Jasmine Bassham hailing from Phoenix returns to ABT’s stage as the main character
PEORIA, Arizona, May — Local actress Jasmine Bassham is back at Arizona Broadway Theatre (ABT) to star as Dorothy in The Wizard of Oz. She was previously in the ABT productions of The Addam’s Family as Wednesday Addams and Mamma Mia! as part of the ensemble and the understudy for Sophie.
Now, Jasmine is over-the-moon to play the iconic role of Dorothy in this classic tale based on the story from L. Frank Baum. Sweet, naïve and hailing from a humble farmland in Kansas, Dorothy is known as a compassionate protagonist who is not afraid to stand up for what’s right. Jasmine hopes to incorporate her own flair into the part and inspire youth as she tells the story on stage.
“Playing Dorothy means the world to me because I grew up loving the Wizard of Oz, as I am sure many other people did, and I am excited to share that love and sense of nostalgia with the audience,” Jasmine says. “My spark for the stage ignited when I saw Wicked at 8 years old and although it isn’t the same exact story, the love for these characters and the magical world of oz runs so deep in my heart and I hope to pass on that torch to the little ones in the audience. If I can inspire at least one young performer, I’ll be happy.”
Jasmine’s return to Arizona Broadway Theatre comes with excitement, as the actress has not performed on the Main Stage since she was in high school. As a native to Arizona, there’s no place like home to Jasmine and she looks forward to having another chance to be on stage in her home state.
“As always, it is such an honor to have the opportunity to perform on the Arizona Broadway stage. I am particularly excited for this return because it feels so full circle to me. After leaving to go to college for four years, I am coming back with a newfound perspective,” Jasmine says. “Although I already had an appreciation for ABT’s professionalism, but I had no idea just how lucky I was, having that experience before going to college. ABT taught me so much about the business and myself as a performer and being a part of Mamma Mia and The Addams Family really solidified my decision to continue my career in performance. I also am so excited to have a taste of home before moving to New York in the fall!”
The Wizard of Oz is a classic, whimsical production perfect for families and introducing children to their first professional musical. It is also a perfect way to beat the Arizona heat. Choose from two experiences at Arizona Broadway Theatre. Enjoy family time and dine prior to curtain from a Wizard of Oz inspired menu made for adults and kids. Or simply enjoy one of ABT’s specialty beverages in the lobby before production with a performance ticket. Dining prior to the show is available for the matinee or evening performances.
Runtime: 2 hours and 30 minutes with one intermission. Performance Tickets start at $35 for ages 1 –13 and $79 for adults plus service fees. Tickets are available now at the Box Office or at AZBROADWAY.org. Discounted Dinner and Show tickets are offered for groups of 12 and more and are available by calling 623.766.8400 ext. 0.
Media Contacts
McKenzie Wurtz, Communications Coordinator, mckenzie@azbroadway.org
Michele A. Meyer, Director of Marketing & Communications
michele@azbroadway.org or 480.601.3692
ABOUT ARIZONA BROADWAY THEATRE (ABT)
ABT Performing Arts Association, Inc. is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization and Arizona’s one-of-a-kind, award-winning, state-of-the-art professional theatre showcasing locally and nationally acclaimed artists and providing palate-pleasing sit-down table service prepared fresh daily to accompany the award-winning on-stage fare. One reservation allows patrons to enjoy a whole night’s entertainment without rushing around the Phoenix sprawl. Support from the community sustains professional musical theatre produced in the Northwest Valley. It also allows ABT to create and deliver youth programming that educates and engages students across metropolitan Phoenix. azbroadway.org
###
