Spirited ‘Finale’ Excels At Examining Creative Process in WEPG’s Premiere

Spirited ‘Finale’ Excels At Examining Creative Process in WEPG’s Premiere

By Lynn VenhausInspired by real 19th century artists, “Finale” examines the creative process of renowned Italian composer Gioachino Rossini with a nimble cast of four... Details
Emotional Beats Amid Busy Action Mark Uneven ‘Guardians of The Galaxy Vol. 3’

Emotional Beats Amid Busy Action Mark Uneven ‘Guardians of The Galaxy Vol. 3’

By Lynn Venhaus Equal parts salty, sweet, silly, sentimental, scary, and strange, this third chapter spotlighting freaky misfits saving the universe is a very busy... Details
‘Peter Pan and Wendy’ Disappoints as Grittier Disney Live Action Remake

‘Peter Pan and Wendy’ Disappoints as Grittier Disney Live Action Remake

By Lynn Venhaus Another disappointment among Disney’s increasingly lackluster live action reboots of their classic animated films, “Peter Pan and Wendy” lacks imagination in its... Details
‘Showing Up’ Is a Beautiful Tribute to Art and Life

‘Showing Up’ Is a Beautiful Tribute to Art and Life

By Alex McPherson A gentle, tender exploration of art, creativity, and life’s winding, surprising journey, director Kelly Reichardt’s “Showing Up” reveals poignant truths through its... Details
Impressive Performances Power Prism’s Spiritual Drama ‘Doubt’

Impressive Performances Power Prism’s Spiritual Drama ‘Doubt’

By Lynn VenhausStrong performances mark Prism Theatre Company’s stirring interpretation of the fascinating and complex “Doubt: A Parable,” which pits a progressive well-liked young priest... Details
Go for ‘Broke’ If You’re Game For a Goofy Good Time Parody

Go for ‘Broke’ If You’re Game For a Goofy Good Time Parody

By Lynn Venhaus Even if you don’t earn a prize, you are still a winner for having attended “Broke: The Game Show Show,” a convivial... Details
Mesmerizing Performances in The Rep’s Heartfelt ‘Gruesome Playground Injuries’

Mesmerizing Performances in The Rep’s Heartfelt ‘Gruesome Playground Injuries’

By Lynn Venhaus Funny, sad, poignant and personal, “Gruesome Playground Injuries” is the Repertory Theatre of St. Louis’ impressive return to the Steve Woolf Studio... Details
‘Beau Is Afraid’ Is Challenging, Vicious Swing for the Fences

‘Beau Is Afraid’ Is Challenging, Vicious Swing for the Fences

By Alex McPherson An imaginatively sadistic plunge into a tortured psyche, Ari Aster’s “Beau Is Afraid” is a grueling watch, but one that’ll wind up... Details
‘Renfield’ Is Intriguing Concept Needing Sharper Fangs

‘Renfield’ Is Intriguing Concept Needing Sharper Fangs

By Alex McPherson Despite an entertainingly unhinged performance from Nicolas Cage and some impressive kills, director Chris McKay’s “Renfield” is a horror-action-comedy hybrid full of... Details
‘What the Constitution Means to Me’ Is Alive with Hope and Humor

‘What the Constitution Means to Me’ Is Alive with Hope and Humor

By Lynn VenhausOur past, present and future intersect in playwright Heidi Schreck’s deeply affecting memoir, “What the Constitution Means to Me,” to make a riveting... Details