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)
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Cast announced for RUMORS at Paradise Valley Community College

 
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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.
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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.

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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)
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Monday, October 12, 2026

Cast announced for SUFFS at The Phoenix Theatre Company

 

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Your first look at RICHARD III at Southwest Shakespeare Company











photos by Devon Christopher Adams

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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.

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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

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Cast announced for RUMORS at Banzerini House


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

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






CLOSING:














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Sunday, October 11, 2026

Your first look at THE PILLOWMAN at Fifth Wall Playhouse

 








photos by Jason Walz at Fourth Wall Photo Studios

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Review Highlights: PIPPIN - Arizona Broadway Theatre

Matthew Richards Jr. and Jazmin Noel Moehring
Photo by Alexxis Grant, Timeless Present Photos
 

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 8

"There is a lot to enjoy in Pippin, Stephen Schwartz (score) and Roger O. Hirson's (book) slightly unconventional musical about a young man searching for meaning, purpose, and his own place in the world. Arizona Broadway Theatre's production benefits from energetic direction, inventive choreography, and a talented cast who embrace the show's theatricality. While Schwartz's score remains fantastic, with several songs that have become musical theatre standards, the slightly klunky book occasionally keeps Pippin from rising to the extraordinary....Lynzee Foreman's direction and the choreography by Catrina Teresa Contini maintain a nearly seamless flow of energy and enthusiasm while bringing a sense of mystery and suspense to the production...Matthew Richards Jr. effectively conveys Pippin's youthful uncertainty and growing desire to find something more meaningful than the life chosen for him. As the Leading Player, Jazmin Noel Moehring brings the necessary combination of charm, mystery, and menace, along with sleek and impressive dance moves, making the character an alluring guide whose intentions become increasingly questionable. Richards and Moehring have fantastic singing voices that impressively deliver soaring versions of many of Schwartz's beloved songs."   - Gil Benbrook, TalkinBroadway.com (click here to read the complete review)

"There is something wonderfully deceptive about PIPPIN. On the surface, it’s a musical about a young prince who wants to do something extraordinary with his life. It gives him wars to fight, kingdoms to conquer, women to pursue, a father to challenge…and, in Arizona Broadway Theatre’s exhilarating new production, a theatrical universe in which meaning and gravity seem negotiable." 
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Saturday, October 10, 2026

Your first look at EUREKA DAY at Stray Cat Theatre












photos by John Groseclose

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