Unexpected, Unpredictable ‘Barbie’ Is An Irresistible Pop o’ Culture

Unexpected, Unpredictable ‘Barbie’ Is An Irresistible Pop o’ Culture

By Lynn Venhaus Far from plastic and without a whiff of cynicism, “Barbie” is a cherry lemonade-frosted cupcake made with the best ingredients, no artificial... Details
Nolan’s Magnum Opus ‘Oppenheimer’ is Big, Bold And Brilliant

Nolan’s Magnum Opus ‘Oppenheimer’ is Big, Bold And Brilliant

By Lynn VenhausOne of the best films of the year, “Oppenheimer” is a stunning achievement in sight, sound, story, and scope. Brilliantly directed and written... Details
Comfortable Cast Contemplates Life’s Unpredictability in ‘The Years’

Comfortable Cast Contemplates Life’s Unpredictability in ‘The Years’

By Lynn VenhausLife and death. Lost and found. Weddings and funerals. The big picture and small moments. Cindy Lou Johnson’s “The Years” mulls it all... Details
The Muny’s Electric, Elegant ‘West Side Story’ Aims For The Heart

The Muny’s Electric, Elegant ‘West Side Story’ Aims For The Heart

By Lynn Venhaus Bursting with vitality, The Muny’s latest heart-tugging interpretation of “West Side Story” emphasizes its potency as a cultural snapshot and the exceptional... Details
Daffy Doings In ‘The Nerd’: The One With the Houseguest from Hell

Daffy Doings In ‘The Nerd’: The One With the Houseguest from Hell

By Lynn VenhausThe laughs come in waves as wackiness ensues in “The Nerd,” a fizzy farce that showcases a nimble seven-member cast at their best.... Details
Union Avenue Delivers a Powerfully Haunting ‘Turn of the Screw’

Union Avenue Delivers a Powerfully Haunting ‘Turn of the Screw’

By CB Adams Benjamin Britten said that “Composing is like driving down a foggy road.” He could just as easily been describing the experience of... Details
Lissome Acting and Distinct Points of View Mark This Year’s ‘LaBute New Theater Festival’

Lissome Acting and Distinct Points of View Mark This Year’s ‘LaBute New Theater Festival’

By Lynn VenhausThis year’s LaBute New Theater Festival dives right into blistering topical commentary on our great societal divide, and while “Safe Space” is one... Details
‘MI:7’ Is Stunt Spectacular, Thorny Mission on Cruise Control

‘MI:7’ Is Stunt Spectacular, Thorny Mission on Cruise Control

By Lynn Venhaus One thing about Tom Cruise: Love him or hate him, he is a consummate entertainer. And let’s face it, we’re sucked into... Details
Unforgettable Action Sequences Elevate Solid ‘Mission: Impossible’ 7

Unforgettable Action Sequences Elevate Solid ‘Mission: Impossible’ 7

By Alex McPherson Featuring incredible stunts, timely themes, and an engaging, though imperfect balance between goofiness and sincerity, director Christopher McQuarrie’s “Mission: Impossible - Dead... Details
Muny’s Gambit Showcases Virtuoso Talents in Stylish, Daring ‘Chess’

Muny’s Gambit Showcases Virtuoso Talents in Stylish, Daring ‘Chess’

By Lynn VenhausWhat was that? A stunning showcase featuring some of the most passionate voices ever on a St. Louis stage, “Chess” is a love... Details