I was fortunate enough to get tickets to the Zoom Event for Head Over Heels. The process to get me…read moretickets to the event was super easy and several people reached out to make sure I had all the information to view the event. The show consisted of a variety of acts, plus 3 women who were the emcees of the event. I think the emcees had more fun than anyone!!! Because of the way I logged in, I was able to comment on the acts, which in this new world, made me feel a little like I was there. There was even an act that requested audience participation, and it was fun to see others chiming in. I must say that this isn't my favorite way to see a show, but I totally admire all the participants for putting their all into the show.

Without getting too involved in the history of this company, which likely isn't why you're reading…read morethis review, I want to say that I first encountered this theatre company back in, oh, maybe 2009. Two founders of Duke City Rep, Amelia Ampuero and Frank Green, made cordial, friendly small talk in the black box of North 4th about how they'd chosen Albuquerque as their home because they felt our city was the perfect hatching ground for a more mature theatre scene. Green, in particular, struck me as a passionate dude with a "look" that stuck, he was simultaneously wily and steady, the kind of guy I wanted to see on stage. Since that time they've filled their resumé with winning productions at The Filling Station and the polished, Union-supporting company, The Cell. This year I had an opportunity to catch their Halloween thriller, "Night of the Living Dead". Set in a basement during a zombie apocalypse, Duke City Rep managed to suspend my disbelief for the better part of 40 minutes. I finally got to see Green in action, too, and he didn't disappoint. This company has the gritty, ambitious feel that founded another Burque performance ensemble, Tricklock. There's no time like the present to catch this crew in action -- they're gelling and connecting, there's an energy on stage that typically won't stick around too long, that's just the way the theatre beast rolls; like bands that get signed to major labels, eventually that chemistry splinters. So right about now, you're looking at a really good garage band, you best see a show.

A fine little playhouse in the Northeast Heights of Albuquerque at a convenient location in the…read morecenter of town, The Desert Rose seems ideal for small productions with its cozy theater that seats about 50. I'm here tonight watching "The Most Fabulous Story Ever Told" on an appropriately stormy night. This play, written about twenty years ago by Paul Rudnick, has been brought back at a perfect time in American Cultural history by director Dagmar Garza. The play is a reinvisioning of the creation story familiar in the Bible in the expected way for a queer-revisioning: with Adam and Steve. The play is much more complex, however, than just making a statement about homosexuality. We the audience watch as the characters discover the world and grapple with philosophical questions as if they were children, unaware of dogma. The play also includes an interesting narrative style, with the "Stage Director," a character in the play, providing the kind of narration traditionally supplied by a chorus. The play is mostly funny and bawdy. As far as being philosophically insightful, it lacks any powerful punch that might elevated it beyond the level of entertainment. Nevertheless, the show is well acted, timely, and interesting. I recommend you see it before it closes on the 28th. PS. Billy Mallard really stole the show as gay Santa. And as for The Desert Rose: I'll be back. :)

I went to see the Sally Struthers/Patsy Cline show on 9-29-18. Our group of 4 was not allowed to…read moresit together because we bought our tickets separately. The director had taken stickers with you name on it and placed it on the chairs. She had a list at the door of who went where. When we complained it was to no avail. We were all mixed up in different locations. The tickets were expensive and nothing was said about assigned seats. I attend community theater frequently and have never seen anything like this. The theater is not very nice and the acoustics were terrible. I would not recommend this theater and certainly would not go to the venue again.

Size doesn't matter, they say. Which I think is total hog wash when it comes to the size of my…read morecandy bar, and I'd have to say I feel the same about theatre. Size is everything. A production in a huge theatre leaves out that intimate experience with the stage, the set, the tiny yet beautiful team effort and transition between acts; the things you wouldn't usually get to notice. I absolutely love the heart and soul I see behind a small theatre; throw in the raw skill of these locals and you wonder why you haven't escaped your typical night from Albuquerque to join the buzz of the Vortex more often. I have been here a few times, back when located on Carlisle, but this was my first time at the new location. The production: "The Real Thing"! I had heard tale of accents and from that alone I was sold ;) There were struggles of relationships (the monotony, infidelity, - real things, indeed) as well as a bit of insight into the writer's mind. What I personally took from the play was that without continuing affection/appreciation, love can easily wither, and you or your lover may find yourself in the arms of another, but even at that point, if you both fight back hard enough for your love, you can reclaim it. I will say that the theatre was quite ablaze on this particular Friday night - some issues with the cooling, causing our poor little programs to be beaten and destroyed back and forth for that teensy ounce of a breeze it may provide. After intermission they had the cooling situation under control thank gourd, and I was able to really give the dialogue my full attention. They have waters for a buck, sodas for a buck, reasonable and nice little refreshments. Believe you me did those come in handy after the first half :P This was an extremely talented set of people for this production and I was delighted to be a part of their audience. I have special kudos to give out to the lad who played Henry, for the ridiculous amount of lines he memorized was downright crazy. Sometimes I could barely keep up, let alone imagine remembering and delivering all of those words. Whew! Way to go! See ya again soon, Vortex!

We got out of work late and rushed downtown to catch "Shakespere in the Plaza" we were 6 minutes…read morelate. We were told they "held the show as long as they could" with a bit of annoyance. They had open seats, and, after we went back down to the parking garage, paid the parking and came back up, 10 min later they had still not started. Perhaps they do something special that no other production does, that absolutely requires people be exactly on time. Or maybe it's ran by pretentious so-and-so's. Who knows. **note: I was asked about the location. This review was in reference to a production they were putting on down town**

Fantastic productions with amazing sets and great actors. Well, worth the time and money to check…read morethem out.

Landmark Musicals' production of "Pippin" is an entertaining fun romp through the era of knights,…read moremaidens, and swords wielded against the kingdom's enemies. Pippin himself is a wonderful young man, the son of a king, seeking "fulfillment" in life. We get to go along with him on his adventures. All of the singers and dancers were superb. A standout performance by Samantha Blawkamp as Berthe, who was superb as Pippins sexy grandmother. Her singing was wonderful and her sassy dancing as she was trying to teach Pippin about the wonders of manhood for me was the highlight of the pay. If you haven't seen Pippin, don't wait. Get your ticket and go have some fun!

What an awesome venue run by fantastic people I love this place and will be back frequentlyread more

Fascinating and unique art & theatre space. Whatever the original purpose was for this space the…read morebuilding angels planned on it being here for the duration. Built with good bones. Gorgeous floors. Excellent wall space for art. An ample stage for music & live theatre. Great central location. I'm sure there is something that some grumbly grizzly person will complain about, but not me. I love this venue.

Where New Mexicans go to hear captivating stories and learn to tell their unique story: This is the…read morework of Blackout - in the theatre and in the schools. We heard it from the director himself tonight at their Improv night, which was a fundraiser for this most excellent organization. They have several theatrical events planned this year. Go see their website. If you have extra money lying around, write them a check and they'll use it to reach kids with the arts in our schools. I've seen a few of their live shows now and it's always money well spent - such feel good moments surrounded by amazing local talent.

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Albuquerque Academy puts on amazing stage productions, and Simms is a great performance space for a…read morehigh school. The stadium seating gives you a splendid view of the stage from any seat, even the wings, and some spots even give you a good view of the orchestra pit. It should come as no surprise that this school's resources are outstanding, and the attention they give their performance departments is enviable. The sound and stage lighting are awesome and the usable space is really top-notch for this type (highschool) of venue. AA kids are well instructed and spectacularly talented. We just went to a production of the Phantom of the Opera and I was moved to tears more than once. The stars of the show couldn't possibly have been highschoolers! They were very nearly as good as any act I've seen at Popejoy and their voices were simply stunning. I love Webber's Broadway score and was really pleased to find AA was putting on that same version of the legendary story. Although they didn't quite match up to the amazing vocalists' performances, the school's orchestra (+ certain wind instruments) did a not-too-shabby job for a highschool crew replicating one of the (IMHO) most powerfully moving scores ever written.

Fantastic artist, performer, and event producer! I have always enjoyed any event they have been a…read morepart of and look forward to future events.