Wednesday, August 2, 2023

Don Bluth Front Row Theatre's 2024 Season!



John Loves Mary
January 25 - March 2, 2024
by Norman Krasna

Directed by Diedra Celeste Miranda

One of the most charming and romantic 1940’s era comedies of all time. After four long years apart, there are so many things returning World War II soldier John Lawrence wants to tell his sweetheart, Mary McKinley. That he loves her. That he's missed her. That he's married! It’s a tale of a G.I. whose good deed -- marrying his buddy Fred’s British girl Lily so she can come to America goes awry. John plans to get a quick divorce from Lily and deliver her to Fred as a surprise, then marry Mary. All the while Mary’s unsuspecting family begins planning her immediate wedding to John. The plot will keep you guessing through delightful twist after hilarious turn…until someone finally tells the truth! This Broadway hit was made into a popular Hollywood movie starring Ronald Reagan and Patricia Neal. An airy, witty, nostalgic romp.

Holmes and Watson
March 21 - April 27, 2024
by Jeffrey Hatcher

Directed by Lee Cooley

A twisting, tantalizing mystery! Sherlock Holmes is dead, or is he? Three years after the death of the mastermind detective at Reichenbach Falls, Dr. Watson receives a cryptic message that his old friend may be alive. At a remote asylum off the coast of Scotland three patients are claiming to be Sherlock Holmes! Who’s the real detective? Who are the impostors? Did the world’s greatest sleuth fake his own death? And, if so—Why? As he investigates, Watson is drawn into a web of intrigue, murder, and surprise that reveals what really happened at Reichenbach Falls in the fateful confrontation between Holmes and his nemesis, Professor Moriarty. There are plenty of twists and turns to keep you on the edge of your seat in this fast-paced, thrilling and suspenseful adventure, and just enough laughs to make it a fun ride from beginning to end. It’s Elementary!

God's Favorite
July 18 - August 24, 2024
by Neil Simon

Directed by Van Rockwell

Successful Long Island businessman Joe Benjamin is a modern-day 'Job' with a demanding wife, ungrateful children and wise-cracking household employees. He credits all he has to his love for God. Then he is visited by Sidney Lipton, a.k.a. A Messenger from God with a mission: test Joe's faith and report back to "the Boss". He informs Joe that God and Satan have made a wager that no amount of suffering would ever lead Joe Benjamin to renounce his faith. The jokes and Tests of Faith fly fast and furious as Neil Simon spins a contemporary morality tale like no other in this hilarious comedy. A light-hearted and yet very poignant modern story of a man who has everything and loses it all before finding what is truly important. Hilarious fun!

The Last Romance
May 16 - June 22, 2024
by Joe DiPietro

Directed by Cheryl Schaar

Love can make anyone feel young again, even an elderly widower. On an ordinary day in a routine life, Ralph Bellini decides to take a different path on his daily walk. Instantly smitten by an elegant, mature woman, Carol, who he sees in the park with her dog, he turns on the charm hoping for a second chance at love. Defying Carol's reticence, and the advice of his protective sister Rose, Ralph embarks on a journey to regain the happiness that seemed all but lost. It takes several attempts, but he finally becomes friends with her, winning her over with his charm, humor, and love of opera. Meanwhile, Carol has a secret, and what she’s concealing might drive a wedge between her and Ralph. They have what may be their last chance for love and happiness. A heart-warming comedy about finding love at any age.

Anastasia
September 12 - October 26, 2024
Book by Terrence McNally
Music by Stephen Flaherty
Lyrics by Lynn Ahrens

Don Bluth directs the Broadway Musical inspired by his beloved Animated Film!

Her past is a mystery. Her future is an adventure. Anastasia: The Musical is the spectacular new musical about discovering who you are and defining who you’re meant to be. From Tony winners Terrence McNally, Stephen Flaherty and Lynn Ahrens, this dazzling show transports the audience from the twilight of the Russian Empire to the euphoria of Paris in the 1920s, as a brave young woman sets out to discover the mystery of her past. Pursued by a ruthless Soviet officer determined to silence her, Anya enlists the aid of a dashing con man Dmitry and a lovable ex-aristocrat Vlad. Together, they embark on an epic adventure to help her find home, love and family.

DBFRT is proud to be the first nonprofit community theatre in Arizona to produce an adult cast production. 

Inspired by the 1997 Twentieth Century Fox Motion Picture animation film directed and produced by Don Bluth. By special arrangement with Buena Vista Theatrical and from the play by Marcelle Maurette as adapted by Guy Bolton


It's A Wonderful Life
November 13 - December 23, 2024
A DBFRT annual tradition!

Based on the film by Frank Capra
Directed by Cheryl Schaar

The beloved American holiday classic comes to captivating life on the DBFRT stage. Based on the 1946 Frank Capra film, the story of idealistic George Bailey unfolds one fateful Christmas Eve. George is the Everyman from the small town of Bedford Falls, whose childhood dreams of escape and adventure have been quashed by family obligation and civic duty. His guardian angel Clarence descends on Christmas Eve to save him from despair and to remind him—by showing what the world would have been like had he never been born—that his has been, after all, a wonderful life. This theatrically staged adaptation overflows with warmth, humor, and Christmas joy. 


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