Herbert Paine - Page 3

THE PIANO LESSON is emblematic of August Wilson’s mastery in conveying the challenges of the African-American experience through words and richly drawn characters. Patdro Harris directs The Black Theatre Troupe's production with a keen eye to honoring these essential elements of Wilson’s artistry and with an ensemble that is nothing less than inspired and dynamic.

Under Diedra Celeste Miranda’s fast-paced, robust, and thoroughly entertaining direction, Don Bluth Front Row Theatre's production of JOHN LOVES MARY is a fun affair. The show runs through March 2nd.

The Phoenix Theatre Company's production of THE LEHMAN TRILOGY is a must see ~ a quintessentially American morality tale, directed by Rod Kaats and featuring knockout performances by Josh Clark, Michael Stewart Allen, and Michael Kary. Runs through February 11th.

BroadwayWorld Guest Contributor, David Appleford, reviews Arizona Broadway Theatre's production of ON THE TOWN and applauds it as an “undeniable triumph.” Runs through February 24th.

Sharr White’s THE OTHER PLACE benefits from Debra Rich's poignant and nuanced performance as the play's struggling protagonist. Theatre Artists Studio's production runs through February 4th.

BroadwayWorld Guest Contributor, David Appleford, gives high marks to the pre-Broadway tour of THE WIZ at ASU Gammage through January 7th.

Arizona Theatre Company's adaptation of SCROOGE! ~ the most notable element missing in this largely unsuccessful adaptation is any sense of a true Dickensian backdrop. Runs through December 30th.

BWW Contributor Timothy Shawver's take on the North American Tour production of LES MISERABLES: A solid rendition of the epic musical and a talent showcase for performers and designers. Runs through December 10th at ASU Gammage in Tempe, AZ.

Selina Fillinger's POTUS, directed by Katie McFadzen, is fast-paced but leans too far into slapstick at the expense of nuance and its fuller potential at harpooning the patriarchy. At Stray Cat Theatre through December 16th.

The spirit of the Yuletide season is in full and pleasurable bloom at Arizona Broadway Theatre with the company’s sparkling production of Irving Berlin’s WHITE CHRISTMAS, directed by Rob Watson. The show runs through December 30th.

A large dose of seasonal good cheer is precisely the kind of theatrical diversion that ELF THE MUSICAL fulfills in The Phoenix Theatre Company’s production, running through December 30th.

Hamish Linklater's THE VANDAL receives an engaging and moving treatment at Theatre Artists Studio. Directed by Carol MacLeod, the play runs through December 10th.

AIN'T TOO PROUD at ASU Gammage ~ the enjoyment of watching synchronized moves performed under the bright, intense spotlights while hearing Motown songs sung and sounding every bit as good as the originals. Runs through November 19th.

Black Theatre Troupe’s production and David Hemphill’s inspired direction lift THE GOSPEL AT COLONUS to grand heights, aloft with emotional impact, a message about the timeless quest for redemption, and the profound ability of gospel music to elevate the human spirit. Runs through November 12th.

Arizona Theatre Company's production of BAREFOOT IN THE PARK may aim to reconnect audiences with Neil Simon’s sophisticated and clever turns of plot and words, but, notwithstanding the cast’s determined efforts, the show feels tired and dated, save for a stunning performance by Kyra Kennedy.

Southwest Shakespeare Company's MACBETH is the stuff of great drama, thick with psychological import, mad acts of violence, and the fog of war.

Hale Centre Theatre's production of FIDDLER ON THE ROOF, directed by Cambrian James, brings magic to the classic with full-bodied, robust-sounding voices and solid performances by its leads.

Arizona Opera's production of Gregg Kallor’s FRANKENSTEIN is an absolute triumph and a significant addition to the operatic repertoire. The world premiere continues at The Temple of Music and Art in Tucson, October 21 and 22.

TIANANMEN: A NEW MUSICAL is The Phoenix Theatre Company's ambitious but modest effort to honor the courageous student protesters of Tiananmen Square. The show runs through October 29th.

TINA ~ THE TINA TURNER MUSICAL ~ At show's end, with the sound of Tina's music still echoing in one's mind, the most that may be remembered is why there wasn't more of the explosive high energy and volume of a live concert. At ASU Gammage through October 15.