One Downsize FIts All

Black Theatre Troupe opts for a cost-effective new home

Comments (0) By Wynter Holden Thursday, Sep 4 2008

The economy blows. There are foreclosures on every block, big-name chains are filing for bankruptcy, and a tank of gas costs more than a week’s worth of groceries. Hell, even local art galleries and theaters are downsizing just to stay afloat. When faced with rising costs, Phoenix’s Black Theatre Troupe opted out of its sweet digs at Herberger Theater Center in favor of a more cost-efficient space: Playhouse on the Park, where the group’s season-opener, the musical revue The All Night Strut!, is currently rocking the beams.

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The production features standards from the Depression era through post-WWII, including “Ain’t Misbehavin’,” “In the Mood,” and “As Time Goes By.” Like most revues, this one is short on plot and big on show-stopping dance numbers, but that’s exactly what Black Theatre Troupe was looking for. “This is a celebratory move,” says BTT’s executive director, David J. Hemphill. “It’s a great party show, and we really wanted the audience to get used to flashy shows in a small space.”

Thu., Sept. 4, 8 p.m.; Fri., Sept. 5, 8 p.m.; Sat., Sept. 6, 8 p.m.; Sun., Sept. 7, 3 p.m.; Thu., Sept. 11, 8 p.m.; Fri., Sept. 12, 8 p.m.; Sat., Sept. 13, 8 p.m.; Sun., Sept. 14, 3 p.m.; Wed., Sept. 17, 2 p.m.; Thu., Sept. 18, 8 p.m.; Fri., Sept. 19, 8 p.m.; Sat., Sept. 20, 2 & 8 p.m.; Sun., Sept. 21, 3 p.m., 2008