Samantha J. O'Connell

Andy Grammer Concert Review: Unbounded Optimism to Soothe the Soul

Grammer seemed positively determined to make sure every audience member walked out of the Orpheum with their heads held a little higher, their hearts a little more open, and maybe even with a new “lease on life.”

‘How to Be Perfect’ Review: A Wonderfully Unconventional Approach to Ethics

There are no entirely correct answers, but there is at least one wrong one: Never bothering to at least strive for self-improvement.

‘T: An MBTA Musical’ Ultimately Flies Off the Rails

It seems the characters all gulped down a dozen oysters each before boarding a T car pumped with a continual supply of pheromones.

‘Sophomores’ Review: Three Promising But Distinctly Separate Novels Jammed Into One

Sean Desmond centers his new novel “Sophomores” on a highly dysfunctional family, struggling to remain afloat through a crumbling marriage, an unexpected lay-off, and a battle with addiction.

‘In & Of Itself’ Review: Derek DelGaudio Casts a Cathartic Spell on His Audience

These magic tricks serve a higher purpose of establishing authentic emotional connections with the audience and encouraging genuine introspection.

Arts Vanity: My Top Spotify Song of 2020 Was “Relaxing Rain Sounds”

I’m not sure how I hadn’t seen this coming, considering I let about eight hours worth of white noise play as I went to bed each night.

Autumn de Wilde and Anya Taylor-Joy Discuss the Crazy Coincidences and Timeless Relatability of 'Emma.'

Autumn de Wilde is the latest director to bring this romantic satire of hubris and misunderstandings to the big screen, casting Anya Taylor-Joy as her witty but vain heroine.

‘You’ Season Two: Another Disturbing But Addicting Rollercoaster Ride

Everyone’s favorite nightmarish but dreamy stalker, Joe Goldberg, is back as the smash hit “You” returns for a second season, this time in a nauseatingly woke part of LA.

Arts Vanity: Give Gen Z What It Wants: Five Musical Artists from the 2000s That Deserve Dramatic Biopics

Here are five movie pitches guaranteed to hit these fledgling adults with some gut-punching nostalgia about using PictoChat on their DS’s with wrists covered in Silly Bandz.

HBO’s ‘Mrs. Fletcher’ Pilot Marks a Surprisingly Dull Start to the Highly Promising Comedy Series

The title of HBO’s new comedy “Mrs. Fletcher” sounds like something fit for a “Downton Abbey” spin-off. In fact, it’s a series that stars the beloved Kathryn Hahn as single mother rediscovering her identity thanks to online porn — not exactly as buttoned-up and proper as its innocent name might suggest.

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