WEEK AT A GLANCE - Feb. 16 - 22

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

And Click Here for a complete day by day calendar of what shows are playing.

CONCERTS/ LIMITED RUN:

DIRTY DANCING
ASU/Gammage
February 17-22, 2015

DISNEY SLEEPING BEAUTY KIDS
Musical Theatre of Anthem
February 19 - 22, 2015

CLOSING:

OKLAHOMA!
Don Bluth Front Row Theatre
January 15 - February 21, 2015

HOW I LEARNED TO DRIVE
Class 6 Theatre
February 5 - 21, 2015

FIVE PRESIDENTS
Arizona Theatre Company
February 5 - 22, 2015

FIFTY SHADES OF FELT
All Puppet Players
Feb. 6 - 21, 2015

SYLVIA
Class 6 Theatre
February 4 - 22, 2015

CONVICTION
Black Theatre Troupe
February 6 - 22, 2015

THE EMPEROR'S NEW CLOTHES
Valley Youth Theatre
February 6 - 22, 2015

LEADING LADIES
Tuscany Theatre Company
February 12th - February 21st, 2015

MOONPRINCE
East Valley Children's Theatre
February 12 - 22, 2015

DISNEY PETER PAN JR
Christian Youth Theatre
February 13 - February 22, 2015

OPENING:

WHAT I DID LAST SUMMER
Paradise Valley Community College
February 20 - March 1, 2015

PLUTO
Stray Cat Theatre
February 20 - March 7, 2015

FOLLIES
Theater Works
February 20 - March 15, 2015

MY FAIR LADY
Hale Centre Theatre
February 19 - April 4, 2015

STILL PLAYING:

FOOLS
Brelby Theatre Company
February 6 - 28, 2015

DREAMGIRLS
Desert Foothills Theater
February 13 - March 1, 2015

YOUNG FRANKENSTEIN
Fountain Hills Theater
February 13 - March 1, 2015

CANNOLI, LATKES & GUILT...THE THERAPY CONTINUES

Herberger Center Theatre
Feb. 4 - March 1, 2015

THE BOY WHO LOVED MONSTERS AND THE GIRL WHO LOVED PEAS
Childsplay
February 8 - March 8, 2015

LOMBARDI

Desert Stages Theatre

January 23 - March 15, 2015

LATE NITE CATECHISM
Scottsdale Center for the Performing Arts
January 9 - April 15, 2015

FOREVER PLAID
Hale Centre Theatre
January 19 - April 21, 2015

promo video - PLUTO - Stray Cat Theatre

For more information on Pluto, that opens this Friday and runs until March 7th, click here

review - JULIAN SANDS IN A CELEBRATION OF HAROLD PINTER - Scottsdale Center for the Performing Arts

"Harold Pinter is extremely well known for the many plays and screenplays he wrote, including Betrayal and The French Lieutenant's Woman. But over his fifty-year career of writing for the stage and screen he also quietly published an abundance of poetry and prose. In 2005, the stage and screen actor Julian Sands was personally asked by Pinter to read some of his poetry at an event in London, Under the direction of his friend John Malkovich, (Sands) has turned that initial meeting and Pinter's prose into an evening celebrating the playwright. The production is well constructed, featuring ruminations from Sands on his personal friendship with Pinter, insights into the playwright's upbringing and career, and anecdotes about the man and his work from his peers and loved ones. Malkovich and Sands have expertly framed all of these facts, statements, and thoughts on Pinter around Sands reciting Pinter's poems. His delivery of the material evokes a deep connection with the audience. The combination of Pinter's visually descriptive words and Sands' vocal prowess instills a powerful dramatic tension in the auditorium punctuated by moments of laughter from some of Pinter's humorous pieces. While not every one of the poems is successful, the imagery that Pinter's words create and the succinctness of the pieces help the audience get a glimpse into the famous man that his plays only hint at. The friendship that Sands formed with Pinter was a special one and this one-man show turns out to be a combination of theatrical performance, remembrance, celebration, and lecture. It is a highly recommended experience for any fan of theatre, writing, and intellectual stimulation. The Scottsdale Center for the Performing Arts should be commended for bringing this intriguing, theatrical experience to town." -Gil Benbrook, Talkin' Broadway (click here to read the complete review)

reviews - THE BOY WHO LOVED MONSTERS AND THE GIRL WHO LOVED PEAS - Childsplay

Katie McFadzen as "Pea"
(photo: Tim Trumbule)

For more information on this production that runs through March 8, click here

 " In its own, somewhat subversive way, Pea proves beyond a doubt that the best time a child can have is not necessarily from an electronic game on a cell or an I-pad, it’s the fun that springs from a vivid imagination and one you share with others. The Boy Who Loved Monsters and the Girl Who Loved Peas is a delightful family comedy with big laughs that speeds along for approximately sixty minutes like a screwy cartoon and holds your attention right up until that final fade.  As an adult, watching the amazed faces of the children glued to the events on the stage, particularly when Pea rises up from under the dinner table, is as much fun as watching the show itself. Childsplay continues to work wonders.  For this reviewer, its energy, its devotion, and most of all, its love of what its doing never creases to amaze.  The group’s principle aim may be to both entertain and inspire children – which it does wonderfully – but for adults it remains among the best professional theatre in the valley you never knew existed." -David Appleford, Valley Screen and Stage (click here to read the complete review)

"A fun and whacky new play for children of all ages, The Boy Who Loved Monsters and the Girl Who Loved Peas is receiving a spirited production from Childsplay in Tempe. With some Childsplay regulars in the cast, and crazy and colorful design elements, the play is a charmer with a message at the center about the importance of family together time. Eight-year old Evan hates peas and his 4-year old sister Sue loves them. When Evan is told he can't leave the dinner table until he finishes the peas on his plate, he does what any stubborn child would do and wishes that a monster would come to finish his peas and eat his family as well. Playwright Jonathan Graham has written an entertaining piece that includes comic moments that children and adults can identify with as well as a clear, serious message about the importance of putting down your phone or iPad in order to be more "present" for your family. In typical Childsplay fashion, the cast and creative elements are exceptional. Katie McFadzen, Tyler Eglen, and Michelle Cunneen form a fun trio as the monster named Pea, Evan, and Sue. McFadzen makes a lively, charming and silly monster, and Eglen and Cunneen are appropriately childlike. Likewise, Debra K. Stevens and Mel Glotfelty are perfect as the somewhat aloof but still loving parents. All five have a blast with the playful elements of the script, which adds a nice touch of fun and frivolity to the proceedings. Graham has created fun characters and situations and a timely message that any child or parent can easily relate to. With inventive creative elements that explode on the Tempe Center for the Arts stage, Childsplay has another winner on its hands." -Gil Benbrook, Talkin' Broadway (click here to read the complete review)

photos - DREAMGIRLS - Desert Foothills Theater

For more information on this production that runs through March 1st, click here

Krystal Pope. Matravius Avent, Mason Reeves, Miguel Jackson, DeJean Brown, Chanel Bragg, Jacqueline Rushing and Ivan Thompson

Jacqueline Rushing, Chanel Bragg and Krystal Pope

Ivan Thompson, Matravius Avent, Chanel Bragg, Miguel Jackson, Jacqueline Rushing and Krystal Pope

Chanel Bragg, Krystal Pope and Jacqueline Rushing

Chanel Bragg and Miguel Jackson

Matravius Avent and Chanel Bragg

photos: Tiffany Bollock

promo photos - PLUTO - Stray Cat Theatre

Pluto at Stray Cat opens this coming Friday - click here for more information on this production

Neda Tavassoli and Cole Brackney

 Cole Brackney, Neda Tavassoli, Yolanda London and Michael Peck

Gabrielle Van Buren and Cole Brackney

Yolanda London and Cole Brackney

photos: John Groseclose

reviews - CONVICTION - Black Theatre Troupe

David Hemphill
(photo: Laura Durant)

For more information on this production, that runs to February 22nd, click here.

"Conviction focuses on a convict named Johnny who performs a concert of Billy Strayhorn songs for his fellow inmates.  While not a completely successful play, it does feature a very good performance by Black Theatre Troupe Artistic Director David Hemphill as Johnny and an extremely talented quintet performing Strayhorn’s songs.  With a premise that touches upon interesting topics and over a dozen of Strayhorn’s tunes, with a few tweaks I believe this play could have quite a life. Phoenix playwright Ben Tyler’s one man play follows gay inmate Johnny.  We learn he was once a professional jazz singer, who, like Strayhorn, worked with Duke Ellington.  Tyler interweaves Johnny’s commentary on his and Strayhorn’s past around some well placed Strayhorn tunes as he jokes and sings for his audience. While full of humor, there are plenty of serious moments, including some evocative flashbacks of Johnny in solitary. Tyler’s idea to combine a more modern gay man’s troubled life with the openly gay and unapologetic Strayhorn’s is effective.  We get a strong sense of both of their lives with the facts that Johnny introduces about Strayhorn not seeming just like items from Wikipedia tossed haphazardly into a play. The similarities and contrasts that Johnny makes between their two lives are delivered with a deep sense of feeling, compassion and a hint of regret which work perfectly with the songs, as many of Strayhorn’s lyrics touch upon similar themes. The play on words of the title of the piece is also quite effective. However, there are several loose ends in the piece, moments of confusion that need clarity as well as some running gags that wear thin. For example, the opening scene and the transitions between Johnny’s show, the flashbacks and the scenes in solitary need improvement, as at times it seems like the whole concert might just be a dream that Johnny is having while he’s in solitary, which I don’t believe was Tyler’s intent. However, there are some effective dramatic touches, with Hemphill evoking a deep conviction of his own in his portrayal, especially in the emotionally charged parole board speech we witness as well as the moment when we discover exactly what it was that put Johnny behind bars. Conviction wants to be a tribute and homage to Strayhorn, Johnny and others who struggle with fitting in to society while having no regrets at the conviction they have in doing so, and is somewhat successful in its goal.  With a fine performance by Hemphill and a smoking quintet, the Black Theatre Troupe production of the play is a fine piece of theatre, but I hope Tyler works on the drama some more to clean up some of the plays shortcomings." -Gil Benbrook, Talkin' Broadway (click here to read the complete review)


"A prison is an unusual setting for a musical revue, but it's an evocative choice in Conviction, a one-man show based on the Billy Strayhorn songbook and written by Valley playwright Ben Tyler.  Revues usually are frilly and frivolous affairs, but Strayhorn's songs — at least the ones with lyrics — often are infused with melancholy. So it makes sense to take them to a place where loneliness and regret threaten to overpower hope.  In the world-premiere production by Black Theatre Troupe, David Hemphill, the company's longtime artistic director, stars as an inmate named Johnny. Johnny's connection to Strayhorn is more than just musical. As a gay man, he admires Strayhorn for having had the courage to be "out" in 1940, though he is also keenly aware of what that decision cost the great composer. And so when Hemphill performs tunes such tunes as "Day Dream," "Your Love Has Faded" and "Lush Life," he infuses them not just with bluesy wistfulness inherent in the music but with the years of anguish his character has endured. It's a moving performance, although there is plenty of comic relief along the way. Facts about Strayhorn's life are slipped in organically throughout the play, which, under the sure-handed direction of Anthony Runfola, is both a poignant character study and an emotional concert experience. And though the story is simple, it ends with a potent dramatic punch." -Kerry Lengel, Arizona Republic (click here to read the complete review)

photos - THE BOY WHO LOVED MONSTERS AND THE GIRL WHO LOVED PEAS - Childsplay

For more information on this production, that runs through March 8th, click here.

photos: Tim Trumble

job listing - BOX OFFICE MANAGER - The Palms Theatre

From our friends at the Palms:

OB POSTING: Box Office Manager
- For Immediate Hire -

PURPOSE OF THE JOB:
Oversee the overall day-to-day operations of the box office at The Palms Theatre in Mesa, AZ. The Box Office Manager will ensure a hospitable, smooth and efficient operation. Responsibilities included, but are not limited to: programming and monitoring the Theatre’s content management system (Audience View ticketing system), tracking daily sales and deposits, guest account management (subscription, individual and group) ticket processing, daily/weekly/monthly and annual reporting, and the supervision
and direction of all guest services associates. The Box Office Manager works closely with the Marketing Department on all strategies that pertain to the Advertising and Marketing of the Theatre’s list of events. Leads by example at all times and provides the highest level of customer service to all guests, vendors
and clients.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS:
● Foster and maintain strong working relationship with the VP of Guest Services and Marketing, Marketing Director and CEO
● Communicate effectively with all other Departments regarding ticket counts, groups and any other issues they may need to be apprised of (Front of House, Food & Beverage and Kitchen)
● Advise and assist with the implementation, reporting, and generating of event reports using the
Audience View ticketing system
● Overseeing the daily, weekly, monthly and yearly sales of tickets and entering and submitting data as required
● Reconciling any issues between ticket sales and the financial department including shortages or overages on accounts
● Develop and maintain documentation and training material on Box Office policies and procedures
● Work closely with accounting on executing proper cash handling and cash control procedures.
● Hiring, training, scheduling and supervision of ticket office staff. Making sure that all staff are fully trained in handling guest issues and explaining policy regarding ticket sales
● Demonstrate excellent customer service skills, respond promptly to guest inquiries and requests, and train all Box Office personnel in customer service standards
● Review and maintain Phone Voicemail System
● Assist with Group Sales Member in booking, assisting and greeting groups or tours as they plan a trip to the Palms Theatre
● Provide rapid response for critical issues

QUALIFICATIONS:
● Two to four years Box Office experience
● Minimum of two years management experience strongly preferred
● Knowledge of the Audience View ticketing system, or like system, is preferred
● Must be able to work well independently and to manage, train, and motivate others
● Excellent verbal and written communication and documentation skills required
● Candidate must be able to successfully handle multiple priorities in sometimes high stress situations
● Proficiency with Microsoft Office including Word, Excel, and other Windows applications required
● Position requires the ability to accommodate a flexible schedule, including evenings, weekends, and holidays, as well as being able to perform in a fast paced, dynamic work environment
● Candidate should have cash handling experience and experience in scheduling staff members
● Candidate must also have the ability to work with the public and possess conflict resolution skills● Good problem solving and strategic thinking skills.
● Ability to prioritize, identify critical issues and work towards results

Please forward cover letter and resume to: byork@thepalmstheatre.com. NO PHONE CALLS.

audition notice - DOUBT - Mesa Encore Theatre

From our friends at MET:

Director: Kent Burnham

Rehearsals Begin: 03/09/2015
Performance Dates: 06/05/2015 – 06/21/2015

Synopsis
A gripping story of suspicion cast on a priest’s behavior that is less about scandal than about fascinatingly nuanced questions of moral certainty. Winner of the 2005 Pulitzer Prize and Tony Award.

Character Breakdown
Sister Aloysius Beauvier (Female, ages 45-65, Caucasian): Watchful, reserved, and unsentimental. A woman of deep conviction and personal strength.
Father Brendan Flynn (Male, ages 28-40, Caucasian): A working class man from the Northeast. Charismatic and forward-thinking, a man capable of holding secrets on the inside. A progressive priest new to the St. Nicholas Parish.
Sister James (Female, ages 20-30, Caucasian): Has a bit of sunshine in her heart, though she is reserved as well. A young nun who wants to do well for her students and the church–both her strength and her weakness.
Mrs. Muller (Female, ages 30-44, African American): Dressed in her Sunday best for church, on red alert, fiercely protective of her son, (who is the first African American student to attend the St. Nicholas School) yet deferential to the power of the church.

What To Prepare
Auditions will consist of cold readings from the script.

Call For Crew
Looking for people interested in various production aspects of the show, including stage manager and lighting designer.

Audition Location/Time
Monday, February 23rd @ 5pm-8pm
Mesa Encore Theatre – Black Box on Brown
318 E Brown Rd #101, Mesa AZ 85202
(NW corner of Brown Rd & Mesa Dr. In a strip mall, BBB unit is nearest Brown Rd.)

Callback Dates and Times:
Monday, March 2nd, time TBA

Audition Appointments
To schedule your audition appointment, please contact Kent Burnham, kentburnham4@gmail.com.

For questions regarding the audition, please contact Kent Burnham, kentburnham4@gmail.com.

auditions- AVENUE Q - Mesa Encore Theatre - March 3, 2015

From our friends at MET:

Director: Shaun Michael McNamara
Music Director: Debra Jo Davey

Rehearsals Begin: 03/09/2015
Performance Dates: 04/10/2015 – 04/26/2015

Synopsis
Winner of the Tony "Triple Crown" for Best Musical, Best Score and Best Book, AVENUE Q is a laugh-out loud musical that tells the timeless story of a recent college grad named Princeton who moves into a shabby New York apartment all the way out on Avenue Q. He soon discovers that although the residents seem nice, it's clear that this is not your ordinary neighborhood. Together, Princeton and his new found friends struggle to find jobs, dates, and their ever-elusive purpose in life.

Character Breakdown
BRIAN (Male, 30-45 yrs old): A laid-back guy married to Christmas Eve.
CHRISTMAS EVE (Female, 30-45 yrs old): A therapist who recently moved to Avenue Q from Japan.
GARY COLEMAN (Female, 30-40 yrs old): Yes, that Gary Coleman. Lives on the Avenue and is superintendent of the apartment buildings.
KATE MONSTER (Female, 25-30 yrs old): A Kindergarten teaching assistant, who is a bit older than Princeton. Puppet.
LUCY (Female, 25-30 yrs old): A vixenish vamp with a dangerous edge. Puppet.
MRS. T (Female, 50-65 yrs old): Crabby and ancient. Kate's boss. Puppet.
NICKY (Male, 20-30 yrs old): A slacker who lives with Rod. Puppet.
PRINCETON (Male, 20-25 yrs old): A fresh-faced kid just out of college and the protagonist. Puppet.
ROD (Male, 25-30 yrs old): An investment banker who is Republican and a closeted homosexual. Puppet.
THE BAD IDEA BEARS (1 Male, 20-40 yrs old; 1 Female, 20-40 yrs old): Two snuggly, cute teddy-bear types. Puppets.
TREKKIE MONSTER (Male, 30-40 yrs old): A reclusive creature obsessed with the Internet and all it has to offer. Puppet.

What To Prepare
Cold Read from Script and some light puppet work. Please bring an audition song from the show or in the style of Avenue Q, 16 bars or 90 seconds in length, and in the correct key for your voice. There will be an accompanist and CD/media player available. Please bring head shot and resume and have your calendars with you to mark any potential conflicts.

Call For Crew
Looking for a Technical Director and stage crew.

Audition Location/Time
Tuesday, March 3rd @ 6pm-10pm
Mesa Encore Theatre – Black Box on Brown
318 E Brown Rd #101, Mesa AZ 85202
(NW corner of Brown Rd & Mesa Dr. In a strip mall, BBB unit is nearest Brown Rd.)

Callback Dates and Times:
Thursday, March 5th @ TBA

Auditions are open call - appointment not required.

For questions regarding the audition, please contact Shaun Michael McNamara, allpuppetplayers@gmail.com.

Special ticket discount for GOD'S FAVORITE at the Don Bluth Front Row Theatre

Special ticket offer for PHX Stages readers: Mention you saw this on PHX Stages and receive $6 off each ticket!

Don Bluth Front Row Theatre Proudly Presents-

Neil Simon’s GOD’S FAVORITE

Directed by Gary Caswell

Produced by Don Bluth, Roger McKay and Curtis Watson

Successful Long Island businessman Joe Benjamin is a modern-day 'Job' with a demanding wife, ungrateful children and wise-cracking household employees. Just when it seems things couldn't get any worse, he is visited by Sidney Lipton, a.k.a. A Messenger from God (and compulsive film buff) with a mission: test Joe's faith and report back to "the Boss".

"Awesomely funny...The work of a man of vision. It'll make you laugh out loud." - New York Daily News

"His jokes have a kind of hilarious deadpan ecstasy and, even better, are taken from life." - The New York Times

A Comedy of Biblical Proportions

Playing March 3^rd-April 3^rd Tuesdays and Wednesdays at 7pm

Don Bluth Front Row Theatre

8670 E. Shea Blvd Suite 103

Scottsdale, AZ 85260

Box office-480-314-0841

www.DonBluthFrontRowTheatre.com

Mention that you saw this on PHX Stages and receive  $6 off each ticket

photos - LEADING LADIES - Tuscany Theatre

For information on this production that opens tonight and runs through February 21st click here

photos by: Lisa Webb of Southwest Shots Photography 

ticket discount offer - ROMEO AND JULIET - Arizona Broadway Theatre

from our friends at ATC:

VALENTINE'S DAY SALE!

Looking for a special gift for your Valentine? How about tickets to one of the greatest love stories ever told?

From February 12 to 16, get 30% OFF tickets to ROMEO AND JULIET* when you use promo code 'DATENIGHT'!**

CLICK HERE to order tickets

* ROMEO AND JULIET runs 2/28 - 3/21 (Tucson) and 3/26-4/12 (Phoenix).

** Restrictions Apply: Purchase must be made online. Limit 2 tickets.

audition notice - GREATER TUNA - The Palms Theatre

from our friends at the Palms Theatre:

GREATER TUNA
The Marquee Theatre at The Palms

Performance Dates: April 16 - May 24, 2015

Rehearsals are set to begin April 4, opening the 16th.

We are seeking a relatively thin actor (20-40s) with great comic range. The Arles track includes to following characters:
Arles Struvie
Didi Snavely
Harold Dean Lattimer
Petey Fisk
Jody Bumiller
Stanley Bumiller
Charlene Bumiller
Chad Hartford
Phinas Blye
Vera Carp

The characters range from children to adults, men, women - all rather eccentric but with a big heart.
Please submit videos using these two contrasting monologues. Feel free to submit other videos as well that show your range.

Please submit headshot/resume and videos to: JROnstage@aol.com

Thank you for your interest!

auditions - THE WEDDING SINGER - Spotlight Youth Theatre

Auditions for The Wedding Singer at Spotlight Youth Theatre are next week - click here for more information

Phoenix Theatre has announced their 2015-2016 season

Phoenix Theatre has announced their 2015-2016 season. Includes the smash hit Evita, family favorite The Wizard of Oz, the cult favorite The Toxic Avenger and a world premiere musical about Walt Disney along with moving the annual Hormel Festival of New Plays from March to May next year and a return of Avenue Q as a subscriber add-on (the name of the first show will be announced on March 30th).

September 9 – October 4, 2015
Mainstage Theatre

Phoenix Theatre will be “all about that jazz” this fall when it kicks off the 2015/2016 Season with the quintessential “Windy City” musical spectacular. You’ll be transported to a time when equal parts blues and crime reigned supreme on the streets, and the Cook County Cell Blocks were replete with ladies doing the Tango. Get ready for some “Razzle Dazzle”  and when the story takes you over, don’t say we didn’t warn ya - “You had it comin’.”

Book by Joe DiPietro
Music and Lyrics by David Bryan
October 28 – November 22, 2015
Hormel Theatre

From the creative team that brought MEMPHIS to the stage comes The Toxic Avenger and the question, “Who Will Save New Jersey?!” 

Under the bright and energetic direction of Producing Artistic Director, Michael Barnard, our unlikely hero, Toxie, a mutant freak with superhero strength and a heart bigger than Newark, will battle for the cleanup of the Turnpike.  Add in a charming love story, a dash of corruption and stiletto-wearing backup singers and you have an uproarious rock musical that will have you falling in “Hot Toxic Love.”

By L. Frank Baum
With Music and Lyrics by Harold Arlen and E.Y. Harburg
Background Music by Herbert Stothart
Dance and Vocal Arrangements by Peter Howard
Orchestration by Larry Wilcox
Adapted by John Kane for the Royal Shakespeare Company
Based upon the Classical Motion Picture owned by Turner Entertainment Co. and distributed in all media by Warner Bros.

November 18 – December 27, 2015
Mainstage Theatre

Prepare to go over the rainbow with the entire family this holiday season. Travel with Dorothy as she journeys to the magical land where scarecrows wish for brains, lions are afraid of their roars, tin men long for hearts and witches come in all varieties. No trip down the Yellow Brick Road would be complete without you and your munchkins so follow us as we make our way for the glow of the Emerald City!

Written by Tim Firth
January 20 – February 7, 2016
Mainstage Theatre

Steeped in sentimentality and full of heart comes the oh-so-British story of the indomitable women of Calendar Girls. Determined to raise money for a cause, Chris and Annie conclude that the best way is to give the public what they want - a nude calendar. However, instead of the models of the day gracing the pages, it will feature themselves and the other real women of their small English village. When this group of ladies put their experiment to the test what arises is a media circus, new found fame and a hilarious look at the true events that resulted in a charitable windfall, and the reminder that all women are strong and beautiful – inside and out.

Book and Lyrics by Tim Rice
Music by Andrew Lloyd Webber
February 24 – March 20, 2016

Mainstage Theatre

The bravery, beauty and passion that made Eva Peron an inspiration throughout Argentina combines with the genius of musical theatre giants, Andrew Lloyd Webber and Tim Rice resulting in a sublime blockbuster certain to sweep you away. Filled with soaring ballads, seductive paso dobles and elegant melodies, this Tony Award Winner for Best Musical will draw you into a tale of a woman driven by ambition, love and power yet diverted by a fragility few ever saw. Prepare to have your breath taken away when this iconic and unforgettable story fills the theatre floor to ceiling, front to back.  

By Lanie Robertson

March 16 – April 3, 2016
Hormel Theatre

In a small bar in South Philly, on a typical night in 1959, Billie Holiday, the icon dubbed Lady Day, put on a show that unbeknownst to the audience, left them witnesses to one of the last performances of her lifetime. Through her poignant voice and moving melodies, one of the greatest jazz singers of all-time shared her loves, her losses, her demons and her angels. You’re invited to enter the intimacy of this singular night in music history and feel the presence of a legend reborn. 

Music and Lyrics by Various
April 6 – May 1, 2016
Mainstage Theatre

The time has come to be wrapped up in this classy and sassy musical extravaganza celebrating the American experience from The Dirty 30’s to the Post-War Boom. Weaving together the work of legendary songwriters such as Frank Loesser, Duke Ellington, Johnny Mercer, Cab Calloway, Fats Waller and the Gershwins, this delightfully playful story moves through time and place to put a spotlight on a slick slice of yesteryear. Get set to dance in your seat along with the standards we all know, all love and could all here again and again sung by the tremendous voices you’ve come to expect from Phoenix Theatre.

May 5-15, 2016
Hormel & Judith Hardes Theatres

Each year, we receive hundreds of new and dynamic scripts from playwrights around the country who are searching for the first opportunity to see their new work performed for an audience. In this stripped down and intimate theatre environment, without the distraction of a full-fledged production, the emphasis is placed on the words on the page and the interpretation from the actor. The audience reaction to these staged readings is vital to the future development of a piece. After each performance, you - the patron- are given a forum to tell the creative team how this new work made you feel, what is was truly magical about it, and what could be altered to deepen the experience.

Book, Music and Lyrics by Dean McClure
May 18-June 12, 2016
Mainstage Theatre

As the founding force behind the company that continues to capture the imagination of millions around the world year after year, Walt Disney's legacy is undeniable. In this World Premiere musical, Phoenix Theatre brings you the story of this unusual and special man fascinated by possibility and determined to persevere in the face of deniers. Armed with his child-like ingenuity and guileless belief in himself, he turned failures into triumphs and never ceased wishing on stars. Be a part of the magic of seeing this new production come to life and celebrate the icon who brought us the most famous set of ears on earth. 

SPECIAL ENGAGEMENT!
Music and Lyrics by Robert Lopez and Jeff Marx
Book by Jeff Whitty
Based on Original Concept by Robert Lopez and Jeff Marx
June 8-26, 2016

There’s more fuzz to love when our badly-behaved puppet friends return! Staged in the intimacy of the Hormel Theatre, this R-rated, laugh-out-loud look at life after college packs more purposeful punch and candid heart than ever before. Be there when Phoenix Theatre favorites take the stage to bring this still fresh, fast-paced and exuberant musical to life and once again, explore “ What Do You Do with a B.A. in English?”

video preview - MOONPRINCE - East Valley Children's Theatre

a sneak peak of East Valley Children's Theatre's Moonprince, which opens tonight and runs through February 22nd at the Mesa Arts Center- click here for more info on this production.

promo video- LES MISERABLES - Arizona Broadway Theatre

Promo video for Les Misérables at ABT - features behind the scenes glimpse into the costumes and set of this production  - for more information on this production that runs Feb. 27 - April 4, click here.

Arizona Theatre Company announces their 2015-2016 season

Hershey Felder as Irving Berlin - Oct. 8-25.

Disgraced - Nov. 12-29.

Snapshots: A Musical Scrapbook - Dec. 30- Jan 17.

Fences - Feb. 11-28, 2016.

Of Mice and Men -March 31-April 17, 2016.

Discord - May 5-22, 2016.

Dates above are for performances in Phoenix at the Herberger Theatre Center

Click here for more information

reviews - THE EMPEROR'S NEW CLOTHES - Valley Youth Theatre

For more information on this production, that runs through February 22nd, click here.

 "In a departure from its regular style of established productions, VYT has taken a gamble.   David Chorley has come up with a fresh script with fresh ideas, and even though many of the jokes are stinkers – intentionally, by the way – they’re presented with a fresh flair and an energetic vitality by a large, young cast with one intention; to make its audience laugh.  VYT’s The Emperor’s New Clothes is an official premiere, a never-before-seen comedy written by director Chorley who has approached the story as if writing a script for a Hanna-Barbera cartoon TV special.  The show is a flat-out gag fest, a fast-paced comedy designed specifically for VYT and its available cast that zips from scene to scene at a breakneck speed complete with groaners, belly-laughs and running gags with great payoffs.  The jokes fly around like circling planes waiting to land during rush hour at Sky-Harbor Airport; they come thick and fast, often accompanied by their own soundtrack.  David Chorley’s very funny new script tends to be better than his direction.  Occasionally there’s a sense of discipline missing in the staging of a gag – from time to time, lines are buried and voices are lost as if forgetting to project to the back row – plus, despite the speed with which each scene furthers the story, the conclusions always end with a fade to black.  Without the in-built breaks, the end result would appear sharper, plus, with a tighter control of the show’s flow, the speed would make the gags fly even faster. Special mention has to go to Karol Cooper for her sparkling costume designs.  True, most of the characters are intentionally drab when compared to the emperor, but when the royal one dons his dazzling coat of many colors, even Joseph would be jealous." -David Appleford, Valley Screen and Stage (click here to read the complete review)

"The classic Hans Christian Andersen children's fable The Emperor's New Clothes is receiving a brand new comical adaptation from Valley Youth Theatre. With just a few small shortcomings, this world premiere production is an absolute joy. David Chorley's new script adds a fun new spin to the famous story, and the talented cast and solid creative elements combine to bring Andersen's tale of a vain Emperor who cares for nothing more than parading about in his clothes to colorful life.  The cast is quite good, with Wil Arends perfect in his ability to prance about the stage and throw temper tantrums as the selfish Emperor, and Ian Gray a complete natural as PJ. Both have a lot to do in the show and, considering that he is just in the third grade, Gray is especially impressive in his theatrical abilities. Katy Sprowls, as the Emperor's feisty younger sister Praline, is a gifted comic actress and the many scenes she and Arends have together are some of the play's best.  The great thing about Chorley's adaptation is that it not only has an ongoing abundance of comic bits and gags but also some original ideas that enrich the Andersen tale as well as the overall theatrical experience. These include having PJ's father give him and his sister imaginary toys to play with, since they don't have the funds to buy real toys. When the scoundrels see PJ's sister jumping an imaginary rope it gives them the idea for the imaginary clothes. Chorley also directs the production and provided the fun and upbeat sound design. While, for the most part, his direction works with assured performances from each of his cast, some punchlines are rushed or not projected clear enough, and his decision to have black outs for each scene change not only stops the show repeatedly but also means the audience's applause covers the beginning of some of the narration. Also, the play could be trimmed a bit as there are a few subplots that don't add much to the overall impact. Creative elements are excellent and simple, yet work perfectly with the story. Karol Copper's costumes are quite effective, with her muted designs for the members of Rainbow Valley a nice counterpoint to the outlandish colorful ensembles she has created for the Emperor.  Even with a few moments that don't quite work, Chorley and his talented cast have achieved quite a successful production with plenty of original ideas and funny moments. And the important message that it's what is inside a person that counts and not what he wears on the outside is something that children of all ages should be reminded of." -Gil Benbrook, Talkin' Broadway (click here to read the complete review)

promo photo - DISNEY SLEEPING BEAUTY KIDS - Musical Theatre of Anthem

for information on this production that runs Feb. 19 -22, click here

Keyah Lee as Maleficent and Ellie Kunnari as Briar Rose/Princess Aurora

Photo Credit: Wade Moran

review - BURNING IN THE NIGHT - Mesa Arts Center / Theater Works

"BURNING IN THE NIGHT: A HOBO'S SONG is as fine a piece of theatrical artistry as one will find in the Valley of the Sun. It is poetry in locomotion, evoking a way of life that, while often perilous, was the elixir of freedom and discovery that spurred many a young man to abandon his quotidian comforts and rituals and submit himself to the siren call of the one-eyed locomotive god.   On stage at the Mesa Arts Center from February 6th-8th and continuing on February 13th at Theater Works in Peoria, Richard Warren's brilliant adaptation of Dale Wasserman's epic memoir, directed by Dan Schay and masterfully performed by Mike Lawler, needs to be seen not only for the quality of the production but also for the sweet and compelling reminder of freedom's real meaning.  Thanks to a remarkable collaboration of artists, we can hear America singing!" -Herbert Paine, Broadway World (click here to read the complete review)

for information on this production, that runs Feb. 12-15 at Theater Works in Peoria, click here.

photo credit: Bo Allen