Lee Cooley News

Don Bluth Front Row Theatre debuts their new venue with ORSON WELLES, a one-man theatrical biography of the acclaimed actor/filmmaker. It’s a pleasant 80 minutes featuring Keath Hall’s expert performance of an unambitious script. 

On April 22nd, Don Bluth Front Row Theatre brings Michael Druxman’s play, ORSON WELLES, to the stage. In advance of its upcoming premiere: a conversation with director Lee Cooley about The Great One and the production.

Author #TomLamarr, the mind behind 'Zero Gravity' debuts his darkest comedy yet in 'The Termination Clause' from @owlcanyonpress.

With a few streaming exceptions, including some political fundraisers, it looks like Broadway will remain dark through May of 2021 thanks to the pandemic.

Vehicles previously owned by Johnny Cash, blink-182's drummer, Dean Martin and The Grateful Dead's own recreational chemist will be sold at Barrett-Jackson's 2020 Scottsdale Auction, January 11-19.

Following a rousing October run of BLOODY, BLOODY ANDREW JACKSON, Arizona Regional Theatre (ART) has mounted Stephen Flaherty and Lynn Ahrens' LUCKY STIFF -- a two-act, 17-song whodunnit which has been a favorite of Valley venues over the years.

After graduating from Manhattan's High School of Performing Arts in 1953, Barry Yellen wore many hats: stage manager, lighting designer, car show producer, managing director, touring show booker, film producer and distributor, fund manager.

It's not be the most lavish production, but it's got a lot of chudzpah. If you're a Sondheim fan who's not adverse to long and sometimes less than pitch-perfect performances, then pack a lunch and get your tix! https://bit.ly/2lGsKT8

Director Cheryl Schaar does a yeoman's job in interpreting Todd Kreidler's intention in the stage adaptation of GUESS WHO'S COMING TO DINNER ~ assembling an outstanding cast, and creating a well-paced and engaging production at Don Bluth Front Row Theatre, running through September 28th.

In its current iteration at Don Bluth Front Row Theatre in Scottsdale, Ira Levin's masterpiece thriller, DEATHTRAP, craftily directed by Lee Cooley and featuring killer performances by Jim Coates and James Gerardi, ticks and tocks like clockwork, with characteristic twists of plot, heightened by a superb cast, making for a riveting and thoroughly enjoyable production. Runs through June 29th.

The makings of a great play include an interesting story, stimulating dialogue, a convincing cast, skillful direction and a crackerjack creative team. The world premiere of SISTERS IN LAW at Phoenix Theatre has many of these elements.

The world premiere of Hal Corley's PAS D' ACTION at Theatre Artists Studio (The Studio) is about fractured family dysfunction at its finest.

On a TV kids show, Pat McMahon played everything from a brat to a superhero. Then one of his biggest fans, #OrsonWelles, combined the two and created Marvin Fassbender, a wannabe Welles. This is one of the best backstories behind THE OTHER SIDE OF THE WIND. #Netflix

@haletheatreaz has another hit with SINGIN' IN THE RAIN, now thru Mar. 30. Strong performances by Vaughn Sherman, Allan DeWitt, Abbi Cavanaugh & Erica Parrish are highlighted with iconic scenes recreated by director-choreographer Cambrian James & musical director Lincoln Wright.

The second annual WORLDWIDE WOMEN'S FILM FESTIVAL returns to the Harkins Shea 14 Theatre in Scottsdale, February 8-10, 2019. Among the entries from 21 countries are two from Ireland, a comedy called THE HOLY FAIL and a documentary entitled LOVERS OF THE NIGHT.

S#!TFACED SHAKESPEARE doth not fall on its countenance, but one cast member per night could indeed given the imbibing that precedes and continues throughout each performance. Drink along or merrily watch...lest ye be called up on stage! Tickets at www.blkboxphx.com thru NYE.

The touring company production of ON YOUR FEET! (The Emilio & Gloria Estefan Broadway Musical) personifies the evolution of 80's Cuban-pop music by the Miami Sound Machine.

DOCTOR WHO Season 11 is off to a shaky start. Despite Jodie Whittaker (the 13th and first female Doctor) and her merry band of ethnically-diverse traveling companions, the first episode was trite and sloppy. Let's hope she isn't struck off the register as George Lazenby was for his one-and-done portrayal of James Bond. #DoctorWho #SpoilerAlert

The Future of Film in Arizona looks promising according to motion picture industry movers and shakers during a second town hall meeting @StudiosOf in Tempe, AZ. #AZProductionAssn #AZOfficeOfFilm #TucsonFilmOffice #CityOfPhoenixFilmOffice #AZFilm&MediaCoaltion

BEAU JEST, Don Bluth Front Row Theatre's season opener, features the welcome directorial debut of Lee Cooley, aided and abetted by a solid cast ~ Hillary Low, eric Bond, Jared Kitch, Patty Stephens, Jim Coates, and Robert Jahanfar ~ in a fun and highly entertaining family comedy…with a strong heartbeat. Runs through September 29th.