PHX Stages: October 2014

Friday, October 31, 2014

VALHALLA, Nearly Naked Theatre, Opening Weekend Ticket Discount

From our friends at Nearly Naked Theatre:

Come see Valhalla! Pre-Sale has ended, but you can still use the OPENING WEEKEND DISCOUNT for any show next FRI, SAT or SUN!

Use code: VALHALLAOPEN

Click here for more information on this production

Click here to order tickets

ASU/Gammage Rising Stars program

from our friends at ASU/Gammage:

Calling All Rising Stars!

ASU Gammage is looking for the Valley’s Rising Stars. Its newest program honors high school students who are aspiring to be the next ASU Gammage star!

Apply today! http://asugammage.com/pdf/Risingstar.pdf

FOREVER PLAID, The Palms Theatre, Video preview

Now playing through November 22nd - click here for more information.

Thursday, October 30, 2014

added special engagement GIRLS NIGHT OUT, Arizona Broadway Theatre, Nov, 14 & 15

This touching and hilarious 'tell-it-like-it-is' musical takes audiences on a journey into the lives of a group of female friends. Audience members can’t help but laugh, cry and sing and dance in the aisles! Follow five friends as they visit their past, celebrate their present, and look to the future on a wild and hilarious night out ... and you'll recognize yourself in each of them! Described as “Desperate Housewives meets Mamma Mia” (Applause Magazine), and “As funny and outrageous as Sex and the City!” (The Advocate).GIRLS NIGHT is bursting with energy and packed with hits “Lady Marmalade,” “It’s Raining Men,” “Man I Feel Like A Woman,” “I Will Survive” and more.

Click here for more information.

Wednesday, October 29, 2014

reviews SEMINAR Actors Theatre

For more information on Seminar at Actors Theatre click here

Playwright Theresa Rebeck’s script is razor sharp. The doubts, the fears and the power play of all are well presented by a terrific ensemble under director Ron May’s guidance. Rebeck’s Seminar may not be quite the challenging comedy of intellectual wordplay you expected after the earlier Broadway hype, but it’s still great fun and more importantly it’s a promise of the standard of what is yet to come from Actors Theatre of Phoenix at its new, permanent home at Black Theatre Troupe. - David Appleford - Valley Screen and Stage

"well-cast and smartly directed. A witty, dialogue heavy play that is rich and even moving. With extremely nuanced, polished, and well directed performances of Theresa Rebeck's well-crafted characters, Seminar is receiving an exceptional production from the Actors Theatre." - Gil Benbrook, Talkin' Broadway

"perceptive but amusing...superbly staged and thoughtfully acted. May, the stalwart director and artistic leader of Stray Cat Theatre, is in top form as he keeps “Seminar” moving along at a brilliantly fast-paced clip but where all the humorous truths are appropriately emphasized. May is one of the Valley’s best and most creative directors. Like most productions May stages, he is aided by a strong acting ensemble...one of the best comedies to play locally in far too long. - Chris Curcio - KBAQ

"this play is one you won't want to miss. A crackerjack cast and taut direction by Ron May. Speaks to both the fragility and the optimism of artists, who open up their souls to public inspection while also struggling to fulfil their ordinary human needs" - Kerry Lengel - Arizona Republic

"tightly knit, fast-paced, engaging, and provocative comedy of mixed manners and artistic insights. A solid ensemble delivers Rebeck's rapid fire dialogue with bristling conviction and energy." - Herbert Paine - Broadwayworld.com

reviews THE MIRACULOUS JOURNEY OF EDWARD TULANE, Childsplay

Click here for more information on Childsplay's production of The Miraculous Journey of Edward Tulane

"what a miraculous journey it is. it comes alive before your eyes and sweeps you up into the warmth and comfort of its arms. David Saar’s assured direction keeps Edward Tulane moving at a brisk pace throughout as the ever touching story takes us from Abilene’s house on Egypt street, to the liner, the bottom of the ocean, on a train ride across country, a diner, and eventually back to where it all began but with a difference. There will be moments when your heart will both soar with the magic of what great theatre can create – and this is quite simply great theatre – and break with the heartache of loss and loneliness. Watching this magical production come alive before you is not only a wonderful way to be entertained, it’s a privilege. I can’t make this any simpler: you have to see The Miraculous Journey of Edward Tulane. - David Appleford - Valley Screen and Stage

""What it means to love and be loved" is the important life lesson at the center of the moving, touching and beautiful Childsplay production of The Miraculous Journey of Edward Tulane. Combining the power of theatre with the journey of self-discovery isn't something new, yet this tale of a china rabbit doll who learns to love will touch your heart, stay with you, and most likely make you shed a few tears. The combination of the beautiful story, the inventive design elements, and the extremely talented cast are a perfect example for theatregoers young and old to see how theatre can transport us to different places and how it can inspire us and make us think. Childsplay's The Miraculous Journey of Edward Tulane is a celebration of the magic of theatre and the wonder of life. - Gil Benbrook - Talkin' Broadway

photos SEMINAR, Actors Theatre

Click here for more information on Actors Theatre's production of Seminar.

David Barker and Kim Richard

Will Hightower, Kerry McCue and Andy Cahoon

Kerry McCue, Andy Cahoon, Kim Richard and Will Hightower

Andy Cahoon, Kim Richard, David Barker, Kerry McCue and Will Hightower

Photos by John Groseclose

Tuesday, October 28, 2014

auditions LOMBARDI Desert Stages Theatre

Auditions for Lombardi will be held Sunday November 16 at 7:00pm
Directed by Mark Clemente

Register by going to www.desertstages.org and click on "Auditions"

Lombardi

Sport produces great human drama and there is no greater sports icon to bring to theatrical life than Hall of Fame football coach Vince Lombardi, unquestionably one of the most inspirational and quotable personalities of all time. Though football's Super Bowl trophy is named for him, few know the real story of Lombardi the man—his inspirations, his passions and ability to drive people to achieve what they never thought possible.
Characters:

Vince Lombardi, 50s, Difficult coach, husband and father

Marie Lombardi, 40s, Vince's wife,strong and sometimes conflicted; mother of their 2 children who often kept her husband grounded. The only person who could really challenge Lombardi

Michael McCormick, 30s, Young enthusiastic reporter on his first major assignment for Look Magazine. Son of domineering father who is also a writer

Dave Robinson, mid 20s, Packer Linebacker, Black stocky football build; Powerful player and team representative for the Players' Association

Paul Hornung, 30, Packer Running Back, Blonde Adonis; "The Golden Boy" A vital piece of the Power sweep and half of the "Thunder & Lighting" pair with Taylor

Jim Taylor, 20s, Packer Fullback, muscular; soft spoken; very business conscious professional athlete, half of the "Thunder & Lighting" pair with Hornung

POSTS

photos THE MIRACULOUS JOURNEY OF EDWARD TULANE, Childsplay

Click here for more information about this production

David Dickinson, Debra K. Stevens, Kyle Sorrell and Katie McFadzen

Kyle Sorrell, Debra K. Stevens and David Dickinson

Katie McFadzen and Debra K. Stevens

Kyle Sorrell and David Dickinson

Debra K. Stevens

photo credit: Tim Trumble

Monday, October 27, 2014

cast announcement DREAMGIRLS, Desert Foothills Theater

Click here for more information on Dreamgirls at Desert Foothills Theater.

Performances run Feb. 13 - March 1, 2015

Name: Character:

Matravius Avent..........................C.C. White

Ivan Thompson..........................James Thunder Early

Jacqueline Rushing....................Lorell Robinson

Miguel Jackson..........................Curtis Taylor, Jr.

Chanel Bragg.............................Effie Melody White

Krystal Pope...............................Deena Jones

DeJean Brown............................Marty Madison

Ebony Green.............................Michelle Morris

Ensemble

Collin Spencer

Mason Reeves

Angela Ramirez-Poole

DeAndris Simpkins

Anne-Lise Koyabe

Arona Spader

Jada Foote

Tyra Young

Felicia Penza

Marjani Hsing-Glover

Jewell Douglas

Matthew Harris

Tina Khalil

Directed by Damon Bolling with music direction by Daniel Kurek and choreography by Lynzee 4Man

reviews THE SOUND OF MUSIC, Hale Centre Theatre

Click here to get more information about this production.

"this classic Rodgers and Hammerstein musical is receiving a virtually flawless production at Hale Centre Theatre in Gilbert. As Maria, Brandi Bigley is perfectly expressive in showing the many layers of Maria, both comedic and dramatic. And her voice soars through some of the best known songs. Director D. Scott Withers doesn't make one false step... First rate, joyous and emotional, with an excellent cast, superb direction, rich and abundant choreography, and creative touches. It is one of the best productions I've seen of one of the best loved musicals of all time." - Gil Benbrook, Talkin' Broadway

"Brandi Bigley's heartwarming portrayal of Maria in Hale Center Theatre's polished production of Rodgers and Hammerstein's The Sound of Music is laced with nuance ~ and a rich voice! Then, there is [energetic round of applause, please!] the endearing and remarkable septet of young actors who portray the von Trapp children. They take to the stage in song and movement as if they were born in it." - Herbert Paine, BroadwayWorld.com

WEEK AT A GLANCE - October 27 to November 2, 2014

CLOSING:

NIGHT OF THE LIVING DEAD
Theater Works
Oct 10 - Nov 2

FOOTLOOSE
Desert Stages Theatre
Oct. 3 - Nov 2

OPENING:
SHEAR MADNESS
Phoenix Theatre
Oct. 29 - Nov. 3

STILL PLAYING:

REVENGE OF THE SPACE PANDAS
Brelby Theatre Company Oct. 24th - Nov. 8th

THE PRODUCERS
Arizona Broadway Theatre
Oct. 10 - Nov. 9

SEMINAR
Actors Theatre
Oct 2 - Nov. 9th

HOW TO SUCCEED IN BUSINESS WITHOUT REALLY TRYING
Theater Works
Oct 17 - Nov 9

CAUGHT IN THE NET
The Palms Theatre
Oct. 16 - Nov. 15

RUN FOR YOUR WIFE
The Palms Theatre
Oct 9 - Nov. 15

THE MIRACULOUS JOURNEY OF EDWARD TULANE
Childsplay
Oct 19 - Nov 16

ARSENIC AND OLD LACE
Hale Centre Theatre
Sept 15 - Nov 18

FOREVER PLAID
The Palms Theatre
Oct 16 - Nov 22

THE SOUND OF MUSIC
Hale Centre Theatre
Oct 16 - Nov 29

Saturday, October 25, 2014

photos HOW TO SUCCEED IN BUSINESS WITHOUT REALLY TRYING, Theater Works

Click here for more information on Actors Theatre's production of How to Succeed in Business witout Really Trying.

Photos: Wade Moran

Thursday, October 23, 2014

reviews - KING JOHN, Southwest Shakespeare Company

Maren Maclean as Constance
photo by Mark Gluckman

KING JOHN at the Southwest Shakespeare Company runs through Saturday, October 25th - click here for more information.

“the current production at the Mesa Arts Center is a must-see for Shakespeare completists, as this play is rarely performed….directed by Sakren in a lean two-hour staging, is briskly paced and easy to follow, which is no mean feat amid the thicket of lordly titles and convoluted blood relationships in medieval England. …one of Shakespeare's cleanest and least problematic… Maren Maclean, one of the Valley's top actresses, is appropriately fiery (and, later, tragically quenched) as Constance, who seeks to put her son Arthur on John's throne….. a solid ensemble overall, with several fine turns in minor roles that help make this plot-heavy play zip along….battles, betrayals and a boisterous Philip the Bastard, a wise-cracking, mercurial figure who seems at first to care only about his own gain but turns out to be his own kind of lionhearted…..portrayed by Los Angeles actor Ross Hellwig (with) bubble and spark.”

---Kerry Lengel, The Arizona Republic

Jesse James Kamps and Liam Thibeault
photo by Devon Adams

“….a high energy political power struggle…..Maren Maclean delivers a powerhouse of emotions in her portrayal of Arthur's mother Constance. Her outbursts show her capable range and intensity, and the pained anguish she instills in Constance once her son is captured is superb….Jesse James Kamps is terrific; he intuitively shows Hubert's dilemma when forced to do John's dirty work….meaty parts, an understandable story, and is a swift production—running just two hours with intermission. With an almost perfect cast, impressive direction, and fighting scenes that are fast and furious, Southwest Shakespeare's production is not only recommended for Shakespeare fans and Shakespeare completists, but for those who enjoy historical dramas and suspense and yes, even "Game of Thrones" fans.”

---Gil Benbrook, Talkin’ Broadway

audition notice 42ND ST, Desert Stages Theatre

Sunday, November 2, 2014, 7 pm

Please register beforehand at this site:
http://desertstages.org/audition?event_id=53

Mainstage Production - Ages 16 and up

Peggy is terrified to fill diva Dorothy’s dancing shoes and decides to go back home to Allentown. It takes some coaxing by director Julian to convince Peggy to change her mind but she finally agrees. Before the curtain rises on her opening night debut, Julian utters the now famous show biz line “You’re going out there a youngster but you’ve got to come back a star!” Will she? C’mon along and listen to the lullaby of Broadway!

Wednesday, October 22, 2014

SEMINAR - Actors Theatre - Opens this weekend

Click here for more information

THIS WEEKEND - CHEYENNE JACKSON - Phoenix Symphony Orchestra

Two performances only this Friday and Saturday at Symphony Hall - click here for more information.

Randall Craig Fleischer, conductor

Cheyenne Jackson, a multi-talented actor, singer and songwriter, makes his Arizona debut with The Phoenix Symphony singing a dazzling parade of popular songs from the Great American Songbook. Celebrate famous film music, beloved musicals and the great leading men and women of the cinema with Cheyenne Jackson. You've seen him on Glee, 30 Rock, Curb Your Enthusiasm, on broadway and in the Emmy Award-Winning film Behind the Candelabra. The New York Daily News hails, "Cheyenne Jackson has got it all...the voice, the moves, the quirky self-effacing humor." Join The Phoenix Symphony and Cheyenne Jackson for a truly unforgettable evening.

Check out the clip below of Cheyenne singing "Maria" from West Side Story with the San Francisco Symphony-

photos - THE SOUND OF MUSIC - Hale Centre Theatre

check out these production photos from Hale Centre Theatre's The Sound of Music playing through November 29th, 2014

by Rodgers and Hammerstein

Winner of eight Tony Awards. For more than 50 years, Rodgers and Hammerstein’s masterful retelling of the Family Von Trapp singers has delighted audiences with its enduring true story. With HCT’s marvelously innovative direction, staging and costumes, this timeless musical soars anew.

click here for more information

photo credit: Nick Woodward-Shaw

Tuesday, October 21, 2014

Casting Announcement for THE PRODUCERS at Scottsdale Musical Theater Company

From Scottsdale Musical Theater Company:

SCOTTSDALE MUSICAL THEATER COMPANY PRESENTS
THE PRODUCERS – The Mel Brooks Musical
December 31^st – January 5^th, 2015

CASTING COMPLETE

SMTC welcomes Valley theatre veteran Terry Gadaire to the cast as “Roger DeBris”, Marina Blue Jarrette as “Ulla”, Patrick Russo as “Franz Liebkind” and Sky Christian Donovan as “Carmen Ghia”. They join the previously announced award-winning actors Matt Newhard as “Leo Bloom” and Hector Coris as “Max Bialystock.”Matt Newhard and Hector Coris have created comedic fireworks together in previous SMTC productions A Funny Thing Happened…Forum, Thoroughly Modern Millie and The Music Man. Terry Gadaire was just seen in Phoenix Theatre’s Memphis and recently portrayed Prof. Henry Higgins in Phoenix Symphony’s concert version of My Fair Lady. Marina Blue Jarrette appeared in White Christmas at Phoenix Theatre and will also be seen in their Anything Goes later this season. Patrick Russo and Sky Christian Donovan have both appeared in numerous productions across the valley.

Rounding out one of the biggest casts ever assembled by SMTC are Rick Baldwin, Rebecca Brosnan, Jordan Canning, Jessica Cole, Todd Corbeil, Karen Crouch, Matthew Earnest, Brittnay Foster, Kelvin Harper, Michael LeSueur, Randy Lowell, Kelsey Metz, Matt McDonald, Ashley Nebeker, Madison Ottinger, Beth Pargas, Tanya Schoenwolf, Roy Thielen, Brittney Truman, Lindsay Urbank Newhard, Eric Williams, Sandra Foster Williams and Monique Young.

The Producers will be directed and staged by SMTC executive producer and theatre veteran David Hock, with choreography by Bill Hotaling and musical direction by Curtis Moeller.

SMTC is presenting a special New Year’s Eve Gala performance and party on Wednesday, December 31^st@ 8:30PM with the party (including fully catered food/dessert stations; DJ; party favors; soft drinks, coffee and tea; hosted champagne service; cash bar for all other alcoholic beverages) immediately following the performance to ring in the New Year. Gala tickets (show and party) are $145/each; with couples’ pricing at only $260. Performance only tickets are also available at $65 per person. The January performances are also now on sale for $32.00-$42.00 with senior and student discounted tickets available.

All tickets are reserved seating and can be purchased on-line at the company’s website,www.scottsdalemusicaltheater.com or by calling (602) 909-4215.

With its New Year’s Eve Gala performance and party, SMTC’s production of The Producers marks the first time ever that Tempe Center for Arts will be open to the general public on New Year’s Eve.

In their new home at TCA, Scottsdale Musical Theater Company is now one of the biggest theatre companies in the Phoenix area, offering Broadway-sized entertainment at very affordable prices.