Ron Charles

A brilliant novel tells the tale of an avant-garde composer accused of bioterrorism.

Dennis Drabelle

The 100th anniversary of the French masterpiece, “Le Grand Meaulnes.”

— Rachel Lubitz

“American Idol” continues with a trip to the West Coast for a two-hour episode of auditions.

Bill Sheehan

Forty years after “Tales of the City” began, and elderly Anna prepares to leave like a lady.

Rebecca Ritzel

McKellen has recorded voice-overs in the musical “How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying.”

Celia Wren

The Constellation Theatre Company’s “Scapin” runs through through Feb. 16 at Source Theatre.

Celia Wren

Though sometimes wrenching, Steven Fales’s autobiographical one-man shows pack in humor.

Chris Richards

A weekly selection of notable recordings.

Allison Stewart

Laura Jean Grace leads punk band Against Me! through a lacerating, powerful album.

John Smolens

A boy and his mom set out to find the men who murdered their family in James Scott’s powerful debut novel.

Emily Langer

He led several of the most storied orchestras of Europe into a new era with his embrace of modern music.

Rachel Lubitz

New reality shows debut on Reelz, MTV and Syfy.

Michael Cavna

As we celebrate Martin Luther King Day, here are some civil-rights books (and links) worth checking out.

— Rachel Lubitz

Also, ‘Hollywood Game Night’ returns and Season One of ‘Sleepy Hollow’ concludes.

Nelson Pressley

Daniel Beaty offers a juicy history of Paul Robeson in drama at Arena Stage.