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# Phoenix Theater: An Eccentric History

Kyle Lawson's guide to the Phoenix area's theaters and performers

## Sitemaps

- [XML Sitemap](https://phoenixtheaterhistory.com/sitemap.xml): Contains all public & indexable URLs for this website.

## Posts

- [Angels in America](https://phoenixtheaterhistory.com/angels-in-america/) - In 2001-02, Actors Theatre won widespread acclaim for its productions of Tony Kushner’s two-part epic “Angels in America.” The cast included Oliver Wadsworth, Rusty Ferracane, Christopher Williams, Cathy Dresbach, Jon Gentry, Lillie Richardson. The set design was by Jeff Thomson.
- [Star Theatre](https://phoenixtheaterhistory.com/star-theatre/) - In 1965, John Raitt starred in “Oklahoma!” as the Star Theatre entered its second year featuring popular musicals and well-known stars on its round stage. Other early productions included "Carousel," also with Raitt; "Guys and Dolls" with Gordon MacRae; "My Fair Lady" with Ray Milland; "On a Clear Day You Can See Forever" with Shirley
- [The Spitfire Grill](https://phoenixtheaterhistory.com/the-spitfire-grill/) - "The Spitfire Grill," a musical by James Valcq and Fred Alley, was performed by the Phoenix Theatre in 2011. Starring were Barbara Walker McBain, Toby Yatso, Jeannie Shubitz, Trisha Hart Ditsworth, Rusty Ferracane and Johanna Carlisle. Brad Carroll directed. The story is set in a small Wisconsin town and focuses on the romances and rivalries
- [Lily’s Purple Plastic Purse](https://phoenixtheaterhistory.com/lilys-purple-plastic-purse/) - In 2011, Childsplay staged "Lily’s Purple Plastic Purse," based on the best-selling children's book by Kevin Henkes. The cast featured Yolanda London as Lily and D. Scott Withers as Mr. Singer, the teacher who confiscates her purse with its prized possessions. Lily gets angry and gains a measure revenge, only to feel the need to
- [FairyWorlds!](https://phoenixtheaterhistory.com/fairyworlds/) - The Southwest Shakespeare Company performed "FairyWorlds!" as an adaptation of William Shakespeare’s “A Midsummer Night’s Dream" in May and June 2014. The play was staged outdoors at the Desert Botanical Garden in east Phoenix. "FairyWorlds!" was directed by Jared Sakren and featured Randy Messersmith as Theseus and Oberon, Tracy Liz Miller as Hippolyta and Titania
- [Bill 'Wallace' Thompson](https://phoenixtheaterhistory.com/bill-wallace-thompson/) - Bill “Wallace” Thompson, creator and co-star of "The Wallace and Ladmo Show,” which entertained two generations of Arizona children, died in 2014 at the age of 82. The program aired from 1954 to 1989. Thompson played the straight man "Wallace," while Ladimir Kwiatkowski played the goofy, top hat-wearing "Ladmo" and Pat McMahon played several characters,
- [Emma Stone ](https://phoenixtheaterhistory.com/emma-stone/) - Hollywood star Emma Stone got her start in Valley theater, performing in "Alice in Wonderland," "The Little Mermaid," "Princess and the Pea" and about 10 other Valley Youth Theatre productions before moving to Los Angeles and feature films. Stone, who was born in Scottsdale, is best known for her roles in "Magic in the Moonlight,"
- [Richard Elmore](https://phoenixtheaterhistory.com/richard-elmore/) - PLEASE HELP This page is in development. I would be grateful if you would share any memories, anecdotes, photographs or other memorabilia. Please use the button at top right to contact me and I will give you the details on sharing. Thank you, Kyle Lawson, page manager. PHOTOGRAPHS, REVIEWS & THE KITCHEN SINK ARTICLE from

## Pages

- [](https://phoenixtheaterhistory.com/) - Explore the history of theater in Phoenix and the Valley of the Sun with the late Kyle Lawson, former arts writer and critic for The Arizona Republic. Photo courtesy of the Herberger Theater Center, Phoenix.
- [About](https://phoenixtheaterhistory.com/about/) - Kyle Lawson has covered theater in the Phoenix area since 1977 and has launched this website to explore the history of theater in the Valley of the Sun.
- [A Southern childhood](https://phoenixtheaterhistory.com/a-southern-childhood/) - This is a series of articles I wrote covering my childhood. So far, they have nothing to do with theater. Some day, they will. - Kyle Lawson https://phoenixtheaterhistory.com/news-from-the-wings/growing-up-southern/
- [Contact](https://phoenixtheaterhistory.com/contact/) - We are exploring a long-term home for this website following the death of Kyle Lawson, its creator.
- [Natalie Charle Ellis](https://phoenixtheaterhistory.com/actresses/natalie-charle-ellis-2/) - PLEASE HELP This page is in development. I would be grateful if you would share any memories, anecdotes, photographs or other memorabilia. Please use the button at top right to contact me and I will give you the details on sharing. Thank you. YOU TUBE APPEARANCES http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v0S7QzA4SgY http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tchf0tg7uCI http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JzDhEs0_qf4 http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O69ARqfFDz4 LOCAL PERFORMANCES Natalie was active
- [Southern Stories](https://phoenixtheaterhistory.com/a-southern-childhood/southern-stories/) - Slipping In Among the Ghosts This is a series of Facebook articles I wrote covering my childhood. So far, they have nothing to do with theater. Some day, they will. MY FAMILY ALWAYS HAS BEEN HAUNTED My family has always been haunted. Go ahead, laugh. I won’t be offended. It comes from putting down roots
- [News from the wings](https://phoenixtheaterhistory.com/news-from-the-wings/) - Party Time. Having fun with theater people 25 Theater Highlights from 30 Years Broadway 'Rhythms': ATC on the Great White Way We Dared Not Print Its Name Musical bridges gap between Black/White Experience An Interview with legendary theatrical producer Cameron Mackintosh Gammage Auditorium Review: Miss Saigon, January, 1999 Slipping In Among The Ghosts: A
- [ASU Beyond Series](https://phoenixtheaterhistory.com/companies/asu-beyond-series/) - 2014-2015 SEASON ASU Symphony Orchestra – Salute to ASU Gammage 7 p.m., Sept. 23, 2014 Tickets $20 (Students $10) The ASU School of Music commemorates the 50th Anniversary of ASU Gammage with a blockbuster concert celebrating the dedication of the building in 1964. The ASU Concert Jazz Band welcomes patrons before the Wind Orchestra performs
- [The Play Whose Name We Dared Not Print](https://phoenixtheaterhistory.com/news-from-the-wings/the-play-we-dared-not-print-its-name/) - The most shocking play I saw as a critic? There are several on the list. The shock wasn't always for the same reason. Some times it was occasioned by violent behavior, other times by disturbing emotional situations. Sometimes, it was just sex. Mark Ravenhill's "Shopping and Fucking" fell into that category. It was perhaps the
- [Broadway 'Rhythms'](https://phoenixtheaterhistory.com/news-from-the-wings/broadway-rhythms/) - By Kyle Lawson, The Arizona Republic, April 26, 1999 David Ira Goldstein is putting on weight. Not physically. The artistic director of Arizona Theatre Company is swelling with pride as he stands in front of the Longacre Theatre, a landmark of Manhattan's theater district since 1913. On the stucco wall in front of him is
- [Childsplay](https://phoenixtheaterhistory.com/companies/childsplay/) - A CRITIC REMINISCES For many people, 1977 sticks in the memory as the year Star Wars premiered. Not for me. It will always be the year that one of the world's great theatrical institutions was born. Right here in the Valley. I had just been hired as entertainment editor at the Scottsdale Daily Progress when
- [Cooper Hallstrom](https://phoenixtheaterhistory.com/actors/cooper-hallstrom/) - NOTABLE CREDITS Memphis, Phoenix Theatre. Bat Boy: The Musical, Numerica Performing Arts Center. Spring Awakening, Nearly Naked Theatre; Phoenix Theatre. Hairspray, Hale Centre Theatre; Valley Youth Theatre. Urinetown, Paradise Valley Community College. The Music Man, Paradise Valley Community College. Pippin, Greasepaint Youtheatre. You're A Good Man, Charlie Brown, Valley Youth Theatre. The Fantasticks, Arizona Repertory
- [Greasepaint Youtheatre](https://phoenixtheaterhistory.com/companies/greasepaint-youtheatre/) - To read more about Scottsdale Greasepaint Youtheatre, go HERE HISTORY Greasepaint Youtheatre is one of the Valley's busiest and most honored theatrical groups for young performing artists. It is the recipient of more than 100 AriZoni Awards and more than 30 National Youth Theatre Awards. MISSION STATEMENT Our Mission: Serving Scottsdale and surrounding communities,
- [Actors Theatre (Actors Theatre of Phoenix)](https://phoenixtheaterhistory.com/companies/actors-theatre-actors-theatre-of-phoenix/) - Actors Theater was created by Phoenix actors in 1985 to showcase their work and produced "consistently exciting theater. " It closed in 2014.
- [Theater bridges the gap between Black, White experience](https://phoenixtheaterhistory.com/news-from-the-wings/theater-bridges-the-gap-between-black-white-experience/) - By Kyle Lawson, The Arizona Republic, May 7, 1999 The images of Bring in ‘Da Noise, Bring in ‘Da Funk make a compelling statement independent of the musical that dances around them: an unsettling parade of shattered dreams, broken promises and the faces of a people triumphant but at what cost? Slave ships wallow through
- [Theater Works](https://phoenixtheaterhistory.com/companies/theater-works/) - Theater Works was founded in September of 1986 as a non-profit community theater by a group of theater patrons who believed that the northwest area of suburban Phoenix needed and was ready to support, a community theater. David Wo was the driving force behind the start of Theater Works. He was aided in this endeavor
- [Michael Barnard](https://phoenixtheaterhistory.com/directors-crew/michael-barnard/) - In 1999, one of the true geniuses in Valley theater took over the reigns at Phoenix Theatre. I was lucky enough to nab an interview, which was published in the Arizona Republic on May 9. It says a lot about the man, and something about his art. Happily, he is still at the helm today.
- [Desert Foothills Theatre](https://phoenixtheaterhistory.com/companies/desert-foothills-theatre/) - Desert Foothills Theater is an award-winning theater that has been presenting work in the far north valley since 1975. The following is from the company's website, http://www.dftheater.org For over 39 years Desert Foothills Theater has been providing theater experiences to the Northeast valley. It was founded in 1975 by Anne and Carl Nussbaum. They had
- [Valley Youth Theatre](https://phoenixtheaterhistory.com/companies/valley-youth-theatre/) - This page is in the process of construction.
- [25 Highlights from 30 Years](https://phoenixtheaterhistory.com/news-from-the-wings/25-highlights-from-30-years/) - By Kyle Lawson, The Arizona Republic, Oct. 15, 2006 In the past 30 years, Valley theater has changed dramatically. Old companies disappeared and new ones stepped into the spotlight. Actors came, made their mark and left or, in some happy cases, stayed to become local favorites. Here are 25 highlights from the changing playbill. 1
- [April Smith Miller](https://phoenixtheaterhistory.com/directors-crew/april-smith-miller/) - 2003 LOVE'S FIRE. Herberger Theater Center Lunch Time Theater Series. Call it "Shakespeare moderne." Created by today's most famous playwrights, Love's Fire is a collection of 10-minute plays inspired by the Bard's love sonnets. In the next installment of Lunch Time Theater, Black Ball Ensemble presents three of the original seven plays: John Guare's play,
- [Actors](https://phoenixtheaterhistory.com/actors/) - A Robert Aden David A. Akin Andres Alcala Richard Alexander Mark Anders B Henry Balloni Jr. David Barker Bob Barr Walter Ben Hare Jesse Berger Leon Black Thomas Blackwood Damon J. Bolling Eric Boudreau Cole Brackney T. A. Burrows Tim Butterfield Michael Byron C Andy Cahoon Joseph Cannon Nick Cartell Hal Chidnoff Michael Cirillo Ian
- [David Errigo Jr.](https://phoenixtheaterhistory.com/actors/david-errigo-jr/)
- [Benjamin Monrad](https://phoenixtheaterhistory.com/actors/benjamin-monrad/) - INTERVIEW BY KYLE LAWSON, ARIZONA REPUBLIC, FEB. 13, 2000 Benjamin Monrad, 23, actor, sound designer. Recent project: Shopping and Fucking, Planet Earth Theatre. What others say: "It's not easy for guys to project vulnerability on stage. Benjamin does it as well as any Phoenix actor I've seen." - April Smith, director and co-founder of
- [Benjamin Monrad, Sound Designer](https://phoenixtheaterhistory.com/crew/benjamin-monrad-sound-designer/) - INTERVIEW BY KYLE LAWSON, ARIZONA REPUBLIC, FEB. 13, 2000 Benjamin Monrad, 23, actor, sound designer. Recent project: Shopping and Fucking, Planet Earth Theatre. What others say: "It's not easy for guys to project vulnerability on stage. Benjamin does it as well as any Phoenix actor I've seen." - April Smith, director and co-founder of Blackball
- [Crew](https://phoenixtheaterhistory.com/crew/) - Theater founders Carol MacLeod, Actors Theatre, Theatre Artists Studio Wendy Leonard, Greasepaint Scottsdale Youtheatre Musicians Alan Ruch, Musician Jerry Wayne Harkey, Actor, Music Director John Clegg, Music Director Andrea Jill Gersten Higgins, Musician Steven Hilderbrand, Music Director Lighting designers Paul Black, Lighting Designer Michael Eddy, Lighting Designer Amarante Lucero, Lighting Designer Tim Monson, Lighting Designer
- [Blackball Ensemble](https://phoenixtheaterhistory.com/companies/blackball-ensemble/) - 2003 LOVE'S FIRE. Herberger Theater Center Lunch Time Theater Series.are moderne." Created by today's most famous playwrights, Love's Fire is a collection of 10-minute plays inspired by the Bard's love sonnets. In the next installment of Lunch Time Theater, Black Ball Ensemble presents three of the original seven plays: John Guare's play, based on sonnets
- [Christian Miller](https://phoenixtheaterhistory.com/actors/christian-miller/) - PLEASE HELP This page is in development. I would be grateful if you would share any memories, anecdotes, photographs or other memorabilia. Please use the button at top right to contact me and I will give you the details on sharing. Thank you, Kyle Lawson, page manager. (PS: It would help if you could provide
- [Companies](https://phoenixtheaterhistory.com/companies/) - A Actors Inner Circle Actors Lab Arizona Actors Theatre (Actors Theatre of Phoenix) Actors Youth Theatre Algonquin Theatre Company Arizona Broadway Theatre Arizona Centennial Theatre Foundation Arizona Jewish Theatre Company Arizona Latino Arts & Cultural Center Arizona Repertory Theatre Arizona State University Theatre Arizona Theatre Company Arizona Theatre Company: Season by Season ASU Beyond Series
- [Playwrights](https://phoenixtheaterhistory.com/playwrights/) - If you like this website, please click on the button at right. Alan Berks Larissa Brewington William Carton Steven Dietz Julie Amparano Garcia Jose Cruz Gonzalez Michael Grady Tim Kelly Richard Warren William Inge
- [William Carton](https://phoenixtheaterhistory.com/playwrights/william-carton/) - William Carton was a playwright active in local theater from the late 1990s. 2001. THE ALL MALE REVIEW. Interview by Kyle Lawson, The Arizona Republic, April 8. Feeling jaded about theater? Spend an afternoon with the young people of Blackball Ensemble. They still get excited about the little things, like whether there should be a
- [Directors](https://phoenixtheaterhistory.com/directors-crew/) - A Robert Aden B David Barker Michael Barnard Robert Begam Samantha Wyer Bello C Olan K. "Kit" Carson Peter James Cirino D Chris Danowski Gordon Davidson, Mark Taper Forum, LA Damon Dering F Phillip Fazio Pamela Fields Jon Flury G David Ira Goldstein H Chris Hamby Robert Kolby Harper Dwayne Hartford Peter Hill Trudy Hurley
- [Musical Theatre of Anthem](https://phoenixtheaterhistory.com/companies/musical-theatre-of-anthem/) - Musical Theatre of Anthem is an award-winning, non-profit organization that was founded in 2008 by Jackie and Jeff Hammond. 42323 N. Vision Way, Anthem, AZ 85086. (602) 743-9892. THE THEATER IN ITS OWN WORDS The mission of Musical Theatre of Anthem (MTA) is to develop youth and adults within the field of performing arts while enhancing
- [Carly Grossman](https://phoenixtheaterhistory.com/actresses/carly-grossman/) - Carly Nicole Grossman, though still a teenager, is rapidly becoming a hot commodity on Valley stages. Famed for her long hair and belting voice, she is one of the stalwarts of Spotlight Youth Theatre. Lately, she has showcasing her talent at several of the adult companies, including Phoenix Theatre and Arizona Broadway Theatre. NOTABLE CREDITS:
- [Party Time](https://phoenixtheaterhistory.com/news-from-the-wings/party-time/) - Paul Black, Lighting Designer APRIL 11, 2014. Photographs by Sue Sisley, at the opening night performance of "Avenue Q" at Phoenix Theatre. APRIL 2014. Gourmetheatre. The April, 2014 fund-raiser for Actors Theatre attracted some of the biggest names in the Valley theater community. The following photographs were taken at the gala by Dr. Sue Sisley.
- [Spotlight Youth Theatre](https://phoenixtheaterhistory.com/companies/spotlight-youth-theatre/) - Board of Directors Clancy DeGroodt, President Caprice Amerine, Vice President and Fundraising Coordinator Judy Wolfe, CPA, Treasurer Karen Gwendolyn, Secretary Kenny Grossman, Artistic Director Vicki Grossman, Box Office Manager Deb Czajkowski, Managing Director Leah Armstrong, Volunteer Coordinator Robert Waller, Playbills and Posters Coordinator Spotlight Youth Theatre 10620 N 43rd Ave Glendale, AZ 85304 602.843.8318 Dames:
- [Ian Christiansen](https://phoenixtheaterhistory.com/actors/ian-christiansen/) - A Valley native who spent time working in New York City theater, the handsome and debonair Ian Christiansen has been seen on many stages in the city, including Actors Theatre's production of Opus, for which he received an ari-Zoni Award for best actor. Other credits for this talented actor-singer include Berowne in Southwest Shakespeare Company's
- [Actors Youth Theatre](https://phoenixtheaterhistory.com/actors-youth-theatre/) - Actor’s Youth Theatre (AYT) is a non-profit performing arts organization with the mission of educating, entertaining, and enriching the lives of individuals in the community. AYT provides opportunities for people of all ages and backgrounds to develop acting, dancing, and musical talents through comprehensive performing art workshops, community outreach, performance opportunities, and the
- [Mesa Little Theatre / Mesa Encore Theatre](https://phoenixtheaterhistory.com/companies/mesa-little-theatremesa-encore-theatre/) - Mesa Encore Theatre (known in earlier days as Mesa Little Theatre and Mesa Community Theatre) presented its 77th season in 2013-2014, making it the Valley's second oldest theatrical company after Phoenix Theatre. It stands as an example of what community theater can be - and should be. It has produced more than 200 plays
- [Hale Centre Theatre](https://phoenixtheaterhistory.com/companies/hale-centre-theatre/) - Hale Centre Theatre Arizona is one of five theatres in three states that are all owned and operated separately by family members. The Gilbert location was founded by David Hale Dietlein in 2003 and prides itself on providing the community with Broadway caliber productions at an affordable price while remaining family friendly. The Hale Centre
- [Phoenix Theatre 2015-2016 Season](https://phoenixtheaterhistory.com/companies/phoenix-theatre-2015-2016-season/) - 2015. CHICAGO. Music: John Kander, Fred Ebb. Based on the Play by Maurine Dallas Watkins, Original Production Directed and Choreographed by Bob Fosse. Director. Michael Barnard. Cast. Kate E. Cook, Jenny Hintze, Walter Belcher, Terey Summers, Brian Runbeck, Jose Amor, Shani Barrett, Timothy Bishop, Nic Bryan, Daniela Castro, Michelle Chin, Brooke Robyn Dairman, Chris Ericksen, Lynzee Foreman,
- [Fountain Hills Theatre](https://phoenixtheaterhistory.com/companies/fountain-hills-theatre-2/) - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fjyKApJ5tT4 Scroll down for history of the theater and comments by artistic director Peter Hill. PHOTOGRAPHS, REVIEWS & THE KITCHEN SINK 2015. SOUTH PACIFIC. Cast. Karissa Anderson-Self, Alex Gonzalez, Dawn LeSueur, Chris Fiddler, Chelsea Umeda, Matt McDonald, Nicholas Hambruch, Hal Morgan, Roger Prenger, Patrick Russo, Tom Vinopal, Katie Barnett, Joshua Buescher, Heidi Carpenter, J.P. Clemente,
- [Jessie Jo Pauley](https://phoenixtheaterhistory.com/actresses/jessie-jo-pauley/) - Gil Benbrook, talkingbroadway.com (excerpt from review) "Jessie Jo Pauley is stunning as Dorothy. She exhibits a wide range of emotions with ease, from pensive to headstrong, passionate, fearful and optimistic. At just 16, Pauley not only brings the right combination of sweet sincerity and teenage angst to the role, but also has a warm, bright
- [Actresses](https://phoenixtheaterhistory.com/actresses/) - A Keilani Akagi Cecilia Allen Robyn Allen Carolyn Allhands Maria Amorocho Lucille Anderson, 1890s star Sky Ayers B Sally Jo Bannow Betty Barry Turner Helen Begam Ellen Benton Kathleen Berger Suzanne Bouchard Shana Rebilas Bousard Faye Bullock Anita Byron C Johanna Carlisle D Delores D'Amore Goldsmith Cathy Dresbach Maureen Dias Watson Linda DeArmond Susan Miller
- [Ashley Stults](https://phoenixtheaterhistory.com/actresses/ashley-stults/) - Phoenix actress, prominent in the 2010s. PHOTOGRAPHS
- [Matthew Wiener](https://phoenixtheaterhistory.com/directors-crew/matthew-wiener/) - KYLE LAWSON ON MATTHEW WIENER There are quintessential moments in any theater critic's life, moments when the art is redefined. For me, one of those moments came during "Nora," an adaptation of Henrik Ibsen's "A Doll's House," that was produced by Arizona Theatre Company and directed by Matthew Wiener. I had seen "A Doll's House,''
- [Kyle Sorrell](https://phoenixtheaterhistory.com/actors/kyle-sorrell/) - Kyle Sorrell, who ranks among the top young actors in contemporary Valley theater, has most recently been seen in Childsplay's productions of Charlotte's Web (a scene-stealer as Wilbur, the pig) and The Miraculous Journey of Edward Tulane and Around the World in 80 Days and Xanadu for Arizona Theatre Company. Other credits include: Eric and
- [Lillie Richardson](https://phoenixtheaterhistory.com/actresses/lillie-richardson/) - KYLE LAWSON ON LILLIE RICHARDSON If ever an actor was typecast for a role, then Lillie Richardson was destined from the womb to play the Angel in the Actors Theatre productions of Angels in America and Angels in America: Millennium Approaches and Perestroika. Lillie's loving nature, her incandescent smile, her willingness to help anyone in
- [Gammage Auditorium Review](https://phoenixtheaterhistory.com/news-from-the-wings/gammage-auditorium-review/) - GAMMAGE AUDITORIUM. Miss Saigon. Jan. 10, 1999. Review By Kyle Lawson ARIZONA REPUBLIC Maybe it was inevitable that our feelings toward Vietnam should come to this: a Gammage Auditorium audience standing and shouting its approval of a musical that knees America’s involvement in Southeast Asia in the groin. The national cynicism toward the war is
- [ASU Gammage Auditorium](https://phoenixtheaterhistory.com/companies/asu-gammage-auditorium/) - ASU GAMMAGE TO HOST 'BOOK OF MORMON' TOUR By Kerry Lengel, The Arizona Republic, April 28, 2014 Broadway buffs in metro Phoenix finally will get the chance to see "The Book of Mormon," the critically acclaimed, cheerfully profane musical from the creators of "South Park" — but not for another year or so. ASU Gammage,
- [Larissa Brewington](https://phoenixtheaterhistory.com/playwrights/larissa-brewington/) - The Valley doesn't have many playwrights to its credit, but the ones it has set the stage for artistic quality. One of the finest is Larissa Brewington, a Pennsylvania native who now calls Arizona her home. BIOGRAPHY Larissa was born and raised in Pennsylvania. She began acting upon moving to Allentown, PA, shortly after graduating
- [Ensemble Theatre](https://phoenixtheaterhistory.com/companies/ensemble-theatre/) - 1999. "The Baby with the Bathwater." Playwright: Christopher Durang. Directors: Anthony Runfola, David Vining. Cast: Kay Kirby, Will Hare, Benjamin Monrad, Maggie Fleck, Kathleen Butler Gravatt. * Review by Kyle Lawson, Arizona Republic, Jan. 14, 1999. Christopher Durang wrote Baby With the Bathwater in 1983. Back when the dinosaurs ruled the Earth. Well, a long
- [Erica McKibbern Black](https://phoenixtheaterhistory.com/crew/erica-mckibbern-black/) - Erica McKibbern Black is one of the Valley's finest stage mangers and served as the last managing director of Actors Theatre, which closed in December, 2014. She is the wife of lighting designer Paul Black. NOTABLE ACHIEVEMENTS
- [Manuela Needhammer](https://phoenixtheaterhistory.com/crew/manuela-needhammer/) - Manuela Needhammer's work on makeup and hair design for Actors Theatre will always be one of my indelible impressions of the local stage. Her work is constantly amazing, absolutely beautiful and spot-on when it comes to establishing character. One of the greats.
- [Cathy Dresbach](https://phoenixtheaterhistory.com/actresses/cathy-dresbach/) - To find mentions of Cathy Dresbach on other pages, type her name in the Search box at left. For information on Ajo Repertory Company, go HERE A CRITIC REMINISCES I have a dream. In it, I am walking under the marquee of a Broadway theater. Above me, Cathy Dresbach's name is spelled out in lights.
- [Alan Ruch](https://phoenixtheaterhistory.com/crew/alan-ruch/) - Alan is an award-winning theater composer and lyricist. He has written words and music for many professional and nationally-recognized productions. He serves as a musical director for Almark Productions of Los Angeles, touring the U.S., Canada, Hong Kong, Singapore, and Malaysia with productions of I Do!,I Do! and Kiss Me, Kate. Recent credits at Phoenix
- [Jon Gentry](https://phoenixtheaterhistory.com/actors/jon-gentry/) - Jon Gentry has been a member of Childsplay’s acting company since 1982. He spent 6 months in Europe performing Steen Papier Schaar with Speeltheater. Childsplay shows include: Robin Hood, A Year with Frog and Toad, The Yellow Boat, The Color of Stars, Lyle the Crocodile and Lilly’s Purple Plastic Purse. Other roles: Passpartout in Around
- [Rusty Ferracane](https://phoenixtheaterhistory.com/actors/rusty-ferracane/) - Read more about Rusty and hear him sing HERE PLEASE HELP This page is in development. I would be grateful if you would share any memories, anecdotes, photographs or other memorabilia. Please use the button at top right to contact me and I will give you the details on sharing. Thank you, Kyle Lawson, page
- [Paul Black](https://phoenixtheaterhistory.com/crew/paul-black/) - A CRITIC REMINISCES Paul Black is a sculptor. Light just happens to be his medium. From electricity, stage lamps and colored gels, he creates worlds. He creates fantasy. He creates life. When I was a boy, making my first forays into theater, lighting design largely involved flicking a switch and hoping the lights went on.
- [Jeff Thomson](https://phoenixtheaterhistory.com/crew/jeff-thomson/)
- [Oliver Wadsworth](https://phoenixtheaterhistory.com/actors/oliver-wadsworth/) - New York actor who worked frequently for Actors Theatre.
- [Natalie Inglish Nesbitt](https://phoenixtheaterhistory.com/actresses/natalie-inglish-nesbitt/) - An actress working in Phoenix from the 1990s.
- [Alvin Keith](https://phoenixtheaterhistory.com/actors/alvin-keith/) - Actor working in Phoenix from the 1990s.
- [Christopher Williams](https://phoenixtheaterhistory.com/actors/christopher-williams/) - Actor, director and artistic director who works frequently in the Valley. PHOTOGRAPHS
- [Susan Johnson Hood](https://phoenixtheaterhistory.com/crew/susan-johnson-hood/) - Susan Johnson Hood is one of the finest costume designers working in contemporary Valley theater. NOTABLE ACHIEVEMENTS 2001-2002. Angels in America, Angels in America: Millennium Approaches and Perestroika. PHOTOGRAPHS
- [David Temby](https://phoenixtheaterhistory.com/david-temby/) - NOTABLE ACHIEVEMENTSS 2002-2003. Actors Theatre. Angels in America; Angels in America: Millennium Approaches and Perestroika. PHOTOGRAPHS
- [John Graff](https://phoenixtheaterhistory.com/actors/john-graff/) - John Graff Phoenix actor who became active in local theater after moving to the Valley in 1954. He passed away at age 91 in 2008. According to his daughter, he appeared in more than 100 plays here. Born in New York City in 1917, John was raised in Woodmere, Long Island. He attended the University
- [Arizona Theatre Company](https://phoenixtheaterhistory.com/companies/arizona-theatre-company/) - KYLE LAWSON REMINISCES Cut to my living room. It's 1978, maybe '79. My wife and our next-door-neighbor, shanghaied for the occasion, are handing out canapes; I'm trying to mix cocktails (never good at that). The room is crowded with theater people, the decibel level is high, the air is full of smoke (those were
- [Arizona Theatre Company Season by Season](https://phoenixtheaterhistory.com/companies/arizona-theatre-company-season-by-season/) - LIST OF PRODUCTIONS 1967-68 Generation, The Mousetrap, The Best Man, The Fantasticks, The Owl and the Pussycat, Hansel and Gretel, The Sign in Sidney Brustein’s Window, No Exit, A Case of Libel, A View from the Bridge, What’s New 1968-69 Love in E-Flat, The Threepenny Opera, The Time of Your Life, A Thousand Clowns, Chicago/Birdbath,
- [Phillip Fazio](https://phoenixtheaterhistory.com/directors-crew/phillip-fazio/) - "New York based director Phillip Fazio has proven he knows how to deliver an emotional wallop onstage.” The Arizona Republic The latest addition to the ranks of the Valley's superstar theater directors has a New York City address. Phillip Fazio left the land of saguaros and haboobs for the bright lights of Broadway - well,
- [Tamara Diersen Treat](https://phoenixtheaterhistory.com/crew/tamara-diersen-treat/) - Tamara Diersen Treat is one of the top costume designers working in Valley theater in the 2000s. The ariZoni Award winner is best known for her outstanding creations at Theater Works in Peoria. THE WORK Katie Czajkowski in "Follies,'' Theater Works, 2015. Photograph by Alastair Gamble (?) RESUME Costume Designer/Costume Shop Manager December 2013 -
- [David Vining](https://phoenixtheaterhistory.com/actors/david-vining/) - A CRITIC REMINISCES If I were to list everything I like about David Vining, I would have to create a second website to hold it all. I first met David when I arrived in the Valley in 1977. He was on the theater faculty at Arizona State University, although, in those days, it was called
- [Stray Cat Theatre](https://phoenixtheaterhistory.com/companies/stray-cat-theatre/) - STRAY CAT'S 2014-2015 SEASON The Brothers Size by Tarell Alvin McCraney directed by Ron May Fall 2014 - Dates TBA The ultimate tug of war for a soul. Set on the back-roads of the Louisiana bayou, The Brothers Size follows the recently paroled Oshoosi Size as he seeks to jumpstart his life. Working in his
- [Theatre Artists Studio](https://phoenixtheaterhistory.com/companies/theatre-artists-studio/) - Theatre Artists Studio is a community of artists—actors, directors, playwrights, producers, singers, dancers, musicians, designers and technical wizards—practicing their chosen crafts in a professional, challenging environment that fosters collaboration and mutual growth through Studio membership. As a result, The Studio is also a unique venue for theatre entertainment, communication and interaction between our members and
- [Chris Danowski](https://phoenixtheaterhistory.com/directors-crew/chris-danowski/) - A CRITIC REMINISCES If you want to walk on the edge, there is no better guide than Chris Danowski. The founder of Theater in My Basement, the Valley's most out-there theater company, lives so far out of the box I'm not sure he even knows there is a box. Chris is a remarkable artist. He
- [Steve Hilderbrand](https://phoenixtheaterhistory.com/crew/steve-hilderbrand/) - Steve Hilderbrand's ranking as one of the Valley's top musical directors in the 2000s is reflected in his work schedule, which is always crowded. He is resident musical director at Theater Works and minister of contemporary worship at Central Avenue United Methodist Church. BIOGRAPHY A native of north central Ohio, Steve relocated to Phoenix in
- [Robyn Allen](https://phoenixtheaterhistory.com/actresses/robyn-allen/) - A CRITIC REMINISCES Theater people learn to live with disappointment. That doesn't make it any easier to accept the crazy things that happen. Why Robyn Allen was let go as artistic director of Theater Works (apparently for budgetary reasons) defies comprehension. She was the best thing to happen to the Peoria troupe since its founder,
- [Yolanda London](https://phoenixtheaterhistory.com/actresses/yolanda-london/) - Yolanda London has become one of Phoenix theater's brightest stars. Most recently, the singer-actress has been seen in Childsplay's Junie B. Jones and Charlotte's Web and Arizona Theatre Company's Around the World in 80 Days. Her regional credits include: The 1940’s Radio Hour and A Christmas Carol (Fulton Theatre); and Lost and Foundling (Geva Theatre/Childsplay).
- [Tyler Eglen](https://phoenixtheaterhistory.com/actors/tyler-eglen/) - Tyler Eglen is a gifted young actor who burst onto the Valley stage in the early 2000s. He is multifaceted - actor, educator, fight choreographer, interactive media designer and "tinkerer." "I thrive at the very exciting junction of Science and Art," he says. When he is not on stage, Tyler can be found at the
- [Dulce Juarez](https://phoenixtheaterhistory.com/actresses/dulce-juarez/) - Ernesto Ortiz, Ryan Michael Bernardino, Dulce Juarez and (lying down) Greta Skelly, in “Bless Me, Ultima” at Teatro Bravo. (Aby Rouhi Photography) This interview with Phoenix actress Dulcie Juarez is posted here courtesy of Phoenix New Times. The article, by Claire Lawton, appeared in the issue of April 3, 2012. Dulce Juarez is looking around
- [Slipping In Among the Ghosts](https://phoenixtheaterhistory.com/news-from-the-wings/growing-up-southern/) - This is a series of Facebook articles I wrote covering my childhood. So far, they have nothing to do with theater. Some day, they will. MY FAMILY ALWAYS HAS BEEN HAUNTED My family has always been haunted. Go ahead, laugh. I won't be offended. It comes from putting down roots in a soil that was
- [Arizona Jewish Theatre Company](https://phoenixtheaterhistory.com/companies/arizona-jewish-theatre-company/) - Founded by actress/director Janet Arnold in 1988, Arizona Jewish Theatre Company had a 24-year run as one of a handful of Jewish stage troupes to thrive in this country. Originally headquartered at Stage West in the Herberger Theater Center, the company moved to the Playhouse on the Park at Viad Corporate Center then to a
- [Arizona Broadway Theatre](https://phoenixtheaterhistory.com/companies/arizona-broadway-theatre/) - 2015. Sweet Charity. Courtesy of YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=06OuUpcr-aY http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8TP7lq5D3gI JUNE 2014 Young Frankenstein. Director-Choreographer: Tralen Doler. Music Director: JR McAlexander. Cast: Kurtis W. Overby, Brad York, Cassandra Norville Klaphake, Becca Gotlieb, Kathi Osborne, Brad Rupp, Adam Vargas, DJ Petrosino. Quinten Patrick Busey, Greg Kalafatas, Colin Shea Denniston, Diego Diaz, Adam Shaff, Laurie Trygg, Lynzee Jaye Paul
- [Maria Amorocho](https://phoenixtheaterhistory.com/actresses/maria-amorocho/) - Maria is mentioned on other pages on the website. Type her name into the Search box for a list of those locations. Maria won an ariZoni Award for Accomplice at Actors Theatre. Maria is represented by the Leighton Agency. Maria is a member of Actors Equity. Maria is on Facebook HERE A CRITIC REMINISCES I
- [Bruce Laks](https://phoenixtheaterhistory.com/actors/bruce-laks/) - Actor BIOGRAPHY Bruce holds a B.A. in Theatre from Florida State University and interned at the Alabama Shakespeare Festival. He has been acting, directing and teaching in Arizona for several years. He has performed with diverse theaters in a broad variety of roles. While in Arizona, Bruce has worked with Southwest Shakespeare Company (SSC) and
- [Susan Sindelar](https://phoenixtheaterhistory.com/actresses/susan-sindelar/) - Susan Sindelar is an accomplished actress whose work encompasses the total range of theater. PHOTOGRAPHS, REVIEWS & THE KITCHEN SINK 2004. Lost in Yonkers. Playwright: Neil Simon. Director: Randy Messersmith. Cast: Susan Sindelar, Maria Amorocho Weisbrod, Jacqueline Gaston, Bruce Laks, Cale Keadus Pascual, Paul Thomson.
- [Jacqueline Gaston](https://phoenixtheaterhistory.com/actresses/jacqueline-gaston/) - ACTRESS, DIRECTOR, ARTISTIC DIRECTOR A CRITIC REMINISCES The word "star" is difficult to manage. It can be - and often is - used for anyone who performs. To use it correctly, though, in its Webster dictionary definitions of "an outstandingly talented performer" or "the principal member of a theatrical or operatic company who usually plays
- [Randy Messersmith](https://phoenixtheaterhistory.com/actors/randy-messersmith/) - Actor, Director, Teacher, Theater Founder A CRITIC REMINISCES It happened at one of the state theater conferences in Prescott. Scenes from various plays were being performed. The woman next to me was clearly excited. "Oh, my God," she said. "Someone get me a cold shower!" No one is going to argue that Randy Messersmith is
- [Michael Tassoni](https://phoenixtheaterhistory.com/actors/michael-tassoni/) - Michael Tassoni is an actor and filmmaker (Tassoni Films). He attended Arizona State University and is a member of Actors Equity. BIOGRAPHY Born of Italian immigrant parents, Michael Tassoni is a first generation American. His father was an accomplished clothing designer and artist, which inspired Michael at a young age to create art. With visits
- [Chris Mascarelli](https://phoenixtheaterhistory.com/actors/chris-mascarelli/)
- [Maren Maclean](https://phoenixtheaterhistory.com/actresses/maren-maclean/) - A CRITIC REMINISCES Theater is many things. Mostly it is life. And, just as there is more to life than comedy and tragedy, so there is more to theater than reality. There is glamor. No more exotic creature has ever made her presence felt on local stages than Maren Maclean. I remember vividly her entrance
- [Julie Wyma Furlong](https://phoenixtheaterhistory.com/actresses/julie-wyma-furlong/) - NOTABLE CREDITS
- [Kathleen Berger](https://phoenixtheaterhistory.com/actresses/kathleen-berger/) - Kathleen is an actress whose charm and beauty first graced Phoenix stages in 1985, when she appeared in a production of Oklahoma! In 1996, her work took her to other corners of the world, but she returned to do Into the Woods in 2008 and then came back for good in 2012. PLEASE HELP This
- [Joe Jenckes](https://phoenixtheaterhistory.com/actors/joe-jenckes/) - NOTABLE CREDITS APRIL 1967. “The Lower Depths.” Arizona Repertory Theatre. Playwright: Maxim Gorky. Director: Robert Aden. Set Design: John Retseck. Cast: William Edmondson, Barbara LeCocq, Leon Black, Carolyn Allhands, Sandy Gibbons, Malcolm Dick, Jim Hurley, Helen Begam, Joseph Jenckes (Joe Jenckes). ***** 1962. Phoenix Little Theatre. "Cat on a Hot Tin Roof." *****
- [Helen Begam](https://phoenixtheaterhistory.com/actresses/helen-begam/) - Yes, Phoenix theater has its legends - and, yes, no one was more legendary than this actress, director and theater activist. Helen Begam was to Valley theater what Lynn Fontanne was to Broadway. Her husband, Robert, a prolific actor/director on local stages, was her Alfred Lunt. (Helen died some years ago, but Robert is still
- [Jim Hurley](https://phoenixtheaterhistory.com/jim-hurley/) - Jim Hurley was one of the great stage presences of the 1960s and later. He was the husband of actress/director Trudy Hurley. NOTABLE CREDITS APRIL 1967. “The Lower Depths.” Arizona Repertory Theatre. Playwright: Maxim Gorky. Director: Robert Aden. Set Design: John Retseck. Cast: William Edmondson, Barbara LeCocq, Leon Black, Carolyn Allhands, Sandy Gibbons, Malcolm Dick,
- [Malcolm Dick](https://phoenixtheaterhistory.com/actors/malcolm-dick/) - APRIL 1967. “The Lower Depths.” Arizona Repertory Theatre. Playwright: Maxim Gorky. Director: Robert Aden. Set Design: John Retseck. Cast: William Edmondson, Barbara LeCocq, Leon Black, Carolyn Allhands, Sandy Gibbons, Malcolm Dick, Jim Hurley, Helen Begam, Joseph Jenckes.
- [Sandy Gibbons](https://phoenixtheaterhistory.com/actors/sandy-gibbons/) - Sandy Gibbons is an actor and television personality (KTLA-TV, Channel 5 announcer and host of Dialing for Dollars) who was active on Phoenix stages from the 1960s. WATCH SANDY AS RANGER BOB ON THE WALLACE AND LADMO SHOW http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-sg5lr7gY74 BIOGRAPHY Sanford Gibbons was born in Kansas City, Missouri, and attended St. Benedict's College in
- [Carolyn Allhands](https://phoenixtheaterhistory.com/actresses/carolyn-allhands/) - Actress, active in the 1960s. NOTABLE PERFORMANCES 1967, Nude With Violin, Arizona Repertory Theatre 1967, The Lower Depths, Arizona Repertory Theatre.
- [Leon Black](https://phoenixtheaterhistory.com/actors/leon-black/) - APRIL 1967. “The Lower Depths.” Arizona Repertory Theatre. Playwright: Maxim Gorky. Director: Robert Aden. Set Design: John Retseck. Cast: William Edmondson, Barbara LeCocq, Leon Black, Carolyn Allhands, Sandy Gibbons, Malcolm Dick, Jim Hurley, Helen Begam, Joseph Jenckes.
- [Barbara LeCocq](https://phoenixtheaterhistory.com/actresses/barbara-lecocq/) - APRIL 1967. “The Lower Depths.” Arizona Repertory Theatre. Playwright: Maxim Gorky. Director: Robert Aden. Set Design: John Retseck. Cast: William Edmondson, Barbara LeCocq, Leon Black, Carolyn Allhands, Sandy Gibbons, Malcolm Dick, Jim Hurley, Helen Begam, Joseph Jenckes.
- [William Edmondson](https://phoenixtheaterhistory.com/actors/william-edmondson/) - APRIL 1967. “The Lower Depths.” Arizona Repertory Theatre. Playwright: Maxim Gorky. Director: Robert Aden. Set Design: John Retseck. Cast: William Edmondson, Barbara LeCocq, Leon Black, Carolyn Allhands, Sandy Gibbons, Malcolm Dick, Jim Hurley, Helen Begam, Joseph Jenckes.
- [Robert Aden](https://phoenixtheaterhistory.com/actors/robert-aden/) - Robert Aden was one of the most prominent actor-directors working on Valley stages in the 1960s. He came to Phoenix from New York and Minnesota (The Old Log Theatre) where he had directed and acted in numerous productions. At Phoenix Little Theater, he appeared in Richard II, Richard III, Hamlet, The Taming of the Shrew
- [Cecilia Allen](https://phoenixtheaterhistory.com/actresses/cecilia-allen/) - Cecilia Allen was a singer/actress who enlivened Phoenix theater during the 1970s. A photographer's model, she appeared in more than 60 TV commercials and appeared on The Today Show, The Price is Right and Dundee & the Culhane. ***** Excerpt from a review by Jack Swanson of the Arizona Republic of her performance in a
- [Sylvia Godfrey](https://phoenixtheaterhistory.com/actresses/sylvia-godfrey/) - JANUARY 1977. “South Pacific.” French Quarter Dinner Theatre at the Safari Hotel, Scottsdale. Director: Larry Liff. Despite an impressive cast by French Quarter standards – John Clegg, stepping away from his conductor’s podium at Phoenix Little Theatre; Cecilia Allen, one of the busiest of the Valley’s sopranos; Randy Post, a popular supporting actor, and Sylvia
- [Pat Russel](https://phoenixtheaterhistory.com/actors/pat-russel/) - Pat Russel is one of the most versatile actors on the Phoenix stage. Pat played the role of Benny Southstreet in a production of Frank Loesser's classic musical, ''Guys and Dolls,'' at the short-lived Skylight Dinner Theatre.
- [Skylight Dinner Theatre](https://phoenixtheaterhistory.com/companies/skylight-dinner-theatre/) - NOTABLE PRODUCTIONS ''Guys and Dolls.'' Music: Frank Loesser. Book: Abe Burrows, Joe Swerling. Producers: Robert Emmet Hegarty, Cynthia B. Hegarty. Director-Choreographer: Irene George. Set Design: Robert Emmett Hegarty. Costume Design: Christine Masler. Vocal Direction: Linda Stack, Forest Bachtel. Cast. Forest Bachtel, Pat Russel, Sandy Densford, Bud Hesterman, Linda Stack, James P. Schlegel, Dave Jansen, Frank
- [In Mixed Company](https://phoenixtheaterhistory.com/companies/in-mixed-company/) - PHOTOGRAPHS, REVIEWS & THE KITCHEN SINK 2000. Quills. 1999. A Delicate Balance. Playwright: Edward Albee. Director: Scott Balthazor. Cast: Joan Steen Silberschlag, Steven Mastroieni, Paul Benchwick, Wanda McHatton, Barbara McGrath, Helen Hayes. Review, Kyle Lawson, Arizona Republic, Jan. 13, 1999. Like so many Titanics, the principal characters of A Delicate Balance navigate a treacherous course
- [An Interview with legendary producer Cameron Macintosh](https://phoenixtheaterhistory.com/news-from-the-wings/an-interview-with-legendary-producer-cameron-macintosh/) - By KYLE LAWSON, The Arizona Republic, Jan. 23, 1999 Miss Saigon has taken its sweet time coming to Phoenix. Nine years and 31/2 months after its London premiere, to be exact. Don't blame the folks at Gammage Auditorium, though; for several seasons, the folks who run the Valley Broadway Series have attempted to bring
- [Gary Naylor](https://phoenixtheaterhistory.com/crew/gary-naylor/) - I will always remember Gary Naylor jumping out of his seat in a darkened theater and leaping on the stage to show his dancers what they were doing wrong and how to do it right. It was a bit like watching Bob Fosse in action and that's not such a far-off comparison. Gary was a
- [Gary Naylor](https://phoenixtheaterhistory.com/news-from-the-wings/obituaries/gary-naylor/) - The obituary of dancer-choreographer Gary Naylor appeared in the Nov. 16, 2008 edition of the Arizona Republic. For more on Gary, go here: HERE Naylor, Gary B. of Phoenix, Arizona unexpectedly passed away October 20, 2008. Gary was born in Etna, California on August 10, 1948. He and his family moved to Phoenix when he
- [Obituaries](https://phoenixtheaterhistory.com/news-from-the-wings/obituaries/) - Obituaries and memorials for actors and actresses from Phoenix theaters.
- [Bill Wolcott](https://phoenixtheaterhistory.com/actors/bill-wolcott/) - Actor working in the Valley after the late 1960s. REVIEWS
- [Dennis Decker](https://phoenixtheaterhistory.com/actors/dennis-decker/) - Actor working in the Valley after the late 1960s. REVIEWS
- [Diane Nieman Senffner](https://phoenixtheaterhistory.com/actresses/diane-nieman-senffner/) - ACTRESS PLEASE HELP This page is in development. I would be grateful if you would share any memories, anecdotes, photographs or other memorabilia. Please use the button at top right to contact me and I will give you the details on sharing. Thank you, Kyle Lawson, page manager. PHOTOGRAPHS, REVIEWS & THE KITCHEN SINK *****
- [Lizz Reeves Fidler](https://phoenixtheaterhistory.com/actresses/liz-reeves-fidler/) - Valley singer-actress achieved prominence in the late 1990s and has been consistently in the spotlight since then. Works for numerous companies, including Mesa Encore Theatre, Desert Stages Theatre and Fountain Hills Theatre. A vice president of the Bank of America, she also is a member of the board of directors of Mesa Encore Theatre. She
- [Janine Smith](https://phoenixtheaterhistory.com/actresses/janine-smith/) - Actress, prominent in Valley theater in the 2000s. PHOTOGRAPHS INTERVIEWS Kerry Lengel, The Arizona Republic, April 23, 2011 After Valley actress Janine Smith auditioned for Phoenix Theatre's musical "Nine," she was thrilled to get a callback for the role of Luisa, the long-suffering wife of womanizing film director Guido Contini, inspired by the great Federico
- [Jacqui Notorio](https://phoenixtheaterhistory.com/actresses/jacqui-notorio/) - Actress and singer, prominent in Valley theater in the 2000s. PHOTOGRAPHS INTERVIEWS Kelli Hwang. The Arizona Republic. Aug. 4, 2009. Deemed "the world's longest-running musical," "The Fantasticks" has stood the test of time. The allegorical story tells of two lovebirds, Luisa and Matt, who seemingly are forbidden to see one another when their fathers put
- [Jo Lopez Powell](https://phoenixtheaterhistory.com/directors-crew/jo-lopez-powell/) - Director, working in the Valley from the 1980s. PHOTOGRAPHS
- [Keith Wick](https://phoenixtheaterhistory.com/actors/keith-wick/) - Actor, performing in the Valley from the 1980s. PHOTOGRAPHS
- [Johanna Carlisle](https://phoenixtheaterhistory.com/actresses/johanna-carlisle/) - Everyone wants to be young. Sometimes I don't. Being my age means I have seen some extraordinary theater performers. Ethel Merman, for one. Tearing down the house in Gypsy. Johanna Carlisle brings back the memory. Not literally. Johanna possesses a femininity and a beauty that Ethel could never claim. But in other ways, she is
- [3rd Street Theatre](https://phoenixtheaterhistory.com/companies/3rd-street-theatre/) - NOTABLE PRODUCTIONS APRIL 14-27, 1985. "Dial M for Murder." Director: Randal K. West. Producer: Chris Curcio. Cast: Cathy Dresbach, David Helmstetter, Chris Witt, Duke Shirlaw, John Edward Lucius II, John Carpenter. Technical Director and Lighting Design: Brian Whitney. Assistant Director: Michael Wolf. Set design. Betty Smith. Costumes: J.J. Schulte and Jan Schacke. Publicity. Yvonne Garrett.
- [Noel Irick](https://phoenixtheaterhistory.com/actresses/noel-irick/) - A CRITIC REMINISCES Lauren Bacall, the short version. Well, I'm sorry - but anyone who has heard this delightful actress, singer and dancer deliver a line, is going to think of Bogey's Baby. She's not as tall, but she's just as willowy and possesses a vocal instrument that can be called husky but is best
- [Sombrero Playhouse](https://phoenixtheaterhistory.com/companies/sombrero-playhouse/) - Sombrero Playhouse opened 1949 and continued operations until 1968. The Sombrero Playhouse, founded in Phoenix, Arizona, in 1949, was for many years a popular venue for touring productions featuring prominent performers, including a number of Hollywood luminaries. Founded by artistic director Richard Charlton and actress Ann Lee Harris, the Sombrero became during its heyday perhaps
- [Steven J. Scally](https://phoenixtheaterhistory.com/actors/steven-j-scally/) - Steven J. Scally is one of the most gifted actors and directors working in Phoenix during the 2000s. PHOTOGRAPHS A BRIEF HISTORY OF ME by Steven J. Scally, March 2015 I was born in Detroit Michigan in 1967, but was raised in Petoskey Michigan up to the age of 10. When my parents divorced
- [Kathi Osborne](https://phoenixtheaterhistory.com/actresses/kathi-osborne/) - Valley actress prominent since the 2000s. PHOTOGRAPHS REVIEWS Angry Housewives, Arizona Broadway Theatre. Herbert Pain, Broadway World. Com, September 2014. When it comes to consistency and quality in musical performance, Arizona Broadway Theatre stands among the top of the Valley of the Sun's list. Its current production of The Angry Housewives closes its Ninth Season
- [Dorris Opera House](https://phoenixtheaterhistory.com/early-history/dorris-opera-house/) - Located at 326 West Washington Street, in Phoenix, Arizona. The Dorris Opera House was built in 1898 and was the Herberger Theater Center of its day. Other names: Patton's Grand Theater and, when it became a movie house, the Phoenix Theatre. It was heavily remodeled over the years and finally torn down. For many years,
- [Beth Anne Johnson](https://phoenixtheaterhistory.com/actresses/beth-anne-johnson/) - PHOTOGRAPHS, REVIEWS & THE KITCHEN SINK 2015. ''Follies.'' Theater Works. 2000 “The Will Rogers Follies” Scottsdale Community Players. Chris Erikson, as Will, was the star of this production, but in just a few years he would be eclipsed by his Follies showgirls: Natalie Charle Ellis, Laurie Trygg, Andi Watson and Beth Anne Johnson.
- [Debby Rosenthal](https://phoenixtheaterhistory.com/actresses/debby-rosenthal/) - BIOGRAPHY Debby has been a member of Actor’s Equity since 1988 and has performed in more than 60 professional regional theater productions.These include 16 leading roles with Phoenix Theatre. Another favorite experience was being the soloist for The Phoenix Symphony Holiday Pops Concerts in 2012. Debby has appeared in movies, had principal roles in more
- [Phoenix Theatre 2014-2015 Season](https://phoenixtheaterhistory.com/companies/phoenix-theatre-phoenix-little-theatre/phoenix-theatre-2014-2015-season/) - Memphis . September 17, 2014 to October 12, 2014; Shear Madness . October 29, 2014 to November 23, 2014; Mary Poppins . November 19, 2014 to December 28, 2014; Two Pianos, Four Hands . January 14, 2015 to February 1, 2015; Buyer & Cellar . February 25, 2015 to March 22, 2015; End of the
- [Steven Mastroieni](https://phoenixtheaterhistory.com/actors/steven-mastroieni/) - A CRITIC REMINISCES When you are talking seriously about theater, it's bad form to get physical. You just have to ignore that if the discussion is about Steven Mastroieni. The guy has presence and there's no escaping it. Charisma? Sure, that old standby is part of it. But a hefty portion of his appeal is
- [Grand Canyon University](https://phoenixtheaterhistory.com/companies/grand-canyon-university/) - PHOTOGRAPHS
- [Cole Brackney](https://phoenixtheaterhistory.com/actors/cole-brackney/) - Cole Brackney is a Phoenix based performer, who has appeared in Valhalla and Debbie Does Dallas at Nearly Naked Theatre and Into the Woods as the Wolf at Grand Canyon University's Ethington Theatre, among many other productions. Pluto (2015) marked his first appearance at Stray Cat Theatre. REVIEWS * For Kerry Lengel's Nov. 10, 2014 favorable review of
- [Nearly Naked Theatre Company](https://phoenixtheaterhistory.com/companies/nearly-naked-theatre-company/) - A BUMP IN THE ROAD Kerry Lengel, Arizona Republic, June 9, 2014. News Item. Nearly Naked Theatre Company has cancelled its season-closing production of "Falsettos," James Lapine's groundbreaking 1992 musical about a gay Jewish New Yorker's family life. The show had been scheduled for June 14-28 at Phoenix Theatre, but on Sunday, June 8, theater
- [Anabel Olguin](https://phoenixtheaterhistory.com/actresses/anabel-olguin/) - Anabel Olguin is a Grand Canyon University student working in Phoenix theater in the 2010s. PHOTOGRAPHS
- [Damon Dering](https://phoenixtheaterhistory.com/directors-crew/damon-dering/) - An actor, director, theater founder, company artistic director and renowned drag queen when he has the time, Damon Dering is one of the originals. There is simply no one like him, and very few productions achieve the quality, shock value and audacity of those he creates for Nearly Naked Theater, the company which he founded
- [Gabrielle Van Buren](https://phoenixtheaterhistory.com/actresses/gabrielle-van-buren/) - Gabrielle Van Buren is an actress working in Phoenix in the 2000s. PHOTOGRAPHS
- [Michael Peck](https://phoenixtheaterhistory.com/actors/michael-peck/) - Michael Peck is one of the most distinguished actors to perform in Phoenix theater in the 2000s and 2010s. Handsome in the way of matinee idols, he is more than just a pretty boy on stage. His characters are layered with nuance and emotion, his timing exact and his movement choreographic. In fact, his presence
- [Marshall W. Mason](https://phoenixtheaterhistory.com/directors-crew/marshall-w-mason/) - Marshall W. Mason is one of America's great stage directors. His most famous work was done in New York City, but for 10 years he was a member of the theater faculty at Arizona State University. His work with playwright Lanford Wilson is the longest collaboration in American theater history, encompassing more than 60 plays
- [Lynzee Paul Foreman](https://phoenixtheaterhistory.com/actresses/lynzee-paul-foreman/) - NOTABLE CREDITS: 2014. "Memphis," Phoenix Theatre. 2014. "Young Frankenstein," Arizona. Broadway Theatre. 2013. "The Great American Trailer Park Musical," Arizona Broadway Theatre. 2010. Evil Dead: The Musical. UNKNOWN YEAR. "Singin' in the Rain," Arizona Broadway Theatre. PRESS CLIPPINGS 2014. Interview with Kerry Lengel, Arizona Republic. Lynzee Paul Foreman isn't the most famous actress in town,
- [Kathy Fitzgerald](https://phoenixtheaterhistory.com/actresses/kathy-fitzgerald/) - A CRITIC REMINISCES It is hard to know where to begin discussing Kathy Fitzgerald. More than any other actress, she raised the level of awareness of Valley theater in the public conscience during the 1990s. Enormously talented, personally engaging, she delivered the goods every single time she stepped she on stage. Her name alone guaranteed
- [Trisha Ditsworth](https://phoenixtheaterhistory.com/actresses/trisha-ditsworth/) - This page is under construction. Please check back for additional photographs and credits. PHOTOGRAPHS
- [Samantha Wyer Bello](https://phoenixtheaterhistory.com/directors-crew/samantha-wyer-bello/) - Bob Sorenson directed by Samantha Wyer in "I Am My Own Wife." 2006-2007 Season. Arizona Theatre Company.
- [Bob Sorenson](https://phoenixtheaterhistory.com/actors/bob-sorenson/) - A CRITIC REMINISCES I never know what to say about Bob Sorenson. Mainly, because whatever I say, it won't be enough to explain why this actor, in the minds of so many, IS Phoenix theater He may not be the greatest actor to perform in Phoenix - after all, John Barrymore tread the boards of
- [Barbara Walker McBain](https://phoenixtheaterhistory.com/actresses/barbara-walker-mcbain/) - A CRITIC REMINISCES I think Oscar Wilde was on to something. The bit about the portrait in the attic, I mean. Barbara Walker McBain was a leading lady when I arrived in the Valley in 1977. She's a leading lady today. When I look at photos, I'll be darned if I can see much of
- [Phoenix Theatre (Phoenix Little Theatre)](https://phoenixtheaterhistory.com/companies/phoenix-theatre-phoenix-little-theatre/) - 2014-2015 SEASON Memphis . September 17, 2014 to October 12, 2014; Shear Madness . October 29, 2014 to November 23, 2014; Mary Poppins . November 19, 2014 to December 28, 2014; Two Pianos, Four Hands . January 14, 2015 to February 1, 2015; Buyer & Cellar . February 25, 2015 to March 22, 2015; End
- [Greg Lutz](https://phoenixtheaterhistory.com/actors/greg-lutz/) - Actor, working in Phoenix in the 2000s. Of late, the majority of his work has been in films. PHOTOGRAPHS
- [Dustin Loehr](https://phoenixtheaterhistory.com/actors/dustin-loehr/) - Phoenix actor. This page is still being developed.
- [Julian-Sebastian Pena](https://phoenixtheaterhistory.com/actors/julian-sebastian-pena/) - Julian-Sebastian Pena is an actor who has worked in Phoenix since 2007. Among the companies he has performed for are Hale Centre Theatre, Scottsdale Desert Stages Theatre, Arizona Broadway Theatre and Scottsdale Musical Theatre Company. PHOTOGRAPHS
- [Marc Robin](https://phoenixtheaterhistory.com/directors-crew/marc-robin/) - Marc Robin is a nationally known director who has worked in Phoenix theater on several occasions.
- [Kit Carson](https://phoenixtheaterhistory.com/directors-crew/kit-carson/) - Olan K. “Kit” Carson, Resident Director, Phoenix Little Theatre Olan K. Carson, popularly known as Kit, took up his duties as resident director of Phoenix Little Theatre on Aug. 1, 1963. He hit the ground running. During his first season, he directed five productions and conducted one workshop. Kit had his BS degree from Mount
- [Wendy Leonard, Greasepaint](https://phoenixtheaterhistory.com/crew/wendy-leonard-greasepaint/) - Wendy Leonard co-founded Greasepaint Scottsdale Youth Theatre in 1984. She left the company in 1999. For more about Wendy, go HERE For more about Greasepaint, go HERE
- [Jan Sandwich](https://phoenixtheaterhistory.com/actresses/jan-sandwich/) - A CRITIC REMINISCES There's one thing to be said for charisma - either you have it or you don't. Jan Sandwich has it, so much of it that surrounded by a group as definitively charismatic as the Barnstormers at the Windmill Dinner Theater, she managed to stand out from the crowd. Perhaps it was the
- [Judy Rollings](https://phoenixtheaterhistory.com/directors-crew/judy-rollings/) - ACTRESS, DIRECTOR, ARTISTIC DIRECTOR, THEATER FOUNDER, TEACHER A CRITIC REMINISCES Some people you love the first time you meet them. No reason for it that you can fathom. It just happens. It certainly happened with Judy Rollings. Maybe it was that shy smile, the way she has of looking to the side, the hint of
- [Mollie Kellogg](https://phoenixtheaterhistory.com/actresses/mollie-kellogg/) - ***** Planet Earth Theatre's page is HERE ***** The Way We Were (or maybe The Way Things Work or maybe just It's A Damn Small World): Molly reminisces on her beginnings as an actress. Terry and Wyatt Earp were in my Park Central Toastmasters Club when Terry asked me if I wanted to audition for
- [Peter James Cirino](https://phoenixtheaterhistory.com/directors-crew/peter-james-cirino/) - DIRECTOR, ACTOR, THEATER FOUNDER, PLAYWRIGHT Planet Earth Theatre's page is HERE
- [John Clegg](https://phoenixtheaterhistory.com/crew/john-clegg/) - John was a prominent musical director of the 1970s, most notably at Phoenix Little Theatre. Occasionally, he stepped away from the podium to perform. John studied opera with Sarah Caldwell and musical comedy with Leonard Bernstein. CREDITS JANUARY 1977. "South Pacific." French Quarter Dinner Theatre at the Safari Hotel, Scottsdale. Director: Larry Liff. HERE MAY 1976:
- [Early history](https://phoenixtheaterhistory.com/early-history/) - News from the 1890s News from the 1900s News from the 1910s News from the 1920s News from the 1930s News from the 1940s Trivia & Tidbits Harry Behn, founder of Phoenix Little Theatre Maie Bartlett Heard, founder of Phoenix Little Theatre Dorris Opera House
- [Robyn Ferracane](https://phoenixtheaterhistory.com/actresses/robyn-ferracane/) - A CRITIC REMINISCES Every theater town worth its name has a diva. I mean "diva" in the good sense, as in reigning goddess. For many years, Robyn Ferracane was our diva. A striking brunette beauty with an exceptional voice and strong acting chops, this bundle of talent came close to dominating Phoenix theater - especially
- [Kim Richard](https://phoenixtheaterhistory.com/actresses/kim-richard/) - Kim Richard, nee Jeffries, a beautiful blonde actress whose charm is growing on Phoenix theater audiences, made her debut at Actors Theatre in the company's final production, Seminar, but she is no stranger. A Phoenix native, her credits include South Pacific at ProMusica Arizona, Big River at Mesa Encore Theatre and All New People and Pulp
- [Will Hightower](https://phoenixtheaterhistory.com/actors/will-hightower/) - Will Hightower returned to Actors Theatre for its final production, Seminar. He previously appeared in the company's Body Awareness. Other credits include Class 6 Theatre’s SantaLand Diaries and Comedy of Errors…With Puppets!, Childsplay’s A Wrinkle in Time and Phoenix Theatre’s Charlotte’s Web. Will is a graduate of the acting programs at Phoenix College and Arizona
- [David Barker](https://phoenixtheaterhistory.com/directors-crew/david-barker/) - BIOGRAPHY David Barker is an award-winning actor, director and fight choreographer. Also an accomplished mime, his work has been featured in numerous publications including From The Greek Mimes To Marcel Marceau And Beyond, Shanghai Theatre Magazine, Mime Journal and Phoenix Magazine. He graduated Cum Laude from Duquesne University with a B.S. in Education in 1977
- [Kerry McCue](https://phoenixtheaterhistory.com/actresses/kerry-mccue/) - Kerry McCue is one of the most prominent actresses in Phoenix theater. Now a resident of California, she returned in late 2014 to co-star in Seminar, the final production at Actors Theatre. In San Diego, she recently appeared in Regrets Only at Diversionary Theatre, and Broken Glass and Perfect Wedding at North Coast Repertory Theatre.
- [Andy Cahoon](https://phoenixtheaterhistory.com/actors/andy-cahoon/) - Southwest Shakespeare Company has much to answer for - and that's a good thing. A constant bounty of young, excellent actors has emerged from the company to spread their talents to other theaters, enriching audiences Valleywide. Andy Cahoon is one of those actors. Emerging into prominence in the mid-2010s, his charismatic presence bids well to
- [Phillip Herrington](https://phoenixtheaterhistory.com/actors/phillip-herrington/) - Phillip Herrington is a Phoenix actor active in the 2000s. PHOTOGRAPHS For more information on iTheatre Collaborative, go HERE
- [iTheatre Collaborative](https://phoenixtheaterhistory.com/companies/itheatre-collaborative/) - iTheatre Collaborative is one of the Valley's youngest and most exciting theater companies. Though, like most small troupes, it must make do with limited resources, the company's work is good and, at time, superlative. It is criminal that more people don't go to see it. ARTISTIC DIRECTOR A member of Actor's Equity Association, Christopher Haines
- [Stacie Stocker](https://phoenixtheaterhistory.com/actresses/stacie-stocker/) - Stacie Stocker is a Phoenix actress, active in the 2000s. PHOTOGRAPHS
- [Debra K. Stevens](https://phoenixtheaterhistory.com/actresses/debra-k-stevens/) - An actress - a real, honest-to-goodness actress - is harder to capture than a butterfly on a windy day. Especially if you're trying to catch her with a net of words. I can no more reduce Debra K. Stevens to a paragraph than I could climb Mt Everest. Frankly, the climb would be less of
- [Scott Pegg](https://phoenixtheaterhistory.com/actors/scott-pegg/) - Scott Pegg was an actor with Childsplay and other Valley troupes. PHOTOGRAPHS
- [Richard Trujillo](https://phoenixtheaterhistory.com/actors/richard-trujillo/) - In spite of the large Latino population, there have been few Latino performers in the upper echelon of the Phoenix theater community. One of the few who made it to the top was Richard Trujillo. I once described him as "an individual with the look of a leading man and the soul of a character
- [Cale Epps](https://phoenixtheaterhistory.com/actors/cale-epps/) - Cale Epps is a critically acclaimed actor working in Phoenix during the 2000s. CREDITS 2010. "Secret Order." Actors Theatre. HERE PHOTOGRAPHS
- [David Saar](https://phoenixtheaterhistory.com/directors-crew/david-saar/) - Recipient of the Governor’s Arts Award in 1989 David Saar, founder of the acclaimed Childsplay troupe, is one of the most creative and brilliant playwright-directors to ever work in Phoenix theater. For more on David and Childsplay, go HERE JANUARY 2002 "CYRANO" Co-production between Childsplay and ASU's Herberger College of Theatre. Excerpt from article
- [Southwest Shakespeare Company](https://phoenixtheaterhistory.com/companies/southwest-shakespeare-company/) - Photos: (Top) "Two Gentlemen of Verona," Devon Christopher Adams. (Lower) "Blood Royal," Larry Stone. I would like to express my gratitude to Devon Christopher Adams, Stacey Walston and Christian Miller for help in developing this page. Read more about Southwest Shakespeare Company A CRITIC REMINISCES I knew Jared Sakren before I knew him. Years ago,
- [Windmill Dinner Theater](https://phoenixtheaterhistory.com/companies/windmill-dinner-theater/) - THE BARNSTORMERS The Windmill was a mainstay of the American dinner theater circuit. That meant it imported stars from stage, screen and television to headline its productions. One part of the Windmill that was wholly the Valley's own was the Barnstormers, the legendary group of singing and dancing waitpeople who offered up a performance with
- [Theater League](https://phoenixtheaterhistory.com/companies/theater-league/) - AUGUST 2005, "The Wonder Bread Years," Orpheum Theatre INTERVIEW: Kyle Lawson, The Arizona Republic, Aug. 7, 2005 The good ol' days. Big in legend, but in reality? No Paris Hilton to make fun of, no Steven Spielberg summer movies, no wardrobe malfunctions to liven up the game. How good is that? Pat Hazell would have
- [The Shakespeare Theatre](https://phoenixtheaterhistory.com/companies/the-shakespeare-theatre/) - JUNE, 2001. "Titus Andronicus": Director, Wes Martin. Cast, Randy Messersmith, A.J. Huff, Maren Maclean, Susan Morrell, others.
- [The Palms Dinner Theatre](https://phoenixtheaterhistory.com/companies/the-palms-dinner-theatre/) - Starter Page . Under Construction
- [Tempe Center for the Arts](https://phoenixtheaterhistory.com/companies/tempe-center-for-the-arts/) - The Tempe Center for the Arts is located on the southwest end of Tempe Town Lake and is part of a 17-acre lakeside art park developed by Design Workshop, a Tempe landscape architecture firm. The center was designed by Tempe-based Architekton and Barton Myers Associates of Los Angeles. It houses a 600-seat proscenium theater, a
- [Teatro Bravo](https://phoenixtheaterhistory.com/companies/teatro-bravo/) - Teatro Bravo, housed at the Helen K. Mason Performing Arts Center in downtown Phoenix, produces plays in English and Spanish that promote a complex portrait of U.S. Latino and Latin American populations of Arizona, and also seeks to develop the talents of Latino actors, directors, playwrights, designers, stage managers, and administrators. A CRITIC REMINISCES I
- [Star Theatre / Celebrity Theatre](https://phoenixtheaterhistory.com/companies/star-theatre-celebrity-theatre/) - HISTORY You couldn't ask for a better history of the Celebrity / Star Theatre than this one written by my friend and former Republic cohort, Randy Cordova. By Randy Cordova, The Arizona Republic/azcentral.com, Jan 4, 2014 Celebrity Theatre will celebrate its 50th birthday this month. And like for most people who hit the half-century mark,
- [Stage Left Theatre](https://phoenixtheaterhistory.com/companies/stage-left-theatre/) - HISTORY Stage Left Theatre was a short-lived troupe that performed at Scottsdale's Unitarian-Universalist Church in the 1970s. Jon Flury, one of the noted directors of the era, worked for the company. Information on this troupe is hard to find. If you know of anyone connected with the company, or have photographs or other memorabilia that
- [St Mary's Players](https://phoenixtheaterhistory.com/companies/st-marys-players/) - Betty Barry Turner, active at Phoenix Little Theatre as an actress, was one of the founders of this group, along with Peter Kern and Father Victor of St. Mary's School in downtown Phoenix. Its first production was in the fall of 1928. According to its mission statement, the group's purpose was "stimulating an interest in
- [Southwest Ensemble Theatre](https://phoenixtheaterhistory.com/companies/southwest-ensemble-theatre/) - Starter Page . Under Construction NOTABLE PRODUCTIONS 1976. A Midsummer Night's Dream. Southwest Ensemble Theatre. Cast: Richard Elmore, Steven Mastroieni.
- [Scottsdale Theatre for Children](https://phoenixtheaterhistory.com/companies/scottsdale-theatre-for-children/) - OCTOBER 1977, SCOTTSDALE DAILY PROGRESS SCOTTSDALE PROGRESS, SEPT. 20, 1968 New group is organized. Mrs. John McAninch, Don Doyle speak.
- [Scottsdale Presbyterian Opera Company](https://phoenixtheaterhistory.com/companies/scottsdale-presbyterian-opera-company/) - JULY 1977. "Li'l Abner." Director: James Newcomer. Musical Director: Norman Jensen. Cast: Bruce Larson, Donna Woodka, Don King, Bill Goodenberger.
- [Scottsdale Desert Stages Theatre](https://phoenixtheaterhistory.com/companies/desert-stages-theatre/) - Scottsdale theater troupe, founded in 1995 Read more about the company at http://www.desert stages.org HISTORY Scottsdale Desert Stages Theatre is an award-winning, non-profit performing arts theater committed to offering entertainment to suit a variety of ages and musical tastes and to providing a creative platform that nurtures each stage of an actor's development. Its location
- [Scottsdale Community Players](https://phoenixtheaterhistory.com/companies/scottsdale-community-players/) - A CRITIC REMINISCES I arrived in the Valley in 1977, right in the middle of the Valley's golden age of community theater. There had been a few professional theaters here. None of them lasted long. The community theaters carried the flag, providing not only a place to see world theater but see world-class actors performing
- [Scottsdale Community College](https://phoenixtheaterhistory.com/companies/scottsdale-community-college/) - Read more about Scottsdale Community College's Theater Department PHOTOGRAPHS, CLIPPINGS, PRODUCTION NOTES, EVENTS & REVIEWS October 2011, "A Midsummer Night's Dream." Director: Randy Messersmith. Cast: Andy Cahoon, Sasha Wordlaw, Ryan Letter. Scenic Design: Kimb Williamson. Lighting: Paul Black. Costumes: Elizabeth Petersen. Movement: Karryn Allen. Masks: Maren Maclean. The production is set in ancient India. NOVEMBER
- [Scottsdale Center for the Arts](https://phoenixtheaterhistory.com/companies/scottsdale-center-for-the-arts/) - One of the premier performing-arts halls in the western United States, Scottsdale Center for the Performing Arts was built in 1975. It showcases a diverse season of dance, music, theater and film from around the world. More than 1,000 indoor and outdoor performances, educational programs, festivals and other events are presented and hosted at the
- [Planet Earth Theatre](https://phoenixtheaterhistory.com/companies/planet-earth-theatre/) - I would like to express my appreciation to Mollie Kellogg for her help in developing this page. A CRITIC REMINISCES From roughly 1992 to 1997, Phoenix boasted a theater company like no other it had seen - or would see again. Planet Earth Theatre, or to give it its full name, Planet Earth Multicultural
- [Pinnacle Peak Melodramas](https://phoenixtheaterhistory.com/companies/pinnacle-peak-melodramas/) - For many years, the rootin' tootin' melodramas at Pinnacle Peak Restaurant were a big draw, both for locals and the tourist trade. The audience was invited to cheer for the hero, boo the villain and toss peanut shells on the floor. PHOTOGRAPHS, REVIEWS & THE KITCHEN SINK JANUARY 1977. "Egad, What A Cad!" Clipping from
- [Phoenix Symphony](https://phoenixtheaterhistory.com/companies/phoenix-symphony/) - From time to time, the Symphony presents concerts revolving around the theater. MAY 2014 MY FAIR LADY Director: Michael Barnard. Cast: Jeannie Shubitz Fleck, Ian Christiansen, Kaitlynn Kleinman Bluth, Trisha Ditsworth, Jonathan Brian, Sally Jo Bannow, Lisa Fogel, Terry Gadaire, Lucas Coatney, Logan Scott Mitchell, Trisha Ditsworth, Mike Lawler, Chris Ericksen and Cydney Trent. Comments
- [Phoenix Musical Theater](https://phoenixtheaterhistory.com/companies/phoenix-musical-theater/) - Phoenix Musical Theater, which evolved from the Phoenix Civic Light Opera Company, and its hard-working guild were major influences on Valley theater in the 1960s and '70s. Not only did the company produce critically acclaimed, sold-out productions, but the guild raised money for dozens of scholarships. That good deed garnered it almost as much attention
- [Phoenix College](https://phoenixtheaterhistory.com/companies/phoenix-college/) - For information on John Paul, Phoenix College's legendary director of drama, go HERE Arizona Republic, April 17, 1969 Arizona Republic, April 5, 1968 Arizona Republic, Sept. 15, 1963
- [Phoenix Little Theatre Shakespeare Festival](https://phoenixtheaterhistory.com/companies/phoenix-little-theatre-shakespeare-festival/) - In 1956, Ted Edwards, then president of the Phoenix Little Theatre Board of Directors, broached the idea of a Shakespearean Festival at the theater. The company had a deep attachment to the Bard. A Midsummer Night's Dream was the first play PLT produced, back in the early 1920s when the company was still known as
- [Phoenix Children's Theatre](https://phoenixtheaterhistory.com/companies/phoenix-childrens-theatre-2/)
- [Phoenix Children's Theatre](https://phoenixtheaterhistory.com/companies/phoenix-childrens-theatre/) - PLEASE HELP This page is in development. I would be grateful if you would share any memories, anecdotes, photographs or other memorabilia. Please use the button at top right to contact me and I will give you the details on sharing. Thank you, Kyle Lawson, page manager. (PS: It would help if you could provide
- [Orpheum Theatre](https://phoenixtheaterhistory.com/companies/orpheum-theatre/) - aka PALACE WEST THEATRE HISTORY The Orpheum Theatre is a 1,364-seat theater in downtown Phoenix. This venue was originally used for vaudeville acts as part of the nationwide Orpheum Circuit. Construction began in 1927 and was completed in 1929 for a total cost of $750,000. It was designed by architects Lescher & Mahoney, with Hugh
- [New Carpa Theater Company](https://phoenixtheaterhistory.com/companies/new-carpa-theatre/) - New Carpa Theater Company was founded in 2002 in Phoenix by James E. Garcia. The company is dedicated to creating Latino and multicultural theater works. 2014-2015 SEASON September 19-28, 2014 Arizona Pastorela: Everybody Wants To Be Governor, written by James E. Garcia and directed by Alex Sanchez Vega, at the Carver Museum in Phoenix. About
- [Nancy's Country Cupboard](https://phoenixtheaterhistory.com/companies/nancys-country-cupboard/) - Nancy's Country Cupboard was a restaurant in Sun City that produced dinner theater under the aegis of Bill Phillips. It operated in 1999 and 2000. Bill recalls the company: "Senior Class was directed by Peggy Lord Chilton. She also starred in the show. It was brought back later for a second run. She also directed
- [Musical Theatre Arizona](https://phoenixtheaterhistory.com/companies/musical-theatre-of-arizona/) - PLEASE HELP This page is in development. I would be grateful if you would share any memories, anecdotes, photographs or other memorabilia. Please use the button at top right to contact me and I will give you the details on sharing. Thank you, Kyle Lawson, page manager. (PS: It would help if you could provide
- [Mill Avenue Theatre](https://phoenixtheaterhistory.com/companies/mill-avenue-theatre-aka-mill-avenue-playhouse/) - A CRITIC REMINISCES It was a balmy spring night. I know, rare, but they exist. I was sitting with Ben Tyler on the staircase cum fire escape pictured below. The talk was a bit profound, kind of like the stars we could almost see above us in the glow of Tempe's cityscape. The subject was
- [Mesa Youtheatre](https://phoenixtheaterhistory.com/companies/mesa-youtheatre/) - Angelica Howland with Jim Gradillas (choking her) and James Ward in “Gory, Gruesome Stories of Edgar Allen Poe,” 1993-1994 season at Mesa Youtheatre LIST OF PRODUCTIONS 1979 The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe 1981 Snow White and the Seven Dwarf’s 1981 – 1982 Season Oct. 1981 The Adventures of Tom Sawyer Feb. 1982 Wiley
- [Mesa Theatre Arts Workshop](https://phoenixtheaterhistory.com/companies/mesa-theatre-arts-workshop/) - 1977 On Tour to Fountain Hills, "You Know I Can't Hear You When the Water's Running." Director: Liz Eickman. Technical Director: Betsy Ailee. Stage Manager: Linda Dorsett. Cast: Ron Ailee, Keith McMahon, Pamela Parkinson, Tom Garretson, Laurie Loomis, Bob Buford, Beverly Byrd.
- [Mesa Community College, Theatre Outback](https://phoenixtheaterhistory.com/companies/mesa-community-college/) - JUNE 1973 "Hay Fever" Theatre Outback. Director: Irwin Phelps. Cast: Steve Harrington, Lin Haring. A photo of stars Steve Harrington and Lin Haring published in the Arizona Republic on June 25, 1973.
- [Mesa Arts Center](https://phoenixtheaterhistory.com/companies/mesa-arts-center/) - Michael Crawford (Hello, Dolly!, The Phantom of the Opera) headlined the opening gala for the Mesa Arts Center in September of 2005. Kyle Lawson The Arizona Republic Sept. 11, 2005 Physically, it's hard to put a label on Michael Crawford. There's something of the teddy bear about him. The curly hair. The soft edge to
- [Janus Theatre Company](https://phoenixtheaterhistory.com/companies/janus-theatre-company/) - PLEASE HELP This page is in development. I would be grateful if you would share any memories, anecdotes, photographs or other memorabilia. Please use the button at top right to contact me and I will give you the details on sharing. Thank you, Kyle Lawson, page manager. (PS: It would help if you could provide
- [Is What It Is Theatre](https://phoenixtheaterhistory.com/companies/is-what-it-is-theatre/) - PLEASE HELP This page is in development. I would be grateful if you would share any memories, anecdotes, photographs or other memorabilia. Please use the button at top right to contact me and I will give you the details on sharing. REPUBLIC ARTICLE PUBLISHED IN THE AUG. 19, 2001 EDITION It's been 60 years
- [Herberger Theater Center](https://phoenixtheaterhistory.com/companies/herberger-theater-center/) - ***** HERBERGER LUNCH TIME THEATRE SERIES A series of short plays presented at lunchtime on the center's Kax Stage. The supervisor is Judy Rollings, director of art education and outreach at the Herberger. Besides pumping up the crowd before each show, Judy has run the lunchtime program since it started 13 seasons ago. When she
- [Great Arizona Puppet Theater](https://phoenixtheaterhistory.com/companies/great-arizona-puppet-theatre/) - GREAT ARIZONA PUPPET THEATER Founded in 1983 Read more about Great Arizona Puppet Theatre HOME BASE The home of the Great Arizona Puppet Theater is an important Phoenix landmark. Built in 1929, the Phoenix LDS 2nd Ward Church was purchased by the Highway Department in 1972 for construction of I-10 and targeted for demolition. Public
- [Glendale Little Theatre](https://phoenixtheaterhistory.com/companies/glendale-little-theatre/) - ARIZONA REPUBLIC, SEPT. 28, 1969: BINA BREITNER REPORTS ON THE STATE OF VALLEY THEATER
- [French Quarter Dinner Theatre at the Safari Hotel, Scottsdale](https://phoenixtheaterhistory.com/companies/french-quarter-dinner-theatre-at-the-safari-hotel-scottsdale/) - A CRITIC REMINISCES The French Quarter at the Safari Hotel was both concert hall and theater, usually configured for drinks and dinner along with the entertainment. In the case of theater, it was a challenging venue. The stage was long and shallow. The sound and lighting capabilities were barely a step up from basic, although,
- [Filippo's Theatre Restaurant](https://phoenixtheaterhistory.com/companies/filippos-theatre-restaurant/) - Filippo's Theatre Restaurant was a midtown eatery that served up musical revues with dinner.
- [CopperState Dinner Theater (Max's Dinner Theater)](https://phoenixtheaterhistory.com/companies/copperstate-dinner-theater-maxs-dinner-theater/) - HISTORY (from http//www.broadwayworld.com) The CopperState Dinner Theater began in 1981 when Max Beyer, owner of Max's Sports Grill in Glendale, contacted Candace Lincoln with the idea of turning their small banquet room into a dinner theater. The theater opened in 1981 with a production of the popular farce Pajama Tops. Candace ran the company for
- [Cookie Company](https://phoenixtheaterhistory.com/companies/cookie-company-2/) - PLEASE HELP This page is in development. I would be grateful if you would share any memories, anecdotes, photographs or other memorabilia. Please use the button at top right to contact me and I will give you the details on sharing. Thank you, Kyle Lawson, page manager. (PS: It would help if you could provide
- [Circle 16 Playhouse](https://phoenixtheaterhistory.com/companies/circle-16-playhouse/) - Circle 16 Playhouse was a short-lived troupe that made its debut in the 1960s and, for a time, performed at the Town & Country Shopping Center. It opened the Town and Country site on July 11, 1973, with a pair of one-acts, Aria da Capo, by Edna St. Vincent Millay, and Hello Out There, by
- [Chandler Children's Theatre](https://phoenixtheaterhistory.com/companies/chandler-childrens-theatre/) - 1987. "Charlie and the Chocolate Factory." Andi Watson Remembers: Chandler Children's Theatre was where I worked with Flora Mogerman (musical director) for the first time as well as Stephanie Likes, Jared West, Vonn Lamoree, Julie Hackman, Amanda Powell and Sarah Zimmerman (who left Arizona to attend an arts high school in California and has been
- [Central Arizona College](https://phoenixtheaterhistory.com/companies/central-arizona-college/) - OCTOBER, 1975. "Oklahoma." Director: Joe Secrest. Cast: Marlene Saens, Rusty Meyers.
- [CenterStage at the Jewish Community Center](https://phoenixtheaterhistory.com/companies/centerstage-at-the-jewish-community-center/) - I don't know much about CenterStage, a company whose name begins appearing in the archives in the late 1960s. Many of the clippings involve the controversy that surrounded the 1972 production of Who's Afraid of Virginia Woolf? The show's stars, Hope Silvestri and Steve Schemmel, were dropped from the cast two weeks before opening. Since
- [Broadway Palms Dinner Theatre](https://phoenixtheaterhistory.com/companies/broadway-palms-dinner-theatre/) - Starter Page . Under Construction
- [Black Theatre Troupe](https://phoenixtheaterhistory.com/companies/black-theatre-troupe/) - The Black Theatre Troupe was founded in 1969 when, fueled by race riots, American cities were going up in flames. The brain child of Helen Mason, the company was designed to keep youth off the streets. It developed into one of the better theater companies in the Valley and one of the few African-American stage
- [Arizona State University Theatre](https://phoenixtheaterhistory.com/companies/arizona-state-university-theatre/) - THEATER ON CAMPUS Theatre activity was part of campus life at ASU as early as 1908. The University, then named Tempe Normal School of Arizona, had a Drama Society made up of women only. The first drama teacher at the school was Barbara Lee Reavis, who began in 1929. The earliest documented production activity of
- [Arizona Repertory Theatre](https://phoenixtheaterhistory.com/companies/arizona-repertory-theatre/) - PLEASE HELP This page is in development. I would be grateful if you would share any memories, anecdotes, photographs or other memorabilia. Please use the button at top right to contact me and I will give you the details on sharing. Thank you, Kyle Lawson, page manager. (PS: It would help if you could provide
- [Arizona Latino Arts & Cultural Center](https://phoenixtheaterhistory.com/companies/arizonaq-latino-arts-cultural-center/)
- [Arizona Centennial Theatre Foundation](https://phoenixtheaterhistory.com/companies/arizona-centennial-theatre-foundation/) - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2as1Ysp6IiQ
- [Actors Lab Arizona](https://phoenixtheaterhistory.com/companies/actors-lab-arizona/) - THE DOWNFALL OF A GIANT The worst disaster to befall Valley theater in my years as critic here. In 1991, Paul Braun of the New Times wrote an excellent piece on the troubles facing Actors Lab Arizona, a company that had an incalculable influence on Valley theater. The subsequent closing of Actors Lab was, in
- [Actors Inner Circle](https://phoenixtheaterhistory.com/companies/actors-inner-circle/) - Actors Inner Circle was founded just in time for the 1966-67 season. The leaders of the new company included some of the most important theatrical personages of the day, including Mel Weiser, who served as resident artistic director; Michael Byron, who both produced and acted for the company, and Burke Rhind, who performed as an
- [Ajo Repertory Company](https://phoenixtheaterhistory.com/companies/ajo-repertory-company/) - This history of Ajo Repertory Company is borrowed from last.fm. To reach last.fm's blog, go HERE The Ajo Repertory Company was an acclaimed sketch comedy group that formed at Phoenix College in the late 1970s and consisted of Cathy Dresbach, Jeff Payne, Duke Shirlaw and Ben Tyler. Noted for their savvy political and observational satire,
- [atc hold](https://phoenixtheaterhistory.com/companies/atc-hold/) - A CRITIC REMINISCES Cut to my living room. It's 1978, maybe '79. My wife and our next-door-neighbor, shanghaied for the occasion, are handing out canapes; I'm trying to mix cocktails (never good at that). The room is crowded with theater people, the decibel level is high, the air is full of smoke (those were
- [Algonquin Theatre Company](https://phoenixtheaterhistory.com/companies/algonquin-theatre-company/) - PLEASE HELP This page is in development. I would be grateful if you would share any memories, anecdotes, photographs or other memorabilia. Please use the button at top right to contact me and I will give you the details on sharing. Thank you, Kyle Lawson, page manager. (PS: It would help if you could provide
- [Hamilton Mitchell](https://phoenixtheaterhistory.com/actors/hamilton-mitchell-2/) - Hamilton Mitchell is a Phoenix native and an Arizona State University graduate who worked in local theater before moving to Los Angeles. He is best known for his portrayal of Ladmo, a popular Valley TV star, in The Wallace and Ladmo Show (2000). Hamilton is on Facebook. To find if Hamilton is mentioned on other
- [Patti Davis Suarez](https://phoenixtheaterhistory.com/actresses/patty-davis-suarez/) - PLEASE HELP This page is in development. I would be grateful if you would share any memories, anecdotes, photographs or other memorabilia. Please use the button at top right to contact me and I will give you the details on sharing. Thank you, Kyle Lawson, page manager. (PS: It would help if you could provide
- [Linda DeArmond](https://phoenixtheaterhistory.com/actresses/linda-dearmond/) - The history of theater in Phoenix spans approximately 120 years. During that period, there have been a handful of actresses whose talent and style have raised them above the crowd. Linda DeArmond is one of that illustrious band. She could sing, she could dance, she could nail a comedy line. She embraced every shade of
- [Jere Luisi](https://phoenixtheaterhistory.com/actors/jere-luisi/) - PLAYWRIGHT MICHAEL GRADY GETS A SURPRISE JANUARY 2002 "CYRANO" Co-production between Childsplay and ASU's Herberger College of Theatre. Excerpt from article by Kyle Lawson, Arizona Republic Swordfighter extraordinaire, poet and philosopher known throughout Paris as a one-man crusade for truth and beauty—that’s Cyrano de Bergerac. His outrageous courage is surpassed only by his outrageous proboscis—or
- [Michael Grady](https://phoenixtheaterhistory.com/playwrights/michael-grady/) - LOCAL CREDITS 2000. THE ARIZONA PROJECT. ACTORS THEATRE. 1990. More Fun Than Bowling. Actors Theatre. 1995. Lonely Planet. Actors Theatre. This article on Michael by Kyle Lawson appeared in the Arizona Republic on March 16, 2003, during a time when he and his wife, actress Linda DeArmond, had left the Valley for a sojourn in
- [Kelli James](https://phoenixtheaterhistory.com/actresses/kelli-james/) - Kelli James returned to the Valley after conquering Broadway in "Les Miserables." She will appear in the 2015 production of "Follies" at Theater Works.
- [Kirk Jackson](https://phoenixtheaterhistory.com/actors/kirk-jackson/) - Kirk Jackson is an East Coast actor who appeared in productions at Actors Theatre.
- [Katie McFadzen](https://phoenixtheaterhistory.com/actresses/katie-mcfadzen/) - CAREER AT A GLANCE Katie McFadzen is an Associate Artist with Childsplay and has been with the company as an actor and teaching artist since 1993. Her favorite Childsplay productions include: Edward Tulane, Cat in the Hat, Click Clack Moo: Cows That Type, A Year With Frog and Toad, Junie B. in Jungle Bells, Batman
- [Jerry Wayne Harkey](https://phoenixtheaterhistory.com/news-from-the-wings/obituaries/jerry-wayne-harkey-2/) - Jerry Wayne Harkey, 59, of Phoenix, AZ passed away on November 23, 2013. He was an iconic figure in the Arizona musical theater community for more than 35 years. Jerry passed away peacefully surrounded by friends after a long illness. He was born on May 16, 1954 in Cheverly, Md., to Wilson Banks and Lillian
- [ariZoni Awards](https://phoenixtheaterhistory.com/news-from-the-wings/arizoni-awards/) - The ariZoni Awards for Theater Excellence have been bestowed since 1990. They honor work in several categories including acting, directing, playwrights, design and others. For a complete list of ariZoni Award winners, go HERE 2013 Awards 2003 AWARDS 1992 Nominations, The Arizona Republic 2nd Zony Awards Ben Tyler comments on this clipping: Bruce and me,
- [Jodie Weiss](https://phoenixtheaterhistory.com/actresses/jodie-weiss/) - PLEASE HELP This page is in development. I would be grateful if you would share any memories, anecdotes, photographs or other memorabilia. Please use the button at top right to contact me and I will give you the details on sharing. Thank you, Kyle Lawson, page manager. (PS: It would help if you could provide
- [David Dickinson](https://phoenixtheaterhistory.com/actors/david-dickinson/) - 2012. Actors Theatre. Opus. Here is David's blog entry on learning how to realistically bow a cello for his role as a member of a string ensemble. During my day off I took the opportunity to watch the movie Copying Beethoven. I was curious how a modern actor, director and writer would flesh out a
- [News from the 1910s](https://phoenixtheaterhistory.com/early-history/news-from-the-1910s/) - For popular comedian Willis West, go HERE From The Arizona Republican, March 15, 1910 THREE REVIEWS FROM THE ARIZONA REPUBLIC Sept. 19, 1910. Arizona Republican. A Happy Home, Casey the Fiddler. Grand Theatre. The Grand Theatre was located at 248 N. First St. LONG-RUNNING BROADWAY HIT, 'THE BLUE MO-- USE,' COMES TO THE ELK'S (DORRIS)
- [Willis West](https://phoenixtheaterhistory.com/early-history/news-from-the-1910s/willis-west/) - Information taken from the Nov. 28, 1910 Arizona Republic. (No photos of Mr. West were found in the archive.) "In all my Phoenix stage experience, I have never faced a larger audience than these true friends who have gathered here tonight to bid me goodbye." These words were spoken by comedian Willis B. West as
- [Robert Kolby Harper](https://phoenixtheaterhistory.com/directors-crew/robert-kolby-harper/) - PLEASE HELP PHOTOGRAPHS, REVIEWS & THE KITCHEN SINK JANUARY 2008 "The Oldest Profession" Director: Robert Kolby Harper. Cast: Jacqueline Gaston, Judy Rollings, JoAnn Yeoman, Barbara McGrath, Sharon Collar, Toby Yatso.
- [News from the 1890s](https://phoenixtheaterhistory.com/early-history/news-from-the-1890s/) - FRED B. MUSSEY In 1897, Fred B. Mussey formed the Phoenix Players Club. He is remembered as the "father of the thespian art form" in the Valley. Fred came to Phoenix a year earlier as part of a stock company looking for a new home. Unfortunately, the company's productions did not attract enough customers to
- [Bill 'Wallace' Thompson](https://phoenixtheaterhistory.com/actors/bill-wallace-thompson/) - BILL 'WALLACE' THOMPSON Wallace of Wallace & Ladmo fame Theater actor Bill appeared in two "straight" theater productions, "Stalag 17" and Turk in "Come Back, Little Sheba" in 1958 at Phoenix (Little) Theatre. Comment from film and television actress Paty Lombard: When I was doing the weather at good old Channel 5 in the good
- [Burke Rhind](https://phoenixtheaterhistory.com/actors/burke-rhind/) - Burke Rhind was a sought-after actor in the 1960s, appearing in comedy and dramas for many local companies. He came to the Valley from Seattle in 1961. There, he had appeared in 48 productions for the Professional Equity Company. In Phoenix, he appeared in No Time for Sergeants and Teahouse of the August Moon for
- [Anita Byron](https://phoenixtheaterhistory.com/actresses/anita-byron/) - Anita Byron was a beautiful actress who was active in Phoenix theater in the 1960s and '70s, primarily at Actors Inner Circle. The Republic's Bina Breitner said of her, in one role, "she burns with imprisoned passion." NOTABLE PERFORMANCES DECEMBER 1968/JANUARY 1969. THE ROSE TATTOO. Actors Inner Circle. Serafina. Bina Breitner's review in the
- [Angelica Howland](https://phoenixtheaterhistory.com/actresses/angelica-howland/) - A CRITIC REMINISCES In the early 2000s, a new talent emerged in local theater. The young actress, besides being obviously gifted, was visually striking. There was something of a '30s and '40s mystique about her, the pertness of Linda Darnell, the exotic allure of Merle Oberon, the sultriness of Hedy Lamarr, the irresistible physicality of
- [Hal Holbrook](https://phoenixtheaterhistory.com/actors/hal-holbrook/) - Mark Twain Tonight I've lost count of how many times Hal brought his one-man show to the Valley - and how many times I interviewed him for the paper. I can say this: He always had something new to say. I can also say this: I had no idea he was hitting town back in
- [Trudy Hurley](https://phoenixtheaterhistory.com/actresses/trudy-hurley/) - ACTRESS, DIRECTOR, ARTISTIC DIRECTOR, THEATER FOUNDER Trudy Hurley was a versatile actress who proved just as talented in the director's chair. She founded a respected community theater in Cave Creek/Carefree then took over the reins of CopperState Dinner Theatre at Max's shortly after it opened and ran it for several years. In the midst of
- [Terry Gadaire](https://phoenixtheaterhistory.com/actors/terry-gadaire/) - Terry Gadaire is a Phoenix actor who began with Theater in the Valley in 1993 and continues to the present. He has been nominated for seven and won four ariZoni Awards for his performances. Prior to coming to the Valley, Terry lived in Las Vegas, where he also performed as an actor. For Terry's Facebook
- [Doug Durant](https://phoenixtheaterhistory.com/actors/doug-durant/) - Doug Durant, one of the Valley's most beloved musical and theatrical performers, passed away in July, 2014. This page is meant to be a memorial to him. If you have stories, photographs or other memorabilia you could share, it would be gratefully appreciated. Vert Manaz posted this on Doug's Facebook page: Do not go gentle
- [Doug Durant](https://phoenixtheaterhistory.com/news-from-the-wings/obituaries/doug-durant/) - Comment from his wife, Laura Durant, on Facebook This was by far the hardest writing assignment I've ever had. To condense the life of my sweetheart into a few hundred words. I'm now putting together the details for his Nov. 9 memorial - 3pm at Stagebrush Theatre. Nowadays it's often referred to as a "celebration
- [Bill Thompson aka Wallace](https://phoenixtheaterhistory.com/news-from-the-wings/obituaries/bill-thompson-aka-wallace/) - By Richard Ruelas, The Arizona Republic, July 24, 2014 Bill "Wallace" Thompson, who created, produced and co-starred in "The Wallace and Ladmo Show," a children's program infused with offbeat humor that endeared it to generations of Arizonans during its more than 35-year run, died Wednesday. He was 82. The television program, which aired in various
- [Jose Cruz Gonzalez](https://phoenixtheaterhistory.com/jose-cruz-gonzalez/) - Playwright Jose Cruz Gonzalez, former playwright in residence at Childsplay. (Photo credit unknown). Prominent Mexican-American playwright who was Playwright in Residence at Childsplay during the late 1990s and 2000s. OCTOBER/NOVEMBER, 2011. CHILDSPLAY. THE SUN SERPENT. Playwright: Jose Cruz Gonzalez. Director: Rachel Bowditch. Cast: Andres Alcala, others. Music, Sound: Daniel Valdez. Masks: Zarco Guerrero. Videography: Adam Larsen.
- [Steven Dietz](https://phoenixtheaterhistory.com/playwrights/steven-dietz/) - Seattle-based playwright whose work was often commissioned by Arizona Theatre Company. Several of his works were also produced by Actors Theatre. LOCAL CREDITS 1990. More Fun Than Bowling, Actors Theatre. 1995. Lonely Planet. Actors Theatre.
- [Michael Grady](https://phoenixtheaterhistory.com/actors/michael-grady/) - Michael Grady was perhaps the Valley's finest playwright at the end of the 20th century. He also was a prominent actor. For his main page, go HERE
- [CJ Pawlikowski](https://phoenixtheaterhistory.com/actors/cj-pawlikowski/) - CJ, a New York singer-actor, played the lead role of disc jockey Huey Calhoun in Phoenix Theatre's 2014 production of Memphis. Earlier, he played Thomas Parry, in For Tonight, a new indie rock musical featured in the New York Musical Theatre Festival. In March of 2014, he replaced the lead in Phoenix Theatre's production of
- [Brittney Mack](https://phoenixtheaterhistory.com/actresses/brittney-mack/) - NOTABLE CREDITS Memphis, Phoenix Theatre. Avenue Q, Phoenix Theatre. Ain't Misbehavin', Phoenix Theatre. Hairspray, Arizona Broadway Theatre. Royal Caribbean Cruise Lines: Lead Vocalist. Off Broadway: Black Nativity Now. Regional Theater: All Shook Up, The Wiz, Little Shop of Horrors, Gay Bride of Frankenstein, Rent. EDUCATION American Musical and Dramatic Academy. Chicago Academy for the Arts.
- [Kishea Morning](https://phoenixtheaterhistory.com/actresses/kishea-morning/) - BIO FROM THE PROGRAM OF 'MEMPHIS,' 2014, PHOENIX THEATRE. (Kishea was a member of the musical's ensemble.) Kishea Morning began discovering her talents at the age of 5 in Phoenix, while attending Future Development of Performing Arts Academy. Cultivated with a strong passion for music and dance, she continued with this desire by involving herself
- [Kishea Morning](https://phoenixtheaterhistory.com/kishea-morning/)
- [Adriana Diaz](https://phoenixtheaterhistory.com/crew/adriana-diaz/) - She is one of the hottest stars in Valley theatre, but you won't see her in front of the footlights. Adriana Diaz's costume designs for Childsplay and Phoenix Theatre have set new standards in visual splendor for the local stage. Her efforts range from the bucolic (Charlotte's Web) to the sleekly sophisticated (Memphis), but they
- [Wendy Leonard](https://phoenixtheaterhistory.com/directors-crew/wendy-leonard/) - Wendy Leonard has joined our theater history family. She was artistic director of Greasepaint Scottsdale Youtheatre from 1984 to 1999. She now lives in Shaker Heights, Ohio, and is on Facebook. We look forward to sharing her memories of that most excellent theater company for young audiences. PRESS CLIPPINGS 1999. Arizona Republic. By Carol Sowers.
- [PLT 1960s](https://phoenixtheaterhistory.com/companies/phoenix-theatre-phoenix-little-theatre/plt-1960s/) - LEADERSHIP IN THE 1960S Olan K. Carson, popularly known as Kit, took up his duties as resident director of Phoenix Little Theatre on Aug. 1, 1963. He hit the ground running. During his first season, he directed five productions and conducted one workshop. Kit had his BS degree from Mount Union College in Alliance, Ohio.
- [Gene Smith](https://phoenixtheaterhistory.com/gene-smith/) - Gene Smith was resident makeup designer at Phoenix Little Theatre and Actors Inner Circle, as well as a frequent actor in Valley productions of the 1960s and '70s. Gene worked for Clairol as a hair designer while studying acting in New York and was a hairdresser at the elite Salon de Venus in Phoenix. Oh,
- [PLT 1970s](https://phoenixtheaterhistory.com/companies/phoenix-theatre-phoenix-little-theatre/plt-1970s/) - Information on Phoenix Little Theatre in the 1970s is contained here. For a general history, go to the main page under "Companies." PLT CHANGES LEADERSHIP / March 11, 1970 Don Herring resigns as PLT's managing director after two years; James Seeman takes charge. Mrs. Carl Tisor replaces Ira Osman as board president. NOTABLE PRODUCTIONS SOMETIME
- [Richard Alexander](https://phoenixtheaterhistory.com/actors/richard-alexander/) - Richard Alexander was a handsome young actor with several Valley companies during the 1960s and 1970, most notably as the sailor in Actors Inner Circle's 1968 production of The Rose Tattoo. He also appeared on television, including a guest role on the popular series, Route 66, and in the films, The Wraith, Campus Man, Raising
- [Bill Estes](https://phoenixtheaterhistory.com/actors/bill-estes/) - PLEASE HELP This page is in development. I would be grateful if you would share any memories, anecdotes, photographs or other memorabilia. Please use the button at top right to contact me and I will give you the details on sharing. Thank you, Kyle Lawson, page manager. (PS: It would help if you could provide
- [Michael Byron](https://phoenixtheaterhistory.com/actors/michael-byron/) - PLEASE HELP This page is in development. I would be grateful if you would share any memories, anecdotes, photographs or other memorabilia. Please use the button at top right to contact me and I will give you the details on sharing. 1968. January. Actors Inner Circle. “Orpheus Descending”
- [Mary Mizell](https://phoenixtheaterhistory.com/actresses/mary-mizell/) - 1968. June. Actors Inner Circle. "The Physicists." Review: Arizona Republic, June 14, 1968, Bina Breitner. 1968. January. Actors Inner Circle. “Orpheus Descending”
- [Ellie Rice](https://phoenixtheaterhistory.com/crew/ellie-rice/) - Ellie Rice was a sound designer working in Phoenix theater during the 1960s and '70s. Perhaps her greatest achievement was the soundscape for the 1968 Actors Inner Circle production of Orpheus Descending. 1968. January. Actors Inner Circle. "Orpheus Descending."
- [Paul Estes](https://phoenixtheaterhistory.com/crew/paul-estes/) - Extremely talented scenic designer whose work for Actors Inner Circle in the 1960s and ’70s, in particular, set the standard for Valley theater. 1968. January. Actors Inner Circle. “Orpheus Descending” (Paul is incorrectly identified in the review as Bill Estes, a popular local actor at the time.)
- [Joan Silberschlag](https://phoenixtheaterhistory.com/actresses/joan-silberschlag/) - PLEASE HELP This page is in development. I would be grateful if you would share any memories, anecdotes, photographs or other memorabilia. Please use the button at top right to contact me and I will give you the details on sharing. Thank you, Kyle Lawson, page manager. (PS: It would help if you could provide
- [Bambi Newland](https://phoenixtheaterhistory.com/actresses/bambi-newland/) - Actress, active in Phoenix theater during the 1960s and ’70s. 1968. January. Actors Inner Circle. “Orpheus Descending” Arizona Republic, Jan. 13, 1968
- [Vee Talbott](https://phoenixtheaterhistory.com/actresses/vee-talbott/) - Actress, active in Phoenix theater during the 1960s and ’70s. 1968. January. Actors Inner Circle. “Orpheus Descending” Arizona Republic, Jan. 13, 1968
- [Sheila Paige](https://phoenixtheaterhistory.com/actresses/sheila-paige/) - Sheila was the first wife of actor Nick Nolte. They worked together at Phoenix Theatre, then Phoenix Little Theatre. A noted acting teacher, it is said that she played a considerable role in the development of his thespic skills. ***** 1972. THE REPUBLIC PICS THE FOUR TOP MODELS IN PHOENIX They were Mary Ann Farrell,
- [Nick Nolte](https://phoenixtheaterhistory.com/actors/nick-nolte/) - PHOTOGRAPHS, REVIEWS & THE KITCHEN SINK DECEMBER 1968 "The Rose Tattoo." Phoenix Little Theatre. Cast: Anita Byron, Burke Rhind, Lynn Deratany, Nick Nolte, Sheila Paige, Richard Alexander, Elfriede Silver, Michael Bryon, Shari Godley, Elaine Stein, Jan Murphy, Steve Celniker, Abby Celniker, Dolly Hunt, Lori Stark, Flo Foreman, Gene Smith, Diane Froese, Richard Alro. Nick
- [Mel Weiser](https://phoenixtheaterhistory.com/directors-crew/mel-weiser/) - PLEASE HELP This page is in development. I would be grateful if you would share any memories, anecdotes, photographs or other memorabilia. Please use the button at top right to contact me and I will give you the details on sharing. 1968. January. Actors Inner Circle. "Orpheus Descending."
- [Sally Jo Bannow](https://phoenixtheaterhistory.com/actresses/sally-jo-bannow/) - PLEASE HELP This page is in development. I would be grateful if you would share any memories, anecdotes, photographs or other memorabilia. Please use the button at top right to contact me and I will give you the details on sharing. Thank you, Kyle Lawson, page manager. (PS: It would help if you could
- [Rudy Ramirez](https://phoenixtheaterhistory.com/actors/rudy-ramirez/) - Rudy Ramirez is a talented young actor who became known to the community through his work with Childsplay. From the playbill for Schoolhouse Rock Live!, 2014.
- [Keilani Akagi](https://phoenixtheaterhistory.com/actresses/keilani-akagi-2/) - Keilani's credits include the 2014 production of Schoolhouse Rock Live! at Childsplay. From the playbill of Schoolhouse Rock Live!
- [Suzanne Bouchard](https://phoenixtheaterhistory.com/actresses/suzanne-bouchard/) - Suzanne appeared with Arizona Theatre Company as Lynn Fontanne in the world premiere of Ten Chimneys, Beatrice in Much Ado About Nothing, Elicia/Lyse/Clarina in The Illusion, Kate in Other People’s Money, Lucy in Dracula and Constanze in Amadeus. OTHER APPEARANCES Edward Albee’s Three Tall Women at Seattle Repertory Theatre Henrietta in Jeffrey Hatcher’s Smash at
- [Eric Boudreau](https://phoenixtheaterhistory.com/actors/eric-boudreau/) - Eric Boudreau is a member of the celebrated Childsplay company. For Childsplay, he did the national tour of Rock the Presidents, and for Phoenix Theatre, Bloody, Bloody Andrew Jackson and The Quiltmaker's Gift. Other credits include Octopus; Zanna, Don’t!; Speech and Debate; The Neverending Story; Reefer Madness; Seussical; Lyle, the Crocodile; Parade; Mr. Marmalade; and
- [Joseph Kremer](https://phoenixtheaterhistory.com/actors/joseph-kremer/) - A CRITIC REMINISCES You never know when lightning will strike. The year was 2002. The company was Nearly Naked Theatre. The play was Peter Shaffer's Equus. I had been covering theater since the mid-'60s. I had never seen a perfect production. I never expected to see one. I was wrong. Everything came together that
- [D. Scott Withers](https://phoenixtheaterhistory.com/actors/d-scott-withers/) - CAREER AT A GLANCE (More to come)National tours: Elf: The Broadway Musical (Walter), Memphis (Simmons), Catch Me If You Can (1st National - Roger). Recent regional: Gypsy (Herbie – Phoenix Theatre), Color of Stars (Alfred – Childsplay), Hairspray (Edna – Arkansas Rep), Baby (Alan - Arizona Broadway). Education: BFA in Theatre Performance from Arizona State.
- [Alejandra Garcia](https://phoenixtheaterhistory.com/actresses/alejandra-garcia/) - Alejandra Garcia is an actress associated with Childsplay in the late 1990s and the early 2000s. She also has appeared in films and on television. MARCH 1999. CHILDSPLAY. ISLAND OF THE BLUE DOLPHINS Quote from an article by Kyle Lawson, Arizona Republic. Dolphins features state-of-the-art technical effects and one of the year's must-see performances by
- [Anthony Runfola](https://phoenixtheaterhistory.com/directors-crew/anthony-runfola/) - NOTABLE CREDITS 2014. Charlotte's Web, Childsplay. 2014. Rock the Schoolhouse Gala. Childsplay.
- [Connie Furr-Soloman (Costume Designer)](https://phoenixtheaterhistory.com/crew/connie-furr-soloman-costume-designer/) - PLEASE HELP This page is in development. I would be grateful if you would share any memories, anecdotes, photographs or other memorabilia. Please use the button at top right to contact me and I will give you the details on sharing. Thank you, Kyle Lawson, page manager. (PS: It would help if you could provide
- [Tim Monson (Lighting Designer)](https://phoenixtheaterhistory.com/crew/tim-monson-lighting-designer/) - PLEASE HELP This page is in development. I would be grateful if you would share any memories, anecdotes, photographs or other memorabilia. Please use the button at top right to contact me and I will give you the details on sharing. Thank you, Kyle Lawson, page manager. (PS: It would help if you could provide
- [Bill Symington](https://phoenixtheaterhistory.com/crew/bill-symington/) - PHOTOGRAPHS, REVIEWS & THE KITCHEN SINK SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2014. "Charlotte's Web." Childsplay. 2013. "Twelfth Night." Grand Canyon University. By Doug Carroll Grand Canyon University News Bureau. Aug. 28, 2013. The best-looking productions in Arizona college theatre will look even better this year, and Grand Canyon University audiences won’t have to wait long to see for themselves.
- [Drew Swaine](https://phoenixtheaterhistory.com/actors/drew-swaine/) - Drew Swaine, a Phoenix native, joined the Childsplay troupe in 2014 with Charlotte's Web. He has been seen on Arizona Broadway Theatre's TYA stage in James and the Giant Peach, Two Dumb Dogs, Tales of a 4th Grade Nothing, Elves and the Shoemaker and Alice in Wonderland, and can be seen in the company's upcoming
- [Danny Karapetian](https://phoenixtheaterhistory.com/actors/danny-karapetian/) - Danny Karapetian joined the Childsplay acting troupe in 2014 with the production of Charlotte's Web. Before then, he appeared in Valley productions of Fiddler on the Roof (Fyedka), How I Became a Pirate (Pierre), Flat Stanley (Stanley) and South Pacific (Professor) at The Palms Theatre; and Damn Yankees, Dirty Rotten Scoundrels and Footloose (Willard) at
- [Kate Haas](https://phoenixtheaterhistory.com/actresses/kate-haas/) - Kate Haas joined the Childsplay ensemble in 2007 as an actor and teaching artist. Company credits include Charlotte's Web, The Cat in the Hat, The Velveteen Rabbit, Robin Hood, Recipe for Disaster, Junie B. in Jingle Bells, Batman Smells, With Two Wings, Lilly’s Purple Plastic Purse, The Imaginators, and Androcles and the Lion. Other Valley
- [Steve Pena](https://phoenixtheaterhistory.com/actors/steven-pena/) - Steven Pena was an actor associated with Childsplay and other companies during the 1990s and 2000s. He has made a number of films, including "Conspiracy" (2008), "Aizea: City of the Wind: and "King Rikki." JANUARY/FEBRUARY, 1999. CHILDSPLAY. THE HIGHEST HEAVEN. A World Premiere Arizona Republic Review by Kyle Lawson Too often, children’s theater is pablum:
- [Ellen Benton](https://phoenixtheaterhistory.com/actresses/ellen-benton/) - FEBRUARY, 1999. CHILDSPLAY. THE HIGHEST HEAVEN Arizona Republic Review by Kyle Lawson Too often, children’s theater is pablum: nutritious after a fashion but impossibly bland. Or worse, it’s junk food: the recycling of the same imagination-starved fairy tale. Never at Childsplay. The company would rather stuff its young audiences with fare too sophisticated for its
- [Andres Alcala](https://phoenixtheaterhistory.com/actors/andres-alcala/) - A CRITIC REMINISCES Retirement is a time for many things. One of them is contemplation. I think a lot about the performers and productions I witnessed during my time as a theater critic in Phoenix. I am surprised (though I probably shouldn't be) at how vividly some of those stand out in my memory. Andres
- [Amarante Lucero](https://phoenixtheaterhistory.com/crew/amarante-lucero/) - Amarante Lucero was a lighting designer who created for Childsplay in the late 1990s. FEBRUARY, 1999. CHILDSPLAY. THE HIGHEST HEAVEN Arizona Republic Review by Kyle Lawson Too often, children’s theater is pablum: nutritious after a fashion but impossibly bland. Or worse, it’s junk food: the recycling of the same imagination-starved fairy tale. Never at Childsplay.
- [Gro Johre](https://phoenixtheaterhistory.com/crew/gro-johre/) - FEBRUARY, 1999. CHILDSPLAY. THE HIGHEST HEAVEN Arizona Republic Review by Kyle Lawson Too often, children’s theater is pablum: nutritious after a fashion but impossibly bland. Or worse, it’s junk food: the recycling of the same imagination-starved fairy tale. Never at Childsplay. The company would rather stuff its young audiences with fare too sophisticated for its
- [Julie Amparano Garcia](https://phoenixtheaterhistory.com/playwrights/julie-amparano-garcia/) - BIOGRAPHY Julie Amparano is the Writing Certificate coordinator and a Lecturer at ASU's New College of Interdisciplinary Arts and Sciences. She received her M.F.A. in Creative Writing from Antioch University in Los Angeles in 2006 and began teaching at Arizona State University in 2005 as a faculty associate. Serving in the Division of Humanity Arts
- [Jim Coates](https://phoenixtheaterhistory.com/actors/jim-coates/) - PLEASE HELP This page is under development. Please send photos and anecdotes of Jim's career to kylepress@msn.com. Thank you.
- [Faye Bullock](https://phoenixtheaterhistory.com/actresses/faye-bullock/) - Fay was one of the critics’ darlings from the 1950s on. They got to put their pens to good use rhapsodizing over her Amanda in the 1960 production of The Glass Menagerie and Big Mama in Cat on a Hot Tin Roof, both at Phoenix Little Theatre. Though drama was her forte, she had a
- [Hal Chidnoff](https://phoenixtheaterhistory.com/actors/hal-chidnoff/) - In the 1960s, the people at Phoenix Little Theatre were so close-knit they were almost incestuous. The same people were involved in show after show: Robert Begam, Helen Begam, Jacqueline Gaston, Jackie Qualman, Louis Leithold, Fay Bullock, Henry Balloni Jr. ... The company could pretty much plug in the title of the play and leave
- [Robert Begam](https://phoenixtheaterhistory.com/directors-crew/robert-begam/) - The problems with titles is that some people have too many of them and a website has only so many categories. Where to list them? Robert Begam has been a vital part of Valley theater from the 1950s on. He is a director, an actor, a theater activist. He has served as a long time
- [Valley Theater 2000](https://phoenixtheaterhistory.com/news-from-the-wings/valley-theater-2000/) - This article by Kyle Lawson appeared in the Arizona Republic on Dec. 31, 2000 and can be viewed as his State of the Theater address for that year: Some people think 2000 was the first year of a new millennium. Others argue that it was the last year of an old one. Whatever it was,
- [Alexis Aisha Green](https://phoenixtheaterhistory.com/actresses/alexis-aisha-green/) - NOTABLE PERFORMANCES 2014. “The Book Club Play.” “The Cottage.” Actors Theatre Summer Repertory.
- [Shari Watts](https://phoenixtheaterhistory.com/actresses/shari-watts/) - PLEASE HELP This page is in development. I would be grateful if you would share any memories, anecdotes, photographs or other memorabilia. Please use the button at top right to contact me and I will give you the details on sharing. Thank you, Kyle Lawson, page manager. BIOGRAPHY Shari has her BFA from UofA in
- [Mystery Girl in Nick Nolte's Life is Found](https://phoenixtheaterhistory.com/news-from-the-wings/mystery-girl-in-nick-noltes-life-is-found/) - For index purposes: Carolyn Chriss, Nick Nolte, Mel Weiser, Gordon Giles.
- [A Reader Responds](https://phoenixtheaterhistory.com/news-from-the-wings/a-reader-responds/) - Critics don't always have the last word. Republic theater critic Bina Breitner irritated one reader so much with her review of Phoenix Little Theatre's "Kiss and Tell" that he responded with a lengthy critique of his own, which was published March 11, 1970 on the editorial page. Here for your enjoyment is the letter:
- [Susan Flannery](https://phoenixtheaterhistory.com/actresses/susan-flannery/) - Arizona Republic, Jan. 9, 1964
- [Sally Goldwater](https://phoenixtheaterhistory.com/actresses/sally-goldwater/) - ARIZONA REPUBLIC, Aug. 6, 1967 Sally is reviewed in a California production.
- [USO Tour 1967](https://phoenixtheaterhistory.com/news-from-the-wings/uso-tour-1967/) - SCOTTSDALE PROGRESS, JANUARY 6, 1967 Valley residents Sara Winter, Richard Trees, Jim Connor and Julie Casterman make USO tour to Alaska, Vietnam.
- [Pamela Fields](https://phoenixtheaterhistory.com/directors-crew/pamela-fields/) - Pamela is a prominent director/actress/teacher who headed the drama program at Scottsdale Community College for many years. She is a member of Theatre Artists Studio. For the Studio, she played Mrs. Mandlebread in Twist of the Magi and directed the January 2013 comedy, Over the River and Through the Woods. Other recent directing credits include
- [Amazing Ladies on the Playbill](https://phoenixtheaterhistory.com/news-from-the-wings/amazing-ladies-on-the-playbill/) - ARTICLES BY KYLE LAWSON IN THE FEB. 12, 2006 ARIZONA REPUBLIC Article No. 1 In some things, Valley theater is distressingly average. Giving credit to women, for example. If you think of American theater, who comes to mind? Arthur Miller, Tennessee Williams, David Mamet, Tony Kushner, Edward Albee. Quite the list of men. Think about
- [Joyce Gittoes](https://phoenixtheaterhistory.com/actresses/joyce-gittoes/) - The Phoenix theater community lost one of its finest actresses with the passing of Joyce Gittoes on July 14, 2014. INTERVIEW WITH KYLE LAWSON, ARIZONA REPUBLIC, OCT. 8, 2000 Joyce Gittoes -- one would like to think of the Grace and Glorie star as unique. Not quite. There was Marie Dressler. Only, who remembers Marie?
- [Louis Farber](https://phoenixtheaterhistory.com/actors/louis-farber/) - CREDITS 2013 "All New People" Stray Cat Theatre Director
- [Mark Anders](https://phoenixtheaterhistory.com/actors/mark-anders/) - Mark Anders last appeared at ATC as Phileas Fogg in Around the World in 80 Days and as the mysterious man with the cream tarts in Sherlock Holmes and the Adventure of The Suicide Club. Previously, he was featured in Oh, Coward! and, perhaps most notoriously, 2 Pianos 4 Hands. In his native Seattle, Mark
- [Kerry Lengel on Alternative Theatre](https://phoenixtheaterhistory.com/news-from-the-wings/kerry-lengel-on-alternative-theatre/) - The Arizona Republic Kerry Lengel Publication Date: April 27, 2008 There are a couple of new theater alternatives popping up on the Valley scene. Just don't call them alternative theater. Chyro Arts Venue, which wraps up its inaugural season next month, is a reincarnation of Is What It Is Theatre, a small but plucky company
- [ASU Fine Arts Festival, 1964](https://phoenixtheaterhistory.com/news-from-the-wings/asu-fine-arts-festival-1964/) - In the 1960s, Arizona State University took on the mantle of culture-bringer in Phoenix. To herald the opening of ASU's $2.8 million Frank Lloyd Wright-designed Gammage Auditorium, the university's 1964 Fine Arts Festival was headlined by Eugene Ormandy and the Philadelphia Orchestra and the lavish tour of the Broadway hit, Camelot. Sir Donald Wolfit, the
- [John Paul](https://phoenixtheaterhistory.com/crew/john-paul/) - Legends? Myths, right? Wrong. Legends can be real. John Paul is a legend in Valley stage history. Yet, if you would have asked him, he would have told you that he was just a teacher. Don't make such a fuss. A teacher. That is like saying that Michelangelo's David is just a hunk of marble.
- [Olga Rogers](https://phoenixtheaterhistory.com/directors-crew/olga-rogers/) - Olga Rogers was a prominent director in Valley theater beginning in the 1930s and continuing into the 1960s. She also was one of the city's best-known acting teachers. Olga founded the Junior Players at Phoenix Little Theatre in January, 1935. The program provided opportunities for high school and junior college students. She was also active
- [Tim Butterfield](https://phoenixtheaterhistory.com/actors/tim-butterfield/) - PLEASE HELP This page is in development. I would be grateful if you would share any memories, anecdotes, photographs or other memorabilia. Please use the button at top right to contact me and I will give you the details on sharing.
- [Harold Dixon](https://phoenixtheaterhistory.com/actors/harold-dixon/) - PLEASE HELP This page is in development. I would be grateful if you would share any memories, anecdotes, photographs or other memorabilia. Please use the button at top right to contact me and I will give you the details on sharing. PHOTOGRAPHS, REVIEWS & THE KITCHEN SINK
- [PLT 1930s](https://phoenixtheaterhistory.com/companies/phoenix-theatre-phoenix-little-theatre/plt-1930s/) - This page contains items pertaining to Phoenix Theatre in the 1930s. For a general history of the company go to the main page. Phoenix began the '30s with a population of 48,118. The number of telephones increased to more than 15,600. NBC became the first national network to air in the Valley in 1930, broadcasting
- [Master Index](https://phoenixtheaterhistory.com/master-index/) - ACTORS-ACTRESSES: Mavis Aden, Robert Aden, Richard Alexander, Janet Arnold, Earl Baldwin, Harry Balloni Jr., Jason Barth, Helen Begam, Robert Begam, Jesse Berger, Kathleen Berger, Marty Berger, Lawrence Berscheld, Joseph Billings, Bill Black (William Black), Lyn Blair, Sarah Jane Blumele, Jonathan Bubb, Cindy Buchanan, Fay Bullock, Tom Burns, Walter Burritt, Jim Caddick, Andy Cahoon, Noel Campbell,
- [Dr. F. L. Reese](https://phoenixtheaterhistory.com/actors/dr-f-l-reese/) - Dr. F. L. Reese was a prominent actor-director in Phoenix from the 1920s on. He worked primarily at Phoenix Little Theatre and was active in the larger community, particularly with the Lion's Club. He was "the Phoenix voice of FDR" during Franklin Delano Roosevelt's campaigns for president. Dr. Reese served as president of the PLT
- [News from the 1930s](https://phoenixtheaterhistory.com/early-history/news-from-the-1930s/) - DECEMBER 10, 1939. Arizona Republic. Two clippings. ***** Arizona Republic, Dec. 10, 1939 By the late '30s, movies had taken hold of the public's attention so firmly that a touring stage play had to advertise itself as NOT A MOTION PICTURE! The producer was also quick to point out that the cast of 100 included
- [PLT 1950s](https://phoenixtheaterhistory.com/companies/phoenix-theatre-phoenix-little-theatre/plt-1950s/) - This page contains photographs, reviews and other information about Phoenix Little Theatre in the 1950s. For a general history, go to the main page. NOTABLE PRODUCTIONS SEPTEMBER 1959 NO TIME FOR SERGEANTS Playwright: Ira Levin. Director: Robert Begam. Assistant Director: Helen Begam. Cast: Tom Quillen, Lowell McGuire, Henry Balloni Jr., Michael Ivor, Robert Aden, Louis
- [Betty Barry Turner](https://phoenixtheaterhistory.com/actresses/betty-barry-turner/) - Betty Barry (married name Turner) was an important actress and director active on the Valley stage from the mid-1920s to the 1940s. Her credits as an actress include: Laburnum Grove, Heartbreak House, George and Margaret, Dark Tower, To the Ladies, Enchanted April and Tim Kelly's Road Show. Her credits as a director include Petticoat Fever.
- [Tim Kelly](https://phoenixtheaterhistory.com/playwrights/tim-kelly/) - Tim Kelly, who died in 1998, was a playwright who worked frequently with Phoenix Little Theatre and Scottsdale Community Players. Tim was born in Saugus, Massachusetts on October 2, 1932. He graduated from Emerson College with a bachelor's degree and received a masters degree in play-writing from Yale University. His first stage play was Widow's
- [Paula Sobol](https://phoenixtheaterhistory.com/directors-crew/paula-sobol/) - Actress-Director. Active in the 1960s. JUNE 1959 ROAD SHOW Playwright: Tim Kelly. Director: Tim Kelly Cast: Paula Sobol, Irma K. Lange, Grace Etchen, Susan Francis, Don Seth, Jay Fineberg, Bob Dunnen, William Van Loo (Bill Van Loo), John Wesley Dear, Dorrine Maron and a troupe of actual Cub Scouts. Notes: Susan Francis was 14 1/2,
- [Harry Behn](https://phoenixtheaterhistory.com/early-history/harry-behn/) - Harry Behn was born in 1898 in McCabe, Arizona, which is now a ghost town, in Yavapai County in what was then the Arizona Territory. He was the son of Henry K. Behn, an immigrant from Germany, and Maren (or Marion) Christensen Behn, an immigrant from Denmark. At the age of 18, after he had
- [PLT 1920s](https://phoenixtheaterhistory.com/companies/phoenix-theatre-phoenix-little-theatre/plt-1920s/) - This page contains items pertaining to productions during the earliest years of Phoenix Little Theatre/Phoenix Players. For a general history of the theater, go to the main page. Phoenix opened the decade with a population of 29,053. There are just over 7,000 telephones in the Valley, but nearly twice that number of registered automobiles. The
- [Jesse Linde](https://phoenixtheaterhistory.com/news-from-the-wings/jesse-linde/) - Giants walk among us. Yes, they do. Their passing may be forgotten in time, but their footprints remain embedded in our souls. You may not have heard of Jesse Linde. Mrs. Archer E. Linde, if you must be formal. Lady Linde or the Duchess if you are feeing affectionate. That is your loss, your very
- [Lucille Anderson](https://phoenixtheaterhistory.com/actresses/lucille-anderson/) - In the mid-to-late 1890s, Lucille was the star of what the papers of the day called “musical entertainments.” Something of an understatement since her credits included La Boheme, The Girl of the Golden West and Mlle Modiste.
- [Bob Crane Murder Case](https://phoenixtheaterhistory.com/news-from-the-wings/bob-crane-murder-case/) - Bob Crane, star of "Hogan's Heroes" on TV, was performing at a Scottsdale theater when he was bludgeoned to death. I was the last person to interview Crane.
- [Dominik Rebilas](https://phoenixtheaterhistory.com/actors/dominik-rebilas/) - Dominik Rebilas is a Valley actor and director who rose to prominence in the late 2000s and 20101. He works primarily at Theatre Artists Studio. "SAKURA NO NE" HAS ITS WORLD PREMIERE IN PHOENIX Dominik remembers ... "In April of 2012, I had the honor of being asked to direct a unique theatrical project for
- [Alyson Maloney](https://phoenixtheaterhistory.com/actresses/alyson-maloney/) - PLEASE HELP This page is in development. I would be grateful if you would share any memories, anecdotes, photographs or other memorabilia. Please use the button at top right to contact me and I will give you the details on sharing. ABOUT ALYSON Alyson played Belinda Cratchit/Female Ensemble for three seasons with Actors Theatre of
- [Drea Pruseau](https://phoenixtheaterhistory.com/actresses/dreu-pruseau/) - 2012. The Unexpected Man. Theatre Artists Studio. Named one of 10 best plays of 2012 by the Arizona Republic. Yasmina Reza's The Unexpected Man, written in 1995, presents audiences with a man and a woman sitting across from each other in a train compartment. The train is traveling from Paris to Frankfurt. She is carrying
- [Carol MacLeod](https://phoenixtheaterhistory.com/crew/carol-macleod/) - To sports fans, she is the wife of John MacLeod, former coach of the Phoenix Suns. To theater lovers, she is so much more than that. She is the co-founder of two of the most dynamic theater companies the Valley has possessed : Actors Theatre of Arizona (now Actors Theatre) and Theatre Artists Studio. Not
- [Damon J. Bolling](https://phoenixtheaterhistory.com/actors/damon-j-bolling/) - PLEASE HELP This page is in development. I would be grateful if you would share any memories, anecdotes, photographs or other memorabilia. Please use the button at top right to contact me and I will give you the details on sharing. Thank you, Kyle Lawson, page manager. (PS: It would help if you could
- [Barbara Lea](https://phoenixtheaterhistory.com/actresses/barbara-lea/) - Barbara Lea was an actress who was active on the Phoenix stage in the 1960s. NOTABLE PERFORMANCES 1967. Nude With Violin. Arizona Repertory Theatre. Director: Paula Sobol. Clipping from the March 19, 1967 Arizona Republic.
- [Chris Hamby](https://phoenixtheaterhistory.com/directors-crew/chris-hamby/) - NOTABLE CREDITS JUNE 2014 “The Full Monty.” Playwright: Terrence McNally. Music: David Yazbek. Director: Chris Hamby. Music Director: Debra Jo Davey. Cast: Julian Peña, Michael Leeth, Damon J. Bolling, Barbara Walker McBain, Andrew Lipman, Jonathan Holdsworth, Chad Campbell, Lizz Reeves Fidler, Heather Fallon, Jesse Ochoa, Brenda Jean Foley, Charles Blessing, Rebecca Weinstein, Star Parra,
- [T. A. Burrows](https://phoenixtheaterhistory.com/actors/t-a-burrows/) - PLEASE HELP This page is in development. I would be grateful if you would share any memories, anecdotes, photographs or other memorabilia. Please use the button at top right to contact me and I will give you the details on sharing. Thank you, Kyle Lawson, page manager. (PS: It would help if you could provide
- [Walt Pedano](https://phoenixtheaterhistory.com/actors/walt-pedano/) - PLEASE HELP This page is in development. I would be grateful if you would share any memories, anecdotes, photographs or other memorabilia. Please use the button at top right to contact me and I will give you the details on sharing. Thank you, Kyle Lawson, page manager. (PS: It would help if you could provide
- [Glenn Bruner](https://phoenixtheaterhistory.com/crew/glenn-bruner/) - In 2014, Glenn Bruner marked his 17th season at Arizona Theatre Company. He has staged managed more than 50 productions for ATC, including Clybourne Park, The Sunshine Boys, Next to Normal, The Great Gatsby, The Mystery of Irma Vep, The Kite Runner, Hair, The Pajama Game, The Pirates of Penzance, 2 Pianos 4 Hands and
- [Brian Jerome Peterson](https://phoenixtheaterhistory.com/crew/brian-jerome-peterson/) - Brian Jerome Peterson has been the sound designer at Arizona Theatre Company for nearly 30 seasons. He has created the sound for 75 productions, including The Importance of Being Earnest, The Sunshine Boys, Jane Austen’s Emma, The Great Gatsby, God of Carnage, Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom, Lost in Yonkers, Ain’t Misbehavin’, George is Dead, Somebody/Nobody,
- [David Lee Cuthbert](https://phoenixtheaterhistory.com/crew/david-lee-cuthbert/) - David Lee Cuthbert is frequently found working at Arizona Theatre Company, where he designed lights for God of Carnage and Lost in Yonkers, and lights and projections for Next to Normal, The Kite Runner and Enchanted April. He lit Billy Crystal’s 700 Sundays on Broadway and its subsequent US, Canadian and Australian tours. Internationally, he
- [Yoon Bae](https://phoenixtheaterhistory.com/crew/yoon-bae/) - Yoon Bae designed the costumes for Arizona Theatre Company’s productions of The Importance of Being Earnest and Jane Austen’s Emma and the sets for The Sunshine Boys, Earnest and The Great Gatsby. International highlights include costume designs for Don Giovanni at Welsh National Opera and set designs for Bernstein’s Candide at the Imperial Theatre, Tokyo
- [Stephen Wrentmore](https://phoenixtheaterhistory.com/directors-crew/stephen-wrentmore/) - Stephen Wrentmore has directed more than 50 professional productions across the world, predominantly new and contemporary plays in both non-profit and commercial theatres. He first came to Arizona as Associate Director on The Royal National Theatre’s production of Hamlet, featuring Simon Russell Beale. Later he returned to Arizona Theatre Company directing productions of Copenhagen, The
- [Benjamin Stewart](https://phoenixtheaterhistory.com/actors/benjamin-stewart/) - A CRITIC REMINISCES Some years ago, I reviewed a Benjamin Stewart performance as "a collection of mannerisms more glittering than any produced by Hepburn or Gielgud." He took me to task for that. I told him then, and I repeat it now, it was a compliment of the highest order. How else to describe
- [Christopher Haines](https://phoenixtheaterhistory.com/actors/christopher-haines/) - A member of Actor’s Equity Association, Christopher Haines is a theater veteran with more than twenty years of experience as an actor, stage manager, writer, director and designer. He graduated in 1991 from Duke University. Some of Christopher’s stage work includes: as an actor, the title roles in The Collected Works of Billy the Kid
- [William Akins](https://phoenixtheaterhistory.com/crew/william-akins/) - Starter Page . Under Construction
- [Rebecca Akins](https://phoenixtheaterhistory.com/crew/rebecca-akins/) - Starter Page . Under Construction.
- [Janice Robillard](https://phoenixtheaterhistory.com/actresses/janice-robillard/) - 1979. Ashes. ASU Theatre. Janice appeared in this production with David Vining and Steven Mastroieni. ***** 1977. Godspell. Director: David Vining. Cast: Janice Robillard. Scottsdale Daily Progress, Dec. 2, 1977. *****
- [Thomas Blackwood](https://phoenixtheaterhistory.com/actors/thomas-blackwood/) - Starter Page . Under Construction ARC SPOTS IN THE SKY: A WORLD PREMIERE In March of 1975, Scottsdale Community Players presented the world premiere of Tim Kelly’s Frankenstein at the Stagebrush Theatre. Kelly with a prolific playwright, with more than 50 titles to his credit by this time. The cast included Thomas Mastronardi as Dr.
- [Thomas Mastronardi](https://phoenixtheaterhistory.com/actors/thomas-mastronardi/) - Starter Page . Under Construction ARC SPOTS IN THE SKY: A WORLD PREMIERE In March of 1975, Scottsdale Community Players presented the world premiere of Tim Kelly's Frankenstein at the Stagebrush Theatre. Kelly with a prolific playwright, with more than 50 titles to his credit by this time. The cast included Thomas Mastronardi as Dr.
- [Frank Sprague](https://phoenixtheaterhistory.com/actors/frank-sprague/) - Starter Page . Under Construction NOTABLE CREDITS 1975. Imaginary Invalid. Southwest Ensemble Theatre.
- [Richard Elmore](https://phoenixtheaterhistory.com/actors/richard-elmore/) - PLEASE HELP This page is in development. I would be grateful if you would share any memories, anecdotes, photographs or other memorabilia. Please use the button at top right to contact me and I will give you the details on sharing. Thank you, Kyle Lawson, page manager. PHOTOGRAPHS, REVIEWS & THE KITCHEN SINK ARTICLE from
- [News from the 1900s](https://phoenixtheaterhistory.com/early-history/news-from-the-1900s/) - 'TEN NIGHTS IN A BAR ROOM' COMES TO PHOENIX ... " ... a sensation unparalleled in the history of the drama." Oct. 21, 1900. Arizona Republican. LONG FORGOTTEN NAMES ... Dec. 29, 1900. Arizona Republican. Dec. 13, 1902 Arizona Republican "A True Kentuckian" Dec. 13, 1901 Arizona Republican "The Belle of New York" JANUARY 1904
- [David Helmstetter](https://phoenixtheaterhistory.com/actors/david-helmstetter/) - PLEASE HELP This page is in development. I would be grateful if you would share any memories, anecdotes, photographs or other memorabilia. Please use the button at top right to contact me and I will give you the details on sharing. Thank you, Kyle Lawson, page manager. PRODUCTIONS, REVIEWS & THE KITCHEN SINK "Dial M
- [Harvey Shahan](https://phoenixtheaterhistory.com/actors/harvey-shahan/) - Harvey Shahan was an actor/director who often worked for Arizona Repertory Theatre in the 1960s and '70s. He appeared in Volpone, Period of Adjustment and Three Men on a Horse for the company. He also directed Desire Under the Elms, a box-office winner for ART. He also appeared in Henry V in the 1960 Shakespeare
- [Scott Hyder](https://phoenixtheaterhistory.com/actors/scott-hyder/) - Scott is a member of Theatre Artists Studio and has appeared in several Studio productions, including Over The River and Through The Woods, Light Up The Sky, Life X 3, The Ladies of Tin Pan Alley, and the New Summer Shorts. In addition to his Studio performances, Scott has appeared in Valley productions of The
- [Marsha Ann Scibella](https://phoenixtheaterhistory.com/actresses/marsha-ann-scibella/) - Actress working on Valley stages in the 1960s, primarily at Phoenix Little Theatre. A graduate of the University of Arizona's drama program, she was best known for being Miss Phoenix, Miss Pima County and a runner-up for Miss Arizona in the Miss America pageant. Arizona Republic critic Tim Kelly said of one of her performances:“Marsha
- [Trivia & Tidbits](https://phoenixtheaterhistory.com/early-history/trivia-tidbits/) - HAPPY NEW YEAR. According to the Arizona Republican of Dec. 31, 1899, the New Year's Eve program at the Dorris Theatre was Spider and Fly. ***** N0 ACT TOO SMALL FOR PHOENIX. From the Arizona Republican, February 15, 1893. ***** NOTHING NEW UNDER THE SUN DEPARTMENT. From the Arizona Republican March 29, 1893 Don't think
- [Jeff Clevenger](https://phoenixtheaterhistory.com/actors/jeff-clevenger/) - Jeff Clevenger is one of those talented actors who brought about the renaissance of Valley theater in the 2000s and onward. He has yet to reach the status of having his name above the billing in the media ads, but his addition to the cast affords knowledgeable theatergoers the assurance that the show is going
- [Kevin McNally](https://phoenixtheaterhistory.com/actors/4468-2/) - A CRITIC REMINISCES I am always going to tease Kevin McNally. I mean, how many actors do you know who are handsome enough to play a Greek god? Kevin took on the part for Childsplay, but it's not my favorite of his roles. That would have to be Music Guy in Phoenix Little Theatre's altogether
- [Michael Cirillo](https://phoenixtheaterhistory.com/actors/michael-cirillo/) - MICHAEL CIRILLO Actor, Musician Photo of Michael warming up in the loading dock at the Mesa Arts Center, before a performance of Mesa Encore Theatre's April 2014 hit, "Big River."
- [Goldwater: Mr. Conservative](https://phoenixtheaterhistory.com/news-from-the-wings/goldwater-mr-conservative/) - GOLDWATER: MR. CONSERVATIVE A Play by Ben Tyler The play, first performed at the Phoenix Theatre in 1994, seeks to take the audience inside the mind of the senator from Arizona and to examine through his eyes what is a liberal and what is a conservative. The results may surprise audiences and give them a
- [Maie Bartlett Heard](https://phoenixtheaterhistory.com/early-history/maie-bartlett-heard/) - Dwight Heard was working at a department store in Chicago when he met and married the boss's daughter, Maie Bartlett, in 1893. Maie was born June 11, 1868, in Chicago and studied at an elite finishing school prior to her marriage. When Dwight was diagnosed with a respiratory disease, the young couple moved to Phoenix
- [Walter Ben Hare](https://phoenixtheaterhistory.com/actors/walter-ben-hare/) - In the early years of Phoenix Little Theatre, one of the most active players was Walter Ben Hare. After graduating from Emory College in Atlanta, Georgia, Walter briefly tried his hand at acting before joining the U.S. Weather Bureau in 1905. He retired in Phoenix, after 33 years service as a government meteorologist. He appeared
- [Bob Barr](https://phoenixtheaterhistory.com/actors/bob-barr/) - Bob has a BA from the University of North Carolina and an MFA from the Yale School of Drama. He worked in marketing for many years. On retirement, Bob returned to acting in regional theatres in North Carolina, Washington, D.C., St. Louis and Phoenix. He is a member of Actors Equity, the Playwrights Center, the
- [Skye Ayers](https://phoenixtheaterhistory.com/actresses/skye-ayers/) - Skye has performed in theaters throughout the Valley, including Theatre Artists Studio, Fountain Hills Theatre, Don Bluth Front Row Theatre, Theater Works, Space 55, Ghostlight Theatre, Desert Stages, Arizona Women's Theatre Company, Matlin Studio for the Arts, Chryo's Voice Theatre and Central Community Theater. She has also appeared in productions for the Improbable Theatre Company,
- [Kent Welborn](https://phoenixtheaterhistory.com/actors/kent-welborn/) - Kent Welborn Kent Welborn, an Artistic Member of Theatre Artists Studio, has been acting in film, television and theater since the age of 14. A few of his favorite stage credits include All My Sons as Frank Lubey, Light Up the Sky as Owen Turner, Moon Over Buffalo as Paul, A Midsummer Night's Dream as
- [Dolores D'Amore Goldsmith](https://phoenixtheaterhistory.com/actresses/dolores-damore-goldsmith/) - Dolores has been working in theater for more than 35 years. She has performed, written, directed and produced plays in Europe, Asia and the United States. She is co-founding director of the American Theater Company in Geneva, Switzerland; the Hong Kong Rep Theater and The Arizona Women's Theater Company in Scottsdale. Locally, Delores has appeared
- [Michael Fleck](https://phoenixtheaterhistory.com/actors/michael-fleck-2/) - Michael has been an actor for 45 years, and a member of Actors Equity Association and SAG-AFTRA for 36 years. He has performed in more than 100 productions on stage, radio, television and film in venues across the United States. Michael's original musical, A Little Beginning, premiered at Saint Cloud State University and was later produced
- [Shana Rebilas Bousard](https://phoenixtheaterhistory.com/actresses/shana-rebilas-bousard/) - PLEASE HELP This page is in development. I would be grateful if you would share any memories, anecdotes, photographs or other memorabilia. Please use the button at top right to contact me and I will give you the details on sharing. Thank you, Kyle Lawson, page manager. (PS: It would help if you could provide
- [Heidi Haggerty](https://phoenixtheaterhistory.com/actresses/heidi-haggerty/) - PLEASE HELP This page is in development. I would be grateful if you would share any memories, anecdotes, photographs or other memorabilia. Please use the button at top right to contact me and I will give you the details on sharing. Thank you, Kyle Lawson, page manager. (PS: It would help if you could provide
- [Dion Johnson](https://phoenixtheaterhistory.com/actors/dion-johnson/) - A CRITIC REMINISCES His younger fans won't get the reference. Even he probably won't recall the name. But Dion Johnson reminds me very much of Van Johnson. Van was a major movie star in the 1940s. He was almost too good-looking to be believable as a serious actor but that didn't bother his groupies in
- [Andi Watson](https://phoenixtheaterhistory.com/actresses/andi-watson/) - A CRITIC REMINISCES It isn't fair to judge an actress by one role. I could actually live with that dictate if it weren't for Andi Watson. No matter how hard I try to look at her successful and varied career as a whole, I keep coming back to one moment in the theater when she
- [News from the 1920s](https://phoenixtheaterhistory.com/early-history/news-from-the-1920s/) - OCTOBER 21, 1923 The Ramona Players were a local troupe who specialized in comedy. Occasionally, the company ventured into drama. This clipping from the Arizona Republic of Oct. 21, 1923 provides information on the company's production of The Music Master starring Jim Dooley and Tommy La Rose. The choreography was by Dorothy Lundin of Los
- [Emma Stone](https://phoenixtheaterhistory.com/actresses/emma-stone/) - Movie star Emma Stone got her start as an actress in Phoenix children's theater, performing in a dozen shows at Valley Youth Theatre in the 1990s.
- [Les Miserables | 2014](https://phoenixtheaterhistory.com/companies/phoenix-theatre-phoenix-little-theatre/les-miserables-phoenix-theatre-2014/) - A 2014 revival of Les Miserables was true to the highly successful 2009 original, which changed perceptions about the megamusical. The new show was a big hit.
- [Richard Glover](https://phoenixtheaterhistory.com/actors/richard-glover/) - Working from the late 1970s on, Richard is one of the finest actors to have graced Valley theater. His strong, masculine stage presence has enhanced everything from absurdist comedies to serious dramas. Unfortunately, he has been absent from local stages in recent years. NOTABLE CREDITS This list is under construction. 1987. Orphans. Actors Theatre of
- [Toby Yatso](https://phoenixtheaterhistory.com/actors/toby-yatso/) - ACTOR, DIRECTOR, TEACHER ARTIST-IN-RESIDENCE, PHOENIX THEATRE A CRITIC REMINISCES - OR, RATHER, WISHES HE COULD You know when retirement becomes hard? When you see the world changing and you have no part in it. Toby Yatso's career developed into the high-powered thing it is today after I laid down my critic's pen. I never had
- [And Don't Forget ...](https://phoenixtheaterhistory.com/actors/and-dont-forget/) - This is a far from complete list of Valley actors for whom I couldn’t find enough information to create individual pages. MARK ADAMS Actor, active in the 1960s. Notable credits: 1967, The Lower Depths, Arizona Repertory Theatre. ***** ROBERT ADEN Actor-director active in the 1950s & '60s. Probably his finest acting role was as Marc
- [And Don't Forget ...](https://phoenixtheaterhistory.com/actresses/and-dont-forget/) - Theater became a viable art farm in the Valley in the 1870s. Since then, hundreds, possibly thousands of actresses have tread the local boards. Most of them never made it into the archives. Here are some that did but who did not leave enough information behind to construct individual pages. CAROLYN ALLHANDS Actress, active in
- [Roberta Trujillo](https://phoenixtheaterhistory.com/crew/roberta-trujillo/) - Costume designer of the 1960s, often working with Arizona Repertory Theatre. RESUME 1966. Volpone. Arizona Repertory Theatre.
- [John Retseck](https://phoenixtheaterhistory.com/crew/john-retseck/) - John Retseck was a noted set designer of the 1960s. RESUME: 1967. The Lower Depths. Arizona Repertory Theatre. 1966. Volpone. Arizona Repertory Theatre.
- [Everett King](https://phoenixtheaterhistory.com/news-from-the-wings/obituaries/everett-king/) - Best known in recent years for his close association with Arizona Theatre Company and periodic newspaper articles about his financial interest in the long-running off-Broadway hit, The Fantasticks, Everett King also was an actor. On television, he appeared in Naked City, the US Steel Hour, Circle Theatre and others. He was a member of Arizona
- [Rod Kellogg](https://phoenixtheaterhistory.com/actors/rod-kellogg/) - Where is a photograph when you need it. Phoenix theater has had its share of sex symbols. In truth, most of them were women. There were some guys. Anyone remember Nick Nolte? Before he became a living mug shot? The ruggedly handsome Rod Kellogg earned the label. It was in his genes. Or possibly his
- [Jackie Qualman](https://phoenixtheaterhistory.com/actresses/jackie-qualman/) - She was beautiful, she was gifted, she was versatile. In the late 1950s, '60s and '70s, Jackie Qualman went from playing the showgirl loved by a rodeo cowboy in William Inge's Bus Stop to Ophelia in Shakespeare's Hamlet without fluttering one of those long eyelashes which were stars in their own right. And when she
- [Henry Balloni Jr.](https://phoenixtheaterhistory.com/actors/henry-balloni-jr/) - Matinee idol. That's the phrase. Henry Balloni Jr. summed up in two words. Like a young John Barrymore, he was a walking theater idol. Tall, slender, with dark good looks that could be called saturnine - and were. Possessed of one of those speaking voices that seem made for Shakespeare. Owner of a vocal instrument
- [Elaine Morrow](https://phoenixtheaterhistory.com/actresses/elaine-morrow/) - PLEASE HELP This page singer/actress Elaine Morrow is in development. I would be grateful if you would share any memories, anecdotes, photographs or other memorabilia. Please use the button at top right to contact me and I will give you the details on sharing. Thank you, Kyle Lawson, page manager. (PS: It would help if
- [Colin Ross](https://phoenixtheaterhistory.com/actors/colin-ross/) - PLEASE HELP This page is in development. I would be grateful if you would share any memories, anecdotes, photographs or other memorabilia. Please use the button at top right to contact me and I will give you the details on sharing. Thank you, Kyle Lawson, page manager. (PS: It would help if you could provide
- [Raymond King Shurtz](https://phoenixtheaterhistory.com/directors-crew/raymond-king-shurtz/) - A CRITIC REMINISCES When Raymond King Shurtz founded Playwright's Workshop with C.S. McFadden in the late 1980s, I wonder if the pair knew they would become pivotal figures in Valley theater history. Maybe in their dreams. Certainly, there was nothing to indicate it when you parked outside the warehousey building at Deer Valley Airport. It
- [JoAnn Yeoman](https://phoenixtheaterhistory.com/actresses/joann-yeoman/) - Note: According to press clippings, early in her career, Joanne used the professional name, JoAnn Yeo. A CRITIC REMINISCES Some actresses were born to play a role. Back in the days when Musical Theatre Arizona was a powerhouse in Phoenix, JoAnn Yeoman gave us a Lola in Damn Yankees that nipped at the heels of
- [Barbara McGrath](https://phoenixtheaterhistory.com/actresses/barbara-mcgrath/) - PLEASE HELP This page is in development. I would be grateful if you would share any memories, anecdotes, photographs or other memorabilia. Please use the button at top right to contact me and I will give you the details on sharing. Thank you, Kyle Lawson, page manager. (PS: It would help if you could provide
- [Laurie Trygg](https://phoenixtheaterhistory.com/actresses/laurie-trygg/) - PLEASE HELP This page is in development. I would be grateful if you would share any memories, anecdotes, photographs or other memorabilia. Please use the button at top right to contact me and I will give you the details on sharing. Thank you, Kyle Lawson, page manager. (PS: It would help if you could provide
- [LeRoy Gaintner](https://phoenixtheaterhistory.com/actors/leroy-gainter/) - LeRoy Gaintner, or Roy, as he was sometimes billed, was an actor/director in Valley theater during the 1950s through the '90s, as well as performing in movies and commercials. Born in Lancaster, Pennsylvania in 1916, he was involved in little theater work there until the late 1930s. After moving to the Washington, D.C. area, he
- [Hope Silvestri](https://phoenixtheaterhistory.com/actresses/hope-silvestri/) - A CRITIC REMINISCES Hope Silvestri was feisty. She would storm into my office (or cubicle or wherever I was calling home in the newspaper's continuing obsession with reinventing its seating plan), fling herself into a chair, prop her elbow on the desk and say, "OK, young man ... " Hope was passionate. In life, I
- [Andrea Jill Gersten Higgins (Jill Obrand)](https://phoenixtheaterhistory.com/crew/andrea-jill-gersten-higgins/) - Andrea Jill Gersten Higgins (who was known as Jill Obrand for much of her theatrical career here) was born in New York City. By the age of 4, she was improvising on her grandmother’s piano. She began classical studies at age 7 and was offered a scholarship to the Juilliard School at age 11. At
- [Larry Collis](https://phoenixtheaterhistory.com/actors/larry-collis/) - PLEASE HELP This page is in development. I would be grateful if you would share any memories, anecdotes, photographs or other memorabilia. Please use the button at top right to contact me and I will give you the details on sharing. Thank you, Kyle Lawson, page manager. (PS: It would help if you could provide
- [Larry Liff](https://phoenixtheaterhistory.com/directors-crew/larry-liff/) - Larry Liff was a director best known for his association with Arizona Repertory Theatre but he directed for several other companies, always to critical acclaim. His wife, Carolyn, was his frequent partner, usually as choreographer. PHOTOGRAPHS, REVIEWS & THE KITCHEN SINK JANUARY 1977. "South Pacific." French Quarter Dinner Theatre at the Safari Hotel, Scottsdale. Director:
- [Jenny Hintze](https://phoenixtheaterhistory.com/actresses/jenny-hintze/) - A CRITIC REMINISCES If any casting was completely apropos, it was when Phoenix Theater paired Jenny Hintze (as Gypsy Rose Lee) with Kathy Fitzgerald (as Mama Rose) in its production of Gypsy. Before she headed east to conquer Broadway, Kathy was the Valley's biggest box-office draw. Jenny, thanks to a series of critically acclaimed performances
- [Tony Hodges](https://phoenixtheaterhistory.com/actors/tony-hodges/) - Tony Hodges. Brilliant man. Top-notch performer. Nice guy. I once wrote a review dedicated in large part to him. Couldn't help it. He was that good. I can't remember the show, damnit. Getting old. But my memory's not so senile that I'd forget the good part. Tony hasn't received a lot of top billing in
- [John Sankovich](https://phoenixtheaterhistory.com/actors/john-sankovich/) - PHOTOGRAPHS, REVIEWS & THE KITCHEN SINK ***** JULY 2000, "Quills," In Mixed Company at the Herberger Theater Center. INTERVIEW, Aug. 10, 2000. By Robrt Pela, Phoenix New Times. John Sankovich hasn't once raised his voice, yet it booms above the clank and roar of the crowded restaurant where he's dining. He's discussing the 30-plus years
- [Charlotte Francis](https://phoenixtheaterhistory.com/actresses/charlotte-francis/) - Think of Charlotte Francis as the Valley's answer to Arlene Francis. Not that they looked remotely alike. Arlene was a redhead, Charlene a brunette. At least I assume so. I've only seen newspaper clippings, and badly reproduced ones at that, and her hair is always dark. What they had in common, besides a last name,
- [Ella Marie Stout](https://phoenixtheaterhistory.com/actresses/ella-marie-stout/) - Ella Marie Stout was an Iowa native who was active in Phoenix theater during the 1950s and '60s. She won Phoenix Little Theatre's best actress role for her performance in 1959's Bus Stop. She was also active with the Scottsdale Community Players, where she co-starred as one of Henry VIII's wives in 1961's Royal Gambit,
- [James Matz](https://phoenixtheaterhistory.com/actors/james-matz/) - Jim Matz, a highly-regarded Phoenix stage actor, tragically died young. PLEASE HELP This page is in development. I would be grateful if you would share any memories, anecdotes, photographs or other memorabilia. Please use the button at top right to contact me and I will give you the details on sharing. Thank you, Kyle Lawson,
- [James Seeman](https://phoenixtheaterhistory.com/directors-crew/james-seeman/) - James Seeman was a director who sometimes acted. He was active in Valley theater in the 1960s and 1970s, primarily in musicals. You can find him cast and crew lists as either James or Jim Seeman. ***** ***** JUNE 1963 "Curse You, Jack Dalton" Cast. Jim Mancuso (James Mancuso), Jacqueline Gaston, Anita Byron, Michael Bryon,
- [*** Other Crew Members](https://phoenixtheaterhistory.com/crew/other-crew-members/) - Personnel for whom enough information was not available to create a separate page include: (Type name into the search box to locate items.) CHOREOGRAPHERS Ruth Sussman SCENIC DESIGNERS Millie Hildebrand Scott Mitchell Van Peterson George Pettit STAGE MANAGERS Joan Plencner
- [Ron Duffy](https://phoenixtheaterhistory.com/actors/ron-duffy/) - Ron Duffy was an actor/director active in Valley theater, most prominently from the 1970s on. PHOTOGRAPHS, REVIEWS & THE KITCHEN SINK MAY 1976: "1776". Phoenix Little Theatre. ***** APRIL 1973. "Case." Phoenix Little Theatre.
- [James Edmondson](https://phoenixtheaterhistory.com/actors/james-edmondson/) - In the late 1960s, one of the finest director/actors working in Phoenix was James Edmondson, who went on to become one of the giants in regional theater. Particularly well-remembered is his 1968 production of The House of Bernada Alba at Phoenix Theatre. (Yes, as I can't repeat enough, most of the great theater classics have
- [Gordon Davidson](https://phoenixtheaterhistory.com/directors-crew/gordon-davidson/) - DECEMBER 1977. "A Christmas Carol" Scottsdale Center for the Arts. Director: Gordon Davidson, Mark Taper Forum, Los Angeles.
- [Jamie Sandomire](https://phoenixtheaterhistory.com/actresses/jamie-sandomire/) - BIOGRAPHY Performances include Simp in Peacemaker with Phoenix Theatre for Young Audiences, Kitten in Chicks with Dicks with Stray Cat Theatre, and as Olive and Logainne in The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee with Mesa Community College and Scottsdale Community College. After graduating with a degree in Theatre from Arizona State University, she toured
- [Austin Porter](https://phoenixtheaterhistory.com/actors/austin-porter/) - In the past two years he has been cast in 10 shows around the Valley. Most recently he was seen as Gavroche in Les Miserables at Phoenix Theatre, Jojo in Suessical at CGCC (2014) and as Jeremy in How I Became a Pirate at Broadway Palm Theatre (2014). Other favorite roles include Charlie Brown, Boy
- [Maureen Dias Watson](https://phoenixtheaterhistory.com/actresses/maureen-dias-watson/) - ACTRESS, DIRECTOR, TEACHER, EXECUTIVE & ARTISTIC DIRECTOR OF SCOTTSDALE GREASEPAINT YOUTHEATRE ***** BIOGRAPHY The Executive & Artistic Director in Scottsdale Greasepaint Youtheatre, Maureen also has worked as an actor and Resident Artist with the Arizona Commission on the Arts, Childsplay and Valley elementary, middle and high schools. She studied acting at The American Academy of
- [Laura Durant](https://phoenixtheaterhistory.com/actresses/laura-durant/) - ACTRESS, PHOTOGRAPHER, PUBLIC RELATIONS DIRECTOR A CRITIC REMINISCES You think you know someone. I wonder. I thought I knew Laura Durant. In a town full of very good public relations people, Laura ranks right at the top. An accomplished photographer, a fine wordsmith, in our early acquaintance I thought she simply was dedicated to promoting
- [Ashley Faulkner](https://phoenixtheaterhistory.com/actresses/ashley-faulkner/) - PLEASE HELP This page is in development. I would be grateful if you would share any memories, anecdotes, photographs or other memorabilia. Please use the button at top right to contact me and I will give you the details on sharing. Thank you, Kyle Lawson, page manager. (PS: It would help if you could provide
- [Marni Nixon](https://phoenixtheaterhistory.com/actresses/marni-nixon/) - Marni Nixon was a frequent visitor to Arizona, including this national tour of My Fair Lady, which played Gammage Auditorium. Below is my interview that appeared in the Arizona Republic in 2008. By KYLE LAWSON Movie buffs rejoice. One of your favorite people is coming to ASU Gammage in the touring production of My Fair
- [Joanne Hyduck Hopkins](https://phoenixtheaterhistory.com/actresses/joanne-hyduck-hopkins/) - Singer/actress Joanne Hyduck Hopkins was a member of the legendary Barnstormers group at the Windmill Dinner Theatre. Her mother never missed a new show, resulting in a collection of signed programs that is probably unrivaled.
- [Pablo de Ocampo](https://phoenixtheaterhistory.com/actors/pablo-de-ocampo/) - ACTOR Pablo de Ocampo is a curator and occasional artist living in Toronto where he is the Artistic Director of the Images Festival. Prior to his post at Images, Pablo resided in Portland, Oregon where he helped to found the experimental film screening series Cinema Project and was the Executive Director of the Independent Publishing
- [CJ Mascarelli](https://phoenixtheaterhistory.com/actors/cj-mascarelli/) - Actor / Director / Photographer / Theater Founder 2002 "Equus" Nearly Naked Theatre
- [Wes Martin](https://phoenixtheaterhistory.com/actors/wes-martin/)
- [Cast of Characters & Crew](https://phoenixtheaterhistory.com/news-from-the-wings/cast-of-characters-crew/) - The following people are listed on the site, but not enough information is available to give them their own site. Carol Beams, stage manager Mark Buckner, actor Mary Anne Busey, actress Tami Evans, costume designer Tom Frederick, actor Gordon Giles, producer Brian Hall, music director Jeff Hammond, actor Ken Keefe, actor Norman Marion, actor Keith
- [Christy Welty](https://phoenixtheaterhistory.com/actresses/christy-welty/) - ***** 1977. "Godspell" Director: David Vining. Producers: Alice Plencher, Gordon Giles. Cast: Pam Ramsay, Mark Buckner, Von Prahl, Thomas J. Myers, Janice Robillard, Ellen Benton, Mary Anne Busey, Christy Welty, Tom Frederick, Jeff Hammond. Musical Director: Brian Hall. Choreographer: George NeJame. Stage Manger: Carol Beams. Lighting Design: Keith Miller, Ron Scarborough. Scenic Design: Roland Hartley.
- [Thomas J. Myers](https://phoenixtheaterhistory.com/actors/thomas-j-myers/) - ***** 1977. "Godspell" Director: David Vining. Producers: Alice Plencher, Gordon Giles. Cast: Pam Ramsay, Mark Buckner, Von Prahl, Thomas J. Myers, Janice Robillard, Ellen Benton, Mary Anne Busey, Christy Welty, Tom Frederick, Jeff Hammond. Musical Director: Brian Hall. Choreographer: George NeJame. Stage Manger: Carol Beams. Lighting Design: Keith Miller, Ron Scarborough. Scenic Design: Roland Hartley.
- [Roland Hartley](https://phoenixtheaterhistory.com/crew/roland-hartley/) - ***** 1977. "Godspell" Director: David Vining. Producers: Alice Plencher, Gordon Giles. Cast: Pam Ramsay, Mark Buckner, Von Prahl, Thomas J. Myers, Janice Robillard, Ellen Benton, Mary Anne Busey, Christy Welty, Tom Frederick, Jeff Hammond. Musical Director: Brian Hall. Choreographer: George NeJame. Stage Manger: Carol Beams. Lighting Design: Keith Miller, Ron Scarborough. Scenic Design: Roland Hartley.
- [Jerry Wayne Harkey](https://phoenixtheaterhistory.com/crew/jerry-wayne-harkey/) - PLEASE HELP This page is in development. I would be grateful if you would share any memories, anecdotes, photographs or other memorabilia. Please use the button at top right to contact me and I will give you the details on sharing. Thank you, Kyle Lawson, page manager. (PS: It would help if you could provide
- [Carolyn Pain](https://phoenixtheaterhistory.com/actresses/carolyn-pain/) - To me, Carolyn Pain is so many things. The blowsy, sexy Maxine in "The Night of the Iguana," the tear-up-the stage wife in the musical, "I Do, I Do ..." As an actress, there is nothing she can't achieve. But, more than anything, she is the kindest, most compassionate woman I met during my years
- [Brad Craig](https://phoenixtheaterhistory.com/actors/brad-craig/) - PLEASE HELP This page on actor/singer Brad Craig, one of the most talented performers in Phoenix stage history, is in development. I would be grateful if you would share any memories, anecdotes, photographs or other memorabilia. Please use the button at top right to contact me and I will give you the details on sharing.
- [Art Royer](https://phoenixtheaterhistory.com/actors/art-royer/) - PLEASE HELP This page on actor/director/producer Art Royer is in development. I would be grateful if you would share any memories, anecdotes, photographs or other memorabilia. Please use the button at top right to contact me and I will give you the details on sharing. Thank you, Kyle Lawson, page manager. (PS: It would help
- [Eleanor Hoffman](https://phoenixtheaterhistory.com/actresses/eleanor-hoffman/) - PLEASE HELP This page on actress Eleanor Hoffman is in development. I would be grateful if you would share any memories, anecdotes, photographs or other memorabilia. Please use the button at top right to contact me and I will give you the details on sharing. Thank you, Kyle Lawson, page manager. (PS: It would help
- [David A. Akin](https://phoenixtheaterhistory.com/actors/david-a-akin/) - From Mollie Kellogg: This is a photo I took for Blood Wedding, performed at the 3rd Street Theatre before Bradley C. Golden and Peter Cirino found our building. David A. Akin, Ceasar Hernandez and Bruno Cisneros were in the cast. I do not recall the actress in the back. This photo was taken at Marilyn
- [Nick Cartell](https://phoenixtheaterhistory.com/actors/nick-cartell/) - Read more about Nick at www.nickcartell.com A CRITIC REMINISCES When I first began to notice Nick Cartell, I thought how lucky we were to find a genuine juvenile. You may think I'm insulting Nick. I'm not. In the days of yore, a juvenile was a respected member of the company. He was generally handsome, possessed
- [Dave Thompson](https://phoenixtheaterhistory.com/actors/dave-thompson/) - A CRITIC REMINISCES In the late '70s, most of the theater in the Valley was produced by community troupes. There were community theaters in Glendale, Mesa, Scottsdale, Tempe, Cave Creek/Carefree and North Phoenix. Soon, Fountain Hills would have one. There were a group of actors, many of them with professional training, who worked for these
- [Andrea Morales](https://phoenixtheaterhistory.com/actresses/andrea-morales/) - PLEASE HELP This page is in development. I would be grateful if you would share any memories, anecdotes, photographs or other memorabilia. Please use the button at top right to contact me and I will give you the details on sharing. Thank you, Kyle Lawson, page manager. (PS: It would help if you could provide
- [Rick Grove](https://phoenixtheaterhistory.com/actors/rick-grove/) - Rick Grove came to prominence in the mid-1970s. He was noted for his strong masculine performances, especially his Stanley in "A Streetcar Named Desire" at Phoenix Little Theatre. PHOTOGRAPHS, REVIEWS & THE KITCHEN SINK 1977, "The Man of La Mancha," Phoenix Little Theatre, with Marlene Saens and Steve Curry. ***** 1976, "A Streetcar Named Desire,"
- [Marlene Saens](https://phoenixtheaterhistory.com/actresses/marlene-saens/) - A CRITIC REMINISCES If Marlene Saens had been born a couple of centuries earlier, she would have been classed as a "gentlewoman." She was that. Serene, gracious, elegant in her attire and her movement, she personified a heightened femininity that made her a popular choice for romantic roles - especially in musicals, where she could
- [Sheldon Simon](https://phoenixtheaterhistory.com/actors/sheldon-simon/) - PHOTOGRAPHS, REVIEWS & THE KITCHEN SINK 1980 (?) "Destry Rides Again." Phoenix Little Theatre. ***** 1978 “Brigadoon,” Scottsdale Community Players. Director: Kyle Lawson. Choreographer: Lesley Collis. Music Director: Joshua Missal. Costumes: Patricia Lawson. Cast: Richard Fink, Marlene Saens, Paty Lombard, Jerry Hansen, Noel Irick, Larry Collis, Sheldon Simon, Hillary Hirsch, Mark Henle, Margie Ghigo, Jim
- [Paty Lombard](https://phoenixtheaterhistory.com/actresses/paty-lombard/) - PLEASE HELP This page is in development. I would be grateful if you would share any memories, anecdotes, photographs or other memorabilia. Please use the button at top right to contact me and I will give you the details on sharing. Thank you, Kyle Lawson, page manager. (PS: It would help if you could
- [Debra Jones](https://phoenixtheaterhistory.com/actresses/debra-jones/) - PLEASE HELP This page is in development. I would be grateful if you would share any memories, anecdotes, photographs or other memorabilia. Please use the button at top right to contact me and I will give you the details on sharing. Thank you, Kyle Lawson, page manager. (PS: It would help if you could provide
- [Richard Fink](https://phoenixtheaterhistory.com/actors/richard-fink/) - A CRITIC REMINISCES I only directed one show in the Valley, the 1978 production of Brigadoon at Scottsdale Community Players. My leading man was Richard Fink. He was a tall, extremely handsome guy that had the women in the cast drooling. He also sang the hell out of the Lerner and Loewe score. I wasn't
- [Charlann Simon](https://phoenixtheaterhistory.com/actresses/charlann-simon/) - PLEASE HELP This page is in development. I would be grateful if you would share any memories, anecdotes, photographs or other memorabilia. Please use the button at top right to contact me and I will give you the details on sharing. Thank you, Kyle Lawson, page manager. (PS: It would help if you could provide
- [Keith Brian Shaw](https://phoenixtheaterhistory.com/crew/keith-brian-shaw/) - PLEASE HELP This page is in development. I would be grateful if you would share any memories, anecdotes, photographs or other memorabilia. Please use the button at top right to contact me and I will give you the details on sharing. Thank you, Kyle Lawson, page manager. (PS: It would help if you could provide
- [John Waits](https://phoenixtheaterhistory.com/directors-crew/john-waits/) - 1980 (?) "Destry Rides Again." Phoenix Little Theatre.
- [JoAnn Yeoman](https://phoenixtheaterhistory.com/crew/joann-yeoman/) - For JoAnn's main page, go HERE
- [Gus Basco](https://phoenixtheaterhistory.com/news-from-the-wings/obituaries/gus-basco/) - Phoenix Theater Leader Obituary July 23, 1976 Rather brief farewell to Gus Basco, one of the leading lights at Phoenix (Little) Theatre. Note: One of the few references I've found to Mr. Basco was in a Walter Winchell column from 1936, detailing his divorce from Ruth Sato, a Japanese-American chorus girl. Winchell referred to him
- [Hilary Hirsch](https://phoenixtheaterhistory.com/actresses/hillary-hirsch/) - Actress, Dancer, Choreographer A CRITIC REMINISCES To say I have known Hilary Hirsch forever, is actually to say I have known her ever since I have been in the Valley. My first job here was as entertainment editor at the Scottsdale Daily Progress. The publisher was Jonathan Marshall, who also was one of the greatest
- [Joseph Cannon](https://phoenixtheaterhistory.com/actors/joseph-cannon/) - PLEASE HELP This page is in development. I would be grateful if you would share any memories, anecdotes, photographs or other memorabilia. Please use the button at top right to contact me and I will give you the details on sharing. Thank you, Kyle Lawson, page manager. (PS: It would help if you could provide
- [Devon Nickel](https://phoenixtheaterhistory.com/actors/devon-nickle/) - PLEASE HELP This page is in development. I would be grateful if you would share any memories, anecdotes, photographs or other memorabilia. Please use the button at top right to contact me and I will give you the details on sharing. Thank you, Kyle Lawson, page manager. (PS: It would help if you could provide
- [Courtney Weir](https://phoenixtheaterhistory.com/actresses/courtney-weir/) - PLEASE HELP This page is in development. I would be grateful if you would share any memories, anecdotes, photographs or other memorabilia. Please use the button at top right to contact me and I will give you the details on sharing. Thank you, Kyle Lawson, page manager. (PS: It would help if you could provide
- [Trudy Hurley](https://phoenixtheaterhistory.com/directors-crew/trudy-hurley/) - For Trudy Hurley's main page, go HERE
- [Helen Begam](https://phoenixtheaterhistory.com/news-from-the-wings/obituaries/helen-begam/) - HELEN BEGAM Actress, director, theater activist. Arizona Republic, Oct. 23, 2007 Helen G. Begam, 81, died on October 20, 2007. Born and raised in Connecticut, Helen met her husband at Yale where they both were involved with the Drama School. Helen’s passion for theater continued throughout her life. She acted professionally in Connecticut, New York
- [Roy Hunt](https://phoenixtheaterhistory.com/actors/roy-hunt/) - DECEMBER 1995. "Inspecting Carol." Director: Peter Hill. Cast: Peter Hill, Teresa Springer, Roy Hunt, Judith Scovern, Bill Estes, Raymond Moore. ARTICLE by Gerald Thomson, Phoenix New Times, Dec. 21, 1995. If you're looking for a traditional holiday treat, Actors Theatre of Phoenix is offering its slick production of A Christmas Carol. For those with a
- [Ben Tyler](https://phoenixtheaterhistory.com/actors/ben-tyler/) - Born and raised in Arizona, Ben Tyler acts, directs and writes for theater. A founder and former artistic director for the Mill Avenue Theatre in Tempe, he co-wrote and directed Guv: The Musical, which poked fun at the eras of former Arizona governors Ev Mecham and Fife Symington. He also worked as artistic director for
- [Carson Elrod](https://phoenixtheaterhistory.com/actors/carson-elrod/) - Carson Elrod, noted Broadway and regional theater star, appeared as Feste in Twelfth Night and Mercutio in Romeo & Juliet in 2000 for Southwest Shakespeare's Sedona festival. R&J was directed by Patrick Page, another Broadway luminary, who appeared on several occasions at Arizona Theatre Company. An excerpt from my review in the Arizona Republic, July
- [An Acting Lesson](https://phoenixtheaterhistory.com/news-from-the-wings/an-acting-lesson/) - I saw this photo on Facebook. It is more than a picture of the cast of "Good People," which was produced at Actors Theatre. If you dream of becoming an actor, your acting school is right here. Let me start at the right. I have known Cathy Dresbach the longest. She is the comedy/drama mask
- [Peter Hill](https://phoenixtheaterhistory.com/directors-crew/peter-hill/) - Peter J. Hill is a director, producer, actor and theater founder. He often is billed as Peter J. Hill. His wife is the noted actress-choreographer Noel Irick. PLEASE HELP This page is in development. I would be grateful if you would share any memories, anecdotes, photographs or other memorabilia. Please use the button at top
- [Judith Scovern](https://phoenixtheaterhistory.com/actresses/judith-scovern/) - DECEMBER 1995. "Inspecting Carol." Director: Peter Hill. Cast: Peter Hill, Teresa Springer, Roy Hunt, Judith Scovern, Bill Estes, Raymond Moore. ARTICLE by Gerald Thomson, Phoenix New Times, Dec. 21, 1995. If you're looking for a traditional holiday treat, Actors Theatre of Phoenix is offering its slick production of A Christmas Carol. For those with a
- [Teresa Springer](https://phoenixtheaterhistory.com/actresses/teresa-springer/) - DECEMBER 1995. "Inspecting Carol." Director: Peter Hill. Cast: Peter Hill, Teresa Springer, Roy Hunt, Judith Scovern, Bill Estes, Raymond Moore. ARTICLE by Gerald Thomson, Phoenix New Times, Dec. 21, 1995. If you're looking for a traditional holiday treat, Actors Theatre of Phoenix is offering its slick production of A Christmas Carol. For those with a
- [Jim Servis](https://phoenixtheaterhistory.com/actors/jim-servis/) - PLEASE HELP This page is in development. I would be grateful if you would share any memories, anecdotes, photographs or other memorabilia. Please use the button at top right to contact me and I will give you the details on sharing. Thank you, Kyle Lawson, page manager. (PS: It would help if you could provide
- [Sonya Missal](https://phoenixtheaterhistory.com/actresses/sonya-missal/) - PLEASE HELP This page is in development. I would be grateful if you would share any memories, anecdotes, photographs or other memorabilia. Please use the button at top right to contact me and I will give you the details on sharing. Thank you, Kyle Lawson, page manager. (PS: It would help if you could provide
- [Ruth Willis](https://phoenixtheaterhistory.com/directors-crew/ruth-willis/) - In the late 1970s and early 1980s, the most esteemed theater director in the Valley was a feisty red-head who took on the challenges of bringing playwrights as diverse as Eugene O'Neill and Henrik Ibsen to a popular audience and made it seem like a cakewalk. Ruth Willis' work at Phoenix (Little) Theatre and Scottsdale
- [Liz Romero](https://phoenixtheaterhistory.com/actresses/liz-romero/) - Liz Romero was a fine actress who worked at Phoenix (Little) Theatre, Scottsdale Community Players, Windmill Dinner Theater and other Valley stages during the 1970s and 1980s, . PLEASE HELP This page is in development. I would be grateful if you would share any memories, anecdotes, photographs or other memorabilia. Please use the button at
- [Vincent VanVleet (Managing Director)](https://phoenixtheaterhistory.com/crew/vincent-vanvleet-managing-director/) - SEPTEMBER 20, 2013. Rotarizonian Magazine.
- [Patricia Kennedy](https://phoenixtheaterhistory.com/actresses/patricia-kennedy/) - PLEASE HELP This page is in development. I would be grateful if you would share any memories, anecdotes, photographs or other memorabilia. Please use the button at top right to contact me and I will give you the details on sharing. Thank you, Kyle Lawson, page manager. (PS: It would help if you could provide
- [Emily Mulligan-Ferry](https://phoenixtheaterhistory.com/actresses/emily-mulligan-ferry/) - PLEASE HELP This page is in development. I would be grateful if you would share any memories, anecdotes, photographs or other memorabilia. Please use the button at top right to contact me and I will give you the details on sharing. Thank you, Kyle Lawson, page manager. (PS: It would help if you could provide
- [Richard Warren (Playwright)](https://phoenixtheaterhistory.com/playwrights/richard-warren-playwright/) - Richard Warren has written 11 full-length plays including Shifting Gears (Canyon Moon Theatre, Sedona, Arizona), Trio with Flute (Canyon Moon Theatre), In the Valley of the Sun (Canyon Moon Theatre), How I Came to be Buffalo Bill” (Mill Mountain Theatre, Roanoke, Virginia) and Snap (Phoenix Theatre, Phoenix, Arizona); and numerous short plays including Together Alone,
- [Noel Irick (Choreographer)](https://phoenixtheaterhistory.com/crew/noel-irick-choreographer/) - For Noel's main page, go HERE
- [Valerie Sutton (Choreographer)](https://phoenixtheaterhistory.com/crew/valerie-sutton-choreographer/) - PLEASE HELP This page is in development. I would be grateful if you would share any memories, anecdotes, photographs or other memorabilia. Please use the button at top right to contact me and I will give you the details on sharing. Thank you, Kyle Lawson, page manager. (PS: It would help if you could provide
- [Aya Nameth](https://phoenixtheaterhistory.com/actresses/aya-nameth/) - PLEASE HELP This page is in development. I would be grateful if you would share any memories, anecdotes, photographs or other memorabilia. Please use the button at top right to contact me and I will give you the details on sharing. Thank you, Kyle Lawson, page manager. (PS: It would help if you could provide
- [David Barker](https://phoenixtheaterhistory.com/actors/david-barker/) - For David's main page, go HERE
- [Michael (Mike) Lawler](https://phoenixtheaterhistory.com/actors/michael-mike-lawler/) - A CRITIC REMINISCES When ever I think of Mike Lawler (which, I admit, I do a lot), I always think of classic movies. No, he's not a classic movie star. Much too young for that. But in the days of Hollywood's golden age, there existed a merry band of character actors who went from film
- [Jesse Berger](https://phoenixtheaterhistory.com/actors/jesse-berger/) - ACTOR, SINGER, COMPANY MANAGER AT ARIZONA BROADWAY THEATRE PLEASE HELP This page is in development. I would be grateful if you would share any memories, anecdotes, photographs or other memorabilia. Please use the button at top right to contact me and I will give you the details on sharing. Thank you, Kyle Lawson, page manager.
- [Raymond King Shurtz](https://phoenixtheaterhistory.com/playwrights/raymond-king-shurtz/) - For Raymond's main page, go HERE
- [ASU Black History Month](https://phoenixtheaterhistory.com/news-from-the-wings/asu-black-history-month/) - ASU BLACK HISTORY FESTIVAL Arizona State University 2013 article from the State Press provides history of the event. By Kylie Gumpert February 12, 2013 “I Know Where I’ve Been: Soulful Expressions of the Black Experience,” musical cabaret, kicked off ASU’s first-ever Black Theatre Festival on Feb. 8 with performances from popular productions including “Memphis,” “Dreamgirls,”
- [Ann Lee Harris](https://phoenixtheaterhistory.com/news-from-the-wings/obituaries/ann-lee-harris/) - ANN LEE HARRIS Actress, Producer, Restauranteur, Civic Leader Co-founder of the Sombrero Playhouse, Mrs. Harris was one of the great influences on Valley Theatre. The following is her obituary, published in 2003. Memorial services will be in Amarillo at a later date. According to her wishes, Mrs. Harris' ashes will be scattered from horseback over
- [Robert Anthony Peters](https://phoenixtheaterhistory.com/actors/robert-anthony-peters/) - BIOGRAPHY Robert, who was so good as George Gibbs in Phoenix Theatre's production of Our Town, completed his BS at the University of Arizona in Marketing and Entrepreneurship in 2001. He was a Charles G. Koch Summer Fellow in Washington, and trained at the Lee Strasberg Theatre Institute in New York City. A few of
- [Cameron Mason](https://phoenixtheaterhistory.com/actors/cameron-mason/) - CAMERON MASON Actor, Dancer The Phoenix performer was the original Mark in "A Chorus Line." For more on "A Chorus Line," go HERE
- [A Chorus Line](https://phoenixtheaterhistory.com/news-from-the-wings/a-chorus-line/) - CAMERON MASON Actor, Dancer MICHAEL BENNETT Choreographer, Director, Producer Two 'A Chorus Line' participants have ties to Phoenix. Cameron, the original Mark, was born here, and returned to Phoenix after Broadway to start a housecleaning service; and Michael Bennett, the director-choreographer who created the show, worked at the Star Theatre, now the Celebrity. Both are
- [David Weiss](https://phoenixtheaterhistory.com/actors/david-weiss/) - Whether they like it or not, certain actors are labeled "sex symbols" at some stage of their career. It can get in the way. Casting directors tend to look elsewhere for their Hamlets and their Stanleys. It hasn't gotten in the way of David Weiss. No one is going to argue that since the late
- [News from the 1940s](https://phoenixtheaterhistory.com/early-history/news-from-the-1940s/) - DECEMBER 1940 Phoenix Union High School PTA Play. Clipping from the Dec. 4 edition of The Arizona Republic. Cast: Betty Larraway, Eula Bay, Carol Biggs. Pianist, Tom Silvey. JANUARY 1941 Mesa Little Theatre, "Nick of the Woods or Telie the Renegade's Daughter. " Director: Toory Lofgreen. Cast: Eugene Gladden, Nona Millett, Bill Doughty, Keith Bird,
- [William N. Freeman](https://phoenixtheaterhistory.com/news-from-the-wings/obituaries/william-n-freeman/) - WILLIAM N. FREEMAN Actor, Radio Broadcaster Appeared on stage at Phoenix Little Theatre and the Sombrero Playhouse. Arizona radio pioneer "Bill" Freeman, 88, passed away on March 27, 2014. He was born in Battle Creek, Michigan to Norman J. Freeman and Ida M. Freeman (Brown). He attended Battle Creek Central High School and later graduated
- [Helen Begam](https://phoenixtheaterhistory.com/helen-begam/)
- [Michael Eddy (Lighting Designer)](https://phoenixtheaterhistory.com/crew/michael-eddy-lighting-designer/) - A CRITIC REMINISCES There were two lighting designers in Phoenix that constantly astonished me with their work. One was Paul Black, the other was Michael Eddy. Both were sculptors. In their hands, light became three-dimensional, sometimes so much so that it was all I could do to keep from reaching out and touching it. It
- [Tim Monson (Lighting Designer)](https://phoenixtheaterhistory.com/crew/tim-monson-lighting-designer-2/) - PLEASE HELP This page is in development. I would be grateful if you would share any memories, anecdotes, photographs or other memorabilia. Please use the button at top right to contact me and I will give you the details on sharing. Thank you, Kyle Lawson, page manager. (PS: It would help if you could provide
- [Aaron Jackson (Set Designer)](https://phoenixtheaterhistory.com/crew/aaron-jackson-set-designer/) - PLEASE HELP This page is in development. I would be grateful if you would share any memories, anecdotes, photographs or other memorabilia. Please use the button at top right to contact me and I will give you the details on sharing. Thank you, Kyle Lawson, page manager. (PS: It would help if you could provide
- [Dwayne Hartford](https://phoenixtheaterhistory.com/directors-crew/dwayne-hartford/) - PLEASE HELP This page is in development. I would be grateful if you would share any memories, anecdotes, photographs or other memorabilia. Please use the button at top right to contact me and I will give you the details on sharing. Thank you, Kyle Lawson, page manager. (PS: It would help if you could provide
- [Catherine Wong](https://phoenixtheaterhistory.com/actresses/catherine-wong/) - Catherine Wong is a star in your future. One of the new crop of singer/actors to emerge in the 2010s, she has yet to land the role that defines her (though her Lady Thiang in The King and I was fine). It will happen. Maybe some savvy producer will remount Flower Drum Song for her.
- [Hayley Mills](https://phoenixtheaterhistory.com/actresses/hayley-mills/) - GAMMAGE AUDITORIUM The King and I Interview with star Hayley Mills February 22, 1998|By Kyle Lawson ARIZONA REPUBLIC Fans line up outside the stage door, but Hayley Mills can tell. They're disappointed. Without her makeup from The King and I, she's a woman. Pretty youthful for 50, maybe, but still grown up. ``You can't stay
- [A View of the Arts in 2007](https://phoenixtheaterhistory.com/news-from-the-wings/a-view-of-the-arts-in-2007/) - A VIEW OF THE ARTS IN 2007 Phoenix arts economy is flourishing Kyle Lawson The Arizona Republic Jun. 6, 2007 People may not realize it, but Phoenix maintains a thriving growth industry: the arts. A national survey released today states that the city's non-profit cultural institutions and their audiences contributed $361 million to the Valley's
- [Jon Flury](https://phoenixtheaterhistory.com/directors-crew/jon-flury/) - PLEASE HELP This page is in development. I would be grateful if you would share any memories, anecdotes, photographs or other memorabilia. Please use the button at top right to contact me and I will give you the details on sharing. Thank you, Kyle Lawson, page manager. (PS: It would help if you could provide
- [David Ira Goldstein](https://phoenixtheaterhistory.com/directors-crew/david-ira-goldstein/) - PLEASE HELP This page is in development. I would be grateful if you would share any memories, anecdotes, photographs or other memorabilia. Please use the button at top right to contact me and I will give you the details on sharing. Thank you, Kyle Lawson, page manager. (PS: It would help if you could provide
- [William Inge (Playwright)](https://phoenixtheaterhistory.com/playwrights/william-inge-playwright/) - The Pulitzer Prize-winning playwright William Inge, famed for Picnic, Come Back Little Sheba, Bus Stop, The Dark at the Top of the Stairs, Splendor in the Grass, A Loss of Roses and All Fall Down, had solid Phoenix connections. His play, Natural Affections, premiered at the Sombrero Playhouse, prior to opening on Broadway in 1962. Inge's
- [Steve Riley (Choreographer)](https://phoenixtheaterhistory.com/crew/steve-riley-choreographer/) - One of the best things about Scottsdale's Windmill Dinner Theater was the choreography. Steve Riley was responsible for many of the best productions. Article by Kyle Lawson, Scottsdale Daily Progress, Nov. 11, 1977
- [Alan Berks (Playwright)](https://phoenixtheaterhistory.com/playwrights/alan-berks-playwright/) - PHOTOGRAPHS, REVIEWS & THE KITCHEN SINK 1999, "Morning Rituals," play by Alan Berks. Director April Smith. Cast: Christian Miller, Megan Towle, Stewn Galatro By Kyle Lawson The Arizona Republic The young believe that they will live forever. Given the movies they see, the television they watch, you’d think they’d know better, but the knowledge of
- [Terms of use](https://phoenixtheaterhistory.com/terms-of-use/) - Terms and conditions for use of the website.
- [Shari Snitzer](https://phoenixtheaterhistory.com/actresses/shari-snitzer/) - PLEASE HELP This page is in development. I would be grateful if you would share any memories, anecdotes, photographs or other memorabilia. Please use the button at top right to contact me and I will give you the details on sharing. Thank you, Kyle Lawson, page manager. (PS: It would help if you could provide
- [Lesley Tutnick-Machbitz](https://phoenixtheaterhistory.com/actresses/lesley-tutnick-machbitz/) - PLEASE HELP This page is in development. I would be grateful if you would share any memories, anecdotes, photographs or other memorabilia. Please use the button at top right to contact me and I will giveyou the details on sharing. Thank you, Kyle Lawson, page manager. (PS: It would help if you could provide the
- [Judy Lebeau](https://phoenixtheaterhistory.com/actresses/judy-lebeau/) - PLEASE HELP This page is in development. I would be grateful if you would share any memories, anecdotes, photographs or other memorabilia. Please use the button at top right to contact me and I will giveyou the details on sharing. Thank you, Kyle Lawson, page manager. (PS: It would help if you could provide
- [Allison Houston](https://phoenixtheaterhistory.com/actresses/allison-houston/) - PLEASE HELP This page is in development. I would be grateful if you would share any memories, anecdotes, photographs or other memorabilia. Please use the button at top right to contact me and I will give you the details on sharing. Thank you, Kyle Lawson, page manager. PHOTOGRAPHS, REVIEWS & THE KITCHEN SINK Allison graduated
- [Jeffrey Middleton](https://phoenixtheaterhistory.com/actors/jeffrey-middleton/) - PLEASE HELP This page is in development. I would be grateful if you would share any memories, anecdotes, photographs or other memorabilia. Please use the button at top right to contact me and I will give you the details on sharing. Thank you, Kyle Lawson, page manager.
- [Chris Witt](https://phoenixtheaterhistory.com/actors/chris-witt/) - PLEASE HELP This page is in development. I would be grateful if you would share any memories, anecdotes, photographs or other memorabilia. Please use the button at top right to contact me and I will give you the details on sharing. Thank you, Kyle Lawson, page manager. PHOTOGRAPHS, REVIEWS & THE KITCHEN SINK "Dial M
- [Mark DeMichele](https://phoenixtheaterhistory.com/actors/mark-demichele/) - PLEASE HELP This page is in development. I would be grateful if you would share any memories, anecdotes, photographs or other memorabilia. Please use the button at top right to contact me and I will give you the details on sharing. Thank you, Kyle Lawson, page manager. A CRITIC REMINISCES There were many talented actors
- [Kyle Gets Out of Dodge](https://phoenixtheaterhistory.com/news-from-the-wings/kyle-gets-out-of-dodge/) - By Kerry Lengel Aug. 19, 2008 The theater has been the guiding light in Kyle Lawson's life ever since he was cast in a historical pageant in his hometown of Logan, W.Va. He played the child of a pioneer family slaughtered by Indians. He was 4, maybe 5. "I loved being covered in blood," he
- [Dramatically Incorrect  Phoenix Theater](https://phoenixtheaterhistory.com/news-from-the-wings/dramatically-incorrect-phoenix-theater/) - If you are a fan of Phoenix theater, please check out Peter Hill's Dramatically Incorrect Phoenix Theater. This Facebook page is chock full of funny stories about mishaps on local stages.
- [Susan Miller Dee](https://phoenixtheaterhistory.com/actresses/susan-miller-dee/) - A CRITIC REMINISCES I tend to think of Susan Miller Dee as an iconic actress. Probably because over the years of our professional relationship, she behind the lights, me in a theater seat, she tended to mop up the stage in iconic roles. There was her Miss Mona in The Best Little Whorehouse in Texas,
- [Patrick Page](https://phoenixtheaterhistory.com/actors/patrick-page/) - Of all the Broadway actors to spend quality time on Valley stages, none is more charismatic than Patrick Page. Each time he was interviewed for the Arizona Republic , conversation actually came to a halt as he entered the restaurant where he was meeting with the reporter. The only time the tall, dark-haired actor
- [Every Actor Who's Ever Appeared in Actors Theatre's 'A Christmas Carol'](https://phoenixtheaterhistory.com/news-from-the-wings/every-actor-whos-ever-appeared-in-actors-theatres-a-christmas-carol/) - This list is courtesy of the Actors Theatre website. It includes the names of the actors who appeared in the company's long-running annual production of "A Christmas Carol." I think you will admit it is pretty awesome. Hal Adams Keilani Akagi Jeffrie Allan Maria Amorocho Rafe Arlotti Sally Jo Bannow David Barker Sam Bartlett Abby
- [An Appreciation of Actresses](https://phoenixtheaterhistory.com/news-from-the-wings/an-appreciation-of-actresses/) - Kyle Lawson, April 2014 Critics do not have favorites. Ha! Of course, they do. I recently set myself the task of choosing the actresses who most profoundly affected me during my years as a critic here. Later, I'll try my hand at theater companies, directors, actors, technicians and playwrights. But first the women. Who does
- [Sandy Rosenthal](https://phoenixtheaterhistory.com/directors-crew/sandy-rosenthal/)
- [Judy Rollings](https://phoenixtheaterhistory.com/actresses/judy-rollings/) - Since Judy Rollings is best known as a director and co-founder of Actors Theatre, check out her Directors & Crew page here.
- [PR Greats I Have Known](https://phoenixtheaterhistory.com/news-from-the-wings/pr-greats-i-have-known/) - A CRITIC REMINISCES On Public Relations People Originally published on Facebook Just got off the phone with a college student who’s writing a paper on the working relationship between arts & entertainment journalists and public relations directors. Her basic question: Do journalists ever respect “flacks” (the student’s word, not mine)?It made me consider the 40
- [Actors Equity](https://phoenixtheaterhistory.com/news-from-the-wings/actors-equity/) - 2010 Arizona Service Award. Recipient: Judy Rollings
- [Ben Tyler](https://phoenixtheaterhistory.com/directors-crew/ben-tyler/) - For information on this director/playwright/producer/theater founder/artistic director, see Ben Tyler
- [Jon Jory](https://phoenixtheaterhistory.com/directors-crew/jon-jory/) - BIOGRAPHY Jon was Producing Director at Actors Theatre of Louisville from 1969-2000, where he founded the Humana Festival of New American Plays. He has directed on and Off-Broadway and at many regional theatres and is currently Professor of Acting and Directing at University of Washington. Jon has directed internationally in nine countries and is the recipient
- [Scottsdale Daily Progress Theater Topics](https://phoenixtheaterhistory.com/news-from-the-wings/scottsdale-daily-progress-theater-topics/) - Theater Topics Column from the Scottsdale Daily Progress Dec. 2, 1971 A number of Valley theater greats are mentioned here, including David Vining, Janice Robillard, Barbara McGrath, Gordon Giles, Martha Welty, Diane Smollen, Dick Elmer, Christy Welty, Ron Newcomer, Roland Hartley, Ellen Benton and Mary Anne Busey.

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