Review Highlights: SPINNING INTO BUTTER - Ghostlight Theatre

Kris McQuaid, Howie Johnson, Justin Harris, and Lynn Golden
Photo by Sheridan Wood

 

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 6

"Set on the campus of a small Vermont college, Rebecca Gilman's drama, Spinning into Butter, is a thought-provoking and provocative piece that examines race, prejudice, privilege, and the ways people realize and attempt to confront their own racial biases. It explores the difference between believing oneself to be tolerant and actually challenging and overcoming one's beliefs and their deeply ingrained attitudes about race. Although the play occasionally struggles with pacing, particularly during an extended monologue in the second act, Ghostlight Theatre's production is well cast and directed and offers an evocative exploration that asks difficult questions about and examines racial prejudices. First produced in 1999, the play still remains relevant today with racial conflicts that continue to make the daily news."   - Gil Benbrook, TalkinBroadway.com (click here to read the complete review)

Auditions for DOUBT at Ghostlight Theatre announced for September 27

Auditions for John Patrick Shanley's drama "Doubt: A Parable" are rapidly approaching! Directed by GinaKay Howell

September 27th, 2026 Sunday 10:00am-1:00pm

Performers of ALL ethnicities, physical abilities, and gender identities are encouraged to audition. Due to the subject nature of the show, roles require the actor to be of a specific race/heritage.

Please note: The role of Father Flynn has been cast, at this time we are seeking the following roles to be cast:

Sister Aloysius Beauvier (Age 50s-70s)
Sister James (Age 20s-30s)
Mrs. Muller (African American Heritage, Age 30s-40s)

CLICK HERE to sign up

For questions, please email us at productionmanager@ghostlightaz.com.

Your first look at SPINNING INTO BUTTER at Ghostlight Theatre

 

photos by Sheridan Wood 

CLICK HERE for more information on this production, which runs through September 6

Cast announced for SPINNING INTO BUTTER at Ghostlight Theatre

 CLICK HERE for more information on this production, which runs August 27-September 6

SPINNING INTO BUTTER - Ghostlight Theatre - August 27 - September 6, 2026

     

Spinning Into Butter explores the dangers of both racism and political correctness in America today. When one of the few African American students at liberal Belmont College begins receiving hate mail, the campus erupts. At the center of this maelstrom is Sarah Daniels, the dean of students. Sarah is forced to explore her own feelings of racism. Her self-examination leads to some surprising discoveries and painful insights, the consequences of which even she can't predict. 

CLICK HERE for more information

THE ROCKY HORROR SHOW - Ghostlight Theatre - October 22 - November 1 2026

 

The Rocky Horror Show is a rock musical that revolves around newly engaged couple Brad and Janet. On a drive to see an old friend, they get a flat tire and stumble on an old and creepy castle. Unbeknownst to them, the castle belongs to the mysterious Dr. Frankenfurter and his crew of misfits, who lead them into a night of sci-fi, seduction and rock and roll!  

 

*Content warning

Recommended for those 13 years of age and up 

CLICK HERE for more information

SOUTHERN FRIED FUNERAL - Ghostlight Theatre - February 4-14, 2027

After her husband passes away, Mississippi native Dorothy Frye just wants to have a nice funeral. But when her meddling family and unexpected guests arrive, Dorothy just wants to survive the day! Centered around her and her daughters, including the wild child Harlene, Southern Fried Funeral is a heartwarming look at the importance of family, love, and community. 

CLICK HERE for more information

DOUBT - Ghostlight Theatre - December 10 - December 20, 2026

At a traditional Catholic school in the Bronx, 1964, the rigid principal Sister Aloysius – feared by students and colleagues alike – has her suspicions that Father Flynn is abusing a vulnerable pupil. Without proof, she is forced to take matters into her own hands. As the elements of her investigation come together, Sister Aloysius is forced to wrestle with what’s fact, what’s fiction and just how far she’ll go to expose what she sees as the truth. This gripping story poses fascinatingly nuanced questions of moral certainty and absolute conviction. 

*Content warning

Recommended for those 13 years of age and up 

CLICK HERE for more information

DOGFIGHT - Ghostlight Theatre - May 13- May 23, 2027

In 1963, three young marines are getting ready to deploy to Vietnam. Before they go, the three want to have one last party, and one last bet - each marine will bring a date to their “dogfight” party, where whoever brings the ugliest date wins. Eddie Birdlace brings awkward waitress Rose to the party, but to his surprise, he starts to develop feelings of compassion for her- and eventually, maybe even love.  

CLICK HERE for more information

LEAVING IOWA - Ghostlight Theatre - March 18 - March 28, 2027

This story is a toast to the idealism and character of “the greatest generation” and a little roast of their undying dedication to the classic family road trip. Don Browning, a middle-aged writer, returns home and decides to finally take his father's ashes to his childhood home, as requested. But when Don discovers Grandma's house is now a grocery store, he begins traveling across Iowa searching for a proper resting place for his father. This father-and-son road trip shifts smoothly from the present to Don's memories of the annual, torturous vacations of his childhood. Don's existential journey leads him to reconcile his past and present at the center of the United States.

CLICK HERE for more information

Auditions for THE ROCKY HORROR SHOW at Ghostlight Theatre announced for July 18

 

Richard O'Brien's "The Rocky Horror Show" is a raunchy, rock n' roll musical of sexual desire, LGBTQ exploration and the struggle for power. This cult classic show revolves around newly engaged couple Brad and Janet. On a drive to see an old friend, they get a flat tire and stumble on an old and creepy castle. Unbeknownst to them, the castle belongs to the mysterious Dr. Frankenfurter and his crew of misfits, who lead them into a night of sci-fi, seduction and rock and roll!

*Content Warning: Adult Language, Sexual Situations, and Inuendo.

Only performers over the age of 18+ will be considered.

Saturday, July 18th from 10AM-1PM 

Callbacks by invitation only Sunday, July 19th. Sign up below!

CLICK HERE to Sign Up

Auditions for SPINNING INTO BUTTER at Ghostlight Theatre announced for June 15

 

Auditions for Spinning into Butter, Ghostlight’s first show of the 2026/2027 season, will be held on Monday, June 15 from 6PM to 9PM at Ghostlight Theatre, located at 13541 W Camino Del Sol in Sun City West. 

“Spinning Into Butter” explores the dangers of both racism and political correctness in America today. When one of the few African American students at liberal Belmont College begins receiving hate mail, the campus erupts. At the center of this maelstrom is Sarah Daniels, the dean of students. Sarah is forced to explore her own feelings of racism. Her self-examination leads to some surprising discoveries and painful insights, the consequences of which even she can't predict.

Callbacks will be held by invitation only. 

THIS ROLE HAS BEEN CAST: The role of Sarah will be played by Kris McQuaid

We are holding auditions for the following roles:

ROSS COLLINS (Male, 35-40) 

DEAN CATHERINE KENNEY (Female, 60s)

DEAN BURTON STRAUSS (Male, 50s-60s)

MR. MEYERS (Male, 40s-60s)

PATRICK CHIBAS (Male, 19, Hispanic heritage)

GREG SULLIVAN (Male, 21, Caucasian)

CLICK HERE to sign up for an audition time 

Review Highlights: THE SHARK IS BROKEN - Ghostlight Theatre

Justin Harris, Garrad Perry, and Richard Vines
Photo by Sheridan Wood 

 

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 May 17

"Fans of the classic film Jaws or the legendary actors at the center of that iconic movie, and those who enjoy stories about the chaos of moviemaking, are in for a real treat with The Shark Is Broken, which is receiving a wonderful area premiere production at Ghostlight Theatre. Funny, thoughtful, and unexpectedly poignant at times, the play offers a behind-the-scenes glimpse into the boredom and often tense downtime experienced by the stars during the filming of Jaws while the ongoing issues with the film's mechanical sharks continually delayed the production. Co-written by the son of one of the movie's leading men, what could have simply been a vanity piece about his father instead becomes an engaging character study filled with sharp humor, compelling performances, and a genuine affection for both the film and the people who made it."   - Gil Benbrook, TalkinBroadway.com (click here to read the complete review)

Your first look at THE SHARK IS BROKEN at Ghostlight Theatre

photos by Sheridan Wood

CLICK HERE for more information on this production, which runs through May 17

Ghostlight Theatre's 2026-2027 Season!

 

CLICK HERE for more information

Cast announced for THE SHARK IS BROKEN at Ghostlight Theatre

 

CLICK HERE for more information on this produciton, which runs May 7-17

Review Highlights: BOEING BOEING - Ghostlight 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 March 22

"The lively farce Boeing Boeing depends on precise timing, energetic performances, and plenty of slamming doors, and the production at Ghostlight Theatre proves to be a solid and entertaining take on this classic comedy. The cast clearly relishes the ridiculous situations and escalating chaos of the script, which keeps the audience engaged. While some performances on opening night were not yet up to the high level of others and some moments that rely on sharp precision were still settling into place, the overall result is an engaging production that captures the playful spirit of this well-loved farce...As Robert, Bernard's friend who quickly becomes entangled in the farce, Hector Coris delivers the most delightfully zany performance of the evening. His wide-eyed reactions and mounting panic provide many of the show's biggest laughs, and he embraces the physical comedy with gusto. Van Rockwell offers a confident and charismatic portrayal of Bernard, the central schemer whose romantic juggling act drives the plot, anchoring the story while navigating the increasingly absurd situations with charm. He makes a good straight man foil to Coris' chaotic Robert."   - Gil Benbrook, TalkinBroadway.com (click here to read the complete review)

Your first look at BOEING, BOEING at Ghostlight Theatre

 photos by Sheridan Wood

CLICK HERE for more information on this production, which runs through March 22 

Cast announced for BOEING BOEING at Ghostlight Theatre

CLICK HERE for more information on this production, which runs March 12-22

Cast announced for DEFYING GRAVITY at Ghostlight Theatre

 

CLICK HERE for more information on this production, which runs January 28-February 8