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!
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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!