This review aired on KBAQ November 25, 2013

SMASHING STAGING OF “WHITE CHRISTMAS” OPENS AT PHOENIX THEATRE

“WHITE CHRISTMAS”
Phoenix Theatre
Phoenix, AZ

Many local theaters have become trapped staging the same annual holiday shows like “A Christmas Carols” and “The Nutcracker.”  Fortunately, Phoenix Theatre has introduced a smashing new holiday show, the stage version of the “White Christmas” film.

Two geniuses can be credited with the magic on stage.  Phoenix Theatre artistic director Michael Barnard stages his own unique version, paces it briskly, and makes it fascinating to watch.  No less sharp is Kathy Calahan’s choreography.  Calahan was in the recent Broadway version of Irving … Continue Reading

This review aired on KBAQ November 21, 2013

SEXUALLY EXPLICIT “FIFTY SHADES OF FELT” CAUSES A WARNING

“FIFTY SHADES OF FELT”
Nearly Naked Theatre/All Puppet Players, The Little Theatre at Phoenix Theatre
Phoenix, AZ

Before I start my review of “Fifty Shades of Felt,” some warnings.  This is a sexually explicit show like nothing that has ever been seen here before.  And it isn’t nudity that makes it explicit because the show is performed by puppets.  It’s the sexual chatter that makes it so graphic.  It’s presented by Nearly Naked Theatre but this is raunchy even for this bold company.

“Fifty Shades of Felt” lampoons the … Continue Reading

This review aired on KBAQ November 18, 2013

SUPERB “THE MOUNTAINTOP” BRINGS BACK MARTIN LUTHER KING, JR.

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

One of our country’s most influential and eloquent Black Americans is born anew in James T. Alfred’s brilliant re-creation of Martin Luther King, Jr. in Katori Hall’s revealing snapshot of the great leader in Arizona Theatre Company’s “The Mountaintop.”  Opposite Alfred is Erika LaVonn portraying the Memphis motel maid Camae.  It’s April 3, 1968, just after King delivered his famous “I’ve Been to the Mountaintop” speech at the Sanitation Workers Strike, and the evening before the … Continue Reading

This review aired on KBAQ November 11, 2013

ELABORATE “RAGTIME” AT THEATER WORKS IS SUPERB

“RAGTIME”
Theater Works, Peoria Center for the Performing Arts
Peoria, AZ

“Ragtime” is a great American musical that shows how various ethnic cultures established this country in the early 20th century.  But it is a huge show that demands a large cast, an elaborate physical production, and the intricate songs and dances require a gifted director who creates stunning stage pictures.

Peoria’s Theater Works mounts a superb “Ragtime” and this is from a critic who saw the brilliant original production in Los Angeles before the show’s 1998 Broadway premiere.  … Continue Reading

This review aired on KBAQ November 4, 2013

WELL PERFORMED ACTORS THEATRE “A STEADY RAIN” DISAPPOINTS AS A PLAY

“A STEADY RAIN”
Actors Theatre, Playhouse on the Park, Viad Corporate Center
Phoenix, AZ

It is difficult to attend a well performed production but condemn it because the bland script makes the experience disappointing.  Such is the case of Actors Theatre rebirth with the local premiere production of Keith Huff’s new play, “A Steady Rain.”  The drama recently played a short Broadway engagement that was sustained by featuring two major movie talents, Daniel Craig and Hugh Jackman, as two Chicago beat cops.  Without the dynamic brought … Continue Reading