Herbert Paine - Page 12

As the one on the run as a nun, Khadijah Rolle is the class act around which SISTER ACT revolves. (The musical, based on the popular 1992 film featuring Whoopi Goldberg, is Arizona Broadway Theatre's current production, directed by Stephen Casey.) Full of verve with a powerhouse voice to match, Rolle brings a more balanced and less flamboyant interpretation to her role than audiences may be used to...and it's just right.

Director/choreographer Cambrian James is at it again, at the steering wheel, putting the pedal to the metal and serving up a high-spirited edition of the children's classic, CHITTY CHITTY BANG BANG ~ featuring a parade of exceptional talents and supported by the always reliable musical direction of Lincoln Wright and Tia Hawkes's amazingly variegated and finely tailored costumes. Runs through August 17th at Hale Centre Theatre in Gilbert, AZ.

When Valley Youth Theatre's remarkably talented cast ~ led by the incomparable duo of 19-year old phenom Kate Brink as daughter Ellie and VYT alum Sarah Ambrose as her mom Katherine ~ takes to the stage in DISNEY'S FREAKY FRIDAY, the audience becomes immersed in the other magic that has consistently been associated with the work of Producing Artistic Director Bobb Cooper. The show runs through June 30th at the Herberger Theater Center's Center Stage in Phoenix.

Theatre Artists Studio presents NEW SUMMER SHORTS, showcasing the imagination and talents of The Studio's band of performing artists. The ten-minute creations offer entertaining and usually provocative insights into the human condition. This year's eight selections ~ an amalgam of wit, satire, and drama ~ do not disappoint.

The mad headiness of Gerard Alessandrini's SPAMILTON abounds on the stage of The Phoenix Theatre Company's Hormel Theatre as a cast of dynamos, accompanied by the amazing Curtis Reynolds on piano, tears through the author's imaginative, crisp, and uproarious lyrics. Runs through August 11th.

in the current staging of THE ADDAMS FAMILY at Arizona Broadway Theatre, director Danny Gorman has conjured up a production with style and panache that more than satisfies. It excels in tickling the funny bone and drawing breaths of delight. It is, in all aspects, sensational ~ funny and fanciful and heartwarming ~ featuring a cast that gives depth and dimension to their iconic characters. Standout performances by Brad York, Renee Kathleen Koher, Jasmine Bassham, and Lynzee Foreman.

Black Theatre Troupe's SINGLE BLACK FEMALE carries a righteous kick in the consciousness that merits theatregoers' attention. Strong turns by Melvina Jones-Leslie and Cynnita Agent in David Hemphill-directed hit. Runs through June 9th at the Helen K. Mason Performing Arts Center in Phoenix.

The 20th Anniversary Tour of RENT (in its third year!) boasts a magnificent cast in a powerhouse production that celebrates the genius and imagination of its author, Jonathan Larson. The show, now on stage for a brief run at ASU's Gammage Auditorium, is, in every respect a compelling and intensely human narrative ~ a mix of exhilaration, wit, and poignancy. One after another of knockout performances bring life to Larson's memorable songs, and a solid gold orchestra, conducted by Matthew DeMaria, brings his music all the way home to the heart.

In its current iteration at Don Bluth Front Row Theatre in Scottsdale, Ira Levin's masterpiece thriller, DEATHTRAP, craftily directed by Lee Cooley and featuring killer performances by Jim Coates and James Gerardi, ticks and tocks like clockwork, with characteristic twists of plot, heightened by a superb cast, making for a riveting and thoroughly enjoyable production. Runs through June 29th.

Hale Centre Theatre's current staging of NEWSIES has all the crispness and vitality typical of a Cambrian James production ~ his well-conceived and executed direction and choreography, Lincoln Wright's musical direction, and a proficient and dynamic cast to boot, featuring Kade Bailey as Jack Kelly, the reluctant rebel. Runs through June 29th at the Hale Theatre Center in Gilbert, AZ.

The June 2020 release of the filmed production of Jeamarie Simpson's HERETIC, timed for the 350th Anniversary of Mary Dyer's execution, has just been announced. Although the premiere is a year away, it seems fitting that, coinciding with Mother's Day and the abiding relevance of issues related to free speech, we offer an exclusive interview with the author about the work and the person ('the mother of the First Amendment), conducted by her associate, Shannon Cain.

On May 17th, the Scottsdale Center for the Performing Arts presents MISS SAIGON star and Disney Legend LEA SALONGA: THE HUMAN HEART TOUR. In advance of her concert for Valley of the Sun fans, Herb Paine had the privilege and the opportunity to talk with this powerhouse of talent about the Tour and her upcoming projects.

Now & Then Creative Company presents Sophocles' ANTIGONE through May 19th. Compelling and riveting all-female production directed by Cody Goulder. A potent and absorbing portrayal of the existential struggle between devotion to the will of the gods and the dictates of the state.

A. R. Gurney's LOVE AND MONEY is a play rich in finely-crafted badinage and finely defined characters, all the more enjoyable when presented with as well-rounded a cast as now appears in Theatre Artists Studio's staging of the show, deftly directed by Carol MacLeod. Runs through May 19th at The Studio in Scottsdale, AZ.

The good news of Fountain Hills Theater's production of PIPPIN, directed by Peter J. Hill, is that it serves well as fun family fare with a solid message. In a robust and celebratory finale, the entire ensemble gathers to remind us all that in the circus of life, it's the simple things that shine brightest. PIPPIN runs through May 5th in the Mainstage Theatre at Fountain Hills Theater in Fountain Hills, AZ.

Interview with LEA SALONGA in advance of her appearance on May 17th at the Scottsdale Center for the Performing Arts in LEA SALONGA: THE HUMAN HEART TOUR. Insightful and thoughtful perspectives from this powerhouse of talent, the star of Miss Saigon and a Disney Legend.

For a boost to the spirit and a refreshing introduction to a unique personality, check out Nick Nanton's biopic, CONNECTED: THE JOE POLISH STORY ~ premiering at thePhoenix Film Festival ~ April 12th-13th.

Sombreros off to the theatre companies that are emphasizing cultural diversity and inclusiveness in their programming and casting and creatively outreaching to new audiences. One of the leaders in the mix, thanks to the artistic directorship of David Ivers (who's off now to take the helm at South Coast Repertory), is Arizona Theatre Company, which has mounted AMERICAN MARIACHI as one of its 52nd Season highlights. The light-hearted and sentimental production, directed by Christopher Acebo, runs through April 21st at the Herberger Theater Center in Phoenix.

In one sense, WICKED is the epitome of a Broadway blockbuster, possessed of all the elements that generate roaring and adoring crowds such as those welcoming the 15-year-old phenom, directed by Joe Mantello, to a month-long run at ASU Gammage's stage. Spectacular production quality! Outstanding performances, led by Mariand Torres and Erin Mackey. Runs through May 5th at ASU Gammage in Tempe.

There's something for everyone in the Phoenix region's growing and robust world of theatre - from upstart to established companies, from black box to dinner theatre and theatre-in-the-round, from edgy and provocative to classics and family-friendly shows, from Broadway-inspired musicals to comedy and drama. Nonprofit theatre companies are leading the way in ensuring that Valley of the Sun audiences have as vital and diverse a selection of quality offerings as possible.