Herbert Paine - Page 13

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.

Director Virginia Olivieri controls the arc and tone of Arthur Miller's DEATH OF A SALESMAN with fidelity, carefully building this American tragedy towards its emotion-laden finale. Featuring Walt Pedano as Willy Loman, the winner of the 1949 Pulitzer Prize for Drama and the Tony Award for Best Play runs through April 14th at Desert Stages Theatre in Scottsdale, AZ.

Noel Coward's BLITHE SPIRIT is Don Bluth Front Row Theatre's current production, running through May 24th. Charm permeates this show, directed by Janis Webb and featuring a glorious performance by Joy Bingham Strimple as the clairvoyant Madame Arcati.

MAMMA MIA! ~ Arizona Broadway Theatre's zesty reprise of the ABBA-inspired musical that never flags in its ability to stir up a hearty round of opas. The familiarity of the songs and the characters brings certain comfort to an already appreciative audience. Mark Foreman's orchestra knocks out ABBA's popular melodies with vigor. The ensemble steps lively to their airs. The leads deliver solid performances. Runs through April 20th.

Seth Tucker delivers an astonishing display of jaw-dropping artistry in Elaine 'E.E.' Moe's superbly directed production of Doug Wright's award-winning I AM MY OWN WIFE. A must-see, BLK BOX PHX production, running through March 16th at The Phoenix Theatre Company's Judith Hardes Theatre in Phoenix.

Matt Embry's LIVING PROOF is an inspiring and compelling film account of one man's courageous journey to find viable relief from Multiple Sclerosis. It was one of the featured films at this year's Sedona International Film Festival.

ONE DAY HOME, screenwriter and actress Rebecca Louise Miller's debut as a filmmaker, is a touching and sensitively executed allegory about hope. The short film, deftly directed by Drew Denny and featuring a superb cast, is an enchanting and smile-inducing paean to hope and possibility.

From the exhilarating get-go of BUT FIRST, Erin Brown Thomas's homage to the transformative effects of coffee, three dancers ~ Erin Love, Sarah Housepian, and Tiffanie Carson ~ undulate, thrust, and kick to the pulsating beats of ~ naturally ~ shaken coffee beans. Rich and flavorful, and a great treat for the senses. One of the short film features in this year's Sedona International Film Festival.