The proliferation of ‘80s bands making the concert rounds has intensified over the last decade. As a result, countless artists with a commercial hit to their name during the 1980s have cashed in on the nostalgia gravy train. This is why I approached Wang Chung’s concert on May 23rd with a hint of suspicion and […]
As classical music looks to connect with younger audiences, the programming offered by many of symphonies is adapting. While the classics of Mozart, Beethoven, Vivaldi, and their ilk remain standard in symphonic repertoires, the works of these masters now are nestled amongst film scores, themed concerts, and rock music. This synthesis of rock and classical […]
From physics to physical confrontation, the St. Louis Actors Studio production of Copenhagen delivers tense drama, political intrigue, and plenty of existential dread. Focusing on the story, director Wayne Saloman’s minimalist staging allows the actors to bring the intensity, making this a must-see production. Set against the backdrop of occupied Denmark, Copenhagen uses nonlinear time to chronicle the friendship between […]
Chaperone is a lively indie film that breaks many of the norms of traditional narratives in moviemaking. First, it features an entirely Asian American and Native Hawaiian/Pacific Islander cast, led by Misha-Mitzi Akaha and Jake-Laird Akeo in leading roles. Second, the movie builds its plot around an illicit love affair between and older woman and […]
The battle of the sexes is in full effect at Opera Theatre of St. Louis. This clever mêlée of wits drives their production of Mozart’s comedic opera, Cosi fan tutte. What starts as a leisurely vacation turns into a high-stakes competition when two fresh recruits, Guglielmo and Ferrando foolishly believe that their girlfriends, Fiordiligi and Dorabella, […]
There was a rapturous moment offstage during the opening night of Opera Theatre of St. Louis’ Susannah. Conductor Gemma New, herself in the midst of a glorious performance, took advantage of a musical pause to set aside her baton, fold her hands and take in the moment before joining the audience in their thunderous applause for soprano […]
There is not much color in Opera Theatre St. Louis’ production of Tosca. But that does not mean it is drab. Relying on minimalist lighting, projections and powerful singing, stage director James Robinson has accentuated the powerful drama of Puccini’s opera and taken a cue from Orson Welles, giving audiences a stark and sleek presentation that fully […]
Every king needs a queen. If you’re Scott Joplin, the king of Ragtime, that queen is Treemonisha. Opening Opera Theatre of St. Louis’ 2023 season, Treemonisha is an emotive production featuring powerful performances and a rousing score from the St. Louis Symphony Orchestra. This rendering of Treemonisha, now presented as an opera within an opera, was envisioned and created […]
The Magnetic Fields two-night residency at City Winery was more of a marathon than a series of concerts. Playing thirty songs from across their catalog in around ninety minutes, the five-piece unit never mistepped in delivering their unique brand of punchy and quirky melody driven compositions. Known for their tongue in cheek lyrics that range from the macabre, […]
Since 1987, Blue Man Group’s mix of percussive drumming, performance art, high-energy showmanship, and colorful moments of creativity has dazzled audiences worldwide. Despite their lasting success, the men in blue have never wavered from upping their game. The creative threesome’s newest show, now playing at The Fabulous Fox Theatre, is a relentless production that meshes […]
