Wednesday, March 31, 2021

reviews - SHOUT! THE MOD MUSICAL - Arizona Broadway Theatre

 
Blair Beasley, Kait Russell, Maris McCulley, Amanda Valenzuela, and Harley Barton
photo by Kat Barnes

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 April 18

"As the 1960s saw the rise of women's liberation, the dawn of sexual awakening, and the understanding that the idea of self-help and self-discovery could be incredibly beneficial, the rock and pop music of the period, notably the songs made famous around the world by a group of UK solo female artists, helped to define the decade. The jukebox musical SHOUT! The Mod Musical features more than two dozen well-known songs from the '60s made famous by such popular artists as Petula Clark, Dusty Springfield, Shirley Bassey, and Lulu, depicting the individual journeys of a quintet of young women with the lyrics from the songs providing commentary and insight into their lives. Arizona Broadway Theatre's production features five sensational actresses, sharp direction, fun choreography, and gorgeous creative elements which result in an upbeat, charming, and crowd-pleasing production. It also proves to be one of the better jukebox musicals as, while it's a fun show and there isn't much of a plot, there is a lot of "meat" to the stories of the women involved, especially as the show touches upon some serious and meaningful topics....All five of the women in the cast have excellent singing voices and they each get plenty of chances to show off their super vocal abilities. Director Seth Tucker does a beautiful job of making sure the comic moments pop and the serious scenes are meaningful...not only a nostalgic trip back in time to swinging 1960s London, but also a rich journey into the lives of five unique women."   -Gil Benbrook, Talkin' Broadway (click here to read the complete review)

"Five richly talented singers rock the stage in Arizona Broadway Theatre's production of SHOUT! THE MOD MUSICAL, Phillip George and David Lowenstein's 2004 tribute to the solid gold singles of the '60's. ... The hits of the era speak to their personal challenges, their aspirations and complicated relationships, and their eventual growth. ...Harley Barton...rips through her songs with a roar. Her rendition of Dusty Springfield's classic, Son of a Preacher Man is downright stage-shaking. Kait Russell is the live wire with a flair for flirtation. Maris McCulley plays...a self-absorbed fashion model with an emerging sense of her sexual preference. Amanda Valenzuela is ...the quirky, self-conscious, and starry-eyed school girl whose ode To Sir With Love would make Lulu proud....Blair Beasley imbues (her character) with a zest and power that is most fully expressed in her emotionally gripping take on another Springfield hit, You Don't Have To Say You Love Me...."   Herbert Paine, Broadway World (click here to read the complete review)

Tuesday, March 30, 2021

Childsplay Seeks Creative and Enthusiastic Teaching Artists, Assistant Teachers and Student Interns for their 2021 Summer Academy


Childsplay Academy creates education programs that center young people in the process of artistic discovery and courageous empathy. Programs focus on cultivating student’s love for the performing arts, igniting their collaborative creativity, and developing life skills to improve our world.

Childsplay seeks a team of creative and enthusiastic Teaching Artists, Assistant Teachers, and Student Interns for 2021 Summer Academy education Programs. Classes begin June 1st and continue through July 30th. Follow the links to view the full job description and instructions on how to apply.

DINNER WITH SPIES - Starlight Community Theater - April 2-3, 2021


Join us for this original production of espionage and friendship. Written by Spencer Gibson and co-directed by him and Susan Gibson (that's his mom!), Dinner With Spies is sure to be a delicious treat. 

This online production is about Ethan, a young college graduate who has lived a secret life as a spy away from others. After discovering one of the enemy spies he is searching for is one of his friends from college, he arranges a dinner party to discover who it is. Not only does he have a mission, but also must explain his five year absence to his best friends from college. Twists and unexpected events keep Ethan guessing throughout this mission.

The show streams live on April 2nd (7:00 p.m.) and 3rd (2:00 p.m.). 

THE CAST:

ETHAN - Matthew Eads
OLIVIA - Harleigh Irizarry
JUSTIN - Alec Merrill
KARA - Quinlyn Ashlock
KYLE - Joshua Merrill

BROADWAY PERSPECTIVES: A Concert Celebrating Diversity - Scottsdale Center for the Performing Arts - April 3, 2021


Socially Distanced Seating | Virginia G. Piper Theater
Livestream Option

Broadway Perspectives: A Concert Celebrating Diversity

A brand-new Broadway cabaret featuring some of Broadway’s top Black artists performing their signature works in addition to the roles that Black artists have not traditionally played.

Saturday, Apr. 3, 2021, 8 p.m.

Broadway Perspectives: A Concert Celebrating Diversity is created exclusively for the Center by New York casting director/producer Stephen DeAngelis featuring Doug Eskew (Five Guys Names MoeThe Color PurpleAin’t Misbehavin’Truly Blessed), Lana Gordon (ChicagoJesus Christ SuperstarThe Lion King), Jelani Remy (Ain’t Too Proud: The Life and Times of the TemptationsSmokey Joe’s CaféThe Lion King); and Syndee Winters (HamiltonThe Lion KingPippinMotown the Musical). The evening will also include a special appearance by Arizona’s own Alexandra Ncube (The Book of Mormon). Musical director will be Darnell White (Revelation The Musical and the film adaptation of Gospel at Colonus). White has collaborated with a number of noted artists including Melba Moore, Brian McKnight, Angela Birchett, Carlton Jumel Smith, and many more.

These four Broadway artists of color will display their versatility and share personal stories that enrich their narrative and provide new and exciting perspectives.

The evening will showcase musical selections from HamiltonAin’t Too Proud: The Life and Times of the TemptationsThe Lion KingRagtimeThe WizThe Color PurpleChicagoThe Book of MormonAidaAin’t Misbehavin’Smokey Joe’s CaféFive Guys Named Moe; and more.

Join us for an evening celebrating these performers’ identities through their art, where they’ll recreate their most memorable musical performances and honoring the icons that came before them.

In-person  performance is almost sold out.

Saturday, March 27, 2021

photos - THE SOUND OF MUSIC - Zao Theatre

 CLICK HERE for more information on this production, which runs through April 17















photos by Mickey Bryce

Almost Famous Theatre Company presents CINDERELLA SUMMER CAMP!


from our friends at Almost Famous Theatre Company:

Almost Famous Theatre Company presents Cinderella Summer Camp

We are ready to whip up some summertime magic!

AFTC’s very own fairy godmother, Tristin Miller, will be directing and our favorite Maestro, 
John Luke Osorio, will be music directing.  

That’s all day, every day with these talented, musical theater educators! 

Place: Scottsdale/TBD
Time: 9 am to 3pm
Teen class age 13-18
Youth class ages 8-12

Dates: June 1-June 25- Monday through Friday (except for Memorial Day)

Performances on Friday, June 25 & Saturday, June 26.

4 Week Session Fee: $600
Advance purchase discount by March 31, $500

Ask about weekly drop-in rates and/or non-performance options.

Class size will be limited.

We adhere to all CDC guidelines.
Temp checks, masks, social distancing. 

Let’s have a BALL!!!!

Participants will enjoy a safe, creative and supportive environment.

Mornings will be spent learning music, dance, characterization and improvisation games. 

Afternoons will focus on rehearsal for Rodgers & Hammerstein’s Getting To Know Cinderella

Pinnacle Creative Arts offers Live Streaming Ticket Option for ALL SHOOK UP this weekend!



There are 4 remaining performances for Pinnacle Creative Arts' production of ALL SHOOK UP  and they are offering a live streaming ticket option to give even more opportunities to catch it, in addition to socially distanced live even tickets

Get your tickets here:

Friday, March 26, 2021

Valley Youth Theatre to stream their 2019 production of THEY CHOSE ME! on April 3, 9 and 11


Valley Youth Theatre will stream their 2019 production of They Chose Me!, a musical written to create understanding and acceptance among and for children who are adopted or in the foster care system, on three dates in April. 

Written by adoptive parent Ned Paul Ginsburg and Michael Colby and featuring 23 young performers from around the Valley, They Chose Me! will stream at noon on Saturday, April 3; at 7 p.m. on Friday, April 9; and at 12:30 p.m. on Sunday, April 11. Tickets are $22.50 per household and on sale now at www.vyt.com.

Valley Youth Theatre’s producing artistic director, Bobb Cooper, premiered the work in Arizona in 2013 and produced the show again in October 2019.

“In an effort to provide our audiences with a magical theatre experience until we can return to live performances, we are streaming our 2019 production of They Chose Me!,” said Cooper. “This has been a very difficult year for us all and we have to believe it has been even more difficult on our foster care and adoption community. We felt this would be a great opportunity to reach out to our audiences with a very powerful, impactful and uplifting musical!” 

The musical takes a realistic look at foster care and adoption through the voices of young people who have experienced numerous aspects of the child welfare system. From enduring challenging foster situations and learning that they’re adopted to living with single-parent, same-sex parent and multi-racial families, the show is often funny, always heartwarming and ultimately inspirational. 

“Once again, we’re taking a risk with a production that delivers a meaningful and important message,” added Cooper. “They Chose Me hasn’t been a smash hit on Broadway, it isn’t based on a popular movie or television show and it doesn’t come from a classic fairy tale. What it does do, however, is help audiences understand the many kinds of families that exist and encourage them to accept those who may not have the same kind of family they do.”

Cooper, who grew up in the foster care system, is the recipient of the 2021 Lifetime Achievement Award from the 40th Annual Governor’s Arts Awards. The award honors his lifelong commitment to serving young people – a commitment born of his own experiences in the child welfare system.  

“Theatre saved my life,” Cooper said. “Even when everything else was going wrong, theatre made me feel like I was worthy and had purpose. My purpose at VYT is to ensure children have a similar positive experience, and it’s why They Chose Me! is so close to my heart.”

They Chose Me! was directed by Cooper, with musical supervision by Mark Fearey, choreography by Nathalie Velasquez, costume design by Karol Cooper and musical direction by Tristan Peterson-Steinert. Cast members, three of whom are adopted, are from Phoenix, Paradise Valley, Scottsdale, Fountain Hills, Guadalupe, Goodyear, Gilbert, Glendale and Buckeye. 

Talking to the Women of SHOUT! at Arizona Broadway Theatre, which opens tonight and runs through April 18

Harley Barton, Kait Russell, Amanda Valenzuela, Blair Beasley and Maris McCulley
in Shout!, the Mod Musical
photo courtesy Arizona Broadway Theatre

by Gil Benbrook

Shout! the Mod Musical is a charming and upbeat, jukebox musical revue that also serves as a nostalgic trip through swinging 1960s London. It features dozens of songs from that period, including such famous tunes as "To Sir with Love," "Downtown," "Son of a Preacher Man" and "Goldfinger." The show also pays tribute to such iconic pop female icons who originally performed these tunes, including  Dusty Springfield, Petula Clark and Cilla Blac. The show, while whimsical, also touches upon the themes of female liberation and empowerment.

Arizona Broadway Theatre's production of this show opens tonight, and runs through April 18th.  The women who make up the ABT cast sat down to answer some questions about the musical, the time period it represents, as well as the famous female pop singers that are represented in the show 


Harley Barton 

How familiar were you with the women and the songs in the show before rehearsals started?

"I was very familiar with these women and classic fun songs! Dusty Springfield 'Preacher Man' was one of my mom's favorites so I grew up listening to her and I am just so honored and hope to do justice to such an icon! "

Did you do any research on the period, the women or these songs? And what have you learned about them during the rehearsal process?

"I have always been fascinated with the 60s and 70s time period. I went to school for musical theater in New York City and a few things we learned there were about the golden age and how to portray gestures, the way woman were taught to hold themselves and proper etiquette so that has trained me and set me up for success to go into a show such as “SHOUT!” "

Do you have a favorite moment or song in the show, and what is significant about it?

"I’ll try not to spoil too much, but one of my favorite moments of the entire show is the musical number 'SHOUT!' It stands for so much. I have really made a personal connection to every song but the lyrics in particular make for such strong bold actions to play for the audience to see and enjoy!"

Since you've performed in various ABT shows before, what do you like most about coming back to perform at ABT?

"I have performed 3 shows with ABT, SHOUT! being my fourth! What I enjoy about performing at ABT is the safety precautions they have taken to make each and every member of the audience, actors, (etc...) feel comfortable especially trying to come out of a pandemic. They’re always on our side and want the best for us! I am so honored to be back on the ABT stage where they have given me an opportunity to do what I love most!"

What do you hope ABT audiences will take away from seeing SHOUT! A Mod Musical? 

"Apart from smiles & sore cheeks from the time period jokes, it would be to be you & overcome those stereotypes because there’s no wrong way when it comes to being your true unfiltered self!"

 
Blair Beasley

How familiar were you with the women and the songs in the show before rehearsals started?

"I was familiar with Dusty Springfield but not as much Petula Clark or Cilla Black. There were certain songs that I’ve heard before but the majority of the score was pretty new to me. It’s amazing to know just how many songs were recorded by these women."

Did you do any research on the period, the women or these songs? And what have you learned about them during the rehearsal process?

"It was recommended for us to listen to the original recordings of these songs in order to become more familiar with the sound and the tone that we should emulate. For me, I spent a decent amount of time listening to Dusty Springfield- as I sing a lot of her material in the show. Listening to her definitely helped me find more of that sultry and Smokey vocal quality in my voice and that ultimately, adds to the various colors that you’ll be hearing throughout the show."

Do you have a favorite moment or song in the show, and what is significant about it? 

" 'Don’t Give Up' is one of my favorite numbers in the show! It’s a solid group number featuring some fun staging and vocal arrangements as well. It has an encouraging message to never give up on yourself and love. Even though heartbreak is inevitable, you will always find your way back to love. Overall, it’s a super fun number to sing every night. It’s now become one of those songs that I sing around the house or while I’m in the car."

Since you've performed in various ABT shows before, what do you like most about coming back to perform at ABT?

"What I like about performing at ABT is the positive work atmosphere that is fueled by hard work, creativity and a love for theater and entertainment. Everyone here strives to put on quality productions that are bound to make you laugh, smile and leave the theater with joy and excitement for the arts. From the box office, to wardrobe, to the actors on stage & the creative team behind the scenes, everyone has one goal in mind: to deliver our very best to an audience of theater goers. Now more than ever, it is a privilege to be able to share our gifts and talents with you all and I’m very glad to be back on the ABT stage."

What do you hope ABT audiences will take away from seeing SHOUT! A Mod Musical? 
 
"I hope that everyone leaves with a little more joy and happiness in their hearts. That they have a moment of nostalgia hearing these songs and that they encourage their friends and family to join us for what’s bound to be a good time. We hope to see you there"

Maris McCulley 

How familiar were you with the women and the songs in the show before rehearsals started?

"I was definitely familiar with the Dusty Springfield and Petula Clark songs, and of course the James Bond theme song! I hope the audience enjoys the way the songs are paired together, often in what we affectionately refer to as a 'mashup.' They’ll love hearing these familiar songs in fun, new ways. "

Did you do any research on the period, the women or these songs? And what have you learned about them during the rehearsal process?

"My research was specifically geared toward my character, the Blue Girl, who is very fashion-forward. I looked up all the trend references in my monologues, including 'dolly girls,' fashion designer Mary Quant, the Vidal Sassoon bob, and others. Pinterest was a great help for pictures and inspiration!"

Do you have a favorite moment or song in the show, and what is significant about it? 

"I think my favorite moment is the finale, when all of our characters come together in solidarity. I won’t give anything away, but you’ll understand the impact at the end of the show! Other than that, my favorite moment is our scene together leading into the James Bond theme song, because we get to be silly and laugh at ourselves. "

Since you've performed in various ABT shows before, what do you like most about coming back to perform at ABT?

"I haven’t performed at ABT since 2010! I was in Bye Bye Birdie in 2009 and then Lend Me a Tenor in 2010. Being back at ABT has felt like coming home. I have so many fond memories from those shows. Rehearsing during Covid has presented many unique challenges, and jumping straight into rehearsals after a whole year off from performing was a shock to the system! But our choreographer and director have made this process so much fun and allowed us time and space to play and to find our characters. As I said to my fellow actors, it’s time to make a very colorful comeback!"

What do you hope ABT audiences will take away from seeing SHOUT! A Mod Musical? 

"I hope audiences will see how these women of the 60’s paved the way for women today, and that they can see how our characters change over the course of the show. And I certainly hope they enjoy the music and can find a few songs to tap their foot to, and maybe even sing along!"


Kait Russell

How familiar were you with the women and the songs in the show before rehearsals started?

"As a child I listened to Dusty Springfield with my mother. I was pretty familiar with most of the songs. 'Wives and Lovers' was one of the ones I did some research on and was unfamiliar with. The songs from this era are so lovely. " 

Did you do any research on the period, the women or these songs? And what have you learned about them during the rehearsal process? 

"I absolutely researched these women. In addition to what I already knew about these fab ladies, I've come to understand that these women were leaders of their time. Setting trends and pushing boundaries of what was considered 'acceptable' for women of the time. They paved the way for people like Cher, Madonna and Lady Gaga. Women were looking to role models like Dusty, Petula and Twiggy to be empowered and understood."
 
Do you have a favorite moment or song in the show, and what is significant about it? 

"My favorite moment of the show is undoubtedly, 'Preacherman.' I love listening to Harley belt out the chorus and the choreo is so fun. It's a moment in the show where the women get to assert themselves and claim their sexuality. I love it! " 

Since this is your first time appearing at Arizona Broadway Theatre, what have you found special or unique about the ABT experience? 

"This is my first show at ABT and I have been so encouraged by everyone's kindness and patience, especially coming out of a pandemic! It is a beautiful place to work. " 

What do you hope ABT audiences will take away from seeing SHOUT! A Mod Musical? 

"It's time for people to have fun. I want folks to be whisked away for the hour and ninety minutes we have them. People deserve to laugh and to put their worries away for a bit - we need that more than anything right now. This show touches on some important subjects but in a way that's light, fun and digestible. I think it will be a blast to have people transported back to a time they remember fondly. It's bound to be a bloody good time!"


Amanda Valenzuela

How familiar were you with the women and the songs in the show before rehearsals started?

"Starting this show I knew a little bit about the women of the 60s and 70s like Dusty Springfield and Petula Clark. But this show has definitely introduced me to a lot of songs I’ve never heard of and I’ve loved learning more. "

 Did you do any research on the period, the women or these songs? And what have you learned about them during the rehearsal process? 

"The biggest thing I’ve learned is how empowering the women of these times were. If Twiggy wore something bold and different then other women felt like they could do it as well. It was definitely a time period for women to start standing up and having a bigger voice."

Do you have a favorite moment or song in the show, and what is significant about it? 

"My favorite moment of the show is the power ballad of 'You’re My World' / 'All I See is You.' The whole show has so many upbeat songs and this one is a great change of pace that feels so powerful and romantic."

Since this is your first time appearing at Arizona Broadway Theatre, what have you found special or unique about the ABT experience? 

"This is my first show with Arizona Broadway Theatre, and it’s been a great experience. Especially being my first musical back after the pandemic I appreciate how safe they’ve made us feel and how they made us feel comfortable. It’s a very professional environment that I’m happy to be a part of."
 
What do you hope ABT audiences will take away from seeing SHOUT! A Mod Musical? 

"I hope that the audience enjoy a great escape back to the 60s and have an hour and a half of forgetting about real world problems. "