Reviews
Vienna director sick, but good music saves opera (AP)
AP - Damnation was the dominant theme Saturday in a new Vienna State Opera production of Charles Gounod's Faust. But redemption triumphed in the form of wonderful singing and a powerful orchestral performance. More »
Billboard CD reviews: Chesney, Williams (Reuters)
Reuters - Kenny Chesney does his heroes George Strait and Jimmy Buffett proud on his latest set, which has a free-and-easy feel befitting its island inspiration. More »
Should Iranian diplomats wear creased pants? (AP)
AP - "The Ayatollah Begs to Differ — The Paradox of Modern Iran" (Doubleday. 273 pages. $24.95), by Hooman Majd: Should Iranian diplomats pursue their duties in neatly creased trousers, as their Western counterparts tend to do? More »
Christina Applegate sparkles in "Samantha Who?" (Reuters)
Reuters - It takes Christina Applegate approximately 45 seconds in the second-season premiere of ABC's "Samantha Who?" to dispel any lingering discomfort the audience might have with the star's summertime diagnosis of breast cancer and subsequent double mastectomy. More »
A new beginning for stylish "Starter Wife" (Reuters)
Reuters - If you ever wondered why Hollywood is identified with dirty dealing, hypocrisy, moral bankruptcy, overindulged children and a ceaseless preoccupation with status, check out "The Starter Wife," which is being restarted on USA Network. More »
"City of Ember" strictly for youngsters (Reuters)
Reuters - The big-screen adaptation of Jeanne Duprau's children's book "City of Ember" stalls at the intersection of fantasy and science fiction. More »
Gay-themed family film a little too cute (Reuters)
Reuters - Imagine Disney tackling the issue of gay identity in a movie geared for youngsters, and you have some idea of the benign blandness of "Breakfast With Scot." More »
Christian Slater oddly intriguing in "Worst Enemy" (Reuters)
Reuters - The proverb says you should keep your friends close and your enemies closer. But what about when friend and enemy is one and the same -- and both happen to be you? More »
'Blasted' graphically depicts a nightmarish tale (AP)
AP - Some nightmares are even more vivid on stage. There's an immediacy to the horror that goes beyond terror and into shock. More »
Hefner: The man behind Playboy (AP)
AP - "Mr. Playboy: Hugh Hefner and the American Dream" (Wiley, 544 pages, $29.95), by Steven Watts: In 1953, Hugh Hefner was a young man in Chicago with an unimpressive resume and big plans. He would start a men's magazine geared toward young urbanites such as himself with lifestyle tips and racy pictures. More »