‘Bodies Bodies Bodies’ Is a Stressful and Surprisingly Deep Satire

‘Bodies Bodies Bodies’ Is a Stressful and Surprisingly Deep Satire

By Alex McPherson Sharp and cynical with plenty on its mind, director Halina Reijn’s “Bodies Bodies Bodies” delivers an unpredictable, ruthless, and highly entertaining experience.... Details
Nimble Ensemble Shines in Unconventional ‘The Rose Tattoo’

Nimble Ensemble Shines in Unconventional ‘The Rose Tattoo’

By Lynn VenhausEmphasizing romantic symbolism along with its operatic life and death themes, an unconventional production of Tennessee Williams’ “The Rose Tattoo” is cleverly staged... Details
Union Avenue Ends Festival Season With Some Scrumptious Sondheim

Union Avenue Ends Festival Season With Some Scrumptious Sondheim

By CB Adams It’s been a bit of a “Sondheim Summer” here in St. Louis, bookended by Far North Theatricals' "Assassins," The Muny’s “Sweeney Todd”... Details
First Run Theatre Presents ‘Locked Ward’ with Care and Concern

First Run Theatre Presents ‘Locked Ward’ with Care and Concern

By Lynn VenhausA strong ensemble cast acts naturally in an unnatural setting in “Locked Ward,” a world premiere mystery-drama by Chicago-based playwright Amy Crider. Now... Details
People Do Really Stupid Things When Animals Attack in ‘Beast’

People Do Really Stupid Things When Animals Attack in ‘Beast’

By Lynn VenhausEven an actor as good as Idris Elba can’t save this overblown and half-baked adventure-thriller. When poachers slaughter a pride of lions, ticking... Details
The Muny’s Festive ‘Joseph’ Puts Audience in a Golden State of Mind

The Muny’s Festive ‘Joseph’ Puts Audience in a Golden State of Mind

By Lynn VenhausAs frothy as a cappuccino and sweet as cotton candy, “Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat” took hold of The Muny stage as... Details
‘Gabby Giffords Won’t Back Down” Documentary Depicts Former Congresswoman’s Compelling Life

‘Gabby Giffords Won’t Back Down” Documentary Depicts Former Congresswoman’s Compelling Life

By Lynn Venhaus“She’s a fighter like nobody else I know,” states Mark Kelly about the woman he married in 2007, in the new documentary, “Gabby... Details
‘Thirteen Lives’ Recounts Daring ‘Miracle in the Cave’ Rescue in 2018

‘Thirteen Lives’ Recounts Daring ‘Miracle in the Cave’ Rescue in 2018

By Lynn Venhaus Director Ron Howard knows how to tug on the heartstrings, and with its life-or-death scenario, “Thirteen Lives” is ready-made for an agonizing... Details
“Prey” — Intense, Well-Acted, and Downright Awesome

“Prey” — Intense, Well-Acted, and Downright Awesome

By Alex McPherson Director Dan Trachtenberg’s “Prey” is a lean, primal, nerve-wracking, and vividly shot underdog story smeared in glistening blood, featuring an expert performance... Details
Jolly Fun and Zippy Improv at Stray Dog’s Delightful ‘Spelling Bee’

Jolly Fun and Zippy Improv at Stray Dog’s Delightful ‘Spelling Bee’

By Lynn VenhausHow do you define J-O-C-U-L-A-R-I-T-Y? The literal translation is “The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee,” now playing at Stray Dog Theatre. A... Details