photos by John Groseclose
Saturday, December 6, 2025
Friday, December 5, 2025
FROZEN JR’s Fearless Sisters: Meet the Teens Behind Anna and Elsa in East Valley Children's Theatre's production
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| Jolee Casey and Ayden Armbrust photo courtesy East Valley Children's Theatre |
By Gil Benbrook
For many young performers, stepping into a Disney role is a dream come true, but for the two talented teenagers bringing Anna and Elsa to life in Disney’s Frozen JR at East Valley Children's Theatre it is something even more special. The beloved tale of sisterhood, courage, and discovering one’s true self has captured the imaginations of audiences for over a decade, and now these rising stars are taking on the challenge of portraying its iconic heroines onstage.
Jolee Casey and Ayden Armbrust take on the beloved characters of Elsa and Anna, respectively. With big songs, big emotions, and the responsibility of honoring characters adored by millions, this production marks a major milestone in their young careers.
As opening night approaches and the cast prepares to bring the magic of Frozen JR to life, the two young leads sat down with to answer some questions about their characters, their favorite moments, and what they hope audiences of all ages take away from this beloved story.
Jolee Casey (Elsa)
Both Anna and Elsa have such strong emotional journeys. What part of your character’s story do you connect with the most, and how has that influenced your performance?
"When it comes to Elsa's story/journey, I heavily connect with her desire to be her authentic self. This similarity between us has influenced my performance by allowing me to have a deeper connection with her as a character in helping me portray her journey to finding her true self. "
The relationship between the sisters is the heart of the show. How did the two of you work together to build that bond onstage?
"Ayden and I have known each other long before Frozen started. Ever since casting, we have definitely grown closer over the past couple of weeks, which has allowed us to continue to build our chemistry on stage. Honestly, I could not think of a better Anna to my Elsa. "
The score includes some powerhouse songs like “Let It Go” and “For the First Time in Forever.” What has been the most exciting or challenging musical moment for you?
" "Let It Go" is a beast of a song and has come with its challenges. The song is 100 percent mind over matter. Getting in my own head about the song sounding "perfect" has been my biggest challenge as a performer. The entirety of the song is exciting. The dancing, the lights, the fog, everything. There isn't a single dull moment. "
Frozen JR has a lot of magical elements. What stage moment or special effect are you most excited for the audience to experience?
"By far the most magical moment in the show is Elsa's quick change during "Let It Go". I am so excited to see the audience's reaction. "
What do you hope audience members take away from seeing Frozen, JR at EVCT?
"As a performer I hope the audience leaves the theater really feeling that Disney magic. I also hope they see how much work has been put into this show. Not just by the amazing cast but also our director, costumer, choreographer, stage managers, make-up designer and technical team. Without them, this show wouldn't be possible. "
Ayden Armbrust (Anna)
Both Anna and Elsa have such strong emotional journeys. What part of your character’s story do you connect with the most, and how has that influenced your performance?
"When Anna begins her journey towards finding her sister Elsa, I believe that is the strongest connection I have with Anna, her determination. In the show, she does not let anybody get in the way of finding her sister. The determination she has which is made out of love and hope in which she has for her sister is the same determination and love that I have towards my brother and I feel that is strong."
The relationship between the sisters is the heart of the show. How did the two of you work together to build that bond onstage?
"Honestly, Jolee and I hung out with each other almost every second of every rehearsal. I did know Jolee beforehand but this show has truly given us a stronger connection with each other. It definitely makes a difference to have someone you love play your big sister and I couldn’t ask for any other than Jolee."
The score includes some powerhouse songs like “Let It Go” and “For the First Time in Forever.” What has been the most exciting or challenging musical moment for you?
"I believe that “For the First Time in Forever” has its little belting moments and I did struggle with that at first, but it is definitely one of my favorites. One of the things that made me struggle was worrying if I could even hit those notes but what really ever holds you back is yourself. If you open up and don’t care what comes out in the moment nothing can stop you. The main thing I know is that this is what makes me happy and it’s all for fun!"
Frozen JR has a lot of magical elements. What stage moment or special effect are you most excited for the audience to experience?
"One of the most magical moments that I enjoy is towards the end of the show when Anna freezes and every moment after. As Anna thaws and true love saves the day I love to see the way EVCT makes the ice around us thaw. Even bows are magical, even though they may not have any special effects hearing the amazing audience cheering, laughing, tearing up is the most magical moments for fellow actors!"
What do you hope audience members take away from seeing Frozen, JR at EVCT?
"I hope that the audience feels inspired. Knowing that kids are doing a show like Frozen Jr. shocks me! So, I hope that kids or even adults would see someone on stage that really gives them that spark. Not only do I wish it gives kids who want to be an actor inspiration, but I also want people who are into doing the backstage magic of the show to be inspired too because everyone who helps is truly so so so amazing and couldn’t be done without them."
Flagstaff Shakespeare Festival presents world premiere of EMMA, December 5-December 14
What if you could step directly into the pages of Jane Austen? This holiday season, Flagstaff Shakespeare Festival (FlagShakes) makes that irresistible fantasy a reality with the premiere of Emma and a glittering Regency Ball inspired by Austen’s iconic world of wit, romance, and social intrigue.
A Classic Comedy Comes to Life
Smart, spirited, and beloved for more than two centuries, Emma remains one of Austen’s most charming and delightfully mischievous works. Under the direction of FlagShakes favorite James Cougar Canfield, this new production blends Regency elegance with a bright, contemporary sensibility—reminding us why stories like Clueless still echo Austen’s brilliance today.
Audiences will follow Emma Woodhouse as her well-intended matchmaking sparks delightful chaos, unexpected romance, and ultimately, a journey toward self-knowledge. Filled with flirtation, folly, sparkling banter, and the unmistakable thrill of first love, Emma promises a cozy, joyous escape just in time for the holidays.
Step Into Austen’s World: Emma’s Regency Ball
For theatre lovers seeking an even more immersive experience, FlagShakes presents an unforgettable evening of Regency-era enchantment: Emma’s Regency Ball, held for one night only on December 12 at the historic Riordan Mansion.
Guests will be welcomed into a candlelit world of merriment featuring:
- Regency-era games and diversions
- Scenes and songs from Emma (with a touch of Christmas cheer)
- A silent auction filled with beloved local experiences
- A breathtaking tintype portrait session by photographer Eric Retterbush, posed before the holiday decked fireplace
- Seasonal treats, warm beverages, and festive surprises
And for those hoping to craft the perfect look, FlagShakes and Threaded Together are partnering to offer a special Regency accessory and costume workshop—details coming soon on FlagShakes’ social media channels.
While guests of all ages are welcome, the event is designed with adults in mind—offering elegance without pretense and celebration without pressure. There is no dancing required—just convivial
company and a night of Austen-inspired delight.
“These events are about joy, connection, and inviting our community to gather in a spirit of celebration,” says Dawn Tucker, Executive Director for FlagShakes. “Austen’s stories are warm and generous, and that’s the atmosphere we want to create—welcoming, lively, and full of heart.”
Emma — A Holiday Production
December 5–14, Beaver Street Theatre
Tickets: https://flagshakes.org/tickets
Emma’s Regency Ball
December 12, Riordan Mansion
Tickets: https://flagshakes.org/tickets
Cast announced for A CHRISTMAS CAROL at Fountain Hills Theater
ANTHONY ALCORN- William/Ensemble
KELLEN BRYANT- Turkey Boy/Urchin
ROSS COLLINS- Ghost of Christmas Present
JOSEPH COOK- Bob Cratchit
KHLOEE DAY- Martha Cratchit
GEORGE ELLISON- Mr. Fessiwig/Mr Brockett
LINDA FERINGTON- Mrs. Campbell
PAXTON FUNG- Peter Cratchit/Ensemble
TOMMY GRACA- Fred/Quartet
ALARIC HARRIS-WYLDE- Tiny Tim
WINNIE HARRIS-WYLDE- Fred’s Wife/Quartet/Fann/Ensemble
PETER HILL- Scrooge
NOEL IRICK- Mrs Dilber
TERRA ISHIZUKA- Fainting Girl/Ensemble
HAYDIE MCDONALD- Ensemble
JAY MELBERG- Mr Simpson
LAUREN MILLER- Mrs Jenkins/Party Guest
CHARLIE MICHALEC- Ensemble
STEFAN MLADENOV- Young Ebenezer/Ghost of Future/Quartet
LANDON NELSON- Dick Wilkins/Ensemble
ADAM OBERG- Toymaker/Ensemble
JONATHAN PHILLIPPI- Little Ebby/Ensemble
RACHEL PHILLIPPI- Ensemble
DEBRA QUALTIRE- Ghost of Christmas Past
HOPE ROGERS- Belinda Cratchit/Ensemble
MAKAYLA ROGERS- Isabelle/Quartet/Ensemble
PAT RUSSEL- Marley
JESSICA SHEPLER- Mrs Cratchit/Ensemble
VALERIE TANNER- Mrs Fezziwig/Ensemble
Show runs December 5-21. Get your tickets at: https://fhtaz.org/events/christmas-carol-musical/
Auditions for ANGELS IN AMERICA at Stray Cat Theatre announced for December 21
AUDITIONS ANNOUNCED FOR ANGELS IN AMERICA PARTS 1 AND 2
by Tony Kushner
directed by Ron May
Tempe Center for the Arts Studio Theatre
May 1-16, 2026
WHEN/WHERE:
Sunday, December 21st, 2025 - 10am - 2pm
MAIN STREET CREATIVE ARTS CENTER
933 E Main St
Mesa, AZ 85203
Callbacks will be on Sunday, December 28th in the afternoon.
ROLES AVAILABLE:
4M, 3F
The role of ROY COHN has already been cast. We ARE casting for an understudy, though.
You must be 21 years of age to audition
Non-union only.
All abilities, ethnicities are encouraged to audition.
We will also be casting understudies.
PRIOR WALTER / MAN IN THE PARK - Male, 25-40; Louis' uptight, bourgeois boyfriend, works as a club designer/caterer but otherwise lives off a trust fund. Extremely charismatic and witty, but also frail, intense, and vulnerable.
LOUIS IRONSON - Male, 25-40, Jewish; Prior's boyfriend, works as a court clerk in Brooklyn. Intelligent, idealistic, neurotic, anxious, and full of self-loathing and guilt.
JOSEPH PITT / PRIOR 1 / ESKIMO - Male, 25-40, Mormon; Married to Harper, a handsome, Republican lawyer working alongside Roy Cohn. Grapples with his suppressed homosexuality.
HARPER PITT / MARTIN HELLER - Female, 25-40, Joe's wife; agoraphobic with an addiction to Valium; perpetually fearful. In order to cope with her failing marriage, hallucinates and invents imaginary characters to escape her troubles.
HANNAH PITT / RABBI ISIDOR CHEMELWITZ / HENRY / ETHEL ROSENBERG - Female, 50s; Joe's mother; chilly demeanor. Moves from Salt Lake City to New York after Joe calls with unsettling news.
BELIZE / MR. LIES - Male, 25-40, African-American; Registered nurse, ex-drag queen, Prior's best friend and Roy's caretaker. Extremely stylish with a personality to match. Mr. Lies is one of Harper's imaginary creations.
THE ANGEL / EMILY / SISTER ELLA CHAPTER / WOMAN IN SOUTH BRONX - She/Her/They, 30-40s, Imposing, terrifying, divine presence who descends from Heaven to bestow prophecy on Prior. A force to be reckoned with. Powerful, forceful, and full of intensity.
PLEASE PREPARE:
Prepared sides from the script - will be emailed to you upon scheduling your audition.
TO SCHEDULE AN AUDITION:
PLEASE SEND AN EMAIL TO rmay@straycattheatre.org WITH THE FOLLOWING INFORMATION:
1. NAME
2. PHONE NUMBER
3. CHARACTER(S) YOU WOULD LIKE TO BE CONSIDERED FOR
4. A WINDOW OF TIME YOU WOULD PREFER. PLEASE KEEP IN MIND ALL AUDITIONS ARE ON A FIRST COME, FIRST SCHEDULED BASIS IN 5 MINUTE INCREMENTS. WE WILL DO OUR BEST TO ADHERE TO YOUR WISHES.
YOU WILL RECEIVE A CONFIRMATION EMAIL WITH:
1. IMPORTANT INFORMATION
2. SIDE(S) TO PREPARE FOR YOUR AUDITION
3. AN AUDITION FORM TO COMPLETE BEFORE ARRIVAL
4. AN AUDITION TIME SLOT
ANY QUESTIONS: rmay@straycattheatre.org
PAY: There is a minimum $500 stipend for all actors cast.
A smaller stipend is offered for understudies.
ABOUT THE SHOW:
Arguably the most ambitious American play of our time: an epic that travels from earth to heaven; focuses on politics, sex and religion; transports us to Washington, the Kremlin, the South Bronx, Salt Lake City and Antarctica; switches between realism and fantasy, from the tragedy of AIDS to the camp comedy of drag queens to the death or at least the absconding of God…and we’re finally taking our swing at it. We’re doubly thrilled to announce our Associate Head Kitty Louis Farber will be taking on the role of Roy Cohn.
“A vast miraculous play … provocative, witty and deeply upsetting … a searching and radical rethinking of American political drama … PERESTROIKA is not only a stunning resolution of the rending human drama of MILLENIUM APPROACHES, but also a true millennial work of art, uplifting, hugely comic and pantheistically religious in a very American style.” - New York Times
Thursday, December 4, 2025
Review Highlights: SHUCKED - National Tour/ASU Gammage
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| The Cast Photo by Matthew Murphy and Evan Zimmerman |
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 December 7
"The musical Shucked is a joyous blend of heart, wit, and sheer fun. While the jokey nature of the show may not be for everyone, it is fast, funny, bighearted, and irresistibly entertaining. The national tour cast is excellent and the combination of charm and humor deliver a night of musical comedy that will most likely have you grinning from ear to ear." - Gil Benbrook, TalkinBroadway.com (click here to read the complete review)
"Only on Broadway can a show this proudly preposterous, this shamelessly corny, sneak up on the skeptics and knock the wind out of them. SHUCKED, the goofy little musical that could, arrives at ASU Gammage in Tempe like a hayride crashing into a punch bowl." - David Appleford, Broadway World (click here to read the complete review)
Review Highlights: A CHRISTMAS CAROL - The Phoenix Theatre Company
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| Rusty Ferracane and the Cast Photo by Brennen Russell |
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 December 28
"Charles Dickens' "A Christmas Carol" has been adapted for the stage countless times, but The Phoenix Theatre Company's production, which is an updated version of the one that Actor's Theatre presented in town for close to 20 years before they closed a little over a decade ago, features a refreshing way to breathe new life into this classic and beloved tale....As Scrooge, Rusty Ferracane offers a textured performance, capturing both bitterness and vulnerability. By the time Scrooge is confronted with the bleakness of what lies ahead, his transformation into a man eager to embrace kindness feels fully earned in Ferracane's fleshed out portrayal." - Gil Benbrook, TalkinBroadway.com (click here to read the complete review)
"Until Actors Theatre of Phoenix closed in 2010, they mounted “A Christmas Carol” each holiday season. The popular and successful attraction became part of many family celebrations. After the company’s demise, the production disappeared but The Phoenix Theatre Company decided to bring the local tradition back in a refreshed staging in TPTC’s beautiful new Stephenson Theatre. TPTC also brought back Actors Theatre’s Matthew Wiener to recreate and revise his famous staging along with several local performers who played in the earlier staging. The result is the glorious return of the production in what we can hope will again become an annual part of our local holiday theater happenings." -Chris Curcio, Curtain Up Phoenix (click here to read the complete review)
Tuesday, December 2, 2025
Your first look at the National Tour of SHUCKED, which plays ASU Gammage through December 7
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photos by Photo by Matthew Murphy and Evan Zimmerman
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