This review aired on KBAQ March 26, 2012

ARIZONA THEATRE COMPANY OPENS MARVELOUSLY WRY “GATSBY”

“THE GREAT GATSBY”
Arizona Theatre Company, Center Stage, Herberger Theater Center
Phoenix, AZ

A marvelously wry but one sided look at America during the opulent Roaring ‘20s emerges in Arizona Theatre Company’s “The Great Gatsby,” an interesting stage version of F. Scott Fitzgerald’s masterpiece novel that captures this wild and transitioning period.  The American Dream was dying as the wealthy, some born and some made, use their money to destroy people.  The novel’s story is outlined in a tight two hours in this Simon Levy stage adaptation.  ATCs small set … Continue Reading

This review aired on KBAQ March 19, 2012

TWO THEATER STAGINGS REVEAL LOCAL THEATER’S DIVERSITY

“A LITTLE NIGHT MUSIC”
Theater Works, Mary Jane Gyder Theater, Peoria Center for the Performing Arts
Peoria, AZ

and

“DON JUAN IN CHICAGO”
The Little Theatre at Phoenix Theatre
Phoenix, AZ

Two very different theater productions are reviewed tonight revealing local theater’s diversity.  Peoria’s Theater Works tackles Stephen Sondheim’s beautiful “A Little Night Music” successfully while Nearly Naked Theatre mounts a disappointing staging of the weird “Don Juan in Chicago.”

Presenting a Sondheim musical challenges, but Theater Works’ exemplary “A Little Night Music” boasts artful singing in the David Vining directed production that keeps the … Continue Reading

This review aired on KBAQ March 12, 2012

SMASHING PHOENIX THEATRE “GYPSY” STARS LONGTIME LOCAL STAR

“GYPSY”
Phoenix Theatre
Phoenix, AZ

Broadway arrived at Phoenix Theatre in a smashing production of the marvelous but challenging musical “Gypsy” starring longtime local star Kathy Fitzgerald who left over 17 years ago to appear in several Broadway musicals.

Not only is the production great but many outstanding local talents support Fitzgerald tremendously.  Fitzgerald achieves what top female musical theater stars hope to by triumphing as the dastardly Mama Rose, that demented stage struck mother who achieves the stardom she never did through her daughters, June and Louise.

The role was … Continue Reading

This review aired on KBAQ March 5, 2012

FINE SSC STAGING OF “ART” BRINGS TWO INTERESTING ISSUES TO LIFE

“ART”
Southwest Shakespeare Company, Farnsworth Studio Theater, Mesa Arts Center
Mesa, AZ

Yasmina Reza’s “Art” discusses two significant concepts – friendships and the question of what is art?  Couple the intriguing play with a fine Southwest Shakespeare Company staging smartly directed by Jared Sakren and well performed and the result is well worth the trip to the Mesa Arts Center to experience.

It’s been awhile since I’ve reviewed a SSC show and this production is the only non-Shakespeare play they are presenting this season.  “Art” marks a … Continue Reading