Stray Dog’s Engaging, Clever ‘The Mousetrap’ Warms A Winter’s Night

Stray Dog’s Engaging, Clever ‘The Mousetrap’ Warms A Winter’s Night

By Lynn VenhausA classic murder mystery always seems like a wise wintertime choice, and inside Tower Grove Abbey, a pair of novice innkeepers welcomes six... Details
Disappointing Spy Adventure ‘Argylle’ Is No ‘Kingsman’

Disappointing Spy Adventure ‘Argylle’ Is No ‘Kingsman’

By Alex McPherson Layered with twist upon twist adding up to not much at all, director Matthew Vaughn’s “Argylle” is a plodding spy adventure that... Details
All-Star Ensemble Has Fun in Light-Hearted Spy Thriller ‘Argylle’

All-Star Ensemble Has Fun in Light-Hearted Spy Thriller ‘Argylle’

By Stephe RavenWriter’s block. Hmm. Many of us have experienced this when under a deadline. And our heroine Elly Conway (Bryce Dallas Howard) starts off with it. She writes... Details
Winter Opera’s Captivating ‘Manon Lescaut’ Filled with Passionate Memories

Winter Opera’s Captivating ‘Manon Lescaut’ Filled with Passionate Memories

By C.B. Adams Giacomo Puccini’s first outstanding success was “Manon Lescaut,” the musical setting of Abbé Prévost’s renowned (and banned in France) novel’s tale of... Details
‘The Zone of Interest’ Focuses on the Evil of Apathy During WWII Holocaust

‘The Zone of Interest’ Focuses on the Evil of Apathy During WWII Holocaust

By Lynn VenhausA film as necessary for this time and throughout the ages, “The Zone of Interest” is a chilling look back at how Germans... Details
Ariana DeBose Stars in Solid Space Thriller ‘I.S.S.’

Ariana DeBose Stars in Solid Space Thriller ‘I.S.S.’

By Alex McPhersonA lean, claustrophobic thrill ride, director Gabriela Cowperthwaite’s “I.S.S.” can’t quite make the most of its premise, but satisfies as an enjoyably paranoid... Details
Powerful Ensemble Refreshes Equality Struggles with Urgency in ‘Hold On!’

Powerful Ensemble Refreshes Equality Struggles with Urgency in ‘Hold On!’

By Lynn Venhaus The movement is a rhythm to usFreedom is like religion to usJustice is juxtapositionin' usJustice for all just ain't specific enough --“Glory”... Details
‘Mrs. Doubtfire’ Is a Hellooooo of a Good Time on Tour at The Fox

‘Mrs. Doubtfire’ Is a Hellooooo of a Good Time on Tour at The Fox

By CB Adams Twice in the past month the Fox Theatre has hosted musicals based on films with the heavy stamp of the genius that... Details
Powerful ‘The Color Purple’ Soars As Soulful, Spirited Movie Musical

Powerful ‘The Color Purple’ Soars As Soulful, Spirited Movie Musical

By Lynn Venhaus A strong sense of community, sisterhood and triumph over adversity runs through the big, splashy movie musical adaptation of “The Color Purple.”... Details
Remarkable True Story ‘The Boys in the Boat’ Lacks Punch with Generic, Predictable Storytelling

Remarkable True Story ‘The Boys in the Boat’ Lacks Punch with Generic, Predictable Storytelling

By Lynn Venhaus While it has all the makings of an old-fashioned feel-good sports drama, perhaps we’ve seen too many rousing underdog team stories so... Details