Theater Review – February 23, 2020

A WORLD PREMIERE MUSICAL DEBUTS AT THE PHOENIX THEATRE COMPANY

“AMERICANO!”
The Phoenix Theatre Company, Mainstage Theatre
Phoenix, AZ

The Phoenix Theatre Company is branching out to present world premiere musicals and plays.  It just closed the new musical “Americano!” that told the true story of Tony Valdovinos, a Phoenix immigrant who had lived in this country since he was two but had never been told by his parents that he was not an American citizen.  This fact stifled his longtime hope to enlist in the Marine Corp when he turned 18.

Before I go further in this commentary about … Continue Reading

Theater Review – February 16, 2020

BRILLIANT PERFORMANCES GIVE FUGARD’S “MASTER HAROLD…” A STRONG SLAM AT SOUTH AFRICAN APARTHEID IN 1950

“MASTER HAROLD … AND THE BOYS”
Arizona Theatre Company, Center Stage, Herberger Theater Center
Phoenix, AZ

Three brilliant actors create vivid depictions of the appalling apartheid conditions in South Africa circa 1950 in Athol Fugard’s tensely dramatic semi-autobiographical work “Master Harold” … and the Boys.”

Master Harold is an immature White lad who grew up under the tutelage of his household’s two Black servants, Sam and Willie.  They substituted for his errant and drunken father.  But now with a bit of age, a tad of … Continue Reading

Theater Review – February 9, 2020

A STRONG PRODUCTION, “THE WOLVES” IS LESS COMPELLING ABOUT GROWING UP

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

Stray Cat Theatre can always be counted on to bring local theatergoers the most trend-setting shows that other local theaters avoid.  Not only do the plays the company presents come to interesting points about our confusing contemporary society, the productions are consistently well staged and sublimely acted.  Theatergoers never leave a Stray Cat production without issues to discuss.

But occasionally the plays probe less dynamic issues that impact current culture.  Such is the case with … Continue Reading