This review aired on KBAQ January 31, 2011

WITH RIGHT MUSIC DIRECTOR, BROADWAY PALM’S “CHICAGO” SOARS

“CHICAGO”
Broadway Palm Dinner Theatre
Mesa, AZ

The razzle-dazzle musical “Chicago” needs a spunky, pulsating production to succeed. On opening night earlier this month, the Broadway Palm Dinner Theatre version lacked the bouncy exuberance necessary to get an audience in a foot-stomping mood. It wasn’t the fault of the three leads – Amy Marie McCleary’s sultry dancer/singer Velma Kelly, Maggie Politi’s floozy performer Roxie Hart, or Jason Fleck’s sleazy lawyer Billy Flynn. And it wasn’t M. Seth Reines’ breezy staging that had just the right slap-dash beat.

It was alternative … Continue Reading

This review aired on KBAQ January 24, 2011

SHARPLY FUNNY “THIS“ IN SMASHING ACTORS THEATRE STAGING

“THIS”
Actors Theatre, Herberger Theater Center
Phoenix, AZ

Are middle age and the myriad of adjustments and re-examinations people must make funny? On the surface, it’s a painful process that affects some more than others but playwright Melissa James Gibson has found abundant and clever humor in this serious situation in her off-Broadway hit, “This.”

In Actors Theatre’s sharply funny and zany staging, the play makes a smashing local debut. You’ll howl at Gibson’s breezy and brilliantly wry dialogue but afterward you’ll pause reflectively on this critical fine-tuning period. The … Continue Reading

This review aired on KBAQ January 17, 2011

“NO WAY TO TREAT A LADY” STAGING TOPS BUT SHOW IS A WASTE

“NO WAY TO TREAT A LADY”
Phoenix Theatre
Phoenix, AZ

An unusual little musical based on the film “No Way to Treat a Lady” isn’t particularly engaging even though Phoenix Theatre’s staging of the show’s local premiere is tops. The film blended a romantic comedy with an unsuccessful actor’s turn to murders to get the needed attention he failed to earn as a performer.

With a cast of four, the two men essay a determined detective/cop, Morris, who is out to solve the crimes, and … Continue Reading

This review aired on KBAQ January 10, 2011

OUTRAGEOUS “DEVIL BOYS FROM BEYOND” UPROARIOUSLY FUNNY

“DEVIL BOYS FROM BEYOND”
Nearly Naked Theatre, The Little Theatre at Phoenix Theatre
Phoenix, AZ

“Devil Boys From Beyond,” Nearly Naked Theatre’s latest, is an outrageous, way-over-the-top, uproariously funny science fiction spoof. It’s a damn good campy extravaganza featuring several local drag queen celebrities, a leading local actress playing a manly New York City newspaper editor, and scantily clad guys who make invading space aliens look like pristine hunks. Buddy Thomas and Kenneth Elliott’s script is 95 frivolous minutes of fun that laughs itself silly at science fiction shtick as … Continue Reading

This review aired on KBAQ January 6, 2011

‘SHREK THE MUSICAL” JUST FOR KIDS

“SHREK THE MUSICAL”
Broadway Across America – Arizona, ASU Gammage
Tempe, AZ

There were lots of children at the opening of “Shrek The Musical” at ASU Gammage. That was great since this musical about the lovable ogre is just for the little ones. Adult chaperones will be squirmy as the predictable story unfolds.

And the touring “Shrek” production is different from what I saw on Broadway. It’s not the grand scenic spectacle. Gone is much of intricate scenery. The show is so slimmed down that it’s tiresome to watch because so little … Continue Reading

This review aired on KBAQ January 3, 2011

“WOODY GUTHRIE’S AMERICAN SONG” GRAND TRIBUTE TO COMPOSER

“WOODY GUTHRIE’S AMERICAN SONG”
Arizona Theatre Company, Herberger Theater Center
Phoenix, AZ

“Woody Guthrie’s American Song” is a grand tribute to the laid back entertainer/composer whose many songs from the 1930s through the 1950s are timeless because they’re relevant to contemporary economic and social issues. The low key Arizona Theatre Company production marks the 1988 show’s Arizona debut.

Unlike recent ATC jukebox musical revues, this one is not splashy with sharp staging nor is it filled with grand theatrical flourishes. Instead, it’s an understated piece that comments on past political … Continue Reading