ABT Launches MASK RELIEF EFFORT!

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By Brad York
March 23, 2020

Known for its commitment to community and active engagement efforts over the years, Arizona Broadway Theatre will launch a MASK RELIEF EFFORT to supply medical masks to healthcare workers during this much needed time.

The theatre has called upon all sewers and crafters within the community to assist and organize a volunteer effort to provide aid for the immediate need of face masks – both locally and nationally. Representatives from ABT have contacted a number of healthcare organizations directly in Washington, Colorado, New York and right here in Arizona to assess the need. The volunteer effort is being lead by ABT Costume Director & Resident Designer, Lottie Dixon. A number Costume Shop staff will also be volunteering their time and effort.

“We might not be able to produce theatre right now, but this we can do,” said Artistic Producer, Cassandra Klaphake. “During this dark time at the theatre we can bring some light – some help – to those on the front-line. ABT can help – and we will!”

WAYS THE COMMUNITY CAN HELP:
1) Donate materials: the theatre is in need of ¼ inch, ⅛ inch or round elastic, and lightweight cotton or cotton/poly blend fabric. Materials can be dropped-off at ABT’s main entrance at: 7701 W Paradise Ln. in Peoria (place at the foot of front doors – staff will collect)

2) Sew from home:  the community is encouraged to use their own material where they can. Guidelines for sanctioned fabrics and construction can be found at: https://www.deaconess.com/How-to-make-a…/Documents-Mask/Mask,  or by watching the instruction video found here: https://youtu.be/9tBg0Os5FWQ

3) Assemble Kits (to be sewn by others): the theatre is putting together individual mask assembly kits. For information on getting an assembly kit, contact lottie@azbroadway.org to arrange pick-up of supplies and instructions

All assembled masks and kits can be returned directly to Arizona Broadway Theatre for distribution. Again, please contact lottie@azbroadway.org for times and availability.

Group Bonding at Arizona Broadway Theatre

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We love groups here at Arizona Broadway Theatre!

So, MEET UP. HAVE FUN. SAVE MONEY.

Book a discounted package for your group of 12 or more! Dazzle your friends and family with great entertainment, or treat your clients and employees to a fabulous night out!

3 EASY STEPS TO BOOKING

Choose Your Show

Pick Your Performance

Matinees: 12:00pm dining, 2:00pm curtain
Evenings: 5:30pm dining, 7:30pm curtain

Book Your Reservation

Call 623-374-6092 OR email groups@azbroadway.org  OR CLICK HERE

Please note that all requests are subject to availability, and ABT reserves the right to add, remove, or change performance dates as needed.

Payment : Call 623-374-6092 or email our Group Coordinator for special pricing. Payment Plans available.

REVIEW BROCHURE

Some restrictions apply. Pricing may vary depending on show title and availability.

Actors’ Equity Night Out To ‘La Cage aux Folles’ at Herberger Theater Center

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Local members of the Actors’ Equity Association will be coming together for Equity Night Out on March 8th, at 7pm to attend the Arizona Broadway Theatre (ABT) production of La Cage Aux Folles at the Herberger Theater Center. Actors’ Equity Association (“Equity”), is the U.S. labor union that represents more than 51,000 professional Actors and Stage Managers. Equity fosters the art of live theatre as an essential component of society and advances the careers of its members by negotiating wages, improving working conditions and providing a wide range of benefits, including health and pension plans.

ABT has continued their commitment to Actors’ Equity, and to hiring local artists for their Mainstage, Encore Room, and Herberger productions. They will be offering a discount code to Equity members for this performance.

La Cage aux Folles is Jerry Herman’s (Mame, Hello, Dolly!) 6-time Tony Award-winning production that tells the story of Jean-Michel and Anne who are newly engaged, and now her strait-laced parents want to meet his. The only problem? His birth-mother is out of the picture, his dad owns a drag nightclub, and his mom is the star of the show! Jean-Michel wants just one night with his parents playing it “straight” to impress Anne’s parents. What’s Albin to do? Based on the original 1973 French play of the same name, and later the hit motion picture The Birdcage starring Robin Williams and Nathan Lane, the ground-breaking La Cage aux Folles celebrates performers, the LGBT community, and non-traditional families. The show also features two Equity artists, Michael Ursua who plays Albin/Zaza and Seth Tucker, a local member, in the role of Jacob.

La Cage Aux Folles
March 8th | 7:00pm
Herberger Theater Center
222 E Monroe St., Phoenix

To find out more information and receive the discount code please email: actingupseries@gmail.com

Announcing the cast of ‘Chicago’ at Arizona Broadway Theatre

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The cast for Chicago is in the building! Monday was their first day of rehearsals and things are already falling into place nicely. Introducing…

Velma Kelly……………………………………………………Tiffany Sparks
Roxie Hart……………………………………………………..Liz Fallon
Fred Casely…………………………………………………….Daniel Miller
Sergeant Fogarty…………………………………………….Danny Durr
Amos Hart……………………………………………………..Andy Meyers
Liz…………………………………………………………………Selena Robinson
Annie…………………………………………………………….Samantha Ross
June………………………………………………………………Kristina Huegel
Hunyak………………………………………………………….Rebecca Shulla
Mona……………………………………………………………..Meghan Deeley
Martin Harrison……………………………………………..Robert Garris
Matron “Mama” Morton………………………………….Kiani Nelson
Billy Flynn………………………………………………………Kiel Klaphake
Mary Sunshine………………………………………………..Lucas Brady
Go-To-Hell Kitty………………………………………………………Alyssa Ishihara
Aaron………………………………………………………………………Daniel Stanley
The Judge………………………………………………………………..John Cavaseno
Court Clerk………………………………………………………………Christopher Salvaggio
Ensemble…………………………………………………………………Caleb Albert

RESCHEDULED FOR JANUARY 2021 DUE TO COVID-19

An Interpreted Performance of ‘La Cage aux Folles’ Available for the Arizona Deaf Community

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Beginning with Season 15, Arizona Broadway Theatre launched a new program to create community-related impact projects to accompany each production. These projects are designed to provide ABT the opportunity to expand its community engagement in meaningful, measurable and memorable ways that extend beyond the stage. Art, as they say, imitates life, and with each production come real-life show-specific themes that correlate to topics and issues of the day. With this in mind, ABT is running a teen-youth anti-bullying community impact project entitled, “I Am What I Am” in conjunction with the run of the La Cage aux Folles. In the spirit of inclusion and acceptance, Arizona Broadway Theatre and Herberger Theater Center are proud to host this interpreted performance for the Arizona Deaf community at the 2pm show on Saturday, March 14, 2020. BUY TICKETS FOR THIS PERFORMANCE.

About our ASL Interpreting Team

Lisa Schulman is a Washington, DC, native with extensive onstage drama and musical theater experience since early elementary school.  Now based in Phoenix, AZ, Lisa holds an RID NIC (National Interpreter Certification) and specializes in Theatrical interpreting, as well as Mental Health and Addiction & Recovery settings. Her favorite shows to have interpreted include the Broadway national tours of Hamilton, Pippin, Book of Mormon, and Aladdin, and local professional productions of Avenue Q, The Diary of Anne Frank, and Cabaret. Lisa is thrilled to collaborate on another show for Arizona Broadway Theatre.

Cameron Eggers has been involved in theatre and dance from a young age. After receiving his Bachelor’s degree in American Sign Language, he became immersed with the Deaf Community in Sacramento, California, where he discovered his passion for interpreting. Cameron was also a company member for the Sacramento Contemporary Dance Theatre, where he collaborated with the Deaf Community and Hearing Community alike to aid in curating Sign of Life, a production that embedded American Sign Language into Contemporary Dance movement. This production benefited Deaf, Hard of Hearing, and CODA youth. After relocating to Phoenix, Arizona, Cameron became certified and now works as a professional interpreter in many settings, with theatre closest to his heart. Cameron is currently a company member with Scorpius Dance Theatre under the direction of Lisa Starry. Cameron would like to thank Arizona Broadway Theatre for a warm welcome, and he looks forward to La Cage Aux Folles.

Missy Keast is the ASL Coach for this interpreted performance of La Cage Aux Folles. Profoundly Deaf, she has taught ASL classes since 1989 and today owns the ASL online curriculum website (www.aslinside.com). After training with the National Theatre of the Deaf in the early 1990s, Missy worked at Deaf West Theatre as an ASL consultant in several plays including Oliver! and also worked at Southwest Shakespeare Company in the mid-2000s where Cyrano was her favorite production!

Brandon Kazen-Maddox plays Bitelle/Cagelle in La Cage Aux Folles and has also been the Deaf Community Liaison for this interpreted performance. Brandon is a Grandchild of Deaf Adults (GODA) and a third-generation native user of American Sign Language (ASL). Based in New York City, he recently graduated from New York University’s Tisch School of the Arts with his Master of Fine Arts degree from the department of Dance and New Technology. He began his career as a gymnast from the age of four, attended the San Francisco Circus Center’s Professional Training Program in Chinese Acrobatics in 2010 and worked as a professional circus acrobat and dancer for seven years in San Francisco, CA. Brandon is also the president and CEO of Body Language Productions, Inc., an American Sign Language Dance Theater and Video Production Company (2012). Brandon is grateful to Arizona Broadway Theatre for accommodating his Deaf family members and bringing the art of musical theatre to the Arizona Deaf community!

“i.DANCE” Community Impact Project Coincides With Run Of ‘Chicago’ At ABT!

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Beginning with Season 15, ABT launched a series of show-related impact projects designed to expand the theatre’s community engagement in meaningful, measurable and memorable ways that extend beyond the productions on stage. Bob Fosse’s iconic choreography and unique style of dance have made the musical Chicago one of the most beloved and longest-running shows on Broadway.

With this in mind, ABT is hosting a two-day dance intensive workshop April 10 & 11, 2020 entitled “i.DANCE” to accompany the run of Chicago (March 13 – April 19). The Chicago i.DANCE Community Impact Project is designed to provide local dancers ages 13-23 the opportunity to expand their personal & artistic growth in a supportive environment, allowing every dancer to excel. The two-day workshop will be led by ABT’s own Associate Artistic Director (and Director/Choreographer of Chicago), Kurtis Overby. Kurtis, along with a number of ABT’s talented Teaching Artists (including members of the cast of Chicago), will deliver outstanding training in both fundamental dance techniques and other styles.

This project has been generously supported by longtime ABT patron, Bette Aronsohn. Bette lived in Manhattan for 30 years pursuing a career in theatre before moving to the West Valley of Arizona 20 years ago. Bette admits she has been in love with the arts since she was six years old “tap dancing and singing Shirley Temple’s ‘Good Ship Lollipop.’” Her love for the arts is why she generously gives of her finances.

“All of the arts are very important to me,” says Bette “and I think more people should give their money to theatre, ballet, opera and museums.”

Bette feels that the arts are suffering in our society and we don’t want to “lose that magic” for our kids and their kids. And, it’s because of children that Bette has given to the i.DANCE Community Impact Project. “Adults get to enjoy the show, but I want young people to have the opportunity to follow their dreams and hone their skills and i.DANCE accomplishes that.”

i.DANCE will be intermediate and advanced workshop classes focused on fundamental dance techniques as well as other dance styles (including Jazz, Ballet, Fosse, and some of today’s other more cutting-edge styles). It is a unique dance workshop opportunity offered in the West Valley where technique, discipline and versatility are rewarded and promises to be an encouraging atmosphere that will expand artistic expression and personal growth in a supportive environment.

WILL BE RESCHEDULED FOR 2021 DUE TO COVID-19

Broadway Blockbuster Musical CHICAGO Next On The Mainstage At ABT

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“i.DANCE” Dance Intensive Community Impact Project To Coincide With Show’s Run

Like many single-named celebrities, this show only needs a single moniker as well – Chicago! The 1926 play, written by reporter and playwright Maurine Dallas Watkins based on actual criminals and crimes that she reported on, has become an icon in American culture. The 1996 Broadway revival of Kander & Ebb’s Chicago holds the record as the longest-running American musical in Broadway history, and, in 2002, the film version won the Academy Award for Best Picture. Chicago will be here in the Valley of the Sun at Arizona Broadway Theatre March 13 – April 19, 2020.

Set amidst the decade of the roaring twenties, Chicago is the story of Roxie Hart, a housewife and wannabe nightclub dancer who maliciously murders her on-the-side lover. Desperate to avoid conviction, she dupes the public, the media, and her rival cellmate, Velma Kelly, and hires the slickest criminal lawyer in town to transform her crime into a barrage of sensational headlines. Filled with greed, corruption, exploitation, and one show-stopping hit after another, Chicago is sure to give you the old “Razzle Dazzle!”

Kurtis Overby

Kurtis Overby

The show will be directed & choreographed by ABT’s Associate Artistic Director, Kurtis Overby, whose credits include direction and choreography for ABT shows Cats, My Way, A Chorus Line, Trailer Park, Hairspray, Rock of Ages, Hair, An American in Paris, and most recently, La Cage aux Folles.

“In the rush to open and close one show after another here at ABT, I sometimes have to pinch myself as a reminder that what I get to do every day is pretty darn awesome,” said Kurtis. “After coming off choreographing La Cage aux Folles, Chicago is extra special simply because the two shows have such contrasting styles of dance. La Cage is such an extravagance, which I love, but Chicago gives me the chance to explore Bob Fosse’s iconic repertoire of movements. He truly invented a style that has become known by one word, and one word only – FOSSE! Audiences are in for a real treat!”

Beginning with Season 15, ABT launched a series of show-related impact projects designed to expand the theatre’s community engagement in meaningful, measurable, and memorable ways that extend beyond the productions on stage. Bob Fosse’s iconic choreography and unique style of dance have made the musical Chicago an icon of Americana. With this in mind, ABT will host a two-day dance intensive workshop April 10 & 11, 2020, entitled “i.DANCE” to accompany the run of Chicago on the Mainstage. The Chicago i.DANCE Community Impact Project is designed to provide local dancers ages 13-23 the opportunity to expand their personal & artistic growth in a supportive environment, allowing every dancer to excel.

Kurtis Overby will lead the two-day intensive workshop. Kurtis, along with a number of ABT’s talented Teaching Artists (including members of the cast of Chicago), will deliver outstanding training in both fundamental dance techniques and a variety of styles. The workshop will culminate with a night out at ABT enjoying dinner and a performance of Chicago as well as a photo with the cast after the show. The fee for the workshop and the night out is $150. Registration opens February 14 at azbroadway.org and will close April 1, 2020. The impact project is made possible in part through the generous support of ABT patron, Bette Aronsohn.

WILL BE RESCHEDULED FOR 2021 DUE TO COVID-19

‘La Cage aux Folles’ Transfers to Herberger Theater Center March 6-22

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By Maddy Dowler

Following its highly successful run in Peoria at Arizona Broadway Theatre (ABT), La Cage aux Folles will move to Herberger Theater Center (HTC) in downtown Phoenix March 6 through March 22, 2020.* ABT has been a resident company at HTC since 2018 having partnered with HTC on productions such as A Christmas Carol, Beauty and The Beast, Mary Poppins, Sweeney Todd, An American in Paris and, most recently, the hilarious Addams Family in June 2019.

The precursor to the well-known 1996 film The Birdcage starring Robin Williams and Nathan Lane, Jerry Herman’s 6-time Tony Award-winning La Cage aux Folles tells the story of Jean-Michel and Anne who are newly engaged, and her strait-laced parents want to meet his. The only problem? His birth-mother is out of the picture, his dad owns a drag nightclub, and his mom is the star of the show! Jean-Michel wants just one night with his parents playing it “straight” to impress Anne’s parents. What’s a drag queen to do? Audiences will devour Herman’s well-known power ballads, rowdy show tunes, and dreamy duets.

With the run at HTC, ABT will continue its teen-youth anti-bullying community IMPACT PROJECT entitled, “I Am What I Am.” “While the central theme of La Cage focuses on issues of inclusion and acceptance related to the LGBTQ+ community,” says Brad York, ABT Director of Marketing & Development, “our intent with this impact project is to broaden the focus of inclusion and acceptance among all people.”

ABT has several community outreach elements aligned with the “I am what I am!” IMPACT PROJECT, including PSA type videos that focus on the impact of bullying among teen-youth, the emotional and physical impact of bullying, as well as resource information for those seeking help. Also, the cast of La Cage will visit One n Ten in downtown Phoenix whose mission is to serve LGBTQ+ youth and young adults ages 11-24.  Learn more about One n Ten at https://onenten.org/.

Finally, in the spirit of inclusion and acceptance, ABT and HTC will host an interpreted performance for the Arizona Deaf community on Saturday, March 14, 2020, at 2 pm at HTC. Tickets for this special performance can be purchased at HerbergerTheater.org.  

Upcoming ABT productions at HTC include Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat, which will run on the Mainstage in Peoria June 5 – July 3 and then transfer to HTC July 10 – 26, 2020. Partial funding is provided by the Phoenix Office of Arts and Culture through appropriations from the Phoenix City Council.

BUY TICKETS TO LA CAGE AUX FOLLES

*Presented in partnership with Herberger Theater Center. Show transfers to Herberger Theater Center at 222 E. Monroe St, Phoenix, AZ, following the run at Arizona Broadway Theatre, located at 7701 W Paradise Ln., Peoria, AZ.

We’ve Got Your Holidays Planned for the Next Six Months!

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By Maddy Dowler

Do you ever look forward to holidays like I do but you never know exactly what to do with them once they get here? Three-day weekend but nowhere to go? High-pressure holidays like Valentine’s Day but no original ideas? Well we took the guess work out of it just for you!

Here’s our list of holidays over the next six months and exactly what you should do with them… You’re welcome.

Valentine’s Day – February 14, 2020
Tapestry: The Album, The Music of Carole King – BUY TICKETS

I Feel the Earth Move. It’s Too Late. You’ve Got a Friend. Will You Still Love Me Tomorrow? (You Make Me Feel Like) A Natural Woman. ALL of those – and more – were part of the best-selling 1971 album Tapestry. International performer Katherine Byrnes headlines the evening, performing all songs top to bottom (plus a few more), and captures the spirit of the record that Rolling Stone calls “one of the greatest albums of all time”.

The price of your ticket includes a long stem red rose for your significant other, fresh bread basket, choice of soup or salad, and choice of included entrée from our menu. You will also receive a special chocolate treat. Not included: beverages, appetizers, entrée upgrades, and tip.

President’s Day – February 17, 2020
ARETHA: A Tribute to the Queen of Soul! – BUY TICKETS

Charity Lockhart, hailed as one of the finest vocalists in Arizona, stars in this spectacular homage to one of the greatest female vocalists of all time, Aretha Franklin. Aretha’s iconic career spanned six decades, inspiring and influencing generations of aspiring musicians and vocalists. In her life, she recorded countless classics, garnered 18 Grammy Awards, was awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom (the USA’s highest civilian honor), and earned the #1 spot on Rolling Stone Magazine’s list of The Greatest Singers of All Time. This stunning concert stars the immensely talented Charity Lockhart accompanied by spectacular vocalists and musicians as they celebrate the legendary life & music of ARETHA FRANKLIN!

St. Patrick’s Day – March 17, 2020
Chicago – BUY TICKETS

Set amidst the decade of the roaring twenties, Chicago is the story of Roxie Hart, a housewife and wannabe nightclub dancer who maliciously murders her on-the-side lover. Desperate to avoid conviction, she dupes the public, the media, and her rival cellmate, Velma Kelly, and hires the slickest criminal lawyer in town to transform her crime into a barrage of sensational headlines. Filled with greed, corruption, exploitation and one show-stopping hit after another, Chicago is sure to give you the old “Razzle Dazzle!”

Directed & Choreographed by Kurtis Overby (Cats, My Way, A Chorus Line, Trailer Park, Hairspray, Rock of Ages, Hair, and An American in Paris!)

Cinco de Mayo – May 5, 2020
Bonnie & Clyde A New Musical – BUY TICKETS

In Depression-era Texas, young dreamer Bonnie Parker falls in love with Clyde Barrow, an escaped inmate desperate to prove This World Will Remember Me. As their notoriety — and body count — rises, the ill-fated lovers find themselves racing to the top of the Public Enemies list and realize It’s Too Late to Turn Back Now. The electrifying story of love, adventure, and crime that captured the attention of an entire country, Bonnie & Clyde A New Musical will take you on a wild ride with the original Made in America criminal superstars!

Father’s Day – June 21, 2020
Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat – BUY TICKETS

Made famous on stage and screen by Donny Osmond, Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat sizzles with energy, humor, and excitement with the retelling of the Biblical story rife with prophecy, jealousy, famine, forgiveness, and reconciliation. This summer, wrap your entire family in this glorious coat of many colors as Andrew Lloyd Webber & Tim Rice’s vibrant family favorite returns to the ABT stage!