Herbert Paine

Richard Strand's BEN BUTLER highlights a seminal moment in the march to emancipation. Now on stage at Don Bluth Front Row Theater in Scottsdale AZ through July 8th, the play, directed by Lee Cooley and featuring an outstanding cast, is a compelling profile of courage.

Director/choreographer Cambrian James delivers a nostalgically delightful production of BYE BYE BIRDIE, featuring a knockout performance by Michala Montaño as Rosie. At Hale Centre Theatre in Gilbert AZ through July 1.

Lots gets lost in Arizona Theatre Company's production of Noël Coward's PRIVATE LIVES. Runs through May 28th in Phoenix at the Herberger Theater Center.

The show stopping performance by triple threat Nathan David Smith seals the deal on Arizona Broadway Theatre's rousing production of DIRTY ROTTEN SCOUNDRELS, directed by Clayton Phillips and featuring an outstanding ensemble. The show runs through June 4th in Peoria, AZ.

The Bridge Initiative's production of Elaine Romero's LIKE HEAVEN, directed by Samantha Wyer Bello is a stirring and entertaining focus on one woman's quest for self-fulfillment. Runs through May 13th at Estrella Mountain Community College in Avondale, AZ.

Outstanding performances by a gifted group of young thespians are featured in Greasepaint Youtheatre's production of SWEENEY TODD, running through May 14th at the Stagebrush Theatre in Scottsdale, AZ.

The must-see production of Jen Silverman's THE ROOMMATE, directed by Patti Suarez and featuring the stellar performances of Debra K. Stevens and Jodie Weiss, runs through May 7th at Theatre Artists Studio in Scottsdale, AZ.

The Phoenix Theatre Company's production of A CHORUS LINE, directed by Jeff Whiting runs through May 14th: It's 'not just a handsome production; to date it’s the standout of the current season.'

PRU PAYNE, directed by Sean Daniels and featuring Mimi Kennedy and Gordon Clapp ~ Arizona Theatre Company's emotionally powerful production of Steven Drukman's play runs through April 16th at Herberger Theater Center in Phoenix.

Black Theatre Troupe's lively and innovative production of RESPECT: THE MUSICAL, directed and choreographed by Patdro Harris, runs through April 9th.

Don Bluth Front Row Theatre's production of STEEL MAGNOLIAS features an outstanding ensemble of six seasoned actresses, under the caring and keen direction of Cheryl Schaar. Runs through April 29th.

Producer Julian Schlossberg's autobiography, TRY NOT TO HOLD IT AGAINST ME, is a chronicle of singular moments and stars of Broadway.

Southwest Shakespeare Company’s ANTONY AND CLEOPATRA, co-directed by Producing Artistic Director Debra Ann Byrd and Tina Packer and featuring Cynnita Agent as the queen of the Nile, is a modest if uneven production, featuring periodic flashes of acting brilliance. Runs through April 1st at the Mesa Arts Center.

In its execution, a less than compelling and strategically misdirected production of Tennessee Williams's THE GLASS MENAGERIE is the current fare at Arizona Theatre Company.

SILENT LIFE: THE STORY OF THE LADY IN BLACK is Vladislav Kozlov's sweet homage to the silent film era and Rudolph Valentino and features the brilliant return of Terry Moore to the screen. One of the hits at this year's Sedona International Film Festival.

EXPOSURE, Holly Morris's visually stunning account of an 11-woman expedition to the North Pole is one of the featured documentaries at this year's Sedona International Film Festival.

BEING MICHELLE, Atin Mehra's eye-opening documentary about the injustices and limitations of law enforcement in its treatment of people with disabilities. As seen through the experience of Michelle Ricks. Screening at this year's Sedona International Film Festival.

On February 24th, 12-year-old CAMI RICHARDS will have her stage debut in a lead role in Almost Famous Theater Company’s production of ROALD DAHL’S MATILDA THE MUSICAL. Cami is one of thousands of youngsters for whom society's investments in arts education and youth theater pay off in terms of high academic achievement, character building, self-esteem, and leadership development.

PATRICK AND THE WHALE, one of the featured documentaries at this year's Sedona International Film Festival, is an inspired and revelatory film about the unique attributes of the great Cetacean. It is a virtual feast of spectacular cinematography and sound recording that captures the gentle giants of the deep and their fellow traveler in an emotionally captivating ballet.

Jeffery Lando's “psychedelic independent film,” LISSA’S TRIP, boldly incorporates new AI technologies and reflects dramatically on the individual’s quest for purpose in a milieu that challenges one’s relevance. The film is one of the features at the Sedona International Film Festival, which returns for its 29th Season from February 18th to the 26th.