Herbert Paine - Page 10

LA CAGE AUX FOLLES owns a well-deserved place in theatre history. In its current run at Arizona Broadway Theatre, featuring Jamie Parnell as Georges and Michael Ursua as Albin, while the story has a fair share of charm, wit, pathos, and flesh, for a show famous for its flash and flamboyance, this production is pretty toned down ~ save for a statue of David with a boastful appendage and an over-the-top performance by Seth Tucker as Albin's a?oemaid!a?? Runs through February 28th at ABT's location in Peoria after which it takes the stage at the Herberger Theatre Center in Phoenix from March 6th through March 22nd.

In KUNSTLER, Jeffrey Sweet's powerful homage to a seminal figure of the '60's and '70's, the famed civil rights defense attorney, William Kunstler, is revealed in his more human dimension, and the history of the times is dramatically chronicled. The play is, at once, both intellectual and emotional ~and, in its current delivery, directed by Charles St. Clair at iTheatre Collaborative, exceptionally well-acted. Duane Daniels stars. Runs through February 1st.

Theatre Artists Studio presents THE CHRISTIANS ~ Truth meets consequences in the church of the holy double-cross in this outstanding production, directed by Richard Powers Hardt and featuring Tom Koelbel. Runs through February 9th.

The Phoenix Theatre Company's production of MILLION DOLLAR QUARTET, directed by Scott Weinstein, is a high-fidelity juke box tribute to the four icons who history records assembled for an impromptu jam session on December 4th, 1956. Dynamic vocal and instrumental performances by Kavan Hashemian (Elvis Presley), Chris Lash (Jerry Lee Lewis), Skye Scott (Carl Perkins), and Gregg Hammer (Johnny Cash) of that session's songs provoke an irrepressible audience outburst of finger-snapping, toe-tapping elation. Runs through February 16, 2020.

Carlotta Summers's short film, TRUTH INCORPORATED, is necessary viewing ~ a poignant and compelling tribute to freedom of the press and to resistance in the face of efforts to undermine and suppress that freedom. Directed by Gabriel Barreto and produced by Ms. Summers, this powerful and compelling 8-minute film is an invitation into imagining the frighteningly possible and an implicit warning to beware of those who peddle distrust of a free press.

Michael Whitney's direction of ELF THE MUSICAL, now at Arizona Broadway Theatre through December 29th, is a merry tale told with smart stagecraft, glitzy well-choreographed numbers, and an energetic cast, led by Adam Vargas as Buddy.

Theatre Artists Studio's current production of Horton Foote's THE TRIP TO BOUNTIFUL, directed by Carol MacLeod, is a tenderly drawn and moving portrayal of lives lived in constant search of fulfillment. In a performance that is rich and golden, Judy Lebeau gives the drama its heartbeat. Runs through December 15th at The Studio in Scottsdale, AZ.

In Arizona Theatre Company's current production of Lauren Gunderson's SILENT SKY, director Casey Stangl elevates and transforms the work into a visually magnificent and magical experience. With an eye on the layers of the play that delve beyond the biographic account and celebration of this woman's spirited and inquisitive journey to unravel the secrets of the universe, Stangl invites the audience to wonderment and reflection on the seminal question of the play: What is our place in the vast arena of the universe?

The Phoenix Theatre Company's production of THE SOUND OF MUSIC (running through December 29th) features a stellar performance by Trisha Ditsworth as Maria. A fully entertaining experience that should serve as perfect holiday fare for the family.

Continuing in its tradition of presenting socially relevant and provocative theatre, iTheatre Collaborative has scored again with a riveting production of Edward Albee's THREE TALL WOMEN, directed by Christopher Haines and featuring compelling and impassioned performances by Susan St. John, Marlene Galan-Woods, and Kristina Rogers.

Arizona Regional Theatre's BLOODY BLOODY ANDREW JACKSON a rock-solid show, featuring great turns by Logan Scott Mitchell and supporting cast.

HELLO, DOLLY! is glowin', crowin', and goin' strong at Hale Centre Theatre as Alaina Beauloye commands the stage as the unstoppable and unflappable matchmaker with a knack for arranging furniture, daffodils, and, of course, marriages. The show, directed by Cambrian James runs through November 23rd.

Extensive and far-ranging interview with Loni Anderson. The showbiz legend joins animation legend Don Bluth in celebration of the 30th Anniversary of ALL DOGS GO TO HEAVEN. November 23 at Don Bluth Front Row Theatre.

In what has been her ongoing commitment to present David Mamet's works with fidelity to his themes and rhythms, director Virginia Olivieri has delivered a compelling and explosive version of OLEANNA, featuring solid performances by Rachel Brumfield and Peter Cunniff. OLEANNA runs through November 17th at Desert Stages Theatre, located inside Scottsdale Fashion Square.

Director Karla Koskinen's sensitive direction gives breadth and depth to THE CURIOUS INCIDENT OF THE DOG IN THE NIGHT-TIME, featuring a standout performance by Greg Nussen as the central character. The Phoenix Theatre Company's current production runs through November 10th.

Thanks to strong performances and technically proficient staging, Marco Ramirez's THE ROYALE, while neither raging nor bullish, manages to float like a butterfly and sting like a bee. The play runs through October 20th at the Herberger Theater Center in Phoenix.

Theatre Artists Studio presents Deirdre Kinahan's cathartic play, RATHMINES ROAD through October 20th ~ directed by Judy Rollings and featuring a searing performance by Larah Pawlowski as a woman whose long-suppressed memory of one night's ordeal is unlocked during an evening of explosive confrontations.

Under the direction of Childsplay's Artistic Director, Dwayne Hartford, THE MIRACULOUS JOURNEY OF EDWARD TULANE is as powerful and poignant in its emotional punch as its first showing in 2014. Featuring stellar moving portrayals by Katie McFadzen, David Dickinson, Kyle Sorrell, Debra K. Stevens, and Ricky Araiza,the show is a family must-see. Runs on Saturdays and Sundays through October 13th at the Herberger Theater Center's Stage West in Phoenix.

iTheatre Collaborative presents Anna Ziegler's ACTUALLY. He Said. She Said. And The Quest For Truth. This is the scenario that is center stage in iTheatre Collaborative's stirring production of the play, tautly directed by Rosemary Close and featuring bristling performances by Elizabeth Broeder and Rapheal Hamilton. Runs through September 21st in the The Kax Stage at the Herberger Theater Center in Phoenix.

Arizona Broadway THeatre's production of XANADU, directed and choreographed by Courtney Laine Self, is a friendly and joyful reminder that the human experience is rendered comprehensible through art. Otherwise, a campy show with flashes of fine performances. Runs through September 29th.