cast announcement / photos - THE MOUSETRAP - Grand Canyon University

for more information on this production, which runs through September 11th, CLICK HERE

Mollie Ralston--Stacy Smith
Giles Ralston--Ben Tietz
Christopher Wren--Jeremy Carr
Mrs. Boyle--Madison Kesterson
Major Metcalf--Logan Barrett
Ms. Casewell--Brenna Warren
Mr. Paravicini--Caleb Heithoff
Sergeant Trotter--Trevor Penzone
Superintendent Hogben--Jason Hammond

photos: Darryl Webb 

photos - CHITTY CHITTY BANG BANG - Fountain Hills Theater

for more information on this production, which runs through September 18th, CLICK HERE

photos: Patty Torrilhon

review - THE DROWSY CHAPERONE - Hale Centre Theatre

Drake Sherman, Brandy Reed, and Timothy Fiscus
Photo by Nick Woodward-Shaw / Hale Centre Theatre

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

Click here for more information on this production that runs through October 8th.

 " The infectious glee and devotion that fans of musicals exhibit for their favorite shows is at the center of the musical comedy The Drowsy Chaperone. Man in Chair, the narrator of this Tony winning show, loves musicals, and his love for one show in particular is what makes The Drowsy Chaperone such a joyful experience. Hale Centre Theatre's production features a very talented cast, rich creative elements, and impeccable direction, resulting in an exceptionally fun and funny time.
...The show won five Tony Awards including wins for Lisa Lambert and Greg Morrison's score, which features several infectious tunes, and the book by Bob Martin and Don McKellar, who are to be commended for how the musical is more than just the sum of its comedic plots and characters. ...Hale's cast is just about perfect and led by a joyous performance from Timothy Fiscus as Man in Chair. Fiscus exhibits a huge dose of endearing charm and he also makes us care about his character during the few times when he speaks about himself, his past, and his personal feelings. ...While a few of the other cast members don't quite hit some of the high, sustained notes required by the score, they all inhibit their characters with an infectious glee and deliver big laughs throughout. As the Drowsy Chaperone, Kathi Osborne is an absolute riot. ...As Janet and Robert, Brandy Reed and Drake Sherman make a cute as a button couple. Both deliver winning performances and clear vocals.
...Director/choreographer Cambrian James delivers his usual high level of excellence with high-flying footwork and comically rich performances from his talented cast. ...The Drowsy Chaperone, which just celebrated its tenth anniversary of opening on Broadway, is one of the most joyful and well crafted musicals of the past several decades. While it may be a show that is mostly fluff, it will definitely make you laugh a lot and also possibly move you due to the expertly written character of Man in Chair and the personal connection to him the authors have created. The big heart of that character and of this show beats strong in Hale Centre Theatre's exceptional production."  -Gil Benbrook, Talkin' Broadway (click here to read the complete review)

GUYS AND DOLLS, JR - Actor's Youth Theatre - September 29 - October 8, 2016

Music and lyrics by Frank Loesser
Book by Jo Swerling and Abe Burrows

Guys and Dolls JR. is an adaptation of the show considered by many to be the perfect musical comedy. Its namesake ran for 1,200 performances when it opened on Broadway in 1950 and won numerous Tony Awards, including Best Musical. Frank Loesser's brassy, immortal score and witty book makes Guys and Dolls JR. a perennial crowd pleaser.
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Set in Damon Runyon's New York City, Guys and Dolls JR. follows gambler, Nathan Detroit, as he tries to find the cash to set up the biggest crap game in town while the authorities breathe down his neck; meanwhile, his girlfriend and nightclub performer, Adelaide, laments that they've been engaged for fourteen years without ever getting married. Nathan turns to fellow gambler, Sky Masterson, for the dough, but Sky ends up chasing the straight-laced missionary, Sarah Brown. Guys and Dolls JR. takes us from the heart of Times Square to the cafes of Havana, but everyone eventually ends up right where they belong.

CLICK HERE for more information and to order tickets

photos - WILLY WONKA, JR - Spotlight Youth Theatre

for more information on this production, which runs September 2nd to September 18th, CLICK HERE

Photos:  Alayne Vogel

photos - THE VELOCITY OF AUTUMN - iTheatre Collaborative

for more information on this production, which runs September 2nd to September 17th, CLICK HERE

Judy Rollings

Judy Rollings and Brad Bond

Brad Bond and Judy Rollings

Judy Rollings and Brad Bond

Judy Rollings and Brad Bond

photos by Mark Gluckman

cast announcement - RADIUM GIRLS - Limelight Performing Arts

for more information on this production, which runs October 21st to October 30th, CLICK HERE

Vanessa Benjamin - Diane Roeder, Dr. Marie Curie
Nicholas Caglia - Edward Markley, Dr. Von Sochocky
Bryce Dilullo - Arthur Roeder
Manny Edrozo - Fedrick Flinn Ph.d
Tilda Ellefson - Kathryn Schaub
Valerie Meza - Mrs. Alma Macneil, Ann Fryer
Conner Olden - Photographer
Shayna Padjen - Grace Fryer
Matthew Pitman - Tom Kreider, Reporter
Caitlin Reilly - C.B. “Charlie” Lee
Olivia Timothy - Harriet Roeder
Samantha Timothy - Sob Sister
Becca Webb - Irene Rudoph

THE DROWSY CHAPERONE - Starlight Community Theatre - September 9, 2016 – September 18, 2016

Music and Lyrics by Lisa Lambert and Greg Morrison
Book by  Bob Martin and Don McKellar

Winner of 5 Tony Awards (including Best Book and Best Original Score), The Drowsy Chaperone is a loving send-up of the Jazz age musical featuring one show-stopping song and dance number after another.

With the houselights down, a man in a chair appears on stage and puts on his favorite record: the cast recording of a fictitious 1928 musical. The recording comes to life and The Drowsy Chaperone begins as the man in the chair looks on. Mix in two lovers on the eve of their wedding, a bumbling best man, a desperate theatre producer, a not so bright hostess, two gangsters posing as pastry chefs, a misguided Don Juan and an intoxicated chaperone, and you have the ingredients for an evening of madcap delight.

Hailed by New York Magazine as, "The Perfect Broadway Musical" The Drowsy Chaperone is a masterful meta-musical, poking fun at all the tropes that characterize the musical theatre genre.

The Drowsy Chaperone is presented through special arrangement with Music Theatre International (MTI).

Performances:
7 pm Fri, Sept 9
2 pm Sat, Sept 10
7 pm Sat, Sept 10
2 pm Sun, Sept 11
7 pm Fri, Sept 16
2 pm Sat, Sept 17
7 pm Sat, Sept 17
2 pm Sun, Sept 18

Directed by Janette Wyatt

Theater Venue Location:
1611 W Whispering Wind Dr #9, Phoenix, AZ 85085
(1 block SW of Happy Valley & 16th Ave., W of I-17)

CLICK HERE for more information and to order tickets when available

TWELVE ANGRY JURORS - Starlight Community Theatre - October 06, 2016 – October 09, 2016

By Reginald Rowe, Adapted by Sherman Sergel.

A 19-year-old man has just stood trial for the fatal stabbing of his father. "He doesn't stand a chance," mutters the guard as the 12 jurors are taken into the bleak jury room. It looks like an open-and-shut case—until one of the jurors begins opening the others' eyes to the facts. "This is a remarkable thing about democracy," says the foreign-born juror, "that we are notified by mail to come down to this place—and decide on the guilt or innocence of a person; of a man or woman we have not known before. We have nothing to gain or lose by our verdict. We should not make it a personal thing." But personal it is, with each juror revealing his or her own character as the various testimonies are re-examined, the murder is re-enacted and a new murder threat is born before their eyes! Tempers get short, arguments grow heated, and the jurors become 12 angry men.

Performances:
7 pm Thu, Oct 6
7 pm Fri, Oct 7
2 pm Sat, Oct 8
7 pm Sat, Oct 8
2 pm Sun, Oct 9

Directed by Nena Rippenkroeger - A Rising Star Production (Ages 12-19

Presented through special arrangement with Dramatic Publishing.

Theater Venue Location:
1611 W Whispering Wind Dr #9, Phoenix, AZ 85085
(1 block SW of Happy Valley & 16th Ave., W of I-17)

Cast Includes: Elizabeth Marcus, Jordyn Fischer, Tucker Luadtke, Caleb Ormord, Amelia Luadtke, Harleigh Irizarry, Cambria Cascio Maynard, Williams Rippenkroeger, Falin Ossipinsky, Hailey Forbis, Caden Johnston, Justin Carey, Karolina Galopin, Grace Ormord.

Twelve Angree Jurors is presented through special arrangement with Dramatic Publishing

CLICK HERE for more information and to order tickets when available

RUMORS - Starlight Community Theatre - October 20, 2016 – October 23, 2016

by Neil Simon

Rumors
Performances:
7 pm Thu, Oct 20
7 pm Fri, Oct 21
2 pm Sat, Oct 22
7 pm Sat, Oct 22
2 pm Sun, Oct 23

Directed by Barbara L Surloff
Written by Neil Simon
Presented through special arrangement with Samuel French

At a large, tastefully appointed Sneden's Landing townhouse, the Deputy Mayor of New York has just shot himself. Though only a flesh wound, four couples are about to experience a severe attack of Farce. Gathering for their tenth wedding anniversary, the host lies bleeding in the other room and his wife is nowhere in sight. His lawyer, Ken and wife Chris must get "the story" straight before the other guests arrive. As the confusions and mis-communications mount, the evening spins off into classic farcical hilarity.

Theater Venue Location:
1611 W Whispering Wind Dr #9, Phoenix, AZ 85085
(1 block SW of Happy Valley & 16th Ave., W of I-17)

Cast includes: Cassie Ellis, Edmund Worden, Madison Desoto, Benjamin Rojek, Jeff Jones, Michelle Johnston, Nick Dillon, Spencer Warren, Andrew Driggers, Thomas Graca.

Rumors is presented through special arrangement with Samuel French Publishing.

CLICK HERE for more information and to order tickets when available

ELLA AFTER - Starlight Community Theatre - November 04, 2016 – November 05, 2016

By Rob Wiedell

Performances:
7 pm Fri, Nov4
2 pm Sat, Nov 5
7 pm Sat, Nov 5

Directed by Victoria Fricker – A Rising Star Youth Educational Workshop

Audiences of all ages will enjoy this humorous sequel to “Cinderella.” The ball is over and the Prince discovers who left the glass slipper behind…a beautiful, charming maiden named “Cinder” Ella. Due to the King’s failing health, the happy couple realizes they only have one week to plan the wedding. Not only does everyone in the kingdom have to be invited, but the couple has to choose a menu for their reception without offending the royal French chef, who would like to serve snails and fish eggs. When a mysterious scroll arrives at the palace, the Prince learns that if he marries Ella, a commoner, he cannot become king. Unwilling to cancel the wedding, the Prince decides to prepare his dimwitted, inept cousin to take the throne. Then with the wedding just days away, Cinderella is kidnapped and it is up to the Prince to find her before it is too late!

Presented through special arrangement with Big Dog/Norman Maine Publishing.

Theater Venue Location:
1611 W Whispering Wind Dr #9, Phoenix, AZ 85085
(1 block SW of Happy Valley & 16th Ave., W of I-17)

Cast includes: Anna Kerr, Ainsley Hart, Nash Hart, McKylah Quiroz, Rachel Morgan, alora Driggers, Myra Oblad, Brooke Fleishman, Nathan Loucy, Katie Kirsch, McKenzee Easton, Amelia Easton.

CLICK HERE for more information and to order tickets when available

THE YEAR OF MAGICAL THINKING - Starlight Community Theatre - November 10 - November 13, 2016

By Joan Didion

Directed by Dan Ashlock, Jr.

In this dramatic adaptation of her award-winning, bestselling memoir (which The New York Times called "an indelible portrait of loss and grief...a haunting portrait of a four-decade-long marriage), Joan Didion transforms the story of the sudden and unexpected loss of her husband and their only daughter into a stunning and powerful one-woman play.

7 pm Thu, Nov 10
7 pm Fri, Nov 11
2 pm Sat, Nov 12
7 pm Sat, Nov 12
2 pm Sun, Nov 13

Presented through special arrangement with Samuel French.

Theater Venue Location:
1611 W Whispering Wind Dr #9, Phoenix, AZ 85085
(1 block SW of Happy Valley & 16th Ave., W of I-17)

Cast: Pat Drapac
 
CLICK HERE for more information and to order tickets when available

CHEAPER BY THE DOZEN - Starlight Community Theatre - December 02, 2016 – December 11, 2016

Book by Frank Gilbreth and Ernestine Gilbreath Carey. Adapted by Christopher Sergel.

Auditions: 8 am 09/24/2016 (ALL Ages)

Suppose you're an attractive high school girl and you're not only a member of a large and unique family but your father is, in fact, one of the great pioneers of industrial efficiency. Then suppose he decides, for no apparent reason, to apply his unorthodox methods to you and to the rest of your big family. The results are terribly embarrassing, funny and—it must be admitted—extremely effective! While the situations are often uproarious, there's a serious reason.

Performances: 12/02/2016 – 12/11/2016

7 pm Fri, Dec 2
2 pm Sat, Dec 3
7 pm Sat, Dec 3
2 pm Sun, Dec 4
7 pm Fri, Dec 9
2 pm Sat, Dec10
7 pm Sat, Dec 10
2 pm Sun, Dec 11

Directed by Eric Gibson and Thomas Graca

Presented through special arrangement with Dramatic Publishing.

Theater Venue Location:
1611 W Whispering Wind Dr #9, Phoenix, AZ 85085
(1 block SW of Happy Valley & 16th Ave., W of I-17)

CLICK HERE for more information and to order tickets when available

DISNEY'S THE LITTLE MERMAID, JR - Starlight Community Theatre - January 27, 2017 – February 11, 2017

Lyrics by Howard Ashman and Glenn Slater, Music by Alan Menken, Book by Doug Wright.

Auditions: 9 am 11/05/2016 (Youth ages 7 – 19)

In a magical underwater kingdom, the beautiful young mermaid, Ariel, longs to leave her ocean home – and her fins – behind and live in the world above. But first, she'll have to defy her father, King Triton, make a deal with the evil sea witch, Ursula, and convince the handsome Prince Eric that she's the girl whose enchanting voice he's been seeking.   Based on one of Hans Christian Andersen's most beloved stories, Disney's The Little Mermaid JR. is an enchanting look at the sacrifices we all make for love and acceptance.

Performances:
7 pm Fri, Jan 27
2 pm Sat, Jan 28
7 pm Sat, Jan 28
7 pm Fri, Feb 3
2 pm Sat, Feb 4
7 pm Sat, Feb 4
7 pm Fri, Feb 10
2 pm Sat, Feb 11
7 pm Sat, Feb 11

Directed by Victoria Fricker and Nena Rippenkroeger – A Rising Star Production (Ages 7 – 19)

Presented through special arrangement with Music Theatre International (MTI).

Theater Venue Location:
1611 W Whispering Wind Dr #9, Phoenix, AZ 85085
(1 block SW of Happy Valley & 16th Ave., W of I-17)

CLICK HERE for more information and to order tickets when available

INTO THE WOODS - Starlight Community Theatre - March 03, 2017 – March 12, 2017

Music and Lyrics by Stephen Sondheim, Book by James Lapine

Directed by Christian Graca – A Rising Star Production (Ages 10 – 19)

Auditions: 9 am 12/10/2016 (Youth ages 10 – 19)

The story follows a Baker and his wife, who wish to have a child; Cinderella, who wishes to attend the King's Festival; and Jack, who wishes his cow would give milk. When the Baker and his wife learn that they cannot have a child because of a Witch's curse, the two set off on a journey to break the curse. Everyone's wish is granted, but the consequences of their actions return to haunt them later with disastrous results.

Performances:
7 pm Fri, Mar 3
2 pm Sat, Mar 4
7 pm Sat, Mar 4
2 pm Sun, Mar 5
7 pm Fri, Mar 10
2 pm Sat, Mar 11
7 pm Sat, Mar 11
2 pm Sun, Mar 12

Presented through special arrangement with Music Theatre International (MTI).

Theater Venue Location:
1611 W Whispering Wind Dr #9, Phoenix, AZ 85085
(1 block SW of Happy Valley & 16th Ave., W of I-17)

CLICK HERE for more information and to order tickets when available

AND THEN THERE WERE NONE - Starlight Community Theatre - March 30, 2017 – April 02, 2017

by Agatha Christie

Directed by Jessica Holt

Ten guilty strangers are trapped on an island. One by one, they are accused of murder. One by one, they start to die!  In this superlative mystery comedy statuettes of little soldier boys on the mantel of a house on an island off the coast of Devon fall to the floor and break one by one as those in the house succumb to a diabolical avenger. A nursery rhyme tells how each of the ten "soldiers" met his death until there were none. Eight guests who have never met each other or their apparently absent host and hostess are lured to the island and, along with the two house servants, marooned. A mysterious voice accuses each of having gotten away with murder and then one drops dead - poisoned. One down and nine to go!

Auditions: 9 am 01/21/2017 (Adults 16+)

Performances:
7 pm Thu, Mar 30
7 pm Fri, Mar 31
2 pm Sat, Apr 1
7 pm Sat, Apr 1
2 pm Sun, Apr 2

Presented through special arrangement with Samuel French.

Theater Venue Location:
1611 W Whispering Wind Dr #9, Phoenix, AZ 85085
(1 block SW of Happy Valley & 16th Ave., W of I-17)

CLICK HERE for more information and to order tickets when available

THE LOVE AND HATE - Starlight Community Theatre - April 06, 2017 – April 09, 2017

by Jim Gradilas

Directed by Jim Gradillas – A Rising Star Production (Ages 12 – 19)

Auditions: 9 am 02/04/2017 (Teens ages 12-19)
Performances:
7 pm Thu, Apr 6
7 pm Fri, Apr 7
2 pm Sat, Apr 8
7 pm Sat, Apr 8
2 pm Sun, Apr 9

A realistic portrayal of teenagers on the rollercoaster of Love...and Hate! This fabulous show brings to life the teen angst and drama of relationships. Four teen couples and their romantic ups and downs are highlighted. For anyone who themselves or know someone who survived a high school love affair -- which means everyone -- will resonate with this show!

Theater Venue Location:
1611 W Whispering Wind Dr #9, Phoenix, AZ 85085
(1 block SW of Happy Valley & 16th Ave., W of I-17)

CLICK HERE for more information and to order tickets when available

THE LION, THE WITCH, AND THE WARDROBE - Starlight Community Theatre - April 28, 2017 – May 06, 2017

By C.S.Lewis, dramatized by Joseph Robinette.

Directed by Ric Alpers - A Rising Star Production (Ages 7 – 19)

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. The intense action features chases, duels and escapes as the witch is determined to keep Narnia in her possession and to end the reign of Aslan.  This story of love, faith, courage and giving, with its triumph of good over evil, is a true celebration of life

Auditions: 9 am 02/18/2017 (Youth ages 7 – 19)

Performances:
7 pm Fri, Apr 28
2 pm Sat, Apr 29
7 pm Sat, Apr 29
7 pm Thu, May 4
7 pm Fri, May 5
2 pm Sat, May 6
7 pm Sat, May 6

Theater Venue Location:
1611 W Whispering Wind Dr #9, Phoenix, AZ 85085
(1 block SW of Happy Valley & 16th Ave., W of I-17)

CLICK HERE for more information and to order tickets when available

DISNEY'S CINDERELLA KIDS - Starlight Community Theatre - May 12, 2017 – May 13, 2017

Music and Lyrics by Mack David, Al Hoffman, and Jerry Livingston. Book adapted by Marcy Heisler.

Directed by Janette Wyatt - A Rising Star Youth Educational Workshop

The timeless, “rags to riches” fairy tale becomes a new audience favorite in Disney’s Cinderella KIDS, an adaptation of the treasured animated film that will charm its way into your heart and remind audiences that dreams really can come true.

Youth Musical Theater Workshop Commences: 4:30 pm 01/30/2017
Performances:
7 pm Fri, May 12
2 pm Sat, May 13
7 pm Sat, May 13

Presented through special arrangement with Music Theatre International (MTI).

Theater Venue Location:
1611 W Whispering Wind Dr #9, Phoenix, AZ 85085
(1 block SW of Happy Valley & 16th Ave., W of I-17)
 
CLICK HERE for more information and to order tickets when available

THE SANTA METHOD - Starlight Community Theatre - June 02, 2017 – June 11, 2017

by Thomas Graca

Auditions: 9 am 03/18/2017 (ALL Ages)

Directed by Susan Gibson

When Fred Shelton, the famous Broadway actor, returns to his home town and agrees to save the regional theater's season by staring in their Christmas play, the residents of Butler Hills have a renewed holiday spirit.  It doesn't last though, because Fred's approach to the role of Santa Claus challenges everyone in town.  With each of the town's actors involved in their own personal dramas and Thaddeus, the theater director, having to face his past and rocky friendship with Fred, it will take more than a visiting star from the east to make the theater's production and the Holiday season successful.  The story is both poignant and entertaining and can't help but keep one in the Christmas Spirit.

Performances:
7 pm Fri, Jun 2
2 pm Sat, Jun 3
7 pm Sat, Jun 3
2 pm Sun, Jun 4
7 pm Fri, Jun 9
2 pm Sat, Jun 10
7 pm Sat, Jun 10
2 pm Sun, Jun 11

Theater Venue Location:
1611 W Whispering Wind Dr #9, Phoenix, AZ 85085
(1 block SW of Happy Valley & 16th Ave., W of I-17)

CLICK HERE for more information and to order tickets when available