Herbert Paine - Page 17

FROM SHOCK TO AWE, directed by Luc Cote, is a searing and gut-wrenching documentary that begs for as broad an audience as possible ~ because we need to understand far better and address with a greater sense of urgency the compounding of tragedies inflicted on the men and women who have served our nation on the battlefields in Iraq and Afghanistan. It is one of the featured films at this year's ILLUMINATE Film Festival in Sedona, Arizona ~ May 30th-June 3rd.

David Ira Goldstein, recently retired from his position as Arizona Theatre Company's artistic director, returns to put his distinctive signature on the play. The result is a sensitively drawn, powerfully commanding, and deeply unsettling portrait of a family in waiting for the inevitable, featuring a remarkable performance by Anna Lentz.

Robert Kolby Harper has conceived a thoroughly entertaining remake of LITTLE SHOP OF HORRORS, running through June 10th in Phoenix Theatre's Mainstage, and featuring knockout performances by Kate E. Cook and Brian Golub as Seymour and Audrey.

The national tour of LES MISERABLES has come roaring like a cannonade into Gammage Memorial Auditorium. This 25th anniversary production, a bold reimagining of the international blockbuster, is musical theatre on steroids, packing the whole shebang of entertainment value into an emotionally uplifting and rapid-fire two hours and fifty minutes, and featuring rich and powerful performances by Nick Cartell, Josh Davis, Mary Kate Moore, Emily Bautista, Jillian Butler, and Robert Ariza.

By any measure, iTheatre Collaborative's production of Jason Odell Williams' CHURCH AND STATE, is a triumph of directing and acting. Director Rosemary Close has executed the playwright's vision with the precision of a marksman, guaranteeing that every moment of this one act play is on target and infused with the fullness of its wit and pathos. Her aim is steady and balanced, advantaged by a cast whose chemistry is magical, featuring Scott Hyder, Lindsey Marlin, Marlene Galan-Woods, and Eric Bond.

Sasha Wilson's BURY THE HATCHET is a thoroughly clever, wildly imaginative, and engaging romp through the evidence surrounding the murder of Lizzie Borden's parents. Wilson tears up the stage as she and her ensemble role out multiple scenarios in an effort to get to the truth about the crime that has spawned decades of speculation. The show, a co-production of Wilson's London-based Out Of The Forest Theatre and Southwest Shakespeare Company will run at Frank Lloyd Wright's Taliesin West through May 6th and then move on to Rosson House in Phoenix for two performances on May 3rd.

Theatre Artists Studio is closing its already impressive Season with Robert Anderson's I NEVER SANG FOR MY FATHER. Directed by Steve Fajardo, the presentation is appropriately stark and focused. A simple set with the bare essentials gives the right space to a string of stirring performances, featuring Tom Koelbel, Charles Sowder, and Judy Lebeau. The show runs through May 13th.

The National Tour of THE COLOR PURPLE, now at ASU Gammage through April 22nd, is a masterpiece of soulful vibrations, telling of Celie's journey from poverty to empowerment. Deserving of Amens and Hallelujahs! Electrifying cast led by Adrianna Hicks and featuring powerhouse performances by Carla Stewart, Carrie Compere, N'Jameh Camara, Gavin Gregory, and J. Daughtry.

Arizona Broadway Theatre's current production of THE BRIDGES OF MADISON COUNTY, directed by Danny Gorman is good enough to leave you satisfied enough by the powerful vocals of Cassandra Klaphake as Francesca and Bryant Martin as Robert, but wanting more.

With brilliant flashes of imagination and innovation, Arizona Opera's production of DAS RHEINGOLD, under the visionary direction of Brian Staufenbiel, is an entirely engaging and enthralling theatrical experience. David Murakami's digital wizardry is amazing. The cast is tremendous. Final chance to see the production: at Tucson Music Hall, April 14th and 15th.

Arizona Theatre Company presents LOWDOWN DIRTY BLUES. Rousing performances by Felicia Fields, Shake Anderson, and Chic Street Man. At the Herberger Theater in Phoenix through April 22nd.

Southwest Shakespeare Company's production of PART I, directed by Asia Osborne, runs through April 7th at Mesa Arts Center. While it may fall short of its potential, it is enriched by the strong performances of Keath Hall as Falstaff and Tony Latham as Prince Henry.

BUTTERFLIES, directed by Cady McClain and written by and featuring Carlotta Summers, is a riveting, emotionally powerful, and important anti-bullying allegory of survival and empowerment. BUTTERFLIES is currently on the festival circuit ~ a must see!

In Johnna Adams' play, GIDION'S KNOT (Stray Cat Theatre's current production, directed by Tracy Liz Miller), Corryn Fell (Shari Watts) is the distraught mother, desperate for answers about her son Gidion's suicide, forgoing the prescribed cycle of grief to pursue the truth about what unwound him enough to cause the fatal shot. She confronts Gidion's fifth grade teacher, Heather Clark (Alison Campbell), in a conversational struggle of attitudes and values that is as disconcerting as it is unsatisfying. The show runs through March 24th at the Tempe Center for the Arts.

The promos for Compass Players' final production of its second season, Cynthia J. Cohen's light comedy, WEST PALM PRIME, promise more than the play delivers. It's a muddled endeavor based on a thematic question that, in these 21st Century days of liberated and active seniors, seems pretty outdated: Can two people find love in the 'prime' of their lives? The show is on through March 31st at Peoria Center for the Performing Arts.

Rod McCall's tender and bittersweet drama, ROSE, features winning performances by Cybill Shepherd and James Brolin. Recently tied for the Best Feature Film-Drama in the Directors' Choice Awards at the Sedona International Film Festival, the film continues its rounds at festivals throughout the country..

Arizona Broadway Theatre presents HAIR. The beat goes on but the message has faded. Director and choreographer pulls out all the plugs to energize the 50 year old musical. On stage now through March 25th.

There are three very good reasons to see RED, Theatre Artists Studio's production of John Logan's Tony award-winning drama: The acting. The acting. The acting! Indeed, there's a fourth very good reason and that is the astute and impeccable direction of Carol MacLeod. Veteran thespian Michael Fleck delivers a roaring and riveting performance as Mark Rothko. Newcomer Quinn Johnson is captivating as the grand master's student. This must see production runs through March 25th.

Michael Oblowitz focuses on the torrid relationship of Frank Sinatra and Ava Gardner in FRANK & AVA, and in so doing has also profiled a turbulent crossroads in American history. Featuring stunning performances by Rico Simonini and Emily Elicia Low. One of the features at this year's Sedona International Film Festival.

A profile of legendary Terrie Frankel ~ songwriter, playwright, director, and producer.