Strong Performances Celebrate Neil Diamond’s Music in ‘A Beautiful Noise’

Strong Performances Celebrate Neil Diamond’s Music in ‘A Beautiful Noise’

By Lynn Venhaus Come for the music, stay for the lovefest. A gleaming crowd-pleasing tribute, “A Beautiful Noise: The Neil Diamond Musical” celebrates the singer-songwriter’s... Details
Mikey Madison Stuns in Sean Baker’s ‘Anora,’ One of 2024’s Best Films

Mikey Madison Stuns in Sean Baker’s ‘Anora,’ One of 2024’s Best Films

By Alex McPherson An intense, darkly funny, and, ultimately, heartbreaking tribute to those striving to achieve the American Dream, featuring a magnificent performance from Mikey... Details
Dynamic Duo Delights in The Rep’s Offbeat Comedy ‘The Roommate’

Dynamic Duo Delights in The Rep’s Offbeat Comedy ‘The Roommate’

By Lynn VenhausSometimes, adults need a playdate too. For a merry good time, head to The Repertory Theatre of St. Louis’s Emerson Studio to join... Details
Mizell Masters Poe in Moody, Gloomy Theatrical ‘Nevermore’ at Stray Dog

Mizell Masters Poe in Moody, Gloomy Theatrical ‘Nevermore’ at Stray Dog

By Lynn Venhaus Edgar Allan Poe’s tremendous body of work has impacted pop culture for generations – art, photography, music, movies and television. Now Stray... Details
Vivid ‘Emilia Perez’ is Bravura Filmmaking Featuring Electric Performances

Vivid ‘Emilia Perez’ is Bravura Filmmaking Featuring Electric Performances

By Lynn Venhaus Fearless and unflinching, writer-director Jacques Audiard’s bold fever dream of a movie colors outside the genre lines. “Emilia Perez” is unlike any... Details
Ace Ensemble Invigorates Upstream Theatre’s Classic ‘Life Is a Dream’

Ace Ensemble Invigorates Upstream Theatre’s Classic ‘Life Is a Dream’

By Lynn Venhaus Pondering a conundrum like destiny or free will is what the Spanish classic drama “Life is a Dream” aims to do. Because... Details
Duo’s Vigorous Work Grabs Hold in Albion’s Witty Drama ‘Lungs’

Duo’s Vigorous Work Grabs Hold in Albion’s Witty Drama ‘Lungs’

By Lynn VenhausWith its emotionally rich storytelling, “Lungs” demands much from Joel Moses and Nicole Angeli, who fearlessly tackle those challenges in their finely chiseled... Details
Contraband’s ‘Am I Dangerous?’ Explores Different Aspects of Womanhood in a Femme-Forward Excursion

Contraband’s ‘Am I Dangerous?’ Explores Different Aspects of Womanhood in a Femme-Forward Excursion

By Lynn VenhausLooking at female agency through the prism of mothers, daughters and sisters, “Am I Dangerous?” is an earthy, sensual exploration written by a... Details
‘Saturday Night’ Comedy a Half-Baked Trip Down Memory Lane

‘Saturday Night’ Comedy a Half-Baked Trip Down Memory Lane

By Alex McPherson Frenetic, scattershot, and thoroughly self-absorbed, director Jason Reitman’s “Saturday Night” might satisfy those nostalgic for the early days of “SNL,” but fails... Details
Lively ‘Saturday Night’ Re-creates a TV Landmark’s First Broadcast with Outstanding Ensemble Cast

Lively ‘Saturday Night’ Re-creates a TV Landmark’s First Broadcast with Outstanding Ensemble Cast

By Lynn Venhaus The unpredictable Not Ready for Prime Time Players would go on to become household names. A shaggy group of irreverent writers would... Details