photos by EC Darling-Bond
Thursday, July 31, 2025
Spotlight Youth Theatre's First Half of their 2025/2026 Season!
Something Rotten - September 5-21
Beetlejuice JR - October 17-November 2
The Best Christmas Pageant Ever: The Musical - December 5-21
Cinderella: A Rock and Roll Fairytale - December 22-January 2
Wednesday, July 30, 2025
Rebel Phoenix Theatre Collective Announces Cast for their “A Night Of Rebellion” Fundraiser Cabaret on August 10
Rebel Phoenix Theatre Collective is thrilled to announce the cast of A Night of Rebellion, a one-night-only cabaret and fundraiser happening Sunday, August 10 at Stagebrush Theatre in Scottsdale.
Packed with powerhouse local performers, the event will feature an exciting lineup of solos, duets, and ensemble numbers from iconic Broadway and contemporary musicals — all celebrating bold voices and rebellious spirit.
The evening also includes a silent auction, complimentary refreshments, and the chance to support the launch of Rebel Phoenix’s inaugural season.
“This isn’t just a cabaret — it’s a mission statement,” says Artistic Director Nat Coe. “These performers represent the future of theatre in Phoenix — diverse, passionate, and unapologetically real.”
Event Details:
A Night of Rebellion
Sunday, August 10, 2025
Stagebrush Theatre – 7020 E Second St, Scottsdale, AZ
Doors at 5:00 PM | Show at 6:00 PM
Tickets: Available now at
Cast announced for LET THE GOOD TIMES ROLL: A NEW ORLEANS GUMBO at the Phoenix Theatre Company
Producer Michael P. Kruke and co-producer Ram Narasimhan in association with The Phoenix Theatre Company, proudly presents the world premiere of Let the Good Times Roll: A New Orleans Gumbo, an original musical that unites acclaimed Broadway veterans with local talent in a celebration of music and community. The show wraps up the 24/25 season running from August 6–31, 2025, in the Hormel Theatre.
Conceived and written by Tony Award winner Jack Viertel with music supervision, arrangements, and orchestrations by Broadway’s Sonny Paladino, and directed and choreographed by Broadway veteran Sara Edwards, this world premiere production offers a vibrant, music-filled journey through the soul of New Orleans.
"I’ve been in love with the music of New Orleans since I bought my first Jelly Roll Morton record at the age of 15,” said Jack Viertel. “It was when I began regular visits in the early ‘70s that I came to understand the music is nothing more or less than an outgrowth of the irresistible spirit of the people themselves and the place they call home: Thrilling, sexy, celebratory, sometimes heartbreaking but always unique and authentic. Capturing that spirit led me to conceive Let the Good Times Roll, and I’m thrilled to be working with The Phoenix Theater Company. With its deeply experienced artists and staff and its smart and curious audiences, it’s a wonderful place to begin this journey."
Let the Good Times Roll is a rhythmic tribute to a city that rises again and again, wrapped in the joyful sounds of jazz, blues, funk, and gospel telling the story of a young woman rediscovering life in the city’s embrace.
Set to the music of New Orleans legends like Bessie Smith, Dr. John, The Meters, Fats Domino, Lyle Lovett, Harry Connick Jr. and more, the story centers on a young woman who lands in a lively neighborhood bar, still reeling from heartbreak. There, she meets a group of eclectic locals whose own stories of loss, survival, and celebration help her reconnect with her strength.
“When Let the Good Times Roll was shown to me, I loved the concept immediately,” said Producer Michael P. Kruke. “And I was aware of the success of Phoenix Theatre and their strong desire to expand the theatre’s profile beyond Arizona. This seemed like a great opportunity that could create national recognition for them while also giving them a chance to produce a world premiere in association with Ram and me, developed by a team of Broadway veterans, with a collection of irresistible songs and with a feeling of pure celebration.”
This musical had its first reading at The Phoenix Theatre Company's 2024 Festival of New American Theatre, where guests gave feedback and had a hand in molding it into the production they’ll see on stage this August.
"Watching it grow into a full production has been incredibly rewarding,” said Artistic Director Michael Barnard. “Developing new work is a vital part of our mission, and we are committed to continuing that work and helping launch the next generation of theatre."
Against the backdrop of historical moments like the Great Flood and Hurricane Katrina, the show captures what it means to fall apart and rebuild within the pulse of “The Big Easy.”
The cast features William Bailey* (Onyx); Scott Davidson* (Captain); Gina Guarino* (Wanda); Miciah Lathan* (Maretha); Carmiña Monserrat* (Liza Jane); Tre Moore* (L.D.); Ernest Allen (Swing); Savannah Inez (Swing); and Robert Watson (Understudy).
*Denotes members of Actors’ Equity Association, the union of professional actors and stage managers.
The show runs August 6 to August 31 with an official opening on August 8 in the Hormel Theater at
The Phoenix Theatre Company (1825 N. Central Avenue) as part of their 105th season. Tickets are on sale now at www.phoenixtheatre.com.
In celebration of the first preview of this world premiere on August 6, Joy Machine Records will release a concept album of the show, featuring songs made famous by everyone from Bessie Smith to Dr. John, Professor Longhair, The Meters, Harry Connick, Jr., Rebirth Brass Band and Randy Newman among many others. Produced by Sonny Paladino, the recording will highlight performances by Tony Award winner J. Harrison Ghee, Rashidra Scott, John Edwards, Jonny Rosch, and Alysha Umphress, with a guest appearance by the Grammy Award-winning Rebirth Brass Band.
Tuesday, July 29, 2025
Monday, July 28, 2025
SEUSSICAL, JR - Shine Theatre Company - August 15-16, 2025
A musical production featuring teens & adults with disabilities
August 15th at 6:30pm
August 16th at 2:00pm
Transporting audiences from the Jungle of Nool to the Circus McGurkus, the Cat in the Hat narrates the story of Horton the Elephant, who discovers a speck of dust containing tiny people called the Whos. Ultimately, the powers of friendship, loyalty, family and community are challenged. This production will feature a cast made up of teens and adults with disabilities, facilitated by a talented team of staff and personal coaches.
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