Classic mysteries come to life in ‘Death’

Classic mysteries come to life in ‘Death’

By Shari Goldstein Stern What’s “Black & White” and technicolor all over? Picture “Casa Blanca,” “The Third Man” and the other classic 1930s’ and 1940s’ murder mysteries. Then picture Nazi soldiers in the mid-1940s. Next, remember “The Jetsons.” And now think time travel. It’s all there as playwright Kurt Kleinmann and Pegasus Theatre take you […]

Ronan flat out wonderful in ‘Little Women’

Ronan flat out wonderful in ‘Little Women’

By Chic DiCiccio It’s hard to believe that “Little Women” is just Greta Gerwig’s second movie as a director. Not only does this adorable movie have a completely different tone than her first, “Lady Bird,” it’s a period piece that Gerwig manages to feel like a modern retelling of Louisa May Alcott’s classic Civil War […]

‘Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker’ falls flat, but still fun

‘Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker’ falls flat, but still fun

By Chic DiCiccio “Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker” starts out with such promise. It begins with a prologue featuring the most interesting of the new characters, Kylo Ten (Adam Driver), on the hunt for a believed deceased character. It’s done with little to no dialogue, and Driver conveys evil determination and drive with nothing […]

Waya perfects izakaya, a casual neighborhood restaurant

Waya perfects izakaya, a casual neighborhood restaurant

By R. H. Lannen Until recently, Japanese food in Dallas has not extended far beyond a selection of hibachi and sushi restaurants, leaving many craving for a more diverse representation of what Japanese cuisine presents. Simple and cozy, Waya Japanese Izakaya is in no way pretentious in its offering of an authentic Japanese menu and […]

Oscar-bound ‘1917’ testament to bravery, sacrifice

Oscar-bound ‘1917’ testament to bravery, sacrifice

By Chic DiCiccio The finest moment of “1917” occurs while Lance Corporal Schofield (George MacKay) hides inside a bombed out French building. It’s nighttime, he’s injured, and hiding from German soldiers who are aware of his presence. He stumbles across a French woman, also hiding out, who helps him, feeds him and it’s all done […]

DTC gives new spin on old tale

DTC gives new spin on old tale

By Shari Goldstein Stern What will happen when Tony Award-winning Kevin Moriarty runs out of innovative adaptations of Charles Dicken’ 1843 classic, “A Christmas Carol?” (CC) He won’t. Regular patrons know Moriarty sets a high bar for himself, and look forward to his fresh take every year, like his 2019 production which opened last week […]

Sandler gives Oscar-worthy performance in ‘Uncut Gems’

Sandler gives Oscar-worthy performance in ‘Uncut Gems’

By Chic DiCiccio Critics are an odd bunch. While rightfully praising Adam Sandler’s flawless performance in “Uncut Gems,” many feel it necessary to dump on every movie that he’s ever appeared in. It’s as if they hold some bizarre grudge against him, and having to admit that he’s crafted a truly transcendent role is too […]

‘Evan Hansen’ makes audiences think

‘Evan Hansen’ makes audiences think

By Shari Goldstein Stern Telling this story might have been unthinkable in past decades, but it’s claiming audiences’ attention and reverence across generations today.  While the intense “Dear Evan Hansen” is a musical with a lovely score, its lyrics support the story of tough, while currently familiar, recognizable, human challenges. “Dear Evan Hansen” delivers audiences […]

The Heights has modern twist on nostalgic diner favorites

The Heights has modern twist on nostalgic diner favorites

By R. H. Lannen In the last few years, The Heights has solidified itself as a staple in the Lakewood shopping center, an area that has made or broken restaurants throughout the years. By offering a southern-inspired menu and a well-equipped coffee bar, the restaurant has gained a strong following with the growing and changing […]