Theater Review – December 15, 2014

This review aired on KBAQ December 15, 2014

HALE CENTRE’S “A CHRISTMAS CAROL” IS ONE OF THE BEST

”A CHRISTMAS CAROL”
Hale Centre Theatre
Gilbert, AZ

I made a personal vow this holiday season to avoid every Christmas stage cliché I could.  I’ve had it with holiday extravaganzas but being a critic has required annual attendance at some shows so even though “A Christmas Carol” was on this year’s list of avoidance I realized I’d never seen the Hale Centre Theatre’s production that was celebrating its 12th anniversary this season.  When I walked into the Hale Centre, I was ready … Continue Reading

Theater Review – December 8, 2014

This review aired on KBAQ December 8, 2014

STRAY CAT’S “YEAR OF THE ROOSTER” IS AN OFF-CENTER WINNER

”YEAR OF THE ROOSTER”

Stray Cat Theatre, Tempe Performing Arts Center

Tempe, AZ

Stray Cat Theatre comes up with another off-center winner in the hysterical “dark” comedy “Year of the Rooster” by Eric Dufault.  Unlike most local theaters that do holiday shows during December, “Year of the Rooster” is certainly not a show in that genre as it tackles Gil Pepper’s mundane and uninteresting life.

Pepper’s one distinction is his prize-winning rooster, Odysseus Rex, known as Odie, who with manipulative conniving strategy wins … Continue Reading

This review aired on KBAQ December 4, 2014

MARVELOUS “PIPPIN” REVIVAL ARTFULLY MIMICS BROADWAY PRODUCTION

”PIPPIN”
Broadway Across America – Arizona, ASU Gammage
Tempe, AZ

Broadway arrived at ASU Gammage on Tuesday when the national tour of the recent “Pippin” revival arrived in a marvelous production that artfully mimics the excitement the show displayed in New York.  It’s rare that a tour measures up to Broadway.  This marvelously creative production helmed by director Diane Paulus explodes all over the huge Gammage stage.

Tour casts usually parody Broadway stars and here the results are outstanding.  Sasha Allen jumps on stage to open the production as the Leading … Continue Reading