ASU Gammage Offers Digital Connections

Many of you know the ASU Gammage mission is Connecting Communities™. In these challenging, ever-changing times we will continue our mission even if the “connecting” is through digital platforms.

We need the arts more than ever. We are offering FREE digital experiences on our Facebook page including masterclasses, fun demos, and other experiences for you to engage with us.

Virtual Masterclasses:
3/31/2020 –  Observing Character to Create Scenes at 4PM

Writer, performer and teacher Tony Moschetti will lead participants in writing their own scenes based on pictures of original characters. Great for kids in middle school but fun for the whole family!

4/3/2020 – Stir Crazy Improv at 7pm

Loosen up this Friday Night with some improvised fun. Teaching artist Taylor Moschetti is back with a Masterclass for grown-ups. Grab a beverage of your choice, get in front of your computer screen, and enjoy yourself while learning how to think on your feet.

These virtual masterclasses are made possible with support from the Abbett Family Foundation.

Lunch Time Talks:
4/6/2020 – “Lunch Time Talks” with Casey Likes at 1PM

Grab your lunch and chat with Broadway Star Casey Likes on Facebook Live! You'll get to ask questions and learn about how amazing Casey is on and off the stage.

Just for fun:
4/2/2020 – Mixology: Quaran-rita Edition at 5PM

Learn to make a quaran-rita (aka margarita) with one of our bartenders! Tag a friend you can watch with and have a virtual Happy Hour.

Brock Pro Entertainment's BPE FUN RAISER, Sunday, March 29

This Sunday night, Mark and Lynzee 4Man will be LIVE on the Brock Pro Entertainment Facebook page for their Silly Sing Along as part of their BPE FUN-raiser doing “The Best of BPE”.

Tune in this Sunday starting at 5pm to see what they have in store.

They are grateful for everyone who has taken the time to watch their livestreams and/or donate to BPE during this time as your constant support really means a lot.

ASU Gammage announces new dates for MEAN GIRLS

Previously scheduled for April 21-26, the show will now play ASU Gammage September 1-6, 2020. MEAN GIRLS ticket holders- hold on to your tickets as they will be valid for these new dates! Pre-purchased parking passes and 19-20 Subscriber parking passes will be valid for September performance dates. No further action needed.

Your tickets will match the day of the week you were originally scheduled to attend:
Tuesday, April 21 at 7:30 p.m. – Tuesday, Sept. 1 at 7:30 p.m.
Wednesday, April 22 at 7:30 p.m. – Wednesday, Sept. 2 at 7:30 p.m.
Thursday, April 23 at 7:30 p.m. – Thursday, Sept. 3 at 7:30 p.m.
Friday, April 24 at 7:30 p.m. – Friday, Sept. 4 at 7:30 p.m.
Saturday, April 25 at 2 p.m. – Saturday, Sept. 5 at 2 p.m.
Saturday, April 25 at 7:30 p.m. – Saturday, Sept. 5 at 7:30 p.m.
Sunday, April 26 at 1 p.m. – Sunday, Sept. 6 at 1 p.m.
Sunday, April 26 at 6:30 p.m. – Sunday, Sept. 6 at 6:30 p.m.

All Puppet Players presents live stream of THE NEVERENDING STORY: LIVE AND LEGLESS

from our friends at All Puppet Players:

It's tough out there. Nobody has any idea what they should do. Do we stay in? Do we pout? So we fight? Do we cry?

We think you should laugh. So today, at 8pm on ALL PUPPET PLAYERS FACEBOOK PAGE, we are airing The NeverEnding Story: Live & Legless!

But once it airs, we are removing it immediately. The only chance to see it aired live will be tonight at 8pm.

However, if you are a Patreon subscriber, we are going to be allowing you the opportunity to watch it for the next 14 days on a special link. If you would like to sign up to be a monthly subscriber- CLICK HERE. 


Tonight's Show:
The All Puppet Players bring you The NeverEnding Story: Live & Legless. This show asks you to embark on an adventure that has haunted children of the ‘80s for years. Travel to Fantasia, a magical land currently threatened by a darkness hell-bent on destroying everything it touches. Atreyu and his friends, including, a rock monster, a luck dragon, and a freaking guy riding a snail, all help him in his quest to destroy “The Nothing” and save Fantasia.

This sprawling fantasy epic will be overflowing with APP’s signature wit, pop-culture references, cost prohibitive sets, and pure puppet anarchy that will lambaste and pay homage to this celluloid childhood classic.

Watch live tonight and experience the enchanted world of a young boy’s imagination and behold the remarkable adventure that 80’s parents thought was appropriate for kids to watch.

Desert Stages presents SENIOR MOMENTS, a Virtual Cabaret

from our friends at Desert Stages:

Senior Moments!
A Virtual Cabaret

Calling all SENIORS 55 years old and older! It's time for YOU to shine and show us your talents!
Desert Stages Theatre wants to showcase YOU on our Facebook page and IGTV!

Here's what you do:
1) Take a video of your choice of a song, monologue, or dance routine!
No crazy equipment needed! iPhone video is fine. Please remember to film horizontally.

2) Share the video through Dropbox or Google Drive to virginia@desertstages.org

OR

3) Upload it to YouTube and send the link to virginia@desertstages.org

Videos must be submitted no later than April 2nd.
Please write how you want your name to appear and if performing a song or monologue write the name of the show it is from.

The final showcase compilation will premiere Friday on April 3rd at 7pm!

cast announcement - ELEEMOSYNARY - Stage Left Productions

CLICK HERE for more information on this production, which runs July 24-August 1

DOROTHEA.................................Janis Webb
ARTIE...........................................Rachel Keimach
ECHO...........................................Haiden Ruffino

Arizona Broadway Theatre's After Dark Cabaret goes Virtual!

Arizona Broadway Theatre (ABT) announced an all-new approach to hosting its long standing After Dark Cabarets series - this time - LIVE on the theatre's Facebook page via Zoom* on Friday, March 27 at 7:30pm (PST).

In an effort to keep connected with the community during this time of self-quarantine, ABT will host what it hopes to become a series of online virtual cabaret and entertainment options by hosting their very first "Quarantined" Virtual After Dark Cabaret. The Cabaret will feature members of the cast of Chicago (currently on hiatus) and others who will "Zoom-in" direct from the comfort of their own living rooms. To view, simply visit the ABT Facebook page (@ArizonaBroadway).

"Unprecedented times call for unprecedented measures. We're not only thinking 'outside the box' - we're having to build a whole NEW box," said Brad York, Director of Marketing & Development at ABT. "Our patrons can't come to us for what would have been this Friday's Chicago After Dark Cabaret...so we’re bringing it to them direct from living rooms across the country."

The After Dark Cabaret series has been a long-standing favorite Friday night tradition since ABT's very first season in 2006. A free event, the Cabaret falls on the second Friday of any given show's run. Following the 7:30pm Friday show, audience members are invited to join ABT's Associate Artist Director and Cabaret host Kurtis Overby along members on the cast in the theatre's lobby for a one-hour Cabaret featuring musical theatre hits and other selections.

Be sure to be on the Arizona Broadway Theatre page on Friday, March 27 at 7:30pm (PST) for the LIVE broadcast

Fountain Hills Theater's BROADWAY QUARANTINE CABARET!

Join Fountain Hills Theater's first online cabaret this Friday night, March 27 at 7:30 pm

See it LIVE at THIS LINK

Hosted by Michael Wallot & Peter Hill, featuring performances by Britt Powell, Kathleen Berger & Savannah Alfred

Part 2 of their Quarantine Cabaret will take place this Saturday, March 28 at 7:30 pm

Enjoy performances from Tanya Schoenwolf, Jay Melberg, Ava De Campo, Allison Avery, Amelia Tomasello and Erin Schumacher. Hosted Michael Wallot

See it LIVE at THIS LINK  at 7:30 pm Saturday night

Phoenix Symphony's 2020 / 2021 Season!

The Phoenix Symphony Orchestra has recently announced their 2020 / 2021 Season. Here are their POPS concerts and Special Events for 2020 and 2021:

POPS Series

Ella & Louis
Byron Stripling, conductor, trumpet, and vocalist
Carmen Bradford, vocalist
Symphony Hall
Saturday, September 26, 2020, 7:30 PM
Sunday, September 27, 2020, 2:00 PM

Byron Stripling and Carmen Bradford’s chemistry lights up the stage as they take you on a journey through the most famous duets and solos recorded by two of jazz’s greatest legends – Ella Fitzgerald and Louis Armstrong. Featuring hits of the Great American Songbook, they recreate one of the most memorable collaborations in music history while entertaining and capturing everyone’s heart along the way.

Superhero Soundtrack
Stuart Chafetz, conductor
Symphony Hall
Friday, October 9, 2020, 7:30 PM
Saturday, October 10, 2020, 7:30 PM
Sunday, October 11, 2020, 2:00 PM

Featuring beloved guest conductor Stuart Chafetz, experience some of the most memorable superhero
themes from films like The Avengers, Superman, Batman, Wonder Woman, Spider-Man, Man of Steel, The Incredibles, Supergirl, and X-Men: The Last Stand!

Music of the Knights®
Matthew Kasper, conductor
Symphony Hall
Friday, November 13, 2020, 7:30 PM
Saturday, November 14, 2020, 7:30 PM
Sunday, November 15, 2020, 2:00 PM

Sir Andrew Lloyd Webber, Sir Elton John, and Sir Paul McCartney are not only knights — they also happen to be three of the most successful songwriters of all time with careers that span decades and genres! Experience a thrilling musical celebration of three of Britain’s legendary songwriters, with hits like “Don’t Cry for Me, Argentina,” “The Phantom of the Opera,” “Can You Feel the Love Tonight,” “Don’t Let the Sun Go Down on Me,” “Yesterday,” ”Hey Jude,” and much more!

Holiday Pops
Andy Einhorn, conductor
The Phoenix Symphony Chorus
Symphony Hall
Friday, December 4, 2020, 7:30 PM
Saturday, December 5, 2020, 2:00 PM
Saturday, December 5, 2020, 7:30 PM
Sunday, December 6, 2020, 2:00 PM

Celebrate the Season with The Phoenix Symphony at our annual Holiday Pops concert! Featuring hymns and carols from a variety of traditions and faiths as well as beloved secular songs; you’ll feel merry and bright at our most festive production of the year!

Aretha: A Tribute
Matthew Kasper, conductor
Capathia Jenkins, vocalist
Ryan Shaw, vocalist
Symphony Hall
Friday, January 8, 2021, 7:30 PM
Saturday, January 9, 2021, 7:30 PM
Sunday, January 10, 2021, 2:00 PM

You won’t want to miss our tribute to The Queen of Soul featuring Broadway sensation and musical powerhouse Capathia Jenkins! The legacy of a legend shines as Capathia brings new life to some of Aretha’s greatest hits like “Respect,” “Think,” “A Natural Woman,” “Chain of Fools,” and more!

Revolution: The Music of the Beatles
A Symphonic Experience
Matthew Kasper, conductor
Symphony Hall
Friday, January 29, 2021, 7:30 PM
Saturday, January 30, 2021, 7:30 PM
Sunday, January 31, 2021, 2:00 PM

The Beatles come to life in this new symphonic tribute to the Fab Four, transcribed and arranged from the original master recordings at Abbey Road. Accompanied by hundreds of rare and unseen photos, along with stunning video and animation, you’ll take a magical musical and visual journey of into one of the most iconic bands of all time

The Doo Wop Project
Matthew Kasper, conductor
The Doo Wop Project, vocalists
Symphony Hall
Friday, April 9, 2021, 7:30 PM
Saturday, April 10, 2021, 7:30 PM
Sunday, April 11, 2021, 2:00 PM

Full of feel-good music that’ll have you dancing in your seats, witness the fantastic harmonies of The Doo Wop Project! Featuring original cast members who sang Broadway hits like Jersey Boys and Motown: The Musical; this talented group recreates and reimagines some of pop and rock’s greatest hits with their signature blend of doo wop.

The Magic of Rodgers and Hammerstein
Matthew Kasper, conductor
Symphony Hall
Friday, May 7, 2021, 7:30 PM
Saturday, May 8, 2021, 7:30 PM
Sunday, May 9, 2021, 2:00 PM

There might not be a more beloved collaboration on Broadway than that of composer Richard Rodgers and lyricist-dramatist Oscar Hammerstein II. Relive the Golden Age of Musical Theater with music from some of this duo’s most celebrated productions, including The Sound of Music, The King and I, Oklahoma!, South Pacific, and more!

Jurassic Park in Concert
Symphony Hall
Friday, May 21, 2021, 7:30 PM
Saturday, May 22, 2021, 7:30 PM
Sunday, May 23, 2021, 2:00 PM

The action-packed adventure pits man against prehistoric predators in the ultimate battle for survival.
Featuring visually stunning imagery and groundbreaking special effects, this epic film is sheer movie magic 65 million years in the making. Now audiences can experience Jurassic Park as never before: projected in HD with our symphony orchestra performing John Williams’ iconic score live to picture. Welcome… to Jurassic Park!

Star Wars vs Star Trek
Tito Muñoz, conductor
Symphony Hall
Friday, June 4, 2021, 7:30 PM
Saturday, June 5, 2021, 2:00 PM
Saturday, June 5, 2021, 7:30 PM

Get set for an intergalactic musical showdown as we present the music of deep space! Don’t miss John Williams’ unforgettable Star Wars favorites like “The Main Theme” and “Imperial March,” while hits from Star Trek make you feel as if you were aboard the USS Enterprise!

SPECIAL PERFORMANCES

Tim Burton’s The Nightmare Before Christmas™
Symphony Hall
Friday, October 30, 2020, 7:30 PM
Saturday, October 31, 2020, 7:30 PM
Sunday, November 1, 2020, 2:00 PM

Rediscover the wildly inventive world of Tim Burton’s macabre classic The Nightmare Before Christmas™ shown in its entirety on a huge screen at Symphony Hall. Danny Elfman’s rambunctious, colorful score will roar to life in the hands of The Phoenix Symphony as you follow Jack the Pumpkin King’s quest to seize Christmas on a large screen above the orchestra.
Presentation licensed by Disney Concerts © All Rights Reserved.


Cirque Holiday Spectacular
Matthew Kasper, conductor
Troupe Vertigo
Symphony Hall
Friday, November 27, 2020, 7:30 PM
Saturday, November 28, 2020, 2:00 PM
Saturday, November 28, 2020, 7:30 PM
Sunday, November 29, 2020, 2:00 PM

Back by popular demand, Troupe Vertigo returns to The Phoenix Symphony with gravity-defying acts for a special round of holiday cheer! Hear seasonal favorites like “White Christmas” and “Deck the Halls,” and beloved movements from masterpieces like Swan Lake and The Nutcracker, all while soaking in the sights of circus, Troupe Vertigo dance, and theater!

Handel’s Messiah
Matthew Kasper, conductor
The Phoenix Symphony Chorus
Wednesday, December 16, 2020 7:30 PM
Thursday, December 17, 2020 7:30 PM
Friday, December 18, 2020 7:30 PM
Saturday, December 19, 2020 7:30 PM
Sunday, December 20, 2020 3:00 PM
Venues to be announced Spring 2020.

The acclaimed “Hallelujah” chorus highlights these performances featuring some of the most glorious sacred music ever written. Join The Phoenix Symphony, The Phoenix Symphony Chorus, and soloists as we present Handel’s masterpiece in churches and venues throughout the Valley.

Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows™ Part 1 in Concert!
Symphony Hall
Friday, March 12, 2021, 7:30 PM
Saturday, March 13, 2021, 7:30 PM
Sunday, March 14, 2021, 2:00 PM

Harry’s last year at Hogwarts™ is here, part one of the epic finale Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows™ ! Experience the loss and the love of this series all over again as Harry and his friends rush to face the Dark Lord Voldemort™ for the last time. With the full film above our live symphony orchestra, the final battle for Hogwarts™ School of Witchcraft and Wizardry has never been so emotional.

HARRY POTTER characters, names and related indicia are © & ™ Warner Bros Entertainment Inc. WIZARDING WORLD trademark and Logo © & ™Warner Bros. Entertainment Inc. Publishing Rights © JKR. (s20).

The Music of Queen
Symphony Hall
Friday, April 23, 2021, 7:30 PM
Saturday, April 24, 2021, 7:30 PM

We will rock you! Queen still reigns supreme as The Phoenix Symphony sweeps you away with a mix of their classics hits. Celebrate the genius of Freddie Mercury as we bring you the greatest hits of this 1980’s powerhouse like “We Will Rock You,” “We Are the Champions,” “Bohemian Rhapsody,” and much more.

Arizona Theatre Company offers virtual ticket to stream filmed version of THE LEGEND OF GEORGIA MCBRIDE

from our friends at Arizona Theatre Company:

We are excited to announce that you have the opportunity to stream The Legend of Georgia McBride…now from the comfort of your own home. We are thrilled that the performing arts unions and artists have agreed to this unprecedented release of a video of a full production. And we all could use a little of Georgia McBride’s magic in our lives right now!

If you choose to purchase a virtual ticket to The Legend of Georgia McBride, not only will you get to experience this joyful show, but you will be helping keep ATC resilient in weathering this challenge and come back strong in the autumn.

All you have to do is purchase your virtual ticket below and you will automatically receive instructions for how to access the video in the upcoming two weeks!

CLICK HERE to purchase your ticket

The price of your ticket will provide the funds to pay our artists and  ATC staff in furtherance of  our continued mission to bring you the best in theatre.

You will receive a link to access your video recording within the next week, and you can watch the performance for two weeks from that date.

Seth Tucker's Garage Concert Live!

During Quarantine local performer and producer Seth Tucker has banded together with Valley favorites to perform Garage Concerts LIVE! The first Episode streams on Facebook Live this Tuesday March 24th at 630pm. The songs and guest stars are sponsored through grassroots donations.

Episode 1 will feature Seth Tucker with special guest performances from Trisha Ditsworth, Sime Kosta, and Mary Ott.
Future episodes will feature: Toby Yatso, Nicholas Hambruch, Alyssa Chiarello, Cassie Chilton, Kyle Sorrell, and more!

To donate or sponsor future performance you can check out the order sheet here: https://tinyurl.com/r524qdh
Or you can email ActingUpSeries@gmail.com

How It Works:

Supporters choose the song or partner they want to sponsor
Donate a minimum of $5
Performers rehearse online
We go LIVE! for a one time, one shot meet up, in my Garage with a 6 foot distance!
WHY?

During these difficult times artists have lost most sources of income with every show being canceled. With everyone at home, we can still offer local entertainment. When you support Arizonian artists you keep LIVE performances Alive!

Episode 1 is sponsored by Brock Pro Entertainment, JALT Media, Jacqueline Forero, Teresa Becker, Lee Pomush, April Hundza Gutierrez, Lynn Timmons Edwards and Anonymous.

review - JAKE'S WOMEN - Scottsdale Desert Stages Theatre

Virginia Olivieri and Walt Pedano
photo by 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 was originally set to run through April 26 

"Neil Simon included several autobiographical references and characters based on people in his life in many of his plays. The dramatic comedy Jake's Women is one of his most personal works, with the main character of Jake modeled very closely on Simon. Scottsdale Desert Stages Theatre's production, which was set to run through April 26 before the coronavirus restrictions were put in place, featured a perfect cast and assured direction. The production has been suspended, and the theatre company's current plan is to hopefully have performances of this production resume in a few weeks with an extension of the run a possibility. ....Director Janis Webb assembled a gifted cast who each delivered beautiful, comical and moving performances. As Jake, Walt Pedano did a very good job in portraying this man who is more at home with the memories in his head and the imagined conversations he has with those closest to him than with actual conversations with living people....Virginia Olivieri had the hardest job in the play as she had to depict three different versions of Maggie. She played the hopeful and happy woman Jake first meets, the current wife who is hurt, vulnerable and bitter, as well as a fantasy version of Maggie that Jake dreams up. Olivieri succeeded admirably in making each portrayal distinct and believable. She brought a pained realism to the modern-day Maggie but also delivered the comic moments in the fantasy part; the scene in which her imaginary Maggie verbally spars with Jake while Corin Grimm, as Sheila, whom Jake is currently dating, gets caught in the middle, was expertly staged by Webb and perfectly delivered by Olivieri, Pedano and Grimm....With a cast that created a realistic chemistry with each other, Desert Stages Theatre presented a touching production of this rich, honest, funny and intelligent play. Hopefully, they'll be able to continue performances in a few weeks."   -Gil Benbrook, Talkin' Broadway (click here to read the complete review)

Childsplay's WOW GALA Goes Virtual

That's right! The rumors are true, our WOW Gala is coming to YOU! We're going virtual... Instead of one night, our World of Wonder Gala will extend to a 10-day VIRTUAL event, with an auction, multiple raffles, instant-win items and more! Friday, March 27th through Sunday, April 5th Support Childsplay from the comfort of your home!

REGISTER NOW >

GET REMINDERS WITH OUR FACEBOOK EVENT >

Featuring artwork and jewelry from local artists, unique gifts, wine & more... All the fun begins online March 27th Registration is open NOW! Save time and get right to the fun.

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REGISTER NOW >

DONATE >

Starlight Community Theatre presents SOCIAL DISTANCE SHAKESPEARE

Calling all Starlight actors! We invite you to take advantage of your free time at home and take part in our first ever crowd-sourced, online-only, no-germs-here Virtual Theater Experience! We're calling it “Social Distance Shakespeare” and here's how to participate:

Film yourself performing some Shakespeare. Do a dramatic monologue, wistfully spout off a sonnet, or act out a comedic scene with hand puppets, stuffed animals, kitchen utensils...whatever you've got. Videos should be short – just a couple of minutes long – and we prefer them to be memorized. If you need to read it, just don't let us see your script in the shot!

All ages are welcome! We're also cool with non-traditional casting, so if you're a gal who's always wanted her shot to be Hamlet, here it is. And if you've got multiple actors in your home, try and get everyone involved and make it a real family affair.

After you've made your video, send it to elizabethkspencer@gmail.com. Deadline for submissions is Wednesday, March 25th.

We'll compile all the videos together and post it online. Depending on amount of entries received, Starlight does not guarantee that all entries will be used in their entirety. We're hoping that it brings a little joy to everyone stuck at home, and keeps our Starlight family connected.

Let's act together!.....without actually being together.

audition notice - PETER PAN and HIGH SCHOOL MUSICAL - Valley Youth Theatre - April 7 & 8

Auditions for VYT's final show of this season, Peter Pan, and next season's opener, High School Musical, will take place April 7th and 8th, at our theatre, 525 North First Street, in Downtown Phoenix.

Registration begins at 3:30 pm and auditions begin at 4:00 pm.

NOTE: As we continue to monitor the recommendations from state and federal health officials related to the COVID-19 pandemic, we may postpone, cancel, or move to audition time slots as these dates approach. Please watch our website and social media for updates.

CLICK HERE for more information

Peter Pan:

Auditions: April 7 & 8, 2020 at 525

Callbacks tentatively April 9, 2020*

Rehearsals begin possibly as early as Monday, April 20, 2020*

Public performances*:
Fridays, June 12, 19, 26, 2020 at 7:00pm
Saturdays, June 13, 20, 27, 2020 at 2:00pm and 7:00pm
Sundays, June 14, 21, 28, 2020 at 2:00pm
Thursday, June 18 & 25, 2020 at 7:00pm

Summer camp performances*:
Wednesday, June 17, 2020 at 10am & 12:30pm
Tuesday, June 23, 2020 at 10am & 12:30pm

TBAs*:
Thursday, June 18, 2020 at 10am
Friday, June 19, 2020 at 10am
Wednesday, June 24, 2020 at 10am & 12:30pm

Sponsor A Seat Performances*: Thursday, June 25, 2020 & Friday, June 26, 2020 at 10:00am

*As usual, all dates subject to change

Show Info: Based on J.M. Barrie's classic tale and featuring an unforgettable score by Morris "Moose" Charlap and Jule Styne with lyrics by Carolyn Leigh and Betty Comden and Adolph Green, Peter Pan is one of the most beloved and frequently performed family favorites of all time. This high-flying Tony Award-winning musical has been performed around the world and delighted audiences for 60 years.

Peter and his mischievous fairy sidekick, Tinkerbell, visit the nursery of the Darling children late one night and, with a sprinkle of pixie dust, begin a magical journey across the stars that none of them will ever forget. In the adventure of a lifetime, the travelers come face to face with a ticking crocodile, a fierce Indian tribe, a band of bungling pirates and, of course, the villainous Captain Hook.

Featuring the iconic songs, "I'm Flying," "I've Gotta Crow," "I Won't Grow Up" and "Never Never Land," and a rousing book full of magic, warmth and adventure, Peter Pan is the perfect show for the child in all of us... who dreamed of soaring high and never growing up. (Music Theatre International)

Character Breakdown

Wendy Darling- The eldest Darling child. Wendy is compassionate, incredibly loving, and very protective of her younger brothers. She is the child every parent wishes they had.

John Napoleon Darling- The middle Darling child. A sly smile is always at home on John's face. He has a mischievous twinkle in his eye and is always ready for an adventure.

Michael Darling- The youngest Darling child. Never far from his favorite Teddy, Michael is sweet and innocent. He is ever so lovable and very huggable.

Mrs. Darling-The Darling matriarch. Mrs. Darling glides about gently but swiftly from task to task with motherly precision. She has a pleasant strength to her demeanor.

Mr. Darling- A bit of grouch, Mr. Darling is a professional who happens to be a father. Though sparkles of his love peak through from time to time, he often has places to go and people to see. He may be of imposing size.

Peter Pan- Childhood and boyishness personified, Peter is athletic and not shy about taking to flight when the moment suits him. His reflexes are catlike and his presence exhilarating. A creature of constant motion.

Captain Hook- The one-handed captain of the Jolly-Roger. Relentless and restless in his pursuit of Pan, Hook is short-fused and ridiculous. He is a larger than life villain.

Smee- Captain Hook's knockabout lackey. An archetypical evil side-kick, Smee might be a bit rotund and is definitely dwarfed by Hook. Should be portrayed by an actor with physical comedy chops.

Tiger Lily- A striking Native American princess, Tiger Lily is a tough girl and an excellent dancer. She should command the stage when taking it and move about it as would mist.


High School Musical (HTC-Center Stage)

• Auditions for Peter Pan AND High School Musical- April 7 & 8, 2020

   Auditions only HSM- June TBD (week of June 15 likely)

• Rehearsals could start as early as June 22, 2020

• Tech August 8, 2020 – August 13, 2020

•  Run Dates: August 14 – 30, 2020

Synopsis

Troy, Gabriella and the students of East High must deal with issues of first love, friends and family while balancing their classes and extracurricular activities.

It's the first day after winter break at East High. The Jocks, Brainiacs, Thespians and Skater Dudes find their cliques, recount their vacations and look forward to the new year. Basketball team captain and resident jock, Troy, discovers that the brainy Gabriella, a girl he met singing karaoke on his ski trip, has just enrolled at East High. They cause an upheaval when they decide to audition for the high school musical that is being led by Ms. Darbus. Although many students resent the threat posed to the "status quo," Troy and Gabriella's alliance might just open the door for others to shine as well.

Disney's High School Musical is fun for the whole family!

Character Breakdown

Troy Bolton- The most popular kid at East High, he is the star of the basketball team who yearns to be more than what people want him to be. Troy discovers his love for music but refuses to admit it. Athletic, attractive, and a true leader. He becomes smitten with Gabriella.

Chad Danforth- Troy's best friend. A star basketball player, part of the jocks, and second in command. Extremely focused on winning his school's basketball championship, but is slowly understanding that there might be more to this world, including his sparring crush on Taylor.

Zeke Baylor- A basketball player on the Wildcats Team. Energetic and charismatic. He has two secrets: a crush on Sharpay and a love for baking, which he is happy and relieved to eventually reveal.

Sharpay Evans- The egocentric diva star of the school musicals, she is Ryan's older twin and the alpha dog. She thinks being the musical star defines her and clutches the title like her life depends on it, no matter what the cost to others.

Ryan Evans- Sharpay's fraternal twin and a self-delusional 'star in the making.' He typically feels the brunt of Sharpay's attacks and lives under her shadow. Although he possesses a diva exterior, he yearns to change.

Gabriella Montez- The new girl in school. She is trying to blend in and avoid 'labels' at her new school. Eventually becomes Troy's romantic counterpart. Pretty, shy, and smart.

Taylor Mckessie- The competitive head Brainiac of the school and President of the Science Club. She convinces Gabriella to join the Science Decathlon team. Taylor has a hidden soft spot for Chad, which she hides.

Jack Scott-The resident P.A. Announcer for the high school. He is shy and insecure in front of the rest of the kids, but smooth and confident at the mic. Known as the "Velvet Fog of East High."

Kelsi Nielsen-The drama club's rehearsal pianist and student composer extraordinaire who is having her musical produced at school. Underneath her shy demeanor, Kelsi is an outspoken firecracker.

Ms. Darbus-The kooky, eccentric Drama Club teacher. She has her self-absorbed moments but is still devoted to her students and constantly encourages them. Passionate about the art of theatre.

Coach Bolton- The stern basketball coach and Troy's dad. He lost the big game years ago and wants his son to succeed where he failed. Blinded by his ambition for his son, he is still a good guy and proud father.

Ensemble: Jocks; Thespians; Skaters; Cheerleaders; Party Kids; Adults; Brainiacs; Spectators

Southwest Shakespeare's live reading of OTHELLO, first in their weekly series of Shakespeare's plays

Southwest Shakespeare's first live reading over Zoom will be OTHELLO starring Debra Ann Byrd and Southwest Shakespeare Company actors.

This Saturday, March 21 at 7:30 pm.

The first in their weekly series of live readings of Shakespeare's plays

This performance is FREE with a suggested donation of $10 payable at www.swshakespeare.org/donate.

CLICK HERE to access this live reading

Desert Stages Theatre's SENIOR SHOWCASE - a Virtual Performance

from our friends at Desert Stages:

Calling all high school & college seniors! We know during this difficult time that many of you have had your final productions, performances, showcases, and more cancelled. Desert Stages Theatre want to showcase YOU live on our Facebook page and IGTV!

Here's what you do:
1) Take a video of your choice of a song or monologue. No crazy equipment needed! iPhone video is fine. Please remember to film horizontally.

2) Share the video through Dropbox or Google Drive to virginia@desertstages.org

OR

3) Upload it to YouTube and send the link to virginia@desertstages.org

Videos must be submitted no later than March 25th.

The final showcase compilation will premiere next Friday on March 27th at 7pm! Get your family together and watch all these fabulous artists do what they do BEST!
#DSTSeniorShowcase

Only 48 hours left in TheaterWorks' A NIGHT OF INSPIRATION Gala Online Auction!

The countdown has begun! There are just 48 hours left in our Night of Inspiration Gala online auction. There are great items still available like wine and jewelry baskets, hotel stays and golf. Get your bids in or use the "BUY NOW" feature to get your favorite items now!

Please consider making a donation in the name of the Gala and support TheaterWorks in creating a relief fund as we navigate this situation! 

From the bottom of our hearts, thank you for your generous support of TheaterWorks. We are so grateful to have you as part of our theater family, and look forward to the next time we can all be together again. 

There are two ways to join!  Text TWgala to the number 76278 OR

CLICK HERE TO VIEW ITEMS AND START BIDDING

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photos - JAKE'S WOMEN - Scotsdale Desert Stages Theatre

CLICK HERE for more information on this production, which was previously planned to run through April 26

photos by Wade Moran

JALT Media seeks Video Submissions for online Quarantine Vaudeville Show

CALL FOR VIDEO SUBMISSIONS!!!

Get your cameras ready, get your act together, and take it online with our Quarantine Vaudeville, SHINE...FROM A DISTANCE!

Give us 3-5 minutes of serious, funny, or downright ridiculous. It can be anything!

- Sing, dance, act!

- Impress everyone with your mastery of iambic pentameter by doing your favorite Shakespearean monologue!

- Give a short lesson in watercolors

- Show us the cool art you made with ALL THAT TOILET PAPER YOU'RE NOW HOARDING!

- Eat FIRE! (Seriously, don't!)

Or simply share with us how and what you are doing to fulfill yourself artistically during this time of social distancing.

Seriously, what else are you doing?! Everyone has at least one talent. Share it with everyone now...from a distance!

Email your submission to news@jaltmedia.org

#raiseupartsaz

Theatre in Arizona Goes Online!

by Gil Benbrook

With the closures of schools, theatre productions delayed and social distancing the norm for the immediate future, several theatre companies in the Phoenix area are moving their productions and classes online. Below is information on ones we currently are aware of and we'll update this listing with new information once it's received.

The ariZoni Theatre Awards of Excellence and Brelby Theatre Company are also encouraging every artist or performer to share their art online by joining together and using the #raiseupazarts hashtag and posting your artistic creations of any form on social media.

We also urge anyone who had tickets to a cancelled performance to consider donating the tickets back to the theatre or asking for a credit for a future show and not requesting a refund. This is going to be a trying time for many arts organizations in Phoenix, the country and around the world so anything we can do to ensure the impact they feel is lessened will help them get back on their feet as soon as possible.

Actor's Youth Theatre 

AYT is offering online courses with special content for just $40 per month as well as new classes for just $15 per class. Please email the box office to get registered at boxoffice@aytaz.org

CLASS DESCRIPTIONS:

Heels: This class is for intermediate and advanced dancers who are working toward advancing their Musical Theatre dance skills with the incorporation of heels. Students will become more comfortable while dancing with heels as they learn steps and combinations through a Broadway and Rockette style of movement.

Beginning Hip Hop: This class is for newer dancers who are working towards more groove and isolation dancing. Students will become comfortable with small routines involving isolations, grooves, body rolls, and sharp movements.

Intermediate Hip Hop: This class is for intermediate and advanced dancers who are looking for a challenge in their groove, isolation, and memorization. Working dances that involve isolations, grooves, and sharp movements in a fast pace class.

Acro: A beginning acro class that focuses on the developing flexibility, strength and sets the foundations of basic acrobatic skills. Students will work on basic progressions such as backward and forward rolls, cartwheels, bridges, and handstands that will provide them with the skills that lead into more advanced tricks.

All Puppet Players

All Puppet Players has found a way to keep the lights on, help theaters in need and still adhere to the strict guidelines of the CDC. With their low-budget approach to everything they can get their hands on, they have created a weekly live television show that is part sketch, telethon, clip show and more. The shows are currently set to air Monday, Wednesday and Friday at 8pm. Each show they are asking local artists, musicians, theaters to send in their submissions and they will show the clips and link their audience to that artists PayPal, Venmo, or online business.

Check out their show from this past Monday below -


You can watch future lives shows HERE on their Facebook page 

"It's a way to give back to a community that is scared. We get to make them laugh. It's live, they can talk to us, we can talk to them, we can do a community outreach while not venturing into the community", says Shaun Michael McNamara, creator of All Puppet Players.

So far, the experience has worked. Their first show ran for over 39 minutes and in that time they raised some money and hopefully made people laugh. They have pledged to do shows every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday at 8pm (facebook.com/allpuppetplayers). They will be live streaming their shows to Facebook Live for now, until they can find a better, interactive provider.

They already have a slew of guests booked including Great Arizona Puppet Theater, a Reiki Master, Craig Foughy from ABC 15 Sports, and loads of local musicians and community theaters asking to join in the fun. They have even booked a live wedding that will be taking place on their Friday broadcast. The couple had their wedding plans dashed and because of it are going to get married live so their family can see it...and experience a little puppet comedy to boot.

"In our darkest days, it is the artist we reach for to make us feel better. We are not good at anything else but making people laugh. So... that's what we'll do."

WARNING! All Puppet Players shows are for mature audiences with exceedingly immature tastes. They contain strong adult language and situations. Puppets can be unpredictable—so if you are of a sensitive nature or are easily offended—puppets don't care.

Brelby Theatre Company

With performances on pause across the country, Glendale's Brelby Theatre Company is hoping to connect AZ artists (and beyond if interested) with one another to create in a safe way while socially distancing.

Are you feeling hungry for artistic connection amid the need for social distancing? Brelby is working to connect actors with playwrights and they have a need for both in order to make this project come to fruition.

Playwrights: In order to participate, you will write a monologue about hope, inspired by hope, OR ending on a hopeful note. (While they're not imposing a length requirement, keep in mind that the longer your piece is...the longer it will take for an actor to memorize, perfect, and record it.)

Actors: Brelby will match you up with a monologue to be performed. The monologue will be memorized, acted out, and recorded. Once completed, they will add it to the Brelby Youtube channel to put more art into the world. (They are not operating on a strict deadline, but the sooner it can be created with quality in mind, the better.)

If you are interested in joining in, simply fill out the questionnaire at THIS LINK. 

If you're a writer or actor who is interested in participating in our project, fill out THIS FORM

Studio 3 Performing Arts

Studio 3 will start offering a Virtual Online Academy! More information coming soon

ASU Gammage's 2020 - 2021 Season!

from our friends at ASU Gammage:

The 2020-2021 ASU Gammage Desert Financial Broadway Across America- Arizona season is the biggest, boldest, most brilliant season to date.

This season is jam-packed with everything you could hope for in a Broadway season including the winner of eight 2019 Tony Awards® Best Musical HADESTOWN; the much-anticipated Tempe premier of beloved Broadway hit Disney’s FROZEN; and the return of a “theatrical landmark that has transformed theater and the way we think about history.” (The New York Times)- HAMILTON! This season will also include Broadway favorites TOOTSIE and MY FAIR LADY, 2019 Tony Award® Winner of Best Revival of a Musical OKLAHOMA!, and the powerful adaptation of an American classic ,TO KILL A MOCKINGBIRD.

In addition, returning to the ASU Gammage stage as a season option is Valley favorite - JERSEY BOYS!

“It’s an extraordinary time on Broadway with some of the most inspiring work on stage,” said Colleen Jennings-Roggensack, ASU Vice President for Cultural Affairs and Executive Director for ASU Gammage. “We wrapped up a memorable decade of Broadway and now we’re headed into the next decade bigger and bolder. This is a season you will not want to miss!”

The best way to guarantee tickets to the best of Broadway is to purchase a season subscription. Current season ticket holders can renew their subscription now. Sales for new season subscriptions will be announced soon. Subscriptions start at $235 for eight shows. To learn more about season tickets go to asugammage.com.

The 2020-2021 season includes:

THE BAND’S VISIT
September 15-20, 2020

The critically acclaimed smash-hit Broadway musical THE BAND’S VISIT is the winner of 10 Tony Awards®, including Best Musical, making it one of the most Tony-winning musicals in history.  It is also a Grammy Award® winner for Best Musical Theater Album.

In this joyously offbeat story, set in a town that’s way off the beaten path, a band of musicians arrive lost, out of the blue.  Under the spell of the desert sky, and with beautiful music perfuming the air, the band brings the town to life in unexpected and tantalizing ways.  Even the briefest visit can stay with you forever.

The cast of world-class performers is led by award-winning Israeli actor Sasson Gabay, star of the original film and the Broadway production.

With a Tony- and Grammy-winning score that seduces your soul and sweeps you off your feet, and featuring thrillingly talented onstage musicians, THE BAND’S VISIT rejoices in the way music makes us laugh, makes us cry, and ultimately, brings us together.


HAMILTON
Performances begin October 13, 2020

HAMILTON is the story of America then, told by America now.

Featuring a score that blends hip-hop, jazz, R&B and Broadway, HAMILTON has taken the story of American founding father Alexander Hamilton and created a revolutionary moment in theatre—a musical that has had a profound impact on culture, politics, and education.

With book, music, and lyrics by Lin-Manuel Miranda, direction by Thomas Kail, choreography by Andy Blankenbuehler, and musical supervision and orchestrations by Alex Lacamoire, HAMILTON is based on Ron Chernow’s acclaimed biography. It has won Tony®, Grammy®, and Olivier Awards, the Pulitzer Prize for Drama, and an unprecedented special citation from the Kennedy Center Honors.


OKLAHOMA!
December 1-6, 2020

This is OKLAHOMA! as you’ve never seen or heard it before – reimagined for the 21st century, and now the Tony Award® Winner for Best Revival of a Musical. Funny and sexy, dark and jolting, ‘this production shocked me and moved me. This is the OKLAHOMA! that was there all along.’ raves New York Magazine. Direct from an acclaimed run on Broadway, OKLAHOMA! “lets us experience Rodgers and Hammerstein’s greatness anew.” (The New Yorker).


HADESTOWN
January 12-17, 2021

COME SEE HOW THE WORLD COULD BE.

Welcome to HADESTOWN, where a song can change your fate. Winner of eight 2019 Tony Awards® including Best Musical and the 2020 Grammy® Award for Best Musical Theater Album, this acclaimed new show by celebrated singer-songwriter Anaïs Mitchell and innovative director Rachel Chavkin (Natasha, Pierre & The Great Comet of 1812) is a love story for today... and always.

Intertwining two mythic tales — that of young dreamers Orpheus and Eurydice, and that of King Hades and his wife Persephone — HADESTOWN is a haunting and hopeful theatrical experience that grabs you and never lets go.


MY FAIR LADY
February 9-14, 2021

From Lincoln Center Theater that brought you THE KING & I and SOUTH PACIFIC, comes “a sumptuous new production of the most perfect musical of all time” (Entertainment Weekly), Lerner & Loewe’s MY FAIR LADY.  Director Bartlett Sher’s glowing production is “thrilling, glorious and better than it ever was” (New York Times). “Every so often a revival comes along that reminds you how indispensable great theater can be” (NY1).

Boasting such classic songs as “I Could Have Danced All Night,” “The Rain in Spain,” “Wouldn’t It Be Loverly” and “On the Street Where You Live,” MY FAIR LADY tells the story of Eliza Doolittle, a young Cockney flower seller, and Henry Higgins, a linguistics professor who is determined to transform her into his idea of a “proper lady.”  But who is really being transformed?


TOOTSIE
March 16-21, 2021

Call it musical comedy heaven” (Rolling Stone). Call it ‘the most uproarious new musical in years!” (The Hollywood Reporter). Call it TOOTSIE!  This laugh-out-loud love letter to the theater tells the story of Michael Dorsey, a talented but difficult actor who struggles to find work until one show-stopping act of desperations lands him the role of a lifetime. Featuring a hilarious Tony®-winning book by Robert Horn and an outrageously clever score by 2018 Tony winner David Yazbek (The Band’s Visit, Dirty Rotten Scoundrels), this New York Times Critic’s Pick is “a joyful delight” (The Washington Post) that’s “so packed with punchlines, it should be called a ‘jokebox musical!” (Bloomberg). “In these turbulent times, when the world seems out of the balance, we need a place to let the good times roll,” raves Rolling Stone. “TOOTSIE is it!”


Disney’s FROZEN
April 8-25, 2021

From the producer of The Lion King and Aladdin, Frozen, the Tony®-nominated Best Musical, is now on tour across North America and the critics rave, “It’s simply magical!” (LA Daily News). Heralded by The New Yorker as “thrilling” and “genuinely moving,”

Frozen features the songs you know and love from the original Oscar®-winning film, plus an expanded score with a dozen new numbers by the film’s songwriters, Oscar winner Kristen Anderson-Lopez and EGOT winner Robert Lopez. Oscar winner Jennifer Lee (book), Tony and Olivier Award winner Michael Grandage (director), and Tony winner Rob Ashford (choreographer) round out the creative team that has won a cumulative 16 Tony Awards. An unforgettable theatrical experience filled with sensational special effects, stunning sets and costumes, and powerhouse performances,

Frozen is everything you want in a musical: It’s moving. It’s spectacular. And above all, it’s pure Broadway joy.


TO KILL A MOCKINGBIRD
June 8-13, 2021

All rise for Academy Award® winner Aaron Sorkin’s adaptation of Harper Lee’s Pulitzer Prize-winning masterwork. The New York Times Critic’s Pick TO KILL A MOCKINGBIRD is “the most successful American play in Broadway history. It has not played to a single empty seat” (60 Minutes). Rolling Stone gives it 5 stars, calling it “an emotionally shattering landmark production of an American classic,” and New York Magazine calls it “a real phenomenon. Majestic and incandescent, it’s filled with breath and nuance and soul.”  With direction by Tony Award® winner Bartlett Sher, TO KILL A MOCKINGBIRD — “the greatest novel of all time” (Chicago Tribune) — has quickly become “one of the greatest plays in history” (NPR).


SEASON OPTION

JERSEY BOYS
May 21-23, 2021

They were just four guys from Jersey, until they sang their very first note. They had a sound nobody had ever heard … and the radio just couldn’t get enough of. But while their harmonies were perfect on stage, off stage it was a very different story -- a story that has made them an international sensation all over again.

Go behind the music and inside the story of Frankie Valli and The Four Seasons in the Tony and Grammy Award®-winning true-life musical phenomenon, JERSEY BOYS. From the streets of New Jersey to the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, this is the musical that’s just too good to be true.