This review aired on KBAQ December 16, 2010

BALLET ARIZONA’S “NUTCRACKER” LUSH AND SUPERLATIVE

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

An outstanding local holiday tradition is the annual Ballet Arizona production of Tchaikovsky’s festive “The Nutcracker.” In artistic director Ib Andersen’s superlative and lush production, the local “Nutcracker” rivals the finest of America’s many productions.

Several seasons ago, Ballet Arizona invested nearly $2 million in this lavish production with its lovely settings, magical costumes, and Andersen’s stunning choreography danced by the polished and posed Ballet Arizona company. Local dance students are featured in several youth roles. Topping off the triumph is the fabulous orchestral … Continue Reading

This review aired on KBAQ December 13, 2010

LAST “A CHRISTMAS CAROL” SAD BUT PRODUCTION REMAINS VIBRANT

“A CHRISTMAS CAROL”
Actors Theatre, Herberger Theater Center
Phoenix, AZ

As I entered the Herberger Theater Center for Actors Theatre’s annual “A Christmas Carol” I was sad.  This would be the production’s 19th year but it was the last.  It will be retired after this year’s run.  The sadness had nothing to do with the vibrant production on stage.  It’s sad to see this best of the local holiday attractions end its run.  It won’t be the same next year, when this holiday favorite isn’t around.

This year’s “A … Continue Reading

This review aired on KBAQ December 9, 2010

GLITZY NEW “HAIR” AT ASU GAMMAGE IS NOW A MUSEUM PIECE

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

Step back to 1967. There’s a highly contested war, draft dodging is the thing, the drug culture is establishing a strong presence, and hippies are a new phenomenon. Times and events are changing. “Hair” also debuted introducing new ideas, sounds, and concepts to the then sedate and past looking American musical theater.

Flash forward to last year and a major New York revival of “Hair” that moved from a successful Central Park beginning to Broadway and is … Continue Reading

This review aired on KBAQ December 6, 2010

BLISTERING BUT HYSTERICAL “LEARN TO BE LATINA” AT STRAY CAT THEATRE

“LEARN TO BE LATINA”
Stray Cat Theatre, Tempe Performing Arts Center
Tempe, AZ

A blistering but hysterical tongue-in-cheek attack on America’s often hypocritical treatment of cultural differences and ethnic acceptance is brilliantly etched in playwright Enrique Urueta’s “Learn to be Latina.”  Add to Urueta’s politically pointed piece Stray Cat Theatre’s superbly funny production under Ron May’s expert madcap direction and you have a hit.

To be sure, not every theatergoer should head for “Learn to be Latina.”  If you are easily offended or you object to raunchy … Continue Reading