Dave McKenna

Judging by the crowd’s energy, the rockers that brought us the slightly mangled “Pompeii” can be optimists.

Sarah Kaufman

Art is only half skill. The other half is something bigger. By any name, Sara Pearson and Patrik Widrig have it.

Maureen Corrigan

In this anthology of short stories from Iran, the strongest contributors happen to be women.

Rachel Lubitz

“Independent Lens” examines the rise of bullying and the Foo Fighters perform on the “Late Show.”

Anne Midgette

The production shows that, yes, opera singers can do musicals — at the risk of cannibalizing the audience.

Joan Reinthaler

In lesser hands, the Schumann, Bach and Schubert might have blurred, but this pianist doesn’t do blur.

Charles T. Downey

Padmore has an unconventional voice, but the British tenor knows how to use it to the best effect.

Matt Schudel

Ms. Kizer, who won the Pulitzer Prize, often wrote about women’s concerns in her formally precise poetry.

Michael Cavna

An illustrated narrative from the final hour of the final day at the independent Corcoran Gallery of Art.

By Chris Michaud

Tycoon couple’s Rothkos, Picassos and other great works in art collection will hit the auction block next month.

Ron Charles

Celebrated writers delivered a short reading on the perilous theme during the PEN/Faulkner event.

Rachel Lubitz

Bill Hader hosts “SNL,” the steamy drama “The Affair” premieres and “The Walking Dead” returns.

Robert Battey

His concert at the Kennedy Center’s Terrace Theater showed world-class chops but shortcomings in tone.

Associated Press

Ms. Hooks, 57, spent five years as a cast regular, lampooning public figures including Nancy Reagan.