Thursday, November 19, 2020
Wednesday, November 18, 2020
Arizona Theatre Company Presents Idris Goodwin's Break Beat Play, THE REALNESS, in Virtual Performance, November 18-22
Arizona Theatre Company’s (ATC) digital season continues with Idris Goodwin’s break beat play, The Realness, which follows T.O. from the suburbs to the big city to immerse himself in authentic hip hop culture and the journey for his heart and true identity.
“Hip Hop is so much more than a musical genre. It is a cultural expression of both pride and social consciousness,” said ATC Associate Artistic Director Chanel Bragg. “Idris Goodwin’s thrilling new play is a love story that will reverberate deep within your heart.”
The Realness, directed by Megan Sandberg-Zakian, will be accessible on ATC’s website (www.arizonatheatre.org) as well as on Facebook, YouTube and Vimeo from 5 p.m., Nov. 18 to 5 p.m., Nov. 22. There is no charge to view the play, but donations to Arizona Theatre Company are encouraged and will be greatly appreciated.
For T.O. (Terrell Donnell Sledge), the “real” hip hop culture doesn’t get much real than Prima (Analisa Velez), an MCsupporting her family. The moment he meets her, T. O. falls madly in love. But when he becomes tangled in the lies he tells to get closer to her, he's forced to ask himself: is he after real love, or fulfilling a middle-class fantasy of rap? Idris Goodwin takes on tough questions of authenticity and class collision with humor, heart, and killer rhymes in a coming-of-age tale set to the beat of hip-hop history.
The Realness also features Marcus John as Lord Style, Moya Angela as Professor Brown and others and Héctor Flores, Jr. as Roy and others. The creative team includes Sound Designer Mathew DeVore, Technology Director Ido Levran, Production Manager Becky Merold, Artistic Manager China Young and Stage Manager Alex Murphy.
For more information about these events and upcoming digital offerings at www.arizonatheatre.org.
The Realness
Written by Idris Goodwin
Directed by Megan Sandberg-Zakian
Viewing Dates: 5 p.m., Nov. 18 to 5 p.m. Nov. 22
Viewing Options
ATC website (www.arizonatheatre.org), YouTube channel, Facebook and Vimeo.
CREATIVE TEAM
Technical Director: Ido Levran
Sound Design: Mathew DeVore
Artistic Manager:China Young
Production Manager: Becky Merold
SM Intern: Nick Carroll
Stage Manager: Alex Murphy
Auditions for DISNEY ALADDIN KIDS, 13 and GODSPELL at Musical Theatre of Anthem, announced for January 9
Auditions for three upcoming shows at Musical Theatre of Anthem are all coming up on the same day, January 9, 2021.
Aladdin Kids
Audition Prep Workshops Available
*Pre-registration may be required and spaces may be limited in order to follow CDC guidelines*
Musical Theatre of Anthem announces auditions for Aladdin Kids.
Based on the iconic animated film, with an Academy Award-winning score by Alan Menken, Howard Ashman and Tim Rice, Disney's Aladdin KIDS is sure to send audiences soaring on a flying carpet ride filled with romance and adventure. When the street urchin, Aladdin, vies for the attention of the beautiful princess, Jasmine, he uses a genie's magic power to become a prince in order to marry her. Iago, Jafar, the Genie, and more are here in Disney's Aladdin KIDS, a musical adventure filled with magic, mayhem and the power of love. Specific to Disney's Aladdin KIDS are the Djinn, a group of unique stage magicians who execute the magical moments of the show.
AUDITIONS: Saturday, January 9, 2021:
• 10:30 a.m. - General Auditions
• 9:00 a.m. for workshop participants A-L
• 9:45 a.m. for workshop participants M-Z
• Dance Call: January 10 @ 9 a.m.
• Callbacks: (you will be notified after auditions if you need to attend) January 10 @ 10:00 a.m.
WHERE: MTA’s theatre performance space at 42201 N. 41st Drive, Suite B100, Anthem, AZ 85086
COST: $325 for ages 6-12; 10% Sibling discount; Scholarships available.
DETAILS: Please 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. Have your registration materials completed prior to coming to the audition. For materials and additional information and to reserve your spot, visit MTA’s website www.musicaltheatreofanthem.org.
AUDITION PREP WORKSHOPS
Audition Preparation Workshops will be held at MTA on Thursday, January 7, from 4:30p.m.-6p.m. and Friday, January 8, from 4:30-6p.m. During these 90-minute sessions, participants will be instructed on cold reads, acting technique, characterization and more. Participants of the workshops will get to audition prior to the general audition time. Cost is just $35, and space is limited to just 18 participants per session. There is a 10% sibling discount. For more information and to reserve your spot, visit www.musicaltheatreofanthem.org.
PERFORMANCES: Performances take place MARCH 25-28, 2021:
Thu. 3/25: 7 p.m. | Fri. 3/26 : 7 p.m. | Sat. 3/27: 3 p.m., 5 p.m. & 7 p.m. | Sun. 3/28: 11 a.m.,
1 p.m. & 3 p.m.
13 The Musical
Audition Prep Workshop Available
*Pre-registration may be required and spaces may be limited in order to follow CDC guidelines*
Musical Theatre of Anthem (MTA) announces auditions for 13, a musical about fitting in and standing out!
Geek. Poser. Jock. Beauty Queen. Wannabe. These are the labels that can last a lifetime. With an unforgettable rock score from Tony Award-winning composer, Jason Robert Brown, (Parade, The Last Five Years, Bridges of Madison County) 13 is a musical about fitting in – and standing out! Evan Goldman is plucked from his fast-paced, preteen New York City life and plopped into a sleepy Indiana town following his parents' divorce. Surrounded by an array of simpleminded middle school students, he needs to establish his place in the popularity pecking order. Can he situate himself on a comfortable link of the food chain... or will he dangle at the end with the outcasts?!?
AUDITIONS: Saturday, January 9, 2021:
• 2:30 p.m. General Auditions
• 1:00 p.m. Auditions for workshop participants (A-L)
• 1:45 p.m. Auditions for workshop participants (M-Z)
• Dance Call: January 10 @ 2:30 p.m., Callbacks @ 3:00 p.m.
WHERE: MTA’s theatre performance space at 42201 N. 41st Drive, Suite B100, Anthem, AZ 85086
COST: $325 for ages 12-15; 10% Sibling discount; Scholarships available.
DETAILS: Please 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. Have your registration materials completed prior to coming to the audition. For materials and additional information and to reserve your spot, visit MTA’s website www.musicaltheatreofanthem.org.
AUDITION PREP WORKSHOP
An Audition Preparation Workshop will be held at MTA on Thursday, January 7, from 6:30p.m.-8p.m. During this 90-minute session, participants will be instructed on cold reads, acting technique, characterization and more. Participants of the workshop will get to audition prior to the general audition time. Cost is just $35, and space is limited to just 18 participants per session. There is a 10% sibling discount. For more information and to reserve your spot, visit www.musicaltheatreofanthem.org.
PERFORMANCES: Performances take place APRIL 29- MAY 8, 2021:
Thu. 4/29: 7 p.m. | Fri. 4/30 : 7 p.m. | Sat. 5/1: 3 p.m. & 7 p.m. | Sun. 5/2: 12 p.m., & 3 p.m. |
Thu. 5/6: 7 p.m. | Fri. 5/7 : 7 p.m. | Sat. 5/8: 1 p.m. & 5 p.m. |
Godspell
Audition Prep Workshop Available
*Pre-registration may be required and spaces may be limited in order to follow CDC guidelines*
Musical Theatre of Anthem (MTA) announces auditions for Godspell.
Godspell was the first major musical theatre offering from three-time Grammy and Academy Award winner, Stephen Schwartz (Wicked, Pippin, Children of Eden), and it took the world by storm. Led by the international hit, "Day by Day," Godspell features a parade of beloved songs, including "Prepare Ye the Way of the Lord," "Learn Your Lessons Well," "All for the Best," "All Good Gifts," "Turn Back, O Man" and "By My Side." A small group of people help Jesus Christ tell different parables by using a wide variety of games, storytelling techniques and hefty doses of comic timing. An eclectic blend of songs, ranging in style from pop to vaudeville, is employed as the story of Jesus' life dances across the stage. Dissolving hauntingly into the Last Supper and the Crucifixion, Jesus' messages of kindness, tolerance and love come vibrantly to life.
AUDITIONS: Saturday, January 9, 2021:
• 4:30 p.m. General Auditions
• 4:00 p.m. Auditions for workshop participants
• Dance Call: January 10 @ 6:00 p.m., Callbacks @ 6:30 p.m.
WHERE: MTA’s theatre performance space at 42201 N. 41st Drive, Suite B100, Anthem, AZ 85086
COST: Ages 15-adult, all youth ages 15-19 are cast. $325 for ages 15-19; 10% Sibling discount; Scholarships available.
DETAILS: Please 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. Have your registration materials completed prior to coming to the audition. For materials and additional information and to reserve your spot, visit MTA’s website www.musicaltheatreofanthem.org.
AUDITION PREP WORKSHOP
An Audition Preparation Workshop will be held at MTA on Thursday, January 8, from 6:30p.m.-8p.m. During this 90-minute session, participants will be instructed on cold reads, acting technique, characterization and more. Participants of the workshop will get to audition prior to the general audition time. Cost is just $35, and space is limited to just 18 participants per session. There is a 10% sibling discount. For more information and to reserve your spot, visit www.musicaltheatreofanthem.org.
PERFORMANCES: Performances take place APRIL 8- APRIL 18, 2021:
Thu. 4/8: 7 p.m. | Fri. 4/9 : 7 p.m. | Sat. 4/10: 3 p.m. & 7 p.m. | Sun. 4/11: 3 p.m. |
Thu. 4/15: 7 p.m. | Fri. 4/16 : 7 p.m. | Sat. 4/17: 3 p.m. & 7 p.m. | Sun. 4/18: 3 p.m. |
A CURIOUSER NUTCRACKER - TheaterWorks - November 27-December 30, 2020
The Sugar Plum Fairy is looking for you! Come quickly, you're late! And, hurry! The entrance to Winter Wonderland is filling up quickly!
Tumble down the rabbit hole to find yourself in Winter Wonderland where something interesting is sure to happen! The Sugar Plum Fairy will guide you, Alice, through the realms of Winter Wonderland, visiting the Land of Sweets, exploring the Poinsettia Forest, solving puzzles in the Land of Snowflakes, before facing the Mouse King in the perpetual Holiday Gala to save the Nutcracker.
A CURIOUSER NUTCRACKER catapults you into the worlds of Alice in Wonderland and The Nutcracker. This family-friendly, holiday version of CURIOUSER & CURIOUSER continues the safe and live theater experience where audience members walk through every theater, rehearsal space and hallway in the Peoria Center for the Performing Arts.
Up to 12 audience members per performance explore more than a dozen rooms during the 100-minute immersive theater production. There's much to explore, many adventures to have, many citizens to meet and a few surprises along the way as you immerse yourself in a new way to experience live theater.
Tuesday, November 17, 2020
review - HAPPY BIRTHDAY, DIONNE! - The Phoenix Theatre Company
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| Renee Patrick photo courtesty We3 |
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 November 22
"...a 90-minute concert that features Phoenix jazz trio We3 (vocalist Renee Patrick, pianist Nicole Pesce, and violinist Suzanne Lansford), plus vocalist Diana Lee and three other gifted Valley musicians, in a concert entitled "Happy Birthday Dionne!" that celebrates the upcoming 80th birthday of legendary pop-vocalist Dionne Warwick. With crystal-clear acoustics and a selection of some of the most well-known pop tunes from the 1960s and '70s, performed by a stellar group of musicians, it makes for a lovely return to live performances...." -Gil Benbrook, Talkin' Broadway (click here to read the complete review)
"...Singers Renee Patrick and Diana Lee roll their luxurious voices over the songs while local legend Nicole Pesce jams instrumentals on her rockin’ piano and synthesizer, along with Suzanne Lansford’s mean violin, Mel Brown’s sultry bass, Greg Warner’s steady drum beat, and Joe Garcia shaking percussion that back up the singers with beautiful renditions of the songs. It is quite the ensemble and they all do their parts to make this musical journey through Warwick’s career hits a vibrant honor to the singer...." -Chris Curcio, Curtain Up Phoenix (click here to read the complete review)
cast announcement - GETTING TO KNOW...FOOTLOOSE - Actor's Youth Theatre
(in order of appearance)
Ren McCormack - Charlie Hall
CHICAGO FRIENDS:
Dani- Sadie Holdeman
Lindsay- Brenna Glenn
Stevie- Lindsay French
Marty- Adalyn Ahlman
Ethel McCormack - Kayla Pettera
Reverend Shaw Moore- Carter Giannetti
Chuck Cranston - Aaron Clark
Ariel Moore - Justine Wattay
Vi Moore - Marguerite Durma
Lulu - Sadie Holdeman
Wes - Will Horsley
Rusty - Kelly Garner
Urleen - Alex Marin
Wendy Jo - Abbi Spector
Willard Howard - Austin Watts
Principal Clark - Valerie Codling
Coach Dunbar - Lexi Tidwell
Chuck’s friends - Alexandra Weid & Lindsay French
Betty Blast - Brenna Glenn
Cowgirl Bonnie(s) -Alexandra Weid &
Lindsay French
Cowboy Bob - Will Horsely
Eleanor - Brenna Glenn
Willard’s friends - Adalyn Ahlman, Nyleah Ahlman, Sadie Holdeman
SPEED DATING TONIGHT! - ASU Music Theatre and Opera - November 20-22, 2020
Music and lyrics by Michael Ching; Conceived by Dean Anthony
Direction by Janine Morita Colletti; Music direction by Randi Ellen Rudolph.
Speed Dating Tonight! will be an online streamed event. All streamed event ticket sales will be available by online purchase only.
Friday, Nov. 20 at 7:30 p.m.
Saturday, Nov. 21 at 2 p.m. and 7:30 p.m.
Sunday, Nov. 22 at 2 p.m.
"Speed Dating Tonight!” is a simultaneously zany and poignant look at how difficult the search is for real, meaningful connection. Follow this motley crew of would-be lovers as they navigate their search for sex, love and everything in between in a series of rapid-fire dates. You never know where sparks may fly or fall flat with this eclectic crew including fitness junkies, cosplayers, a former rock star and — oh God — is that my ex??
Join us for a virtual date night with an all-star cast of ASU students in this hilarious one-act opera with music spanning musical theatre, cabaret, American songbook, classical and more!
Contains mild adult themes. Parental discretion advised.
This production adheres to all federal, state, local and university guidelines for safety and physical distancing. University COVID-19 information may be found at
cast list:
Bartender: Thomas Smith
Waitress: Hannah Brudnock
Kaylee the coordinator: Elise Daniells
#1 Getting Married: Aydan Bruce
#2 Lives at Home: Michael Nanney
#3 Origamist: Gigi Sierra
#4 Dancer: Bruno Streck Rodrigues
#5 Lurking: Darius Taylor
#5B Busboy: Leo Gallegos
#6 Triathlon: Ann Hannah Eichholtz
#7 Pat the Bassoonist: Jacob Verhine
#9 Talkative Girl/Icy Ex-Duet: Lina Forero
#10 Steampunk Girl: Lillian Salter
#11 I’ve Always Liked This Bar: Griffin LeBlanc
#12/12B Panic Attack/Leaving: Robbie Nelson
Duet:
#14 I’m Feeling Pretty Awkward Here
#15 My Lover Died: Andrew Patchin. Yophi Bost
#17 Checklist: Xingyu Wang
#18 Campaign Consultant: Mason McDermaid
#19 Car Man/Icy Ex-Duet: Teddy Ladley
Duet:
#20 Fragile Heart
#21 Waiting for Too Long: Jasmine Rodriguez, Reem Soliman
#22/23: Cell Phone Duet: Isabel Julazadeh, Wesley Bradstreet
#24 Crush Apples: Evening Calabrese
#25 Hanging Out: Ellie Barrett
#32 A Hike in the Mountains: Chris Elliot
#38 Dress Up: Kelli Shill
#41 Overthinker: McKaylee Todd
#44/45/46 Trio: If Not Now When: Alicia Werner (top), Liuyi Jiang (middle), Emily Benoit Smith (bottom)
#59/60 Neat Freaks: Jacob Verhine, Mason McDermaid
#61 Outrageous Together: Greta Perlmutter
Arizona Theatre Company Artistic Director SEAN DANIELS Will Receive "Spirit of Gratitude Award" at 10,000 Beds Gratitude Virtual Celebration
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| Sean Daniels |
from our friends at Arizona Theatre Company:
Arizona Theatre Company Artistic Director Sean Daniels will be among six honorees recognized for making “a positive difference in the addiction and recovery space” at the 10,000 Beds Gratitude Gala virtual celebration at 5:30 p.m. on Friday, Dec. 4 (Pacific Time). Beechtree Diagnostics is the Presenting Sponsor of the fifth annual event.
Daniels, who captured his unusual path to sobriety in his critically acclaimed Off-Broadway play, The White Chip, will receive the Spirit of Gratitude Award. Laura Collins-Hughes, writing in The New York Times, described the play as achieving “a delicate balance between laugh-out loud comedy and gasp-inducing, self-inflicted tragedy,” adding in a Tweet that “Plays save lives in all kinds of ways. I would bet that Sean Daniels’ addiction-and-recovery comedy, The White Chip – getting an excellent production by Sheryl Kaller at 59E59 – has, and will.”
“In the middle of this COVID pandemic, there’s another one raging: more people will die of overdoses and addiction this year than any year before,” Daniels said. “Essentially, if 9/11 happened every three weeks. If we provide some help in this moment, I’m happy.”
In a September column forSalon magazine, following then-President Elect Joe Biden’s remarks at the presidential debate when he said how proud he was of his son for overcoming his addiction, Daniels wrote of his struggle with alcoholism and “How shame keeps so many of us quiet; how shame kills so many of us … Because even with years of sobriety under our belts, we fear what our friends and employers will say if they know.”
Others receiving awards are Brandon Lee of 3TV/CBS5, the Spirit of Recovery Award; AZ Public Media, the Spirit of Community Award; Beechtree Diagnostics, the Spirit of Giving Award; Yavapai County Attorney Sheila Polk, the Spirit of Leadership Award; and Billy Gregg, the Spirit of Inspiration Award.
Registration for the awards celebration can be completed at Eventbrite. In addition to the award presentations, the event will include a special musical presentation by singer-songwriter Logan Bruce, whose work is inspired by his journey from addiction to recovery; testimonials; an annual update and a moment of silence in remembrance of the many individuals lost to addiction.
Rob Ferre will be the master or ceremonies for the celebration and motivational speaker Tim Gard will give the keynote address, focusing on his personal story of recovery that led to a life dedicated to kindness and happiness.
For more information about 10,000 Beds, visit https://10000beds.org. For more information about Arizona Theatre Company, go to www.arizonatheatre.org.
Monday, November 16, 2020
WEEK AT A GLANCE: November 16 - November 22
Click on any show title to get more information on that production
OPENING:
CLOSING:
CONCERTS / LIMITED RUNS:
STILL PLAYING:
N/A
OPENING SOON:
Talking to the director and co-writer of EMMETT'S ART PROJECT, Brianna Fallon
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| Brianna Fallon |
by Gil Benbrook
In Spotlight Youth Theatre's upcoming production of Emmett's Art Project, a group of teens confront the impact of racism after their friend Emmett is shot by the police for defacing public property.
This ripped from the headlines story is set in the current time when the Black Lives Matter movement dominates the news. The impact of the BLM movement impacts Amirah, a biracial teen, who finds herself in the middle of tension and division with her friends. After Emmett is shot this group of friends bands together to fight for what they value most.
Brianna Fallon has a long career of working with children's theatre groups in town, including serving as a Teaching Artist at Childsplay, and teaching and/or directing at East Valley Children's Theatre, Limelight Performing Arts and at Spotlight Youth Theatre, and, along with co-writer Abbey Yee, she authored, and directs Emmett's Art Project.
Fallon sat down to answer some questions about how this drama came to be and what she hopes audiences will take away from this timely work of theatre.
Since Emmett’s Art Project is a new work, what can you tell audiences it's about?
"This is a play about young people navigating the topic of race and racism. The show also touches on friendship, peer pressure, and police brutality. It will hit you right in the feels but there are a few lighthearted and funny moments."
I'm assuming the idea for the show came about due to what happened across the country over the summer, but were there other experiences or factual events you drew upon for the play?
"It was important for me to pull ideas from real-life events. Since this show touches on things like police brutality I had the youth liaisons research actual cases of young men being shot by police officers. I kept reiterating that if we just create a story where we see racist things happening that aren't rooted in reality, we would just be creating propaganda. We also touch on the death of George Floyd, not to mention we pulled several quotes and scenarios from the community of people around us."
The main character in the play is Amirah. who is a biracial teen. Was there a specific reason you decided to have her be bi-racial and not black?
"Yes. Because I’m biracial. You will hear a lot of my heart and my own experience through the character of Amirah. Ada is also a biracial character who is Filipino and white. This character was written from the perspective of Abbey who is Chinese and white. It was really exciting to write a play about race that had leading characters who were biracial and Asian. To us it felt very fresh and interesting. It was also very special to get to share about our own experiences. "
I know you co-wrote the play with Abbey Yee, how did that collaboration happen?
"First off, Abbey Yee is incredibly talented and wise beyond her years. I really leaned on her to help me create and edit a lot of the more inspirational and educated dialogue in the show.
It was really important to me that I consider this show my own and was writing with assistance. I have a tendency to be swayed easily and since this was such an important topic, I wanted to give myself space to be picky. After Kenny (Grossman, Spotlight Youth Theatre's Artistic Director) asked me to take lead on this project, I got to work. We brought Abbey on and the three of us came up with a handful of plots and ideas. I loved all of the ideas we shared but the plot of Emmett's Art Project was secretly my favorite. I really wasn't sure if either of them would go for it, but I was thrilled when Kenny encouraged me to run with the idea.
I solidified the plot points (using sticky notes!) and created our script document. Abbey helped me craft descriptions for each of the scenes.
Since I'm an 'out loud' processor I really love to work in teams. After starting the writing process I realized I would need some help with research and revising so I asked Kenny if he knew of any young people who would be interested in assisting with the creation of the script. Kenny asked Patrick Mullen who plays Emmett, our costume designer Amaya Burkhart and Faith Santos and they were all interested to participate. I call them our 'Youth Liaisons.' It was also so valuable to me to hear voices of real young people in the dialogue of the show.
I met with them once a week until the script was finalized. We discussed how racism has impacted their lives as people of color, and what was important to them to include in the show. They also helped us research statistics, laws, real-life examples, termonologies, and best practices. Once we finished our script they helped us go back and add some more gen-z vernacular to the story.
After we had it all in a nice place, we got to pull a group of young people to do a table read and give us feedback. Then the script was pretty much done minus some tweaks we made in the rehearsal process."
You are also directing this show, how has that been directing a show you co-wrote?
"It was the absolute BEST. Usually, I have to spend a bunch of time researching the story, digging around for ideas. We were also free to make adjustments to fit the cast we had. We renamed a character, cut a character, switched lines, and changed a character's gender to fit the actor playing the role. It was great knowing what my parameters were as I wrote so I could write a story that fits well in the space at Spotlight."
This is obviously a very timely piece of work, what do you hope audiences will take away from it?
"The message from this show is built largely around the work of Ibrim X. Kendi. I think sometimes media paints racists to be people walking around using slurs and demanding segregation. The topic of racism is much more nuanced and casual than one might think. For people of color, it can be somewhat obvious because all we really have to do is look at what it was like growing up in our skin. But others might be completely unaware that racism continues to play a huge role in the everyday lives of many people.
All in all, I am incredibly proud of this show and this cast. It can be exhausting to rehearse these heavy topics, again and again, each day, but we found PLENTY of time to laugh and have fun in rehearsals. I'm glad the cast got to bond so well and find joy in the process. This show has a message for EVERYONE. Not just white people. Not just people of color. Not just racists. Not just woke people. Not just liberals and not just conservatives. Everyone."
Thursday, November 12, 2020
review - DADDY LONG LEGS - Hale Centre Theatre
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| Heidi-Liz Johnson and Kade Bailey Photo by Nick Woodward-Shaw |
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 November 17"Sweet, romantic and charming are just three of the words to describe the warm and winning musical Daddy Long Legs. This two-person show depicts a relationship between a young woman and a man at the turn of the 20th century as they communicate mostly through letters. While the plot is somewhat predictable, it's always interesting and, with a very talented cast and impressive direction and creative aspects, Hale Centre Theatre's production is top notch....As Jerusha, Heidi Liz Johnson beautifully projects the appropriate shades of naiveté one would expect from a sheltered orphan but also exhibits the strength, inquisitiveness and determination of a budding feminist. ...Kade Bailey does a lovely job depicting this conflicted man who tries to tell Jerusha the truth but chickens out, as he has a hard time expressing his feelings. ...Both Johnson and Bailey create believable and realistic characters, and they have excellent singing voices that bring out the humor, emotion and charm in all of their songs....
Director Tim Dietlein does an exceptional job staging the show in Hale's in-the-round venue and derives warm and natural portrayals from his cast...." -Gil Benbrook, Talkin' Broadway (click here to read the complete review)
Southwest Shakespeare Company presents Broadway’s HADESTOWN star, Patrick Page, in his solo performance ALL THE DEVILS ARE HERE: HOW SHAKESPEARE INVENTED THE VILLAIN
Southwest Shakespeare Company is delighted to present Broadway’s Hadestown star, Patrick Page, in his solo performance All the Devils Are Here: How Shakespeare Invented the Villain
From Richard III to Prospero, Shakespeare’s villains are complex, crafty, cunning and seductively real, thanks to the performance of acclaimed Shakespeare performer, Grammy winner, TONY nominee and Hadestown star, Patrick Page.
“Hell is empty, and all the devils are here” in this enchanting solo performance that delves into the complex psychology of Shakespeare’s most notable villains. Moving swiftly and chronologically, Page will trace the evolution of Shakespeare's malefactors from the mere two-dimensional to the complex precursors of the modern psychopath.
All the Devils are Here: How Shakespeare Invented the Villain is written and performed by Grammy Award Winner Patrick Page. Patrick Page has been called “one of this country’s finest classical actors” by The Wall Street Journal, and “The Villain of Broadway” by Playbill Magazine. He is an Associate Artist at both The Shakespeare Theatre Company, DC and The Old Globe Theatre in San Diego where roles have included Iago, Macbeth, Claudius, Coriolanus, Prospero, Malvolio, and Cyrano, among others. His classical work has garnered him the Matador Award for Excellence in Classical Theater from Red Bull Theater, The William Shakespeare Award for Classical Acting, The Helen Hayes Award, The Craig Noel Award, and The Utah Governor’s Medal of the Arts among many others. He currently plays Hades in Hadestown on Broadway.
ALL THE DEVILS ARE HERE: HOW SHAKESPEARE INVENTED THE VILLAIN
Written and Performed By Patrick Page
Dates: November 19-22, 2020
Time: 7:30 pm Thursday - Saturday, 6:00 pm Sunday
Runtime: 90 minutes
Location: Unlimited Virtual tickets in the comfort of your home and limited in-person tickets for Taliesin West are available for purchase. Taliesin West address 12621 N Frank Lloyd Wright Blvd in Scottsdale.
Tickets: Virtual tickets are $50 (unlimited at-home participants!) and in-person tickets are $120 at swshakes.org. Student and educator discounts are available for virtual tickets only by contacting discover@swshakespeare.org.
Unlimited virtual tickets and limited in-person tickets for this live event are available at swshakes.org.
Southwest Shakespeare Company is a COVID SMART nationally accredited organization. To view the safety protocols from our partners at Taliesin West, please visit franklloydwright.org/what-to-expect-when-you-visit-taliesin-west/
Now & Then Creative Company and Brelby Theatre Company announce a collaboration on Play Lab, a new online program for playwrights
Arizona's Now & Then Creative Company and Brelby Theatre Company announce a collaboration on Play Lab, a new online program for playwrights, headed by Phoenix-based playwright and educator John Perovich. Perovich, the Artistic Director of Now & Then and Brelby's Director of New Work Development, is excited by the possibilities. "Play Lab will focus on process, craft, and nurturing a community for writers through storytelling for the stage," shares Perovich. "Play Lab is open to all writers, regardless of their levels of experience with playwriting. Female-identifying writers and BIPOC writers are strongly encouraged to sign up. Everyone is welcome at Play Lab."
Play Lab supports writers in developing their work in the hopes that plays can be created and submitted to theatres and festivals that playwrights are interested in pursuing. Interested writers can sign up through an online form. They will then receive a Zoom link for a writer's workshop taking place on Monday, November 16th, at 7:00 pm. The workshop will focus on a select theme and last for 30 minutes. After the workshop, writers will have two weeks to develop 10 to 15 minutes of writing based on the theme as a short play or portion of a larger piece. Writers will then submit their work and, if selected, will be invited to cast and prepare an online reading. Now & Then and Brelby Theatre will host the readings — dates and times for readings will be announced at a later date. Writers do not need to submit their writing in order to participate in Play Lab. The theme for the first Play Lab is "Difficult Conversations."
In addition to providing writers with motivation and inspiration, Play Lab also hopes to bring a group of artists closer together. "We're excited about bringing this new idea to our community," shares Shelby Maticic, Artistic Director of Brelby Theatre Company. "We've been going through the pandemic for months, and we see our once tight-knit community of artists being disconnected as a result of COVID. My hope is that Play Lab will be a step that brings us together through doing something we value at Brelby: creating new plays."
"Strictly speaking about writing, I think the initial thought in the pandemic for writers was that having time to catch up on projects was going to be helpful," shares Cody Goulder, Associate Artistic Director of Now & Then. "But, soon enough, you realize that the key ingredient of being creative is living. Without even the simplest things like coffee shops, book stores, and even being in a theatre…you struggle." In addition to providing motivation for writers, Goulder hopes that the Play Lab's community will be inclusive. "We want to take this time to highlight up and coming writers, especially BIPOC and female-identifying writers, to hear under-heard and underrepresented voices in storytelling."
Interested writers should sign up through the online form to participate in Play Lab. For more information and to ask any questions, please contact John Perovich at john@nowandthencc.com
UNWRAPPED: AN ORIGINAL CHRISTMAS REVUE - The Phoenix Theatre Company - December 2, 2020 to December 23, 2020
December 2, 2020 to December 23, 2020
Outdoor Theatre
The Phoenix Theatre Company and Brock Pro Entertainment bring the rock 'n' roll muscle to this original production, featuring songs from Pentatonix, NSYNC, Hanson, and more. Classics and contemporary gems rub shoulders as our local rock heroes put the rhythm and blues in Christmas.
WEDNESDAY 12/02/2020 7:00 PM
THURSDAY 12/03/2020 7:00 PM
FRIDAY 12/04/2020 7:00 PM
SATURDAY 12/05/2020 3:00 PM
SATURDAY 12/05/2020 7:00 PM
SUNDAY 12/06/2020 3:00 PM
SUNDAY 12/06/2020 7:00 PM
TUESDAY 12/08/2020 7:00 PM
WEDNESDAY 12/09/2020 7:00 PM
THURSDAY 12/10/2020 7:00 PM
FRIDAY 12/11/2020 7:00 PM
SATURDAY 12/12/2020 3:00 PM
SATURDAY 12/12/2020 7:00 PM
SUNDAY 12/13/2020 3:00 PM
SUNDAY 12/13/2020 7:00 PM
TUESDAY 12/15/2020 7:00 PM
WEDNESDAY 12/16/2020 7:00 PM
THURSDAY 12/17/2020 7:00 PM
FRIDAY 12/18/2020 7:00 PM
SATURDAY 12/19/2020 3:00 PM
SATURDAY 12/19/2020 7:00 PM
SUNDAY 12/20/2020 3:00 PM
SUNDAY 12/20/2020 7:00 PM
MONDAY 12/21/2020 7:00 PM
TUESDAY 12/22/2020 7:00 PM
WEDNESDAY 12/23/2020 7:00 PM
WINTER WONDERETTES - Zao Theatre - December 10-December 20, 2020
Written & Created by Roger Bean
Vocal arrangements by Roger Bean & Brian Baker
Musical Arrangements by Brian Baker
Welcome to the 1968 Harper’s Hardware Christmas Party. Featured entertainment: The Winter Wonderettes, starring Missy, Suzy, Cindy Lou, and Betty Jean, each with her own unique personality—and color scheme. Sit back and enjoy as the ladies work out the kinks, and insert their own special humor into the holidays. Along the way you’ll be treated to classic—and wacky—Wonderette versions of seasonal favorites like Jingle Bell Rock, Sleigh Ride, Santa Baby, Winter Wonderland, and over 20 more!
Thu, Dec 10th, 2020 at 7:30 pm
Fri, Dec 11th, 2020 at 7:30 pm
Sat, Dec 12th, 2020 at 2:00 pm
Sat, Dec 12th, 2020 at 7:30 pm
Sun, Dec 13th, 2020 at 4:00 pm
Thu, Dec 17th, 2020 at 7:30 pm
Fri, Dec 18th, 2020 at 7:30 pm
Sat, Dec 19th, 2020 at 2:00 pm
Sat, Dec 19th, 2020 at 7:30 pm
Sun, Dec 20th, 2020 at 4:00 pm
COVID-19 Information: Zao has implemented the following guidlines: limited socially distance seating, masks required by audience members, hand sanitizer stations, digital tickets and programs and more - a full list of these guidelines can be found on the Zao website
EMMETT'S ART PROJECT - Spotlight Youth Theatre - November 20-22, 2020
Teens confront racism in this relevant new drama. This play will be livestreamed Nov. 20-22, 2020.
Doing nothing is no longer an option.
Written by Brianna Fallon and Abbey Yee
Dates / Show Times:
Nov. 20–22, 2020 both live and online:
Friday, Nov. 20 at 7 p.m.
Saturday, Nov. 21 at 7 p.m.
Sunday, Nov. 22 at 2 p.m.
Parental guidance recommended for sensitive themes and language.
Summary:
Amirah is a biracial teen, who has always felt like an outsider because of it. When the Black Lives Matter movement dominates the news, there is a lot of tension and division among her mixed group of friends. Amirah tries to ignore it until one of her friends, Emmett, is shot by the police for defacing public property. This causes Amirah and her friends to protest in their own ways. They come together because of their love for Emmett, and to fight for what they believe in.
Cast:
Amirah: Bella Swope
Ada: Jaely Damasco
Emmett: Patrick Mullen
Rashaad: Augie Stewart
Dallas: Christopher Poulios
Tamika: Sesimphiwe Mbatha
Salem: Kayla Trevino
Emma: Kiera Crouch
Zion: Drea Metzger
Marlo: Corban Adams
Jazz: AJ King
Production Team
Director: Brianna Fallon
Scenic & Media Design: Bobby Sample
Costume Design: Amaya Burkhart
Lighting & Sound Design: Josh Hontz
Properties Design: Kenny Grossman & Vicki Grossman
4 ON THE FLOOR - Fountain Hills Theater - November 13-22, 2020
By Peter J. Hill
Fountain Hills Theater announces the opening of the new musical comedy 4 on the Floor.
Four auto mechanics in 1969 want to become a rock and roll band, but all they know is cars, chrome and chicks! Well…they say sing what you know! While the boys spend their days repairing and singing about cars and dreaming about their calendar girls, this high energy tribute musical features some of the best rock and roll car songs of all time including 409, Hey, Little Cobra, Hot Rod Lincoln, Little Old Lady from Pasadena and many, many more.
Author and Director Peter J. Hill was listening to an NPR report about popular American music. As expected the number one subject of American music is love. Number two was cars!!! This is unique in the world. Surely Hill thought, there must be a musical revue that featured the American Hot Rod songbook, but to his surprise, there was not. Setting the story in 1969, he created a tribute show that hits on all cylinders of the big hot rod songs of the 50’s and 60’s, but also includes little known car songs like Under the Wrench, Grandpa’s Advice, One Piece at a Time and The Duct Tape Madrigal.
4 on the Floor is directed by Peter J. Hill, choreographed by Noel Irick and musically directed by Jennifer Adams.
THE CAST: Ben Alker, Raelyn Burkhart, Megan Farrinella, Brian Hoffman, Henry Male, Jerimiah Power, Fallon Smith, Kori Stearns, and William Wadsworth.
This production will be presented on our Outdoor Stage provided by Kern Entertainment, with “Lawn” seating, as well as a limited number of spaces for patrons who wish to enjoy the show from the comfort of their vehicles.
Fri, Nov 13th, 2020 at 7:30 pm
Sat, Nov 14th, 2020 at 7:30 pm
Sun, Nov 15th, 2020 at 2:00 pm
Fri, Nov 20th, 2020 at 7:30 pm
Sat, Nov 21st, 2020 at 7:30 pm
Sun, Nov 22nd, 2020 at 2:00 pm
11445 N. Saguaro Blvd. (The Corner of Saguaro and Rand). Tickets are available through the Theater Box Office at (480) 837-9661 x3 or by visiting fhtaz.org. Box Office Hours are 12:00PM-2:00 PM Tuesday through Saturday.
GET HAPPY: ANGELA INGERSOLL SINGS JUDY GARLAND - The Phoenix Theatre Company - January 27 - February 7, 2021
January 27, 2021 to February 7, 2021
Outdoor Theatre
Angela Ingersoll has already received national acclaim and an Emmy Award-nomination for this touching and uplifting show. Now she's bringing the magic to our brand new outdoor stage! The Times Square Chronicles declares, "If anyone was ever meant to reincarnate Judy in performance, it’s undeniably her."
TUESDAY 1/26/2021 7:00 PM
WEDNESDAY 1/27/2021 7:00 PM
THURSDAY 1/28/2021 7:00 PM
FRIDAY 1/29/2021 7:00 PM
SATURDAY 1/30/2021 3:00 PM
SATURDAY 1/30/2021 7:00 PM
SUNDAY 1/31/2021 3:00 PM
SUNDAY 1/31/2021 7:00 PM
TUESDAY 2/02/2021 7:00 PM
WEDNESDAY 2/03/2021 7:00 PM
THURSDAY 2/04/2021 7:00 PM
FRIDAY 2/05/2021 7:00 PM
SATURDAY 2/06/2021 3:00 PM
SATURDAY 2/06/2021 7:00 PM
SUNDAY 2/07/2021 3:00 PM
SUNDAY 2/07/2021 7:00 PM
DISNEY ALADDIN KIDS - Musical Theatre of Anthem - March 25-28, 2021
Ages 6-12, all youth are cast
March 25-28, 2021
Based on the iconic animated film, with an Academy Award-winning score by Alan Menken, Howard Ashman and Tim Rice, Disney's Aladdin KIDS is sure to send audiences soaring on a flying carpet ride filled with romance and adventure. When the street urchin, Aladdin, vies for the attention of the beautiful princess, Jasmine, he uses a genie's magic power to become a prince in order to marry her. Iago, Jafar, the Genie, and more are here in Disney's Aladdin KIDS, a musical adventure filled with magic, mayhem and the power of love. Specific to Disney's Aladdin KIDS are the Djinn, a group of unique stage magicians who execute the magical moments of the show.
AUDITIONS:
Saturday, January 9, 2021
9:00am Workshop Participants (A-L)
9:45am Workshop Participants (M-Z)
10:30am General Auditions
DANCE CALL/CALLBACKS:
Sunday, January 10, 2021
Dance Call 9:00am
Callbacks 10:00am
PERFORMANCES:
March 25-28, 2021
GODSPELL - Musical Theatre of Anthem - April 8-18, 2021
Ages 15-adult, all youth ages 15-19 are cast
April 8-18, 2021
Godspell was the first major musical theatre offering from three-time Grammy and Academy Award winner, Stephen Schwartz (Wicked, Pippin, Children of Eden), and it took the world by storm. Led by the international hit, "Day by Day," Godspell features a parade of beloved songs, including "Prepare Ye the Way of the Lord," "Learn Your Lessons Well," "All for the Best," "All Good Gifts," "Turn Back, O Man" and "By My Side." A small group of people help Jesus Christ tell different parables by using a wide variety of games, storytelling techniques and hefty doses of comic timing. An eclectic blend of songs, ranging in style from pop to vaudeville, is employed as the story of Jesus' life dances across the stage. Dissolving hauntingly into the Last Supper and the Crucifixion, Jesus' messages of kindness, tolerance and love come vibrantly to life.
AUDITIONS:
Saturday, January 9, 2021
4:00pm Workshop Participants
4:30pm General Auditions
DANCE CALL/CALLBACKS:
Sunday, January 10, 2021
Dance Call 6:00pm
Callbacks 6:30pm
PERFORMANCES:
April 8-18, 2021
PRODUCTION STAFF
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