Events

A Midsummmer Month's Dream

Most big cities have summer stock of some kind. Phoenix’s post-theater season typically equates to a handful of remounts and three months of dinner theater. For the past decade, one of the few bright spots has been Phoenix Theatre’s New Works Festival, a monthlong showcase of original plays and musicals...

By Robrt L. Pela

July 10, 2008

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Most big cities have summer stock of some kind. Phoenix’s post-theater season typically equates to a handful of remounts and three months of dinner theater. For the past decade, one of the few bright spots has been Phoenix Theatre’s New Works Festival, a monthlong showcase of original plays and musicals. For proof that the festival is more than just a summer diversion, one need look no further than the company’s season opener. Unbeatable, which kicks off PT’s 2008 mainstage season, got its start in the 2006 New Works Festival, and heads to off-Broadway later this year.

The 2008 New Works Fest kicks off with Luke Yankee’s intriguingly titled The Jesus Hickey. More anticipated is All the More to Love, a tuner by local musical-theater favorite Craig Bohlmer that plays in the fest’s second weekend.

Fri., July 11, 7:30 p.m.; Sat., July 12, 2 & 7:30 p.m., 2008

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Robrt L. Pela has been a weekly contributor to Phoenix New Times since 1991, primarily as a cultural critic. His radio essays air on National Public Radio affiliate KJZZ's Morning Edition.

Contact: Robrt L. Pela