‘Gabby Giffords Won’t Back Down” Documentary Depicts Former Congresswoman’s Compelling Life

‘Gabby Giffords Won’t Back Down” Documentary Depicts Former Congresswoman’s Compelling Life

By Lynn Venhaus“She’s a fighter like nobody else I know,” states Mark Kelly about the woman he married in 2007, in the new documentary, “Gabby... Details
‘Thirteen Lives’ Recounts Daring ‘Miracle in the Cave’ Rescue in 2018

‘Thirteen Lives’ Recounts Daring ‘Miracle in the Cave’ Rescue in 2018

By Lynn Venhaus Director Ron Howard knows how to tug on the heartstrings, and with its life-or-death scenario, “Thirteen Lives” is ready-made for an agonizing... Details
“Prey” — Intense, Well-Acted, and Downright Awesome

“Prey” — Intense, Well-Acted, and Downright Awesome

By Alex McPherson Director Dan Trachtenberg’s “Prey” is a lean, primal, nerve-wracking, and vividly shot underdog story smeared in glistening blood, featuring an expert performance... Details
Jolly Fun and Zippy Improv at Stray Dog’s Delightful ‘Spelling Bee’

Jolly Fun and Zippy Improv at Stray Dog’s Delightful ‘Spelling Bee’

By Lynn VenhausHow do you define J-O-C-U-L-A-R-I-T-Y? The literal translation is “The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee,” now playing at Stray Dog Theatre. A... Details
Love and Light Shines Through the Muny’s Glorious ‘The Color Purple’

Love and Light Shines Through the Muny’s Glorious ‘The Color Purple’

By Lynn Venhaus In its Muny premier, “The Color Purple” is a momentous experience -- one that cannot be missed for its historic and landmark... Details
Stages St Louis ‘In the Heights’ Celebrates Culture And Connection

Stages St Louis ‘In the Heights’ Celebrates Culture And Connection

By Lynn Venhaus A jubilant celebration of culture, community, and connection, “In the Heights” is a warm embrace emphasizing the meaning of home. This Stages... Details
‘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