The Phoenix Theatre Company announces its 102nd season, marking an exciting return to indoor programs after shuttering its doors for the first time in 101 years. After a pivot to virtual and outdoor programming, The Phoenix Theatre Company welcomes audiences back to its three-stage complex starting in June to kick off a season highlighting stories of extraordinary everyday heroes and beloved characters that inspire hope and unity.
“We are unbelievably grateful to welcome back audiences to our home,” said Michael Barnard, producing artistic director. “Our stages may have been darkened, but our spirits are undimmed. Over the last year, we’ve faced creative and financial challenges and what’s lifted us up is our community. Now I am beyond grateful to announce our 102nd season filled with stories of resilience and tenacity.”
As the theatre company moves performances back indoors, it will continue to monitor local health trends and work closely with public health agencies and Actors’ Equity Association to keep artist and community safety a priority. When the theatre company opens in June, face masks and temperature checks will be required for all staff and patrons. The indoor theatres’ ventilation systems exceeds recommendations by public health officials and cleaning and disinfecting will occur frequently. Seating will not be socially-distanced. As vaccines become more available and accessible, safety protocols will be updated to ensure patron and staff comfort and wellbeing.
“It’s essential to find a way to innovate during these challenging times,” said Vincent VanVleet, managing director. “Our incredible staff, artists, patrons and community supporters pulled together to help us build an outdoor theatre and sustained us through our current season. Our community is the reason we’re able to move past this difficult year and invite audiences back to our indoor stages.”
Indoor performances resume June 2 with a summer series featuring Becoming Dr. Ruth, Daddy Long Legs and Pump Boys and Dinettes. The 2021/2022 Season starts Aug. 18 with Steel Magnolias. The 10-show lineup features Broadway favorites, stories of perseverance, family and inspiration. The Phoenix Theatre Company remains committed to new play and musical development, continuing its Festival of New American Theatre and producing the world premiere of Million Dollar Quartet Christmas.
“These shows will lift your spirits while creating memories you and your loved ones will cherish for years to come,” added Barnard. “We have carefully chosen shows that highlight stories of everyday people who possess extraordinary resilience and heroic tenacity. I can’t wait to welcome our community back and celebrate the return to our indoor stages!”
Tickets to the summer series are on sale now for everyone. Current season ticket holders can purchase tickets for the 2021/22 season starting April 5. Season tickets go on sale to the general public May 31.
The Phoenix Theatre Company’s 2021 Summer Series
Becoming Dr. Ruth
June 2 – June 27, 2021
Everyone knows Dr. Ruth Westheimer as America’s most famous sex therapist. Few know her incredible journey to get there. Becoming Dr. Ruth is filled with the humor, honesty, and life-affirming spirit of Karola Ruth Siegel, the girl who fled the Nazis in the Kindertransport, joined the Haganah in Jerusalem as a sniper, struggled as a single mother newly-arrived in America – and eventually became “Dr. Ruth,” America’s Sex Therapist. A triumphant and heartwarming story of a woman who found her own unique place in the world.
Daddy Long Legs
June 23 – July 18, 2021
A heartwarming Cinderella story about a witty young woman and her mysterious benefactor, this award-winning off-Broadway hit musical offers gorgeous, soaring melodies. It follows Jerusha Abbott, who has grown up in an orphanage but is sent to college by a mysterious benefactor so she may learn to be a writer. The benefactor requires just one thing – that she write to him monthly, even though he will not respond. Her letters to him paint a moving portrait of the development of her mind and spirit, and she emerges as a fiercely independent, intelligent woman, who is destined to find love where she least expects it.
Pump Boys and Dinettes
July 21 – August 22, 2021
L.M and Jim run a filling station down Highway 57 in Grand Ole Opry country. Across the way is a diner operated by Rhetta and Prudie. You wouldn’t guess it, but these diamonds-in-the-rough can deliver a toe-tapping evening of country western songs on guitar, piano, bass, and even a kitchen utensil or two, including lively foot-stompers like “Farmer Tan” and “The Night Dolly Parton Was Almost Mine!” It’s a good, ol’ fashioned, “just for fun” time!
The Phoenix Theatre Company’s 2021/22 Season
Steel Magnolias
August 18 – September 12, 2021
Lerner and Loewe’s Camelot
September 15 – October 24, 2021
The Rocky Horror Show
October 6 – December 5, 2021
The world premiere of Million Dollar Quartet Christmas
November 17 – January 2, 2022
The Hello Girls
January 5 – January 30, 2022
Singin’ in the Rain
February 2 – April 3, 2022
The 24th Annual Festival of New American Theatre
February 14 – March 6, 2022
The Color Purple
March 2 – May 8, 2022
Something Rotten!
May 4 – June 19, 2022
Always… Patsy Cline
June 8 – August 7, 2022
On Your Feet!
July 13 – August 28, 2022
The Phoenix Theatre Company is the largest professional regional theatre company in the state. As the first arts organization in Arizona and a founding member of the Central Arts District, The Phoenix Theatre Company is committed to advancing performing arts in the Valley with nearly 500 performances each year on multiple stages. Located at 1825 N Central Ave in Phoenix, The Phoenix Theatre Company’s mission is to create exceptional theatrical experiences by using the arts to articulate messages that inspire hope and understanding. For more information visit, www.phoenixtheatre.com.
