Theater Review – February 20, 2022

BROADWAY’S JEREMY JORDAN MARKS LOCAL DEBUT WITH ENTERTAINING SCOTTSDALE CENTER CONCERT

JEREMY JORDAN IN CONCERT
Virginia G. Piper Theater, Scottsdale Center for the Performing Arts
Scottsdale, AZ

By Chris Curcio
Theater Critic

Jeremy Jordan has become a Broadway star from his appearances in “West Side Story,” “Bonnie & Clyde,” “Rock of Ages,” “Newsies,” “Waitress,” “Finding Neverland,” and off-Broadway in “Little Shop of Horrors.”  His imposing stage credits secured him a regular role during the second season of “Smash,” where he starred in “Hit List,” a musical used to describe the challenges of mounting Broadway shows.  Jordan has other impressive television and … Continue Reading

Theater Review – February 13, 2022

ATC’S “WOMEN IN JEOPARDY” DELIGHTFULLY SLAMS THE WAY WOMEN ARE TREATED IN CONTEMPORARY SOCIETY

“WOMEN IN JEOPARDY”
Arizona Theatre Company, Center Stage, Herberger Theater Center
Phoenix, AZ

By Chris Curcio
Theater Critic

Wendy MacLeod’s charmingly eccentric comedy “Women in Jeopardy” cleverly captures men’s inhumanity to women.  The marvelously acted and cleverly staged Arizona Theatre Company production creates a raucous play that enthralls with comedic charm.  “Women in Jeopardy” keeps audiences laughing but also makes one reflect on how badly women are handled in our contemporary society which loves to profess equality but doesn’t come close to fairness.

ATC’s Artistic Director Sean Daniels … Continue Reading

Theater Review – February 9, 2022

AWARD-WINNING MUSICAL “THE BAND’S VISIT” IS A BORING DISAPPOINTMENT

“THE BAND’S VISIT”
Broadway Across America – Arizona, ASU Gammage
Tempe, AZ

By Chris Curcio
Theater Critic

“The Band’s Visit” won ten 2018 Tony Awards including Best Musical making it one of the most Tony-winning musicals in history.  On top of this distinction, it won the 2019 Grammy Award for Best Musical Theater Album after receiving glowing Broadway reviews.  But acclaimed musicals are not always good shows and “The Band’s Visit,” for all its positive intentions, is terrible.  Think “Once,” another awful musical that won many Tonys, and you get an idea … Continue Reading

Theater Review – February 5, 2022

TPTC’S HUGELY ENTERTAINING “SINGIN’ IN THE RAIN” DAZZLES IN ENERGETIC STAGING

“SINGIN’ IN THE RAIN”
The Phoenix Theatre Company, Mainstage Theatre
Phoenix AZ

By Chris Curcio
Theater Critic

A delightful singing and dancing extravaganza awaits theatergoers lucky enough to see The Phoenix Theatre Company’s marvelously entertaining, expertly staged, and smartly performed stage version of the 1952 movie musical masterpiece “Singin’ in the Rain.”

A huge ensemble headed by sharply defined lead performers dazzles as the tuneful and briskly staged version sparkles brilliantly.  Jeff Whiting’s production and Lauran Stanis’ explosive choreography artfully captures the film’s glittering production numbers created around Nacio Herb Brown … Continue Reading