CLICK HERE to take part of Childsplay's Black Friday 2015 Specials!
Friday, November 27, 2015
Childsplay's Black Friday Specials
CLICK HERE to take part of Childsplay's Black Friday 2015 Specials!
Brelby Theatre's Black Friday Sale!
We're offering a Black Friday special...and you don't even have to leave your cozy comforters to redeem it!
Use Code: BLACK when you sign up for a new ShowGO account (today only) and you will receive your first month for FREE!
ShowGo Members pay just $10 a month and may attend any Brelby produced show or event at no additional charge as many times as they wish as long as their Brelby ShowGo subscription is current.
CLICK HERE to sign up for your ShorGO account today!
Thursday, November 26, 2015
Greasepaint YouTheatre Black Friday Sale!
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Wednesday, November 25, 2015
review - A CHRISTMAS STORY, THE MUSICAL - National Tour: ASU Gammage
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| Christopher Swan Photo Courtesy of Big League Productions, Inc. |
Click here for more information on this production that runs through November 29th.
"...Considering how well-known the story of young Ralphie Parker and his desire for a Red Ryder Carbine Action 200-shot Range Model air rifle with a compass in the stock and a thing that tells the time has become, the idea of seeing it as a musical with songs shoehorned in – even for musical buffs – might have seemed odd. Could the modest, home-spun story of Ralphie work with songs, grand productions numbers and even, gulp, tap-dancing? The answer, thankfully, is a surprising, yes. Those big numbers don’t exactly enhance the story – they’re show-stoppers in every sense of the word – but they’re colorful, spectacular, and a ton of fun. Because of repeated viewings, seeing characters that have become so well-known is here akin to watching old friends who’ve suddenly taken singing and dancing lessons and they want to tell their story all over again....Adapted for the stage by Jospeh Robinette, the plot of nine year-old Ralphie (played on alternate nights by Dylan Boyd and Myles Moore) and his desire for that Red Ryder BB gun is the same, and so are the subplots....Unlike most films where the overuse of a voice-over narration often gets in the way, the pleasure of hearing author and humorist Jean Shepherd’s anecdotal comments was essential and became a character in of itself. ...The songs with music and lyrics by Benj Pasek and Justin Paul are likable and occasionally surprisingly spectacular....The thing that makes A Christmas Story work so well, both as a film and in this dazzling, colorful, live musical, is that warm, comforting feeling of a nostalgia for Christmas of the past. ....At the time of writing this review, like the lyrics to the opening song, Thanksgiving will soon be over and November is almost done. After the 29th, so too will A Christmas Story at ASU in Tempe. Treat yourself and the family to an early Christmas gift before it closes and moves on..... " -David Appleford, Valley Screen and Stage (click here to read the complete review)
"The 1983 quirky film A Christmas Story is the latest holiday "classic" movie to get a musical adaptation. Based on radio humorist Jean Shepherd's stories of being a boy in Indiana in the 1940s, the film and musical follow young Ralphie's quest to get a Red Ryder BB gun for Christmas. The movie can be seen in heavy rotation during the holiday season on cable TV and the musical captures just about every humorous, odd ball, and touching moment of Ralphie and his family's Christmas story in a whimsical and heartwarming style. After performances in several cities, the show made its Broadway debut three years ago, where it received several Tony nominations, including ones for Best Musical and Best Score. The current touring production has a winning cast and features creative elements on par with the Broadway production and is a fun way to kick off and celebrate the holiday season. The story centers around a traditional middle-class family who is trying to do what needs to be done not only to survive but also to make it through another Christmas season. The musical sticks fairly close to the film and brings to life many of the iconic, quirky, comical scenes from the movie...These humorous moments and phrases, and the touching story at the core, are what have made the movie a classic. Joseph Robinette wrote the book, and the music and lyrics are by Benj Pasek and Justin Paul, all of whom made their Broadway debuts with this production....While not all of Pasek and Paul's songs are exceptional, there are varied song styles including some big splashy numbers and a couple of comical tunes, all with fun lyrics, and several songs are also catchy toe tappers....Robinette's book includes a lot of narration for the character playing Jean Shepherd and, while it works to move the plot forward, it is a bit of a downside because, while Shepherd is weaved throughout the show, they really haven't found a way to seamlessly incorporate him into the show. He seems more like an outsider to the events happening in front of him. Chris Carsten is Jean Shepherd, the narrator...(he) has the right amount of balance in his delivery, not only in the fondness he has looking back but also at the memory of all of the things that went wrong in the process of his attempt to get that BB gun. As Ralphie, Myles Moore projects a good sense of fear, determination and desperation that any child has when they want something but see many obstacles in the way of achieving their goal....He also has a wonderful relationship not only with Christopher Swan and Susannah Jones who play his parents but also with Josh Turchin who is hilarious as Ralphie's younger brother Randy. ....Lenz and Carlyle also make excellent use of the children in the ensemble.. the fantasy scenes are well staged with fun choreography. The creative elements are top notch as well, and are based on the Broadway designs....The national tour of A Christmas Story, The Musical is a well done adaptation with a nice theatrical score, winning performances, fun choreography and a well-used ensemble. While it helps to have seen the film to experience the many funny moments played out on stage, even if you haven't you will still find much to like about the show. I don't need to triple dog dare you to go, just go and have a wonderful time with this crazy and touching family." -Gil Benbrook, Talkin' Broadway (click here to read the complete review)
Desert Stages Theatre's BLACK FRIDAY SALE!
UPDATE: Sale extended through Cyber Monday, November 30th!
cast announcement - AVENUE Q: SCHOOL EDITION - Desert Foothills Theater
Princeton: Trey DeGroodt
Kate Monster: Lily Castle
Nicky: Skyler Washburn
Rod: Erik Williams
Trekkie Monster: John Newell
Lucy: Addison Bowman
The Bad Idea Bears: Emily Knape. Ethan Shanker
Mrs. Butz: Nicole Tibbits
Brian: Karson Cook
Christmas Eve: Thea Eigo
Gary Coleman: Phoebe Koyabe
Ensemble
Hollis Johnson, Ben Davis, Jack Skummer,
Anna Sera, Greta Perlmutter, Alexis Bankston, Amir Scott
Savannah Wilson, Tatum Grell, Alli Rowe
For more information on this production, which runs January 8th to January 17th, CLICK HERE
reviews - THE WIZARD OF OZ - Phoenix Theatre
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| Ryan Kleinman, Carly Nicole Grossman, Toby Yatso and Robert Kolby Harper surrounded by the Cast Photo by Erin Evangeline Photography |
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 27th.
...sparkling new holiday production of The Wizard of Oz, ...that sticks closely to the beloved 1939 film..bursts on the Phoenix stage with an unstoppable energy, chockablock with creative ideas and theatrical inventions that engages even before that famous twister hits Kansas....director Michael Barnard keeps things disciplined and inventively lively as crows dance with scarecrows, bug-eyed talking trees accompany a singing Tin Man, flying monkeys swoop from above and a faux wizard floats off in a balloon basket before Dorothy has a chance to climb aboard.... Rusty Ferracane’s man behind the curtain injects more life and energy in his all-too brief scenes than even the original wizard, Frank Morgan, and while some may consider Toto the cute scene-stealer, it’s Carly Nicole Grossman as Dorothy who truly excels.....playing Dorothy gives Carly a chance to fully display all the promises and potential previously seen but never fully embraced. Earlier this March, as Eponine in ABT’s Les Miserables, Carly grabbed her opportunity to shine, but here as Dorothy you can safely say that it’s no longer a case of holding her own when performing alongside talented seasoned professionals such as Yatso, Ferracane and Kolby Harper; she surpasses. Carly holds this epic musical production together; she has never been better, and for an eighteen year-old who many may be seeing on stage for the first time, that’s quite astonishing. " -David Appleford, Valley Screen and Stage (click here to read the complete review)
"The enduring popularity of The Wizard of Oz is apparent from the fact that there have been a half dozen different stage productions of this family-friendly classic musical in the Phoenix area just in the past six months. However, the best production of the group is the latest, an eye-popping, colorful, and magnificent production from Phoenix Theatre that features a lovely performance by young, local actress Carly Nicole Grossman as Dorothy....Director Michael Barnard has assembled a very good cast composed of many Phoenix Theatre favorites who are all gifted in paying homage to these familiar characters from the film, yet at the same time adding nuances and layers so they aren't just carbon copy reproductions. As Dorothy, 18-year-old Carley Nicole Grossman exhibits a wide range of emotions. Her smart acting choices provide an emotional connection for the slightly self-centered and misunderstood yet endearing young girl. Grossman's powerful, clear voice excels on her many songs, including a sensational version of "Over the Rainbow."...As the three men Dorothy meets on her journey, Robert Kolby Harper is hilarious as the Cowardly Lion, playing up the "dandy" part very well; Toby Yatso is endearing and sweet as Scarecrow, with confused looks and statements that are just right for a man with no brain; and Ryan Kleinman uses a soft spoken nature and strong, clear singing voice to instill the Tin Man with plenty of heart. ...Michael Barnard's direction adds plenty of original touches but allows fans of the film to experience the familiar, well-loved moments from the movie as well...Choreographer Nathaniel Shaw provides some fun staging but it is the non-stop frenzy of "The Jitterbug" that shows off how skilled he is, elevating this number into a huge crowd pleaser. Only the tornado sequence, with the ensemble members dancing and jumping around with long pieces of cloth to signify the raging storm, is a bit of a disappointment. Creative elements are, as usual at Phoenix Theatre, exceptional. ...Whether you've seen the film one time or a hundred times, the story of Dorothy and her journey to Oz is still thrilling, touching and extremely heartwarming. With a very talented cast, impressive creative elements, and exceptional choreography and direction, Phoenix Theatre's production of The Wizard of Oz is just about perfect. Fans of the film should enjoy the creative touches that bring the story to life on stage while also appreciating the added elements that allow it to not just be a carbon copy creation of the film." -Gil Benbrook, Talkin' Broadway (click here to read the complete review)
SOUL OF BROADWAY - Desert Foothills Theater - December 20 & 21
Desert Foothills Theater's popular holiday cabaret (SOLD OUT the past three years) features the return of Soul of Broadway for their holiday show. Along with traditional Christmas tunes, folks from the Soul of Broadway will share some gospel, Mowtown and spiritual versions of some of the holiday's best-known music.
The group, under the leadership of Mitchell Vantrease (who last appeared on DFT's stage as Marcellus in The Music Man) and music direction of Gregg Temple features the return to DFT of several of our Dreamgirls stars (Chanel Bragg, Jacqueline Castillo and Krystal Pope), Tyra Young (Motormouth in our production of Hairspray last season and also in Dreamgirls) as well as Dreamgirls director, Damon J. Bolling AND a new member, Nathaniel Tenenbaum, fresh off his run in Toxic Avenger at Phoenix Theatre!
Sun. & Mon., Dec. 20 & 21
Venues Café, Carefree AZ.
Appetizers: 6:30 p.m.; Show: 7:30 p.m.
Tickets: $40.00 and include appetizers, wine and show.
Soul of Broadway Holiday Cabaret cast list:
Damon J. Bolling, Chanel Bragg, Jacqueline (Rushing) Castillo, Nathaniel Tenenbaum, Krystal Pope and Tyra Young.
CLICK HERE for more information and to order tickets
Tuesday, November 24, 2015
photos - A CHRISTMAS STORY, THE MUSICAL - National Tour: ASU Gammage
for more information on this production, which runs through Sunday, November 29th, CLICK HERE
photos courtesy A Christmas Story on Tour / ASU Gammage
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| Avital Asuleen as Mrs. Shields and Evan Gray as Ralphie |
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| Cal Alexander as Randy |
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| Chris Van Vleet as Jean Shepherd and Colton Maurer as Ralphie |
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| Christian Dell'Edera as Flick and the Cast |
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| Christopher Swan as The Old Man and the Company |
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| Colton Maurer as Ralphie and the Company |
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| Susannah Jones as Mother, Christopher Swan as The Old Man, Cal Alexander as Randy and Colton Maurer as Ralphie |
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| The Company |
WRECK THE HALLS CABARET - December 30th
The set list will feature songs about the holidays, New Years, and everything in between.
Past shows have featured guest stars and for this show, the guest is Alanna Kalbfleisch.
Alanna is a Valley actress and musical theatre performer with such credits to her name as I Get A Kick Out of Cole with Theater Works, Hair with Desert Stages, and Carousel with Mesa Arts Center. She and Ian will also be sharing the stage in the upcoming City of Angels
Tickets: $15.00 Advance - $20.00 Door
Doors Open 7:30 pm / Show: 8:00 pm
CLICK HERE to purchase tickets
Interviews with the two featured local young cast members of A CHRISTMAS STORY
From Jennifer's feature:
ASU Gammage often brings a festive Broadway tour show to Phoenix to celebrate the holiday season, but this year it has a youthful, local twist. When "A Christmas Story, The Musical" hits town next week, two Scottsdale 'tweens' who visited yesterday with Examiner will be merrily singing and dancing their hearts out on the Gammage stage.
How could any of us forget Ralphie of Christmas movie fame and the repeated 'You'll shoot your eye out!' to his fervent Santa request for an Official Red Ryder Carbine-Action Two-Hundred-Shot Range Model Air Rifle? For this re-telling of the story, Ross Nemeth (12) and Riley Glick (14) were the talented Valley musical theatre actors selected at last month's audition coordinated by ASU Gammage and Broadway Across America's show Dance Captain Brooke Martino.
"When I got the call as we were driving home from school, I nearly screamed," said Glick who described the audition process as "super fun" that more than 40 young actors danced their way through one early weekend morning last month. "I am so excited to start this journey!".... CLICK HERE to read the rest of the article
From Kerry's article:
“You’ll shoot your eye out!” is the comic refrain in “A Christmas Story,” the classic movie about 9-year-old Ralphie Parker and his dream of finding a Red Ryder BB gun under the tree.
But “A Christmas Story: The Musical,” the stage adaptation that visits Tempe’s ASU Gammage this month, is proof that kids are more than capable of handling adult responsibilities.
In addition to a dozen young cast members traveling with the show, the tour holds auditions in each market it visits to give local kids a chance to share the spotlight in the ensemble. .... CLICK HERE to read the rest of the article
cast announcement - TALLEY'S FOLLY - Fountain Hills Theater
Carrie Jones as Sally Talley
Dave Ray as Matt Friedman
ticket discount - HELLO DOLLY! - Scottsdale Musical Theater Company
Get 20% off any ticket, in any section, for any performance, no limit.
The promo code to use to receive this discount is GIFT.
Enter that code in the promo box at check out on www.scottsdalemusicaltheater.com to receive the 20% discount.
But act now, as the discount will stop at midnight on Nov. 26th
Hello Dolly! runs February 3rd to February 6th, 2016
audition notice - SWEENEY TODD, SCHOOL EDITION - Actor's Youth Theatre - December 12
Directed by Zack Diepstraten
Auditions: December 12
Performances: February 18-27
Field Trip shows available February 26th
Music and Lyrics By Stephen Sondheim
Book by Hugh Wheeler
Based on an adaptation by Christopher Bond
2 Acts, Book Musical, Thru Sung / Operetta, Rated PG-13
School Edition
Attend this dark and witty tale of London, love, murder, and revenge. (Adapted for High School Performers)
Sweeney Todd has become a bloody, worldwide success since being awarded 8 TONY's (including Best Musical), for its Broadway premiere and has now been adapted for high school performers in Sweeney Todd School Edition. Stephen Sondheim and Hugh Wheeler (A Little Night Music, Pacific Overtures) crafted a tasty, thrilling, theatrical treat that has simultaneously shocked, awed, and delighted audiences across the world.
An infamous tale, Sweeney Todd, an unjustly exiled barber, returns to 19th century London seeking vengeance against the lecherous judge who framed him and ravaged his young wife. The road to revenge leads Todd to Mrs. Lovett, a resourceful proprietress of a failing pie shop, above which he opens a new barber practice. Mrs. Lovett's luck sharply shifts when Todd's thirst for blood inspires the integration of an ingredient into her meat pies that has the people of London lining up, and the carnage has only just begun!Click HERE to sign up for an audition
Click HERE for the audition packet
There is no need to prepare anything for the auditions. Auditions consist of cold reads from the script -
including a song and dance. You will be taught the song and dance at the audition.
However - we are holding an Audition Workshop for those who would like a head start.
**Workshop attendance does not guarantee actors a part in the show and it is not required.
But it will give you a step up on the audition.
Thursday, December 3rd - 6-8:00pm
Click HERE for more information or to sign up for the Audition Workshop
Monday, November 23, 2015
WEEK AT A GLANCE: November 23 - November 29
And Click Here for a complete day by day calendar of what shows are playing.
CONCERTS/ LIMITED RUN:
A CHRISTMAS STORY
ASU/Gammage
November 24-29, 2015
CLOSING:
MARY POPPINS
Hale Centre Theatre
October 15 - November 28, 2015
MONSTER
Nearly Naked Theatre
November 7 - 28, 2015
DISGRACED
Arizona Theatre Company
November 12 - 29, 2015
Nearly Naked Theatre
November 7 - 28, 2015
DISGRACED
Arizona Theatre Company
November 12 - 29, 2015
OPENING:
A CHRISTMAS CAROL
Arizona Broadway Theatre
November 27 - December 24, 2015
CINDERELLA
Theatre Artists Studio
November 27 - December 13, 2015
A CHRISTMAS CAROL
Arizona Broadway Theatre
November 27 - December 24, 2015
CINDERELLA
Theatre Artists Studio
November 27 - December 13, 2015
STILL PLAYING:
Scottsdale Desert Stages Theatre
November 13 - December 20, 2015
A YEAR WITH FROG AND TOAD
Childsplay
November 15 - December 27, 2015
THE WIZARD OF OZ
Phoenix Theatre
November 18, 2015 - December 27, 2015
IT'S A WONDERFUL LIFE
Don Bluth Front Row Theatre
November 19 - December 30, 2015
MIRACLE ON 34TH ST
Scottsdale Desert Stages Theatre
November 6, 2015 - January 10, 2016
ON GOING:
CARNIVAL OF ILLUSION
various weekend dates from
September 26, 2015 - June 4, 2016
MURDER AND A MEAL DINNER THEATRE
Friday and Saturday nights
OPENING SOON:
ANNIE JR
Musical Theatre of Anthem
December 3 - 13, 2015
YES, VIRGINIA, THERE IS A SANTA CLAUS
East Valley Children's Theatre
December 3 - 13, 2015
Hale Centre Theatre
December 3 - December 24, 2015
A WINNIE THE POOH CHRISTMAS TAIL
Valley Youth Theatre
December 4 - 23, 2015
BLACK NATIVITY
Black Theatre Troupe
December 4 - 20, 2015
HEATHERS: THE MUSICAL
Stray Cat Theatre
December 4 - December 20, 2015
JUNIE B. JONES IN JINGLE BELLS, BATMAN SMELLS
Fountain Hills Theater
December 4 – 20, 2015
MARY POPPINS
Starlight Community Theater
December 4 - 13, 2015
NON-FAT SOY PEPPERMINT MOCHA LATTE…WITH SPRINKLES
Brelby Theatre Company
December 4 - December 19, 2015
THE BEST CHRISTMAS PAGEANT EVER
Spotlight Youth Theatre
December 4 - December 20, 2015
THE QUILTMAKER’S GIFT
Theater Works
December 4 - 20, 2015
OTHELLO
Mesa Community College
December 4 - 12, 2015
SANTA CLAUS CONQUERS THE MARTIANS
All Puppet Players
December 4 - 19, 2015
ELF THE MUSICAL JR.
Actor's Youth Theatre
December 10 - 19, 2015
Sunday, November 22, 2015
cast announcement - DEATHTRAP - Mesa Encore Theatre
Scott Hyder as Sidney
Debra Lyman as Myra
Danniel Giraldo as Clifford
and Petey Swartz as Helga Ten Dorp
Producer: Justin Howell
Stage Manager: Perla Zuniga
Set Designer/TD: Bryan Rosen
Co-TD: Cheryl Briley
Costumes: Julie Peterson
Props: Justin McBride
Make-up/Hair/Special F/X: Monique N Iniguez
Sound Design: Alex St John and Elizabeth LK Icarus Gray
audition notice - THE AMERICA PLAY - ASU Theatre - November 24
Centered around a black Lincoln impersonator who makes his living by getting "shot," The America Play explores the legacy of violence against black bodies in the United States. It is a contemporary classic of the U.S. American theatre by one of its greatest living playwrights, and we are thrilled to bring it to ASU.
Tuesday, November 24
5-10pm
Fine Arts Complex, 133
51 E. 10th St.
Arizona State University, Tempe Campus
Tempe, AZ 85281
CHARACTER BREAKDOWN:
The Foundling Father: Black Male, 18-60
Lucy: Black Female, 18-60
Brazil: Black Male
Rehearsals begin: January 11, 2015, weeknights, evenings
Performance dates: February 19, 20, 21 and 26, 27, 28
Please email Kristina Metz at klmetz@asu.edu to make an appointment.
RSVP preferred (with headshot and resumé), but Walk-Ins are also welcome. Audition sides will be provided on site.
cast announcement: BEAU JEST - Hale Centre Theatre
Laura Anne Kenney: Sara Goldman
Jeff Deglow: Chris Cringle
Aaron Blanco: Bob Schroeder
Raymond Barcelo: Joel Goldman
Allyson Van Patten: Miriam Goldman
Wayne Peck: Abe Goldman
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