Thursday, February 6, 2025

Love is Love: A Valentine’s Day Queer Cabaret - All Queer Shakespeare - February 14, 2025



Love is Love: A Valentine’s Day Queer Cabaret Presented by All Queer Shakespeare

“All Queer Shakespeare,” Arizona’s first all LGBTQIA+2s Shakespearian Theater Premier’s
“Love is Love: A Valentine’s Day Queer Cabaret” Co-Directed by Monica Sampson and Seth
Tucker. Music Directed by Tyler Bartlett Sponsored by AzSpolight

A Valentine’s Cabaret, featuring music from Rent, The Beatles, Phantom of the Opera, scenes from Shakespeare, Drag artists, Queer love stories, and more!

Come for our Pre-show Band, a new-wave 80’s Queer sensation the “Scoundrel Days” featuring
local legends in music. Terre Steed and Jon Landvick and more band mates!

One night only! 2/14/2025 Show times at 7:00 pm and 9:00 pm The perfect Valentine's
night. Only one hour long. ASL interpreters at our 7pm show

Tickets: Starting at just $35 On our website: https://www.allqueershakespeare.com/

Where: Scottsdale Neighborhood Arts Place 4425 N Granite Reef Rd, Scottsdale AZ 85251

In these divisive times, All Queer Shakespeare is a brave space for the arts, and the
community; a spectacle celebration of Love in All its Forms, with Drag artists, singing numbers,
dancing numbers, and a story about accepting who you love. This theater company is paving
the way for inclusive, diverse storytelling.



Wednesday, February 5, 2025

Cast announced for FETAL at Stray Cat Theatre



Kate Haas - Cass
Debra Lyman - Anne
Dolores Mendoza - Lucy
Wyatt Murphy - Liv


Audition Submissions for THE SECRET GARDEN at Southwest Shakespeare due by February 9

 
From Frances Hodgson Burnett's novel Adapted and directed by James Cougar Canfield
Director: James Cougar Canfield
Compensation: Pay ($450 stipend, plus $50 for each student matinee)

Rehearsals Begin: March 11, 2025
Performances: April 4, 2025 – April 17, 2025

Venue: Taliesin West, with Limited Run-Outs to Schools

Ages: Adult

What To Prepare:
Actors interested in submitting for The Secret Garden should fill out our Google Form, linked below. Please make sure to include your resume, headshot, and fill in the form completely. If available, please include a link to your acting reel or a short comedic monologue in the appropriate spot on the form.
Following your submission, casting may reach out and ask for you to either film a side from the script or attend a virtual callback via Zoom.


Deadline for submission is end of the day, Sunday, February 9th, 2025.

Show Synopsis:
Can the power of nature unlock the secrets of the human heart? Mary Lennox is a spoiled brat. She’s loud, and too smart for her own good. In this new adaptation from the adapter and star of our sold-out hit LADIES IN WAITING: THE JUDGMENT OF HENRY VIII from a few seasons back, this wonderfully creative new adaptation THE SECRET GARDEN tells the story of young Mary Lennox as she is sent to live in her estranged uncle’s spooky house where she discovers a hidden, magical garden. This transformative journey brings Mary from sorrow to joy, teaching her—and the audience—about the healing power of nature and the process of self-discovery inherent in helping others.

Character Breakdown
Mary Lennox – Preteen (played by an adult actor). Spoiled and miserable, but smart as all heck, and curious. Orphaned due to a plague, and sent to live with her estranged uncle at Misselthwaite Manor.

Colin Craven – Preteen (played by an adult actor). Also spoiled and miserable. Archibald and the late Lilias’s son. A bit of a monster, but maybe getting out of bed and breathing some fresh air might help?

Martha Sowerby – Teenager (played by an adult actor). A maid at Misselthwaite Manor. The eldest of the 13 Sowerby Children. Independent, sassy, and knows how to control a situation.

Dickon Sowerby – Preteen (played by an adult actor). One of the 13 Sowerby children. Befriends Mary on her journey to find the Secret Garden. Talks to animals (not in a weird way, in like a cool way). Must be comfortable to puppeteer.

Archibald Craven – Adult. The cold and distant master of Misselthwaite Manor. Colin’s father, experiencing deep guilt and trauma from the death of his wife.

Mrs. Medlock – Adult. The head of the staff as Misselthwaite Manor. A bit cold, very serious, but really doing her best to hold the whole place together.

Dr. Craven – Adult. Archibald’s brother. Colin’s doctor. Is he up to no good? We can’t be quite sure.

Ben Weatherstaff – Adult. Lilias’s favorite gardener. Tended to the roses, and passionately loved the lady of the manor before her death.

Additional Info:
Critically acclaimed and award winning theatre company, Tier5, is thrilled to team up once again with Southwest Shakespeare Company for our upcoming production of The Secret Garden at Taliesin West in Scottsdale, Arizona.

Tier5 and Southwest Shakespeare Company's previous collaborations include Ladies in Waiting: The Judgement of Henry VIII, originally produced in 2018 and revived in 2019, and meg jo beth amy & louisa in 2020. All productions took place at Taliesin West.

The Secret Garden, adapted from Frances Hodgson Burnett's legendary novel by Tier5 Executive Producer, James Cougar Canfield, will run April 4th- 13th at Taliesin West, plus two additional school matinees on April 15th and 17th. The production will be directed by Canfield.

Performers of all races, ethnicities, abilities, ages, and gender identities are encouraged to submit. Tier5 strives to create inclusive, safe, and anti-racist environments in every aspect of our operation, on stage and off, for our performers, creatives, and audiences.

Rehearsal and Production Dates & Locations:

Main Performance Run: April 4th- 13th (8 performances) at Taliesin West in Scottsdale, AZ
Wednesdays, Thursdays, Fridays, and Saturdays at 7:30pm
Sundays at 6pm

Student Matinees: April 15th and 17th at 10am (2 performances). Locations TBD.
Actors would be called no earlier than 8:30am on those matinee days. Actors will be released by 12:30pm.

Rehearsals:
Tuesdays through Fridays, 6-10pm, Saturdays 10am- 6pm. Sundays will be dark.

Rehearsals will take place at the Childsplay campus in Tempe, AZ and begin March 11th.

Tech:
April 1st, 2nd, and 3rd, 5pm- 10pm at Taliesin West

All actors must be 18 or older.

Tier5 and Southwest Shakespeare Company are unable to provide housing or travel stipends to non-local actors.

We are unable to offer union contracts for this production. We are seeking non-union actors.
Deadline to submit for casting consideration is end of the day, Sunday, February 9th, 2025

Any questions? Email tier5auditions@gmail.com

Arizona Musical Theater Academy Presents a Musical Theater Dance Intensive with Drama Desk Nominated Choreographer Shonn Wiley

 
Dance is imperative in the world of Musical Theater, and our goal is to provide as much training as possible, so we are offering a three week Tap and Musical Theater Dance intensive for anyone who is interested in exploring the world of Tap and Musical Theater dance but may not be able to commit to a full time class. 

Dates: Feb. 9th, 16th and 23rd
All ages and experience levels welcome

Tap Beginning Level: 5pm-6pm
Musical Theater Dance: 6:15pm-7:15pm
Tap Intermediate/Advanced: 7:30pm-8:30pm

Cost: $20 per class
Location: Gotta Dance Studio, Peoria, AZ

To Register email: azmtacademy@gmail.com

Our BEGINNING LEVEL TAP class will explore the basic breakdown of rhythmic components, with focus on the timing and structure of steps, if you have taken a few basic tap classes or want to try out this exciting dance form for the first time, this is the class for you! No Tap shoes necessary! 

Our MUSICAL THEATER DANCE class will explore the classic stylings and techniques of musical theater dance, including a warm-up, across the floor and combination. This class is open to all ages and experience levels.

Our INTERMEDIATE/ADVANCED TAP class will touch on the same principles as the beginner class but will move quicker into complexity while focusing on choreography and performance!

SHONN WILEY made his Broadway debut in the Tony Award-Winning revival of 42ND STREET (Ford Center) where he performed the opening number for the Tony Awards at Radio City Music Hall. Shonn later returned to Broadway in Frank Wildhorn's DRACULA, The Musical (Belasco). Other NYC credits include: Junior Dolan in ON YOUR TOES (Encores!), John Trainor in NO NO, NANETTE (Encores!), Jack Donahue in MY VAUDEVILLE MAN (The York Theatre), Richard Loeb in THRILL ME (The York Theatre), Understudying and performing the title character in CANDIDE at New York City Opera, STAIRWAY TO PARADISE co-starring Kristin Chenoweth (Encores!), THE VIEW FROM HERE (NYMF). Shonn starred in the Chicago cast of the Tony Winning Broadway Musical, JERSEY BOYS as Bob Gaudio. Regional Theatre credits include: Burt in MARY POPPINS and Georg in SHE LOVES ME (Croswell Opera House), Anthony in Sweeney Todd (Barrington Stage) Bobby Child in CRAZY FOR YOU (Westchester Broadway Theatre), Younger Brother in RAGTIME (Papermill Playhouse), Dickon in THE SECRET GARDEN (5th Avenue Theatre), Cosmo Brown in SINGIN IN THE RAIN (The Toledo Rep), John Truitt in MEET ME IN ST. LOUIS (Santa Barbara CLO), Gerard in CAMILLE CLAUDEL (Goodspeed), Wayne Frake in STATE FAIR (MTW), Henrik in A LITTLE NIGHT MUSIC (Wheeling Symphony). Shonn is a founding member of the retro rock n' roll vocal group, UNDER THE STREETLAMP. Under The Streetlamp: Live, was filmed in 2011 and debuted on PBS across America. As a Choreographer, Shonn received a 2009 Lucille Lortel Award and Drama Desk Award nomination for outstanding choreography for MY VAUDEVILLE MAN (The York Theatre). Other choreography projects: GENTLEMAN’S GUIDE TO LOVE AND MURDER and ROMANCE ROMANCE (PVCC), (Goodspeed), SWEENEY TODD and POOL BOY (Barrington Stage), THE VIEW FROM HERE (NYMF), THE MUSIC MAN and FOREVER PLAID (Croswell). Shonn serves as the resident choreographer for UNDER THE STREETLAMP. As an educator, Shonn has been on faculty at Paradise Valley Community College, Gotta Dance Company, Centre Stage Kids, and has taught master classes and private lessons in dance, vocal/ musical theatre performance, and acting all over the world. He holds a BFA in drama from Carnegie Mellon University.

Tuesday, February 4, 2025

Applications for THE PIRATES OF PENZANCE at Musical Theatre Alliance of Arizona due by February 23


Call for Applications: The Pirates of Penzance

Apply now to join the cast of MTAA's next Showcase: The Pirates of Penzance! Deadline is February 23.

Visit the link below for more information and to apply for our next Showcase!


The Musical Theatre Alliance of Arizona (MTAA) provides a unique opportunity for theatre lovers to engage in musical performance without a large time commitment, much like a pick-up game in the world of sports. Our programs foster collaboration, allowing community members to participate in high-quality presentations of Broadway music. Through inclusive events, MTAA enables performers of all kinds to share their talents and experience the excitement of live theatre.

Showcase events are MTAA’s fast-paced productions that bring Broadway musicals to life in just one weekend. Designed for busy performers, these events combine minimal rehearsal with maximum impact, featuring a full cast, chorus, and orchestra. Showcase captures the magic of live theater, offering participants a chance to shine in professional-quality performances while sharing their love of musical theater with an enthusiastic audience. Every show features a brand new cast!

Applications are always free; participation fee is $30. We ask for this contribution directly after casting to confirm your role/chair. 

Email us at communications@theatricallyaz.org for more information.


Monday, February 3, 2025

Cast announced for ROMEO AND JULIET at Southwest Shakespeare Company



Cast announced for OLIVER! at TheaterWorks

 

Oliver: Zeke Wooden
Dodger: Jackson Beeson
Fagin: Cooper Townley 
Nancy: Lindsey Murphy 
Bill Sikes: Jack Monson
Mr Brownlow: Michael Potter
Mr Bumble: Evan Randell
Widow Corney: Athena Beebe
Mr Sowerberry, Ensemble: Carlin Thomas
Mrs Sowerberry/Rose Seller/Ensemble: Ixy Utpadel
Noah/Ensemble: Aiden Brooks
Charlotte/Milk Maid/Ensemble: Zoee Woods
Mrs Bedwin/Female Swing/Dance Cpt: Maddy Marks
Orphan/Bet: Parker Pitt
Orphan/Charley Bates (Fagin’s Gang): Liam Garrett
Orphan/Nipper (Fagin’s Gang): Thomas Kim
Orphan/Fagin’s Gang: Oliver Santangelo
Orphan/Fagin’s Gang: Hudson Hubbell
Orphan/Fagin’s Gang: Jayvin Sumler
Orphan/Fagin’s Gang: Aiden Haren
Orphan/Fagin’s Gang: Griffin Wilbur
Orphan/Fagin’s Gang: Jaxon Lage
Orphan/Fagin’s Gang: Madelynn McBee
Orphan/Fagin’s Gang: Jacquelyn Fuchs
Orphan/Fagin’s Gang: Janella Beaver
Orphan/Fagin’s Gang: Izabella Myers
Orphan/Fagin’s Gang: Claire Calihan
Orphan: Santiago Lacey
Orphan: Savannah Suarez
Orphan: Zara Sego
Orphan: Olivia Gomez
Orphan: Jewel Meyerovitz
Orphan: Arabella Burke
Orphan: AJ Riddle
Orphan/Ensemble: Colton Wilcher 
Knife Grinder: Shane Aycock
Strawberry Seller/Ensemble: Jaysa Valdez
Mr Grimwig/Ensemble: Brady Anderson
Old Sally/Ensemble: Christine Cavazos
Ensemble/Asst Dance Cpt: Isabelle Mintz
Ensemble: Fernando Rubio
Ensemble: Jairyn Bullinger
Ensemble: Ava Petri
Ensemble: McKenzie Lopezlira
Ensemble: Reagan Arsenault
Ensemble: Hannah Famulare
Ensemble: Colleen Rose Thompson
Ensemble: Dawn Gunderson
Ensemble: Emma Domakeczna
Ensemble: Christine Koenig
Ensemble: Katerina Grainger
Ensemble: Buddy Flint
Male Swing: Stefan Mladenov

Your first look at THE DIARY OF ANNE FRANK at Grand Canyon University







photos by Ralph Freso 

Review Highlights: TINY BEAUTIFUL THINGS - The Bridge Initiative

Debra K. Stevens and Jodie L. Weiss
Photo by Laura Durant
 
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 7

"Some moments in Tiny Beautiful Things, Nia Vardalos' humorous and heartfelt adaptation of Cheryl Strayed's bestselling book about her anonymous online advice column, are profoundly moving, touching on the raw, messy, and beautiful aspects of life. With a fantastic cast, The Bridge Initiative's honest and poignant production brings a deeply emotional and intimate experience to the stage. The play follows an anonymous online advice columnist, Sugar, who responds to letters from people seeking guidance on love, grief, regret and healing. ..under Elena Conti's sharp and well-paced direction, the cast excels in ensuring that each scene flows naturally, keeping the audience engaged... With its mix of heartbreak, humor and wisdom, Tiny Beautiful Things is a play with refreshingly honest advice and with many moments that resonate in a way that linger long after the play is over."   - Gil Benbrook, TalkinBroadway.com (click here to read the complete review)

Cast announced for IS THERE LIFE AFTER HIGH SCHOOL? at Ghostlight Theatre

Meet the Cast

The cast represents a group of former high school graduates reflecting on their time in school from years ago. Each person represents a variety of grads, and plays multiple characters.



CLICK HERE for more information on this production, which runs February 6-16

Auditions for DISNEY'S MOANA, JR at TheaterWorks announced for February 15 & 16



Calling all young performers! 

TheaterWorks is thrilled to announce auditions for Moana Jr. for ages 8-17!

Audition Dates: February 15 & 16

Performance Dates: May 9 - 25

Don’t miss this exciting opportunity to be part of this beloved story filled with heart, courage, and unforgettable music!

For more details and to sign up for auditions, visit theaterworks.org/auditions

WEEK AT GLANCE: February 3-February 9, 2025

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



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