Phoenix, AZ - Valley Youth Theatre (VYT) has announced the last two productions in its 2014-15 Season: The Musical Adventures of Flat Stanley in April 2015 at VYT and Into the Woods in June 2015 at the Herberger Theater Center.
“Historically, we’ve done well waiting for the right show at the right time,” admitted Producing Artistic Director Bobb Cooper. “We waited until January to announce Shrek the Musical for June 2013 and it was our second-highest grossing show ever!”
2014 marks the 50th anniversary of the first publication of the Flat Stanley book series, so the timing of The Musical Adventures of Flat Stanley is another reason to celebrate. “Plus this isn’t the junior version seen at schools,” Cooper said. “It’s one that features music written for more mature voices like those heard in VYT productions.”
Proof in point, the National Youth Arts Awards recognized not one, but four VYT performers as Outstanding Lead Actors or Actresses in a Musical (Shrek) and two Outstanding Supporting Actresses in a Musical (Seussical) during the 2014 Western Regional Ceremony on Sept 7.
Timing was instrumental in booking Into the Woods too. “The film version [with an all-star cast including Johnny Depp, Emily Blunt and Meryl Streep] is scheduled to open this Christmas,” continued Cooper. “So, we’re hoping to lasso some of that momentum after it comes out on DVD in early 2015 and introduce the live musical version to a whole new audience.”
The Musical Adventures of Flat Stanley is based on the children’s book Flat Stanley by Jeff Brown and features lyrics by Timothy Allen McDonald and Jonathan K. Waller; music by Waller, McDonald, David Weinstein and Stephen Gabriel; and musical book by McDonald (Willie Wonka, James And The Giant Peach).
Into the Woods features Tony Award winning music and lyrics by Stephen Sondheim and a musical book by James Lapine, both men collaborated on the Broadway productions of Sunday in the Park With George and Passion.
Auditions for Flat Stanley are February 10 & 11 and for Into the Woods are April 14 & 15, but are subject to change. Interested performers are encouraged to check www.vyt.com/on-stage/auditions for any updates.
Tickets for Flat Stanley go on sale Monday, February 2 and for Into the Woods on March 30.
Before then, the 19th Annual production of A Winnie-the-Pooh Christmas Tail runs December 5 through the 23. Tickets are $18 plus service fees and available by calling the VYT box office at 602.253.8188 x2 or ordering online at VYT.com.
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