Tuesday, April 15, 2025

Fountain Hills Theater announces their 2025/2026 Season!


FOUNTAIN HILLS THEATER ANNOUNCES THEIR 2025-26 SEASON

Fountain Hills Theater is pleased to announce its 2025-26 season! Theater is a powerful art form—it holds a mirror up to society, explores the depths of human emotion, and can transport audiences to other worlds with just a few actors and a stage. It can challenge ideas, spark conversations, and create empathy by making the audience feel what the characters feel. In many ways, believing in theater is believing in the potential for connection, transformation, and understanding. Believe in the magic.  Believe in the transformation.  Believe in the power. Believe in theater!

Season ticket packages offer savings AND offer the flexibility of using your tickets for whatever show (s) you choose!  Use them all for one show...or use them throughout the season.  Tickets on sale now! If you purchase your season pass before June 30th, you will receive an additional 15% savings!

2025-26 Mainstage/Mainstage Too Season
Showboat * Sept. 5-21, 2025
The Front Page Oct. 31-Nov. 16, 2025
A Christmas Carol, the Musical * Dec. 5 - 21. 2025
The Secret Garden * Feb. 6 – 22, 2026
The Cocoanuts * Mar. 27 – Apr. 12, 2026
Shrew! *   May 15– 31, 2026

2025-26 Mainstage Too! Season
Captain Preston the Pirate Scourge * Aug 15-31, 2025
Private Lives, the Musical * Jan. 9 – 25, 2026
The Mystery of the Blue Train April 19 – May 3, 2026

2025-26 Youth Theater Season
Six, Teen Edition * Oct. 3 – 19, 2025
Alice in Wonderland * Mar. 6 – 22, 2026
*Indicates musical

2025-26 MAINSTAGE/MAINSTAGE TOO SEASON

SHOWBOAT Sept. 5-21, 2025 Mainstage
Show Boat tells the story of the Cotton Blossom, a Mississippi River show boat. This brand new adaptation for a new generation is based on Edna Ferber's 1926 novel, and features the glorious music of Jerome Kern, lyrics and book by Oscar Hammerstein II, adapted by Peter J. Hill.
*Contains language and situations that some may find objectionable.

THE FRONT PAGE Oct. 31-Nov. 16, 2025 Mainstage
The Front Page is an irresistible comedy set in a 1920’s newsroom. Hildy wants to go on his    honeymoon, but there is a jailbreak and into Hildy's hands falls the escapee. He phones his scoop to his editor. Their job is to prevent the other reporters and the sheriff from finding the jail bird and scooping their story. 

A CHRISTMAS CAROL, THE MUSICAL Dec. 5 - 21. 2025 Mainstage 
The tale of curmudgeonly Ebenezer Scrooge, who is visited by Christmases Past, Present and      Future to change his destiny and save his soul. We’ve taken the spirit of the season, wrapped it in beautiful original melodies and tied it with all the holiday magic and wonder of your childhood. 

THE SECRET GARDEN Feb. 6 – 22, 2026 Mainstage 
Mary Lennox is sent to live with her reclusive uncle. When Mary discovers a hidden door in the estate’s mysterious gardens, she embarks on a journey of healing and transformation. With her cousin Colin and a boy named Dickon, Mary uncovers the magic and beauty that lies within the neglected garden. 

THE COCOANUTS Mar. 27 – Apr. 12, 2026 Mainstage
The service stinks but the gags are four-star in this Marx Brothers romp. Groucho owns a bum hotel in Florida and he’s after a rich society dame, who’s after a match for her daughter, who’s in love with the head clerk. Trouble rolls in with the tide when the other Marxes arrive and mama’s   eligible match turns out to be anything but. 

SHREW! May 15– 31, 2026 Mainstage
Hank and Frank all love Bianca but, by her father’s command, cannot court her until her hell-cat older sister Kate marries. Enter Pete Trucio who vows to wed Kate.  In an all-out battle of the sexes, the eccentric Pete has more than met his match in the fiery Kate.  A World Premier musical.

2025-26 MAINSTAGE TOO! SEASON 

CAPTAIN PRESTON THE PIRATE SCOURGE  Aug 15-31, 2025  Mainstage Too
It’s a ‘b-arrr-el ‘of laughs when Captain Preston, a pirate who is trying to make a name for himself and the governor's bored daughter Wendy, join forces to find the fabled "Pearl of Poseidon".  Can they face the dread pirate Redfang and take him down a ‘peg-leg’ or two?  Will they fall in love?  Will they find the treasure?  Will they see ‘aye’ to ‘aye’?!
PRIVATE LIVES, THE MUSICAL  Jan. 9 – 25, 2026  Mainstage Too
In this World Premier musical adapted from the famous Noel Coward comedy, Elyot and Amanda, once married and now honeymooning with new spouses at the same hotel, meet by chance - reigniting the old spark.  After days of being reunited, they again find their romance alternating between bouts of love and anger. 

THE MYSTERY OF THE BLUE TRAIN April 19 – May 3, 2026  Mainstage Too
Hercule Poirot faces his most challenging case!  A mysterious woman, a legendary cursed jewel, and a night train from London to the French Riviera -- ingredients for the perfect romance or the perfect crime?  This is the World Premier adaptation of Agatha Christie’s whodunnit.

2025-26 YOUTH THEATER SEASON 

SIX, TEEN EDITION Oct. 3 – 19, 2025  Youth Theater
Divorced, beheaded, died, divorced, beheaded, survived.  From Tudor Queens to Pop Icons, the SIX wives of Henry VIII take the microphone to reclaim their identities out of the shadow of their   infamous spouse – remixing five hundred years of historical heartbreak into a euphoric celebration of 21st century girl power! 

A CHRISTMAS CAROL, THE MUSICAL Dec. 5 - 21. 2025 Mainstage 
The tale of curmudgeonly Ebenezer Scrooge, who is visited by Christmases Past, Present and      Future to change his destiny and save his soul. We’ve taken the spirit of the season, wrapped it in beautiful original melodies and tied it with all the holiday magic and wonder of your childhood. 

ALICE IN WONDERLAND Mar. 6 – 22, 2026  Youth Theater
Join Alice as she chases the White Rabbit into a topsy-turvy world that gets "curiouser and             curiouser". Meet the Mad Hatter, the Cheshire Cat, the Queen of Hearts & more unforgettable           characters when we go down the rabbit hole!  

Season Tickets and Flex Passes on Sale Now!
Call (480) 837-9661 x3 or visit https://fhtaz.org
Mainstage 9 Ticket Season Flex Pass $315 ($45 savings)
Mini Season 5 Ticket Flex Pass $175 (savings of $25)

Mainstage & Mainstage Too Individual tickets are $40.00 for Adults and $18.00 for Youth 17 and under. Group, Senior, Veteran and Students discounts available.
Youth Theater Individual tickets $18.

All performances at Fountain Hills Theater 11445 N. Saguaro Blvd. Fountain Hills AZ 85268. Call 480-837-9661 x3 or visit https://fhtaz.org. For questions, please contact FHT Artistic Director, Peter J. Hill at peter@fhtaz.org. The Box Office is open Tuesday -Saturday, 10am-5pm.

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Monday, April 14, 2025

Your first look at THE WEDDING SINGER at Scottsdale Community College












photos by Mark Skalny Photography

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Cast announced for FORBIDDEN BROADWAY: THE NEXT GENERATION at The Phoenix Theatre Company



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Rebel Phoenix Theatre Collective Launches in the Valley: A Bold New Voice for Inclusive, Community-Centered Theater


The Phoenix theatre landscape expands today with the official launch of Rebel Phoenix Theatre Collective, a new project-based company dedicated to producing powerful, inclusive, and socially resonant work.

Led by Artistic Director Nat Coe (they/them), the company is rooted in a mission to amplify underrepresented voices and uplift stories often left out of mainstream stages—particularly those of Black, queer, and marginalized communities. As part of that mission, Rebel Phoenix is committed to producing only plays written within the last 20 years, maintaining a rolling deadline to keep the work fresh, relevant, and resonant. 

“Rebel Phoenix was born out of urgency and purpose,” says Coe. “We’re not waiting for permission to tell the stories that matter. This is about community, equity, and art that challenges, heals, and inspires.”

Joining Coe are Payten Christopher McLeod (Assistant Artistic Director), Savannah Inez (Board President), and Alexandra Kallis (Director of Operations), forming a leadership team with strong ties to Phoenix’s arts and social justice communities.

ABOUT THE COMPANY
Rebel Phoenix Theatre Collective is a Phoenix-based, project-driven company focused on producing work that reflects the diverse, intersectional realities of its community. With a commitment to collaboration, accessibility, and disruption of outdated theatrical norms, the company aims to build a space where artists and audiences alike can engage with meaningful, transformative storytelling.
While currently operating without a permanent venue, the company is partnering with stages and organizations across the Valley and is working toward securing a residency in Fall 2025.

UPCOMING MILESTONES
● Social Media Season Tease Campaign – Begins May 2025
● Full Season Announcement – June 2025
● Cabaret Fundraiser Event – August 2025
o Two performances, a curated silent auction, and opportunities to connect
directly with the artists behind the work

Information about auditions, volunteer opportunities, and partnerships will be released
throughout the spring and summer.

HOW TO GET INVOLVED
Members of the public are invited to join the movement:
● Visit our website (Coming soon): www.rebelphxtheatre.com
● Follow: @rebelphxtheatre on Instagram and Facebook
● Support: Make a donation, attend events, or volunteer
● Engage: Share the mission and spread the word—because this collective is built
for and by its community

WITH GRATITUDE TO OUR FOUNDERS CLUB
The launch of Rebel Phoenix Theatre Collective was made possible through the early support of its Founders Club, a community of donors whose belief in this vision laid the groundwork for its first season.

Founders Club (Alphabetical by Last Name):
Dana & Scott Berchman, Mason Berchman, Dr. Mindi & Anthony D’Elia, Maureen Dias Watson, Nicholas Gearing, Andrea Hough, May Hughes, Christian Johannsen, Diane Katz, The Kallis Family, Elizabeth & David Kirkland, Casey & Stephanie Likes, Piper & Tatum Lorentz, Veronica & Olmary Lopez, Zach Lundquest, Ryan Malikowski, Ron May, Peyton Parks, Emily & Riley Phillips, Carol Rice, The Roalofs Family, Joy & Jonathan Schaeler, The Scales Family, Monica Sampson, Xilan Squire, Roger & Jennifer Wood, Bennet Wood.

WHY THIS COMPANY MATTERS
Rebel Phoenix arrives at a critical cultural moment. As the national conversation around equity and representation continues to evolve, Rebel Phoenix answers with action—centered on the belief that theater can and should be a platform for both joyand justice.

“We believe storytelling can shift hearts, challenge systems, and forge community,” says
the leadership team. “Rebel Phoenix isn’t just a company. It’s a movement.”

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Cast announced for MEAN GIRLS, JR at Limelight Performing Arts





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WEEK AT A GLANCE: April 14-April 20, 2025

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



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Sunday, April 13, 2025

Save on tickets for THE MEMORY OF WATER at Theatre Artists Studio!


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Registration now open for CYT Phoenix's Summer Camps!

Hey CYT teens… WE NEED CAMP COUNSELORS! Students 14 and older can fill out the volunteer application HERE to be a camp counselor for kids camps this summer. Being a camp counselor is a great way to pour into CYT’s youngest students, complete service hour requirements for school and college applications, and spend the summer with your CYT friends!


About CYT Camps

During the summer CYT Phoenix offers week-long musical theater day camps for students ages 5-18 and single-day master camps are offered throughout the year.  Camps are designed to be a fun and energetic immersion into the world of musical theater. Camps are jam-packed with games, activities, and interactive workshops that build performance skills, self-confidence, and teamwork. Typical Kids Camps include team competitions; rotations through drama, dance, and music workshops; and a concluding showcase for family and friends. Teen Camp focuses skills for older campers to challenge them (along with tons of fun) and concludes with performing for friends and family.


CYT Summer Camps are all about fun, friendships, and theatrics. Camps are a great yearly tradition for your child! Please email us at info@cytphoenix.org if you have any questions about our camp programs. Register at: cytphoenix.org/camps

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Auditions for CRAZY FOR YOU at Don Bluth Front Row Theatre announced for May 18


Open Call Auditions: Sunday, May 18 | 2-8 pm

Auditions will consist of performance of musical number, cold reads from the script and be prepared for light movement during your audition slot. Bring your marked sheet music (or playback device and backing track) current headshot and resume. Wear clothing that best shows off your look and personality, but also that you can dance/move in. Wear shoes that you can dance in.

Callbacks by invitation will be held on the following dates:

Monday, May 19 evening: Dance Callbacks 1
Sunday, May 25 afternoon/evening: Singing & Acting Callbacks
Monday, June 2 evening: Dance Callbacks 2 (if needed)

You MUST indicate on your audition form if you have ANY conflicts with any callbacks and what those conflicts are so that we can possibly accommodate if you are called back!!

First Rehearsal 'Read Thru' will be on Monday, June 16. Rehearsals are typically held on Monday through Thursday evenings (6-9 pm), Saturdays (9 am to 2 pm) You MUST fill out all conflicts for the rehearsal period. Nominal rehearsal conflicts are allowed June 16 through August 16; there can be NO conflicts (missing rehearsals) after August 16. Excessive rehearsal conflicts may be a factor in our ability to cast you in this production.

Performance run: September 4 through October 17, 2025 (7 weeks). Performances are Wednesday through Saturday evenings and Saturday matinees; with optional additional Wednesday and Tuesday evenings. We do not perform on Sundays. There are NO understudies. See the downloadable full performance schedule.


CRAZY FOR YOU

City slicker falls for hometown girl in this zany, ebullient romantic comedy featuring cowboys, showgirls, high-energy production numbers, and a glorious score from George and Ira Gershwin. Crazy For You tells the story of young New York banker Bobby Child, who is sent to Deadrock, Nevada, to foreclose on a rundown theatre. In Deadrock, Bobby falls for spunky Polly Baker, the theatre owner’s daughter. But Polly takes an instant dislike to the city slicker, so Bobby vows – through cunning, razzmatazz, and a hilarious case of mistaken identity – to win Polly’s heart and save the theatre. Memorable Gershwin tunes from the score include “I Got Rhythm,” “Naughty Baby,” “They Can't Take That Away from Me,” “Embraceable You,” “But Not for Me,” “Nice Work If You Can Get It” and “Someone to Watch Over Me.”

Awards, Accolades, Adaptations: Winner - Three 1992 Tony Awards, including Best Musical; Winner - Two 1992 Drama Desk Awards, including Outstanding Musical; Winner - Three 1992 Outer Critics Circle Awards including Outstanding Broadway Musical

Author
Music and Lyrics by George Gershwin and Ira Gershwin | Book by Ken Ludwig | Co-Conception by Ken Ludwig and Mike Ockrent | Inspired by Material by Guy Bolton and John McGowan

Playing Dates
Sep 5, 2025 - Oct 17, 2025

Don Bluth Front Row Theatre | 8989 E Via Linda, Ste 118 | Scottsdale AZ 85258

Artistic Team
Director: Don Bluth
Music Director: Roger McKay
Choreographer: Breona Conrad

Roles Available

Bobby Child Gender: Male Age Range: 20 - 39
BOBBY CHILD (Tenor) Age Range: 20s-30s A charming and energetic young banker with a passion for theater. Bobby dreams of performing on stage but is pressured by his mother to focus on banking. A strong singer, dancer (including tap), and comedic actor.

Polly Baker Gender: Female Age Range: 20 - 39
POLLY BAKER (Mezzo-Soprano/Alto) Age Range: 20s-30s The strong-willed, independent postmistress of Deadrock, Nevada. Polly is the only woman in town and fiercely loyal to her father’s failing theater. Requires a powerful voice, strong acting, and dancing ability.

Irene Roth Gender: Female Age Range: 20 - 49
IRENE ROTH (Alto/Mezzo-Soprano) Age Range: 20s-40s Bobby's sophisticated and self-absorbed fiancée. Irene is sharp, witty, and glamorous, with a biting sense of humor. Strong comedic timing and a commanding stage presence are essential.

Tess Gender: Female Age Range: 20 - 49
TESS (Alto/Mezzo-Soprano) Age Range: 20s-40s The quick-witted and practical dance captain of the Follies Girls. Tess is confident, capable, and often the voice of reason. Requires strong dance skills, particularly tap.

Lank Hawkins Gender: Male Age Range: 30 - 59
LANK HAWKINS (Baritone) Age Range: 30s-50s The grumpy saloon owner in Deadrock with a big attitude. Lank is stubborn, determined to buy the failing theater, and constantly frustrated by the chaos Bobby brings. Strong comedic timing required.

Patsy Gender: Female Age Range: 20 - 39
PATSY (Soprano/Mezzo-Soprano) Age Range: 20s-30s A sweet and slightly ditzy Follies dancer with a heart of gold. Patsy brings a cheerful energy to every scene and often delivers comedic one-liners. Needs strong dancing skills, comedic timing, and a playful stage presence.

Betsy Gender: Female. Age Range: 20 - 39
BETSY (Soprano/Mezzo-Soprano) Age Range: 20s-30s A bubbly and eager Follies dancer who quickly adapts to Deadrock. Needs strong dancing skills, comedic timing, and ensemble energy.

Bela Zangler Gender: Male Age Range: 40 - 69
BELA ZANGLER (Baritone) Age Range: 40s-60s A famous New York theater producer. Zangler is dramatic, eccentric, and larger-than-life. Requires strong comedic timing and a knack for physical comedy.

Everett Baker Gender: Male. Age Range: 50 - 79
EVERETT BAKER (Baritone) Age Range: 50s-70s Polly’s kind-hearted but somewhat clueless father. He owns the struggling Gaiety Theater and hopes to see it return to its former glory.

Patricia Fodor Gender: Female Age Range: 40 - 69
PATRICIA FODOR (Soprano) Age Range: 40s-60s A high-society British travel writer exploring the American West with her husband. Patricia is proper, dramatic, and easily flustered. Strong comedic timing is key.

Eugene Fodor Gender: Male. Age Range: 40 - 69
EUGENE FODOR: (Baritone) Age Range: 40s-60s Patricia’s equally proper British husband, fascinated by American culture. Eugene is charming but comically awkward in unfamiliar settings.

Mother Gender: Female Age Range: 50 - 79
MOTHER: Age Range: 50s-70s Bobby’s wealthy and overbearing mother. Mother expects Bobby to follow in the family banking business and has little patience for his theatrical ambitions.

Ensemble Follies Girls Gender: Female Age Range: 17 - 49
FOLLIES GIRLS (Soprano/Mezzo-Soprano, Strong Dancers) (6-8 Women) Age Range: Late Teens to 40s. A group of glamorous and talented dancers who travel with Zangler. Excellent tap dancers with strong singing ability. Ensemble is a lively ensemble of Follies Girls and Deadrock townsfolk. Strong dancers are essential, particularly for the show’s large tap numbers. Each ensemble member has opportunities to showcase personality through comedic moments and reactions.

Ensemble Cowboys Gender: Male Age Range: 17 - 49

COWBOYS (Tenor/Baritone, Strong Movers) Age Range: Late Teens to 40s. The rugged but good-hearted men of Deadrock. They transform into a dance troupe over the course of the show. Some will need strong dance skills, particularly for tap numbers. Ensemble is a lively ensemble of Follies Girls and Deadrock townsfolk. Strong dancers are essential, particularly for the show’s large tap numbers. Each ensemble member has opportunities to showcase personality through comedic moments and reactions.

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Review Highlights: SPRING AWAKENING - Scottsdale Community Players

Casey Likes and the Cast
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 April 13

"The bold and beautiful production of Spring Awakening at Scottsdale Community Players is electrifying. Anchored by a superb, emotionally raw cast, led by Casey Likes who also directs, the show honors the heart of the original Broadway production while embracing a fresh, modern edge that makes the story feel as relevant as ever. Rather than being a carbon copy of past productions, Likes' staging leans into contemporary storytelling, weaving in modern touches like texting, and using the presence of a modern high school gymnasium to set the story in and against, which enhances the emotional stakes and highlights the timelessness of teenage struggle, rebellion, and self-discovery."   - Gil Benbrook, TalkinBroadway.com (click here to read the complete review)
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Saturday, April 12, 2025

Review Highlights: NEXT TO NORMAL - Final Act Theatre

The Cast
photo courtesy Final Act Theatre

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 April 13

"Next to Normal is a powerful musical with emotionally charged characters and a deeply human story told through an electrifying score. It’s also a musical that demands both vulnerability and clarity in its performances and direction to ensure the serious themes in the show resonate and Final Act Theatre’s production delivers on both fronts. With a talented cast and sure-footed direction guiding every beat, and a small venue that brings the powerful weight of every action incredibly close to the audience, this staging of the Pulitzer Prize-winning musical finds the emotional truth in every lyric, line, and moment. The result is a moving and resonating theatrical journey and a solid production of this excellent musical..."   - Gil Benbrook, TalkinBroadway.com (click here to read the complete review)
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Friday, April 11, 2025

Your first look at MUCH ADO ABOUT NOTHING at Spotlight Youth Theatre

 






















Photos by Ainsley Wawro

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