Theater Review – January 30, 2023

BROADWAY’S JESSICA VOSK DAZZLES AT SCOTTSDALE CENTER

JESSICA VOSK: “MY GOLDEN AGE”
Virginia G. Piper Theater, Scottsdale Center for the Performing Arts
Scottsdale AZ

By Chris Curcio
Theater Critic

Broadway star Jessica Vosk dazzled local audiences at the Scottsdale Center for the Performing Arts with her wonderful renditions of musical theater standards plus contemporary pop tunes representing her idol singers, and lots of relaxed chatter about hit shows she’s performed.  Some juicy insider comments hit the spot as she slyly revealed the diabolical chicanery of some Broadway shows.  It was a breezy and delightful evening perfect for musical theater lovers.

Playing Elphaba … Continue Reading

Theater Review – January 28, 2023

CAPTIVATING “AN AMERICAN IN PARIS” DAZZLES MIGHTILY AT TPTC

“AN AMERICAN IN PARIS”
The Phoenix Theatre Company, Mainstage Theatre
Phoenix AZ

By Chris Curcio
Theater Critic

Turning the award-winning 1951 Best Film musical “An American in Paris” into a Broadway musical was a major undertaking for Craig Lucas, the stage book author, but he was blessed with the film’s many positive elements.

There’s the romantic love story set in post-World War II Paris coupled with the brilliantly tuneful but musically complex George and Ira Gershwin score.  The plot requires a huge cast and multiple City of Lights locales, historically accurate and colorful … Continue Reading

Theater Review – January 14, 2023

THOUGHTFUL “CONSTELLATIONS” STRESSES THE IMPORTANCE OF CAREFUL COMMUNICATIONS

“CONSTELLATIONS”
The Phoenix Theatre Company, Hormel Theatre
Phoenix AZ

By Chris Curcio
Theater Critic

Every day we say things to many people.  Usually when you say something to someone, that is your only chance to express that thought.  We all know that there are a variety of ways to say things.  Sometimes we are strident and dictatorial, sometimes we are thoughtful and sensitive, sometimes we are neutral when a bit of emotion might help, and sometimes we luck out and say whatever we must to another person immaculately.

All these ways of communicating are … Continue Reading