Scottsdale Musical Theater Company opened its doors in 2011 and is already making a move to a larger, more prestigious venue. After performing at the Dorrance Auditorium at Phoenix Country Day School with seating for 300, the ambitious community theater is moving to the 600-seat theater in the Tempe Center for the Arts. The move is particularly bold in these days of dwindling art support, but founder David Hock thinks he has all his bases covered.
“After only a year and a half, we were able to increase the number of performances we do from three to five for certain shows,” David proudly reports. “We believe there is an audience for the tried-and-true ‘old fashioned’ Broadway shows, and we’re good at delivering those!” He’s so confident that he is filling a niche, in fact, that his company’s tagline is “Bringing Broadway’s Favorites Back to Life.”
A Valley resident since 2001, David began his career as a performer more than 35 years ago. He then moved to directing and producing, including some work as a TV casting director and producer. SMTC’s first show was “Carousel,” followed by “Guys and Dolls,” “A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum,” “Fiddler on the Roof,” “The Man of La Mancha,” “Thoroughly Modern Millie” and “Music Man.”
“Millie isn’t exactly one of the warhorses,” he explains, “but it’s great family entertainment, so we stretched a bit to do that one. Besides, we knew we had Michelle Kahn who would do such a tremendous job as Millie!”After also playing Golda in “Fiddler on the Roof,” Michelle will be coming back to portray Sally Bowles in “Cabaret,” the first show to be done in the new venue. Michelle, who is the wife of Rabbi Stephen Kahn of Congregation Beth Israel in Scottsdale, has Broadway credits from her earlier days on the stage. Cantor Melissa Berman of Congregation Or Chadash of the Northeast Valley appeared as the housekeeper in SMTC’s “Man of La Mancha.” Though David is currently unaffiliated, he has strong ties to both Beth Israel and Or Chadash.
“Many of our actors come back show after show,” David mentions. “We’re not quite at the point where we can pay people, but we make sure everyone has a good experience.Rehearsal times are kept as short and efficient as possible. And the actors love performing with a live 20+ piece orchestra!” David says the musicians receive just a gas stipend, but most enjoy the opportunity to play the great old Broadway tunes. Scottsdale Musical Theater will retain its name even though it will now be performing in Tempe. “We already have a following,” says David.
David acknowledges the move to the Tempe Center for the Arts presents both great opportunities and a few challenges. “We know we have to beef up our sets in particular to match the size of the stage and the grandeur of the facility.” To that end, he has partnered with a number of talented individuals from Arizona State University’s department of theater to find designers for the productions. His company’s budget has suddenly doubled, and he’s had to raise ticket prices. “We’ve made sure to stay within the range of comparable theaters, though,” he says. He adds that everyone at TCA has been great to work with. TCA’s plan to help market the shows to their own mailing and email lists will enable SMTC to reach a wider audience. Other pluses include dressing rooms for the actors, a hydraulic orchestra pit, and a full bar and concession area. “We’ll be able to offer special receptions to groups,” David says.
“Cabaret” will feature Michelle Kahn as Sally Bowles, Petey Swartz as Frau Schneider and Ron Jennings as Herr Schultz, with choreography by Bill Hotaling, founder of Manhattan Dance Project in New York. Matt Newhard will be The Emcee. David is quick to say this is NOT the grittier Sam Mendes version of “Cabaret,” which has been making the rounds since it premiered at Studio 54 in New York 15 years ago. “I love the original version, which fits in much better with my style. That’s the version we’ll present.”
The show is scheduled for three performances June 27-29 with the option of adding a fourth if needed. Tempe Center for the Arts is located at 700 W Rio Salado Pkwy. in Tempe.
Special Offer:
Arizona Jewish Life readers: Mention code SMTC2014 and pay just $30 for any performance (regular prices are $35-39). For discounted tickets call 602-909-4215. scottsdalemusicaltheater.com
