photos by Candice Thornton of Easel Photography & Video
Sunday, March 12, 2017
photos - BILLY ELLIOT - Mesa Encore Theatre
CLICK HERE for more information on this production, which runs through March 19th
photos by Candice Thornton of Easel Photography & Video
photos by Candice Thornton of Easel Photography & Video
Saturday, March 11, 2017
Mesa Encore Theatre's 2017 / 2018 Black Box Theatre Season
[sic]
by Melissa James Gibson
directed by Cody Goulder
8/4/2017 to 8/20/2017
The Woman in Black
adopted by Stephen Mallatratt from the book by Susan Hill
directed by Virginia Olivieri
10/6/2017 to 10/22/2017
Scrooge in Rouge
by Ricky Graham and Jefferson
directed by JP Clemente
12/1/2017 to 12/24/2017
Mad Gravity
by William Missouri Downs
directed by Eric Schoen
2/2/2018 to 2/18/2018
A Kid Like Jake
by Daniel Pearle
directed by Richard Powers Hardt
4/6/2018 to 4/22/2018
Jesus Hopped the A Train
by Stephen Adly Guirgis
directed by Van Rockwell
6/8/2018 to 6/24/2018
*rights pending / subject to change
all shows performed at 933 E Main St. Mesa AZ 85203
CLICK HERE for more information and to order tickets when available
audition notice - SCHOOL OF ROCK - Desert Stages Theatre - April 1 & 2
Auditions for DST's next On Stage show is School of Rock!
~PLEASE READ THROUGH ENTIRE POST~
DANCE CAMP:
Monday, Tuesday and Thursday
March 27, 28 and 30, 2017
from either 4:00 - 5:30 pm or 5:30 - 7:00 pm.
Fee: $60 per child for all 3 days
FRIENDS OF DESERT STAGES THEATRE AUDITIONS:
Saturday, April 1st
Please call the box office to schedule your appointment... 480-483-1664 ext 1
Solo auditions 9:00 am - 1:00 pm (ages 8 and older)
*16-32 bars of a song and bring sheet music or karaoke-style CD
Group auditions 1:00 pm - 2:00pm (ages 7 and younger)
ANY "Friend" wishing to have an instrumental auditions please arrive at 2:00 pm
GENERAL AUDITIONS:
Sunday, April 2nd
4:00 pm - 5:00 pm Instrumental auditions
5:00 pm General auditions - you will be taught the audition song and dance at the auditions
**If you are interested in auditioning for Katie, Zack, Dewey, Lawrence , or Freddy you MUST come to musical instrument auditions.
If you would like to be considered for Zack or Dewey, please prepare any Guitar Solo from School Of Rock.
If you would like to be considered for Lawrence, please be very familiar with "You're in the Band".
If you are planning on auditioning to play the drums, guitar or keyboard, please prepare the following:
A verse and a chorus of any of the following 4 songs:
You're in the Band
Stick it to the Man
Time to Play
School of Rock (Competition song)
**We will have drums and a keyboard, please bring guitar or bass**
At solo or group auditions, they will sing/read as usual.
CAST OF CHARACTERS:
Dewey Finn
Rosalie Mullins
Ned Schneebly
Patty
Summer Hathaway
Tomika
Zack Mooneyham
Freddy Hamilton
Katie
Lawrewnce
Marcy
Shonelle
Billy Sandford
Sophie
Mason Ward
James
Madison
Teachers
Parents
Jeff Sanderson
Theo
Doug
Bob
Snake
Stanley
Security Guard 1 and 2
Emo Girl 1 and 2
Policeman
Bikers
Punks
Waitress
Friday, March 10, 2017
A Hook Among the Stars in Finding Neverland at ASU Gammage
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| Billy Harrigan Tighe and Tom Hewitt photo by Jeremy Daniel |
An impressive Broadway acting path of playing bad guys and serious roles has lead Tom Hewitt to a magic-laced comedic place. His current national tour with Finding Neverland, the highflying Peter Pan back story, touches ground at ASU Gammage next week, Tuesday through Sunday.
Hewitt visited from the road about his double-role as protagonist James Barrie's producer and the infamous Captain Hook. He's a leading character in the story of how playwright Barrie came up with the inspiration to write Peter Pan and include a pirate nemesis. The lush musical packed up after it's strong box office run on Broadway last year to head out across the country.
"The musical completely changed the tone from the movie [Johnny Depp and Kate Winslet 2005]. It's no longer a sorrowful tale of loss. It's about a romantic hero who finds the courage to tell his own story," Hewitt began.
"We take the iconic story of Peter Pan, and because it's so locked into our minds, we can deviate from it to tell more stories," he further explained while offering a description of his own role. "I get to be the curmudgeonly, tightfisted producer who also becomes Captain Hook."
Though now a pirate, it hasn't always been that way for Hewitt. As a Tony Award nominee (Rocky Horror Show) with Broadway credits bulging from his pantaloons (Amazing Grace, Doctor Zhivago, Jesus Christ Superstar, Dracula, Lion King), he described how this role is a departure from others he's played.
"I get laughs! It's a fun difference when I'm so often the serious or heavy guy," he gleefully fired off. "But also, I had the honor of playing Hook in Cathy Rigby's Peter Pan (2009-10, 2011). In Finding Neverland, I get to re-explore a character I've already played. Here, I get to bring the history of Hook to life."
The really tricky element of this iteration is that Hook is born of James Barrie's psyche right on stage. The character appears to Barrie on a self-pitying night in a dark, unknown corner of his imagination.
"I'm in a unique position to goad Barrie. I sort of force him to 'pirate up,' which makes him able to find the courage of his own convictions."
Hewitt further considered the tour production alongside what folks in New York may have seen on Broadway, saying, "A lot of changes have been made in the first half hour and the last 15 minutes of the show. In some ways it's a completely different production. That's the result of a theatre lab. I was asked to participate in sessions that helped create 'our' show. Our input is stamped into this production."
Child characters and huge fluffy dogs (Who can forget Nana when memories of Peter Pan start flying?) make Neverland a perfect introductory show for young families Hewitt noted, remarking, "It's rewarding to see how they are visibly moved by this show whose magic is unapologetically theatrical."
From a show with a second act number entitled "We're All Made of Stars" and an actor who himself has shone and floated amongst stars for decades, Finding Neverland comprises an enticing chemistry. Soaring melodic emotion and impossible dreams granted in unlikely ways are made of the stuff that draw crowds again and again to musical theatre.
"The fact is the audiences are really touched by it. It was an exquisitely sad movie, but the tone of the show is completely changed by a score that is unabashedly British pop," Hewitt concluded. "There's a certain unforgettable alchemy that has to do with the creation of joy in the presence of sorrow and loss."
CLICK HERE for more information on Finding Neverland, which plays at ASU Gammage from March 14th to March 19th
cast announcement - ANNE OF GREEN GABLES - Fountain Hills Theater
Anne Shirley: Lachlan Henderson
Marilla Cuthbert: Emma Baldwin
Matthew Cuthbert: Niko Cucuzza
Rachel Lynde: Macy Morgan
Diana Barry: Iris Lochner
Jane Andrews: - Lauren Skemp
Josie Pye: Shannon Gyger
Ruby Gillis: Erin Schumacher
Gilbert Blythe: Brendan Mooney
Moody Spurgeon McPherson: Nicholas Strozzi
Mrs. Barry: Sophia Vanella
Miss Spencer: Makayla Lopez
Miss Stacy: Rosie Eden
Baby Minnie May: Melody Beckman
Ensemble: Allison Avery
Elizabeth Campbell
Emily Campbell
Sage Henderson
Chloe Rozalsky
Giselle Schmidt
Isabella Valdivieso
ANNE OF GREEN GABLES PRODUCTION TEAM
Producer/Stage Manager Mentor--------------------------------Kendra Lytle
Director----------------------------------------------------------Paige Beckman
Student Stage Manager------------------------------------------Sarah Brown
Technical Director & Set/Lighting/Sound Designer--------------Ross Collins
Props Designer--------------------------------------------------Aimee Avery
Costume Designer-----------------------------------------------Kayla Etheridge
Hair & Makeup Designer----------------------------------------Kendra Lytle & Paige Beckman
Herbeger Theater to "Dim the Lights" in memoriam of Gary Herberger, on March 11
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| photo by Courtney Sargent Photography |
In honor of architect, businessman and philanthropist Gary K. Herberger, who passed away on February 28 at the age of 79, the Herberger Theater Center will turn off the marquee lights outside its doors and sign on the fly tower for one minute before the Arizona Young Artists’ Competition Finals on Saturday, March 11 at 6:50pm.
The simultaneous dimming of marquee lights on Broadway in recognition of the passing of a noteworthy individual of the theater has become a long-standing tradition. Since Gary’s legacy reaches beyond the Herberger Theater Center, cultural institutions and theaters throughout the Valley have been invited to join in the silent remembrance. Phoenix Theatre and Phoenix Center for the Performing Arts plan to participate. The City of Phoenix has indicated that Symphony Hall and the Orpheum Theatre will also participate.
“Throughout the design, construction and early years of the Herberger Theater, Gary was involved in many ways, including as a board member,” said Mark Mettes, president and CEO of the Herberger Theater Center. “I was fortunate to get to know him over the years. It is with heavy hearts that the Herberger Theater family joins the Valley in remembering his innovation and creativity, passion for architecture and the arts, and commitment to community through generous philanthropy.”
Gary is survived by his wife, Jeanne, and brother, Judd.
cast announcement - NO TIME FOR SERGEANTS - Hale Centre Theatre
CLICK HERE for more information on this production, which runs April 6th to May 13th
Josh Hunt: Will Stockdale
Eric Mitchell: Ben Whitledge
Kelton White: Irvin Blanchard/Captain Abel
Justin Howell: Sergeant King
Angela Kriese: School Teacher/Cigarette Girl/Rosabelle/Nurse
Tom Endicott: Pa Stockdale/General Bush
Stacey Blake: Draft Man/Bus Driver/General Pollard
Matthew Cary: Draftsman/Senator
Kale Burr: Inductee #1/Corporal #1&2/Blue Grotto Customer/Lieutenant/Sentry
Brian Hanna: Inductee #2/Infantry/Lt. Gardella/Sentry
Aaron Ford: Inductee #3/Manual Dexterity Corp/Blue Grotto Customer/
Cover/Sentry
Jason Hammond: Inductee #4/Psychiatrist/Blue Grotto Customer/Lt. Bridges/Sentry
Malcolm Hooper: Bar Tender/Colonel
Thursday, March 9, 2017
cast announcement: FINDING NEVERLAND - National Tour: ASU Gammage
CLICK HERE for more information on this production, which runs March 14th to 19th
J.M. Barrie: BILLY HARRIGAN TIGHE
Sylvia Llewelyn Davies: CHRISTINE DWYER
Charles Frohman/Captain James Hook: TOM HEWITT
Mrs. du Maurier: KAREN MURPHY
Michael: JORDAN COLE
George: FINN FAULCONER
Jack, Michael: TYLER PATRICK HENNESSY
Peter, George: BEN KRIEGER
Peter, Jack, Michael: MITCHELL WRAY
George, Jack, Peter: COLIN WHEELER
Ensemble, Mr. Turpin, Captain Hook [Acting Troupe], u/s J.M. Barrie: CAMERON BOND
Ensemble, u/s Sylvia, u/s Mary: SARAH MARIE CHARLES
Ensemble, Wendy [Acting Troupe]: ADRIANNE CHU
Ensemble: CALVIN COOPER
Ensemble, Mr. Henshaw: DWELVAN DAVID
Ensemble: NATHAN DUSZNY
Ensemble, Miss Bassett, u/s Mrs. du Maurier: VICTORIA HUSTON-ELEM
Mary Barrie, u/s Sylvia: CRYSTAL KELLOGG
Ensemble, Elliot: THOMAS MILLER
Ensemble, u/s Peter Pan: CHRISTINA BELINSKY
Ensemble, Lord Cannan, u/s J.M. Barrie: NOAH PLOMGREN
Ensemble, Albert:
COREY RIVES
Ensemble, Peter Pan: DEE TOMASETTA
Ensemble, Miss Jones, u/s Mrs. du Maurier, u/s Mary: LAEL VAN KEUREN
Ensemble, Mr. Cromer, u/s Frohman/Hook: MATT WOLPE
Swings: MELISSA HUNTER MCCANN, CONNOR MCRORY, MATTHEW QUINN
casting announcement - NUNSENSE - Ghostlight Theatre
Kira Kadel - Sister Mary Amnesia
Kendra Schroeder - Sister Mary Hubert
Sarah Bary - Sister Mary Leo
Megan Tenney - Sister Robert Anne
ANNIE GET YOUR GUN - Pinnacle Creative Arts - June 2 - 11, 2017
Annie Oakley is the best shot around, and she manages to support her little brother and sisters by selling the game she hunts. When she is discovered by Col. Buffalo Bill, he persuades this novel sharpshooter to join his Wild West Show. It only takes one glance for her to fall head over heels for dashing shooting ace Frank Butler, who headlines the show. She soon eclipses Butler as the main attraction, which while good for business, is bad for romance. Butler hightails it off to join a rival show, his bruised male ego leading the way, but is ultimately pitted against Annie in a final shoot-out. The rousing, sure-fire finale hits the mark every time in a testament to the power of female ingenuity. Set to the immortal music of Irving Berlin, the show contains such musical theatre classics as There’s No business Like Show Business, Doin’ What Comes Naturally, You Can’t Get a Man With a Gun, They Say It’s Wonderful and Anything You Can Do.
Performance Dates:
June 2 - 4 & 9 - 11, 2017
CLICK HERE for more information and to purchase tickets
Buffalo Bill Cody – Spencer Charpentier
Frank Butler – Cameron Swindler
Dolly Tate – Amelia (Mia) Carlson
Tommy Keeler – Jacob Roberts
Winnie Tate – Nell Decker
Charlie Davenport – Jackson Holliday
Foster Wilson – Josiah Herfurth
Chief Sitting Bull – Zach Horak
Annie Oakley – McKenna Roberts
Jessie – Alexiah Thompson
Nellie – Reagan Arsenault
Little Jake – Jacob Miller
Pawnee Bill/Ensemble – Justin Charpentier
Ms. Sylvia Potter-Porger /Ensemble – Alexia Wussow
Ensemble which includes several named roles that will be set during rehearsal process:
Lauren Stewart, Katelyn Charpentier, India Chudnow, Octavia Chudnow, Morgan Lewis,
Allie Miller, Amanda Padgett, Olivia D’Ortenzio
promo photos - BILLY ELLIOT - Mesa Encore Theatre
CLICK HERE for more information on this production, which runs March 10th to March 19th
photos by Candice Thornton, Easel Photography & Video
photos by Candice Thornton, Easel Photography & Video
audition notice - WILLY WONKA, JR - Musical Theatre of Anthem - March 11
No-cut production for Ages 6-13
Auditions: March 11-12, 2017
Performances: April 20-30, 2017
Auditions:
Saturday, March 11, 2017
9:00 a.m. (Workshop Participants -Last Name A-L)
10:00 a.m. (Workshop Participants -Last Name M-Z)
10:30 General Auditions
Callbacks:
Sunday, March 12, 2017
Dance Call 9:00 a.m.
Callbacks 10:00 a.m.
For more info and all necessary audition paperwork, please visit: http://musicaltheatreofanthem.org/auditions.html#wonka
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Co-Director: Jackie Hammond
Co-Director: Cydney Trent
Vocal Director: Karen Blanzy
Choreographer: Lyndsie Clymer
Stage Manager: Jessica Kishbaugh
Roald Dahl's timeless story of the world-famous candy man and his quest to find an heir is a golden ticket to adventure. The delicious adventures experienced by Charlie Bucket on his visit to Willy Wonka's mysterious chocolate factory light up the stage in this captivating adaptation of Roald Dahl's fantastical tale. Featuring the enchanting songs from the 1971 film starring Gene Wilder in addition to a host of fun new songs, Roald Dahl's Willy Wonka JR. is a scrumdidilyumptious musical guaranteed to delight everyone's sweet tooth.
Roald Dahl's Willy Wonka JR. follows enigmatic candy manufacturer Willy Wonka as he stages a contest by hiding five golden tickets in five of his scrumptious candy bars. Whoever comes up with these tickets will win a free tour of the Wonka factory, as well as a lifetime supply of candy. Four of the five winning children are insufferable brats, but the fifth is a likeable young lad named Charlie Bucket who takes the tour in the company of his equally amiable grandfather. The children must learn to follow Mr. Wonka's rules in the factory--or suffer the consequences.
Those auditioning should bring a musical theatre song (or any song they are comfortable with), 16-32 bars or one minute in length. Bring an accompaniment with CD or iPod to sing with. You may also sing acapella if needed.
Wednesday, March 8, 2017
reviews - THE YELLOW BOAT - Childsplay
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| Kyle Sorrell, Rudy Ramirez, and Katie McFadzen Photo by Tim Trumble |
Click here for more information on this production that runs through March 12th.
"...The Yellow Boat is based on a true story. Benjamin Saar was born with hemophilia. He died in 1987 at the age of 8 due to AIDS-related issues after a tainted blood transfusion. ...Benjamin’s father, David Saar, wrote his play telling of his son’s story, but telling it not so much as a straight-forward, documented account of times and dates, and full of hows and whys, but more of a celebration...The Yellow Boat returns to Childsplay, and it’s directed by the man who played David in the original production, and who today is also the theatre’s new Artistic Director, Dwayne Hartford....Performed by a seven-person cast...and played out on a mostly open-area (Carey Wong’s scenic design and William Kirkham’s lighting work as one, effectively creating a change of mood, tone, and atmosphere) The Yellow Boat takes us on a journey reflecting those eight years...Benjamin (played with unflagging, upbeat energy by Rudy Ramirez) speaks directly to the audience with the narrative voice of an ever enthusiastic child....The play’s title comes from a story that Mother tells her boy regarding three boats in a harbor. A red one, a blue one and a yellow one. ...The yellow boar sailed straight up to the sun. ...“I am the yellow boat,” Benjamin declares. And indeed, as the uplifting closing moments arrive, he truly is... This new production has only a short run at Childplay’s home at Tempe Center for the Arts. It closes this weekend. I urge you to take your children. David Saar’s belief that children can reap great benefits from experiences with professional theatre is made nowhere more manifest than here, with Dwayne Hartford’s ultimately uplifting and exemplary new production." -David Appleford, Valley Screen and Stage (click here to read the complete review)
".A play about death seems an odd choice for a theatrical offering aimed at children, yet David Saar's The Yellow Boat is just as much about living as it is about dying. ...Childsplay presents a new production of the beautiful and moving work with an incredibly gifted cast performing a celebration of this young boy's short life....Benjamin likes to draw and his artwork and the many colors he uses are interwoven throughout the piece in Carey Wong's multi-functional set pieces and inventive prop pieces, William Kirkham's impressive lighting, and Kish Finnegan's colorful costumes. These elements, along with the always present yellow boat—which is used first as the vessel in the folk song and later Benjamin's hospital bed—celebrates Benjamin's creative spirit and passion. Sarr's script is frank but also funny and filled with truthful conversations and natural dialogue that steep the play in realism. ... Rudy Ramirez is completely convincing as the bright and energetic young boy who is full of creativity and a lust for life but ultimately finds himself sick and depressed. Ramirez handles the transformation from healthy to ill seamlessly. ...Katie McFadzen and Kyle Sorrell portray Benjamin's parents with the appropriate emotions one would expect parents of a suffering child feel....Debra K. Stevens is radiant as Joy, the hospital's child life specialist...and Michael Thompson is perfect as Benjamin's best friend Eddy...Director Dwayne Hartford doesn't make one false move in ensuring the realistic tone and characters are treated with respect. ...The Yellow Boat is complex, sincere, funny, creative, witty and sad, yet also full of hope. While it is a heartbreaking story, it is a emotionally rich journey well worth taking. " -Gil Benbrook, Talkin' Broadway (click here to read the complete review)
IN THE GARDEN - Nearly Naked Theatre - March 24 - April 15, 2017
by Norman Allen
SEDUCTION IS AS SEDUCTION DOES
The lives of four urban sophisticates are rocked by the arrival of a young man, who is everything but what he seems. With unworldly charisma, this handsome young man constructs a web of seduction and theology grounded in the lessons of the New Testament. A professor of philosophy, his fashionista wife, and their glib young friends must rise to the boy's erotic and spiritual challenge, questioning their lives as they question his very identity. With high comedy and thought-provoking drama, In the Garden blends sexual conventions, high fashion, Nietzsche and Christ in an uber-theatrical rollercoaster ride.
~For Mature Audiences Only! Adult Language, Mature Themes, Religious Undertones and Nudity. No one under 17 permitted without a parent or legal guardian.~
Gabe - Cole Brackney
John - Phillip Arran
Muriel - Shari Watts
Walter - Charles Orme
Lizzie - Lauren Bishop
Friday, March 24 - 8pm
Saturday, March 25 - 8pm
Sunday, March 26 - 6pm
Thursday, March 30 - 8pm
Friday, March 31 - 8pm
Saturday, April 1 - 8pm
Sunday, April 2 - 2:30pm
Thursday, April 6 - 8pm
Friday, April 7 - 8pm
Saturday, April 8 - 8pm
Sunday, April 9 - 6pm
Thursday, April 13 - 8pm
Friday, April 14 - 8pm
Saturday, April 15 - 8pm
CLICK HERE for more information, and to purchase tickets
urgent casting notice - GRAND HOTEL - Fountain Hills Theater
Fountain Hills Theater is searching for a few individuals to fill some roles in their upcoming production of Grand Hotel.
a male gigolo who can ballroom dance or move really well (20 +)
male and female ensemble cast members to play bell hops. etc (all ages from teens and up)
if you're interested, contact Allison Hacker at allison@fhtaz.org
Tuesday, March 7, 2017
cast announcement - SCHOOL OF ROCK - Spotlight Youth Theatre
CLICK HERE for more information on this production, which runs April 7th to April 23rd
DEWEY FINN......................Devon Policci
ROSALIE MULLINS........Addison Bowman
NED SCHNEEBLY..........Jeremy Bassham
PATTY..................................Maya Weber
SUMMER HATHAWAY......Phoenix Cyphert
TOMIKA................................Kialani Mills
ZACK MOONEYHAM..........................TBA
FREDDY HAMILTON............Matt Huisman
KATIE.............................Katie Calderone
LAUREN..............................Kiera Crouch
MARCY.................................Zoey Waller
SHONELLE.........................Nora Palermo
BILLY SANFORD.........................Ian Gray
SOPHIA................................Ella McDade
MASON WARD.......................Kylan Chait
AMES.................................Taylor Webb
MADISON..................Kayla Faith Trevino
CARLINA..........................Jaely Damasco
TEACHERS, PARENTS, NO VACANCY & OTHER ENSEMBLE
Amaya Burkhart, Jazlynn Damasco, Lily Swope, Sydney Schmidt, Allison Watson, Allie Rose,
Jorian Chait, Cash Haines, Nick Barritt, Ethan Shreeve, Jaxon Wilcox
ROSALIE MULLINS........Addison Bowman
NED SCHNEEBLY..........Jeremy Bassham
PATTY..................................Maya Weber
SUMMER HATHAWAY......Phoenix Cyphert
TOMIKA................................Kialani Mills
ZACK MOONEYHAM..........................TBA
FREDDY HAMILTON............Matt Huisman
KATIE.............................Katie Calderone
LAUREN..............................Kiera Crouch
MARCY.................................Zoey Waller
SHONELLE.........................Nora Palermo
BILLY SANFORD.........................Ian Gray
SOPHIA................................Ella McDade
MASON WARD.......................Kylan Chait
AMES.................................Taylor Webb
MADISON..................Kayla Faith Trevino
CARLINA..........................Jaely Damasco
TEACHERS, PARENTS, NO VACANCY & OTHER ENSEMBLE
Amaya Burkhart, Jazlynn Damasco, Lily Swope, Sydney Schmidt, Allison Watson, Allie Rose,
Jorian Chait, Cash Haines, Nick Barritt, Ethan Shreeve, Jaxon Wilcox
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