Musical Theatre of Anthem Announces 2015-16 Season  

Anthem, Ariz., April 12, 2015 – Musical Theatre of Anthem (MTA) is proud to announce their 2015-2016 season, with an exciting line-up of award-winning musicals.  MTA will produce eight shows offering tremendous opportunities for performers of all ages, including no-cut productions for performers ages 6-19.  “I am thrilled about our exciting eighth season which includes the poetic work of the great Kate DiCamillo,  the perseverance and humor of Legally Blonde Jr. and Shrek Jr., and beloved Disney favorites,” said Jackie Hammond, MTA’s Producing Artistic Director.  “There is something for everyone in this incredible season that is sure to delight audience members and provide cast members learning experiences that they will never forget!”

MTA’s 2015-16 Season:

Shrek The Musical JR.
No-cut production for ages 6-18
Auditions August 15-16, 2015
Show Dates September 24-October 4, 2015  

It's a "big bright beautiful world" for everyone's favorite ogre in Shrek The Musical JR., based on the Oscar-winning DreamWorks Animation film. In a faraway kingdom, the green ogre Shrek finds his swamp invaded by banished fairytale misfits cast off by Lord Farquaad. When Shrek sets off with a wise-cracking donkey to confront Farquaad, he's handed a task - if he rescues feisty Princess Fiona from the Dragon-guarded tower, his swamp will be returned to him. But, a fairy tale wouldn't be complete without unexpected twists and turns along the way. Part romance and part twisted fairy tale, Shrek JR. is an irreverently fun show for the whole family

The Miraculous Journey of Edward Tulane
Play with music for ages 13-adult (no-cut for ages 13-19)

Auditions October 10-11, 2015                                                            
Show Dates November 12-15, 2015

Edward Tulane is a china rabbit given to a ten-year-old girl named Abilene by her grandmother in the 1930s. He enjoys a pleasant but vain life with his young mistress, who treats him with the utmost love and respect, until an unfortunate incident finds him falling overboard while vacationing on the RMS Queen Mary. Edward's journeys not only take him far from home, but even farther from the selfish rabbit he once was.

Annie JR.
No-cut production for ages 6-14
Auditions October 17-18, 2015
Show Dates December 3-13, 2015

Based on the popular comic strip, Annie JR. tells of a spunky Depression-era orphan determined to find her parents, who abandoned her years ago on the doorstep of a New York City Orphanage run by the cruel Miss Hannigan. In adventure after fun-filled adventure, Annie foils Miss Hannigan's evil machinations, befriends President Franklin Roosevelt and finds a new family in billionaire Oliver Warbucks, his personal secretary Grace Farrell and a lovable mutt named Sandy. The bright, tuneful score is filled with familiar numbers like "It's the Hard Knock Life" and "Tomorrow."

Junie B. Jones, The Musical
No-cut production for ages 6-13
Auditions January 9-10, 2016
Show Dates February 18-28, 2016

Created by Marcy Heisler and Zina Goldrich, the team that brought you Dear Edwina, comes Junie B. Jones, The Musical - a delightful adaptation of four of Barbara Park's best-selling books brought to life in a genuinely comical, and not strictly-for-kids musical. Its Junie B.’s first day of first grade and a lot of things have changed for her: Junie’s friend Lucille doesn’t want to be her best pal anymore, and on the bus, Junie B. makes friends with Herb, the new kid at school. Also, Junie has trouble reading the blackboard and her teacher Mr. Scary thinks she may need glasses. Throw in a friendly cafeteria lady, a kickball tournament and a "Top-Secret Personal Beeswax Journal", and first grade has never been more exciting.

Legally Blonde JR.
No-cut production for ages 14-18
Auditions January 9-10, 2016
Show Dates March 3-6, 2016

A fabulously fun international award-winning musical based on the adored movie, Legally Blonde JR., follows the transformation of Elle Woods as she tackles stereotypes, snobbery, and scandal in pursuit of her dreams. Based on the popular movie, this show features an upbeat original score that's sure to leave cast members and audiences alike seeing pink!

Disney's Mary Poppins
Ages 11-adult (no-cut for ages 11-19)
Auditions March 12-13, 2016
Show Dates April 28-May 8, 2016

One of the most popular Disney movies of all time is capturing hearts in a whole new way: as a practically perfect musical! The jack-of-all trades, Bert, introduces us to England in 1910 and the troubled Banks family. Young Jane and Michael have sent many a nanny packing before Mary Poppins arrives on their doorstep. Using a combination of magic and common sense, she must teach the family how to value each other again. Mary Poppins takes the children on many magical and memorable adventures, but Jane and Michael aren't the only ones she has a profound effect upon. Even grown-ups can learn a lesson or two from the nanny who advises that "Anything can happen if you let it."

Disney's 101 Dalmatians KIDS
No-cut production for ages 6-10
Auditions March 12-13, 2016
Show Dates May 12-22, 2016

Based on the classic animated film, Disney’s 101 Dalmatian KIDS is a fur-raising adventure featuring Cruella De Vil, Disney's most outrageous villain, and 101 of the most adorable heroes to set their paws onstage. Artistically-inclined pet owners Robert and Anita live happily in London with Dalmatian parents Pongo and Perdita, stalwart dogs devoted to raising their puppies. Everything is quiet until the monstrous Cruella De Vil, Anita's former classmate, plots to steal the puppies for her new fur coat! Join all the dogs of London as they daringly rescue the puppies from Cruella and her bumbling henchmen.

Disney's My Son Pinocchio JR.
No-cut production for ages 9-14
Auditions June 6, 2016
Show Dates June 16-19, 2016

This new musical, which retells the classic Disney story from Geppetto’s perspective, features the beloved classic songs “When You Wish Upon a Star” and “I’ve Got No Strings,” alongside a host of new songs by Oscar- and Grammy Award-winner and master melodist Stephen Schwartz, tackling timely issues about what it means to be “the perfect child” – and what it means to be “a real father.”  

In addition to the eight shows next season, MTA will continue to offer audition preparation workshops, tap, vocal, and acting classes, and a full summer program.  MTA also offers MTA Minis, six week sessions for ages 3-5 with themes such as Disney and Broadway. For more information about MTA’s upcoming events including auditions, workshops, and performances, please visit www.musicaltheatreofanthem.org.  

All shows take place at MTA’s theatre at 42323 N. Vision Way, Anthem, AZ  85086.  Reserved seating tickets may be purchased online at www.musicaltheatreofanthem.org.  Adult tickets are $19 and Students, Seniors and Children 12 and under are $16.  

About MTA

Musical Theatre of Anthem (MTA) is an award-winning, non-profit theater company located in Anthem, Arizona.  The mission of MTA is to develop youth and adults within the field of performing arts while enhancing their intrinsic creativity and brokering their vast talents.  MTA trains and educates youth so that they can become the artists, patrons, and leaders of tomorrow while providing opportunities to adults that empower them and foster their creativity.  MTA’s principles include casting all who audition in select productions, presenting high quality shows that everyone can enjoy, and providing a positive environment where performers can practice teamwork and communication skills while experiencing the pride of accomplishment.   Supported in part by the Arizona Commission on the Arts which receives support from the State of Arizona and the National Endowment for the Arts.