LOOKING BACK, a new play based on a true story, will run November 17-19

November 17 to November 19, 2023

“Looking Back” is inspired by a true story about Cave Creek residents Dick and Evie Engel, who owned Cow Track Ranch from 1950 through 1958. They purchase Cow Track planning to subdivide it into smaller lots and sell them to home builders. As they find themselves in the middle of the development versus open space debate, they fall in love with Cave Creek’s spectacular views and the ranching lifestyle. They ultimately must decide between striking it rich by subdividing, or remaining poor but continuing to live on their 640 acres of Paradise. 

“Looking Back" chronicles the couple’s trials and triumphs as they search for their place in a changing world. The story also showcases historic characters Manfred Cartwright, who owned the Cartwright Ranch at Seven Springs, Bud Miller, who rode the Pony Express and became Harold’s Corral Bar’s official greeter, Jerry Permutt, who owned the gas station that is now Big Earl’s Greasy Eats, and others who represent the robust gamut of attitudes and values that shaped the future of Cave Creek. 

This play is co-sponsored by Desert Foothills Theater and Desert Foothills Library.

By Andrea Markowitz

November 17, 18, 19    2 pm.

Desert Foothills Library

38443 N. Schoolhouse Road, Cave Creek, AZ 85331

CLICK HERE to purchase tickets and for more information

THE 25TH ANNUAL PUTNAM COUNTY SPELLING BEE - Desert Foothills Theater - August 18-27, 2023

Grab a D-I-C-T-I-O-N-A-R-Y and welcome to Spelling Bee! This heartfelt Tony-Award winning musical follows a group of wonderfully unique and impassioned adolescents as they compete for the bee championship. Featuring a thrilling score by William Finn, The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee is a joyful night of comedy and quirk that celebrates the pursuit of victory and the gift of being true to oneself. 

FRIDAY, AUGUST 18, 7PM

SATURDAY, AUGUST 19, 2PM AND 7PM

SUNDAY, AUGUST 20, 2P

FRIDAY, AUGUST 25, 7PM

SATURDAY, AUGUST 26, 2PM AND 7PM

SUNDAY, AUGUST 27, 2PM

SHOWS ARE PERFORMED AT

The Holland Center

34250 N. 60th St.

Scottsdale, AZ 85266

Producing Artistic Director, Sandi Carll

Director: Sebastian Stallone

Music Director: Jackie Paul 

Assistant Director: Blue Madison-Cedillo

Stage Manager: Lucy Currier

Deck Manager: Max Currier

Costumes: Sariah Riddle

Set Builder: William Smith

This production is DFTs special "Summer Teen Dream Project." Local teens have worked together to produce this musical performance. Advised and supported by Producing Artistic Director, Sandi Carll and other DFT staffers, we thank you for your support of this fantastic show!

The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee is presented through special arrangement with Music Theatre International (MTI). All authorized performance materials are also supplied by MTI. www.mtishows.com 

For more information on Desert Foothills Theater events, performances, productions, children’s camps and more, visit dftheater.org or call 480-488-1981. 

DISNEY'S ALADDIN, JR. - Desert Foothills Theater - November 10-19, 2023

 

Musical 

Director: TBD 

Disney’s Aladdin JR. is based on the 1992 Academy Award®-winning film and the 2014 hit Broadway show about the “diamond in the rough” street rat who learns that his true worth lies deep within. The story you know and love has been given the royal treatment! Aladdin and his three friends, Babkak, Omar, and Kassim, are down on their luck until Aladdin discovers a magic lamp and the Genie who has the power to grant three wishes. Wanting to earn the respect of the princess, Jasmine, Aladdin embarks on an adventure that will test his will and his moral character.

Kids 10-16 welcome to audition 

Auditions: October 2-3, 2023 

Eight Shows: November 10-19, 2023 

Cactus Shadows Fine Arts Center, Black Box Theater   

Disney’s Aladdin Jr. is presented through special arrangement with Music Theatre International (MTI). All authorized performance materials are also supplied by MTI. www.mtishows.com 

For more information on Desert Foothills Theater events, performances, productions, children’s camps and more, visit dftheater.org or call 480-488-1981. 

SEUSSICAL KIDS - Desert Foothills Theater - February 1-4, 2024

Musical 

Director: TBD 

Horton the Elephant, the Cat in the Hat and all of your favorite Dr. Seuss characters spring to life onstage in Seussical KIDS, a fantastical musical extravaganza from Tony-winners, Lynn Ahrens and Stephen Flaherty (Lucky Stiff, My Favorite Year, Once on This Island, Ragtime). Transporting audiences from the Jungle of Nool to the Circus McGurkus, the Cat in the Hat, our narrator, tells the story of Horton, an elephant who discovers a speck of dust containing tiny people called the Whos, including Jojo, a Who child, who gets in trouble for thinking too many "thinks." Horton's challenge is twofold — not only must he protect the Whos from a world of naysayers and dangers, but he must also guard an abandoned egg that's been left in his care by the irresponsible Mayzie La Bird. Although Horton faces ridicule, danger, kidnapping and a trial, the intrepid Gertrude McFuzz never loses faith in him. Ultimately, the powers of friendship, loyalty, family and community are challenged and emerge triumphant! 

Seussical Kids is presented through special arrangement with Music Theatre International (MTI). All authorized performance materials are also supplied by MTI. www.mtishows.com 

DFT hosts another “No-Cut” performance opportunity open to children ages 6-12.  All participants will be cast in the show and children will build skills in singing, dancing and acting. No experience necessary. After-school rehearsals will start January 2, 2024  

Five Shows: February 1-4, 2024

The Holland Center 

For more information on Desert Foothills Theater events, performances, productions, children’s camps and more, visit dftheater.org or call 480-488-1981. 

DISNEY'S FREAKY FRIDAY - Desert Foothills Theater - April 11-20, 2024

Teen and Adult Musical 

Directed by Sandi Carll 

The musical, Freaky Friday, is based on the beloved 1972 novel by Mary Rodgers. When an overworked mother and her teenage daughter magically swap bodies, they have just one day to put things right again. Freaky Friday, a new musical based on the celebrated novel by Mary Rodgers and the hit Disney films, is a heartfelt, comedic, and unexpectedly emotional update on an American classic. By spending a day in each other's shoes, Katherine and Ellie come to appreciate one another's struggles, learn self-acceptance, and realize the immeasurable love and mutual respect that bond a mother and daughter. 

Teens 12+ & Adults are welcome to audition 

Auditions: February 29- March 3, 2024 

Six Shows: April 11-20, 2024 

The Sanderson Lincoln Pavilion 

Disney’s Freaky Friday is presented through special arrangement with Music Theatre International (MTI). All authorized performance materials are also supplied by MTI. www.mtishows.com 

For more information on Desert Foothills Theater events, performances, productions, children’s camps and more, visit dftheater.org or call 480-488-1981. 

THE ODD COUPLE - Desert Foothills Theater - March 1-10, 2024

Adult Play 

This classic comedy opens as a group of the guys assemble for cards in the apartment of divorced Oscar Madison. And if the mess is any indication, it's no wonder that his wife left him. Late to arrive is Felix Unger, who has just been separated from his wife. Fastidious, depressed, and none too tense, Felix seems suicidal, but as the action unfolds, Oscar becomes the one with murder on his mind when the clean freak and the slob ultimately decide to room together with hilarious results as The Odd Couple is born. The Odd Couple was first presented on Broadway by Saint Subber at the Plymouth Theatre in New York City on March 10, 1965. It was directed by Mike Nichols. 

FRIDAY, MARCH 1, 7PM

SATURDAY, MARCH 2, 2PM AND 7PM

SUNDAY, MARCH 3, 2P

FRIDAY, MARCH 8, 7PM

SATURDAY, MARCH 9, 2PM AND 7PM

SUNDAY, MARCH 10, 2PM

The Holland Center 

Neil Simon’s The Odd Couple is presented through special arrangement with Concord Theatricals. All authorized performance materials are also supplied by Concord Theatricals, 250 W. 57th Street 6th Floor, New York, NY 10107-0102 

For more information on Desert Foothills Theater events, performances, productions, children’s camps and more, visit dftheater.org or call 480-488-1981. 

Desert Foothills Theater’s 2023-2024 Season!

 

Desert Foothills Theater is thrilled to announce the 2023/24 season!

The greater Phoenix area has an enormous affection for theatre and we are proud to present our 48th season! The shows chosen this year celebrate laughter, growth and learning, fun, and personal discovery. We invite all members of the community to get involved. This year, we’re in the business of creating treasured memories for our patrons and those who lend their talents on stage and behind the scenes. It’s our mission to inspire a life-long love of the arts for everyone.  

We’re calling this season, “A Ticket to Treasure.” Join us!

For more show information, visit 

dftheater.org

The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee, Musical - A special summer TEEN DREAM project!

Teens ages 13-19 are welcome to audition

Auditions: July 7-8, 2023

Eight Shows: August 18-27, 2023

The Holland Center

Directed by Sebastian Stallone

Producing Artistic Director, Sandi Carll, will serve as advisor and supporter to this ALL-TEEN production. Directed, staged and acted by a cast and crew of local talented teens, this show kicks off DFTs season with a spectacular musical theater favorite! 

Roald Dahl's Willy Wonka Kids, Musical

DFT hosts this “No-Cut” performance opportunity open to children ages 6-12. 

All participants will be cast in the show and children will build skills in singing, dancing and acting.

No experience necessary.

After-school rehearsals begin, August 28  

Five Shows: September 28-October 1, 2023

The Holland Center

Directed by Mackenzie Moller

Disney’s Aladdin Jr., Musical

Kids 10-16 welcome to audition

Auditions: October 2-3, 2023

Eight Shows: November 10-19, 2023

Cactus Shadows Fine Arts Center, Black Box Theater

Seussical Kids, Musical

DFT hosts another “No-Cut” performance opportunity open to children ages 6-12. 

All participants will be cast in the show and children will build skills in singing, dancing and acting.

No experience necessary.

After-school rehearsals will start January 2, 2024 

Five Shows: February 1-4, 2024

The Holland Center

Disney’s Freaky Friday, Teen and Adult Musical

Teens 12+ & Adults are welcome to audition

Auditions: February 29- March 3, 2024

Six Shows: April 11-20, 2024

The Sanderson Lincoln Pavilion

Directed by Sandi Carll

Neil Simon’s The Odd Couple, Adult Play

Adults 18+ are welcome to audition

Auditions: TBD

Five Shows: Spring, 2024 (exact dates TBD)

The Holland Center

For more information on Desert Foothills Theater events, performances, productions, children’s camps and more, visit dftheater.org or call 480-488-1981.