Theater Review – October 26, 2025

NEW “GASLIGHT” ADAPTATION STILL SPOOKS IN A SHARP ATC PRODUCTION

“Deceived”
Arizona Theatre Company, Center Stage, Tempe Center for the Arts
Tempe, AZ

By Chris Curcio
Theater Critic

Patrick Hamilton’s 1938 thriller “Gaslight” has a smashing and delightfully spooky new adaptation by Johnna Wright and Patty Jamieson that leaves the play historically based but updates it cleverly for contemporary audiences.  The play adds some laughter at the crafty but predictable plot.  Most significantly, the reworking points to female pride and not getting tumbled by an arrogant husband who tries to turn his wife wacky.

Arizona Theatre Company’s (ATC) sharp production succeeds in … Continue Reading

Theater Review – October 18, 2025

JEREMY JORDAN SHINES IN BROADWAY-INSPIRED SCOTTSDALE CONCERT

“An Evening with Jeremy Jordan”

Scottsdale Center for the Performing Arts, Virginia G. Piper Theater
Scottsdale AZ

By Chris Curcio
Theater Critic

Dynamic Broadway star Jeremy Jordan returned to the Scottsdale Center for the Performing Arts where he performed tirelessly as he demonstrated his many accomplished skills as a singer, actor, and hoofer.  The richly entertaining performance was a festive and dazzling evening of Great White Way standards.

Three-years-ago Jordan brought his talents to Scottsdale.  His many performing endeavors have honed his talents with appearances in many movie and television shows like “Smash, “Supergirl,” “Tangled,” … Continue Reading

Theater Review – October 15, 2025

“SUFFS” PRESENTS THE WOMEN’S VOTING RIGHTS STRUGGLE WITH RAMIFICATIONS TO TODAY’S CHALLENGES

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

By Chris Curcio
Theater Critic

The Tony Award-winning musical “Suffs” deals effectively and blazingly with women’s suffrage and their early 20th century goal to win voting rights already granted to American men.  The musical’s look at the phenomenon is fascinating because it relates to various contemporary struggles today.  It also demonstrates graphically that the women’s voting rights battle succeeded by employing a variety of approaches prompted by the different generations involved in the fight.

The show is populated only with … Continue Reading

Theater Review – October 11, 2025

TPTC’S “THE ROADS TO LOCH LOMOND” IS A MAJOR DISAPPOINTMENT

“The Roads to Loch Lomond”
The Phoenix Theatre Company, Hormel Theatre
Phoenix AZ

By Chris Curcio
Theater Critic

The Phoenix Theatre Company’s (TPTC) regional premiere of the new musical, “The Roads to Loch Lomond” proves a major disappointment.  It is usually exciting to attend a new work but to become a gripping and meaningful addition to theatrical literature the show must meet a key criterion.

The piece must have an interesting story with a premise that impacts its audience.  “The Roads to Loch Lomond” isn’t about a very thought-provoking issue. Set in … Continue Reading