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We3 Trio Comes to Sunday Brunch at the ENCORE

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We3 performed their very first concert together on October 1st, 2016 at the Nash in downtown Phoenix. An undeniable chemistry was recognized, and the group continued to perform sold out shows at the MIM and Phoenix Theatre along with recording their first full length CD – “We’ll Meet Again” – now available on Amazon, Spotify, CD
Baby and Itunes. These ladies are a powerhouse of talents combined; featuring vocalist Renee Grant Patrick (daughter to the late George Grant of the world famous Ink Spots), violinist Suzanne Lansford and pianist Nicole Pesce. They have appeared on AZTV’s Channel 7 as the “Best of the Daily Mix” and made special appearances at the Chandler Jazz Festival and AZ Classic Jazz Festival; paying tribute to timeless tunes with new and familiar interpretations of popular, jazz, swing, blues standards and so much more.

Coming up…

We3 are currently in the studio recording their 2nd full length CD featuring holiday favorites and will be returning to headline at the AZ Classic Jazz Festival in November. Exciting endeavors are on the horizon for 2020, including a 35th anniversary cruise to the Hawaiian Islands – Presented by Jazzdagen tours onboard the Ms. Eurodam from
March 18th – April 5th, 2020.

About the Artists…

Renee Grant Patrick

Renee has connected with individuals and crowds with her voice and music over the past 12 years in the Valley. Her music is shockingly honest and emotionally charged. Listeners find Renee’s sound somehow familiar, but one that is refreshingly original and inviting. Singing a variety of genres from Jazz Standards, to classic R&B, Renee’s music will capture you with her powerful voice combined with a passionate delivery. Born in Philadelphia PA, to now 31 years in Arizona, music has been a way of life for Renee. Her father was a member of the world-renowned Ink Spots, inducted in the Doo Wop Hall of Fame in 1997. Renee’s mother Teresa is a local legend, having recorded duets with Terry Johnson of the Flamingos in Detroit’s Motown Studios alongside greats such as Smokey Robinson & Marvin Gaye. It is safe to say that music runs in her family.

Suzanne Lansford

Suzanne’s Mom & Dad taught her all kinds of music before she could even walk. They also say it took a very long time before she begin to walk! Beginning with classical lessons and quitting them at 13 to play jazz at the Arizona Biltmore and other venues and radio shows across Phoenix and Scottsdale, Suzanne has always kept music high on the list. In Chicago, she was with Chicago’s eclectic classical/jazz/Latin group, the 3rd Coast String Quartet, and even today when visiting Chicago, she makes time to visit with and play Gypsy Jazz with Alfonso Ponticelli and Swing Gitan at the Green Mill. In rural Florida, she was immersed in bluegrass, twice winning the Yee-Haw Junction Bluegrass Fiddle Championship. Back home in Phoenix since 2011, she doesn’t have to pick a favorite genre, because everything gets cameos of Latin, Jazz, Classical… even Blues, Greek & Scottish flavors. It’s all fair play. During the day, Suzanne is a registered professional engineer (PE- electrical) for nuclear power & public infrastructure projects through her firm, REDD Inc.

Nicole Pesce

Nicole’s “Happy Birthday Variations” video has over five million views on YouTube and over seven million shares on Facebook. Recognized by the Arizona Republic as one of the “top ten musicians to hear in Phoenix”, Nicole has performed for Muhammad Ali, Ricky Martin, George Benson, Waylon Jennings, Shaquille O’Neal, Jimmy Carter, The Gypsy Kings, and Brian Setzer. Nicole enjoyed a residency as the house pianist at the Ritz Carlton Hotel in Phoenix, AZ for over a decade…entertaining audiences with everything from Bach to Lady Gaga. With additional performances at such venues as the Tempe Center for the Arts, Herberger Theater, Desert Ridge Marriott, ASU Kerr
Cultural Center, Mesa Arts Center, Phoenician Resort, Wrigley Mansion, & The Princess Hotel. At age 14, Nicole played for Debbie Reynolds at Debbie’s Hotel and Casino in Las Vegas. That same year, Nicole appeared on the Jerry Lewis MDA Telethon (which aired to over 65 million viewers) – and toured the USA with Jerry. Additional
appearances include performances with American Idol contestant David Hernandez, The Moscow Ballet, Zowie Bowie, The Cast of Mary Poppins, Young Frankenstein, Mamma Mia, and White Christmas.

Purchase tickets by CLICKING HERE.

Our Teen Troupe Is Revving Up For The Holidays

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HyRev, Arizona Broadway Theatre’s advanced and elite performance troupes, is specifically for young performers ages 13-19 with some previous music theatre/dance/show choir experience. The program includes two performance troupes: HyperToneZ (advanced troupe) and Sonic Revolution (elite troupe) – both build upon and improve participants’ performance strengths and include Valley-wide performances (with future out-of-area performances as time and scheduling allow).
 
This time of year is very busy for the troupe with a performance at the annual ABT community tree lighting, special fundraising performances during dinner service at Elf The Musical, the big Winter Jam concert, as well as auditions for next year’s troupe.

ABT Community Tree Lighting

At 5 pm on November 22, the community is invited to participate in the annual lighting of the tree in the lobby of Arizona Broadway Theatre before doors open for Elf The Musical. Sonic Revolution will be performing “You’re a Mean One, Mr. Grinch,” HyperTonez will be performing “Little Drummer Boy,” and both groups together will do “Merry Christmas, Happy Holidays.” Come on out!

Tree of Dreams

After you finish your meal and are waiting to enjoy Elf The Musical, you can relax and take in some more holiday magic as four to five HyRev members perform holiday tunes at the HyRev Tree of Dreams on various nights prior to showtime. This is a fundraiser for the group for their annual California performance trip to Universal Studios and Disneyland.

Winter Jam

Twice a year, HyRev showcases their talents at a big concert open to the public. This year, the Winter Jam concert will be held on Monday, December 9, at 7 pm. Tickets are $20 for the general public and $15 for students. You will have a night of song and dance and holiday celebration! Ticket proceeds for this event are a HUGE help in getting the kids to California, so be sure to purchase tickets and help support our kids!

BUY TICKETS NOW

Auditions

Auditions for HyRev happen twice a year and now’s the time. Auditions will be taking place on Monday, December 16, at Arizona Broadway Theatre beginning at 5 pm. Dance callbacks (invitation only) will happen at 7 pm. Those who audition need to be between the ages of 13 & 19 and must prepare two contrasting sections of 16 bars each (does NOT have to be music theatre).

CLICK HERE TO SIGN UP TO AUDITION

Happy Holidays from HyRev!

Who Are The Boys Of D63 And What Are They Doing At Arizona Broadway Theatre?

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The Boys of D63 started life 4 years ago as “December ’63” ~ A Tribute to the Original Jersey Boys.” Over the success of the past three years, the band and show has evolved into “The Boys Of D63 ~ Music That Defined A Generation.” Now, The Boys of D63 have their very own Christmas show full of the Christmas classics and interspersed with D63’s special brand of harmonies and unique humor.  Think Frankie Valli meets Earth, Wind and Fire, combined with a lot of Christmas bling, and you have The Boys of D63 Christmas Show! And it’s coming to The Mainstage at Arizona Broadway Theatre on Monday, December 2, 2019. Buy tickets HERE.

Nick Davies

Nick was born into a musical family in Liverpool, England. He moved to Arizona at the age of 6, and through the years, he has learned about all aspects of music. His first love was the drum set, which led to a 4-year position on his high school drumline. Since then, he has learned how to play many more instruments including the guitar, the harmonica, and the Keytar. His main instrument now is piano, which he has been playing for 15 years. Nick has been fortunate enough to play the roles of Jean Valjean in Les Miserables and Henry Jekyll and Edward Hyde in Jekyll and Hyde, for which he won a national award for best actor. He also writes, records, and produces his own music, and is releasing his first album, My Generation, later this year.

Nick Gallardo

Born and raised in Tucson, AZ, Nick is elated to once again grace the stage with the gentlemen of December ’63. Nick was most recently featured in TAD’s Tribute to Christmas and can also be seen in TAD’s Teen Idols, Cory McCloskey’s Love Boat, and a few more on the way! Select credits include performances with Linda Ronstadt, Andrea McCardle, Richard Kline and Shirley Jones. Favorite roles include: Jinx in Forever Plaid, Leaf Coneybear in Spelling Bee, Jesus in Godspell and Seymour in Little Shop of Horrors. Nick is also an accomplished trick rodeo roper and guitarist. So much love and thanks to friends, family and God.

Michael B. Williams

Michael B. Williams was born in Tulsa, Oklahoma. With his Mother being a rock n’ roll radio personality and Father with a 1,000+ CD collection, he was quickly exposed to every genre of music. Michael found his voice when he joined the choir and theatre programs in high school. After winning Best Actor in Dallas for portraying the role of “Phantom” in Phantom of the Opera, he competed at the national level in the 3-part PBS special, “Broadway or Bust” and performed at the Minskoff Theatre on Broadway, home of the Lion King. Michael is thrilled to be singing alongside the talented boys of December 63′. Huge thank you to his family for supporting him every step of the way!

Miguel Jackson

Miguel Jackson is a Canadian who has loved living in the Valley of the Sun for the past 8 years! After working at Channel 12 (KPNX-NBC) for 6 years as a director, Miguel has continued to appear on stages throughout Arizona! A twice nominated “Zoni” (Arizona’s “Tony”) actor and singer, Miguel is thankful for the opportunity to be a part of the great company known as TAD Management! You’re going to love the music we have for you today!
Other credits include: Benny (Understudy)/ Pit singer – In The Heights (Phoenix Theater); Stew – Passing Strange (iTheater Collaborative); Curtis Taylor Jr – Dreamgirls (Desert Foothills Theater); Tom – MurderBallad (A/C theater company); Gator – Memphis (Phoenix Theater); Soul of Broadway Act 2! (Fountain Hills Theater); Coalhouse Walker Jr. – Ragtime (Theaterworks); Jinx – Forever Plaid (Mesa Encore Theater).

If you want to see The Boys of D63 Christmas Show, tickets are on sale now by CLICKING HERE or visit or call the ABT Box Office at 623.776.8400.

New Year’s Eve 2019 at Arizona Broadway Theatre: Viva Las Vegas!

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Don’t let another year go by to find yourself sitting on the couch at 10:30pm on New Year’s Eve trying to stay awake just another hour and half. Just have to see. That. Ball. Drop. Let’s change all that now! Come out to Arizona Broadway Theatre and spend your New Year’s Eve with us, Vegas style!

Viva Las Vegas: A New Year’s Eve Celebration stars Vegas “Legends in Concert” favorites Chance Tinder and Sherie Rae Parker with tributes to Elvis Presley and Bette Midler! The evening’s entertainment will also include a special guest appearance by Arizona’s own comic magician, the incomparable Michael Finney!

CLICK HERE TO BUY TICKETS NOW!

LONG LIVE THE KING, LONG LIVE ROCK!

Recognized as one of the top Elvis Presley tribute artists in history, Chance Tinder presents his hugely popular and unprecedented mash-up concert ROCK THE KING: A Hard Rock Tribute the Elvis Presley! Filled with the looks, sounds and the excitement of the ‘80s, ROCK THE KING is a leather studded performance of The King’s all-time rockers, power ballads and other up-tempo hits mixed with unrestrained enthusiasm of the ‘80s Hard Rock era! A nostalgia filled concert for both the good old days of Rock & Roll, and that of today’s generation!

 

WILL THE REAL BETTE MIDLER PLEASE STAND UP!

Sherie Rae Parker is the #1 Bette Midler tribute artist in the world with performances from Las Vegas to cities and countries around the world! Major production shows include Legends in Concert, American Superstars, Stars in Concert (in Berlin), Serendipity (a musical comedy), A Really Big Show and Tribute the Concert have made Sherie their best Bette ever. With a voice that literally jumps out of the microphone, Sherie Rae bears an uncanny resemblance to the vivacious Divine Miss M and reproduces her bawdy sense of humor as well as her vocal acrobatics to perfection!

 

FUNNY MAGIC

Michael Finney is a comic’s magician and a magician’s comic. From comedy clubs, corporate events and world class cruise ships, Michael’s act has taken him all around the world, entertaining millions. His straight stand-up comedy entertains patrons of all ages combining comedy with amazing magic and audience participation creating memories that will last a lifetime.

Price includes a freshly prepared three-course meal presented by ABT’s own creative culinary team, concert, party-favors, and midnight 2020 countdown and champagne toast!

What’s for dinner? Here’s the menu:

APPETIZERS
Chef’s assorted selections – individually plated at table

STARTER

Winter Greens Salad
Winter greens, sliced English cucumber, baby heirloom tomatoes, mandarin orange segments, and crumbled gorgonzola cheese, served with a champagne vinaigrette

or

Cream of Cauliflower Soup
with Gruyère Cheese

ENTRÉE
(choice of)

Pan Seared Apple, Bacon, and Blue Cheese Stuffed Pork Chops
Topped with an herb butter, served with loaded mashed Yukon Gold potatoes and roasted tri-colored top-on baby carrots

Braised Short Rib
French short rib braised in a rich red wine and tomato broth reduction, served over a parsnip-potato purée, served with roasted yellow and green patty pan squash

Pan Seared Jumbo Sea Scallops
Served over red wine coated pasta, blistered baby heirloom tomatoes, asparagus tips, toasted walnuts, micro basil, fresh graded parmesan cheese, and pomegranate seeds

Butternut Squash Ravioli
Served with wild mushrooms and asparagus tips in a brown butter sage sauce with parmesan cheese

Dessert
Chef’s assorted selections

 

CLICK HERE TO BUY TICKETS NOW!

Announcing the cast of Arizona Broadway Theatre’s Production of ‘Elf The Musical’

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It’s all happening! Elf The Musical is coming to Arizona Broadway Theatre and everyone’s a-buzz! We had a chance to meet the cast on Monday when they reported for their first rehearsal day. So, without further ado, here’s your cast of Elf The Musical:

Buddy………………………………… Tyler Pirrung
Walter Hobbs…………………….. Bill Saunders
Emily Hobbs……………………….. Carolyn McPhee
Jovie………………………………….. Madison Cichon
Mr. Greenway / Santa……….. Rob Watson
Michael Hobbs…………………… Tristan Klaphake / Dane Shepard
Deb……………………………………. Hannah Clarke Levine
Matthews…………………………… Jeff Tierney
Store Manager…………………… Justin Emmanuel Parker
Charlotte Dennon………………. Christie Dabreau
Ensemble…………… Blair Beasley, Halley Daigle, Danny Durr, Alyssa Ishihara, Scotty Jacobson, Tyler Pirrung, Delaney Spanko, Caleb Summers, Erika Wasko, Brody Wurr

Tickets are going very quickly for this extremely popular show so don’t wait.

Buy your tickets by CLICKING HERE or visit or call the Box Office at 623.776.8400 x0.

An Arizona Broadway Theatre Gift Guide

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If you Google what to give as holiday gifts, you might see lists like these:

  • 60 Best Gifts for Your Wife 2019
  • 55 Inexpensive Christmas Gift Ideas For 2019
  • 14 Inexpensive Homemade Gifts That Feel Extra Special
  • 12 Gift Ideas For Your Spouse If You Are On A Tight Budget
  • 21 Unique Christmas Gift Ideas for Married Couples
  • 100 Cool Christmas Gifts That Don’t Suck

But, we here at Arizona Broadway Theatre have a better list! How about this year, you treat friends, family, co-workers, and all the rest of them to a show! We have packed entertainment into every space in our theatre so that we can offer you this awesome holiday line-up:

So, get out your gift list and start matching your loved ones to the shows they would enjoy! If you want to see all that is on stage at ABT or purchase tickets, CLICK HERE, then click “On Stage.” Or, as always, you can visit or call the Box Office at 623.776.8400.

Happy Holidays!

*Not a production of Arizona Broadway Theatre

A Broadway Christmas Carol At The ENCORE Features ABT Fan Favorites

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You mean there is more holiday entertainment to be had at Arizona Broadway Theatre than just Elf the Musical?! Why yes, there is! A Broadway Christmas Carol, part of our Off-Broadway at the Encore series will premiere December 16 and run through December 24, 2019. A Broadway Christmas Carol is a delicious cross between the classic Dickens’ tale and uproarious song parodies of 33 of your favorite Broadway show tunes by Rodgers & Hammerstein, Andrew Lloyd Webber, Stephen Sondheim and many more! Great music, great fun, and a great redemptive message to share with family and friends this holiday season!

And, the all-star cast is made up of four very talented ABT alumni:

Jamie Parnell

Jamie Parnell is currently part of The Company in Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street and has also appeared as Mr. Banks in Mary Poppins, Gaylord Ravenal in Show Boat and Nicky Arnstein in Funny Girl on the ABT stage.

 

Stephen Hohendorf, also on the stage of Sweeney Todd has also been in other ABT shows such as Fiddler on the Roof, Best Little Whorehouse in Texas, Mary Poppins and Camelot. Stephen was on the national tours of The Full Monty, Sesame Street Live!, and Pinkalicious.

 

Liz Fallon most recently starred as Clio/Kira in ABT’s production of Xanadu. She’s had several other starring roles in ABT shows such as, Fanny Brice in Funny Girl, Princess Fiona in Shrek the Musical, and Charity Hope Valentine in Sweet Charity.

 

Kurtis Overby, Associate Artistic Director at ABT, will no doubt bring a winning performance to A Broadway Christmas Carol. He has an extensive list of choreography credits, having won ariZoni Awards for his work on Anything Goes and 42nd Street. His performance list is also strong, including ABT’s Singing in the Rain, The Drowsy Chaperone, Cabaret and received an ariZoni nomination for his role as Bud Frump in How to Succeed…

The talented quartet will, no doubt, have you in stitches throughout the performance.

CLICK HERE to purchase your tickets today.

Announcing 2019-2020 “Off-Broadway At The Encore” Series
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It’s been years in the making, but the renovation of the Encore Room at Arizona Broadway Theatre (ABT) is complete and has already hosted numerous community events, private parties, Sunday brunches, murder mystery dinners, and now an all-new series of shows entitled Off-Broadway at The ENCORE.

Completed in 2018, the Encore Room at ABT was achieved through an advantageous refinance of the building, making it possible for the nearly $1 Million, 6,000 square foot infrastructure expansion to become a reality. Adjacent to ABT’s lobby, the new space features two levels, balcony seating, luxurious wood floors, beautiful lighting, great acoustics, and complete privacy.  The room is available for public rental for events, with full food and beverage service if needed. The room can be set in a variety of ways to accommodate groups from 20 to 250 people.

Arizona Broadway Theatre has a full-service kitchen and bar with professional staff on hand to service events.  Food and beverage options range from a simple box lunch to elaborate formal dinners.  Custom menus, bar packages, linens, cakes, audiovisual, DJ, entertainers, photography, ticketing, and equipment services are available upon request. Event space rental can be requested on the website at azbroadway.org.

“We dreamed of this space for years until we were finally able to make it happen,” says Kiel Klaphake, Executive Producer and co-founder of Arizona Broadway Theatre. “We are very pleased with all of the use the Encore Room has been getting over the past year and are thrilled to be bringing more high-quality entertainment to another ‘venue’ in our own space with the upcoming Off-Broadway series.”

Off-Broadway at The ENCORE showcases amazing musical theatre works (both edgy and traditional) featuring smaller casts and intimate sets perfect for the more “chameleon” style of the Encore Room. Attendees can enjoy food and bar service available for purchase before the show and at intermission.

The upcoming line-up includes A Broadway Christmas Carol (December 16 – 24, 2019); Some Enchanted Evening (February 7 – 23, 2020); The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee (March 20 – 29, 2020); and Next To Normal (July 10 – 19, 2020). Tickets (ranging from $49-$59) may be purchased through the Box Office online, by phone, or in person.

Arizona Broadway Theatre Rings In The Holiday Season With Elf The Musical, The Annual Community Tree-Lighting Ceremony and Toy Drive

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Arizona Broadway Theatre (ABT) kicks off the holidays in a big way with the wildly-popular, Elf The Musical and the Theatre’s annual Christmas tree lighting on November 22, 2019. Elf will continue to delight ABT audiences through December 29, 2019.

Based on the cherished 2003 holiday film, this hilarious fish-out-of-water comedy follows Buddy the Elf in his quest to find his true identity. Buddy, a young orphan, mistakenly crawls into Santa’s bag of gifts and is transported to the North Pole. The would-be elf is raised by Santa’s elves, unaware that he is actually a human until his enormous size and poor toy-making abilities cause him to face the truth. With Santa’s permission, Buddy embarks on a journey to New York City to find his birth father and discover his true identity. Faced with the harsh realities that his father is on the naughty list and his half-brother doesn’t even believe in Santa, Buddy is determined to win over his new family and help New York remember the true meaning of Christmas.

Elf The Musical opened on Broadway during the Christmas season of 2012-2013 and has seen a number of national tours around the United States during the past five years, most notably last year’s national tour which featured ABT’s own Tristan Klaphake as Michael Hobbs. Tristan is the youngest son of ABT’s Executive & Artistic Producers, Kiel & Cassandra Klaphake, and will be reprising his role in the ABT production.

“It’s hard to believe that almost fifteen years ago in the fall of 2005 we learned we were pregnant with Tristan at the very same time we were working to open our very first production of Anything Goes,” said Tristan’s mom, Cassandra. “No doubt the little guy was hearing a ton of musical theatre from day one, but I don’t think I ever thought he would take to the craft and profession as he has. I’m a very proud mom!”

Elf The Musical has become a staple for theater-goers during the holidays, and Arizonans will be pleased to know that they can find the heartwarming yet hilarious Broadway musical right in their own backyard at Arizona Broadway Theatre.

“This holiday season is special because it marks ABT’s 15th season of bringing high-quality Broadway musical theatre entertainment to the Valley of the Sun. We always take a moment during this time of year to appreciate our community and all of the many volunteers, patrons, sponsors and donors who have made ABT what it is today,” says Kiel Klaphake, Co-founder and Executive Producer, Arizona Broadway Theatre. “It’s our hope that Elf The Musical will be a time for family & friends to gather together this holiday season!”

The annual Christmas tree lighting will take place in the lobby of Arizona Broadway Theatre at 7701 W Paradise Lane, Peoria at 5:00pm on November 22 and is open and free of charge to the public.  Not only will the community enjoy the dazzling lights of the tree and lobby decor but also a short performance of festive holiday tunes by ABT’s youth company, HyRev. HyRev is specifically for young performers ages 13-19 with some previous music theatre/dance /show choir experience, and they truly know how to share the holiday spirit. The annual toy drive also kicks off on November 22 and will run through December 29, 2019.  New, unwrapped toys are welcome and can be brought to the ABT lobby whenever the theatre is open. Toys will go to “Helping Hands For Freedom,” a 501(c)(3) dedicated to supporting the military families of the fallen, wounded, and deployed.

ABT’s production of Elf The Musical is made possible in part through the generous support of Dr. Keith & Kim Haar of Epiphany Dermatology. As part of the Haar’s generous support, members of the Phoenix Children’s Hospital community have been invited to attend opening weekend performances free of charge.

ABT’s Season 15 Broadway Series continues in 2020 with La Cage aux Folles (January 24 – February 28 (in Peoria) & March 6 – 22 (at Herberger Theater Center in downtown Phoenix) and Chicago (March 13 – April 19, 2020). For more information about these and other upcoming productions presented at Arizona Broadway Theatre, visit azbroadway.org or call 623.776.8400.