Theater Review – November 25, 2016

“BEAUTIFUL” PAYS HOMAGE TO CAROLE KING BUT TOURING STAR DOESN’T SHINE AS KING

“BEAUTIFUL”
Broadway Across America – Arizona, ASU Gammage
Tempe, AZ

On a recent Broadway trip, one of the best and most exciting musicals was Jessie Mueller’s stunning transformation to become songwriter Carole King in “Beautiful” that featured over two dozen of the composer’s songs that were used to describe her challenging life including her marriage to Gerry Goffin and how she created her hit tunes.

When the show headed out on tour, Mueller’s sister, Theresa, played the role.  Many said Theresa was as good or better than … Continue Reading

“BILLY ELLIOT” AND “AN ACT OF GOD” BOTH SUPERB

“BILLY ELLIOT”
Phoenix Theatre, Mainstage Theatre
Phoenix, AZ

and

“AN ACT OF GOD”
Arizona Theatre Company, Herberger Theater Center
Phoenix, AZ

Two very different but superb productions present an embarrassment of riches for local theatergoers and their holiday guests with Phoenix Theatre’s emotionally moving musical “Billy Elliot” and Arizona Theatre Company’s riotously funny “An Act of God.”

Phoenix Theatre has achieved a stellar reputation for fine musical theater productions under Michael Barnard’s leadership.  Now with a flawless presentation of “Billy Elliot” staged by Barnard, PT scores its greatest triumph in a remarkably engaging production that successfully duplicates the colossal original … Continue Reading

This review aired on KBAQ November 14, 2016

FAMOUS DVORAK OPERA “RUSALKA” WELL SUNG BUT WEAKLY STAGED

“RUSALKA”
Arizona Opera, Symphony Hall
Phoenix, AZ

It’s significant that Arizona Opera has reached the point in its 45-year history where they can program other than warhorse opera hits.  Those tired and true works like “Madama Butterfly” and “Cinderella” that are both part of the remaining current season, still make up the majority of their annual seasons but local opera lovers now get unusual works that are rarely performed by major American opera companies and, later this season, the company presents its first world premiere opera, “Riders of … Continue Reading

This review aired on KBAQ November 7, 2016

GERSHWIN BROTHERS SONG HITS FORM SMASHING NEW THEATER WORKS REVUE

“LOVE IS HERE TO STAY: A GERSHWIN CABARET”
Theater Works, Peoria Center for the Performing Arts
Peoria, AZ

In the early part of the 20th century, George and Ira Gershwin penned a rich collection of wonderful songs for their Broadway musicals and Hollywood films.  It’s easy to forget these songs but the pair’s lush collection form the basis of Theater Works smashing world premiere tribute, “”Love Is Here To Stay: A Gershwin Cabaret.”

Using over 50 of the team’s songs supplemented by a couple of tunes written by … Continue Reading