Put on your cowboy hat and mosey on down to the Gaslight Theatre to see it’s latest melodrama, Showdown in Tucson! My family and I were hosted by The Gaslight Theatre in exchange for a review of its latest melodrama, Showdown in Tucson, but as always, all opinions are my own. I was expecting to enjoy Showdown in Tucson, but I thought it would be a typical western. I was wrong! Keep reading for a review as well the chance to win tickets to see a performance!
Mike Yarema as Big John and David Orley as Soapy.
GASLIGHT THEATRE’S SHOWDOWN IN TUCSON IS NOT A TYPICAL WESTERN
I love a good western, but sometimes, they can lack originality. Showdown in Tucson could never be accused of lacking originality, though - or creativity! The plot is very simple - Territorial Marshall Brett Masters tries to keep the town of Tucson safe from a bunch of outlaws because as he puts it “It’s his job!” While the Gaslight melodramas usually involve a lot of bad guys versus good guy moments, the bad guys definitely outnumbered the good guys in Showdown in Tucson. Even though the good guys and gals still win, it was fun seeing some of the regular performers channel their inner baddie, lol. As always, the props and the stage sets are fantastic - they range from a saloon, to a train ride, to a jail cell. And if the sun doesn’t want to set, just get one of the characters to shoot it down! The shows are always extremely interactive, but this one seemed even more so than usual. Several of the performers talked to the audience during their scenes, and because it takes place in Tucson, many of the references are inside jokes. Those visiting from out of town won’t feel left out, though - the Gaslight makes the audience feel like one big family. That’s one of the wonderful things about the Gaslight Theatre. Whether you are a fan of westerns or not, you’ll love Showdown in Tucson.
Territorial Marshal, Brett Masters (played by Armen Dirtadian) to the rescue! Because it’s his job 🙂
Here’s a little more about The Gaslight Theatre presents Showdown in Tucson:
In the 1880s, life is peaceful in the sleepy frontier town of Tucson, Arizona. That is until a gang of cattle ruffians arrive looking to take over. Territorial Marshal, Brett Masters, is determined to keep the peace, but will he be able to stop a “Showdown in Tucson?” Strap on your boots, put on your cowboy hat, and come join the fun!
THE BEVERLY HILLBILLIES OLIO
The Olio sticks with the country western theme, Beverly Hillbillies style. I grew up watching reruns on TV so I’m well familiar with it 🙂 The Olio was a great way to end the evening - the performers sang several songs, from the Beverly Hillbillies theme song to Cotton-Eyed Joe.
The Beverly Hillbillies Olio will make you want to get up from your seat and dance!
IS SHOWDOWN IN TUCSON KID FRIENDLY?
All the melodramas at the Gaslight Theatre are kid friendly and Showdown in Tucson is no exception. However, there are a few scenes where the performers wield prop knives, guns, and dynamite. My 7 year old son knows that the props aren’t real, but if this is something that you or your child are sensitive to, it’s a good time to remind them that the props are not real. My son loved Showdown in Tucson, especially the corny jokes. He actually received an award last year for Class Comedian (go figure), so I think he enjoys listening to the jokes for new material!
LOCATION?
The Gaslight Theatre, 7010 E. Broadway Blvd, Tucson, AZ 85710
TICKET PRICES?
Tickets cost $23.95/person and discounts are available for children, students, seniors and members of the military.
- Adults: $23.95
- Students, Seniors, Military: $21.95
- Children ages 2-12: $13.95
*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 and the Christmas shows.
WHAT ARE THE DATES FOR SHOWDOWN IN TUCSON?
January 9, 2020 through March 29, 2020
SHOWTIMES?
- Tuesdays through Thursdays: 7 pm
- Fridays and Saturdays: (3 pm on select dates), 6 pm and 8:30 pm
- Sundays: (12 pm on select dates), 3 pm and 6 pm
- Closing show on Sunday, March 29, 2020 at 12:30 pm
GIVEAWAY
Please enter the rafflecopter below for a chance to win tickets for a table of four to Showdown in Tucson. There are a total of 4 tables up for grabs, so that means there will be FOUR different winners! Winners will be able to select a date and time, depending on availability. The contest ends on January 25, 2020 at 12 am (Mountain Time), and I will notify the winners via email. The winners will need to respond to my email within 48 hours, otherwise another winner will be selected. Good luck!
I really enjoyed watching this show.
We really enjoy gaslight’s performances. Always a good night if fun!