Herbert Paine - Page 9

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.

Elaine Romero's brilliant and stirring work-in-progress, THE DALAI LAMA IS NOT WELCOME HERE, directed by Maren Maclean Mascarelli and featuring a stunning performance by Brenda Jean Foley, now streaming through March 28th on The Bridge Initiative: Women+ in Theatre Facebook page. The latest offering in RomeroFest, the monthlong celebration of the playwright's work.

As multidimensional as is the landscape of the Southwest that so attracted Zane Grey, so too is the documentary that chronicles the creation of an epic opera, based on one of his most famous novels, RIDERS OF THE PURPLE SAGE. Directed by Emmy Award-winning filmmaker Kristin Atwell Ford (and produced by Quantum Leap Productions in collaboration with Arizona Opera), the film is as powerful and evocative in its own way as the piece and the process it reveres and celebrates. It makes its virtual premiere on Thursday, March 25th as part of an online benefit initiative ~ in partnership between The Actors Fund and the film’s producer, Quantum Leap Productions ~ to support performing arts professionals out of work due to the pandemic. The film will be available for viewing until April 11th. Tickets are $10 and may be secured at Watch.RidersOperaFilm.com. Thereafter, it will be released for streaming.

he Actors Fund announced today that Quantum Leap Productions will present 'Riders of the Purple Sage: The Making of a Western Opera,' a documentary film that celebrates the artistry of live theatre, as an online benefit to support creative professionals out of work due to the pandemic. The Actors Fund and Quantum Leap Productions are partnering to raise funds for performing arts professionals across the country. The film makes its virtual premiere Thursday, March 25th and will be available until April 11th. Tickets are $10 and are available now at Watch.RidersOperaFilm.com.

Elaine Romero’s HALSTED is a bold stroke of illumination ~ launching RomeroFest, a monthlong celebration of the playwright’s work ~ presented by Arizona Theatre Company and directed by Sean Daniels. Available for viewing online through March 14th.

Crazy is as crazy does…crazy in the sense of feeling wild about! From this angle, from a Broadway point of view, crazy has been a gold mine for anything Gershwin! Such is the case with Kurtis Overby’s sterling tribute to the prolific brothers, George and Ira, in Arizona Broadway Theatre’s production of CRAZY FOR GERSHWIN. Featuring Liz Fallon, Jamie Parnell, and Carolyn McPhee. Runs through March 21st.

What happens when a world class theatre keeps the lights on, creating a comfortable and safe outdoor space during a world-wide pandemic? First, they hire top talent...and give them an award-winning murder mystery musical comedy ~ Kinosian and Blair's MURDER FOR TWO. featuring Seth Tucker and Toby Yatso. Runs through February 28th.

Little y's first episode of a new series, BASEMENTS & BUGBEARS, sets The Table for what promises to be an engaging and compelling series dealing “with issues such as teen mental health, the complexities of exploring and accepting queer identity, and, ultimately, the good that gaming can bring to those that immerse themselves in their stories.” Premieres online at www.bnbwebseries.com at 7:00 p.m. EST on February 19th.

FATAL DISTRACTION, Susan Morgan Cooper’s gripping documentary on a national crisis ~ hot car deaths ~ that begs for resolution.

Julia Ngeow's A SCALE FOR HURT is a solemn and humbling love letter to the viewer about the transience of things before the majesty of the tides of time and the inconvenient truths about our environment and its vulnerability. Premieres online on November 23rd on FilmShortage.

Cady McClain has crafted an emotionally stirring and eye-opening short documentary (11 minutes) that gives voice to the experiences of four girls within the foster care system. Jalynn Snyder, Aneles Maxwell-Carter, Madison Gates, and Katherine Belendez literally and figuratively unmask themselves to speak with unbridled authenticity and candor about the dysfunctions and addictions that led them to foster care. But they also speak to the power of possibility that can lift them far beyond their past experience.

TRIPLE THREAT, Stacey Maltina??s first feature film as a director, is a beautifully crafted and finely acted ode to theatre and the dreams and realities that imbue it with energy and vitality. Scheduled for screening at BelAire Diner Drive-In (31-91 21st Street, Astoria, New York) on October 11th.