The Art of Reinvention: ‘Don Pasquale’ Returns to OTSL with Wit and Warmth

The Art of Reinvention: ‘Don Pasquale’ Returns to OTSL with Wit and Warmth

By CB Adams Opera Theatre of Saint Louis has always balanced reverence for tradition with a bold embrace of innovation, and its 50th anniversary season... Details
Gritty, Gutsy and Glorious: An Unforgettable ‘Hamlet’ for Today

Gritty, Gutsy and Glorious: An Unforgettable ‘Hamlet’ for Today

By Lynn Venhaus An invigorating energy, combined with an intriguing neo-noir atmosphere, mark an unforgettable milestone production of William Shakespeare’s most famous work, “Hamlet” as... Details
Mid-Tier Wes Anderson ‘The Phoenician Scheme’ Is Enjoyably Chaotic

Mid-Tier Wes Anderson ‘The Phoenician Scheme’ Is Enjoyably Chaotic

By Alex McPherson As ornately-stylized and star-studded as ever but emotionally out of reach, director Wes Anderson’s “The Phoenician Scheme” provides a rich visual tapestry... Details
New Jewish Theatre’s Bright and Funny ‘The Heidi Chronicles’ Engages with Vibrant Performances

New Jewish Theatre’s Bright and Funny ‘The Heidi Chronicles’ Engages with Vibrant Performances

By Lynn Venhaus OK, Boomers. Does “The Heidi Chronicles” retain its bittersweet ‘voice of a generation’ 37 years after its laudable premiere in 1988? Yes,... Details
Opera Theatre’s Premiere of “This House” Delivers Haunting Beauty but Falters Under Narrative Sprawl

Opera Theatre’s Premiere of “This House” Delivers Haunting Beauty but Falters Under Narrative Sprawl

By CB Adams Set in Harlem’s iconic Sugar Hill—once home to luminaries like W.E.B. Du Bois, Thurgood Marshall and Duke Ellington—"This House,” the new, commissioned... Details
Black Rep’s Superlative ‘Radio Golf’ Examines Progress vs. Legacy

Black Rep’s Superlative ‘Radio Golf’ Examines Progress vs. Legacy

By Lynn Venhaus With its superlative cast, August Wilson’s powerful storytelling, and impressive milestones, “Radio Golf” is a triumph in all aspects. Thoughtfully presented by... Details
‘April’ Is A Difficult Yet Profound Look At Injustice And Resistance

‘April’ Is A Difficult Yet Profound Look At Injustice And Resistance

By Alex McPherson Bleak, unflinching, and deeply sensory, director Dea Kulumbegashvili’s “April” captures nightmarish realities flecked with vividly-rendered beauty and perseverance of the human spirit.... Details
‘POTUS’ is Audacious Side-Splitting Satire from Tesseract Theatre

‘POTUS’ is Audacious Side-Splitting Satire from Tesseract Theatre

By Lynn Venhaus The late great Democratic politician Ann Richards, former Texas governor and vocal feminist advocate, once said: "In politics, if you want anything... Details
Scene-Stealers in Satin: OTSL’s “Die Fledermaus” Pops a Cork in 1960s Manhattan – And To Its 50th Season

Scene-Stealers in Satin: OTSL’s “Die Fledermaus” Pops a Cork in 1960s Manhattan – And To Its 50th Season

By CB Adams “Die Fledermaus” is a sparkling comedy of mistaken identities, romantic mischief and champagne-fueled revenge. In Opera Theatre of Saint Louis’s new production,... Details
Sightlines: Why May 23 Is a Very Special Date in Our Family History

Sightlines: Why May 23 Is a Very Special Date in Our Family History

By Lynn VenhausA little history from this day, May 23: On this date in 1959, the show "Wrestling at the Chase" made its debut on... Details