Dateline: Aug. 25
By Lynn Venhaus, Alex McPherson, C.B. Adams and Carl “The Intern” Middleman

Round 2 of our new newsletter endeavor — our curated weekly round-up guaranteed fresh every Monday on our website and in your inbox. We hope you not only enjoy but spread the word – we’d like to reach as many fellow Popsters as we can. This newsletter features links to our recent online works, in other publications, and heads’ up tips on what’s ahead, is meant to serve as a guide for you navigating an extensive ‘what to watch, go, see, do” that the universe is beckoning us to check out.

Now Showing: Our timely film reviews so you can decide what’s worth your time and money.

Eden: Now in theatres, island survival thriller is a dreary disengaging drama that features six normally good actors all in a different movie. I’d want to be voted off this island immediately. Here’s Lynn’s review that’s posted on Rotten Tomatoes (currently at 54%): https://poplifestl.com/dark-and-dreary-survival-thriller-eden-is-flip-side-of-utopian-dream/

Ne Zha II: Carl explains the no. 1 animated film in the world, now in theatres. He saw the first one, a considerable advantage – hear our reviews on our podcast: https://soundcloud.com/lynn-zipfel-venhaus/august-20th-2025-ft-bob-from-the-cowsills-kate-bergstrom-from-the-rep

Highest 2 Lowest: Alex’s take on Spike Lee and Denzel Washington’s crime thriller set in NYC. Currently in theatres, it will stream on Apple TV+ Sept. 5. https://poplifestl.com/spike-lee-and-denzel-washington-reunite-in-bumpy-vibrant-crime-thriller-highest-2-lowest/

New to Streaming:

Eenie Meanie on Hulu: A sad-life girl, a bad-luck-magnet boyfriend are surrounded by idiots in action heist film.

Lynn’s review: https://poplifestl.com/samara-weaving-only-bright-spot-in-action-thrill-ride-eenie-meanie/

A Quiet Place: Day One now on Amazon Prime for subscribers, already on Paramount+. The 2024 film is the prequel, dealing with a dystopian future no one saw coming. While each of the three films offer their own well-crafted tone and tempo, this one is as frightening, taking us on a familiar course, starring Lupita Nyong’o and Joseph Quinn as strangers in Manhattan fighting for survival together. Here’s Lynn’s review: https://poplifestl.com/a-quiet-place-day-one-keeps-alien-story-humming-with-unnerving-prequel/

Sing-Along to K-Pop Demon Hunters: After a one-weekend-only event in theatres across the U.S., Canada, UK/Ireland and Australia/New Zealand, including 1,300 sold-out screenings, the hit animated film’s sing-along version is available on Netflix Aug. 25.

Since its release on Netflix June 20, “KPop Demon Hunters” has skyrocketed to become the most popular Netflix original animated film of all time. The soundtrack has dominated the charts this summer, with breakout hit “Golden” no. 1 on Billboard Hot 100 chart. (Soundtrack from the Netflix Film).

On Stage:

Now through Sept. 14, coming to a park near you! St. Louis Shakespeare Festival’s TourCo production of “A Midsummer Night’s Dream” opened Tuesday, and this adaptation is a 90-minute family-friendly music-filled remount of the 2022 production. It’s free and starts at 6:30 p.m. Directed by Tre’von Griffith, the cast of six For the schedule: https://stlshakes.org/production/midsummer-tour/

The Repertory Theatre of St. Louis is embarking on its 59^th season of “Daring Imagination” come September, starting with the riotous farce “The Cottage” on Sept. 3. Lynn talked with Augustin Family Artistic Director Kate Bergstrom and Managing Director Danny Williams about strengthening partnerships and community engagement efforts for an article in the Webster-Kirkwood Times Aug. 15: https://www.timesnewspapers.com/webster-kirkwoodtimes/webster-kirkwoodtimes/a-season-of-daring-imagination/article_a94ef2f7-3075-406e-b340-20e83cfd729a.html#:~:text=Dwindling%20ticket%20sales%2C%20season%20subscribers,the%20experience%2C%E2%80%9D%20Bergstrom%20added.

“Jersey Boys’ wrapped up Muny’s 107th season with lots o’ energy, timeless tunes and terrific talent.
Lynn’s review: https://poplifestl.com/jersey-boys-uplifting-melodies-story-hit-the-right-notes-at-the-muny/
Chas’s review: https://stlouisarts.substack.com/p/through-august-24-jersey-boys-closes?fbclid=IwY2xjawMZCmZleHRuA2FlbQIxMQBicmlkETFYMFQ4b3NlVWRkelY3d2JuAR60uOpfOIyHSlTMygo1zsh5BcE6kTpiozw-Bes2n0b4o7PGD1vQ15O5hP7dxQ_aem_QVTfGpD2RDecAvPnY0fHEg

Rewind: I thought it was a memorable and ‘redefining’ Muny season for the 107^th year, with four exciting premieres – “Bring It On,” “Come from Away,” “Dear Evan Hansen” and “Frozen.” They really raised the bar on talent this summer.

While the emotional beats stood out in all seven, upon reflection, “Come from Away” was my favorite, with the most joy and heart. “Evita” had the best voices, “Frozen” the most dazzling technology, “Bring It On” the best choreography, “Dear Evan Hansen” the most heart-tugging important message, “La Cage aux Folles” the glitziest and funniest, and ‘Jersey Boys” the best boogaloo down memory lane.

Tying for best dance numbers would be the Can-Can from “La Cage aux Folles” and every tango duo in “Evita.” As for the biggest knockout song, hands down, “Let It Go” from “Frozen.” – Lynn

Stay Tuned: For the Muny’s 108th Season announcement. Artistic Director and Executive Producer Mike Isaacson and President and CEO Kwofe Coleman will announce the seven shows in its 2026 season on Dec. 1, which happens to be Cyber Monday. The invitation-only live event will be livestreamed for virtual participation. Time will be announced later.

For the first time, subscribers can renew current tickets or secure new season tickets when they unveil the season 108 lineup. Think: holiday gifts!

Our Playlist: We recommend…

Chas: After listening to an episode of Revisionist History podcast and an interview by Malcolm Gladwell of Drew Holcomb, I’m listening to the Apple playlist of this artist, who performs with The Neighbors and describes himself more as an Americana musician than country.
Alex: John Powell’s score for “The Bourne Supremacy.”
Carl: Jon Nelson, a DJ at WFMU in NY took the audio breaks from Howard Hesseman’s Dr. Johnny Fever from WKRP in Cincinnati and made a three-hour radio show filling in the entire songs – with some news breaks from Les Nessman.  awphooey.com/wkrp

Howard Hesseman, aka Dr. Johnny Fever, on “WKRP in Cincinnati.”

Lynn: Adam Lambert as Judas performed “Heaven on Their Minds” from “Jesus Christ Superstar” at the Hollywood Bowl Aug. 1-3 with Cynthia Erivo, Philippa Soo, Raul Esparza, and Josh Gad. (Song was recorded and now available to live stream). This is Playbill video. https://youtu.be/Gr6tTP19Thg?si=FRi_e1sD5j-tVWmI

PopLifeSTL Presents Podcast: Carl the Intern Middleman and Lynn enjoyed recording our weekly PopLifeSTL Presents Aug. 20, as always. We first talked to engaging Bob Cowsill, who was with his brother Paul and sister Susan Thursday as part of the Happy Together Tour at the Family Arena, and then the luminous Kate Bergstrom, the Augustin Family Artistic Director at the Repertory Theatre of St. Louis. She talked to us about the 2025-2026 season of Daring Imagination, and how the Rep hopes to build local connections.

Good Eats: It’s glorious weather to be dining al fresco. St. Louis Magazine dining editor George Mahe asked us contributors to submit our favorites, and here’s our list. https://www.stlmag.com/dining/ask-george-favorite-restaurant-patio-in-st-louis/

At right, Lynn’s favorite — The Campground at the Golden Hoosier in south city. You feel like you are on a yesteryear family vacation or a weekend getaway.

You can even get a S’mores Kit for dessert! And they have the best grilled cheese and tomato soup combo in town, plus fantastic fries tossed in Parmesan and rosemary.

The Vault: Special anniversaries this week

Aug. 25, 1975: Bruce Springsteen released his third album, “Born to Run,” and The Boss took off on his legendary career.
Aug. 26, 1968: The Beatles released “Hey Jude” as a single in the U.S., became Billboard Song of the Year.
Aug. 27, 1964: “Mary Poppins” movie musical premiered, and Julie Andrews became a spoonful of sugar.
Aug. 28, 2021: The French government announced that St. Louis native Josephine Baker would be the first black woman interred in the Panthéon in Paris. (Stay tuned for extensive Baker collection at Missouri History Museum, donated by Mary Strauss.)
Aug. 29, 1967: Final TV episode of “The Fugitive” starring David Janssen is watched by 78 million people
Aug. 30, 1993: “Late Show with David Letterman” debuts on CBS, from The Ed Sullivan Theatre in New York City. Bill Murray was his first guest, Billy Joel performed.
Aug. 31, 2009: The Walt Disney Company announced it would acquire Marvel Entertainment for $4.24 billion.

On Our Radar: What we’re excited about this week.

Chas: Even though the new season of Masterpiece’s “Unforgotten” premiered on Aug. 24 on PBS, it will be later in the week before I have time to watch it. The British cold-case crime drama starts its sixth season.
I’m also looking forward to the St. Louis Symphony’s new recording of works by Pulitzer Prize-winning composer Kevin Puts on Sept. 19.
Alex: Preparing for Season 5 of Slow Horses, the best show streaming today, and the best show of the past few years. New season on the British dysfunctional MI5 team drops on Sept. 24 on Apple TV+.
Carl the Intern: Driving across the country on Route 66.
Lynn: Hoping to attend genre-fusion musician Jon Batiste ‘s concert, paired with legend Diana Ross, at the Muny Thursday, Aug. 28. Batiste just released his new gospel-blues-rock album “Big Money.” I saw Diana many years ago, and she’s a vibrant live performer, not to mention her iconic song catalogue. Weather forecast is beautiful, too. Tickets are still available.

Catching Up on Buzzworthy TV: I’ve been relentlessly promoting “The Pitt,” the must-watch HBO drama series – outstanding writing, acting and direction. Fifteen riveting episodes that follow one-hour in a Pittsburgh ER from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. garnered 13 Emmy nominations (awards show is Sept. 14). Recently, it was the big winner at the TV Critics Association Awards, winning four – program of the year, best drama series, new show, and best actor Noah Wyle. https://variety.com/2025/tv/news/television-critics-association-awards-2025-winners-the-pitt-1236493489/

HBO just released a teaser trailer for Season 2, which returns in January, and is set on the Fourth of July. Here’s first look: https://youtu.be/zuZnRRVWnbQ?si=avidjaz_-JcXfzsj — Lynn

Winners Circle

Awards for the 2025 St. Louis Fringe Festival, announced Aug. 17
Fringemeister: “John Hughes Your Own Adventure,” Cherokee Street Theatre
Box Office Smash: David Wraith, “Mommy Issues”
Spirit of the Fringe: Abby Bland, “Godzilla’s Not a Dinosaur”
Artistic Innovation: James Highground, “Magic in Humans”
National Artist of the Year: Jeremy Pinson, “The Hot Folder”
Dance Company of the Year: Sonder Starlets,“Midsummer Magic: A Story of Puck”
Musician of the Year: Toni Finch, “Rhinestones & Finch”
Performer of the Year: Maria Bartolotta, “I’ve Grown Plenty Thanks!”
Technician of the Year: Lila Anderson

Where Can You Find Us?

Chas: St. Louis Arts Scene, PopLifeSTL.com, STL Stage Snaps on YouTube and IG, and the socials.

Alex: https://bsky.app/profile/gdogmcp.bsky.social and https://letterboxd.com/gdogmcp/

Carl the Intern: Find me @_CarlTheIntern  on IG, X & Threads and on the Big 550 KTRS M-F 5a-10a.

Lynn: KTRS, “The Frank and Jill Show,” every Friday at 11:08 a.m., PopLifeSTL.com, Webster-Kirkwood Times, Alliance of Women Film Journalists, plus Belleville News-Democrat for news and features, St. Louis Magazine for dining contributions, and all the socials.