Monday, November 30, 2020

WEEK AT A GLANCE: November 30- December 6

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


OPENING:

WHO'S HOLIDAY! 







OPENING SOON:



Scottsdale Desert Stages Theatre's 2020 DST WINTER CAMPS!


Desert Stages Theatre proudly announces their 2020 DST WINTER CAMPS for ages 5-12!

Two sessions are available. Space is limited (only 10 spots!), so don't delay! Sign up by calling the DST Box Office at (480)483-1664, or sign up online HERE

Saturday, November 28, 2020

HOME FOR THE HOLIDAYS - Arizona Broadway Theatre - December 4-December 19, 2020


Celebrating the spirit of the season!
December 4 - 6 & 18 - 19

A Celebration of Song! Join us as we pay homage to the most beloved melodies of the Holidays. This Mainstage series features the extraordinary vocal talent of esteemed ABT Stars of the past, present, and future!

Lobby Bar Service available for purchase 1 hr before showtime
Mainstage doors open 15 min prior to showtime

Food is Back! The menu for this Mainstage show is:

Side Salad
Fresh greens, mandarin, red onion, and dried cranberries with poppy seed dressing, served with a bread roll and butter 

Chicken Dijonnaise*
Pan-seared boneless breast of chicken with a creamy Dijon sauce accented with mushrooms and shallots, served with green beans and roasted red potatoes 

Already purchased tickets? Call the Box Office to add a meal to your evening!

*Vegetarian option available; ask at time of purchase

BALANCE OF EQUALITY - Lunch Time Theater at the Herberger Theater Center - December 1- December 10, 2020



PRODUCED BY GREY MATTERS PRODUCTIONS

The Pavilion

December 1, 2020 – December 10, 2020

It’s the Christmas season… Daylin and her Aunt Gwen meet unexpectedly in a hospital waiting room, both needing an answer to a critical question! As they re-discover each other, truths are revealed that cloud the anticipatory joy of the season. Presented by Grey Matters the company that has brought countless important plays highlighting black history month, this insightful play takes a new and different path.
 
Showtimes:
Tuesday, December 1, 12:10pm
Wednesday, December 2, 12:10pm
Thursday, December 3, 12:10pm
Tuesday, December 8, 12:10pm
Wednesday, December 9, 12:10pm
Thursday, December 10, 12:10pm

Run Time: 45-50 Minutes

Friday, November 27, 2020

Arizona Broadway Theatre's 2021 Main Stage Productions!

 

Arizona Broadway Theatre has announced their 2021 shows! 

JAN 29 - FEB 21
Relive the amazing songs of Johnny Cash in this electrifying tribute to the Man in Black. Hear all of Johnny’s biggest hits, like Folsom Prison Blues, Ring of Fire, A Boy Named Sue, Walk the Line, and many more accompanied by a live Country band. This show features Scott Moreau, who starred as Johnny Cash in the National Tour of the Broadway smash hit Million Dollar Quartet. Come see this Country legend live and in person!
FEB 26 - MAR 21
With the first low trill of the solo clarinet and its spine-tingling run up the scale, Rhapsody In Blue by George and Ira Gershwin caught the public’s fancy and opened a new era in American music. Now, ABT fan-favorite Kurtis Overby has created a musical spectacular that will transport you back to the days when Fred Astaire and Ginger Rogers danced across the silver screen to these classic Gershwin hits. This toe-tapping production will feature favorite tunes such as I’ve Got RhythmA Foggy DayLet’s Call The Whole Thing Off, and S’Wonderful, coupled with never before heard musical mashups and tap dancing galore. Who could ask for anything more! 
MAR 26 - APR 18
The 1960s - when girl groups and doo-wop met female empowerment. Travel back to this impactful decade through the lens of six women as they sing its most iconic songs. Featuring the music of groundbreaking female artists such as Aretha Franklin, Tina Turner, Janis Joplin, and timeless hits like My Boyfriend’s Back, Son of a Preacher Man, and You Don’t Own Me, this groovy musical will have you dancing in your seat!
APR 23 - MAY 16
Oh no! The Little Sisters of Hoboken’s cook, Sister Julia Child of God, has accidentally poisoned 52 of her sisters! Now, the surviving sisters are putting on a talent show to raise money for the funerals. Become part of the action as ballet-loving Sister Leo, street-wise Sister Robert Anne, former circus performer Reverend Mother Regina, and the delightfully wacky Sister Mary Amnesia fumble their way through this interactive and hilarious international phenomenon.
MAY 21 - JUN 13
This isn’t your average Bible study! Based on the Gospel according to Matthew, Godspell follows a comedic troupe of players as they help a contemporary Jesus share his lessons through parables, games, and comedic shenanigans. This musical features an eclectic blend of songs written by the composer of Wicked, Stephen Schwartz, such as Prepare Ye The Way of the LordTurn Back O Man, and of course, the popular hit Day By Day.  Even after the crucifixion, Jesus’ message of kindness, tolerance, and love lives vibrantly on.
JUN 18 - JUL 11
Come relive your favorite 60’s TV show, Gilligan’s Island. Gilligan is at it again, foiling attempts to escape the tropical island. An ancient legend, hieroglyphics, romance, and one giant storm set up a hilarious nautical comedy. Join Gilligan, the Skipper too, the millionaire and his wife, the movie star, The Professor, and Mary Ann here on Gilligan’s Isle!
JUL 16 - AUG 8
An alien species of plant assures Seymour that his wildest dreams will come true, as long as he promises to keep feeding him one thing…blood! A deviously delicious Broadway smash musical, Little Shop Of Horrors has devoured the hearts of theatre-goers for over 30 years. Howard Ashman and Alan Menken (Disney's The Little MermaidBeauty And The Beast, and Aladdin) are the genius team behind this production. The 1986 movie musical, starring comedic legends Rick Moranis and Steve Martin, launched this story to its place in history as a cult classic.
AUG 13 - SEP 5
Recently released from a five-year prison sentence for manslaughter, Percy Talbot finds her second chance working at The Spitfire Grill. The Grill is for sale, but there are no takers for the only eatery in the depressed town. With Percy’s future hanging in the balance, she convinces the owner to raffle it off with an essay contest. Soon, mail arrives by the wheelbarrow, and things really start cooking at the Spitfire Grill! With its roots in blues and folk music, this soaring score creates a musical triumph that celebrates second chances and the lasting impact one person can make in a life.

Your first look at A CHRISTMAS STORY at Scottsdale Desert Stages Theatre

 

Bobby Havens (Adult Ralph), Grady Mulligan (Randy), Roy Thielen (The Old Man), Annemarie Mulligan (Mother), and Charlie Budd (Ralphie) (from left to right)
photo by Wade Moran

CLICK HERE for more information on this production, which runs November 27-December 20

Wednesday, November 25, 2020

video preview for I GOT YOU, the new film from Casey Likes that starts DEAR EVAN HANSEN's Sam Primack, Johnna Watson, Anson Romney and Micah Lawrence



"I Got You" was filmed in October of this year following industry standard COVID-19 guidelines and stars Dear Evan Hansen Broadway and National Tour Cast Member Sam Primack, Johnna Watson, Anson Romney, and Micah Lawrence, all of whom are Arizona Natives.

It follows Clay and Bella, played by Primack and Watson respectively, through their complicated and passionate romantic endeavors. It was produced with the intention of telling a new and unique story as well as giving professional artists a safe environment to create, when the live entertainment world has come to a halt. It was almost entirely funded by crowd donations through a Go Fund Me campaign, many of which were excited to see the collaboration between Likes and Primack, who were both Jimmy Award Finalists that were brought up through the Arizona theatre community.

Likes, who directs, writes, and edits the film, previously was seen in the World Premiere company of Almost Famous the Musical last year in San Diego, as "William Miller", the on stage stand in for Oscar Winner, and Book Writer, Cameron Crowe. Likes has won several awards for his previous films including 1st place in the Arizona Student Film Festival. 

"I Got You" premieres at 12 AM PST at Youtube.com/thepmvproductions

Space 55 presents A BLOODY MARY CHRISTMAS, streaming live and also on-demand December 5-25, 2020


It's back! Now with ON DEMAND viewing from December 5 -25!

For the 11th consecutive year (and first time virtually!), Space 55 presents A Bloody Mary Christmas, a holiday musical for people who hate the holidays and musicals. Sun City retirees Blanche, Bertha and Mabel sing, dance and drink themselves silly as they battle a heartless homeowner’s association that tries to evict them from their condo on Christmas Eve. You’ll laugh, you’ll cry, you’ll pee a little. Need we add that this show isn’t even remotely appropriate for children?

Starring Mary Timpany, Suze St John, Thea Eigo, and Kalei Devilly. Directed by Willa Eigo.

The show streams LIVE, FREE, and WILD on YouTube on December 4, 11, 18, and 19 at Space 55's 


The show is free! Tax-deductible donations to Space 55 are always welcome and encouraged.

Can't make a live performance? NO PROBLEM! A pre-recorded, ON-DEMAND performance will be available ANY TIME from December 5 through Christmas for only $8 at this link: https://www.showtix4u.com/event-details/43337

Stay tuned for announcements about special events and hosts!

Teen Musicians needed for Musical Theatre Of Anthem's upcoming production of 13 THE MUSICAL


Musical Theatre of Anthem is looking for teen musicians for an upcoming production of 13, the musical. 

Lorezon Slavin will be the musical director for this production and will be leading a band of teens to play the Electric Guitar, Electric Bass, Keyboard and Drums. 

There is no cost to audition and all of the information needed for the musicians is at THIS LINK 


Auditions for ONCE ON THIS ISLAND at Desert Foothills Theater announced for November 28 and 29


Calling actors of all ages! Sign up here to audition for this multigenerational performance. 

Vocal Auditions: Sat., Nov. 28 OR Sun., Nov. 29 (Contact theater for video audition request)
Dance Auditions: Tues., Dec. 1​ (required attendance)
Location: The Holland Center, 34250 N. 60th St., Scottsdale, AZ 85266 (480) 488-1981


Rehearsals and the show will be at The Holland Center, Scottsdale, AZ.
 
Safety precautions include:
Rehearsals
  • Actors' temperatures are taken
  • Masks are worn
  • Hand sanitizing observed
  • Rooms are cleaned before each rehearsal
Shows
  • Audience size is limited
  • Seats are spaced for social distance recommendations 
  • Audience masks are required
  • Performers wear clear face shields.
  • The Holland Center is cleaned professionally and the theater is cleaned again before each performance. 

Show Synopsis

Once On This Island is an exciting Broadway Musical (1990). It was inspired by Hans Christian Andersen’s “The Little Mermaid. The story is deceptively simple: A peasant girl has fallen in love above her class and this is told around a fire by a group of Caribbean peasants as they wait out a terrible storm. However, as the story unfolds, themes about social classes, dreams, family and love, all combine to create a magical tale.

Tuesday, November 24, 2020

Actor's Youth Theatre is seeking Instructors, Directors, Music Directors and Choreographers for their Encore Program


Actor's Youth Theatre is hiring new talent for their ENCORE shows. These are non-audition shows for kids ages 8-15! The shows are some of these kids first show ever and AYT needs some excited directors, music directors, and choreographers! Pay will be based on experience! 

January 3rd-May 19th with one rehearsal a week

Email Emmi Payne at emmi@aytaz.org and/or visit this link to apply: https://form.jotform.com/201667780669166


POSITION SUMMARY:
An instructor at AYT is responsible for teaching individuals or groups of students in the ENCORE program, established by the Executive Director in conjunction with the Artistic Director.

The Instructor is a contracted position reporting to the Artistic Director

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:
General responsibilities include but are not limited to:
● Develop and plan class content that aligns with the mission of the theatre, based on a
curriculum plan approved by the Artistic Director
● Establish an online syllabus along with a teacher profile
● Act as an example to students by attending class and start class on time (arrive 5
minutes prior to class)
● Actively market, promote, and recruit students for classes
● Establish and enforce dress code for classes in conjunction with the Artistic Director
● Be available for all performances for the show at the end of semester.
● Participate in and promote all of the organization’s special events
● Attend staff meetings as requested.
● Attend staff team building events as requested.
● Arrange for and plan for substitute teachers if you are unable to cover classes.
Communicate with the Artistic Director and Box Office Manager if you are unable
to cover your class and are unable to find a sub.
● Communicate teacher absences with Artistic Director and Box Office Manager
● Maintain current fingerprint clearance card at own expense
● Track hours worked on time tracker immediately following each class session
● Track student attendance, including alerting Box Office Manager to students
attending classes who are not registered and registered students who are not
attending
● Ability to help students to identify personal goals and individualize instruction
based on needed skills
● End class 5 minutes early and ensure room is clean according to posted
directions
● Abides by the AYT Staff Ethics Policy (see attached document)
● Instructors may be assigned other duties at the discretion of the Artistic Director

Personal Characteristics:
● Outgoing, positive attitude and enthusiasm for working with children, young adults and their
families
● Holds self accountable to high personal standards of conduct and professionalism
● Excellent coaching and developing skills
● Respect for individuals (students and parents)
● Appreciation of diversity (thought, ethnic, gender, etc)
● Open to feedback and self improvement
● Dressed in proper dress code requirements, looking neat, clean and professional
at all times
● Exercises good judgment and decision making skills
● Must demonstrate an extremely high regard for confidential and sensitive
information

PHYSICAL DEMANDS:
Physical and Environmental Work Conditions representative of those that must be met by a
team member to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable
accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential
functions.

While performing the duties of this position, the team member will regularly be required to:
● Work days, nights, and/or weekends as required
● Work in moderate to loud, fast paced environment with distracting conditions
● Sit for extended periods of time
● Move about facility and stand for long periods of time
● Read and write handwritten or digital notes
● Lift and carry up to 30 pounds

Auditions for THE ODD COUPLE at Scottsdale Desert Stages Theatre announced for December 2



AUDITIONS for DST's 2021 production of THE ODD COUPLE will take place on Wednesday, December 2, at 7pm. No appointment required.

Callbacks, if necessary will be Thursday, December 3. Performance dates are Friday, Jan 22, through Sunday, Feb 14.
 
This beloved Neil Simon comedy opens as a group of the guys assemble for cards in the apartment of divorced Oscar Madison. And if the mess is any indication, it's no wonder that his wife left him. Late to arrive is Felix Unger, who has just been separated from his wife. Fastidious, depressed, and none too tense, Felix seems suicidal, but as the action unfolds, Oscar becomes the one with murder on his mind when the clean freak and the slob ultimately decide to room together with hilarious results as The Odd Couple is born!

WANTED: SANTA CLAUS - Spotlight Youth Theatre - Dec. 18-20, 2020



Written by L. Henry Dowell

Santa Claus has been framed! Now it is up to the elves and a special angel to help save the day from greedy department store moguls, and help Santa save the true meaning of the holidays.

Dates / Show Times:
Dec. 18–20, 2020 both live and online:
Friday, Dec. 18 at 7 p.m.
Saturday, Dec. 19 at 7 p.m.
Sunday, Dec. 20 at 2 p.m.


Cast:
Santa / Robo-Santa: J.R. Riddle
B.G. Bucks: Gabriella Grasso
Crachit: Emmy Boucher-Lange
Macy: Emily Anton
Sam: Ava Newton
Dr. Thingamabob: Savannah Farr
Kyle / Child / Elf: Luca Grasso
Announcer / Judge / Mrs. Claus / Woman: Mia Hurley
Thesbie: Zara Sego
Busbie: McKenzie Lopezlira
Kirby: Claire Calihan
Kathy Lee Getlost / Woman / Referee: Sara Drago
Clarence: Joseph Garcia
Mickey / Child: Reagan Little
Little Girl / Elf: Jaxyn Damasco

Production Team
Director: Jack Taylor
Scenic & Media Design: Bobby Sample
Costume Design: Audrey Wawro
Lighting & Sound Design: Josh Hontz
Hair & Makeup Design: Falin Ossipinsky
Properties Design: Kenny Grossman & Vicki Grossman

Monday, November 23, 2020

WEEK AT A GLANCE: November 23-November 29

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


OPENING:

CLOSING:

N/A


CONCERTS / LIMITED RUNS:








A CHRISTMAS CAROL - Hale Centre Theatre - November 27-December 26, 2020


Book by Charles Dickens
Directed by David Dietlein
Music Directed by Lincoln Wright
Choreographed by Cambrian James

A Hale Holiday Classic! Our spectacular, heart-warming version of Dickens’ classic tale of redemption is magically brought to life on the Hale Stage. This production is rich with traditional carols, stunning costumes, and memorable characters that are guaranteed to enrich the holiday season for you and your family. Now celebrating its 18th year in Gilbert!

Run Time: 2 hours

NOTE: A Christmas Carol uses strobe lights and fog at times during the performance. This show may be frightening for younger children. The Ghost of Marley scene uses fog, intense lighting, loud noises and special effects.


'TWAS THE NIGHT BEFORE…THE SANTA EXPERIENCE - Fountain Hills Theater - December 5-20, 2020



Adapted by Peter J. Hill from the poem “A Visit from St. Nicholas” by Clement Clark Moore

Fountain Hills Theater announces the opening of a brand-new interactive theater experience -
'Twas the Night Before…The Santa Experience, based on the classic poem, A Visit From St.
Nicholas by Clement Moore. Join Katie Moore – the author’s wife - as well as puppets Randolph the Reindeer and Melvin Mouse for a hilarious reading of the poem, before joining in on a live broadcast with Santa Claus himself from his North Pole workshop! Kids and adults can interact with Santa live and take home a thumb drive recording of their visit. A one-of-a-kind socially distanced interactive experience! Reservations are required.

Small groups of patrons will be admitted to socially distanced areas of a Christmas Wonderland.
Following the reading, patrons are escorted to the theater where children – and adults – can talk
directly with Santa Claus as he broadcasts from his workshop at the north pole via the theater’s
8’ X 6’ projection screen. A thumb drive recording of the Santa broadcast is included.

'Twas the Night Before…The Santa Experience is written and directed by Peter J. Hill.

11445 N Saguaro Blvd., Fountain Hills, AZ 85268

Saturdays & Sundays throughout December, between 4PM and 6PM in assigned time slots of 20 minutes each

Reservations: (480) 837-9661 x3 Visa/MC/Amex/Discover or visit fhtaz.org. Individual tickets are $6.00.

This will be the first indoor production at the Fountain Hills Theater since the pandemic closed
its doors in March. The theater will practice social distancing, limiting audience to small groups
for each time slot. Masks will be required.

'Twas the Night Before…The Santa Experience will play Dec. 5th, 6th, 12th, 13th, 19th and
20th, 2020 between 4pm and 6pm. Individual tickets are $6. All performances are at Fountain
Hills Theater, 11445 N. Saguaro Blvd. (The Corner of Saguaro and Rand). Reservations are
available through the Theater Box Office at (480) 837-9661 x3 or by visiting fhtaz.org. Box
Office Hours are 12:00PM-5:00 PM Tuesday through Saturdays. For additional information not
contained in this press release, please call Fountain Hills Theater Artistic Director, Peter J. Hill at
(480) 837-9661 EXT. 7

A HOLLY, JOLLY CHRISTMAS - A HOLIDAY REVUE - Fountain Hills Theater - December 11 - December 20, 2020


Holly Jolly Christmas
Written and Arranged by JR McAlexander

Fridays & Saturdays 7:30pm, Saturdays & Sundays 2PM

Fountain Hills Theater Outdoor Stage

This joyous and touching variety show will become a special part of your holiday tradition with all the merriment of the season including a delightful visit from Mr. and Mrs. Claus!

A Holly, Jolly Christmas – A Holiday Revue is hosted by Santa and Mrs. Claus and their
troupe of singing and dancing assistants. This joyous and touching musical walk down memory lane
will become a special part of your holiday tradition! This 90-minute upbeat show includes a trip
around the world with Santa and Mrs. Claus; a hometown family Christmas; a winter wonderland
celebration; and a flashback to the old TV Christmas specials! Featuring over 30 beloved holiday
songs including "Winter Wonderland," "Let it Snow," "Jingle Bell Rock," "O, Holy Night," "Santa
Baby," and of course "Santa Claus is Coming to Town!" Plus get your photo taken with Santa (socially
distanced) after the show!

11445 N Saguaro Blvd., Fountain Hills, AZ 85268

Reservations: (480) 837-9661 x3 or visit fhtaz.org. Individual tickets are $35.00 for Adults and $18.00 for Youth 17 and under. Group rate discounts are available. Veteran & Active-Duty discounts.

A Holly, Jolly Christmas – A Holiday Revue stars Lacey Dixon, Cameron Eggers, Adam
Guinn, Michael Paul, Britt Powell and Kori Stearns. The production is directed and choreographed by
Michael Wallot and musically directed by Jennifer Adams.

8 Performances only in our new Outdoor Theater Experience! Physically-distanced chair
seating is provided, as well as a few limited parking spots with a view of the stage. Seating opens 30
minutes prior to the show. Come early and enjoy the pre-show entertainment. Social Distance
protocols will be in effect. Space heaters will be in use.

Individual tickets are $35.00 for Adults and $18.00 for Youth 17 and under. Group rate
discounts are available. Veteran and Active-Duty discounts.

Box Office Hours are 12:00PM-5:00 PM Tuesday through Saturdays. 

Sunday, November 22, 2020

Southwest Shakespeare Company presents SHAKESPEARE AND THE ALCHEMY OF GENDER, November 26-29, 2020


FAMILY SECRETS, SHAKESPEARE AND GENDER COLLIDE IN AN INSPIRING TRUE STORY, PERFORMED BY RENOWNED ACTOR LISA WOLPE

Southwest Shakespeare Company offers world-class, in-home entertainment Thanksgiving weekend, with renowned performer Lisa Wolpe’s autobiographical Shakespeare and the Alchemy of Gender.

rom Hamlet to Iago, internationally renowned actor Lisa Wolpe has stepped into many of the Bard’s iconic male characters’ shoes throughout her decades long career. It was in those shoes that she found the power to overcome the unique challenges she faced, as she learned the truth about her heroic Jewish father, who infiltrated Nazi intelligence, and other family secrets that revealed themselves over time. Humorous, cathartic and deeply human, Shakespeare and the Alchemy of Gender demonstrates the remarkable healing power of Shakespeare’s writing and the remarkable talents of Ms. Wolpe.

Shakespeare and the Alchemy of Gender is directed by Laurie Woolery, written and performed by Lisa Wolpe. Lisa Wolpe is the founder of the groundbreaking Los Angeles Women’s Shakespeare Company, and has performed at the Oregon Shakespeare Festival, Utah Shakespeare Festival, among other notables. She has continued to help shape and change the narrative of gender in Shakespeare, working with the Shakespeare Theater Association, the National Theater Conference, and StateraArts to support and amplify the work of women in the theater.

Unlimited virtual tickets are available for this prerecorded event at swshakes.org.

Southwest Shakespeare Company opens doors by exploring the importance of language through the vibrant and passionate performance of works of classical theatre. We exist to elevate, entertain, educate, and inspire the general public and educational communities of Arizona, the Southwest and students of all ages and circumstances.

SHAKESPEARE AND THE ALCHEMY OF GENDER

Written and Performed By Lisa Wolpe
Dates: November 26-29, 2020
Time: The performance will be available for home viewing Thursday 12:00 a.m. - Monday, 12:00 a.m. Runtime: 55 minutes
Location: Unlimited Virtual tickets in the comfort of your home are available for purchase.
Tickets: Virtual tickets are $25 (unlimited at-home participants!) at swshakes.org. Student and educator discounts are available for virtual tickets only by contacting discover@swshakespeare.org

Saturday, November 21, 2020

I GOT YOU, a new film by ALMOST FAMOUS, THE MUSICAL's Casey Likes, and featuring DEAR EVAN HANSEN's Sam Primack and other Phoenix talent, releases on YouTube on Thanksgiving


"I Got You" was filmed in October of this year following industry standard COVID-19 guidelines and stars Dear Evan Hansen Broadway and National Tour Cast Member Sam Primack, Johnna Watson, Anson Romney, and Micah Lawrence, all of whom are Arizona Natives.

It follows Clay and Bella, played by Primack and Watson respectively, through their complicated and passionate romantic endeavors. It was produced with the intention of telling a new and unique story as well as giving professional artists a safe environment to create, when the live entertainment world has come to a halt. It was almost entirely funded by crowd donations through a Go Fund Me campaign, many of which were excited to see the collaboration between Likes and Primack, who were both Jimmy Award Finalists that were brought up through the Arizona theatre community.

Likes, who directs, writes, and edits the film, previously was seen in the World Premiere company of Almost Famous the Musical last year in San Diego, as "William Miller", the on stage stand in for Oscar Winner, and Book Writer, Cameron Crowe. Likes has won several awards for his previous films including 1st place in the Arizona Student Film Festival. 

"I Got You" premieres at 12 AM PST at Youtube.com/thepmvproductions

It's our 6th Birthday!!

 


Friday, November 20, 2020

Stray Cat Theatre to stream A VERY MERRY UNAUTHORIZED CHILDREN’S SCIENTOLOGY PAGEANT beginning Thanksgiving through December 6, 2020


from our friends at Stray Cat Theatre:

Stray Cat Theatre is proud to offer virtual streaming of our 2008 production of A VERY MERRY UNAUTHORIZED CHILDREN’S SCIENTOLOGY PAGEANT beginning Thanksgiving day.

Our 2008 blockbuster mounting of A VERY MERRY UNAUTHORIZED CHILDREN’S SCIENTOLOGY PAGEANT - the satirical musical about scientology and L. Ron Hubbard told entirely by a cast of children - has been the stuff of legend for us. 

If you saw it, you’ve likely asked if we’re ever bringing it back. 

If you didn’t see it...you’ve likely asked if we’re ever bringing it back.

There are 11 opportunities to catch the streaming archival recording of that original 2008 production starting on Thanksgiving day. 

We look forward to sharing this exciting and unique theatrical bit of magic with audiences once again.

STREAMING COST IS $15 FOR INDIVIDUAL VIEWING, 

$25 FOR GROUP VIEWING


11 PERFORMANCE TIMES BETWEEN 11.26.20 AND 12.6.20

TH 11.26.20 - 7:30pm AZ TIME
FR 11.27.20 - 7:30pm AZ TIME
SA 11.28.20 - 2:00pm AZ TIME
SA 11.28.20 - 7:30pm AZ TIME
SU 11.29.20 - 2:00pm AZ TIME
SU 11.29.20 - 6:00pm AZ TIME (note earlier start time)
TH 12.3.20 - 7:30pm AZ TIME
FR 12.4.20 - 7:30pm AZ TIME
SA 12.5.20 - 2:00pm AZ TIME
SA 12.5.20 - 7:30pm AZ TIME
SU 12.6.20 - 2:00pm AZ TIME

“A TRUE GIFT...About three minutes into Stray Cat Theatre's newest production, I found myself thinking: This can't be really happening. When you go to see it — and you must, if you do nothing else this holiday season, go see this astonishing stage production — you will almost certainly experience the same sense of delighted confusion.” - ROBRT L. PELA, PHOENIX NEW TIMES

“GRADE: A. The entire show is presented by a talented ensemble of 8- to 12-year olds as a school pageant. Huge praise goes to director Gary Minyard who crafts miracles with these young but amazingly polished troupers.” - CHRIS CURCIO, CURTAIN UP PHOENIX

“Stray Cat Theatre has found the cure for holiday humbugs (like me) in A Very Merry Unauthorized Children's Scientology Pageant. One thing you can be sure of: You will leave the theater with a smile, and maybe even a goofy song in your Scrooge-like heart.” - KERRY LENGEL, ARIZONA REPUBLIC

“Since we're not professional drama critics... - there's no point in us trying to give reasoned criticism of this show other than to tell you we haven't enjoyed any recent theater performance in New York as much as we did "A Very Merry Unauthorized Children's Scientology Pageant" - RICHARD GRAYSON, FROM HIS BLOG

“FIVE STARS! Avant-garde performance art and children's theatre meet in one of the funniest and most bewildering holiday shows you will ever see.” - CJ

Wednesday, November 18, 2020

Arizona Theatre Company Presents Idris Goodwin's Break Beat Play, THE REALNESS, in Virtual Performance, November 18-22


Arizona Theatre Company’s (ATC) digital season continues with Idris Goodwin’s break beat play, The Realness, which follows T.O. from the suburbs to the big city to immerse himself in authentic hip hop culture and the journey for his heart and true identity.

 “Hip Hop is so much more than a musical genre.  It is a cultural expression of both pride and social consciousness,” said ATC Associate Artistic Director Chanel Bragg.  “Idris Goodwin’s thrilling new play is a love story that will reverberate deep within your heart.”

The Realness, directed by Megan Sandberg-Zakian, will be accessible on ATC’s website (www.arizonatheatre.org) as well as on Facebook, YouTube and Vimeo from 5 p.m., Nov. 18 to 5 p.m., Nov. 22.  There is no charge to view the play, but donations to Arizona Theatre Company are encouraged and will be greatly appreciated. 

For T.O. (Terrell Donnell Sledge), the “real” hip hop culture doesn’t get much real than Prima (Analisa Velez), an MCsupporting her family. The moment he meets her, T. O. falls madly in love. But when he becomes tangled in the lies he tells to get closer to her, he's forced to ask himself: is he after real love, or fulfilling a middle-class fantasy of rap? Idris Goodwin takes on tough questions of authenticity and class collision with humor, heart, and killer rhymes in a coming-of-age tale set to the beat of hip-hop history. 

The Realness also features Marcus John as Lord Style, Moya Angela as Professor Brown and others and Héctor Flores, Jr. as Roy and others. The creative team includes Sound Designer Mathew DeVore, Technology Director Ido Levran, Production Manager Becky Merold, Artistic Manager China Young and Stage Manager Alex Murphy.

For more information about these events and upcoming digital offerings at www.arizonatheatre.org.

 The Realness

Written by Idris Goodwin
Directed by Megan Sandberg-Zakian

Viewing Dates: 5 p.m., Nov. 18 to 5 p.m. Nov. 22
Viewing Options
ATC website (www.arizonatheatre.org), YouTube channel, Facebook and Vimeo.

CREATIVE TEAM
Technical Director: Ido Levran
Sound Design: Mathew DeVore
Artistic Manager:China Young
Production Manager: Becky Merold
SM Intern: Nick Carroll
Stage Manager: Alex Murphy