The largest producing regional theatre company in Arizona, Phoenix Theatre, has just released their 2018-2019 season lineup. Kicking off their 99th season with West Side Story in September, the lineup includes favorites like Elf: The Musical, the return of Million Dollar Quartet, plus one world premiere and two southwest regional premieres, making this season one for the books. With more than 400 performances on a variety of stages, Phoenix Theatre offers shows and experiences for everyone.
Phoenix Theatre’s 2018-2019 Lineup
Avenue Q
July 25 – September 9, 2018
There’s more fuzz to love when our badly-behaved puppet friends return! This R-rated, laugh-out-loud look at life after college packs more purposeful punch and candid heart than ever before. Be there when Phoenix Theatre favorites take the stage to bring this fresh, fast-paced and exuberant musical to life once again.
West Side Story
Sep. 5 – Oct 14, 2018
One of the most performed productions in American history, West Side Story is a classic retelling of Romeo and Juliet in an urban setting. The Jets and Sharks rule the streets of New York City, but these gangs don’t like to share. When Tony falls for Maria, their respective gangs get ready for war. A story of star-crossed love in times of prejudice and violence, West Side Story speaks through dance and song in a way that can only a live musical can.
Fun Home
Oct 3 – Nov. 18, 2018
Five-time Tony Award winner Fun Home and winner of Best Musical, is Alison Bechdel’s coming-of-age journey of self-discovery. Middle-aged cartoonist Alison is joined by two younger versions of herself from pivotal times in her life. They lead us through her dysfunctional childhood, her coming-out, and her father’s suicide, shortly after his own coming-out. A story of reflection, bittersweet memories, and the moments of pure joy that shine through the darkness, Fun Home is a one-of-a-kind musical experience.
Elf: The Musical
Nov. 14 – Dec. 30, 2018
Raised by Christmas elves, Buddy always felt a little…different. When Santa reveals to him that he’s actually a human being, Buddy goes on an adventure to the magical realm of New York City to find his father and learn what it means to be a human. This jolly musical is a must for any fan of Buddy the elf, Santa Claus and all things Christmas!
Jersey Boys
Jan. 23 – Mar. 3, 2019
You may know Frankie Valli and The Four Seasons, but you’ve never seen their story like this. Featuring hits like “Sherry,” “Big Girls Don’t Cry,” “Walk Like A Man,” “Can’t Take My Eyes Off You,” and “December, 1963 (Oh What A Night),” Jersey Boys tells the rags-to-riches story of how four boys from New Jersey became a legendary sensation. Get behind the music and experience this Tony Award-winning true-life musical phenomenon!
Airness (Southwest Regional Premiere)
Mar. 6 – Mar. 31, 2019
A newbie to the world of competitive air guitar, Nina thinks it’ll be a cinch to take home a win. Spoiler alert: It’s definitely not. The air guitar community is tight-knit and die-hard, but they decide to pitch in and teach Nina the ins and outs of their craft. With the help of Shreddy, Golden Thunder, and Facebender, Nina learns that there’s much more to this art form than just playing pretend. She’ll have to go all in and let go of her inhibitions.
Sisters in Law (Southwest Regional Premiere)
Apr. 3 – 28, 2019
In this world premiere, two of the most influential women of our time take the spotlight. Bickering and arguing with each other every step of the way, Ruth Bader Ginsberg and Sandra Day O’Connor manage to find a common ground despite their differences.
Cookin’s a Drag (World Premiere)
May 8 – June 2, 2019
Betty D. Licious is back for her 5th anniversary special, cooking on live TV! (Which she swore she would never do again, not after the Disneyland debacle…) With her backup boys, a few celebrity guests, and some shocking surprises, Betty’s highly anticipated comeback gets a little out of hand. With heaping portions of laughter, scrumptious songs, and tender tugs at the heartstrings, the world premiere of Cookin’s a Drag is not to be missed!
Once
May 22 – June 16, 2019
Winner of eight Tony Awards including Best Musical, Once is an honest and charming story told through actor/musicians playing their own instruments live on stage. A street musician in Dublin is inches away from giving up on his dream until he meets a woman interested in his haunting love songs. Their undeniable chemistry builds into something deep and complex, but it’s not as simple as boy-meets-girl. Once pulls you in immediately and stays with you.
Million Dollar Quartet
June 5 – 30, 2019
Back by popular demand! Relive the now-legendary 1956 impromptu jam session of Elvis Presley, Johnny Cash, Carl Perkins and Jerry Lee Lewis. Featuring a score of your favorite rock hits including “Blue Suede Shoes,” “Great Balls of Fire,” “Walk the Line” and “Hound Dog,” Million Dollar Quartet is a scorching show packed with red-hot talent.
For tickets and more information, visit: phoenixtheatre.com
