Terrific Acting Trio Draws Us Into Upstream Theater’s Enigmatic ‘Don’t Wait for the Marlboro Man’

Terrific Acting Trio Draws Us Into Upstream Theater’s Enigmatic ‘Don’t Wait for the Marlboro Man’

By Lynn Venhaus Perhaps. That one little word changes everything in how we perceive “Don’t Wait for the Marlboro Man,” a cryptic collision of lifestyles... Details
Glossy and Messy, ‘Challengers’ Fumbles With Emotional Connection

Glossy and Messy, ‘Challengers’ Fumbles With Emotional Connection

By Lynn Venhaus Basically, Francois Truffaut’s “Jules and Jim” knockoff set in the highly competitive world of professional tennis, “Challengers” is a baffling vanity exercise... Details
Bodytraffic is a Road Trip Through the American Psyche and Beyond

Bodytraffic is a Road Trip Through the American Psyche and Beyond

By CB Adams The American music journalist, essayist and critic Robert Christgau astutely noted that “When bodies move in relation to a designed space, be... Details
‘Civil War’ is a Riveting Nightmare

‘Civil War’ is a Riveting Nightmare

By Alex McPherson Depicting a frightening near-future scenario, Alex Garland’s “Civil War” is a sincere ode to journalists, a chilling warning to take history seriously,... Details
Exemplary Cast Delivers Emotional Honesty in Prodigious ‘The Whale’

Exemplary Cast Delivers Emotional Honesty in Prodigious ‘The Whale’

By Lynn Venhaus Anyone who has experienced grief knows that moving forward, life is measured by “Before” and “After.” “The Whale” delves into the mental... Details
Garland’s ‘Civil War’ Is an Unflinching Look at a Near-Future Dystopian U.S.

Garland’s ‘Civil War’ Is an Unflinching Look at a Near-Future Dystopian U.S.

By Lynn Venhaus Unrelentingly grim, the harrowing action film “Civil War” is a provocative look at a nightmarish “What If?” scenario -- and claims to... Details
Everybody Wins When SLSO Rocks Out with Reimagined R.E.M. Songs

Everybody Wins When SLSO Rocks Out with Reimagined R.E.M. Songs

By CB AdamsIt must have been a challenge trying to fill the Stifel Theater on April 5 for a program with the St. Louis Symphony... Details
‘Monkey Man’ Is Dev Patel’s Emotional Hyper Violent Directing Debut

‘Monkey Man’ Is Dev Patel’s Emotional Hyper Violent Directing Debut

By Alex McPherson Bone-crunchingly violent and layered with social commentary, director Dev Patel’s “Monkey Man” is an action thriller that packs a real punch, in... Details
Stray Dog’s Silly ‘Xanadu’ Captures the Show’s Campy Kitschy Fun

Stray Dog’s Silly ‘Xanadu’ Captures the Show’s Campy Kitschy Fun

By Lynn Venhaus “Xanadu” is a silly bunch of nonsense – and that is its intention. A spoof of the ridiculous 1980 romantic musical fantasy... Details
Albion’s Heart-Tugging ‘Molly Sweeney’ Showcases Vivid Portrayals

Albion’s Heart-Tugging ‘Molly Sweeney’ Showcases Vivid Portrayals

By Lynn Venhaus Heartwarming and heartbreaking, “Molly Sweeney” lingers. Albion Theatre’s intriguing first foray into producing an Irish play is a poignant mix of comedy... Details