Monday, December 31, 2018

WEEK AT A GLANCE: December 31-January 6

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

CLOSING:








Sunday, December 30, 2018

cast announcement - LEGALLY BLONDE, THE MUSICAL - Broadway at the Orpheum Theatre


CLICK HERE for more information on this production, which runs January 25-27

Maris McCulley as Elle Woods. 
Woody Minshew as Emmett
James Oblak as Warner
Jill Taylor Anthony as Paulette
Christopher Carsten as Professor Callahan
Berlande Millus as Vivienne
Ensemble: Kolten Bell, Pasqualino Beltempo, Andee Buccheri, J Ryan Carroll, Sy Chounchaisit, Nora Elkind, Megan Hoxie, Kayla Jenerson, Brian Cedric Jones, Nicole Jones, Jacob Melssen, Graham Mortier, Tiffany O’Connor, Kwasi Perry, Dorian Quinn, Amy Romero, Jet Thomas, Eduardo Uribe, and Chelsea Lorraine Wargo.

Directed by Jeff Moss

THE 3RD ANNUAL NIGHT OF SHORTS - Brelby Theatre Company - January 4-12, 2019


Brelby is pleased to be continuing our efforts of showcasing the work of local playwrights. In our 3rd Annual Night of Shorts, we’ll continue to bring you interesting, quirky and exciting pieces of short theatre.

Jan 4-5, 11-12 @ 7:30PM
Jan 5-6, 12 @ 2:00PM

CLICK HERE for more information, and to purchase tickets

Saturday, December 29, 2018

GREASE SCHOOL EDITION - Scottsdale Desert Stages Theatre - February 22-March 24, 2019


Book, Music, and Lyrics by Jim Jacobs and Warren Casey
Co-Directed by Sam Primack and Isaiah Salazar
Choreographed by Sarah Pansing

Here is Rydell High’s senior class of 1959: duck-tailed, hot-rodding “Burger Palace Boys” and their gum-snapping, hip-shaking “Pink Ladies” in bobby sox and pedal pushers, evoking the look and sound of the 1950s in this rollicking musical. Head “greaser” Danny Zuko and new (good) girl Sandy Dumbrowski try to relive the high romance of their “Summer Nights” as the rest of the gang sings and dances its way through such songs as “Greased Lightnin'”, “It’s Raining on Prom Night”, “Alone at the Drive-In Movie” recalling the music of Buddy Holly, Little Richard and Elvis Presley that became the soundtrack of a generation.

Grease School Edition is presented by special arrangement with SAMUEL FRENCH, INC

Fridays and Saturdays at 7:30pm
Saturdays and Sundays at 2pm

Betty Rizzo (O)/The Pink Ladies (C): Kiara Adams
Patty Simcox (C)/The Pink Ladies (O): Grace Allen
The Pink Ladies: Jennifer ArangoMacias
The Pink Ladies: Brett Arthur
Kenickie (O)/The Burger Palace Boys (C): Christian Bader
The Pink Ladies: Simone Beggs
The Pink Ladies: Madison Broughton
The Burger Palace Boys: Max Casale
The Pink Ladies: Shyanne Comstock
The Pink Ladies: Sophia Crown
Marty (O)/The Pink Ladies (C): Phoenix Cyphert
Radio Voice/The Pink Ladies: Emma DelGhiaccio
Sandy Dumbrowski (O)/The Pink Ladies (C): MarySue Dickens
The Burger Palace Boys: Isaac Gerstel
The Pink Ladies: Hailey Glicksman
Sonny LaTierri (C)/The Burger Palace Boys (O): Cameron Grove
The Pink Ladies: Dayna Michelle Hall
Vince Fonatine: Walter Hall Jr
The Pink Ladies: Audrey Harris
Eugene Florczyk (O)/The Burger Palace Boys (C): Chase Harris
The Pink Ladies: Alexa Hendricksen
The Pink Ladies: Olivia Hizme
The Pink Ladies: Samantha “Sam” Hizme
The Pink Ladies: Jenna Hollerbach
The Pink Ladies: Ellie Jewett
The Pink Ladies: Cate Johnson
Cha Cha (C)/The Pink Ladies (O): Sophie Jurkovich
Marty (C)/The Pink Ladies (O): Lainie Kenley
Doody (C)/The Burger Palace Boys (O): Carter Kim
Miss Lynch (C)/The Pink Ladies (O): Annie Kopp
Sonny LaTierri (O)/The Burger Palace Boys (C): Jesse Krinetz
Eugene Florczyk (C)/The Burger Palace Boys (O): Cash LeVine
The Pink Ladies: Isabella Lipner
Miss Lynch (O)/The Pink Ladies (C): Kennady MacDonald
Teen Angel/Johnny Casino: Ethan Maxwell
The Pink Ladies: Avery McAndrew
Burger Palace Boys: Lucas Moran
The Pink Ladies: Ella Morelli
The Pink Ladies: Delaney Mussman-Buchholz
The Pink Ladies: Marissa Myers
The Pink Ladies: Mao Nishida
Jan (C)/The Pink Ladies (O): Talia Novack
The Pink Ladies: Cassidy O’Connor
Sandy Dumbrowski (C)/The Pink Ladies (O): Ainsley Orozco
The Pink Ladies: Sophie Perlstein
The Pink Ladies: Madalyn Peters
The Pink Ladies: Kendall Phillips
The Pink Ladies: Isabella Quinn
Cha Cha (O)/The Pink Ladies (C): Allison Rhee
The Pink Ladies: Savanna Riep
Doody (O)/The Burger Palace Boys (C): Ethan Roga
Jan (O)/The Pink Ladies (C): Allie Rose
The Pink Ladies: Bryana Salas
Betty Rizzo (C)/The Pink Ladies (O): Sydney Schmidt
The Pink Ladies: Danica Schwartz
Danny Zuko (C)/The Burger Palace Boys (O): Faden Shapiro
The Pink Ladies: Scarlette Shapiro
The Pink Ladies: Mugi Shembekar
Roger (O)/The Burger Palace Boys (C): Declan Skaggs
The Pink Ladies: Sydney Smith
The Pink Ladies: Sienna Stoll
Roger (C)/The Burger Palace Boys (O): Noah Sucato
Frenchy (O)/The Pink Ladies (C): Olivia Venteicher
The Pink Ladies: Kennedy Verse
The Pink Ladies: Melissa Wentworth
Frenchy (C)/The Pink Ladies (O): Annabel Wentworth
The Pink Ladies: Alexa White
Patty Simcox (O)/The Pink Ladies (C): Macie Wilbur
Kenickie (C)/The Burger Palace Boys (O): Hudson Wilcox
The Pink Ladies: Isabella Wong
The Pink Ladies: Bianca Wong
The Pink Ladies: Allison Wright
Danny Zuko(O)/The Burger Palace Boys (C): Jack Yampolsky

audition notice - HYREV Youth Performance Troupe - Arizona Broadway Theatre - January 7



HYREV YOUTH PERFORMANCE TROUPE AUDITIONS

HyRev will hold a new round of auditions on Monday, January 7, 2019. Vocal auditions will be held by appointment only from 5:00p to 7:00p. A Dance Callback will be held by invitation only immediately following from 7:00p to 9:00pm.

HyRev is the mash-up name of two elite teen performance troupes at Arizona Broadway Theatre: HyperToneZ and Sonic Revolution.

HyRev is specifically for young performers ages 13-19 with some previous music theatre / dance / show choir experience – The Triple Threat! The program builds upon and improves participants’ performance strengths and includes Valley-wide performances, with future out-of-area performances as time and scheduling allow.

HyRev rehearsals will occur in the ABT Encore Room on Monday nights throughout the school year. HyperToneZ will rehearse from 4:30p – 6:30p and Sonic Revolution will rehearse from 6:30p – 9:30p.

To audition, prepare 16-32 bars of a pop/rock/broadway uptempo song. Bring music in the correct key for the accompanist.

If you are unable to attend, you may submit a video of your audition to HyRev@azbroadway.org. Be sure to put HyRev Audition in the subject line.

Date: 01/07/2019 (Mon.)

Time: 5:00pm – 7:00pm MST

Location: Arizona Broadway Theatre Encore Room

Wednesday, December 26, 2018

audition notice - DEATH OF A SALESMAN - Scottsdale Desert Stages Theatre - January 20



Auditions have been announced for the classic drama Death Of A Salesman, performing in our Actor's Cafe.

Directed by Virginia Olivieri

AUDITION DATES & TIMES:
Sunday January 20th at 7pm
Callbacks January 22nd at 7pm

Cold Reads from the script
Bring headshot and resume

CLICK HERE to register

Rehearsals begin on Feb 4th.

SHOW DATES & TIMES:
March 15th- April 14th
Friday and Saturdays at 7:30pm
Sunday at 2:00pm

CASTING:
Willy Loman has been cast.

Linda Loman* (not quite 60) has made a life of doing whatever’s necessary to protect her husband and hold her family together; her love of her husband and sons is sincere and unreserved. We see her soothing Willy, no matter how childish or irrational his behavior, and we see her denouncing her sons to their faces, so she is alternately sympathetic and assertive. She probably has few illusions, but she has decided to accept what she cannot change.

Biff Loman* (early 30s) was a football hero in high school (in 1932) but is now confronting the truth that he’s lost, that he hasn’t been able to reconcile his values, as learned from his father, with the less ambitious, less accomplished adult he now realizes he’s become. A central action of the play involves Biff’s struggle to come to terms with his own situation and to get his father to understand who he really is.

Happy Loman* (a couple of years younger than Biff) comes across as a smooth-talking operator and outright liar, but much of the challenge of the role involves finding the integrity in the character and in his vision of himself and the world. He has always wanted to be more than he is, but he’s either unable or unwilling to do what’s necessary.

Charley* (about Willy’s age) is the next-door neighbor who has made a matter-of-fact success in a business similar to Willy’s, a pragmatic man who has learned to have no illusions but who has treated Willy with unfailing although unsentimental generosity.

Bernard* (early 30s) is Charley’s son, the nerdy smart kid in high school and the object of the Loman boys’ derision who has grown up to become a quietly successful attorney. He has the insight and the compassion that some of the other characters lack.

Ben (approximately mid-50s when we see him in 1928), Willy’s elder brother, is the voice of authority and absolute confidence, depicted as Willy remembers and admires him, the man who walked into the jungle and emerged wealthy and powerful. He always stands at the center of his world; he has a commanding presence and a full, resonant voice.

The Woman (fortyish when we see her in 1932) is Willy’s conception of the exciting woman he isn’t able to see in Linda, one who makes him feel desirable and masterful, one whose sexuality excites him and shocks the younger Biff. On her own terms, she’s a survivor, an unmarried woman who’s making her way as well as she can.

Howard (middle 30s) owns the company (inherited from his father) that has employed Willy since 1913, a manager adept at handling people who has the guts to tell Willy to his face that he’s firing him but still conveys a measure of sympathy.

Stanley (anywhere from 30 to 50) is a wisecracking head waiter; he might have a Brooklyn accent.
Miss Forsythe (20s, maybe 30s) is attractive, brassy, loud, very tuned in to the game that she routinely plays with men like Happy.

Jenny (20s, maybe 30s) is Charley’s secretary.

The following characters will be played by the same actor:
Howard and Stanley
Miss Forsythe and Jenny.

Monday, December 24, 2018

WEEK AT A GLANCE: December 24-December 30

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

CLOSING:

















Saturday, December 22, 2018

THE SECRET COMEDY OF WOMEN-GIRLS ONLY - Herberger Theater Center - January 23-February 24, 2019


Linda Klein, left, and Barbara Gehring in The Secret Comedy of Women
Photo by Lin Aasved
Gather your girlfriends ladies! The Secret Comedy of Women-Girls Only®, an original comedy that celebrates the honor, truth, humor and silliness of being female, will be at the Herberger Theater Center from Jan. 23-Feb. 24, 2019.

Tickets are now on sale at the Herberger Theater Box Office or by calling (602) 256-6995.  Tickets also can be purchased online at either www.herbergertheater.com or playhouseinfo.com/herbergertheater. Ticket prices are $54 to $62.

The Secret Comedy of Women, written and performed by Barbara Gehring and Linda Klein, has found quick popularity in its unique examination of all things girly.

Born out of the earnest and sweetly absurd writings the two authors discovered in their girlhood diaries, The Secret Comedy of Women’s mix of sketch comedy, improvisation, audience participation and hilarious songs and videos reminds audiences of the very funny and very charming similarities all women share. “It’s really like a girlhood reunion,” says Klein.

“Our show is highly universal, made personal. It is for all ages of women,” adds Gehring, who also said the show is perfect for group outings for “families, book clubs, social groups, professional organizations and work friends,” among others.

The Secret Comedy of Women, lovingly intended for female audiences, actively engages its audience with its high spirited, good-natured style of humor. With reviewers calling The Secret Comedy of Women “an intelligent, astute mélange of scripted sketches and improv…truly brilliant.” (Denver Post), it is no wonder that this “two hour celebration of bras, purses, showers, breastfeeding and menopause” (Pittsburgh Tribune) ran continuously for nearly two years at the Denver Centre for the Performing Arts and has played to nearly a quarter of a million women nationally.

Experience this truly brilliant and uplifting female comedy that explores the women’s world with joy, heart and intelligent wit. Grab a show-specific specialty cocktail from the bar and laugh with the women in your life until you cry.

Performances are on Wednesdays at 2 p.m., Thursdays at 2 and 7 p.m., Fridays at 8 p.m., Saturdays at 2 and 8 p.m. and Sundays at 2 p.m.

Friday, December 21, 2018

ticket discount - UNDER THE MIZZLETOE WITH THE GOOD FEELS - Phoenix Theatre


Check our this special discount offer from Davisson Entertainment who is presenting Under The Mizzletoe with the Good Feels at Phoenix Theatre tomorrow at 3 and 8.

Use Promo code FRIENDSANDFAMILY to receive $10 off!

It’s everything you never knew you wanted in a holiday show! From heartwarming to humorous, to everything in-between,” Under the Mizzletoe” is the perfect way to celebrate the holidays! The show features Lisa Fogel, Brian Sweis and Adam Vargas. This vocal trio performs old holiday classics, familiar favorites and some unfamiliar tunes that are sure to become new holiday favorites. Bring family, friends and co-workers to this festive celebration of song that is sure to get you into the spirit and leave you with warm and fuzzy “good feelz”! *Some mild adult humor.

The Good Feelz trio are familiar faces around the Valley and at Phoenix Theatre...performing together in last year’s holiday cabaret “Chrizmaz with The Good Feelz”, as well as individually in Mainstage productions, The New Works Festival and Partners That Heal.

Two performances will be held on Saturday, December 22nd at 3PM & 8PM. The shows will take place at Phoenix Theatre’s Hormel Theatre located at 1825 N. Central Avenue, Phoenix, AZ 85004. Ticket prices are $29 for Tier I, $34 for General Admission and $47 for VIP, which includes seating in the two front rows, signed souvenir poster, photo op after the show and swag bag. Prices include handling fees.

For reservations call 602-254-2151 or visit http://www.davissonentertainment.com.

cast announcement - AN AMERICAN IN PARIS - Arizona Broadway Theatre


CLICK HERE for more information on this production, which runs January 25-March 1

Jerry Mulligan: Andrew Ruggieri*
Lise Dassin: Rebecca Shulla*
Henri Baurel: Michael Brennan
Adam Hochberg: Michael O’Brien
Milo Davenport: Beatrice Crosbie
Mme. Baurel: Carolyn McPhee
M. Baurel: Christopher Cody Cooley
Mr. Z: Matthew Blum*
Olga: Laurie Trygg
Ensemble:
Lauren Alagna
Emma Bartolomucci*
Matthew Blum*
Evan Dolan
James Du Chateau
Sebastian Goldberg
Alyssa Ishihara*
Scotty Jacobson*
Lauren Paley
Charles Pang
Megan Schwartz*
Emily Stys*
Kara Ziringer

*ABT Debut

audition notice - FARCE OF NATURE - Starlight Community Theatre - January 26




TEEN CASTING CALL FOR FARCE OF NATURE
9 am Sat Jan 26

Teens (13-19) be prepared to do some reading and movement/choreography.
Please bring your personal calendar, audition form, theater resume (optional) & headshot (optional).
Audition Entrance is through Stage Door in back.
Callbacks 6 pm Sun, Jan 28.
Production Fee per Teen Cast Member: $150.
SCT Membership must be current upon role acceptance.

Performances:
7 pm Fri, Mar 29
2 pm Sat, Mar 30
7 pm Sat, Mar 30
2 pm Sun, Mar 31
7 pm Fri, Apr 5
2 pm Sat, Apr 6
7 pm Sat, Apr 6
2 pm Sun, Apr 7

Book by Jessie Jones, Nicholas Hope, & Jamie Wooten.
Presented through special arrangement with Dramatists Play Service.
Directed by Eric Gibson

The non-stop hilarity of this Southern-fried farce highlights one day in the life of the Wilburn family of Mayhew, Arkansas. By the delightfully chaotic climax of this one outrageous day, love blossoms, truths are revealed, and the lives of all-family, guests and gangsters alike-change in incredible and surprising ways. This side-splittingly funny Jones Hope Wooten comedy is guaranteed to win you over-hook, line, and sinker!

CLICK HERE for AUDITION INFORMATION

Thursday, December 20, 2018

review - SUTTON FOSTER WITH SETH RUDETSKY - Scottsdale Center for the Performing Arts

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

"During an audience Q&A segment toward the end of Sutton Foster's recent concert at the Scottsdale Center for the Performing Arts, a young member of the audience asked her for her advice. The girl said that she was a dancer just like Sutton was when she started out and asked how she became such a good singer and actress. Sutton answered, "focus on the acting." Foster then added that you can be a great dancer with precise moves or a singer that hits all the right notes, but when you truly understand the meaning behind the words you're singing or the message behind what your dance steps mean is when you fully connect with the audience. Foster truly connected with the Scottsdale audience in this concert of exceptionally delivered songs from her Tony winning shows, as well as many moments of hilarious interaction between the host and accompanist for the evening, Seth Rudetsky... " -Gil Benbrook, Talkin' Broadway (click here to read the complete review)

audition notice - OUR TOWN - Zao Theatre - January 28


Looking for actors with strong focus and ability to mime actions and use of props.

Synopsis
Our Town tells the story of a small town, Grover’s Corners, New Hampshire. Narrated by the Stage Manager, we follow the Gibbs and Webb families, residents of Grover’s Corners, through twelve years of life changes -- from the mundane in Act I, “Daily Life,” to the romantic in Act II, “Love and Marriage,” to the devastating in Act III, “Death and Eternity.” Through the young lovers Emily and George, their strong and loving parents, and the many other Grover’s Corners’ locals.

Author
Thorton Wilder

Director
Kellen Garner

Playing Dates
Mar 29, 2019 - Apr 13, 2019

Audition: Jan 28, 2019
Callback: No Date Set
First Rehearsal: Feb 4, 2019

Zao Theatre/Centerstage Church, 550 S. Ironwood Dr., Apache Junction, AZ 85120

Contact Information
Sharyn Sheffer
480-924-5122
shows@zaotheatre.com

CLICK HERE for more information and to sign up for an audition slot

cast announcement - NEXT TO NORMAL - Arizona Regional Theatre


CLICK HERE for more information on this production, which runs February 15-24

Diana: Amy Jo Halliday
Dan: Andy Albrecht
Gabe: Nathan Sheppard
Natalie: Kendra Richards
Henry: Tucker Abney
Doctor Madden: James Grandjean

Director: Chris R. Chávez
Musical Director: Jennifer Adams

Wednesday, December 19, 2018

Zao Theatre's 2019 / 2020 Season!

This season marks the sixth year of performances offered by Zao Theatre.

This power packed season starts off in August 2019 with Simon Levy's adaptation of F. Scott Fitzgerald's "The Great Gatsby," a beautifully crafted interpretation of the 1925 novel which defined the Jazz Age. Followed in November by the academy award winning "tale as old as time," Disney's Beauty and the Beast. Then in February 2020 along comes the fantastical, magical, musical extravaganza, "Seussical, The Musical." And rounding out the season in April is Neil Simon's romantic comedy, "Barefoot in the Park."

CLICK HERE for more information, and to purchase tickets when available


reviews - ELLA ENCHANTED, THE MUSICAL - Childsplay

Michelle Chin
photo by Tim Trumble
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 December 30th.

"Gail Carson Levine's 1997 young adult novel "Ella Enchanted" put a somewhat modern twist on the classic fairy tale of Cinderella. While the 2004 film added several new characters and meandering subplots, the recent musical adaptation sticks close to the plot of the book and eliminates some of the supporting characters, which makes for a fast and fun 80-minute musical adventure. Childsplay presents the Phoenix premiere of the 2016 musical with a cast of some of the best Valley musical theatre performers, including many Childsplay regulars, and a bevy of gorgeous creative elements....a smart, funny and modern updating of the classic Cinderella story that loses none of the charm of the original while adding in some important pointers on the value of friendship, common sense, and the need to find your "voice." Childsplay's production features a superb cast and excellent creative aspects, making for a fun, family-friendly musical with a valuable message." -Gil Benbrook, Talkin' Broadway (click here to read the complete review)

"...Directed by the company’s Artistic Director Dwayne Hartford, with a running time of a brisk 75 minutes without intermission, Ella Enchanted zips along without a moment’s lull, performed by a small cast that convinces you you’re seeing more than there really are.  Like the well-chosen gift found under the tree that you never knew you wanted but are thrilled to receive, Childsplay just made the season that little bit brighter...." -David Appleford, Valley Screen and Stage (click here to read the complete review)

audition notice - THE MUSIC MAN, JR - Musical Theatre of Anthem - January 12



Musical Theatre of Anthem announces auditions for The Music Man, Jr., a musical production based on Meredith Willson's six-time-Tony-Award-winning musical comedy about a fast-talking salesman who gets his heart stolen by the town librarian. Auditions for this no-cut production are open to actors ages 6-18.

Master showman Harold Hill is in town and he's got "seventy-six trombones" in tow. Can upright, uptight Marian, the town librarian, resist his powerful allure? The story follows fast-talking traveling salesman, Harold Hill, as he cons the people of River City, Iowa, into buying instruments and uniforms for a boys' band he vows to organize. The catch? He doesn't know a trombone from a treble clef. His plans to skip town with the cash are foiled when he falls for Marian, whose belief in Harold's power just might help him succeed in the end in spite of himself. The Music Man JR. is a story filled with wit, warmth and good old-fashioned romance.

AUDITIONS: January 12, 2019:
• 10:30 a.m. - General Auditions
• 9 a.m. for workshop participants A-L
• 9:45 a.m. for workshop participants M-Z
• Callbacks: January 13 (TBD after auditions)

WHERE: MTA’s theatre performance space at 42201 N. 41st Drive, Suite B100, Anthem, AZ 85086

COST: $325 for ages 16-19; 10% Sibling discount; Scholarships available.

DETAILS: Please bring a musical theatre song (or any song they are comfortable with), 16-32 bars or
one minute in length. Bring an accompaniment with CD or iPod to sing with. You may also sing acapella if needed. Have your registration materials completed prior to coming to the audition. For materials and additional information and to reserve your spot, visit MTA’s website www.musicaltheatreofanthem.org.

AUDITION PREP: Audition Preparation Workshops will be held on Thursday, January 10, 2019,
from 4:30-6 p.m. and 6-7:30 p.m. at MTA. During these 90-minute sessions, participants will be
instructed on cold reads, acting technique, characterization and more. Participants of the workshops will get to audition prior to the general audition time. Cost is just $35, and space is limited to just 18
participants per session. There is a 10% sibling discount. For more information and to reserve your spot, visit www.musicaltheatreofanthem.org.

PERFORMANCES: Performances take place FEBRUARY 28 – MARCH 3, 2019:
• Feb 28: 7 p.m. | Mar 1: 7 p.m. | Mar 2: 3 p.m. & 7 p.m. | Mar 3: 12 p.m. & 3 p.m.

cast announcement - THE TAMING OF THE SHREW & AS YOU LIKE IT - Southwest Shakespeare Company


THE TAMING OF THE SHREW
Director: Amie Bjorklund
Stage Manager: Dana Angellis
Choreographer: Amie Bjorklund
Fight Choreographer: Keath Hall

Baptista: Beau Heckman
Katharina: Betsy Mugavero
Biandella/Ensemble: Breona Conrad
Hortensio/Ensemble: Clay Sanderson
Lucentio: Dalton Davis
Ensemble: Drew Leatham
Tranio: Jeff Deglow
Gremio: Jim Coates
Bianca: Kelly Nicole
Widow/Ensemble: Megan Lindsey
Grumio: Phillip Herrington
Tailor/Ensemble: Racquel Mackenzie
Curtis/Ensemble: Seth Scott
Petruchio: Quinn Mattfeld
U/S Lucentio: Justus Birkett

CLICK HERE for more information on this production, which runs from February 22-March 9

-------

AS YOU LIKE IT
Director: Quinn Mattfeld
Stage Manager: Dana Angellis
Musical Directors: Drew Leatham and Kyle Sorrell
Choreographer: Breona Conrad
Fight Choreographer: Keath Hall

CAST:
Duke Frederick: Beau Heckman
Rosalind: Betsy Mugavero
Phoebe/Ensemble: Breona Conrad
Le Beau/Oliver Martext/Ensemble: Clay Sanderson
Charles/William/Ensemble: Dalton Davis
Oliver/Ensemble: Drew Leatham
Touchstone: Jeff Deglow
Adam/Corin/Ensemble: Jim Coates
Audrey/Ensemble: Kelly Nicole
Jacques/Ensemble: Kyle Sorrell
Duchess Senior: Megan Lindsey
Orlando: Phillip Herrington
Celia: Racquel Mackenzie
Silvius/Ensemble: Seth Scott

CLICK HERE for more information on this production, which runs from February 23-March 9

audition notice - Laughing Pig Theatre's In House Improv Troupe - January 9


Laughing Pig wants to jump back into improv and we are looking to build a dedicated troupe to play and perform. The troupe would rehearse one night a week and the goal is to perform monthly shows. The focus is long-form, but we love exploring and challenging ourselves, so we want people excited to try new concepts, formats and games along with us.

If you are interested please CLICK HERE to sign up for an audition!

reviews - A CHRISTMAS STORY - Scottsdale Desert Stages Theatre

Scot Claus
photo by Renee Ashlock


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 December 23rd.

"... delivers many of the classic, comical moments from the film, is receiving a solid production from Scottsdale Desert Stages Theatre. To show how popular the film is, this production is already practically sold out for the entire run and extra performances have just been added....Director Rick Davis derives natural, comical performances from his cast and does a fairly good job of staging the play on the small Desert Stages Actor's Café space. ...Scot Claus is excellent as the older Ralph, who serves as the narrator of the play. Claus has an excellent line delivery that infuses the character with charm and nostalgia. His Ralph is a completely endearing and heartwarming man who, through his well thought out narration, we see clearly has a warm fondness for his past. Owen Brady is good as the younger version of the main character, Ralphie. ..As Ralphie's parents, Peter Cunniff and Wendy Claus deliver humorous, realistic and engaging performances of a lovable couple. ...A Christmas Story is a beloved Christmas comedy classic film, and the stage adaptation fortunately doesn't sanitize any of the PG-13 moments in the movie or the warmth of the love of the family at the center of the story. We all have experience in dealing with obstacles in order to survive the holiday season, and the humorous moments in the story and tightness of the family at the center of the play make it a touching and highly identifiable story. The Desert Stages production has a good cast and direction and makes for a poignant and funny tale that's full of nostalgia and humor. " -Gil Benbrook, Talkin' Broadway (click here to read the complete review)


"...As written in Phillip Grecian’s adaptation, the narration usually comes across more like a lengthy monolog.  But in this production, that’s exactly what’s needed. Like Jean Shepherd’s radio work, Scott Claus, with his enthusiastic, animated delivery under Rick Davis’s guidance, creates a theatre of the mind. It’s this production’s greatest strength. Even if our suspension of disbelief can’t always be done when characters walk across the Parker’s living room without successfully suggesting they’re elsewhere, Claus conjures images of life and how it used to be with words. He’s not only the center of the play, he’s the single element that holds the whole production together...." -David Appleford, Valley Screen and Stage (click here to read the complete review)