SATE’s Original Work ‘Confetti Kids’ Is Hard-Hitting Act of Conscience

SATE’s Original Work ‘Confetti Kids’ Is Hard-Hitting Act of Conscience

By Lynn Venhaus Calls to action come in familiar places – neighborhoods, schools, and city halls, which we know produce results because of the recent... Details
Bourdain’s Transformative Summer of ’75 Is Tasty Fare in ‘Tony’

Bourdain’s Transformative Summer of ’75 Is Tasty Fare in ‘Tony’

By Lynn Venhaus Ah, one magical summer when you’re in college and trying to figure out your place in the world. “Tony” takes that relatable premise,... Details
‘Teenage Sex and Death at Camp Miasma’ is a Gloriously Strange, Overstuffed Experience 

‘Teenage Sex and Death at Camp Miasma’ is a Gloriously Strange, Overstuffed Experience 

By Alex McPhersonDirector Jane Schoenbrun’s surrealist meta–slasher-satire-character-study “Teenage Sex and Death at Camp Miasma” is ambitious and wholly unique, even if occasionally muddled by the... Details
Wackiness ensues in Muny’s fresh, funny, frisky ‘Something Rotten!’

Wackiness ensues in Muny’s fresh, funny, frisky ‘Something Rotten!’

By Lynn Venhaus Merry mischief makers mix the Muny’s musical mash-up “Something Rotten!” into a zesty end-of-season treat. Of course it’s special -- it has... Details
Stray Dog Theatre’s Potent Thriller ‘Extremities’ Still Unnerving Today

Stray Dog Theatre’s Potent Thriller ‘Extremities’ Still Unnerving Today

By Lynn Venhaus  “Extremities” starts with a jump scare - a violent home invasion, and the situation is every bit as horrific as it would... Details
Anthony Bourdain Coming-of-Age Story ‘Tony’ Makes Satisfying Meal of Familiar Ingredients

Anthony Bourdain Coming-of-Age Story ‘Tony’ Makes Satisfying Meal of Familiar Ingredients

By Alex McPherson Director Matt Johnson’s “Tony” is an excellently acted mini-biopic that goes beyond  familiar plot beats to paint a textured portrait of a... Details
The Folksy Charm of ‘The Rivals of Amziah King’ Surprises and Uplifts

The Folksy Charm of ‘The Rivals of Amziah King’ Surprises and Uplifts

By Lynn VenhausIn “The Rivals of Amziah King,” bluegrass, beekeeping and backwoods buddies keep this folksy fable brimming with surprises – with its twisty story,... Details
Bravura Performances Illuminate NJT’s Alarming, Volatile ‘JOB’

Bravura Performances Illuminate NJT’s Alarming, Volatile ‘JOB’

By Lynn Venhaus Taut and tense, “JOB” is an unsettling psychological thriller that will spark a broad spectrum of conversations. While the play’s hot-button issues... Details
Muny Delivers a Wondrous and Jubilant ‘Meet Me in St. Louis’

Muny Delivers a Wondrous and Jubilant ‘Meet Me in St. Louis’

By Lynn Venhaus Wow, just wow! The latest heart-warming production of “Meet Me in St. Louis,” which is self-referential – us sitting in Forest Park... Details
St. Louis Shakespeare Festival’s ‘The Two Gentlemen of Verona’ Charms With Six Spunky, Spry Players

St. Louis Shakespeare Festival’s ‘The Two Gentlemen of Verona’ Charms With Six Spunky, Spry Players

By Lynn Venhaus With boundless enthusiasm, a six-person ensemble enlivens “The Two Gentlemen of Verona,” an early Shakespeare comedy about boundaries in friendship and romance... Details