PHX Stages: February 2025

Friday, February 28, 2025

Cast announced for DIRTY ROTTEN SCOUNDRELS at Zao Theatre

Dirty Rotten Scoundrels, the musical, takes us to the French Riviera for high jinks and hilarity. Sophisticated, suave with a good dash of mischief, this hysterical comedy features a delightfully jazzy score by David Yazbek. Playing March 7-29, 2025.

PRODUCTION TEAM

Director: Michael E. Bryce

Music Director: David Thomas

Choreographer: Andrew McDuff

CAST OF CHARACTERS

Lawrence Jameson: Bryan Stewart

Freddy Benson: David Michael Paul

Christine Colgate: Gina Kim

Andre Thibault: Jerry Maggio

Muriel Eubanks: Lizz Reeves

Jolene Oakes: Juli Buehrle

ENSEMBLE

Katie Babbitt, Rebecca Bryce, Ethan Cannoy, Sophie-Leigh Cannoy, Randi Jill Condit, Tanner Duncan, Brittany Foster, Anni Huck, Courtney Jacobs, Chloe Kesner, Eddie Kesner, Olivia Kesner, Donnalynn Maggio, Turner McKenzie, Jeff Montgomery, Shayla Montgomery, Sarai Phillips-Dunlap, Gary Pimentel, Justin Robinson

Tickets available at www.zaotheatre.org

Zao Theatre, 6338 S. Kings Ranch Rd, Gold Canyon, Arizona

Thursday, February 27, 2025

Auditions for YOU'RE A GOOD MAN, CHARLIE BROWN at Desert Foothills Theater announced for March 18 & 19

Incredibly endearing, heartfelt, and jam-packed with nostalgia, this show is pure "Happiness!"

DFT is looking for actors 16+ to join our cast. All the details are on our website.

https://www.dftheater.org/charliebrownauditions

Southwest Shakespeare Company Announces Leadership Transitions

Southwest Shakespeare Company (SSC) today announced key leadership transitions at the 31-year-old classical theatre company. Grant Mudge, Executive Director and Director of Education and Community Engagement since 2023, has accepted a new position and departs SSC as of March 12. Mudge will be returning to South Bend, Indiana, which will enable him to be near his son full-time. SSC is welcoming well-known Arizona theatre artist Keath David Hall as the organization’s new Artistic Director to provide artistic and organizational leadership. He joins the company on March 1.

Hall will be instrumental in the planning and launching of the 2025-26 season and assisting with the smooth completion of the 2024-25 season. The new Artistic Director is supported by a strong, long-term staff and a devoted board, which is in the process of evaluating and realigning administrative and operational responsibilities, and in active pursuit of a new education manager.

Hall is a highly respected member of the Arizona theatre community, with many years of experience, including as an area theatre educator, and as co-founder and Artistic Director of Ronin Theatre. Audiences last saw Hall on Southwest Shakespeare's stages this past fall as Malvolio in TWELFTH NIGHT, and as Frank in THE SCHOOL FOR LIES. He’s been an actor, director or technician with over a dozen theatre companies, including Sedona Shakespeare Festival, Childsplay, Mesa Arts Center, Class 6 Theatre, Stray Cat, Mesa Community College, Paradise Valley Community College and many more in Arizona, Chicago and California, including the California Shakespeare Theater. As he begins his tenure as Southwest Shakespeare’s Artistic Director, he will continue his position as Drama Teacher at Shadow Mountain High School.

“We are sad to see Grant leave the company and wish him great success in his new adventure. He has accomplished much for Southwest Shakespeare during his tenure. At the same time, we are delighted to have such an amazing talent as Keath Hall to provide artistic planning and organizational leadership for Southwest Shakespeare Company. Keath has been an artist with the company since 2007, so he is well-known to the staff, actors and audiences. His leadership at Ronin Theatre Company has demonstrated a passion for bold and innovative theatre. We are confident Keath’s leadership will keep our productions vibrant and engaging, and will shape and grow our brand,” said Laurie Goldstein, Southwest Shakespeare Company board president.

”I am overcome with pride and honor to be trusted to provide artistic oversight, planning and guidance to a company I know and love, and have worked with for almost 20 years,” said Hall. “I hope my diverse theater experiences will help the company to thrive and continue its mission. The classics are where my heart lies, so it only makes sense for me to help propel history, literacy, and the future of classical theater in Arizona.”

Achievements of the company during Mudge's tenure include returning to full adjudication in the annual AriZoni Awards (Arizona's version of the Tony Awards), which garnered fourteen (14) nominations for Southwest Shakespeare in the first year alone. Artists won for Best Actress, Best Actor, and Best Supporting Actor for the company's 2023 production of MACBETH. In addition, Mudge created the company’s first program for youth in Arizona’s juvenile justice system, securing the largest National Endowment for the Arts grant in the company’s history for this work. Partnering with Rite of Passage's campuses at Canyon State and Desert Lily Academies, students learn, rehearse, and perform scenes from Shakespeare and other playwrights for peers, faculty, staff, and families.

COMING UP FROM SOUTHWEST SHAKESPEARE COMPANY

The annual SW SHAKESPEARE HIGH SCHOOL FESTIVAL at Mesa Arts Center on April 2 will showcase young performers from schools across the Valley and the state.

THE MERCHANT OF VENICE runs from March 14-23.

THE SECRET GARDEN adapted and directed by James Cougar Canfield, runs April 4-13, both at Taliesin West.

ABOUT SOUTHWEST SHAKESPEARE COMPANY

For over 30 years the Southwest Shakespeare Company has been the standard-bearer for classical theatre in Arizona. Founded on a Mission to educate, elevate, entertain, and inspire the communities of the Southwest, the not-for-profit company has transformed itself from a small, inspired group of local artist-educators into a theatrical institution of the American Southwest. The company presents an annual season at Mesa Arts Center in the heart of downtown Mesa, and Taliesin West in Scottsdale. Public performances, student matinees, workshops, tours to schools, and seminars all serve to bring the works of Shakespeare and other classical playwrights to today's audiences. For more information about Southwest Shakespeare and its work in the community, visit swshakespeare.org

Wednesday, February 26, 2025

Center Stage Academy of the Arts' Summer 2025 Musical Theatre Camps!

Summer is almost here, and we’ve got THREE magical musical theater camps lined up! 🎤🎶 Whether you’re a Wicked witch, a High School Musical star, or a Disney princess, we’ve got something for everyone! 🌟

🌈 Emerald: A Summer Camp Musical (June 2-6) – A Wicked-themed musical adventure!

🎉 Fabulous! Summer Camp Musical (June 9-13) – A High School Musical 2-inspired experience!

🏰 Once Upon a Stage (June 16-20) – A Disney-themed theater dream come true!

Each camp ends with an epic performance where YOU take center stage! 🎭✨ Don't miss out on the chance to shine this summer. Spots are limited, so register today!

CLICK HERE to register!

Tuesday, February 25, 2025

Talking to Elias Matthews about playing Eugene in all three of Neil Simon's "Eugene Trilogy" of plays at Fountain Hills Theater

Elias Matthews

by Gil Benbrook

Portraying a single character across multiple plays is a rare and rewarding challenge for any actor, and Elias Matthews had the unique opportunity to bring the character of Eugene Jerome to life in all three of Neil Simon’s "Eugene Trilogy" plays—Brighton Beach Memoirs, Biloxi Blues, and Broadway Bound. at Fountain Hills Theater this season, with the final play in the trilogy, Broadway Bound opening this Friday and running through March 16.

Simon’s semi-autobiographical trilogy follows Eugene from his teenage years in Brooklyn to his time in the Army and, finally, his early career as a comedy writer. Throughout these plays, Eugene evolves from a wide-eyed dreamer into a sharp-witted observer of life, and having seen Matthews in the first two plays, his portrayal captures every nuance of that journey with humor, heart, and depth.

In addition to acting in theatres in town, Matthews is the co-founder of Valley Players, a theater company focusing on modern and contemporary works. Their first show was Matthews' original play Many Winding Roads, and their next show is 12 Angry Jurors opening March 21 at Scottsdale Neighborhood Arts Place (SNAP).

Matthews' time at Fountain Hills Theater won't end after Broadway Bound closes as he recently assumed the position of Technical Director where he's learning the ins-and-outs of the technical aspects of putting on a show from FHT's long term Artistic Director, Peter J. Hill and Ross Collins, the Artistic Director of Fountain Hills Youth Theater. In this capacity, he’ll be working on lights, sound, and set construction on a full-time basis.

In between final rehearsals and working his new job, Matthews sat down to answer some questions and to reflect on his experience inhabiting Eugene across the three plays, sharing insights on how he approached the role, the challenges of growing with the character, and what he’s taken away from the experience.

Walt Pedano, Elias Matthews, Cindy Covington, Michael McGraw and Richard Powers Hardt
in Broadway Bound at Fountain Hills Theater
photo by Patty Torrilhon

Eugene is such a beloved character in Neil Simon’s trilogy—what has been the most rewarding part of playing him?

Elias Matthews: "The most rewarding part is getting to act with all of these juggernauts onstage. Every single person in this trilogy has brought their A-game and I get to be front seat to all of it."

Each of the three plays shows Eugene at a different stage in his life. How do you approach evolving the character from Brighton Beach Memoirs to Biloxi Blues and Broadway Bound?

"It’s all about maturity. In Brighton Beach Memoirs Eugene is very self-centered in my opinion. He is a teenager after all. But as he ages we get to see him understand that there’s more to life than what’s in front of him. In Biloxi Blues he encounters anti-semitism, death, and real love for the first time. These events lead him to understanding and connecting with others better. In this show, Broadway Bound, he spends much of the play caring about the other members of the family. Especially his mother. I’m very lucky to get to play this role at 23, the same age Eugene is in this last play, because I get to pull from the decision-making and growing moments of my youth."

Elias Matthews, Cindy Covington, and Alexandra Palmatier
in Brighton Beach Memoirs at Fountain Hills Theater
Photo by Tiana Torrilhon-Wood

Neil Simon’s writing is known for its balance of humor and heart. How do you navigate the comedic and dramatic moments in your performance?

"Something our director Gil Berry is very mindful about is not letting us play caricatures. It would be very easy to play up the comedy as slapstick as possible but that would be doing a disservice to Neil Simon. These characters were all based on real people in his life. Even though they’re all very funny, they all also have big hearts. They laugh when they’re happy and cry when they’re sad. I try my best to be as grounded as possible in every moment as Eugene. We’re very lucky to have Gil there to pull us back if we get too performative and help us bring out the true motivations in every word."

Eugene serves as both a participant and an observer in his family’s story. How do you convey that dual perspective on stage?

"A simple way to answer this is the use of narration. Whatever Eugene is saying directly to the audience is part of the overarching memoirs he’s writing throughout the trilogy. Especially in this play, there are some things he writes about specifically because he can’t find the confidence to say it out loud."

Do you relate to Eugene in any way? Are there personal experiences or traits that you bring to the role?

"It’s actually hard to believe how many similarities Eugene and I have. We’re both very ambitious when it comes to our careers. We fall in love quickly. We both care deeply for people in our lives and show that through humor. We can have a hard time standing up for ourselves when it comes to tough situations. On an emotional level it’s very easy playing Eugene. It’s when he starts monologuing where it becomes difficult!."

What has been the most challenging scene or moment to perform in the trilogy, and why?

"The most challenging scenes for me actually come in this show, Broadway Bound. Any scene between Eugene and his mother just tears me apart. My actual mother is the most loving woman on the planet and I get to see that in Cindy Covington’s excellent portrayal of Kate. Kate is going through all of these struggles but still manages to put on a brave face for her children, and I have to pretend not to notice. It kills me and it’s the most beautiful part of these plays."

Elias Matthews and Lauren Miller
in Biloxi Blues at Fountain Hills Theater
Photo by Patty Torrilhon

Eugene is often considered a stand-in for Neil Simon himself—how much of that influences your interpretation of the role?

"It’s very influential. It’s nice knowing the direction of your character after the show. Knowing Eugene grows up to be a successful writer, it’s fun getting to sprinkle in some of that talent throughout the trilogy. I’ve listened to many Neil Simon interviews about these plays and I get to borrow some of those feelings he has about these moments of his life and filter them through my own experiences. It’s very cool getting to pretend to be as talented as Neil Simon for a couple hours a day."

The plays explore themes of family, ambition, and coming-of-age. Which theme resonates with you the most?

"FAMILY! Family is at the center of this entire series. Even in Biloxi Blues when Eugene is in the army, he approaches challenges in certain ways because of how he grew up with his family. Gil Berry always has us search for the heart in every scene and it shows. We feel like a real family on and off stage. That’s why it’s so exciting when we see these characters succeed and so heartbreaking when they fail."

How has working on these plays changed your perspective on Neil Simon’s work or on acting in general?

"Acting is always better with people you love. I’ve made so many new friends with the cast and crew of this trilogy. We’re constantly laughing and supporting each other, and all of that continues on stage. If audiences find half the joy that I’ve found performing in these shows, then these plays will stay with them for a long time."

If you could give Eugene advice at any stage of his journey, what would you tell him?

"DON’T HAVE A CRUSH ON YOUR COUSIN!"

CLICK HERE for more information on Broadway Bound at Fountain Hills Theater

and CLICK HERE for information on 12 Angry Jurors at Valley Players, the theatre company Matthews co-founded, which runs March 21-29

Save on tickets to THE OLD MAN AND THE OLD MOON at TheaterWorks

Use code PHXSTAGES7 to save $7 off every ticket to any performance.

CLICK HERE to purchase your discounted tickets!

Cast announced for FREAKY FRIDAY at Mesa Encore Theatre

CLICK HERE for more information on this production, which runs February 28-March 16

Auditions for LITTLE SHOP OF HORRORS at Stray Cat Theatre announced for March 9

AUDITIONS ANNOUNCED FOR LITTLE SHOP OF HORRORS

book and lyrics by Howard Ashman

music by Alan Menken

direction and concept by Ron May

music direction by Mark 4man

choreography by Stephen Hohendorf

Tempe Center for the Arts Studio Theatre

May 2 - 17, 2025

WHEN/WHERE:

Sunday, March 9th - 11am-4pm

Childsplay Campus of Imagination and Wonder -

900 S Mitchell Dr, Tempe, AZ, 85281

Callbacks will be on Tuesday, March 11th in the evening.

ROLES AVAILABLE:

Non-union only.

All abilities, ethnicities are encouraged to audition.

Seeking 10 - 11 primary cast members.

We will also be casting understudies.

Seymour Krelborn (Male identifying) - 20 - 35

An insecure, put-upon florist's clerk. A genuine, well-meaning man who is taken for granted because of his clumsy ways and poor social skills. And he may have a secret or two more in this production than usual.

Audrey (Female identifying) - 20 - 35

Walking innocence, the secret love of Seymour's life. She has low self-worth and education, but an incredibly sweet and vulnerable demeanor. An untouchable symbol of purity.

Mr. Mushnik (Male identifying) - 50 - 65

The grizzled owner of the failing East Side flower shop and Seymour's nosy boss. He is profit-driven, greedy, and manipulative. A self-serving shadow of capitalism.

Orin Scrivello (Male identifying) - 30 - 40

An egotistical dentist with a passion for leather and sadistic tendencies. Audrey's abusive boyfriend. A looming, predatory figure. A carnivalesque horror. Who happens to also be hilarious.

The Plant (Audrey II) / Voice Of The Plant (Any gender identity) - 20 - 50

Puppets will be involved but the most mature evolution will most likely be a combination puppet costume and human hybrid. An anthropomorphic mess that is a 3-way between a Venus flytrap, an avocado, and a human. Has an appetite for human flesh. The voice is that of a conniving, street-smart 'villain.' A funky Rhythm and Blues voice is best. Whether this is one or more actors is still to be determined.

Crystal, Ronnette and Chiffon (Female identifying) - 20s - 30s

3 Black street urchins, acting as the occasional Greek Chorus. Young, hip, and smart, these girls are the only ones who have a grip on reality. Singers who can riff and belt the house down boots (safely) would be ideal.

Ensemble (Any gender identity) - Any age

3 or 4 additional singer/actor/mover/shakers to fill out the denizens of Skid Row and Floral Shop customers and…wait…does Audrey II claim MORE victims???

PLEASE PREPARE:

2 songs

16-32 bars each

they can from ANY broadway/off-broadway musical

NO POP SONGS

can you sing a song from the show?

while the rule is usually absolutely not - what are rules if not meant to be broken?

if you really think you have something special to show off - go for it.

…but it better knock us out!

***PLEASE NOTE THERE WILL BE NO ACCOMPANIST SO YOU MUST BRING YOUR OWN BACKING TRACKS. YOU MAY ALSO BRING YOUR OWN EQUIPMENT AND/OR SPEAKER - OR - WE WILL ALSO HAVE PLAYBACK EQUIPMENT FOR YOU AVAILABLE. - OTHERWISE - PREPARE TO SING A CAPELLA*

TO SCHEDULE AN AUDITION:

PLEASE SEND AN EMAIL TO rmay@straycattheatre.org WITH THE FOLLOWING INFORMATION:

1. NAME

2. PHONE NUMBER

3. CHARACTER(S) YOU WOULD LIKE TO BE CONSIDERED FOR

4. A WINDOW OF TIME YOU WOULD PREFER. PLEASE KEEP IN MIND ALL AUDITIONS ARE ON A FIRST COME, FIRST SCHEDULED BASIS IN 5 MINUTE INCREMENTS. WE WILL DO OUR BEST TO ADHERE TO YOUR WISHES BUT CANNOT MAKE ANY PROMISES.

YOU WILL RECEIVE A CONFIRMATION EMAIL WITH:

IMPORTANT INFORMATION

AN AUDITION FORM TO COMPLETE BEFORE ARRIVAL

AN AUDITION TIME SLOT

ANY QUESTIONS: rmay@straycattheatre.org

PAY: There is a $400 stipend for all actors cast.

A smaller stipend is offered for understudies.

ABOUT THE SHOW:

Feed me, Stray Cat!

The characters are the same. The songs are the same. But the show won’t be. We have watched this long-time favorite on local stages for decades and accrued a whole rolodex of thoughts in the vein of, “…what would happen if we did a production Stray Cat style?” Welp. Time to find out! We’re about to do everything we can to put the ‘horrors’ back into the little shop y’all know and love.

“Holy $&!@&* - IS THIS A PRANK?!?!” - Most of you reading this

"nope.” - Stray Cat Theatre

Monday, February 24, 2025

ASU Gammage Brings the Best Of Broadway To The 2025-2026 Season

ASU Gammage has announced its 2025-2026 Desert Financial Broadway Across America-Arizona season with an exciting lineup of Broadway shows.

Get ready to be swept off your feet, the ASU Gammage 2025-2026 Broadway season is here with a mix of groundbreaking new productions, beloved classics, and laugh-out-loud comedies. From the empowering voices in SUFFS, and the pop-infused journey of & JULIET—to the heartwarming nostalgia of DISNEY’S BEAUTY AND THE BEAST and the iconic songs of Neil Diamond in his biographical musical A BEAUTIFUL NOISE, this season promises unforgettable stories and show-stopping performances.

Comedy fans will love the side-splitting humor of the farm to fable original musical SHUCKED, while a love story for the ages takes center stage with THE NOTEBOOK, a moving new musical adaptation of the bestselling novel, and HELL’S KITCHEN, the electric coming-of-age story set to the songs of 17-time Grammy® Award winner Alicia Keys, reminds us all of what it means to chase our dreams.

Fans of the fast-paced slapstick whodunit CLUE, or masterpieces like SIX and THE BOOK OF MORMON, will also find plenty to love this season.

“This season has something for everyone - romance, comedy, thrilling action, show-stopping dance numbers, and unforgettable music that will stay with you long after the curtain falls,” said Colleen Jennings Roggensack ASU Vice President for Cultural Affairs and Executive Director of ASU Gammage. “We invite you to be part of the magic and experience the very best of Broadway with us. Don’t miss a moment of the excitement!”

Current season ticket holders will be the first to secure their seats with season auto-renew and can learn more at asugammage.com

New season subscriptions go on sale Monday, April 7. Be first in line by signing up for the ASU Gammage waitlist at asugammage.com/waitlist.

2025–2026 Broadway season includes:

SUFFS

October 14 - 19, 2025

BEHIND EVERY POWERFUL WOMAN… ARE MORE POWERFUL WOMEN.

Direct from Broadway, comes the acclaimed Tony Award®-winning musical Suffs about the brilliant, passionate, and funny American women who fought tirelessly for the right to vote. Created by Shaina Taub, the first woman to ever independently win Tony Awards for Best Book and Best Score in the same season, this “thrilling, inspiring and dazzlingly entertaining” (Variety) new musical boldly explores the triumphs and failures of a struggle for equality that’s far from over. Winner of the Outer Critics’ Circle Award for Best New Musical.

“Like all of the best Broadway musicals, Suffs humanizes, empowers, moves, and entertains.” Chicago Tribune

& JULIET

November 4 - 9, 2025

Created by the Emmy®-winning writer from “Schitt’s Creek,” this hilarious new musical flips the script on the greatest love story ever told. & Juliet asks: what would happen next if Juliet didn’t end it all over Romeo? Get whisked away on a fabulous journey as she ditches her famous ending for a fresh beginning and a second chance at life and love - her way.

Juliet’s new story bursts to life through a playlist of pop anthems as iconic as her name, including "Since U Been Gone‚" "Roar," "Baby One More Time," "Larger Than Life‚" "That’s The Way It Is,“ and "Can't Stop the Feeling!"—all from the genius songwriter/producer behind more #1 hits than any other artist this century. Break free of the balcony scene and get into this romantic comedy that proves there’s life after Romeo. The only thing tragic would be missing it.

SHUCKED

December 2 - 7, 2025

SHUCKED is the Tony Award®–winning musical comedy The Wall Street Journal calls “flat out hilarious!” And nobody knows funny like economists. Featuring a book by Tony Award® winner Robert Horn (Tootsie), a score by the Grammy® Award–winning songwriting team of Brandy Clark and Shane McAnally (Kacey Musgraves’ “Follow Your Arrow”), and directed by Tony Award® winner Jack O’Brien (Hairspray), this corn-fed, corn-bred American musical is sure to satisfy your appetite for great musical theater.

A BEAUTIFUL NOISE: THE NEIL DIAMOND MUSICAL

January 27- February 1, 2026

THE UNTOLD TRUE STORY OF A BROOKLYN KID WHO BECAME A CHART-BUSTING, SHOW-STOPPING, AWARD-WINNING AMERICAN ICON

Created in collaboration with Neil Diamond himself, A BEAUTIFUL NOISE is the uplifting true story of how a kid from Brooklyn became a chart-busting, show-stopping American rock icon. With 120 million albums sold, a catalogue of classics like "America," "Forever in Blue Jeans," and "Sweet Caroline," an induction into the Songwriters and Rock and Roll Halls of Fame, a Grammy® Lifetime Achievement Award, and sold-out concerts around the world that made him bigger than Elvis, Neil Diamond's story was made to shine on Broadway-and head out on the road across America.

Like Jersey Boys and Beautiful: The Carole King Musical before it, A BEAUTIFUL NOISE: THE NEIL DIAMOND MUSICAL is an inspiring, exhilarating, energy-filled musical memoir, that tells the untold true story of how America's greatest hitmaker became a star, set to the songs that defined his career.

CLUE

Feb. 17 - 22, 2026

A mansion. A murder. A mystery.

Murder and blackmail are on the menu when six mysterious guests assemble at Boddy Manor for a night they’ll never forget! Was it Mrs. Peacock in the study with the knife? Or was it Colonel Mustard in the library with the wrench? Based on the fan-favorite 1985 Paramount Pictures movie and inspired by the classic Hasbro board game, Clue is the ultimate whodunit that will leave you dying of laughter and keep you guessing until the final twist.

THE NOTEBOOK

April 7 - 12, 2026

Based on the best-selling novel that inspired the iconic film, THE NOTEBOOK tells a love story for the ages and takes center stage with the story of Allie and Noah, both from different worlds, who share a lifetime of love despite the forces that threaten to pull them apart. “Full of butterfly-inducing highs and beautiful songs” (Entertainment Weekly), THE NOTEBOOK is a deeply moving portrait of the enduring power of love.

Chris Jones of The Chicago Tribune says THE NOTEBOOK is “absolutely gorgeous, not to be missed,” and The New York Daily News calls it “a love story for the ages.”

THE NOTEBOOK is directed by Michael Greif (Dear Evan Hansen, Next to Normal, RENT) and Schele Williams (The Wiz, Aida), and features music and lyrics by multi-platinum singer-songwriter Ingrid Michaelson, book by Bekah Brunstetter (NBC’s “This Is Us”), and choreography by Katie Spelman.

HELL’S KITCHEN

April 28 - May 3, 2026

Ali is a 17-year-old girl full of fire – searching for freedom, passion and her place in the world.

How she finds them is a New York City coming-of-age story you've never felt before – HELL’S KITCHEN, a new musical from 17-time Grammy® Award winner Alicia Keys, whose new songs and greatest hits about growing up in NY inspire a story made for Broadway.

Rebellious and stifled by an overprotective single mother, Ali is lost until she meets her mentor: a neighbor who opens her heart and mind to the power of the piano. Set to the rhythm of the 90s, HELL'S KITCHEN is a love story between a mother and daughter. It's about finding yourself, your purpose, and the community that lifts you. Come remember where dreams begin.

Hailed as a New York Times Critic’s Pick that is, “thrilling from beginning to end – a rare must-see!" HELL’S KITCHEN is directed by four-time Tony Award® nominee Michael Greif, with choreography by four-time Tony Award® nominee Camille A. Brown, a book by Pulitzer Prize finalist Kristoffer Diaz, and the music of Alicia Keys.

DISNEY’S BEAUTY AND THE BEAST

June 24 - July 3, 2026

Be Our Guest at Disney’s 30th Anniversary production of BEAUTY AND THE BEAST, the breathtaking musical filled with the romance and grandeur audiences know and love.

This enchanting and timeless tale has been brought to life like never before, with spectacular new sets and dazzling costumes. The show boasts the Oscar®-winning and Tony Award®-nominated score, including the classic songs “Be Our Guest” and “Beauty and the Beast.”

Reuniting to create this new production are members of the original Tony Award®-winning artistic team, including composer Alan Menken, lyricist Tim Rice, book writer Linda Woolverton, with direction and choreography by Matt West, scenic design by Stanley A. Meyer, costume design by Ann Hould-Ward and lighting design by Natasha Katz.

BEAUTY AND THE BEAST is the beloved musical that will fill your heart with joy and Disney magic.

Season Options include:

THE BOOK OF MORMON

January 6 - 11, 2026

Back by popular demand and its return to ASU Gammage, THE BOOK OF MORMON.

The New York Times calls it “the best musical of this century.” The Washington Post says, “It is the kind of evening that restores your faith in musicals.” And Entertainment Weekly says, “Grade A: the funniest musical of all time.” Jimmy Fallon of The Tonight Show calls it "Genius. Brilliant. Phenomenal." It’s THE BOOK OF MORMON, the nine-time Tony Award® winning Best Musical. This outrageous musical comedy follows the adventures of a mismatched pair of missionaries, sent halfway across the world to spread the Good Word. With standing room only productions in London, on Broadway, and across North America, THE BOOK OF MORMON has truly become an international sensation. Contains explicit language.

SIX

March 17 - 22, 2026

From Tudor Queens to Pop Icons, the SIX wives of Henry VIII take the microphone to remix five hundred years of historical heartbreak into a Euphoric Celebration of 21st century girl power! This new original musical is the global sensation that everyone is losing their head over!

SIX won 23 awards in the 2021/2022 Broadway season, including the Tony Award® for Best Original Score (Music and Lyrics) and the Outer Critics Circle Award for Best Musical.

The New York Times says SIX “TOTALLY RULES!” (Critic's Pick) and The Washington Post hails SIX as “Exactly the kind of energizing, inspirational illumination this town aches for!"

The SIX: LIVE ON OPENING NIGHT Broadway album debuted at Number 1 on the Billboard cast album charts and surpassed six million streams in its first month.

ASU GAMMAGE For more than 60 years, ASU Gammage has been a top cultural destination in the Valley. The Frank Lloyd Wright designed performing arts center located on the Tempe campus of Arizona State University is one of the largest university-based presenters of performing arts in the world and top touring market for Broadway. Home to the Desert Financial Broadway Across America - Arizona and Beyond series, the mission of Connecting Communities™ goes beyond the stage and programs and impacts the community through shared experiences in the arts. asugammage.com

Broadway Across America (BAA) is part of the John Gore Organization family of companies, which includes Broadway.com, The Broadway Channel, BroadwayBox.com, Group Sales Box Office, and Broadway Brands. Led by 22-time Tony-winning theater producer John Gore (Owner & CEO), BAA is the foremost presenter of first-class touring productions in North America, operating in over 45 markets with over 475,000 subscribers. Presentations include Disney’s The Lion King, Wicked, The Book of Mormon, and Hamilton. Current productions include &Juliet, Hadestown, Hamilton, Hell’s Kitchen, MJ: The Musical, Moulin Rouge! The Musical, The Outsiders and Stereophonic.

The John Gore Organization is the leading presenter, distributor, and marketer of Broadway theater worldwide. Under the leadership of 22-time Tony-winning theater producer and owner John Gore, its family of companies includes Broadway Across America, Broadway.com, The Broadway Channel, BroadwayBox.com, Group Sales Box Office and Broadway Brands. The company presents shows in over 45 cities across North America as well as on Broadway, Off-Broadway, London’s West End, Japan, and China. It has won Tony Awards in every producing category as well as numerous other Drama League, Drama Desk, and Olivier Awards. The John Gore Organization is committed to supporting theater access and education programs that introduce Broadway to the next generation of audiences and theater professionals.

Save on tickets for THE COTTAGE at Stage Left Productions for Local Theatre Artists, First Responders and Military

graphics by Hector Coris

CLICK HERE for more information on this production, which runs through March 16

Plays, Cast, and Crew announced for B3 Theater's LAUGH YOUR SHORTS OFF - COMEDY SHORT PLAY FESTIVAL

Announcing the cast of B3's comedy short play festival, Laugh Your Shorts Off

The show runs February 28th-March 1st at Scottsdale Neighborhood Arts Place.

Tickets are only $15 and can be ordered at THIS LINK

Review Highlights: JERSEY BOYS - The Phoenix Theatre Company

Noah Archibald, Justin Wolfe Smith, Noah Cornwell, and Daxton Bloomquist
Photo by Brennen Russell

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 4

"Jersey Boys is a rewarding and electrifying musical drama that balances the exhilarating highs of The Four Seasons' meteoric rise to fame with the darker, more emotional moments that depict their personal and professional struggles. With powerhouse performances, excellent renditions of the group's iconic songs, and direction that is sleek and fast-paced, Phoenix Theatre Company is presenting a fantastic production of this award-winning musical." - Gil Benbrook, TalkinBroadway.com (click here to read the complete review)

"the richly entertaining and invigorating The Phoenix Theatre Company staging couldn’t be better. It equals the well-received Broadway version. The local production is expertly cast and glides along with upscale energy as it encapsulates the members lives and how personal issues affected their professional existence." -Chris Curcio, Curtain Up Phoenix (click here to read the complete review)

"a toe-tapping, high-energy joyride through the unforgettable music of The Four Seasons. More than just a nostalgic playlist of chart-topping hits, the show charts the group’s tumultuous journey—from harmonizing under streetlights in Newark to their hard-won induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame." - Herbert Paine, Broadway World (click here to read the complete review)

Arizona Musical Theatre Academy's March 2025 classes include Beginning and Intermediate Tap and new Musical Theatre Dance Technique

MARCH GROUP CLASSES

Beg/Inter/Adv TAP classes will continue:

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 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!

COST: $25 per class

*NEW* MUSICAL THEATER DANCE TECHNIQUE: This class will specifically focus on technique, helping students gain an understanding of the basic fundamentals of dance. A short Musical Theater combo will be taught to incorporate the technique worked on in class.

COST: $25.00 per class

DATES:

SUNDAY MARCH 2nd, 9th and 16th

TIMES:

BEG. TAP: 5pm-6pm

MT TECH: 6:15pm-7:15pm

INT/ADV TAP: 7:30pm-8:30pm

SPACE IS LIMITED!!

TO REGISTER EMAIL: AZMTacademy@gmail.com

INSTRUCTOR:

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.

Cast announced for YOU'RE A GOOD MAN, CHARLIE BROWN at Valley Youth Theatre

CLICK HERE for more information on this production, which runs Febuary 28-March 16

Charlie Brown: Chase Carter (Phoenix)

Snoopy: Izzy Herndon (Peoria)

Schroeder: Jaden Sparkman (Tempe)

Linus: Christopher Devous (Peoria)

Lucy: Olivia Fearey (Phoenix)

Sally: Addison Beattie (Mesa)

Ensemble: Gabby Anthony (Tempe), Mahagani Carter (Laveen), Ellie Evans (Phoenix), Ellianna Keller, Kourtney Lee (Phoenix), Kyler Tilley (Phoenix)

Review Highlights: ANYTHING GOES - Hale Centre Theatre

Brandt Norris and Brie Wadsworth-Gates
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 March 29

"With its excellent cast, sharp comic timing, and wonderful choreography, Hale Centre Theatre's production of the classic musical comedy Anything Goes is an infectiously joyful experience. The show's mix of romance, mistaken identity, comical hijinks, and Cole Porter's classic score that features lovely melodies and witty lyrics is what makes it a continual favorite for theatre companies across the country. Hale's production is chock-full of charm, humor, and energetic, show-stopping musical numbers....The Hale cast is excellent. Brie Wadsworth-Gates is sexy, sassy, and smart as Reno Sweeney, exuding confidence, charisma and a clear singing voice that soars, particularly in showstoppers like "Blow, Gabriel, Blow," "I Get a Kick Out of You," and the title song. With his effortless charm, warm singing voice, and superb dancing skills, Brandt Norris makes Billy an endearing romantic hero the audience roots to see succeed in his goal to win Hope over. Moonface Martin is a bumbling yet lovable gangster, and Raymond Barcelo's sharp comedic timing and humorous charm make him an audience favorite....Cambrian James' direction ensures the comic moments get big laughs and his choreography, which range from elegant waltzes to full-throttle tap extravaganzas, is spectacular.." - Gil Benbrook, TalkinBroadway.com (click here to read the complete review)