Thursday, October 17, 2024

Cast announced for INTO THE WOODS at Limelight Performing Arts




Cast announced for 1984 at Greasepaint Youth Theatre




The Cast of 1984

Symes - Madeline Aviles
Winston - Tayson Toledo
Guard/ENS - Oliver Christie
Julia - Sophie Swingler
O'Brien - Evan Kaushesh
Parsons - Davis Whitehead
LandLady/ENS - Makenna Cunningham
Coffee Girl /ENS- Reva Shah
Messenger/Voice /ENS- Katelyn Sullivan
Glenn/ENS - Sam Roalofs


DIRECTED BY: PETE BISH
STAGE MANAGER: JORDAN CLINE

Your first look at ANNIE at Almost Famous Theatre Company












photos by Sean Logan

Cast announced for LES MISÉRABLES: SCHOOL EDITION at Spotlight Youth Theatre

 


Jean Valjean... JAKE PRICE
Javert... ANDREI IGDANES
Cosette... EMILY ANTON
Fantine... DARCY SYLVESTER
Eponine... JAYSA VALDEZ
Marius... DASH DEUSTERMAN
Thénardier... LUKE CHESTER
Madame Thénardier... ANGELINA RESTUCCIA
Enjolras... DOMINIC DEMARK
Gavroche... JACKSON BEESON
Young Cosette... AZRA KEARNS, BLAIR YARON
Young Eponine... AZRA KEARNS, BLAIR YARON
Bishop of Digne... CRIS MORY BARRON

Thénardier’s Gang
Brujon... ASHER JOHNSTON
Montparnasse... LIAM DAVENPORT
Babet... SHANE SEDIVY
Claquesous... MORGAN JAMES

The ABC Society (Students)
Grantaire... MORGAN JAMES
Combeferre... SHANE SEDIVY
Feuilly... WILLIAM RICHARDSON
Courfeyrac... LIAM DAVENPORT
Joly... LIAM GARRETT
Prouvaire... KYLAN CHAIT
Lesgles... MARKUS ROSENDAHL
Foreman... MORGAN JAMES
Factory Girl... ARIANNA BARTON
Army Officer... ASHER JOHNSTON
Pimp... KYLAN CHAIT
Bamatabois... SHANE SEDIVY
Old Woman... SAVANNAH SPRINGER

Chain Gang
JOSH ROGA
LIAM GARRETT
MARKUS ROSENDAHL
MORGAN JAMES
SHANE SEDIVY
WILLIAM RICHARDSON

Ensemble
ARIANNA BARTON
ASHER JOHNSTON
AVA PETRI
CHLOE FINCH
CRIS CORY BARRON
ELLIE DEUTSCH
JOSH ROGA
KATERINA ANDERSON
KYLAN CHAIT
LIAM DAVENPORT
LIAM GARRETT
LUCY GLOW
MARKUS ROSENDAHL
MORGAN JAMES
RYLAN GINSBERG
SARINA ARBAUGH
SAVANNAH SPRINGER
SHANE SEDIVY
VALERIE WINCH
WILLIAM RICHARDSON

Your first look at CHARLOTTE'S WEB at Valley Youth Theatre














photos courtesy Valley Youth Theatre

Wednesday, October 16, 2024

Review Highlights: FUNNY GIRL - National Tour/ASU Gammage

Hannah Shankman and Stephen Mark Lukas
Photo by Matthew Murphy for MurphyMade

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 October 20

"Funny Girl brings the story of musical comedy star Fanny Brice to life with energy, charm, and plenty of heart. Featuring a wonderful performance by Hannah Shankman as Fanny, the national tour of the recent Broadway revival, which included some changes to the original script and additions to the score, is a solid production of this classic musical....The score by composer Jule Styne and lyricist Bob Merrill includes many well-known, toe tapping songs...The script and Michael Mayer's direction also add subtle changes that tighten the pacing while also giving more emotional weight to Fanny and Nick's relationship. Some songs have been slightly reworked or moved around from the 1964 original production, including the addition of the title number from the 1968 film, to flesh out the score and give Nick more to do so he's no longer just a supporting character. The success of a production of Funny Girl hinges on its lead, and for the national tour, Hannah Shankman delivers a powerhouse performance as Fanny Brice. She captures Fanny's larger-than-life personality, mastering both the comedic timing and emotional depth that the role demands. Her vocal delivery of iconic numbers like "People" and "Don't Rain on My Parade" is thrilling....Equally impressive is Stephen Mark Lukas as Nick Arnstein, who exudes sophistication and charisma. "  - Gil Benbrook, TalkinBroadway.com (click here to read the complete review)

"Hannah Shankman (is) an unstoppable spitfire, a powerhouse of comedic energy with a show-stopping voice that all but guarantees thunderous applause after each of the show's top three songs of the first half, I’m The Greatest Star, People, and Don’t Rain On My Parade....Well cast throughout, notably, Stephen Mark Lukas as Nick Arnstein is an actor whose speaking voice matches the depth and strength of his singing ...Despite the flaws of the book’s second half, this national touring production of FUNNY GIRL, with its sensational leading lady, could not be more welcomed. "  David Appleford, Broadway World (click here to read the complete review)

Cast announced for THE ADDAMS FAMILY at Banzerini House



Cast announced for SHREK THE MUSICAL, JR at Limelight Performing Arts



Auditions for OLIVER! at TheaterWorks announced for November 17 & 18




Director: Chris Hamby
Music Direction: Lincoln Wright
Choreography: Morgan Rose
Stage Manager: Courtney Stevens

AUDITIONS:
Sunday Nov 17th from 10am-2pm
Monday Nov 18th from 5:30pm-9:30pm

CALLBACKS:

Saturday Nov 23rd from 5am-9pm
Sunday Nov 24th from 10am-2pm
(All callbacks materials will provided in advance.)

PERFORMANCES: February 7-23, 2024

WHO: Local actors ages 8-Adult. (No AEA contracts are available.)
All actors, 18+, who are cast will receive a stipend.

Please note, this is primarily an adult show that has youth actors in it. Rehearsal will go to 10pm (or 11pm during tech), so there will be late nights if cast.

Cast announced for DIAL M FOR MURDER at Ghostlight Theatre



Review Highlights: HOLIDAY INN - Hale Centre Theatre

Tyler Brignone, Brie Wadsworth-Gates, and Brandt Norris
 
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 November 23

"The musical Holiday Inn is a delightful stage adaptation of the 1942 film of the same name, filled with several classic Irving Berlin songs and plenty of energetic dance numbers. While some of the songs are lesser-known Berlin tunes and the plot is fairly predictable, with a talented cast who sing and dance up a storm and bright creative elements, Hale Centre Theatre's production is a charming crowd-pleaser....the musical features a broader selection of Irving Berlin's songs, many of which were not in the movie. While this enriches the overall score, it also highlights a slight imbalance, as some of Berlin's lesser-known songs don't quite live up to the more familiar of his hit tunes, including "White Christmas" and "Heat Wave."...As the likable and relatable Jim Hardy, who longs for a quieter life away from the demands of show business, Tyler Brignone oozes warmth and sincerity....Brie Wadsworth-Gates shows her maturity and depth as Linda Mason, the girl-next-door with a hidden talent for singing and dancing. ...As Ted Hanover, Jim's former showbiz partner, Brandt Norris' slick dance moves and comedic timing bring plenty of energy to the stage; his solo tap number is superb. Christie Dabreau adds a few fun moments as Lila Dixon, Jim's former fiancée,...Cambrian James' energetic and varied choreography features lively tap routines and exuberant ballroom dancing which add to the show's charm. "  - Gil Benbrook, TalkinBroadway.com (click here to read the complete review)

Cast announced for ANASTASIA at Shine Theatre Company


 

ANYA: Isela Tovar
THE DOWAGER EMPRESS/ FEATURED SINGER: Ruth Marrero
LILY/FEATURED DANCER ACT 1: Ana King
VLAD: Brandon Dahl
DMITRY: Killian Thompson
THE TSARINA -: Finley Seidel
THE TSAR - : Tony Baker
OLGA ROMANOV - : Grace Matesjek
TATIANA ROMANOV/ Reporter #1: Claire Blander
MARIA ROMANOV / SOLO WOMAN -: Lila Weber
ALEXEI ROMANOV/ PARISIAN CHILD: Brighton Nowack
LITTLE ANASTASIA/ PARISIAN CHILDREN -: Ellie Richards
TEEN ANASTASIA: Brooklynn Liberatore 
LITTLE DIMETRY/PARISIAN CHILD -: Emerson Ramsower
RUSSIAN/ PARISIAN CHILDREN: Luca Diaz
GLEB - : Andrew Hammon
PAULINA/ COUNTESS GREGORY/REPORTER #3/ FEATURED DANCER-: Riley Dougherty
DUNYA/ REPORTER #4/ FIRST WOMAN/ FEATURED DANCER -: Jordyce Behm
COUNT IPOLITOV / FEATURED DANCER -: James Abbitt
COUNT LEOPOLD /FEATURED DANCER -: Thomas Abbitt
GORLINSKY /SERGEI/ SOLO MAN/DRUNK #1 & #4/ FEATURED DANCER -: Preston Braden
COUNT GREGORY/ FEATURED DANCER -: Darl Hanna
FIRST MAN & SECOND MAN- (Prologue soloists)/ DRUNK #2/ FEATURED DANCER: Sam Bibby
BLACK MARKETEER #1/ FEATURED DANCER-: Katie Baker
BLACK MARKETEER #2/ SMOKER (PG 45)/ REPORTER #2/ FEATURED DANCER: Sharesa Uher
BLACK MARKETEER #3 / FEATURED DANCER: Gianna Infantino
DRUNK #3 / POLICEMAN #1/ FEATURED DANCER: Austin Spaulding
FEATURED DANCER: Gina Hanna

Tuesday, October 15, 2024

Auditions for ELF THE MUSICAL, JR at East Valley Children's Theatre announced for October 22 & 23




Open auditions for the Elf Jr.

Oct 22nd and 23rd (pick one day)

5 pm, ages 8-11
7 pm, ages 12-18

(Callbacks October 24th)


FREE workshop will be held on

Oct 19, 9-12pm.

Kids will learn more about the ELF story, characters, and the unique vision of this production. Valuable audition techniques will be taught and a mock audition will prepare actors for the official audition process.

Cast announced for HEATHERS THE MUSICAL: TEEN EDITION at Actor's Youth Theatre








Monday, October 14, 2024

Arizona Theatre Matters Presents Shakespeare’s The Tempest - Watch Now on YouTube

Binta Mohammed signing a Caliban scene
Character rendering by KadyB.

Arizona Theatre Matters is proud to announce the release of its production of Shakespeare’s The Tempest on YouTube. This groundbreaking adaptation breathes new life into one of Shakespeare's final masterpieces, blending traditional storytelling with innovative, universally accessible theatre.

The Tempest is a tale of magic, betrayal, love, and forgiveness, set on a remote island where the exiled Duke Prospero uses his mystical powers to seek revenge, only to discover that reconciliation is the true path to peace. The Arizona Theatre Matters production offers a fresh take on the timeless play, emphasizing themes of resilience and redemption.

What Makes This Production Unique?

Standout Performances: The Tempest features a stellar voice cast led by Michael Rawley as Prospero. A top-tier stage actor, in his long career, Rawley starred as Scar in both the Toronto and American National Touring productions of The Lion King. He is also the founding artistic director of the LaSalle Theatre in Kirkland Lake, Ontario, where he has spearheaded the SaveTheLaSalle movement.

Phoenix Metro favorites Mathew Zimmerer and Mace Archer also take on key roles. Zimmerer, a world-class actor known for his wide range of acclaimed performances, voices both Alonso, the grieving king, and Stephano, the drunken butler, masterfully rendering both roles. Mace Archer, who recently won the "Zoni" Best Actor in a Play award for his commanding portrayal of Macbeth at the Southwest Shakespeare Company, brings his immense talent to this production, further establishing himself as a top actor in the region.

Character Renderings by Kady Barnes: The stunning character renderings featured in the background images are created by Kady Barnes, adding a visual richness that beautifully complements the audio performances.

Deaf Sign Language Team: Binta Mohammed brings a nuanced and deeply emotional layer to the production. As a Deaf sign language performer, Binta’s ability to convey the subtleties of each character is remarkable. Her portrayal is rich with distinct characterizations, bringing not only clarity but an enormous amount of heart to the production. She enhances the narrative with incredible depth, ensuring that the performance resonates with audiences on a profoundly human level.

Accessible Theatre for All Audiences: This production of The Tempest features richly descriptive narration, making it accessible for people who are blind or visually impaired. Additionally, subtitles are available and can be translated into more than 300 languages, ensuring that the production is accessible to viewers who speak languages other than English.

Support the Arts: As part of our mission to promote inclusive theatre, we are raising funds to continue working with our dedicated Deaf sign language team. To support this cause, please visit our GoFundMe campaign at the link included in the video description.

Shakespeare’s The Tempest is now available to stream for free on YouTube. Watch it HERE.

Save on tickets for ANASTASIA at Shine Theatre Company



ATM-10252024-THEATRE

Cast announced for THE COLOR PURPLE at Black Theatre Troupe

OCTOBER 18 - NOVEMBER 3

Tempe Center for the Arts

700 W. Rio Salado Parkway

Tempe, AZ 85281

This uplifting musical reminds us to “be thankful for the days we’ve been given-both the easy and the hard ones we’re living”. Alice Walker’s remarkable coming-of-age story is again brought to life and told as only the Black Theatre Troupe can, weaving this touching and sometimes darkly painful tale of the power of love to overcome. Featuring a vibrant score infused with jazz, ragtime, gospel, African music, and blues, this musical celebration is a testament to the human spirit and the healing power of love.


MEET THE CAST & CREATIVES

Karen Jones

Director

Brenda Hankins

Music Direction

Xea Goolsby

Celie

LaTraye Meredith

Sofia 

Robert Hudson

Ol’ Mister (Albert)

Danitra Dillon White

Shug Avery

Vanessa Quintero

Nettie

David Logan

Pa

Trevell McElwee-Chappell

Preacher

Christal Roundtree

Church Lady Darlene

Cherylandria Banks

Church Lady Doris

Other Cast (Not Pictured)

Shanaleigh Mejia, Tahanee Waqia, Kishea Morning, Tyree Ballard, Ishmail Najeeullah, Ray Rayford, Zinia Chappell, Randy Shaw, Terrance Smith, Ljaya Washington, D'Yonn James and Nancy Taylor.