Did you see Hidden Figures last year?  Touted nationwide as one of the most surprising, uplifting and wonderful movies of 2016, Hidden Figures was by far the biggest box office for an Academy Award Best Picture nominee last year and the highest grossing movie fronted by an African-American woman, ever.

The latest iteration of Disney’s classic cartoons has some fine moments. Photo by Deen van Meer The crowd at the Orpheum was getting restless. Two songs before the Act 1 finale we were informed that there was a technical issue and the action briefly paused. What on earth could we

Or: The Most Millenial Review of the Most OG Millennial Play, Ever. Photo by Jenny Graham Who knew Romeo and Juliet could be funny? I really mean it; WHO KNEW? Certainly not me. I’ll be the first to say that performances of Shakespeare tend to bore me to tears with

What is it like to play the villain?  Photo courtesy of Hennepin Theatre Trust I think many people stereotypically assume that the best part to play in any script is the role of the hero. I mean, who doesn’t want to be admired and spout pithy quotes and swashbuckle their

Let me tell you a little story. Five years in and stronger than ever – happy birthday Compendium! The date is September 2012. I’m one year past college graduation and have been supplementing my full time job, where I’m relatively bored, with writing on the side for Metro Magazine. As a

What’s vibrant and interactive and great for people of all ages?  Photo is my own Why that would be the brand new feature exhibit at the Science Museum of Minnesota (SMN), of course. SMN always has an incredible array of exhibits, but they have truly outdone themselves with the latest.

Nostalgia can be a beautiful thing.  Photo by  Petronella J. Ytsma Continuing our cinematic theme for the month of June, I have to tell you another little bit of my past: I am obsessed with Hollywood’s “golden age.” Nothing makes me happier than a snowy day, a great glass of wine

Let me tell you of my love for big Hollywood films that are adapted for the stage.  Photo courtesy of Old Log Theatre It all starts with my childhood. I grew up in rural Minnesota, where even movie theaters were few and far between, much less fancy theatrical shows. The

Are you broke?  Photo courtesy of Thrillist If you are (like many of us), you need free things to do that are also fun. Thank goodness it’s summer so there are a plethora of options available at your fingertips. One of the best free things to enjoy in the summertime

Rarely has a film moved me so instantaneously as Wonder Woman did on Saturday night. Photo from themarysue.com Some things you should know about me: I am unafraid of trashy films. I like action and sci-fi as much as I enjoy artsy cinema like Truffault or Fellini, for which I