This review aired on KBAQ March 17, 2014

THEATER WORKS PRESENTS A WINNING STAGING OF A TROUBLED NEW MUSICAL

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

Local theaters are presenting more new plays and musicals every season.  Theater Works, the ambitious West Valley troupe, is presenting a winning production of the new musical “National Pastime” that still needs lots of work before it will ever be successful.

Don’t be fooled by the title.  The new musical with book by Tony Sportiello and songs by Al Tapper is about baseball but it’s also about 1933 American music, styles, and radio, but claimed … Continue Reading

This review aired on KBAQ March 10, 2014

PHOENIX THEATRE PRODUCTION OF “PIPPIN” DISAPPOINTS

“PIPPIN”
Phoenix Theatre
Phoenix, AZ

I remember when I saw the original “Pippin” on Broadway in 1972.  The opening number splashed on stage with white gloved hands flashing magically on a dark stage entrancing the audience into the life of the musical’s lead, Pippin, King Charlemagne’s son, as he learned the harsh realities of life.  There was a stellar cast singing young Stephen Schwartz’ music and lyrics long before his bigger hit “Wicked” had premiered.  Bob Fosse’s seductively sexy choreography and slapdash direction hadn’t been seen much on the then much … Continue Reading