YEAR OF THE ROOSTER, Stray Cat Theatre, December 5 - 20, 2014

by Eric Dufault

Directed by Michael Peck

A play about cockfighting.
Odysseus Rex is a champion.
He is his trainer's greatest hope.
He is his opponents' greatest fear.
One day he will destroy the sun.
Odysseus Rex is a rooster.

Also? YEAR OF THE ROOSTER will feature Stray Cat’s very own Louis Farber alongside head kitty Ron May in his first Stray Cat appearance in over 10 years.

"…astonishingly entertaining…" – New York Times

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Cast, photos and review links will be added when available.

PLUTO, Stray Cat Theatre, February 20 - March 7, 2015

by Steve Yockey

Directed by Ron May

The new play from the writer of WOLVES and OCTOPUS.
In the wake of a violent tragedy at a local community college, a single mother struggles to reconnect with her withdrawn son across the breakfast table as mysterious forces threaten to invade the kitchen. Continually interrupted by a talkative three-headed dog, a radio gone haywire, and an animated refrigerator, time is running short for mother and son to deal with the morning's events. “And so I leave you with a warning: This is not Yockey writing in the sexually sinister, frequently delicious style of “Wolves” and “Octopus.” It is a much more potent cup o’ joe. Not everyone will want to see this play. Those who do may never be the same again.” – Atlanta Journal Constitution

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Cast, photos and review links will be added when available.

THE TOMKAT PROJECT, Stray Cat Theatre, April 24 - May 9, 2015

by Brandon Ogborn

Directed by Louis Farber

Don’t expect a Hollywood ending.
A biting satire about the three-way marriage of Tom Cruise, Katie Holmes and Scientology. Based on actual interviews and completely imagined scenes, seven actors portray 54 characters, including Oprah Winfrey, Matt Lauer, Josh Hartnett, Steven Spielberg, Nicole Kidman, Penelope Cruz, Scarlett Johansson, Tom Hanks, Jennifer Lopez, and, of course…Suri Cruise. Structured like THE LARAMIE PROJECT, THE TOMKAT PROJECT chronicles the Scientology saga and skewers our collective obsession with celebrity.

"…radiates satire genius…In the realm of fringe theater, this show is a near-perfect achievement “ –Chicago Tribune

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Cast, photos and review links will be added when available.

SAME TIME, NEXT YEAR - Fountain Hills Theater - January 9 -25, 2015

The fresh, touching, and hilariously funny story of lovers Doris and George, married – to other people – who meet by chance while on separate business trips in 1951. The pair vow to rendezvous each year in the same place, and end up finding a connection that transcends the initial spark of passion to span a quarter of a century’s worth of love, loss, joy, conflict, but ultimately a common ground that sustains their unique friendship.  Same Time, Next Year is a delicious tryst about the complexities of human relationships and the phenomenon of love. Twenty-five years of manners and morals are hilariously and touchingly played out by the lovers.

Written by Bernard Slade
Produced through special arrangement with Samuel French, Inc.

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DISNEY'S THE LITTLE MERMAID, JR., Fountain Hills Theater, January 30 - February 8, 2015

Fountain Hills Youth Theater proudly announces the third show of their 2014-15 Season, “Disney’s, THE LITTLE MERMAID JR.”  

This classic Disney title contains all of the songs from the Academy Award® winning animated feature film as well as three new songs from the Broadway show. THE LITTLE MERMAID JR. takes place in a magical kingdom beneath the sea, where a beautiful young mermaid named Ariel longs to leave her ocean home to live in the world above. But first, she’ll have to defy her father, the king of the sea, escape the clutches of an evil sea witch and convince a prince that she’s the girl with the perfect voice. 

Disney’s, The Little Mermaid Jr. is presented through special arrangement with Music Theatre International (MTI).  

Runs January 30 - February 8. Fridays & Saturdays 7PM, Saturdays & Sunday 2PM 

$18 Adults $15 Youth 17 and Under. Group rates available.

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YOUNG FRANKENSTEIN, Fountain Hills Theater, February 13 - March 8, 2015

The New Mel Brook’s Musical Young Frankenstein is a wickedly inspired re-imagining of the Frankenstein legend based on Mel Brooks' classic comedy masterpiece. The story follows bright young Dr. Frankenstein (that's Fronkensteen) as he attempts to complete his grandfather's masterwork and bring a corpse to life. Together with his oddly shaped and endearing helper Igor (that's Eye-gor), his curvaceous lab assistant Inga, and in spite of his incredibly self-involved madcap fiancé Elizabeth, Frankenstein succeeds in creating a monster -- but not without scary and quite often hilarious complications. 

Thursdays, Fridays & Saturdays 8PM and Sundays 2PM 

$33 adults. $28 Youth 17 and Under. Seniors $5 off on Thursdays. 

Group rates available. 

Presented through special arrangement with Music Theatre International (MTI). 

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BLEACHER BUMS, Fountain Hills Theater, March 6 – 15, 2015

In the bleachers at Chicago’s Wrigley Field, die-hard Cub fans root for their team. The group includes a rabid cheerleader, a blind man who follows the game by transistor radio and does his own play by play, a bathing beauty, a nerd and various other bleacher denizens. As the game proceeds, they bet among themselves on every conceivable event, go out for frosty malts or beers, try to pick up the bathing beauty and, occasionally, watch the game. The Cubs inevitably blow it in the ninth and the villainous Marvin, who always bets against the Cubs figuring he can’t lose, cleans up. The bleacher bums remain undaunted they will be back tomorrow to root for the home team.

Conceived by Joe Mantegna (Criminal Minds) and written by The Organic Theatre Company and produced through special arrangement with Samuel French, Inc.

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LAUGHTER ON THE 23RD FLOOR, Fountain Hills Theater, March 20 – April 5, 2015

From Neil Simon’s real life experience on the Sid Caesar show comes this side-splitting comedy following the writing, fighting, and wacky antics in the writers’ room of a weekly variety show. While chaos reigns backstage, star Max Prince battles with NBC executives who fear his humor is too sophisticated for Middle America. With characters based on his co-writers, Mel Brooks, Carl Reiner and Sid Caesar, Simon perfectly showcases the hilarious jokes and banter of the original kings of comedy.

Written by Neil Simon
Produced through special arrangement with Samuel French.

** Contains adult language.

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THE FABULOUS FABLE FACTORY, Fountain Hills Theater, April 10- 19, 2015

This delightful story of an inquisitive youngster who discovers an old factory operated by a mysterious Mr. Aesop and an assembly line of ‘fable-makers.  Some of Aesop’s most famous fables including The Ant and the Grasshopper, The Lion and the Mouse, The Tortoise and the Hare and others are presented and the youngster surprises everyone with a remarkable moral making ability.

Written by Joseph Robinette, based on his musical of the same name and, produced through special arrangement with Dramatic Publishing.

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THE RUNNER STUMBLES, Fountain Hills Theater, May 1 - May 10, 2015

Based on a true life murder mystery.  A young nun has died under mysterious circumstances in a remote parish in northern Michigan, and her superior, Father Rivard, has been charged with her murder. The action alternates between interrogations, testimony and scenes from the past which reveal that Father Rivard, who had been banished to the small, up-country parish, fell in love with Sister Rita; and when circumstances forced her to move into the rectory with him, his anguish became unbearable.  In the spring he was in love with her, in the winter he was on trial for her murder.

Written by Milan Stitt and produced through special arrangement with Samuel French, Inc.

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THE 25TH ANNUAL PUTNAM COUNTY SPELLING BEE, Fountain Hills Theater, May 8 - May 24, 2015

The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee follows six awkward adolescents through their daunting and hilarious championship quest. As they navigate the tournament’s pressures, the eccentric coterie finds a new sense of belonging.  Along the way, they learn that there is more to life than winning a trophy.

Music and Lyrics by Book by William  - Additional Material by Jay Reiss
Presented through special arrangement with Musical Theatre International

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DISNEY'S THE ARISTOCATS KIDS, Fountain Hills Theater, May 29 - June 7, 2015

Madame’s jealous butler Edgar cat-naps Duchess and her Aristokittens and abandons them in the Parisian countryside. Luckily, Thomas O’Malley and his rag-tag bunch of alley cats come to their rescue! The show, based on the Disney film is a feline adventure that  is sure to have you tapping your feet to its upbeat, jazzy beat with a score that includes the Disney favorites “The Aristocats,” “Scales and Arpeggios” and “Ev’rybody Wants to Be a Cat”.

Music and Lyrics by Richard M. Sherman and Robert B. Sherman, Al Rinker and Floyd Huddleston &Terry Giklyson
Music Adapted and Arranged and Additional Music by Bryan Louiselle
Book Adapted and Additional Lyrics by Michael Bernard
Based on the 1970 Disney film “The Aristocats”

Presented through special arrangement with Music Theatre International (MTI).

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CHARLOTTE'S WEB, Childsplay, September 7 - October 12, 2014

Presented in the Theater

Recommended for Ages 5 and up

By Joseph Robinette, Based on the book by E.B. White

Back by popular demand, one of Childsplay's most beloved productions returns to the stage with a brilliant version of E.B. White's American classic. Meet Wilbur, an endearing piglet in grave danger of ending up as pork chops, and Charlotte, the wise and winsome spider who becomes his true friend. Get caught up in Charlotte's Web as we spin this timeless story onto the stage!

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Directed by Anthony Runfola
Scenic Design: William Symington
Costume Design: Adriana Diaz
Lighting Design: Tim Monson
Sound Design: Christopher Neumeyer
Wigs and Make-Up Design: Katie Peck Stage Manager: Sarah Chanis

Cast: (in alphabetical order)
Mr. Arable, Templeton: Jon Gentry
Fern: Kate Haas
Homer, Uncle, Narrator, Judge: Danny Karapetian
Edith, Sheep, Narrator, Judge: Yolanda London
Mrs. Arable, Goose, Reporter, Spectator, Announcer, Narrator: Katie McFadzen
Wilbur: Kyle Sorrell
Charlotte: Debra K. Stevens
Avery, Spectator, Narrator, Judge: Drew Dwaine

THE MIRACULOUS JOURNEY OF EDWARD TULANE, Childsplay, October 19 - November 16, 2014

Presented in the Studio

Recommended for Ages 7 and up

By Dwayne Hartford, Adapted from the book by Kate DiCamillo

Last year's breakout hit is back! With his handmade silk suits, wide array of hats and tiny gold pocket watch, Edward Tulane was the most exceptional toy in Abilene's room. He was adored and he was happy. But then, one day, he was lost. Based on Newbery-winner Kate DiCamillo's beloved book, Childsplay presents the world premiere production of this breathtaking story of finding friendship, finding yourself, and eventually finding your way home. Follow Edward on a fantastical adventure worthy of literature's greatest heroes.

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Directed by David Saar
Composer: Kyle Sorrell
Scenic Design: Jeff Thomson
Costume Design: Adriana Diaz 
Lighting Design: Rick Paulsen
Sound Design: Christopher Neumeyer
Stage Manager: Ellen Beckett

Cast: (in alphabetical order) 
The Man: David Dickinson
The Traveler: Katie McFadzen
Edward: Kyle Sorrell
The Woman: Debra K. Stevens

JUNIE B. JONES IN JINGLE BELLS, BATMAN SMELLS!, Childsplay, November 23 - December 28, 2014

Presented in the Theater

Recommended for Ages 5 and up

By Allison Gregory, Adapted from the book series by Barbara Park

The Childsplay holiday favorite is back! The kids in Room One are gearing up for a celebration. But when Junie B. draws tattletale May's name for the Secret Santa giveaway, she hatches a plan to leave her nemesis with a stinky old lump of coal. Based on Barbara Park's bestselling books, the hilarious Junie B. and her holiday hijinks will leave kids laughing for days.  

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Cast, photos and review links will be added when available.

A THOUSAND CRANES, Childsplay, January 17 - 25, 2015

Presented in the Studio

Recommended for Ages 7 and up

By Kathryn Schultz Miller, Based on the book "Sadako and the Thousand Paper Cranes" by Eleanor Coerr

70 years after Hiroshima, Childsplay brings back the powerful drama about a young Japanese girl and her dream. This poignant, yet hopeful, play tells the true story of Sadako Saski, who was just 2 years old when the bomb fell on Hiroshima. Sadako's courage and determination in the face of personal adversity remains relevant half a century later as children around the world still dream of peace. 

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Cast, photos and review links will be added when available.

THE BOY WHO LOVED MONSTERS AND THE GIRL WHO LOVED PEAS, Childsplay, February 8 - March 8, 2015

Presented in the Studio

Recommended for Ages 3 and up

By Jonathan Graham 

Evan hates peas! And to make matters worse, his baby sister Sue loves them. When forced to remain at the table until his plate is clean, Evan makes a wish for a monster to come eat his family. But be careful what you wish for! Soon Evan and Sue find themselves trying to hide a six-foot-tall green monster named Pea from their parents. In today's modern world, it's sometimes hard to unplug and in this hilarious adventure, Evan and his family learn the importance of putting technology down to play together. 

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Cast, photos and review links will be added when available.

GIRLS WHO WEAR GLASSES, Childsplay, March 14 - 29, 2015

Presented in the Studio

Recommended for Ages 7 and up

By Ann Negri

Growing up is hard enough, navigating friendship, school and parents. But when Mira has to get glasses, it is the last straw. As she deals with old friends who are suddenly only interested in popularity and new friends who want her to be more like them, Mira has to decide who she really wants to be. With the help of her glasses, she starts to see clearly in more ways than one, as she learns to stand up for herself in this humorous story about fitting in, friendship and frames.

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Cast, photos and review links will be added when available.

THE THREE JAVELINAS, April 19 - May 24, 2015

Presented in the Theater

Recommended for Ages 3 and up

Book and Lyrics by Jenny Millinger, Music by Todd Hulet, Based on the book by Susan Lowell

Who is afraid of the big, bad... coyote?! A favorite tale gets a southwestern spin in this world-premiere stage adaptation of Susan Lowell's picture book. But don't call them pigs! The Three Little Javelinas are more than just straw, sticks and bricks. Josefina Javelina dreams of a career on stage. Juan wants a quiet place to think. And as for José, he just wants someone to listen to his jokes! When a series of misadventures leave them to build houses in the desert, they catch the attention of a hungry coyote. This musical tribute to the Arizona landscape will delight audiences of all ages.

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Cast, photos and review links will be added when available.

THE BOOK OF MORMON - ASU/Gammage

The National Tour of THE BOOK OF MORMON, winner of nine Tony Awards ® including Best Musical, will play in Tempe at ASU Gammage as part of the 2015-2016 Broadway Season at ASU Gammage. 

2014-2015 Desert Schools Broadway Across America Arizona series subscribers will have priority access to tickets ahead of the general public.