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
Audience Has As Much Fun as the Cast in New Line’s ‘Rocky Horror Show’

Audience Has As Much Fun as the Cast in New Line’s ‘Rocky Horror Show’

By Lynn Venhaus Madness takes its toll, yes siree, so who needs fantasy to free you? If you are yearning for a time slip, step... Details
Heads Bang, Musicians Rock and Electric Performers Howl in New Line’s ‘American Idiot’

Heads Bang, Musicians Rock and Electric Performers Howl in New Line’s ‘American Idiot’

By Lynn Venhaus An electric cast brings to life Green Day’s turbo-charged punk rock opera “American Idiot,” accompanied by an exceptional group of eight musicians... Details
‘Dracula’ Musical Embraces the Myth’s Mystery and the Macabre

‘Dracula’ Musical Embraces the Myth’s Mystery and the Macabre

By Lynn Venhaus The children of the night are making some lusty music in the musical “Dracula,” a different take on the gothic horror classic... Details
Sassy and Saucy ‘Sweet Potato Queens’ Urges Female Agency in Life

Sassy and Saucy ‘Sweet Potato Queens’ Urges Female Agency in Life

By Lynn Venhaus A sweet-and-salty nutty mixed bag of brash gal pals and scummy exes who didn’t deserve them, “Sweet Potato Queens” sets a table... Details
New Line’s Irreverent ‘Jesus and Johnny Appleweed’s Holy Rollin’ Family Christmas’ Offers Vintage Vibes, Brazen Bits

New Line’s Irreverent ‘Jesus and Johnny Appleweed’s Holy Rollin’ Family Christmas’ Offers Vintage Vibes, Brazen Bits

By Lynn VenhausAt first glance, the daffy “Jesus & Johnny Appleweed’s Holy Rollin’ Family Christmas” takes us back to the fuddy duddy ‘50s, with the... Details
New Line Theatre Announces 32nd Season of Adult Alternative Musicals

New Line Theatre Announces 32nd Season of Adult Alternative Musicals

New Line Theatre, “the bad boy of musical theatre,” announces its 32nd season of adult, alternative musical theatre, including the wild musical comedy JESUS & JOHNNY... Details
The Black Rep and Stages St. Louis Tie with 7 Wins at St. Louis Theater Circle

The Black Rep and Stages St. Louis Tie with 7 Wins at St. Louis Theater Circle

By Lynn VenhausStages St. Louis' "In the Heights," a jubilant celebration of culture, community, and connection, won six awards, including Outstanding Musical Production, Music Director,... Details
Strong Singers Shimmer in Stimulating Musical ‘Nine’ at New Line

Strong Singers Shimmer in Stimulating Musical ‘Nine’ at New Line

By Lynn Venhaus The crème de la crème of local female vocal talent displays why they have earned those reputations in a lusty version of... Details
New Line Theatre’s Crisp ‘Something Rotten!’ is Fresh, Fun and Frisky

New Line Theatre’s Crisp ‘Something Rotten!’ is Fresh, Fun and Frisky

By Lynn Venhaus "I believe it's called 'Miser-ahh-bluh'!” Brimming with references to many modern musicals, the spoofy, goofy "Something Rotten!" is a humdinger of a... Details