Saturday, May 31, 2025

Plays and cast announced for NEW SUMMER SHORTS at Theatre Artists Studio




Plays:

B.A.R.F. by Debra Rich Gettleman, directed by Tom Noga 
The Bassinet by Kirt Shineman, directed by Delores Goldsmith
Closing Time by Gary Santorella, directed by, Bill Phillips
Generosity by John Perovich, directed by Richard Powers Hardt
The Ice Queen of the Bingo Palace by Amy Hartman, directed by Beau Heckman
Notre Dame by Micki Shelton, directed by Judy Rollings
Ovation by Joe Bardin, directed by Mike Arseneault
The Relationship Warranty by Al Benneian, directed by Tom Koelbel

Featuring:

Shari Watts, Patti Moran, Javier Santiago, Dayna Dawson,
Kandyce Hughes, Steve Fajardo, Tim Nipper, Sydney Davis, Polly Chapman, Owen Donsker, Iris Huey, Judy Lebeau, David Heap, Shannon Noelle Green, Annie Rightnour, Leigh Decker Armor

Friday, May 30, 2025

Review Highlights: MAMMA MIA! - National Tour/ASU Gammage

Christine Sherrill and Amy Weaver
Photo by Joan Marcus

 
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 June 1

"Mamma Mia! is a buoyant and jubilant celebration of ABBA's greatest hits, and even though the plot may be thin and some of the songs feel a bit shoehorned into the story, the incredible national tour cast elevates the material with charm, humor, and powerhouse vocals. As the show celebrates its 25th anniversary, this new tour proves that Mamma Mia! still has what it takes to delight audiences, and the cast's infectious energy helps smooth over any narrative bumps. The production will appear on Broadway for a six-month run beginning August 2....Leading the cast as Donna is Christine Sherrill, whose raw emotional power and commanding stage presence anchor the show. Her rendition of "The Winner Takes It All" is a true showstopper, layered with vulnerability and strength, and her vocals on every song she sings have an earthy power and emotional connection, making her Donna one of the best I've seen. As Sophie, Amy Weaver possesses a crystal-clear voice and boundless energy which bring authenticity to the character's youthful curiosity and emotional journey. Victor Wallace delivers warmth and a playful ruggedness as Sam, one of the potential dads. His strong vocals throughout, especially on "Knowing Me, Knowing You," and realistic chemistry with Sherrill's Donna make Sam an incredibly endearing character."   - Gil Benbrook, TalkinBroadway.com (click here to read the complete review)

Rachael Redleaf stars in return engagement of TOO MUCH OF A GOOD THING at Scottsdale Community Players




From Tarantino's Once Upon a Time in Hollywood
Netflix's Atypical and Why Women Kill…

RACHAEL REDLEAF
stars in
TOO MUCH OF A GOOD THING

New York, Edinburgh, Hollywood! 

Oh My! Rachel Redleaf is busting out all over!

Scottsdale Community Players is thrilled to welcome home Rachel for a special one night only return engagement of her one-woman show TOO MUCH OF A GOOD THING. Funnier, fiercer, and more fearless than ever. If you missed it before, don’t miss it now — Big laughs. Big heart. Big...everything!

Best known for portraying Mama Cass in Tarantino's Once Upon A Time In Hollywood and Beth in Netflix's Atypical, Rachel's over the top body and personality are front and center in this comedic extravaganza! From barely qualifying for The Itty Bitty Titty Committee to being president of The Big Booby Brigade, join Rachel as she enlists her subconscious, and her talking breasts, to help her decide: Can you have too much of a good thing? Rachel will take you through her childhood and puberty, traumas and fears, joys and triumphs, to work through her conflicting emotions about her big boobs, and find out what loving herself and her body unconditionally really means.

TOO MUCH OF A GOOD THING is presented for one night only Saturday June 7 at the Historic Stagebrush Theatre, 7020 East 2nd St, Scottsdale, AZ  85251. Tickets available at greasepaint.org


NOTE: Following this production, Rachel is taking her show to the Hollywood Fringe Festival (hollywoodfringe.org ) June 10 -22, 2025.

Cast announced for ROALD DAHL'S CHARLIE AND THE CHOCOLATE FACTORY at Starlight Community Theater


 


Willy Wonka: Matthew Eads
Charlie Bucket: Emery Mueller
Grandpa Joe: Brady Anderson
Mrs Bucket: Emmy Robinson
Grandma Josephine: Nicole Thompson
Grandma Georgina: Renee Ashlock
Grandpa George: Jen Guy
Mrs Gloop: Juliet Gilliam
Augustus Gloop: Jonah Cain
Mr Salt: Alec Merrill
Veruca Salt: Ava Loren
Mr Beauregarde: Josh Merrill
Violet Beauregarde: Ellie Sachs
Mike Teavee: Oli Pearson
Mrs Teavee: Kiera Crouch
Mrs Green: Cathy Merrill
Jerry: Kelly Swope
Cherry: Holly Mutascio
Ensemble - Oompahs: Sasha Nikitin, Harper Thompson, Lucy Salari, Sophie Pehrson, Amelia Gano

Thursday, May 29, 2025

Review Highlights: THE SCARLET PIMPERNEL - Hale Centre Theatre

Cameron Rollins, Nikki Reeves, Amanda Valenzuela, Nick Gunnell, and Cast
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 June 28

"Featuring a sweeping blend of romance, adventure, and hilarity, The Scarlet Pimpernel is a highly entertaining musical comedy that shines in Hale Centre Theatre's production, thanks to a superb cast, rich creative designs, and tight, well-paced direction. This production masterfully balances the musical's shifting tones, moving from comedic moments of mistaken identity to thrilling scenes of betrayal and sacrifice. It's an emotionally engaging musical that never loses sight of its heart, even amidst energetic sword fights and the sweeping revolution it depicts....As Percy, Nick Gunnell exudes wit, charisma, and stunning vocals, effortlessly shifting between the foppish persona of Blakeney and the swashbuckling daring of the Pimpernel ...Marguerite is portrayed with grace and strength by Amanda Valenzuela, her voice soaring through the emotional highs and dramatic lows of her songs and scenes. As Chauvelin, Cameron Rollins is a commanding presence, exuding menace and a deep passion to his cause...Cambrian James' direction smartly leans into the comedic flourishes while never shortchanging the deeper romantic and political tensions."   - Gil Benbrook, TalkinBroadway.com (click here to read the complete review)

Video Audition Submissions for THE PRINCE OF EGYPT at Shine Theatre due June 2




Auditions - Prince of Egypt - VIDEO AUDITIONS DUE JUNE 2ND

The Prince of Egypt: The Musical
Audition Videos Due June 2
Performances November 7-9

Embark on an extraordinary journey of faith, freedom, and destiny with The Prince of Egypt: The Musical. Featuring a captivating score by Stephen Schwartz (Wicked, Pippin), including the Academy Award-winning song “When You Believe,” this powerful production brings to life the story of Moses as he transforms from a prince of Egypt to the leader of God's chosen people. With unforgettable music, heartfelt drama, and breathtaking ensemble moments, The Prince of Egypt: The Musical offers a theatrical experience like no other.

Auditions for Shine Theatre’s production of The Prince of Egypt: The Musical are open to ages 8 and up and must be submitted by video. Video audition submissions are due by end of day, June 2nd. Can't make callbacks? If you’re out of town or unavailable during the scheduled callback dates, no problem! Just email us at info@shinetheatre.org to make alternate arrangements.

Video auditions must include a slate (saying your name, age, height and information about the selections you'll be performing), singing 32 measures of a song from The Prince of Egypt: The Musical, and performing a one-minute speaking monologue. Download a complete list of video audition requirements here (pdf).

When your audition video is ready to upload, register using the link here:  Register

Places Productions' 2025/2026 Season!



July 25-26: Kam staged reading
Dec. 7-14: Kam at EVHS
Dec. 15-21: Kam at MAC
April 4-12: Seussical at EVHS
April 13-20: Seussical at MAC
​June 24-30: Summer 2026 at MAC

Cast announced for SELENA AND JUDY GO DANCING at Space 55


Marcella Grassa as Selena
Madeleine Miller as Judy
Megan Holcomb as The Master
Shelly Trujillo as Charlotte/Kia
Spencer Beckwith as Joey/Andy

Tuesday, May 27, 2025

Monday, May 26, 2025

Review Highlights: INTO THE WOODS - The Phoenix Theatre Company

Meggie Siegrist, Nick Barakos and Alyssa Chiarello
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 July 13

"Featuring one of Stephen Sondheim's best scores and an ingenious book by James Lapine, Into the Woods is an immensely delightful musical that blends heart and humor. The Phoenix Theatre Company presents a solid and satisfying take on the beloved musical. With a uniformly strong cast, imaginative staging, and rich creative elements, this production perfectly captures the magic and emotional depth of this intricate tale. Those new to the piece will appreciate the cleverness of the material while those familiar with the show will find a fresh appreciation in the crisp pacing, clear storytelling, and dynamic performances. It's a gorgeous production that respects the material while offering a few unique touches of its own."   - Gil Benbrook, TalkinBroadway.com (click here to read the complete review)

"astonishingly sharp, brilliantly cast, magnificently sung, stunningly staged by Karla Koskinen, and sharply choreographed by Nicole I. Olson. Be warned that any Sondheim show is far from a conventional contemporary musical.  Lapine’s clever combination of several well-known fairy stories is weaved into a show that makes one wonder if the wishes we all have may stymie our hopes.  Add Sondheim’s remarkable score that uses his complex but stunningly pleasant melodies to capture the characters’ ups and downs."    -Chris Curcio, Curtain Up Phoenix (click here to read the complete review)

"Fairy tales have always promised us that once the dragon is slain and the prince is kissed, the story ends in blissful finality. But Into The Woods, now playing at The Phoenix Theatre Company’s Hormel Theatre until July 13, dares to ask, what if that happy ending is only the beginning? In this sumptuous and strikingly realized production, directed by Karla Koskinen, Stephen Sondheim and James Lapine’s intricate musical weaves together classic fairy tale characters and forces them to face the fallout of their own wishes. It’s a dazzling, extremely funny, and ultimately haunting journey, staged with both grandeur and intimacy in a way that lingers long after the final note."   - David Appleford, Broadway World (click here to read the complete review)

Order Chaos Theater Company's 2025/2026 Season!


Your first look at 13 at Spotlight Youth Theatre
























photos by Audra Little Photography