This review aired on KBAQ July 9, 2012

IN THE SECOND HALF OF THE 2011/12 LOCAL PERFORMING ARTS SCENE DIVERSITY WAS THE KEY

I’ve been observing the local theater scene since 1979 and I’m glad that I’ve been able to watch the scene expand from a series of limited and often tacky community theater efforts to diverse offerings by several fine professional theaters.  We may not be New York, Washington, or even Los Angeles or San Francisco but we’ve come a long way.

Back when I arrived, the Valley didn’t even get touring productions of Broadway hits and there were no local professional … Continue Reading

This review aired on KBAQ December 12, 2011

“NUTCRACKER” IS OUTSTANDING; “A CHRISTMAS STORY” IS NOT

Today, I’m reviewing two holiday shows, one new and one celebrating its 26th anniversary.  Phoenix Theatre is mounting a stage version of the popular 1983 film, “A Christmas Story,” and Ballet Arizona is presenting its annual “The Nutcracker.”   “The Nutcracker” is the Valley’s best holiday show and let’s hope “A Christmas Story” doesn’t become an annual Phoenix Theatre holiday tradition.

“THE NUTCRACKER”
Ballet Arizona, Symphony Hall
Phoenix, AZ

If you want spectacle, grandeur, beauty, and gorgeous music with your holiday entertainment, you can’t go wrong with “The Nutcracker.”  The production’s … Continue Reading

This review aired on KBAQ December 16, 2010

BALLET ARIZONA’S “NUTCRACKER” LUSH AND SUPERLATIVE

“THE NUTCRACKER”
Ballet Arizona, Symphony Hall
Phoenix, AZ

An outstanding local holiday tradition is the annual Ballet Arizona production of Tchaikovsky’s festive “The Nutcracker.” In artistic director Ib Andersen’s superlative and lush production, the local “Nutcracker” rivals the finest of America’s many productions.

Several seasons ago, Ballet Arizona invested nearly $2 million in this lavish production with its lovely settings, magical costumes, and Andersen’s stunning choreography danced by the polished and posed Ballet Arizona company. Local dance students are featured in several youth roles. Topping off the triumph is the fabulous orchestral … Continue Reading