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George Is Dead

Arizona Theatre Company

November 12-December 6, 2009

Avg. Event Rating (3.1 Stars): Add Review/Comment

Love, death, politics and classes collide wildly in this boisterous new comedy both written and directed by two-time Academy Award nominee and legend Elaine May. Uptown, George is rich and Doreen is helpless. Downtown, Michael is disillusioned and Carla is the capable one. When a bogus bomb scare in the New York subway starts a fatal series of events in motion, the lives (and deaths) of this unlikely quartet intersect for one night in a one-bedroom walkup in the middle of Manhattan. As worlds collide over a turbulent 24 hours, circumstances teach each of the addled urbanites about their inability to save the world.

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• Ticket Info

  Tickets: $31-$59

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• Dates & Times

  Dates:
  November 12-December 6, 2009

  Times:
  Varies By Date

• Venue Info

  Herberger Theater Center

  222 East Monroe Street Phoenix, AZ 85004

  Full map and directions

  

  

• Locations

  Phoenix

  Downtown Phoenix

• Accessibility Info

  • Wheelchair Access
  • Braille
  • Assisted Listening System

• NOTE: We do our best to ensure all information is accurate, however it's a good idea to visit the website or call the venue to verify the information.

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  • Event Name: George Is Dead
    "Julia Brothers true talent!"
    Review posted by: Ev from Sedona, AZ, Nov 29, 2009
    

    The acting was strong, both from noted thespian Julia from the Bay area as well as small screen legend Marlo Thomas, Elaine needs one more rewrite! Good stuff here.

    The acting was strong, both from noted thespian Julia from the Bay area as well as small screen legend Marlo Thomas, Elaine needs one more rewrite! Good stuff here.

  • Event Name: George Is Dead
    "Julia Brothers is Amazing"
    Review posted by: Jim Colachis from Phoenix, AZ, Nov 19, 2009
    

    I saw the play on the 18th. Although I did not have a great deal of sympathy for the role of Doreen, Marlo Thomas was entertaining. But Julia Brothers gets my vote as one of America's finest actors.... Expand

    I saw the play on the 18th. Although I did not have a great deal of sympathy for the role of Doreen, Marlo Thomas was entertaining. But Julia Brothers gets my vote as one of America's finest actors. She made the leap from looking like an actor on stage to being the part. Amazing. If you want to see what great acting is supposed to look like, go see this play. Julia, I apologize for not leading the stand for an ovation. The bows came so quickly that I missed my mark. But I am standing now. Collapse

  • Event Name: George Is Dead
    "Not nearly as good as it could have been"
    Review posted by: Michelle F. from Scottsdale, Nov 16, 2009
    

    I have never been to a production where I found myself not paying attention. This was a first! I found it dragging on in places where it clearly shouldn't, and the show was more about Carla's life... Expand

    I have never been to a production where I found myself not paying attention. This was a first! I found it dragging on in places where it clearly shouldn't, and the show was more about Carla's life than George or Doreen! With all due respect to Marlo Thomas, the star was Julia Brothers. The story reflected much more about her life than Doreen’s. I feel Ms. Thomas's name was used as the star to help promote the production. The cast did a wonderful job; set and lighting design were done nicely. There were some comic moments for sure, but I'd not suggest to a friend to see the production if asked. Collapse

  • Event Name: George Is Dead
    "Witty political comedy"
    Review posted by: Gillian from Phoenix, AZ, Nov 14, 2009
    

    If you are expecting a mindless farce, this isn't it. If you are expecting a typically smart Elaine May comedy of modern manners with a political edge and dark undertones you won't be disappointed.... Expand

    If you are expecting a mindless farce, this isn't it. If you are expecting a typically smart Elaine May comedy of modern manners with a political edge and dark undertones you won't be disappointed. Very well done by ATC with a pertinent message. Collapse

  • Event Name: George Is Dead
    "NO MONEYBACK GUARANTEE?"
    Review posted by: Michael A. from Tucson AZ, USA, Nov 08, 2009
    

    Too bad I had not seen the video clip before wasting 50 Dollars on a matinee performance. The humor is less than original, the plot thin. From the overly long and boring "Limo" scene to the second... Expand

    Too bad I had not seen the video clip before wasting 50 Dollars on a matinee performance. The humor is less than original, the plot thin. From the overly long and boring "Limo" scene to the second rate writing and direction, I am embarrassed for Ms May. Even though the play is contemporary, it appears Elaine May is still stuck in the 60s. If not for the amazing Marlo Thomas, this on stage debacle would not have made it to Tucson! Collapse

  • Event Name: George Is Dead
    "Has Potential"
    Comment posted by: Boodet from Green Valley, Nov 05, 2009
    

    This little play has lots of potential. The characters of George and Michael are really physically not needed. Reference and an expanded view by Carla could take care of them via dialogue. Dear old... Expand

    This little play has lots of potential. The characters of George and Michael are really physically not needed. Reference and an expanded view by Carla could take care of them via dialogue. Dear old Mom would be a great early addition in the apartment to showcase the early years and build up to the entrance of Ditsy Doreen. (A headboard Tropy with Wife engraved on it would be a subtle bit of humor to further define Doreen.)I think all the political stuff, while funny, was superflous and the drive to the airport a waste of time. Collapse

  • Event Name: George Is Dead
    "The Main Character is Not Marlo Thomas........"
    Review posted by: theatre lover. from Tucson, Az, Nov 02, 2009
    

    This play is a dark comedy, not because George is dead, but because Carla has been dead most of her life. The play ends abruptly and appropriately when Carla decides to live "her own life" by refusing... Expand

    This play is a dark comedy, not because George is dead, but because Carla has been dead most of her life. The play ends abruptly and appropriately when Carla decides to live "her own life" by refusing to take care of George's funeral and by extension all of the rest of the needy people she has allowed to feed off of her since she was a child. Julia (Carla) is really the principal character while Marlo as Doreen, steals the show because her acting and her character are so strong. The characters in the play are allegorical. George is a mythical caretaker; Doreen is the epitomy of neediness that Carla succumbs to; Carla's mother represents the force that taught Carla to put herself last. It is not clear (to me) what Michael represents in the allegory. I believe he is one more needy self-absorbed whiner, but he is also part of the catalyst that moves Carla to change. Carla is the transitional 60's working woman trying to be a mythical everywoman who can do it all. Collapse

  • Event Name: George Is Dead
    "A nice little play."
    Review posted by: Max from Green Valley, AZ., Oct 25, 2009
    

    This is a nice little play. Marlo turns in a professional and enjoyable performance. Her co-star, Julia, is superb. It isn't great theater, but it makes for an enjoyable evening.

    This is a nice little play. Marlo turns in a professional and enjoyable performance. Her co-star, Julia, is superb. It isn't great theater, but it makes for an enjoyable evening.

  • Event Name: George Is Dead
    ""
    Review posted by: LLeiken from Tucson, AZ, Oct 17, 2009
    

    A skillful play writer like Elaine May should know leaving too much to the imagination of the audience may also just leave the audience where it was when the play began. We were left to guess far too... Expand

    A skillful play writer like Elaine May should know leaving too much to the imagination of the audience may also just leave the audience where it was when the play began. We were left to guess far too much about Doreen's former life to make sense of the relationship between the principal characters,Carla and Doreen. A rewrite would be in order. Collapse

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