Herbert Paine - Page 26

The interpretation and staging of IT'S A WONDERFUL LIFE: A LIVE RADIO PLAY by director/actor Tim Shawver and his fellow thespians ~ Marshall Glass, Devon Nickel, Katie Larson, Traci McCormick, and Timothy Pittman ~ are impressive, entertaining, and heartwarming. On the air now at AZ Broadway Theatre ~ through December 24th.

Many marvelous moments in Greasepaint's uplifting and well-played production of OLIVER! directed by Dale Nakagawa and choreographed by Molly Lajoie. A fine holiday treat for the family.

Hale Centre Theatre has rolled out more than just the proverbial red carpet for its 12th annual production of A CHRISTMAS CAROL. It has adorned the work with all the trimmings needed to dub it a glorious theatrical experience: Corrin Dietlein's lavish and exquisitely tailored costumes; David Dietlein's engineering of not just a set but of an environment; Jeff Davis's magical lighting effects; and a marvelous cast, featuring Mark Kleinman as Scrooge.

DISGRACED treads into a quicksand from which there is neither recovery, redemption, or revelation. There is only the sound and the fury of a soul adrift in the arid land of self-loathing and his irresistible pull toward tragedy. AZ Theatre Company does standup production but can't relieve play of its shortcomings. As explosive as its onstage fireworks and confessions are ~ and there is definitely no shortage of intensity in this play ~ DISGRACED ultimately falls flat, unsatisfying, and almost objectionable like an expired bromide ~ pop pop fizz fizz but no relief.

Whimsical, lyrical, and magical. A cornucopia of imaginatively crafted and elegantly integrated design elements. Charmingly acted portrayals of delightfully distinct characters. Rich with touchingly expressed insights about the journey to human connection. The vision of Melissa James Gibson's BROOKLYN BRIDGE has been fully realized in Ricky Araiza's staging of the play at the Paul V. Galvin Playhouse on ASU's Tempe campus, featuring Olga Bezpaltchikova and a marvelous cast.

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.