Michael McNamara

The First Folio Theatre Stages THE SECRET COUNCIL

First Folio Theatre will present the World Premiere of Agatha Christie’s The Secret Council, adapted by David Rice. The show will preview January 26th - 28th, open January 29th, and run through February 27th, 2022.

First Folio Theatre Announces it Will Cease Operations

First Folio Theatre’s Board of Directors has announced that Founding Executive Director David Rice will be stepping down in the spring of 2024. In conjunction with that decision, the Board has also determined that First Folio will cease operations at the end of the 2023-2024 season.

First Folio Theatre Presents Madmen & Prisoners: Two Tales By Poe

In its continuing mission to help address the absence of live theater performances, First Folio Theatre will offer a streaming video recording of MADMEN & PRISONERS: TWO TALES BY POE, adapted for the stage by David Rice and directed by Skyler Schrempp.

First Folio Theatre to Stream CYMBELINE: A Folk Tale With Music June 3-14

 As a way to help address the absence of live theater performances, First Folio Theatre will offer a streaming video recording of the award-winning Cymbeline: A Folk Tale with Music, directed by Michael Goldberg. Adapted from Shakespeare's romance by David Rice with original music and lyrics by Michael Keefe and David Rice, this production was recorded live during a 2013 performance on First Folio's outdoor stage. The show will be streaming on the Vimeo video service June 3 a?" 14. With an original bluegrass/gospel score played by the cast members themselves, Cymbeline is just the tonic folks need in these difficult times.

BWW Review: In Hard Times, Phoenix Creatives ~ All Puppet Players and Brelby Theatre ~ Use Imagination To Keep The Spirit Of Theatre Alive!

Local companies ~ ALL PUPPET PLAYERS and BRELBY THEATRE COMPANY ~ rise to the occasion to keep the spirit of theatre alive during the COVID-19 virus crisis.

All Puppet Players to Create Weekly Live Television Show to Bring Levity to Phoenix During Social Distancing

Life is tough. With cities closing down and communities barring themselves inside their homes, it's going to be a long and bumpy road. This new way of living will really impact day to day workers. One of the unfortunate casualties will be the artists, theaters, musicians, and talent around Arizona who rely on public performances to earn a dollar.

BWW Review: FRIDAY THE 13TH: THE PARODY MUSICAL Slays at All Puppet Players (WARNING: Explicit Language)

FRIDAY THE 13TH: THE PARODY MUSICAL Slays at All Puppet Players. Guttural, laugh out loud, wipe the tears away kind of funny with jokes as fast, furious, and perfectly obnoxious as a jackhammer. Warning: Explicit Language.

BWW Review: All Puppet Players Presents DIE HARD: A CHRISTMAS STORY

All Puppet Players presents DIE HARD: A CHRISTMAS STORY, a ribald adaptation of the flick, running through December 29th at Playhouse in the Park in Phoenix.

Photo Flash: THE MADNESS OF EDGAR ALLAN POE: A LOVE STORY Opening Night at First Folio Theatre

A compelling and thrilling story about life and death, love and heartbreak, THE MADNESS OF EDGAR ALLAN POE: A LOVE STORY is returning to the stage this Fall after playing to capacity audiences in 2015. Called 'A smart and heartfelt journey!" by The Chicago Tribune, "A masterful take on a master's work!" by The Daily Herald, and "A perfect storm of theater!" by Chicago Stage Review, Executive Director David Rice's captivating piece will return for its only engagement for the next five years with previews October 3, opening October 6, and running through November 4.

First Folio Theatre's THE MADNESS OF EDGAR ALLAN POE: A LOVE STORY Returns To The Stage This October

A compelling and thrilling story about life and death, love and heartbreak, THE MADNESS OF EDGAR ALLAN POE: A LOVE STORY is returning to the stage this Fall after playing to capacity audiences in 2015. Called 'A smart and heartfelt journey!" by The Chicago Tribune, "A masterful take on a master's work!" by The Daily Herald, and "A perfect storm of theater!" by Chicago Stage Review, Executive Director David Rice's captivating piece will return for its only engagement for the next five years with previews October 3, opening October 6, and running through November 4.

First Folio Theatre presents Shakespeare's classic comedy THE MERRY WIVES OF WINDSOR on its outdoor main stage situated on the scenic slopes of the historic Mayslake Peabody Estate. THE MERRY WIVES OF WINDSOR opens Saturday, July 12 at 8:15 p.m., and runs through August 10, 2014. Guests are encouraged to bring a picnic and enjoy First Folio Theatre's annual 'Shakespeare under the Stars' production, directed by Jeff Award nominee Nick Sandys.

Arriving in the Valley of the Sun after their triumphant performances and rave reviews to sell-out crowds in California, McNamara's molting, motley crew will 'hit the ground running' (so to speak) from October 10th through the 25th, with the World Premiere of The Exorcist Has No Legs at Theater Works. The show is a campy (oh, what a surprise!), comedic, puppet-infused depiction of AFI's #3 most thrilling movie, like, EVER! And what better way to pay homage to the 40th Anniversary of this epic horror tale, than with a gaggle of google-eyed puppets that rotate their heads while spewing pea soup? Click below to watch the group's response to a 'cease and desist' letter regarding this production!

Eclipse Theatre Company, the only theatre company in the Midwest to feature the works of one playwright in one season, will continue their 2013 season featuring the works of Sir Alan Ayckbourn with his hilarious comedy Bedroom Farce, directed by Remy Bumppo Theatre Artistic Director Nick Sandys. Click below for a look behind the scenes!

An original production by First Folio Theatre's Executive Director David Rice, THE MADNESS OF EDGAR ALLAN POE: A LOVE STORY, recently opened and runs through November 4th, directed by Michael Goldberg and stars Christian Gray as 'Edgar Allan Poe'. Watch the video below for a behind-the-scenes look at the actors after their opening night performance!

First Folio Theatre, known for bringing high quality performances of Shakespeare and other classics to the Chicagoland suburbs, closes its landmark 15th season with William Shakespeare's most controversial play, THE MERCHANT OF VENICE. A complex tale of hatred, love, revenge, and betrayal, THE MERCHANT OF VENICE opened on Saturday, July 14, and runs through August 19, 2012. Click below to watch video interviews with the cast about their inspirations, favorite scenes and more!