iTheatre News
Essential Theatre Brings Playback Theatre
In May, don't go back to the future. Go back to the past with a local improv group.
Playback Theatre, an innovative, improvisational performance in which members of the audience tell stories from their lives and then watch the stories brought to artistic life by the ensemble of actors and musicians. Weaving improvised scenes with music, movement, and metaphor, Playback Theatre performances reflect the diversity of human experience and celebrate our common humanity. Every performance is different, and any story from your life is welcome — or just sit back and enjoy others’ stories! In honor of Mother’s Day, for our Sunday, May 14 performance, stories honoring mothers and motherhood will be invited!
Hughie is a Eugene O'Neill Treat
A play by one of the classic playwrights is coming to iTheatre in March.
Erie Smith, a small-time gambler, wanders home to a seedy New York hotel fresh from a grief-stricken bout of drinking: Hughie was the night clerk and once-captive audience for Erie’s tall tales whenever he arrived, but Hughie is dead. Erie had always considered Hughie his good luck charm. With Hughie's death, Erie’s luck has changed for the worse, and he finds himself in dire straits. Then, Erie meets the new night clerk, who reminds him enough of Hughie that he takes the gamble that his luck is about to change.
"Permanent Collection" Arrives in Februrary
After popular plays at iTheatre dealing with racial issues, the theatre company brings us Thomas Gibbons' "Permanent Collection."
Soon after African-American businessman Sterling North becomes the new director of the Morris Foundation, he discovers that this world-famous art collection includes several significant African sculptures tucked away in storage. His proposal to add them to the public galleries is opposed by the foundation's long-time education director, who is loyal to the idiosyncratic wishes of the late Dr. Morris. Spurred on by a zealous local journalist, this clash quickly escalates to public accusations of racism and a bitter struggle for control of the collection. “Permanent Collection” is a searing examination of racial politics that ultimately asks how much space -- literally and figuratively -- the white world gives to African-Americans. What is the cost of failing to view the world through another's eyes?
"Give Me Christmas" Harks the Herald Angels
Don't miss another installment of iTheatre Collaborative's Holiday Cabaret.
Before you go forgetting old acquaintances, don’t forget about iTheatre’s annual Holiday Cabaret. You remember our Cabaret: Jeff Kennedy, a grand piano, some of the Valley’s most talented singers and artists, and our signature Cabaret-style seating with plenty of cheer to go around not to mention brownies. Often duplicated but never replicated, Jeff Kennedy’s Holiday Cabaret is a tune-filled celebration of the season a year in the making and only in the style of iTheatre Collaborative.
"Veronica's Room" Brings Ira Levin Thriller
The second show of the season should be awesome. It's a thriller from renowned author and playwright Ira Levin.
From the author of Rosemary’s Baby comes an harrowing labyrinth of suspense, entwining fantasy and reality. The story begins in 1973; Susan and her boyfriend, Larry have been enticed to the Brabissant mansion by the Mackeys, a charming, elderly Irish couple who are struck by Susan’s strong resemblance to Veronica, the long-dead daughter of the family for whom they work. Veronica’s room has been untouched by time and has been left exactly as it was in 1935. The mystery deepens as twist after twist unravels the frail threads of reality. Is it 1973 or 1935? Will Susan ever leave Veronica’s room?
Open Mic Night
Your talent is requested at our Open Mic from 4 pm-7 pm.
The Downtown Phoenix Open Mic is a monthly event at the Kax Stage of the Herberger Theater Center. Providing professional quality lighting and sound, the DPOM offers local performers of all types—musicians, comics, spoken word, actors, dancers, and more—an opportunity to practice their skills in front of a live audience and, if they wish, to make videos of those performances. This is a free event for participants and audience. The DPOM is also the impetus behind the Facebook group, Sharing in Phoenix, which tries to publicize all local cultural and artistic activities.
The open mic occurs on Sunday afternoons (4 pm-7 pm), usually on the fourth Sunday of the month. For additional information and to join the DPOM email, contact: [email protected]