This review aired on KBAQ December 16, 2013

HOLIDAY SHOW “TELLIN’ IT ON THE MOUNTAIN” AT BTT DISAPPOINTS

“TELLIN’ IT ON THE MOUNTAIN”
Black Theatre Troupe, Helen K. Mason Performing Arts Center
Phoenix, AZ

The Black Theatre Troupe has an impressive theater on East Washington Street, the result of the recent Phoenix cultural bond issue.  But the productions the Troupe has staged in its new home rarely, if ever, match the facility.  This is certainly the case with their current Christmas show, “Tellin’ It On the Mountain,” a disappointing collection of traditional and some unfamiliar holiday tunes shaped around Lyn Richardson’s silly and predictable plot … Continue Reading

This review aired on KBAQ December 9, 2013

HYSTERICAL “ALL NEW PEOPLE” IS ENHANCED BY QUICKLY-PACED STAGING AND FUNNY CAST

“ALL NEW PEOPLE”
Stray Cat Theatre, Tempe Performing Arts Center
Tempe, AZ

If you want to laugh uncontrollably, Stray Cat Theatre’s Arizona premiere production of Zach Braff’s hysterical new play, “All New People,” will provide the non-stop delights.  Although I don’t laugh much even at the funniest stage comedy, I admit I was convulsed with laughter at the play’s weekend opening.  Not only is the play hilarious, but the snappy production makes use of the funny dialogue and wacky situation to provide frivolity.

The absurd situation … Continue Reading

This review aired on KBAQ December 5, 2013

“EVITA” STAR FAILS TO BRING EVA PERON TO VIBRANT LIFE

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

For “Evita” to work, the performer essaying Eva Peron must be a bigger-than-life dynamic personality.  The recent Broadway revival had that quality in star Elena Roger, a native Argentinean, but the touring version features Caroline Bowman who lacks the snappy exuberance to bring Eva to vibrant life.

Bowman is better by the second act when the pushy and arrogant dynamo slows down from the cancer that killed her at 33.  When she doesn’t have to be the show’s … Continue Reading

This review aired on KBAQ December 2, 2013

JOY TO HAVE CHILDSPLAY’S “VELVETEEN RABBIT” BACK FOR THE HOLIDAYS

“THE VELVETEEN RABBIT”
Childsplay, Tempe Center for the Arts
Tempe, AZ

Childsplay has skipped its annual holiday staging of “The Velveteen Rabbit” for awhile but, because there’s a whole new generation of children who haven’t seen the fabled production, the company has re-mounted it this season at their new home at the Tempe Center for the Arts.  It’s a joy to have the spiffy original staging back and, like most Childsplay shows, it couldn’t be better as it creates a magically festive time for first time young … Continue Reading