Remarkable True Story ‘The Boys in the Boat’ Lacks Punch with Generic, Predictable Storytelling

Remarkable True Story ‘The Boys in the Boat’ Lacks Punch with Generic, Predictable Storytelling

By Lynn Venhaus While it has all the makings of an old-fashioned feel-good sports drama, perhaps we’ve seen too many rousing underdog team stories so... Details
Fox Touring Production of ‘Aladdin’ Delivers a Stage Full of Wonders

Fox Touring Production of ‘Aladdin’ Delivers a Stage Full of Wonders

By C.B. Adams When my children were young, back in the days of VHS, I endured countless hours of Disney’s Aladdin playing as the main... Details
The Rep’s ‘It’s a Wonderful Life: A Live Radio Play’ Is Big-Hearted Celebration

The Rep’s ‘It’s a Wonderful Life: A Live Radio Play’ Is Big-Hearted Celebration

By Lynn Venhaus Overflowing with cheer and kindness, “It’s a Wonderful Life: A Live Radio Play” is as comforting as a mug of hot cocoa... Details
Vitriolic ‘Sister Mary Ignatius Explains It All For You’ Still Pushes Buttons

Vitriolic ‘Sister Mary Ignatius Explains It All For You’ Still Pushes Buttons

By Lynn Venhaus A social satire is not fulfilling its goal if it doesn’t outrage somebody, and “Sister Mary Ignatius Explains It All for You”... Details
Vocal-Rich Ensemble Delivers Extraordinary, Immersive ‘Into the Woods’ at New Jewish Theatre

Vocal-Rich Ensemble Delivers Extraordinary, Immersive ‘Into the Woods’ at New Jewish Theatre

By Lynn Venhaus In an extraordinary, reimagined interpretation of Stephen Sondheim’s classic “Into the Woods,” New Jewish Theatre immerses us into a vibrant in-the-round setting,... Details
New Line’s Irreverent ‘Jesus and Johnny Appleweed’s Holy Rollin’ Family Christmas’ Offers Vintage Vibes, Brazen Bits

New Line’s Irreverent ‘Jesus and Johnny Appleweed’s Holy Rollin’ Family Christmas’ Offers Vintage Vibes, Brazen Bits

By Lynn VenhausAt first glance, the daffy “Jesus & Johnny Appleweed’s Holy Rollin’ Family Christmas” takes us back to the fuddy duddy ‘50s, with the... Details
Cirque Du Soleil Swirls Through a Holiday Classic with ‘Twas the Night Before…’

Cirque Du Soleil Swirls Through a Holiday Classic with ‘Twas the Night Before…’

By CB Adams The holiday zeitgeist feels different this year. Maybe it’s because we need some relief from the unrelenting news cycles filled with war,... Details
Cooper, Mulligan Soar in Sumptuous Leonard Bernstein Opus ‘Maestro’

Cooper, Mulligan Soar in Sumptuous Leonard Bernstein Opus ‘Maestro’

By Lynn Venhaus Geniuses are complicated; therefore, the life of America’s first superstar conductor and composer Leonard Bernstein is explored in an uncommon yet charismatic... Details
John Contini Triumphs in Vibrant Production of ‘Barrymore’ at STLAS

John Contini Triumphs in Vibrant Production of ‘Barrymore’ at STLAS

By Lynn Venhaus Local treasure John Contini is at his best in a vibrant, vigorous portrayal of legendary actor John Barrymore that is both funny... Details
Nicolas Cage Is In Top Form in ‘Dream Scenario’ – a Dark, Intriguing Satire

Nicolas Cage Is In Top Form in ‘Dream Scenario’ – a Dark, Intriguing Satire

By Alex McPherson A creative, darkly comic story of self-destructive ego and fame’s dehumanizing effects, director Kristoffer Borgli’s “Dream Scenario” is never less than engaging... Details