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As powerful narrative, the work of Harlem Renaissance artist Jacob Lawrence speaks directly to the African-American experience. As powerful art, it speaks in equally direct tones to the human experience. In one of the most visually exhilarating exhibits to arrive at the Memphis Brooks Museum of Art in some time, "The Prints of Jacob Lawrence, 1963-2000," chronicles most of the etchings, woodcuts, silk screens and lithographs by this important 20th century artist. Full story »

There are times in Ali Cavanaugh's poignant exhibit at L Ross Gallery that you almost feel like a voyeur eavesdropping on someone's private, transformative moments. The artist is fine with that. After all, her intent is to capture what can't be seen -- the interior of a person -- in addition to the finely wrought realism of her subject's outward poses and gestures. Full story »

When one considers the many stage musicals these days based on well-known movies or cobbled together from popular songs, the 2003 Broadway hit "Wicked" seems like an old-fashioned, traditional show. Traditional, in the sense that, like the classics "South Pacific" or "Cats," it was inspired by a book. The production opens Wednesday at the Orpheum theater and runs through July 12. Full story »

"Wicked" is an astonishing triumph, certainly one of the best productions ever to work its magic on the Orpheum stage. Full story »