ARTS
The Next Chapter
Musical Theatre of Anthem announces 2020-21 season By Christina Fuoco-Karasinski
F
or the Musical Theatre of Anthem’s “lucky” 13th season, the company will bring to the stage new performances sure to delight patrons of all ages. MTA will produce eight shows offering tremendous opportunities for performers of all ages, including casting all youth who audition in productions for those ages 6 to 19, as well as opportunities for adult actors. “I am so thankful for all of the support from everyone involved at MTA and am really excited to head into our 13th season,” says Jackie Hammond, MTA board member and producing artistic director. “We are really looking forward to bringing Disney’s ‘Moana Jr.’ to life on stage. We also have a number of crowd family favorites, including Disney’s ‘Aladdin Kids’ and Disney’s ‘Alice in Wonderland Jr.’ Stephen Schwartz’s ‘Godspell’ will be one of the largest productions of our season, and we are honored to be celebrating our 100th show with the timeless classic ‘Our Town,’ sponsored by Evon Kishbaugh, in memory of Lyle Kishbaugh, one of MTA’s founding board members. We are looking forward to an incredible season of shows, workshops,
training and more.” The Musical Theatre of Anthem’s performances are held at 42201 N. 41st Drive, Suite B100, Anthem. For more information, call 623-336-6001 or visit musicaltheatreofanthem.org. Here are next season’s offerings.
“Moana Jr.” Ages: 8 to 18 (all youth are cast) Auditions: July 19 Performances: July 30 to August 1 Disney’s “Moana Jr.” is a musical adaptation of the 2016 Disney animated film, bringing the adventures of Moana and her village of Motunui to life onstage. “Moana Jr.” features all the beloved songs from the film, written by Tony-, Grammy-, Emmyand Pulitzer Prize-winning composer LinManuel Miranda, Opetaia Foa’i and Mark Mancina. This heartwarming coming-ofage story follows the strong-willed Moana as she sets sail across the Pacific to save her village and discover the truth about her heritage. Moana and the legendary demigod Maui embark on an epic journey of self-discovery and camaraderie as both learn to harness the power that lies within.
“Aladdin Kids” will send audiences soaring on a flying carpet ride filled with romance and adventure. (Photos courtesy Musical Theatre of Anthem)
With empowering messages of bravery and selflessness, “Moana Jr.” is sure to bring out the hero within each of us.
“Alice in Wonderland Jr.” Ages: 6 to 18 (all youth are cast) Auditions: August 8 to August 9 Performances: September 17 to September 20 Travel down the rabbit hole and join Alice, one of literature’s most beloved heroines, in her madcap adventures. Featuring updated songs from Disney’s animated motion picture, “Alice in Wonderland Jr.” is a fast-paced take on the classic tale. Alice’s journey begins innocently enough as she chases the White Rabbit. Her adventures become increasingly stranger as she races the Dodo Bird, gets tied up with Tweedle Dee and Tweedle Dum, raps with a bubble-blowing Caterpillar and beats the Queen of Hearts at her own game.
“Junie B. Jones The Musical Jr.” Ages: 6 to 14 (all youth are cast) Auditions: October 3 to October 4 Performances: November 12 to November 15 “Junie B. Jones The Musical Jr.” is an adaptation of four of Barbara Park’s bestselling books brought to life. Join Junie B. on her first day of first grade, where many changes are in store: Junie’s best friend Lucille has found new best friends, and Junie “Junie B. Jones The Musical Jr.” is an adaptation of four of Barbara Park’s best-selling books brought to life.
6
85085 | APRIL 2020
