Chekhov’s ‘Uncle Vanya’ Is An Acting Showcase at St. Louis Actors’ Studio

Chekhov’s ‘Uncle Vanya’ Is An Acting Showcase at St. Louis Actors’ Studio

By Lynn Venhaus Ah, existential angst. Few acting roles are as consequential as the ones in Anton Chekhov’s “Uncle Vanya,” and few casts are up... Details
Emma Mackey Fuels ‘Emily,’ Thoughtful Portrait of Bronte As Storyteller

Emma Mackey Fuels ‘Emily,’ Thoughtful Portrait of Bronte As Storyteller

By Alex McPherson With a wonderfully multifaceted performance from Emma Mackey, director Frances O’Connor’s “Emily” is a vibrant, poignant, heartbreaking, and somewhat reductive story loosely... Details
Performers Shine in WEPG’s charming Irish rom-com ‘Outside Mullingar’

Performers Shine in WEPG’s charming Irish rom-com ‘Outside Mullingar’

By Lynn VenhausKnown mostly in offbeat roles, versatile actors Colleen Backer and Jason Meyers are a dynamic duo in the irresistible romantic comedy “Outside Mullingar”... Details
MTC’s ‘Spells of the Sea’ Enchants in Uplifting World Premiere Musical

MTC’s ‘Spells of the Sea’ Enchants in Uplifting World Premiere Musical

By Lynn VenhausAn engaging cast and relatable story comes alive with joyful music in the world premiere of “Spells of the Sea.”This uplifting original musical... Details
Great Performances, Missed Potential in Shyamalan’s Latest Effort ‘Knock at the Cabin’

Great Performances, Missed Potential in Shyamalan’s Latest Effort ‘Knock at the Cabin’

By Alex McPherson Partly saved by excellent performances and technical skill, M. Night Shyamalan’s “Knock at the Cabin” has the bones of a solid thriller... Details
Riveting Mind Games and Bravura Performances in Stray Dog’s ‘Who’s Afraid of Virginia Woolf?’

Riveting Mind Games and Bravura Performances in Stray Dog’s ‘Who’s Afraid of Virginia Woolf?’

By Lynn VenhausStray Dog Theatre goes for the gusto in a blistering, shattering “Who’s Afraid of Virginia Woolf?” that features bravura performances and a fresh... Details
‘Feminine Energy’ Creates Vibrant Portrait of Relatable Women

‘Feminine Energy’ Creates Vibrant Portrait of Relatable Women

By Lynn VenhausMyah L. Gary has something to say – about female friendships, health woes and relationships. Her original play, “Feminine Energy,” celebrates the faith,... Details
Icon Deserves Better Than The Rep’s Miscast ‘Side by Side by Sondheim’

Icon Deserves Better Than The Rep’s Miscast ‘Side by Side by Sondheim’

By Lynn VenhausA poorly executed musical revue, “Side by Side by Sondheim” is miscast and misguided. The Repertory Theatre of St Louis’ production hasn’t jelled... Details
Shayamalan Builds Tension in ‘Knock at the Cabin’ Thriller Adaptation

Shayamalan Builds Tension in ‘Knock at the Cabin’ Thriller Adaptation

By Lynn VenhausA taut and tense thriller that taps into our anxieties and fears during the past three years of the pandemic, “Knock at the... Details
Another Look: ‘Groundhog Day’ at 30

Another Look: ‘Groundhog Day’ at 30

By Lynn VenhausMaybe it was the wake-up call - the clock radio hitting 6 a.m. and Sonny and Cher's "I Got You Babe" blaring bedside... Details