Family Confronts Past and Present in TWSTL’s Explosive ‘Appropriate’

Family Confronts Past and Present in TWSTL’s Explosive ‘Appropriate’

By Lynn Venhaus With its complex characters, fractured family dynamic and multi-layered storyline, Branden Jacobs-Jenkins’ explosive drama “Appropriate” has much to unpack. At their peak,... Details
Taut Tensions in Edgy Relationship Drama ‘The Mercy Seat’ at STLAS

Taut Tensions in Edgy Relationship Drama ‘The Mercy Seat’ at STLAS

By Lynn Venhaus Messy and unflinching, “The Mercy Seat” is a complicated relationship play between two New Yorkers in the immediate aftermath of Sept. 11,... Details
The Rep’s Warm, Vibrant ‘Little Women’ Celebrates Fierce Females

The Rep’s Warm, Vibrant ‘Little Women’ Celebrates Fierce Females

By Lynn Venhaus In the warm glow of the cozy March parlor, a singular author wins us over with her exuberant family portrait while a... Details
SATE’s Original Work ‘Confetti Kids’ Is Hard-Hitting Act of Conscience

SATE’s Original Work ‘Confetti Kids’ Is Hard-Hitting Act of Conscience

By Lynn Venhaus Calls to action come in familiar places – neighborhoods, schools, and city halls, which we know produce results because of the recent... Details
Stray Dog Theatre’s Potent Thriller ‘Extremities’ Still Unnerving Today

Stray Dog Theatre’s Potent Thriller ‘Extremities’ Still Unnerving Today

By Lynn Venhaus  “Extremities” starts with a jump scare - a violent home invasion, and the situation is every bit as horrific as it would... Details
Take Ten with Bryce A Miller

Take Ten with Bryce A Miller

By Lynn Venhaus Some actors pull you in by their genuine presence and emotional depth, that they understand the assignment to create a believable character... Details
Bravura Performances Illuminate NJT’s Alarming, Volatile ‘JOB’

Bravura Performances Illuminate NJT’s Alarming, Volatile ‘JOB’

By Lynn Venhaus Taut and tense, “JOB” is an unsettling psychological thriller that will spark a broad spectrum of conversations. While the play’s hot-button issues... Details
Muny Delivers a Wondrous and Jubilant ‘Meet Me in St. Louis’

Muny Delivers a Wondrous and Jubilant ‘Meet Me in St. Louis’

By Lynn Venhaus Wow, just wow! The latest heart-warming production of “Meet Me in St. Louis,” which is self-referential – us sitting in Forest Park... Details
St. Louis Shakespeare Festival’s ‘The Two Gentlemen of Verona’ Charms With Six Spunky, Spry Players

St. Louis Shakespeare Festival’s ‘The Two Gentlemen of Verona’ Charms With Six Spunky, Spry Players

By Lynn Venhaus With boundless enthusiasm, a six-person ensemble enlivens “The Two Gentlemen of Verona,” an early Shakespeare comedy about boundaries in friendship and romance... Details
First Run Theatre’s ‘Tenn’ Spotlights Playwright’s Backstage Drama

First Run Theatre’s ‘Tenn’ Spotlights Playwright’s Backstage Drama

By Lynn Venhaus The rich legacy of Tennessee Williams has become a major point of pride in St. Louis, where he spent his formative years.... Details