Monday, May 30, 2022

WEEK AT A GLANCE: May 30-June 5, 2022

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



CLOSING:




promo photos - CHILDREN OF EDEN - TheaterWorks
















photos courtesy TheatreWorks

Saturday, May 28, 2022

Auditions for THE IMPORTANCE OF BEING EARNEST at Scottsdale Desert Stages Theatre announced for June 7



Casting actors 16+

THE IMPORTANCE OF BEING EARNEST
A DST Actor's Cafe Production
Directed by Van Rockwell

Looking for performers with Comedic Timing, Lively Facial Expressions, Humility, and Looking To Have Fun. Any feelings of ‘Earnest’ being a serious drama like Downton Abbey are hugely mistaken. Plus… no British accent required.

Complete the google audition registration form at 
https://bit.ly/DSTEarnestAuditions by Monday, June 6.  Sides will be forwarded upon receipt of registration form.

COLD READINGS will take place Tuesday, June 7, 7-10pm, at DST.  
CALLBACKS will take place on Wednesday, June 8,  7-10pm, at DST.
REHEARSALS will begin Monday, June 13, and will typically run Monday-Thursday, 7-10pm.  
ORIENTATION: Monday, June 13, 7pm.
NO CONFLICTS ALLOWED: July 16 - 22.
RUN DATES: July 22 - August 14, 2022.

No roles have been pre-cast. Actors of all races, ethnicities, sizes, abilities, and genders (conforming and non-conforming) are highly encouraged to audition.

Masks may be required during rehearsals.

Friday, May 27, 2022

Paradise Valley Community College's 2022 / 2023 Season!


Theatre Production Season
2022-2023



A Midsummer Night’s Dream 
by William Shakespeare 
Directed by Maren Maclean Mascarelli

The renowned comedic play finds the world of humans intersecting with the realm of magic. The lovely Hermia is to wed Demetrius, but she truly cares for Lysander. Hermia's friend, Helena, is in love with Demetrius, while other romantic entanglements abound in the woods, with married fairy rulers Titania and Oberon toying with various lovers and each other. 

Center for the Performing Arts November 11, 12, 18, 19 at 7:00pm and 13 & 20 at 2:00pm 
Ticket prices: Tickets: $15 adults; $13 seniors/staff/military; $8 students; $8 child
Prices include all fees whether in-person or on-line


Advanced Directing Student Shows

Each year in our Studio Theatre we have opportunities for our students to direct One Act plays or Full length plays if they are directing a second time.  There is always a wonderful variety and even some original works written by the directors.  Titles and their specific performance dates will be announced sometime in October.

Studio Theatre- February 17, 18, 24, 25 at 7:00pm and 19 & 26 at 2:00pm
Tickets: $6 including fees (donations welcome)


The Mousetrap 
by Agatha Christie 
Directed by Gary Zaro

Brimming with intrigue, sophisticated humor and surprising twists, Agatha Christie's iconic murder mystery – about a group of strangers trapped during a snowstorm – is the world’s most successful and longest-running play.  

CPA- April 14, 15, 21, 22 at 7:00 and 16 & 23 at 2:00pm
Tickets: Tickets: $15 adults; $13 seniors/staff/military; $8 students; $8 child Prices include all fees whether in-person or on-line


Legally Blonde 
music and lyrics by Laurence O'Keefe and Nell Benjamin and book by Heather Hach 
directed by Andrea Robertson

A fabulously fun award-winning musical based on the adored movie, Legally Blonde The Musical, follows the transformation of Elle Woods as she tackles stereotypes and scandal in pursuit of her dreams. Action-packed and exploding with memorable songs and dynamic dances - this musical is so much fun, it should be illegal!

CPA- June 16, 17, 23, 24 at 7:30 and 18 & 25 at 2:00pm
Tickets: Tickets: $18 adults; $15 seniors/staff/military; $10 students; $8 child
Prices include all fees whether in-person or on-line


Theatre Artists Studio presents "COME HOME" TO THE STUDIO WITH MATT ROLLINGS AND FRIENDS on June 4



MATT ROLLINGS & Friends “Come Home” to The Studio

Just imagine: A handful of home-grown music artists, among the best and brightest to ever shine in Phoenix, now nationally and internationally known singers, songwriters and producing artists. Reunited. All performing in a welcoming, intimate venue together. Jazz. Soulful Country. Piano magic. 

One night only.

Matt Rollings:  Grammy-winning producer, musician, arranger, songwriter.  Matt has been a valued and sought-after collaborator with the likes of Lyle Lovett, Willie Nelson, Bruce Springsteen, Billy Joel, The Dixie Chicks,  Allison Krauss  and many more.

Ray Herndon:  Singer, songwriter and acclaimed guitarist, founding member of McBride & The Ride, guitar and vocals for Lyle Lovett.  Phoenix locals will remember Ray at his family's Handlebar J  hangout in Scottsdale and at the famous Mr. Lucky's. 

Dennis Rowland:  "Voice" of The Count Basie Orchestra, he's performed with Ella Fitzgerald,  Sarah Vaughn, Tony Bennett and George Benson.  Dennis has sung around the world, sharing his vocal stylings in England, Spain, Germany, Russia and Scandinavia.  

Special performances by Sabrina Rollings, Jeff Rollings and Judy Rollings.  (According to Studio insiders, “Booze, Food, Fun and Prizes” will be served up as well.) Proceeds will go to paying off The Studio’s debt resulting from Covid-19 shutdowns. 

“COME HOME” TO THE STUDIO
A Benefit for Theatre Artists Studio
WHEN:  Saturday, June 4, 2022 at 6:30 p.m.
WHERE:  Theatre Artists Studio, Scottsdale

Thursday, May 26, 2022

review - THE LIGHTNING THIEF: THE PERCY JACKSON MUSICAL - Spotlight Youth Theatre

Landon Kalin, Owen Donsker, Zoie Moller, and Cast
Photo by Robert Waller

 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 May 29

"...set in a world where Greek gods are real, they have kids, and their kids have issues. It's a fun coming-of-age musical that both fans of the books (or of the two film adaptations) and fans of fantasy and teen angst will enjoy. With a cast who deliver winning performances of these archetypical characters, an abundance of high-soaring musical numbers, and plenty of humor, Spotlight Youth Theatre's production is a knock-out...."   -Gil Benbrook, Talkin' Broadway (click here to read the complete review)

Fountain Hills 2022 Summer Theater Camps Start Next Week!




Join Fountain Hills Theater's new Director of Education Debby Rosenthal for a summer chock full of fun theater camps!

Camps are limited to only 25 students, so your child won't get lost in the crowd, and Fountain Hills Theater is closer than you think!

Just a 15 minute drive from 104th St. & Shea in Scottsdale & only 15 minutes from Gilbert Rd & McKellips!

All camps take place at Fountain Hills Theater, 11445 N Saguaro Blvd. Fountain Hills, AZ. Phone: 480-837-9661 x3.

photos - WATER FOR BREAKFAST - B3 Theater




Why is it so difficult to be honest with ourselves? Water for Breakfast follows the stories of 5 teachers who work at the same school. One night, each of them is met with unique and perhaps supernatural challenges, and they must convince the most cynical self-doubters to confront reality — themselves. A dark comedy about facing inner and outer demons, Water for Breakfast is an adaptation of several classic Croatian folktales with a devilish, contemporary spin.

WATER FOR BREAKFAST by John Perovich
5/27, 5/28 + 5/29 at 7PM
ASU Kerr  


reviews - THE REVOLUTIONISTS - Stage Left Productions

Suze St. John, Katryce Bridges, Cindy Covington, and Jillian Walker
Photo by Rodney Rickard

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


"...Stage Left Productions is currently presenting...The Revolutionists in a spirited, funny, and ultimately moving production that features a crackerjack cast and solid direction....Director Cody Dull has assembled a gifted quartet of actresses...Cindy Covington's Olympe de Gouges is determined but also unsure how to write the important play about women and history that she wants to write. ...Katryce Bridges is wonderful as Marianne Angelle, the woman who seems to be the most understanding of the four to the reality of what's going on around them....Jillian Walker makes an auspicious Stage Left debut as Charlotte Corday, the rough, intense, young female assassin out to kill a man in the name of justice. ...With total control and a complete understanding of her character, Suze St. John is simply superb as Marie-Antoinette. ..."   -Gil Benbrook, Talkin' Broadway (click here to read the complete review)

"...As Olympe, Cindy Covington's animated performance keeps things moving frenetically along. As Marianne, Katryce Bridges brings just the right amount of sass and sincerity. As Charlotte, Jillian Walker delivers a do-or-die performance. And as Queen Marie, Suze St. John serves up royal laughs and a few insights. From a production standpoint, set designer Leroy Timblin makes the most of his versatile, multi-level set; Cody Dull and Suze St. John spare no fabric for their award-worthy costumes; and Lisa Kurvink's hair and make up round out the French Rev-illusion...."  - Lee Cooley, Broadway World (click here to read the complete review)

Wednesday, May 25, 2022

Escape the heat with 3 great summer musicals at Studio 3 - Audition Videos due by May 28

Escape the heat with 3 great summer musicals at Studio 3!

Willy Wonka (rehearsals June 6-17 from 9am-4pm. Performances June 16-18)

Moana Jr (rehearsals June 20-July 1. Performances June 30-July 2)

Newsies Jr (rehearsals July 5-16. Performances July 14-16)

All audition videos are due by May 28. You may audition for a specific role or the show in general. (if you are only accepting a specific role, please let us know on your audition submission form. Open to ages 6-17. There is a participation fee for this summer intensive production, but some scholarships are available. We are also opening up additional scholarships in each show for kids whose parents are willing do volunteer hours to help with the set, props, and costumes.

For all the details: 

Submit your audition video:

Tuesday, May 24, 2022

ROALD DAHL'S WILLY WONKA, JR - Scottsdale Desert Stages Theatre - July 1-July 10, 2022


 
WILLY WONKA JUNIOR follows enigmatic candy manufacturer Willy Wonka as he stages a contest by hiding golden tickets in five of his scrumptious candy bars. Whomever comes up with these tickets will win a free tour of the Wonka factory, as well as a lifetime supply of candy. Four of the five winning children are insufferable brats, but the fifth is a likeable young lad named Charlie Bucket, who takes the tour in the company of his equally amiable grandfather. The children must learn to follow Mr. Wonka's rules in the factory or suffer the consequences.

Masks are optional. The 1st Sunday Matinee performance is a Mask Required for our guests who prefer extra Covid Precautions.

Willy Wonka/Candy Man - Isaac Greenland
Charlie Bucket - Lucas Moran
Grandpa Joe - Jacob Maddock
Grandma Georgina - Izzi Haber
Grandma Josephina - Sonali Ellis
Grandpa George - Braxton Turner
Mr. Bucket - Jude Falcusan
Mrs. Bucket - Leah Brown
Matilda - Ava Seidensticker (u/s Mike)
Jamie - Avaani Lallian
Phineous Trout - Serena Shorey
Augustus Gloop - Landry Boquist
Mrs. Gloop - Aether Lottie
Veruca Salt - Camy Richards
Mr. Salt - TBD
Violet Beauregarde - Santhana Rajasundaram
Mrs. Beauregarde - Makenna Douglas
Ms. Teavee - Bailey Hodgins
Mike Teavee - Hudson Hubbell (u/s Charlie)

Ensemble:
Briley Greer (u/s Phineous)
Katherine Mai
Kennah Kavanaugh (u/s Jamie)
Levi Crosser
Lilliana Rodriguez
Rohan Shah
Sawyer Smith
Theydii Perez (u/s Matilda)

Roald Dahl's WILLY WONKA JUNIOR, directed by Morgan Goldberg, opens at Desert Stages Theatre on Friday, July 1, and runs through Sunday, July 10.  Tickets are $20 per person, on sale NOW at https://bit.ly/DSTWonkaTix!

Hale Centre Theatre's 2022 / 2023 Season!



Hale Centre Theatre is excited to announce their 2022-2023 Season! 

They will be holding open auditions for each show, and extend a special invitation for all races and ethnicities to audition. The season begins in August and they can’t wait to get started! 




LUCKY STIFF 
Aug 18 - Oct 1, 2022

From the authors of My Favorite Year and Ragtime comes this zany, offbeat, murder mystery
farce. An English shoe salesman who’s set to inherit $6,000,000 is forced to take the corpse of
his recently murdered uncle on a weeklong vacation to Monte Carlo where he must pass him off
as alive or else lose the money! The proceedings are sheer lunacy and hilarity! 




WAIT UNTIL DARK 
Sep 20 - Nov 22, 2022

A sinister con man and two ex-convicts are about to meet their match after tracing a valuable
doll to the apartment of a blind woman. The men hatch a plot against her, but she uncovers their
charade and a deadly game of cat and mouse ensues. This play inspired the captivating Audrey
Hepburn movie and remains one of the finest suspense tales in history.




SISTER ACT 
Oct 6 - Nov 26, 2022

When disco diva Deloris van Cartier witnesses a murder, she’s put into protective custody at a
convent! Disguised as a nun, she finds herself at odds with both the rigid lifestyle and uptight
Mother Superior. Deloris breathes new life into the church, but in doing so blows her cover.
Powerful gospel music, outrageous dancing and a truly moving story!




A CHRISTMAS CAROL 
Dec 1 - Dec 26, 2022

A Hale Holiday Classic! Our spectacular, heart-warming version of Dickens’ classic tale of
redemption is magically brought to life. This production is rich with traditional carols, stunning
costumes, and memorable characters that are guaranteed to enrich the holiday season for you
and your family. Now celebrating its 20th year in Gilbert!




THE HIT 
Dec 30, 2022 - Feb 11, 2023

When you hire a hitman, hire a professional. But whatever you do, don’t fall in love! When
Susan receives earth-shattering news, a plan is hatched to save her from a slow death by
cancer and to leave a life insurance payout to her brother. Ring in the New Year with this highly
entertaining laugh-out-loud comedy of love, family, and attempted assassination!




THE ANDREWS BROTHERS 
Jan 17 - Mar 7, 2023

A USO performance from the Andrews Sisters is in jeopardy when they fail to appear.
Thankfully, three earnest stagehands are determined to go on with the show! The Andrews
Brothers is filled to the brim with 30 songs made famous by the Andrews Sisters and other top
artists of the era in this WWII show of mistaken identities and madcap adventures.



42ND STREET 
Feb 16 - Apr 1, 2023

The stakes are high when a young chorus girl from Allentown, PA is given the once-in-a-lifetime
chance to become a star. 42nd Street recalls the classic days of Broadway and the golden age
of movie musicals with sensational tap numbers, lavish costumes, and one show-stopping tune
after another! You’ll be entertained from the first note to the final tap!




THE GAZEBO 
Mar 21 - May 23, 2023

This comedy/thriller has kept audiences guessing since it opened! A writer of TV whodunnits
with an eye for inventing the perfect crime finds himself trying to pull off the perfect crime to
protect his wife who is being blackmailed. Filled with intrigue, mystery, and sheer hilarity—you’ll
love the clever twists and turns of this unique whodunnit! Debbie Reynolds and Glen Ford
starred in this hit movie.



THE UNSINKABLE MOLLY BROWN 
Apr 6 - May 13, 2023

The spirited tale of a legendary, real-life American who blooms from a back-woods twig to
world-renowned socialite and philanthropist. Molly Brown’s undaunted determination to survive
the sinking of the Titanic earned her the famous title! This brilliant rework of a Broadway classic
has charmed audiences with its irresistible story and rousing score!




BYE BYE BIRDIE 
May 18 - Jul 1, 2023

It’s 1960 and hip-swingin’ teen heartthrob, rock-and-roll superstar Conrad Birdie has been
drafted into the army. His manager cooks up a plan to send him off in style, with a swell new
song and one last kiss from a lucky teenage fan on The Ed Sullivan Show. Featuring beloved
songs such as “Put on A Happy Face,” “Spanish Rose,” and “A Lot of Livin’ To Do.”




SILENT SKY 
Jun 13 - Aug 8, 2023

An astonishing true story! When Henrietta Leavitt begins work at Harvard Observatory in the
early 1900s, she isn’t allowed to touch a telescope. She attempts to measure the light and
distance of stars, but must also measure her life on Earth, and balance her dedication to
science amidst family obligations and love. Filled with humor, hope and discovery!




BEAUTY AND THE BEAST 
Jul 7 - Aug 19, 2023

“Be Our Guest” and join us for a captivating and amazing production of Disney’s magical and
rousing Beauty and the Beast! Be enchanted as Belle, Gaston, the Beast, and their friends sing
Menken, Ashman, and Rice’s time-honored score. Stunning costumes, staging, and special
effects will delight young and old from start to finish in this rousing story