‘Skies of Lebanon’ Is An Imaginative, Evocative Cinematic Achievement

‘Skies of Lebanon’ Is An Imaginative, Evocative Cinematic Achievement

By Lynn Venhaus Director Chloé Mazlo’s incredible “Skies of Lebanon” explores an idyllic life beset by war, as well as the power of the human... Details
A Coastal Elite Gets His Hat Handed to Him in Comedy-Mystery ‘Vengeance’

A Coastal Elite Gets His Hat Handed to Him in Comedy-Mystery ‘Vengeance’

By Lynn Venhaus Ah, preconceived notions. In journalism parlance, we have a phrase in the newsroom, “When you assume, that makes an ass out of... Details
Union Avenue Opera Offers Solid Production of ‘Eugene Onegin’

Union Avenue Opera Offers Solid Production of ‘Eugene Onegin’

By C. B. Adams“Eugene Onegin,” the opera based on Alexander Pushkin’s verse novel of the same name, inspired another great writer, Anton Chekhov, to write... Details
With Dazzling Images, Perplexing ‘Nope’ Is More Style Than Substance

With Dazzling Images, Perplexing ‘Nope’ Is More Style Than Substance

By Lynn VenhausTechnically brilliant but weak in coherent storytelling, “Nope” is an amalgam of tones and textures that convey horror and the strangest things. In... Details
Delayed Gratification: 8th Annual LaBute New Theater Festival Delivers First of Two Sets of Wonderful Acts

Delayed Gratification: 8th Annual LaBute New Theater Festival Delivers First of Two Sets of Wonderful Acts

By CB AdamsBefore the lights dimmed and the 8th annual LaBute New Theater Festival began, this reviewer felt pity instead of anticipation – pity for... Details
Muny’s ‘Sweeney Todd’ Is Fulfilling Slice and One of Sondheim’s Greatest

Muny’s ‘Sweeney Todd’ Is Fulfilling Slice and One of Sondheim’s Greatest

By CB Adams  Whether you’re a die-hard Muny season ticket holder, a Stephen Sondheim devotee, someone attracted to a dark Dickensian tale about a murderous... Details
“Mad God’ Is Stop-Motion That Stops You Dead In Your Tracks

“Mad God’ Is Stop-Motion That Stops You Dead In Your Tracks

By Alex McPherson A Rube-Goldbergian smorgasbord of grotesqueries, special effects guru Phil Tippett’s stop-motion passion project, “Mad God,” oozes with both incredible artistry and dispiriting... Details
Midnight Company’s Fine Performances and Skilled Craftsmanship Sharpen Explosive ‘Rodney’s Wife’

Midnight Company’s Fine Performances and Skilled Craftsmanship Sharpen Explosive ‘Rodney’s Wife’

By Lynn Venhaus During the ten-minute intermission, I overheard a woman in the audience tell her companion: “I hope my kids don’t find my diaries.”... Details
Opera Theater’s Overhauled ‘Harvey Milk’ Is Overwhelmingly Good with Understudy’s Debut

Opera Theater’s Overhauled ‘Harvey Milk’ Is Overwhelmingly Good with Understudy’s Debut

By CB Adams Opera Theatre of St. Louis has concluded a successful and altogether satisfying 48th festival season. But it would be a shame to... Details
Fly North’s ‘Assassins’ Takes Sharp Aim at the American Dream

Fly North’s ‘Assassins’ Takes Sharp Aim at the American Dream

By Lynn Venhaus “Attention must be paid.”In Fly North Theatrical’s hard-hitting “Assassins,” as the vainglorious actor John Wilkes Booth, a mesmerizing Jordan Wolk reminds us... Details