The Lone Ranger…..wait. I mean, The Lone Stranger. The Lone Stranger rides again! This time to the Gaslight Theatre in Tucson, Arizona! And it’s a fun performance to watch. My family and I were hosted by The Gaslight Theatre in exchange for a review of The Lone Stranger but as always all opinions are my own. Western movie fans will love the references to a classic (The Lone Ranger) and it will create fans in the form of younger generations like my son. Keep reading for a review as well the chance to win tickets to see a performance!
A Review of The Gaslight Theatre’s The Lone Stranger
The Lone Ranger has been a long time family favorite. But the Gaslight Theatre brings its own unique twist to the western classic in the form of the Lone Stranger. Todd Thompson does a great job portraying the Texas Ranger who becomes the Lone Stranger. And his sidekick, Tonka, is hilariously played by Joe Cooper. The two of them banter back and forth very well, in keeping with their characters.
Not only do the performers do a great job bringing their characters to life, but the costumes, the backdrops, and props fit in well with the western time period. The first scene takes place in Diamond Lil’s (played by Heather Stricker-DeBenedetti) Saloon, setting the stage for what is to come. There are also some action sequences, like a stagecoach chase, and an axe throwing scene, where the Durango Kid (played by Jake Chapman), narrowly misses being hit by axes. No need to worry - the axes aren’t real 🙂
To the audience’s delight, the good guys/gals win and the bad guys/gals lose! And as always, audience participation is highly encouraged. For example, the audience didn’t hesitate when asked by the Lone Stranger to help sing a certain well known theme song, William Tell Overture. While my son is not familiar with William Tell Overture, he was caught up in the excitement.
Here’s a little more about The Gaslight Theatre presents The Lone Stranger:
“Wearing a mask to protect his identity, The Lone Stranger fights to bring justice to the lawless frontier. Astride his white stallion, Thunder, he strikes terror into the hearts of the gunslingers of the Old West. Join him and his friend Tonka, as they come to the aid of those in need as the Gaslight Theatre gallops into the sunset with the Lone Stranger!”
Olio
Because The Lone Stranger is a western, it makes sense that the Olio’s overall theme is country music. Heather Stricker-DeBenedetti does a great job of performing Crazy by Patsy Cline.
And Mama, don’t let your babies grow up to be cowboys 🙂 Yes, that’s Joe Cooper dressed like Willie Nelson.
IS THE LONE STRANGER KID FRIENDLY?
The Lone Stranger is definitely kid friendly. My 5 year old son loves the slapstick comedy and clapped every time the Lone Stranger made an appearance. He told me afterward that it’s his favorite. So if you have kids and you (or they) haven’t yet experienced a performance at the Gaslight Theatre, this one would be a good one to give it a try.
WHEN?
Tuesday through Sunday, January 5, 2018 through March 25, 2018
LOCATION?
The Gaslight Theatre, 7010 E. Broadway Blvd, Tucson, AZ 85710
TICKET PRICES?
- Adults: $21.95
- Students, Seniors, Military: $19.95
- Children ages 2-12: $11.95
*Prices above do not include tax
**Tickets can be purchased by calling the box office at (520) 886-9428 or by visiting the box office in person. The box office is open daily from 10 am to 9 pm.
***Reservations are required. The performances sell out months in advance, especially the weekend performances.
SHOWTIMES?
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- Tuesdays through Thursdays: 7 pm
- Fridays and Saturdays: 3 pm (on select dates), 6 pm, 8:30 pm
- Saturdays: 3 pm (on select Saturdays), 6 pm, and 8:30 pm
- Sundays: 12 pm (on select dates), 3 pm and 6 pm
- Closing show on Sunday, March 25, 2018 at 12:30 pm
Giveaway
Please enter the rafflecopter below for a chance to win tickets for a table of four to the Gaslight Theatre. There are a total of 4 tables up for grabs, so that means there will be 4 different winners! Winners will be able to select a date and time, depending on availability. The contest ends on January 21, 2018 at 12 am (Mountain Time), and I will notify the winner via email. The winners will need to respond to my email within 48 hours, otherwise another winner will be selected. Good luck!
Tombstone is my favorite. Hands down 🙂