Theater Review – October 23, 2022

“THE LION” IS A TALE OF A CHILD’S CHALLENGING RELATIONSHIP WITH HIS FATHER

“THE LION”
Arizona Theatre Company, Center Stage, Herberger Theater Center
Phoenix, AZ

By Chris Curcio
Theater Critic

As you enter the theater for Arizona Theatre Company’s “The Lion” the stage is a down home locale with five different guitars prominently displayed across the rear of the stage.  Each instrument will be used by agile star Max Alexander-Taylor playing Ben who sings 15 simple but catchy tunes used to describe his challenging relationship with his father, Rick.  The father heads an American home that also includes two brothers plus … Continue Reading

Theater Review – October 19, 2022

TOURING “OKLAHOMA” REVIVAL LACKS THE UNIQUENESS THAT MADE IT A NEW YORK AND LONDON HIT

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

By Chris Curcio
Theater Critic

Many Broadway shows use unique casting and are presented in theaters with special audience configurations.  These productions often secure glowing reviews that focus on the performers and staging netting financially successful engagements that make them ripe to tour the country.  That’s especially true with well-known shows. Often, these acclaimed productions fail to duplicate New York castings and tours must play in conventional theaters.

Such is the case with the revival of Rodgers … Continue Reading

Theater Review – October 5, 2022

“SIX” IS DAZZLING AMUSEMENT BUT IT’S NOT A CONVENTIONAL BROADWAY MUSICAL

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

By Chris Curcio
Theater Critic

“Six” is an entertainment extravaganza but it is not a conventional musical as it tells the story of English King Henry VIII’s diverse half-dozen wives.

The musical’s approach to the historic tale is delivered in very contemporary ways avoiding conventional musical theater storytelling techniques.  The score, which explains much of the story, is steeped in the pulsating beat of modern dance hall style tunes associated with that musical genre.  The song lyrics often have a clever … Continue Reading

Theater Review – October 2, 2022

“GHOSTS OF BOGOTA” DOESN’T EXPLAIN THE HISPANIC CULTURE IT EXPLORES

“GHOSTS OF BOGOTA”
Stray Cat Theatre, Tempe Center for the Arts Studio Theatre
Tempe, AZ

By Chris Curcio
Theater Critic

Stray Cat Theatre can always be counted on to avoid conventional theater, the kind other Valley companies like Arizona Theatre Company and The Phoenix Theatre Company do with lots of flair and panache.

Stray Cat’s season-opening production, “Ghosts of Bogota,” is no exception but for theatergoers accustomed to orthodox plays, this show is a challenge.  The play, by Diana Burbano, is full of intricate Hispanic traditions not widely understood by everyone and … Continue Reading