PEORIA, Ariz. March, 8, 2023 — In honor of International Women’s Day and Women’s History Month, Arizona Broadway Theatre (ABT) is celebrating the women in performing arts who bring stories to life on stage. This year, the Women’s History Month theme is “Celebrating Women Who Tell Our Stories,” a fitting tribute to the women of ABT who embody storytelling in their everyday work.
The highly anticipated production of Jimmy Buffett’s Escape to Margaritaville on March 10 is led by Production Stage Manager Leigh Treat, along with Stage Manager Nico Rossetti, and Music Director Lizzie Webb. These women work tirelessly behind the scenes to ensure that the on-stage production runs seamlessly for each performance.
Scenic Charge Artist Jessica Lyon uses her artistic talent to paint elaborate sets for entire productions, including ABT’s last production of Mame. This month, on March 25, Lyon is teaching Arizona Broadway Theatre’s very first technical Master Class where she will walk participants through techniques in set design.
“In general, working in theatre is much more accessible as a woman than other performance-related fields that I have worked in, like events,” Lyon says. “So many of my experiences in theatre have proven to me that women are just as smart, creative, and innovative as anyone else. It is a joy to work with so many other women.”
The greatest takeaway for each of these women is the community they’ve found working with each other. “Working with ABT has not only given me professional experience, but it has also given me the opportunity to work around such incredible women,” Crew Member Katie Scalabrin says. “To be surrounded by these people almost everyday, I get to learn so many things that I hope I never forget: communication, friendships, strength, kindness, and so much more.”
Lauran Stanis, the choreographer for Escape to Margaritaville, has been a part of the ABT community since 2015 and has worked on previous musical productions including A Christmas Carol and Happy Days. She draws inspiration from Susan Stroman, a celebrated female figure in the performing arts industry who led Broadway musical The Producers to win more Tony Awards than Hamilton. Stroman’s success is a reminder to all women in theatre to stay true to oneself and defy industry norms, something the women of ABT practice every day in their work.
She goes on to offer advice to young women in theatre: “You don’t have to change yourself to be deserving of opportunity. Never apologize for who you are or the experience and perspective you bring into the room.”
Stanis’ choreography will be on stage in the Arizona professional theatre premiere of Jimmy Buffett’s Escape to Margaritaville, which starts this Friday, March 10 and runs until April 16. Experience a musical comedy featuring the most-loved Jimmy Buffett classics, including “Cheeseburger in Paradise”, “Margaritaville,” “It’s Five O’Clock Somewhere,” “Fins,” “Volcano,” and many more.
While written and directed by men, ABT’s Escape to Margaritaville is heavily influenced by the women who work behind-the-curtain and will be a display of the diverse talents and dedication that they contribute each day. Tickets are available now to experience the magic of Margaritaville in-person and see all that the women in the production team worked so hard to put together.
For tickets and more information about Jimmy Buffett’s Escape to Margaritaville visit AZBROADWAY.org or contact the Box Office:
623.776.8400 | Press 0 | Between 10 a.m. – 3 p.m.
In-person | Open 7 Days a Week, 10 a.m. – 3 p.m.
7701 W. Paradise Lane, Peoria, AZ 85382
ABOUT ARIZONA BROADWAY THEATRE (“ABT”)
ABT Performing Arts Association, Inc. is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization and Arizona’s oneof-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. With one reservation, patrons 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.
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