SignalsAZ.com Prescott News Podcast - "Putting It Together," Sondheim musical revue, at Prescott’s Hazeltine Theatre

Episode Date: January 20, 2025

Send us a text and chime in!Signals AZ, a local news website, announces the premiere of "Putting It Together," a Sondheim musical revue, at Prescott’s newly reopened Hazeltine Theatre. The production, directed by Don Langford, features a cast of accomplished local and regional performers. The show marks the beginning of the Hazeltine's new season under the management of 4th Wall Productions and serves as a celebration of the theatre's history and revival. Ticket information and cast bios are included.Check out the CAST11.com Website at: https://CAST11.com Follow the CAST11 Podcast Network on Facebook at: https://Facebook.com/CAST11AZFollow Cast11 Instagram at: https://www.instagram.com/cast11_podcast_network

Welcome back, deep divers. Today, we're headed to Prescott, Arizona. Prescott, Arizona. Talk about the Hazeltine Theater. Oh, a historic spot getting like a fresh start. It's always exciting to see. And we've got a brand new season to unpack a tribute to a real legend. I think I know who you're talking about.

But let's start with our source today. We're diving into an article from Signals A-Z. It's called Prescott's The Hazeltine is putting it together. Catch you title, right. Yeah, definitely grab you. your attention. So opening night at the hazel time. But it's not like a full musical.

Not a full musical. It's a review. A collection of songs all by wait for it, Stephen Sondheim. Ah, Sondheim. Now we're talking. You know, for those who might not know him. Yeah, Phyllis. Well, he's not your average musical theater composer. His stuff is how do I put it?

Think wordplay, complex characters, and themes that really get you thinking. Like way after the curtain Closes. Deep stuff. Exactly. I mean, West Side Story, Into the Woods, even Sweeney Todd, if you're into the darker side of things. Each show kind of redefines what a musical can be. And this production, putting it together, it's running, let me check the dates, February 6th through the 15th. Okay. Matinees on the 9th and 16th. And get this, only five actors. Five. Wow. Talk about

a challenge. Jumping between different Sondheim styles, all those characters. That's like a vocal and emotional marathon right there. They must be incredible. Who are these powerhouses? Okay. Well, you've got Cole Brackney. He was just in She Loves Me. Oh yeah. I heard he was fantastic in that. Then there's Philip Dixon. You might remember him as Javier from Le Miserables. And of course, we've got Roger Tipping. The Jersey Boy Star. The one and only. And then from Southern California, Susan Seldad Martinez, new to Prescott, but she's got a killer resume. So much talent on one stage. Oh, and I almost forgot Jordan Fox is in the cast, too. Oh, I've heard great things about her. She's a graduate of Manhattan School of Music. She's performed with the Phoenix opera, the Prescott Pops.

Impressive. And this is just a fun fact, but she even has a cocktail recipe that was featured on Kendall Jenner's Instagram. Now, that's something you don't see every day. I guess creativity takes many forms. You never know what talents people have, right? It's wild. But speaking of incredible things, let's talk about the Hazeltine itself. This theater's been a staple in Prescott since 1969. Wow. 69. That's, let's see. 55 years. 55 years of memories. It must hold a special place in the community.

Oh, absolutely. Community theaters, they're more than just venues, right? They're creative hubs. They bring people together from all walks of life. Totally. A place where people of all ages can experience the magic of live theater. To think that Hazleton's been doing that for over five decades, that says something. It does. And it makes it even sadder that it had to close in 2024.

But thankfully, fourth wall productions and marina events stepped. They decided to revive it. That's fantastic. Yeah, they saw the value, the history, the heart of this place. That speaks volumes about the community, too, you know, their commitment to the arts, even when things get tough. And the new management, they've got big plans. Four main stage productions a year plus workshops, summer stock, even some experimental theater. Wow, they're going all out. Yeah.

That's pretty ambitious. It makes you wonder what kind of ripple effect it'll have on Prescott's art scene, you know. Yeah, I mean, they could. attract a whole new audience, offer more opportunities for local artists. Who knows, maybe they'll even spark some important conversations about, like, the future of theater. Yeah, like what it can be, what it can explore. It's not just about preserving the past. It's about creating a future for the arts. It's like taking the best of what the hazel time was and then. And then adding a vision for what it can become. Exactly. And kicking it off with the production that celebrates Sondheim, an innovator in his own

right. It's a statement, you know? A powerful one. You know what's really interesting to me? Like the whole idea of community, you know? Community, yeah. Like how a space, a theater can become so tied to a town's identity. 55 years, it's incredible. Yeah, you're right. It makes you think like, what stories those walls could tell, you know, all those performances, all those people coming together. And this revival, I don't know, it feels like more than just nostalgia. Oh, definitely. They're not just bringing back a building, they're bringing back a spirit, a place for people to connect, share experiences, you know, through the arts. And speaking of experiences, Sandheim, he's a bit of a puzzle master, wouldn't you say? Like, his musicals are not exactly light and fluffy. Oh,

he's definitely not afraid to go deep. He makes you think, you know, challenges your assumptions about, well, everything. Have you, uh, have you seen a lot of his work? I've seen my fair share. Yeah. Yeah. Honestly, not as much as I'd like to. I remember Into the Wood. from when I was a kid. The music, it was so haunting. And the story itself was so twisted. Like, it really messed with my perception of fairy tales. Totally.

He turns those classic stories on their heads. And his music, the way it reflects the character's emotions, it's just brilliant. It's more than just entertainment, you know? Yeah, it gets under your skin. So for putting it together, are there specific things, like themes, that we should be watching for?

Well, relationships are a big one. It's like he's taking these little snippets from different love stories. all set to this incredible and often very intense music. Like, he explores all the messy bits of love, the heartbreak, the real stuff. Exactly. It's not always pretty, but it's always real. And the performers, we were talking about how talented they are. But Sondheim, isn't he known for being, like, really difficult to sing? Oh, for sure.

His music is demanding, both vocally and emotionally. The ranges are huge. The rhythms are tricky. And the lyrics, they're not just words. They're like poetry, packed with meaning. It's like they have to be actors, 80, singers at the same time. Exactly. And with a small cast like this, each person taking on multiple roles, it's a real test of their versatility.

They have to disappear into each character, make it believable. It's a high wire act for sure. It's amazing to think about all the work that goes into it, the reversals, the vocal training. It's a real team effort. And that's something I love about theater in general, especially in a community setting. It's a collaboration. Everyone from the directors to the set designers, the costume people, they all play a part in bringing the story to life. It's like a giant puzzle and everyone has their piece.

And speakful of different pieces. Remember when we were talking about Jordan Fox and all her different talents? Yeah, the cocktail queen. It just struck me so cool. You know, she's a train singer. She's into bodybuilding. And then she's creating these amazing cocktails. Like, how does she even have time for all that?

Right. It's like she has multiple lives and one. But I think it speaks to something really important about creativity, you know, how it can manifest in so many different ways. I think you're right. Like maybe those different passions, they actually feed each other somehow. I bet they do. It's like cross-training for your brain. What you learn in one area can totally inform another.

I wonder if her approach to singing, like her vocal technique, influences how she creates a cocktail. Or if the discipline of bodybuilding helps her on stage. It's fascinating. Totally. It's like, how do all those pieces of her personality come together when she's performing? What makes her unique? I mean, I'd love to ask her about it sometime, actually. Me too.

But even without knowing the specifics, it just adds this whole other dimension to her as an artist. It makes her seem more relatable somehow. More human. Because ultimately, that's what we're drawn to in art, right? That human connection. It's like a reminder that even the most accomplished artists are still people with their own passions and quirks. They're not just these perfect, untouchable figures. Exactly. And I think that's a valuable takeaway for anyone, especially for those who might be intimidated by the arts or think they're not created themselves.

You don't have to be a professional singer or a cocktail connoisseur to be creative. It's about finding what sparks your interest, what gets you excited. It's about exploring, experimenting, and not being afraid to try new things. And who knows, maybe your hidden passion is waiting to be discovered right around the corner. It's amazing, isn't it, how, like one little detail about a person can just stick with you. I know what you mean. It's like those little things. They kind of reveal a bigger story. Yeah, like with Jordan Fox.

Yeah. The cocktails. Oh, yeah. The cocktails. It's just so unexpected and cool. You know, for someone who's accomplished so much in the music world, it's like. It's like there's this whole other side to her, this creative energy that just spills over into like everything she does. And who knows, maybe those different passions, they inform each other.

Maybe her music influences her cocktails or the other way around. We tend to put things in boxes, you know, like, this is my music life, this is my personal life. But in reality, it's all connected. That's so true. And it's inspiring. You know, like, you don't have to limit yourself to just one thing. You could explore all sorts of creative outlets, even if they seem totally different. Yeah.

And who knows, maybe that's where the real magic happens. When you start blending those different passions, those different parts of yourself. I think you're ony something there. What if Jordan's cocktail recipe is actually a musical composition in disguise? Now that's a thought. I'd love to see the sheet music for that cocktail. What would the tempo be? It's probably got a good beat, something you could dance to.

It's a little bit of a citrusy twist. Maybe a splash of sondheim in there too, for good measure. But seriously, it's just cool to see someone embracing all sides of themselves, you know. It makes me want to try new things, explore different creative outlets. Me too. It's a reminder that creativity is not a finite resource. The more you use it, the more you have. And you never know where it might lead you.

Maybe you'll discover a hidden talent or a new passion that you never even knew existed. Exactly. And that's what I love about these deep dives. We start with a specific topic. But it always seems to open up these bigger questions about life, about creativity, about what it means to be human. It's about connecting with something bigger than ourselves, whether it's through art, through community, or through exploring our own passions. Well said. And I think the Hazeltine's revival is a perfect example of that.

They're not just putting on shows. They're creating a space for connection, for shared experiences, for exploring the human condition through art. It's like they're saying, come join us. Let's experience something meaningful together. And let's not forget the Sondheim of it all. This is a man who never shied away from the complexities of life, the messy bits, the heartache, the joy. And his music has this way of getting under your skin, making you feel things, making you think. It's powerful stuff.

And I have a feeling this production is going to be really special. I think so too. It's got all the right ingredients, a talented cast, a historic venue, a community that's hungry for the arts, and of course the genius of Sondheim. What more could you ask for? So to our listeners out there, if you're looking for a truly unique and thought-provoking experience, I highly recommend checking out putting it together at the Hazeltine Theater in Prescott. And who knows, maybe it'll inspire you to explore your own creative side, whether it's through music, cocktails, or something complete. completely unexpected. Absolutely. And if you do make it to the show, let us know what you thought. We love hearing from our deep divers. That's it for this deep dive. Thanks for joining us. We'll be back soon with another fascinating topic, another chance to explore the world around us, and of course another opportunity to connect with all of you. Until then, stay curious, stay creative,

and keep diving deep.