Splendid Pairing Boosts Stages’ Silly Comic Mystery ‘Murder for Two’

Splendid Pairing Boosts Stages’ Silly Comic Mystery ‘Murder for Two’

By Lynn Venhaus With the physicality of silent film actors and the verbal dexterity of Abbott & Costello, a delightful duo cavorts with glee for... Details
New Line’s ‘Rent’ Strikes a Discordant Note with Some Tune, Tone Troubles

New Line’s ‘Rent’ Strikes a Discordant Note with Some Tune, Tone Troubles

By Lynn VenhausOne of the big-bang bursts in musical theater history, “Rent” is why transformative composer Jonathan Larson endures 30 years after his masterwork spoke... Details
Boyle and Garland Deliver Outstanding Sequel ’28 Years Later’ That’s Thrillingly Alive

Boyle and Garland Deliver Outstanding Sequel ’28 Years Later’ That’s Thrillingly Alive

By Alex McPherson Kinetic, daring, and pulsing with soulful energy, director Danny Boyle’s magnificent “28 Years Later” is a post-apocalyptic coming-of-age story staggering in its... Details
‘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By Lynn Venhaus “Moonlight and love songs are never out of date” …”As Time Goes By” Stephen Peirick and Mara Bollini act their hearts out...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