photos by John Groseclose
Monday, May 5, 2025
WEEK AT A GLANCE: May 5-May 11, 2025
Click on any show title to get more information on that production
LIMITED RUN:
OPENING:
STILL PLAYING:
Sunday, May 4, 2025
SELENA AND JUDY GO DANCING - Space 55 - June 6-15, 2025
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For 19 years Space55 has been bringing unusual, underseen, and adventurous new work to the Valley. We’re proud to continue our mission in June to bring you the good and weird stuff when we premiere a new play directed by Chris R. Chávez & written by Ashley Naftule to Metro Arts in downtown Phoenix.
From the ariZoni Award-winning playwright of Orange Skies and Radio Free Europa, Selena and Judy Go Dancing is a romantic comedy with an experimental twist: dramatic & comedic scenes play out as normal, but a Master of Ceremonies is always present onstage, calling out changes to the action & dance moves like a line dancing MC directing the crowd. Not only do Selena and Judy have to contend with the hurdles of ex-girlfriends, crypto bros, romantic insecurities, and their mounting dread over America’s fascist makeover, they also have to put up with some weirdo telling them to drop everything & do the cha-cha.
Inspired by the films of Jacques Demy, Love & Rockets comics, and the plays of Eugene Ionesco, Selena and Judy Go Dancing weaves together modern pop songs, dance steps, absurdist comedy AND grounded relationship drama to tell a story about love in the time of autarchy.
Starring Madeleine Miller, Marcella Grassa, Megan Holcomb, Shelly Trujillo, and Spencer Beckwith, Selena and Judy Go Dancing plays at Metro Arts (1700 N. 7th Ave, Phoenix) from June 6 to June 15. Friday and Saturday shows at 7:30pm, Sundays at 2pm. There will also be a performance on Thursday, June 12, at 7:30pm. On Saturday, June 7, there will be a Pay What You Want matinee performance at 2pm.
Tickets are $20 and available at the door or online via Space55.org.
Plot Synopsis:
Selena and Judy live together, dance together, love together. The couple spend their nights looking for the right beat to dance to while navigating all the hazards that can trip lovers up: jealousy, secrecy, anxieties about the future & surprises from the past, living in the patriarchal now while dreading the fascist tomorrow. Following them everywhere is The Master of Ceremonies, who directs their dancing, calling out moves they must dance to. Is The Master an angel or devil? Life coach or dictator? Friend or foe? And what does this mysterious, sexually ambiguous being want with our two ladies?
THE OUTSIDERS - Stage Left Productions -June 5-14, 2025
Directed by Christian Graca
The Outsiders is a searing story of real kids in real situations with real consequences seen through the eyes of young Ponyboy. Territorial battles between the have-it-made rich kids — the Socs — and Ponyboy’s tough, underprivileged “greaser” family and friends are just a part of life. But even in the midst of urban gang warfare, somehow Ponyboy can’t forget a short poem that speaks to their fragile young lives. This heroic story of belonging, friendship, and maintaining hope in the face of struggle is a powerful reminder of what young people encounter every day.
Tickets are $25.00 Reserved Seating
Performances
Thursday June 5 7:00pm
Friday June 6 7:00pm
Saturday June 7 2:00pm & 7:00pm
Thursday June 12 7:00pm
Friday June 13 7:00pm
Saturday June 14 2:00pm & 7:00pm
Saturday, May 3, 2025
Review Highlights: BEAUTIFUL: THE CAROLE KING MUSICAL at Arizona Broadway Theatre
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| Melissa Campbell Photo by Alexxis Grant, Timeless Present Photos |
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 25
"What sets Beautiful at the top of the jukebox musical genre is that, while audiences may already be familiar with the treasure trove of songs Carole King wrote and performed, many are unfamiliar with her personal journey and the sheer breadth of her songwriting accomplishments, especially those she wrote in partnership with her husband, Gerry Goffin. Arizona Broadway Theatre's production of Beautiful is fantastic, with an exceptional cast led by Melissa Campbell, who offers a heartfelt and honest portrayal that captures King's humble beginnings, emotional depth, and ultimate empowerment." - Gil Benbrook, TalkinBroadway.com (click here to read the complete review)
Thursday, May 1, 2025
Auditions announced for FOOTLOOSE, YOU'RE A GOOD MAN CHARLIE BROWN and ANNIE JR at Limelight Performing Arts
AUDITIONS MAY 7 & 9 for
YOU'RE A GOOD MAN, CHARLIE BROWN
& FOOTLOOSE
AUDITIONS MAY 17 for
ANNIE, JR.
You're a Good Man Charlie Brown
Casting ages 5-18 (Double cast based on age)
Auditions May 7 & 9
Callbacks May 13
Rehearsals begin May 21
Performances June 20-28 at the Studio 3 Artspace Theatre
Footloose
Casting ages 12 through adults
Auditions May 7 & 9
Callbacks May 16
Rehearsals begin May 28
Performances August 1-10 at the Mesa Arts Center
Annie Jr
Casting an audition cast AND a no-cut cast.
Auditions May 17
No Callbacks for this show
Rehearsals begin June 10
Performances August 1-10 at the Mesa Arts Center
Southwest Shakespeare Company Announces 2025-26 Season!
SOUTHWEST SHAKESPEARE COMPANY ANNOUNCES 2025-26 SEASON
Southwest Shakespeare Company, the Phoenix area’s only classical theatre company, today announced its shows for the 2025-2026 season. The varied and relevant season will explore themes of power, deception, fear and obsession--how they control us or are tools wielded to control others. All announced shows are being performed at Mesa Arts Center, Southwest Shakespeare’s home venue, although a few performances, a bonus show and other experiences may be offered at satellite locations (TBA). Tickets and Bard Card subscriptions will go on sale on Friday, May 9. Links to ticket sales and more details can be found at swshakespeare.org.
In exploring the season’s themes, Artistic Director Keath David Hall points to this quote from Shakespeare’s Henry V:
“I think the king is but a man, as I am: the violet smells to him as it doth to me: the element shows to him as it doth to me; all his senses have but human conditions: his ceremonies laid by, in his nakedness he appears but a man…”
Hall explains, “Power is laid bare this season as we see the veil ripped away on titles like King, Queen, Captain, Knight or Party Leader. Come join us as we laugh, cry, live and suffer near those who have authority and position over others.”
MAINSTAGE PRODUCTIONS ANNOUNCED TODAY
OCTOBER 11-26, 2025, Nesbitt-Elliott Playhouse, Mesa Arts Center
1984 will be performed in repertory with Elizabeth I: In Her Own Words.
1984, is based on the George Orwell dystopian classic of the same name, published in 1949 and set in a futuristic totalitarian society led by the mysterious Big Brother. The play is adapted by Nick Hern and explores the manipulation of truth and fear in the pursuit of absolute power, and the way these conditions shape and change human relationships. The protagonist, Winston Smith, works for the inaptly named Ministry of Truth. The play follows Winston’s secret love affair and dreams of rebellion that ultimately lead to capture, interrogation, torture and brainwashing. In the end, he betrays his love and gives in to the Thought Police, embracing the Party’s version of reality.
Elizabeth I: In Her Own Words is a one-woman show written by Carole Levin and performed by Tammy Meneghini that achieved outstanding critical acclaim at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival. This tour-de-force performance intertwines the speeches and letters of the Virgin Queen with speeches from the plays of Shakespeare, including Elizabeth’s Tilbury Speech; Richard II speech; Hamlet and others, painting a unique portrait of this remarkable and complex woman.
FEBRUARY 7-22, 2026, Piper Theater, Mesa Arts Center
The Merry Wives of Windsor will be performed in repertory with Henry V.
The Merry Wives of Windsor by William Shakespeare is a farce about seduction, love, jealousy, and playful deception. The lead character, Falstaff, seeks to seduce two well-off married women in pursuit of financial advantage. The women learn of his plans, and work to trick and humiliate him, putting him in a series of embarrassing situations. A love story sub-plot proves the strength of true love and adds comedy and mayhem to the play. Shakespeare’s most lighthearted and jovial show will delight and elate.
Henry V by William Shakespeare--Whether framed as patriotic spectacle or anti-war critique Henry V forces audiences to confront enduring questions about power, identity, and the human cost of ambition—making it a vital, dynamic piece for today’s world. Young and eager to prove himself, Henry claims the French throne, which ultimately leads to him declaring war. Against all odds, and after an exhausting march across France, the outnumbered English army wins victory at the climactic Battle of Agincourt. In the end, Henry seeks to unite the countries by marrying a French princess, achieving a hopeful final note. This play touches on important questions for veterans and all of us: How do the effects of combat change a person? Will Henry make it out of this war the same person?
MARCH 20-APRIL 4, 2026, Farnsworth Studio Theater, Mesa Arts Center
Moby Dick, based on the Herman Melville masterpiece of the same name and adapted by Mark Rosenwinkel, tells a tale of whaling and revenge, but explores deeper messages of obsession, destiny and man’s relationship to nature. Narrated by the sailor Ishmael, he tells the story of his time upon a ship named Pequod, captained by the intense Captain Ahab. Ahab is obsessed with hunting Moby Dick, a giant white sperm whale that had destroyed Ahab’s prior ship and cost him his leg. The destructive nature of his obsession puts himself and the entire crew at risk. In the dramatic end to Ahab’s chase, we learn whether man or nature prevail.
BONUS SHOW
Title and location to be announced, a fun addition to the season for production in late spring!
FLACHMANN SEMINARS
Dramaturg Dr. Susan Willis and other scholars and practitioners provide in-depth analysis of the intricate nuances within Shakespeare’s plays and the complex messaging and history of the masterpieces from George Orwell and Herman Melville.
Saturdays: October 11, February 7, March 21, and for the Bonus Show in late spring (TBA)
9AM-Noon, Mesa Arts Center
Location: Dobson Lecture Hall at Mesa Arts Center
TICKET AND SUBSCRIPTION ORDERS
TICKETS
For links to order single tickets beginning May 9 visit SWSHAKESPEARE.ORG.
BARD CARD FLEX SUBSCRIPTIONS
New Bard Card Members Early Bird Pricing available May 9 - May 23 for only $345 per card
Bard Card Regular Pricing (AFTER Early Bird) starts May 24 for $370 per card
BARD CARD BENEFITS:
Save more than $200 when purchasing a new Bard Card
6 Premium tickets for any show or combination of shows of your choice (at Mesa Arts Center or venue TBA)
Upon renewal, have the opportunity to select seats for shows before they go on sale to the General Public
Fast and Easy exchanges
One Ticket to each of the four (4) Flachmann Seminars
Only Bard Card members receive 50% off purchase of additional show tickets
Early invitation to special events, and other surprise opportunities
Free wine and cheese reception with the Artistic Director and at least one new play reading,
The striking graphic design for SSC’s 2025-26 season was provided by Chris Mascarelli of MASC Designs.
ABOUT SOUTHWEST SHAKESPEARE COMPANY
For over 31 years the Southwest Shakespeare Company has been the standard-bearer for classical theatre in Arizona. Founded on a mission to educate, elevate, entertain, and inspire the communities of the Southwest, the not-for-profit company has transformed itself from a small, inspired group of local artist-educators into a theatrical institution of the American Southwest. The company presents an annual season at Mesa Arts Center in the heart of downtown Mesa. Public performances, student matinees, workshops, tours to schools, and seminars all serve to bring the works of Shakespeare and other classical playwrights, or plays adapted from classic literature to today's audiences. For more information about Southwest Shakespeare and its work in the community, visit swshakespeare.org
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