This review aired on KBAQ October 28, 2013

SPECTACULAR “LION KING” TOUR REMAINS PRISTINE IN LOCAL RETURN

“THE LION KING”
Broadway Across America – Arizona, ASU Gammage, Arizona State Uuniversity
Tempe, AZ

Is there any stage musical more spectacular, more melodic, more fascinating to watch, or more unique than Disney’s grandly scaled and brilliantly created “The Lion King”?  If there is, I haven’t seen it.  It’s back for the third time at ASU Gammage and it looks marvelous, the latest cast is top notch, and the show remains a dazzling entertainment for those lucky enough to have tickets.  But unlike past engagements, this “The Lion … Continue Reading

This review aired on KBAQ October 14, 2013

ATC’S “EARNEST” IS SUBLIME COMEDY OF MANNERS

“THE IMPORTANCE OF BEING EARNEST”
Arizona Theatre Company, Center Stage, Herberger Theater Center
Phoenix, AZ

Arizona Theatre Company mounts a sublime “The Importance of Being Earnest,” Oscar Wilde’s delicious comedy of manners that slaps and bangs 1895 aristocracy and their nose-in-the-air snotty superiority that made them so impossible to be around.

The production is staged crisply and with wonderfully mannered arrogance by ATC’s associate artistic director Stephen Wrentmore.  Yoon Bae’s excessively elegantly costumes and her fanciful but beautiful historical period settings make the production a feast for the eye.  But most … Continue Reading

This review aired on KBAQ October 7, 2013

FRIVOLOUS TOMFOOLERY OF “THE 39 STEPS” AT PHOENIX THEATRE IS FUN

“THE 39 STEPS”
Phoenix Theatre
Phoenix, AZ

The stage version of Alfred Hitchcock’s bizarre 1935 thriller “The 39 Steps” proved a huge Broadway hit.  When it toured, it stopped at ASU Gammage as part of their Broadway series.  I reviewed it and didn’t like it finding it ridiculously silly.

Phoenix Theatre is mounting a local production that opened over the weekend and, like most of the opening night audience, I loved the frivolous tomfoolery.  Why did my opinion of this wacky melodrama and its asinine storyline change … Continue Reading