This review aired on KBAQ October 27, 2008

WHACKED OUT VIEW OF THE WEALTHY WEAKENS “A VIEW OF THE HARBOR”

“A VIEW OF THE HARBOR”
Actors Theatre, Stage West, Herberger Theater Center
Phoenix, AZ

Playwright Richard Dresser dissects American happiness in his three play trilogy that explores the issue from different cultural perspectives. Phoenix is lucky because we’ve seen all of the plays in Actors Theatre’s well produced series that culminates now with the last installment, “A View of the Harbor.”

The latest looks at the wealthy class struggle to achieve happiness concluding that money can’t buy contentment. “Augusta,” the first play, viewed the issue from … Continue Reading

This review aired on KBAQ October 20, 2008

BLACK THEATRE TROUPE STAGING OF MASTERFUL “GEM OF THE OCEAN” NOT PERFECT

“GEM OF THE OCEAN”
Black Theatre Troupe, Playhouse on the Park
Phoenix, AZ

Before playwright August Wilson’s 2005 death, he completed a remarkable ten-play series chronicling the black experience in 20th century America. Many of the plays are set in Pittsburgh’s Hill District, an enclave of African-American families. The series’ ninth play, “Gem of the Ocean,” starts the history. Black Theatre Troupe has tried for several seasons to get rights to this masterwork.

While their production isn’t perfect, it’s wonderful to have this work here. The … Continue Reading

This review aired on KBAQ October 16, 2008

MANY PROBLEMS WITH DREADFUL “THE RAT PACK”

“THE RAT PACK – LIVE AT THE SANDS”
Broadway Across America – Arizona, ASU Gammage
Tempe, AZ

Many saw Frank Sinatra, Dean Martin, and Sammy Davis Jr. during their heydays on television, in films, and, occasionally, in person. Each was unique, each had a dynamic personality, and all knew how to entertain. But put them together in a lethargically produced re-creation of their now infamous early ‘60s Las Vegas appearance during the filming of the original “Oceans 11” and the result, “The Rat Pack – Live at the Sands,” is … Continue Reading

This review aired on KBAQ October 13, 2008

CAPTIVATING AND CHARMING “ENCHANTED APRIL” OPENS ATC SEASON

“ENCHANTED APRIL”
Arizona Theatre Company, Herberger Theater Center
Phoenix, AZ

Amidst the bleak economic news comes Arizona Theatre Company’s captivating and charming “Enchanted April” season opener. The delicate coming-to-terms-with-reality tale enthralls in this amusing but insightful comedy with an encouraging message.

Playwright Matthew Barber based his 2003 play on Elizabeth von Arnim’s popular 1922 novel. It’s an early women’s rights story about four unfulfilled women who decide to escape dreary London for a sunshine encrusted and lushly foliaged Italian castle. This vacation revitalizes them. Two women are in unsatisfying marriages … Continue Reading

This review aired on KBAQ October 6, 2008

BROADWAY PALM’S “ALL SHOOK UP” FEATURES ELVIS PRESLEY SONG HITS

“ALL SHOOK UP”
Broadway Palm Dinner Theatre
Mesa, AZ

Mesa’s Broadway Palm Dinner Theatre has changed programming dramatically for its new season. Gone are the golden classic musicals of the past in favor of new shows the Valley hasn’t seen along with several modern shows that have had limited exposure here. The new attractions represent changing audiences and Broadway Palm producers hope that they can draw a different audience of younger theatergoers.

The first attraction of their new season is a pleasant, if undistinguished, “All Shook Up,” a … Continue Reading