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Arizona Theatre Company
Category: Arts & Entertainment Performing Arts Performing Arts [Edit]
330 S. Scott Ave.Tucson, AZ 85701
(520) 622-2823
- Good for Kids:
- No
29 reviews for Arizona Theatre Company
29 reviews in English
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Review from Corey D.
Updated - 4/25/2012 7 Check-ins Here
Arizona Theatre Company: The reason I moved to Tucson.
2006. I was a young kid ;) looking to make a big splash where there was no water. I didn't like the desert, the heat, the scorpions, the dust, but I worked hard, and I had the opportunity to meet incredible guests artists from all over the country. Looking back on it now it's funny to think that my job was to make sure they felt welcome and had the resources they needed to do their job to the best of their ability, I too was looking for the same, and because I worked long hours, it was hard to find reasons to enjoy my new surroundings. But an incredible staff took me under their wing, created a support system and taught me that while I didn't have water, public transit, snow and anything green, I had a a home, and for that, and for them, I will forever be grateful.
They're doing more at ATC than just putting shows onstage. They're creating memories that for me will last a lifetime. To think we have a theatre of this caliber right here in the middle of the desert is incredible. To watch a show and know that actors fly here from all over the country because they want to share their talents with our community is something else. With cuts to funding for the arts and high level donors pulling the reigns on annual giving, it's so SO important to continue to support these organizations. That can mean buying a ticket to a show, writing a $100 check when you get your tax refund or volunteering your time to usher, or work on one of the theatre's volunteer committees.
I may never return to Company/Artist Management, but the half a dozen years or so working alongside incredible artists taught me the importance of making sure they can continue to create, share and play.2 Previous Reviews: Show all »
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1/27/2012
Laugh out loud funny. That's the best description I can give. 39 Steps is pure fun from beginning to… Read more »
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Review from Kelly T.
3/14/2012
The last time I read the Great Gatsby I was 14 or 15 years old. To my younger self it was a story that was unrelated to my life experiences and while it was a story I found interesting in its references to our past culture, it didn't cause any overt emotional reaction. That being said I was interested at seeing how the ATC would handle such a classic novel.
They did a wonderful job. Not only did they extract all of the elements in the story to there purest form, they presented it in a dynamic, flowing way. This time I was able to relate to the story and feel for the characters. I was also reminded how timeless the story really is, there are many parallels between the setting of the Great Gatsby and now, or any time.
I felt lucky and honored to be able to listen to director Stephen Wrentmore describe his process and vision.
Definitely a well presented and well told version of the quintessential American story! -
Review from Joyce C.
Updated - 3/7/2012
I read "The Great Gatsby" when I was 15. At the time I was enthralled by the Jazz Age antics of Scott and Zelda Fitzgerald. By the time a movie starring Robert Redford and Mia Farrow came out, I was over it.
But this Great American Story -- with all its nuances -- came alive for me for the first time last night at ATC.
Just before the curtain went up, director Stephen Wrentmore captivated a handful of us lucky Yelpers as he walked us through the process of translating this iconic novel into a multilayered, multisensory stage play.
Wrentmore talked props and music and asked us to read between the lines and notice how current the theme of the tragic story that takes place in the summer of 1922 is today.
Daisy and Tom are classic 1%-ers: powerful and glamorous. Yet deeply corrupt beneath the elegant veneer. They are destructive and ultimately untouchable.
Gatsby, who, in his blind pursuit of Daisy resorts to crime to make enough money to impress her, is the new American Dream. Fitzgerald saw it morphing from the individual pursuit of happiness to a hollow striving for wealth -- and also for a level of social standing that would always be just out of reach for those newly rich like Gatsby.
And Nick Carraway, the narrator, is our own disillusionment.
Even if you don't ponder the themes, this tragic tale is well told and beautifully staged at ATC -- from the huge blinking eyes of Doctor T. J. Eckleburg to the vintage roadster (built for the play here in Tucson) to the dancers characterizing the frivolity of the Jazz Age (students from the U of A's School of Dance).Listed in: In March, It's All About the…, Magic Moments, Thanks for the LOVE-ly events,…, Yelp-tastic Events, The Theatuh
2 Previous Reviews: Show all »
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1/22/2012
I am a dyed-in-the-wool Hitchcock fan. So Arizona Theatre Company's production of "The 39 Steps" was… Read more »
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Review from Jennifer P.
Tucson, AZ
Updated - 4/17/2012 8 photos
I am a wannabe artist. A wannabe painter. Seeing "Red", a two man show, at the ATC about the painter Mark Rothko and his assistant talk about art and life was fun, inspiring, and sometimes uncomfortable. I loved the sparse set where the paintings were center stage. Loved the stage set. Loved the red hands dipped in paint. Loved the dialogue. The acting by the cantankerous and older, Rothko, played brilliantly by Denis Arndt was nicely balanced by the idelic art student and assistant, Ken. Connor Toms does a great job as the energetic, younger, fresh faced assistant who finds his own voice over the omnipotent Rothko. This part historical, part philosophical, part fictional art and life related tale of the famous Rothko and his assistant is worth seeing at the ATC.
Listed in: Theater!
2 Previous Reviews: Show all »
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1/26/2012
My oh my!! Hitchcock adapted play of 39 Steps was a hilarious non-stop laugh-a-thon. It was an… Read more »
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Review from Chelsea P.
Tucson, AZ
1/28/2012 1 Check-in Here
I had the great fortune of seeing 39 Steps at ATC last weekend. Truly, I didn't know what to expect. I figured it would be a good time, but I had no idea...
By intermission, my face hurt from laughing. This show was hilarious, non-stop, and truly amazing. The fact that four (FOUR) actors played the parts of 150+ characters is incredible. Even more incredible is the fact that it was never confusing to figure out who these characters were.
I truly enjoyed this production from beginning to end, and I will definitely be on the lookout for other great shows at ATC! -
Review from Allison C.
Tucson, AZ
4/4/2012 1 Check-in Here
I went with the b/f to see Great Gatsby on the last weekend it was here and all I can say is WOW. I've loved the story ever since reading it in high school and the play was just phenomenal. The charm of the building and the surrounding area is great and being able to just sit on a bench outside while waiting for your play to start is wonderful. The actors themselves were able to engage me as the audience and really transport me into the action and, with a minimal amount of props at times, were able to make you feel like you were in the scene. Of note, the way the cast and crew pulled off the plane scene was just awesome. :) Highly recommend going to see a play here at least once a year.
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Review from Priya S.
Tucson, AZ
1/26/2012
I have now seen (at least) 3 shows at ATC, and they have all been wonderful! The first was back in high school, when they showed My Fair Lady. If I didn't love musicals before, I did then! That experience was probably what led me in college to take many weekend Chinatown bus trips to NYC to see Broadway shows (and once, I spent the night in Penn Central because the show got out too late for me to take the Chinatown bus back to Boston).
Next was ATC's showing of Hair, a few years ago. Amazing! Educating about the Vietnam era! Also, a little shocking around intermission... Very well done, with a large and talented cast.
Finally, this past Saturday I viewed the 39 Steps play, a hilarious remake of a serious Alfred Hitchcock movie based on a serious mystery novel. There were only 4 actors, but they played so many characters between them that you could only marvel at their acting talents! The two clowns were especially talented at switching back and forth between characters every other line. The props on stage were fairly minimalist, and the actors did a great job at simulating natural forces (trains moving, breezes blowing) just by their own gestures and movements. And on top of all that, the jokes and plot were truly funny, in the way that old-timey slapstick is. I'm glad I had the opportunity to see the show, since all other performances of 39 Steps were sold out.
Finally, for future reference - apparently (subject to ticket availability) students can get day-of tickets for only $10! If I'd known that sooner, I'd have seen many more than only the 3 ATC shows I've seen so far! -
Review from Rachel S.
4/8/2012 1 Check-in Here
WOW! I have never been to the Arizona Theater Company before tonight and WOW-WOW-WEE-WOW! I loved the theater experience! Red was a wonderful show and I cannot wait to go back!!!!! If you get the opportunity to go or even think for a second that maybe you want to go check it out......GO!!!!!!!
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Review from Dennis K.
Tucson, AZ
1/29/2012
Hadn't been to the ATC in over a year, so when I was recently given an opportunity to join a group to go see 39 Steps jumped at the chance and am delighted I did. While this type of production, slapstick presented primarily for fun, might at first seem better suited to a venue like the Gaslight, it was interesting to see how a professional company can elevate a piece of light fluff like this into something special that is so thoroughly enjoyable and fun to watch. Being seated in the second row also gave me an appreciation for how hard the four actors worked to fill the 150 or so roles (warning, beware of falling bodies).
Finally, let me say how lucky we in Tucson are to have The Temple of Music and Art. It's the perfect place to watch such a production. So if you can't make 39 Steps, the ATC has a number of other shows this season and I recommend you catch one. -
Review from Shaunna H.
Marana, AZ
1/22/2012
I admit I am ignorant, and when I learned of Alfred Hitchcock's "39 Steps" at the Arizona Theatre Company performance, I was concerned it wouldn't jive with my attention deficit.
I loved it. The story was intriquing. The humor was refreshing, classic and clean. The actors were charismatic and brilliant. I would see it again in a heartbeat. Thanks YELP for a great Saturday! -
Review from Amanda D.
4/13/2012 1 Check-in Here
I feel so fortunate that Tucson has the Arizona Theatre Company. The amazing shows that come to Tucson through this theatre company is off the hook awesome! I have seen two shows and greatly enjoyed both. My first show was "39 Steps", which was brilliant and hilarious. It was an absolute treat! My latest show is still playing until April 28 and then moves on to Phoenix. This show is about Mark Rothko and was brilliantly acted. I saw the show last weekend and am still in awe of the two actors that were on stage the entire time. The set was perfection. I have now sat towards the front of the theatre and in the balcony. There is not a bad seat in the house. As far as the show "Red" goes, I was captivated the entire time. As a person that majored in Art History, it was right up my alley. Red is about Rothko and his newly hired assistant. Rothko is working on a series of paintings for the Four Seasons (commissioned). The conversations they have regarding art are fantastic! Highly highly recommend taking advantage of the excellent shows that are brought to us by ATC!
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Review from Lakota D.
1/26/2012 1 Check-in Here
Last week I attended the amazing performance of " The 39 Steps" a hilarious Play presented by the Arizona Theatre Company. The casting was fantastic , set design amazing & comedic timing impeccable ! I was very impressed with Michael Sommers shadow puppetry & loved the Alfred Hitchcock meets Monty Python for a hilarious suspense thriller! I highly recommend attending this event! I also discovered many people in my pottery class attended the event & it had rave reviews from all of them also!
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Review from Molly H.
Updated - 3/8/2012 4 Check-ins Here
The Great Gatsby is a classic novel, one of America's greatest, and putting on a stage adaptation of the story certainly comes with challenges. ATC has done a remarkable job turning a complex and rich story into something approachable and beautiful on stage. The sets are simple, but elements like a real rebuilt antique car, dancers in their fabulous costumes, and the jazz music really take you away to New York in the 1920s. The acting was really quite good and the cast complemented each other well. I truly sat engrossed watching it, fully into the story, the loves, the loss, the tragedy. It helped that the director gave us a little talk before explaining his approach in bringing this adaptation to life. Well done. This is one of the best performances I have seen lately in Tucson.
Listed in: Welcome to Tucson
1 Previous Review: Show all »
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3/4/2011
I enjoyed a performance of "Lost in Yonkers" during preview week at the Arizona Theatre Company. I… Read more »
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Review from Ana T.
Updated - 1/24/2012 5 Check-ins Here
If you're looking for something mindless and trivial to do, then I suggest you make like Richard Hannay in Alfred Hitchcock's "39 Steps" and head to the theatre. Wink wink. Get it? I winked because ATC's performance of "39 Steps" is anything but mindless and trivial. I think the best way to describe it would be as ha-ha-laugh-out-loud-slapstick-hilarious. It's outrageously creative and dramatic. If there were a genre called Extreme Drama, this performance would fall right into it. It's over-the-top, yet minimalist, and sometimes trippy. In less than two hours, ATC manages to introduce the audience to over 150 characters with vastly different accents, while using just four actors. Really think about that, 150 characters.
They made quite a few mistakes along the way though. That's a joke. The mistakes are intentional and serve to remind us that they are playing make-believe on stage. They actually create this ongoing battle between the cast and the stage crew. For instance, when the phone rings for too long, Robert O. Berdahl (playing Richard Hannay) turns to the dark back stage while making a gesture with his hand across his neck as if to say cut. it. out. At this point the audience is looking around, wondering if Berdahl has just turned a theatrical error into something funny, or if this is just part of the play. A series of similar incidents occur, confirming that it's all just part of the play. Like when Berdahl runs back into the spotlight to get the lighting crew to follow him off stage, or when Sarah Agnew (playing Marrrgarrret) shakes her fist at the dark after a piece of furniture is too forcefully thrown her way.
The actors' serious expressions paired with their thick accents get the audience to howl with laughter. Annabella tells Richard to close the bleint (the what?), the BUH-LEINT-AH. Oh, that's right, the blind. Sarah Agnew's melodramatic accents are hysterical - but let's not forget how smoothly and comically Jim Lichtscheidl and Luverne Seifert are able to transform into entirely different characters with the switch of a hat (literally). Back and forth, back and forth, into a man, into a woman... it's almost schizophrenic. Oh, the magic of theatre.
And don't get me started on the magic (too late). The actors whip together a car in a matter of seconds by using a lifesaver, a lectern, and two trunks. The characters' hats shake violently as they look out the imaginary train window. OK, so maybe there's a hand or two 'inwohlved' behind the scenes, but behind the scenes is on stage, in front of our eyes. We can pretty much see the hands, yet still it's magical. So many impressive scenes. Another is when the two clowns dance around with life-sized-Scottish-dancer-puppets hanging from either shoulder. The puppets have these clever accordion paper legs that really appear to be doing a Scottish dance. Want to know what else is clever? The shadow puppet show they slip in, which references several other Hitchcock films.
Getting from stage set to stage set is an adventure in itself during this performance. The transitions are concealed with chaos, dancing, or small talk. One of my favorite scenes is when Berdahl and Seifert are walking down hallways, from door to door, and Seifer is throwing the door from one side of the stage to the other. It's such a trippy scene... pushes door across stage, walks through, pushes door across stage, walks through. They finally arrive to THE door, which is now the only object on stage, where they artistically expose what's behind the door: dancing. Each time they crack open that door, oldies dance music comes on and giant shadows dance along the back wall of the stage. As I said before... It's artsy. It's minimalist. It's over-the-top. It's trippy. It's drama to the extreme. And, it's slapstick.
My recommendation to you (I bet Mr. Memory could tell you - bzzz bzzz): Shtoop what you're doing, git oot of yahr hoose, and go see this accused murrrrderrrerrrr on a most adventurous run. Oh, and keep an eye out for the cutest little baby sheep to skid across stage.2 Previous Reviews: Show all »
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12/11/2011
Want to know the secret to happiness? It's learning to glide like a daddy long legs in the wind.… Read more »
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Review from Heather M.
Tucson, AZ
Updated - 9/18/2011 2 Check-ins Here
A world premier production - right here in Tucson! Premiering last night at ATC was Sherlock Holmes and the Adventure of the Suicide Club. I was lucky enough to be one of the first people to see it. I wonder, Tucson, do you know how privileged you are to have access to this level of performing arts? These aren't fly by night productions. These are quality, first rate shows with immensely talented performers.
This particular production was right up my alley. I absolutely love a good mystery. This one had all the great twists and turns that one would expect and each time you think you have it figured out there's another layer of mystery yet to reveal itself. The plot has the just the right amount of complexity to keep you intrigued yet not so complicated that you can't keep up. It moves pretty fast for the wrap up so pay close attention! I won't spoil it, but the poignant ending had depth and reflection that caught me a bit off guard. A fantastic ending.
A standing ovation to the cast and crew! Each artist superbly executed their character (or characters in most cases) with no indication of opening night jitters. The production itself was well thought out with great attention to the littlest of details. Absolutely another home run for ATC!Listed in: Entertainment Central
1 Previous Review: Show all »
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4/16/2011
Made my first trip to the ATC this week to see The Mystery of Irma Vep. The Temple of Music & Art is… Read more »
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Review from Saba B.
3/8/2012
As a teacher who has struggled to impart a love for Fitzgerald into teenagers more apt to appreciate rap lyrics, I am stunned at this directorial achievement. The adaptation process for the novel took nearly ten years, and the Herculean effort is a rewarding one for audiences. Even the accident at the end (ahem, no spoiler here. I will not name names) is well done with an impression of movement and pain. The crucial lines are elicited naturally instead of narrated by the trusty yet unreliable Nick Carraway. The actors made the roles their own, and Jordan Baker in particular (I do not have the playbill before me as I write - apologies!) became the bawdy, careless dilettante that Fitzgerald intended. However, all of the actors performed admirably, and Gatsby became larger than life but appropriate for the stage. What a stunning achievment!
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Review from Charmaine T.
Tucson, AZ
10/27/2011 1 Check-in Here
Take a BOW Arisona Theatre Company.
Last night was my first time visiting and I LOVED the entire experience. Starting with the wonderful opportunity a group of us Yelpers had to hang out in the rehearsal hall, view the costume shop and hear firsthand from Associate Artistic Director Stephen Wrentmore, about the Theatre, its many fabulous productions and most impressive, the work being done in the community and in schools to ensure that youth have access to the arts. So Fabulous!
As for the space itself, I really love the Spanish Colonial style, and the courtyard and Temple Lounge are great chill spots for before the show, and the Theatre is really comfy and beautiful as well. There doesn't seem to be a bad seat in the house. I will definitely be returning for future productions and recommend that anyone looking to experience great theatre, do so at ATC!
On to the show, "God of Carnage" was AWESOME. Being a parent who has had to navigate some sticky situations with my kiddos, I could SO relate to the storyline. It's laugh-out-loud funny! The actors were great and I bought the entire journey as they all went spiraling completely out of control. It was a great time at the theatre all around. -
Review from Lauren H.
Tucson, AZ
1/23/2012
This is a small theater with plenty of leg room and comfortable seats and excellent shows. They produce almost all of the shows right here in Tucson and do a great job! I would highly recommend a visit.
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Review from Vivian K.
9/18/2011 2 Check-ins Here
The Arizona Theatre Company puts on a great show, and the world premier of "Sherlock Holmes and the Suicide Club" last night was spectacular. Running from 17 September to 8 October, this presentation is not to be missed! An excellent mystery that will have you guessing "who did it" right to the very end. Standing ovation for the cast and crew! ATC has been performing full seasons in both Phoenix and Tucson. Since it is a non-profit company, the ticket prices are always reasonable. It is so enjoyable that we get to see this caliber of performance right here in Tucson, and not have to make the drive to Phoenix. I have seen some theatre performances in other cities, and ATC has very high quality standards. The technical elements: the stage, costume, and the actors, are all very professional.
It was such an honor to be among the first to watch this wold premier. Bravo, ATC!Listed in: Yelp Events, Entertainment
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Review from Amanda K.
Updated - 2/2/2012
39 steps was great! it was so funny, and I can't believe how well the cast was able to manage the endless roles, costumes, etc. It was really well done and a fabulous production. I LOVED it!
Listed in: 29 Days of Love!
1 Previous Review: Show all »
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4/18/2011
I just saw The Mystery of Irma Vep, and it was great! The ATC is a really nice theatre, with great… Read more »
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Review from Laura D.
Bravo, ATC for having an adorable, quaint theater located in a nice area of town with plenty of street parking and restaurants to explore in the area. It was very convenient to park by the theater, eat dinner at Downtown and then have the car within close reach after the play.
While this is a small theater...don't be fooled. This is quality acting, and quality sets. I was surprised at how elaborate the costuming and sets were for "The Mystery of Irma Vep". Definitely will be back again! -
Review from Michelle C.
Tucson, AZ
4/15/2011 ROTD 5/24/2011
I came to the ATC for what I thought was the first time, lastnight, for the CMYE for "The Mystery of Irma Vep" --- and as I walked in --- I thought hmmm this looks familiar? And my stapdad reminded me "Yeah dummy you did your dance recitals here like 15 years ago."
THAT made me feel old, then it warmed my heart that this stage had some familiarity. With is rustic half-shell inlayed plaster detail above every grand doorway, it was so quaint. Corey D. informed me it seats about 600, and it does keep its intimate "feel."
We were seated in the front row (which was very up close and personal - there were a couple of awkward eye contacts with the actors - which was awesome/weird at the same time!)
If you aren't familiar with the show, it came to fame in the early 80's for performing an entire 3-act show with only two actors (male) to ensure cross-dressing through the female parts - and performing up to 5 characters each. The costume + wig changes are a part of the hilarity - and was it FUNNY!!!!
The two actors lastnight seriously had me rolling on the floor. How impressive to do the different voices, the quick costume changes ALL while keeping the show going? Truly impressive.
My favorite part in two words: FLASHLIGHT SCENE.
Clever, funny, entertaining, just fun fun fun ... I would recommend this spot to anyone to see anything - but this show was particularly hilarious!!!
I hear Mary Poppins is coming in 2012... I need to gear up for that. I do have a Mary Poppins' -sized tote purse that can probably hold a lamp....Listed in: Peace Up! D-Town Down!
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Review from Jaimie G.
Tucson, AZ
12/3/2010
Thank you YELP / Cory. D. for throwing such a fun event for members at a preview show for "Woody Guthrie's American Song". I had a great time and introduced several friends to both Yelp and the Temple of Music and Art (Arizona Theatre Co.'s home base).
It was a great production, and the acting and musical talents were fantastic. Really dug the photographs used throughout the production as well. On the whole I feel like the story was "woody lite", as his life and times were far more difficult than the play described. If you want to know the full story, I recommend reading "Woody Guthrie: A Life" by Joe Klein. But if you are looking for lighter entertainment and really great americana music, this is a great show. -
Review from Laurie W.
Tucson, AZ
10/27/2011 1 Check-in Here
Arizona Theatre Company's production of God of Carnage in the Temple of Music & Art was a romp through emotions and time. Most of the emotion was sheer laughter at the verbal and physical gymnastics between the two couples as they were trying to "civilly" discuss their sons' altercation (and each other's foibles). At first I thought, "these characters are very boring!" But, just wait... if you see this production you will be in for a real treat! As always, I find the plays and musicals I see through Arizona Theatre Company, truly worth every cent! But in this case, thanks and compliments go to Corey & http://Yelp.com!
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Review from Jane R.
Tucson, AZ
10/27/2011 1 Check-in Here
Run, don't walk to see God of Carnage. I had done enough advance reading (I'm a geek) in advance to know what we were in for, but I still laughed so hard I cried. I will never look at coffee table books the same way again. And it has been at least 18 years since I heard the word "fatuous" used in a sentence, but then again, I have a few theories as to why. Somehow Stephen Wrentmore, who is truly fabulous, has decided to share his gifts with Arizona. We are truly blessed to have him and the entire ATC team as part of our community. And thanks to Corey for a super-fun potluck! It was nice meeting everyone!
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Review from Emily H.
Tucson, AZ
11/2/2011 1 Check-in Here
I attended the Sherlock Holmes and the suicide club as a yelp event. I have never been here before and it was such a treat. Before the show we participated in a scavenger hunt that went all over down town an once returned to the theatre we had some drinks and some really nice meat, cheese, fruit platers and some pizza and a really good salad. The dinning area was so cute and warm it was a great evening. The show was amazing and kept my attention I can't wait to see another show.
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Review from Suzie M.
West Los Angeles, CA
4/17/2011
This was my first trip to the ATC and I'm sorry I hadn't visited it earlier! Even though I've been in Tucson for over 5 years, and have seen a variety of shows, I just never made it to this location. It's downtown location is very convenient, a lot of street parking is available and you'd be able to walk from a variety of restaurants - which is exactly what we did last week. It's an older building, but the theater is very nice and the production that we saw, The Mystery of Irma Vep, was incredible. The sets were great, the acting was amazing, and we could hear and see everything comfortably from our seats.
I really didn't expect to see this level of talent in Tucson - but this show proved me wrong! We'll be back in the future and I'm excited to see what the next season will bring to Tucson. -
Review from Sarita G.
Tucson, AZ
1/30/2012
I got to see "39 Steps" at ATC. It was brilliantly funny and just amazing--watching 4 actors play over 100 different characters! I love the ATC--you feel close and personal with the production and they always bring in high quality shows. I have never been disappointed. "39 Steps" had my friends and I cracking up. Thanks so much ATC and Yelp!
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Review from Eric G.
12/3/2010 1 photo
December 2nd was the beginning of a hopefully prosperous collaboration between yelp and the Arizona Theater Company. This event prompted me to go to an event I may have otherwise passed by, which ultimately would have been unfortunate.
I'm not typically a patron for theater, but do have a deeply seated appreciation for music and history. And the current performance, "Woody Guthrie's American Song" squarely strikes to the heart of these subjects.
The performance centers around the music of America's original and arguably most genuine troubadour as well as the political and natural calamities that helped shape it. Set in the 1930's and 40's, times were certainly tough all over. The dust bowl and oil busts in the midwest led to mass migrations of folks to the West in search of jobs that ultimately were not there. The Great Depression struck to the soul of every American who lived through it. Then the US was pulled into WWII.
All the while, Woody Guthrie put pen to paper in a way that no other could (although he'd vehemently deny that!). He was able to do so because he lived through those events, as opposed to merely observing them. He hit the streets, he hit the rails, he hit the fields and camps. He watched and he listened to all that went on around him. He penned songs about everything he observed. Even through all the hardships these times had to offer, somehow these songs were able to resonate a... positivity, an uplifting spirituality, a message of hard times but solid hopes that almost seems contrary to everything going on. But it wasn't. It just took someone who could remind people that they "ain't gonna be treated this old way." And that someone was Woody Guthrie.
With the state of affairs in this country today, it's somewhat tempting to draw corollaries to those tough times in the early-mid 1900's. Times certainly aren't as tough now (for most) as were then, but still, the present needs a good reminder of the songs--the lessons--of Woody Guthrie. And this presentation does just that.
The acting is professional, the music top notch. The presentation might be a little confusing until you realize there are more than one character representing Woody. But ultimately, it works. More so, a performance such as this just fits perfectly in a stunning theater like Tucson's Temple of Music and Art.
For someone like Guthrie, who fit such an epic life into such a short time--he died at only 55 years of age--you might think it would be hard to fit his biography into a 2 hour performance. And you'd be correct. If you've studied the life of Guthrie at all, you are not likely to learn anything new in this performance. But I don't think a biography is really the intent here. Instead, as stated earlier, this is really about Guthrie's music and the way it was shaped by the surroundings. And that comes across nicely. Historic photographs hauntingly cycle above the stage, giving a glimpse into the hard times faced, poignantly contributing to the raw emotions that the actors convey. A minimalist set serves to keep the spotlight on the emotion displayed by the absolutely competent suite of actors. In short, it's not necessarily a lesson in history, nor is it necessarily a biography of Woody Guthrie. Instead, it is a series of snapshots on America, only possible because of the foundation laid by a true American traveler--a true American--as long as 75 years ago.
By the way, tickets may seem steep at the range of $36-$59, but for that price, you are getting a performance of caliber that is befitting to any professional theater production. In other words, treat yourself this holiday season, lay down the cash, and go see it for yourself.
