Thursday, March 27, 2025
Review Highlights: THE RAINMAKER at Don Bluth Front Row Theatre
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| Jori Beth and Rob Stuart Photo by Mark Gluckman |
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 April 26
"N. Richard Nash's The Rainmaker may be set in the 1930s, but its themes of hope, dreams, and self-discovery still resonate today. In Don Bluth Front Row Theatre's intimate production, the small venue enhances the emotional weight of the story, bringing depth to every glance and gesture and making the connections between the characters feel real. The talented cast bring authenticity to their roles, breathing life into Nash's richly drawn characters. While the play is over 70 years old, its exploration of longing, self-worth, and the courage to believe in something greater than oneself remains deeply affecting." - Gil Benbrook, TalkinBroadway.com (click here to read the complete review)
"The Don Bluth Front Row Theatre, known for its intimate in-the-round productions, approaches this classic with sincerity, transporting audiences to a time when societal expectations for women were painfully narrow. Under the direction of Diedra Celeste Miranda, the production, running through April 26th, is heartfelt and engaging, though it occasionally leans into sentimentality at the expense of dramatic tension. Nash’s writing shifts between realism and lyrical optimism, and this production largely honors the script’s emotional depth." - Herbert Paine, Broadway World (click here to read the complete review)
Cast announced for TRUCE at Stage Left Productions
CLICK HERE for more information on this production, which runs April 4-27
Wednesday, March 26, 2025
FUTAKUCHI ONNA, a modern reflection on a Japanese folktale, announced for April 11-12 at Scottsdale Neighborhoood Arts Place
Futakuchi Onna is a modern interpretation of the ancient Japanese folktale which tells the story of a woman cursed with a second mouth on the back of her head.
A woman battles the curse she has inherited from her ancestors - the Futakuchi Onna. This Japanese monster, also known as a yokai, manifests as a heckling mouth on the back of her head. The Futakuchi Onna impedes the woman’s pursuit of music, destroys her relationships and leads her to despair. And yet, the Futukuchi Onna also has some lessons to teach. With acceptance, one can find balance, understanding and the courage it takes to be yourself.
Featuring original music and a short film, the raw vulnerability of this solo show will haunt and inspire you.
Three perforamnces only! Show times at 7:00 pm on April 11 and 12 and 3:30 pm on April 12
Tickets: At door $10 (students $5)
Scottsdale Neighborhood Arts Place 4425 N Granite Reef Rd, Scottsdale AZ 85251
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Kristin Joy Moran
When Kristin was cast as Madame Hattori in Shanna Fujii’s short film Madame Hattori’s Izakaya, she learned of this breathtaking Japanese myth - Futakuchi Onna. The 2023 Tokyo award winning film and the folklore upon which it was based inspired some personal reflection, which led to the creation of this solo show. Kristin performed Futakuchi Onna and won Best Drama at the 2024 Tucson Fringe Festival. She will be performing again at the Hollywood Fringe Festival in June 2025.
Auditions for TITANIC and THE PRINCE OF EGYPT at Zao Theatre announced for June 23
Jun 23, 2025
Zao Theatre 12th Season Auditions
One Audition for Two Blockbuster shows for Zao Theatre's 12th Season: Fall of 2025: Titanic, The Musical and Spring of 2026: The Prince of Egypt.
Auditions will be held June 23, 2025, beginning at 3:00 p.m. at Zao Theatre, 6338 S. Kings Ranch Rd, Gold Canyon, AZ 85118. Video auditions will be accepted until Monday, June 23, 2025.
For your audition, you are asked to prepare a song which displays your vocal ability. You may also be asked to do a cold read from the script.
Before your audition, you need to email a headshot or current photo and a resume to shows@zaotheatre.org. You will not need to bring them to your audition.
You will need to bring a completed Audition/Conflict Form for the show for which you are auditioning, or one for each show if auditioning for both shows. Forms can be downloaded from the audition site.
Call backs, if needed, will be held at 6:30pm, Tuesday, June 24.
Dance Call for both shows will be Tuesday, June 24, at 8:00pm.
Rehearsals will generally be Monday, Tuesday, Thursday 6:30-9:30 p.m. and Saturday 10:00 a.m.-1:00 p.m.
Performance dates are:
TITANIC, THE MUSICAL - November 7 - 29, 2025.
THE PRINCE OF EGYPT - March 27 - April 18, 2026
Show times are Friday 7:30 p.m. and Saturday 2:00 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. Between shows on Saturday a light meal is provided by the theatre.
Cast announced for BOB & JEAN A LOVE STORY at Arizona Theatre Company
Meet the Cast... |
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Tuesday, March 25, 2025
TheaterWorks' 2025/2026 Season!
TheaterWorks’ 40th Anniversary Season is here!
We’re celebrating four decades of bringing unforgettable theater to our community with a spectacular 2025-2026 MainStage lineup! From heartwarming classics to show-stopping musicals, there’s something for everyone:
The Sweet Delilah Swim Club (Jul 11 - Aug 3, 2025) – A heartfelt and hilarious story of five lifelong friends who reunite every summer at their beach cottage, navigating love, laughter, and life’s unexpected twists.
The Prince of Egypt (Aug 29 - Sep 14, 2025) – The sweeping musical adaptation of the beloved animated film, featuring breathtaking music and the epic story of two brothers divided by destiny.
The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee (Oct 24 - Nov 9, 2025) – A quirky and uproarious Tony Award-winning musical that follows a group of eccentric middle schoolers (played by adults) as they battle for the ultimate spelling championship.
A Christmas Carol (Dec 5 - Dec 21, 2025) – The timeless holiday classic returns, bringing Ebenezer Scrooge’s magical journey of redemption to life with all new design elements for 2025.
A Chorus Line (Feb 6 - Feb 22, 2026) – One singular sensation! This legendary Broadway musical takes you behind the scenes of a high-stakes audition, showcasing the dreams and struggles of dancers fighting for their big break.
The Wizard of Oz (Mar 27 - Apr 12, 2026) – Follow the yellow brick road to an enchanting adventure filled with beloved songs, whimsical characters, and the enduring magic of Oz!
Join us as we celebrate 40 years of storytelling, music, and magic on stage! Season Flex Packs will be available soon—stay tuned!
Monday, March 24, 2025
Review Highlights: THE EFFECT OF GAMMA RAYS ON MAN-IN-THE-MOON-MARIGOLDS at Ghostlight Theatre
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| Kristin Joy Moran, Kate Donick, and Anora Biggs Photo by Renee Ashlock |
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 March 30
"Paul Zindel's The Effect of Gamma Rays on Man-in-the-Moon Marigolds is a powerful and poignant exploration of family dysfunction, resilience and hope. The recipient of the Pulitzer Prize for Drama in 1971, the play is an emotionally charged drama that still resonates today. While it tackles dark and difficult subject matter, the production at Ghostlight Theatre is gripping and deeply moving, with a talented cast and astute direction that highlight both the raw pain and flickers of hope within Zindel's work. The play centers on Beatrice, a bitter and disillusioned single mother, and her two daughters, Ruth and Tillie....The performances in Ghostlight's production are exceptional. As Beatrice, Kristin Joy Moran commands the stage with a volatile and layered portrayal, capturing the character's bitterness while revealing the deep pain beneath an abrasive exterior. Her moments of vulnerability add depth to a woman who could otherwise be purely antagonistic, making her someone you empathize with even though she is, basically, a horrible person. It's an explosive performance that you won't soon forget." - Gil Benbrook, TalkinBroadway.com (click here to read the complete review)
Cast announced for ART at Theatre Artists Studio
Marc, Steven Mastroieni
Serg, Dominik Rebilas
Yvan, Jason Isaak
Auditions for HEAVEN CAN WAIT at Don Bluth Front Row Theatre at Don Bluth Front Row Theatre announced for April 13
Sunday, April 13th | 2-6 pm
Audition for Comedy/Fantasy ~ HEAVEN CAN WAIT
Audition Overview
Auditions will consist of cold reads from the script. Bring a current headshot and resume (please upload a photo to your Casting Manager profile!). Callbacks by invitation will be held on Monday, April 14 in the evening.
First Rehearsal 'Read Thru' will be on Monday, June 2. Rehearsals are typically held on Monday through Thursday evenings (6-9 pm) and possibly some Sunday afternoons (1-4 pm).
Fill out all conflicts for rehearsal. Rehearsal conflicts are allowed June 2 through June 20; there can be NO conflicts (missing rehearsals) after June 20.
Performance run is July 10 - August 16, 2025. Performances are Wednesday through Saturday evenings and Saturday matinees; with optional additional Wednesday and Tuesday evenings. We do not perform on Sundays. See the downloadable full performance schedule. There will be no understudies, if you are not available for all performances, we cannot consider you for casting in this production.
Most rehearsals prior to June 23 will be held at our rehearsal studio located in Mesa about 15 minutes south of the theatre. Location: 1815 W 1st Ave #127, Mesa.
Our goal is to cast the very best actors for each role. All auditions are in person. Sorry. video auditions are not permitted.
Harry Segall’s play - HEAVEN CAN WAIT - enchants audiences with its unique blend of fantasy, humour, and heart. It tells the story of Joe Pendleton, a boxer whose accidental death due to a celestial clerical error sets him on a journey through the afterlife. Guided by the poised and otherworldly Mr. Jordan, Joe is given the chance to return to Earth in another body to fulfill his destiny. Of course, Joe Pendleton’s ‘spiritual journey’ will become more complicated, as he finds himself caught up in murder – one where he is the victim, as his disembodied spirit is now placed into the body of wealthy banker, Mr. Farnsworth. This complication drives the plot into one of intrigue and eventually romance, where he falls in love with Bette. Joe will find himself at a crossroads, asking himself the deeper questions of what is truly important and discovering that the twists and turns of fate have allowed him with second chances, in more ways than one.
Author: Harry Segall
Playing Dates (Performance Run)
Jul 10, 2025 - Aug 16, 2025
Don Bluth Front Row Theatre
8989 E Via Linda, Ste 118 | Scottsdale AZ 85258 | 480-314-0841
Details
Audition: Sun, Apr 13, 2025 | 2 pm - 6 pm
Callback: Mon, Apr 14, 2025 | Evening TBD
First Rehearsal: Jun 2, 2025
Payment Type: Paid Union Type: Non-Union
Payment: Stipend - Approx $300-$400 pending total number of performances
Audition Location
Don Bluth Front Row Theatre | 8989 E Via Linda, Ste 118 | Scottsdale AZ 85258
Audition Roles
Mr Jordan
Male | 50 – 55 | A distinguished and serious man. The CEO of heaven! A guide and an arbiter of justice.
Joe Pendleton
Male | 25 – 30 | A pugilist (professional boxer). A big, brawny, sweet but simple fellow.
7013- The new Escort messenger from Heaven
Male | 40 – 50 | A slight, precise and meticulous little man.
Julia Farnsworth
Female | 27 – 30 | A beautiful woman. Selfish and manipulative. Comic role.
Bette Logan
Female | 25 – 30 | A lovely young woman. Sweet but determined. Intelligent.
Tony Abbot
Male | 30 – 40 | A handsome, calm, suave and immaculate man. Deceitful.
Max Levine
Male |40 – 50 | A shrewd, enthusiastic, pugnacious, typical fight manager. Comedy a plus.
Mrs. Ames
Female | 45 – 50 | An elderly, maternal type of housekeeper. Actor will play several different roles. (Minor character)
Nurse
Female | 35 – 40 | Will play several different female roles (Minor character)
Maid
Female | 23 – 30 | Will play several different female roles. (Minor character)
Lefty
Male | 45 – 50 | A fight manager and trainer. -- Actor will play several different roles. (Minor character)
Williams
Male | 40 – 50 | Policeman - Actor will play several different roles. (Minor character)
Doctor
Any | 40 – 50 | Actor will play several different roles (Minor character)
Escort from Heaven
Any | 35 – 40 | Actor will play several different roles (Minor character)
Workman
Male | 40 – 40 | Actor will play several different roles (Minor character)
Cast announced for PETER AND THE STARCATCHER at Fountain Hills Theater
Zeke Collins- Boy (Peter)
Adam Gobeski- Captain Robert Falcon Scott
Harold LeBoyer- Lord Leonard Aster
Ashley Letizia- Molly Aster
Schyler McMichael- Molly Aster Understudy/ Mac/ Hawking Clam
Henry Male- Alf
Tom Mangum- Smee
Dan Marburger- Mrs. Brumbrake
Michael Massone- Bill Slank/ Fighting Prawn
Michael McGraw- Prentiss
Jonathan Phillippi- Ted
Roger Prenger- Black Stache
WEEK AT A GLANCE: March 24-March 30, 2025
Click on any show title to get more information on that production
LIMITED RUN:
OPENING:
STILL PLAYING:
Sunday, March 23, 2025
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Joey Whelan named the new Artistic Director of B3 Theater
Arizona’s indepent theatre community is set to see an exciting new chapter as kongtime B3 member and Showcase Commuity Theatre founder, Joey Whelan, has been appointed as the new Artistic Director of B3, following the leadership of Eliana Burns and Ilana Lydia, who previously lead B3.
B3 Theater has been a creative home for Whelan for several years, initially joining the organization under the leadership of Ilana Lydia and Board President Gabe Escudero. Serving as both Treasurer and Secretary in the past, Whelan has played a key role in shaping the vision and future of the company. Now, with the foundation started by Lydia, the new leadership team is eager to continue building and expanding B3’s presence in the Arizona theatre scene.
As part of this transition, the dedicated team behind Showcase Community Theatre—including Kelly Jones, William Buckley, MJ Beckett, Lex Cobb, and Garrad Perry—will be joining the B3 Board of Directors. They will collaborate alongside existing board members Gabe Escudero, Angelica Saario, Christine Cavazos, Erin Buvala Benites, Logan Martin, Carlin Thomas, and former B3 Artisitic Director Eliana Burns, who will remain involved remotely. While Showcase Community Theatre takes its final bow, its legacy and spirit will live on through B3’s continued mission of bold and innovative theatre-making.
"I couldn’t be prouder to be leading this talented group of brilliant minds," said Whelan. "The love and support for Showcase has meant the world to me, and I am thrilled to see our team transition into this new venture. We look forward to honoring the legacy of what we’ve built while forging a bright future for B3. Stay tuned for exciting announcements as we continue B3’s already stellar season. Cheers to the future of Arizona theatre!"
For more information on B3 Theater and upcoming productions, visit http://b3theater.com/
Auditions for THE MISS FIRECRACKER CONTEST at Stage Left Productions announced for April 7
Auditions Monday April 7 6:00-8:30pm
Directed by Glenn Parker
The place is the small Mississippi town of Brookhaven, the time a few days before the Fourth of July. Carnelle Scott (known locally as “Miss Hot Tamale") is rehearsing furiously for the Miss Firecracker Contest—hoping that a victory will salvage her tarnished reputation and allow her to leave town in a blaze of glory. The unexpected arrival of her cousin Elain, a former Miss Firecracker winner, (who has walked out on her rich but boring husband and her two small children) complicates matters a bit, as does the repeated threat of Elain’s eccentric brother, Delmount, (recently released from a mental institution) to sell the family homestead and decamp for New Orleans. But, aided by a touchingly awkward seamstress named Popeye (who is hopelessly smitten by Delmount) and several other cheerfully nutty characters, Carnelle perseveres—leading to a denouement of unparalleled hilarity, compassion and moving lyricism as all concerned finally escape their unhappy pasts and turn hopefully toward what must surely be a better future.
Performances July 11- August 3
Click here for more information and to Sign up for an Audition
Directed by Glenn Parker
The place is the small Mississippi town of Brookhaven, the time a few days before the Fourth of July. Carnelle Scott (known locally as “Miss Hot Tamale") is rehearsing furiously for the Miss Firecracker Contest—hoping that a victory will salvage her tarnished reputation and allow her to leave town in a blaze of glory. The unexpected arrival of her cousin Elain, a former Miss Firecracker winner, (who has walked out on her rich but boring husband and her two small children) complicates matters a bit, as does the repeated threat of Elain’s eccentric brother, Delmount, (recently released from a mental institution) to sell the family homestead and decamp for New Orleans. But, aided by a touchingly awkward seamstress named Popeye (who is hopelessly smitten by Delmount) and several other cheerfully nutty characters, Carnelle perseveres—leading to a denouement of unparalleled hilarity, compassion and moving lyricism as all concerned finally escape their unhappy pasts and turn hopefully toward what must surely be a better future.
Performances July 11- August 3
Click here for more information and to Sign up for an Audition
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