Thursday, May 4, 2023

Ghostlight Theatre’s 2023/2024 season!


From our friends at Ghostlight Theatre:

Ghostlight Theatre is proud to announce our 2023-2024 season line-up:
  • 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee, with music & lyrics by William Finn
  • Proof by David Auburn
  • The Mousetrap by Agatha Christie
  • Jake's Women by Neil Simon
  • Musical of Musicals: The Musical with music by Eric Rockwell and lyrics by Joanne Bogart
  • Steel Magnolias by Robert Harling
Even better? Tickets are on sale NOW at the lowest prices they will ever be: $100 for 6 shows, including two musicals!

Take advantage of this special low rate by purchasing your tickets today:
  1. Visit the ticket sales page on ghostlightaz.com
  2. Select any of the listings labeled as "2023-2024 Season Tickets". You will need to choose which day you'd like to attend the shows.
  3. Select your seat preference (selected days and seats can be changed at a later time if needed)
  4. Click "add to cart" and you will see the discounted rate of $100. A small $2.50 processing fee is also applied. Then enter your email and complete the check-out process.
If you need assistance with your ticket purchase, please contact our Box Office at #(623) 777-9717. Don't wait! This offer expires at the end of the month.


Cast announced for 9 TO 5 at Mesa Encore Theatre







Violet: Rochelle Barton
Judy: Leia Wasbotten
Doralee: McKaylee Todd
Roz: Amanda Bagley
Hart: Jared Kitch
Dick: Tim Schnepf
Joe: Arjun Paramore Jr.
Margaret: Dawn Gunderson
Missy: Victoria Whitaker
Dwayne: Cael Szabados
Josh: Jayden Fahres
Tinsworthy: Wayne Peck
Bob: James Brown Jr.
Kathy: Rachel Balko
Maria: Maritza Kozicki
Assistant to the Choreographer & Swing: Gianluca Russo
Ensemble:
Jill Ryan
Madelyn Fickel
Shelby Hanks
Celeste Hompstead
Grace McGeoch
Shelby Jensen
Erika Busby
Randi Jill
Mardonio
Todd Corbeil
Jared Ferolino
Steven Cook
Technical Director: Cheryl Briley
Scenic Designer: Kendra Schroeder
Head Carpenter and Production Manager: Lorelee Godden
Costume Designer: Shannon McCoy
Properties Designer: Shirley Ditsworth
Lighting Designers: Brady Fiscus and Matt Stetler
Sound Designer: Austin Madrid
Director: Trisha Ditsworth
Assistant Director: Marina Blue Jarrette
Music Director: Cathy Hauan
Choreographer: Ashley Bauer
Stage Manager: Randi Curry

Wednesday, May 3, 2023

Fountain Hills Theater's 2023-2024 Season!


FOUNTAIN HILLS THEATER ANNOUNCES THEIR 2023-24 SEASON

For many years Hollywood called upon Broadway to provide wonderful plays and musicals.  More recently, Broadway has turned the tables and has been adapting great Hollywood films into terrific stage plays and musicals. For FHT’s 38th season, Artistic Director Peter J. Hill has chosen a Mainstage season that brings Hollywood to the Hills.  

From Oscar-winning screenplays to the fabulous Mack Sennet comedies, our season brings the best of Tinseltown to the Fountain Hills stage because FHT is the place to be. 

Season ticket packages offer savings, AND offer the flexibility of using your tickets for whatever show (s) you choose!  Use them all for one show...or use them throughout the season.  Tickets on sale now!

2023-24 Mainstage/Mainstage Too Season
Tomfoolery Aug 18 – Sept. 3, 2023
The Addams Family Sept. 15 – Oct. 1, 2023
Shakespeare in Love Nov. 3 – 19, 2023
Million Dollar Quartet Christmas Dec. 8 – 24, 2023
Always, Patsy Cline Jan. 12 – 28, 2024
Ghost, The Musical Feb. 2 – 18, 2024
The Great Gatsby (World Premier) Mar. 22 – Apr. 7, 2024
Mack and Mable May 17 – June 2, 2024

2023-24 Youth Theater Season
Junie B.’s Essential Survival Guide to School Oct. 20-29, 2023
Elf, Jr. Dec. 8 – 17, 2023
The Diary of Anne Frank Mar. 1 – 10, 2024
Don’t Let the Pigeon Drive the Bus April 26 – May 5, 2024

2023-24 MAINSTAGE/MAINSTAGE TOO SEASON

TOMFOOLERY (Aug. 18 – Sept. 3, 2023)
  
NOTHING IS SACRED!
In concerts, TV appearances and classic recordings, the Harvard-educated math professor Tom Lehrer delighted millions of fans with his dry, cynical, but good-humored, attacks on the A-bomb, racism, pollution, pornography, the military, the Boy Scouts and, of course, mathematics.  Nothing is sacred in this hysterical revue that features such Lehrer favorites as "Poisoning Pigeons in the Park," "When You Are Old and Grey," "The Masochism Tango," "The Old Dope Peddler" and "The Vatican Rag," 
 

THE ADDAM’S FAMILY (Sept 15 – Oct. 1, 2023)

THEY’RE CREEPY AND THEY’RE KOOKY!
This comical musical feast embraces the wackiness in every family.  It’s every father’s nightmare: Wednesday Addams, the ultimate princess of darkness, has grown up and fallen in love with a sweet young man from a respectable family.  And if that wasn’t upsetting enough, Wednesday confides her love to her father and begs him not to tell her mother. Now, Gomez Addams must do something he’s never done before– keep a secret from his beloved wife, Morticia. Everything will change for the whole family on the fateful night they host a dinner for Wednesday’s “normal” boyfriend and his parents. 
 
SHAKESPEARE IN LOVE (Nov. 3 – 19, 2023)
 
TO BE OR NOT TO BE...HIM OR HER?
Young Will Shakespeare has writer's block. The deadline for his new play is approaching, but he's in desperate need of inspiration. That is, until he finds his muse... the feisty, brilliant and beautiful Viola. This crafty young woman is Will’s greatest admirer and will stop at nothing to appear in his next play. Will’s love for Viola quickly blossoms, inspiring him to write his greatest romantic masterpiece. 

MILLION DOLLAR QUARTET CHRISTMAS (Dec. 8 – 24, 2023) 

THE BOYS ARE BACK!
Johnny Cash, Jerry Lee Lewis, Carl Perkins and Elvis Presley come together again to celebrate the holidays! Sun Records, now festively decorated with a Christmas tree, garland, and mistletoe, rings with sounds of the season and the chart toppers that made the “Million   Dollar Quartet” famous. The gang is up to their usual   antics as we journey through stories of Christmas past, present, and future. It’s a jam-packed evening of holiday hits that you won’t want to miss! 
 
 
ALWAYS, PASTY CLINE (Jan. 12 – 28, 2024) 

SWEET DREAMS
Always…Patsy Cline is a true story of Cline’s friendship with a fan from Houston named Louise Seger, who befriended the star in a Texas honky-tonk, and continued a correspondence with Cline until her untimely death in a plane crash. The show’s title is inspired by Cline’s letters to Seger, which were consistently signed “Love ALWAYS… Patsy Cline.” Tales of Patsy’s life on the road are told with down-home country humor and brought to vibrant life through her music. 
 
 
GHOST, THE MUSICAL (Feb. 2 – 18, 2024) 

YOU WILL BELIEVE!
Adapted from the hit film by its Academy Award-winning screenwriter, Bruce Joel Rubin, Ghost The Musical follows Sam and Molly, a young couple whose connection takes a shocking turn after Sam’s untimely death. Desperate to communicate with Molly when he learns she’s in grave danger, Sam turns to storefront psychic Oda Mae Brown, who helps him protect Molly and avenge his death. The delightful score includes the Righteous Brothers’ classic Unchained Melody.
 
THE GREAT GATSBY (Mar. 22 – Apr. 7, 2024)

A WORLD PREMIERE MUSICAL!
This sparkling musical comedy beautifully captures the glamour, wealth and materialism of the Roaring ‘20s. A self-made millionaire, Jay Gatsby’s desire for wealth, popularity, and power in the Jazz Age hides a deeper passion: his love for Daisy, the woman he met and fell for years ago, but who has since married wealthy Tom Buchanan.  Don’t miss the world premiere of this new musical pulsing with the beat of the jazz age.
 
MACK AND MABEL  May 17 – June 2, 2024) 

WHEN MOVIES WERE MOVIES!
This is a saga of the silent film era, “when movies were movies”: the story of legendary director Mack Sennett and his greatest star, - the adorable Mabel Normand. Mack himself guides the audience through his tale of triumph, romance and regret.  Mack reminisces about his colorful past, including his bittersweet love affair with Mabel, whom he discovered and guided to superstardom. Jerry Herman's (Hello Dolly, Mame) celebrated score includes some of his most treasured gems, including “Time Heals Everything,” “I Won't Send Roses,” “Wherever He Ain't” and “Look What Happened to Mabel.” 
 
 
2023-24 YOUTH THEATER SEASON 

JUNIE B.’S ESSENTIAL SURVIVAL GUIDE TO SCHOOL (Oct 20 – 29, 2023) 

LISTEN UP, I TELL YOU!!!
Junie B. Jones is back, and she’s got some advice to give…eventually. It was her brilliant idea to put together a survival guide for next year’s students, but now she’s at a total loss for what to add to it! It doesn’t help that all her friends are full of cool ideas and dance numbers. How’s a girl supposed to deal with all this competition? Hilariously, of course! In this musical extravaganza, Junie B. Jones learns some important lessons about school, patience, and personal growth. 
 
 
ELF, JR. (Dec. 8 -17, 2023)  

DISCOVER YOUR INNER ELF!
Raised by Christmas elves, Buddy always felt a little…different. When Santa reveals to him that he’s actually a    human being, Buddy goes on an adventure to the magical realm of New York City to find his father and learn what it means to be a human. This jolly musical is a must for any fan of Buddy the elf, Santa Claus, and all things Christmas! 
 

THE DIARY OF ANNE FRANK (Mar. 1 – 10, 2024) 

HER NAME WAS ANNE...
Few more poignant true stories emerged from World War II than the diary of young Anne Frank. Published long afterwards by her father, the only family survivor, it records the minutiae of twenty-five months that two Jewish families spent in hiding from the Gestapo in an Amsterdam           warehouse attic.  
 
DON’T LET THE PIGEON DRIVE THE BUS (Apr. 26 – May 5, 2024)

BET YOUR MOM WOULD LET ME!!!
Whatever you do, don’t let The Pigeon star in his own      musical production! Because it’s not easy being The Pigeon– you never get to do ANYTHING!  But when the Bus Driver has a crisis that threatens to make her passengers (gasp!) late, maybe that wily bird CAN do something. Starring an innovative mix of actors, puppets, songs, and feathers, Don’t Let the Pigeon Drive the Bus! (The Musical) is sure to get everyone’s wings flapping.  
 
----------------------------
All performances at Fountain Hills 11445 N. Saguaro Blvd. Fountain Hills AZ 85268. Call 480-837-9661 x3 or visit https://fhtaz.org

6 Ticket Season Flex Pass / $180  (Save $30)
2 Ticket Mainstage Too add on / $60 (Save $10)
4 Ticket Youth Season Flex  Pass / $60 (Save $12)
Mainstage & Mainstage Too individual tickets are $35.00 for Adults and $18.00 for Youth 17 and under. Group, Senior, Veteran and Students discounts available.
Youth Theater individual tickets $18.00 

 

Save 50% off tickets to BEN BUTLER at Don Bluth Front Row Theatre!



Show Dates: May 18 to July 8


Limit 4 per Household

Valid for Thursday and Friday performances only

Monday, May 1, 2023

Review Highlights: THE ROOMMATE - Theatre Artists Studio

Debra K. Stevens and Jodie Weiss
Photo by Bill Phillips

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 May 7

"Jen Silverman's dramedy The Roommate focuses on two middle-aged strangers who find a connection when they become roommates. Theatre Artist Studio's production of this 2015 play features two well-known local actresses, Debra K. Stevens and Jodie Weiss, who are both exceptional as these two lost souls. Their wonderful and realistic performances help mitigate some of the shortfalls in the underbaked, uneven, and somewhat unconvincing script....Silverman's script is an interesting character study but somewhat lacking as a fully fleshed-out drama. While there are many poignant and moving moments, there are odd shifts between comedy and drama with much of the tension and conflict coming across as awkward and unrealistic..Collectively, (director Patti) Suarez, Weiss and Stevens elevate this production to something that goes beyond the stilted script. Suarez is an actress and director with years of experience so she clearly understands what's needed to make the production succeed. That's why, even with some reservations with the play, I enjoyed it and would recommend it in order to see these two exceptional actresses at work together on stage."  - Gil Benbrook, TalkinBroadway.com (click here to read the complete review)

"Stevens and Weiss deliver stellar performances, each bringing a sense of authenticity and emotional depth to her role and creating two fully realized, nuanced, and relatable characters. Their chemistry on stage is palpable and electric. The result is one of the more memorable and dynamic Productions of the theatre season....Silverman's sharp and witty writing, filled with one-liners and poignant moments of reflection, all delivered with clarity and emotional force by both performers....In the hands of Patti Suarez's astute and steady direction, the play is marked by brisk pacing.  Quite to the point, Suarez, Stevens, and Weiss have delivered a home run ~ a must-see!"   - Herbert Paine, Broadway World (click here to read the complete review)

WEEK AT A GLANCE: May 1-May 7, 2023

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.

CLOSING:































DISNEY'S THE LITTLE MERMAID, JR - Actor's Youth Theatre - May 4-May 20, 2023




Little Mermaid Jr-

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.

Thingamambob Cast:
Thu, May 4th, 2023 at 7:00 pm
Sat, May 6th, 2023 at 3:00 pm
Fri, May 12th, 2023 at 7:00 pm
Sat, May 13th, 2023 at 7:00 pm
Thu, May 18th, 2023 at 7:00 pm
Sat, May 20th, 2023 at 3:00 pm

Dinglehopper Cast:
Fri, May 5th, 2023 at 7:00 pm
Sat, May 6th, 2023 at 7:00 pm
Thu, May 11th, 2023 at 7:00 pm
Sat, May 13th, 2023 at 3:00 pm
Fri, May 19th, 2023 at 7:00 pm
Sat, May 20th, 2023 at 7:00 pm


Thingamambob Cast:

Maddie Sue Miller: Ariel
Tiana Barnum: Aquata
Marlee Rae Olson: Andrina
Matilda Dwyer: Arista
Harlee Colburn: Atina
Makenzie Konecek: Adella
Emily Freedman: Allana
Campbell Carr: Flounder
Olive VanSlyke: Scuttle
Wyatt Olson: Sebastian
Kostner Deacy: King Triton
Iris VanSlyke: Ursula
Katelyn Kovesdy: Flotsam
Aly Avery: Jetsam
Ryan Lucas: Prince Eric
Owen Aspinall: Pilot/Chef Louis 
Kade Wallace: Grimsby
Miles VanSlyke: Seahorse 
Isabella Steele: Gull 1
Krisha Sorensen: Gull 2
Harlow Miller: Gull 3
Sarah Horsely: Carlotta 

Lagoon Animals/Sea Chorus 
Payton Williams, Anabel Allgood, Madyson Meeks, Jenna Bruder, Gwen Leavitt, Maelee McDonald, Jaylee McNabb, Lola Howard, Sophie Aspinall, Ivory VanTassel, Kinley Carothers, Eli Greenberg, Jack Galli, Rosalind Quintana 

Sailors/Chefs
Caleb Dupree, Anabell Allgood, Abby Morgan, Nolan Lopez, Brendan Lucas, Eli Greenberg, Krisha Sorensen, Harlow Miller, Olive VanSlyke 

Ursulas Tentacles
Payton Williams, Anabel Allgood, Madyson Meeks, Jenna Bruder, Gwen Leavitt, Maelee McDonald, Jaylee McNabb

Dinglehopper Cast:

Saniya Sapakie : Ariel
Sophie Halterman: Aquata
Cadence Darnell: Andrina
Kaylin Hamelwright: Arista
Katelyn Kovesdy: Atina
Brooklyn Peterson: Adella
Siona Black: Allana
Abbi Spector: Flounder
Hailey Klatt: Scuttle
Kingston Putnam: Sebastian
DJ Hammond: King Triton
Kelly Garner: Ursula
Lana Logan: Flotsam
Marco Morales: Jetsam
James Montella: Prince Eric
Jack Galli: Pilot/Chef Louis
Colin Quintana: Grimsby
Brynlin Fraser: Seahorse
Isabella Steele: Gull 1
Charly-Belle Ramirez: Gull 2
Sadie Holdeman: Gull 3
Sarah Horsely: Carlotta

Lagoon Animals/Sea Chorus
Payton Williams, Anabel Allgood, Madyson Meeks, Jenna Bruder, Gwen Leavitt, Maelee McDonald,Jaylee McNabb, Lola Howard, Sophie Aspinall, Ivory VanTassel, Kinley Carothers, Eli Greenberg, Rosalind Quintana

Sailors/Chefs
Caleb Dupree, Anabell Allgood, Abby Morgan, Nolan Lopez, Brendan Lucas, Isabella Steele, Charly-Belle Ramirez, Sadie Holdeman, Hailey Klatt

Ursulas Tentacles
Payton Williams, Anabel Allgood, Madyson Meeks, Jenna Bruder, Gwen Leavitt, Maelee McDonald, Jaylee McNabb

Talking to Veronica Stern who stars in the national tour of ANASTASIA, which plays Broadway at the Orpheum Theatre May 5-7

Veronica Stern in the North American Tour of Anastasia
Photo by Evan Zimmerman for Murphy Made

by Gil Benbrook

The musical Anastasia, which is based on the 1997 animated film of the same name, has a plot that centers on the factual tragedy of a family that was murdered during the Russian Revolution in 1918.
 
While that might seem heavy material for an animated family film or a big budget musical comedy, the plot has an intriguing and hopeful story about how a young woman’s journey to the past helps her find her own future. It also has a rich score that’s a good mix of drama and comedy, including the Oscar nominated song "Journey to the Past." 

The musical had a healthy Broadway run of almost two years, and the National Tour comes to town this week for five performances at the Orpheum Theatre from May 5-7

Starring as Anya, the main character who is a young woman who has no memory of her past, is Veronica Stern, a recent graduate of the University of Cincinnati College-Conservatory of Music, who is making her national tour debut in this production.

Stern sat down in between tour stops to answer some questions about the show, what it's like playing a character based on a historical person, what life on the road is like, and why she belives a story set in 20th century Russia is still relevant today

For someone who isn’t aware of Anastasia, what would you tell them it’s about?

"Anastasia is the story of a young woman, Anya, who is on a journey to figure out who she really is. She has a gut feeling that there is more beyond her life as a street sweeper, but she needs help to leave Russia. She falls in line with conmen, Dmitry and Vlad who tell her that they can get her to Paris. They go on a fun adventure to making Anya into 'The Princess Anastasia' and she goes on her own journey of deciding if this is really who she is as well."

This musical is based on historical characters as well as the beloved 1997 animated film. How familiar with the piece were you before you auditioned for the tour?

"I didn’t grow up watching Anastasia. In fact, it wasn’t until the Broadway musical came out that I became really aware of it. I went to CCM (University of Cincinnati College-Conservatory of Music), alma mater of composer, Stephen Flaherty and the original Broadway Anya, Christy Altomare. I recall that the year that I was applying to CCM, they held a special concert where Christy returned to the ccm stage to sing Journey to the Past and that’s how I knew I had to go to this school. From there, I did more research on the show, and of course started singing the songs. Once I got the job for tour, I was given a very extensive historical packet to learn more. "

Veronica Stern

What can you tell us about your character, Anya and what do you most and least identify with her?

"Anya is a strong woman. She is brave and curious. I personally identify with her curiosity for life."

Since the musical is based on an actual character, Grand Duchess Anastasia Nikolaevna of Russia, what kind of research did you do to prepare for the role?

"Several weeks before I joined the tour, I was sent my script, musical, and about 70 pages of background research on the Romanov’s and that time period."

You got your BFA in Musical Theatre at the prestigious University of Cincinnati College-Conservatory of Music. What were some of your favorite shows and courses at CCM? 

"Unfortunately, half of my time at school wins shadowed by the pandemic, but we still tried to make the most of it. One of my favorite projects that I worked on while at school was the inaugural showcase for BIPOC students. It’s a project that took almost 2 years to come to fruition, I am most proud to have left that legacy and see that they still carry it out annually."

You're making your national tour debut with this show. How have you found that life has been on the road and performing in different cities week to week?

"Touring is really hard! I won’t sugar coat it. I’ve learned a lot about performing while traveling, and I will always be grateful for this experience."

What is your favorite moment in the show and why is it your favorite?

"My favorite moment changes every day. As we approach the end of tour, I find myself getting sentimental more often. "

Anastasia is set in the early part of the 20th century in Russia. Why do you think this show is relevant today?

"Anastasia is relevant today because at its core, it is a story about home, love and family which is a timeless sentiment."

What do you hope audiences will take away from seeing Anastasia at the Orpheum Theatre?

"I hope that audiences leave the theater a little happier than they came in. Theater is meant to be an experience that makes you feel good. I hope they leave with smiles on their faces and music in their hearts."


Willem Butler, Veronica Stern and Bryan Seastrom
Photo by Evan Zimmerman for Murphy Made


Grand Canyon University’s 2023/2024 Season!

 
Murder on the Orient Express
September 22-October 1, 2023

Shrek the Musical
November 10-19, 2023

12 Angry Jurors
December 1-3, 2023

Real Women Have Curves
February 1-11, 2024

Tuck Everlasting
March 15-24, 2024