Tuesday, August 30, 2022

Cast announced for BLITHE SPIRIT at Starlight Community Theater


Edith: Miranda Blum
Ruth: Abeth Spencer
Charles: Cody Bro
Dr. Bradman: Scott Sims
Mrs. Bradman: Carol Gibson
Madame Arcati: Martha Welty
Elvira: Helen Morris

Directed by Eric Schoen

Monday, August 29, 2022

DISNEY'S THE JUNGLE BOOK KIDS - Act One Youth Theatre - September 28 -October 1, 2022

  
Performed at Guild of the Vale
200 N Macdonald, Mesa, AZ 85201

Adapted from Disney's beloved animated film and the works of Rudyard Kipling, the “man cub” Mowgli, bounds through the jungle and learns what it means to be human.

The jungle is jumpin' with a jazzy beat in Disney's The Jungle Book KIDS. Specially adapted from the classic Disney animated film, Disney's The Jungle Book KIDS features a host of colorful characters and your favorite songs from the movie.

Banished by the ferocious tiger, Shere Khan, a human boy named Mowgli and his panther friend, Bagheera, are on the run in the deepest parts of the jungle. On their journey, the two meet a sinister snake named Kaa, a herd of elephants and a giant bear named Baloo, who teaches them the swingin' musical rhythms of the jungle. After surviving a dangerous encounter with a band of monkeys led by King Louie, Mowgli and Bagheera are forced to run for their lives. When Shere Khan returns, our heroes must rally their fellow animals into battle and restore peace throughout the jungle.

LES MISÉRABLES SCHOOL EDITION - Act One Youth Theatre - March 9-12, 2023


Performed at Phoenix Center for the Arts 3rd Street Theater
1202 N 3rd Street, Phoenix, AZ 85004
March 9-12, 2023 

Performances:March 9-12, 2023 at Phoenix Center for the Arts 3rd Street Theater
1202 N 3rd Street, Phoenix, AZ 85004

Winner of over 100 international awards and seen by over 70 million, this musical phenomenon is an epic tale of passion and redemption in the throes of revolution.

Les Misérables is the world’s longest running musical — a true modern classic based on Victor Hugo's novel and featuring one of the most memorable scores of all time. The multi-award-winning Les Misérables is as groundbreaking today as it was when it first premiered in London in 1985. Featuring updated orchestrations based on the Tony-nominated 2014 Broadway revival, Les Misérables School Edition also includes new support materials including a Reference Recording for rehearsals, an enhanced Director’s Guide and an expanded Study Guide.

In nineteenth century France, Jean Valjean is released from years of unjust imprisonment, but finds nothing in store for him but mistrust and mistreatment. He breaks his parole in hopes of starting a new life, initiating a lifelong struggle for redemption as he is relentlessly pursued by police inspector Javert, who refuses to believe Valjean can change his ways. Finally, during the Paris student uprising of 1832, Javert must confront his ideals after Valjean spares his life and saves that of the student revolutionary who has captured the heart of Valjean's adopted daughter.

Epic, grand and uplifting, Les Misérables School Edition packs an emotional wallop that has thrilled audiences all over the world. The sung-through piece is ideal for a cast of exceptional singers and overflows with melodies that are already standards. This author-approved edition has been abridged to a running time of just over two hours while beautifully maintaining the integrity of this musical masterpiece.  

Les Misérables School Edition
Ages 8-18
Workshop: Dec 29, 2022
Auditions: Jan 5, 2023
First Rehearsal: Jan 9, 2023
Rehearsals: Mon, Thu and Sat (Feb add Tue)

Workshops, Auditions and Rehearsals take place in Scottsdale, AZ at
Open Arms Church 4640 N Granite Reef Rd Scottsdale, AZ 85251

PETER PAN JR - Act One Youth Theatre - May 25-28, 2023


Broadway's timeless classic musical whisks you away to a place where dreams are born and no one ever grows up!

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 and is now adapted for young performers.

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, the fierce Brave Girls, 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 JR. is the perfect show for the child in all of us... who dreamed of soaring high and never growing up. Peter Pan JR. is a dream come true for groups looking to bring magic to their stage and entertain countless families.


Performed at Phoenix Center for the Arts 3rd Street Theater
1202 N 3rd Street, Phoenix, AZ 85004  

Audition Notice: 

Peter Pan Jr (Broadway Version)
Ages 6-18
Workshop: March 18, 2023
Auditions: March 23, 2023
First Rehearsal: March 27, 2023
Rehearsals: Mon, Thu and Sat
Performances: May 25-28, 2023 at Phoenix Center for the Arts 3rd Street Theater
1202 N 3rd Street, Phoenix, AZ 85004

Workshops, Auditions and Rehearsals take place in Scottsdale, AZ at
Open Arms Church 4640 N Granite Reef Rd Scottsdale, AZ 85251

ROALD DAHL'S MATILDA - CYT Phoenix - October 21-30, 2022

   

The story of an extraordinary girl who dares to take a stand and change her own destiny.

Inspired by the twisted genius of Roald Dahl, the Tony Award-winning Roald Dahl's Matilda The Musical is the captivating masterpiece from the Royal Shakespeare Company that revels in the anarchy of childhood, the power of imagination and the inspiring story of a girl who dreams of a better life. With book by Dennis Kelly and original songs by Tim Minchin, Matilda has won 47 international awards and continues to thrill sold-out audiences of all ages around the world.

Matilda is a little girl with astonishing wit, intelligence and psychokinetic powers. She's unloved by her cruel parents but impresses her schoolteacher, the highly loveable Miss Honey. Over the course of her first term at school, Matilda and Miss Honey have a profound effect on each other's lives, as Miss Honey begins not only to recognize but also appreciate Matilda's extraordinary personality. Matilda's school life isn't completely smooth sailing, however – the school's mean headmistress, Miss Trunchbull, hates children and just loves thinking up new punishments for those who don't abide by her rules. But Matilda has courage and cleverness in equal amounts, and could be the school pupils' saving grace!

Packed with high-energy dance numbers, catchy songs and an unforgettable star turn for a young actress, Matilda is a joyous girl power romp. Children and adults alike will be thrilled and delighted by the story of the special little girl with an extraordinary imagination.

Directed by Bertha Cortes
Choreography by Alexandra Biggs
Music Direction by Caitlen Spencer

Dates / Times:
Friday, Oct 21st @ 7:00pm
Saturday, Oct 22nd @ 2:00pm
Sunday, Oct 23rd @ 2:00pm
Thursday, Oct 27th @ 10:00am  
Friday, Oct 28th @ 7:00pm
Saturday, Oct 29th @ 2:00pm
Saturday, Oct 29th @ 7:00pm
Sunday, Oct 30th @ 2:00pm
School Days Performance

Tickets go on sale Thursday September 1, 2022 at 12:00am
Ticket Prices:
$23.00: Standard Ticket Price
$23.00: At Door Price

John Paul Theatre:
1202 W. Thomas Road, Theatre Bldg T-104, Phoenix, AZ 85013

THE LIGHTNING THIEF: THE PERCY JACKSON MUSICAL - CYT Phoenix - February 9-12, 2023



Adapted from the New York Times best-seller, THE LIGHTNING THIEF by Rick Riordan
As the half-blood son of a Greek god, Percy Jackson has newly-discovered powers he can't control, a destiny he doesn't want, and a mythology textbook's worth of monsters on his trail. When Zeus's master lightning bolt is stolen and Percy becomes the prime suspect, he has to find and return the bolt to prove his innocence and prevent a war between the gods. But to succeed on his quest, Percy will have to do more than catch the thief. He must travel to the Underworld and back; solve the riddle of the Oracle, which warns him of betrayal by a friend; and come to terms with the father who abandoned him. Adapted from the best-selling book The Lightning Thief by Rick Riordan and featuring a thrilling original rock score, The Lightning Thief: The Percy Jackson Musical is an action-packed mythical adventure.
 
Dates / Times:
Thursday, Feb 9th @ 7:00pm
Friday, Feb 10th @ 7:00pm
Saturday, Feb 11th @ 2:00pm
Saturday, Feb 11th @ 7:00pm
Sunday, Feb 12th @ 2:00pm
Tickets go on sale Saturday December 3, 2022 at 12:00am
Ticket Prices:
$23.00: Standard Ticket Price

Lyceum Theater at ASU:
901 S Cady Mall, Tempe, AZ 85281

SEUSSICAL THE MUSICAL - CYT Phoenix - May 5-14, 2023



Now one of the most performed shows in America, Seussical is a fantastical, magical, musical extravaganza! Tony winners, Lynn Ahrens and Stephen Flaherty (Lucky Stiff, My Favorite Year, Once on This Island, Ragtime), have lovingly brought to life all of our favorite Dr. Seuss characters, including Horton the Elephant, The Cat in the Hat, Gertrude McFuzz, lazy Mayzie and a little boy with a big imagination – Jojo. The colorful characters transport us from the Jungle of Nool to the Circus McGurkus to the invisible world of the Whos.

The Cat in the Hat tells the story of Horton, an elephant who discovers a speck of dust that contains the Whos, including Jojo, a Who child sent off to military school for thinking too many "thinks." Horton faces a double challenge: not only must he protect the Whos from a world of naysayers and dangers, but he must guard an abandoned egg, left in his care by the irresponsible Mayzie La Bird. Although Horton faces ridicule, danger, kidnapping and a trial, the intrepid Gertrude McFuzz never loses faith in him. Ultimately, the powers of friendship, loyalty, family and community are challenged and emerge triumphant.

Seussical is fun for the whole family! 

Dates / Times:
Friday, May 5th @ 7:00pm
Saturday, May 6th @ 2:00pm
Sunday, May 7th @ 2:00pm
Thursday, May 11th @ 10:00am  
Friday, May 12th @ 7:00pm
Saturday, May 13th @ 2:00pm
Saturday, May 13th @ 7:00pm
Sunday, May 14th @ 2:00pm
 School Days Performance
Tickets go on sale Saturday March 25, 2023 at 12:00am
Ticket Prices:
* Prices may vary by performance.
$23.00: Standard Ticket Price

Mesa Arts Center - Nesbitt/Elliott Playhouse:
One East Main Street, Mesa, AZ 85201

photos - HAPPY DAYS, THE MUSICAL - Arizona Broadway Theatre


























photos by Timeless Present Photography

Save 30% off Tickets to MATILDA THE MUSICAL at TheaterWorks!

 
30% off tickets. Limit 8 tickets. 

Offer Extended to September 30!

CODE: StagesMatilda

Link to use code: 

WEEK AT A GLANCE: August 29-September 4, 2022

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

CLOSING:
 

review - LUCKY STIFF - Hale Centre Theatre

Alaina Beauloye and Gary Pimentel
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 October 1

"... a wonderful production...featuring a cast comprising of some of Hale's best performers who have each appeared in numerous shows at Hale. While it may be slightly convoluted and quirky, Lucky Stiff is a charming and fun show with a big heart, and with a talented cast, direction that ensures the comedy moments sparkle, and gorgeous creative elements, the production is a fun musical-comedy romp....Director Cambrian James does a wonderful job with his talented cast to make the humorous hijinks comically sharp without losing the charming warmth at the center of the show. The cast are all exceptional. Nicholas Gunnell exudes an appropriate quirky charm as Harry, with a singing voice that shines on his many songs. As Annabel, Brie Wadsworth is equally as peculiar as Gunnell, with a warm singing voice and a sunny disposition...Alaina Beauloye and Hector Coris are equally hilarious as Rita and Vinnie....While Lucky Stiff may not be a completely perfect show, it is incredibly fun. Hales' production is lively, with an exceptional cast of actors who know how to get big laughs from these comically rich characters, sharp direction, and rich creative elements that result in a winning and warm musical-comical delight."   -Gil Benbrook, Talkin' Broadway (click here to read the complete review)

Auditions for GREASE at Mesa Encore Theatre announced for September 6

Audition sign ups are now open for Grease! 

Rydell High’s spirited class of 2023 loves all things vintage and they capture the look and the sound of the 1950s in a rock n roll musical that salutes the rock n roll era. While Danny Zuko and Sandy Dumbrowski resolve the problems of their mutual attraction for each other, the other students sing and dance their way through pajama parties, the prom, meals at the burger palace, working at the hotrod garage and enjoying the classic drive-in movie theater.

Mesa Encore Theater
1350 S. Longmore, Mesa, AZ (In the back corner, near the fountain)
Audition: Sep 6, 2022
Callback: Sep 10, 2022
First Rehearsal: Sep 26, 2022

Mesa Encore Theatre is committed to the anti-racist values of equity, diversity, and inclusion. Our goal is to create a safe place for underrepresented artists to create. We invite all bodies and abilities to join us!

We are creating an inclusive and diverse creative environment and we're actively seeking actors of all races, lifestyles, and backgrounds. We will consider all performers, regardless of race, ethnicity, religion, color, national origin, gender, gender expression, sexual orientation, family status, disability, age, or veteran status. We encourage anyone who is interested to audition! 

COVID PROTOCOLS - MET requires all actors, creatives, and staff to be fully vaccinated, and provide a copy of their vaccination cards before rehearsals begin. A covid agreement will be signed by all involved with the production. Testing and mask guidelines will be provided to all who are cast in this production.

Directed by Amie Bjorklund, Music Directed by Michael Snyder, Choreographed by Sarah Weichman

Sign up for an audition on Casting Manager at:

Sunday, August 28, 2022

Fountain Hills Theater announces auditions for ANGRY HOUSEWIVES on September 17 & 18


FOUNTAIN HILLS THEATER AUDITIONS FOR THE MUSICAL ‘ANGRY HOUSEWIVES’

Auditions for ANGRY HOUSEWIVES 
Book and Lyrics by A.M. Collins
Music and Lyrics by Chad Henry

Fountain Hills Theater
11445 N Saguaro Blvd., Fountain Hills, AZ 85268
                                            
Saturday, Sept 17 @ 12pm and Sunday, Sept 18 @ 6pm
Callbacks (If required) Tuesday, Sept 20 @ 7:00pm.

Audition sign up 480-837-9661 X 3 or fhtaz.org/auditions

Fountain Hills Theater announces the auditions for the musical Angry Housewives.

Bored with their everyday lives and kept in insignificance by their boyfriends/husbands, these are four angry women. They try a number of outlets, but nothing suits until one of them strikes a chord on her guitar and suggests that they form a punk rock group to enter the upcoming talent show at the neighborhood punk club? Their group "The Angry Housewives," enter and win. This genial satire of contemporary feminism ran for ages in Seattle and has had numerous successful productions across the country.

Angry Housewives will play Nov. 4 -20, 2022.  

Angry Housewives is presented through Special Arrangement with Concord Theatricals.

Auditions will be held Saturday, Sept 17 @ 12:00pm and Sunday, Sept 18 @ 6:00pm.  Callbacks (If required) Tuesday, Sept 20 @ 7:00pm. 

Auditioners are asked to sing 16- 32 bars of a song that best shows off their voice and range, this will be followed by a dance audition.  Early video auditions - which must be submitted prior to Sept 17 – may be submitted and can substitute for appearing at the Sunday or Monday auditions.  The video should include a song showing off your voice and range and a 1-minute dance routine demonstrating the extent of your dance training.  However, if chosen from a video audition, candidates will be required to appear in person at the callbacks.  Video audition s should be sent to peter@fhtaz.org.  FHT prefers and encourages auditioners to be vaccinated. 

Actors should consider roles if they feel they can represent the age ranges listed.  All roles are open to all ethnicities.

Casting for: 
BEV - a widow, late 30s to early 40s. She has a son, Tim, and financial problems; is not used to coping for herself. Alto/guitar player. *Receives band member stipend.
CAROL - a high school teacher, early 30s. She is Tim's music and home room teacher. She is plump, divorced, and very self-sufficient. Mezzo/keyboard player. *Receives band member stipend.
JETTA - married to a lawyer, Larry. Late 20s to early 30s. She has no self-confidence; went to college with Wendi. She has a baby, Annette. Soprano/accordion player. *Receives band member stipend.
WENDI - a drawbridge-tender, late 20s to early 30s. She has been dating Wallace for some time; went to college with Jetta. Very self-confidence and energetic. Mezzo/drummer. *Receives band member stipend.
TIM - high school senior, 17 or 18. He is in Carol's home room and music classes. Tenor/lead
guitar player. *Receives band member stipend.
WALLACE - mid 30s. Has been dating Wendi for some time; recently won $1,000,000 in a salmon derby. He is an attractive man, but a little insensitive. Went to college with Lewd Fingers. Tenor/tap-dancer.
LEWD FINGERS - is the owner/operator of a punk club by the same name, mid 30s. Went to college with Wallace. Baritone/tap-dancer.
LARRY - mid 30s. Jetta's husband. He is an up and coming lawyer, likes everything in its place and Jetta's place is home. A bit anal-retentive, he's confident and happy when things go according to his plan. High baritone/tenor.

REINVENTING RICK - Starlight Community Theater - October 8, 2022



Reinventing Rick is a story of Rick Foster, a man who has it all. Professional success, and the husband of his dreams. But when his husband unexpectedly dies, Rick thinks the worst has happened.   And then, on the cusp of turning 40, tragedy strikes again.  His parents move in.  Will Rick learn how to  face this new reality, or crack under the pressure?

Reinventing Rick, written by Frank Nelson, was the Winner of the 2021 Starlight Community Theater Playwrighting Contest.  This contest encourages new works for the stage by providing an opportunity for Arizonans to engage in the playwriting process. The primary prize is a guaranteed staged reading.  Past winners have included Holy Matrimony! by Dan Marburger, The Present Tense by Eric Bond and The Lost Girl adapted by Germaine Shames.
 
Starlight Community Theater is excited to announce the cast for a staged reading of Reinventing Rick planned for Saturday, October 8, 2022 directed by Barb Surloff.

Rick Foster            Peter Wilson
Brad Miller             Dan Ashlock
Lily Jackson           Sam Hartwell
Minnie Foster         Pat Drapac
George Foster        Dan Meiller
Victoria Spencer     Nadine Horowitz
Alex Stevens           Scott Sims
Mrs. O'Malley          Cindy Miesse
Courier                    Rhiannon Cummings
Blackjack Dealer     Rhiannon Cummings
Male Stripper          Paul Hartwell
Narrators                Abeth Spencer, Paul Hartwell and Cindy Miesse 

Tickets for the staged reading and other productions offered by Starlight Community Theater are available at https://www.onthestage.tickets/starlight-community-theater.  

Saturday, August 27, 2022

Cast Announced for BANDSTAND at The Phoenix Theatre Company

 
Matravius Avent*, Ensemble Jacqueline Brecker, Julia Trojan Dallyn Brunck, Dance Ensemble Jacody Bullard, Dance Ensemble Hahnna Christianson, Ensemble (Julia Trojan understudy) Alex Crossland*, Donny Novitski Trisha Ditsworth*, Ensemble (Mrs. June Adams understudy) EJ Dohring*, Ensemble John Elliott*, Nick Radel Christopher Haley, Ensemble (Wayne Wright understudy) Noah Israel*, Wayne Wright Alexandria Joy, Ensemble Linsey Maxson, Mrs. June Adams Darren McArthur,
Dance Ensemble Alan Mendez*, Davy Zlatic Carmiña Monserrat, Dance Ensemble Kayden Oliver*, Dance Ensemble/Dance Captain Tommy Paduano, Ensemble (Davy Zlatic understudy) Gianni Palmarini, Jimmy Campbell (Donny Novitski understudy) Zachary Scott Prall, Johnny Simpson Veronica Quezada, Dance Ensemble Kade Bailey, Ensemble swing Ellie Barrett, Dance ensemble swing Liam Boyd, Johnny Simpson understudy Wesley Bradstreet, Nick Radel understudy Hannah Brudnock, Ensemble swing Christopher Elliott, Jimmy Campbell understudy Albert Johnston, Dance ensemble swing

Celebrate America’s Heroes

Bandstand’s limited engagement runs from September 21 to October 23 in The Phoenix Theatre Company's Mainstage Theatre! 

Featuring a talented cast of actor-musicians and spectacular choreography, this victorious and jazzy story follows a band of veterans and will inspire you to the rhythmic beats of swing, bebop, and jitterbug! 

 

Friday, August 26, 2022

Save $10 off tickets to YOU'RE A GOOD MAN CHARLIE BROWN at Mesa Encore Theatre!


Use the code "phxstgs" to save $10 off of the $37 adult ticket price for the entire run of You're a Good Man Charlie Brown!

CLICK HERE, enter "phxstgs" in the Promotional Code box in the upper left corner, and after you select your seats, you will see the discount listed at the bottom of your ticketing options! Just click on the "phxstgs" option and the $10 will be applied!

Offer not valid on prior purchases and Mesa Arts Center ticket fee applies, good for any performance during the show's run from September 2-18


Black Theatre Troupe's 2022/2023 Season



FIVE GUYS NAMED MOE
September 16-25
Book by Clarke Peters
Lyrics and Music by Louis Jordan
Directed and Choreographed by Alexander Patrick

The Valley’s favorite, rip-roaring energetic quintet of time traveling singers who all happened to be named “Moe.”. Five Guys Named Moe is the exuberant Broadway Hit that features the music of Jazz and Rock & Roll pioneer and saxophonist, Louis Jordan. Dazzling movement and other surprises invites the audience to sing, dance, have a wonderful time and return to today’s world singing.
BARBECUE
October 21 - November 6
By Robert O'Hara
Directed by Ron May

The grill is hot, the beer is chilled and the table is set for you to join a typical O’Mallery family barbecue. But when their drug-addicted sister Zippity Boom arrives strung-out and out of control, her siblings have each finally had enough of all of it - enough beer, enough whiskey and enough pills to confront her. Their wild, unplanned, drug fueled intervention sets the fire to the charcoal of this raucous and rollicking comedy that skewers all of our warped views of the "American family." 
(Adult themes and language)
BLACK NATIVITY
December 2 - 18
By Langston Hughes
Directed by Walter Belcher
Choreographed by Alexander Patrick

Since 1975, BTT audiences have enjoyed this sold out, legendary holiday event by Harlem Renaissance poet Langston Hughes. It again returns to the BTT stage for a special limited engagement. This stunning new production of Black Nativity is without a doubt a theatrical wonderment. A joyous company of singers, actors, dancers and musicians delivers its powerful message of joy, hope, victory and liberation. This song-play touches a special chord in the hearts of all at a very special time of the year.
JOE TURNER'S
COME AND GONE
February 3 - 19
By August Wilson
Directed by Herbert Newsome

Set in 1911 Pittsburgh, this moving work chronicles Black life of that time. Each resident of a Black boardinghouse has a different relationship to their past of slavery, as well as to their urban present. August Wilson gives haunting voice to the souls of this dispossessed group of Americans at the beginning of the century. It is his epic vision, power and poetic sense that lift their stories to strange and compelling heights.
RESPECT:
THE MUSICAL
March 24 - April 9
By Dorothy Marcic
Directed and Choreographed by Patdro Harris

Combining excerpts from over 60 songs with women’s personal stories about realizing dreams, loves won and lost, and battering against glass ceilings, Respect features such period favorites as Diamonds Are a Girl’s Best FriendI Wanna Be Loved By YouAs Long As He Needs Me and Whatever Lola Wants along with such modern standards as Where the Boys AreIt Must Be Him, The Greatest Love of All and Stand by Your Man.