Theater Review – September 7, 2017

“FUN HOME,” ASU Gammage, Tempe, AZ

By Chris Curcio

Theater Critic

While a review of “Fun Home,” the prize-winning musical that opened the local Broadway Across America season at ASU Gammage Tuesday, September 5, should appear in this space, the venue refused to provide this critic with press seats although other local critics did receive press seats.

ASU Gammage distributes an abundance of free tickets to each Broadway show’s opening night.  Some of these “media” tickets result in reviews but many do not review the show but are provided to stimulate free publicity.

Is not providing a theater critic who guarantees a review with press seats  ASU Gammage’s way of controlling reviews and the content of those opinions?  It is well known that over the past seasons, this critic has given both good and not-so-good reviews to ASU Gammage shows.  No official comment has come from ASU Gammage other than press associate Kari Amarosso’s “no press tickets for you.“

Word has also come from ASU Gammage that this season’s threat to start charging for parking has been delayed until next season.  Many subscribers have expressed extreme displeasure at paying for parking when ASU Gammage tickets are so expensive.  It is true that many local theaters have large free parking lots but downtown Phoenix theater requires paid parking unless you are willing to walk a long distance from often unsafe free parking areas.  Performing Arts events are an increasingly expensive pastime.

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