Uproarious ‘Clue’ Is Winning Comedy Caper at Stages St. Louis

Uproarious ‘Clue’ Is Winning Comedy Caper at Stages St. Louis

By Lynn Venhaus Noteworthy for its fleet-footed cast and flawless execution, the rip-roaring romp “Clue” is a winning combination at Stages St. Louis. In its... Details
Union Avenue Opera’s ‘Don Pasquale’ Is a Frothy, Summery Treat

Union Avenue Opera’s ‘Don Pasquale’ Is a Frothy, Summery Treat

By CB Adams As if to serve as a counterpoint to Union Avenue Opera’s (UAO) festival-opening but decidedly heavy “Turn Of the Screw,” the company... Details
Bouncy ‘Little Shop of Horrors’ is freaky, geeky fun at The Muny

Bouncy ‘Little Shop of Horrors’ is freaky, geeky fun at The Muny

By Lynn Venhaus A mod, madcap rock musical, “Little Shop of Horrors” is a perfect palate cleanser after two serious prestige productions this season. The... Details
‘Oppenheimer’ Is An Ambitious But Emotionally Distant Spectacle

‘Oppenheimer’ Is An Ambitious But Emotionally Distant Spectacle

By Alex McPherson An immersive cinematic experience that isn’t quite as profound as it thinks it is, Christopher Nolan’s “Oppenheimer” is thrilling and overwhelming. The... Details
Unexpected, Unpredictable ‘Barbie’ Is An Irresistible Pop o’ Culture

Unexpected, Unpredictable ‘Barbie’ Is An Irresistible Pop o’ Culture

By Lynn Venhaus Far from plastic and without a whiff of cynicism, “Barbie” is a cherry lemonade-frosted cupcake made with the best ingredients, no artificial... Details
Nolan’s Magnum Opus ‘Oppenheimer’ is Big, Bold And Brilliant

Nolan’s Magnum Opus ‘Oppenheimer’ is Big, Bold And Brilliant

By Lynn VenhausOne of the best films of the year, “Oppenheimer” is a stunning achievement in sight, sound, story, and scope. Brilliantly directed and written... Details
Comfortable Cast Contemplates Life’s Unpredictability in ‘The Years’

Comfortable Cast Contemplates Life’s Unpredictability in ‘The Years’

By Lynn VenhausLife and death. Lost and found. Weddings and funerals. The big picture and small moments. Cindy Lou Johnson’s “The Years” mulls it all... Details
The Muny’s Electric, Elegant ‘West Side Story’ Aims For The Heart

The Muny’s Electric, Elegant ‘West Side Story’ Aims For The Heart

By Lynn Venhaus Bursting with vitality, The Muny’s latest heart-tugging interpretation of “West Side Story” emphasizes its potency as a cultural snapshot and the exceptional... Details
Daffy Doings In ‘The Nerd’: The One With the Houseguest from Hell

Daffy Doings In ‘The Nerd’: The One With the Houseguest from Hell

By Lynn VenhausThe laughs come in waves as wackiness ensues in “The Nerd,” a fizzy farce that showcases a nimble seven-member cast at their best.... Details
Union Avenue Delivers a Powerfully Haunting ‘Turn of the Screw’

Union Avenue Delivers a Powerfully Haunting ‘Turn of the Screw’

By CB Adams Benjamin Britten said that “Composing is like driving down a foggy road.” He could just as easily been describing the experience of... Details