Review: SNAPSHOTS Charms at Temple Of Music And Art

Opening in an adorable comedic glory at the Arizona Theatre Company is Snapshots, a romantic comedy that reimagines the songs of Stephen Schwartz. Fans old and new of Schwartz's previous works will enjoy hearing their favorite, familiar melodies from Godspell, Pippin, the Baker's Wife, and Wicked, to name a few, as we watch the story of a tired, married couple unfold in their upstairs attic.

Ready to leave her failing marriage behind her, Susan (Tracy McDowell) quickly turns, knocking over a box containing photographs - Snapshots from a life lived with her husband, Dan (Hugh Hastings). Through the course of the musical, the audience witnesses how the new kid, Danny (Ben Wynant), and the popular girl on the block, Susie (Mallory King) meet and how they grow into the young adults, Daniel (Jim Deselm) and Sue (Beth DeVries), before bearing witness to their current day relationship as Dan and Susan.

It is through viewing these old photographs that both come to realize what has been missing and what used to be, how they used to love each other so much and what the actions they did - or did not do - to prove such.

Ultimately, the take away Snapshots has for its audiences in Tucson is a simple reminder: do something to show those who are important in your life that you love them -- do not allow them to forget, do not take your relationship for granted, as started by nearly the entire ensemble at the top of the second act to Dan, all dressed in the same flannel button up and khakis as he. This is only one example of the fabulous ensemble of actors working so effortlessly well together. Whereas they all deserve merit, a special note should be mentioned about Deselm, DeVries, King, and Wynant in regard to the multiple transitions between their principal roles and those of the many side characters they embody.

Making their Arizona Theatre Company debut with this production of Snapshots are DeVries, Hastings, King, Wynant, McDowell, and Deselm.

This production of Snapshots is produced by Shirley Estes. The Arizona Theatre Company's 2015-2016 season is sponsored by I. Michael and Beth Kasser. Snapshots runs until December 19th, with tickets starting at $23 and can be purchased at the box office at the Temple of Music and Art (333 S. Scott Ave), via telephone at (520) 622-2823, or online at www.arizonatheatre.org. Discounted rates are available at all performances to seniors and active military members. Students can purchase tickets for $10 at all performances and half-price rush tickets are available for balcony seats one hour prior to curtain.

Following Snapshots will be August Wilson's Fences (January 16th, 2016 - February 2nd); the recent off Broadway hit, Sex with Men (February 11th - 21st); John Steinbeck's Of Mice and Men (March 5th - 26th); and the 2015-2016 will come to a close with Scott Carter's new play: the Gospel According to Thomas Jefferson, Charles Dickens, and Count Leo Tolstory: Discord (April 9th - 30th).