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
Lissome Acting and Distinct Points of View Mark This Year’s ‘LaBute New Theater Festival’

Lissome Acting and Distinct Points of View Mark This Year’s ‘LaBute New Theater Festival’

By Lynn VenhausThis year’s LaBute New Theater Festival dives right into blistering topical commentary on our great societal divide, and while “Safe Space” is one... Details
‘MI:7’ Is Stunt Spectacular, Thorny Mission on Cruise Control

‘MI:7’ Is Stunt Spectacular, Thorny Mission on Cruise Control

By Lynn Venhaus One thing about Tom Cruise: Love him or hate him, he is a consummate entertainer. And let’s face it, we’re sucked into... Details
Unforgettable Action Sequences Elevate Solid ‘Mission: Impossible’ 7

Unforgettable Action Sequences Elevate Solid ‘Mission: Impossible’ 7

By Alex McPherson Featuring incredible stunts, timely themes, and an engaging, though imperfect balance between goofiness and sincerity, director Christopher McQuarrie’s “Mission: Impossible - Dead... Details
Muny’s Gambit Showcases Virtuoso Talents in Stylish, Daring ‘Chess’

Muny’s Gambit Showcases Virtuoso Talents in Stylish, Daring ‘Chess’

By Lynn VenhausWhat was that? A stunning showcase featuring some of the most passionate voices ever on a St. Louis stage, “Chess” is a love... Details
Encore! Theater Presents Hard-Hitting August Wilson’s ‘The Piano Lesson’

Encore! Theater Presents Hard-Hitting August Wilson’s ‘The Piano Lesson’

By Lynn Venhaus August Wilson’s powerful, haunting “The Piano Lesson” is an ambitious kick-off for an emerging theater company’s inaugural production in their new home... Details
Indiana Jones Is Back in Grand But Bumpy Globe-Trotting Finale

Indiana Jones Is Back in Grand But Bumpy Globe-Trotting Finale

By Lynn Venhaus The man, the myths, and the legend are back, and there’s both a rueful twinge and wave of nostalgia at the sight... Details
Harrison Ford Delivers in Uneven ‘Indiana Jones 5’ Finale

Harrison Ford Delivers in Uneven ‘Indiana Jones 5’ Finale

By Alex McPherson With Harrison Ford lending emotional grandeur to an otherwise middling adventure, director James Mangold’s “Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny” provides... Details