Reviews
βGalileoβ β The Rogue Theatre. See story on Page 7.
βSanctuaryβ β Borderlands Theatre. See story on page 6.
Opening
Arizona Repertory Theatre is staging Elaine Romeroβs βLike Heaven.β From left, Anza Keller, Rebecca Galcik, Gabriela Giusti, Eavan Clare Brunswick.
“Like Heaven” — Tornabene Theatre, University of Arizona Fine Arts Complex, North Park Avenue and East Speedway. Arizona Repertory Theatre opens its season with a play by one of our own — Tucsonan and UA prof Elaine Romero. Romero has had works staged around the country, so we’re glad to see the UA recognizes her talent. This comedy is about the yearning for a new life and the friends who help you get there. The cast of University of Arizona students is directed by Brent Gibbs. Previews are 1:30 p.m. Sept. 16 and 7:30 p.m. Sept. 17. Opening is 7:30 p.m. Sept. 19. Continues through Oct. 7. $17 to $28 with discounts available. 621-1162, theatre.arizona.edu
From left, Diana Ouradnik, Tyler Gastelum, Chelsea Renee Lang, Lionel Swanson, John Reimann and David Zinke in The Roadrunner Theatre Companyβs production of βThe Underpants.β
“The Underpants” — Roadrunner Theatre, 8892 E. Tanque Verde Road. Steve Martin’s satire is adapted from Carl Sternheim’s 1911 piece “Die Hose.” Straight-laced Louise is humiliated when her bloomers fall down in a very public place. Everybody saw. Oh dear, oh dear. Renata Rauschen directs and the cast includes Tyler Gastelum, Chelsea Renee Lang, Diana Ouradnik, John Reimann, Alan Smith, Lionel Swanson and David Zinke. It’s 7 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays and 2 p.m. Sundays through Oct. 7. $20. 207-2491, roadrunnertheatrecompany.org
Last chance
David Alexander Johnston plays nearly a dozen characters in Invisible Theatreβs βThe Absolute Brightness of Leonard Pelkeyβ β Credit: Creatista Films, Video and Photography
“The Absolute Brightness of Leonard Pelkey” — Invisible Theatre, 1400 N. First Ave. David Alexander Johnston portrays nearly a dozen characters in this one-man play about Leonard Pelkey, a teen who is flamboyant and much loved by the characters in the town — except, of course, by his killers. Johnston exudes a warmth on stage that serves the James Lecesne play well. Susan Claassen directs. Ages 13 and up. Final performances are 7:30 p.m. Sept. 13-15; 3 p.m. Sept. 15 and 16. $35. 882-9721, invisibletheatre.com.
Continuing
Robynn Rodriguez and Bill Geisslinger in rehearsal for Arizona Theatre Companyβs Native Gardens. Photo by Tim Fuller.
“Native Gardens” — Temple of Music and Art, 330 S. Scott Ave. Arizona Theatre Company stages this Karen Zacarias comedy about neighbors at odds. Pablo Del Valle, a young attorney, and his pregnant wife, Tania, have just bought a home next to Virginia and Frank Butley, a patrician couple with a love for English gardens. Things simmer over the Del Valle’s native garden, which the Butley’s think looks pretty lousy next to theirs, a question about a property line, and a barbecue the Del Valles are planning on the same weekend the garden club is set to judge the Butley’s garden. Jane Jones directs and the cast includes Arlene Chico-Lugo, Keith Contreras, Robynn Rodriguez and Bill Geisslinger. Preview is 7:30 p.m. Sept. 13, opening is 7:30 p.m. Sept. 14. Regular performances are 7:30 p.m. Tuesdays through Saturdays; 7 p.m. Sundays, with matinees at at 2 p.m. Wednesday, Saturdays and Sundays through Sept. 29. No Sunday evening performance Sept. 23, and Tuesday performance Sept. 25. $25-$90. 622-2823, arizonatheatre.org
Steve Wood in Live Theatre Workshopβs βEvery Brilliant Thingβ β Credit: Ryan Fagan
βEvery Brilliant Thingβ β Live Theatre Workshop, 5317 E. Speedway. Youβre 6 years old. Mumβs in hospital. Dad says sheβs βdone something stupidβ. So you start to make a list of everything thatβs brilliant about the world. Everything thatβs worth living for. Steve Wood is the lone actor and he does a wondrous job telling the story to the audience. Performances are 7:30 p.m. Thursdays-Saturdays and 3 p.m. Sundays through Oct. 6. $20. 327-4242, .livetheatreworkshop.org
David Fanning plays the title character in The Gaslight Theatreβs production of βThe Vampire, Or: He Loved in Vein.β In Gaslight fashion, be prepared for bad puns and grand singing.
“The Vampire, or He Loved in Vein” — The Gaslight Theatre, 7010 E. Broadway. Gaslight favorite David Fanning returns to reprise his role of the blood-sucking Count Dracula. The melodrama takes audiences from Transylvania to England, where he’s determined to make Mina — another man’s own wife — his bride. Be prepared for bad puns and grand singing. Various times through Nov. 4. $22.95. 886-9428, thegaslighttheatre.com
“The Adventures of Sparkle and Steven: Two Unlikely Best Friends” — Roadrunner Theatre, 8892 E. Tanque Verde Road. In this Taylor Steger play for children, Princess Maribel and her cat, Sparkles are at a pageant when the Evil Wizard tries to stop it. 11 a.m. Saturdays through Sept. 29. $12. 207-2491, roadrunnertheatrecompany.org
βThe Grand Canyon Mysteryβ will be at Live Theatre Workshop through Nov. 11.
“The Grand Canyon Mystery” — Live Theatre Workshop, 5317 E. Speedway. The members of the Fraternal Order of the Great Northern Rim (FOGNeR) have gathered to make sure all is ready for the coming winter. And all is, but this: The food they’ve been saving has disappeared. And there are lots of likely suspects.Stephen Frankenfield and Kristian Kissel wrote the children’s play. The cast is made up of Karl Haas, Jon Heras, Kyleigh Sacco, Mike Saxon and Margaret Smith. 12:30 p.m. Sundays through Nov. 11. $10. 327-4242. livetheatreworkshop.org.
