Joe Gruberman – Splash Magazines

“Something Rotten” Was Worth the Wait

May 12, 2022 Joe Gruberman 0

In March of 2020, The Phoenix Theatre Company’s production of “Something Rotten” closed after just one rehearsal. That’s right: not one performance, but one rehearsal. The show never opened. At that same time, we were […]

Laura Durant channels Sue Mengers in “I’ll Eat You Last”

March 16, 2022 Joe Gruberman 0

When the lights go up on I’ll Eat You Last: A Chat with Sue Mengers, there is no doubt that you are in the presence of royalty. The scene opens on a throne room in […]

“The Color Purple” at The Phoenix Theatre Company

March 8, 2022 Joe Gruberman 4

The Color Purple began as a 1982 novel by Alice Walker. The book was critically acclaimed for many reasons, not the least of which was its style of storytelling through the use of a series […]

Singin’ In The Rain – An Oasis in the Desert

February 10, 2022 Joe Gruberman 0

Musical theater reaches new heights with Singin’ In The Rain, a show that ironically has its roots not on Broadway but in Hollywood. The original 1952 musical comedy is arguably one of the best films […]

The Hello Girls – A Review

January 15, 2022 Joe Gruberman 0

It’s 2022 and, while it seems like not much has changed, we are bursting with optimism for the coming year. It’s been a while since we’ve talked about one of our favorite live performance venues, […]

The Phoenix Theatre Company Presents “Camelot”

September 24, 2021 Joe Gruberman 0

For one brief, shining moment… But wait. I get ahead of myself. There have been many different tellings of the legendary King Arthur’s story. Few omit Arthur’s beloved Guenevere; or the Invincible Sword Excalibur; or […]

Scottsdale Hosts “Immersive Van Gogh”

August 31, 2021 Joe Gruberman 0

My dear Readers, I am writing to you from the foyer of the Lighthouse Artspace. It is an unassuming space, several meters below ground level on the corner of 5th Street and Indian School, which […]

“Steel Magnolias” Packs A Powerful Message

August 24, 2021 Joe Gruberman 0

Author Robert Harling lost his sister Susan in 1985 due to complications from her diabetes. To cope with her death, and to bring his young nephew closer to the mother he would never know, Harling […]

Pump Boys and Dinettes: Open For Business at The Phoenix Theatre Company

July 28, 2021 Joe Gruberman 0

Now, this is different. No dimming of house lights. No orchestra fanfare. One minute, I’m jotting down notes from the show’s program. The next, I’m an eager participant in a conversation with the waitress standing […]

Daddy Long Legs at The Phoenix Theatre Company

June 29, 2021 Joe Gruberman 0

The Phoenix Theatre Company continues its 2021 season with two stories of strong and unique women — one, a real life cultural icon and the other, a work of adapted fiction. BECOMING DR. RUTH and […]