Herbert Paine - Page 25

Fountain Hills Theater's SUNDAY IN THE PARK WITH GEORGE, directed by Damon J. Bolling is perfectly on point, featuring super performance by Kyle Bennett as Seurat, stunning turn by Debra Qualtire, great supporting cast, and extraordinary technical collaboration.

Childsplay's production of Miriam Gonzales' THE SMARTEST GIRL IN THE WORLD is strong on performance and message. Directed by Debra K. Stevens, Osiris Cuen leads a spirited cast in revealing the essence and importance of family and character.

The glory of Theater Works' staging of ALMOST, MAINE, directed by Richard Powers Hardt, lies in the amazing ability of its four stars to shift seamlessly from one scene to another and to sculpt, at each new turn, distinctly different characters. It's a glorious interpretation of John Cariani's work.

Big TENS all around for THE TOXIC AVENGER, now burning up the stage of Phoenix Theatre and oozing with spectacular staging and absolutely intoxicating performances by Caleb Reese, Johanna Carlisle, Trisha Ditsworth, Nathaniel Lewis Tenenbaum, and Lucas Coatney.

Scottsdale Musical Theater Company's production of SONDHEIM ON SONDHEIM, smartly directed by Hector Coris and delightfully executed by eight talented singers, is a joyous journey into the mind and soul of one of America's most prolific songwriters.

Director Robyn Allen and Theatre Artists Studio's skilled cast make AMERICAN MYTH a thought-provoking theatrical experience.

Hershey Felder take to the stage as the dean of American songwriters in HERSHEY FELDER AS IRVING BERLIN ~ currently, the second production of Arizona Theatre Company's 49th Season. And it is a bonanza!

Arizona Broadway Theatre's well-executed staging of WEST SIDE STORY, directed by Kiel Klaphake, stays true to its creators' vision and features a compelling performance by Melissa Rapelje as Anita.

In the space between the provocative opening questions and final reflections of Frank Higgins' THE TASTE TEST, a potentially clever take on identity, friendship and betrayal fizzles flat. Higgins' work is as contrived and sophomoric as a freshman stab at drama, and the performances in Black Theatre Troupe's staging don't save it.

Backed by Brett Aiken's set design, D. Scott Withers' direction, and Katrina Sanders' choreography, Rusty Ferracane rules the stage in a pitch-perfect performance as the MAN OF LA MANCHA in Theatre Works' season opener.

A top-notch cast, stunning costumes, and a memorable story make Valley Youth Theatre's JAMES AND THE GIANT PEACH a must-see for families.

Director Jere Van Patten has put the fun into the funereal, thanks to high octane performances by Harmon Swartz and Janna Hanson and a spirited cast of ghoulsters in Desert Stages Theatre's production of THE ADDAMS FAMILY.

Stray Cat Theatre scores a huge hit with SEX WITH STRANGERS. Heather Lee Harper and Tyler Eglen deliver spell-binding performances.

Hale Centre Theatre is showcasing the popular comedy/fantasy, HEAVEN CAN WAIT, in a light-hearted and highly satisfying production, directed by Alaina Beauloye and featuring Josh Hunt as Joe Pendleton, the aspiring boxer whose lease on life gets an unexpected left hook.

In Phoenix Theatre's Season-opening production of CHICAGO, Michael Barnard has gathered a storm of production quality ~ uplifting music, sexy and vintage costumes, elegant set design, and kickass choreography. The show, however, is all flash without the fire of Bob Fosse's satiric vision.

Cambrian James once again demonstrates his remarkable directorial gifts by elevating a light-hearted comedy, SOMETHING'S AFOOT, into a showcase of marvelous gags and surprises and demonstrating just how joyous and side-splitting melodrama can be. He is aided and abetted in this endeavor by a perfect and highly entertaining cast, extravagantly wrapped in Mary Atkinson's beautifully tailored garments.

Theatre Artists Studio in Phoenix presents a stirring production of Beth Henley's CRIMES OF THE HEART, directed by Brad Allen and featuring a compelling performance by Dee Rich as the eldest of the three Magrath sisters.

LUCKY STIFF, the rib-tickling musical farce by the team of Lynn Ahrens and Stephen Flaherty is ringing out Arizona Broadway Theatre's hit-loaded 10th Anniversary Season with broad peals of laughter and a cast that you'll walk away loving. Directed by Evan Pappas, the show runs through September 20th.

Caitlin Newman delivers a powerhouse performance in iTheatre Collaborative's production of George Brant's GROUNDED, directed by Rosemary Close, running through September 5th in the Kax Stage at the Herberger Theater Center in Phoenix. From the moment Ms. Newman marches on to the stage to her climactic epiphany, she controls the oxygen in the theater, and by play's end, we are left breathless.

Scottsdale Musical Theater Company presents GYPSY, featuring Debra Qualtire, Terry Gadaire, and Sarah Cassidy at Tempe Center for the Arts from August 20th through the 23rd.