Photo Flash: First Look at Theater Works' AZ Premiere of FOLLIES

The Arizona premiere of FOLLIES opened on the Gyder Stage at the Peoria Center for the Performing Arts on February 20, 2015. The music and lyrics of the dazzling FOLLIES score are by Broadway legend Stephen Sondheim. The book is by Academy Award winner James Goldman, also known for The Lion in Winter. BroadwayWorld has a first look at the cast in action below!

FOLLIES is directed by Phillip Fazio (director of Theater Works' smash hit production of RAGTIME). Also returning from the RAGTIME production team is Musical Director Steve Hilderbrand, who is conducting a live orchestra of 15 musicians for this production. Choreography is by Misha Shields (Off Broadway's THE ORION EXPERIENCE).

Featured in the cast of FOLLIES are Broadway's Kelli James Chase as Carlotta Campion and Patti Davis Suarez as Hattie Walker. Kelli James Chase was in the original Broadway cast of LES MISERABLES and later became the first replacement Eponine. Before making her Broadway debut, Ms. James Chase portrayed the role of Peron's Mistress in the Los Angeles production of EVITA (Directed by Harold Prince, co-director of the original Broadway production of FOLLIES). Patti Davis Suarez made her Broadway debut in HOW NOW, DOW JONES. She then appeared in the original Broadway production of PROMISES, PROMISES, which was choreographed by Michael Bennett (the choreographer and co-director of the original Broadway production of FOLLIES). After that, Ms. Davis Suarez joined the Broadway production of APPLAUSE, performing the role of Eve Harrington opposite the Margo Channing of Lauren Bacall and then Anne Baxter.

Rounding out the cast of FOLLIES is a parade of Valley theater stars. The cast of 37 actors includes Rusty Ferracane (Ben Stone), Shari Watts (Phyllis Rogers Stone), Beth Anne Johnson (Sally Durant Plummer), Scott Hyder (Buddy Plummer), Heather Fallon (Stella Deems), Marty Berger (Dimitri Weismann), Ken Goodenberger (Roscoe), Cynthia Elek (Heidi Schiller), Hillary Hirsch (Emily Whitman), Jeffrey Middleton (Theodore Whitman), Kathleen Berger (Solange La Fitte), Crystal Steenhoek (Sandra Crane), Marie Gouba (DeeDee West), Sam Wilkes (Kevin), David Heap (Max Deams), Tony Blosser (Major Domo), Brandi Bigley (Young Sally), Joshua Vern (Young Ben), Jacqueline Notorio (Young Phyllis), Lee Pitts (Young Buddy), Laura Pyper (Young Heidi), Ariel Hastings (Young Emily), Jonathan Ramirez (Young Theodore), Marissa Cordova (Young Carlotta), Sydnie Greger (Young Stella), Veronica Ancona (Young Hattie), Elizabeth Schmitt (Young Solange), Katie Czajkowski (Young Sandra), Megan Farinella (Young DeeDee/Margie), Cody Seaver, Michael Schwenke, Karson Cook, Andy Albrecht, and Sky Donovan.

FOLLIES runs through March 15, 2015 and all performances will be held at Peoria Center for the Performing Arts, 8355 West Peoria Avenue, Peoria AZ. Tickets are $36 for adults, $32 for seniors and $15 for students. Advanced purchase is recommended, as seating is limited. To purchase tickets call the Theater Works Box Office at 623.815.7930 Monday - Friday 10am to 4pm or visit www.theaterworks.org. Theater Works is a non-profit 501(c)(3) organization.

Photo Credit: Alastair Gamble