Wednesday, September 30, 2015

cast announcement - A CHRISTMAS CAROL - Hale Centre Theatre

For more information on this production, that runs December 3 - 24, click here

Green Cast List
Mark Kleinman as Ebenezer Scrooge
Gary Caswell as Marley/Old Joe
Stephen Serna as Fred
Ben Mason as Bob Cratchit
Carrie Klofach as Mrs. Cratchit/Mrs. Fezziwig
Summer Farnsworth as Martha Cratchit/Fezziwig Party
Joey Grado as Peter Cratchit/Sled Boy
Halle Mason as Belinda Cratchit
Nick Pauley as Doug Cratchit/Boy Scrooge/Beggar Boy/Boy in Courtyard
Jocelyn Kleinman as Carol Cratchit/Little Fan/Sled/Want
Jared Mortensen as Tiny Tim/Ignorance
Jessica Graham as Past/Laundress
James Melita as Present/Businessman 3/Poulterer
Malcolm Hooper as Future/Backstage
Brent Graham as Mr. Fezziwig/Coal Vendor/Undertaker
Danny Karapetian as Young Scrooge/Narrator 1
Allan DeWitt as Dick Wilkins/Ensemble
Heidi-Liz Johnson as Fred's Wife/Ensemble
Ben Massouras as Charles
Jackie Brecker as Belle/Narrator 2/Christina
Jonathan Holdsworth as Topper/Charity 1/Business 1/Jenkins
Monica Domschot as Topper's Girl/Ensemble
Peter Cunniff as Robert/Charity 2/Business 2
Jaimie Sofia as Victoria/Ensemble
Cami Anglemyer as Charwoman/Narrator 3

Red Cast List
Cory McCloskey as Ebenezer Scrooge
Gary Caswell as Marley/Old Joe
Jeff Deglow as Fred
Bryan Stewart as Bob Cratchit
Laura Soldan as Mrs. Cratchit/Mrs. Fezziwig
Tatum Weight as Martha Cratchit/Fezziwig Party
Dale Mortensen as Peter Cratchit/Sled Boy
Clair Apostol as Belinda Cratchit
Eric Lundgreen as Doug Cratchit/Boy Scrooge/Beggar Boy/Boy in Courtyard
Olivia Woodward-Shaw as Carol Cratchit/Little Fan/Sled/Want
Charlie Hall as Tiny Tim/Ignorance
Jessie Jo Pauley as Past/Laundress
Mark Hackmann as Present/Businessman 3/Poulterer
Malcolm Hooper as Future/Backstage
Harold LeBoyer as Mr. Fezziwig/Coal Vendor/Undertaker
Danny Karapetian as Young Scrooge/Narrator 1
Nate Dutson as Dick Wilkins/Ensemble
Rebecca Bryce as Fred's Wife/Ensemble
Stephen Serna as Charles
Lydia McCloskey as Belle/Narrator 2/Christina
Jonathan Holdsworth as Topper/Charity 1/Business 1/Jenkins
Zoe Zamora as Topper's Girl/Ensemble
Julian Peña as Robert/Charity 2/Business 2
Audrey Sullivan as Victoria/Ensemble
Mary Jane McCloskey as Charwoman/Narrator 3


Tuesday, September 29, 2015

Additional Auditions - MONSTER - Nearly Naked Theatre

NEARLY NAKED THEATRE  will be holding additional auditions for MONSTER  by Neal Bell    

WE ARE FOCUSING ON CANDIDATES FOR “CREATURE”, “WALTON/CLERVAL” AND “ELIZABETH”, BUT WILL BE HAPPY TO SEE CANDIDATES FOR ANY ROLE. Please note: Casting for MONSTER is "color-blind" and we encourage actors of all ethnicities to audition.

A dark, slick and streamlined take on Mary Shelley's FRANKENSTEIN saga. Bell explores Shelley's psychosexual undertones and frightens your inner child with Victoria fantasies of impotence, rape and castration... on a dark and stormy night.    

NEEDED
are 5 MEN and 2 WOMEN of varying ages between 18-45+    

STIPEND RANGE: $125-$225    

CHARACTERS
VICTOR (male, 20s/30s) a young doctor    
WALTON (male, 20s/30s) captain of the Aurora. DOUBLES as CLERVAL, victor's friend.     FORSTER (male, 40s+) walston's first mate. DOUBLES as victor's FATHER.    
JUSTINE (female, 40s+) a servant in victor's houshold. DOUBLES as victor's MOTHER.     ELIZABETH (female, 20s/30s) victor's cousin. ~THIS ROLE REQUIRES NUDITY.~     WILLIAM (male, teens/20s) victor's younger brother. DOUBLES as CAT (seriously, a cat).     CREATURE (male, 20s/30s) victor's creation.  Athletic, tall. ~THIS ROLE REQUIRES NUDITY.~  

AUDITIONS
will be held BY AVAILABILITY, as soon as possible. PLEASE SENT AVAILABILITY IN LATE AFTERNOONS/EVENINGS over the next week.    

PREPARE  
Cold reads from the script. SIDES will be issued in advance via email.    

PLEASE NOTE: Actors called back for the role of the CREATURE and ELIZABETH may be asked to appear briefly in their underwear. (So please wear some!)    

REHEARSALS BEGIN  Sunday, Oct. 4th. 4 to 5 nights a week, 6:00PM to 10:30PM

PERFORMANCE DATES
for MONSTER are November 6th  thru November 28th. Thu-Sat at 8:00PM, Sun at 6:00PM or 2:30PM, alternating.  ~THERE IS NO PERFORMANCE ON THANKSGIVING DAY~

APPOINTMENTS
are made by emailing your headshot and resume (or photo and brief summary of experience/training) to castingcouch@nearlynakedtheatre.org  Please include your FULL NAME and PHONE NUMBER in the body of the email, NOT just on your attached resume. (Volunteers monitoring email account do not open attachments and thus cannot see your name and phone if you do not put it in the email).

 RESUMES are not required, but a HEADSHOT or ANY PICTURE OF YOURSELF is REQUIRED. Even a candid.  

~DO NOT FORGET TO GIVE US YOUR AVAILABILITY OVER THE NEXT WEEK~

WE LOOK FORWARD TO SEEING YOU! BREAK-A-LEG!

cast announcement - SUNDAY IN THE PARK WITH GEORGE - Fountain Hills Theater

CLICK HERE for more information on this production, that runs November 6 - 22.

George: Kyle Bennett
Dot/Marie: Debra Qualtire
Old Lady/Blair Daniels: Laura Dooley
Nurse/Harriet/Pawling/Mrs. Female: Leah Klein
Jules/Bob Greenberg: Lee Powers
Yvonne/Naomi Eisen: Kathleen Berger
A Boatman/Charles Redmond: Andrew Lipman
Celeste #1/Waitress: Erin McFeely
Celeste #2/Elaine: Audrey Sullivan
Louise/Boy: Chloe Rozalsky
Franz/Dennis: Jean-Paoul Clemente
Freida/Betty/Young Man: Aimee Gajate
Soldier/Alex: Casey Karapetian
Louis/Billy Webster/Man: Devon Nickel
Mr/Lee Randolf: Matt McDonald

reviews - COMPANY - ASU / Lyric Opera Theatre

the cast of Company
photo: ASU/LOT
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 4th.

"Stephen Sondheim and George Furth's Company took Broadway by storm in 1970, winning seven Tony Awards and changing forever the look and feel of musicals. ...the combination of one of Sondheim's best scores and Furth's comical and even poignant vignettes tells a funny and ultimately moving story of a man reassessing his life. Arizona State University's Lyric Opera Theatre opens their 2015 season with a sensational production of this ground-breaking musical...Company is composed of a series of short scenes, all set around 35-year-old Robert, who is afraid to get married. Surrounded by his best friends, a group of five married couples and three of the women he's dated, Robert takes a hard look at his relationships and lack of emotional commitments.  Yatso's production is smart and sharp, with a multi-level set that is used, for the most part, quite effectively throughout. While the college aged cast might not have the life experience of the characters they are portraying, and they may miss a few of the stingy humorous jabs in their delivery of the comical lines in Furth's book or the nuance of every intricate Sondheim lyric, they effectively form realistic married couples and a tight knit group of friends, wrinkles and all. They also do an exceptional job of delivering Sondheim's songs, with some of the best voices and harmonies you're likely to hear in the Valley.  As Robert, Alex Kunz is very good....His voice is clear and crisp, delivering beautiful versions of Robert's two big soaring ballads, "Marry Me a Little" and "Being Alive"...The female characters have the best scenes and songs and Yatso has found a good group of student actresses to bring these women vibrantly to life. The ones with the best material include Emilie Doering as the aloof, wealthy and sophisticated, yet somewhat isolated and vulnerable, Joanne, with Doering delivering a knock out version of "The Ladies Who Lunch," full of stinging cynicism; and Jennie Rhiner as the motherly and hilarious Sarah. Rhiner doesn't miss a beat in effectively delivering every one of her comic moments with relish and brings a deep sense of warmth and caring to the part. Also, Megan Moylan is a hoot as the fearful bride Amy, and Chelsea Chimilar is hilariously deadpan as the very dumb April...Sondheim's score has several numbers with overlapping lyrics, and the combination of Yatso's direction and Brian DeMaris' musical direction, with the outstanding vocal abilities of the cast, makes the end result appear almost effortless. The orchestra, made up entirely of students, is sensational, delivering a lush, clean and full sound that makes the songs soar. The orchestra alone is reason to see this production; it is exceptional. ...Even though it is set solidly in the 1970s, Company is still as effective today as when it first premiered 45 years ago. With Sondheim's sophisticated, witty, and comical score and Furth's funny and moving dialogue, this analysis of marriage, relationships, and the importance of "company" is a classic of musical theatre, and ASU/LOT's production is exceptional."  -Gil Benbrook, Talkin' Broadway (click here to read the complete review)

""It's the little things....that make perfect relationships" according to a line in "Company," the 1971 Broadway Tony standout by Stephen Sondheim that opened Arizona State University’s Lyric Opera Theater season yesterday. True to the lyric, it was exactly the little things that made this production rise above enjoyable musical theatre....Director Toby Yatso ensured each member of his ensemble was chiseling their individual characters on the colorfully backlit neon background panels stage from the moment they entered in the first number. The big message being, this show is about a great group of diverse, married-couple friends and how they interact with their bachelor best buddy, Robert (Bobby)....Brian DeMaris' musical direction made sure to emphasize Sondheim's music-lyrics irony ...Robert (Bobby), actor Alex Kunz, for his part was exceptionally affable, smooth and accommodating to his friends, both in character and in voice. Being the entire show spins on his axis, it was another huge thing for the overall performance...."What Would We Do Without You," is an upbeat song that exuberantly celebrates friendship. It was a number so vocally sound, it shimmered. ...Kunz closed the show by knocking us out of our seats with his “Being Alive” plea. In decades past the action often pointed to marriage as the most solid bet for unity and completion. The provocative little things in this 2015 production of ‘Company’ by Lyric Opera Theatre, however, when you “add ‘em up, Bobby," provided room for interpretation. What ASU’s, and all other Company provides always, however, is the necessity of that crowded with love, sleep-disrupting, forced to care, human connection. Nothing like it, as this production so effectively communicated, can validate and invigorate the condition of Being Alive."  -Jennifer Haaland, Examiner.com (click here to read the complete review)

The 7th Annual PoeFest - October 9 - 31, 2015

from our friends at PoeFest:

PoeFest is the seventh annual celebration of the stories and poems of Edgar Allan Poe held every October in Downtown Phoenix, Arizona.

Our performances are not readings.

The actors in PoeFest are classically-trained and professional. These are not readings. Our actors memorize Poe's stories and poetry and perform them in character as inmates from a 19th Century asylum for the criminally insane.

PoeFest runs every Friday and Saturday at 8:00 PM from October 9th until October 31st. We have additional shows at 10:00 PM on October 24th and 31st. We will also be returning to the Rosson House Museum on Halloween, October 31st to perform 'The Raven' every twenty minutes between 7:30 PM and 9:30 PM.

Venues:
Ghost Lounge at the Hotel San Carlos
 202 N Central Ave, Phoenix, AZ, 85004

Rosson House Museum at Heritage Square
 113 N 6th St, Phoenix, AZ, 85004

www.poefest.org






Fri Oct 9th 8.00pm

Hotel San Carlos202 North Central Avenue, Phoenix, AZ 85004, USA





Sat Oct 10th 8.00pm

Hotel San Carlos, 202 North Central Avenue, Phoenix, AZ 85004, USA



Fri Oct 16th 8.00pm

Hotel San Carlos, 202 North Central Avenue, Phoenix, AZ 85004, USA 



Sat Oct 17th 8.00pm

Hotel San Carlos, 202 North Central Avenue, Phoenix, AZ 85004, USA

Fri Oct 23rd 8.00pm

Hotel San Carlos, 202 North Central Avenue, Phoenix, AZ 85004, USA


Sat Oct 24th 8.00pm

Hotel San Carlos, 202 North Central Avenue, Phoenix, AZ 85004, USA


Fri Oct 30th 8.00pm

Hotel San Carlos, 202 North Central Avenue, Phoenix, AZ 85004, USA


Sat Oct 31st 7.30 - 9.30pm

Rosson House Museum, 113 North 6th Street, Phoenix, AZ 85004, USA


Sat Oct 31st 8.00pm

Hotel San Carlos, 202 North Central Avenue, Phoenix, AZ 85004, USA


Sat Oct 31st 10.00pm

Hotel San Carlos, 202 North Central Avenue, Phoenix, AZ 85004, USA



Desert Foothills Theater is looking for a part-time Office Manager

Want to work somewhere where you get to be a part of making great shows like these and bring smiles like these to the faces of kids?

Desert Foothills Theater now has a position now open for a part-time (30 hours) Office Manager.

The strongest candidate for this position will have a love of theater and a theater performance or tech background, with an interest in arts management. They will be well-organized, able to work independently, self-motivated, good with volunteers and detail-oriented. This position provides administrative support to DFT Managing Director and manages box office using Vendini box office software. Experience with the specific box office software helpful, but not required. However, the position does require strong computer skills.

If interested, please send cover letter and resume to DFT Managing Director Meribeth Reeves at meribeth@dftheater.org.

Hours are flexible, though weekend work is required. The position begins October 5.

promo photos - THE PRODUCERS - Greasepaint Youth Theatre

for more information on this production, that runs October 16 - 25, CLICK HERE





Jack Rose as Max Bialystock. Cami Benton as Ulla & Hale Stewart as Leo Bloom

Photo credit Laura Durant

MONSTER - Nearly Naked Theatre - November 7 - 28, 2015

~November 7th - 28th ~ (Arizona premiere)
MONSTER
by Neal Bell

A dark, slick and streamlined take on Mary Shelley's Frankenstein saga. Exploring Shelley's psychosexual undertones and frightening your inner child with Victorian fantasies of impotence, rape and castration on a dark and stormy night. ~recommended for mature audiences~

W100 Premiere Fri. Nov. 6th
TH-SA at 8:00pm
SUN 11/8 & 11/22 at 6:00pm
SUN 11/15 at 2:30pm




Season 17 "Wonderful 100" Subscriptions on Sale Now

CLICK HERE for more information

single tickets on sale soon

COCK - Nearly Naked Theatre - January 9 - 30, 2016

~January 9th - 30th~ (Arizona premiere)
COCK
by Mike Bartlett

John's boyfriend will wait for him while he "figures himself out." But so will his girlfriend! This deliciously witty dark comedy, told with pure theatricality, is an engagingly unique perspective on affairs of the heart... and that other part of the body. ~for mature audiences only~

W100 Premiere Fri. Jan. 8th
TH-SA at 8:00pm
SUN 1/10 & 1/24 at 6:00pm
SUN 1/17 at 2:30pm

Season 17 "Wonderful 100" Subscriptions on Sale Now

CLICK HERE for more information

single tickets on sale soon

WONDERLAND WIVES - Nearly Naked Theatre - April 2 - 23, 2016


~April 2nd - 23rd~ (WORLD PREMIERE)
WONDERLAND WIVES
by Buddy Thomas
This is what happens when you have a fairy-tale marriage... and no pre-nup. The desperate housewives of Wonderland learn that princes can go to prison, shack up with a few little pigs, and drive even the fairest of them all to drink! Off-Broadway playwright Buddy Thomas (The Crumple Zone, Devil Boys From Beyond) honors Nearly Naked with the WORLD PREMIERE of his latest genderbent comedy...and there's even talk of them taking it to NYC FRINGE!

W100 Premiere Fri. Apr. 1st
TH-SA at 8:00pm
SUN 4/3 & 4/17 at 6:00pm
SUN 4/10 at 2:30pm


Season 17 "Wonderful 100" Subscriptions on Sale Now

CLICK HERE for more information

single tickets on sale soon

NEXT TO NORMAL - Nearly Naked Theatre - June 4 - 25, 2016

~June 4th - 25th~
NEXT TO NORMAL
by Brian Yorkey
music by Tom Kitt

They're a normal American family: Dad's off to work, mom makes cereal and sack lunches, wise-cracking teenage kids are musical geniuses and high school star athletes! And there's nothing normal about them. This Pulitzer-Prize winning musical explores the darkness of mental illness, depression, grief and the ethics of modern psychiatry as they ravage the American dream. Set to one of the most moving rock scores of the decade!

W100 Premiere Fri. Jun. 3rd
TH-SA at 8:00pm
SUN 6/5 & 6/19 at 6:00pm
SUN 6/12 at 2:30pm

Season 17 "Wonderful 100" Subscriptions on Sale Now

CLICK HERE for more information

single tickets on sale soon

Monday, September 28, 2015

WEEK AT A GLANCE: September 28 - October 4

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

And Click Here for a complete day by day calendar of what shows are playing.

CONCERTS/ LIMITED RUN:

A LIFE IN THE THEATRE/ 
COMPLETE HISTORY OF CLASS 6 (ABRIDGED)
Class 6 Theatre
September 30th - October 4th, 2015


CLOSING:

SHREK THE MUSICAL JR
Musical Theatre of Anthem
September 24 - October 4, 2015

COMPANY
ASU Lyric Opera Theatre 
September 25 - October 4, 2015

MENOPAUSE, THE MUSICAL
Arizona Broadway Theatre
September 24 - October 4, 2015

CHICAGO 
Phoenix Theatre
September 9, 2015 - October 4, 2015

OPENING:

SOMETHING'S AFOOT
Hale Centre Theatre
August 28 - October 10, 2015

SEX WITH STRANGERS
Stray Cat Theatre
September 24 - October 11, 2015

DISNEY'S ALADDIN, JR
Fountain Hills Theater
September 25-October. 11, 2015

THE TEMPEST
Brelby Theatre Company
September 25 - October 17, 2015

SIDEWAYS STORIES FROM WAYSIDE SCHOOL
Childsplay
September 13 - October 18, 2015

OF MICE AND MEN
Scottsdale Desert Stages Theatre
September 4 - October 25, 2015

HEAVEN CAN WAIT
Hale Centre Theatre
September 14 - November 17, 2015


ON GOING:

CARNIVAL OF ILLUSION
various weekend dates from
September 26, 2015 - June 4, 2016


OPENING SOON:


HERSHEY FELDER AS IRVING BERLIN
Arizona Theatre Company
October 8 - 25, 2015

JAMES AND THE GIANT PEACH
Valley Youth Theatre
October 9 - October 25, 2015

MAN OF LA MANCHA
Theater Works
October 9 - 25, 2015

THE TASTE TEST
Black Theatre Troupe
October 9 - 25, 2015

THE EXORCIST HAS NO LEGS
All Puppet Players
October 9 - 30, 2015

MARY POPPINS
Hale Centre Theatre
October 15 - November 28, 2015

AMERICAN MYTH
Theatre Artists Studio
October 16 - November 1, 2015

ANY NUMBER CAN DIE
Fountain Hills Theater
October 16- November 1, 2015

PLAY ON!
Starlight Community Theater
October 16 - 25, 2015

THE PRODUCERS
Greasepaint YouTheatre
October 16 - 25, 2015

WEST SIDE STORY
Arizona Broadway Theatre
October 16 - November 15, 2015


photos - COMPANY - ASU / Lyric Opera Theatre

for more information on this production, that runs through October 4th, click here






 photos courtesy ASU/LOT

reviews - SEX WITH STRANGERS - Stray Cat Theatre / Arizona Theatre Company

Tyler Eglen and Heather Lee Harper
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 11th.

"In a play where one of the themes explored is identities, it’s perfectly appropriate that the first line of dialog should be “Who are you?”...Sex with Strangers is a two person, two act comedy/drama.  The first half is a largely humorous account of the meeting of two writers from two different generations,.  The second half shifts location and develops into a more confrontational affair; the humor gives way to drama....Even though the intentionally provocative title suggests one thing, the play is really about something else, though it certainly has its share of explicit moments befitting the boundary pushing content of a Stray Cat production as Olivia succumbs to Ethan’s seductive manner...Writer Eason has a talent for plotting and a keen ear for good dialog.  ...Eric Beeck’s...set is an effective and highly detailed design ...As lit by Paul Black..both set and lighting nicely illustrate the difference in tone and atmosphere of Ethan and Olivia’s relationship.  ...director Ron May is among the most consistently interesting talents in the valley, and with Sex with Strangers he pulls two outstanding performances from his players.  With his over-confidant, cock-sure manner, Ethan should be a character we dislike, yet Tyler Eglen fleshes something that makes the man likeably appealing to the point where we ultimately feel sympathy for the character.  True, a lot of that is due to Eason’s writing, but it’s Eglen under May’s direction that makes him real.  As Olivia, Heather Lee Harper has the kind of sexual magnetic draw that attracts us as much as it would a character like Ethan, and it’s the difference between these two characters that unintentionally highlights the difference between audiences watching the production.  A younger, edgier crowd who subscribe to Stray Cat may easier relate to a guy like Ethan, while a traditional Herberger Center audience would naturally lean towards the more mature Olivia.  When seen from this angle, May’s production of Sex with Strangers presented at the Herberger could not have been a more perfect setting.  And it’s a hugely entertaining play." -David Appleford, Valley Screen and Stage (click here to read the complete review)

"Laura Eason's play Sex with Strangers tells an interesting story about ambition and the need for praise and recognition set in the modern, somewhat ambiguous, world of technology. It is also an intriguing story of what happens when two strangers, with very different backgrounds, meet and end up basically helping (or is it using?) each other, though in very different ways. This is the first show in Stray Cat Theatre's 2015 season and also an interesting "meeting" of sorts, since it is Stray Cat's first co-production with the Arizona Theatre Company. Like the play, this partnership proves to be a very successful collaboration.  ...But Sex with Strangers isn't just about sex and how opposites attract, it is about two people who want to prove that they are someone other than what they are perceived as, and how they both believe that what they are currently working on will prove that. While the play could be tightened up a bit, with a few scenes running a bit too long, Eason has created realistic characters while also providing plenty of twists and intrigue throughout. The play also makes us change our minds several times on just who is using whom. Director Ron May has assembled a stellar cast and gifted creative partners, all delivering top-notch work. Under May's subtle direction, Heather Lee Harper and Tyler Eglen create realistic individuals, full of nuance. They also generate plenty of heat as a couple. Harper may appear at first to come off the best, since the part of Olivia is more the "victim" of the piece, which makes us immediately take her side and root for her success. But Eglen is just as good, especially in the second act, in showing the wounds he has, and his need to prove himself. Harper is exceptional at playing this wounded woman...Eglen has the right balance in portraying the arrogant but sincere Ethan. He is loud, rude, and forceful, yet full of charisma. Eglen makes us want to believe that Ethan truly wants to help Olivia, ...It's a tough part to play, yet Eglen succeeds...Creative elements are superb, with Eric Beeck's exceptional set design..Paul Black's lighting combines... to create appropriately shadowy nighttime scenes..while Danny Chihuahua's costumes are character appropriate and smart in showing the age difference between the two,...Pete Bish's sound design includes some excellent effects...Full of witty dialogue, Eason's play is a love affair about writing and two people who love to write, while also tackling the topics of public personas verses private identities, intimacy, and ultimately discovering how to prove who you truly are. Stray Cat Theatre's production features honest portrayals of these realistic individuals, clear, precise direction and exceptional creative elements. While it could be tightened up a bit, Sex with Strangers is never predictable, always interesting, and a great first partnership for two of the best theatre companies in Phoenix that tackle and present challenging new works."  -Gil Benbrook, Talkin' Broadway (click here to read the complete review)

"In a dashingly funny co-production between Stray Cat Theatre and Arizona Theatre Company they stage the adult farce, “Sex With Strangers,” with droll sparkle....filled with witty comedic dialogue as it explores a one-time sexual encounter between a pair of authors as they sprinkle today’s sexual mores into their very different lives and novels. ...not profound or deep but when it’s delivered by a pair of engaging performers they humorously milk every amusing nuance out of the script. ...Stray Cat Theatre Artistic Director Ron May stages the play with quick paced lunacy that works well.  May has two expert performers with superb comic timing who add mischievous malarkey to the situation.
Heather Lee Harper is a frazzled Olivia who worries about everything.  She needs to relax and let life happen rather than anticipating and planning for every occurrence.  Tyler Eglen’s Ethan is a swinger who takes advantage of every opportunity to get what he wants.  The pair is very different and, when we initially meet them, it is hard to ever conceive them getting together.  “Sex With Strangers” is a funny play about contemporary relationships and what causes people to link up.  It is sharply performed by an excellent cast.  --Chris Curcio, KBAQ (click here to read the complete review)

"Written by Laura Eason, “Sex With Strangers.. a smart, provocative take on the current cultural moment, jolted to life by the athletic acting of a talented two-person cast.  Director Ron May...keeps this supercharged drama about sex, art and commerce in the digital age bursting with tension, both sexual and otherwise. (Heather Lee) Harper and (Tyler) Eglen’s chemistry is so intense you can almost smell the pheromones, but they also create compellingly nuanced characters whose motivations aren’t always clear even to themselves. The conflict here isn’t just about sex, gender and power. It’s also a clash between generations....Without question, part of this play’s appeal is its sexually charged fireworks. And even though all the bom-chicka-wow-wow takes place in the darkness between scenes, Harper and Eglen certainly get in a fair amount of spirited groping. But “Strangers” also leaves theatergoers with a lot to discuss on the way home, particularly about the construction of public identities, an issue that once only affected actual celebrities but is now something everyone with a Facebook account needs to think about. Even though Eason’s plot occasionally verges on soap opera, her interrogation of the always-online zeitgeist is focused and convincing (sometimes disturbingly so). This is one of those plays that says, “This is how we live now,” underlining both the revolutionary and the atavistic — what’s new and what never seems to change." - Kerry Lengel, Arizona Republic (click here to read the complete review)

"...SEX WITH STRANGERS..is a profoundly provocative work, rich in word play and dramatic twists, and steaming with relevance. In a collaborative arrangement with Arizona Theatre Company, Stray Cat Theatre...has scored a direct and palpable hit at the heart of her work. Brilliantly and incisively directed by Ron May, Stray Cat's Founding Artistic Director, the result is a riveting portrait of literary wannabees in a world where the smell and texture of the written page is being displaced by digitalization ~ where authenticity and fraudulence may be two sides of the same coin. His vision is fulfilled by the extraordinary and riveting performances of Heather Lee Harper and Tyler Eglen.
...Harper and Eglen are a dynamic duo of chemistry and tour de force artistry. As their relationship winds up and unwinds, as the dance of their aspiring selves uncoils, the two draw you deeper and deeper into the magic of their performances. Harper is magnetic, seamlessly shifting moods and unfolding the depth and nuances of her character. Eglen evokes an image of the feral predator, sinuously weaving in and around Olivia. May has been blessed, thanks to ATC, with a larger stage than he is used to, and he has made the best of it. Combine his astute direction with a magnificent cast and the authenticity of Eric Beeck's sets and you have the Valley of the Sun's first big hit of the Season. -Herbert Paine, Broadway World (click here to read the complete review)

audition notice - GODSPELL - Zao Theatre - November 2

Zao Theatre is holding auditions for its first full-length musical production, Godspell.  Written by Stephen Schwartz and John Michael Tebelak, Godspell is a re-telling of the parables of Jesus Christ, and His disciples.

Godspell has a cast of five men and five women. Each cast member is featured in the songs and dances.  Jesus, John, the Baptist/Judas, and eight other characters form the ensemble cast.  It is truly a delight to experience the gospel in this creative expression of Truth.

Zao Theatre's Godspell will be directed and music directed by Mickey Bryce.

Auditions are by appointment and will be held on Monday night, November 2nd, 2015, from 5:00 PM until 9:00 PM.

Auditions will consist of singing a 16 measure cut from a ballad or up-tempo song.  Please bring clearly marked score in the correct key.  An accompanist will be provided.  You may be asked to read a cold reading from the script, or possibly create an ad-lib situation.

Call-backs are scheduled for Thursday, November 5th, at 6:30 PM.  Only those called back will be asked to dance and further read.

CLICK HERE to sign up for any open audition time.  

Auditions will be held at the Zao Theatre at Centerstage Church, 3700 E. 16th Ave., Apache Junction, AZ 85119.  Please be aware that the production location will be at the new Zao Theatre/Centerstage Church site, 550 S. Ironwood, Apache Junction, AZ 85220.  (Broadway and Ironwood)

www.zaotheatre.com

The production dates are Friday, February 5th, 2016 - Saturday, February 20th, 2016.  Shows run on Friday nights at 7:30 PM, and Saturdays at 3:00 PM and 7:30 PM.  There is one Sunday morning show on Sunday, February 7th, 2016.

THE EXORCIST HAS NO LEGS - All Puppet Players - October 9 - 30, 2015

Celebrate Halloween a little different this year by seeing the puppet-infused depiction of AFI's #3 most thrilling movie, like, EVER! 

And what better way to pay homate to this epic horror tale than with a puppet that rotates its head while spewingSilly String? Grab your crucifix and see the good vs. evil grudge match as this irreverent puppet show will help you exorcise your demons! Will Regan be saved by the felt-fanatical priests? Will the audience avoid being covered in ectoplasm? Does the power of puppets compel you? It's time to find out as ALL PUPPET PLAYERS present their funniest show, based on the scariest movie ever made!


Disclaimer alert <insert ominous sounds here>: FOR MATURE AUDIENCES WITH EXCEEDINGLY IMMATURE TASTES! "THE EXORCIST HAS NO LEGS" CONTAINS STRONG ADULT LANGUAGE AND SITUATIONS. PUPPETS CAN BE UNPREDICTABLE, SO IF YOU ARE OF A SENSITIVE NATURE OR ARE EASILY OFFENDED, THEY DON'T CARE.

Call  602-254-2151  or for more information, visit the ALL PUPPET PLAYERS web site at:  www.allpuppetplayers.com .


Fri 10/9/15 8:00PM
Sat 10/10/15 8:00PM
Thu 10/15/15 8:00PM
Fri 10/16/15 8:00PM
Sat 10/17/15 8:00PM
Thu 10/22/15 8:00PM
Fri 10/23/15 8:00PM
Sat 10/24/15 8:00PM
Thu 10/29/15 8:00PM
Fri 10/30/15 8:00PM

SANTA CLAUS CONQUERS THE MARTIANS - All Puppet Players - December 4 - 19, 2015

Santa Claus kidnapped by Martians!

Will the children on Earth have no toys on Christmas day?

The 1964 science fiction comedy film Santa Claus Conquers the Martians regularly appears on lists of the worst films ever made.

Only Hollywood could cook up such an absurd story and only The All Puppet Players would want to bring it to the stage.

This holiday season join Santa on a madcap adventure in outer space!

The show is performed with a light hearted “Saturday Night Live” style that is suitable for children and even cranky adults.

Not intended for anyone under 4

Dec. 4th, 5th, 10,11,12,17,18,19
all shows at 8pm
TBD- Sunday 13th

Call  602-254-2151  or for more information, visit the ALL PUPPET PLAYERS web site at:  www.allpuppetplayers.com .

NICHOLAS FARTS PRESENTS: THE NOTEBOOK HAS NO LEGS - All Puppet Players - February 5 - 20, 2016

Nicholas Farts Presents: The Notebook Has No Legs
February 5 - February 20, 2016
February is for lovers…and All Puppet Players can't wait to play Cupid with their extremely classy offering of "Nicholas Farts Presents: The Notebook Has No Legs". You too can get "felt up" from February 5 th through 20 th . With every great love comes a great puppet show--and such is the case with APP's classic retelling of everyone's favorite melodramatic cry-fest. Starring Ryan GOOSEling, this is a tale as old as time: Girl is rich. Goose is poor. Goose meets girl. Girl falls for Goose. Girl GETS Goosed…sappy ending ensues. Come watch the puppets spoof the modern love story that is just begging to be fisted!

Feb 5,6,11,12,13,18,19,20
all shows at 8pm
TBD- Sunday 14th

WARNING! All Puppet Players shows are for mature audiences. They contain strong adult language and situations. Puppets can be unpredictable—so if you are of a sensitive nature or are easily offended—puppets don't care. Children of any kind are not permitted; with the exclusion of "SANTA CLAUS CONQUERS THE MARTIANS".

Call  602-254-2151  or for more information, visit the ALL PUPPET PLAYERS web site at:  www.allpuppetplayers.com .

JURASSIC PUPPETS - All Puppet Players - April 15 - May 7, 2016

Jurassic Puppets
April 15 - May 7, 2016
Get your gargantuan on with "Jurassic Puppets"; appearing (then disappearing due to a large comet strike) from April 22 nd through May 7 th . In 1993, a small Dinosaur movie was unleashed on the theater-going masses that defied what could be done in a movie. We are about to take the multi-million dollar creatures that the silver screen so lovingly projected, and recreate them before your very eyes utilizing "tens" of dollars, duct tape, and our own cleverly cunning embellishments. Bring your favorite fossil—or spouse—for this "don't miss" opportunity to witness our underfunded dinos stampede on stage!

April 15, 16, 22, 23, 28, 29, 30, May 5, 6, 7
all shows at 8pm

WARNING! All Puppet Players shows are for mature audiences. They contain strong adult language and situations. Puppets can be unpredictable—so if you are of a sensitive nature or are easily offended—puppets don't care. Children of any kind are not permitted; with the exclusion of "SANTA CLAUS CONQUERS THE MARTIANS".

Call  602-254-2151  or for more information, visit the ALL PUPPET PLAYERS web site at:  www.allpuppetplayers.com .

video preview- GODSPELL - Ghostlight Theatre

for more information on this production, that runs October 1 -11, click here


Sunday, September 27, 2015

Childsplay announces FREE Event for Families: EL PUENTE THEATRE FESTIVAL - October 11

from our friends at Childsplay:

Childsplay and local artist Zarco Guerrero present El Puente, Childsplay's fourth Theatre Festival and Mask Procession!

Taking place at Tempe Center for the Arts on Sunday, October 11 from 2 p.m. to 6:30 p.m., this unique celebration for families features an afternoon of music, performances and art activities.

Free admission to the festival includes mask-making, fun drama activities for kids, dynamic performances by local artists and other craft activities.

Plus, the first 400 people in attendance will receive free admission to the 4pm performance of Childsplay's Sideways Stories from Wayside School, a hilarious play for young audiences and families!

The free performances will begin at 2 p.m. and will continue through the afternoon, featuring:
Teatro Bravo
Desert Sounds Mariachi "Sones del Desierto"
Zarco Guerrero and the Dancing Dragons
DJ Sean Derek
Ollin Yoliztli Ballet Folklorico
Habla AZ

Families will also see appearances by Axé Capoeira, La Frida & La Flaca Puppets, and more! To conclude the festival, the community can join a masked procession of kids, families, performers and the Sideways Stories from Wayside School cast members on the beautiful pedestrian bridge crossing Tempe Town Lake. The procession will start around 6:00 p.m.

The festival is the fourth in a series of events aimed at reaching new audiences and broadening Childsplay's reach in the community. The events will be held in conjunction with Childsplay productions and are meant to deepen the audience's connection with the performance.

photos: José L. Muñoz