Review Highlights: SIX ROUNDS OF VENGEANCE - All Queer Shakespeare & Ronin Theatre Company

Marshall Vosler and Rachelle Dart
Photo by Pete Schulte

 

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 September 28

"Qui Nguyen's Six Rounds of Vengeance is the kind of play that thrives on sheer energy and comical imagination. The co-production from All Queer Shakespeare and Ronin Theatre Company delivers on both and it's also a whole lot of silly fun, filled with over-the-top characters and nonstop action. Even though the story is told with numerous flashbacks that sometimes make the structure feel a little disjointed, and the bare bones production values require a lot of the audience's imagination, the knockout fight choreography and a powerhouse performance by Rachelle Dart make this production a rollicking success."   - Gil Benbrook, TalkinBroadway.com (click here to read the complete review)

Your first look at SIX ROUNDS OF VENGEANCE at All Queer Shakespeare & Ronin Theatre Company

photos by Pete Schulte

CLICK HERE for more information on this production, which runs through September 28

SIX ROUNDS OF VENGEANCE - All Queer Shakespeare & Ronin Theatre Company - September 11-28, 2025

 

By Qui Nguyen

 

Presented by All Queer Shakespeare & Ronin Theatre Company

Arizona Premiere

In post-apocalyptic "Lost Vegas," a young gunslinger named Jess December enlists the help of a mysterious cowboy to help avenge the murder of her sister. However, the gang they'll be going against have powers that go way beyond just gunpowder and steel. To get revenge, they may have to become just as bloodthirsty as the monsters they're facing.

Get ready for a high-octane, post-apocalyptic Wild Western, Fight show, like nothing you’ve seen on stage before. Written by acclaimed playwright Qui Nguyen (She Kills Monsters, Raya and the Last Dragon), Six Rounds of Vengeance is packed with sword fights, grit, queer heroes, and grindhouse style.

Set in the ruins of “Lost Vegas,” this action packed thrill ride follows Jess, a one-armed lesbian gunslinger on a mission to avenge her sister’s death. Alongside a masked vigilante and a bard with a blade, she battles supernatural enemies, brutal warlords, and her own past to find her hero’s journey!

Directed by Ric Alpers, with jaw-dropping fight choreography from Pantheon: A Team of Fight Directors, this Arizona premiere features a majority POC, LGBTQ+ cast that brings raw power and heart to the stage.

Cast:

Rachelle Dart as “Jess December” 

Courtney Kenyon as “Gabby December”

Marshall Vosler as “Lucky”

Featuring:

 Emmanuel Espinoza as “Nathaniel”

 Brenton Lanier as “Malcolm”

 Ricardo Leon as “Don Diego/Ensemble”

 Andy Gongora as “Dingo/Ensemble”

 Ryan “Raffa” Pierce-Hrechany as “Birdman/Ensemble”

September 11–14 at Irish Cultural Center, Downtown Phoenix

September 18–28 at Scottsdale Neighborhood Arts Place

"Overflowing with awesome stage combat and imaginative writing, this show packs a huge theatrical punch"

— TheatreMania 

More info: 

The show runs less than two hours, with a 15 minute intermission. 

There will also be a local Irish, Queer Boutique which supports the theater at intermission, themed drinks, and more! 

Please note the show will have violence on stage, in the form of guns, swords, found weapons, staged blood, death and more.

Tickets at: AllQueerShakespeare.com

Auditions for SIX ROUNDS OF VENGANCE a coproduction between Ronin Theatre Company and All Queer Shakespeare in partnership with Pantheon Movement Arts announced for June 7 & 14

Audition Format:

Each audition session includes a 45-minute stage combat and movement workshop, a 15-minute break, prepare for a movement-heavy group audition.

What to Bring/Wear:

This is a movement-based audition. Please wear comfortable clothing, closed-toe shoes that allow for full range of motion, and water.

Location:

SNAP - Scottdale Neighborhood Arts Place, 4425 N Granite Reef Rd, Scottsdale, AZ 85251

Eligibility:

All actors must be 18 years of age or older to audition. 

Casting:

About the Show: In post-apocalyptic "Lost Vegas," a young gunslinger named Jess December enlists the help of a mysterious samurai cowboy to help avenge the murder of her sister. However, the gang they'll be going against has powers that go way beyond just gunpowder and steel. To get revenge, they may have to become just as bloodthirsty as the monsters they're facing. 

Cast Breakdown 

JESS- Badass Cowgirl Seeking Revenge for her Fallen Sister. This role has been pre-cast.

LUCKY Jess’s Strongman side kick, who has an evil secret. This role has been pre-cast.

GABBY Jess’s sweet sister, turned bloodthirty killer.  This role has been pre-cast. 

MALCOLM* BIPOC English Cowboy, Seeking revenge for his Fallen Lover, Male presenting.

 NATHANIEL* Malcolm’s ex-lover, turned insane henchman, Male presenting

 ENSEMBLE seeking folks for movement, combat and puppeteering roles. 

*Please note: This role involves intimacy on stage, which is required in the script. Intimacy is choreographed between two male presenting roles, and would be, but not limited to, lip on lip kissing; open and close mouth kisses, light and heavy touching of body parts above the waist. With an implication of sexual desire. All Queer Shakespeare and Ronin Theatre Company would be hiring a SAG-Equity Intimacy Director for this production.

Seeking movers, puppeteers, and folks who want to have a kickass show!

Auditions based on in person workshops, consider it like a dance call, but for stage combat. Folks will need to fill out a fight and intimacy form prior to the audition. No experience necessary, just a willingness to try!  Partnership with Pantheon movement arts will be teaching stage combat skills. 

Sign up on the All Queer Shakespeare website HERE and follow to the Signup Genius Link. Questions? Email info@allqueershakespeare.com

Ensemble announced for All Queer Shakespeare's "A Midsummer Night's Pride Faire" fundraiser PLUS a discount offer!

Announcing:

The ensemble of All Queer Shakespeare’s “A Midsummer Night’s Pride Faire” A gala to support AQS! 

Meet this incredible team of all local talent! Whose presence will be gracing our interactive art exhibit, come for singing, dancing, Shakespearean improv comedy scenes and oh so much more! 

Tickets on sale at https://www.allqueershakespeare.com/tickets

Use code Ally10 for $10 off! See you at the show! 

All Queer Shakespeare's 2025 Fundraising Gala, "A Midsummer Night's Pride Faire," announced for May 31

Here Ye Here Ye

Thy Royal Presence is requested

"A Midsummer Night's Pride Faire"

A Gala to Support the 2025-2026 Season at All Queer Shakespeare

Event Highlights 

 MainStage Speeches: Hear from inspiring voices within our community. Hosted by Core Company member, and famous valley Hip Historian, Marshall Shore.

 Local Eats and Food Trucks: Local Culinary delights available for purchase.

 Queer Crafts: Explore unique creations from local queer boutiques.

 Immersive Art: We will be offering immersive music, live painting, sword fighting, dancing, and more for patrons to walk through, partake in, and experience

 Dancing:  Guests will be invited to dance into pride month with a rainbow celebration at midnight to classic Queer hits!

 Royal Court: Our Court is filled with Drag Kings and Queens please bring some cash to tip their highnesses accordingly

 Dress: Dress like your favorite ressisance fantasy, everyone is Royalty at All Queer Shakespeare. There will be a special prize for the “Best dressed”

Think of it as a Queer Renaissance Festival, a fundraising event that joyously celebrates our community’s creativity and resilience 

 GET YOUR TICKETS HERE

Love is Love: A Valentine’s Day Queer Cabaret - All Queer Shakespeare - February 14, 2025

Love is Love: A Valentine’s Day Queer Cabaret Presented by All Queer Shakespeare

“All Queer Shakespeare,” Arizona’s first all LGBTQIA+2s Shakespearian Theater Premier’s

“Love is Love: A Valentine’s Day Queer Cabaret” Co-Directed by Monica Sampson and Seth

Tucker. Music Directed by Tyler Bartlett Sponsored by AzSpolight

A Valentine’s Cabaret, featuring music from Rent, The Beatles, Phantom of the Opera, scenes from Shakespeare, Drag artists, Queer love stories, and more!

Come for our Pre-show Band, a new-wave 80’s Queer sensation the “Scoundrel Days” featuring

local legends in music. Terre Steed and Jon Landvick and more band mates!

One night only! 2/14/2025 Show times at 7:00 pm and 9:00 pm The perfect Valentine's

night. Only one hour long. ASL interpreters at our 7pm show

Tickets: Starting at just $35 On our website: https://www.allqueershakespeare.com/

Where: Scottsdale Neighborhood Arts Place 4425 N Granite Reef Rd, Scottsdale AZ 85251

In these divisive times, All Queer Shakespeare is a brave space for the arts, and the

community; a spectacle celebration of Love in All its Forms, with Drag artists, singing numbers,

dancing numbers, and a story about accepting who you love. This theater company is paving

the way for inclusive, diverse storytelling.

Audition Submissions for All Queer Shakespeare's "Love is Love: A Valentinen's Day Queer Cabaret" due by January 17

AUDITIONS ANNOUNCED: Love is Love: A Valentinen's Day Queer Cabaret in Partnership with Valley creative Seth Tucker

Calling all performers and creatives!

Join us for a dazzling celebration of love and diversity in our upcoming production, Love is Love: A Valentine's Day Queer Cabaret. This unique event is part of All Queer Shakespeare’s 2025 season, and we're seeking talented individuals who are ready to let their creativity and passion shine!

We invite you to audition for a cabaret that embraces the vibrant spirit of queer love. Whether you're a singer, dancer, drag artist, actor, burlesque artist, puppeteer, or have a unique talent like fire breathing or stilt walking, we want to see what you can bring to the stage. Perform your own unique take on traditional love songs or dazzle us with an original act. All acts should celebrate the theme of "Love is Love" through an LGBTQ+ lens.

How to Audition:

Head to our website to submit the audition form AllQueershakespeare.com/Casting

Deadline: Submit by Friday, January 17th, 11:59 PM.

Prepare: A 2-minute showcase of your best work or a short cutting of a love song.

Submission: Send your audition tape, headshot, resume, and any relevant information to Auditions@allqueershakespeare.com with the subject line “AUDITION-VALENTINE-YOUR NAME.”

Commitment:

Rehearsals: 2 weeks

Tech: 3 days

Performances: Weekend shows (up to 4 showtimes)

For more details on auditions, casting, and upcoming events, visit our website.

Let your talents shine and help us create a joyful, inclusive celebration of queer love!

Link to the website: https://www.allqueershakespeare.com/casting

Link to the Google form: https://forms.gle/3Vfc6HxedxvFfeAQ8

Review Highlights: THE CHRISTMAS CAROL: A QUEER FANTASIA - All Queer Shakespeare

Anthony Martinez and Ryan Glover
Photo by Amber Pommerening-Wheeler

 

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 December 21

"Charles Dickens' "A Christmas Carol" has had hundreds if not thousands of film, TV, and stage adaptations. One of the more recent ones, James Cougar Canfield's The Christmas Carol: A Queer Fantasia, puts a gay spin on this well-known tale. All Queer Shakespeare, one of the newest theatre companies in Phoenix, has chosen this play as their premiere production. While it's not Shakespeare and I have a few quibbles with the play and this production, it ties into the company's inclusive, gay-centric mission and makes for a fun yet still serious twist on this classic story....Canfield infuses a gay sensibility into the familiar story by making Scrooge a closeted gay man who had a relationship with Dick Wilkins before he chose money and fear from the feeling that being gay wouldn't have been accepted over simply being his true self...However, the play does lag a bit in spots and under Monica Sampson's direction, which is often quite good, there are some moments that could be tightened, especially in the second act which meanders....The cast is quite good, with each member bringing moments of depth and realism to their performances, making this timeless tale come alive in a fresh way. As Ebenezer Scrooge, Ryan Glover does a fine job balancing the character's initial bitterness and mean-spirited nature with moments of vulnerability and a nicely delivered gradual transformation to an acceptance of his true self. "  - Gil Benbrook, TalkinBroadway.com (click here to read the complete review)

Your first look at THE CHRISTMAS CAROL: A QUEER FANTASIA at All Queer Shakespeare

photos by Amber Pommerening-Wheeler

CLICK HERE for more information on this production, which runs through December 21

THE CHRISTMAS CAROL: A QUEER FANTASIA - All Queer Shakespeare - December 13-21, 2024

 

OFF BROADWAY SHOW MAKES DEBUT AT ARIZONA LGBT THEATER 

THE CHRISTMAS CAROL: A QUEER FANTASIA 

By James Cougar Canfield 

Arizona's first all LGBTQIA+ Theater Company, "All Queer Shakespeare," was founded by Arizona's local, media personality, "Monica Sampson. All Queer Shakespeare's debut show features the national premiere of the Off-Broadway sensation, "The Christmas Carol: A Queer Fantasia," penned by the talented NYC playwright James Cougar Canfield. 

Play Synopsis: Ebenezer Scrooge is the literal worst. And it will take some serious fabulosity to turn this ChristMESS into a ChristYAS. Can three otherworldly specters show this humbug the true meaning of Christmas? 

Your Media Outlet: Invite us for an interview, feature our show on your calendar of local events, or website, and share this incredible opportunity with your audience. It's sure to be a hit! 

Who: All Queer Shakespeare- Arizona's first all-LGBTQIA+ Theater company- founded by local talent, Monica Sampson, featuring a core company of the valley's top Queer Artists: Learn more on our website: https://www.allqueershakespeare.com

What: The iconic Dickens Ghost Story of Christmas gets turned on its head in this inclusive, timely adaptation of the classic that explores what it means to walk among your fellow humans regardless of how they look and who they love. Directed by Monica Sampson 

When: Dec 13, 2024 through December 21st, 2024 with a pride night on Wednesday the 18th. 

Where: Made possible by an emerging artist t at Scottsdale Neighborhood Arts Place buy tickets online at https://www.allqueershakespeare.com/tickets

Why: In these divisive times, All Queer Shakespeare is a brave space for the arts, and the community; featuring our debut show, a spectacle of holiday cheer, with Drag artists, singing numbers, dancing numbers, and a story about accepting who you love. This theater company is paving the way for 

inclusive, diverse storytelling. 

Audition Submissions for All Queer Shakespeare's THE CHRISTMAS CAROL: A QUEER FANTASIA due by September 6

Auditions announced for, All Queer Shakespeare’s “The Christmas Carol: A Queer Fantasia" 

by James Cougar Canfield

Self-tapes due by September 6th 11:59 

Head to our website https://www.allqueershakespeare.com/casting to learn more about the show and fill out a Google Doc to apply 

Email audititions@allqueershakespesre.com with any questions or accommodation needs 

In-Person Callbacks:

 Sept. 15th, 2024 at 4:30 PM

Performances:

December 13th-22nd, 2024

Ebenezer Scrooge is the literal worst. And it’s going to take some serious fabulosity to turn this ChristMESS into a ChristYAS. Can three otherworldly specters show this humbug the true meaning of Christmas?

The iconic Dickens Ghost Story of Christmas gets turned on its head in this inclusive, timely adaptation of the classic that explores what it means to walk among your fellow humans regardless of how they look and who they love. 

WEBSITE: https://www.allqueershakespeare.com/casting

GOOGLE DOC: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/1x3rxQ4ec0WekySqTYwuwAb9Ch0kHMBSiEf4e2b0QixM/edit

“All Queer Shakespeare” launches as world’s first all LGBTQIA+ all Queer Shakespeare, theater company; with local and national talent at the helm!

We are delighted to announce the launch of “All Queer Shakespeare.” This is our inaugural season and we are delighted to share it with you. All Queer Shakespeares mission is to provide an inclusive, diverse, LGBTQIA+ space for theatrical works. All Queer Shakespeare casts beyond the binary, centering queer stories on stage, behind the scenes, and in our leadership This year we will bring you a debut gala in Fall 2024 and two classical works in our 2024-2025 season. What does the “all” stand for? A promise to always have inclusive shows, casting, and values. 

If you’d like to learn more about All Queer Shakespeare or make a donation to support our mission. Please visit our website. https://www.allqueershakespeare.com/ Follow, like, and tag us on social media

All the world’s a stage, so thank you for visiting ours

MISSION STATEMENT FOR ALL QUEER SHAKESPEARE:

All Queer Shakespeare’s Mission is telling traditional stories in a non-traditional way. Recognizing the foundational elements of Shakespeare’s work, which explores gender, class, and sexuality. All Queer Shakespeare aims to appreciate the traditional origins of Shakespeare while providing opportunities for marginalized groups who have traditionally been passed over the limelight of center stage due to skin color, religion, race, sexuality, gender, and more.

At the forefront of what we do, All Queer Shakespeare's focus will be on illuminating Queer Stories, and creating safe spaces, “To Be”

THE CORE COMPANY: *In alphabetical order