Friday, January 31, 2025

ROMEO AND JULIETTE - Desert Rose Theatre - February 15-23, 2025

 
"Romeo and Juliet" is a tragic love story set in Verona, where two young lovers, Romeo and Juliette, fall deeply in love despite the bitter feud between their families. Their secret romance leads to a series of misunderstandings and tragic events, ultimately resulting in their untimely deaths, which brings hope of peace between the families.

Abridged for modern audiences, this outdoor performance emphasizes the comedy and tragedy of this classic tale for an afternoon of approachable and fun classical theatre.

Location: Moon Valley Park  - 502 W Coral Gables Dr Phoenix (Near the Soccer Field)

Dates: February 15, 16, 22, & 23 at 2 pm

Tickets: Our.show/desertrose/randj Steats $12 ea, "Bring your own Blanket" $20 (up to 4 per blanket).

Desert Rose Theatre (named to honor Shakespeare's Rose Theatre) was formed by three friends with one crazy wish. A wish for a theatre devoted to classical theatre in the north-central valley, with actor-friendly rehearsal schedules, embracing the idea that Shakespeare can be fun and friendly for modern audiences. After Meeting during Paradise Valley Community College's Shakespeare in Love, Zac Ross and Jessica Parsons joked, "We should start our own theatre company!". This long-held dream of Zac and his wife Sophie quickly turned into a plan, and their first production was selected, a cast assembled, a production team recruited, and they barreled towards the production with much prayer, hope, and resolve to make it happen. A true "company of fellows" has come together to share their love of theatre. We hope you'll join us on this journey that is just getting started. 

Your first look at BABALON at Space 55 / Ronin Theatre Company















photos by Kristy Velesko Photography

Registration now open for DISNEY'S THE LION KING, JR Weekly Musical Theatre Traning classes at Center Stage Academy



Thursday, January 30, 2025

Auditions for PERFORMING DEMOCRACY and THE MOMENT at New Carpa Theatre Company announced for February 1 & 2


Performing Democracy

Director: James E. Garcia 
Compensation: No Pay 
Rehearsals Begin: February 5, 2025 

Performance Dates: February 14, 2025 – February 16, 2025

Performing democracy will feature an evening of poetry, monologues, short plays, dance, script excepts and short films addressing the state of democracy in America today.

Character Breakdown
Seeking 8 to 10 actors or dancers of various genders, ages and ethnicities to perform a variety of poems, short plays, dance numbers, monologues, script excerpts, etc.

What To Prepare
Comedic and dramatic monologues are encouraged by not required.

Auditions By Appointment via Zoom, contact James E. Garcia at 602-460-1374 or 

Audition Dates/Times
Feb. 1, 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Via Zoom
Feb. 2, 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Via Zoom

The Moment
 
Auditions – Saturday and Sunday, Feb. 1 and 2, 1 to 3 p.m., via Zoom

Playwright: James E Garcia
Director: Rod Ambrose
Compensation: No Pay
Rehearsals Begin: February 8, 2025 (rehearsals occur evenings and weekends)
Performances: March 10, 2025 – March 20, 2025

Nina Floyd, her children, Billy and Kelsey, live quiet lives in the D.C. suburbs. Despite her accounting job at the White House and a 20-year career in government, Nina's never had much interest in politics, even though her mom, Shirley, loves to wax on about her days as a Black Panther. But the family's life takes a turn on February 10, 2007—the day a young, audacious politician with "a funny name" announces his desire to become America's first Black president. This is the story of one family's
social awakening and the moment that changes their lives and history forever.

Character Breakdown
Nina, African American, late 30s to mid 40s, professional, college educated
Billy, African American, late teens to early 20s, smart, good humored, athletic
Kelsey, African American, early to late teens, creative, precocious, gregarious (this
role has been cast)
Mona, African American, late 60s to early 70s, kind, confident, no nonsense, a
former sixties radical and former educator
Kurt, White, late 30s to mid 40s, earthy, reserved, Nina’s friend and colleague

What To Prepare
Comedic and dramatic monologues are encouraged but not required.
Videotaped monologues okay.
Actors will also do cold script reads.

Auditions By Appointment via Zoom, contact James E. Garcia at 602-460-1374 or 

Audition Dates/Times
Feb. 1, 1 to 3 p.m. via Zoom (unique link will be emailed to you)
Feb. 2, 1 to 3 p.m. via Zoom (unique link will be emailed to you)

Callback Dates/Times
Feb. 4, 6 to 8 p.m. (in person)

Call For Crew
Stage manager, assistant stage manager, costume designer

Additional Info
New Carpa Theater Co. was founded in 2002 by Producing Artistic Director James E. Garcia. The company is dedicated to producing new multicultural works.

Tuesday, January 28, 2025

Cast announced for BABALON - Space 55 / Ronin Theatre Company



Angel Lopez - Jack Parsons
Clara Bentz - Marjorie Cameron
Cody Goulder - Aleister Crowley, Ed Forman
Melody Knudson - Helen Parsons, Lady Frieda Harris
Matt Clarke - L. Ron Hubbard, Police Officer
Madeleine Miller - Betty Northrup 
Ken Bailes - Wilfred Smith, FBI Agent, Harbourmaster 

Cast announced for SNOW WHITE at Actors PLAYground

 

Review Highlights: DONE TO DEATH - Don Bluth Front Row Theatre

The Cast
Photo by Mark Gluckman
 
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 21

"Done to Death is both a send-up of a murder mystery and an amusing screwball comedy. It focuses on five mystery authors who find themselves having to solve actual murders. Don Bluth Front Row Theatre's production features a wonderful cast and crisp direction. While Fred Carmichael's play is a bit long and somewhat convoluted, it's continually entertaining, with many laugh out loud moments and an ending that you most likely won't suspect....Abeth Spencer and Matthew R. Harris shine as the Olives....As Mildred Z. Maxwell, Barbara McBain is equally good.... In smaller roles, Adam Petzold and Brandon Erickson-Moen add several fun moments as the two other mystery writers...Director Van Rockwell does a wonderful job in bringing Carmichael's kooky script to life. His talented cast breathe life into their lovable characters and they all appear to be having a ball with the fact that each one of their characters has the chance to solve the crime, be the murderer, or be murdered."   - Gil Benbrook, TalkinBroadway.com (click here to read the complete review)

Cast announced for DISNEY'S THE LITTLE MERMAID at Fountain Hills Theater



GABRIELLE AZARCON- ensemble
RUDY BOGOJEVICH- Chef Louis/Pilot
AINSELY CAMPBELL- Atina/Princess 4/Maid 3
ANGEL CASTANEDA- Jetsam
LACEY DIXON- Flotsam/Ursula Understudy
TANNER DUNCAN- Ensemble
LANGLEY DUNN- Arista/Princess 3/Maid 2
ANTHONY ENOCH- Sebastian
SAVANNAH GROTTENTHALE- Adella/Princess 5/Maid 4
LOGAN HOLMES- Scuttle
LEAH KLEIN- Ensemble
LIV KNOBLAUCH- Leeward/Ensemble
MARK KNOBLAUCH- Windward/Ensemble
HAROLD LEBOYER- Grimsby
TATIANA LEE- Allana/Princess 6
HILLARY LOW- Ensemble
MAX MENDOZA- Male Swing/Gull
DANIEL MIGA- King Triton
LAUREN MILLER- Aquata/Princess 1
ANDREW O’NEIL- Eric
NIKKI REEVES- Ursula
GWEN SELFRIDGE- Flounder
LAUREN VICKERS- Andrina/Princess 2/Maid 1
GISELLE SANCHEZ WILSON- Ariel

Monday, January 27, 2025

Cast announced for THE DINNER PARTY at Scottsdale Desert Stages Theatre



Gabrielle: Leonard Phillip
Andre: Merek Alam
Yovanne: Shillika Chandrasekhar
Mariette: Ashley Allard
Albert: Charles LeCocq
Claude: Matthew Cary

Review Highlights: BIRTHDAY CANDLES - Theatre Artists Studio

Maureen Dias-Watson and Tom Koelbel
Photo by Mark Gluckman

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 2

"Theatre Artists Studio's Arizona premiere of Noah Haidle's Birthday Candles is a thought-provoking and emotionally resonating production, brought to life by a stellar cast and distinctive direction. Anchored by a breathtaking performance by Maureen Dias-Watson, this intriguing and poignant play is the story of one woman's life and takes audiences on a journey that is both intimate and universal..Haidle's play explores themes of love, loss, identity, and the inevitability of change. It's also a moving study on the fleeting passage of time, the connection between generations, and the small yet profound moments that define our lives...The cast is excellent. As Ernestine, Maureen Dias-Watson delivers a tour-de-force performance....Ron May's direction is spotless, guiding the story's sweeping timeline with clarity and precision. "   - Gil Benbrook, TalkinBroadway.com (click here to read the complete review)

WEEK AT GLANCE: January 27-February 2, 2025

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



CLOSING:











OPENING SOON:

















Sunday, January 26, 2025

2nd Annual Mariachi & Folklórico Festival - Herberger Theater Center - March 8, 2025



2nd Annual Mariachi & Folklórico Festival
Presented By Herberger Theater Center and C.A.L.L.E de Arizona

Sat March 8, 2025 7:00 pm

Celebrate International Women’s Day at the 2nd Annual Phoenix Mariachi and Folklorico Festival on March 8, 2025! Headlining the event is Mariachi Femenil Nuevo Tecalitlán from Guadalajara, joined by local favorites Mariachi Sonido de México Femenil, Marisa Ronstadt, and the vibrant dancers of Ballet Folklorico Quetzalli-AZ. This year, we celebrate the remarkable contributions of women in the arts by presenting an all-female lineup of Mariachi and Folklorico talent, featuring both international and local performers. Our festival will be a vibrant showcase of artistry, designed to engage the community, promote cultural pride, and honor the empowerment of women in music and dance.  This event not only aims to entertain but also to inspire and empower, particularly by spotlighting the achievements of women in our cultural heritage.

¡Celebra el Día Internacional de la Mujer en el 2º Festival Anual de Mariachi y Folklorico de Phoenix el 8 de Marzo de 2025! El evento será encabezado por el Mariachi Femenil Nuevo Tecalitlán de Guadalajara, acompañado por los talentos locales Mariachi Sonido de México Femenil, Marisa Ronstadt y el Ballet Folklorico Quetzalli-AZ. Este año destacamos las extraordinarias contribuciones de las mujeres en las artes con un elenco completamente femenino de talento en mariachi y folklorico, que incluye artistas internacionales y locales. Nuestro festival será una vibrante exhibición de arte diseñada para involucrar a la comunidad, promover el orgullo cultural y honrar el empoderamiento de las mujeres en la música y la danza. Este evento no solo busca entretener, sino también inspirar y empoderar, destacando los logros de las mujeres en nuestro patrimonio cultural.Click below or call (602) 252-8497 to purchase your tickets today! VIP Ticket Packages are on sale now.

Auditions for TRUCE at Stage Left Productions announced for February 10

 
Auditions Monday February 10 6:00-8:30pm

Directed by Cody Goulder

All Hank wants is an “Old Fashion Christmas” But there is one problem. His family!  His daughter returns after a 20 year hiatus with a son he has never met. His son can’t hold a job and has been in Jail more times than he can count. His partner of over twenty years is feeling left out, and to top it all off his ex-wife is a force to be reckoned with. And let’s not forget the boisterous vibrant neighbor who couldn't keep a secret if her life depended on it. Will Hank get what he wants or will everyone keep him from calling a “Truce”.

​​Performances
Friday April 4 7:00pm
Saturday April 5 2:00pm
Saturday April 5 7:00pm

Thursday April 10 7:00pm​
Friday April 11 7:00pm
Saturday April 12 7:00pm
Sunday April 13 2:00pm

Friday April 18 7:00pm
Saturday April 19 2:00pm
Saturday April 19 7:00pm

Thursday April 24 7:00pm
Friday April  25 7:00pm
Saturday April 26 7:00pm
Sunday April 27 2:00pm

​What to prepare: Actors are asked to prepare a contemporary comedic monologue​

Callbacks TBD

Review Highlights: HELLO DOLLY! - Arizona Broadway Theatre

Cassandra Norville Klaphake, and James Rio
Photo by Alexxis Grant, Timeless Present Photos

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 21

'Arizona Broadway Theatre's production of Hello, Dolly! is a glorious and joyful celebration of classic musical theatre, bursting with energy, charm, and wit. The outstanding cast, vibrant direction and choreography, and colorful creative elements combine to create a thoroughly entertaining show that is as heartwarming as it is delightful....The ABT cast is phenomenal, led by a powerhouse performance from Cassandra Norville Klaphake as Dolly. Norville Klaphake exudes charisma, cunning, and warmth, delivering Dolly's witty quips and heartfelt moments with effortless charm. ...Danny Gorman's direction is crisp and focused, ensuring the comedic and emotional beats land perfectly. Kurtis Overby's choreography is playful and inventive...ABT's production of Hello, Dolly! is one of their best. "   - Gil Benbrook, TalkinBroadway.com (click here to read the complete review)

Submissions for East Valley Children's Theatre's Aspiring Playwights Contest due by February 1



Aspiring Playwrights Contest Deadline Feb 1

EVCT is seeking aspiring playwrights to become part of its future seasons. Dedicated to enriching young audiences, EVCT celebrates the power of storytelling by fostering original works that reflect fresh perspectives and unique voices. This call for playwrights opens doors for talented individuals to have their works showcased, captivating young minds and inspiring imaginations.
 
The first-place winner receives a $500 cash prize, a limited travel stipend to attend the production (including a talkback with actors), and their play produced in EVCT's upcoming season, provided it meets performance criteria. Second and third-place winners will also be recognized.
 
Winners will be announced by April 1st.


Thursday, January 23, 2025

Auditions for THE ALMOST TOTALLY TRUE STORY OF HANSEL & GRETEL at Stage Left Productions announced for February 8

 
Auditions Tuesday February 8 10a-1p

Directed by Erin Boston

Pity poor Streptococcus - it should be a piece of cake for a fairy godmother to tell the story of Snow White but her wand is bent and things aren't going quite as they should. Then, to make things worse, she's interrupted by a couple of English policemen who are hot on the trail of two very devious and dangerous criminals - children who are causing no end of trouble in the forest. Their names? Hansel and Gretel! Streptococcus doesn't believe a word of it and neither do a well-behaved pair of kiddies in the audience who volunteer to help her tell Hansel and Gretel's familiar tale. But before everyone lives happily ever after, the police insist on having their say and the well-behaved kiddies aren't happy about that at all... Since there are lots of parts (10 for girls, 5 for boys, and 10 for either), everyone gets a role and since a single forest set is all that's needed for this 60 minute show, it's easy to produce. This is a great fun twist on the familiar, favorite tale.

​​​Performances

Thursday May 15 7pm
Friday May 16 7pm
Saturday May 17 2pm
Saturday May 17 7pm

Thursday May 22 7pm
Friday May 23 7pm
Saturday May 24 2pm
Saturday May 24 7pm
​​
Auditions will consists of cold reads from the script

If cast there is a $250.00 non-refundable participation fee.