As the age of COVID-19 wanes, Arts Fuse critics have come up with a guide to film, dance, visual art, theater, and music. Please check with venues about whether the event is available by streaming or is in person. More offerings will be added as they come in.
Main Content
Latest in Visual Arts
Visual Arts Review: Mehr Licht! — “New Light: Encounters and Connections”
This wonderfully eclectic show is a post-pandemic invitation to forge new connections and open up fresh conversations.
Latest in Music
Opera Album Review: An Important Early Opera by the Composer of “Cavalleria Rusticana”
I felt at times that I was listening to the Italian equivalent of a Broadway musical, though a serious rather than jolly one.
Latest in Dance
Dance Review: LA’s Contra-Tiempo — An Ecstatic Dance for Justice
Contra-Tiempo sees the pandemic as an invitation for transformation: the performance questioned who we are, how do we move among each other, and what gives us joy.
Latest in Television
Television Review: “Ted Lasso” — Its Second Season Scores Big
The sophomore season of the Apple TV + hit comedy is even more winning than its first.
Latest Short Fuses
July Short Fuses – Materia Critica
Each month, our arts critics — music, book, theater, dance, and visual arts — fire off a few brief reviews.
Latest Podcast
Short Fuse Podcast #42: PROMISE WITNESS REMEMBRANCE
Host Elizabeth Howard talks with Stephen Reily, Director of the Speed Art Museum in Louisville, Kentucky about the exhibition, “Promise, Witness, Remembrance.”
Latest in Books
Poetry Review: Maureen N. McLane’s “More Anon” — Lots of Existential Fun
Her poems are sassy.
Latest in Theater
Theater Review: CSC’s “The Tempest” — A Brilliantly Kinetic Staging
CSC pulled out all the stops for its turn at The Tempest, bringing together a cast that is more than up to the challenge of knitting together poignant drama and madcap comedy.
Latest in Film
Film Feature: Best of American Film Noir, 1940-1959 — An International Poll
The results of a Facebook contest for the Best of American Film Noir, 1940-1959
Latest in Food
Book Review: “Cheese, Wine, and Bread” — On the Menu, Confession and Fermentation
The current rage for inserting the personal/confessional in everything from cookbooks to literary criticism can go too far.
Read the Latest
Film Review: “Annette” — A Rock Opera That Goes Backward in Order to Go Forward
I want to gird you, readers, for the insanity and beauty of Annette
Classical Album Reviews: John Adams’ Chamber Symphonies — Built on Trust
BMOP’s performances of three John Adams chamber symphonies, all conducted by music director Gil Rose, offer welcome, distinctive takes on the triptych.
Concert Review: Newport Jazz Festival 2021 — A Musical Affirmation
Both Newport festivals rose to the challenge of restoring live music in a year that made it difficult and welcome.
Classical Album Review: Sibelius Tone Poems — Focused and Bold Performances
The Norwegian soprano’s execution of the vocal line in Luonnotar is nothing short of astounding.
Concert Review: Newport Folk Festival 2021 — A Very Nontraditional Year
Folk On both exceeded and tempered expectations.