In the News

Authored by Mitchell Vantrease, Today staff writer for YourWestValley.com

Mark 4man and his wife, Lynzee, are teaming up to co-direct Spotlight Youth Theatre’s production of “Seussical Jr.”

4man has been a musical director for many shows around the Valley, while Lynzee choreographs and performs at various theaters. But it’s the couple’s first joint venture as co-directors of “Seussical,” which opens Friday and is based on many of Dr. Seuss’ characters.

Don’t expect a traditional rendition of the 2000 Broadway musical. Many of this production’s inspirations are from the movie “Tron” and “The World of Color,” a nighttime attraction at Disneyland’s California Adventure.

“We wanted to do something different that’s very imagination-friendly,” 4man said.

Authored by staff writer for YourWestValley.com

Spotlight Youth Theatre will have auditions for “Seussical the Musical,” a musical based on the books of Dr. Seuss.

The show debuted on Broadway in 2000.

Auditions will be held at 4 p.m. Monday and at 6 p.m. Tuesday at the theater, 10620 N. 43rd Ave. in Glendale.

To audition, you must be between ages 8 and 18. Actors should prepare and deliver a 1-minute monologue and sing 16 bars of a song. The song may be performed to CD you provide, or a capella. Bring a headshot or photograph. A resume is desired, but optional. For information, call the theater at 623-521-8093 or visit www.spotlightyouththeatre.org.

The show will run April 22 to May 15.

Authored by Mitchell Vantrease, Today staff writer for YourWestValley.com

Years ago, Spotlight Youth Theatre Artistic Director Kenny Grossman performed in the play “The Best Christmas Pageant Ever.”

This season, Grossman decided to bring the classic family comedy to the youth troupe’s stage.

“The story really has so much heart and includes a wonderful message about the meaning of Christmas and the holidays,” Grossman said.

Based on the popular children’s book, the comedy revolves around the delinquent Herdman children who go to church for the first time. Despite the protests from the church, the kids are offered roles in the annual pageant.

And the children tell the Christmas story in an unconventional fashion.

Authored by staff writer for YourWestValley.com

As part of the celebration of opening its sixth season, Arizona Broadway Theatre will recognize many community partners who have contributed to ABT’s success during its first five years.

On Oct. 1, prior to raising the curtain for the opening night performance of “My Way: A Musical Tribute to Frank Sinatra,” ABT will honor 18 businesses, individuals and organizations for their support.

“We wanted to do something special for those who have done something special for us,” said Kiel Klaphake, ABT’s executive producer and co-founder. “We wouldn’t be here if it weren’t for these people and these businesses.”