Comment Archives: stories: Arts
Re: “Images Left Behind”
Louis Bernal did not have the luxury of a long lifespan to take extensive numbers of photographs. The few that are available are worth looking at. However, THAT is the very problem. The Gallery named after him at PCC rarely if ever displays Louis Bernal's images and even if it does, the netsite for the gallery is outdated and provides little incentive to visit with its weird hours. As for other galleries in Tucson, the exhibits of photography overall is quite limited, and getting worse. Whoever is in charge of Louis Bernal's treasure trove of images should be urged to have more frequent exhibits, or do a better job of managing (them). Better go see them at the Gallery, it might be MANY years before you have another chance
Re: “Missing Ginger”
I am a long-time season subscriber to Arizona Theatre Company in Tucson, as well as to Nederlander Presents Broadway in Tucson. In addition, I have attended probably over a hundred shows in other US cities, in London, and on Broadway in NYC. I am a pretty experienced theatre-goer, and I am not that easily impressed. Sometimes the sets will be amazing, or the costumes beautiful, but the performers will seem too one-dimensional, the music will fall flat, or the plot will fail to grab me. Sometimes there is something completely intangible that leaves me wanting when the final curtain falls.
However, in the case of Arizona Theatre Company's recent presentation of "Backwards in High Heels", I was VERY impressed with the entire package. Frankly, I went to the show without very high expectations. After all, I had never heard of the show, and I am not a fan of Ginger Rogers or of anything from that era. I was quite pleasantly surprised, though, and loved everything about this play. When that final curtain fell, I found nothing wanting; nothing lacking. The costumes were beautiful, the sets were fun and imaginative; the dancing was excellent in both its choreography and performance, and Christopher McGovern's story was creative, well-thought, and interesting. The original scores were catchy and fun, and the entire production was entertaining and enchanting. I enjoyed the show immensely.
In addition, my five guests that evening included both male and female teenagers, as well as adults of both sexes. Every single person in our group LOVED the show, and had nothing negative to say about it. Nothing. Our only disappointment was that the magic had to end and that final curtain had to fall.
This caustic review by Sherilyn Forrester of the Tucson Weekly is so far off the mark on this one, that it leaves me questioning not only her taste and her opinions, but her motives as well. Perhaps Ms Forrester has a bone to pick with someone at the Arizona Theatre Company, or with someone in the production itself. I can think of no other explanation for this terrible review of such a wonderful show.
"Backwards in High Heels" is marvelously fun and entertaining. Ms Forrester notwithstanding, audiences of all ages will love this musical play! It's a definite "Two Thumbs Up" in my book!
Re: “Modernism Memorialized”
As a member of MAPP, its a great joy to be involved in bringing awareness to a style of architecture that is so easy to appreciate. Being in the largest group of generations, the tail end of the baby boomers, I still remember several of the key ideas of the modern movement, and so will most of the people attending the tour this weekend. Who can forget the matching bathroom accessories, the asphalt tile floors, the shiny popcorn ceilings? I hope to see a lot of Tucsonans (and visitors) at the tour this Sunday, to enjoy going back to their childhood and raising money for a great cause!
Catherine Westergaard
Proud member of MAPP
Re: “Ready for Receptions?”
Being new to Tucson I have noticed there is more emphasis on Receptions than Conceptions here when it comes to Art.
Re: “Missing Ginger”
Totally disagree with this assessment. Don't attend a lot of theatre... but thoroughly enjoyed this afternoons show and would highly recommend it to anyone.
Re: “A First Step”
Think Ms. Forrester saw a different play than I did! And it must have had different actors as well. I think she get's off on tearing plays and actors apart because she shows the same streak in the majority of her reviews.
Re: “Desperate Conditions”
Trainor is truly a compassionate person performing remarkable work. I look forward with enthusiasm to her photo exhibit this Saturday on 9/11.
Re: “Witches, Vampires and Soldiers,
Oh My!”
I believe you've covered almost every theatre company except the notably absent Live Theatre Workshop and Etc. Both produce consistently good shows - what gives?
Re: “Lesson Learned?”
Shanna Brock was incredibly charming and funny in this production and it is a downright shame that you overlooked her.
Re: “Cities and Earth”
What the heck does Oracle mean?
Re: “Stop the Hysteria”
I don't care if you are brown, black, white or blue. Fact is anybody who is in Arizona illegally is just that...illegal and must be treated as such. It just so happens that most (if not all) illegals in Arizona happen to be brown. Anybody who is legal needn't worry...just show the cop your ID and chances are you can be on your way. Visit http://newarizonalaw.com for more information.
Re: “Cities and Earth”
Being new to Tucson I am reading the Weekly for the first time with this issue and this article confirms many of my current observations about Tucson being that the Art dealers, small museum curators and artists spend their time attempting to replicate what they consider the Art world and attempt to expand its market as they pose at being the reluctant accomplices in the next wave of gentrification of their neighborhoods, and the displacement of lower income artists.
Re: “Tile Roofs and Borrowed Styles”
a great example of an immigrant making an impact on our community.
Re: “The Simpler Life”
I've finally found a cellist who plays as wonderfully as my teacher, Gisela Depkat. I can't
get enough of Nancy's recorded music. She electrifies me and hopefully thousands of other
listeners. Her technique and interpretation are astounding. She has incredible power and
has gathered even more steam with the passage of time. She's one of the world's very best cellists. Hooray for Nancy Green!
Re: “Footnotes in History”
I was intrigued by the exhibition name but your review makes me want to see for myself. Thanks!
Re: “War Stories”
Ms. Forrester,
I was in from out of town and saw this play. After being totally blown away by the sheer number of true stories and the way in which they were presented, I was eager to see a review. While most of your review does not strike me as negative, your disdain for Lauro's play or 'script', is astonishing. You claim that as a member of the audience you could not achieve "whole-hearted symapthy" for these characters. Characters, I might add, that represent very real women, who dealt with these happenings in a complete whirlwind of time and politics. The play is wonderful in that sense; receiving "bits and pieces" does not detract from the actual true stories. Our men and women came home in bits and pieces, their stories as disjointed and sorrowful as the play (skillyfully acted and directed) portrays.
-Megan Oliver
Sarasota, Florida
Re: “The Naked Truth”
James..Thanks for the update on Ms. Bruun's latest endeavor. Would it be to forward of me to inquire how long were you in the box office before beginning your journey as a theatre critic? Xoxo Gossip Gus
ps. Did they ever get that damn heater fixed. See you in the fall.
Armand
Re: “A Quirky Clinic”
So Sherilyn,
What was the original ending? What is the reason for the sergeant's presence?
What is the reason that's been there from the beginning?
More than just curious,
Chuck Graham
Re: “Javelinas and Pink Underwear”
I was delighted to see this bold made-to-order-for-Tucson comedy, where the laughs bubbled out from of all of us so easily. The audience was also tremendous. The night I was there, the troop pulled a woman from among us up on stage. Jane, I believe her name was, sat with a poise I would have found impossible, through a skit which finally built to suggest she campaign for Governor of AZ. Asked what her slogan would be, she immediately quipped, " I can see the Mexican border from my front yard !". Oh Jane, if only you were really running! This was truly a night which much craft had gone into, one of my favorites of the season. Thanks so much for bringing us this sparkling performance!
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Re: “Ready for Receptions?”
I agree wholeheartedly. I am new-ish to Tucson and noticed very quickly that for as much emphasis and support the 'art' scene gets here, it is greatly lacking in what I always consider to be very fundamental things. everythingbutnothing.com