Mesa Theatre + Broadway News

WORD BECOMES FLESH Plays Mesa Arts Center, 3/8-9

(3/8/2013) - The Mesa Arts Center presents Word Becomes Flesh, a show about the thoughts and fears of African American men as they each await the birth of their first child using spoken word, dance and live music. The show runs tonight, March 8 at 7:30 p.m. and Saturday, March 9 at 2 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. Both shows will be in the Nesbitt Elliott Playhouse.

Regional Opera Company of the Week: Arizona Opera

(3/7/2013) - Arizona Opera was originally known as Tucson Opera Company and founded in 1971 by a group of opera enthusiasts. The inaugural season was two performances of The Barber of Seville by Rossini in Tucson but by the 1976-77 season the company was performing their complete seasons in both Tucson and Phoenix. Now in the 42nd season, the company produces five grand operas throughout the state each season and is one of the only companies in the US that performs in two cities.

Now Playing Onstage in Mesa - Week of 3/03/2013

(3/3/2013) - Upcoming Shows - Week of 3/03/2013 for Mesa

Historic Announcement for BroadwayWorld.com - Selected for Inclusion in the Library of Congress Web Archives for Performing Arts

(3/1/2013) - BroadwayWorld.com is thrilled to have been asked to be included in the United States Library of Congress as part of their Official Performing Arts Historical Web Archives.

MCC's Act I Musical Productions Presents THE PIRATES OF PENZANCE, Now thru 3/9

(2/28/2013) - Mesa Community College's Act I Musical Productions presents The Pirates of Penzance, opening tonight, February 28th in Mesa, AZ in the newly renovated MCC Theatre, featuring a student cast and a mentor/guest-artist cast featuring Music Department Chair, SueAnne Lucius in the role of 'Ruth,' Katherine Stewart, Artistic Director of Desert Rose Theatre as 'Mabel,' and other members of our music faculty and alumni. THE PIRATES OF PENZANCE features Book by W.S. Gilbert and music by Arthur Sullivan.

WORD BECOMES FLESH to Play Mesa Arts Center, 3/8-9

(2/26/2013) - The Mesa Arts Center presents Word Becomes Flesh, a show about the thoughts and fears of African American men as they each await the birth of their first child using spoken word, dance and live music. The show runs Friday, March 8 at 7:30 p.m. and Saturday, March 9 at 2 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. Both shows will be in the Nesbitt Elliott Playhouse.

Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra with Wynton Marsalis Comes to Mesa, 3/8

(2/26/2013) - With The National Endowment for the arts; the Mesa Arts Center is proud to present Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra with Wynton Marsalis on Friday, March 8 at 8 p.m. in the Ikeda Theater; sponsored by The Boeing Company. Mesa Arts Center continues to build its partnership with the Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra, which comprises of 15 of the finest soloists and ensemble players today. Tickets are available through the Mesa Arts Center Box Office at MesaArtsCenter.com or by calling 480-644-6500.

Mesa Arts Center Welcomes Broadway Star Elaine Paige Tonight

(2/26/2013) - The Mesa Arts Center welcomes Elaine Paige, an actress, recording artist, producer, broadcaster, and major veteran of Broadway tonight, February 26 at 7:30 p.m. in the Piper Repertory Theater. Best known for her award-winning performance as Eva Peron in Evita, she has starred in multiple West End productions including Cats, where she originated the role of Grizabella.

Now Playing Onstage in Mesa - Week of 2/24/2013

(2/24/2013) - Upcoming Shows - Week of 2/24/2013 for Mesa

SPARK! Festival of Creativity Set for Mesa Arts Center, 3/13-17

(2/21/2013) - spark! Mesa's Festival of Creativity is a free, five day event offering food, music, fun interactive experiences for the whole family, all providing an immersive environment to celebrate the work of amazing, creative people. The festival will take place at the Mesa Arts Center (MAC) during Spring Break, from Wednesday, March 13 through Sunday, March 17, running from noon-9pm Wednesday-Saturday, and noon-7pm on Sunday.

POTTED POTTER Casts Spell Over Mesa Arts Center, Now thru 2/24

(2/21/2013) - Once the character of Harry Potter had been brought to life by J.K. Rowling, the story was everywhere. America's obsession with the fictional Harry Potter series is undeniable and thus the creation of a fantastic 70 minute parody was inevitable. Potted Potter, The Unauthorized Harry Experience- A Parody by Dan and Jeff comes to Mesa Arts Center from tonight, February 21 through February 24, 2013

Barbara Cook Postpones Concert Due to Illness

(2/20/2013) - Due to illness, Barbara Cook has postponed her upcoming concert with UApresents.

NPR's FROM THE TOP with Host Christopher O'Riley Comes to Mesa Arts Center Tonight

(2/19/2013) - From the Top, the preeminent showcase for young musicians heard weekly on KBAQ 89.5, Your Classical Companion, comes to Mesa Arts Center to tape a radio broadcast tonight, February 19 at 7:30 PM. The popular NPR program hosted by acclaimed pianist Christopher O'Riley will feature the amazing performances and captivating personal stories of extraordinary young classical musicians from across the country. This episode will be presented by Mesa Arts Center.

Now Playing Onstage in Mesa - Week of 2/17/2013

(2/17/2013) - Upcoming Shows - Week of 2/17/2013 for Mesa

MENOPAUSE: THE MUSICAL Comes to Mesa Arts Center, 3/5-17

(2/15/2013) - The Mesa Arts Center will be hosting Menopause: The Musical National Tour beginning on March 5 and running through March 17, 2013 in the Piper Repertory Theater. Tickets are available through the Mesa Arts Center Box Office at MesaArtsCenter.com or by calling 480-644-6500.

Hale Theatre Presents SOUTH PACIFIC, Now thru 3/30

(2/14/2013) - Set on a tropical island during World War II, South Pacific tells the sweeping romantic story of two parallel couples who are threatened by the dangers of racial prejudice and war. This enchanting musical comes to life on the Hale Theatre stage in Gilbert tonight, February 14th through March 30th.

East Valley Children's Theatre Opens THE BLUEBIRD PRINCE Today

(2/14/2013) - East Valley Children's Theatre presents The Bluebird Prince by Evan Guilford-Blake, winner of EVCT's 2012 Playwriting Contest, today, February 14-24 at the Nesbitt/Elliott Playhouse at Mesa Arts Center (1 E. Main St. Mesa, Arizona).

Photo Flash: Notre Dame Prep High Presents LES MISERABLES; Runs Thru 2/16

(2/13/2013) - The production of LES MISERABLES at Notre Dame Preparatory High School in Scottsdale, AZ, has been running since February 1 to critical acclaim. Playing to sold-out audiences, the school has added an additional show on Friday, February 15. LES MISERABLES will next play Friday and Saturday February 15 & 16 in the NDP Andrew L. Eldridge Family Auditorium. Scroll below to see production photos!

Now Playing Onstage in Mesa - Week of 2/10/2013

(2/10/2013) - Upcoming Shows - Week of 2/10/2013 for Mesa

SMTC Presents THOROUGHLY MODERN MILLIE, Opening 5/9

(2/5/2013) - Continuing its tradition of bringing Broadway's favorites back to life, SMTC has announced their next production, the tap dancing musical sensation Thoroughly Modern Millie, for a special engagement. Performances will take place at the intimate 300-seat Dorrance Auditorium on the beautiful campus at Phoenix Country Day School in Paradise Valley. All SMTC shows feature the best on-stage talent in the valley and a live 20 piece orchestra.

Theatre Artists Studio Opens MAPLE AND VINE, 3/1

(2/5/2013) - Fed up with their stress-filled and time challenged lives, a couple decides to leave modern society behind and join a 1950s re-enactment community. Can they escape the tension and problems of the present and find peace and happiness in the past, or will they discover this "simpler time and place" isn't so simple after all? Join us on the corner of Maple & Vine, where The Twilight Zone meets Ozzie and Harriet, and find out!

East Valley Children's Theatre to Open THE BLUEBIRD PRINCE, 2/14

(2/4/2013) - East Valley Children's Theatre presents The Bluebird Prince by Evan Guilford-Blake, winner of EVCT's 2012 Playwriting Contest, February 14-24 at the Nesbitt/Elliott Playhouse at Mesa Arts Center (1 E. Main St. Mesa, Arizona).

Now Playing Onstage in Mesa - Week of 2/03/2013

(2/3/2013) - Upcoming Shows - Week of 2/03/2013 for Mesa

AN EVENING OF MUSICAL MAGIC Fundraiser Supports Children's Arts Education at Mesa Arts Center Tonight

(2/2/2013) - Join Mesa Mayor Scott Smith and other community dignitaries at the Mesa Arts Center Foundation's premier fundraising gala supporting children's arts education programs at Mesa Arts Center.

LOVE STINKS PUPPET SLAM, THREE LITTLE KITTENS and CANYON CONDOR Come to Great AZ Puppet Theater, Feb-March 2013

(2/1/2013) - Great Arizona Puppet Theater has announced its upcoming shows running February through March 2013, including Love Stinks Puppet Slam, Three Little Kittens and Canyon Condor

Tony and Emmy Award-Winner Mandy Patinkin Returns to Scottsdale, 2/1-2

(2/1/2013) - Broadway's master song man, Mandy Patinkin, accompanied by Paul Ford on piano, will bring his critically acclaimed theater concert to Scottsdale Center for the Performing Arts tonight and Saturday, Feb. 1-2, at 8 p.m.

POTTED POTTER to Cast Spell Over Mesa Arts Center, 2/21-24

(1/31/2013) - Once the character of Harry Potter had been brought to life by J.K. Rowling, the story was everywhere. America's obsession with the fictional Harry Potter series is undeniable and thus the creation of a fantastic 70 minute parody was inevitable. Potted Potter, The Unauthorized Harry Experience- A Parody by Dan and Jeff comes to Mesa Arts Center from February 21 through February 24, 2013.

NPR's FROM THE TOP with Host Christopher O'Riley Comes to Mesa Arts Center, 2/19

(1/30/2013) - From the Top, the preeminent showcase for young musicians heard weekly on KBAQ 89.5, Your Classical Companion, comes to Mesa Arts Center to tape a radio broadcast on February 19 at 7:30 PM. The popular NPR program hosted by acclaimed pianist Christopher O'Riley will feature the amazing performances and captivating personal stories of extraordinary young classical musicians from across the country. This episode will be presented by Mesa Arts Center.

Photo Flash: First Look at Mesa Encore Theatre's NEXT TO NORMAL

(1/29/2013) - Mesa Encore Theatre presents its fourth show of the 76th season with the acclaimed Pulitzer Prize winning musical NEXT TO NORMAL at the Mesa Arts Center, running now through February 3, 2013. BroadwayWorld has a first look at the show in the photos below!

Now Playing Onstage in Mesa - Week of 1/27/2013

(1/27/2013) - Upcoming Shows - Week of 1/27/2013 for Mesa

Michael Learned and Richard Thomas Reunite in CONFIDENTIALLY, CHAIKOVSKI Today

(1/27/2013) - The Berger Performing Arts Center presents CONFIDENTIALLY, CHAIKOVSKI, written by Harry Clark and directed by Troy Hollar. This production, starring Michael Learned (The Sisters Rosensweig, The Outgoing Tide) and Richard Thomas (Enemy of the People, Race), theatrically reunites the famous TV mother and son for the first time since The Waltons.

Mesa Encore Theater Stages NEXT TO NORMAL at Mesa Arts Center, Now thru 2/3

(1/25/2013) - Mesa Encore Theatre announces the fourth show of their 76th season with the acclaimed Pulitzer Prize winning musical NEXT TO NORMAL at the Mesa Arts Center, tonight, January 25 - February 3, 2013.

Theater Works Presents BURNING IN THE NIGHT, Now thru 2/24

(1/25/2013) - Theater Works - Peoria Center for the Performing Arts Resident Theatre Company will present the dramatic stories of a real-life legendary hobo in Dale Wasserman's Burning in the Night: A Hobo's Song opening tonight, January 25, 2013 and playing through February 24, 2013.

STAGE TUBE: Behind the Scenes with Mesa Encore Theatre's NEXT TO NORMAL

(1/21/2013) - Mesa Encore Theatre's fourth show of its 76th season is the acclaimed, Pulitzer Prize-winning musical NEXT TO NORMAL, presented at the Mesa Arts Center, January 25 - February 3, 2013. Go backstage with the cast and creative team in the video below!

Now Playing Onstage in Mesa - Week of 1/20/2013

(1/20/2013) - Upcoming Shows - Week of 1/20/2013 for Mesa

Ira Glass' REINVENTING RADIO Appears at Scottsdale Center for the Performing Arts Tonight

(1/19/2013) - Scottsdale Center for the Performing Arts will present Reinventing Radio: An Evening with Ira Glass tonight, Jan. 19, at 8 p.m. Tickets are available for $49, $59 or $69 through www.ScottsdalePerformingArts.org or (480) 499-TKTS (8587).

Hal Holbrook Brings MARK TWAIN TONIGHT to Mesa Arts Center, 2/9

(1/18/2013) - Hal Holbrook, an Emmy and Tony Award winning actor, comes to the Mesa Arts Center on Saturday, February 9 at 8:00 p.m. to perform Mark Twain Tonight in the Ikeda Theater. Hal Holbrook's performance as Mark Twain garnered him a Tony Award and was responsible for his first ten Emmy Award nominations. Tickets are available through the Mesa Arts Center Box Office at MesaArtsCenter.com or by calling 480-644-6500.

Theater Artists Studio Presents OVER THE RIVER AND THROUGH THE WOODS, Now thru 2/3

(1/18/2013) - Two sets of loving (and overbearing) Italian-American grandparents are determined to keep their grandson, Nick, from moving to Seattle for a job promotion. Each elaborate and hysterical scheme they concoct makes Nick's decision more complicated and comical. With hilarious observations of the old world and the new, Over the River captures the love and laughter of family, generation and change through the simple values of hard work, abundant food and "Tengo Famiglia" - The Family!

GOOD LOVELIES Comes to Mesa Arts Center Tonight

(1/16/2013) - Good Lovelies grace the stage with their sassy, sunny, and upbeat music and banter tonight, Jan. 16 at 7:30 p.m. in the Nesbitt/Elliott Playhouse. They have brought new life to folk music since their debut in 2006 with their three-part harmonies, constant instrument swapping, and witty on-stage repartee.

STAGE TUBE: Preview Hale Theatre's THE HIT, Running thru Feb 9

(1/15/2013) - A musty antique shop is not a place you'd expect to find wacky comedic patrons, romance, and an attempted assassination. But maybe it makes more sense if the hired hit man is a bumbling, conflicted first-timer, who is actually a hit woman. That's the premise of the romantic comedy, 'The Hit,' receiving its Arizona debut at Hale Center Theater, now through February 9th. Watch a video preview of the show below!