Tuesday, May 20, 2025

Broadway in Tucson Review: 'Mamma Mia!'

Judging from the sunny dispositions and raucous enthusiasm of the cast, "Mamma Mia!" must be just as much to perform as it is to watch. The combination of the feel-good song and dance numbers, upbeat story and head-bopping, toe-tapping rhythms make the musical feel like an interactive wedding dance in which everyone on the floor has had just the right amount to drink.

The 1999 jukebox musical, which embraces ABBA music via" Catherine Johnson's book, doesn't so much tour the nation as it does bounce from city to city, bringing its sense of unbridled joy intertwined with its cultural touchstone numbers. The iconic songs in the film have managed to touch several generations, granting each a sense of giddy nostalgia. 

The show would be insanely fun even if this were a community theater production, but the considerable talent in the cast manages to make it more than even the impressive sum of its parts. The show's shining star is Christina Merrill as Donna, the mother of a bride-to-be looking to discover the identity of her father. A veteran of the long-running Las Vegas residency of the show, she belts out tunes with the operatic gusto of a diva, captivating the audience with wildly confident, iron-lunged flourishes that leave no question as to the depths of her talents.

Amy Weaver lends a bouncy enthusiasm to Sophie, Donna's daughter, who's set herself on the quixotic quest. Blake Price, Jim Newman and Victor Wallace contribute impressive turns as Donna's three former flings, all whom Sophie believes could be her father. A game ensemble cast executes energetic, athletic choreography, which prioritizes explosive outbursts of enthusiasm over lockstep precision.

"Mamma Mia!" flies by like a summer breeze, with a continuous succession of ABBA bangers that hardly lets you pause for breath, much less gather yourself to grant each its proper applause. Working in front of spare sets, the magnetism of the actors brings the characters to vivid prominence in ways the film adaptation couldn't quite execute. Live theater, ideally with a top-flight cast such as this, surrounded by fans appreciating the spectacle like a raucous rock concert crowd, is the only way to truly feel this show's groove. 

From the rafters, this show screams "take a chance on me!" And it would be foolish to disobey. "Mamma Mia!" is too much fun to pass up.

"Mamma Mia plays" at Centennial Hall through May 25. Buy tickets here.

Early Game Review: 'Deliver at All Costs'

Filled with wild action, ceaseless momentum and ample whimsy, "Deliver at All Costs," due out Thursday, is a rambunctious and often hilarious thrill ride.

Swedish developer Far Out Games Studio, working under publisher Konami, captures the spirit of "Crazy Taxi" with a heavy dash of "Grand Theft Auto," tinted with 1950s tropes.

As delivery driver Winston Green, you're tasked with taking on payloads that are often absurd, dangerous and wacky. You find yourself sinking deeper into a tapestry of mysteries, dodging explosions and taking on all manner of obstacles and enemies.

A smile was plastered on my face throughout my time with "Deliver at All Costs." There is plenty of replayability, with a progression system that incentivizes refining your techniques and incrementally improving your adaptability.

While "Deliver at All Costs" may not rake in universal praise, it's enough of a crowd-pleaser to maintain a place on the home screen of gamers of all stripes. Sprinting a mile in Winston Green's shoes is a breathless, grin-inducing rush. 

Publisher provided review code.

Thursday, May 08, 2025

Deal Alert: How to Get a Free iPhone 16 Pro on T-Mobile





Those looking to snag a free iPhone 16 without having to cough up a device for trade-in should consider taking advantage of a new offer by T-Mobile.

The unprecedented offer comes with the carrier's new Experience Beyond plan, which comes with several add-in offers, such as free Apple TV+, Hulu, Netflix and season-long subscriptions to MLS Season Pass and MLB.TV. There's also a five-year price lock guarantee. For more T-Mobile iPhone deals, click here

Information from T-Mobile news release. This is not a paid post.

Tuesday, May 06, 2025

Book Report: 'Prep, Push, Pivot'

 

Prep, Push, Pivot: Essential Career Strategies for Underrepresented WomenPrep, Push, Pivot: Essential Career Strategies for Underrepresented Women by Octavia Goredema
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Octavia Goredema's career coaching book is filled with crucial advice for those at any career stage looking to get ahead or change course. It's geared toward women of color, but the advice isn't specific to any gender or ethnic group.

Her advice consists of pragmatic approaches to asking for raises and promotions, positioning yourself for higher-paying, more prestigious career paths, making yourself more visible in the corporate culture and seeking a mentor while becoming one to others.

At times, Goredema's advice is tainted by mild naivete, and she is prone to overpromoting her own business and workshops, but that doesn't taint the rock-solid advice within. This book would make a great college graduation gift, but should also be required reading for anyone unhappy with their career path.

View all my reviews

Saturday, May 03, 2025

Box Break: 2020 Topps Heritage High Number Baseball Hobby Box

This was a dud.

T-Mobile Mother's Day Deals



Sam Looney curated some T-Mobile tech deals geared toward Mother's Day. Here are some highlights: 

Phone offers include a free iPhone 16 Pro with eligible trade-in on Go5G Next or Experience Beyond, a free Google Pixel 9a with an eligible trade-in or when adding a line on most plans.

You can also grab a free 40mm Apple Watch SE 2nd Gen or 40mm Samsung Galaxy Watch 7 when adding a watch line. There's also a 50% off offer on an iPad A16 when adding a new tablet line.

For the full slate of picks from Looney, read more here.

This information originated with a T-Mobile news release. This post was not sponsored.