Tuesday, February 2, 2016

photos - SEUSSICAL - Starlight Community Theatre

for more information on this production, which runs through February 13th, CLICK HERE




above photos by: Stacey Gibbons

 below photos by: Jean Tanton




below photos by Christian Graca









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audition notice - PINKALICIOUS THE MUSICAL - Valley Youth Theatre - February 9 & 11

Director: Bobb Cooper

Musical Director: Mark Fearey

Show Dates: April 8-24, 2016

Rehearsal Dates: TBA

Auditions Date:  February 9, 2016 & February 11, 2016

Time:  4:00 PM (Doors open for registration at approx. 3:30pm)

Place: Valley Youth Theatre 525 North First Street, Phoenix Arizona 85004

Downtown Phoenix, SE Corner of First Street & Fillmore

Callbacks:  Tentatively Tuesday, February 16th and Thursday, February 18th (subject to change).

Rehearsals:  Begin with a mandatory company meeting for actors & parents as early as the week following callbacks.

Tech weekend:  April 2- 3, 2016

Possible show extension dates: TBD April 30, May 1, 7 & 8



Characters:

PINKALICIOUS - an energetic little girl who loves the color pink and pink cupcakes

PETER (Doubles as BIRD)- her younger brother who would rather eat cupcookie cakes and feels that Pinkalicious gets all of the attention

MRS. PINKERTON (Doubles as BUTTERFLY) - Pinkalicious's organic-minded and busy mother

MR. PINKERTON (Doubles as BEE) - Pinkalicious's pinkaphobic father

DR. WINK (Doubles as ALISON and BUTTERFLY)- Pinkalicious's female pediatrician who is very excited about diagnosing pinkititis

ALISON - Pinkalicious's best friend who also wants to be pink

BIRD(S) -  multiple roles - love to flap wings and sing and dance and think Pinkalicious is a flower

BEE(S) - multiple roles - love to buzz and sing and dance and think Pinkalicious is a flower

BUTTERFLIE(S) - multiple roles -  love to sing and dance and think Pinkalicious is a flower

CLICK HERE for more information 
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review - WINDFALL - Brelby Theatre Company

Shelby Maticic, Devon Mahon, and David Magadan
Photo by Fernando Perez
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 February 13th.

 "The people at Brelby Theatre Company pride themselves on highlighting new works. They are currently presenting the world premiere of Brelby co-founder Brian Maticic's Windfall, which is a funny black comedy with some poignant moments. Featuring a talented cast, composed of several Brelby company members, the end result is a witty and hilarious comedy that is a welcome addition to the Phoenix theatre scene...Maticic writes very authentic dialogue and characters. While you may think you know where the plot is going, he takes it to unexpected places, which is very good. The dramatic scenes, while touching, are a bit less effective, only because of how funny the scenes are leading up to them. ...But there is a bit of unevenness, especially in the tone toward the last half of the second act, which is my only complaint about the play. Overall, it is a good new work. The cast deliver the humorous lines and situations very well ...Fernando Perez is effective with his direction, not letting the tone shifts be too abrupt and staging the emotional scenes with a natural ease. ...Well directed, with a talented cast, Windfall is an unpredictable black comedy that will keep you guessing. It is witty and thoughtful, with realistic characters and natural dialogue—another welcome new play from Brian Maticic and Brelby Theatre Company."  -Gil Benbrook, Talkin' Broadway (click here to read the complete review)
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Monday, February 1, 2016

WEEK AT A GLANCE: February 1 - February 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:

CLOSING:



OPENING:




STILL PLAYING:

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 14, 2016

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

CAROUSEL
Arizona Broadway Theatre
January 15 - February 14, 2016

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

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

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

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

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

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audition notice - WIND IN THE WILLOWS - Actor's Youth Theatre - February 6

Ages 8-13
Directed by Chris Bowler

Auditions: February 6

Performances: March 17-26
Field Trip shows available March 25th

Synopsis:  What begins as a peaceful summer on the River is soon disrupted by Toad and his obsession with motorcars. After crashing several cars, he then steals one and lands himself in jail. His friends Mole, Badger, and Water Rat make every effort to protect Toad's residence, Toad Hall, but are instead ousted by the Ferrets and Weasels of the Wild Wood. Will Toad escape from jail and regain Toad Hall? Will he learn a lesson about his boastful and impetuous ways? A spirited adaptation of a timeless classic.  (This is the story Mr. Toad's Wild Ride is based on!)

All auditions, rehearsals and performances at The Tuscany Theatre
861 N Higley Rd, suite 105, Gilbert, AZ  85234
(NE corner of Higley and Guadalupe)

Go to the AYT website for the Audition Packet - www.actorsyouththeatre.org

Auditions are closed – no one is permitted to watch.

You need to arrive 15 minutes early - AYT will take your picture and process your paperwork.  These pictures will be used in the program if you are cast.  Resumes will be accepted, but are not required.

This is a cold audition.  You will be given something to read at the audition.  Please wear comfortable clothing that you can move in and good shoes!

The Audition Packet is on the AYT website  (www.actorsyouththeatre.org).  Please review the rehearsal schedule in the packet carefully and note any conflicts on the audition form.  There will be NO additions to the conflict schedule once the casting is done.  Conflicts are taken into consideration while casting.

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photos - I LOVE YOU, YOU'RE PERFECT, NOW CHANGE - Theater Works

for more information on this production, which runs through February 14th, CLICK HERE











Photos by Marcus Holder
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PHX STAGES Q/A: Brandi Bigley

by Gil Benbrook

"Versatile" should be Brandi Bigley's middle name. In just one year, Brandi went from playing squeaky clean nun Maria in The Sound of Music at Hale Centre Theatre to playing the slutty cheerleader Lisa in Debbie Does Dallas the Musical at Nearly Naked Theatre. In that same year, she played both an overprotective mother in Footloose and the frustrated, over worked and unappreciated Violet in 9 to 5, both at Hale. She also perfectly channeled Katie Holmes in The Tom Kat Project at Stray Cat Theatre and was heartbreaking as Young Sally in Follies at Theater Works.

In this past season Bigley was back at Theater Works and was touching as Antonia in Man of La Mancha and also played the Angel in Angels in America at Nearly Naked Theatre with a powerful strength.

Raised in Phoenix, Bigley appeared at Valley Youth Theatre as a teen, went to ASU and also lived in both LA and New York City before coming back to the Valley.  But she is now tackling one of her biggest and most high profile roles, as Dolly Levi in Hello Dolly! at Scottsdale Musical Theater Company, which opens on Wednesday at Tempe Center of the Arts and runs through this Saturday, February 6th (for tickets and info click here.)

In between Dolly rehearsals Bigley found time to sit down and answer the PHX Stages Q/A. Her no-nonsense and matter of fact answers to our questions are hilarious and her un-dying love for all things Shari Watts is something we share as well.

 Name: Brandi Bigley

Where you were born and or raised: I was born in Washington state but was raised mostly in the Phoenix area.

What made you decide to stay in or return to Arizona? I moved away shortly after graduating from ASU to Los Angeles then New York. I wasn't really auditioning or doing anything exciting in either city. In 2008 I was invited to reprise my role in The Rocky Horror Show with Nearly Naked Theatre. I hadn't done a show in over four years at that point so I jumped at the chance to be on stage again. I was having such a great time here that I cancelled my plans to go back to New York and have been in Phoenix ever since.

with Johanna Carlisle in
The Rocky Horror Show - Nearly Naked Theatre 2008
photo: Chris Mascarelli
What your parents did/do for a living: My mom, Rose, was an extremely hard working single mother who raised three actors and never asked us to be anything else. She recently retired and is living by the beach in Ventura, CA.

 Siblings: I have two brothers, Michael and Thomas. They both are actors living in Los Angeles. They are both involved with a Shakespearian company, The Porters of Hellsgate, that performs in North Hollywood. They are both way more talented than me.

First show you ever saw: I don't remember. Maybe Phantom of the Opera at Gammage? My friends' family took me. I remember being way up in the balcony feeling like I was going to fall off and die.

Moment you knew you wanted to perform for a living: I don't perform for a living but I have always wanted to be a singer since before I knew I could even sing. I didn't start doing theatre until high school. Once I got into my first show I was addicted.

The one performance you attended that you will never forget: I don't have a great memory. I recently really enjoyed AJ Holmes as Elder Cunningham in The Book of Mormon when it came to Gammage. Like, my clothes were falling off, he was that hilariously charming. Probably the funniest show I've ever seen.

​Cinderella - Valley Youth Theatre 1997
photo: Hope Ozer 
First stage kiss: My first lead role was Cinderella with Valley Youth Theatre. I had to kiss the Prince. I did not like him at all. I'm told that I actually cringed on stage but I don't believe that. Kids exaggerate.

Best stage experience you’ve had so far acting? My favorite show so far has been Grey Gardens the Musical. I played Little Edie in the second act. The audience was so excited to finally see my character come on stage that I got entrance applause every performance. I learned and grew as an actor getting to study her. Also, arguing on stage with your “mother” can be extremely therapeutic.

What has been the most fun or fulfilling aspect of your current/ most recent show? Dolly is fun because she gets to prance around and show off but I prefer her tender side. There are a few moments where Dolly let's her guard down and shows the audience how vulnerable she really is. Those moments make her more relatable and give her depth. Anytime I can find those moments for a character I relish them.

with Shari Watts in Grey Gardens The Musical
Tempe Live Theatre 2011
Most challenging role you have played onstage?
The most challenging and rewarding role was Little Edie in Grey Gardens. I watched the documentary over and over, listened to her accent and studied her mannerisms for months. She's the most interesting character I've had the privilege to portray. Now whenever I'm weary to audition for a role I repeat her words “Are you absolutely crazy? There isn't anything I can't do.” Then they don't cast me so yeah maybe I am crazy.

Any upcoming or side projects you can talk about? Did I mention that I will be playing Dolly in Scottsdale Musical Theater Company's Hello, Dolly! February 3rd - 6th at Tempe Center for the Arts.

What was the first show you performed in and what did you learn from it that you still use today? My first show was Guys and Dolls my Freshman year in High School. I was a Hot Box Girl. I learned how to strip (as much as our Mormon director would let us anyway) which is a skill I still use every night when undressing for no one.

Jacqueline Brecker, Kathleen Jensen, Amy Dubin, Sydney Del Fosse,
Brandi Bigley, Macy LeCheminant, Dale Mortensen and Austin Porter
The Sound of Music - Hale Centre Theatre - 2014
Photo: Nick Woodward-Shaw
Leading role you've been dying to play: So many. I want all the roles.

Leading role of the opposite sex you wish you could play: Hedwig

Guilty pleasure show you’d love to perform in: Aren't most musicals guilty pleasures?

Pre-show rituals or warm-ups: I literally warm up with the song "Do Re Mi" from Sound of Music followed by "Lonely Goatherd." My neighbors love me.

Worst flubbed line/missed cue/onstage mishap: I played Violet in 9 to 5 the musical at Hale Centre Theatre and she sings a song where she's hallucinating she's Snow White. Once I forgot an entire verse to the song so I just started singing whatever I could come up with (the song didn't really make much sense anyway). I was pretty proud of myself because the lyrics I made up were actually rhyming then suddenly I realized the word “hell” was about to end my next impromptu phrase. Hell is not a word you can say on the Hale stage, so I just stopped a word short and got back on track with the next verse. All the dwarves were staring at me wide eyed. It was pretty funny.

9 to 5 the Musical - Hale Centre Theatre 2014
photo: Nick Woodward-Shaw

 Worst audition experience: I get very nervous so they're all pretty much the worst.

If you could go back in time and catch any performer or show, what would they/it be? I'd like to see the original cast of every musical ever.

Actor/actress in the Phoenix area you'd love to perform with: Shari Watts forever and always.

Your personal acting idols: Shari Watts

with Jeremie McCubbin and Beth Anne Johnson in
The Man of La Mancha - Theater Works - 2015
photo: Wade Moran
Performer you would drop everything to go see: Shari Watts

Current/recent show other than one of your own you have been recommending
to friends: I have a difficult time enjoying live theatre. I'm overcritical. If I were a reviewer I would have even fewer friends than I have now.

Favorite play(s): Fun fact: deciding what my favorite “thing” is gives me anxiety. Will I be defined by that list of favorites for the rest of my life? Why do I have to pick a favorite? What if I change my mind later?

Some favorite modern plays/musicals: I wish I were more hip to the new shows the kids are into nowadays but clearly by the way I've phrased this sentence I am not. I hear people say Hamilton a lot. So let's go with Hamilton!

 Favorite showtune(s) of all time: "Rose's Turn", "And I Am Telling You", "Cabaret"  I love songs where ladies lose their shit.

First CD/Tape/LP you owned: Tape: Tiffany and Debbie Gibson;  CD: Boyz II Men

Must-see TV show(s): Louie. Watch it. It's gorgeous.

Guilty pleasure binge watching tv show: Jane The Virgin

Last good movie you saw: Have you seen True Lies recently? I've got it on DVD. You can borrow it anytime. Way better than Mad Max Fury Car Chase.

David Chorley, Brandi Bigley, Brady Weber and
Chanel Bragg in
The TomKat Project - Stray Cat Theatre 2015
photo: John Groseclose
Favorite movie: I like strange romantic movies. Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind, Punch Drunk Love, Young Adult, Magnolia

 Music/book/movie that makes you cry: Pretty much every one.

Sports teams you root for: Absolutely not.

Something about you that might surprise people: I'm sensitive.

Special skills: none

Career you would want if not a performer: Dog cuddler

Worst non-theatre job you've had: When I lived in New York I got a job street canvasing for nonprofit organizations. I had to approach strangers and convince them to sponsor children in developing countries. Those strangers often said mean things and made me cry. I sucked at it. I was fired then rehired to work in their office recruiting applicants for the very job I failed at. That job sucked too.

Best non-theatre job you've had: I've never once in my life said “This job is the best!”

Three things you can't live without: water, a toilet and love

Words of advice for aspiring performers: My advice is to take advice from someone more successful than me.

 What you love most about theatre in Phoenix: That it exists.

What you think needs to be changed/improved/different about theatre in Phoenix: I could rant on this topic for days. Probably best not to.

Bigley (top) as "Frenchy" with Gianna Lamanna and Christyn M. Schroeder
in Grease - ASU Lyric Opera Theatre 2001
And, the “Inside the Actors Studio” 10 questions:
1. What is your favorite word? Moist

 2. What is your least favorite word? Desks

3. What turns you on? Humor

4. What turns you off? Children

5. What sound do you love? Laughter

 6. What sound do you hate? My alarm clock

 7. What is your favorite curse word? All of them

 8. What profession other than yours would you like to attempt? Actor

9. What profession would you not like to do? Bus driver or anything involving driving in traffic

10. If heaven exists, what would you like to hear God say when you arrive at the pearly gates?
“You're just hallucinating, there is no eternal life. Now sleep forever.”
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review - LA CAGE AUX FOLLES - Fountain Hills Theater

Roger Prenger, Sky Donovan, and Patrick Russo
Photo by Patty Torrilhon
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 February 14th.

 "... with an optimistic message at its center and a heart-filled story about family that everyone could relate to, La Cage aux Folles became a big fat Broadway smash, won six Tony Awards including Best Musical, Book and Score, and ran for over four years. Now, more than thirty years since it first premiered, the central story and lovable characters still resonate and Fountain Hills Theater's production is a winner, featuring a spectacularly outlandish, yet lovingly grounded, performance by Patrick Russo.......the central theme of acceptance still has relevance. Jerry Herman's songs are still vibrant, with the anthems "I Am What I Am" and "The Best of Times," and the ballads "Song on the Sand" and "Look Over There," still exceptionally moving. Harvey Fierstein's book is succinct, fast paced but full of emotion, pathos, and many laugh out loud moments....Sure, the "La Cage aux Folles" nightclub musical sequences may not have as much glitz and glamor as those in a larger production, but the intimacy of the Fountain Hills stage allows a deeper connection with the characters.Director Peter J. Hill gets just about everything right with this production. He manages to make almost every comic moment zing, but also ensures that the emotional heart at the center of the characters beats strong. He has cast four talented men in the main roles, plus a fun group of actors to play the kooky ensemble and the wild "Cagelles" dancers. As Georges and Albin, Roger Prenger and Patrick Russo form a realistic duo...Russo is simply sensational as Albin...He runs the gamut of emotions and is at times strong and at other times weak, campy at times yet also deeply serious. Russo has a lovely stage presence and singing voice...Prenger makes for a charming host of the club and brings a stern yet loving tenderness to the relationship with Russo's Albin. Both Prenger and Russo have a firm emotional connection with each other and the other actors in the show.As the mostly self-absorbed son Jean-Michel, Sky Donovan is appealing, with a sweet demeanor. Even though Jean-Michel implores his father to pretend to be "normal" for just the one night, and to get Albin out of the house, the emotional pleas never come across as insulting....Naughty, witty and full of heart, I highly recommend a visit to the wacky, seedy but very loving drag nightclub and the endearing production of La Cage aux Folles at Fountain Hills Theater."  -Gil Benbrook, Talkin' Broadway (click here to read the complete review)
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photos - PERÔ, OR THE MYSTERIES OF THE NIGHT - Childsplay

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





photos: Tim Trumble
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Saturday, January 30, 2016

cast announcement - FENCES - Arizona Theatre Company

for more information on this production, which runs February 11th to February 28th, CLICK HERE

CAST:
David Alan Anderson (Troy Maxson)
Kim Staunton (Rose)
James T. Alfred (Lyons)
Terry Bellamy (Gabriel)
Marcus Naylor (Bono)
Edgar Sanchez (Cory)
Simeeyah Grace Baker (Raynell)


CREATIVE TEAM
Director: Lou Bellamy
Scenic Design: Vicki Smith
Costume Design: Matthew J. LeFebvre
Lighting Design: Don Darnutzer
Sound Design: Brian Jerome Peterson
Production Stage Manager: Timothy Toothman
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