Strong Performances Celebrate Neil Diamond’s Music in ‘A Beautiful Noise’

Strong Performances Celebrate Neil Diamond’s Music in ‘A Beautiful Noise’

By Lynn Venhaus Come for the music, stay for the lovefest. A gleaming crowd-pleasing tribute, “A Beautiful Noise: The Neil Diamond Musical” celebrates the singer-songwriter’s... Details
Dynamic Duo Delights in The Rep’s Offbeat Comedy ‘The Roommate’

Dynamic Duo Delights in The Rep’s Offbeat Comedy ‘The Roommate’

By Lynn VenhausSometimes, adults need a playdate too. For a merry good time, head to The Repertory Theatre of St. Louis’s Emerson Studio to join... Details
Mizell Masters Poe in Moody, Gloomy Theatrical ‘Nevermore’ at Stray Dog

Mizell Masters Poe in Moody, Gloomy Theatrical ‘Nevermore’ at Stray Dog

By Lynn Venhaus Edgar Allan Poe’s tremendous body of work has impacted pop culture for generations – art, photography, music, movies and television. Now Stray... Details
Ace Ensemble Invigorates Upstream Theatre’s Classic ‘Life Is a Dream’

Ace Ensemble Invigorates Upstream Theatre’s Classic ‘Life Is a Dream’

By Lynn Venhaus Pondering a conundrum like destiny or free will is what the Spanish classic drama “Life is a Dream” aims to do. Because... Details
Duo’s Vigorous Work Grabs Hold in Albion’s Witty Drama ‘Lungs’

Duo’s Vigorous Work Grabs Hold in Albion’s Witty Drama ‘Lungs’

By Lynn VenhausWith its emotionally rich storytelling, “Lungs” demands much from Joel Moses and Nicole Angeli, who fearlessly tackle those challenges in their finely chiseled... Details
Contraband’s ‘Am I Dangerous?’ Explores Different Aspects of Womanhood in a Femme-Forward Excursion

Contraband’s ‘Am I Dangerous?’ Explores Different Aspects of Womanhood in a Femme-Forward Excursion

By Lynn VenhausLooking at female agency through the prism of mothers, daughters and sisters, “Am I Dangerous?” is an earthy, sensual exploration written by a... Details
‘Trayf’ Thoughtfully Explores Faith, Tradition and Finding Your Way

‘Trayf’ Thoughtfully Explores Faith, Tradition and Finding Your Way

By Lynn Venhaus Perceptively directed and thoughtfully acted, “Trayf” is an ode to friendship, an exploration of faith and tradition, and finding one’s own path... Details
Fascinating Rhythms, Expressive Vocals Give The Black Rep’s Splendid ‘Blues in the Night’ a Lush Life

Fascinating Rhythms, Expressive Vocals Give The Black Rep’s Splendid ‘Blues in the Night’ a Lush Life

By Lynn Venhaus A saucy, sultry and soulful trio of supremely talented women take us on their rocky road of hard-fought life lessons in a... 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
Personality Adds Pizzazz to a Peppery, Plucky ‘[title of show]’ from Prism

Personality Adds Pizzazz to a Peppery, Plucky ‘[title of show]’ from Prism

By Lynn Venhaus A personality-driven low-key charmer, the musical ‘[title of show]’ offers a fresh perspective with its vivacious gender-bending cast. And what’s not to... Details