Theater Review – October 28, 2026

“WATER FOR ELEPHANTS” CONFUSING STORY DISAPPOINT BUT ELABORATE SPECTACULE AND A SUPERB CAST MAKE IT VISUALLY DYNAMIC

“Water for Elephants”
Broadway Across America – Arizona, ASU Gammage
Tempe, AZ

By Chris Curcio
Theater Critic

While “Water for Elephants,” based on Sara Gruen’s novel, is an interesting concept show, the Broadway musical is confusing as the complex story shifts back and forth from the present to the past as it tells a story of circus performers that proves difficult to follow.  These characters aren’t unique further allowing the show to flounder.

Lackluster music fails to clarify the bewildering plot so it gets in … Continue Reading

Theater Review – October 25, 2026

“PROOF” BRILLIANTLY EXPLORES HOW GENIUS INFLUENCES PERSONAL RELATIONSHIPS

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

By Chris Curcio
Theater Critic

Arizona Theatre Company’s (ATC) season opener, “Proof,” brings multiple elements together to create an exciting and dynamic production.  First is the play, a 2000 Pulitzer Prize-winning and Tony Award honoree David Auburn play about mathematicians working out theories within the context of solving complicated family and personal battles that have played out without resolutions for years.

The play marks the ATC debut of acclaimed movie and television performer Kate Mansi portraying Catherine, the central character.  “Proof” … Continue Reading

Theater Review – October 17, 2026

INSIGHTFUL “SUFFS” REMINDS US THAT EQUALITY IS STILL NOT TOTALLY ACHIEVED

“Suffs”

The Phoenix Theatre Company, Hormel Theatre
Phoenix, AZ

By Chris Curcio
Theater Critic

Getting women the vote in this country wasn’t easy and in the early 20th century the right became a major issue until it finally came.

This long-fought battle is brilliantly outlined and thoroughly explained in “Suffs,” by Shaina Taub who wrote the entire musical including a pleasing score and insightful historical details.  The show is brought to sparkling life in The Phoenix Theatre Company (TPTC) sharply energetic Chelsea Anderson staging.  The production is enhanced by a superlative … Continue Reading

Theater Review – October 11, 2026

FASCINATING “EUREKA DAY” EXPLORES ISSUES WE CONFRONT DAILY BUT A MEDIOCRE PRODUCTION DOESN’T BRING THE PLAY TO VIBRANT LIFE

“Eureka Day”
Stray Cat Theatre, Studio Tempe Center for the Arts
Tempe, AZ

By Chris Curcio
Theater Critic

As our society confronts multi-faceted challenges, the problems invite a variety of possible answers.  Because complex issues often have multiple solutions debates begin as people fall sway to specific responses that result in heated discussions.

Playwright Jonathan Spector explores this debate with sharp wit and clever arguments in his Tony Award-winning play “Eureka Day.”  Stray Cat Theatre is presenting the play’s local premiere in what … Continue Reading