Lee Cooley started his writing career as a freelance film critic in 1978. After more than 20 years in TV, radio and advertising, he is now director of marketing & communications for a non-profit trade association. Cooley is past president of Irish Network Arizona, a former ariZoni Awards adjudicator and two-time Zoni winner. He has played a variety of character roles including his favorite, Elwood P. Dowd at the Don Bluth Front Row Theatre.
First, a bit of background. Prolific American playwright Lauren Gunderson is a Phoenix favorite; think SILENT SKY at Phoenix College (and the Hale Centre Theater in 2023), JUSTICE and THE HEATH at Arizona Theatre Company, THE BOOK OF WILL at Phoenix Theatre and THE REVOLUTIONISTS at Stage Left Productions through May 29 (adult cast).
I was curious to see how Lauren Gunderson (book), Bree Lowdermilk (music) and Kait Kerrigan (lyrics) could make a musical about former Supreme Court judges Sandra Day O'Connor and the late Ruth Bader Ginsburg. And how does local performer Chanel Bragg figure into this Arizona Theatre Company world premiere?
Seth Landau believes that people who are meant to find his films, will find them. MVD Entertainment Group is giving them a second chance.
THE GODS OF COMEDY are forcing us to choose between hilarity or health. This #stageleftaz production of Ken Ludwig's two-hour romp has been extended through Feb. 6. Not by popular demand, although it deserves it, but because of #COVID exposure. If you're up-to-date on your vaccinations and crave a little normalcy, #suckitup and put on an KN95 mask.
The first live production by #RoninTheatreCo since the pandemic stars Rachelle Dart and is set during the 20-year U.S. #WarinAfghanistan. Director Keath Hall says, 'It’s dedicated to all veterans, especially those who fought during America’s longest war from 2001 to 2021.”
This factual and fantastical online production from @arizonatheatre ends all too soon. #catchit https://bit.ly/3uvLpj4
Author #TomLamarr, the mind behind 'Zero Gravity' debuts his darkest comedy yet in 'The Termination Clause' from @owlcanyonpress.
With a few streaming exceptions, including some political fundraisers, it looks like Broadway will remain dark through May of 2021 thanks to the pandemic.
Vehicles previously owned by Johnny Cash, blink-182's drummer, Dean Martin and The Grateful Dead's own recreational chemist will be sold at Barrett-Jackson's 2020 Scottsdale Auction, January 11-19.
Following a rousing October run of BLOODY, BLOODY ANDREW JACKSON, Arizona Regional Theatre (ART) has mounted Stephen Flaherty and Lynn Ahrens' LUCKY STIFF -- a two-act, 17-song whodunnit which has been a favorite of Valley venues over the years.
After graduating from Manhattan's High School of Performing Arts in 1953, Barry Yellen wore many hats: stage manager, lighting designer, car show producer, managing director, touring show booker, film producer and distributor, fund manager.
It's not be the most lavish production, but it's got a lot of chudzpah. If you're a Sondheim fan who's not adverse to long and sometimes less than pitch-perfect performances, then pack a lunch and get your tix! https://bit.ly/2lGsKT8
The makings of a great play include an interesting story, stimulating dialogue, a convincing cast, skillful direction and a crackerjack creative team. The world premiere of SISTERS IN LAW at Phoenix Theatre has many of these elements.
The world premiere of Hal Corley's PAS D' ACTION at Theatre Artists Studio (The Studio) is about fractured family dysfunction at its finest.
On a TV kids show, Pat McMahon played everything from a brat to a superhero. Then one of his biggest fans, #OrsonWelles, combined the two and created Marvin Fassbender, a wannabe Welles. This is one of the best backstories behind THE OTHER SIDE OF THE WIND. #Netflix
@haletheatreaz has another hit with SINGIN' IN THE RAIN, now thru Mar. 30. Strong performances by Vaughn Sherman, Allan DeWitt, Abbi Cavanaugh & Erica Parrish are highlighted with iconic scenes recreated by director-choreographer Cambrian James & musical director Lincoln Wright.
The second annual WORLDWIDE WOMEN'S FILM FESTIVAL returns to the Harkins Shea 14 Theatre in Scottsdale, February 8-10, 2019. Among the entries from 21 countries are two from Ireland, a comedy called THE HOLY FAIL and a documentary entitled LOVERS OF THE NIGHT.
S#!TFACED SHAKESPEARE doth not fall on its countenance, but one cast member per night could indeed given the imbibing that precedes and continues throughout each performance. Drink along or merrily watch...lest ye be called up on stage! Tickets at www.blkboxphx.com thru NYE.
The touring company production of ON YOUR FEET! (The Emilio & Gloria Estefan Broadway Musical) personifies the evolution of 80's Cuban-pop music by the Miami Sound Machine.
DOCTOR WHO Season 11 is off to a shaky start. Despite Jodie Whittaker (the 13th and first female Doctor) and her merry band of ethnically-diverse traveling companions, the first episode was trite and sloppy. Let's hope she isn't struck off the register as George Lazenby was for his one-and-done portrayal of James Bond. #DoctorWho #SpoilerAlert
Videos