With Dazzling Images, Perplexing ‘Nope’ Is More Style Than Substance

With Dazzling Images, Perplexing ‘Nope’ Is More Style Than Substance

By Lynn VenhausTechnically brilliant but weak in coherent storytelling, “Nope” is an amalgam of tones and textures that convey horror and the strangest things. In... Details
Delayed Gratification: 8th Annual LaBute New Theater Festival Delivers First of Two Sets of Wonderful Acts

Delayed Gratification: 8th Annual LaBute New Theater Festival Delivers First of Two Sets of Wonderful Acts

By CB AdamsBefore the lights dimmed and the 8th annual LaBute New Theater Festival began, this reviewer felt pity instead of anticipation – pity for... Details
Muny’s ‘Sweeney Todd’ Is Fulfilling Slice and One of Sondheim’s Greatest

Muny’s ‘Sweeney Todd’ Is Fulfilling Slice and One of Sondheim’s Greatest

By CB Adams  Whether you’re a die-hard Muny season ticket holder, a Stephen Sondheim devotee, someone attracted to a dark Dickensian tale about a murderous... Details
“Mad God’ Is Stop-Motion That Stops You Dead In Your Tracks

“Mad God’ Is Stop-Motion That Stops You Dead In Your Tracks

By Alex McPherson A Rube-Goldbergian smorgasbord of grotesqueries, special effects guru Phil Tippett’s stop-motion passion project, “Mad God,” oozes with both incredible artistry and dispiriting... Details
Midnight Company’s Fine Performances and Skilled Craftsmanship Sharpen Explosive ‘Rodney’s Wife’

Midnight Company’s Fine Performances and Skilled Craftsmanship Sharpen Explosive ‘Rodney’s Wife’

By Lynn Venhaus During the ten-minute intermission, I overheard a woman in the audience tell her companion: “I hope my kids don’t find my diaries.”... Details
Opera Theater’s Overhauled ‘Harvey Milk’ Is Overwhelmingly Good with Understudy’s Debut

Opera Theater’s Overhauled ‘Harvey Milk’ Is Overwhelmingly Good with Understudy’s Debut

By CB Adams Opera Theatre of St. Louis has concluded a successful and altogether satisfying 48th festival season. But it would be a shame to... Details
Fly North’s ‘Assassins’ Takes Sharp Aim at the American Dream

Fly North’s ‘Assassins’ Takes Sharp Aim at the American Dream

By Lynn Venhaus “Attention must be paid.”In Fly North Theatrical’s hard-hitting “Assassins,” as the vainglorious actor John Wilkes Booth, a mesmerizing Jordan Wolk reminds us... Details
The Muny’s Whimsical ‘Mary Poppins’ a Charming Flight of Fancy

The Muny’s Whimsical ‘Mary Poppins’ a Charming Flight of Fancy

By Lynn Venhaus When the titular character floats in using her umbrella, carried by the East wind to 17 Cherry Tree Lane in London, it's... Details
Fast, Furious and Funny “Thor: Love and Thunder” Is Rip-Roaring Good Time

Fast, Furious and Funny “Thor: Love and Thunder” Is Rip-Roaring Good Time

By Lynn VenhausThe beguiling “Thor: Love and Thunder” is a sweet love story wrapped in a darker cosmic adventure and draped in Norse god mythology.... Details
Re-imagined ‘Camelot’ is Bold, Innovative, Adventurous at The Muny

Re-imagined ‘Camelot’ is Bold, Innovative, Adventurous at The Muny

By Lynn VenhausOK Boomer, this is not your generation’s “Camelot.” And this modern fresh spin on the fabled Arthurian legend is exhilarating. For fans of... Details