Monday, October 28, 2024

Review Highlights: DIAL M FOR MURDER - Arizona Theatre Company

Awesta Zarif, Peter Howard & Lucy Lavely 
photo by Tim Fuller


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 3

 COMING SOON - Gil Benbrook, TalkinBroadway.com (click here to read the complete review)

"Arizona Theatre Company has brought tremendous resources to its season opening production of Frederick Knott’s 1952 stage and television thriller “Dial M for Murder.”  An impressive acting ensemble essay the five roles with distinction.  An elaborate set creates an appropriate London living room where the action occurs and wonderful period costumes further enhance the lush visual look. But Jeffrey Hatcher’s new adaptation which attempts to bring the play to a contemporary sensibility sputter and fails to disguise the play’s creaky, old fashioned, senseless, and needlessly convoluted plot.  The inane story and easily predictable characters are so far from any reality that updating the piece can’t make it relevant. Hatcher keeps the play as a period piece but tries, without success, to bring meaning to the piece for current audiences."   -Chris Curcio, Curtain Up Phoenix (click here to read the complete review)

"Hatcher's new take on DIAL M FOR MURDER brings fresh energy to Frederick Knott’s classic thriller, giving it a bit of a facelift for modern audiThe play thrives on a tightrope walk between suspense and dark humor, and when done right, it’s pretty gripping. To that end, this creative collaboration has evoked a mood and atmosphere that heightens the tensions of the play…most of the time. However, if you’re a fan of fast-paced and tightly wound productions, you might find that this one slows down now and then and loses a bit of its edge when, in a campy homage to early filmdom, pregnant and reflective pauses last just a few seconds too long....The modern touches, solid performances by the cast, and smart dialogue bring it into the present while still keeping that classic vibe. It’s a great mix of old and new, and it’s clear why this play has staying power."  - Herbert Paine, Broadway World (click here to read the complete review)

BROCKWAY is coming, this Saturday, November 2




bROCKway is coming!!
Get ready for an unforgettable night!

Join us for bROCKway, an original concert experience brought to you by Mark 4man and Brock Pro Entertainment.

What to Expect: Brockway fuses iconic Broadway showtunes with an electrifying rock style. Enjoy thrilling performances of songs from beloved musicals like Jesus Christ Superstar, Jekyll and Hyde, Rocky Horror, The Little Mermaid, Chess, and more!


When: 11.2.24

Where: Desert Stages Theatre



This is not just a concert; it’s a celebration! We’ll be live recording the event, so come be part of the magic. Plus, enjoy light bites and wine while you soak in the high-energy performances.

Don’t miss out on this one-of-a-kind experience! Grab your tickets now and join us for an evening of amazing vocals and unforgettable music.

See you there!

Auditions for HADESTOWN: TEEN EDITION at Spotlight Youth Theatre announced for November 10 & 11



Hadestown Teen Edition
Parental Guidance is suggested for Hadestown Teen Edition for adult themes and simulated violence.

Discover the magic of Hadestown Teen Edition, a captivating adaptation of the award-winning musical. Follow the epic journey of Orpheus and Eurydice, reimagined with youthful energy and passion. With mesmerizing music and a gripping story, this production is perfect for audiences of all ages. Performed on the main Spotlight Youth Theatre stage from January 17 to February 2, 2025.

Book, Music, and Lyrics by Anaïs Mitchell

Audition dates:
Sunday, November 10, 2024, at 6:00 PM
Monday, November 11, 2024, at 6:00 PM
Callbacks: Tuesday, November 12, 2024 at 5:30 PM

Requirements:
Ages: 13–19

Complete the online audition form.

Please come prepared to sing 32 bars (about 60 to 90 seconds) of a NON-MUSICAL THEATER song (folk, rock, jazz, gospel, etc.)

Absolutely NO a cappella–sheet music, instrument, or accompaniment track only.

We welcome performers of all ethnicities, gender identities, and body types.

We are seeking actors with unique, vibrant singing skills.

Actors of diverse cultural and racial backgrounds are encouraged to apply.

Certain roles will also require strong instrumental abilities. Accompanying yourself with a musical instrument is encouraged.

We are also looking for physically strong dancers to portray the “Workers” in the show.

Mandatory parent meeting and first rehearsal on Saturday, November 16, 2024, at 11:30 AM.

Headshot or photo and resume required.

Video auditions:
Complete the online audition form.
Email jack@sytaz.org by 9 PM on Saturday, November 9, 2024.
Include your name with the audition video linked or attached to the email.

In-person callbacks are mandatory.

RAGTIME - Arizona Musical Theatre Orchestra - November 16, 2024



Arizona Musical Theatre Orchestra (AZMTO) is proud to present a one-night-only symphonic performance of the Tony Award-winning musical RAGTIME on Saturday, November 16 at 7:00 PM at All Saints Lutheran Church, 15649 N 7th St, Phoenix, AZ.

About the show:
RAGTIME is set at the turn of the 20th century and follows the intersecting lives of three families—African-American, immigrant Jewish, and wealthy suburban. With its themes of race, immigration, and the American Dream, RAGTIME remains deeply relevant today. Featuring a score by Stephen Flaherty and lyrics by Lynn Ahrens, this production will highlight AZMTO's cast of talented vocalists performing alongside a full symphonic orchestra in our signature Showcase format.

Event Details:
• Date: Saturday, November 16, 2024
• Time: 7:00 PM
• Location: All Saints Lutheran Church, 15649 N 7th St, Phoenix, AZ

About AZMTO:
AZMTO is America’s first community-based orchestra and chorus dedicated to musical theatre. The ensemble brings the Broadway Cast Recording to life in concert, offering audiences a unique and immersive way to experience these theatrical stories. From emerging artists to seasoned professionals, every event features a brand-new cast of performers from around the state, celebrating the diverse and inclusive nature of Arizona’s performing arts scene.

Cast announced for BE MORE CHILL at Mesa Community College





Jeremy Heere - Gavin Kennedy
Mr. Heere/Scary Stockboy - RJ Gray
Jake Dillinger - Donovan Carabillas
Chloe Valentine - Kate Broadbent
Brooke Lohst - Raegan Denton
Rich Goranski - Logan Holmes
Christine Canigula - Jessica Lester
Jenna Rolan - Daphne Mizquez
Michael Mell - Griffin Slivka
Ms Reyes - Autumn Morgan
The Squip - Beau Morgan

Ensemble
Ashley Bragg
Ainsley Campbell
Brooklyn Crandell
Kendal Denton
Toni-Ann Gardner
Jady Grover
Breckyn Hall
Natalie Huffman
Lydia Kirby
Camren Martinez
Sydnie Navaho
Jenna Officer
Jaiden Weid

Dance Captain
Jady Grover

Video preview of DIAL M FOR MURDER at Ghostlight Theatre



WEEK AT A GLANCE: October 28-November 3, 2024


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



CLOSING:








OPENING:







STILL PLAYING:




























Thursday, October 24, 2024

Cast announced for BRIGHT STAR at Mesa Encore Theatre



Congrats to the cast and crew of Bright Star!


Bright Star is an incredible show and now we have an incredible cast. Join us for the funny and heartfelt story about love, loss, and redemption with a bluegrass spin. We are thrilled to bring you LIVE music to this show which amplifies this Steve Martin original piece is the best way.

Pay the LOWEST prices on tickets when you purchase before opening on November 1st. This is a show you will definitely want to see from the front row, so get your tickets early.

Purchase season tickets and save a total of $42! We are offering steep discounts at the beginning of our season to bolster our attendance, so take advantage of this deal while it lasts.

Cast:
Alice Murphy: Lauren Berman
Alice U/s: Keilani Akagi
Billy Cane: Isreal Rodriguez
Billy/Jimmy Swing: Jason Irr
Daddy Cane: Matt Snell
Daddy Murphy: Jeremy Holley
Darryl Ames: Donovan Reza
Dr. Norquist/Ensemble: Carlin Thomas
Edna/Ensemble: Mars Madison
Ensemble: Addysen Ortiz
Ensemble: Maria Santillan
Ensemble: Matthias Rodriquez
Ensemble: Peyton Parks
Ensemble: Tyler Snell
Ensemble: Zoee Woods
Ensemble: Zoey Waller
Ensemble/Well Dressed Woman: Destiny Walsh
Florence/Ensemble: Cné Serrano
Government Clerk/Ensemble: Dani Topel
Jimmy Ray Dobbs: Taylor Hudson
Lucy Grant: Morgan Lee
Lucy/Margo Swing: McKenzie Jessen
Mama Murphy: Dawn Gunderson
Margo Crawford: River Moyes
Max: Brigham Norton
Mayor Josiah Dobbs: Daniel V. Brugger
Stanford Adams: Gage Vaughn

Crew:
Director: Chris R. Chávez
Choregrapher: Precious West
Music Director: Thomas Hartwell
Technical Director: Cheryl Briley
Production Manager: Lorelee Godden
Stage Manager: Alexandra Kallis
Stage Manager: Nat Coe
Assistant Stage Manager: Megan Johnson
Scenic Designer: Phil Staley & Mike Esparza
Lighting Designer: Rob Littlefield
Costume Designer: Colin Patrick
Hair & Makeup: Colin Patrick
Wardobe Assistant: Theodore Felix Grant McEntire
Sound Designer: Joshua Rife
Properties Designer: Dolores Mendoza
Spot Operator: Stephanie Self
Head Carpenter: Mike Esparza
Scenic Painter: Gracie Ruiz
Violinist: Jayson James
Bassist: Adam Green
Violist: Jordyn Starks
Interim Artistic Director: Brianna Fallon