ticket discount - HELLO DOLLY! - Scottsdale Musical Theater Company

Scottsdale Musical Theater Company is having a Holiday Sale for their upcoming production of Hello Dolly!

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 only goes through Christmas Eve

Hello Dolly! runs February 3rd to February 6th, 2016

cast announcement - THREE SISTERS - Mesa Community College

MCC has announced their cast for Chekhov's "Three Sisters," directed by Matthew Wiener.

Olga - Samantha Hanna
Masha - Raijene Aýme
Irina - Ausette Anderies
Andre - Ben Chausee
Natasha - Cedar Eileen Cody
Kulygin - Zach Connaghan
Vershinin - Tom J. McCoy
Solyony - Tristan Foster
Chebutykin - Zach Fagan
Tuzenbach - Dakota Erickson
Nafisa - Colleen Cottrell
Fedotik - Ryan Marcham
Rode - Jack Nguyen
Ferapont - Jim Coates

CLICK HERE for more information on this production, which runs March 4th to March 12th.

photos - OLIVER! - Greasepaint Youth Theatre

for more information on this production, which runs through December 20th, CLICK HERE

photos: Laura Durant

cast announcement - NOW. HERE. THIS - A/C Theatre Company

from our friends at A/C:

A/C Theatre Company is thrilled to announce the cast and team behind the Arizona premiere of NOW. HERE. THIS.

Woman 1: Tracy Payne Black
Woman 2: Brenda Foley
Man 1: Kevin Fenderson
Man 2: Micah DeShazer

Directed by Thomas Strawser
Music Directed by Curtis Moeller
Co-choreographed by Lynzee 4man and Shani Barrett
Stage Managed by Kristen Burkhart

Now. Here. This. plays at the Hardes Theatre at Phoenix Theatre March 11-26, 2016.

CLICK HERE for more information on this production

photos - HOW THE GRINCH STOLE CHRISTMAS! - Ghostlight Theatre

for more information on this production, which runs through December 20th, CLICK HERE

photos: Megan Tenney

audition notice - THE ODD COUPLE - Starlight Community Theater - January 2

Casting Call at 9 am Saturday, January 2
or call for an appointment for Sunday January 3 (623-252-6815)

Directed by Barbara L Surloff, Award winning Director, Theatre Educator, and Arizona Thespian Society Leadership Member

Performances on Fridays, Saturdays, & Sundays
March 4 - 13, 2016

Adults & 16+ be prepared to do some cold reading and group interaction.

1611 W Whispering Wind Dr #9, Phoenix, AZ 85085

This classic comedy opens as a group of the guys assembled for cards in the apartment of divorced Oscar Madison. And if the mess is any indication, it's no wonder that his wife left him. Late to arrive is Felix Unger who has just been separated from his wife. Fastidious, depressed and none too tense, Felix seems suicidal, but as the action unfolds Oscar becomes the one with murder on his mind when the clean-freak and the slob ultimately decide to room together with hilarious results as The Odd Couple is born.
By Neil Simon  The Odd Couple is presented through special arrangement with Samuel French, Inc

cast announcement - INTO THE WOODS - Fountain Hills Theater

For more information on  Fountain Hills Youth Theater's production of Into the Woods, which runs February 12th to February 23rd, CLICK HERE

Cast List
Summer Beckman…Cinderella
Zolton Bonnenfant…Jack
Carly Cairns…Little Red Riding Hood
Sarah Cihak…Sleeping Beauty/Backstage Crew
Carlee Coulehan…Cinderella’s Mother/Granny/Giant
Caleb Delos-Santos…Narrator/Mysterious Man
Hunter DiGrazia…Rapunzel
Steven Enriquez…Baker
Haley Hanni…Baker’s Wife
Sebastian Harris-Wylde…Rapunzel’s Prince
Alex Hurney…Lucinda
Haylee Klein…Witch
Rachel Larsen…Stepmother
Katie Male…Jack’s Mother
Chloe Rozalsky…Snow White/Backstage Crew
Asher Sheppard…Cinderella’s Prince/Wolf
Fallon Smith…Florinda
Morgan Tuazon…Milky White
David Woods…Steward/Cinderella’s Father
Booth Techs:
Makayla Lopez
Jillian Smith
Madelyn Varela
Backstage Crew:
Zach Acridge
Spencer Cihak
Connon Klein

added performance - HEATHERS: THE MUSICAL - Stray Cat Theatre

Due to insanely popular demand, and due to the entire rest of the run being sold out, Stray Cat Theatre has added ONE more performance of HEATHERS: THE MUSICAL.

SATURDAY, DECEMBER 19TH AT 11PM.

CLICK HERE TO BUY TICKETS NOW!

Urgent Casting Request: GODSPELL at Zao Theatre

Zao Theatre needs two men for the parts of Jeffrey and Lamar in their upcoming production of GODSPELL due to actors dropping because of conflicts.

These characters sing the songs "We Beseech Thee", and All Good Gifts"

Contact Director Mickey Bryce for an immediate audition at 480 216 9333.

video preview - THE QUILTMAKER'S GIFT - Theater Works

for more information on this production, which ends this weekend, CLICK HERE

cast announcement - THE CHILDREN'S HOUR - Desert Foothills Theater

for more information on this production, which runs February 19th to February 28th, CLICK HERE

The Girls:
Peggy Rogers: Alaina Lass
Catherine: Hannah Raether
Lois Fisher: Chloe Otstot
Evelyn Munn: Rachel McKeighan
Rosalie Wells: Zoe Tanton
Mary Tilford: Bella Tindall

The Adults:
Lily Mortar: Deborah Hildebrandt
Karen Wright: Jennifer Rio
Martha Dobie: Kellie Dunlap
Dr. Joe Cardin: Matthew Harris
Agatha: Donna Kaufman
Amelia Tilford: Carolyn McBurney

ticket discount - BUY ONE GET ONE FREE for last weekend of SANTA CLAUS CONQUERS THE MARTIANS at All Puppet Players

from our friends at All Puppet Players:

Hello Puppet Nerds!

Since we are approaching the final weekend of Santa Claus Conquers the Martians, and 'tis the season', and all that, we have decided to give everyone an extra special present this year.

For the final weekend of Santa Claus, we are offering a BUY ONE GET ONE FREE on our final weekend.

To redeem, simply CLICK HERE and once you have chosen your dates/tickets simply type in HOHOHO (caps are important) in the upper right hand PROMO CODE box.

This show is the perfect counter programing from all of the other Christmas "blahs" out there. It's also the last show that will welcome families. That's right, you can bring kids over 6 FOR THE
Don't let that dissuade you Rated R fans, there is still laughs, booze and plenty to love in Santa Claus Conquers the Martians for you.

So come see Santa kick some Martian butt, buy using the promo code HOHOHO!

reviews - THE SANTALAND DIARIES - Arizona Theatre Company

Ron May
photo: John Groseclose

highlights from local critics reviews - (click link at bottom of each review to read complete review)

Click here for more information on this productions which runs through December 23rd.

"...Based on an essay by humorist David Sedaris detailing his time working as an elf in SantaLand at Macy’s department store, The SantaLand Diaries... adapted by actor/director Joseph Mantello..Sedaris is here played by one of the valley’s most constantly interesting local talents, Ron May, as he tells of discovering what he terms as the most frightening job opportunity he’d ever had in his life – a Christmas elf at Macy’s at the age of thirty-four...With David Ira Goldstein at the helm...it’s a performance fueled by nerves. Constantly mopping his brow and taking sips of water throughout the ninety minutes, the actor enters the stage looking like a panicky comedian auditioning for a spot behind the mic. That sense of anxiety never leaves...he’s trapped in a nightmare world of fake snow, twinkly lights and demanding mothers taking family selfies with Santa, and Christmas Eve is still a long way off. Sedaris’ diary of accounts is, for the most part, more amusing than hilarious, but there are some big laughs..." -David Appleford, Valley Screen and Stage (click here to read the complete review)

Well-known humorist and author David Sedaris got his first big break back in the early 1990s when he spoke on NPR about his miserable, real-life experience working as an elf at Macy's Santaland. ...Arizona Theatre Company is presenting a well-directed production of Sedaris' humorous tale starring Ron May who does well in delivering Sedaris' snarky persona. It results in a biting holiday remedy that is a perfect counterpoint to the dozens of saccharine sweet Christmas theatrical offerings around town. ...  From overeager children to demanding parents and even some innocent foreigners who have just wandered into the wrong line by accident, these moments make up the bulk of the play and are where Sedaris and May excel in showing us the true nature of individuals who are just trying to get through the holidays. The Santaland Diaries is more of a character study than a full-fledged play, with an ending that hints at happiness but pulls back in delivering anything remotely cheery. May's natural sly appeal works well in delivering Sedaris' tart and comical observations, though there are hints of sweetness and vulnerability beneath his well-mannered delivery—but just a few...He also works well to ensure the part becomes that of an "every man" who is familiar to anyone who took a job because they were desperate or who has had to deal with irate customers. Director David Ira Goldstein's clear direction keeps May's performance truthful and never over the top and manic, thereby retaining the realism of the piece. ...The Santaland Diaries is perfect counter programming for anyone who is looking for a theatrical holiday alternative. Depicting crude yet honest experiences, it may highlight more of the cynicism of the holidays, especially in how it brings out the best and the worst in people, but there is an ember of seasonal warmth burning inside Crumpet's heart—underneath that ugly, green felt costume."  -Gil Benbrook, Talkin' Broadway (click here to read the complete review)

"... the wacky “Santaland Diaries,”... Ron May plays with mocking abandonment an out-of-work guy who lands a job as an elf at Macy’s..Playwright David Sedaris’ clever script...relates the tediously repetitious remarks that spew forth from every kid visiting Santa but he also hammers the parents hypocrisy and obsession with the visits. ...May bounds about the stage in his outrageous costume explaining how repetitious each day becomes. ...“The Santaland Diaries” is a fast paced 85 minutes of zany chatter that showcases May’s comic genius and that Goldstein stages the frenzied comic delight." --Chris Curcio, KBAQ (click here to read the complete review)

"...“The SantaLand Diaries,” David Sedaris’ hilarious essay on working as a costumed elf at Macy’s department store in New York. Doing the one-man-show honors is Ron May...resulting in a gruff-and-tumble — one might even say crotchety — take on the material. Filled with wry observations...“SantaLand” is filled with laughs, including several R-rated ones, but May doesn’t quite create a fully fleshed character that would make the show his own. But seeing him looking absolutely ridiculous in an elf suit is worth the price of admission."  - Kerry Lengel, Arizona Republic (click here to read the complete review)

Theater Works announces week extension plus special Valentine's Day table seating for I LOVE YOU, YOU'RE PERFECT, NOW CHANGE

Theater Works opens 2016 with the Master Works production I Love You, You’re Perfect, Now Change on Friday, January 22.

Due to popular demand, I Love You, You’re Perfect, Now Change will now be on stage January 22 – February 14.

Special Cabaret table experience available Valentine’s weekend only! Purchase a cabaret table for two for $100 and get a bottle of bubbly to celebrate the holiday of romance with your Valentine. Offer available only by calling the Box Office at (623) 815-7930. Only 6 tables available for each show!

This celebration of the mating game takes on the truths and myths behind that contemporary conundrum known as “the relationship”. Act 1 explores the journey from dating and waiting to love and marriage, while Act 2 reveals the agonies and triumphs of in-laws and newborns, trips in the family car and pick-up technologies of the geriatric set. This hilarious revue pays tribute to those who have loved and lost, to those who have fallen on their face at the portal of romance, to those who have dared to ask, “Say, what are you doing Saturday night?”

Emily Lynne Aiken and Andrew Lipman
Photo: Wade Moran

This cast of four actors is led by Director Brett Aiken, last seen as “Duke, Dr. Carrasco” in the season-opening production of Man of La ManchaValley actors Emily Lynne Aiken, Tracy Payne Black and Andrew Lipman join Aiken in portraying 18-19 characters in the whirlwind 20 scenes, comprising this comical tribute to the ‘Happily Ever After’.

I Love You, You’re Perfect, Now Change is presented through special arrangement with R&H Theatricals.


Single tickets for I Love You, You’re Perfect, Now Change are now on sale. Regular price ticket $36; discounts for seniors, students, and groups. The production takes place in the McMillin Theater of the Peoria Center for the Performing Arts (8355 West Peoria Avenue, Peoria, AZ 85345). To purchase tickets or find out more about Theater Works productions, contact the Box Office at (623) 815.7930 or visit www.theaterworks.org.

Actor's Youth Theatre's ELF Fundraising Dinner

cast announcement - THE CALENDAR GIRLS - Phoenix Theatre

for more information on this production, which runs January 20th to February 7th, CLICK HERE

Calendar Girls Cast
Johanna Carlisle: Celia
Patti Davis*: Jessie
David Dickinson: Rod
Cathy Dresbach*: Ruth
Will Hightower: Lawrence/Liam
Hilary Hirsch: Understudy: Ruth & Lady C/Brenda
Maren Maclean*: Marie
Debby Rosenthal*: Lady C/Brenda
Debra K. Stevens: Cora
Gabrielle Van Buren: Elaine
Shari Watts: Annie
D. Scott Withers: John
Elyse Wolf*: Chris

Calendar Girls Creative Team
EE Moe<>: Director
Pasha Yamotahari: Resident Dramaturge
Marie Quinn: Sound Designer
William Kirkham+:  Lighting Designer
Douglas Clarke: Scenic Designer
Addy Diaz: Costume Designer
Tyler Welden: Props Designer
Kim Nolan: Hair/Make-up Consultant
Mark Reynolds: Director of Production
Karla Fredrick: Associate Production Manager
Michelle Elias*: Stage Manager
Melissa Richter: Assistant Stage Manager

<>Member of Society of Directors and Choreographers
*Member of Actors’ Equity Association
+Member, United Scenic Artists

audition notice - JUNIE B. JONES, THE MUSICAL - Musical Theatre of Anthem - January 9

No-Cut Production for Ages 6-13.

Auditions: 
Saturday, January 9
9:00 a.m. (Workshop Participants - Last Name A-L)
10:00 a.m. (Workshop Participants - Last Name M-Z)
11:00 a.m. General Auditions

Callbacks:
Sunday, January 10
Dance Call 9:00 a.m.
Callbacks 11:00 a.m.

Performances:
February 18-21, 25-28

Director: Jackie Hammond
Vocal Director: Karen Blanzy
Choreographer: Lyndsie Clymer

Created by Marcy Heisler and Zina Goldrich, the team that brought you Dear Edwina, comes Junie B. Jones The Musical - a delightful adaptation of four of Barbara Park's best-selling books brought to life in a genuinely comical, and not strictly-for-kids musical. Awaken a young person's desire to read with the sassy little diva Junie B. Jones and her adventures in first grade. It's Junie B.'s first day of first grade and a lot of things have changed for her: Junie's friend Lucille doesn't want to be her best pal anymore, and on the bus, Junie B. makes friends with Herb, the new kid at school. Also, Junie has trouble reading the blackboard and her teacher Mr. Scary thinks she may need glasses. Throw in a friendly cafeteria lady, a kickball tournament and a "Top-Secret Personal Beeswax Journal", and first grade has never been more exciting. Featuring a tremendously loveable character and fun-filled songs, Junie B. Jones will capture your audience's hearts just as the books captivated an entire generation of students.

Those auditioning should bring a musical theatre song (or any song they are comfortable with), 16-32 bars or one minute in length. Bring an accompaniment with CD or iPod to sing with. You may also sing acapella if needed.

Junie B. Jones the Musical Audition Prep Workshop
Friday, January 8th 4:30-6:00
Friday, January 8th 6:00-7:30

Get a leg up on your audition by working with the production staff of Junie B. Jones the Musical through character and scene study, cold readings from the script, and more.

Workshop cost is only $35 and space is limited to just 20 participants per session. 10% sibling discount.

To register for the workshop visit http://www.musicaltheatreofanthem.org/auditions.html#junie

CYT Phoenix announces Matching Challenge

from our friends at CYT- Phoenix:

Give to CYT and double your money!

Whatever amount up to $10,000 we can raise by the end of 2015 will be doubled by a generous donor! Help us meet the challenge!

Read this message in the link below from one family and see why CYT matters. Help build character and many needed skills into our next generation of leaders by donating today!

CLICK HERE for more information and to donate

audition notice - Spotlight Youth Theatre's Singing and Dancing Troupe Confetti - January 9

reviews - A CHRISTMAS CAROL - Arizona Theatre Company

Katie McFadzen
photo: John Groseclose

highlights from local critics reviews - (click link at bottom of each review to read complete review)

Click here for more information on this productions which runs through December 26th.

"...a smart and faithful adaptation of Charles Dickens’ A Christmas Carol. ...director Matthew Wiener guides the wonderful Katie McFadzen in bringing the thrilling story of miser Ebenezer Scrooge’s redemption to life. ...Weiner... knows what works and what doesn’t work when bringing Scrooge to the stage...Jumping from character to character at the drop of a top hat...With a minimum use of props...plus the addition of both Brian Jerome Peterson’s atmospheric sound...and (Paul) Black’s shadowy and occasionally spooky lighting, an animated Katie steps, struts and finger points her way through Dickens’ tale to the point where the term tour-de-force takes on something literal. It’s a masterful, ninety minute performance of theatrical skill as Katie narrates, leaps from character to character and digs down into the seriousness of Dickens’ prose to find the humor without changing the words and brings it to the surface. Despite a few critical essays, Charles Dickens was thrilled with America. He had a passion for theatre and he loved talent. I’m sure he would have loved Katie McFadzen. " -David Appleford, Valley Screen and Stage (click here to read the complete review)

"When you combine the power of Charles Dickens' words and the spectacular acting abilities of Valley favorite Katie McFadzen you get the dynamic one woman solo version of A Christmas Carol. ....ATC is presenting a straightforward production in which McFadzen recites Dickens' original story to us. But she doesn't just stand and read the story, she hurls herself across the stage using her adept body language and strong voice inflection to not only become the numerous characters but to add dramatic and moving moments to the narrative....it has the essence of the novel come to life....Under Matthew Wiener's expert direction, McFadzen does an excellent job of portraying not only all of the shadings and layers of Scrooge—from gruff, conflicted, sad, and miserable to reflective, joyful, and introspective once the ghosts work their magic on him—but also every other character in the story as well...Paul Black's lighting designs are impressive and always changing...The sound design from Brian Jerome Peterson is lush and evocative...A Christmas Carol is a wonderful story of how it is never too late to change for the better and, consequently, how, by doing so, we can also change the lives of those around us. With Dickens' original words, McFadzen's glorious acting abilities, and Wiener's assured direction, ATC's production is a beautiful throwback to the traditional form of storytelling...a magical experience."  -Gil Benbrook, Talkin' Broadway (click here to read the complete review)

"...Watching McFadzen breeze through the tale is a delightful adventure as she crafts each character with unique consistency as she switches among the many personas over the show’s 75-minute duration.  She has limited theatrical accouterments – a table, a chair, a few different top coats, and hardly any props but McFadzen’s acting skill makes every character distinctive.  Matthew Wiener’s irreverent staging allows McFadzen to deliver a phenomenal performance." --Chris Curcio, KBAQ (click here to read the complete review)

"...Arizona Theatre Company’s one-woman version, starring Katie McFadzen, is such a delight. Another reason, of course, is McFadzen herself. ... irrepressible physical-comedy talents...deftly switching characters and costumes and bringing just the right amount of humor to temper, but not overwhelm, this ghost story’s serious message...Katie McFadzen makes old-fashioned storytelling feel fresh."  - Kerry Lengel, Arizona Republic (click here to read the complete review)