‘The Life of Chuck’ Is a Glossy and Frustrating Exercise in Style Over Substance

‘The Life of Chuck’ Is a Glossy and Frustrating Exercise in Style Over Substance

By Alex McPherson Overflowing with self-importance that threatens to drown out its several competent elements, director Mike Flanagan’s “The Life of Chuck” is neither as... Details
‘Materialists’ Explores Modern Romance Through a Realistic Lens

‘Materialists’ Explores Modern Romance Through a Realistic Lens

By Lynn Venhaus "Cause the boy with the cold hard cashIs always Mister Right'Cause we are living in a material worldAnd I am a material... Details
Honest, Earthy Performances Impress in Stray Dog’s Heartfelt ‘Frankie and Johnny in the Clair de Lune’

Honest, Earthy Performances Impress in Stray Dog’s Heartfelt ‘Frankie and Johnny in the Clair de Lune’

By Lynn Venhaus “Moonlight and love songs are never out of date” …”As Time Goes By” Stephen Peirick and Mara Bollini act their hearts out... Details
The Art of Reinvention: ‘Don Pasquale’ Returns to OTSL with Wit and Warmth

The Art of Reinvention: ‘Don Pasquale’ Returns to OTSL with Wit and Warmth

By CB Adams Opera Theatre of Saint Louis has always balanced reverence for tradition with a bold embrace of innovation, and its 50th anniversary season... Details
Gritty, Gutsy and Glorious: An Unforgettable ‘Hamlet’ for Today

Gritty, Gutsy and Glorious: An Unforgettable ‘Hamlet’ for Today

By Lynn Venhaus An invigorating energy, combined with an intriguing neo-noir atmosphere, mark an unforgettable milestone production of William Shakespeare’s most famous work, “Hamlet” as... Details
Mid-Tier Wes Anderson ‘The Phoenician Scheme’ Is Enjoyably Chaotic

Mid-Tier Wes Anderson ‘The Phoenician Scheme’ Is Enjoyably Chaotic

By Alex McPherson As ornately-stylized and star-studded as ever but emotionally out of reach, director Wes Anderson’s “The Phoenician Scheme” provides a rich visual tapestry... Details
New Jewish Theatre’s Bright and Funny ‘The Heidi Chronicles’ Engages with Vibrant Performances

New Jewish Theatre’s Bright and Funny ‘The Heidi Chronicles’ Engages with Vibrant Performances

By Lynn Venhaus OK, Boomers. Does “The Heidi Chronicles” retain its bittersweet ‘voice of a generation’ 37 years after its laudable premiere in 1988? Yes,... Details
Opera Theatre’s Premiere of “This House” Delivers Haunting Beauty but Falters Under Narrative Sprawl

Opera Theatre’s Premiere of “This House” Delivers Haunting Beauty but Falters Under Narrative Sprawl

By CB Adams Set in Harlem’s iconic Sugar Hill—once home to luminaries like W.E.B. Du Bois, Thurgood Marshall and Duke Ellington—"This House,” the new, commissioned... Details
Black Rep’s Superlative ‘Radio Golf’ Examines Progress vs. Legacy

Black Rep’s Superlative ‘Radio Golf’ Examines Progress vs. Legacy

By Lynn Venhaus With its superlative cast, August Wilson’s powerful storytelling, and impressive milestones, “Radio Golf” is a triumph in all aspects. Thoughtfully presented by... Details
‘April’ Is A Difficult Yet Profound Look At Injustice And Resistance

‘April’ Is A Difficult Yet Profound Look At Injustice And Resistance

By Alex McPherson Bleak, unflinching, and deeply sensory, director Dea Kulumbegashvili’s “April” captures nightmarish realities flecked with vividly-rendered beauty and perseverance of the human spirit.... Details