Musical Theatre of Anthem Announces 2012-13 Season  

Featuring Award-winning Musicals, New Works and Just Released Disney’s Little Mermaid JR.  

Anthem, Ariz., April 20, 2012 – Musical Theatre of Anthem (MTA) announces their 2012-2013 season with an exciting line-up of award-winning musicals, new works, a holiday show, and a straight play.  Because of the popularity of participating in MTA shows, next season’s shows will be divided into three age ranges to provide even more opportunities for youth. Age ranges will be no-cut 6-9, 10-12, 13-19 and one combined production for ages 6 – 18.  MTA will open season five in their brand new 4,500 sq.ft. theater space, allowing them to produce over 10 shows next season.  

"I am beyond excited about MTA's fifth season, which is sure to be our best yet,” said Jackie Hammond, MTA’s Producing Artistic Director. “Between original productions, a World premiere, a U.S. premiere, a straight play, and incredible musicals, we are looking forward to dazzling the community with our talents!  We are so pleased and honored to have our current production staff members, and we are also looking forward to bringing in a few new members to join our experienced team.”  

The theatre is also introducing MTA New Works, which includes the U.S. premier of Thumbelina: A Swallow’s Tale, and Something Beautiful, a World premier musical by Jan Maruca and Joe Bousard.  Performers will have the opportunity to perform in original productions and well-known adaptations, and writers will be able to have their work showcased.

MTA’s Fifth Season:

“Our Town”, a straight play for ages 13-19, with a few adults and young performers

September 20 - 23

Described by Edward Albee as “…the greatest American play ever written,” the story follows the small town of Grover’s Corners through three acts: “Daily Life,” “Love and Marriage,” and “Death and Eternity.” Narrated by a stage manager and performed with minimal props and sets, audiences follow the Webb and Gibbs families as their children fall in love, marry, and eventually—in one of the most famous scenes in American theatre—die.

“Thoroughly Modern Millie Jr.”, for ages 13-19

September 27 - October 7

Thoroughly Modern Millie Jr. is a high-spirited musical romp that has all of New York dancing the Charleston. Taking place in New York City in 1922, Thoroughly Modern Millie Jr. tells the story of young Millie Dillmount, who has just moved to the city in search of a new life for herself. It’s a New York full of intrigue and jazz - a time when women were entering the workforce and the rules of love and social behavior were changing forever. Based on the popular movie, the stage version includes a full score of new songs and bright dance numbers.

“The Musical Adventures of Flat Stanley Jr.”, for ages 10-12

October 11 - 21

The beloved children's book written by Jeff Brown in 1964 has become a literary and pop cultural phenomenon - delighting readers and travelers all around the world.  In The Musical Adventures of Flat Stanley Jr., Stanley Lambchop is your ordinary, everyday, run-of-the-mill ten-year-old: normal mom and dad, normal little brother, normal life. That's just the problem...for Stanley, life is too normal. He wants to travel the world, do something amazing, something no one's ever seen before. Careful what you wish for, Stanley! Whether he's thwarting a robbery at the Louvre Museum in Paris, or 'hanging ten' off the coast of Hawaii, Stanley is closing in on his goal of being a three-dimensional boy once more.

“A Year with Frog and Toad Kids”, for ages 6-9

October 25 – 28

Arnold Lobel's well-loved characters hop from the page to the stage in Robert and Willie Reale's musical A Year with Frog and Toad Kids. The story follows two great friends, the cheerful and popular Frog and the rather grumpy Toad through four fun-filled seasons. Waking from hibernation in the spring, they proceed to plant gardens, swim, rake leaves and go sledding, learning life lessons along the way, including a most important one about friendship and rejoicing in the attributes that make each of us different and special.

The U.S. Premiere of Thumbelina: A Swallow's Tale

An MTA New Works for ages 13 - 19

November 15 - 18

In this new musical version of the Hans Christian Anderson story, a swallow tells the story of Thumbelina, a tiny girl grown from a seed, who believes she is simply too different ever to fit in. As she journeys through an oversized world, she has many adventures.  Thumbelina is a touching, coming-of-age story with the message that anyone can find their place in the world with enough courage and perseverance.

England composer Chris Seed and lyricist Maxine Gallagher have granted MTA exclusive rights for the U.S. premier of this fantastic show!

Something Beautiful, a World Premiere Musical by Jan Maruca and Joe Bousard, Copyright 1968

An MTA New Works for ages 10-12

November 29 - December 2

Something Beautiful, the Musical, tells the story of Stella, the Spider---who wants to be a Honeybee.  She’s tired of spinning and living the life of an ordinary spider and wants to live in the ‘magic’ of the hive with all the Honeybees. Her Mother wants her to settle down and marry Ronald, the ‘normal’ Spider, but she does not want things as they are, and he does. So she runs off, but finds living in the hive impossible….Searches for Inspiration from the local Praying Mantis, and gets lost for a while, until she finds Harry, the Wasp.  She makes him a new wing after his fight with the Dragonfly, and he can fly faster and stronger than before. And they fall in love and run off to create a new species, and ‘something beautiful’---perhaps spinning something as magnificent as the George Washington Bridge!

“Disney’s Winnie the Pooh Kids” for ages 6-9

February 21 - 24, 2013

Welcome to the Hundred Acre Wood, where Winnie the Pooh is once again in search of honey. Along the way, he meets his pals Tigger, Piglet, Rabbit and Owl, but soon discovers that Christopher Robin has been captured by the Backson! As they prepare for a rescue operation, the animals learn about teamwork, friendship, and sharing snacks!  Based on the beloved characters of A.A. Milne and the 2011 Disney animated feature film.

“Little Shop of Horrors” for ages 13-19

February 28 – March 10, 2013

A down-and out skid row floral assistant becomes an overnight sensation when he discovers an exotic plant with a mysterious craving for fresh blood. One of the longest-running Off-Broadway shows of all time, this affectionate spoof of 1950s sci-fi movies has become a household name.  Charming, tuneful and hilarious, Little Shop of Horrors never fails to entertain.

“Dear Edwina Jr.” for ages 10-12

March 14- 24, 2013

At last a musical that features a cast of nearly all girl performers! Follow the adventures of advice-giver extraordinaire, Edwina Spoonapple as she directs the kids in the neighborhood in production number after hilarious production number in her "Advice-A-Palooza" extravaganza. Dear Edwina Jr. is the perfect girl power musical for a new generation.

“Disney’s The Little Mermaid JR.” for ages 6 - 18

May 30 - June 9, 2013

In a magical kingdom fathoms below, the beautiful young mermaid Ariel longs to leave her ocean home to live in the world above. But first, she'll have to defy her father King Triton, make a deal with the evil sea witch Ursula, and convince Prince Eric that she’s the girl with the enchanting voice.  Adapted from Disney’s 2008 Broadway production, Disney's The Little Mermaid JR. features the hit songs "Part of Your World," "She’s in Love," and the Oscar-winning "Under the Sea."

Also included in the season is a Holiday Show in December and MTA’s fundraiser gala to be held February 8, 2013. In addition to 10 plus shows next season, MTA will continue to offer audition preparation workshops, acting intensive classes, a full summer program, and additional performing arts classes and opportunities. 

For more information about MTA’s upcoming events including auditions, workshops, and performances, please visit www.musicaltheatreofanthem.org.  

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