Photos by Paige Corbin
Friday, June 30, 2017
photos - CATCH ME IF YOU CAN - Desert Stages Theatre
CLICK HERE for more information on this production, which runs through July 30th
Photos by Paige Corbin
Photos by Paige Corbin
CYT Phoenix's All Aboard Summer Day Camp - July 17 - 21
Day Camp for ages 6 - 14 years old.
July 17th - July 21st
Throughout the week, we will learn and explore all that it takes to make a great show -- all while having a blast! Activities include acting games and sessions, singing, dancing, show rehearsals, crafts, and so much more!
Campers will put on a Showcase on the last day of camp - free of charge! Invite your family and friends to come watch the Camp All Aboard Showcase at 2:00pm on Friday, 7/21/17.
Location: Scottsdale Bible Church
Time: 09:00 AM - 03:00 PM
Day: Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday
Starts: 07/17
Ages: 6-14
Tuition: $225.00
Open Spots: 8
CLICK HERE to register
Contact camps@cytphoenix.org with any questions!
Thursday, June 29, 2017
review - CATCH ME IF YOU CAN - Actor's Youth Theatre
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| Joey Grado and Liam Thibeault photo by Lisa Webb / Southwest Shots Photography |
Click here for more information on this production that runs through July 1st.
"If you're looking for a snazzy, jazzy musical comedy, look no further than Catch Me If You Can, based on the autobiographical book and movie of the same name...While this show didn't run that long on Broadway, it has proven quite popular in regional theatres..Actor's Youth Theatre's production stars two multi-talented teens who deliver excellent portrayals of the two leads: a young con man on the run and the FBI agent trying to catch him.....The score by Marc Shaiman and Scott Wittman has several memorable tunes, as well as many that are character specific or plot focused..The book by Terrence McNally touches on the important plot elements and turning points in Frank's life. While I like how the relationship between Frank and Carl is dramatized, the ending, showing what happened to them, feels a bit rushed and forced. There are also a few slow moments, especially the scenes with Hanratty and his fellow agents. But these are just a few quibbles in a fun and jazzy show. Director Julie Clement keeps the show moving at a quick pace..Joey Grado is Frank, and Liam Thibeault is Hanratty. They both excel in their roles, have great singing voices and charisma, and form a strong rapport with the audience. They also display a very good relationship with each other, even though one is the cat and the other the mouse...Jasmine Bassham is Brenda, the girl Frank falls in love with, and she delivers a lovely version of a beautiful ballad, "Fly, Fly Away," that perfectly captures the need to run away from something and to find oneself. ...The choreography by Corrinne Mann, Kristen Malarkey, and Marcus Ellsworth is fun, inventive, original, and somewhat period specific. However, the minimal set design and dark lighting (the use of a spotlight is good, but there are many times when the supporting cast are barely lit) don't quite evoke the idea of a 1960s variety show. ..Catch Me If You Can may not have proven popular in its initial Broadway run but it does have a catchy score, an intriguing book, and characters that actors can sink their teeth into it. With excellent performances by Joey Grado and Liam Thibeault, the Actor's Youth Theatre production is a thoroughly enjoyable theatrical endeavor." -Gil Benbrook, Talkin' Broadway (click here to read the complete review)
cast announcement - SHREK, THE MUSICAL - Valley Youth Theatre
Cast (in alphabetical order)*
Jared Barbee: Lord Farquaad
Jeremy Bassham: Big Bad Wolf
Emily Bowlby: Dragon
Addison Bowman: Princess Fiona
Reese Cantu: Dwarf
Abby Cardenas: Teen Fiona
Chelsea Carll: Mama Bear
Wyatt Chamoff: Little Shrek
Riley Clark: Bishop
Isabella Conner: Gingy/Sugar Plum Fairy
Kayla Dobbs: Wicked Witch
Brach Drew: Donkey
Tanner Dutton: Papa Bear/Papa Ogre
Thea Eigo: Ensemble
Steven Enriquez: Shrek
Olivia Fearey: Young Fiona
Corey Gifft Jr.: Ensemble
Haley Hanni: Humpty Dumpty
Albert Johnston: Pinocchio
Oliver Kedish: Thelonius
Noah Lanouette: Peter Pan
Stephanie Larson: Fairy Godmother
Griffin LeBlanc: King Harold
Caitlyn Martinez: Mama Ogre
Max Mendoza: White Rabbit
Rachel Nathan: Ensemble
Josh Pike: Ensemble
Justin Vaught: Pied Piper
Alec Pursell: Piggy
Hallie Reggio: Ugly Duckling
Cody Rooney: Baby Bear
Margaret Sharp: Ensemble
Alexander Silver: Mad Hatter
Olivia Smith: Elf
Zachary Snyders: Piggy
Adrineh Stephenson: Ensemble
Riley Thornton: Piggy
Jessica Wastchak: Queen Lillian
Owen Watson: Ensemble
Faith Wheelington: Ensemble
Andy Wissink: Captian
Ryley Grace Young: Ensemble
*subject to change
review - 1070 (WE WERE STRANGERS ONCE, TOO) - New Carpa Theatre Company
Click here for more information on this production that runs through July 9th.
"...1070: WE WERE ONCE STRANGERS TOO, director-playwright James Garcia focuses on an immigrant Mexican family caught in the (sometime literal) crosshairs of Arizona Senate Bill 1070....This bill empowered law enforcement officers to stop, detain or arrest individuals suspected of being (or anyone sheltering, hiring or transporting) unregistered aliens....Putting a brave face on the Avila family is undocumented daughter Dulce (a very promising Anna Flores). We see what she sees, feel what she feels, as she becomes an activist for civil rights...Dulce's mother (Sonia Rodriguez), father (Juan Gomez), sister (Valerie German) and brother (Angel Lopez) are well cast and each plays a key role in the family dynamic. Co-director Alejandro Sanchez Vega does an outstanding job as the rogue deputy. His scenes with younger sister Viri and then her family are raw and disturbing...."
- Broadway World (click here to read the complete review)
photos - CATCH ME IF YOU CAN - Actor's Youth Theatre
CLICK HERE for more information on this production, which runs through July 1st
photos by Lisa Webb / Southwest Shots Photography
photos by Lisa Webb / Southwest Shots Photography
Wednesday, June 28, 2017
Tuesday, June 27, 2017
audition notice - BAREFOOT IN THE PARK - Desert Stages Theatre - July 16
Directed by Gary Zaro
Audition Date & Time:
Sunday, July 16th at 7pm
Callbacks:
Wednesday July 19th at 7pm
What to prepare:
Bring headshot and resume
For auditions: 1-minute contemporary comedic monologue
For callbacks: cold reads from the script
Rehearsals:
Begin Monday July 24th
Monday-Thursday evenings, 7-10pm
Possible Friday evenings
Show Run Dates:
August 25th – October 8th, 2017
Character Breakdown:
Corie Bratter: Female; early to mid-20s; fun loving, romantic, and spontaneous
Paul Bratter: Male; mid to late 20s; a lawyer, very straight-laced,
rational and practical
Mrs. Banks; Female; late 40s to early 50s; caring and motherly but
underneath it all there is still a spark
Victor Velasco: Male; 50s; a quirky but debonair bon vivant
Telephone Repairman: Male; 30s or older; wise like someone who has
seen it all in his line of work
Plot:
Paul and Corie Bratter are newlyweds in every sense of the word. After a six day honeymoon, they get a surprise visit from Corie's loopy mother and decide to play matchmaker during a dinner with their neighbor-in-the-attic Velasco, where everything that can go wrong, does.
cast announcement - A BENCH IN THE SUN - Don Bluth Front Row Theatre
Jim "Doc" Coates as Bert
Lee Cooley as Harold
Donna Kaufman as Adrienne Bliss
Monday, June 26, 2017
audition notice - STEEL MAGNOLIAS - Stage Left Productions - July 10
Auditions for Steel Magnolias at Stage Left Productions will take place on Monday July 10th beginning at 6:00p
Six women come together in this hilarious and heartwarming story of life, love and loss in a small Louisiana parish.
CHARACTER BREAKDOWN
Truvy Jones- (Late 30’s to Late 40’s) Owner of the Beauty Shop.
Annelle Dupuy-Desoto (18 to 30) Beauty shop assistant.
Clairee Belcher- (60’s) Widow of former Mayor. Grande Dame.
Shelby Eatenton-Latcherie- (Mid 20’s to early 30’s) Prettiest girl in town.
M’Lynn Eatenton- (Early 50’s to Early 60’s) Shelby’s Mother.
Ouiser (pronounced “Weezer”) Boudreaux (60’s) Wealthy curmudgeon. Grumpy but lovable.
All auditions will consist of sides from the scripts. Sides are emailed after your audition has been scheduled.
For any other questions regarding auditions or you wish to sign up for an audition time please email us at auditions@stageleftaz.com
To view the tentative rehearsal schedule visit our webpage www.stageleftaz.com
WEEK AT A GLANCE: June 26 - July 2
Click on any show title to get more information on that production
CLOSING:
CONCERTS/ LIMITED RUN:
OPENING:
DISNEY'S THE LITTLE MERMAID
Hale Centre Theatre
July 7, 2017 - August 19, 2017
A BENCH IN THE SUN
Don Bluth Front Row Theatre
July 13 - August 26, 2017
DOGFIGHT
Brelby Theatre Company
July 14 - August 5, 2017
SEUSSICAL
Theater Works
July 14 - July 30, 2017
HOW TO SUCCEED IN BUSINESS WITHOUT REALLY TRYING
Mesa Community College PAC Musical Productions
July 13 - 22, 2017
SATURDAY NIGHT FEVER
Arizona Broadway Theatre
July 21 – August 20, 2017
Hale Centre Theatre
July 7, 2017 - August 19, 2017A BENCH IN THE SUN
Don Bluth Front Row Theatre
July 13 - August 26, 2017
DOGFIGHT
Brelby Theatre Company
July 14 - August 5, 2017
SEUSSICAL
Theater Works
July 14 - July 30, 2017
HOW TO SUCCEED IN BUSINESS WITHOUT REALLY TRYING
Mesa Community College PAC Musical Productions
July 13 - 22, 2017
SATURDAY NIGHT FEVER
Arizona Broadway Theatre
July 21 – August 20, 2017
cast announcement - THE HUNCHBACK OF NOTRE DAME - Actors's Youth Theatre
CLICK HERE for more information on this production, which runs August 24th-September 17th, and to purchase tickets when available
(In Order of Appearance)
Dom Claude Frollo - Noah Delgado
Jehan Frollo - Davon Christensen
Florika - Kalei Cotecson
Quasimodo - Devon Policci
Clopin Trouillefou - Max Mashal
Captain Phoebus de Martin - Colton Stuart
Lieutenant Frederic Charlus - Jake Bonar
Esmeralda - Benny Rose Cowans
Madame - Sarah Edmunds
Saint Aphrodisias - Ben Thornburg
Congregants/Gypsies/Gargoyles/Statues/Soldiers/Revelers/Parishioners/Priests/Citizens of Paris:
Sara Blue
Jake Bonar
Davon Christensen
Octavia Chudnow
Kristiana Corona
Kalei Cotecson
Sydni Curtis
Sarah Edmunds
Manny Edrozo
Sage Godzich
Cody Johnston
Kylie Merrill
Remington Rathbun
Nicole Rossi
Lindsey Stevens
Alexa Stuart
Ben Thornburg
Olivia Wesson
Alexis Winn
Alternates:
Alex Marin
Karli Mortensen
Brooklyn Graham
Isabella Baron
Bonnie Wanstreet
Friday, June 23, 2017
cast announcement - CHICAGO - Fountain Hills Theater
ROXIE HART: Victoria Fairclough
BILLY FLYNN: Scot Claus
MAMA MORTON: Morgan Ottersbach
AMOS HART: Michael Paul Wallot
MARY SUNSHINE: Patrick Russo
Womens Ensemble: Ryan Jordan, Summer Beckman, Haylee Klein, Anna Sell, Lisa Barnes
Mens Ensemble: JT Turner, Erik Williams
CLICK HERE for more information on this production, which runs September 1st to September 17th
Thursday, June 22, 2017
audition notice - MURDER AT THE PIE AUCTION - Act One Youth Theatre - June 24
The audience becomes part of the pie auction in this hysterical comedy. After years of trying unsuccessfully, the small town of Mynute, Alaska, finally lands the famous Mother Mabel’s Pie Baking Competition — but it was all due to a typo mistaking Mynute for Minot! The contest looks to be a disaster with no media or publicity. To add to the tension, one of the contestants is writing a tell-all book about the seamy side of competitive pie baking. Making matters even worse, just hours before the competition begins, the pie judge goes missing. When he turns up dead while the audience is bidding for the pies, the characters turn on each other as they try to figure out who committed the murder. With an ample serving of motive and all the right ingredients for murder, this is the perfect recipe for big laughs, outrageous characters, and audience participation.
You will have enough time to perform a 1 min monologue. You may be asked to perform a cold read with or without a partner.
AGES 10-18 ONLY PLEASE
4425 N Granite Reef Rd, Scottsdale, AZ 85251
Date: 06/24/2017 (Sat.)
Location: 4425 N Granite Reef Rd, Scottsdale, AZ 85251
sign up for auditions at http://www.signupgenius.com/go/30e0844aeaf22a7ff2-auditions
PERFORMANCE WILL BE HELD:
Saturday, August 5, 2017 at 1:30
Scottsdale Congregational Church in Bond Hall:
4425 N Granite Reef Rd, Scottsdale, AZ 85251
a conversation with James May and Kelli James, the musical director and star of the one night only concert GREAT SONGS FROM BOMB SHOWS at Theater Works
by Gil Benbrook
I’m proud to admit that I'm a huge fan of flop musicals. I saw one of the most notorious flop shows of all time, Carrie, on Broadway in previews back in 1988 and ever since then have been fascinated by musicals like Carrie that have some great songs in their scores yet the show bombed and quickly folded. Over the years I had the treat to sit through such famous Broadway flops as Nick & Nora, Starmites, Cyrano, Rags, Metro, The Red Shoes, Big, Steel Pier, Side Show, Lestat and Spiderman.
It turns out I'm not the only one who is intrigued by these shows that either folded quickly on Broadway, or had a decent run but were hardly ever seen again. James May and Kelli James have both worked on Broadway, tours and regional theatres. Kelli was the first American "Eponine" in the original Broadway production of Les Misérables and James has served as a musician and musical director for such shows as Sunset Boulevard. They are both intrigued by shows like Carrie, The Baker's Wife, Chess, and Merrily We Roll Along, that are notorious bombs, and even Tony winning musicals such as Kiss of the Spider Woman that had healthy NY runs but are rarely produced.
Both James and Kelli now call the Phoenix area their home and worked together at Theater Works last Fall on their superior youth production of Les Misérables. When the idea for an evening of songs from flop musicals, entitled Great Songs from Bomb Shows, was being put together at Theater Works it turned out to be a perfect follow up for this duo, as well as a way to feature other performers who are regulars on the Theater Works Peoria stage.
I had the chance to ask May, who is the musical director and narrator for the concert, and James some questions about this concert, their fascination with flop shows, as well as ask Kelli about her upcoming plans to play Mama Rose in Gypsy at Theater Works in September.
"James, how exactly did this concert come together? I know when we spoke in the past you mentioned that you used to host theme parties in your home, was that the impetus? "
James May - "While living in Los Angeles, I had a wide circle of friends who were theater people. And we always loved getting together, so I had an idea to do what I called "soirees"! These were wine and finger food parties culminating in a show done BY us FOR us right there in my living room. They would be themed parties. Our first one was celebrating Stephen Sondheim. The second one was Jerry Herman. Many others followed. They became very popular but were always limited in size due to doing them in my living room. So when Chris Hamby approached me about doing a cabaret, I thought it would be great to do a "soiree" but in a bigger venue. So here we are, at Theaterworks!!"
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| James May |
Kelli James – "Well, It's an age old question isn't it? What is talent? Who and what has the IT or X factor? Is it just for audiences to decide? Critics? Is it the perfect combination of book and score? Timing? I think we are fascinated because it can happen to the best of writers, directors and actors. Why do shows flop? Many writers and directors that I have spoken to over the years say it's about the book. No matter how great the music is, if the audience doesn't care for the story it just won't work."
James May - "I am often interested in what makes a show a flop....bad book, too long, incorrect casting. But usually, in each show there are at least a few great songs that can stand on their own. So this cabaret celebrates that."
"What are some of the songs concert goers can expect to hear?"
James May - "We are doing many great songs, all from shows that did not enjoy a successful run, or what we may call BOMBS! A few of the titles are "Meadowlark" from The Baker's Wife, "In Love with You" from First Date, "And Eve Was Weak" from Carrie, "Pretty Lady" from Pacific Overtures and 18 more!!"
"Kelli, while this concert is headlined by you, you also share the stage with a lot of talented individuals, many of whom you worked with on Follies. What can you tell us about them and what songs that they sing in this show that you enjoy listening to the most?"
Kelli James – "Yes, Joshua Vern, Jacqui Notorio,Tony Blosser and I all did Follies together and when Jim May moved to Scottsdale we met for coffee and he asked about singers for his soiree'. I had just finished Follies and recommended all my friends from that show.That show was so special for me. It came at a time when I was ready to give up. Follies started a string of wonderful relationships and friendships including Phillip Fazio and Steve Hilderbrand, two of my favorite directors in town and also my new director for Gypsy, Rusty Ferracane. Jesse and Laura Berger came to us through my dear friends and Follies co-stars, Kathleen Berger and Marty Berger. I have worked with Jesse only once in concert and I've never worked with Laura but I'm so excited to do so! Our first sing through was inspiring. One great song and voice after the next! I had friends in First Date, Kiss Of The Spider Woman and Bridges Of Madison County but never got to see any of those shows so was delighted to hear the songs come to life. I don't think I can choose favorites, they all are wonderful and so special to me because I have either worked with the composers, directors, had friends in the shows or just love the songs themselves. I do have to say that there are 3 songs in our cabaret that I have NEVER heard sung live. It's thrilling!"
"James, I know you worked on Teddy and Alice, which flopped on Broadway. You guys both have a lot of experience working on both Broadway shows, tours, and regional productions, were there any shows you were a part of that you thought would flop but ended up being hits?"
James - "Teddy and Alice on Broadway opened in 1987. At that time in American life, people were not extremely patriotic. So a show celebrating Americana (Teddy Roosevelt) and flag waving, was not wildly accepted with open arms. We only lasted 4 months. But, a bit later, in 1991, Miss Saigon opened on Broadway. So did Will Rogers Follies. It was the year of the first Iraq/mideast war, so patriotism was in vogue. So even though Miss Saigon was the show that would be an eventual huge hit, Will Rogers Follies won the Tony for Best Musical. So my point is that, sometimes, world events can control the eventual success of a show, possibly explaining one reason for the failure of Teddy and Alice.
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| Kelli James |
"I know you guys worked together previously on the Les Misérables Youth production at Theater Works last Fall, but is that the only time the two of you have worked together?"
James - "Les Misérables at Theaterworks was the first time that Kelli and I have worked together. We missed each other on Les Miz on Broadway by only a matter of a few months! When I moved to Phoenix two years ago, I was introduced to Kelli. We have so much and so many friends in common!"
"Kelli, it was also just recently announced that you’ll be starring in Gypsy at Theater Works. After your success at Theater Works in both Follies and Les Misérables, Gypsy seems like a perfect follow up. Why do you think playing Mama Rose is such an iconic part that every actress wants to tackle?"
Kelli -" Oh Mama Rose. I think it's an incredible challenge for any actress of any age but being able to play such a colorful,outspoken and powerful woman who is not young, not beautiful and not sweet, is something we all want to do when we get up in years.We are all ready to play her when the time comes. In my last 15 years of teaching and meeting so many "Mama Rose type parents", I feel that I've got an interesting inside track to her! I relate to her struggles, her dreams and I too have been married 3 times! In all seriousness, it has a great deal to do with having a true respect for the Golden Age musical, the writers, composers and the actors that came before us. My God, the women who have played her.....astonishing! What a lineup! If I didn't say it was a bit overwhelming and that I didn't feel the pressure, I'd be a liar."
While Great Songs from Flop Shows is Sold Out with an extensive waiting list already, Theater Works does hope to present this show again in the future, because of the response, but hasn't made any plans with James & Kelli yet. CLICK HERE for information on upcoming shows at Theater Works
reviews - THE CURIOUS INCIDENT OF THE DOG IN THE NITE-TIME - National Tour: ASU Gammage
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| Adam Langdon photo by Joan Marcus |
Click here for more information on this production that runs through June 25th.
"...The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time tells of young Christopher Boone (Adam Langdon). He’s a fifteen-year-old English boy from Swindon with a series of conditions...his behavioral difficulties range from Asperger’s and high-functioning autism, plus he’s a mathematical savant. There’s also another issue: he can’t be touched....Christopher takes on the role of Sherlock Holmes after the discovery of his own curious incident concerning a dog...His neighbor’s pet, Wellington, is found murdered...Based on the Mark Haddon novel of the same name,....we’re inside Christopher’s mind – we tend to see the same things in the way that Christopher does.....the play’s original London director Marianne Elliot, incorporates the aid of choreographers Scott Graham and Steven Hoggett to supply the ever-continuing graceful movement of the cast as they assume grouped positions and characterize everyday objects that Christopher encounters. ...However, during a lengthy, heart-breaking moment when the boy’s mother (Felicity Jones Latta) has to explain things to her son, things seem to come to a temporary halt. Narratively, what she’s saying is of great importance, but because of the play’s lightning speed pace, it feels as though brakes were suddenly applied. With a broken rhythm, the result may be a wandering mind for just a few moments...Presented in an electronic variation of a black-box theatre, its floor and walls project a dazzling array of sonic effects. ...Occasionally there’s a danger of the light show, with its all-encompassing visual effects, suffocating the moment, often with an accompanying, overly abrasive soundtrack that pierces the senses and continues longer than you want, particularly when it’s not altogether clear why the effects with its shower of ever-flowing red dots are occurring in the way they are. ...the play examines routine, customs, separation, honesty, the playing with language and most importantly, the confusion that comes with miscommunication in everyday speech. If everyone was as clear and as direct as Christopher when speaking, there would never be a failure to communicate. The play expresses that with both warmth and humor, along with the drama...While Wellington the dog did nothing to deserve its fate, it’s the catalyst that sets a young boy off on a journey of self-discovery, his position in the world, and an awareness of what his future holds. A curious incident indeed, Watson, but a singular one that you should treat yourself to enjoying while it remains in town." -David Appleford, Valley Screen and Stage (click here to read the complete review)
" If you could walk a mile in the mind of an autistic teenager, visualize the earth and the heavens with crystal clarity, reduce reality to fundamental truths and solve complex algebraic problems, convulse to a simple touch or sound, and charm the daylights out of those you meet with your intelligence and defiant logic ~ you might begin to get inside the skin of Christopher John Francis Boone, the enigmatic and endearing central character of THE CURIOUS INCIDENT OF THE DOG IN THE NIGHT-TIME (the 2015 recipient of five Tonys including Best Play, now appearing at ASU Gammage in Tempe, AZ).....a landmark piece of theatre, melding acting and technology with a result that is astonishing and riveting. The special visual and auditory effects are cinematic in scale...What starts out like a tale from Conan Doyle or J.K. Rowlings ends up far more Homeric, an odyssey into the heart of truth and revelations that are life-changing. Adam Langdon's performance as Christopher is a tour de force ~ magnetic, jaw-dropping and inspiring.....The supporting performances in this production are crisp and engaging. Gene Gillette cuts a sympathetic figure as Christopher's overbearing and protective father, desperately seeking to connect with his son...FeliciTy Jones Latta is gripping as the mother whose frustration and guilt tear at her heart. Maria Elena Ramirez is perfect and relatable as Christopher's teacher who understands him better than anyone, provides moral support, and, as a play within a play, narrates the book he's written about his journey. As an intricately designed whole, the play, based on Mark Haddon's novel and adapted by Simon Stephens, is a work of astonishing magnitude and supreme relevance to our appreciation of the human condition." - Herbert Paine, Broadway World (click here to read the complete review)
CYT Phoenix's 2017 / 2018 Season!
Oct 20 - Oct 29
Thirteen-year-old problem solver, Edwina, dishes out advice with the help of her friends and a little song and dance.
Dear Edwina JR. is a heartwarming musical about the joys of growing up, from the creators of Junie B. Jones, The Musical. Written in a “show-within-a-show” format, Dear Edwina JR. is the perfect “girl power” musical for a new generation.
Phoenix Center for the Arts:
1202 N 3rd St
Phoenix, AZ 85004
Feb 2 - Feb 11
Roald Dahl's fantastical tale of a boy, his insect friends, and their amazing journey across the ocean on a giant piece of fruit.
Roald Dahl's James and the Giant Peach is now a musical for the whole family to enjoy! Featuring a wickedly tuneful score by the Tony Award-nominated team of Pasek and Paul (Dogfight and A Christmas Story the Musical) and a curiously quirky book by Timothy Allen McDonald (Roald Dahl's Willy Wonka, The Musical Adventures of Flat Stanley), critics rave: James and the Giant Peach is a "masterpeach!"
Mesa Arts Center - Nesbitt/Elliott Playhouse:
One East Main Street
Mesa, AZ 85201
May 4 - May 13
Everyone's favorite ogre is back in the hilarious stage spectacle based on the Oscar-winning, smash hit film.
Based on the Oscar-winning DreamWorks Animation film, Shrek The Musical is a Tony Award-winning fairy tale adventure, featuring all new songs from Jeanine Tesori (Thoroughly Modern Millie; Caroline, or Change) and a sidesplitting book by David Lindsay-Abaire. Shrek brings all the beloved characters you know from the film to life on stage and proves there's more to the story than meets the ears.
Mesa Arts Center - Nesbitt/Elliott Playhouse:
One East Main Street
Mesa, AZ 85201
CLICK HERE for more information on this show, auditions, and to purchase tickets when available
Wednesday, June 21, 2017
audition notice - THE HUNCHBACK OF NOTRE DAME - Actor's Youth Theatre - June 24
Actors Youth Theatre is holding auditions for the Regional Premier of The Hunchback of Notre Dame (ages 10-18) on June 24th
Rehearsals begin July 6th
Performances Thur/Fri/Sat August 24th-September 17th
Auditions and most rehearsals will take place at the Tuscany Theatre. Performances will be split between Tuscany Theatre and Higley Center for the Performing Arts.
CLICK HERE to schedule your audition time
Auditions for Hunchback will run in 60 minute increments. Each actor must bring and be prepared to perform the following:
Bring a 32 bar musical theatre selection that demonstrates vocal range, musicianship, and performance skills. Sheet music or karaoke tracks are acceptable, no CDs please. Solo material only. (If no singing material is brought to the audition, actor will be required to perform a small musical selection as a substitute.)
Be prepared for cold reads from the sides that will be provided at the audition
There will be a dance call. Please wear clothes you are comfortable moving/dancing in.
You need to arrive 15 minutes before your audition. DO NOT BE LATE!
Photos and bios (required) & Resumes (not required) can be uploaded on this website
The rehearsal/performance schedule is available below. Please look over the rehearsal schedule carefully and note any and all conflicts. These are taken into consideration when casting. The breakout schedule is made with actors conflicts in mind. You MAY NOT add conflicts after casting.
Audition results are typically posted on the website by 9:00pm the Sunday after auditions, and an email will be sent to those who are cast.
Synopsis
Based on the Victor Hugo novel and songs from the Disney animated feature, The Hunchback of Notre Dame showcases the film’s Academy Award-nominated score, as well as new songs by Menken and Schwartz. Peter Parnell’s new book embraces story theatre and features verbatim passages from Hugo’s gothic novel. The musical begins as the bells of Notre Dame sound through the famed cathedral in fifteenth-century Paris. Quasimodo, the deformed bell-ringer who longs to be "Out There," observes all of Paris reveling in the Feast of Fools. Held captive by his devious caretaker, the archdeacon Dom Claude Frollo, he escapes for the day and joins the boisterous crowd, only to be treated cruelly by all but the beautiful gypsy, Esmeralda. Quasimodo isn’t the only one captivated by her free spirit, though – the handsome Captain Phoebus and Frollo are equally enthralled. As the three vie for her attention, Frollo embarks on a mission to destroy the gypsies – and it’s up to Quasimodo to save them all.
Music by Alan Menken, Lyrics by Stephen Schwartz, Book by Peter Parnell
Theater
Actor's Youth Theatre
861 N Higley Rd. Suite 105, Gilbert, AZ, 85020
[SIC] - Mesa Encore Theatre - August 4 - August 20, 2017
by Melissa James Gibson
Directed by Cody Goulder
In adjacent apartments that resemble nothing so much as broom closets with windows, the three young, ambitious neighbors of Melissa James Gibson’s [SIC] come together to discuss, flirt, argue, share their dreams, and plan their futures with unequal degrees of deep hopefulness and abject despair, all the while pushing the limits of their friendship to the max and demonstrating that language can be both an instrument of intimacy and a weapon of defense. Theo is a composer trying to create a heroic theme for an amusement park ride called the Thrill-o-Rama; Babette is a writer trying to finish—or even start—a book theorizing that temper tantrums are the major motivating force behind historical events; and Frank is a would-be auctioneer preparing for his future career by constantly practicing tongue twisters as “Sally sought some seeds to sow but sadly soon it snowed.” By exploring these questing lives in language that alternates between exhilarating structural inventiveness and loony comedy, poignant soul-searching and incisive analysis of the life that may actually exist beyond one’s four walls, Melissa James Gibson has created a unique play that is as witty and wise as it is stylistically groundbreaking and unexpected.
David Magadan- as Theo
Melody Knudson- as Babette
Chavez Benally- as Frank
Van Rockwell- as Airshaft man
Antoinette Martin-Hanson- as Airshaft woman
Friday and Saturday at 7:30
Sunday at 2:30
CLICK HERE for more information and to purchase tickets
Southwest Shakespeare Company's Fire Rebuild Go Fund Me Drive
On Saturday, June 17, a devastating fire ravaged Southwest Shakespeare Company 's production warehouse.
Mercifully, no one was injured and our eternal thanks goes out to the Mesa Fire Department for their swift response.
23 years of materials and memories were lost. The following is a list of just a few of the thousands of dollars worth of items that were destroyed.
Hundreds of costumes and accessories from every century; everything from Anthony and Cleopatra to Blythe Spirit were lost.
Power tools, staple guns, screw drivers, power drills, electric saws, band saw, table saw, welding accessories and tank, ladders, stepstools, wrenches and hand tools, building materials, and rigging, lighting and sound systems.
Set pieces and props like books, glasses, tea sets, crowns, lamps, foliage, etc.,
All types of furniture: chaise lounges, love seats, sofas, chairs, benches, upholstered pieces, tables, cocktail tables, side tables, end tables...
Donations of any amount are greatly appreciated. Every cent will help us rebuild and come back stronger than ever this season.
We want to thank everyone who has expressed concern and reached out the hand of friendship during this unexpected tragedy.
Please continue to visit our website, swshakespeare.org for updates and find out about more ways you can help us rebuild.
Like a phoenix, SSC will rise bigger and better than ever! #shakespearerising
CLICK HERE to support SSC's Fire Rebuild Fund
Black Theatre Troupe's 2017 / 2018 Season!
Get discounted subscriptions before they go on sale to the general public. These prices only available by calling the Black Theatre Troupe Box Office — 602-258-8129 — before July 1, 2017. .
CAROLINE, OR CHANGE
Book and Lyrics by Tony Kushner
Music by Jeanine Tesori
September 15 – October 1, 2017
The time is 1963 in Lake Charles, Louisiana. Caroline Thibodeaux,, an African-American mother of three works for a Southern Jewish family. She and their eight-year old son Noah, find themselves in the middle of a family conflict during the Christmas and Chanukah holidays.
Combining gospel and the sounds of Motown with operatic stylings, this sparkling gem of a musical illuminates the changing times of the Civil Rights era while examining the social and family issues with which our diverse culture still struggles with today.
SEVEN GUITARS
by August Wilson
October 27 – November 12, 2017
With the performance of Seven Guitars The Black Theatre Troupe becomes one of the few companies in the country to have produced the complete ten play cycle of August Wilson’s decade by decade exploration of the black experience in America. Seven Guitars, the 5th in the cycle, is set in 1948 as friends gather to mourn for Floyd “Schoolboy” Barton a blues guitarist and singer, who died just as his career was on the verge of taking off. August Wilson’s epic vision power and poetic sense lifts their stories to strange and compelling heights ending in a stunning conclusion..
BLACK NATIVITY
by Langston Hughes
December 1 – 10, 2017
Last season’s sold out, legendary holiday event by Harlem Renaissance poet Langston Hughes, returns to the BTT stage for a limited two week special engagement. This stunning new production of Black Nativity is without a doubt a theatrical wonderment. A joyous company of singers, actors, dancers and musicians delivers its powerful message of joy, hope, victory and liberation. This song-play touches a special chord in the hearts of all at a very special time of the year.(PLEASE NOTE –Black Nativity is not included in subscription packages)
LINES IN THE DUST
by Nikkole Salter
February 9 – 25, 2018
When Denitra loses the charter school lottery for her daughter, she must find another way to escape from their underperforming neighbourhood school. The answer seems like a risk well worth taking but may end up requiring a bigger sacrifice than she ever could have imagined. It’s been exactly 60 years since Brown Versus the Board of Education. Lines in The Dust questions how far we’ve come and more importantly, where we go from here.
MARIE AND ROSETTA
by George Brant
April 6 – 22, 2018
Bringing fierce guitar playing and swing to gospel music, Sister Rosetta Tharpe was a legend in her time and a huge influence on Ray Charles Jimi Hendrix, Elvis Presley and Johnny Cash among others who all knew “you don’t have to be religious to know when you’re in the presence of glory” Marie and Rosetta chronicles her first rehearsal with a young protégée, Marie Knight, as they prepare to embark on a tour that would establish them as one of the great duos in musical history. Theirs is the rare story that centers on the intimacy of the inner lives of black women and not world politics or degradation.
Call 602-258-8129 or visit http://blacktheatretroupe.org/ for more information
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