Musical Theatre of Anthem

Musical Theatre of Anthem (MTA) announces its upcoming production of the fantastical, magical, musical extravaganza Seussical, Jr.  Tony award-winners Lynn Ahrens and Stephen Flaherty have lovingly brought to life all of our favorite Dr. Seuss characters, including Horton the Elephant, The Cat in the Hat, Gertrude McFuzz, lazy Mayzie, and a little boy with a big imagination – Jojo.  The show, completely underscored by music, is performed by highly skilled youth ages 13 – 18 from around the Valley.  “Whether you are 6 or 60, Seussical will make you smile, laugh, and want to sing along as the characters from your childhood come alive on stage,” said director and Zoni-winning choreographer Sherry Henderson.  “Share with your children and grandchildren the stories that you loved so much…Horton the Elephant, the Whos and more!”  MTA’s Producing Artistic Director Jackie Hammond is producing and vocal directing the show.  "Sherry and I very are excited about this... More

Musical Theatre of Anthem’s (MTA) Outreach Touring Group has been selected to sing the National Anthem for the Phoenix Suns.  Twelve members of the group, ages 12 – 16, will perform the Anthem at the February 22 game at US Airways Center in Phoenix. “We are thrilled and honored to have been selected,” said Jackie Hammond, MTA’s Producing Artistic Director. “It’s such a great opportunity for our group, and they are thrilled to have the chance to perform in front of 20,000 people!”    MTA’s Outreach Touring Group, formed in 2009, is a group of elite, award-winning performers (teens and adults) who tour around the Valley to serve their community.  They have performed at countless holiday events, festivals, nursing homes, homeless shelters, and the annual Daisy Mountain Veterans' Day Parade.  They recently had the honor of leading the National Anthem at the dedication of the Anthem Veteran’s Memorial.  On Jan. 30, the group is performing a live show at... More

Musical Theatre of Anthem (MTA) is holding auditions for its upcoming musical production of Willy Wonka, Jr.  Roald Dahl's timeless story of the world famous candy man and his quest to find an heir comes to life in this stage adaptation of Charlie and The Chocolate Factory.  Join the Candy Man, Charlie, and the Oompa Loompa’s with available roles for ages 6-12; all who audition are cast.  The memorable score features “The Candy Man,” “Pure Imagination,” “Oompa Loompa” and “I Want it Now” by Academy® and Grammy® award winners Leslie Bricusse and Anthony Newley. Vocal auditions will be held on Saturday, January 14 at 11:00 a.m.  The Dance Call for all auditioners will be on Sunday, January 15 at 11:00 a.m., with callbacks at 1:00 p.m.  Auditions, callbacks, and rehearsals take place at the MTA rehearsal suite at 39504 N. Daisy Mountain Dr. in Anthem, near Yogurt Garden and Starbucks.  Those auditioning should prepare a musical theatre song, 16-32 bars or one... More

Musical Theatre of Anthem (MTA) announces auditions for Seussical, Jr., the fantastical, magical, musical extravaganza.  Tony award-winners Lynn Ahrens and Stephen Flaherty have lovingly brought to life all of our favorite Dr. Seuss characters, including Horton the Elephant, The Cat in the Hat, Gertrude McFuzz, lazy Mayzie, and a little boy with a big imagination – Jojo.  The award-winning theatre will cast all who audition, ages 13-19. Vocal auditions will be held on Saturday, January 14 at 11:00 a.m.  The Dance Call for all auditioners will be on Sunday, January 15 at 9:00 a.m., with callbacks at 11:00.  Auditions, callbacks, and rehearsals take place at the MTA rehearsal suite at 39504 N. Daisy Mountain Dr. in Anthem, near Yogurt Garden and Starbucks.  Those auditioning should prepare a musical theatre song, 16-32 bars or one minute in length.  Bring an accompaniment CD or iPod to sing with; you may also sing a capella if needed.  Please have your registration materials... More

Musical Theatre of Anthem (MTA) announces its upcoming Holiday Show, filled with the sounds of the season. “This show has something for everyone, including classic carols, popular music, and a few surprises,” said producer, director and vocal director Jackie Hammond.  Act I will feature professional-performing adults, and Act II will feature the very talented youth of MTA. The performance takes place on December 16 at 7:00 p.m. at Fellowship Church, 39905 N. Gavilan Peak Pkwy, Anthem, AZ  85086.  Tickets may be purchased online at www.musicaltheatreofanthem.org for $15, or for $16 at the door. Musical Theatre of Anthem (MTA) is an award-winning, non-profit theater company located in Anthem, Arizona.  The mission of MTA is to develop youth and adults within the field of performing arts while enhancing their intrinsic creativity and brokering their vast talents.  MTA trains and educates youth so that they can become the artists, patrons, and leaders of tomorrow while providing... More

Musical Theatre of Anthem’s Outreach Touring Group is honored to have been selected to participate with Disney Performing Arts at Disneyland® Resort in California.  As featured performers, the group of MTA youth, ages 9-16, will perform a 30-minute live show of musical theatre selections in front of an international Disney audience.  The group performs at the Disneyland Park Plaza Gardens Stage on January 30, 2012.  “We are thrilled to be a part of Disney Performing Arts,” said Jackie Hammond, MTA’s Producing Artistic Director. “It’s a once-in-a lifetime opportunity for these performers, and an educational experience they will always remember.  I still remember performing there when I was in school and what an incredible time it was.” Disney Performing Arts is an audition-based performance program in which applicants must meet specific criteria.  MTA submitted an audition DVD and application this summer and received notification of their selection in August. MTA’s... More

Musical Theatre of Anthem (MTA) announces its upcoming production of the tuneful Disney hit Aladdin Jr.  Filled with magic, mayhem, and carpet rides, this musical favorite features an Academy award-winning score with songs including “A Whole New World” and “Friend Like Me.”  Join the cast of 56 area youth, ages 6-12, in Agrabah, City of Enchantment, where every beggar has a story and every camel has a tail! “With over-the-top characters and lessons about following your heart, Aladdin, Jr. promises to be a great time for people of all ages,” said director, vocal director and choreographer Shawna Quain Weitekamp. “I am excited to take something from my childhood and bring it to life on stage.”  Ginette Rossi, Sarah Brayer, and Alyssa Angieri will be assisting the director, and Jackie Hammond is producing the show. Performances take place on October 13, 14 and 15 at 7:00 p.m., and October 15 and 16 at 3:00 p.m. at Boulder Creek High School’s Mini Auditorium, 40404 N.... More

Musical Theatre of Anthem (MTA) opens their fourth season with the musical production of 13, The Musical, a grown-up story about growing up.  With an unforgettable rock score from Tony award-winning composer Jason Robert Brown, 13 is a hilarious, high-energy musical about discovering that cool is where you find it, and sometimes where you least expect it.  The show’s contemporary-pop score is performed by 35 talented vocalists from around the Valley, ages 13-16, accompanied by a live rock band.  “13 is one of the best shows written,” said producer and vocal director Jackie Hammond.  “It’s funny and light-hearted, but it also sends a message that what we go through at age 13 doesn't necessarily define us.  As one of the closing number states, “We all have 'a little more homework' to do." Hammond is joined by veteran director and Zoni-nominee Laura O’Meara, Zoni-winning choreographer Sherry Henderson, and Zoni-winning music director Mark 4Man. Performances take place... More

Musical Theatre of Anthem (MTA) is holding auditions for ages 6-12 for its upcoming musical production of the Disney hit Aladdin Jr.  Filled with magic, mayhem, and carpet rides, this musical favorite features an Academy award-winning score with songs including “A Whole New World” and “Friend Like Me.”  All who audition are cast, so come join Aladdin, Jasmine and the Genie in the City of Enchantment! Auditions will be held on Saturday, August 20 at 11:00 a.m., with callbacks at 3:00 p.m.  The Dance Call for all auditioners will be on Sunday, August 21 at 11:00 a.m.  Auditions, callbacks, and rehearsals take place at The Caepe School, 39905 N. Gavilan Peak Pkwy in Anthem (new location at Fellowship Church). Those auditioning should prepare a musical theatre song, 16-32 bars or one minute in length.  Bring an accompaniment CD or tape to sing with; you may also sing a capella if needed.  Please have your registration materials (available on the website) completed prior to... More

Musical Theatre of Anthem (MTA) announces auditions for 13, The Musical, a grown-up story about growing up.  With an unforgettable rock score from Tony award-winning composer Jason Robert Brown, 13 is a hilarious, high-energy musical about discovering that cool is where you find it, and sometimes where you least expect it.  The award-winning theatre will cast all who audition, ages 13-16. Vocal auditions will be held on Saturday, August 20 at 11:00 a.m.  The Dance Call for all auditioners will be on Sunday, August 21 at 9:00 a.m., with callbacks at 10:30.  Auditions, callbacks, and rehearsals take place at The Caepe School, 39905 N. Gavilan Peak Pkwy in Anthem (new location at Fellowship Church). Those auditioning should prepare a musical theatre song, 16-32 bars or one minute in length.  Bring an accompaniment CD or tape to sing with; you may also sing a capella if needed.  Please have your registration materials (available on the website) completed prior to coming to the... More

Musical Theatre of Anthem (MTA) has received five National Youth Arts Awards, out of eight nominations, for the 2010-2011 season, including Outstanding Production and Ensemble for Honk! Jr.  National Youth Arts honors outstanding work by youth in the arts across the nation.  Recipients received their awards at the ceremony August 21 at the Herberger Theater. “I am so proud of our cast members for all of their hard work, and grateful to our wonderful production staff,” said Jackie Hammond, MTA’s Producing Artistic Director.  “We are honored to have earned so many awards and nominations for our productions last season.”  In the past two seasons, MTA has been nominated for 20 NYA Awards and won 8. MTA’s National Youth Arts Awards and nominations are: Awards: Outstanding Production - Junior Division: Honk! Lead Actress in a Musical: Megan Mahoney as Peter Pan Lead Actress – Junior Division: Maggie Eley as Ugly in Honk! Supporting Actress – Junior Division: Maddie... More

Musical Theatre of Anthem (MTA) has been nominated for an amazing 16 ariZoni Theatre Awards of Excellence for the 2010-2011 season, including Overall Production-Youth Musical for Peter Pan and Disney’s Jungle Book Kids, and Director-Youth Musical for Peter Pan and Honk! Jr.  Winners will be announced at a special awards ceremony on September 19. "We are thrilled to have received nominations for all of our shows of the 2010-11 season,” said Jackie Hammond, MTA’s Producing Artistic Director.   “In addition, all aspects of the performance portions were nominated - directing, music directing, and choreography; so our cast members should be very proud that they were recognized in all three areas.” MTA’s ariZoni nominations are: Overall Production - Youth Musical: Peter PanOverall Production - Youth Musical: Disney's The Jungle Book KidsDirector - Youth Musical: Peter Pan - Laura O'Meara, Sherry HendersonDirector - Youth Musical: Honk! Jr. - Laura O'MearaMusic Director -... More

Musical Theatre Of Anthem: Summer Performing Arts Institute MTA’s Summer Performing Arts Institute, a two-week intensive program for performers, teaches students vocal technique, dance skills, musical theatre-style dance, acting, improv, interpretation of songs, advanced audition techniques, and stage presence. Students will also get the opportunity to showcase their talents in a performance. All levels are welcome, and performers will be grouped by age and experience. There are also specialty classes offered in Acting Improv and Tap from 12:30 – 1:30PM for an additional fee. There will be a final performance on August 5.   Session: July 25–August 5 Hours: 9–12PM Session Cost: $195 with sibling discount (additional classes $45).   Jackie Hammond, 602.743.9892; www.musicaltheatreofanthem.org; Institute will be held at Dynamic Motion Dance Academy, Anthem... More

Following an award-winning third season of twenty-five nominations and seven awards, and its spectacular production of “Peter Pan,” Musical Theatre of Anthem (MTA) announces its 2011-2012 season with an exciting line-up of award-winning musicals. “Our fantastic fourth season includes crowd favorites that not only patrons will enjoy, but that also offers tremendous opportunities for performers of all ages,” said Jackie Hammond, MTA’s Producing Artistic Director. “Because we believe all young people deserve the opportunity to perform and gain experience, we are extending our no-cut policy to performers up to age nineteen.” Kicking off the season for performers ages six to twelve will be “Disney’s Aladdin Jr.,” filled with magic, mayhem, and carpet rides. Based on the stage adaptation of the Disney hit, this musical favorite features an Academy award-winning score including “A Whole New World” and “Friend Like Me”. Performers ages thirteen to sixteen start off... More

Musical Theatre of Anthem (MTA) announces its upcoming musical production of Honk! Jr., the contemporary and comic retelling of Hans Christian Andersen's classic story, "The Ugly Duckling."  Honk beat out The Lion King for the Olivier Award (the British equivalent to the Tony Award), and it features a wonderful Dreamcoat-like score that everyone will enjoy. Visit the farm in Anthem with the talented cast of  65 area youth, ages 6-14, as they perform the heart-warming story that reminds us all not to judge a book by its cover.  “I have always loved the story of The Ugly Duckling and feel its messages are powerful,” said MTA’s Producing Artistic Director and Vocal Director Jackie Hammond. “One moral reminds us that everyone is special and important, much like our philosophy at MTA.”  Hammond is joined by veteran director Laura O’Meara and Zoni-winning choreographer Sherry Henderson.  Ginette Rossi is assistant to the vocal director, and Anya Rogers is assistant to the... More