photos by Tim Trumble
Tuesday, September 14, 2021
ASU Music Theatre and Opera announces 2021-22 performance season
from our friends at ASU Music Theatre and Opera:
By Lynne MacDonald
ASU Music Theatre and Opera announces a 2021–22 season that includes works selected with a focus on providing equitable opportunities for all students.
“We created a self-nominated season selection committee of students, faculty and staff, and worked with the committees, our Student Leadership Team and multiple areas to identify a season that provides equitable opportunities for all students,” said Brian DeMaris, associate professor and artistic director for Music Theatre and Opera. “Offering over 100 named roles, we strived to create a season where any student could see themselves performing any number of roles.”
This year’s season provides for a safe return to in-person performances with live audiences, with some productions presented as a livestreamed performance.
The mainstage season — “25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee,” “Hansel and Gretel,” “We've Got Our Eye on You” and “Bright Star” — features all female writers and/or librettists, and ASU's first opera by a Black female composer.
“Spelling Bee” is a modern classic centered on a quirky group of mid-pubescent spellers competing for the championship title.
Based on the classic fairy tale by the Brothers Grimm, “Hansel and Gretel” is the perfect introduction to opera for children (and adults) of all ages — a charming, touching and funny adaptation that is filled with some of the most beautiful and tuneful music ever written.
An opera double bill by Nkeiru Okoye includes “We’ve Got Our Eye on You” and “600 Square Feet.” “We’ve Got Our Eye on You” is a chamber opera loosely based on an ancient Greek myth made famous in the “Stygian Witches” episode from the 1981 fantasy classic “Clash of the Titans.” An operatic romantic comedy about trust, boundaries and real estate, “600 Square Feet” ponders the question: Can ex-lovers cohabitate in only 600 square feet without total honesty?
Broadway’s “Bright Star” is a tale of love and redemption set against the backdrop of the American South in the 1920s and ’40s.
Visiting guest artists are equally as diverse and include Seth Tucker, UCAT artist and ASU alum, as director and choreographer of “Spelling Bee”; Michael Ching, conductor for “Hansel and Gretel”; and a residency with composer and librettist Okoye.
A new-work reading of “The Valley” by local writer Jamie Maletz is a contemporary dramatic comedy about redemption, taking action in the face of impossible odds and discovering what it means to find a new normal.
Student-led productions include the intimate musical “The Last Five Years” and the 1970s off-Broadway musical “Godspell.”
A new fully produced “Color Cabaret” led by BIPOC students and mentored by Nathan De’Shon Myers, assistant professor of voice, rounds out the upcoming season.
In addition, individual student performers will be featured in the ASU Class of 2022 Cabarets, the Opera Gala and the Musical Theatre Showcase.
“We continue to offer new work readings and student-led productions to give students opportunities to stretch their skills in a wide variety of areas,” DeMaris said. “We are excited to work with local artists Seth Tucker and Jamie Maletz, and welcome guest artists Nkeiru Okoye and Michael Ching. All bring years of experience in both musical theater and opera, and a wide variety of skills and experience to help all students grow.”
Tickets are available online three weeks in advance through the Herberger Institute Box Office. Ticket prices and venues vary.
2021–22 season
"The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee"
Music and lyrics by William Finn, book by Rachel Sheinkin, conceived by Rebecca Feldman.
7:30 p.m. Sept. 30–Oct. 2
2 p.m. Oct. 3
Evelyn Smith Music Theatre
"The Last Five Years"
(student production)
Written and composed by Jason Robert Brown.
7:30 p.m. Oct. 22 and 23
2 p.m. Oct. 23 and 24
Evelyn Smith Music Theatre
"Healing Wars"
A music, dance and theater collaboration, by Liz Lerman.
7:30 p.m. Nov. 5, 6, 12 and 13
2 p.m. Nov. 7 and 14
Galvin Playhouse Theatre
"Hansel and Gretel"
Music by Engelbert Humperdinck, based on an original libretto by Adelheid Wette.
Sung in German with super-titles.
7:30 p.m. Nov. 18–20
2 p.m. Nov. 21
Evelyn Smith Music Theatre
"Godspell"
(student production)
Conceived and originally directed by John-Michael Tebelak, music and new lyrics by Stephen Schwartz.
Originally produced on the New York Stage by Edgar Lansbury, Stewart Duncan and Joseph Beruh.
7:30 p.m. Jan. 14 and 15
2 p.m. Jan. 15 and 16
Evelyn Smith Music Theatre
The Color Cabaret
(student production)
Directed by Jonice Bernard (‘22), music direction by Mario Yniguez (‘23).
Faculty mentor: Nathan De’Shon Myers.
7:30 p.m. Jan. 29
2 p.m. Jan. 30
Evelyn Smith Music Theatre
Opera double bill:
"We’ve Got Our Eye on You"
A chamber opera. Music and story by Nkeiru Okoye, libretto by David Cote.
"600 Square Feet"
A micro-opera. Music by Nkeiru Okoye, libretto by David Cote.
7:30 p.m. Feb. 17–19
2 p.m. Feb. 20
Evelyn Smith Music Theatre
"The Valley"
(new-work reading)
Book and lyrics by Jamie Maletz, music by Eric Fegan.
7 p.m. Feb. 26
2 p.m. Feb. 27
ASU Kerr Cultural Center
ASU Class of 2022 Cabarets
Feb. 28–March 4, times TBD
Location TBD
"Bright Star"
Music, book and story by Steve Martin; music, lyrics and story by Edie Brickell.
7:30 p.m. April 21–23
2 p.m. April 24
Evelyn Smith Music Theatre
Musical Theatre Showcase
7:30 p.m. April 25
Location TBD
Opera Gala
7:30 p.m. April 29
Location TBD
"The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee" is presented through special arrangement with Music Theatre International (MTI). All authorized performance materials are also supplied by MTI. www.mtishows.com
"The Last Five Years" is presented through special arrangement with Music Theatre International (MTI). All authorized performance materials are also supplied by MTI. www.mtishows.com
"Godspell 2012" is presented through special arrangement with Music Theatre International (MTI). All authorized performance materials are also supplied by MTI. www.mtishows.com
"600 Square Feet" and "We've Got Our Eye on You" are presented by arrangement with Nkeiru Okoye. www.nkeiruokoye.com
"Bright Star" is presented through special arrangement with and all authorized performance materials are supplied by Theatrical Rights Worldwide 1180 Avenue of the Americas, Suite 640, New York, NY 10036. www.theatricalrights.com
Monday, September 13, 2021
Arizona Opera announces Auditions for Spanish-Speaking Child Actors on September 25 for their holiday opera EL MILAGRO DEL RECUERDO
On September 25, Arizona Opera Opera will hold auditions for child actors to cast five speaking (non-singing) roles in a production of a new holiday opera EL MILAGRO DEL RECUERDO by Javier MartÃnez and Leonard Foglia. The opera is scheduled to play for five performances at the Herberger Theater in Phoenix, and The Temple of Music and Art in Tucson, in December 2021.
Auditioning children should be fluent Spanish speakers, and must be at least 12 years of age and have received a COVID-19 vaccination.
The roles are as follows:
Rafael – boy, appearing age 7
Araceli – girl, appearing age 9
Silvio – boy, appearing age 11
Young Renata – appearing age 10
Young Laurentino – appearing age 12
All interested candidates should have late afternoon/evening and weekend availability during the rehearsal period in Phoenix of November 13– December 1, 2021 and be available for all performances as follows:
Phoenix - December 3, 4, 5mat
Tucson - December 10 (technical brush-up rehearsal), December 11, 12mat
Child actors will be paid an honorarium, plus provided hotel accommodations in Tucson for the final performance weekend.
Auditions are scheduled to take place on Saturday, September 25, 2021 at the Arizona Opera Center, 1636 N. Central Avenue, Phoenix 85004.
To officially register for the auditions, please complete and submit the registration document at https://forms.gle/mTw1G3o5qm5SQvNf7
For questions, contact Zack Hayhurst at zhayhurst@azopera.org
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Audiciones para Niños Actores que Hablan Español 25 de Septiembre de 2021
El 25 de Septiembre, Arizona Opera llevará a cabo audiciones para niños actores para el reparto de cinco papeles hablados (no cantados) en una producción de la nueva ópera navideña EL MILAGRO DEL RECUERDO de Javier MartÃnez y Leonard Foglia. Está previsto que la ópera se representará durante cinco funciones en el Herberger Theater de Phoenix, y en el Temple of Music and Art de Tucson, en Diciembre de 2021.
Los niños que se presenten a las audiciones deben hablar español con fluidez y tener alguna experiencia escénica previa. Los papeles son los siguientes:
Rafael - niño, apariencia de 7 años
Araceli - niña, apariencia de 9 años
Silvio - niño, apariencia de 11 años
Joven Renata - apariencia de 10 años
Joven Laurentino - apariencia de 12 años
Todos los candidatos interesados deberán tener disponibilidad por la tarde/noche y los fines de semana durante el periodo de ensayos en Phoenix del 13 de Noviembre al 1 de Diciembre de 2021 y estar disponibles para todas las actuaciones que se indican a continuación:
Phoenix - 3, 4, 5 (matiné) de Diciembre
Tucson - 10 de Diciembre (ensayo de repaso técnico), 11 y 12 (matiné) de Diciembre.
Los niños actores recibirán unos honorarios y se les proporcionará alojamiento en un hotel de Tucson para el último fin de semana de actuación.
Las audiciones están programadas para el sábado 25 de septiembre de 2021 en el Arizona Opera Center, 1636 N. Central Avenue, Phoenix 85004.
Para inscribirse oficialmente a las audiciones, complete y envÃe el documento de inscripción mediante https://forms.gle/mTw1G3o5qm5SQvNf7
Si tiene alguna pregunta, puede contactar a Zack Hayhurst al correo electrónico zhayhurst@azopera.org
Single Tickets On Sale Today for ASU Gammage 2021-2022 Broadway Season
ASU Gammage is making an unforgettable return with its 2021-2022 Desert Financial Broadway Across America-Arizona season, with single tickets on sale now. It’s a season lineup that includes debut-touring productions, Tony Award®-winning shows and the return of a few audience favorites, ASU Gammage is excited to bring one of the most anticipated seasons to Tempe.
After pausing all public events for more than a year, ASU Gammage opened its doors to welcome audiences back with the historical Broadway phenomenon, HAMILTON that runs through October 10.
Following HAMILTON is the hilarious “fetch” hit musical MEAN GIRLS where Cady Heron is met with a new animal kingdom – high school, and along with the brilliant revival production of Broadway’s “most perfect musical of all time” (Entertainment Weekly) MY FAIR LADY. With a Tony- and Grammy-winning score, THE BAND’S VISIT continues the season lineup in a joyous tale of an Egyptian band that loses their way to a concert in Israel. ASU Gammage then welcomes “the most uproarious new show in years” (The Hollywood Reporter) TOOTSIE to the stage, followed by the two intertwining mythic tales in HADESTOWN and the remarkable true story of 7,000 stranded passengers after 9/11 and the small town that welcomed them in COME FROM AWAY. Ending this amazing season is Rodgers & Hammerstein's OKLAHOMA! as you’ve never seen or heard it before – reimagined for the 21st century.
Tickets are available at asugammage.com
Sunday, September 12, 2021
Saturday, September 11, 2021
Friday, September 10, 2021
Auditions for ONCE ON THIS ISLAND, JR at Musical Theatre of Anthem announced for October 9
Musical Theatre of Anthem (MTA) announces auditions for Once on This Island JR., a poignant story with a catchy Caribbean-flavored score.
Once on This Island JR. is a highly original theatrical adaptation of Hans Christian Andersen's popular fairy tale, The Little Mermaid, and the Tony-nominated Broadway musical by the legendary writing team, Ahrens and Flaherty. Through almost non-stop song and dance, this full-hearted musical tells the story of Ti Moune, a peasant girl who rescues and falls in love with Daniel, a wealthy boy from the other side of her island. When Daniel is returned to his people, the fantastical gods who rule the island, guide Ti Moune on a quest that will test the strength of her love against the powerful forces of prejudice, hatred and even death.
AUDITIONS: Saturday, October 9, 2021:
• 10:30 a.m. General Auditions
• 9:00 a.m. Auditions for workshop participants (A-L)
• 9:45 a.m. Auditions for workshop participants (M-Z)
• Dance Call 1: Sunday, October 10 @ 9:00 a.m.
• Dance Call 2: Sunday, October 10 @ 9:45 a.m.
• Callbacks: Sunday, October 10 @ 10:30 a.m.
WHERE: MTA’s theatre performance space at 42201 N. 41st Drive, Suite B100, Anthem, AZ 85086
COST: $325 for ages 6-18; 10% Sibling discount; Scholarships available.
DETAILS: Please 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. Have your registration materials completed prior to coming to the audition. For materials and additional information and to reserve your spot, visit MTA’s website www.musicaltheatreofanthem.org.
AUDITION PREP WORKSHOP
Audition Preparation Workshops will be held at MTA on Thursday, October 7, from 4:30p.m.-6p.m. and 6:30p.m. – 8:00p.m. and Friday, October 8, from 4:30p.m. – 6:00p.m. During these 90-minute sessions, participants will be instructed on cold reads, acting technique, characterization and more. Participants of the workshop will get to audition prior to the general audition time. Cost is just $35, and space is limited to just 18 participants per session. There is a 10% sibling discount. For more information and to reserve your spot, visit www.musicaltheatreofanthem.org.
PERFORMANCES: Performances take place DECEMBER 2 – DECEMBER 5, 2021:
Thu. 12/2: 7 p.m. | Fri. 12/3 : 7 p.m. | Sat. 12/4: 3 p.m., 5:30 p.m., 8 p.m. | Sun. 12/5: 3 p.m., 5:30 p.m.
WEEK AT A GLANCE: September 6 - September 12, 2021
Click on any show title to get more information on that production
CLOSING:
OPENING:
CONCERTS / LIMITED RUNS:
OPENING SOON:
Cast announced for CHICAGO at Arizona Broadway Theatre
Cast (in order of appearance):
Velma Kelly: Tiffany Sparks (9/19-10/3)
Velma Kelly: Samantha Ross (10/5-10/30)
Roxie Hart: Liz Fallon
Fred Casely: Daniel Miller
Sergeant Fogarty/Jury: Danny Durr
Amos Hart: Andy Meyers
Liz: Anna Marie Abbate
Annie: Samantha Ross (9/19-10/3)
Annie: Katie Jurich (10/5-10/30)
June: Alicia Babin
Hunyak: Kelly Gleason
Mona: Katie Scarlet Swaney
Martin Harrison/Harry: Andrew Ruggieri
Matron “Mama” Morton: Kiani Nelson
Billy Flynn: Kiel Klaphake
Mary Sunshine: Lucas Brady
Go-To-Hell Kitty: Musa Hitomi
Aaron/The Judge: Stephen Hohendorf
Court Clerk/Bailiff: Dylan Vonder Linden
The Doctor: Albert Hsueh
ALTERNATE
Billy Flynn: Jamie Michael Parnell
UNDERSTUDY
Roxie Hart: Katie Swaney
BYE BYE BIRDIE: YOUNG PERFORMERS' EDITION - Actor's Youth Theatre - September 23 - October 2, 2021
When the draft selects rock star Conrad Birdie, his fans are devastated, but none more than struggling songwriter Albert Peterson, whose song Birdie was just about to record. Albert's longtime girlfriend, Rosie, pushes Albert to write a new tune that Birdie will perform on television to a fan selected in a contest. The scheme works, with young Ohio teenager Kim McAfee declared the winner, but no one has counted on the jealous wrath of her boyfriend.
Dates/times:
September 23rd at 7pm
September 24th at 7pm
September 25th at 3pm and 7pm
September 30th at 7pm
October 1st at 7pm
October 2nd at 3pm and 7pm
Hale Centre Theatre announces auditions for CHAPS! on September 18
Hale Centre Theatre will be holding auditions for the play Chaps!. The show will be directed by Tim Dietlein with music direction by Lincoln Wright. Chaps! is scheduled to run December 30th, 2021 through February 5th, 2022. Performances will be Wednesday through Saturday evenings with 4 PM matinees on Fridays and Saturdays, and possible 4PM Matinees on Thursdays. This production will have one cast with approximately 33 performances.
In-person auditions are available by appointment only on September 18th. Video submissions are due by September 18th at 10:00 AM. Important: if submitting your video audition select the "Video Appointment" box on the sign up page.
Auditions are open to all and we extend an invitation for all races and ethnicities to submit. Posted ages are guidelines only.
Rehearsals for this production will begin early due to fewer rehearsals closer to opening. See the rehearsal/show schedule under the "Registration Form" tab for approximate dates/times.
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