Herbert Paine - Page 8

Live theatre is back! Here's a critics choice list of the top 20 venues in the area with information on upcoming productions for the 2021-2022 Season, how to buy tickets, and more!

Welcoming guest contributor David Appleford to review The Phoenix Theatre Company's production of PUMP BOYS AND DINETTES. Runs through August 23rd.

CURTAINS RISE ON THE 2021-2022 THEATRE SEASON ~ AT LAST! The current schedule of theatre productions for the 2021-2022 Season in the Phoenix Metro Region.

Thoroughly charming performances by Kathlynn Rodin and James D. Gish highlight The Phoenix Theatre Company's production of DADDY LONG LEGS, running through July 18th.

Vivid, lyrical, and loving! Ellie Dylan and Sky Dylan-Robbins's ON OUR OWN ISLAND steps courageously into the domain of dying and death. A film that is both an endearing and emotional homage to a husband and a father by his wife and daughter and a deep dive into a process that for many remains daunting and mystifying. One of the featured screenings at this year’s Sedona International Film Festival (June 12th-20th).

In a compelling and consciousness- (and conscience-) raising documentary, Emmy-winning film maker Shannon Kring's END OF THE LINE: THE WOMEN OF STANDING ROCK chronicles the courage and years-long ordeal and unwavering determination of the women of the Standing Rock Sioux Reservation to protest the pipeline. The film is one of the featured films at this year’s Sedona International Film Festival (June 12th-20th).

In QUEEN BEES, director Michael Lembeck has translated producer Harrison Powell’s and writer Donald Martin’s vision into a work that buzzes with a smooth and gentle tone of familiarity and romance. A thriving honeycomb of performances, thanks to the presence of veteran actors Ellen Burstyn, Ann- Margret, Loretta Devine, Jane Curtin, James Caan, and Christopher Lloyd. One of the premiere films to be screened at the 2021 Sedona International Film Festival (June12th-20th). Also, now in theatres and On Demand

A bold and refreshing initiative by USC School of Cinematic Arts claims the title of Welles’s legendary stage production, VOODOO MACBETH, for a full-length film that chronicles the making of the staging. The film is scheduled for showing at the Sedona International Film Festival (June 12th-20th).

THE CHILDREN WILL LEAD THE WAY is The Parkland Project's emotionally powerful, emotionally charged, and illuminating testimonial to a new generation of leadership committed to social change. Scheduled for screening on June 13th at the Sedona International Film Festival ~ at Sedona Performing Arts Center, 995 Red Rock Crossing Road, Sedona, AZ.

Caren Zucker and John Donvan's IN A DIFFERENT KEY strikes chords of compassion that elevate understanding of and connection with the autistic community. Official Selection at the 2021 Sedona International Film Festival.

Arizona Theatre Company is counting down the days to Opening Night. Announces its 54th Season for 2021-2022.

In SHINOBU, Hsuan-Yu Pan gives vibrant sound and imagery to the art form of flute-making. THe short focuses on the continuity of tradition over time and space in shaping not only one’s cultural identity but also the identity of the cultures of which they become a part. Since its premiere in 2018, the film continues to enjoy critical acclaim in film festivals throughout the world.

Is it not so that two of the key ingredients in shaping identity, building community, and cultivating civility are food and the arts? Indeed, the habits of the heart emanate from these divine humanistic expressions. Hsuan Yu Pan, a Taiwanese-raised, New York City-based documentarian, simply and exquisitely illustrates the point in two films ~ one, a 2:30 short, entitled HEAR, EAT, HOME: KINAN’S VISION; the other, an eight-minute documentary, MY MOTHER’S TABLE.

In a show that may have worn out its Heavenly stage welcome, the Saving Grace of Arizona Broadway Theatre's production of NUNSENSE, is embodied in an ensemble of five artists who render performances that rise above the script. Thankfully, through the ninety-some minutes of show time, a heavenly host of angelic voices lifts the spirit. The show runs through May 16th.

The Phoenix Theatre Company's production of MY WAY is music in the key of Sinatra ~ a show filled with vitality and class that flies one to the moon! Featuring commanding performances by Trisha Ditsworth, Matravius Avent, James Gish, and Jessie Jo Pauley. Runs through May 23rd.

In THE GIRL SITTING HERE, writer and director Azadeh Nikzadeh gives a human face to the adverse consequences of a practice that has become a legal loophole for prostitution and sexual exploitation.

Arizona Theatre Company presents Lauren Gunderson's autobiographical tour de force, THE HEATH, under the direction of Sean Daniels and featuring Gunderson and John Larroquette. THE HEATH is a play that must be heard to be seen for the fulness of its lyricism, revelatory power, and humanity.

Chemistry and balance! Two key ingredients that are (oddly!) in short supply in Scottsdale Desert Stages Theatre’s current production of THE ODD COUPLE, directed by Virginia Olivieri. Simon’s brilliant lines and zingers are there to be uttered, but the execution stumbles. The show runs through April 5th.

On April 22nd, Don Bluth Front Row Theatre brings Michael Druxman’s play, ORSON WELLES, to the stage. In advance of its upcoming premiere: a conversation with director Lee Cooley about The Great One and the production.

Five richly talented singers rock the stage in Arizona Broadway Theatre’s production of SHOUT! THE MOD MUSICAL, Phillip George and David Lowenstein’s 2004 tribute to the solid gold singles of the ‘60’s. Directed by Seth Tucker and featuring five fab singers, the show runs through April 18th.