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The Wager

Mesa Arts Center

February 17-February 19, 2007

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Internationally known, hometown composer Eugene Anderson has spent nearly a decade of his life working on a project bigger than himself. The Wager (based on the Book of Job, one of the most enduring texts of classical literature) is an innovative musical that challenges the conventional forms of genre. 'The Wager is a story of tragedy and triumph, loss and redemption. It plumbs the depths of human emotion and test the limits of faith, taking the audience on a journey of the soul in search of inner peace and joy,' said Mr. Anderson. It is Mr. Anderson's first musical theater composition, but it is not his last as two other productions are already on the drawing board. The Wager is Anderson's largest work to date, of over 150 compositions. Some may recall Mr. Anderson's comparison in the late 90s to the real Mr. Holland's Opus because of his 27 year wait for his orchestral debut, much in the same way Glenn Holland's story with which the movie based on his life, starring Richard Dreyfuss was derived.

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  Tickets: $35-$55

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• Dates & Times

  Dates:
  February 17-February 19, 2007

  Times:
  Saturday and Monday 2:00pm and 7:30pm, Sunday 2:00pm and 7:00pm

• Venue Info

  Mesa Arts Center Theaters

  1 East Main Street Mesa, AZ 85211

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  Mesa

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  • Event Name: The Wager
    "LOVED IT!"
    Review posted by: John Reid from Gilbert, Feb 19, 2007
    

    I completely disagree with “Glass Seller’s” review, it’s totally off base. I too went to the Sat. evening performance and was only six rows back and did not notice any problems whatsoever with the... Expand

    I completely disagree with “Glass Seller’s” review, it’s totally off base. I too went to the Sat. evening performance and was only six rows back and did not notice any problems whatsoever with the mics. I have been to all of the major Broadway musicals and even believe this musical will some day be compared to the likes of “Phantom of the Opera.” This was the first ever performance of this musical; it stands to reason that it would not be perfect. I thought the music and the orchestra were absolutely awesome! There were a couple of songs and scenes that I didn’t care for, but over all it was fabulous. The performers were good, but not great. There were two exceptional performances by the character Robin and Lou. I think you’ll see this musical again, bigger and better than ever, probably in a larger theater market too. It was pathetic how few people showed up, however I suppose that is to be expected from a first time musical. Mr. Anderson, if you read this…kudos to you! Collapse

  • Event Name: The Wager
    "Save Your Money for Anderson's Future Works"
    Review posted by: Glass Seller from Tempe, AZ, Feb 19, 2007
    

    It's not for lack of talent that 'The Wager' disappoints. Its orchestration, vocals, and dancing are rich and well-exercised. However, even if you know the Bible story of Job, the play's dialog &... Expand

    It's not for lack of talent that 'The Wager' disappoints. Its orchestration, vocals, and dancing are rich and well-exercised. However, even if you know the Bible story of Job, the play's dialog & lyrics are a glaringly trite and repetitive, detracting to already-flat characterizations. The show's commitment to putting the story of Job in a modern-day corporate setting is only partial and creates frustration for the audience. For example, without knowing that "J" and "Lou" are something more than ordinary, human businessmen, the audience does not understand their power and perspective. Adding distraction throughout the Sat. night performance was that microphones weren’t being turned on until an actor was 5 words into a phrase. I respect Mr. Anderson's effort to bring a story to the musical stage - especially as a local artist. His musical talent is very obvious, but I hope his future musical dramas involve as much focus on words and acting as it does orchestration. Collapse

  • Event Name: The Wager
    "Unbelievable! Wow!"
    Review posted by: Jane Beck from Scottsdale, Feb 17, 2007
    

    I didn't really know what to expect, but have to say, "The Wager" was terrific. I understand the composer is also a local...great job! Highly recommend seeing it.

    I didn't really know what to expect, but have to say, "The Wager" was terrific. I understand the composer is also a local...great job! Highly recommend seeing it.

  • Event Name: The Wager
    "A MUST SEE, Outstanding!"
    Review posted by: Mark Stone from Mesa, Feb 08, 2007
    

    I was fortunate enough to have been invited to attend a rehearsal and I have to say, I was very impressed! From the music, the 30+ piece orchestra to the acting, this is a must see. They even lowered... Expand

    I was fortunate enough to have been invited to attend a rehearsal and I have to say, I was very impressed! From the music, the 30+ piece orchestra to the acting, this is a must see. They even lowered the ticket prices as I got a partial refund on the tickets I already purchased, so the prices are now very reasonable, especially for a musical of this scale. Collapse

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