‘Flanagan’s Wake’: A Raucous, Raunchy, Ribald Romp

‘Flanagan’s Wake’: A Raucous, Raunchy, Ribald Romp

By Connie BollingerContributing WriterFull disclosure: I ordinarily don't enjoy audience interactive productions However, "Flanagan's Wake," playing now through March 21 at the Playhouse at Westport... Details
Acting Elevates True Crime Drama ‘Just Mercy’

Acting Elevates True Crime Drama ‘Just Mercy’

By Lynn VenhausAttorney Bryan Stevenson’s own account of the Walter McMillian case, as recorded in the 2014 bestselling nonfiction book “Just Mercy: A Tale of... Details
Surreal ‘Wildfire’ Sizzles with Terrific Trio’s Dive into the Weird and Wacky

Surreal ‘Wildfire’ Sizzles with Terrific Trio’s Dive into the Weird and Wacky

By Lynn Venhaus Every so often, an unusual play debuts in St. Louis that is such a delicious mix of sweet and salty, sharp and... Details
Original Musical ‘Madam’ Showcases Feisty Women

Original Musical ‘Madam’ Showcases Feisty Women

By Lynn Venhaus Ambitious and intriguing, “Madam” is a new musical full of promise and potential. Elevated by a charming cast of local performers, this... Details
A Lot of Song, A Lot of Dance, A Lot of Sparkle on Her Dress — The Donna Summer Musical Works Hard for Your Ticket Money

A Lot of Song, A Lot of Dance, A Lot of Sparkle on Her Dress — The Donna Summer Musical Works Hard for Your Ticket Money

By CB AdamsContributing WriterIt’s nice to be surprised, even at what might seem like just another jukebox musical. And yet, that’s exactly what "Summer: The... Details
Songs in the Key of Outrage – Union Avenue Opera’s ‘Glory Denied’ Confronts Vietnam War’s Ugly Truths

Songs in the Key of Outrage – Union Avenue Opera’s ‘Glory Denied’ Confronts Vietnam War’s Ugly Truths

By CB AdamsContributing WriterThere’s no easy way to say this: Union Avenue Opera’s season-ender production of Tom Cipullo’s true story Glory Denied is not easy... Details
Love Is Love: Passion and Art Make for Potent ‘ A Man of No Importance’ by R-S Theatrics

Love Is Love: Passion and Art Make for Potent ‘ A Man of No Importance’ by R-S Theatrics

By Lynn Venhaus Managing Editor Passion drives the characters and the R-S Theatrics production of a miraculous little musical that has something to say. The... Details
A ‘Guys and Dolls’ with Gusto and Gumption at Stray Dog Theatre

A ‘Guys and Dolls’ with Gusto and Gumption at Stray Dog Theatre

By Lynn Venhaus Managing Editor Stray Dog Theatre’s “Guys and Dolls” has gusto from the guys and gumption from the dolls, giving it an extra... Details
Lively ‘Grease’ Is a Time, Place and Feeling at Stages St. Louis

Lively ‘Grease’ Is a Time, Place and Feeling at Stages St. Louis

By Lynn Venhaus Managing Editor “Grease” may be the word, but I have one for the Stages St. Louis production: Vivacious! This funny and nostalgia... Details
Ahh, Those Sweet, Tragic Birds of Youth: Union Avenue Takes on ‘La Boheme’ Once More, with Aplomb

Ahh, Those Sweet, Tragic Birds of Youth: Union Avenue Takes on ‘La Boheme’ Once More, with Aplomb

By C.B. AdamsContributing Writer It is tempting to explore the modern cultural significance of Puccini’s La Bohéme. Jonathan Larson’s Rent and Baz Luhrmann’s Moulin Rouge... Details