photos by Brendan Anderson
Saturday, April 25, 2026
Review Highlights: RAGTIME - Arizona Musicfest/Herberger Theater Center
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| The Cast Photo courtesy Arizona Musicfest/Herberger Theater Center |
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 2
"Hearing the Tony winning musical Ragtime with a full orchestra and a large, committed cast is nothing short of thrilling, and the concert style production from Arizona Musicfest and the Herberger Theater Center delivers on the demands of this detailed, epic, and expansive musical with remarkable power. The score soars in a way that only a 40-member cast and a 28-piece orchestra can deliver, filling the Herberger stage with rich harmonies, sweeping emotion and a wall of sound that comes at you in full force, While there were a few sound issues on opening night, which I'm hopeful will be worked out for the remaining performances, the musical remains a beautiful reminder of just how musically intricate and dramatically compelling this show is as it focuses on beauty, hope, and the promise of the American dream." - Gil Benbrook, TalkinBroadway.com (LINK TO FULL REVIEW COMING SOON click here to read the complete review)
LOVE LETTERS - Scottsdale Old Town Theatre Company - May 23 & 24, 2026
Wistful, witty, and deeply moving.
Fall in love all over again with this timeless Pulitzer-nominated classic by A.R. Gurney.
Scottsdale Old Town Theatre Company Presents…
“LOVE LETTERS” By A.R. Gurney
for a Special Engagement with Two Performances Only,
at ASU Kerr in Scottsdale.
Pulitzer Prize Nominated “Love Letters” by A.R. Gurney
“You cannot stage a play more simply than this, and yet it’s about everything in life. First love, loss of opportunities, loss of life, loss of love…It’s a beautiful play, and all you do is speak it.”
A finalist for the Pulitzer Prize in Drama (1985), this classic American serio-comedy has been performed and loved around the world. In its simplest form, it is a story of friendship and love that spans fifty years all told through love letters exchanged between the two character, Andrew and Melissa. The play explores the lives and relationship two people who grew up together, went their separate ways, but continued to share confidences. As the actors read the letters aloud, what is created is an evocative, touching, frequently funny but always telling pair of character studies in which what is implied is as revealing and meaningful as what is actually written down. This funny and touching work is a unique and imaginative theatre piece which, in the words of the author, “needs no theatre, no lengthy rehearsal, no special set, no memorization of lines and no commitment from its two actors beyond the night of performance.”
Director Mike Arseneault says “this beautiful piece of theatre has been a passion of his for a lifetime across four cities and two countries”. This will be the fifth production of “Love Letters” that he has produced in the United States and Canada. Audiences fall in love with the characters, the relationship and the situations. It’s storytelling at its finest. “The audience will laugh out loud and be moved to tears as the stories and incredible friendship unfolds.” says director Mike Arseneault.
A perfect way to celebrate love! Get ready for some belt laughs and bring a tissue or two. Thanks to the enduing power of “Love Letters”, it has attracted many international actors and famous couple to play the roles of Andrew and Melissa. They include Holland Taylor and A.R. Gurney (original cast), Joanna Gleason and John Rubinstein, Kathleen Turner and John Rubinstein, Colleen Dewhurst and Jason Robards, Mia Farrow and Brian Dennehy, Carol Burnett and Brian Dennehy, Alan Alda and Candice Bergen, Martin Sheen and Anjelica Huston, Stacy Keach and Diana Rigg, Robert Wagner and Jill St. John, Steve Allen and Jayne Meadows, Gerald McRaney and Delta Burke, Matthew Broderick and Laura Benanti, Brooke Shields and John Slattery. Other famous film and TV performers Hollywood Legends: Elizabeth Taylor, James Earl Jones, Charlton Heston, Julie Harris, Christopher Walken, Sigourney Weaver, Sissy Spacek, Laura Linney and Steven Weber (who starred in the 1999 television adaptation), Jeff Daniels, William Hurt, Molly Ringwald, Andrew McCarthy, Whoopi Goldberg, Timothy Dalton and Keir Dullea.
This production presents the script as originally written, which includes outdated cultural depictions, strong language, and mature themes. Recommended for audiences Ages 16+.
This volunteer production is directed by Mike Arseneault, artistic director and executive producer of Scottsdale Old Town Theatre Company and presented in collaboration with ASU Kerr.
Love Letters is produced with special licensing permission from Concord Theatricals, 250 West 57th Street, 6th Floor, New York, NY 10107-0102.
PERFORMANCE DETAILS:
WHEN (TWO PERFORMANCES ONLY):
Saturday, May 23, 2026 – 7:00 pm evening performance
Sunday, May 24, 2026 – 2:00 pm matinee performance
WHERE (VENUE):
ASU Kerr Cultural Center, 6110 N Scottsdale Rd, Scottsdale, AZ 85253
Presented by Scottsdale Old Town Theatre Company in collaboration with ASU Kerr.
TICKETS ON SALE NOW:
Saturday, May 23 at 7pm or Sunday, May 24 at 2pm
Featuring Amy Sperry as Melissa and Mike Arseneault as Andrew
TICKETS: https://asukerr.com/events/
Save the Ticketmaster fee by purchasing your ticket in person at ASU Kerr or by telephone. Call the ASU KERR Box Office at 480-596-2660 during Box Office hours (Wed – Fri, 10am-5pm).
Audition submissions for MEAN GIRLS at Chandler Gilbert Community College due by May 4
Location (of performances): Arnette Scott Ward Performing Arts Center
2626 E Pecos Rd, Chandler, AZ 85225
Mean Girls Audition Info and Sign Up: https://bit.ly/cgc-meangirls
Mean Girls Audition Instagram Post: https://www.instagram.com/p/DWmfllwkoU1/
Mean Girls Audition Info:
Virtual audition submissions will be due Monday, May 4th by 5pm.
Callbacks will be held Saturday, May 9th from 3-8pm by invitation at Chandler-Gilbert Community College. We will provide materials on Wednesday, May 6th by email with more details about callbacks.
What to Prepare: 32 bars of a musical theatre song in the style of the show. 32 bars is about 1 minute of music. Self-tapes should be submitted as an unlisted YouTube link.
Show Information: The production class is a 1 credit course. All participants are required to enroll prior to the start of rehearsals.
Email questions to sara.bruton@cgc.edu
TECH - Monday/Tuesday/Wednesday, 6/29-7/1, 4:00-10:00pm
DRESS/PERFORMANCES
- Monday/Tuesday, 7/6-7, 4:00-10:00pm
- Wednesday/Thursday/Friday, 7/8-10, performances at 7pm
- Saturday, 7/11, performances at 2pm and 7pm
Mesa Arts Center's 2026-2027 Broadway Series
Mesa Arts Center is thrilled to present the third annual Broadway Series featuring a stellar lineup of Broadway productions: The Wiz, Mrs. Doubtfire, STOMP and Waitress.
Renew by May 5 at 10:00 PM to keep your same seats.
There are two package options:
Four Show Renewal Package
The Wiz, Mrs. Doubtfire, STOMP and Waitress
Subscription series starts at $212.85
Member subscription series plus Waitress starts at $201.04
Three Show Package
The Wiz, Mrs. Doubtfire and STOMP
Subscription pricing starts at $158.40
Member subscription pricing starts at $149.61
Review Highlights: "Broadway Night" Concert - Hale Concert Hall
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| Kristen Hertzenberg, Ben Hale, Sarah Elizabeth Combs, and Carl Draper Photo by Nick Woodward-Shaw |
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 May 2
"In early 2024, after presenting musicals and plays for over a decade, the Hale Centre Theatre in downtown Gilbert opened up the Hale Concert Hall. This performance venue is both state-of-the-art and intimate, with seating for 155 patrons, and over the past two years Hale has presented dozens of concerts. Their current offering, Broadway Night, is, I believe, their first to feature songs from acclaimed Broadway composers, including many from the shows Hale fans have seen presented on their main stage. Broadway Night features more than a dozen of the most well-known Broadway hits, including songs from West Side Story, The Sound of Music, Les Misérables, and The Phantom of the Opera, all delivered by a sensational quartet of vocalists and a superb band." - Gil Benbrook, TalkinBroadway.com (click here to read the complete review)
Friday, April 24, 2026
Registration now open for Hidden Cactus Theatre's no cut summer camp production of SHREK KIDS
Hidden Cactus Theatre presents a no cut summer camp of Shrek Kids.
Registration now open until spots fill.
Ages 6-14 June 1-6th 9am-3pm.
Registration and more info here:
Auditions for SOMETHING ROTTEN! JR at Actor's Youth Theatre announced for May 11
“Welcome to the Renaissance!” …and to our Something Rotten Jr. Summer Intensive!
AUDITION INFO
Life Community Church
717 W Ray Rd, Gilbert, AZ
Auditions: Monday, May 11
6:00–8:00 PM
Callbacks: Saturday, May 16
9:00 AM–12:00 PM
Ages: 12–18
WHAT TO PREPARE
32 bars or ~60 seconds of a song
Preferred: a song from Something Rotten Jr. for your desired role
Or: any song of your choice if unfamiliar
Can’t attend?
Submit a video audition by NOON May 11 to: mailto:boxoffice@aytaz.org
Subject: Something Rotten Jr auditions
Be ready to sing and dance — wear clothes you can move in!
You’ll be there for the full 2-hour audition block
Reserve a time + fill out the required Google Form BEFORE auditions
REHEARSALS
June 1–12
Mon–Thurs: 9:00 AM–3:00 PM
Fri: 9:00 AM–12:00 PM
TECH WEEK
June 13–16 (varied times)
All conflicts must be listed before callbacks
PERFORMANCES
June 17–27
Evening shows at 7:00 PM + Saturday matinees at 11:00 AM
Production Fee: $250 (due first rehearsal)
Parent Volunteer Requirement:
• 5 hours pre-production
• 5 hours during show run
• $75 buyout per 5-hour shift if needed
Directed by Jere Van Patten
Music Director: Elise Stoffer
Choreographer: Taylor Hull
Stage Manager: Saniya Sapakie
Don’t be “Hard to Be the Bard”…come audition!
Thursday, April 23, 2026
Wednesday, April 22, 2026
Tuesday, April 21, 2026
Save 50% on remaining evening performance tickets for RAGTIME at Arizona Musicfest/Herberger Theater Center this weekend!
An exclusive PHXStages offer to see Ragtime: The Musical this weekend at the Herberger at 50% off!
Arizona Musicfest and the Herberger Theater Center would like to invite the arts community to this weekend’s production of Ragtime: The Musical.
Use code ARTS50 at checkout to receive 50% off all remaining Tier 3 seats for the evening performances on Friday April 24, and Saturday, April 25, shows.
Don’t miss this incredible weekend of theater featuring distinguished guest artists from both the current and 2009 Broadway Ragtime revival productions, as well as top musical theater performers of the Valley and a 30-piece orchestra live on stage. This full production is the second collaboration between 35 year-old Arizona Musicfest and the Herberger Theater Center. Get your seats while you still can!
Note that this offer is not valid on previous ticket purchases and is unique to the PHXStages’ audience.
Sumissions for Sandy the dog in ANNIE at Hale Centre Theatre due by May 9
The Hale Centre Theatre - Arizona is holding video auditions seeking a well-trained dog to play the role of ‘Sandy the dog’ in our upcoming performance of Annie! Callbacks will be by invitation only.
Please create a video audition appointment showing training, obedience, and/or tricks. Preferably medium to large breed dogs with similar looks to Broadway and movie. All video submissions and resumes will be due Saturday, May 9th, at 11:59pm.
Canine must be well-mannered, good with people (especially children), and respond to basic commands and cues. The owner and canine must be able to attend required rehearsals and performances.
This show may be double-cast for ‘Sandy’ and be played by two dogs switching between each day due to the number of performances. The dog must be able to perform in up to 2 performances each day with as many as 8 performances each week.
Any further questions may be directed to Lillian Quaranta at auditions@haletheatrearizona.com
Auditions for PRINCESS FINDS A WAY at Paradise Valley Community College announced for April 27 & 28
Auditions for Princess Finds a Way
Directed by Andrea Robertson
Auditions: April 27, 4:30-6:30 & April 28, 2:30-4:30
Callbacks: April 28, 6:00-8:00pm in the Studio
Theatre. Callbacks will be cold reads from the script.
Where: Studio Theater Building M-East
18401 North 32nd Street,
Phoenix, AZ 85032
*All performers/crew are required to register for THP201AA, (1 credit)
Casting Protocol: Go to www.paradisevalley.edu/theatre and select Auditions from left menu
Sign up for a 5 minute audition time slot Headshot and Resume: Preferred but not required
Prepare: Actors will do cold reads from the script.
Rehearsals Begin: May 18. Rehearsal schedule is M-Th depending on actor’s availability
Performance Times: June 11, 12 @ 6:00pm, June 13, 11am & 1pm and June 14 @ 1:00pm and 3pm and possible daytime touring shows the week of the 15th
Play Synopsis: In this modern-day fairy tale, Princess Megan is told that her father, the King, has planned a contest to determine whom she will marry and whom will take control of the kingdom. Intent on con-trolling her own destiny, she enters the contest disguised as a man, determined to win!
AVAILABLE ROLES– 3 Female Identifying and 4 Male Identifying PVCC Theatre’s casting is open to include every race, culture, age, gender, sexual orientation and physicality.
PRINCESS MEGAN: The heroine, a spunky princess who doesn’t wait for Prince Charming to save her. She wants control of her destiny and is determined to get it.
AUNT ASSERTA — Princess Megan’s aunt, does all the talking for her and her sister, Echo. Her name says it all.
AUNT ECHO — Princess Megan’s aunt, echoes everything Asserta says. She is shy and sweet, but willing to speak her mind to help her beloved niece.
LORD SYLVESTER -— Princess Megan’s cousin and the villain, he will do anything to win the contest. To him, it’s no fun winning fairly, he must plot and scheme.
CLYDE -— Lord Sylvester’s manservant and his unwilling accomplice. He can see the children and helps them foil his master’s plans.
LORD CHANCELLOR -— The official in charge of the contest, he is grumpily disapproving of the strange happenings.
PRINCE ALEXANDER - The hero, he epitomizes all that is good and noble.
Monday, April 20, 2026
Musical Theatre Alliance of Arizona's 2026/2027 Season!
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Join the Musical Theatre Alliance of Arizona as we celebrate our fifth season with a year of magic! From a most peculiar nanny, to ogres and fairytale creatures; glass slippers and oddball characters, it's sure to be a season of incredible stories. Whether you're a seasoned veteran, or new to musicals, you're encouraged to discover the wonder with us this year! To learn more about MTAA, visit us at: www.theatricallyaz.org
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