This review aired on KBAQ June 20, 2011

HALE CENTRE’S “OVER THE RIVER & THROUGH THE WOODS” IS A WINNER

“OVER THE RIVER AND THROUGH THE WOODS”
Hale Centre Theatre
Gilbert, AZ

Community Theater can be amazing.  Gilbert’s Hale Centre Theatre has mounted several impressive productions over the years and their latest, “Over the River and Through the Woods,” is another winner.  This masterfully acted production features a remarkable ensemble that easily convinces audiences they are a tightly knit Italian family.  And the Joe DiPietro play, a new one to me, admirably blends winning comedy laughs with heart-tugging emotionalism about the importance of family in … Continue Reading

This review aired on KBAQ June 9, 2011

NEW “LES MIZ” DIVORCES ORIGINAL STAGING BUT STILL EFFECTIVE

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

Yes, the 25th anniversary production of “Les Miserables,” playing this week at ASU Gammage, divorces itself from the original staging and design. Gone is the swirling turntable that kept the story moving cinematically as it told the vibrant story of Jean Valjean and his struggle to win respectability after stealing to feed a starving relative.

Now complicated scenic pieces move smoothly and swiftly to create the various locales that tell the story of the peoples French Revolution and … Continue Reading

This review aired on KBAQ June 6, 2011

COMPETENT “EATING RAOUL” SPOOFS SEXUAL BIZARRE PERVERSIONS

“EATING RAOUL: THE MUSICAL”
Nearly Naked Theatre, The Little Theatre at Phoenix Theatre
Phoenix, AZ

The 1982 cult film black comedy “Eating Raoul” spoofed bizarre sexual perversions. Add music and it’s become an even weirder stage musical. That kind of kinky extravaganza is right up Nearly Naked Theatre’s alley so they are now staging the show’s Arizona premiere.

There are some moments of stupid hilarity but the musical, like the film, is filled with such excess that it’s not always knock ‘em dead humor. To successfully stage shows like “Eating Raoul,” … Continue Reading