BEAUTIFUL NOISE - THE MUSIC OF NEIL DIAMOND - Copperstate Productions at Fountain Hills Theater - March 12-April 11, 2021

Created by Peter J. Hill

Diamonds are forever!  Music to rock and touch your soul.

Copperstate Productions is proud to announce the return of the musical Beautiful Noise – The Music of Neil Diamond on the Kern Entertainment outdoor stage as a part of our continuing socially distanced theater productions which have included hit productions of 4 on the Floor, Broadway Jukebox, Holly Jolly Christmas and the smash hit Buddy, The Buddy Holly Story.

Rising from humble roots in working-class Brooklyn to global success, Neil Diamond became one of the best-selling recording artists of the 20th century as well as a dynamic, internationally known touring act and skilled songwriter whose compositions produced numerous hits for himself and others. In a career that began in the early 1960s as a staff songwriter at New York's legendary songwriting institution the Brill Building, he soon transitioned into performing and recording his own songs, finding success among the emerging pop singer/songwriter market with early highlights like "Solitary Man" and "Kentucky Woman." Melodic chart-toppers like "Cracklin' Rosie" and "Song Sung Blue" kept him on top and opened the door for ambitious project material like the Grammy Award-winning Jonathan Livingston Seagull soundtrack and 1976's conceptual Beautiful Noise album. Diamond continued to tour, release music, and accumulate impressive honors including his induction to the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame, Kennedy Center Honors, and a Lifetime Achievement Grammy. During a 2018 world tour celebrating his five decades in music, it was revealed that Diamond had been diagnosed with Parkinson's Disease, ending his live career. Nevertheless, he remained active in the studio, returning with 2020's Classic Diamonds.

The Copperstate production of Beautiful Noise – The Music of Neil Diamond celebrates the music of this classic American singer/songwriter with a stage production filled with his greatest hits including, “I’m a Believer”, “Sweet Caroline”, “Brother Love’s Travelling Salvation Show”, “You Don’t Bring Me Flowers” and many more.  

Performed by an all-star cast that includes: 

Elizabeth Bridgewater (Disenchanted)

Lacey Dixon (Broadway Jukebox)

Brianne Gobeski (Into the Woods)

Alex Gonzalez (Buddy, South Pacific and more) 

Adam Guinn (Mamma Mia)

and Brian Hoffman (4 on the Floor)

Brianne Gobeski, Alex Gonzalez, Elizabeth Bridgewater, Adam Quinn and Lacey Dixon
photo by Patty Torrilhon

Beautiful Noise will both rock and touch your soul.

Beautiful Noise – The Music of Neil Diamond is produced by Copperstate Productions in co-operation with Fountain Hills Theater, directed by Peter J. Hill, musically directed by Jay Melberg and choreographed by Noel Irick.  

The Fountain Hills Outdoor Theater is comfortable, convenient and safe.  The theater features 15 heated ‘stations’, seating up to 6 patrons per station.  Each station is reserved for a single party and no party will be seated with any other patrons.  Each station is 8 feet from any other station and is provided with a large patio space heater for comfort on chilly nights.   Masks will be required for all attendees and staff whenever in public areas. Patrons may also request one of 8 stage viewable parking spots which allow them to remain in their cars or sit outside their cars and ‘tailgate’ All patrons are encouraged to purchase tickets in advance for a “contact-free” experience while you’re at the show. Seating is limited.

FHT’s outdoor stage is provided by and sponsored by Kern Entertainment.  

Performances are Fridays and Saturdays at 7:30PM and Sundays at 2PM.   

Individual tickets are $35.00 for Adults and $18.00 for children 17 and under. Group rates are available through the Box Office.

All performances are at Fountain Hills Outdoor Theater 11445 N. Saguaro Blvd. (The Corner of Saguaro and Rand). Tickets are available through the Theater Box Office at (480) 837-9661 x3 or by visiting https://www.fhtaz.org .  Box Office Hours are 12:00PM-2:00 PM Tuesday through Saturdays. 

For additional information not contained in this press release, please call Fountain Hills Theater (480) 837-9661.

Copperstate Productions and The Fountain Hills Theater are committed to the safety of their patrons, staff, and performers. They will be closely following CDC safety recommendations, as well as local guidelines, due to COVID-19. Hand sanitizing stations will be located throughout the facility, and the wearing of face masks inside the facilities, for staff and patrons, is currently mandated by Maricopa County. Please check the website for evolving guidelines as the season progresses. 

Scottsdale Musical Theater Company presents BEST OF BROADWAY: AN EVENING OF RODGERS & HAMMERSTEIN at The Scottsdale Plaza Resort

2021 will hopefully usher in the start of live theatrical performances coming back to the valley of the sun. SMTC is thrilled to announce a great new performing opportunity by showcasing Broadway’s most famous music and songs in a cabaret style format in the beautiful setting of the Scottsdale Plaza Resort. Its first ‘Best of Broadway’ revue will be an evening of Rodgers & Hammerstein with shows every Saturday night in March. Showtime will be at 8:00pm Tickets are $25.

“To be able to sit back and relax with a drink and enjoy music from Broadway’s greatest shows…There’s really nothing like this kind of musical theater cabaret styled revue in Phoenix, not to the extent that it exists in NY, San Francisco, Chicago or L.A.” states David Hock, SMTC’s Executive Producer. “It follows a long-held tradition for stage performers that removes the confines of being in a large theater on stage as a character in costume to allow moments between singer-and-song and singer-and-audience that creates a more intimate connection to the music, and the audience, providing a uniquely wonderful and entertaining experience.”

The revue will feature the vocal talents of veteran valley, and SMTC, performers Nicki Bond, Taylor Hogan, Matt Newhard, Estrella Paloma Parra, Josh Pike and Adrian Ward. Musical direction and keyboards will be handled by Josh Hontz with percussion handled by Shawn Jordan.

In keeping with social distancing guidelines, seating will be spread out and each party will have their own table. Full bar service will also be available before, during and after each show. Show dates in March are the 6th, the 13th, the 20th and the 27th, all Saturdays. The Scottsdale Plaza Resort is located at 7200 N. Scottsdale Rd. in Scottsdale, AZ. Doors will open at 7:30pm with the performance starting at 8:00pm. Tickets are only $25 and reservations can be made online at www.scottsdalemusicaltheater.com.

SATURDAY NIGHTS IN APRIL

Saturday, April 3rd

Saturday, April 10th

Saturday, April 17th

Saturday, April 24th

Please contact SMTC at (602) 909-4215 or via email at tickets@scottsdalemusicaltheater.com for any additional information. The company website is www.Scottsdalemusicaltheater.com.

14 Theatre Companies, including Arizona Theatre Company, Ready to Present Elaine Romero's Work During RomeroFest in March

Elaine Romero
photo by Carolyn Rae Maier

from our friends at Arizona Theatre Company:

Theatre companies across the country, in Mexico City are preparing both live and prerecorded online presentations of Arizona Theatre Company (ATC) Playwright-in-Residence Elaine Romero’s diverse body of work during RomeroFest, a monthlong celebration of her creativity.

RomeroFest, presented by ATC and Tucson-based Winding Road Theatre Ensemble and The Scoundrel & Scamp Theatre, will launch on March 1 with a 5 p.m. (Arizona time) LIVE event hosted by ATC featuring a town hall-type panel discussion about Elaine’s work and its impact. The launch event can be viewed at www.arizonatheatre.org and on YouTube, Facebook and Vimeo.

The monthlong celebration kicks off on March 3 with the first of 18 presentations which will originate from cities including Tucson; Phoenix; Mexico City; Colorado Springs; New York City; Portland, OR; Philadelphia, Raleigh, N.C.; and South Bend, IND.

*When (ATC Artistic Director) Sean Daniels first uttered the word, RomeroFest, I thought he was joking. I think we all chuckled for a second,” said Romero, who has been the ATC Playwright-in-Residence for more than 20 years. “I never dreamed anyone in the American theatre would give such precise attention to my work, especially launched from here in Arizona where sometimes I have felt particularly anonymous.”

In addition to Arizona-based ATC, The Scoundrel & Scamp Theatre and Winding Road Theater Ensemble, Childsplay of Tempe and The Bridge Initiative: Women+ In Theatre of Phoenix also are participating.

“I had often dreamed of seeing my plays next to each other—to better understand how they are in conversation with one another, but also to better understand each one individually more,” Romero said. “A playwright is not in a position to say, ‘Hey, I’ve written all these plays. It’s really my life’s work. Pay attention to me.’ A playwright can only keep doing the work and pray that people see the quality of what they have created—that folks have the curiosity to see their plays as part of a larger body of work—that theatres see their commitment to refining the work—that others will be excited about the voice of the writer and the voice of their plays.”

The schedule of presentations (all listed times are Arizona time, unless indicated otherwise):

March 1 – Launch event, 5 p.m., live

March 3 – Colorado College (Colorado Springs): Monologues from the Vault, 5:30 p.m., LIVE

March 10 – Arizona Theatre Company, Halsted, 5 p.m., prerecorded, streams March 10-14

March 11 – Theater Ariel (Philadelphia), Secret Things, 5:30 p.m., prerecorded

March 12 – ATC Teens Book Club, 3 p.m., LIVE with playwright Elaine Romero

March 15 – Winding Road Theater Ensemble (Tucson), Wetback, 7 p.m., LIVE with post-show talkback

March 16 – Teatro Travieso/Troublemaker Theatre Company with an international ensemble of artists from U.S. and Mexico, Elaine Romero Shorts (3/16-3/19), prerecorded

March 17 – University of Arizona School of Theatre, Film and Television (Tucson), Mother of Exiles, LIVE

March 19 – Justice Theater Project, (Raleigh, N.C.) A Sentiment, 24-hour free film streaming period, 12 a.m. EST

March 20 – Scoundrel & Scamp Theatre (Tucson), Title IX, 2 p.m., prerecorded and live post-show talkback, streams March 20-April 11

March 20 – InterAct Theatre Company (Philadelphia), Revolutions,5 p.m., LIVE stream

March 21 – Childsplay (Tempe), Alicia, 2 p.m., prerecorded

March 24 – Arizona Theatre Company, Ponzi, 5 p.m., prerecorded, streams March 24-28

March 25 – University of Notre Dame (South Bend, IND), ¡Curanderas! Serpents of the Clouds, 4:30 p.m., LIVE

March 26 – Seven Devils New Play Foundry (New York City/Idaho), When Reasons Sleep, 1 p.m.

March 27 – Bridge Initiative (Phoenix) The Dalai Lama is Not Welcome Here, 7 p.m., prerecorded, streams March 27-28

March 29 – Artists Repertory Theatre (Portland, Ore.), Walk into the Sea, 6 p.m., LIVE streaming via Facebook

“Love is the entry point for every story I tell,” Romero said. “I fall in love with a character, an act of justice, a turn in a story, a poetic expression or structure. I fall in love with characters who don’t see their flaws—that are so obvious to us—their audience. I fall in love with human frailty, with imperfection, with the glory and limits of human language. I fall in love with physical movements, design elements, and theatrical moments that transcend words.”

She added that she has “written these plays with no tunnel and no light. I’ve written them in faith that these were stories worth telling – that the endless drafts had a purpose – that the million plane trips to workshop them, away from loved ones, were moving these plays toward a glorious end. RomeroFest has shouted the worth of these plays to me.Thank you, ATC, Scoundrel & Scamp, Winding Road Theater Ensemble, and all our partners, scholars, and audience members.”

In addition to the plays being presented during the month of March, each episode of ATC’s live-streaming podcast Hang & Focuwill be dedicated to RomeroFest and feature guests associated with the productions. 

RomeroFest founding members and theatres includes Daniels, ATC Associate Artistic Director Chanel Bragg, Winding Road Theater Ensemble Artistic Director Maria Caprile and Bryan Rafael Falcón, Artistic and Managing Director at The Scoundrel and Scamp Theatre.

For more information about Winding Road Theater Ensemble, visit www.windingroadtheater.org.  For more information about The Scoundrel & Scamp Theatre, visit www.scoundrelandscamp.org.  For more information about Arizona Theatre Company, visit www.arizonatheatre.org.

RING OF FIRE - The Phoenix Theatre Company - March 10 - April 4, 2021

The Spirit of Johnny Cash Is Coming to Life in Phoenix

The Phoenix Theatre Company continues to find creative ways to offer the magic of live music and live performances

The Phoenix Theatre Company’s socially-distanced outdoor venue is about to take on a musical icon, the Man in Black, for the musical performance Ring of Fire. From March 10 through April 4, audiences will trace a journey through Johnny Cash’s remarkable life and musical library in a beautiful outdoor setting, enjoying Phoenix’s ideal spring weather in a COVID-19-mindful setting.

“The music of Johnny Cash is timeless, fiery and passionate,” says Scott Weinstein, who returns to The Phoenix Theatre Company after directing Million Dollar Quartet in 2018 and 2019. “His songs are lyrically emotional and musically rousing. Cash used music as an escape and in the current state of the world, his story and his lyrics resonate more deeply than ever — they bring the sense of human connection we’re all craving.”

Ring of Fire embraces Cash’s all-too-human story of rebellion, hardship and triumph, while playing iconic music that captured the hearts of generations of music lovers. 

The cast is comprised of The Phoenix Theatre Company favorites:

Gregg Hammer

Michelle Chin

Alex Crossland

Cassie Chilton

and Austin Case. 

The show follows this five-person ensemble as they embody key players in Cash’s life including June Carter, the Tennessee Two, and Sam Phillips and his family. Music includes 38 of Johnny Cash’s songs including “Country Boy,” “A Thing Called Love,” “Daddy Sang Bass,” “The Man in Black,” “I Walk the Line” and “Ring of Fire.”

“Johnny Cash never intended for his music to tell a chronological story,” says Weinstein. “But his lyrics speak so much to the human spirit, this show happens organically. Cash created music about hardship and loneliness, and yet his songs show a resilience. A lot of people see moments of their own lives throughout this show. I think right now, we’re collectively going through a hard time, but it’s these challenging times that create beautiful art.”

Ring of Fire plays at The Phoenix Theatre Company’s socially-distanced outdoor venue March 10 through April 4, 2021. Tickets are $59. The Phoenix Theatre Company adheres to strict safety protocols that meet or exceed Actors’ Equity Association, city, state and CDC mandates and guidelines.

To learn more about The Phoenix Theatre Company’s COVID safety protocols, visit www.phoenixtheatre.com/health. 

To purchase tickets, call 602-254-2151 or visit www.phoenixtheatre.com/ringoffire.

ASU Music Theatre and Opera presents Free, Live, One Act Operas by Mozart and Vaughn Williams this Weekend!

ASU Music Theatre and Opera presents more one-act operas: live this weekend online!

RIDERS TO THE SEA

Music by Ralph Vaughn Williams

Based on the play by J.M. Synge

 

Feb. 27, 2 p.m. and 7 p.m.

Live streamed event from Evelyn Smith Music Theatre

Performers will be in masks with social distancing.

 

Set against the backdrop of the barren and rocky Irish seacoast, RIDERS TO THE SEA is a story of the struggle to survive in a harsh world where the sea has claimed the lives of all the men in one family, except for the last surviving son. This tragic story of loss and hardship is a testament to the strength and faith of the women who are left behind.

 

Suitable for family audiences ages 8 and up.

Licensed by arrangement with Oxford University Press

 

THE IMPRESARIO

Music by Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart

English lyrics by Dory Previn

 

Feb. 28, 2 p.m. and 7 p.m.

 

Live streamed event from Evelyn Smith Music Theatre

Performers will be in masks with social distancing.

 

In 1786 emperor Joseph II pitted Mozart’s sung and spoken singspiel against a new Italian opera by Antonio Salieri, each performed at opposing ends of the Orangerie at the Schönbrunn Palace in Vienna. Fitting it is, then, that this short comic opera deals with two rivaling divas and one cash-strapped producer trying to help everyone get along for the sake of art.

 

Suitable for all audiences.

Licensed by arrangement with Theodore Presser Company.

Free events

RSVP required by one hour before show time.

RESERVE YOUR $0 TICKET NOW!

or visit https://herbergerinstitute.asu.edu/box-office/buytickets

 

Audience members are invited to our Virtual Stage Door to meet and greet the cast immediately following the performance at https://asu.zoom.us/j/83080843547.

 

If you enjoy viewing our performances online, please consider making a financial contribution to the ASU School of Music, Dance and Theatre. Information may be found at musicdancetheatre.asu.edu/giving.

 

These productions adhere to all federal, state, local and university guidelines for safety and physical distancing. University COVID-19 information may be found at

https://eoss.asu.edu/health/announcements/coronavirus.

All Puppet Players present a Live Fundraiser Reading of their upcoming production of CREATURE FROM THE BLACK LAGOON on March 6

The All Puppet Players are at it again, this time taking on the famous monster from 1954. This show was originally slated for a February opening, but since our theater is still closed, we thought we would give you a sneak peek at what’s to come in 2022!

Join us March 6th, at 7:30pm for our live reading of Creature From The Black Lagoon. Enter our raffle to win “Creature” specific prizes!

Can’t make it? Want to help us anyway? Click the link below and donate directly to us. ANY and ALL donations are appreciated!

Donate

$1 gets you an entry. Raffle winners will be announced at the live show! The first 30 people to donate $20 or more will get a limited-edition Creature holding Hamlet pin! Only 30 available!

VENMO: ALLPUPPETPLAYERS@GMAIL.COM

PAYPAL: PAYPAL.ME/ALLPUPPETPLAYERS

All donations will help keep us ALIVE AND FISTING!

Thanks for all of your support!

audition notice - STEEL MAGNOLIAS - Hale Centre Theatre - March 27, 2021

Steel Magnolias will run Monday and Tuesday nights with select 4PM matinees. The show will be directed by Jere Van Patten. We will have two casts in the event that one is not able to perform due to illness. Each cast will perform approximately 10 performances. Additional Monday and Tuesday matinees may be added based on ticket demand.

Video auditions are recommended. Limited in-person auditions are available by appointment only on March 27th. Physical distancing and masks are required during in-person auditions. If sending in a video, please make your submission by Saturday, March 27th at 12:00 PM. Important: when submitting a video audition select the "Video Appointment" box on the sign up page.

What to Prepare

For in-person auditions: Prepare one side to read for the role which you are auditioning. You will only read for one part, so choose the side for the role you are most interested in.

For video auditions: Please submit a YouTube link containing the side(s) for the role which you are auditioning for. Make sure the YouTube video is listed as public or unlisted for us to be able to view it. ONLY ONE video link can be pasted into the form. If you have multiple videos, EDIT THEM TOGETHER into 1 video before uploading it to YouTube.

Masks Safety Plans

Masks are worn during rehearsals and offstage.

Here are the links to our actor and patron safety plan:

Actor Safety Plan

Patron Safety Plan

Auditions Open to All

Auditions are open to all and we extend an invitation for all races and ethnicities to submit. Posted ages are guidelines only.

Sides

All sides can be found here. Please use the sides provided to record your video audition.

Call Backs

Call backs will be in-person on April 3rd in the morning. Location TBA. Masks are required.

Union Type: Non-Union

Click here to find out more.

audition notice - DIRTY ROTTEN SCOUNDRELS - Hale Centre Theatre - March 13, 2021

Dirty Rotten Scoundrels will run Thursdays through Saturday nights with 3PM matinees on select Fridays and all Saturdays. The show will be directed by Cambrian James and music directed by Lincoln Wright. We will have two casts in the event that one is not able to perform due to illness. Each cast will perform approximately 15 performances. Wednesday evenings and additional Friday matinees may be added based on ticket demand.

Video auditions are recommended. Limited in-person auditions are available by appointment only on March 13th. Physical distancing and masks are required during in-person auditions. If sending in a video, please make your submission by Saturday, March 13th at 12:00 PM. Important: when submitting a video audition select the "Video Appointment" box on the sign up page.

What to Prepare

For in-person auditions: Be prepared to sing 16 bars of music of a song your choosing. Bring your own sheet music; an accompanist will be provided.

For video auditions: Video must contain at least 16 bars of music of a song of your choosing. Make sure the YouTube video is listed as public or unlisted for us to be able to view it. ONLY ONE video link can be pasted into the form. If you have multiple videos, EDIT THEM TOGETHER into 1 video before uploading it to YouTube.

Masks Safety Plans

Masks are worn during rehearsals and offstage.

Here are the links to our actor and patron safety plan:

Actor Safety Plan

Patron Safety Plan

Auditions Open to All

Auditions are open to all and we extend an invitation for all races and ethnicities to submit. Posted ages are guidelines only

Call Backs

Call backs will be in-person on March 20th in the morning. Location TBA. Masks are required.

Union Type: Non-Union

Click here to find out more.

cast announced for TARZAN at CYT Phoenix

CLICK HERE for more information on this production, which runs May 27-30

Cast, in order of appearance:

Father - Naison Vaught

Mother - Audrianna Certalic

Kala - Brianna Morelock

Kerchak - Dillon Fifield

Leopard - Elise Carpenter

Young Tarzan - Tolan Cottrell

Young Terk - Hannah Lindblade

Terk - Ayla Grieser

Tarzan - Jacob Currie

Jane - Ariana Latvaaho

Porter - John S. Terpin

Clayton - Josh Swedler

Snipes - Zariah Garcia

Featured Dance Troupe

Audrianna Certalic

Bria Lindblade

Elise Carpenter

Eva Britton

Hannah Cilliers

Madeline Sage

Megan Messmer

Nicole Kramer

Ensemble Soloists

Aleksandra Currie

Bria Lindblade

Eva Britton

Lexi Smith

Expedition Crew

Beckett Cottrell

Faith MacGregor

Lexi Smith

Lillian Heinlein

Naison Vaught

Shekinah Coughlin

Tolan Cottrell

Flowers

Beckett Cottrell

Bria Gubernick

Carlee Howard

Elaina Doran-Bakayoko

Ella Cupo

Katelyn Fifield

Mackenzie Silva

Marley Johnson-Ordonez

McKenzie Lopezlira

Nicole Cook

Featured "Creature"

Annaliese Saunders

"Creatures" Group

Aleksandra Currie

Aubrey Fox

Audra Schrock

Bella Hayward

Faith MacGregor

Lacaya Medina

Lexi Smith

Lillian Heinlein

Lily nicolay

Madison Silva

Marissa Wineinger

Naison Vaught

Shekinah Coughlin

Apes

Aleksandra Currie

Annaliese Saunders

Aubrey Fox

Audra Schrock

Audrianna Certalic

Beckett Cottrell

Bella Hayward

Bria Gubernick

Bria Lindblade

Carlee Howard

Elaina Doran-Bakayoko

Elise Carpenter

Ella Cupo

Eva Britton

Faith MacGregor

Hannah Cilliers

Hannah Lindblade

Katelyn Fifield

Lacaya Medina

Lexi Smith

Lillian Heinlein

Lily nicolay

Mackenzie Silva

Madeline Sage

Madison Silva

Marissa Wineinger

Marley Johnson-Ordonez

McKenzie Lopezlira

Megan Messmer

Nicole Cook

Nicole Kramer

Shekinah Coughlin

Zariah Garcia

Arizona Musicfest announces Schedule for their MUSICFEST OUTDOORS, which runs between March and May 2021

 

Tickets are now on sale for Arizona Musicfest’s special ‘Musicfest Outdoors’ concert series.  Performances take place in North Scottsdale between March and May 2021.    While Musicfest had planned to celebrate this year’s momentous 30th anniversary season by presenting 30 memorable indoor concert performances from November through April, due to COVID-19, the organization canceled its previously-announced concert season and has pivoted to a new outdoor performance format.   “With our reimagined outdoor series, we’re excited to safely reunite our audiences as we celebrate the return of live music to the Musicfest stage,” Allan Naplan, Arizona Musicfest’s executive and producing director, said.  Naplan continued “We’re grateful for the extraordinary and steadfast support of our generous donors which has allowed Musicfest to move forward with this season’s exciting alternative plans. Through these concerts, Musicfest will continue its important efforts to ‘Bring the Joy of Music to All”.   Musicfest concerts will run from March 27 to May 1, a departure from its usual seven-month season.  Performances in March and April will take place at the newly-created Musicfest Performance Pavilion on the campus of Highlands Church in N. Scottsdale.                 The special 2021 ‘Musicfest Outdoors’ series features a line-up of exceptional artists; some making their Musicfest debuts, while others returning due to popular demand.  Featured artists include The Everly Brothers Experience (3/27), celebrating the music and history of the iconic duo; popular jazz quintet The Black Market Trust (4/12); folk legends The Kingston Trio (4/17); and Musicfest audience favorites Ann Hampton Callaway (4/20) and Tony DeSare (4/24).  The series concludes with the Festival Orchestra Chamber Players (5/1), comprised of musicians from some of the nation’s finest orchestras. Maestro Robert Moody leads the ensemble with acclaimed guest piano soloist Cathal Breslin.  For its outdoor concert series, Arizona Musicfest will adhere to COVID-19 safety and mitigation protocols. More details about Musicfest’s COVID-19 safety plans and can be found on the organization’s website.  For Tickets: (480) 422-8449 / azmusicfest.org.

2021 'MUSICFEST OUTDOORS' CONCERT LISTINGS:  (click show titles or pictures below to be redirected to concert webpages) THE EVERLY BROTHERS EXPERIENCE              Sat. Mar 27 at 1pm and 4:30pm Musicfest Performance Pavilion at Highlands Church $45 ∙ $30               Celebrate the pivotal music and legendary history of The Everly Brothers with a concert that pays tribute to the Brothers’ iconic sound and reminds us of the important role that Don and Phil Everly played in pioneering the rock n' roll movement.  Hit tunes including Wake Up Little Susie, All I Have To Do Is Dream, Cathy’s Clown and Bye Bye Love come to life when brothers Zachary and Dylan Zmed honor the band’s legacy with The Everly Brothers Experience. THE BLACK MARKET TRUST  Mon. Apr 12 at 2pm and 5:30pm Musicfest Performance Pavilion at Highlands Church $45 ∙ $30 Self-described as a “Smithsonian of American music” The Black Market Trust ensemble performs an eclectic and familiar mix of jazz, swing, rock, and blues standards, all infused with a fresh European gypsy sound. Featuring acoustic instruments, intricate five-part vocal harmonies and a dash of Rat Pack-style comedy, the Black Market Trust is an innovative and entertaining musical throwback to a bygone era. “This band reminds you just how right music can be ” NPR THE KINGSTON TRIO  Sat. Apr 17 at 2pm and 5:30pm Musicfest Performance Pavilion at Highlands Church $45 ∙ $30        From popular hits Tom Dooley and Where Have All the Flowers Gone, to Five Hundred Miles and MTA, join the legendary trio for an entertaining afternoon of nostalgia and beloved favorites.  All three current members, Mike Marvin, Tim Gorelangton and Don Marovich, have intrinsic links to and experience with the original ensemble.  Their personal memories recall the iconic trio’s performances and journey as folk music made its extraordinary ascent to the pinnacle of popular culture – and the top of the music charts. ANN HAMPTON CALLAWAY  Sat. Apr 17 at 2pm and 5:30pm Musicfest Performance Pavilion at Highlands Church $45 ∙ $30 Celebrated cabaret star Ann Hampton Callaway is joined by her quartet for a special performance featuring hits by some of the great female divas of all time.  A Musicfest audience favorite, Callaway is one of the leading champions of the Great American Songbook, having made her mark as a singer, pianist,  songwriter, lyricist, arranger, actress, educator, TV host and producer.  An award winning composer and Tony award nominee, Callaway is best known for writing and singing the theme song to the hit TV series The Nanny and for composing multiple songs made popular by Barbra Streisand. TONY DESARE Sat. Apr 24 at 2pm and 5:30pm Musicfest Performance Pavilion at Highlands Church $45 ∙ $30 Contemporary crooner and pianist extraordinaire Tony DeSare performs an exhilarating concert featuring music of the American Songbook, rock and roll, Tin Pan Alley and more!  A quintessential performer with a warm and humorous stage presence, DeSare has won critical and popular acclaim from Las Vegas to Carnegie Hall and from his appearances with major symphony orchestras to his performances on the CBS Early Show and The Today Show.                FESTIVAL ORCHESTRA CHAMBER PLAYERS May 1, 2021 at 2pm and 5:30pm           Pinnacle Presbyterian Church Sanctuary Patio            $45 Maestro Robert Moody leads the Festival Orchestra Chamber Players, a select group of the nation’s finest orchestral musicians, in a special intimate concert experience.  Featured works include Elgar’s virtuosic Introduction and Allegro for Strings, Aaron Copland’s beloved Appalachian Spring and Beethoven’s elegant and heroic Piano Concerto No. 3, in a unique chamber setting featuring acclaimed soloist Cathal Breslin. PRESS/PATRON ALERT: Due to uncertainties related to COVID-19, all artists, performance dates and other announced elements of Arizona Musicfest’s outdoor concert season are subject to change. Please consult azmusicfest.org for the most current concert season information.

WEEK AT A GLANCE: February 21-February 28

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

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

CLOSING:

OVER THE RIVER & THROUGH THE WOODS 

Hale Centre Theatre 

January 18, 2021 - February 23, 2021

TEA FOR THREE: LADY BIRD, PAT, & BETTY

Stage Left Productions 

February 3-28, 2021

BUDDY: THE BUDDY HOLLY STORY

Copperstage Productions/Fountain Hills Theatre

January 22-February 28, 2021 

OPENING:

CRAZY FOR GERSHWIN 

Arizona Broadway Theatre 

February 26-March 21

DISNEY'S HIGH SCHOOL MUSICAL, JR

Actor's Youth Theatre 

February 25-March 13, 2021

CONCERTS / LIMITED RUNS:

N/A

STILL PLAYING:

CHARLEY'S AUNT 

Hale Centre Theatre 

February 11, 2021 - March 27, 2021

OPENING SOON:

SUPER HEROES 

Stage Left Productions 

March 11-21, 2021

THE MARVELOUS WONDERETTES 

Scottsdale Desert Stages Theatre 

March 12-28. 2021

ROMEO AND JULIET 

Greasepaint Youth Theatre

March 25-27, 2021

THE ODD COUPLE 

Scottsdale Desert Stages Theatre 

April 9 - 25, 2021

THE 25TH ANNUAL PUTNAM COUNTY SPELLING BEE 

Starlight Community Theater 

DATES TBD

ORSON WELLES 

Don Bluth Front Row Theatre 

DATES TBD

reviews - MURDER FOR TWO - The Phoenix Theatre Company

 

Toby Yatso and Seth Tucker
photo by Reg Madison Photography

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

Click here for more information on this production that runs through February 28

"...Local actress and musician Michelle Chin...makes an auspicious directorial debut. With smart staging choices and wise character decisions that add moments of humor to the already hilarious script, Chin's direction is perfect....With just the addition of a simple costume piece or small prop, while also changing his body posture and adding an accent, Toby Yatso delivers a tour de force performance as he seamlessly and effortlessly portrays close to a dozen crazy characters...Seth Tucker is equally good as Marcus, the determined, by-the-numbers policeman... this production gives three local Phoenix actors the chance to show off their skills in a charming, wacky, and highly theatrical production."   -Gil Benbrook, Talkin' Broadway (click here to read the complete review)

"... It’s refreshing to have a nicely staged and expertly performed show with two top-notch actors, local favorite Toby Yatso and Seth Tucker....It’s not the show, with music by Joe Kinosian, lyrics by Kellen Blair, and book by the pair, that makes an entertaining show.  It is the sharp production cleverly and brightly staged by Michelle Chin with visually suggestive Robert Kovach’s set pieces and Kristen Peterson’s cute video projections that help ensure success...." -Chris Curcio, Curtain Up Phoenix (click here to read the complete review)

"...In her directorial debut, Michelle Chin created the perfect amount of staging and choreography and mostly just let Tucker and Yatso explore their characters, calling upon the talent and training that makes them among the most sought-after Arizona-based talent....an actor's vehicle and light entertainment perfect for these times. It is not likely to end up in the Library of Congress as great American musical theater, but it is fun and definitely a great way to venture back into a safe place to see live theatre at its best...."  - Broadway World (click here to read the complete review)

Video Auditions (ages 15-25) being accepted through March 8 for TICK TICK BOOM! at Scottsdale Desert Stages Theatre

TICK, TICK...BOOM! by Jonathon Larson, creator of RENT.  

Directed by Award-winning directors MARK and LYNZEE 4MAN.

Ages 15-25

ACCEPTING VIDEO AUDITIONS NOW THRU MONDAY, MARCH 8, 6pm

- IN-PERSON CALLBACKS will be Saturday, March 20, 6–10pm

- 2nd Callbacks, if necessary, will be Sunday, March 21

- REHEARSALS begin Tuesday, MARCH 23

- NO MONDAY NIGHT REHEARSALS

- SHOW DATES: MAY 7 - 16, 2021

Video auditions will be accepted now through Monday, March 8, 6pm. Please prepare two 16-bar cuttings in the style of 90’s Contemporary or a similar genre.

Submit your AUDITION VIDEO and REGISTRATION FORM HERE or email it to auditions@desertstages.org

Callbacks will consist of cold readings and songs from the TTB score. Songs and sides will be posted on Monday, March 15. Please be prepared for everything, but we may make cuts throughout the night.

You will need to have a COVID TEST with a negative result 3 days prior to your in-person audition. Do your best to quarantine once you have the test. Safety will be priority #1 as we continue to bring MUSIC back to the DST stage!

SUPER HEROES - Stage Left Productions - March 11-21, 2021

For superheroes, saving the world is tough, but the time spent away from work is tougher. The Hulk has to do taxes, a crime-fighting sidekick joins a support group, and Batman goes stir-crazy without enough criminals to take down. SUPERHEROES is a funny, fast-paced series of vignettes that explores how the caped crusaders deal with life in street clothes.

CLICK HERE for more information, and to purchase tickets

review - CHARLEY'S AUNT - Hale Centre Theatre

Emily Noxon, Ben Emerick, Jeff Deglow and Brandon Caraco
photo by Nick Woodward-Shaw

 

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

Click here for more information on this production that runs through March 27

"... Hale Centre Theatre's production is a charmer, with a cast who throw themselves into the shenanigans on stage, gorgeous creative elements, and sure-footed direction that keeps the audience laughing throughout....Under Jere Van Patten's practically perfect direction, the cast is appropriately silly without ever veering too close to being over-the-top with their portrayals or adding any unnecessary indulgences which could result in a slowing down of the breakneck pace of the play. Also, Van Patten's staging makes good use of the various backstage and lobby entrances, and he lets the comic moments build naturally. Jeff Deglow delivers a winning performance...With a cast who beautifully embrace the comedy in the script, perfect direction, and excellent creative aspects, Hale's production of Charley's Aunt is a fun, lighthearted farce with an abundance of charm and wit."   -Gil Benbrook, Talkin' Broadway (click here to read the complete review)