Wednesday, July 5, 2023

Review Highlights: THE LEGEND OF GEORGIA MCBRIDGE - Arizona Theatre Company

James Pickering, Kevin Kantor, Armand Fields, and Courter Simmons
photo by Tim Fuller

highlights from local critics reviews - (click link at bottom of each review to read complete review)

Click here for more information on this production that runs through July 16

"On March 13, 2020, Arizona Theatre Company's production of The Legend of Georgia McBride opened in Tucson and closed that same night due to COVID forcing venues and companies across the country to shutter....The fact that this play is even more relevant now then back in 2020 is just one of the many reasons to see it, in addition to the fantastic cast, energetic staging, and colorful creative elements that make this feel-good, yet also sensitive, comedy sparkle with an abundance of sass and heartfelt emotion....While it may not have the depth or scope of López's multiple award winning The Inheritance, by providing a personal look into the harsh truth that is sometimes under the glitzy and glamourous exterior of drag, in Georgia McBride, López manages to give the play, and its characters, power which makes them even more endearing." - Gil Benbrook, TalkinBroadway.com (click here to read the complete review)

"a well-produced comedy about female impersonators with some poignant references to the challenges of being gay hidden behind raucous comedy and pointed innuendo...relies on obvious and often clumsy humor to make its point about diverse lifestyles....  If lightweight, boisterous fare appeals, ATC’s “The Legend of Georgia McBride” is perfect."  -Chris Curcio, Curtain Up Phoenix (click here to read the complete review)

"The play celebrates the resistance that defines the drag trademark: saucy wordplay, cheeky swag, and a dazzling art form that regales while it flips the symbolic middle finger to society's righteous villains. At once reckless and sunny, the play subverts our perception of gender norms and extols the value of our shared humanity. (Kevin) Kantor is an adorable Casey and a nimble Georgia McBride. Chiseled and supple as they come, Kantor gives us every reason to anticipate a knockout performance worthy of a legend....Whether you're a theatre cognoscente or a novice audience member, give GEORGIA 90 minutes of your time. I promise she won't let you down."  - Robert Encila-Celdran, Broadway World (click here to read the complete review)

" when it comes to foot-stomping music (nearly 30 songs sung in the style of pop celebs), great lip-syncing, kick ass dancing, and flamboyant costumes, ATC’s production rocks. Otherwise, it’s a pretty superficial experience....As much popularity as it has gained, the play should not be confused with the kind of nuanced writing of Lopez’s other works....LEGEND, however, is jukebox on steroids and, in that regard, ironically, ends up being damn fine entertainment…because of the cast, the costumes, and the music. One needs only to register the smile and applause meter at Stage West to know that." -Herbert Paine.  Broadway World (click here to read the complete review)

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