This review aired on KBAQ September 26, 2016

“LIBERACE” DRAGS WITH BLAND TELLING OF ENTERTAINER’S LEGEND

“LIBERACE”

Hormel Theatre, Phoenix Theatre

Phoenix, AZ

The “Liberace” world premiere finds playwright Brent Hazelton explaining the details about Mr. Showmanship’s convoluted life with an emphasis on his upbringing and the complexities of producing his famous nightclub entertainment.

The show is only noteworthy for those of us who saw Liberace live and on television multiple times during his heydays during the 1950s to the 1970s.  Liberace was indeed a unique entertainer.

But for those with limited exposure to Liberace, the show drags with its exhaustive detail but bland retelling of his … Continue Reading

This review aired on KBAQ September 19, 2016

STRAY CAT’S “JOHN” MAKES TOO MANY CONFUSING POINTS SO NOTHING IS CLEAR

“JOHN”
Stray Cat Theatre, Studio Theatre, Tempe Center for the Arts
Tempe, AZ

Stray Cat Theatre is one of the Valley’s most innovative and exciting theater companies as it avoids popular Broadway hits to present the latest offbeat off-Broadway plays and musicals.  The company even tackles a world premiere Black comedy by local playwright Ron Hunting later.  But to open this season, they present one of the first regional productions of Annie Baker’s recent off-Broadway play, “John.”  The playwright won a Pulitzer Prize for her … Continue Reading

This review aired on KBAQ September 15, 2016

STARS DON’T HOLD “CABARET” REVIVAL TOGETHER AT ASU GAMMAGE

“CABARET”

Broadway Across America – Arizona, ASU Gammage

Tempe, AZ

The Roundabout Theatre “Cabaret” revival opens the new ASU Gammage Broadway season.  The production’s raison d’etre was star Alan Cummings’ different slant on the Emcee who escorts audiences through a decadent look at corrupt and bigoted pre-Nazi Germany.  Since Cummings isn’t touring, Randy Harrison tries to duplicate the Broadway star’s interpretation but Harrison lacks Cummings’ sexy spark and sleazy style.

And it’s not just Harrison who fails to hold this revival together.  Especially disappointing is Andrea Goss’ lackluster Sally.  … Continue Reading

This review aired on KBAQ September 12, 2016

SMASHING “IN THE HEIGHTS” OPENS AT PHOENIX THEATRE RIVALLING BROADWAY

“IN THE HEIGHTS”

Phoenix Theatre, Mainstage Theatre

Phoenix, AZ

Broadway arrived at Phoenix Theatre with the weekend opening of a smashing staging of Lin-Manuel Miranda’s first New York musical, “In the Heights.”  This 2008 show proved a multiple Tony Award winning creation and prophesied Miranda’s current Broadway hit, “Hamilton,” that arrives next season at ASU Gammage.

Miranda starred in the Broadway production as Usnavi, a storeowner who knows and treasures his barrio’s customers.  The insightful and unique musical explores with splashy panache the diverse Mexican-American neighborhood in Manhattan’s … Continue Reading