Opening Nights | May 2017

By Staff, May 2017 Web Exclusive.

Oliver!

April 28-May 21

“You’ve got to pick a pocket, or two.” Follow young, orphaned Oliver Twist on a wild adventure through Victorian England as he navigates London’s sinister underworld, searching for a home, a family, and – most importantly – for love. With such spirited, timeless songs as “As Long as He Needs Me,” “Where is Love?” and “Food, Glorious Food,” Oliver! is a musical delight!

Oliver!

April 28-May 21

Arizona Broadway Theatre

7701 W. Paradise Lane, Peoria

Tickets: $52-67; 623-776-8400

azbroadway.org

The Things We Do

May 5-7

Bill falls for Sarah who, besides thinking that Bill is Freddy, happens to be married to Ted. Ted might be a good match for Alice, who happens to be married to Bill. When everything in life is changing, the things we do can complicate matters and make life a little crazy. The Things We Do, by Grant Woods, is a staged reading and a part of the Caleb Reese Festival of New Plays and Musicals.

The Things We Do

May 5-7

Phoenix Theatre

100 E McDowell Road, Phoenix

Tickets: $10; 602-254-2151

phoenixtheatre.com

It’s A Musical World: The Emoptional Reverie From Leslie Bricusse & Anthony Newly

May 12-2

This cabaret-style musical features the music of Leslie Bricusse and Anthony Newley, including such songs as "What kind of Fool am I," "Candy Man" and "Gonna Build a Mountain." Directed by Mary Robinson with Tony Robinson as musical director, the show features the talents of Studio members Sydney Davisand Marcia Weinberg, with guest artists Robert Altizer and Ned Peterson.

It’s A Musical World

May 12-28

Theatre Artists Studio

4848 E. Cactus Road, Scottsdale

Tickets: $15-25; 602-765-0120

thestudiophx.org

The Book of Mormon

May 18-28

Returning by popular demand, The New York Times calls it "the best musical of the century." The Washington Post says, "It is the kind of evening that restores your faith in musicals." And Entertainment Weekly says, "Grade A: the funniest musical of all time." Jimmy Fallon of The Tonight Show calls it "Genius. Brilliant. Phenomenal."

The outrageous musical comedy, and nine-time Tony Award-winning Best Musical, follows the misadventures of a mismatched pair of missionaries, sent halfway across the world to spread the Good Word. Now with standing room only productions in London, on Broadway and across North America, The Book Of Mormon has truly become an international sensation.

The Book of mormon

May 18-28

ASU Gammage

1200 S Forest Ave, Tempe

Tickets: $30-$288; 480- 965-3434

asugammage.com

Animal

May 18-20

Created by Lisa Starry, Scorpius Dance Theatre director, this brand new production was inspired by her love of animals and her passion for their wellbeing. The show explores the relationship that people have with animals, as well as the social interactions, physicality and movement of animals. The dancers of Scorpius will use their athleticism and grace to emulate the motion of creatures – domestic pets, wild mammals and exotic birds – throughout the overall a lighthearted and entertaining show.

Additionally, Starry is taking this opportunity to provide more awareness and support for the humane and ethical treatment of animals in our community and globally. For every ticket sold for Scorpius' final show of the 2016-2017 season, $1 will be donated to help support a local nonprofit animal assistance organization (organization names TBA).

Animal

May 18-20

Scorpius Dance Theatre

Phoenix Theatre’s Hormel Theatre

100 E. McDowell Rd, Phoenix

Tickets: $26-31; 602-254-2151

scorpiusdance.com

Stomp

April 28-29

Stomp is an explosive, provocative, sophisticated, sexy, utterly unique party,  hosted by eight different and compelling personalities ranging from intense and ferocious to deadpan and sarcastic, that appeals to audiences of all ages. The international percussion sensation has garnered an armful of awards and rave reviews, and has appeared on numerous national television shows. The eight-member troupe uses everything but conventional percussion instruments – matchboxes, wooden poles, brooms, garbage cans, Zippo lighters, hubcaps – to fill the stage with magnificent rhythms. As USA Today says, “Stomp finds beautiful noises in the strangest places.”

Stomp

April 28-29

Theater League

Orpheum Theatre

203 W. Adams St., Phoenix

Tickets: $40.25-$70.25; 602-262-7272

theaterleague.com/phoenix