Feel the Joy in The Muny’s Sizzling ‘In The Heights’ That Celebrates Home

Feel the Joy in The Muny’s Sizzling ‘In The Heights’ That Celebrates Home

By Lynn Venhaus A big-hearted love letter to roots and the people who shape us, “In the Heights” sizzles with a refreshing spark that lights... Details
Family Ties, Secrets and Lies, Tennessee Williams-style, in Festival’s Intense ‘Cat on a Hot Tin Roof’

Family Ties, Secrets and Lies, Tennessee Williams-style, in Festival’s Intense ‘Cat on a Hot Tin Roof’

By Lynn Venhaus Avarice, malice and mendacity. Those words that Tennessee Williams used so eloquently to imply grown-ups behaving badly in “Cat on a Hot... Details
Shakespeare TourCo’s Playful ‘The Tempest’ Makes a Big Splash at Local Parks

Shakespeare TourCo’s Playful ‘The Tempest’ Makes a Big Splash at Local Parks

By Lynn Venhaus On an enchanted evening at local parks, you’ll be swept away to a far-off island, where mischief, magic and mayhem will ensue.... Details
Fly North’s Original Musical ‘Big Machine’ Displays Captivating Music, Crowded Narrative

Fly North’s Original Musical ‘Big Machine’ Displays Captivating Music, Crowded Narrative

By Lynn Venhaus ‘Sticking it to the man’ is a familiar theme in narrative and nonfiction works, but the Fly North Theatricals’ original musical “Big... Details
Merry Mayhem Marks Musical Spoof ‘Ruthless!’ at Stray Dog Theatre

Merry Mayhem Marks Musical Spoof ‘Ruthless!’ at Stray Dog Theatre

By Lynn Venhaus A pair of farce specialists aim for over-the-top in spectacular style in “Ruthless! The Musical,” a kitschy, campy stage mom-showbiz melodramatic throwdown... Details
Take Ten with Donna Weinsting

Take Ten with Donna Weinsting

By Lynn Venhaus Whether you describe her as a grand dame or a beloved veteran, the multi-talented Donna Weinsting is a true all-around champion in... Details
Stages St. Louis’ Jaunty ‘Disney’s Newsies’ Pops with Personality

Stages St. Louis’ Jaunty ‘Disney’s Newsies’ Pops with Personality

By Lynn VenhausBrimming with vim and vigor, Stages St. Louis’ “Disney’s Newsies” pops with personality. Stressing unity in troubled times, it’s a modern message about... Details
Zesty ‘Waitress’ Serves Up Sisterhood and a Cozy, Savory Slice of Community

Zesty ‘Waitress’ Serves Up Sisterhood and a Cozy, Savory Slice of Community

By Lynn Venhaus I’ll take a big ol’ slice of Live Your Life pie, please and thank you. The winds of change were blowing at... Details
Take Ten With Playwright and Artist Mariah L. Richardson

Take Ten With Playwright and Artist Mariah L. Richardson

By Lynn Venhaus The adage: “Write what you know” is never far from Mariah Richardson’s creative process. The local playwright and educator decided for her... Details
Union Avenue Opera’s Pared Down ‘Aida’ Soars on Vocal Performances

Union Avenue Opera’s Pared Down ‘Aida’ Soars on Vocal Performances

By CB Adams Union Avenue Opera’s concert version of Giuseppe Verdi’s “Aida” seems to have taken its cue from George Bernard Shaw when he wrote:... Details