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
Shakespeare Festival’s Jolly ‘Q Brothers Christmas Carol’ Sparkles

Shakespeare Festival’s Jolly ‘Q Brothers Christmas Carol’ Sparkles

By Lynn Venhaus Even the most mean-spirited holiday-hater won’t be muttering “Bah! Humbug” after sampling the jolly high-octane hip-hop musical remix of Charles Dickens’ classic... Details
Take Ten with Actor-Director-Writer John Contini

Take Ten with Actor-Director-Writer John Contini

By Lynn Venhaus Back in his day, John Barrymore was considered one of the most influential and idolized actors of stage and screen. He died... Details
Deadline for SATE’s Aphra Behn Festival Submissions on Dec. 11

Deadline for SATE’s Aphra Behn Festival Submissions on Dec. 11

SATE is seeking submissions for Directors and Writers for the Eighth Annual Aphra Behn Festival, which will be presented March 29-31, 2024. The theme for the... Details
Road Maps, Detours and Powerhouse Vocals Drive ‘The Mad Ones’

Road Maps, Detours and Powerhouse Vocals Drive ‘The Mad Ones’

By Lynn Venhaus An 18-year-old girl in a car. Life looms large at that age, so much ahead, not much in the rear-view mirror. Is... Details
Spontaneity is Key to ‘White Rabbit, Red Rabbit’ Absurdist Adventure

Spontaneity is Key to ‘White Rabbit, Red Rabbit’ Absurdist Adventure

By Lynn VenhausThink of it as ‘80s performance art meets a ‘60s Be-In. An experimental “happening” play, “White Rabbit, Red Rabbit” by Nassim Soleimanpour, is... Details
Performances Power An Intriguing Mystery-Thriller ‘Mindgame’

Performances Power An Intriguing Mystery-Thriller ‘Mindgame’

By Lynn Venhaus “Mindgame” is one of those clever psychological thrillers that keeps you guessing through two acts, as the twists and gasps mount. Set... Details
Upstream’s ‘Bitter Fruit’ Is Quietly Devastating With Its Secrets and Lies

Upstream’s ‘Bitter Fruit’ Is Quietly Devastating With Its Secrets and Lies

By Lynn Venhaus Throughout history, class wars have ended badly for many people, overt often for people in the lower class, and less so for... Details
Heart-Tugging Portrayals in NJT’s Awe-Inspiring ‘The Immigrant’

Heart-Tugging Portrayals in NJT’s Awe-Inspiring ‘The Immigrant’

By Lynn VenhausWhen Haskell Harelik, born Chatzkell Garehlik in Belarus, first steps off the boat in the port of Galveston, Texas, in 1909, actor Dustin... Details
Everybody Wants to Rule the World in a Striking ‘The Lion in Winter’

Everybody Wants to Rule the World in a Striking ‘The Lion in Winter’

By Lynn Venhaus The rapacious 12th Century Plantagenet Family behaves as badly as the modern-day Roys of Manhattan and The Duttons of Montana, a rogues’... Details