Theater roundup: Performing arts shows Feb. 12-18
Reviews are by Donald Munro; NR = not reviewed. For performance information, see calendar listings on Page 17.
OPENING
This is NOT the Tony Bennett Concert: Fresno State’s Contemporary Dance Ensemble performs. (Opens Friday, Feb. 12)
ONGOING
9 to 5: The popular 1980 movie got a 2009 Broadway musical makeover, and the Good Company Players production at Roger Rocka’s Dinner Theater is anchored by strong performances by Alison Allwine, Emily Pessano and Abigail Nolte as they turn the tables on their sexist boss. Julie Lucido’s brisk directorial choices liven the proceedings, but the show is never able to transform its vintage slapstick revenge storyline into anything more than mild amusement. It isn’t sure whether to embrace its dated premise or make a wry comment on it. Through March 13.
Dogfight: Visalia Players open this poignant musical set in the Vietnam War era. Through Feb. 21. (NR)
Moonlight and Magnolias: The “mostly true story” about rewriting the screenplay of “Gone With the Wind” in five hilarious days continues its Good Company Players run at the 2nd Space Theatre. The goofy premise works for a while, thanks to Denise Graziani’s whip-fast direction and solid performances from Gordon Moore as screenwriter Ben Hecht and Eric Estep as director Victor Fleming. But the one-note hilarity is hard to sustain because of the wobbly script, and Henry Montelongo offered a too-blustery performance on opening night. Through Feb. 21.
Hairspray: Playhouse Merced sings “Good Morning, Baltimore” in the popular musical. Through Feb. 21. (NR)
Pecos Bill and Slue Foot Sue Meet the Dirty Dan Gang: The town of Prairie Dog is the setting for this Wild West comedy at the Tulare Encore Theatre Company. Through Feb. 20. (NR)
NEXT WEEK’S OPENINGS
Twelve Angry Men: The Selma Arts Center production of the jury-room classic, directed by Juan L. Guzman, features a modern setting. (Opens Thursday, Feb. 18)
Sweeney Todd: Fresno Grand Opera goes for blood in a fully staged version of the Sondheim classic. (Opens Saturday, Feb. 20)
This story was originally published February 10, 2016 at 3:29 PM with the headline "Theater roundup: Performing arts shows Feb. 12-18."