Friday, May 16, 2025

Review Highlights: CITY OF ANGELS - Fountain Hills Theater

Kolby Kelly and C.J. Blankenship
Photo by Patty Torrilhon
 
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 May 25

"Due to its parallel storylines, one set in the world of a 1940s Hollywood screenwriter and the other in the fictional detective story he's crafting, City of Angels is a complex musical with an intriguing plot, a large cast with many who play dual characters, and flashbacks within flashbacks. Presenting this Tony winning Best Musical on a fairly small stage is no easy feat. Fortunately, Fountain Hills Theater rises to the challenge with a solid production that features clear direction, a talented cast, and resourceful creative elements that capture the seductive, shadowy allure of film noir....The cast is strong, with the leads all skillfully managing the shifts in time as many also easily navigate the demands of playing dual roles. As Stone, C. J. Blankenship oozes the street smarts and charisma of a classic film noir hard-boiled private investigator who has a sharp tongue and a troubled past. Kolby Kelly brings a grounded intensity to Stine, the successful novelist turned frustrated screenwriter who has to navigate the compromises demanded by Hollywood that force him to water down the characters and events in his book for the screen. Both Kelly and Blankenship have great stage presence and strong, rich vocals that make their songs resonate."   - Gil Benbrook, TalkinBroadway.com (click here to read the complete review)

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