Friday, October 16, 2026
Review Highlights: RICHARD III - Southwest Shakespeare Company
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| Keath Hall and Owen Rapkoch Photo by Devon C. Adams |
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 24
"Like most of Shakespeare's works, Richard III can be a demanding piece, for both a production's cast and the audience. While it's set over 600 years ago, and filled with political maneuvering and plenty of deception, Southwest Shakespeare Company's production makes it all feel remarkably accessible. The cast, led by Keath Hall as Richard, operates like a well-oiled machine, delivering Shakespeare's prose with clarity while creating identifiable characters whose ambitions, fears, and personal conflicts keep the drama engaging. The result is an incredibly solid production that balances the play's historical weight with the excitement, dark humor, and suspense that make Shakespeare's works so enduring." - Gil Benbrook, TalkinBroadway.com (click here to read the complete review)
Auditions for TROLLS, JR at Desert Foothills Theater announced for November 19 & 20
DFT Trolls Jr. Casting Call for Ages 8-14!
Auditions are officially open for our upcoming production of TROLLS Jr.! Youth actors can sign up for a 5-minute audition slot on November 19-20.
TROLLS JR. IS BRAND NEW AND DFT IS EXCITED TO BE AMONG THE FIRST IN THE COUNTRY TO PERFORM!
ABOUT THE SHOW:
Trolls JR. is based on the irreverent DreamWorks Animation movie franchise and features a colorful, wondrous world populated by hilariously unforgettable characters. The show follows the overly optimistic Trolls, constantly with a song on their lips, and the comically pessimistic Bergens, who are only happy when they have Trolls in their stomach.
The Troll thespians in Poppy’s company live by their motto: the show must go on. But when a tyrannical foreign emissary arrives in Bergenland, expectations are raised, forcing the Trolls to totally rework their show or risk being served up in the name of diplomacy by a Chef rehired and out for revenge.
Audition Dates: November 19-20
Mackenzie Moller, Director
Jackie Paul, Music Director
Rachael Madden, Choreographer
Show Dates: February 18-21, 2027
Show Location: Cactus Shadows Fine Arts Center
To audition and learn more, visit: https://www.dftheater.org/trollsaudition
Cast announced for CARRIE at Velvet Curtain Productions
Thursday, October 22nd @ 6:30pm - 1976 CAST
Friday, October 23rd @ 6:30pm - 2013 CAST
Saturday, October 24th @ 2:00pm - 1976 CAST
Saturday, October 24th @ 6:30pm - 2013 CAST
Sunday, October 25th @ 2:00pm - 2013 CAST
Sunday, October 25th @ 6:30pm - 1976 CAST
1976 CAST
Carrie White: Sydney Hassler
Margaret White: Kennedy Czyz
Sue Snell: Jazlynn Damasco
Tommy Ross: Landon Kalin
Chris Hargensen: Hope Kalin
Billy Nolan: Jack Harnack
Miss Gardner: Brailey McDaniel
Reverend Bliss/Mr. Stephens: Theo Feela
Norma: Mari Gutierrez
Frieda: Mikaely Layser
Helen: Tiny Morales
George: Metui Amalani
Stokes: Rockey Landgren-Lee
Freddy: Porter Carr
Ensemble: Cristian Saucedo, Bella Gorton, Jaely Damasco, Jazmyne Yarbrough, Mazzy Ellis, Keira Garcia, Emma Coxon, Anna Maurizo, Lydia Rogers, Liana Negrete
2013 CAST
Carrie White: Brooke Bilsten
Margaret White: Tatum Lorentz
Sue Snell: Jantzen Edgar
Tommy Ross: Xilan Squire
Chris Hargensen: Alina Henriquez
Billy Nolan: Aaron Clark
Miss Gardner: Bailey Stamm
Ms. Stephens: Lydia Rogers
Norma: Liana Negrete
Frieda: Mikaely Layser
Helen: Tiny Morales
George: Metui Amalani
Stokes: Rockey Landgren-Lee
Reverend Bliss/Freddy: Porter Carr
Ensemble: Cristian Saucedo, Bella Gorton, Jazmyne Yarbrough, Mazzy Ellis, Keira Garcia, Emma Coxon, Anna Maurizo, Mari Gutierrez, Jaely Damasco
Creative Team:
Assistant Director: Brandt Marberry
Stage Manager: Caitlyn Sieffert
Music Director: Miranda Bellows
Thursday, October 15, 2026
Cast announced for MAN OF LA MANCHA at Arizona Musicfest and the Herberger Theater Center
ARIZONA MUSICFEST & THE HERBERGER THEATER CENTER PRESENT:
MAN OF LA MANCHA
Starring Tony Award Winner Paulo Szot
Don’t miss this classic musical like you have never seen it before starring guest stars from Broadway, top musical theater talent of the Valley, and a live chamber orchestra on stage.
October 23-25 at the Herberger Theater Center
Cast announced for WITCH at Theatre Artists Studio
Polly Chapman / Elizabeth Sawyer (the Witch)
Noah Delgado / Scratch
Elias Matthews / Cuddy
Christopher Dorto / Frank Thorney
Mark Hackmann / Sir Arthur Banks
Angela Gonzalez / Winnifred
CLICK HERE for more information on this production, which runs October 23-November 8
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
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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
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