This review aired on KBAQ November 24, 2014

PHOENIX THEATRE’S MAGICAL “MARY POPPINS” DELIGHTS

”MARY POPPINS”
Phoenix Theatre, Walton Stage Mainstage Theatre
Phoenix, AZ

Phoenix Theatre’s “Mary Poppins” is a magical delight performed by a perfect cast including two local stars that carry the show with special aplomb.  There are spectacular visuals including carefully choreographed lush scenery that glides effortlessly into place, beautiful period attire, impressively focused lighting, and stunning special effects that includes much cast flying.

If you don’t buy your tickets immediately, there will be many disappointed young and old theatergoers once all the reviews hit and audience reaction gets around.  The show received … Continue Reading

This review aired on KBAQ November 17, 2014

TEPID “WAIT UNTIL DARK” OPENS IN STRONG ATC STAGING

”WAIT UNTIL DARK”
Arizona Theatre Company, Center Stage, Herberger Theater Center
Phoenix, AZ

Mystery plays have come a long way since 1966 when “Wait Until Dark” premiered on Broadway.  The genre has become richer in suspense, tougher to figure out plot twists and turns, character identities are more muddled, and graphic details spice scripts.  So, while “Wait Until Dark” left audiences screaming in fear originally, today the play is a tepid reminder of a genre that is scarier.

So why Arizona Theatre Company decided to revive “Wait Until Dark” … Continue Reading

This review aired on KBAQ November 10, 2014

SMASHINGLY FUNNY “VALHALLA” IS A WACKY DELIGHT

”VALHALLA”
Nearly Naked Theatre, Hardes Theatre at Phoenix Theatre
Phoenix, AZ

In 2005, Nearly Naked Theatre was beginning to make an impression on the local theater scene as they opened one of their most popular shows, Paul Rudnick’s “Valhalla.”  Nearly Naked is reviving several of its biggest past hits this season and “Valhalla,” with a new cast but retaining Damon Dering’s smashingly funny production, is again a wacky delight.  But under the humor, “Valhalla” has a rich message about always being you and not worrying about what others think.

The comedy … Continue Reading

This review aired on KBAQ November 3, 2014

“SHEAR MADNESS” NEVER COMMICALLY DELIGHTS AUDIENCES

”SHEAR MADNESS”
Hormel Blackbox Theatre, Phoenix Theatre
Phoenix, AZ

Phoenix Theatre’s “Shear Madness” should have been a madcap, zany delight but weak casting and laggardly pacing, make the show a draggy bore that never comically delights audiences.

“Shear Madness” has amused often inebriated audiences at Washington D. C.’s Kennedy Center for 35 years and it has had other successful runs throughout the country.  It’s a crazy spoof set in a beauty shop where the six characters should create mayhem and spark wild malarkey.  But to entertain, the cast must zing out the … Continue Reading