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“A Christmas Carol” and “The Santaland Diaries” – Arizona Theatre Company

This review aired on KBAQ December 14, 2015

ARIZONA THEATRE COMPANY SOLVES PROBLEM OF STAGING HOLIDAY SHOWS

“A CHRISTMAS CAROL” and “THE SANTALAND DIARIES”
Arizona Theatre Company, Center Stage, Herberger Theater Center
Phoenix, AZ

Theater companies often fall into predictable patterns when staging holiday shows.  Leave it to Arizona Theatre Company to solve this annual predicament with artistic director David Ira Goldstein inspiration to present two cleverly staged and brilliantly performed rarely seen holiday shows.

“A Christmas Carol” tells the conventional tale of blustery Ebenezer Scrooge’s magical transformation but ATC finds a fascinating way to present it.  The familiar story is told by the fabulous Katie … Continue Reading

“Heathers” – Stray Cat Theatre

This review aired on KBAQ December 7, 2015

LOUD “HEATHERS” FRAUGHT WITH OPENING NIGHT GLITCHES

“HEATHERS”
Stray Cat Theatre, Tempe Performing Arts Center
Tempe, AZ

The musical version of the classic cult film, “Heathers,” is loud and that’s not necessarily good.  Not only is the show, presented in its regional premiere by Stray Cat Theatre, loud it was fraught opening night with every possible technical and acting glitch imaginable in a show much more complex than is usual for this company.  Quite frankly, it looked like amateur night at the theater and I’m not sure that additional performances as the run progresses will improve.

The show … Continue Reading