James McAvoy Is Gleefully Over the Top in Crowd-Pleasing Thriller ‘Speak No Evil’ From Blumhouse

James McAvoy Is Gleefully Over the Top in Crowd-Pleasing Thriller ‘Speak No Evil’ From Blumhouse

By Lynn VenhausAh, polite society vs. listening to your natural instincts is at the heart of this intriguing psychological thriller-horror film “Speak No Evil,” which... Details
‘Beetlejuice Beetlejuice’ Is a Wild Nostalgic Trip Back to the Afterlife

‘Beetlejuice Beetlejuice’ Is a Wild Nostalgic Trip Back to the Afterlife

By Alex McPherson Messy and overstuffed, but bursting with personality, director Tim Burton’s “Beetlejuice Beetlejuice” is a worthy follow-up to the 1988 original that provides... Details
Madcap Michael Keaton Provides the Zest in a Goofier and Gorier Sequel ‘Beetlejuice Beetlejuice’

Madcap Michael Keaton Provides the Zest in a Goofier and Gorier Sequel ‘Beetlejuice Beetlejuice’

By Lynn VenhausIt’s silly fun but hampered by uneven storytelling, nevertheless “Beetlejuice Beetlejuice” dips heavily into nostalgia and director Tim Burton’s irrepressible comic-horror sensibilities. Thirty-six... Details
Aaron Pierre Excels in Socially Conscious Action Thriller “Rebel Ridge”

Aaron Pierre Excels in Socially Conscious Action Thriller “Rebel Ridge”

Featuring a captivating performance from Aaron Pierre, director Jeremy Saulnier’s suspenseful-but-restrained “Rebel Ridge” mixes throwback thrills with earnest social commentary in its story of injustice,... Details
Personality Adds Pizzazz to a Peppery, Plucky ‘[title of show]’ from Prism

Personality Adds Pizzazz to a Peppery, Plucky ‘[title of show]’ from Prism

By Lynn Venhaus A personality-driven low-key charmer, the musical ‘[title of show]’ offers a fresh perspective with its vivacious gender-bending cast. And what’s not to... Details
‘Hamilton’ Continues to Resonate With Its Signature Style In a Fresh, Vibrant National Tour at The Fox

‘Hamilton’ Continues to Resonate With Its Signature Style In a Fresh, Vibrant National Tour at The Fox

By Lynn Venhaus A civics lesson brimming with dreamers and doers, the world now knows the name of a game-changing genius with an extraordinary verbal... Details
Forever Fresh ‘Anything Goes’ Is Frothy Fabulous Fun at The Muny

Forever Fresh ‘Anything Goes’ Is Frothy Fabulous Fun at The Muny

By Lynn Venhaus A glorious, glamorous, and grand gem of a good-time show, “Anything Goes” celebrates everything I love about musical theater – big splashy... Details
Uninspired ‘Blink Twice’ Tackles Abuse of Power By Wealthy Men

Uninspired ‘Blink Twice’ Tackles Abuse of Power By Wealthy Men

By Lynn VenhausNeither original nor groundbreaking, “Blink Twice” is a logic-free revenge tale that fails to convince in its twist-filled horror-suspense scenario. Populated by pretty... Details
The Beauty of Union Avenue Opera’s ‘Into the Woods’ Is No Fairytale

The Beauty of Union Avenue Opera’s ‘Into the Woods’ Is No Fairytale

By CB AdamsUnion Avenue Opera’s production of “Into The Woods,” stage directed by Jennifer Wintzer, is a rich tapestry. From the set design through the... Details
‘Sing Sing’ Is A Powerful, Empathetic Drama

‘Sing Sing’ Is A Powerful, Empathetic Drama

By Alex McPherson With an impressive ensemble cast and an emotionally satisfying narrative, director Greg Kwedar’s “Sing Sing” is an earnest, occasionally programmatic tribute to... Details