A Different Version of ‘Dracula’ Adds Romantic Twists to Gothic Legend

A Different Version of ‘Dracula’ Adds Romantic Twists to Gothic Legend

By Lynn VenhausMaybe you think that if you’ve seen one Dracula movie, you’ve seen them all, “Nosferatu” and other spin-offs included? Quite the contrary, with... Details
Mirthful ‘Myth of the Ostrich’ Takes Flight with a Trio of Local Treasures

Mirthful ‘Myth of the Ostrich’ Takes Flight with a Trio of Local Treasures

By Lynn Venhaus A very special comedy, “Myth of the Ostrich,” is an absolute laugh riot, thanks to the triple treat of actresses who deliver... Details
Rachel McAdams Reigns Supreme in Sam Raimi’s Latest Slice of Madness ‘Send Help’

Rachel McAdams Reigns Supreme in Sam Raimi’s Latest Slice of Madness ‘Send Help’

By Alex McPherson At its best when fully leaning into uninhibited mayhem, director Sam Raimi’s “Send Help” is a knowingly loony, if broad, satire elevated... Details
Winter Opera Builds Verdi’s “Un Ballo in Maschera” with Discipline and Grace

Winter Opera Builds Verdi’s “Un Ballo in Maschera” with Discipline and Grace

By CB AdamsWinter Opera St. Louis’ “Un Ballo in Maschera” succeeds through design. Dianna Higbee approaches Verdi’s tragedy as an architectural problem — how to... Details
‘Mercy’ Mishmash on AI Ethics Loses Momentum as Doomsday Scroll

‘Mercy’ Mishmash on AI Ethics Loses Momentum as Doomsday Scroll

By Lynn Venhaus With a timely yet controversial AI issue to ponder in “Mercy,” this futuristic cyber thriller’s gimmick is that it uses intelligent tools... Details
Nia DaCosta Delivers a Worthy, Gonzo Follow-Up in ’28 Years Later: The Bone Temple’

Nia DaCosta Delivers a Worthy, Gonzo Follow-Up in ’28 Years Later: The Bone Temple’

By Alex McPherson Savage, heartfelt, and memorable, director Nia DaCosta’s “28 Years Later: The Bone Temple” carves its own gory yet defiantly hopeful path through... Details
Comical House Party ‘The Dance on Widow’s Row’ Warmly Entertains

Comical House Party ‘The Dance on Widow’s Row’ Warmly Entertains

By Lynn Venhaus Wackiness will ensue. Four women with very distinct personalities, under suspicion for their husbands’ mysterious deaths, throw a party to socialize with... Details
Comedy as Therapy In Dark Times Is Relatable Point of ‘Is This Thing On?’

Comedy as Therapy In Dark Times Is Relatable Point of ‘Is This Thing On?’

By Lynn Venhaus With its inspired casting, “Is This Thing On?” is strongest in its personal self-discovery journey as a married couple divorces. Alex and... Details
Bach Society’s Candlelight Concert Finds Its Radiance in Rutter — and in Emily Birsan’s Voice

Bach Society’s Candlelight Concert Finds Its Radiance in Rutter — and in Emily Birsan’s Voice

By CB Adams The Bach Society of Saint Louis’ Christmas Candlelight Concert begins where it should: in sound. Before tradition, before ritual, before the familiar... Details
Girl Power and Positivity Triumph in Tesseract’s Heartfelt ‘Legally Blonde’

Girl Power and Positivity Triumph in Tesseract’s Heartfelt ‘Legally Blonde’

By Lynn Venhaus ‘Tis the season to emphasize “Believe,” and that’s a fitting attitude about the iconic Elle Woods, the musical “Legally Blonde,” and Tesseract... Details