promo photos - WINDFALL - Brelby Theatre Company

for more information on this production, which runs January 22nd to February 13th, CLICK HERE

photos by Fernando Perez

cast announcement - GREASE - ASU Lyric Opera Theatre

Jan. 15, 16 at 7:30 p.m.

Jan. 16, 17 at 2 p.m.

Stage Direction by Janine Colletti

Music Direction by Miles Plant/Sara Bruton

Choreography by Anissa Griego

CLICK HERE to purchase tickets

Fountain Hills Theater's Broadway in the Hills- Good Vibrations 2016 Benefit - March 6

from our friends at Fountain Hills Theater:

On Sunday, March 6th, join us as we transform the Fountain Hills Community Center into a beachside paradise. Groove to the beach sounds of the Southwest Surfers, stroll amid impeccably restored hotrods, and be transported to the 1960’s by the music that defined a generation. Caterer Sapori d'Italia, and their designer/event coordinator Caprice Mallett of Hylands Chateau, will tickle taste-buds and create an exciting ambience for our guests. So, wax up your surf board, grab your friends and come on along! Dress in your favorite fashion from the era … glitzy, glamorous, beatnik or beach casual … it’s all fun and all for a good cause to support Fountain Hills Theater!
 
Ticket price is $100 per person and includes dinner, entertainment by your favorite FHT performers and live music. Enjoy the cash bar, dinner and dancing as you bid on our exciting auction items. Fountain Hills Theater is a non-profit, 501(C)(3) organization and a portion of ticket price is tax-deductible.

Call 480-837-9661 x3 for reservations and information. Broadway in the Hills is sponsored in part by Cummings Termite & Pest Control, Flourish at Copperwynd and the Arizona Lottery.

audition notice - QUILTERS - Fountain Hills Theater - January 23 & 24

The story of a pioneer woman and her six daughters, Quilters blends a series of interrelated scenes into a rich mosaic which captures the sweep and beauty, the terror and joy, the harsh challenge and abiding rewards of frontier life. Illuminating stories contained in various patches or "blocks" with music, dance and drama, the action depicts the lot of women on the frontier: girlhood, marriage, childbirth, spinsterhood, twisters, fire, illness and death. But, with this, there is also love, warmth, rich and lively humor and the moving spectacle of simple human dignity and steadfastness in the face of adversity. In the end, when the various patches are assembled into one glorious, brilliantly colorful quilt, the effect is both breathtaking and magical.

CASTING:
7 women of varying ages, from 16 through 75, who must sing and harmonize well.

Directed/Choreographed by Noel Irick
Musically Directed by Robyn Peterson

Audition Dates: Saturday, January 23rd at 1:00pm and Sunday, January 24th at 6:00pm
Callbacks: Following Sunday Auditions if needed

Production dates: Friday, March 11th - Sunday, March 27th
Performances: Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays at 8pm, and Sundays at 2pm

Call for appointment: (480) 837-9661 x3

Auditioners should prepare:
-16-32 bars of a song that best shows off voice
-Sheet music in appropriate key
-1 minute monologue
-Headshot and resume if available
-List of possible rehearsal conflicts

photos - THOROUGHLY MODERN MILLIE - Desert Stages Theatre

for more information on this production, which runs through February 7th, CLICK HERE

photos: Heather Butcher

audition notice - MURDER AND A MEAL Dinner Theatre - January 17

Director: Randy Rice and others

Compensation: Stipend Pay

Synopsis
5 different interactive murder mysteries shows. Shows are scripted and improv

Character Breakdown
Various roles for males and females ages (21 and up).

What To Prepare
Cold read from script

Audition Details

Orange Tree Golf Resort
10601 N 56th St
Scottsdale, Arizona 85254

On 56th street north of Shea

By Appointment: Email ONLY
Appointment Contact
audtions@murderandameal.com

Audition Dates and Times:
Jan. 17th, 2016; 11am-3pm, 4:30pm-8pm
Callback Dates and Times:
TBD

Primary Contact:
Kyle Chavira
kyle.chavira@gmail.com
(602) 434-0311

WEEK AT A GLANCE: January 11 - January 17

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:

SENTIMENTAL JOURNEY
Theater Works
January 15 - 17, 2016

IF / THEN 
ASU/Gammage
January 12-17, 2016

GREASE
ASU Lyric Opera Theatre
January 15 - 17, 2016

CLOSING:

TALLEY'S FOLLY
Fountain Hills Theater
January 8 -17, 2016

AVENUE Q: SCHOOL EDITION
Desert Foothills Theater
January 8 - 17, 2016

SNAPSHOTS: A MUSICAL SCRAPBOOK
Arizona Theatre Company
December 30, 2015 – January 17, 2016

OPENING:

CAROUSEL
Arizona Broadway Theatre
January 15 - February 14, 2016

GRAND CONCOURSE
Theatre Artists Studio
January 15 – 31, 2016

SPRING AWAKENING
Spotlight Youth Theatre
January 15 - January 31, 2016

PICNIC
Tuscany Theatre Company
January 15 - January 23, 2016

OTHELLO 
Southwest Shakespeare Company
January 14 - 30, 2016

THE COMEDY OF ERRORS
Southwest Shakespeare Company
January 14 - 30, 2016

STILL PLAYING:

DEATHTRAP
Mesa Encore Theatre
January 8 - 24, 2016

COCK
Nearly Naked Theatre
January 9 - 30, 2016

THOROUGHLY MODERN MILLIE
Scottsdale Desert Stages Theatre
January 8 - February 7, 2016

BEAU JEST
Hale Centre Theatre
December 31, 2015 - February 13, 2016

THE PRODUCERS
Don Bluth Front Row Theatre
January 7 - February 13, 2016

LATE NITE CATECHISM / LATE NITE CATECHISM III
Scottsdale Center for the Performing Arts 
January 8 - March 26, 2016

ON GOING:

CARNIVAL OF ILLUSION
various weekend dates from
September 26, 2015 - June 4, 2016

MURDER AND A MEAL DINNER THEATRE 
Friday and Saturday nights

OPENING SOON:

THE ANDREWS BROTHERS
Hale Centre Theatre
January 18 - April 19, 2016

CALENDAR GIRLS
Phoenix Theatre
January 20, 2016 - February 7, 2016

BRIGHTON BEACH MEMOIRS
Scottsdale Desert Stages Theatre
January 22 - March 13, 2016

I LOVE YOU, YOU’RE PERFECT, NOW CHANGE
Theater Works
January 22 - February 14, 2016

LA CAGE AUX FOLLES
Fountain Hills Theater
January 22 – February 7, 2016

WINDFALL
Brelby Theatre Company
January 22, 2016 - February 13, 2016

Jane Lynch: See Jane Sing!
Scottsdale Center for the Performing Arts
January 23, 2016

Desert Foothills Theater's Spring Class 10% Early Registration Discount - ENDS TODAY

LAST CHANCE FOR DISCOUNTED CLASSES. Desert Foothills Theater Spring Class Registration is OPEN with a 10% DISCOUNT for Early Registration through January 10th, 2016. SPOTLIGHT ON....  Scott Johnson Scott Johnson is a local speech and debate coach for an award winning high school team specializing in acting and performance. He has had an extensive career directing and coaching including last summer's Advanced Acting Performance Camp of The Crucible. We are thrilled to offer Scott as one of our teaching artists! Register Here!!! Join Desert Foothills Theater for fun, educational, confidence building theater classes including: Act It Out for ages 5 - 17 Improv It! for ages 8 - 17 Taking the Stage (musical theatre) for ages 8 - 17 and more!

Advanced Acting Ages 13 - 17Tuesday Nights! This two-hour class will specialize in reality-acting based on the techniques of Stella Adler, Sanford Meisner and Scott Johnson’s own methods as developed over a 35-year acting, directing and coaching career.  Take your acting to the next level with techniques geared toward the professional actor.

photos - TALLEY'S FOLLY - Fountain Hills Theater

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

photos: Patty Torrilhon

Actor's Youth Theatre's 2016 GALA - A Gatsby Gala - January 30, 2016

ticket discount - WINDFALL - Brelby Theatre Company

WINDFALL at Brelby Theatre Company opens on January 22nd and we have a special discount code to save you $2 off your ticket price.

Code is: PHXSTAGES

CLICK HERE to order your tickets now!

WINDFALL runs January 22nd to February 13th

A world premiere by Brian Maticic

Directed by Fernando Perez

Synopsis: Owen and Trent have been through everything together, and throughout their friendship, Owen has always been the stable one. Trent, a lazy but charming young man, decides to dodge his debt by faking his own death, leaving behind his best friend and fiance, Olivia. However, just after the deed is done, Trent wins the lottery. In an effort to collect his winnings, he attempts to enlist Owen's help. Is Owen finally fed up with Trent’s antics? Join us for a dark comedy about friendship, responsibility, and luck.

Mature Content.

CUPIDITY! THE MUSICAL - February 12 - 14, 2016

Think Cupid is a gentle god with wings on his back and compassion in his heart? Think again. When cynical divorce lawyer Dean incurs the wrath of Aphrodite, he finds himself forced into an occupation he’d never have believed possible. Saddled with the powers of Cupid, he is forced to hear everyone’s lovelorn thoughts- in song form! Surrounded by would-be couples, Dean finds that the only way to make the singing stop is to do the unthinkable: play Cupid. If you’ve ever yearned for a matchmaker to swoop in and make your romantic dreams a reality, watch out. This ain’t no baby in a diaper.

SHOW TIMES:
Friday, February 12th @ 7pm
Saturday, February 13th @ 7pm
Sunday, February 14th @ 2pm

Kirk's Studio for the Performing Arts in Scottsdale

TICKETS:
Tickets are $15 online and can be purchased on the home page of www.JamieMaletzMusicals.com. You can also purchase tickets at the door for $17.

audition notice - LAST OF THE RED HOT LOVERS - Don Bluth Front Row Theatre - January 25 & 26

Directed by Mathew Cary

Monday and Tuesday, Jan 25th-26th, 2016
6:00pm-9:00pm OPEN CALL
Possible Callbacks Jan 27th
Auditions will consist of cold reads from the script.
Please bring head shot and resume

Cast of characters:
Barney- 50's M
Elaine- Late 30's F
Bobby- 20's F
Jeanette- 50's F

Rehearsals will vary on weeknights and some weekends.
Show runs February 25th- March 26th
Thu-Sat at 7:00pm
One Saturday matinee on March 19th

Don Bluth Front Row Theatre
8670 E Shea Blvd, Ste 103, Scottsdale, Arizona 85260

THE LION, THE WITCH AND THE WARDROBE - Arizona Broadway Theatre's for Young Audiences - January 29 - February 12, 2016

This new dramatization of C.S. Lewis' classic, set in the land of Narnia, faithfully recreates the magic and mystery of Aslan, the great lion, his struggle with the White Witch, and the adventures of four children who inadvertently wander from an old wardrobe into the exciting, never-to-be-forgotten Narnia. This story of love, faith, courage and giving, with its triumph of good over evil, is a true celebration of life.

Friday Jan 29 2016 10:00 AM

Tuesday Feb 2 2016 10:00 AM

Wednesday Feb 3 2016 10:00 AM

Thursday Feb 4 2016 10:00 AM

Friday Feb 5 2016 10:00 AM

Tuesday Feb 9 2016 10:00 AM

Wednesday Feb 10 2016 10:00 AM

Thursday Feb 11 2016 10:00 AM

Friday Feb 12 2016 10:00 AM

CLICK HERE to order tickets

IF / THEN preview articles

The national tour of If/Then is coming to ASU/Gammage next Tuesday and the Examiner's Jennifer Haaland and Arizona Republic's Kerry Lengel spoke to the cast about the show in the following two features....

From Jennifer Haaland's piece at The Examiner.....

"Broadway's "If/Then" has gotten its cast together and taken it on the road. With original blockbuster members like Idina Menzel, Anthony Rapp and LaChanze on the tour, ASU Gammage is starting 2016 with fireworks and panache next week in their Broadway Across America season. Cast member Janine DiVita who plays Anne in the 2014-15 Tony-nominated musical visited last night with Examiner about traveling with such a smart, new show.

DiVita explains, "If the audience knows that the story follows one New York woman--Elizabeth (Menzel)-- when, in the moment she makes an important decision, her life splits into the two possible lives that would play out, they're more prepared. We follow the two different paths simultaneously," seeing how 'Beth's' life proceeds if she follows one choice, and how 'Liz's' life turns out if she follows the other....."

CLICK HERE to read Jennifer's complete preview story about If/Then at The Examiner.com


From Kerry Lengel's story at the Arizona Republic...

"Half a century ago, Broadway stars like Ethel Merman, Yul Brynner and Carol Channing would occasionally hit the road to perform their signature roles across the country — if not always whole-heartedly.  These days, not so much, which is why Broadway buffs were abuzz last year at the announcement that not only would Idina Menzel — of “Rent,” “Wicked” and Disney’s “Frozen” fame — reprise her starring role in “If/Then” on the first national tour, but that she would be joined by original cast members LaChanze, Anthony Rapp and James Snyder....."

CLICK HERE to read Kerry Lengel's complete preview story about If/Then - coming to ASU/Gammage next week

review - THE MUSIC OF JOHN WILLIAMS - Phoenix Symphony Orchestra

by Gil Benbrook

Some of the most iconic and instantly recognizable movie themes from the past forty years have all been written by one man, John Williams. The soundtracks for Jaws, Star Wars, Superman, Raiders of the Lost Ark and ET have music that instantly brings the images of those films to life. Williams’ ability to compose musical themes that resonate with audiences while inherently serving the characters, settings and stories of each film sets him apart from his peers. This past weekend the Phoenix Symphony Orchestra presented two concerts of his film music and it was an exciting, thrilling and even magical experience. Many of my fellow concert goers were as equally impressed, with two standing ovations at the end of the concert.

The guest conductor for the two concerts was Stuart Chafetz. Having experience in conducting dozens of orchestras around the country, he proved to have complete command over the PSO. He also had an exciting connection not only with the material but also with his love for John Williams' music, something that was obvious when he spoke to the audience several times. His conducting of the orchestra was controlled but also playful at various times throughout the two hour show. He also made clear how impressed he is by the PSO with the times he commented on their skilled playing and also the numerous times when he made them stand and take a bow.

Williams has received 49 Oscar nominations, having won 5 times, and has composed the scores for over 100 films and tv shows. Williams has also written special compositions including the theme for the 1984 Olympics and the theme music for NBC News. So picking out material for a two hour concert would ultimately mean that some audience favorites might not be included as Williams' body of work is so extensive. But, with only one exception, Chafetz and the PSO managed to find an excellent balance with familiar Williams' movie themes as well as a couple of selections that an audience might not be that familiar with, but should be.

The concert included the following crowd favorites - the "Main Title" from Star Wars, the “March” from Superman, the "Theme" from Jaws, “Adventures on Earth” from ET, selections from Close Encounters of the Third Kind and the theme from Jurassic Park. Every one of these pieces sounded to me like it could have come from the original recording that Williams made for the films, most of which he did with the London Symphony Orchestra. The highlight for me, and many others in the audience was a trio of three Star Wars selections that ended the concert. This trio included a stunningly played “Leia’s Theme,” the "Imperial March" from The Empire Strikes Back and a rousing Star Wars Main Title.

Selections from his other film soundtracks were featured, including “Harry’s Wondrous World” from the first Harry Potter film and the “Flight to Neverland” from Hook. But other lesser known selections were included as well - the rousing "Overture" to The Cowboys, the “March” from 1941, a Suite from Far and Away and an impressively played “Viktor’s Tale” from The Terminal, that featured an impeccable clarinet solo from Alex Laing. However, Williams' Oscar winning score for Schindler's List was the only piece I thought should have been included, since it not only won him an Oscar but also is one of his most personal and moving scores.  But even with this one misstep, it didn't detract from the overall enjoyment that I and about 1,000 other concert goers experienced.  The "Raiders March" from Raiders of the Lost Ark was served up as an encore to the very hungry audience.

The playing by the Phoenix Symphony Orchestra throughout was superb. Williams' arrangements seem to draw equally upon the various parts of the orchestra; using the brass section for regal, triumphant notes; the strings for soaring elements; and specific instruments like the oboe, flute and French horn to portray a sense of longing. These last few instruments, plus a few others, were used most effectively to deliver a stunning "Leia's Theme" from Star Wars. But it is when all of the instruments come together, weaving in and out of each other where they truly resonate. This was evident in the playfulness of the March from 1941 and the terror that is instilled from just a few notes in the theme from Jaws.

The one clear message that came through in hearing selections from so many of his film scores was that Williams can pretty much write a theme or score for any genre or time period.  Whether it is the rousing old West aura that he easily establishes in the opening notes of The Cowboys, the Mideastern influenced sounds the clarinet and other instruments are able to convey in The Terminal, the sense of wonder and magic Williams is able to instill in E.T., Jurassic Park and Harry Potter, or the regal, triumphant sound of Superman, he can pretty much invoke any type of music necessary to have you connect with the films he scores or the event at hand.  Also, the themes Williams' writes are almost instantly recognizable within hearing just the first few notes.

I've actually seen Williams conduct his own music twice, both times were in the late 1980's and with the Boston Pops when he was their principal conductor, a position he held for 13 years. I saw him once in Boston and the other time at Carnegie Hall. At both concerts he conducted several of his own music pieces which was a pretty special thing to see and hear.

And for those who are interested, Williams' Five Oscar wins were for Jaws, Star Wars, E.T. and Schindler's List and his first win was for adapting the stage music for the film of Fiddler on the Roof.

”The Music of John Williams” with the Phoenix Symphony played two performances on January 2nd and 3rd, 2016 at Symphony Hall in Phoenix. Information for upcoming performances with the Phoenix Symphony can be found at http://www.phoenixsymphony.org.

video preview - IF/THEN - National Tour: ASU Gammage

The National Tour of If/Then comes to ASU Gammage on January 12th starring the four leads from the Broadway cast, including Tony Winner Idina Menzel.




tickets at www.asugammage.com/

PROMISING - Mesa Encore Theatre's Second Sunday Play Reading Series - January 10

Second Sundays presents "Promising" by Michelle Elliott

We are thrilled to be the first theatre to present this brand new play in any form outside of New York City. Its premiere off-Broadway in November this year (http://inproximitytheatre.org/promising/) was critically and popularly acclaimed and it's a challenging, thought-provoking, timely work that we're eager to share with you!

It was also just announced as one of the Top 10 plays of 2015 in NYC (off- and off-off-Bway)!!

New York City politician David Carver’s meteoric rise has caught the eye of heavy political hitters. But the burgeoning career of the charismatic campaigner is threatened by a rape accusation. With a media circus in full swing just outside his apartment, David and his inner circle of supporters hunker down to strategize damage control for his campaign and to salvage any chance for a long-term future in politics. What no one anticipates is how the maelstrom on the outside affects even his most loyal allies within.

Director: Carolyn Platt McBurney
Cast: Willa Eigo, Joseph Kremer, Tracy Liz Miller, John Perovich

This is a free event, though donations are gladly accepted (we have some costs due to rights and scripts, though the actors and directors donate their time).

Mesa Encore Theatre
933 E Main St, Mesa, Arizona 85203

CYT reaches their matching grant goal!

WE DID IT!!!!!!!!! THANK YOU TO ALL WHO CONTRIBUTED!!! A generous donor offered to match up to $10,000 and we did it! CYT was able to double the full $10,000! THANK YOU THANK YOU THANK YOU!!!!!!! And that means we have almost met our goal to raise $25,000 in celebration of our 25th show!  At this point we are at $24,255 since the campaign began on the opening night of Seussical (our 25th show).  That's only $745 short! If you haven't had a chance to jump onboard the campaign and help grow the young leaders oftomorrow, it's not too late!  We will keep this part of the campaign open until the end of January and thank you to all who have contributed ANY amount.   Click HERE for our secure donation website. Or mail to our mailing address CYT Phoenix 6212 E Helm Dr. Scottsdale AZ 85254 THANK YOU TO ALL WHO HAVE HELPED US GET THERE: A&M Construction Mgmt Alan & Edie Chudnow Anthony & Cyndi Couch Barbara Blood Betty Sterne Carol Caplan Carol Carpenter Carrie Herrington Cheryl Sucato Cindy Frost Craig & Andrea Caplan Cyndee Sullivan Dale & Mike Strickland Darren & Suzanne Kessner David Johnson Diana Sarussi Eric & Karin Crawford Evelyn WIlliamson Gary & Judith Hart Gerald Broussard Gina Bridgeman Golden West Financial Corp Howard & Patricia Kilzer James Allmeyer James & Susan George Janet Nevins Jeffrey Carpenter Jennifer Caplan Jerry Green Jim & LouAnne Dale Jodi Herfurth Julia Hamilton Keith & Kris Tyler Kerry Dortenzio Kevin & Roseanne Zarmer Kimberly Sapp Kimi Wussow Leslie Randolph Linda Cook Lionel & Bonita Swedler Lisa Horak Mackenzie Couch Margaret Rafidi Martha Kaiser Mary Beth Orson Mary Kay-Susan Webb Matt & Savannah Rogers Mike & Mary Sherer Nancy & Darwin Reynolds Randall Rafidi Raymond & Barbara Napoletano Raymond & Linda Hedlund Reid & Susan McBride Richard Greenlee Richard WIlliams Rita Odenheimer Ronald & Kathleen Mobley Sandra Keith Sara & James McDermott Scott & Jen Okland Sheryl & Paul Russell Siobhan Ulreich-Power Stephanie Fagerlie Sueann Ringer Susan L Webb/Shirley Field Susan McBride Susan L. Smith Susan Tuten Tambra & David Lamb Thomas Sharda Tracey Smith Tracy Atwell    Click HERE to read our publication about our 25 shows and some of the 25 stories of those that helped us get to 25 shows! With your support, CYT will be able to offer the opportunity to learn and grow through the arts to more students!  This year some of our goals are to expand into another part of the Valley, develop an inner city or Title 1 school program, develop a Senior Follies program for those over 65, send several of our students to a national CYT leadership conference, and explore the possibilities of developing a CYT theater space. Phone - 480-310-0366 for more information

THE MAGIC BOOKS - Phoenix Theatre - January 30 & February 6

Spotlight Youth Theatre announces casts for PITCHES & TONES and MUSIC & MOTION

Spotlight Youth Theatre announces the second semester casts of Pitches and Tones as well as Music and Motion:

Pitches & Tones
Carly Grossman
Katie Czajkowski-Dance Captain
Ali Whitwell
Payton Bioletto
Hannah Christianson
Mason Reeves
Brandon Reyes
Michael Schulz
Maggie Waller
Sarah Pansing
Addison Bowman
Trey DeGroodt
Cody Seaver
Jessica Dolyniuk
Jacob Herrera

Music & Motion
Allie Rowe
Olivia LaPorte
Tanya Whitten
Sophia Matin- Dance Captain
Cate Labas
Chris Cason
Hannah Pohlmeyer
Christian Bader
Carly Jacobs
Delaney Fowler
Sabrina Kiepke
Bella Swope
Kayla Stillman
Alyssa Armstrong
Amaya Burkhart