This review aired on KBAQ December 19, 2011

“SISTER’S CHRISTMAS CATECHISM” NOT REALLY THEATER JUST STAND-UP COMEDY

“SISTER’S CHRISTMAS CATECHISM: THE MYSTERY OF THE MAGI’S GOLD”
Scottsdale Center for the Performing Arts
Scottsdale, AZ

Patti Hannon has Sister, the portly, sharp-witted Catholic nun teacher down to a science.  She’s played the part in several variations of the one-woman show at the Scottsdale Center for the Performing Arts since 2000.  Before Scottsdale, Hannon played it in Boston, Chicago, and New York.  The current version, “Sister’s Christmas Catechism: The Mystery of the Magi’s Gold,” is a revival of the popular holiday show that’s played many times before.

“Sister’s” … Continue Reading

This review aired on KBAQ December 12, 2011

“NUTCRACKER” IS OUTSTANDING; “A CHRISTMAS STORY” IS NOT

Today, I’m reviewing two holiday shows, one new and one celebrating its 26th anniversary.  Phoenix Theatre is mounting a stage version of the popular 1983 film, “A Christmas Story,” and Ballet Arizona is presenting its annual “The Nutcracker.”   “The Nutcracker” is the Valley’s best holiday show and let’s hope “A Christmas Story” doesn’t become an annual Phoenix Theatre holiday tradition.

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

If you want spectacle, grandeur, beauty, and gorgeous music with your holiday entertainment, you can’t go wrong with “The Nutcracker.”  The production’s … Continue Reading

This review aired on KBAQ December 8, 2011

STAGE “WHITE CHRISTMAS“ MISSES FILM STARS DYNAMIC PERSONALITIES

“IRVING BERLIN’S WHITE CHRISTMAS”
ASU Gammage
Tempe, AZ

The 1954 movie musical “White Christmas” is a holiday tradition at my house.  Every Christmas Eve, the DVD starring Bing Crosby, Danny Kaye, Rosemary Clooney, and Vera-Ellen is the finishing touch to a festive celebration.  Irving Berlin penned the title tune in 1942 at the Arizona Biltmore.  The stage version, now at ASU Gammage through Sunday, was born in 2008 but, like the film, is only viable during the holidays.

On stage, it’s a big, splashy, and colorful extravaganza with elaborately choreographed … Continue Reading

This review was modified December 9, 2011 due to objections to my use of a specific word.  I appreciate the fact that this word usage and the way it was interpreted by many listeners and readers was pointed out to me.  I have learned from this situation and, of course, will not use the word again.

Chris Curcio

This review aired in a different version from the modified review below on KBAQ December 5, 2011

WACKY, IRREVERENT “MILK, MILK LEMONADE” SAYS IT’S OK TO BE GAY

“MILK, MILK LEMONADE”
Stray Cat Theatre, Tempe Performing Arts Center
Tempe, AZ

“Milk, Milk Lemonade,” Stray Cat Theatre’s latest, is a wacky, irreverent view of … Continue Reading