Herbert Paine

Written from the point of view of a theatre fan, guest contributor David Appleford provides a piece full of details and insights regarding the new film, WICKED, and how it compares to the stage musical.

In Order Chaos Theatre Company's production of Geoffrey Nauffts's NEXT FALL, Mark Alan Clemente’s astute and empathetic direction ensures that shifts between past and present flow seamlessly, that the story’s emotional stakes build dramatically, and that the playwright's goal of highlighting “the conversations we weren’t having” in everyday life is fulfilled.

While casting practices have evolved to enhance diversity (albeit, too slowly and not enough), the selection of plays remains strikingly homogeneous. We need to focus on what is produced as much as who is cast.

The Black Theatre Troupe's production of THE COLOR PURPLE is a rousing and emotionally powerful show, thanks to a brilliant cast and the keen direction of Karen Davis Jones and the musical direction of Brenda Hankins.

DIAL M FOR MURDER is classic suspense, and director Michael John Garcés has seen to it that the performances of the leads are on point, backed by a grand mix of designs that make for gripping theatre.

The national tour of FUNNY GIRL features a knock-out performance by the show's leading lady, Hannah Shankman, and culminates with an audience-pleasing big finish.

The real strength of Arizona Broadway Theatre's production of MILLION DOLLAR QUARTET is the cast – the excellent musician/performers who, while avoiding the imitation of certain obvious well-known character traits in their portrayals, manage to recreate specific elements of their real-life counterparts in a way that most of us will recognize and delight in.

As presented by Stray Cat Theatre as its 23rd season opener, THE MINUTES, a blistering satire of small-town city council meetings, begins as one thing and concludes as something completely different. And no matter what clues or giveaways you think you might have picked up on throughout the play, you won't be prepared for the emotional wallop that will eventually come. And you may not fully recover from its uncomfortable implications, either.

The Phoenix Theatre Company's production of WAITRESS...as a live musical is a testament to this unique form of American theatre...You won’t see a better production.

Written and directed by Conor McPherson, GIRL FROM THE NORTH COUNTRY doesn't feel like other jukebox musicals. If anything, with its engrossing dialog, delivered with a heightened sense of heartbreaking realism from an excellent touring ensemble, you're never quite sure how best to describe the production. Is it a jukebox musical, a drama that wants to be a musical, or a play with music in it?

The Phoenix Theatre Company’s production of CABARET, directed by Michael Barnard ~ outstanding and exemplifying excellence in theatre.

Arizona Theatre Company's production of Sam Shepard's TRUE WEST bristles with raw energy, exposing the myths of the American Dream.

The Phoenix Theatre Company's edition of FIDDLER ON THE ROOF, directed and choreographed by Staś Kmieć, is good and quite entertaining. In its own right, it follows the tradition of the Broadway musical ~ brisk, easy to consume, emotionally uplifting, and endowed with a highly talented ensemble.

The award-winning TV pilot, GOOD GUY WITH A PUN, is an engaging and revelatory narrative about an endearing character whose story line we are eager to follow. Film maker Dmitry Milkin has created a story about resilience and positivity in a digital age.

Acclaimed for her accomplishments as a choreographer, ballet teacher, producer, and director. Danial Cardim brings great depth, perspective, and energy to her new position as Ballet Arizona's Artistic Director, effective July 1st, 2024.

A GENTLEMAN’S GUIDE TO LOVE AND MURDER is that rarity – a new musical with a score inspired by a theatrical style of the past that will forever remain timeless. And it’s so much fun. At Arizona Broadway Theatre.

The Phoenix Theatre Company's production of WHAT THE CONSTITUTION MEANS TO ME, directed by Michelle Chin and featuring Kate Haas ~ a necessary and inspiring reminder of our nation's journey to freedom for all.

The cast of Hale's TITANIC THE MUSICAL, directed by Cambrian James, is a true ensemble, highlighted by Maury Yeston’s score, operatic in style and epic in scope.

Under Lee Cooley's adroit direction, Jeffrey Hatcher's HOLMES AND WATSON is a fast paced and entertaining romp towards an entirely unanticipated climax.

The Phoenix Theatre Company's production of BEAUTIFUL: THE CAROLE KING MUSIC explodes with energy. Great production running through April 28th.