Theater Opinion – July 17, 2022

SLOW TICKET SALES FOR “THE LION KING” SHOULDN’T BE AN EXCUSE NOT TO EXTEND LOCAL BROADWAY SHOW RUNS

By Chris Curcio
Theater Critic

Local ducats to “The Lion King” touring show are selling slowly based on dramatically increased paid television and newspaper advertising.  “The Lion King” was booked for four weeks during its fourth ASU Gammage visit beginning July 5 but ticket sales are sputtering.

Watching a recent “Saturday Night Live” television show saw four lengthy and expensive advertisements for the show.  The next day’s Sunday Arizona Republic Arts and Entertainment section had a front-page color ad after many … Continue Reading

Theater Review – July 16, 2022

“ON YOUR FEET” EXPLORES THE ESTEFAN’S LIFE AND CAREER IN A SPLASHY ENTERTAINMENT

“ON YOUR FEET”
The Phoenix Theatre Company, Mainstage Theatre
Phoenix AZ

By Chris Curcio
Theater Critic

“On Your Feet” is a delicious confection exuberantly mounted by The Phoenix Theatre Company that pays homage to the great Hispanic vocal artists Gloria and Emilio Estefan.

The show is loaded with songs the artists wrote and others that they made their own.  It is filled with excitingly energetic dance numbers that explode on the stage as the musical tribute delves into Gloria’s life and how, through driving determination, she and her husband … Continue Reading

Theater Review – July 10, 2022

ATC’S WORLD PREMIERE PLAY RIDDLED WITH PROBLEMS

“HOW TO MAKE AN AMERICAN SON”
Arizona Theatre Company, Stage West, Herberger Theater Center
Phoenix, AZ

By Chris Curcio
Theater Critic

Arizona Theatre Company consistently presents the finest theater in exemplary Phoenix productions until its final show of the 2021/22 season.  The world premiere of a lethargic and weakly written new play by ATC’s artistic associate, christopher oscar pena, “how to make an American Son,” disappoints because so many basic missteps occur throughout the piece.

The short play drags dreadfully with tiresome repetition as it tries to craft a valid message about generational differences in … Continue Reading