photos - DOUBT - Mesa Encore Theatre

For more information on this production, that runs through June 21st, click here

photos: Pam Pershing

reviews - THE PHANTOM OF THE OPERA - National Tour: ASU/Gammage

Chris Mann as The Phantom and Katie Travis as Christine Daaé
Photo by Matthew Murphy

highlights from local critics reviews - (click link at bottom of each review to read complete review)

"“The Phantom of the Opera” still entertains but a lackluster cast, an ill-reconceived staging, and disappointing new sets will never erase the brilliant perfection of Hal Prince’s dynamic and stunning initial staging that audiences practically know by heart...“The Phantom of the Opera’s” new production disappoints in every way.  The new sets aren’t as grandly spectacular and...looks cheaper ...The lush, melodic score still soars...lacks the original version’s sweep, grandeur, and stylish flow....Both Chris Mann’s oily Phantom and Katie Travis’ flighty Christine aren’t of the stature to hold audience interest or attention and neither performer sings with the soaring grandeur required by Lloyd Webber’s beautiful tunes.  The rest of the performers fade into the scenery as this production places emphasis on spectacle as opposed to telling the story....Yes, the new “Phantom of the Opera” entertains but it lacks the original’s panache, beauty, and shining brilliance.  It would have been better to just remount the original production." -Chris Curcio, KBAQ (click here to read the complete review)

"Advertising "the spectacular new production" of "The Phantom of the Opera" is partly the usual hype and partly a case of protesting too much....Any attempt to update one of the most popular and eye-popping musicals of all time is bound to disappoint some of the faithful...some of the visual wow moments just don't have the same impact as before....Nonetheless, you can't really say the revamped "Phantom" looks cheap. ...for those who love "Phantom" primarily for Andrew Lloyd Webber's score, this is very much the same show it has always been: that is, a pseudo-operatic excursion into musical excess both lush and bombastic....the current star is memorable only for a certain shallow and callow impression... Mann lacks the booming gravitas you expect in a good villain, something that's most apparent in his speaking voice, which sounds more like the Boy Scout of the Opera than the Phantom. Most unmenacing....For those "Phantom" fans who prefer the original spectacle to the 2.0 version, the bad news is that this incarnation will be the touring version for the foreseeable future. The good news is the Broadway production is still going after 27 years, the longest run in history." -Kerry Lengel, Arizona Republic (click here to read the complete review)

for more information on this production, that runs through June 7th, click here

LATE NITE CATECHISM - Arizona Broadway Theatre - June 25 - 28, 2015

From our friends at ABT and the SCPA:

Arizona Broadway Theatre and the Scottsdale Center for the Performing Arts present three special performances of:

LATE NITE CATECHISM
June 25th, 27th & 28th

Audience members are the students in catechism class, and Patti Hannon stars as "Sister" in this hilarious interactive comedy written by Vicki Quade and Maripat Donovan

Performances at Arizona Broadway Theatre in Peoria

Click here to order tickets

UNDER THE BED - Paradise Valley Community College - June 11 to June 14, 2015

Under the Bed
 - Children's Production

Mo and Jo are staying with their Aunt Flo as their mom is on her honeymoon with the new man she has married. Mo and Jo cannot fall asleep because they think that there is something (or someone) under the bed. They hear strange sounds from under the bed. They smell strange odors from under the bed. That means that there must be something under the bed, right? Suddenly, a Hot Water Bottle comes to life and tries to help the siblings go to sleep. He suggests that they travel somewhere else so that they can escape whatever is under the bed. In their travels, the trio visit Antarctica and meet a Spanish Penguin that recites poetry, and a Monkey in the South Seas. Will they ever be able to fall asleep? For all ages!

Mo: Aaron Maitland
Jo: Stephen Baldassare
Hot Water Bottle: BreAwna Harpe
Penguin/ Dave: Yovani Martinez
Monkey/ Mum: Nicole Thompson

Click here to order tickets and for more information

Desert Foothills Theater's 2015 / 2016 Season

Desert Foothills Theater has announced their 2015 / 2016 season:

CLICK HERE to purchase tickets

The Complete Works of
William Shakespeare...
Abridged!

September
10,11,12,17,18,19 @ 7:30
12,13,19,20 @ 2:00
A: $26/$32.50    Y:$16/$21

@ FCF-Holland Community Center Adult Cast

Parodies the plays of William Shakespeare with all of them being performed by only three actors. Join these men in tights as they weave their way through all of Shakespeare’s Comedies, Histories and Tragedies! All 37 Plays in 97 Minutes!

Disney's The Jungle Book Kids

October
2,3,9,10 @ 7:00
4,11 @ 2:00
A: $16/$21     Y:$14/$16

Cactus Shadows Fine Arts Center Black Box - Cast Ages 8-14

Specially adapted from the classic film, this musical includes all your favorite Disney tunes, like "The Bare Necessities," and "I Wan'na Be Like You."

The Drowsy Chaperone

November
13,14,20,21 @ 7:30
15,22 @ 2:00
A: $15/$26/$32.50     Y: $14/$16/$21

Cactus Shadows Fine Arts Center Main Stage -- Adult Cast

When a die-hard theatre fan plays his favorite cast album, the characters come to life in this hilarious musical farce. The Drowsy Chaperone is a loving send-up of the Jazz age musical featuring one show-stopping song and dance number after another.

TBA: School Edition

January

8,9,15,16 @ 7:00

9,10,16,17 @ 2:00

A: $16/$21     Y:$14/$16

Cactus Shadows Fine Arts Center Black Box -- Cast ages 13-19

WILL BE ANNOUNCED NOVEMBER 8TH!

The Children's Hour

February

19,20,26,27 @ 7:30

21,27,28 @ 2:00

A: $26/$32.50     Y: $16/$21

Cactus Shadows Fine Arts Center Black Box -- Adult/Teen Cast

A youngster starts a rumor about 2 women who run a school for girls. The rumor turns to scandal. As the girl comes to understand the power she wields, she sticks by her story, which brings tragedy for the women. It’s later found that the gossip was pure invention, but it is too late.

Smokey Joe's Cafe

April

1,2,8,9,15,16 @ 7:30

3,10,16,17 @ 2:00

A: $26/$32.50     Y: $16/$21

Cactus Shadows Fine Arts Center Black Box -- Adult Cast

The songs of Mike Stoller and Jerry Leiber come to life in this Rock and Roll musical revue. Packed with memorable tunes like, “Hound Dog”, “Love Potion #9”, “On Broadway” and “Stand By Me”, it is the longest-running revue in Broadway History.

Alice In Wonderland

May

13,14,20,21 @ 7:00

14,15,21,22 @ 2:00

A: $16/$21     Y:$14/$16

Cactus Shadows Fine Arts Center Black Box -- Cast ages 8-19

What happens when you step through the looking glass and go down the rabbit hole? Find out as Alice takes her incredible journey into the wonderland of her dreams.

CLICK HERE to purchase tickets

Crew needed for Valley Youth Theatre's INTO THE WOODS at the Herberger Center

from our friends at Valley Youth Theatre:

We need "run crew" for INTO THE WOODS at the Herberger Theater Center!  Performance dates are June 12 - 28.

Experience is great, but not necessary. However, we DO require a positive attitude and willingness to work hard!

If you are (or someone you know is) 13 or older and interested, email stagemanager@vyt.com ASAP.

cast announcement - SPAMALOT - Paradise Valley Community College

For more information on this production, that runs June 18th to June 28th, click here.

King Arthur: Philip Amerine
Patsy: Christian Boden
Robin: Sky Donovan
Lancelot: Scott Snedden
Galahad: Tyler Lewis
Bedevere: Matt Callahan
Lady of the Lake: Brenda Goodenberger

Ensemble- Male
Tyler Hainlen- Herbert
Dexter Tuten- Not Dead Fred/ Minstrel
Yovani Martinez- Sir Not Appearing
Andre Mach- Kevin
Alex Hansen- Herbert’s Father      
Gustavo Flores- Guard 1              
AJ Farrimond- Guard 2
Roger Alan Hunt- The Black Knight

Ensemble-Female
Heidi Klotz- French Taunter
Kira Kadel- Minstrel
Mindee Lee Krymer- Concorde
Rachelle Dart- Laker Girl 
Cynthia Elek- Historian  
Rosemary Dann- Mother
Kat Alonzo- Laker Girl
Amber Moldrem- Nun
Lacey Dixon- Head Ni
Courtney Hahn- Minstrel
Rebecca David- Minstrel

photos - FANGIRL - Brelby Theatre Company

For more information on this production, that runs June 4th to June 7th, click here.

Photos: Fernando Perez / Media Sheep Productions

promo photos - RUMORS - Desert Stages Theatre

For more information on this production, that runs June 5th to July 26th, click here

photos: Wade Moran

ticket discount - ONE MAN, TWO GUVNORS - Phoenix Theatre

Ron May
photo: Erin Evangeline Photography

from our friends at Phoenix Theatre -

Buy one, get one free for performances of One Man, Two Guvnors on Wednesday, June 10 through Saturday, June 13.

Use promo code: SLAPSTICK

Expires on Wednesday, June 10

www.phoenixtheatre.com

Arizona Broadway Theatre has announced a special "Meet and Greet" with Ariel and some of the cast of DISNEY'S THE LITTLE MERMAID

For more information on this production, and to order tickets, click here.

photos - the National Tour of THE PHANTOM OF THE OPERA - ASU/Gammage

for more information on this production, that runs through June 7th, click here

Katie Travis as Christine Daaé and Chris Mann as The Phantom

Katie Travis as Christine Daaé and Storm Lineberger as Raoul

The Company performs "Masquerade."  Original Tour Cast
Photo:  Alastair Muir

Katie Travis as Christine Daaé and Chris Mann as The Phantom

Chris Mann as The Phantom and Katie Travis as Christine Daaé.

Chris Mann as The Phantom

Storm Lineberger as Raoul

Photos by Matthew Murphy (except where noted)

Don Bluth Front Row Theatre's 2nd Annual Benefit sets dates for August 28th and 29th

The 2nd Annual Broadway on Shea Benefit Gala "Some Enchanted Evening" has been set for two nights - August 28th & 29th.

This is going to be a GREAT night. Music Selections from South Pacific, Live and Silent auctions, Live drawings by Mr. Don Bluth and much more.

Please contact the Box office for more details.

480-314-0841

audition notice - young Ethnic or African-American male actor needed for BIG FISH - Actor's Youth Theatre

Actor's Youth Theatre is looking for a 6-9 Ethnic or African-American actor to play Young Will in their upcoming production of Big Fish.

contact: Kristin Bowler -  aytinfo@actorsyouththeatre.org - (480) 907-7050

Director: Julie Clement and Marcus Ellsworth
Music Director: Tracie Jones
Choreographer: Corrinne Mann, Kristen Malarkey, Marcus Ellsworth

Performance Dates: 06/22/2015 – 07/01/2015

Big Fish is a rollicking fantasy set in the American South, Big Fish centers on the charismatic Edward Bloom, whose impossible stories of his epic adventures frustrate his son Will. As Edward’s final chapter approaches, Will embarks on his own journey to find out who his father really is,
revealing the man behind the myth, the truth from the tall tales.”

East Valley Children's Theatre's 2015 / 2016 Season

East Valley Children's Theatre's 2015-16 season:

Experience a New Take on Old Stories!  Join us for a season of World Premieres!!

The Princess and the Pea
by Jason Tremblay

Oct. 1-11, 2015
(Auditions Aug. 19 & 20, Callbacks Aug. 22)

Yes, Virginia, There is a Santa Claus
Book by Karen Rolston, Original Music by Kathie McMahon

Dec. 3-13, 2015
(Auditions Oct. 27 & 28, Callbacks Oct. 29)

Sixty-Seven Cinderellas
by Stacey Lane

Feb. 11-21, 2016
(Auditions Jan. 5 & 6, Callbacks Jan. 7)

Snow White and Rose Red
Book by C. Lynn Johnson, Music by Joshua David Martin

June 16-26, 2016
(Auditions May 5 & 6, Callbacks May 7)


Season Tickets are now on sale at www.evct.org.  Only $40 per person for all four shows!

WEEK AT A GLANCE: June 1 - June 7

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:

FANGIRL
Brelby Theatre Company
June 4 -7, 2015

ALFIE BOE
Phoenix Symphony Orchestra
June 4 - 5, 2015


CLOSING:

A CHORUS LINE
Mesa Encore Theatre
May 22 - June 7, 2015

DISNEY'S THE ARISTOCATS KIDS
Fountain Hills Theater
May 29 - June 7, 2015

THE PHANTOM OF THE OPERA
ASU/Gammage
May 27- June 7, 2015

OPENING:

ANGELS IN AMERICA
Nearly Naked Theatre
June 6 - 20, 2015

DOUBT
Mesa Encore Theatre
June 5 - 21, 2015

RUMORS
Desert Stages Theatre
June 5 - July 26, 2015

LI'L ABNER
Starlight Community Theater 
June 5 - 14, 2015


STILL PLAYING:

HONK, JR
Spotlight Youth Theatre
May 29th to June 14th, 2015

ONE MAN, TWO GUVNORS
Phoenix Theatre
May 20 to June 14, 2015

WILLY WONKA, JR.
Desert Stages Theatre
May 22 - June 21, 2015


DISNEY'S THE LITTLE MERMAID
Arizona Broadway Theatre
May 22 - June 21, 2015

BOEING, BOEING
Don Bluth Front Row Theatre
May 19 - July 3, 2015

THE WIZARD OF OZ
Hale Centre Theatre
May 21 - July 3, 2015