Thursday, October 15, 2026

Your first look at LITTLE WOMEN: THE BROADWAY MUSICAL at Desert Foothills Theater













Desert Foothills Theater, the North Scottsdale, Carefree, Cave Creek region's only LIVE local community theater, is thrilled to announce its upcoming production of the classic, Little Women: The Broadway Musical. Running from October 15, 2026 through October 18, 2026, this moving theatrical adaptation brings Louisa May Alcott’s cherished novel to life with a powerful score, soaring melodies, and heart-stirring performances.

Five shows will take place at the beautiful Sanderson Lincoln Pavilion, utilizing the stunning outdoor stage and garden area located in the heart of Carefree. This picturesque setting offers the perfect, enchanting location to experience the show.

Set against the backdrop of Civil War–era Concord, Massachusetts, Little Women captures the enduring spirit of resilience, family, and the pursuit of dreams. The story follows the independent, aspiring writer Jo March as she weaves tales of heroes and peril to entertain her family. Together with her sisters—Meg, Beth, and Amy—the March women navigate love, loss, and self-discovery under the guidance of their beloved Marmee.

"We are incredibly excited to bring this beloved classic to our community," said Sandi Carll, Director of the production. "At its core, this musical explores what it means to find your own voice and strength within the bonds of sisterhood. Performing under the stars at the Sanderson Lincoln Pavilion adds an extra layer of magic to a story full of laughter, tears, and inspiration that will charm audiences of all ages.”

Performance Details & Ticket Information
Performance Dates: October 15-18, 2026
Venue: Sanderson Lincoln Pavilion, 101 Easy Street, Carefree, AZ 85377 Ticket Prices: $30 each for general admission.

Tickets can be purchased at DFTheater.org

What to Bring: Seating is provided. Dress for an outdoor setting. The show will run approximately two hours.

About Desert Foothills Theater
Established in 1975, Desert Foothills Theater is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization and the only live local community theater operating in the North Scottsdale, Cave Creek, and Carefree area. Dedicated to enriching the local culture, Desert Foothills Theater provides a vibrant, collaborative space for diverse community members to share their passion for the performing arts both on the stage and behind the scenes.

DFT 2026/2027 Season Includes:
Madagascar Kids, The Holland Center September 17-20, 2026
Little Women: The Musica, Sanderson Lincoln Pavilion October 15-18, 2026
Grumpy Old Men: The Musical, The Holland Center January 14-17, 2027
Trolls Jr., Cactus Shadows Fine Arts Center February 18-21, 2027
Footloose, Cactus Shadows Fine Arts Center May 20-23, 2027

FiAt Productions' Nutcracker Ballet Workshops start next week

 

Waltz into the magic of the Christmas season with our fourth annual Nutcracker Ballet series!

Experience the excellence of God’s beauty in dance and encounter the wonder and awe that The Nutcracker story portrays. When your girls come to class they will not only learn the technique and artistry of ballet, but they will learn how to carry God into everything that they do.

Join us for six weeks of instruction with our wonderful teachers followed by a performance at Holy Spirit Parish that will showcase the skills and talents of your children through the story of The Nutcracker!

Rehearsal/classes run the week of Oct 19th - Dec 5th
Dress rehearsal @ Holy Spirit, Thursday Dec 10th
Performance @ Holy spirit, Friday Dec 11th

$165 registration fee includes classes and performance. Additional costuming fee not exceeding $30 TBD

Instructor(s): Mary Jane Girard, Sarah Girard

CLICK HERE for more information

Fifth Wall Playhouse presents a Pay What You Can & ASL Night - Mixer for THE PILLOWMAN on October 17

 

From our friends at Fifth Wall Playhouse:

We are thrilled to bring to you another accessibility and industry focused night!

Pay What You Can & ASL Night + Mixer

The Pillowman  

When: Saturday Oct 17th at 7pm 

Location: Wittcoff Blackbox at AZ Opera

ASL Mixer at 6pm

Tickets on sale NOW! https://www.zeffy.com/en-US/organizations/5th-wall-playhouse

PWYC Performances made possible by a generous donation from the Richard P. Stahl Charitable Trust, Sponsors of the Arts for All Program. 



Auditions for SOUTHERN FRIED FUNERAL at Ghostlight Theatre announced for October 17

 
Directed by Ann Davis

Auditions October 17th, 2026 at 5:30pm-8:30pm

Callbacks by Invitation only Sunday October 18th.

After her husband passes away, Mississippi native Dorothy Frye just wants to have a nice funeral. But when her meddling family and unexpected guests arrive, Dorothy just wants to survive the day! Centered around her and her daughters, including the wild child Harlene, Southern Fried Funeral is a heartwarming look at the importance of family, love, and community.

Wednesday, October 14, 2026

Review Highlights: THE PILLOWMAN - Fifth Wall Playhouse

Marcel Williams, Melody Knudson, and CJ Mascarelli
Photo by Jason Walz
 
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 18

"While the subject matter of Martin McDonagh's The Pillowman is dark and filled with shocking stories and unsettling violence, Fifth Wall Playhouse's production keeps the material intriguing from beginning to end. Strong performances and assured direction draw the audience into the increasingly disturbing circumstances, which make this production of McDonagh's award-winning play both thought provoking and difficult to look away from. Although the play explores some uncomfortable territory, its blend of psychological suspense, dark humor, and unexpected revelations makes for an incredibly compelling drama."   - Gil Benbrook, TalkinBroadway.com (click here to read the complete review)

Cast announced for RUMORS at Paradise Valley Community College

 

Herberger Theater Center presents DIA DE LOS MUERTOS, free event on November 6



Dia De Los Muertos

Calaveras Cantantes y Calacas Bailantes is a uniquely beautiful celebration of life that pays respect to our deceased.  Combining original music, dance, multilingual spoken word, poetry, colorful costumes, and handmade art, this is an evening of entertainment that captures the joy of our collective journey through death and beyond. 

Featuring the movement talents of: Elena Cano, Rigo Sandoval, Olivia and AthanaSia Segraves, and the musical talents of Marcus Weeden, Erin Richardson, José Salinas, Jeff Jones, Liliana de León-Torsiello, Peter Torsiello, and Vincenzo Torsiello, plus many more special guests and friends in this Noche de Ofrendas!

“Dia De Los Muertos,” First Friday Live, on November 6th, from 6-9 p.m.

Cast announced for ANASTASIA at Zao Theatre


Anya/Grand Duchess Anastasia - Elizabeth Bridgewater
Dmitry Sudayev - Jordan Pearson
Vladimir “Vlad” Popov - Tyler Galley
Gleb Vaganov - Jordan Giannetti
The Dowager Empress - Nikki Reeves
Countess Lily Malevsky-Malevitch - Emma Giffen
Tsar Nicolas II Romanov - Trent Rasmussen
The Tsarina Alexandra - Calli Rasmussen
Young Anastasia - Jovie Rasmussen
Teenage Anastasia - Emma Lanning, Kaylee Montgomery
Tsarevich Alexie Nkolaevich - Ian Montgomery
Grand Duchess Olga - Jenna Lombino
Grand Duchess Tatiana / Dunya – Mindy Chan
Grand Duchess Mariya / Paulina - Presley Humbarger
Commissioner Gorlinsky / Sergei - Carlo Sanchez
Count Leopold / Prince Siegfried - Tyler Saccoman
Count Gregory / Hotel Manager - Gary Pimentel
Countess Gregory - Alli Lambert
Count Ipolitov – Jared Ferolino
Sergei, the bouncer - Carlo Sanchez
Marfa - Kali Gillespie
Odette - Robyn Tye-Lennox
Ensemble- Kameron Archer, Rebecca Bryce, Mindy Chan, Tanner Duncan, Jared Ferolino, Ivan
Fimbres, Kali Gillespie, Michelle Holguin, Jeremy Holley, Presley Humbarger, Gina Kim, Alli Lambert, Jenna Lombino, Turner McKenzie, Ian Montgomey, Jeff Montgomery, Kylee Montgomery, Ann Pastor, Sarai Phillips-Dunlap, Gary Pimentel, Calli Rasmussen, Jovie Rasmussen, Trent Rasmussen, Tyler Saccoman, Carlo Sanche, Raul Sanchez, Robin Tye-Lennex
Additional roles played by members of the ensemble.

Review Highlights: EUREKA DAY - Stray Cat Theatre

Tony Latham, Jon Gentry, Felicia Penza, Willa Eigo, and Bonnie Beus Romney
Photo by John Groseclose

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 17

"Jonathan Spector's Eureka Day is an intriguing play that explores the often combative debate over childhood vaccinations through a group of parents and school administrators whose differing beliefs bring questions of parental responsibility, scientific evidence, and community accountability to the forefront. The cast of Stray Cat Theatre's production does an excellent job breathing life into the play's varied characters, portraying their conflicting perspectives, personal convictions, and emotional struggles with authenticity and nuance. As the views of the character's collide, the play challenges audiences to consider how fear, trust, misinformation, and deeply held convictions shape decisions that can affect far more than one family while also encouraging audiences to examine their own beliefs."   - Gil Benbrook, TalkinBroadway.com (click here to read the complete review)

"As our society confronts multi-faceted challenges, the problems invite a variety of possible answers.  Because complex issues often have multiple solutions debates begin as people fall sway to specific responses that result in heated discussions. Playwright Jonathan Spector explores this debate with sharp wit and clever arguments in his Tony Award-winning play “Eureka Day.”  Stray Cat Theatre is presenting the play’s local premiere in what unfortunately is one of the troupe’s weakest presentations.  The plodding production staged by Louis Farber muddles the play as it meanders instead of becoming a gripping and stimulating piece that brings Spector’s play to vibrant life.  Most distressing in this mediocre production is an acting ensemble who, with only one exception, fails to make Spector’s rich dialogue understandable."    -Chris Curcio, Curtain Up Phoenix (click here to read the complete review)

" Some of the humor lands exactly where you expect it to. But the writer’s observations, coupled with (Louis)  Farber’s sure handling of an excellent Stray Cat ensemble keep the satire from settling too comfortably into anything resembling superiority. The real drama is in what happens when beliefs become inseparable from personal identity....Stray Cat Theatre’s incisive production of EUREKA DAY offers no convenient prescription. Instead, it leaves you with the uncomfortable business of deciding what it means to listen when listening alone is no longer enough."   - David Appleford, Broadway World (click here to read the complete review)

Monday, October 12, 2026

Cast announced for SUFFS at The Phoenix Theatre Company

 

Your first look at RICHARD III at Southwest Shakespeare Company











photos by Devon Christopher Adams

An exclusive PHXStages offer to see MAN OF LA MANCHA at the Herberger Theater Center for 50% off!

 
Arizona Musicfest and the Herberger Theater Center would like to invite the arts community to this month’s production of Man of La Mancha.  

Use code ARTS50 at checkout to receive 50% off all remaining Tier 3 seats for the evening performances on Friday Oct 23, and Saturday, Oct 24, shows. 

Don’t miss this incredible weekend of theater featuring distinguished guest artists in including Tony Award winner Paulo Szot as Don Quioxte, Broadway veterans Maria Bilbao as Aldonza and David Josefsberg as Sancho Panza, as well as top musical theater performers of the Valley and our signature orchestra live on stage. This full production is the third collaboration between 36 year-old Arizona Musicfest and the Herberger Theater Center (Carousel & Ragtime). 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.

Auditions for GRUMPY OLD MEN, THE MUSICAL at Desert Foothills Theater announced for November 6 & 7


Are you ready to show the theater community exactly what a lifetime of comedic timing looks like?
Too often, senior actors are cast in the background as the quiet grandparent or the fleeting neighbor. Not here. We are thrilled to announce open auditions for Grumpy Old Men: The Musical—a rare, laugh-out-loud production where the seniors completely run the show.

DFT is seeking dynamic, expressive, and fearless adult performers who aren't afraid to step into the spotlight and breathe new life into these iconic, beautifully flawed, and fiercely funny characters.

Whether you have decades of stage experience or a natural knack for comedy and a desire to try something new, this is your invitation to take center stage.

Come celebrate a heartwarming story that proves the best comedy, the sharpest wit, and the greatest rivalries only get better with age.

ABOUT THE SHOW:

GRUMPY OLD MEN is a hilarious and heartwarming story about two aging neighbors, Max and John, who have spent most of their lives locked in a feud. When a beautiful, eccentric, and charming woman named Ariel moves in across the street, both men find themselves vying for her attention, turning their rivalry into a full-blown comedic battle of wills. As their antics escalate, the two grumpy old men are forced to confront their differences, leading to a touching resolution that proves even the most stubborn hearts can change.

Based on the beloved 1993 film starring Jack Lemmon, Walter Matthau, and Ann-Margret, this stage adaptation captures the lovably crotchety characters through twinkling humor, catchy songs, and the affectionate depiction of a small town that feels like home to everyone. GRUMPY OLD MEN is a delightful and affectionate celebration of love, friendship, and second chances.​

Audition Dates: November 6-7
Director: Sandi Carll
Music Director: Ken Goodenberger
Choreographer: Nathalie Velasquez
Show Dates: January 14-17, 2027
Show Location: The Holland Center

Secure your audition slot today: https://www.dftheater.org/grumpyoldmenauditions

Cast announced for RUMORS at Banzerini House


WEEK AT A GLANCE: October 12-October 18, 2026

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






CLOSING: