ASU Gammage Reviews
Beauty and the Beast
Every so often comes along a tale as true as time. A story of adventure and of love. Walt Disney first brought a story like this to the sliver screen in 1991, three years later the story was brought to a more magical level. The stage. And now Phoenix residents can see this play on stage at the ASU Gammage
That talented cast of thirty include Liz Shivener as the heroine Belle. Justin Glaser is the vile but lovable Beast and Nathaniel Hackmann and acrobatic Michael Fatica as the dynamic villain duo Gaston and Lefou who's stage parts far out mask their film counter parts. The simple background form the perfect backdrop to magical musical numbers that dazzle the audience. This is family entertainment on a grand scale sure to delight children of all ages and the child in all of us.
Director Rob Roth certainly did phoenix a big favor bringing this classic from Broadway to Arizona
.
Hair
Musicals are often thought of as out dated and corny but every so often comes one with a “groovy” beat. That is the case with Hair a rock musical, book and lyrics by James Rado and Gerome Ragni and music by Galt MacDermot. The story takes place in New York during the height of the Hippie Revolution or as it is known in the show “The Age of Aquarius” which is also the first musical number. Moreover, from the first to the last this is performance leaves you begging for more.
The exciting and complex characters of Dionne, played by Phyre Hawkins, Berger played by Steel Burkhardy and Claude played by Paris Remillard tell the story of confused rebellious youths, looking to find themselves and understand the world. The word “Hair” refers to their long locks they sport and symbol of their rebellion. Characters’ love each other, hate each other, join the Army and even get naked.
Still it is a wonder story of the struggles against reality. Director Diane Paulus has created a play that will light a fire in your soul. You might not be one of the actors, but you will definitely be part of the show.
Fiddler on the Roof
What is Fiddler on the Roof? It is a balancing carefully while trying to eek out a simple tune or life. Imagine the old world charm of Eastern Russia in the early twenty century and the splendor and magic of a Jewish traditions. Now imagine it being performed in the Gammage and Broadway Across America and you have “Fiddler on the Roof.”
Music by Jerry Bock, lyrics by Sheldon Hamick and book by Joseph Stein, Fiddler on the Roof is the famous Broadway musical many families love with a series of stories that wind together like roses. The musical numbers ranging from Tradition to Anatevka. John Preece’s role as Tevye the milkman is particularly entertaining in such numbers as “If I were a Richman” and “Do you love me?” With Tevye facing challenges from his daughters who want to marry the men they choose and not the ones chosen by the matchmaker breaking with Jewish tradition, Tevye struggles to come to terms with modern day of that time. Fantastic story and phenomenal sound combine to create theatrical art union that one can miss.
CONTACT US