Friday, November 29, 2019

Desert Stages' Black Friday Deals!

The holidays are here and we are celebrating!

We have 3 awesome Black Friday Deals for you!


DEAL #1
Winter Break Camp!
Both sessions $350.00 (savings of $25.00 per session)
One session $180.00 (savings of $20.00)

Week 1: December 23-27, 2019 (no class Dec 25)
Theme: Disney’s Descendants Come celebrate the New Year… villains style!

Week 2: December 30, 2019 – January 3, 2020 (no class Jan 1)
Theme: Frozen – this session will have you singing along all winter long with your favorite songs from both Frozen movies.

Camps are Mon-Fri 9am-2pm


DEAL #2!
$100.00 OFF Spring or Summer Camp Gift certificate for $75.00!
Limit 2 per family



DEAL #3!
$125.00 gift certificate for $100.00

To Purchase any of these deals click HERE!

*All deals can not be combined with any other promo or discount
Black Friday Deals are valid 11/29/19 12am-11/29/19 11:59pm

Arizona Regional Theatre’s Black Friday Sale!


BLACK FRIDAY ONLY!

See Arizona Regional Theatre’s remaining 4 shows of the 2019/20 season for one low price of $60 (that’s one show for FREE) with our Black Friday deal!

Shows include Lucky Stiff, Nice Work if you Can Get It, Five Women Wearing the Same Dress, and Spring Awakening.

To purchase, visit the website between 12:00 AM and 11:59 PM on Friday, November 29, 2019, and select "4-show FlexPass Black Friday Special!"

www.arizonaregionaltheatre.org/season-tickets

Thursday, November 28, 2019

HAPPY THANKSGIVING!

We are extremely grateful to all of you, and all of our Site Partners, for making our fourth year a huge success.  We are also thankful for the vast amount of great theatre in the Phoenix metropolitan area.

Wishing all of you the happiest of Thanksgivings.


Wednesday, November 27, 2019

reviews - ELF, THE MUSICAL - Arizona Broadway Theatre

Tyler Pirrung, Madison Cichon, and Cast 
Photo by Nate Bertone
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 December 29 

"...a crowd-pleasing and colorful family-friendly production of this witty and charming musical with a talented cast, including a superb, comical performance by Tyler Pirrung as Buddy...Michael Whitney's direction keeps the pace brisk, and his talented cast excel in ensuring the comedy is appropriately wacky while not shortchanging the warmth of the story. Kurtis Overby's choreography is fun, fast paced, and well danced by the cast...Nate Berton's smart and beautiful scenic design is enriched with giant snowflakes, stunning blue backgrounds, and rich, holiday colors that pop...a gifted cast who excel, bright direction, and colorful creative aspects that beautifully blend the show's fun-loving comedy with charm, poignancy and pathos, adding up to a winning, family-friendly, musical comedy treat."  -Gil Benbrook, Talkin' Broadway (click here to read the complete review)

COMING SOON - Herbert Paine, Broadway World (click here to read the complete review)

The Healing Power of Theatre and Finding a Purpose after the War - Talking to BANDSTAND's Jonmichael Tarleton

Jonmichael Tarleton (center in plaid suit) and the National Tour cast of Bandstand
photo by Jeremy Daniel
by Julia Bashaw

Returning home to Cleveland, Ohio from World War II, Donny Novitski and other veterans attempt to rebuild their life. Some soldiers have lost friends, brothers, and some are coming back to inform anticipating wives that their husbands won’t ever be coming home. In 1945 this was the reality that our veterans faced and the story that the musical Bandstand has chosen to tell.

Bandstand follows pianist, singer-songwriter, and young vet Donny Novitski, as he wistfully wants everything to go back to normal. Unable to feel at peace, Donny hears of a National Radio Swing Band Competition being endorsed by NBC to find the next musical talent. Thrilled to have a purpose, Donny takes charge and forms a band composed entirely of veterans, including Jimmy Campbell on saxophone and clarinet, Davy Zlatic on bass, Nick Radel on trumpet, Wayne Wright on trombone, and Johnny Simpson on drums. For the National tour of the musical, which comes to the Orpheum Theatre from December 6-8, the role of Johnny Simpson is performed by Jonmichael Tarleton.

“I really started acting right around high school,” Tarleton stated. “I think what appealed to me so much about it was obviously the dancing, singing, acting is all so compelling personally but also you build really strong relationships with fellow actors and that kind of community drew me in. This is the first time I have done a national tour. I am absolutely loving it. I think by the time we are playing in Phoenix we will have hit just about 16 different cities. Considering the fact that we opened on October 29th we’ve really been traveling. I’ve seen parts of the country I’ve never imagined I would have seen, I’m sleeping on a bus to take a nap before a show. Then you know you get to the show and you have the adrenaline and comradery with everyone backstage right before you go on and it’s like you forget the bus ride. It’s just been amazing, it has blown away my expectations.”

Bandstand originally premiered in 2015 at the Paper Mill Playhouse in Millburn and opened on Broadway on April 26, 2017. It was directed by Andy Blankenbuehler who was the 2017 Tony Award Winner choreographer for Hamilton. He won choreography for this musical as well. While the musical didn't have a long Broadway run, it was announced that a national tour would begin in the Fall of 2019.

Jonmichael Tarleton
“I’m pretty consistently looking at casting websites like playbill.com, backstage.com, and Actors Access,” Tarleton explained. “I was on Playbill and it just so happened that Kate Lumpkin, the casting director, had put a post out asking for actor-musicians. One specific role, Johnny Simpson was mentioned would need to be an intermediate to advanced drummer. I read up on the show, listened to the cast album, and once I knew what this show was about, about the message and the power of the piece, it was a no-brainer for me.”

Playing the drums is not the only unique thing about Johnny Simpson’s character. When Tarleton was in his call back audition, he was told the character of Johnny was severely injured in the war which has caused memory loss and affected speech. Tarleton’s development of Johnny turned into an intense exploration of trying to understand what his journey would be like.

“Johnny doesn’t actually remember the war. His jeep that he was driving was hit by a shell and he suffered his injuries, waking up in a daze,” Tarleton stated. “He says it a couple of times in the show that he almost feels grateful that he doesn’t remember the war. So developing (the role) was tough for me. I did a lot of research, like how a soldier would have gotten the license to drive a jeep in the war. I tried to build into his physicality when Johnny is attentive is he literally at attention? How much does his body remember the training he had with the memory loss? I continued to work these things through rehearsals and grow to gain momentum into breathing life into this person.”

Along with the memory loss, Johnny developed affected speech due to the traumatic brain injuries he suffered. As an actor, Tarleton had to physically change the way he speaks and he took the time to understand how.

“It started very simply as an exploration of slowing down the motor functions of my speech. I can hear the words in my head, I am clear in the head, Johnny is all there,” Tarleton expressed strongly. “He just can’t get the words out fast enough because the motor functions of his speech just don’t work as quickly as he’d like to. The next step was I went home and watched a lot of videos of speech pathology and speech pathologists working with victims of traumatic brain injuries. My biggest fear with this role was I wanted to make sure that I was representing these people accurately and never ever playing a caricature of these people.”

With the time, dedication, and research that Tarleton put in, he was able to have an understanding of what it must have been like for someone like Johnny in 1945. Soldiers who returned home from war back then didn’t know what PTSD was yet. And coming home injured was just an added weight that these veterans had to bear.

“The interesting thing about Johnny is that even though he comes home really injured and confused, he has an incredible way of making light of out of every situation,” Tarleton relayed. “With one or two exceptions in the show in which the carpet is really pulled out from under him, Johnny takes everything in stride and is arguably maybe the happiest member of the band right off the bat. He has a lot of gratitude for being allowed to play. I think in 1945 people who had a brain injury like this were often not necessarily respected or weren’t given opportunities other people were. Donny just says, 'listen if you can play the drums you can join the band, no problem.' So he is grateful to Donny, really happy to be playing music.”

In Bandstand, Donny creating the band turns into so much more than just fame and fortune. The band gives soldiers like Johnny a purpose again. Trying to explain what they went through and saw on the battlefield isn’t an easy task, but they discover that music is a universal language that everyone can relate to.

“As is true for most of the band members, once we’re in the band and playing, Johnny is finally able to express himself through drums,” Tarleton expressed passionately. “Even if I can’t string a sentence together, by playing the drums I can express any emotion I’m feeling. It’s a release of the tension I’ve been feeling. I’m not worried about the back pain or the memory loss, and I can just bask in the music and the brotherhood. It’s finally getting to do something I can be good at.”

The power of this story is not only touching but accurate. Bandstand is certified by “Got Your 6”, a non-profit organization founded in 2012 by Chris Marvin, a U.S. Army veteran, that strives for military veterans' lives to be more accurately represented in television and film. The writers of the musical, Richard Oberacker and Robert Taylor worked with “Got Your 6” and Bandstand is now the first theatrical production to be certified by the organization.

“The purpose of this musical is to accurately represent the trauma of post-war World War II in a way that hasn’t been done on stage before,” Tarleton explained. “One really awesome thing is that we are certified by “Got Your 6”, and they work with the show to make sure that it’s an accurate representation of what life is like as a veteran. They work with actual veterans who read the script and give input. This production shows the struggle that these people were having and the strength they had in overcoming that. I think the healing power of music and dance, swing dance is really prevalent in the show as well. I think that the show shows that art is a way to move past traumas in your life.”

Using music to move past their traumas from the war is exactly what the members of the band in Bandstand are doing. Tarleton plays the drums and has been playing them intermittently throughout his life. The casting call did ask for actor-musicians for a reason because the band on stage, really plays.

“The band is live, we’re playing the instruments!” Tarleton expressed with glee. “It’s been really, really cool. The music was a little bit outside of my comfort zone at first. It is a swing show and it’s not necessarily more difficult than what I’m used to, but very different than what I’m used to. So I worked through a book by John Riley about bop drumming and jazz drumming and just worked up to rehearsals. The song that is the most impactful for me is 'Right This Way'. It is the ending of Act One and I don’t want to give the plot away but we as a band decide to really make things happen for ourselves regardless of the obstacles we are facing. It’s the first time we all sing together in harmony. As soon as we come in together it sends chills down my spine, I am getting chills just talking about it. It’s an incredibly powerful moment in the show.”

the National Tour cast of Bandstand
photo by Jeremy Daniel
Along with the music being quite powerful in the show, it is matched with superb dancing and ensemble performances. As mentioned before, the original choreographer was Andy Blankenbuehler and he won a Tony Award for his choreographic creations.

“There’s a really particular scene that the show is well known for in “You Deserve It”, Tarleton began. “Big tricks swing dance numbers and there is this one moment where Andy Blankenbuehler decided to slow everything down. The dancers go from crazy fast flips and turns and then everything goes into slow motion. You can see the strain in their muscles, you can see the stress in their bodies. It goes from this big bombastic joyful moment to one where you see the minutiae of what it takes, what dancing is taking out of these people, what they are giving to their performance and what their characters are experiencing in 1945 swing dancing. It’s the release of tension and stress. I think intense is the right word.”

Acting in this show since October, performing this role consistently over and over again has, as Tarleton said before, blown away his expectations. Specifically, he has walked away with new experiences, opened eyes, and some new perspectives.

“An actual and overwhelming appreciation of veterans I think is one of the biggest things I am going to take away from this,” Tarleton stated. “So far one of the coolest parts of the trips was in Sioux Falls, South Dakota, we (the cast) visited a VA Hospital and just played bingo for a few hours with some veterans from Vietnam and Korean War. We talked to these men, got to share and spend time with them. It was really impactful because you can do all the research into what it feels like to come home from the war but it is very different hearing it from the horse’s mouth. Regardless of your stance on war, the reality is that veterans in the military when they enlist agree to make the ultimate sacrifice and there is something about that which was hard for me to wrap my head around. I feel very grateful honestly to the men and women who have served and that’s what I’m going to take away.”

Bandstand will play five performances at the Orpheum Theatre in Downtown Phoenix from December 6th through the 8th. The cast and crew will have traveled through 16 cities, airports, buses, and hotels for Phoenix audiences to experience this meaningful story that they believe will touch you this holiday season.

“I think audiences not only are going to leave humming a tune because the music is really catchy but I think they are going to walk away moved, really, really moved by this piece of theatre,” Tarleton professed. “I think the healing power that this show has for people who have suffered any trauma, have any ties to the military, or just love the theatre; the healing power of this show is really astounding. It’s an incredibly powerful piece of theatre and people are going to walk away moved, I think is the best way I can say it.”

CLICK HERE for more information on Bandstand at the Orpheum Theater, December 6-8

cast announcement - DISNEY'S FROZEN, JR - Actor's Youth Theatre


CLICK HERE for more information on this production, which runs December 5-14

Young Anna/Snow Chorus - Katie Mullen
Middle Anna/Snow Chorus - Kayla Pettera
Anna - Taylor Peel
Young Elsa/Snow Chorus - Amber Dench
Middle Elsa/Snow Chorus - Lindsay French
Elsa - Lily Nelson
King Agnarr - Jackson Shurtz
Queen Iduna/Snow Chorus - Eliana Anglada
Pabbie - Austin Watts
Bulda - Anna Wright
Kristoff - Carter Neef
Sven - Zoe Baurele
Hans - Carter Giannetti
Olaf - Lilleigh Christensen
Weaselton - Kai Ahlman
Oaken - Tristan Foushee

Snow Chorus/Ensemble
Lucy Walker
Katrina Sapakie
Hailey Halterman

Hidden Folk/Ensemble
Saniya Sapakie
Abbi Spector
Berklee Walker
Jenna Bruder
Holly Muglia
Sadie Holdeman
Robert Lancaster
Molly Watts
Grace Garr
Morgan Taylor
Olive Taylor
Abigail Morgan

Castle Staff/Ensemble
Marguerite Durma
Natalie Smith
Hailey Halterman
Robert Lancaster

Townspeople/Ensemble
Emily Freedman
Emma Hemsley
Hailey Halterman
Alexis Rasmussen
Adalyn Ahlman
Maeve Lloyd

CREW
Directed by Tracie Jones and Bruce Goolsby
Choreography by Bruce Goolsby and Shelby Baldwin
Music Direction by Tracie Jones
Stage Managed by Bailey Gorman and DJ Coon
Costume Design by Tracie Jones and Jennie Coon
Set Design by Kym Smith and Tanja Bauerle
Rehearsal Assistant - Justine Wattay

Stage Left Productions to introduce The Stage Right Series in 2020

Stage Left Productions is excited to introduce

The Stage Right Series

Bold. Distinctive. Engaging.

Besides bringing you seven amazing shows next year. Stage Left has added three more! The Stage Right Series brings you plays that Stage Left would not normally put in their main stage line up.

Eleemosynary

A Play by Lee Blessing
July 24-August 1 2020

This play probes into the delicate relationship of three singular women: the grandmother, Dorothea, who has sought to assert her independence through strong-willed eccentricity; her brilliant daughter, Artie (Artemis), who has fled the stifling domination of her mother; and Artie's daughter, Echo, a child of exceptional intellect—and sensitivity—whom Artie has abandoned to an upbringing by Dorothea. As the play begins, Dorothea has suffered a stroke, and while Echo has reestablished contact with her mother, it is only through extended telephone conversations, during which real issues are skirted and their talk is mostly about the precocious Echo's single-minded domination of a national spelling contest. But, in the end, after Dorothea's death, both Artie and Echo come to accept their mutual need and summon the courage to try, at last, to build a life together—despite the risks and terrors that this holds for both of them after so many years of alienation and estrangement.

​This show may not be appropriate for children under the age of 13
Tickets are $18.00 Reserved Seating


Red Speedo

A Dramedy by Lucas Hnath
August 14-22 2020
Directed by Elizabeth Broeder

Ray’s swum his way to the eve of the Olympic trials. If he makes the team, he’ll get a deal with Speedo. If he gets a deal with Speedo, he’ll never need a real job. So when someone’s stash of performance-enhancing drugs is found in the locker room fridge, threatening the entire team’s Olympic fate, Ray has to crush the rumors or risk losing everything. A sharp and stylish play about swimming, survival of the fittest, and the American dream of a level playing field—or of leveling the field yourself.

This show contains adult themes and is not appropriate for children.
Tickets are $18.00 Reserved Seating


Who's Holiday

A Comedy by Matthew Lombardo
December 7-22 2020​
Starring Shelly Boucher
Directed by Cody Dull

WHO'S HOLIDAY! Is a wildly funny and heartfelt adults-only comedy that tells the story of Cindy Lou Who as she recalls that Christmas Eve she first met the Grinch and the twisted turn of events her life has now taken.

You saw her last when she was just two
Celebrate the holidays with Cindy Lou Who
Pull up a seat and fill up your cup
'Cause your favorite little Who is all grown up

This show is for mature audiences only.
Tickets are $18.00 Reserved Seating

CLICK HERE for more information, and to purchase tickets when available

audition notice - MAMMA MIA! - Almost Famous Theatre Company - December 7



SATURDAY, DECEMBER 7, 2019, 1:00 PM TO 4:00 PM

HARDES THEATRE CLASSROOM A
REHEARSALS BEGIN MARCH 2

PERFORMANCES MAY 7-17 HARDES THEATRE AT THE PHOENIX THEATRE COMPANY

FOR AN AUDITION APPOINTMENT AND MORE INFORMATION EMAIL: jan@almostfamoustheater.com


ROLES:
Sophie Sheridan-Female, Age: 20 to 25, Vocal range top: E5, Vocal range bottom: F#3

Donna Sheridan-Sophie's mother, Female, Age: 40 to 50. Vocal range top: A5, Vocal
range bottom: E3

Sam Carmichael-Might be Sophie'ss father, Male, Age: 40 to 50,Vocal range top: Ab4,
Vocal range bottom: D3

Bill Austin-Might be Sophie's father, Male, Age: 40 to 50, Vocal range top: F#4, Vocal
range bottom: Bb2

Harry Bright-Might be Sophie's father, Male, Age: 40 to 50, Vocal range top: F#4, Vocal
range bottom: C#3

Sky-Sophie's fiancé, Male, Age: 20 to 30, Vocal range top: D5, Vocal range bottom: Eb3

Tanya-Former Dynamo, Female, Age: 40 to 50, Vocal range top: E5, Vocal range
bottom: E3

Rosie-Former Dynamo, Female, Age: 40 to 50, Vocal range top: D5,Vocal range
bottom: E3

Lisa-Sophie's friend, Female, Age: 20 to 25, Vocal range top: Db5, Vocal range bottom:
G3

Ali-Sophie's friend, Female, Age: 20 to 25, Vocal range top: D5, Vocal range bottom: G3

Pepper-Barman at Tavern, Male, Age: 20 to 25, Vocal range top: F5, Vocal range
bottom: A4

Eddie-Helps Sky with Water-Sports, Male, Age: 20 to 25

Chorus: All genders, consists of the Islanders, who work at Donna's, Wedding-Guests.

review - BAUER - BLK BOX PHX

Brian Runbeck, Maria Amorocho and Shana Bousard
photo by Reg Madison Photography 
by Carolyn Thomas

Inspiration is a fickle thing. Any artist of any medium will tell you so. Not only is it fragile at times, but creative sparks are in a way, sacred things. But what happens when that spark gets tainted and exploited? BLK BOX PHX's production of Lauren Gunderson's Bauer shows us one historical example of the fallout of exactly that. A tiny but mighty cast of electric actors paired with stunning artsy projections makes for an ultimately educational evening of great talent. Fine art fans will be most invested, though less-artsy audience members might still appreciate the look into the mind of a broken artist.

Bauer had its world premiere in 2014 in the San Francisco Playhouse. Centered around the history of artist Rudolf Bauer (1889 - 1953), his wife, and his lover/curator Hill von Rebay, Bauer takes place at the latter end of Bauer's life and career as he prepares to attempt to make amends with Rebay. We learn of his work in non-objective art, how it landed him in prison when such art was declared 'degenerate' by the Nazi party, and how a deep betrayal sent him reeling and ultimately quitting his craft altogether. The ending and premise of the play do not match with the truth of history, but instead it imagines a more fulfilling ending for the broken artist.

The play largely uses Louise and Rebay to tell his story and to try and build him back up to his former glory. The dialogue in the beginning of the play is the most engaging by far with witty banter to rival Jane Austen, though it does lose momentum a bit as it goes on. The ending is vibrant and fulfilling, however, even if reality wasn't for Bauer. We get glimpses of the lives of Rebay and Louise and their not-so-friendly rivalry in the process, but the focus is firmly on Bauer for the vast majority of the play as they do their best to inspire him one last time.

The cast couldn't be better-suited to their roles. A showstopper in the best sense, Maria Amorocho plays the fiery and fiesty Hilla von Rebay, Bauer's ex-lover and curator. She's a powerful force on the stage with a vivid presence, sweetly vicious in just the right ways. Her equal and opposite force, Shana Bousard as Louise, showcases a classic and gentle strength in her portrayal. Her accent is perfect for the immersion and her moments with Maria truly are some of the best parts of the play. That is not to say that Brian Runbeck as Bauer himself isn't a fantastic force in his own right. His earnest vulnerability matched with pride make for a balanced character and a middle ground for Rebay and Louise. Together, they all make for a stellar cast who can play off each other effortlessly both in humor and in heart.

The design elements blend together seamlessly to create a unified vision that dances between vivid colors and abstract representation and cold, harsh reality. Director Elaine 'E.E.' Moe brings together a firm vision in style, keeping the movement fresh and the creativity flowing. Scenic Designer Tiana Torrilhon makes great use of an asymmetrical stage with simple elements that allow for creative use of projections and functions perfectly as a static set as well. Lighting design by Daniel Davisson is subtle and complementary, simple and effective. Sound design by Peter Bish is similarly well done, providing exactly the right little touches that the show needs. Micky Small's media design deserves a special accolade for Bauer, it plays a large role in showing us glimpses into the mind of an artist and Small's designs and execution do so with aplomb. Costumes by Jessica Florez perfectly tell a visual story, from Rebay's fiery red ensemble to Louise's grounding greens and soft pinks, to the broken artist himself in shades of black, white, and gray, drained of color and inspiration.

Bauer is a show for creative minds and admirers alike. BLK BOX PHX showcases a skilled mix of talent and artistry to bring this cathartic piece to life. The cast alone are well worth the ticket, but the blend of creative elements make it a fully realized work of art in itself.

CLICK HERE for more information on this production, which runs through December 8

Tuesday, November 26, 2019

cast announcement - AGATHA CHRISTIE'S MURDER ON THE NILE - Scottsdale Desert Stages Theatre


CLICK HERE for more information on this production, which runs January 10 - February 23

Kay Ridgeway Mostyn: Eliana Burns
Simon Mostyn: James Olsen
Canon Pennefather: Jack Pauly
Jacqueline de Severac: Melissa Vo
William Smith: TBD
Ms. Christina Grant: Alexandra Palmatier
Ms. Helen ffoliot-ffoulkes: Anne Sanford
Dr. Ludwig Bessner: Wade Moran
Louise: Alexandra Johnson
Steward: Achyut Dave
McNaught/Beadseller/Police: TBD
Asst. Steward/Beadseller/Police: Maria Bains

We are still in search of 2 men for 2 roles. Please email info@desertstages.org if interested! First rehearsal will be Monday 12/2 at 7pm.

photos - A CHRISTMAS CAROL, THE MUSICAL - Fountain Hills Theater

CLICK HERE for more information on this production, which runs December 6-December 22




photos by Patty Torrilhon

audition notice - SEUSSICAL THE MUSICAL - Zao Theatre - December 2 & 3


Beauty and the Beast have waltzed their way into Zao Theatre's book of memories, so let's get ready to celebrate Dr. Seuss' birthday!

Opening February 21, 2020 and playing through March 7, 2020! Reserve your seats now for this fantastically fun family musical!

AUDITIONS
December 2 & 3, 2019 - Sign up at
http://castingmanager.com/audition/info/4242Dn9P8jq269z

TICKETS
New ticketing site made especially for Zao Theatre!
Ihttps://app.arts-people.com/index.php?ticketing=zao

Zao Theatre, 550 S Ironwood Dr, Apache Jct, AZ 85120
(480) 924-5122 shows@zaotheatre.com www.zaotheatre.com

photos - BAUER - BLK BOX PHX

CLICK HERE for more information on this production, which runs through December 8
















photos by Reg Madison Photography

Monday, November 25, 2019

WEEK AT A GLANCE: November 25-December 1

Click on any show title to get more information on that production



MUSIC THEATRE HOLIDAY CABARET 
ASU Music Theatre and Opera 
December 2, 2019


MERLIN & MORGANA - An Arthurian Musical 
State 48 Theatre Company
December 4-14, 2019

DISNEY'S FROZEN, JR 
Actor's Youth Theatre 
December 5-14, 2019

DISNEY'S THE LITTLE MERMAID JR. 
Musical Theatre of Anthem 
December 5-15, 2019

YES, VIRGINIA THERE IS A SANTA CLAUS 
East Valley Children's Theatre 
December 5-15, 2019

BANDSTAND 
Broadway at the Orpheum Theatre 
December 6-8, 2019

WINTER DANCE CONCERT: REINVENT 
Grand Canyon University 
December 6-8, 2019

MAMMA MIA! 
Greasepaint Youth Theatre 
December 6-15, 2019

LUCKY STIFF 
Arizona Regional Theatre 
December 6-15, 2019

ANNIE 
Spotlight Youth Theatre 
December 6-December 22, 2019

THE ELVES AND THE SHOEMAKER 
Fountain Hills Youth Theater 
December 6-22, 2019

ANNIE 

DISNEY'S FROZEN, JR - Actor's Youth Theatre - December 5-14, 2019


Frozen JR. is based on the 2018 Broadway musical, and brings Elsa, Anna, and the magical land of Arendelle to life, onstage. The show features all of the memorable songs from the animated film, with music and lyrics by Kristen Anderson-Lopez and Robert Lopez, plus five new songs written for the Broadway production.

A story of true love and acceptance between sisters, Frozen JR. expands upon the emotional relationship and journey between Princesses Anna and Elsa. When faced with danger, the two discover their hidden potential and the powerful bond of sisterhood. With a cast of beloved characters and loaded with magic, adventure, and plenty of humor, Frozen JR. is sure to thaw even the coldest heart!

Directed by Tracie Jones and Bruce Goolsby
Choreographed by Bruce Goolsby
Music Directed by Tracie Jones
Stage Managed by Bailey Gorman and DJ Coon

Thursday & Friday - 7PM
Saturday - 3PM & 7PM

Zao Theatre
550 S Ironwood Dr
Apache Junction, AZ 85120

CLICK HERE to purchase tickets, which are on sale now!

GODSPELL - Actor's Youth Theatre - January 30-February 8, 2020


Godspell was the first major musical theatre offering from three-time Grammy and Academy Award winner, Stephen Schwartz (Wicked, Pippin, Children of Eden); and it took the world by storm. Led by the international hit, "Day by Day," Godspell features a parade of beloved songs, including "Prepare Ye the Way of the Lord," "Learn Your Lessons Well," "All for the Best," "All Good Gifts," "Turn Back, O Man" and "By My Side."

A small group of people help Jesus Christ tell different parables by using a wide variety of games, storytelling techniques and a hefty dose of comic timing. An eclectic blend of songs, ranging in style from pop to vaudeville, is employed as the story of Jesus' life dances across the stage. Dissolving hauntingly into the Last Supper and the Crucifixion, Jesus' messages of kindness, tolerance and love come vibrantly to life.

PERFORMANCES:
January 30th-February 8th, 2020
Thursday, Friday, Saturdays at 7pm
Saturday matinees at 3pm

Tuscany Theatre
861 N Higley Rd, St 105
Gilbert, AZ 85234

CLICK HERE for more information, and to purchase tickets when available

reviews - THE TRIP TO BOUNTIFUL - Theatre Artists Studio

Kent Welborn, Judy Lebeau, and Heidi Haggerty Welborn
Photo by Mark Gluckman
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 December 15

"...This well-crafted yet simple drama is receiving a fairly solid production from Theatre Artists Studio, with a beautiful performance by Judy Lebeau as an elderly woman who is simply trying to find a way to get back home. The plot focuses on Carrie Watts, who is determined to return to her childhood home of Bountiful, Texas, before she dies. She hasn't been back for twenty years and, due to some health concerns, has been living with her overprotective son Ludie and his overbearing wife Jessie Mae in their small Houston apartment. ...In a beautifully understated but fully engrossing performance, Judy Lebeau is simply lovely as Carrie Watts. ...an emotionally rich performance full of hope and sadness but not a drop of sentimentality..."  -Gil Benbrook, Talkin' Broadway (click here to read the complete review)

cast announcement - BANDSTAND - National Tour: Broadway at the Orpheum


CLICK HERE for more information on this production, which runs December 6-8

Donny Novitski: Zack Zaromatidis
Julia Trojan: Jennifer Elizabeth Smith
Mrs. June Adams: Roxy York
Jimmy Campbell: Rob Clove
Davy Zlatic: Benjamin Powell
Nick Radel: Scott Bell
Wayne Wright: Louis Jannuzzi
Johnny Simpson: Jonmichael Tarleton
Ensemble: Shaunice Alexander, Beth Anderson, Michael Bingham, Milena J. Comeau, Ryan P. Cyr, Sarah Dearstyne, Michael Hardenberg, Andre Malcolm, Kaitlyn Mayse, Matthew Mucha, Mallory Nolting, Taylor Okey, Katie Pohlman, Oz Shoshan, and Cameron Turner

Book & Lyrics by Robert Taylor and Richard Oberacker, Music by Richard Oberacker
Originally directed and choreographed by Andy Blankenbuehler
Tour Director: Gina Rattan
Choreography restaged and additional choreography by Marc Heitzman.
Scenic Design: David Korins and associate Justin West
Costume Design: Paloma Young
Lighting Design: Jeff Croiter
Original Broadway Sound Design: Nevin Steinberg
Tour Sound Design: David Thomas
Makeup, Hair and Wig Design: J. Jared Janas and Dave Bova 
Co-Orchestrator and Music Arranger: Greg Anthony Rassen
Co-Orchestrator: Bill Elliott
Music Supervisor: Fred Lassen
Tour Casting by Kate Lumpkin, CSA