Friday, March 31, 2017

review - THE 25TH ANNUAL PUTNAM COUNTY SPELLING BEE - Brelby Theatre Company

the cast
photo by Fernando Perez
highlights from local critics reviews - (click link at bottom of each review to read complete review)

Click here for more information on this production that runs through April 1st.

"...The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee ... a quirky, witty musical that oozes charm. It also offers many introspective moments concerning the difficulties of being an outsider or having parents who don't quite understand you. Brelby Theatre Company's production features a fun cast who capably deliver refined performances full of both humor and poignancy. The show takes place at the fictional Putnam County Spelling Bee where a group of adolescents are competing for the top prize and the bragging rights that go with it. ...While not every member of the Brelby cast is an accomplished singer, which makes a few moments in a couple of songs a little rough, the group all work well together. Director Shelby Maticic has added numerous fun touches throughout, as well as some hilarious dance steps. She also ensures that each actor creates a unique yet identifiable character and that the entire group forms a realistic, cohesive unit. The six adolescents are played by a group of actors ranging in age from mid-teens to late 20s who skillfully portray individuals much younger. With downtrodden eyes and a quiet demeanor, Stephanie Spencer is perfect as the shy and reserved Olive Ostrovsky...Karson Cook is hilarious as the awkward but sure of himself William Barfee..and Alex Tuchi is a bundle of energy as the hyperactive Leaf Coneybear...Thea Eigo is sassy and all business as Marcy Park...Aubrea Robards is a gem as the spunky Logainne SchwartzandGrubenierre, ..and Ricco Machado does well as Chip Tolentino...As the adult characters, Monica Hernandez Bollt injects a huge amount of pride into Rona Lisa Peretti...Devon Mahon humorously plays Vice Principal Douglas Panch..As Mitch Mahoney, the man responsible for making sure that losing contestants are given counseling and a juice box, Kevin Fenderson is a charmer. ...With a talented cast and solid direction that display humor plus a huge amount of sincerity, Brelby's production of the very funny but also very moving The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee is charming. " -Gil Benbrook, Talkin' Broadway (click here to read the complete review)

photos - I AND YOU - Tuscany Theatre Company

CLICK HERE for more information on this production, which runs March 31st to April 9th







photos by Lisa Webb / Southwest Shots Photography

photos - RING OF FIRE - Arizona Theatre Company

 CLICK HERE for more information on this production, which runs through April 16th












photos by Tim Fuller

Thursday, March 30, 2017

cast announcement / photos - AND THEN THERE WERE NONE - Starlight Community Theatre

CLICK HERE for more information on this production, which runs through April 2nd

Rogers: Andrew Driggers
Mrs. Rogers: Leigh Hagen
Fred Naracott: Greg Hitzig
Vera Claythorne: Oliva Odom
Philip Lombard: Benjamin Rojek
Anthony Marston: Shayne Burkett
William Blore: Will Rippenkroeger
General Mackenzie: Rick Tejera
Emily Brent: Spencer Warren
Sir Lawrence Wargrave: Aaron Frederick
Dr. Armstrong: David Magadan




a conversation with the multiple Mary Magadelenes of JESUS CHRIST SUPERSTAR at Arizona Broadway Theatre


by Gil Benbrook

For their production of Jesus Christ Superstar, Arizona Broadway Theatre is featuring four talented actresses, all of whom have performed in numerous ABT shows, in the role of Mary Magdalene, with each actress playing a week of the run.

Cassandra Klaphake just finished her stint as Mary but we got a chance to ask Laura Berger, Chanel Bragg and Lynzee Foreman some questions about this iconic show, what it's like taking on this very important woman, as well as what their experience working at ABT has been like.

Laura Berger (March 28 - April 2)

You play Mary Magdalene, an individual that just about everyone has a clear definition and understanding of who she is and her importance to the story of Jesus. How difficult is it to play such an iconic person and what have you done to form your portrayal of her? 

"I honestly feel the difficulty in portraying this role has been in rethinking previous conceptions of Mary Magdalene. ALW wrote these characters to be very human, so part of my process in realizing her on stage was to research who the actual person Mary Magdalene might have been. The most interesting thing I learned is that she was actually not named "Magdalene"; that was a word used to describe her.  In Hebrew and Aramaic, Magdalene translates to "tower","elevated", and "magnificent". To me, this shifts the perception of Mary from a repentant sinner to a woman who is revered as a pillar of strength. I am honored to be working on a production that makes this interpretation possible!"

What's your first memory of this musical?

"I was about 13 the first time I saw the movie - I was hooked from the start, went right to the library to get the soundtrack, and proceeded to memorize every word!"

Why do you think this show is still relevant today? 

"The show in and of itself is a classic piece of musical theatre! It was one of the original rock musicals, and its popularity has persisted over the decades. Also, the story is as ubiquitous as it is timeless; it can be retold in a myriad of ways which makes it accessible to so many different audiences."

Have you played this part before, or appeared in a previous production of this musical? 

"This is the first opportunity I've had to portray this role, and its a dream come true!"

Your favorite moment in this production? 

"I have always loved the song "Gethsemane", and I feel Brett's interpretation is incredibly powerful."

Your favorite past experience at ABT? 

"While playing Kala in "Tarzan" was incredible, I will always have a special place in my heart for my first role at ABT, which was Kaye in "The Taffetas"."

Dream role?

"Too many to list! But a good start would be Mrs. Lovett in "Sweeney Todd""

Your favorite part of working at ABT?

"Again, too many things to list! But getting to work alongside some of THE most talented people in the country, and also getting to call them my friends, is at the top of that list."

Chanel Bragg (April 4 - 9)

You play Mary Magdalene, an individual that just about everyone has a clear definition and understanding of who she is and her importance to the story of Jesus. How difficult is it to play such an iconic person and what have you done to form your portrayal of her?

"I think the only difficulty for me is trying to make sure my interpretation of Mary still co-aligns with the stories that my beautiful counterparts as Mary will tell. I think there is a fine line on how to portray her given her supposed profession, and the challenge is to make sure the audience feels how deeply she loved Jesus without judgement. Of course we "Mary to the 4th power" lol have a general framework of understanding of her placement in Jesus's life to derive inspiration from. What's incredible, is because we are so different, I'm hoping our individual message will be even more powerful and still stand strong that Love is the most important force on this earth and to love deeply, wholeheartedly, and to support those that resist an oppressive system and continue to fight!"

What's your first memory of this musical?

"Honestly, I had never experienced JCS until opening night of our production. I haven't even seen the movie. (Lol) So I'm certain I've had to learn the most out of the four M's because I literally have no basis for this musical. It wasn't on my radar because it's not often produced, and quite frankly I didn't think I'd ever be cast as Mary. I appreciate ABT for celebrating diversity and allowing me to be one of the four M's!"

Why do you think this show is still relevant today?

"Because we live in a time right now especially with the current administration that seem to want to divide our great nation. There is so much hatred that seems stirred up and this past election was proof of this. Proof of how much work is still needed. Proof that racism, misogyny, homophobia, exists in its ugliest form and it's our duty as fellow citizens to resist and speak out against the injustices toward our brothers and sisters. To demand collectively that although of course all lives matter, if another group is facing oppression to not marginalize their struggle because it does not resemble your own. The story of Jesus is that he was a radical non violent revolutionary! He hung out with the sick and the poor, he stood up against slutshaming and also challenged the Pharisees and their abuse of power. He preached the power of loving one another unconditionally and treating others how you wish to be treated. Regardless of what you believe in or not, I feel that we all can identify with this story."

Have you played this part before, or appeared in a previous production of this musical?

"Never. But I did sing second verse lead vocal on the title song Jesus Christ Superstar as a part of the Broadway Concert Experience. Wouldn't it be sexy to have a female Judas one day? Lol"

Your favorite moment in this production?

"King Herod! Andy Meyers absolutely slays, and that moment of brevity is needed because as we know this show ends in the crucifixion and I'll take all the lighter moments I can get!!!! Also any moment our incredible Jesus ( Brett Travis) belts. That's definitely a literal high point for me!"

Your favorite past experience / show / character you played at ABT?

"I've been fortunate to play some amazing roles with this lovely company. My first role was during Buddy Holly as the sassy Apollo Performer, and is easily one of my top favorite roles. Buuuut, I'd have to say I really loved playing Jewel in best lil whorehouse opposite my girl Cass. That was a wonderful show."

Dream role?

"Aida..... If I keep saying it , it will happen right!!!!! I don't care if I have to put up a production of it in my house... I. will. play. her!"

Your favorite part about working at ABT?

"The sense of family and the atmosphere. I walk in and I receive hugs from everyone from the box office staff, to technicians, to HR, to the actors, costume shop, you name it. We're one big ol' lovey-dovey family. You come back for a show and it's like a family reunion."


Lynzee Foreman (April 11 - 16)

You play Mary Magdalene, an individual that just about everyone has a clear definition and understanding of who she is and her importance to the story of Jesus.  How difficult is it to play such an iconic person and what have you done to form your portrayal of her?

"I have to be honest, I was very nervous at first at the thought of portraying such an iconic role, but the more I dove into it I realized that she had SO much for me to relate to as far as her feelings towards Jesus and the situations they found themselves in that it became very easy to bring her to life! "

What's your first memory of this musical?

"It's by far my favorite musical of all time. I broke the VHS copy of the movie because I watched it too many times! "

Why do you think this show is still relevant today?

"There is so much that's relevant, politics, hate, discrimination, love, faith. "

Have you played this part before, or appeared in a previous production of this musical? 

I have never played Mary, I have done this show once before at Desert Stages Theatre MANY years
Ago and I played an apostle! 

Your favorite moment in this production?

"My favorite moment has to be Gethsemane. Brett does such an emotional and real performance of the song that I just can't help but want to hear his rendition all the time."

Your favorite past experience / show / character you played at ABT?

"I definitely have had some GREAT times here at ABT, but my favorite would have to be Lina is Singin in the Rain. It was my first supporting role at ABT and I'm so thankful for that!!!"

Dream role? 

"I'm LITERALLY playing mine. Mary In JCS!!! ( but I would love to do Velma in Chicago :)"

Your favorite part about working at ABT?

"The family aspect of it. Yes, they are professional and it IS a job, but it's a family!!! "

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CLICK HERE for more information on Jesus Christ Superstar, playing through April 16th at Arizona Broadway Theatre.

cast announcement - THE SCOTTSBORO BOYS - Phoenix Theatre / Black Theatre Troupe


CLICK HERE for more information on this production, which runs from April 5th to April 30th


WESLEY BARNES......................................................................................Olen 
JOHN BATCHAN...................................................................................Eugene 
WALTER BELCHER.................................................Mr. Tambo/Samuel Liebowitz 
STEVEN CHARLES....................................................................................Willie 
MIGUEL JACKSON...............................................................................Clarence 
TRENT ARMAND KENDALL*..................................Mr. Bones/Attorney General 
MIKE LAWLER*..............................................................................Interlocutor 
RASHAD NAYLOR*...................................................................Charlie/Victoria 
CHRISTOPHER PATTERSON..............................................................Ozie/Ruby 
NATHAN ANDREW RILEY*...............................................................Haywood
TREQUON TATE.......................................................................................Andy
MICHAEL THOMPSON...............................................................................Roy 
SASHA WORDLAW....................................................................................Lady
*Members of Actors’ Equity Association, the union of professional actors & stage managers in the U.S. Understudies - Miguel Jackson (Hayw 


JEFF WHITING...........................................................Director/Choreographer 
JEFF KENNEDY.........................................................................Musical Director
LARRY HOCHMAN.....................................................................Orchestrations 
GLEN KELLY...................................................................Musical Arrangements 
DAVID LOUD......................................................................Vocal Arrangements 
MARK REYNOLDS............................................................Director of Production 
DOUGLAS CLARKE...................................................................Scenic Designer 
DAVE TEMBY...........................................................................Sound Designer 
MICHAEL J EDDY....................................................................Lighting Designer 
ADRIANA DIAZ...................................................................Costume Designer 
LAURENCE LILAGAN .....................................Assistant to the Costume Designer 
PASHA YAMOTAHARI.................................Resident Dramaturge/Dialect Coach 
TYLER WELDEN.....................................................Resident Properties Designer 
KARLA FREDERICK.............................................Associate Production Manager 
MICHELLE ELIAS......................................................................Stage Manager 
ALEX KOSZEWSKI...................................................Assistant Stage Manager
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promo photos - HUGHIE - iTheatre Collaborative

CLICK HERE for more information on this production, which runs March 31st to April 15th






Greg Lutz (foreground) as Erie Smith.
Background: Christopher Haines as the Night Clerk

Photo credit: iTheatre Collaborative

audition notice - DISNEY'S JUNGLE BOOK KIDS - Fountain Hills Theater - April 3, 4 & 11

Audition for "Disney's Jungle Book Kids"
Casting Ages 8 - 15


Banished by the ferocious tiger, Shere Khan, a human boy named Mowgli and his panther friend, Bagheera, are on the run in the deepest parts of the jungle. On their journey, the two meet a sinister snake named Kaa, a herd of elephants and a giant bear named Baloo, who teaches them the swingin' musical rhythms of the jungle. After surviving a dangerous encounter with a band of monkeys led by King Louie, Mowgli and Bagheera are forced to run for their lives. When Shere Khan returns, our heroes must rally their fellow animals into battle and restore peace throughout the jungle.

Directed by : Ross Collins
Musically Directed by: Paige Beckman
Choreographed by: Jenny Iverson


Audition Dates:
April 3rd, 4th, and 11th at 5:45pm
Callbacks: Wednesday, April 12th if needed


Production dates: Friday, June 2nd - Sunday, June 18th

**Call To Register**
(480) 837-9661 x3


Auditioners should prepare:
- 16 bars of an upbeat song that best shows off their voice
- Bring sheet music in appropriate key or edited karaoke track in proper key and queued to desired start
- 1-2 minute comedic monologue
- Dress to move for dance audition.
- Headshot and resume if available
- List of possible rehearsal conflicts

CASTING:
Mowgli: a boy who gets along with everyone, has a joyful and curious nature.
Bagheera: a panther who acts like an older sibling to Mowgli.
Baloo: a large bear who provides much comedic relief.
Kaa: the snake, supplies threat and danger to Mowgli's journey out of the jungle.
Shere Khan: the tiger, is King of the Jungle.
Colonel Hathi: the elephant, is in charge of the elephant brigade. but is also a little forgetful.
King Louie: King of the Monkeys.
Jungle Animals: Monkeys, Elephants, Vultures, Wolves, etc
Coconut Tree / Shanti: hides in the jungle the entire time disguised as a Coconut Tree.


We are also looking for: stage hands, booth techs, costumers, makeup artists.

promo photos - WILLY WONKA, JR - Musical Theatre of Anthem

CLICK HERE for more information on this production, which runs April 20th to April 30th



photos by Michele Celentano

Wednesday, March 29, 2017

cast announcement - PETER AND THE STARCATCHER - Greasepaint Youth Theatre


Peter: Blake Sullivan
Molly : Alyssa Gonzalez
Black Stache: Sawyer Bland
Smee: Sophia Drapeau
Astor: Taylor Penn
Ted: Adia Gleave
Prentiss: Owen Stewart
Mrs. Brubaker : Liam Thibeault
Alf: Jessica Egan
Prawn: Sean Lillis
Clam: Berkeley Lock
Teacher: Grant Roberts
Grempkin: Sophie Swingler
Sanchez: Lauren Kort
Mack: Ben Alker
Slank: Sophia Penn
Scott: Zac Denious
Greggors: Nathan Sullivan
Narrators:
Maddie Brunsman
Kendall Luther
Liv Boscardin
Ensemble:
Katelyn Sullivan
Danielle Obergh
Skye Alker

CLICK HERE for more information on this production, which runs May 5th to May 14th

Mesa Encore Theatre's Second Sunday Play Reading for April - FIVE WOMEN WEARING THE SAME DRESS - April 9

Five Women Wearing the Same Dress" by Alan Ball

Directed by: Van Rockwell

Cast:

FRANCES...Samantha Elise-Tennant
MEREDITH...Amber Wright
TRISHA...Brenna Jackson
GEORGEANNE...Carrie Fee
MINDY...Amie Bjorklund
TRIPP...David Magadan

When: Sunday, April 9th at 7pm

Where: MET Black Box, 933 E Main St Mesa AZ 85203

Cost: $0.00 (donations graciously accepted though)

During an ostentatious wedding reception at a Knoxville, Tennessee, estate, five reluctant, identically clad bridesmaids hide out in an upstairs bedroom, each with her own reason to avoid the proceedings below. They are Frances, a painfully sweet but sheltered fundamentalist; Mindy, the cheerful, wise-cracking lesbian sister of the groom; Georgeanne, whose heartbreak over her own failed marriage triggers outrageous behavior; Meredith, the bride's younger sister, whose precocious rebelliousness masks a dark secret; and Trisha, a jaded beauty whose die-hard cynicism about men is called into question when she meets Tripp, a charming bad-boy usher to whom there is more than meets the eye. As the afternoon wears on, these five very different women joyously discover a common bond in this wickedly funny, irreverent, and touching celebration of the women's spirit.
An irreverent and funny look at the intricacies of friendship and the power of similar dressing. "…[a] wonderfully entertaining play…" —NY Post. "FIVE WOMEN WEARING THE SAME DRESS is a fresh-as-a-daisy comedy, funny as can be…" —NY Daily News. "Ball has the comic writer's requisite talent for dialogue that ricochets snappily around the stage." —TheaterWeek.

promo photos - GYPSY - Desert Foothills Theater

CLICK HERE for more information on this production, which runs March 31st to April 9th



Photos by Tiffany Bollock

review - IN THE GARDEN - Nearly Naked Theatre

Phillip Arran and Cole Brackney
photo by Laura Durant
highlights from local critics reviews - (click link at bottom of each review to read complete review)

Click here for more information on this production that runs through April 15th.

"The combination of sex and religion make for a heady mix in the intriguing drama In the Garden. While Norman Allen's darkly humorous play leaves a lot up to the interpretation of the audience, it poses several questions that focus on the religious and sexual norms of a group of suburban New Yorkers who are all seeking answers and are drawn to a young Christ-like boy whom they believe can help them. Though it isn't a completely perfect play, Nearly Naked Theatre's production features a capable cast and accomplished direction which makes for a stimulating theatrical experience.
The innocent and young college kid Gabe finds himself the center of attention (in both sexual and platonic forms) of his philosophical professor John, John's wife Muriel, John's friend Walter, and Walter's fiancée Lizzie. ...makes for an explosive story, especially when the relationships start to unravel and the truths are revealed. But is this foursome exploiting Gabe in order to fulfill their own sexual or emotional needs or is Gabe using them?...And what about the Christ-like persona that Gabe takes on after he devours a bible borrowed from John's library? Is he Christ reborn or just a crazy religiously obsessed kid? Allen's dialogue is filled with a sharp and biting sense of the current status of sex and marriage where the "free love" mantra of the sexual revolution has basically become "it's all about my needs." ...Allen's play isn't faultless. The denouement is a bit too tidy in how comfortable the characters are with each other once the facts come out, and the final scene also leaves much up to your interpretation of just who Gabe is. Audiences may leave feeling that there are a few questions left unanswered. But, even with those shortcomings, it is still an intriguing and stimulating play. Director Damon Dering does very good work here. ...As Gabe, Cole Brackney is radiant. ...He is energetic yet calm, elusive and enigmatic, and also has a direct, simple and clear purity...As John, Phillip Arran is direct and fatherly to the young boy, prepared to give him guidance and advice in return for giving him what he desires, while Shari Watts is fiery as Muriel, a woman with a deep desire to "feel something" ...Charles Orme makes Walter appropriately arrogant, yet underneath there is a burning desire to help the boy, and Lauren Bishop infuses Lizzie with tenderness and care....may not provide all of the answers to the many questions it provokes, it is offbeat and interesting with characters who make you want to find out more about them....proves to be thought provoking, humorous, and an intelligent discussion on the never tiresome topics of sex and religion." -Gil Benbrook, Talkin' Broadway (click here to read the complete review)

ticket discount - LEADING LADIES - Fountain Hills Theater

the cast
photo by Patty Torrilhon
Leading Ladies at Fountain Hills Theater only has three performances left - this Friday and Saturday at 8PM and Sunday at 2PM.

Get a special "actor" price of just $20 a ticket for any of the remaining shows.

 Call the Box Office at (480) 837-9661 x3 and let them know you are an "actor" or a member of a "theater family" for this great discount!

review - MEN ON BOATS - ASU Department of Film, Dance and Theatre

the cast
photo by Tim Trumble
highlights from local critics reviews - (click link at bottom of each review to read complete review)

Click here for more information on this production that runs through April 2nd.

"The all-female cast...isn’t the only quirky thing about playwright Jaclyn Backhaus’ adventure tale ....The colorful characters crack wise in contemporary slang as they negotiate the rapids...where success or failure is also a matter of life or death....jaunty, fun and tongue-in-cheek..also somehow gives a genuine sense of what it must have been like to brave the frontier at a time when there were no cellphones or helicopters to come to the rescue." - Kerry Lengel, Arizona Republic (click here to read the complete review)

Tuesday, March 28, 2017

Greasepaint Youth Theatre's 2017 / 2018 Season!



NEVERMORE   
JULY 20-29, Friday and Saturday 7pm  Sunday 2pm

Take a dark, mysterious, musical journey into the heart and soul of Edgar Allan Poe, America’s first truly visionary poet.  This story of love, personal demons and self-discovery delves into the mind of Poe with disturbing yet relatable charm.  Poe’s poetry is transformed into soaring musical numbers creating a timeline that lures the audience into his world.

THE PAJAMA GAME    
SEPTEMBER 1-10  FRIDAYS AND SATURDAYS 7PM SUNDAYS 2PM

The Pajama Game is brimming with songs and dances that have become musical theatre standards, including "Steam Heat" and "Hernando's Hideaway."
Conditions at the Sleep-Tite Pajama Factory are anything but peaceful as sparks fly between new superintendent, Sid Sorokin, and Babe Williams, leader of the union grievance committee. Their stormy relationship comes to a head when the workers strike for a 7 ½ cent pay increase, setting off not only a conflict between management and labor, but a battle of the sexes as well.

THE ADDAMS FAMILY    
OCTOBER 20-29  FRIDAYS AND SATURDAYS 7PM SUNDAYS 2PM

THE ADDAMS FAMILY features an original story, and it’s every father’s nightmare. Wednesday Addams, the ultimate princess of darkness, has grown up and fallen in love with a sweet, smart young man from a respectable family – a man her parents have never met. And if that weren’t upsetting enough, Wednesday confides in her father and begs him not to tell her mother. Now, Gomez Addams must do something he’s never done before – keep a secret from his beloved wife, Morticia. Everything will change for the whole family on the fateful night they host a dinner for Wednesday’s ‘normal’ boyfriend and his parents.

ELF JR     
DECEMBER 9-17    FRIDAYS AT 7PM   SAYURDAYS AND SUNDAYS 2PM

Buddy, a young orphan, mistakenly crawls into Santa's bag of gifts and is transported to the North Pole. The would-be elf is raised, unaware that he is actually a human, until his enormous size and poor toy-making abilities cause him to face the truth. With Santa's permission, Buddy embarks on a journey to New York City to find his birth father and discover his true identity. Faced with the harsh reality that his father is on the naughty list and that his half-brother doesn't even believe in Santa, Buddy is determined to win over his new family and help New York remember the true meaning of Christmas

THE WEDDING SINGER   
FEB 9-18   FRIDAYS AND SATURDAYS AT 7PM SUNDAYS AT 2PM

It's 1985, and rock star wannabe, Robbie Hart, is New Jersey's favorite wedding singer. He's the life of the party until his own fiancée leaves him at the altar. Shot through the heart, Robbie makes every wedding as disastrous as his own. Enter Julia, a winsome waitress who wins his affection. As luck would have it, Julia is about to be married to a Wall Street shark, and, unless Robbie can pull off the performance of a decade, the girl of his dreams will be gone forever.

MARCH/APRIL   TBA

MADAGASCAR JR     
MAY 4-13   FRIDAYS AT 7PM    SATURDAY AND SUNDAYS AT 2PM

Alex the lion is the king of the urban jungle, the main attraction at New York's Central Park Zoo. He and his best friends – Marty the zebra, Melman the giraffe and Gloria the hippo – have spent their whole lives in blissful captivity before an admiring public and with regular meals provided for them. Not content to leave well enough alone, Marty lets his curiosity get the better of him and makes his escape – with the help of some prodigious penguins – to explore the world.

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CLICK HERE for more information, and to order tickets when they are available

photos - THE 25TH ANNUAL PUTNAM COUNTY SPELLING BEE - Brelby Theatre Company

CLICK HERE for more information on this production, which runs through April 1st














photos by Fernando Perez