believe in Disney magic, of good triumphing over evil, of the power of community, and memorable moments,... Details
Waititi Delivers in Fun, Messy Sports Film ‘Next Goal Wins’

Waititi Delivers in Fun, Messy Sports Film ‘Next Goal Wins’

By Alex McPherson A lightweight, enjoyable treat that leans into sports movie cliches while adding some wrinkles, director Taika Waititi’s “Next Goal Wins” doesn’t try... Details
Silly Offbeat ‘Next Goal Wins’ Is By-the-Numbers Crowd Pleaser

Silly Offbeat ‘Next Goal Wins’ Is By-the-Numbers Crowd Pleaser

By Lynn VenhausThink a second tier “Ted Lasso” meets a “Cool Runnings” vibe in this rough-around-the-edges underdog sports comedy-drama that is based on a true... Details
Coppola’s ‘Priscilla’ Presents Elvis Romance as Surreal Teenage Dream

Coppola’s ‘Priscilla’ Presents Elvis Romance as Surreal Teenage Dream

By Lynn Venhaus Women of privilege but not power in a male-dominated world has been a theme in other Sofia Coppola films, and “Priscilla” fits... Details
Take Ten with Artist and Filmmaker Taylor Yocom

Take Ten with Artist and Filmmaker Taylor Yocom

By Lynn VenhausA working artist who explores femininity in visuals ranging from collages to short films, Taylor Yocom is one to watch -- and on... Details
Road Maps, Detours and Powerhouse Vocals Drive ‘The Mad Ones’

Road Maps, Detours and Powerhouse Vocals Drive ‘The Mad Ones’

By Lynn Venhaus An 18-year-old girl in a car. Life looms large at that age, so much ahead, not much in the rear-view mirror. Is... Details
‘Priscilla’ Is An Atmospheric Look at a Troubled Relationship

‘Priscilla’ Is An Atmospheric Look at a Troubled Relationship

By Alex McPherson Stylistically resonant with absorbing performances from Cailee Spaeny and Jacob Elordi, director Sofia Coppola’s “Priscilla” is emotionally removed, eschewing a deeper dive... Details
Spontaneity is Key to ‘White Rabbit, Red Rabbit’ Absurdist Adventure

Spontaneity is Key to ‘White Rabbit, Red Rabbit’ Absurdist Adventure

By Lynn VenhausThink of it as ‘80s performance art meets a ‘60s Be-In. An experimental “happening” play, “White Rabbit, Red Rabbit” by Nassim Soleimanpour, is... Details