I can’t really explain it; I haven’t got the words. It’s a feeling that I can’t control.
I don’t know about you, but I’m so excited for the upcoming fall theater season in downtown Phoenix that I may just break out in song.
Instead, I better force myself to just Breathe and try to have patience until I can snag a seat at one of the truly bewitching shows the downtown theater scene will soon have to offer. Then, I’m sure I won’t be able to stop Speaking about everything I see. God, this season promises to be a fairy tale.
In case you didn’t catch the hidden references above (click on the links, you won’t regret it), here’s a quick look at some of my top picks from the shows opening downtown between now and December. Let’s hope they live up to my lofty expectations.
In the Heights– Phoenix Theatre
Fans of Lin-Manuel Miranda’s Hamilton soundtrack will likely be drawn to his older Broadway hit, which won four Tony awards, including Best Musical, in 2008. Like Hamilton, it is heavily influenced by hip-hop and freestyle rap, and also boasts salsa, jazz and merengue beats. (Miranda wrote the music and lyrics; Quiara Alegría Hudes wrote the book).
Sept. 7 – Oct. 2
Tickets available at phoenixtheatre.com
Rasheeda Speaking– The Black Theatre Troupe
This comedic thriller delves into that excellent subject matter for comedic workplace humor. (Can anyone say The Office?) But in addition to being funny, the play, written by Joel Drake Johnson in 2015, explores the racial tensions that still exist in modern society. Rasheeda Speaking promises to be both entertaining and thought-provoking.
Oct. 7 – 23
Tickets available at blacktheatretroupe.org
DemDike’s Devils– Space 55
Wendy Warwick White writes and directs this play based on the 1612 transcript from the trial of 10 women accused of witchcraft in Lancaster, England. Space 55’s small-scale original productions are usually unique and stimulating. A play that promises high-intensity dialogue should have particular impact in the company’s intimate performance space.
Oct. 14 – Oct. 28
Tickets available at space55.org
Rusalka– Arizona Opera
Nineteenth-century Czech composer Antonin Dvorak wrote this opera based on the Hans Christian Anderson fable of The Little Mermaid. The costumes, set and cast (starring the acclaimed Sara Gartland) should be visually and aurally breathtaking. As a longtime fan of the fable’s Disney retelling, I know I’m intrigued.
Nov. 11 – 13
Tickets available at azopera.org
Billy Elliot– Phoenix Theatre
This endearing musical theatre favorite, a collaboration between Lee Hall and Elton John that won the Tony Award for Best Musical in 2009, is sure to sway some hearts this season. The musical is based on a film that came out in 2000 which tells the story of a young boy named Billy who finds his passion in ballet — and discovers he is quite good at it.
Nov. 16 – Dec. 24
Tickets available at phoenixtheatre.com
An Act of God– Arizona Theatre Company
This comedy originally starred The Big Bang Theory’s Jim Parsons on Broadway and boasts a script by David Javerbaum of The Daily Show with Jon Stewart. It mostly consists of musings from God (the lead character) about the state of modern humanity as he delivers a new set of commandments. The show is fresh from New York—in fact, it’s still playing on Broadway with Sean Hayes through Sept. 2.
Nov. 17 – Dec. 4
Tickets available at herbergertheater.org
By the way, here’s a little bit about who I am.
This year, I will be taking over Curtain Critic from Molly Bilker, an excellent alumni of Downtown Devil who ran the column for the past few years. Since fall of 2014, I’ve been writing for Curtain Critic here and there and have enjoyed every minute of it. Starting this fall, you can expect to see new posts every couple of weeks written (mostly) by me.
I hope to carry on Molly’s legacy of thorough criticism of productions big and small in the downtown Phoenix area. The 4-star rating system will remain in place this year. Curtain Critic will also continue to provide insight on the downtown theater scene outside of plays and musicals, including news about playwriting festivals and comedy shows.
Please don’t hesitate to send me your comments and suggestions. As a budding columnist, I appreciate your feedback.
Here’s to a great year for local theater.
Contact the columnist at Faith.Anne.Miller@asu.edu.
