Reviews

‘Alien: Romulus’ Goes Bigger with the Gore, Nostalgia and Practical Effects

By Lynn Venhaus This is an “Alien” built on fan service, from its loop of greatest hits to recycling the original’s most famous lines to... Details

Feel the Joy in The Muny’s Sizzling ‘In The Heights’ That Celebrates Home

By Lynn Venhaus A big-hearted love letter to roots and the people who shape us, “In the Heights” sizzles with a refreshing spark that lights... Details

Family Ties, Secrets and Lies, Tennessee Williams-style, in Festival’s Intense ‘Cat on a Hot Tin Roof’

By Lynn Venhaus Avarice, malice and mendacity. Those words that Tennessee Williams used so eloquently to imply grown-ups behaving badly in “Cat on a Hot... Details

‘Handling the Undead’ Is A Haunting, Emotionally Resonant Zombie Film

Playing as part of the Webster Film Series By Alex McPherson A meditative reflection on death and grief, director Thea Hvistendahl’s “Handling the Undead” is... Details

Shakespeare TourCo’s Playful ‘The Tempest’ Makes a Big Splash at Local Parks

By Lynn Venhaus On an enchanted evening at local parks, you’ll be swept away to a far-off island, where mischief, magic and mayhem will ensue.... Details

Fly North’s Original Musical ‘Big Machine’ Displays Captivating Music, Crowded Narrative

By Lynn Venhaus ‘Sticking it to the man’ is a familiar theme in narrative and nonfiction works, but the Fly North Theatricals’ original musical “Big... Details

Contrived ‘It Ends With Us’ Fails to Connect In Any Meaningful Way

By Lynn VenhausAn important message about domestic violence in “It Ends with Us” is diluted by the film adaptation’s shallow, superficial trappings that favor a... Details

Merry Mayhem Marks Musical Spoof ‘Ruthless!’ at Stray Dog Theatre

By Lynn Venhaus A pair of farce specialists aim for over-the-top in spectacular style in “Ruthless! The Musical,” a kitschy, campy stage mom-showbiz melodramatic throwdown... Details

Stages St. Louis’ Jaunty ‘Disney’s Newsies’ Pops with Personality

By Lynn VenhausBrimming with vim and vigor, Stages St. Louis’ “Disney’s Newsies” pops with personality. Stressing unity in troubled times, it’s a modern message about... Details