Theater Works’ 30^th Season

Single Tickets Go On Sale July 15^th  

Peoria, Arizona (June 12, 2015) Theater Works at Peoria Center for the Performing Arts will open individual sales for its 30^th Season in July.  Season 30 promises an exciting line-up that audiences will not want to miss.  Season Subscriptions are currently on sale along with Memberships and Flex Passes.  Single performance tickets will go on sale to the public on Wednesday, July 15, 2015.  

“This past season saw some of the greatest successes in Theater Works history,” says Executive Director, Dan Schay.  “The production of Follies shattered all our box office records, while works as diverse as the premiere of Shifting Gears, the American classic One Flew Over The Cuckoo’s Nest and I Get A Kick Out Of Cole were all hits with our audiences.”  

“Our 30th Season promises to be even better and there are a variety of ways our patrons can purchase tickets,” continues Schay.  “Season Subscriptions are, as always, the way our patrons can insure that they get the seat, time and date they desire.  Flex Passes are still available for those who want to craft their own season.  Memberships give 20% to 30% discounts on most performances at the Center and can be applied to single ticket purchases.”  

Theater Works 30^th Season opens on September 11^th with the YouthWorks production of Rudyard Kipling’s The Jungle Book.  Based on short stories about Mowgli, an orphaned man-cub, who escapes death by Shere Khan, these stories are timeless and good for any century emphasizing such noble qualities as: loyalty, honor, courage, tradition, integrity and persistence.   

“YouthWorks is known for presenting classic stories in new and imaginative theatrical styles,” says Director of Education and Outreach, Chris Hamby.  “We hope to spark our audience’s imagination by presenting The Jungle Book in a unique style that has never been seen before.”  

This production is rooted in classic Kipling fashion,” continues Hamby.  “It will incorporate traditional Indian puppetry and dance.  The jungle will come to life through movement, intriguing lighting and a colorful imaginative set.”  The Jungle Book will be on stage September 11–27, 2015.  

The MasterWorks Season opens on October 9^th with one of the greatest American musicals of all times.  Man of La Mancha is the remarkable, poignant and moving story about the "mad" Spanish knight Don Quixote and his "Impossible Dream" of honor, justice and love.  Premiering on Broadway in 1965, this iconic production won 5 Tony Awards and Theater Works takes great pride in being given the opportunity to honor its 50th Anniversary.  Man of La Mancha will be on stage October 9–25, 2015.  

Next, love is lost, found and confounded in the town of Almost, Maine, a town that is so far north, that it’s almost not in the United States - in fact it almost doesn’t exist.  Written by John Cariani, this good-natured play takes place on a cold clear, magical Friday night, in the middle of winter.  As the northern lights glow above, Almost’s townspeople find themselves falling in and out of love in the strangest ways.  Almost, Maine opens on Friday, October 30 and will be on stage through Sunday, November 15, 2015.  

November 6^th – 22^nd, YouthWorks presents The Secret Garden, the winner of multiple Tony Awards, this enchanting musical is based on the 1911 novel by Frances Hodgson Burnett about Mary Lennox, an English girl born and raised in the British Raj.  Orphaned at age 11, she is sent back to England to live on a large estate with her embittered, reclusive uncle and his invalid son.  There she discovers many wonders including an enchanted garden, which beckons the children with haunting melodies dramatizing its compelling tale of forgiveness and renewal.  

Rounding out 2015 is the new holiday favorite The Quiltmakers Gift, a charming musical play about a greedy king and a generous quilt maker who teaches him that ‘the giving is the gift’.  This production is based on a beloved book and is truly intended for all ages. Simultaneously sophisticated and childlike, it celebrates the true value of generosity and spirit of community…a message that is perfect for the Christmas season.  The Quiltmakers Gift will be on stage December 4 – 20, 2015.  

The New Year opens with the wacky musical/comedy I Love You, You’re Perfect, Now Change!  Celebrating the mating game and the “happily ever after,” this musical is all about the contemporary conundrum known as “the relationship”… from dating and waiting, to love and marriage, to the agonies of in-laws, newborns and trips in the family car – this is a hilarious tribute to all who have loved and lost and still dare to ask, “Say, what are you doing Saturday night?”  I Love You, You’re Perfect, Now Change! opens on Friday, January 22 and will be on stage through Sunday, February 7, 2016.  

On February 19^th the creative team from the triumphant productions of Follies and Ragtime returns to direct City Of Angels, a multi Tony award–winning musical that chronicles the misadventures of a disillusioned writer and his screenplay.  Is it the movie detective who is forever haunted by the one who got away – or is it his author?  Set in glamorous, seductive 1940’s Hollywood, the world of film studios and alluring women, this musical comedy boasts a swinging jazz score that brings the clash of silver screen fantasy and Hollywood reality to vivid life.  City of Angels will be on stage through Sunday, March 6, 2016.  

Charlotte’s Web spins onto the stage March 4^th as YouthWorks presents the fun and timeless story about Wilber, an endearing piglet, in grave danger of becoming bacon.  His mysterious friend Charlotte, the wise and winsome spider, takes charge and demonstrates the true meaning friendship.  Charlotte’s Web will be on stage March 4 – 20, 2016.  

MasterWorks rounds out the season with Vanya and Sonya and Misha and Spike, a Broadway sensation full of comic twists and turns.  Winner of the 2013 Tony Award for Best Play, this is a comedy about adult sibling rivalry like no other.  Brother and sister, Vanya and Sonia have frittered their lives away in their family’s farmhouse, full of regret, angst and the alarmingly ambiguous prophecies of their housekeeper.  Enter sister number two, Masha, a self-absorbed movie star and her ditsy, gorgeous, boy-toy, Spike, and the stage is set for an absurd weekend of hilarity and global warming.  Vanya and Sonya and Misha and Spike runs April 8 – 24, 2016.  

YouthWorks closes the Season with the world premiere of Twlight’s Quest, an original fantasy musical written by Theater Works’ very own Director of Education and Outreach, Chris Hamby.  “It’s about a youthful girl named Twilight who ventures into a strange land to solve a mysterious riddle,” says Hamby.  “She encounters all kinds of mystical creatures – fairies, mermaids, gypsies and pirates. Just imagine if the Wizard of OZ met Peter Pan.”  Twlight’s Quest will be on stage May 6 – 22, 2016.  

Theater Works offers a special thanks to its Season Sponsor Judith Hardes and its many other supporters that keep the performing arts active in the West Valley.  

Single performance tickets for Theater Works 30^th Season will go on sale to the public on Wednesday, July 15, 2015.  Masterworks regular priced tickets are $36 and YouthWorks regular priced tickets are $15 each, both prices include fees.  Memberships offer substantial discounts on these prices.  For more information or to buy tickets, call the Theater Works Box Office at 623.815.7930 Monday - Friday 10am to 4pm or visit www.theaterworks.org.  

Theater Works, at Peoria Center for the Performing Arts is entering its 30th season of providing exceptional theater to the West Valley.  As a destination, it features more then 200 events a year including: live theater, classical concerts, jazz, popular music, dance, comedy, cultural events, festivals, youth and adult education classes and much more.  Theater Works is a non-profit 501(c)(3) organization.  For more information, call the box office at 623.815.7930 or visit www.theaterworks.org.