cast announcement - FENCES - Arizona Theatre Company

for more information on this production, which runs February 11th to February 28th, CLICK HERE

CAST:
David Alan Anderson (Troy Maxson)
Kim Staunton (Rose)
James T. Alfred (Lyons)
Terry Bellamy (Gabriel)
Marcus Naylor (Bono)
Edgar Sanchez (Cory)
Simeeyah Grace Baker (Raynell)


CREATIVE TEAM
Director: Lou Bellamy
Scenic Design: Vicki Smith
Costume Design: Matthew J. LeFebvre
Lighting Design: Don Darnutzer
Sound Design: Brian Jerome Peterson
Production Stage Manager: Timothy Toothman

audition notice – 9 TO 5, THE MUSICAL – Scottsdale Desert Stages Theatre - February 7

Director: Cambrian James
Music Director: Elizabeth Spencer
Choreographer: Cambrian James

Audition Call:   2/7/2016, 7:00pm-9:00pm
Call Backs:  2/21/2016, 7:00pm

Rehearsals Begin: 02/22/2016
Performance Dates: 04/08/2016 – 05/08/2016

Synopsis
Three women — an overworked office manager, a jilted wife, and an objectified secretary — conspire to depose their smarmy boss and begin making woman-friendly changes in the workplace. Based on the 1980 hit movie with music and lyrics by Dolly Parton.

Character Breakdown:

Violet
The company's Head Secretary and Mr. Hart's Administrative Assistant, she is a single mother and
typically stands up for what she believes in. Attractive, strong, ambitious.
Age: 40 to 50
Vocal range top: D5 - bottom: F3

Doralee
A young, sexy spitfire who works at Mr. Hart's office. She is proof that there is more to a woman than just her looks.
Age: 20 to 30
Vocal range top: E5 - bottom: G3

Judy
The "new" girl at the firm, she has been burned by her husband's affair and is searching for personal
empowerment. Insecure, determined, and hopeful.
Age: 30 to 35
Vocal range top: F5 - bottom: Ab3

Franklin Hart
One of the firm's executives and a notorious chauvinist. He is capable of faking charm but usually shows his true colors as an arrogant, self-absorbed boss.
Age: 45 to 50
Vocal range top: Gb4 - bottom: C3

Roz Keith
The attentive office gossip queen and snitch. She has an unrequited love for Mr. Hart and will do
anything she can to win his approval.
Age: 35 to 45
Vocal range top: C5 - bottom: G3

Joe
A handsome, young office accountant. Genuine and nice, and smitten with Violet.
Age: 25 to 35
Vocal range top: G4 - bottom: B2

Dwayne
Doralee's attractive husband. He is very supportive of her professional pursuits.
Age: 25 to 30
Vocal range top: G4 - bottom: E2

Josh
Violet's awkward teenage son.
Age: 15 to 18

Missy
Franklin Hart's wife, clueless to her husband's true nature.
Age: 20 to 35

Maria
A young and vibrant secretary in Hart's office.
Age: 20 to 30
Vocal range top: D5 - bottom: F4

Dick
Judy's soon-to-be ex-husband. An average guy, he is sporting a little less hair and a little more paunch than he did ten years ago.
Age: 35 to 45

Kathy
A secretary in Hart's office with a tendency to gossip.
Age: 30 to 40
Vocal range top: D5 - bottom: G4

Margaret
A secretary in Hart's office with a tendency to drink.
Age: 30 to 40

Tinsworthy
Franklin Hart's boss and Chariman of the Board. A good man, who may be wiser to Hart's ways than he lets on.
Age: 50 to 65

Ensemble
Office employees, police officers, hospital employees.

To Prepare:
• Schedule your audition time by emailing auditions@desertstages.org

• Audition forms will be available at the audition.  Please arrive in sufficient time to complete it.

• Prepare and bring with you:

o Headshot
o Theatrical Resume
o 16-32 bars of a song - BRING SHEET MUSIC (a capella singing and karaoke-style tracks will not be accepted for this performance.)
o Calendar of all rehearsal conflicts from February 22 - April 7.

 Rehearsals are generally from 7-10pm Mon-Thursday and 6:00-9:00pm Sunday.
 Longer rehearsals will be required for Tech Week, April 3 - April 7.
 All conflicts must be declared at the time of audition.
 Rehearsal exceptions requested after auditions are not guaranteed to be approved.
 Show conflicts MUST be declared at the time of rehearsals.

Audition Details
Scottsdale Desert Stages Theatre
4720 North Scottsdale Road
Scottsdale, Arizona 85251

Appointment Contact
Karen Rhoads
auditions@desertstages.org

Audition Dates and Times:
Feb. 7th, 7:00-9:00pm

Callback Dates and Times: (Dance Call and reading, come dressed to dance)
Feb. 21, 7:00-9:00pm

review - I LOVE YOU, YOU'RE PERFECT, NOW CHANGE

Tracy Payne Black, Andrew Lipman, Emily Lynne Aiken, and Brett Aiken
photo: Wade Moran

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 February 14th.

 "Over a series of vignettes and songs, both comical and sincere, the musical revue I Love You, You're Perfect, Now Change tackles many phases of a relationship. ...Theater Works in Peoria presents a smartly directed production of this hit show with a very talented cast.
With book and lyrics by Joe DiPietro (Tony winner for Memphis) and music by Jimmy Roberts, a cast of four play a wide range of characters who appear in short vignettes that cover the journey from dating to marriage, with failures and triumphs encountered along the way. ..DiPietro's dialogue is smart, realistic, and charming yet also moving in the more serious scenes. His lyrics are just as good. Unfortunately Roberts' music doesn't fare as well, with none of the songs having any hooks, phrases, or melodies that you'll remember after the curtain call. Director Brett Aiken has cast a very talented foursome who excel in making the comedic moments funny and the dramatic scenes poignant. While it might seem like nepotism that Aiken cast himself and his wife, Emily Lynne Aiken, they are both exceptional, as are Tracy Payne Black and Andrew Lipman. There aren't any moments where the four don't excel...The four cast members also have nice voices and great chemistry as well as astute facial expressions. They add plenty of thought to their interpretations and hit a range of emotional levels in both the scenes and the songs. While the space is small, Aiken's staging works well....Steve Hilderbrand's music direction achieves lovely sounds from the cast and the two-piece band. Tamara Treat's costumes and Jacob Hamilton's hair and make-up designs are fun and fresh...I Love You, You're Perfect, Now Change is far from a perfect musical, but it's still a fun journey through life and the ups and downs of a relationship. It's just too bad the songs aren't as good as the book scenes."
 -Gil Benbrook, Talkin' Broadway (click here to read the complete review)

photos - SHREK, THE MUSICAL JR. - Studio 3 Performing Arts Academy

for more information on this production, which runs through January 31st, CLICK HERE

photos courtesy Studio 3

review - BRIGHTON BEACH MEMOIRS - Desert Stages Theatre

George Piccininni-Avery
photo: Heather Butcher

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 March 13th.

 "Neil Simon's coming of age comedy Brighton Beach Memoirs is a humorous look at the dynamics of family relationships, but it is also full of heart and touches upon the complexities of life. The play takes us back to a more gentle and innocent time with well-drawn characters and a tightly constructed plot that includes plenty of laughs and touching moments. Desert Stages in Scottsdale presents a winning, well-honed production that is both entertaining and rewarding, with a talented cast who are giving sincere performances....Director Rick Davis balances the humor and heart in the play, never letting the comical moments get too sappy and ensuring the dramatic moments land appropriately. He also has found a small talented cast who all create finely shaded portrayals. As Eugene, George Piccininni-Avery is full of charm. He has a winning delivery in his narration as he reports on the trials and tribulations of his family. Piccininni-Avery is engaging and enduring in the part and does quite well with many of Eugene's comical lines. He doesn't quite land every joke, but I have faith that, given a few more performances to get the timing right, he will. ...Heidi Carpenter and Wade Moran portray Eugene's parents Kate and Jack. Carpenter is exceptional as the strong woman who tries to hold the family together. ...Moran also does well in showing us that Jack is concerned about his family and worries about them, yet also is attentive to their needs...While the Jerome family may not be as complex as those families in recent prize winning dramas such as August: Osage County and Next to Normal, Brighton Beach Memoirs is still a rich story of one family working through the challenges that life brings them. Simon's story may have characters that wear their hearts on their sleeves, but it is a timeless story that shows that love and laughter and the power of love and family will always win the day. DST's production has a fine cast and clear direction, resulting in a charming, funny, and touching theatrical treat."  -Gil Benbrook, Talkin' Broadway (click here to read the complete review)

cast announcement - LAST OF THE RED HOT LOVERS - Don Bluth Front Row Theatre

for more information on this production, which runs February 25th through March 26th, CLICK HERE

Jeanette Fisher........Dyana Carroll
Bobbi Michele..........Sheryl Williams
Elaine Navazio.........Lisa Arnseth
Barney Cashman......Gary Caswell

Directed by...............Matthew Cary

cast announcement - EVITA - Phoenix Theatre

for more information on this production, which runs February 24th to March 20th, CLICK HERE 

Evita Cast:
Leonard Altafine.............................Male Ensemble/Che understudy
Jose Amore...............................................................Male Ensemble
Rochelle Barton..............................................Female Ensemble
Gavin Austin Brown.............................................Male Ensemble
Katie Brown..............................................................Girls Ensemble
Alyssa Chiarello*.............................................................Eva Peron
Lucas Coatney................................................................Magaldi
Rusty Ferracane*..................................................................Peron
Tyler Gasper..............................................................Male Ensemble
Riley Glick..................................................................Girls Ensemble
Carly Grossman.....................Female Ensemble/Mistress understudy
Sydney Marie Hawes...............................Mistress/Female Ensemble
Brittany Howk......................................................Female Ensemble
Miguel Jackson..........................................................Off Stage Vocalist
Vincent Jacovo.........................................................Boys Ensemble
Morgan Karam.........................................................Girls Ensemble
Alex Kuntz.................................................................Male Ensemble
Edgar Lopez..............................................................Male Ensemble
Molly Lajoie...................................Female Ensemble/Eva understudy
Ross Nemeth..............................................................Boys Ensemble
T.J. Rossi.......................................................................Boys Ensemble
Michael Sample*......................................................................Che
Cydney Trent*...............................Female Ensemble /Dance Captain
Laurie Trygg..........................................................Female Ensemble
Katie Tuchi.................................................................Girls Ensemble

Evita Creative Team:
Robert Kolby Harper .......................................................................Director
Nicole Olsen.........................................................................Choreographer
Alan Ruch.............................................................................Musical Director
Pasha Yamotahari.............................Resident Dramaturge / Dialect Coach
Dave Temby.............................................................................Sound Designer
Michael   J.  Eddy.................................................................Lighting Designer
Yoon Bae+............…………..….……....................….……………Scenic Designer
Adriana Diaz+..................................................................Costume Designer
Kelly Yurko................................................................Hair / Make-up Designer
Tyler Welden...................................................Resident Properties Designer
Mark Reynolds..........................................................Director of Production
Karla Frederick..........................................Associate Production Manager
Samantha Monson*............................................................Stage Manager

+Member of United Scenic Artists
*Member of Actors’ Equity Association, the union of professional actors and stage managers in the U.S.

promo photos - 67 CINDERELLAS - East Valley Children's Theatre

for more information on this production, which runs February 11th to February 21st, CLICK HERE

Calabria Pelletier of Gilbert as Vilda
Tanner Morris of Mesa as Prince Dalliance
Elizabeth Schaible of Mesa as Willimeanie

Photo Credit:  Penrod Photography

cast announcement - THREE SISTERS - Mesa Community College

for more information on this production, which runs March 4th to March 12th, CLICK HERE

Olga.......................................................SAMANTHA HANNA
Masha....................................................RAIJENE AYME
Irina........................................................AUSETTE ANDERIES
Andrei (their brother)..............................BEN CHAUSSEE
Natasha (his wife)..................................CEDAR EILEEN CODY
Kulygin (Masha's husband)....................ZACH CONNAGHAN
Vershinin (a colonel)..............................TOM MCCOY
Solyony (a staff captain)........................TRISTAN FOSTER
Chebutykin (an army doctor).................ZACH FAGAN
Tuzenbach (a baron and Lieutenant)....DAKOTA ERICKSON
Anfisa (a nurse, 80 years old)...............COLLEEN COTTRELL
Fedotik (second lieutenant)...................RYAN MARCHAM
Rode (second lieutenant)......................JACK NGUYEN
Ferapont (an old- watchman)................JIM COATES

promo photos - JUNIE B. JONES & LEGALLY BLONDE - Musical Theatre of Anthem

for more information on JUNIE B JUNES THE MUSICAL, which runs Ferbruary 18th to February 28th, CLICK HERE

for more information on LEGALLY BLONDE, JR, which runs March 3rd to March 6th, CLICK HERE


Julia Hughes as Junie B. Jones in JUNIE B. JONES, THE MUSICAL...

Ava Tyson as Elle Woods in LEGALLY BLONDE, JR.

Photos by Michele Celentano

Phoenix Theatre's Summer 2016 Programs Information Night - February 2nd

Summer is right around the corner!

Please join us at Phoenix Theatre for a 
Summer Programs Information Night, this coming Tuesday, February 2nd, from 7-8pm!

Meet the Theatre's Camp Director and Education Team, learn about this summer's exciting new camp themes, and have your questions answered!

Click HERE to RSVP.

cast announcement - GOODNIGHT MOON - Childsplay

for more information on this production, which runs February 14th to April 10th, CLICK HERE

Michael Thompson (Bunny)
Chanel Bragg (Old Lady/Dish/Bear)
Michelle Chin (Mouse/Cat/Bear)
Tommy Strawser (Tooth Fairy/ Kittens/Dog/Bear)

Director: Anthony Runfola
Musical Director:  Alan Ruch
Choreographer:  Molly Lajoie
Scenic Design:  Holly Windingstad
Costume/Hair & Makeup Design:  Connie Furr Soloman
Lighting Design:  Tim Monson
Sound Design:  Christopher Neumeyer
Video Design:  Limitrophe Films  
Stage Manager (February 14th - March 20th):  Sarah G. Chanis
Stage Manager (March 22nd - April 10th):  Heather Patterson

added performances - LA CAGE AUX FOLLES - Fountain Hills Theater

Due to demand, Desert Foothills Theater has extended the run of La Cage aux Folles by a week and added three additional performances as it is close to selling-out!

Tickets for these additional performances are now on sale:

Feburary 12th and 13th at 8PM
February 14th at 2PM

CLICK HERE to purchase tickets before these shows sell out as well.

cast announcement - FAIRY TALE COURTROOM - Spotlight Youth Theatre

for more information on Fairy Tale Courtroom, that runs February 19th to February 28th, CLICK HERE

Act 1
Judge I. L. Hangum – Sabina Dart
Bailiff – Cate Labas
D.A. for the Prosecution – Foster Hilding
Clerk – Shannon Whitten
Wolf – Talya Ginsburg
Pig 1 – Kayla Trevino
Pig 2 – Brylynn Hughes
Pig 3 – Ava Newton
Little Red – Amaya Burkhart
Grandmother – Willow Swint
Boy Who Cried Wolf – Cyrus Hilding
Badger – Tatum Robinette
Short Order Chef – Erin Robertson

Act 2
Judge Anita Bath – Samee Vanaskey
Bailiff – Cate Labas
D. A. for the Prosecution– Sabrina Kiepke
Clerk – Shannon Whitten
Defense Attorney – Tanya Whitten
Scarecrow – Callista Walker
Flying Monkey – Zoey Waller
Dorothy – Kendra Goodenberger
Witch – Lily Swope
Ariel – Madison Pierce
Hansel – Parker Kiepke
Gretel – Iyla Feist
Short Order Chef – Erin Robertson
Sleeping Beauty – Hannah Kiefer
Snow White – Ainsley Orozco
Prince Charming – Evan Culbertson
Elsa – Zoie Moller
Magic Mirror – Bella Swope
Rapunzel – Makayla Kovac
Grumpy – Morgan James
Sleepy – Ellie Hegarty
Happy – Mia Hurley
Sneezy - Sammy Murray
Bashful – Paige Mayo
Dopey – Tara Frooninckx
Doc – Beth Ethel Amerine
Burpy – Erik Moreno

review - JANE LYNCH: SEE JANE SING! - Scottsdale Center for the Performing Arts

photo courtesy Jane Lynch
/ Scottsdale Center for the Performing Arts

highlights from local critics reviews - (click link at bottom of each review to read complete review)

 "Not your typical cabaret show, Jane Lynch's See Jane Sing! is a (mostly) theme-less evening of comical songs, funny patter, and irreverent humor. Lynch brought her show to Scottsdale's Center for the Performing Arts last Saturday night where her sure-footed comic delivery and warm vocals wowed the sold out audience... Lynch's smart and sassy show, somewhat reminiscent of a 1970s TV variety show in how eclectic, outlandish and comedic it is, succeeds in being a well thought out concert that turns your typical cabaret show on its ear, while at the same time playing to all of the traditional cabaret requirements. ..Lynch's easygoing, warm, bright and somewhat folksy delivery of the songs may also come as a shock to those who only know her from her Emmy winning role on "Glee" ..Yes, Lynch can carry a tune, and carry it very well, but she also knows how to wring the comic moments from even some of the most serious songs. Backed by The Tony Guerrero Quintet, ..Lynch started the show off with the loopy "Wishes" that featured the repeated nonsensical lyric, "If wishes are rainbows, so am I." The jazzy, risqué song "Slappin' the Cakes on Me" followed, receiving a well-mannered delivery from the singer. Those two songs set the tone for the entire show: offbeat, adult and very funny. Lynch's close friend Kate Flannery, who played Meredith Palmer on the TV show "The Office," joined in for most of the evening, providing harmony, back-up vocals, and humorous banter and quips. Their relationship was reminiscent of Sonny and Cher's on their 70s TV series: great chemistry, love and respect for each other, tight harmonies while at the same time mocking and making fun of themselves and their stage partner. Irving Berlin's "Mr. Monotony" received a lush and fairly classical delivery from the pair while Fiddler on the Roof's heartbreaking "Far From the Home I Love" became an up-beat, driving and rousing number that worked splendidly. ...Lynch's undeniable likability and her clear, warm vocals brought a professional shine to the hilariously inappropriate nature of many of the numbers. Her See Jane Sing! show is both unexpected and exciting, full of harmony and a respect and craftsmanship that is fresh and fun but also full of heart"  -Gil Benbrook, Talkin' Broadway (click here to read the complete review)

cast announcement - THE BRIDGES OF MADISON COUNTY- National Tour / ASU Gammage

for more information on this production, which runs February 16th to February 21st, CLICK HERE

ELIZABETH STANLEY (Francesca)
ANDREW SAMONSKY (Robert)
CULLEN R. TITMAS (Bud)
MARY CALLANAN (Marge)
DAVID HESS (Charlie)
DAVE THOMAS BROWN
CAITLIN HOULAHAN (Carolyn)
KATIE KLAUS (Marian/Chiara/State Fair Singer).
COLE BURDEN (Ensemble; u/s Robert)
CAITLYN CAUGHELL (Ensemble; u/s Carolyn, u/s Marian / Chiara / State Fair Singer)
BRAD GREER (Ensemble, Paolo; u/s Robert, u/s Michael)
LUCY HORTON (Swing, Dance Captain; u/s Francesca)
AMY LINDEN (Ensemble; u/s Carolyn, u/s Marian / Chiara / State Fair Singer)
TRISTA MOLDOVAN (Ensemble; u/s Francesca, u/s Marge)
JESSICA    SHERIDAN (Ensemble; u/s Marge)
MATT STOKES  (Ensemble; u/s Bud,  u/s Charlie)
TOM TREADWELL (Ensemble; u/s Bud, u/s Charlie).
BRYAN WELNICKI (Swing; u/s Michael)

promo photos - CITY OF ANGELS - Theater Works

for more information on this production, which runs February 19th to March 6th, CLICK HERE

Matt Zimmerer (top) and Ian Christiansen

Matt Zimmerer

Ian Christiansen and Alanna Kalbfleisch

Alanna Kalbfleisch and Matt Zimmerer

photos: Moran Imaging

audition notice - WHEN YOU WISH - Phoenix Theatre - February 3

Director: Larry Rabin
Music Director: Alan Ruch
Choreographer: Lee Martino

Compensation: Salary
Rehearsals Begin: 04/26/2016
Performance Dates: 05/20/2016 – 06/12/2016

Synopsis
In this World Premiere musical, Phoenix Theatre brings you the story of this unusual and special man fascinated by possibility and determined to persevere in the face of deniers. Armed with his child-like ingenuity and guileless belief in himself, he turned failures into triumphs and never ceased wishing on stars. Be a part of the magic of seeing this new production come to life and celebrate the icon who brought us the most famous set of ears on earth.

Character Breakdown

Phoenix Theatre is looking for male and female non union dancer/singers ages 16 to 40 (local only or with local housing) with strong technical musical theatre dance skills including tap, jazz, and ballet for their upcoming production of When You Wish.

What To Prepare

• Please bring 2 head shots and resumes and 2 audition forms located here. (found on the Phoenix Theatre website)
• Dance call- Ladies please bring character heels and tap shoes, Men character shoes or dance sneakers and tap shoes.
• You may be asked to stay and sing, please bring your book.

Audition Details

Phoenix Theatre
100 E McDowell Rd
Phoenix, Arizona 85004

Appointment Contact
Karla Frederick
k.frederick@phoenixtheatre.com

Audition Dates and Times:
Feb. 3rd from 4-8pm
Callback Dates and Times:
TBD

audition notice - PETER PAN, JR & THE PIED PIPER - Queen Creek Performing Arts Center - February 4 & 5

 from our friends at QCPAC Spring Community Theatre:

Ages 7-18

We will be auditioning for the two upcoming Spring season shows.

Auditions will be February 4th & 5th from 5:30-8 p.m., and February 6th from 10-1 p.m

Callbacks will be Monday, February 8th.

Please sign-up and fill out the audition form for the show you wish to audition for.

Shows:

Peter Pan Jr. - April 15-18, 2016

The Pied Piper- April 1-4, 2016

Audition Requirements:

You will need to sign-up for a time slot by clicking on the following link:

*You only have to sign-op for the show you are auditioning for*

When signing up please select a time that works best for you, and choose a spot within that time slot. Each time slot will have 10 spaces in it to choose from. Please make a note of your time slot as you will be required to come at that time and that time only.

If you would like to audition for both shows, please sign-up for both shows and fill out audition forms for both. You may audition for both shows but cannot be in both.

Peter Pan Jr.: http://www.signupgenius.com/go/20f0e48a4a82fa6fa7-peter

The Pied Piper: http://www.signupgenius.com/go/20f0e48a4a82fa6fa7-thepied

Please prepare the following:

Peter Pan Jr.: Please prepare 16 bars (30 Seconds) of a musical theatre song. Sheet music or a karaoke CD are encouraged. Please do not sing Acapella. Please be prepared to learn some simple choreography.

Pied Piper: Please prepare 16 bars (30 Seconds) of a musical theatre song. Sheet music or a karaoke CD are encouraged. Please do not sing Acapella. Please be prepared to learn some simple choreography.

Rehearsals:

PETER PAN JR.: Wednesdays & Saturdays in February, March, & April.

THE PIED PIPER:  Tuesdays & Saturdays in February, March, & April.

cast announcement / promo photos - LOOKING OVER THE PRESIDENT'S SHOULDER - Black Theatre Troupe

Black theater troupe presents Looking Over the President's Shoulder February 5-21, 2016

starring Walter Belcher and directed by Pasha Yamotahari

“Have I lived my life wisely?” asks Alonzo Fields in LOOKING OVER THE PRESIDENT’S SHOULDER, the real-life story of a man who, during the Great Depression, is forced to give up his dreams of becoming an opera singer and instead finds employment at the most famous address in the country.

Before Lee Daniel’s and Oprah Winfrey’s film The Butler, Emmy Award-winning writer James Still penned this play, placing Alonzo Fields front and center on the stage. This is a first-person historical observation that you won’t find in a textbook or museum. From his unique perspective as Chief Butler, Fields ushers us into the behind-the-scenes of the  households of four U.S. presidents (Hoover, Roosevelt, Truman, and Eisenhower) as well as their famous guests through the years which included Winston Churchill, Marian Anderson, Errol Flynn and the king and queen of England.

CLICK HERE to purchase tickets

photos: Laura Durant

audition notice - OUTLOUD 2016 - Phoenix Pride LGBT Center - January 30

Playwright: Several local playwrights
Director: Richard Schultz, MFA & SDC

Rehearsals Begin: 02/02/2016
Run/Shoot Dates: 03/03/2015 – 03/05/2016

Synopsis
Second Annual LGBT New Plays Festival
Seven New One-Act Plays by Local Playwrights
Drama ♦ Comedy ♦ Fantasy ♦ Musical ♦ Romance

Character Breakdown

Casting an ensemble of twelve actors, male and female, ranging in ages from 18 to 68.
Characters are both straight and LGBT (Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender).
Actors will have the opportunity to play several roles.

What To Prepare

Cold readings from the new one-act plays.

Call For Crew

Also seeking Directors, Stage Manager, Choreographer and Running Crew, as well as Scenic, Sound and Costume Designers.
No pay, but the chance to share in the excitement of creating new theatrical works working with local playwrights.

Audition Details

Phoenix Pride LGBT Center
801 North 2nd Avenue
Phoenix, Arizona 85003

Northeast corner of 2nd Ave. and McKinley St, just 2 blocks southeast of the Central Avenue on McKinley Street, just 2 blocks south of light rail stop

Appointment Contact
Richard Schultz
rlschultz41@aol.com

Audition Dates and Times:
Saturday, January 30 from 10:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.
Callback Dates and Times:
TBD

Zao Theatre announces they will be presenting the Tony Winning musical 1776, coming in November!

If you are interested in being a part of this show, Please contact Mickey Bryce Mickey@zaotheatre.com. We will cast quite early, so its not too early to let us know of your interest.

reviews - CALENDAR GIRLS - Phoenix Theatre

Elyse Wolf, Shari Watts
photo: Erin Evangeline Photography

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 February 7th.

"...the pleasant and largely welcoming English comedy Calendar Girls...The inspiration behind the events occurred in Yorkshire, Northern England in 1998, and it’s one that on its home turf has become legend. A man called John Baker died of Leukemia at the age of only 54. John’s wife, Angela, and the ladies of the local chapter of the national Women’s Institute (referred to as simply the W.I.) decided that in John’s honor, instead of singing repeated versions of England’s unofficial anthem Jerusalem around the piano and attending more bake sales, they would spend their time raising enough money to buy a new sofa in the visitor’s lounge of the hospital where John passed away.... the ladies of the W.I. approached the fund-raising event in a unique way – they all posed nude for the 1999 calendar. There would still be shots of everyone knitting, painting and doing the gardening; it’s just that they’d be naked while doing it....The play, written by Tim Firth, is not so much a re-telling of the actual event but an adaptation of the 2003 film. In order to create conflicts that never really happened, John Baker became John Clark, all the names of the ladies were changed, plus most of the issues the women had to overcome with the W.I. and each other never occurred. In fact, in reality, there was never a great deal of conflict.... moments of warm comedy, conflict and the occasional moment of tension that buoys events and keeps everything happily afloat....
The play gives the opportunity for some very talented women to work together, and here in Calendar Girls, Phoenix Theatre has assembled a terrific ensemble. ...Like the movie, most of the laughs are gentle rather than laugh-out-loud, but some things come across funnier on stage than on film, particularly the actual photo-shoot ...With respect to the accents, director Moe has bravely insisted on not only having her characters speak with English voices but English voices with a difficult northern, Yorkshire accent....Here the results are mixed at best..." -David Appleford, Valley Screen and Stage (click here to read the complete review)

"The 2003 British comedy film Calendar Girls was a big hit at the box office. Based on the true story of a group of women in Northern England who seductively pose for a nude calendar to raise funds for Leukemia Research, the movie was adapted into a play and Phoenix Theatre presents the Arizona premiere with a superb cast of some of the top actresses in the Valley....... there is minimal drama beyond Chris' butting heads with Marie and some minor confrontations and misunderstandings among the women. And, while the comical moments work best, the dramatic ones lose a little impact without the benefits of film close-ups. Fortunately, Phoenix Theatre's cast is top drawer featuring the cream of the crop of the Valley's "mature" actresses, plus a stellar turn by newcomer to the area Elyse Wolf, who plays Chris. Wolf and Shari Watts, as Annie, form a realistic pair of best friends. Wolf has great comedic timing while Watts gives a lovely, assured delivery in the sensitive moments of the play. Johanna Carlisle, Patti Davis, Cathy Dresbach, and Debra K. Stevens round out the main female roles, with each delivering well thought out characters with some depth, even though the script doesn't always give them much to play off of...Director EE Moe achieves a fast-paced production and derives well balanced performances from her entire cast, letting the comedy shine bright but not overstepping the emotion at the core of the story. The nude scenes are discreetly staged but also delivered with hilarious results....While the theatrical version of Calendar Girls adds very little to the joys of the film, it does result, like the movie, in a heartwarming and moving affair. And seeing some of the best actresses in town having a field day, baring both their hearts and their bodies, is a joyous enough reason to pay them a visit."  -Gil Benbrook, Talkin' Broadway (click here to read the complete review)

"...The very British comedy, “Calendar Girls”...the draggy play fails to provide the cast with roles of substance or dimension....Why Phoenix Theatre mounted this play about English prudery where the British dry humor fails to illicit much laughter is a mystery......The story plods on for two-and-a-half hours trying to make its shallow and predictable point.  Moe’s pedestrian staging doesn’t give the play much spunk further negating the confusing selection. Even though the performers British accents come and go, the cast works its extensive acting chops off trying to give these pitiable characters meaning but even these talented players can’t do the impossible.  ...“Calendar Girls” is a minor diversion but the production isn’t very British and it isn’t very funny." --Chris Curcio, KBAQ (click here to read the complete review)

"Phoenix Theatre's production of "Calendar Girls" last night was the kind of warm, fuzzy, tittering show that can ease the stresses of the outside world and calm anxieties of the unknown within. With a well-known, excellent Valley cast of strong women--strong actors all, they were out to triumph over a loose script as well as their characters' central conflicts. They were also, notably, out of their knickers and bras.....The script is not tight....the relationships don't flow seamlessly. The unhinged and halting nature affects the flow of Calendar Girls' first act particularly. Until we've glimpsed enough of each character's struggles, we don't appreciate that those beautiful flaws are what draws us to them and makes us love them....D. Scott Withers...was the perfect husband, friend and terminal cancer patient as John... well-revered Shari Watts as Annie and impressive if new Elyse Wolf as Annie's best friend Chris...Annie's intimate moments with John were far more raw and naked than any upcoming nude photo of her would be. ...Wolf as Chris had different internal conflicts to wrestle while she outwardly cheerled the group's stripping efforts...From the perspective of dramatic tension and arc, "Calendar Girls" may be lacking. But these ladies and their portrayals were honest and true to life. Brimming with accomplished talent and solid name recognition, Phoenix Theatre presented a properly worthy performance of gradually exposed, modern day, American calendar girls." Jennifer Haaland, The Examiner.com (click here to read the complete review)

"Local theater royalty hold court in the veddy, veddy English comedy “Calendar Girls” at Phoenix Theatre. ...the drama here is light as a feather. ...The cast features some of the Valley’s best-known actresses... newcomer Elyse Wolf makes an impressive Phoenix Theatre debut...Some of the accents are tad less convincing than the other..feel-good fun, and this talented cast delivers." - Kerry Lengel, Arizona Republic (click here to read the complete review)

photos - LA CAGE AUX FOLLES - Fountain Hills Theater

for more information on this production, which runs through February 7th, CLICK HERE

Roger Prenger (Georges), Sky Donovan (Jean-Michel) and Patrick Russo (Albin)

Roger Prenger and Patrick Russo

Patrick Russo

Roger Prenger, Mark Burkett (Jacob) and Patrick Russo

Tina Reynolds, Matt McDonald, Patrick Russo and Roger Prenger

Sky Donovan, Patrick Russo, Roger Prenger and Mark Burkett

Sky Donovan, Jennifer Harrington (Anne), Roger Prenger, Laura Dooley and Mike Druckman (as the Dindon’s)

Patrick Russo as Albin and Allyson Igielski as Jacqueline

J.T. Turner, J.P. Clemente, S. McDonald, Patrick Russo, M. Quijada, J. Power and J.Jay Rangel

photos: Patty Torrilhon

audition notice - PICNIC - Mesa Community College - February 22