Opening Nights | May 2016

By Richard Schultz, May 2016 Issue.

The Ghosts of Lote Bravo

In Juárez, Mexico, the most violent city in the world, Juanda’s daughter goes missing from the sweatshop in which they both work. When the crooked policia refuse to help, Juanda’s only hope is to ask the dark saint, La Santa Muerte, to guide her. Juanda charges through dreams and visions and must risk everything if she ever hopes to see her daughter again. Written by Hilary Bettis, this production is part of the National Showcase of New Plays rolling world premiere, which is the country’s alliance of nonprofit theaters that champions the development, production and continued life of new plays.

The Ghosts of Lote Bravo

Through May 1

Temple of Music and Art Cabaret Theater

330 S. Scott Ave., Tucson

Tickets: $12-$22.50; 520-882-7406

borderlandstheater.org

The All Night Strut!

This classy and sassy musical extravaganza, filled with jazz, blues, bebop and American songbook standards, celebrates the American experience through the Great Depression, World War II and the post-war boom. The story moves through time and place to highlight a slick slice of yesteryear and capture a beloved American era. Directed and choreographed by Michael Jenkinson, this lively production weaves together the work of legendary songwriters such as Hoagy Carmichael, Frank Loesser, Duke Ellington, Johnny Mercer, Cab Calloway and the Gershwins and features performances by a cast of Valley favorites, including Trisha Ditsworth, Brittney Mack, Christopher George Patterson and Toby Yatso.

The All Night Strut!

Through May 1

Phoenix Theatre

100 E. McDowell Road, Phoenix

Tickets: $36-$81; 602-254-2151

phoenixtheatre.com

I Ought To Be in Pictures

Herb Tucker is a struggling Hollywood screenwriter suffering from writer’s block. To make matters worse, his forgotten past just showed up on his doorstep in the form of Libby, the teenage daughter he abandoned (along with her mother and brother) 16 years earlier. Libby is a wisecracking, resourceful, 19-year-old who has come to Hollywood to act. Convinced he can jump-start her career, Libby expects Herb to help because he “owes her.” Dispensing guilt and demanding love, Libby forces Herb to deal with being a parent and come to terms with his on-again/off-again adoring girlfriend, Steffy, as well. Poignant and amusing, Neil Simon paints wonderfully dysfunctional family relationships with hilarity, honesty and heart.

I Ought To Be in Pictures

April 19-May 1

Invisible Theatre

1400 N. First Ave., Tucson

Tickets: $20-$30; 520-882-9721

invisibletheatre.com

The Best Little Whorehouse in Texas

It’s the late 1970s and the town of Gilbert, Texas, has just been put on the map when a crusading television reporter aims his camera at a favorite local “destination” known as The Chicken Ranch, frequented by governors, senators, mayors and even victorious college football teams for more than a century. The town is now faced with recounting the good times as they struggle with the demise of their best pleasure palace. Made famous by the Burt Reynolds and Dolly Parton film, this bawdy country western musical packs a wallop of laughs and, along with its legendary title hit, features such songs as “Girl, You’re A Woman,” “Twenty Four Hours of Lovin’,” “Hard Candy Christmas” and “No Lies.”

The Best Little Whorehouse in Texas

Through May 8

Arizona Broadway Theatre

7701 W. Paradise Lane, Peoria

Tickets: $51.50-$76; 623-776-8400

azbroadway.org

Annie

The world’s best-loved musical returns with its story of little orphan Annie who is taken from her orphanage, and the clutches of evil Miss Hannigan, to stay at billionaire Oliver Warbucks’ mansion for the holidays. When Annie wins the hearts of Warbucks and his staff, they set out on an epic mission to find Annie’s parents. Meanwhile, Miss Hannigan – in partnership with her brother, Rooster, and his girlfriend, Lily – attempt to make some money out of this unique situation. Directed by original lyricist and director Martin Charnin and choreographed by Liza Gennaro, this production will be a brand-new incarnation of the iconic original and promises such unforgettable songs as “It’s the Hard Knock Life,” “Easy Street,” “I Don’t Need Anything But You” and, the eternal anthem of optimism, “Tomorrow.”

Annie

May 4-8

ASU Gammage

1200 S. Forest Ave., Tempe

Tickets: $25-$75; 480-965-3434

asugammage.com

9 to 5 The Musical

Based on the seminal 1980 hit movie, with music and lyrics by Dolly Parton, and book by Patricia Resnick, this high-energy show is set in the late ’70s with a hilarious story of friendship and revenge in the Rolodex era. Pushed to the boiling point, three female co-workers concoct a plan to get even with the sexist, egotistical, lying, hypocritical bigot they call their boss. In a hilarious turn of events, Violet, Judy and Doralee live out their wildest fantasy: giving their boss the boot! While Hart remains “otherwise engaged,” the women give their workplace a dream makeover and take control of the company that had always kept them down. Hey, a girl can scheme, can’t she?

9 to 5 The Musical

Through May 8

Desert Stages Theatre

4720 N. Scottsdale Road, Scottsdale

Tickets: $25; 480-483-1664

desertstages.org