In the News

If you loved a show, then tell somebody!

When you need to find something fun and entertaining in the Metro Phoenix area, then I bet you search the web to find out what others are up to. There are more than a dozen local websites that list family friendly activities, including the shows at Spotlight Youth Theatre in the West Valley. Now it's your turn to share great ideas...

If you love Spotlight Youth Theatre, then click through to some of the websites listed above and spread the word! Tell people if you liked a particular performance, or if your kids are meeting new friends, or if you are one of the many volunteers who call Spotlight Youth Theatre your second home.

Musings on “Les Mis”

Authored by Lynn Trimble. Lynn is a writer/blogger for Raising Arizona Kids magazine.

A decade or so ago, we were a house divided. I favored all things “Phantom.” My husband James was more of a “Les Mis” kind of a guy. We’ve enjoyed “The Phantom of the Opera” in NYC and at ASU Gammage, and took all the kids to see “Les Miserables” when it came to ASU Gammage many years ago.

Glendale teen steps into 1st lead role at Spotlight

Authored by Mitchell Vantrease in YourWestValley.com.
Jamie Grossman steps into the spotlight as a sophisticated, modern 1920s flapper in the musical "Thoroughly Modern Millie."

The musical, which opened at Spotlight Youth Theatre Friday, is her first starring role after playing a string of supporting characters with the Glendale youth troupe.

"This is a dream role for me, and I’m happy to have a wonderful opportunity like this," said Grossman, who’s performed in "Little Women" and "Bye Bye Birdie."

Homeschool 101 Resources: Spotlight Theatre's Anne Frank cast boasts four homeschoolers

Authored by Holly Craw of the Phoenix Homeschooling Examiner.
This community youth theater on the westside has cast four homeschool through high school students in this show, including the principal roles of Anne and Margot. Please come support community theater and the four homeschool actors. This show is recommended for students who are mature enough to read the book.

The story is about Anne Frank, a Jewish teen who hid in an attic with her family and others for several months prior to being captured and executed. Anne recorded the daily life, along with her observations, fears, questions and emotions.

‘Anne Frank’ teaches next generation

Authored by Mitchell Vantrease in YourWestValley.com.
Kenny Grossman has a special connection to and reason why he chose "The Diary of Anne Frank" as Spotlight Youth Theatre’s first non-musical.

His grandparents were Hungarian Jewish immigrants, who moved to America in the early 1900s, just before World War I. The couple knew of family and friends affected by the Holocaust, a genocide of about 6 million European Jews during World War II by Nazi Germany.

"They refused to talk about the Holocaust at all," Grossman said.

The Glendale youth troupe’s artistic director said he’s honored to bring this piece of history to the stage with "The Diary of Anne Frank," which opened Friday.

Ironwood High student takes challenging lead role in Spotlight Youth Theatre's 'Aladdin Jr.'

Authored by Mitchell Vantrease of YourWestValley.com.
Cory Gimlin steps onto the magic carpet and into his first lead role in Spotlight Youth Theatre’s production of the Disney cartoon classic “Aladdin Jr.,” which opened Friday.

Unlike other children, Cory, 15, never watched Disney animated films growing up. And it wasn’t until he landed the role of the title character in the live-action musical that he sat down to watch the 1992 movie and its sequels.

“I was doing a lot of sports, so I didn’t watch them,” Cory said with a laugh.

Nevertheless, the Ironwood High School sophomore said he’s excited to take on Aladdin, his most challenging role with the Glendale youth troupe to date.

Spotlight Youth Theatre embarks on musical journey with The Who's 'Tommy'

Authored by Mitchell Vantrease of YourWestValley.com.

Spotlight Youth Theatre follows up its production of “Bye Bye Birdie” with the edgy rock musical The Who’s “Tommy.”