This review aired on KBAQ December 22, 2008

EXQUISITE BALLET ARIZONA “NUTCRACKER” IS BIG-CITY QUALITY

“THE NUTCRACKER”
Ballet Arizona, Symphony Hall
Phoenix, AZ

There’s nothing more beautiful than Ballet Arizona’s exquisite annual “The Nutcracker” production. The stunning story ballet is definitely a big-city staging. It compares favorably with the country’s two other most acclaimed productions, The San Francisco Ballet and New York City Ballet. Ballet Arizona artistic director Ib Andersen mounted this new $1.8 million version three seasons ago and it’s visually stunning but the thing that has continued to improve each season is the magnificent dancing of the Ballet Arizona corps and the many … Continue Reading

This review aired on KBAQ December 15, 2008

GLORIOUS “A CHRISTMAS CAROL” AND IRREVERENT “TIMES SQUARE ANGEL”

“A CHRISTMAS CAROL”
Center State, Herberger Theater Center
Phoenix, AZ
and
“TIMES SQUARE ANGEL”
Nearly Naked Theatre, The Little Theatre at Phoenix Theatre
Phoenix, AZ

There’s nothing better at this time of year than Actors Theatre’s glorious “A Christmas Carol” production. After 17 seasons, it gets better, more endearing, and more joyously festive each year. Watching wealthy Ebenezer Scrooge’s magical transformation into a caring and believing man seems to have special relevance during this economically challenging period. It’s this community’s most fabulous holiday show.

In addition to this traditional chestnut, this season also … Continue Reading

This review aired on KBAQ December 11, 2008

BOLD “SPRING AWAKENING” PLAYS ASU GAMMAGE IN EXCELLENT PRODUCTION

“SPRING AWAKENING”
Broadway Across America – Arizona, ASU Gammage
Tempe, AZ

“Spring Awakening” is a bold new American musical that tells an old story in a creative new way. The fine touring production at ASU Gammage gives the show the same theatrical flourish and panache that distinguishes the Broadway production that won eight Tony Awards.

Based on an 1891 play, the original “Spring Awakening” was a trend setter. It was years before it was ever performed. It looks at how repressed German teenagers come to terms with their sexuality … Continue Reading

This review aired on KBAQ December 8, 2008

CLEVER “HOLIDAY” SHOW KIDS SHOW SLAMS SCIENTOLOLGY

“A VERY MERRY UNAUTHORIZED CHILDREN’S SCIENTOLOGY PAGEANT”
Stray Cat Theatre, Tempe Performing Arts Center
Tempe, AZ

Stray Cat Theatre delivers an unusual holiday show ever so cleverly. “A Very Merry Unauthorized Children’s Scientology Pageant” looks at the Church of Scientology and its wealthy founder, L. Ron Hubbard, as a funny and very satiric parody of the Nativity. Author Kyle Jarrow presents his comic slams and thoughtful questioning where Hubbard’s birth and his search for religious truth are compared to Christ’s.

The entire show is presented by a talented ensemble of 8- … Continue Reading

This review aired on KBAQ December 1, 2008

BROADWAY PALM’S “HOLLY JOLLY CHRISTMAS” WARMLY ENTERTAINING

“HOLLY JOLLY CHRISTMAS”
Broadway Palm Dinner Theatre
Mesa, AZ

With Thanksgiving over, holiday theater begins. During the next few weeks, I will be reviewing both traditional and several new holiday shows. “Holly Jolly Christmas,” the first holiday show to debut, is the Broadway Palm Dinner Theatre’s warmly entertaining, festive, and family-oriented tribute. The traditional parts of “Holly Jolly Christmas” are the best. The one non-traditional number, among the seven vignettes that comprise the show, is the only segment that disappoints.

As always, Broadway Palm’s ensemble, filled with young talent, use expert … Continue Reading