"Rarely can you see a great American musical featuring a story within a story that captures a script's dynamic of love and happiness. But Arizona Broadway Theatre (ABT) in Peoria did just that in their new production of the classic, The Music Man…this production was a joy to watch from the moment the Rock Island train took off…the energy and enthusiasm in this story was wonderful…There is a lot in this show reminiscent of a classic time in our American musical history - thanks to ABT for bringing it back in shining colors!"
- Nicholas Connell, Theatre Critic
ARIZONA WEEKLY ENTERTAINMENT MAGAZINE  6/26/08

"Music Man is wonderful"
Review posted by: Dave from Surprise, Jun 16, 2008
"Music Man is an excellent production. ABT does a good job...Music Man, which was the best yet - very well acted, great choreography, and several spectacular voices - including the female lead…"

"Wonderful family performance"
Review posted by: Maggie Sulivan from Cave Creek, AZ, Jun 16, 2008
"We were able to attend the opening weekend of "The Music Man" and I must say what a superb performance. Great summer show for the whole family.We left the theatre wanting to see it again, and we will."

"Music Man Fantastic!"
Review posted by: Kris from Peoria, AZ, Jun 21, 2008
"Saw this show opening weekend. Was very good...Jason was great as Harold Hill. The costumes and set are colorful and appealing. The children in the cast are very professional and do an amazing job! Great for the whole family!"

re: THE MUSIC MAN

"I have had season tickets for the past two years to Arizona Broadway Theatre. I have enjoyed all the performances, but I must say, The Music Man was the best (for me) this season. They are all enjoyable in their own right - but this one was so upbeat, fun, funny, and the singing was spectacular. Tiny little Jeannie sure has a big voice and her fiancée Jason complements her so well. He not only sings great - but we all noticed his choreography, especially his hands, which added to his role. We especially loved the cast hosting a receiving line in the lobby after the show. It just enhanced the whole experience for us. Thanks so much!!!"
- Lynne Vien, Peoria, AZ 6/23/08



re: AIN'T MISBEHAVIN'

"My husband and I were fortunate enough to attend a production during Memorial Day weekend of Ain't Misbehavin' and I wanted to let you know what an enjoyable experience it was. The theatre itself is beautiful and we felt like we'd been transported to another time, when quality and grandeur and hospitality were valued. Although we kept thinking how much our parents would enjoy it, the setting and music transcended generations. Most impressive, however, was the warmth and efficiency of the wait staff. Having worked in high-end hospitality for many years, I am very cognizant of the level of coordination and skill it takes to manage the challenging logistics of food service. Not only was our server, Harmony, very personable, but she also took the time to answer questions and make suggestions. I can imagine that such a tight schedule could be quite stressful for a less-experienced employee. I did notice that other servers in the area seemed to have the same level of commitment to customer service, and I attribute that largely to the skill and professionalism of your management staff…Please pass along our thanks and appreciation to not only those who performed onstage (including the orchestra), but also those behind the scenes that made the evening such a success."
-  Allyson and John Hogan, Park City, Utah   6/9/08



"WOW! Another great event at the Arizona Broadway Theatre. I love this place. I plan events for our clients all over the Valley, and because our corporate office is located on the Westside, I was seeking a nice place with good food and service for one of my largest events. I located the Arizona Broadway Theatre last year, and had them handle our “Client Appreciation Luncheon” for approximately 250 clients. We were so pleased with everything: the food, the service, the place itself, and how easy they are to work with, that we have gone back to them six or more times. You cannot find another location on this side of town that could meet their standard of quality. (As a side note---if you have not been fortunate enough to attend one of their stage plays, you are really missing out. Their plays are wonderful and include the lunch/dinner)."

- Ms. Della Christian, Executive Assistant
to Mr. Justin Carlson, General Manager,
Asset Preservation Tax & Insurance Services, LLC

re: Group Sampler 2008:  ABT's 2nd special event in which community group leaders and activity directors preview the next season of shows:

"Today’s event was a delightful experience and we thank you tremendously for the invitation. The luncheon was superb and the preview of your fourth season was terrific. A lot of time, effort, and money goes into such an event and all of you carried it off beautifully. With much appreciation."
- Carol Ann Hoffman, Activity Director, Freedom Plaza, Peoria

"Thank you for a lovely and very informative afternoon. We are looking forward to a great season in your beautiful facility."

- Judi Alonzo and Claire Volpe, Activity Directors, La Loma Village Enrichment, Litchfield Park

re: AIN'T MISBEHAVIN'

"I was fortunate to experience this show on opening night, and I'm telling you, You have to go see it. You will laugh, cry, and tap your foot, sometimes all at the same time. The absolutely incredible 5-member cast will bring you into the soul of 20s and 30s America. And with their purely phenomenal live onstage 6-piece band, they will take you on a journey through styles and moods of the heart of American music. Not only that, before the show you will get a wonderful dinner in a classy atmoshpere. If you want to see the true American soul and witness real American music, you need to see this show. Period."
- Very Pleased Fan from Phoenix, AZ
(posted on showup.com on April 26, 2008)



re: AIN'T MISBEHAVIN'

"Some friends invited my husband and myself to the production and I really did'nt know what to expect. WOW! what a wonderful show. Everyone in the theatre stood for a standing ovation when it was over. I will be back! The ribs by the way were fantastic!"
- Shirley Piekarski, Scottsdale, AZ

re: AIN'T MISBEHAVIN'

"One of America's most celebrated  Broadway musicals jumped onto the stage at Arizona Broadway Theatre this week. Ain't Misbehavin'...got the whole joint jumpin’ with an exuberant and joyous performance of the Tony Award Winning Show! This talented quintet went after Fats’ music with a sassy and humorous performance that took us uptown to the old Cotton Club-in the spirit of fun and playfulness the “crown prince” of jazz would have loved himself!

Director Jeff Kennedy captured the era using vintage black and white photos as a backdrop to the show’s speakeasy look and big band presence. Kudos to Jeff for showcasing a classic in delightful fashion! Also noteworthy, are the members of the orchestra, who moved us with an electric performance of  Fats’ collection of hits! Leading the way in this musical revue full of humor and joy are Vonetta Mixson, Matthew D. Brooks, Rovin Jay, Latasha Whitmore and Nakeisha Daniel. From the opening title song “Ain't Misbehavin', to the soul searching “Black and Blue,” these performers kept us clapping and cheering for more all night!"
- Nick Connell, Theatre Critic, AZ WEEKLY ENTERTAINMENT MAGAZINE

Re: JEKYLL & HYDE

"We had a really good time. The talent was extraordinary…absolutely amazing. We will definitely be back to see another show."
- Denise Fleming, Writer/Customer Relations, IMAGES AZ MAGAZINE

re: JEKYLL & HYDE: THE MUSICAL
"Saw your Jekyll & Hyde last Friday night - AMAZING!!!!!!! One of the best shows we've ever seen. We had friends from New York who said it was as good or better than anything they've seen on Broadway. The sets, the voices, the talent - It was just fantastic!!!!!"
- Teresa Rowe

re: JEKYLL & HYDE: THE MUSICAL
"I attended the performance of Jekyll & Hyde: The Musical on Sunday evening with my little group of friends. The show was wonderful and the food was outstanding. Nick Dalton was truly believable and the staging was on par with Broadway."
- Susan Pine, City Sun Times 4/4/08

re: FIDDLER
"Arizona Broadway Theatre's 'Fiddler on the Roof' was better than the
one we saw on Broadway. (Jimmy Ferraro's "Tevye" was better than Zero
Mostel)!"
-Dot Henderson, Peoria


re: FIDDLER
“It was a magical night! Everything was perfect...I am still humming...’If I were a rich man’..."
-Lorraine Pino, Tourism Manager, Glendale Office of Tourism, Glendale, AZ


“Fiddler was an excellent production.  Everyone in our group truly enjoyed the show and the dinner.”
-Diane Silverman, Congregation Beth Israel


re: FIDDLER ON THE ROOF
"This is one of the most fabulous places ever to come to Peoria. We love it!"
- Joan Thomas, resident of Westbrook Village, Peoria & ABT season subscriber for 3 years


re: FIDDLER ON THE ROOF
"Best thing to happen to the Westside."
- Larry Thomas, resident of Westbrook Village, Peoria & ABT
season subscriber for 3 years


re: FIDDLER ON THE ROOF
"The 'Fiddler on the Roof' cast played the musical with great warmth and
are a perfect match for their roles."
- Stuart Levine, Librarian, Glendale Public Library & ABT season
subscriber for 3 years

re: FIDDLER ON THE ROOF
"The show was amazing! I had an absolutely delicious dinner. Everybody was excellent and the gentleman who played 'Tevye' was outstanding! I came with ladies from my Bunco group and we all enjoyed it. We were talking about when we can do it again!"
-Mala Blomquist, Editor, RAISING ARIZONA KIDS MAGAZINE

re: CRAZY FOR YOU
"Just wanted to tell you that we had such a grand time at the play. The
whole experience was great. Food was top notch. I continue to be more
and more impressed each time I enter your doors.
 
My son Simon (who has the theatre bug) came away so inspired, and it
was Emma's first time to see a first rate musical. She sang the music
the whole way home and has been driving us crazy with her tapping.
 
I thought the performance was fantastic. Very well done. Thank you so,
so much."
- Brian Nissen, owner, Citrus Valley Playhouse, Mesa, AZ



re: CRAZY FOR YOU 
"I attended the matinee yesterday, and don't know when I have enjoyed anything more. "Bobbie" is so unbelieveable. There are no words to describe his performance." 
-  "Queen Mum"  Patricia , The Red Hat Society

re: CRAZY FOR YOU
“…Overby heads a talented, high-energy cast…he is a seasoned performer with an impressive list of credits…Bursting with energy and excitement, this production of “Crazy for You” has a lot more going for it than the wonderful Gershwin tunes…The creative choreography by stage director Tralen Doler – an ariZoni Award winner for “La Cage aux Folles” who also possess a long list of credits – is superb. A small, spunky blonde, Costa is well cast…a good dancer with a strong, shrill voice reminiscent of Ethel Merman. When hitting high, soft notes, Costa loses the shrillness, leaving beautiful, bell-clear tones.”
- Jack Hawn, THE NORTH WESTER



re: CRAZY FOR YOU
“The charm of MGM studios’ classic films recalling the days of Fred Astaire and Ginger Rogers is brought back to life on stage through George Gershwin’s music and dance in “Crazy for You” at Arizona Broadway Theatre.”
- Mitchell Vantrease, DAILY NEWS SUN



re: CRAZY FOR YOU
“I’m crazy for Crazy For You! Unlike most other reconstituted “Best of” musicals that try to build a lame story around a composer’s catalogue of hits, Crazy For You is the best of the bunch because it honors both the Gershwins and the vanished art of glitzy entertainment from which all of the songs came…The original production…made a star of choreographer Susan Stroman, which might intimidate future director/choreographers. Fortunately, ABT has brought back the extremely talented Tralen Doler to do both honors, much to our good fortune.”
- Neil C. Cohen, ECHO MAGAZINE



re: LITTLE SHOP OF HORRORS
“…if this is the usual caliber of ABT’s productions, it is worth a trip to Peoria to visit this three year old dinner theater. The meal was delicious…and the show was fabulous. I have seen several incarnations of Little Shop, but this was by far the best one ever. Not only were the characterizations perceptive and the direction enlightened but the sets, lighting, and costumes were almost perfection.

The role of Audrey, so often played as a dumb caricature, had a depth here, which was very well shown by actress Kaitlynn Kleinman…Toby Yatso…was equally good. He shone as Orin the mad dentist, which he played almost as an Elvis type, but his tour de force occurred when he zipped through a multitude of incredible costume and character changes all in the space of no more than ten minutes (if that long). He was great!  Even the trio of Greek chorus singers had a distinct personality, which is not usually the case when the show is presented. Nakeisha Daniel, Erahn Patton, and Jennifer Ward looked good, sounded better and had unusual depth in their reactions. Tim Luoma as the hapless Seymour revealed a passion and angst as he debated the ethical consequences of his actions and faced his moral dilemma – whether to kill and continue his success. All of these actors not only emoted well but their music was excellent…I cannot omit the stellar performance of Audrey II, the plant puppet and its voice which are the focus of most of the show.

A word about Mike Monsos’ scenic design. This is not an easy set to produce- the inclusion of a subway element was genius, the garbage cans used as seats was clever and the retractable florist shop was unique. Every inch of the stage (including a rooftop for the trio) was put to use well. And I must also compliment Choreographer Jennifer Stone for her movement, particularly in the dentist scene. Latso was brilliant as he wrestled with the gas mask.”
- Paula Shulak, member of American Theatre Critics Association


"The San Diego Padres Organization would like to thank you for accommodating us…Diane Hetrick and your entire staff made us feel "right at home" during our three-day stay in Peoria. Everything went very smoothly for our 80 guests…We would certainly recommend your venue to anyone in the area looking to plan a meeting similar to ours. Thanks again."
- Fred Uhlman, Jr., Assistant General Manager and Ilana Miller, Administrative Assistant, Scouting & Player Development, San Diego Padres.

"We, at the Country Inn & Suites Deer Valley, would like to thank you for providing such great service to our guests as well as our employees."
- Amy Miranda, Director of Sales, Country Inn & Suites by Carlson Deer Valley


re: LITTLE SHOP OF HORRORS
"On behalf of my family, I would like to thank you for a memorable evening at ABT. We thoroughly enjoyed Little Shop of Horrors. The meal and service were fantastic. It is so wonderful to have a Broadway quality venue in Peoria. We can't wait to see another show."
- Howard Kuflik, owner, Kuflik Photographic


Class Act!, 10-07-07 from showup.com
Reviewer: Pleased Patron
Great dinner. Classy atmosphere. Fantastic set. Awesome vocalists. Superb acting. And the best live band I have heard in years. You would pay the same for a show only at most places in Phoenix, but here you get a classy dinner at a state-of-the-art facility along with a real Broadway show. Best deal for miles! Go!

"On behalf of the Miss Teen World US Pageant, I want to thank you for your professionalism and great hospitality. Your staff is excellent!"
- Evelyn McLean, National Director


re: GREASE
"We really enjoyed ourselves. Dinner was excellent…Our waitress was great - polite, attentive and gave great service. Your facility was wonderful. The production was very good. So, all in all, well worth the trip to the other side of the valley. I have recommended the theatre to my family."
- Terri Pugliano, Operations Supervisor
Borders Books & Music, North Scottsdale


re: GREASE
“Arizona Broadway Theatre’s casting director Cassandra Klaphake chose David Sattler, an Actors Equity member making his ABT debut, to play Danny. With a long string of impressive credits and an excellent voice, Sattler fits the role perfectly as the swaggering hotshot gang leader. Megan Grubel also is well cast as the Rydell High newcomer…Making her third appearance on the ABT stage, having performed in “A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum” and “Kiss Me, Kate,” Grubel also has extensive acting experience. It’s a zinger of a show, a high-energy song and dance production…Directed and choreographed by Jim Christian, musical direction by Jeff Kennedy and costumes by Casey Goshen, the production is another ABT winner.”
- Jack Hawn, THE SOUTH WESTER


re: A FUNNY THING HAPPENED ON THE WAY TO THE FORUM
"Comedy Tonight" is explosive with a full cast of energetic singers and dancers suggesting more of the same in the next two hours…a similar upbeat finale with a happy ending leaves the audience with a good feeling…Wes Martin, as booming Marcus Lycus, is outstanding, as is Brad York, who occasionally sounds like the late actor Paul Lynde in his humorous portrayal of Hysterium…Jeffrey Stevens also is impressive as Senex."
Jack Hawn, THE WESTER


"The Arizona Broadway Theatre has more in common with its namesake than you may think. From state-of-the-art technology to a live orchestra and Tony award-winning musicals, this family-owned business brings a breath of fresh air to Phoenix with its own take on the Broadway musical…Shows at the ABT elicit a feeling of excitement that is typically reserved for New York theater."
Kristine Hedlund, Publisher, PHOENIX WOMAN MAGAZINE


"The chef was incredible."
Nate Kretzmann, Executive Director,
Joy Christian School, Glendale, AZ


"The ambiance that the dinner theatre provided made it an excellent venue for our fundraiser."
Kristin Watt, Volunteer Coordinator,
Joy Christian School, Glendale, AZ


"The spirit of classical Roman farce is reborn in Peoria six nights a week through the Arizona Broadway Theatre's production of "A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum."
Joshua S. Garber, SURPRISE TODAY


"If going out for dinner and a classic Broadway musical sounds like your ticket to a good time, check out this relatively new venture that's drawing crowds of all ages…after your meal, sit back and enjoy a multi-sensory experience filled with among other things, talented performers from around the country, a state-of-the-art sound system and a live orchestra."
Gremlyn Bradley-Waddell, ARROWHEAD LIFE MAGAZINE


"We thought (ABT) was wonderfully laid out…the food was very good…and the service was excellent. We thought the young man who played Pseudolus (from A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum) reminded us of a young Nathan Lane. We look forward to seeing Grease!"
Wendy G. Beck, SONORAN NEWS


"Forum was outstanding. The sound system was amazing. The food was wonderful and the presentation was great. The box office staff was nice and friendly and the wait staff was very good. We plan to bring our 13-year old to see Grease!"
Sandy and Dave Isho,
PREMIERE EVENT RESOURCES, Cave Creek, AZ


"The incredible costumes for LA CAGE were the most spectacular I have ever seen. Martha Clarke is a genius!"
Steve Schemmel, former executive director, Janus Theatre and senior account executive, ECHO MAGAZINE.


re: LA CAGE AUX FOLLES: "Great casting, costumes and sets. I loved the dance numbers…excellent stage size and depth…and a nice touch to provide live music from the pit. We will be proud to continue listing your productions in WHERE PHOENIX + SCOTTSDALE."
Lisa Polacheck, editor, WHERE MAGAZINE


"Diane (Hetrick, ABT's Food & Beverage Manager) and her staff not only met but exceeded our expectations…you have one of the best chefs, an excellent sound and stage man, and the most respectful, efficient and courteous food servers in the Valley…we look forward to doing business with you again…"
Verse Arroyo, AZUSA World Ministries


“Thank you for a marvelously entertaining evening. ABT gets an “A”…Yours was the absolute best live performance of SOUTH PACIFIC I’ve ever seen and I’ve seen it three times in large and small venues…The lighting, sets, music, costumes, and…actors – they were equally adept at singing, dancing, and acting. Wow!!!”
Martin Gonzalez, ARIZONA REPUBLIC, Republic Magazines


“BRAVO! I am writing to share my excitement about having a venue that is the quality of the Arizona Broadway Theatre here in the West Valley…I am totally impressed with the facility, the quality of food and beverage, the service attitude of the associates and the quality of the entertainment…”
Carol A. Pernsteiner, CHA, DBA, General Manager, Sheraton Crescent Hotel


“What an incredible experience. Not only did we love the ambiance and the food, but it was so much fun hearing about all the shows you’re planning to bring to the valley this year…It was a great show and we all had the best time. This would be an awesome first date place, too. Our valley has been without a great dinner theater experience until now, and I’m so glad you allowed us to be a part of it.”
Terril Kelley and Nancy Nace, The Scottsdale Resort & Conference Center


“I enjoyed the entire experience…The food was very good. I especially enjoyed the chocolate torte. It was outstanding. The beverage was perfectly made…I thought the play was very good. You’ve found some great talent…All had wonderful voices, and overall the experience was terrific, and I will be confident when recommending the Arizona Broadway Dinner Theatre to the guests of The Phoenician.”
Maureen Sullivan Bauer, The Phoenician


“Our experience was wonderful. The lobby is spacious, the (banquet) room, accommodating up to 100 is nice and quiet…food was wonderful, much more than expected…service was fine, systematic and pleasant, dinner was once again more than I expected and we purchased the desserts to see the pastry ability and the presentation was lovely. The show was terrific in every sense as well. Overall the experience was a 10!”
Katherine Christensen, CMP, President, KCA Public Relations, Meeting Planning and Association management


“Dinner was excellent…The state-of-the-art theatre was very comfortable and as we moved into the first act, it was easy to see there isn’t a bad seat in the house. The production was great…we really enjoyed the show! Your leveraging of technology and acoustics really came through during the performance…We thought the whole experience was a phenomenal value!”
Brian Malthaner, Marketing & PR and Susan Malthaner, Editor & Distribution, ARIZONA KEY MAGAZINE


“Thank you for last Saturday’s performance of SOUTH PACIFIC. We thought the show was terrific…We had a wonderful meal…We’ve already recommended ABT to several friends!”
Greg Giczi, General Manager, KAET Channel 8 (PBS)


“We cannot tell you how much we enjoyed BRIGADOON, and how very pleasantly surprised and delighted we were with the production values and the entire cast’s performances. Even on Broadway there usually is one cast member who is below par. Not so with your group…everyone was superb. We can’t wait for LA MANCHA!”
Mr. And Mrs. Bob Berman


“Thank you so very much for a wonderful experience at ABT. BIG RIVER was a great show, the food was fabulous and the staff was great. Nick had the best birthday ever (he turned 10)…he actually cried when he was presented with his birthday cake, stating, ‘It’s the most beautiful cake I’ve ever seen.’ We will be returning again and again…”
Jeana S. Whitaker, President, North Valley Playhouse


“BIG RIVER was outstanding and everyone at our table ordered something different and all of us were happy with our choices. Our waiter was excellent. We will be telling all of our friends about your very special theatre.”
Gerry and Will Black


“ Four thumbs way UP for staging a most memorable Valentine’s Day performance of KISS ME, KATE. It was such a festive atmosphere with the entertainment beginning long before the show…The table-side serenades by the singer, accordionist and violinist created such a gala spirit…Cassandra (Norville Klaphake) hit twice as high of a note as Lilli/Katharine!! The choreography was outstanding…APPLAUSE to all!!!”
Marla and Stuart Levine


“We look forward to each and every production and wish you all great success. SOUTH PACIFIC was an absolute delight, and our meal was the best we’ve had at the theater. Congratulations to your talented chef.”
Mr. And Mrs. Edward Traina


“What an awesome evening it was! The food was excellent and the performance superior! It will be my pleasure to send out guests to Arizona Broadway Theatre!
Gisa Martin, Pointe South Mountain Resort


“This theatre is every bit the equivalent of a Broadway-level theatre, and I think that actors love being in that kind of an environment. I’ve been in dinner theatre for many, many years on the East Coast, but in no way can they compare to this current facility here in Arizona. This is probably one of the finest dinner theatres in the country, if not the finest. I have never seen one as spectacular as this.”
Actor Gary Steelman who portrayed Elisha Whitney in Anything Goes and Captain George Brackett in South Pacific.


"ABT adds just a little bit different dimension to the entertainment mix. There are not that many dinner theatre-type production groups out there that are for profit."
Steve Prokopek, Peoria's economic development director 1/8/03


"ABT's a benefit to the city. A growth of arts and culture improves and increases the quality of life, and not just in Peoria, but the whole West Valley, and that's exciting."
John Keegan, Mayor of Peoria 11/7/03


"This is the first true dinner theatre on the west side...It's a very popular destination for Sun City residents…The 'theatre concept' fits in well with Peoria's leisure and entertainment theme near the Sports Complex."
Meredith Flinn, Peoria Deputy City Manager, 2003


Meredith Flinn, deputy city manager of Peoria said landing the area's only dinner theatre seemed like "an exciting prospect" that would add to the city's entertainment mix.
The Arizona Republic, 4/22/05


"I was especially excited the theatre was coming to the West Valley, not just for myself, but because of the wonderful senior population."
Karen Wellert, President, Adultcare Assistance & ABT's 1st subscriber, 2005


"Arizona Broadway Theatre, the new Peoria dinner-theatre operation, is mounting a revival that reminds theatergoers why Brigadoon is one of the best of the '40s musicals: a grand mix of melodies, comedy, folk dancing, and above all, magic and romance."
Kyle Lawson, theatre critic, The Arizona Republic, 1/8/06


"…I can tell you about Man of La Mancha…a musical adventure full of wit, humor, inspiration, tragedy, insight, wisdom and triumph…ABT can be very proud of this production…The singing by this cast was superb and the characterizations well executed with warmth, humor, intensity and feeling. I enjoyed it immensely and I'll be back."
Linda Purdy, Arts & Entertainment Columnist, Estrella Monthly, 4/06


"Jeannie Shubitz delivers a wonderful performance as Josephine in Arizona Broadway Theatre's presentation of H.M.S. Pinafore…ABT made sure everything else was top-of-the-line, from the food…to the appealing set and gorgeous costumes, all were created on its premises."
Rich Ott, reporter, Daily News-Sun, 5/11/06


"An evening of fine dining and entertainment awaits patrons as Arizona Broadway Theatre features not only premium musical theater but also an elegant dinner experience before, during and after the show."
Laura Durant, freelance writer, Peoria Times, 5/26/06


"Just as mark Twain's work should be required reading material in schools, ABT's Big River should be required viewing for adults."
Beth Kristin Ott, reporter, West Valley View, 6/23/06


"The curtain rose on Act 1 last fall when the Arizona Broadway Theatre opened…This professional dinner theatre boasts a beautiful auditorium that seats 400, along with a gourmet kitchen and several event spaces…I cannot overstate how impressive this facility is, and its productions are of the highest quality. This is a professional theatre of a caliber not often seen off Broadway. Peoria is lucky to call the Arizona Broadway Theatre one of our own…I heartily recommend putting an afternoon or evening aside to experience the Arizona Broadway Theatre."
Peoria Mayor John Keegan, Peoria Focus, issue 2, 2006


re: ABT's Academy for Young Performers: "It is so exciting for the students of the West Valley to have a professional theatre sponsoring an education program. The caliber of the teachers is high, all professionals, so the students get the advantage of having working actors, dancers and designers teaching them."
Mary Jane McClosky, actress in ABT's Big River, newszap.com, 4/3/06


"Big River, at the Arizona Broadway Theatre…has a lot going for it. Captivating music by Roger Miller sung by a superb cast…Experienced members of Actors' Equity Association, Pierce and Shonkwiler give stirring performances…I was mostly impressed that evening with the facility, a sprawling 32,000-square-foot theatre…a welcome addition to the West Valley."
Jack Hawn, reporter, The Wester, 7/6/06


"All the best that has made Broadway sing and dance with glitz, glamour and Broadway showstoppers comes to the Valley of the Sun in Arizona Broadway Theatre's production of the musical revue The World Goes 'Round, the songs of John Kander and Fred Ebb."
Laura Durant, freelance writer, Peoria Times, 7/21/06


re: The World Goes 'Round: "A revue of songs by John Kander and Fred Ebb, creators of Cabaret, Chicago and Kiss of the Spider Woman, the show is staged in the Valley's newest dinner theatre, swank digs that include a 400-seat playhouse built along the lines of New York supper clubs."
Kyle Lawson, theatre critic, The Arizona Republic, 7/27/06


"If you're looking for a good show, turn off the television, drive past the movie theater and head to one of the Valley's dinner theaters this weekend for an evening of excellent food and entertainment…Arizona Broadway Theatre…offers an evening of toe-tapping, side-splitting fun and talented performers."
Beth Kristin Ott, reporter, West Valley View, 8/18/06


"While lots of arts organizations take time off in the summer and get ready for next season, it's nice to know that ABT runs all year round, providing dinner and musical theatre at the same time. And what a delightful combination it turned out to be…I was impressed with the meal and the service and couldn't wait for the play to begin…ABT insists upon live music for all of their productions, and the musicians were wonderful!"
Linda Purdy, Arts & Entertainment Columnist, Estrella Monthly, 8/06


"How to Succeed…is as a first-rate musical in Peoria. ABT production sizzles with song, dance and comedy…Director Joseph Martinez, choreographer Heather Adams, a talented production crew, and splendid cast have combined to give vibrant new life to a play that debuted on Broadway 45 years ago."
Jack Hawn, reporter, The Wester, 10/19/06


re: How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying: "Arizona Broadway Theatre production succeeds in a very big way…"
Rich Ott, reporter, Surprise Today, 11/1/06


"The newest addition to the dinner-theater scene has opted to stay away from holiday classics in favor of a classic of a different kind - South Pacific. The Rodgers and Hammerstein's musical is a tribute to World War II and the men and women who fought in the Pacific. The song Some Enchanted Evening wasn't written with the season in mind, but what song better describes Christmas Eve?"
Kyle Lawson, theatre critic, The Arizona Republic, 12/14/06


"Carolyn McPhee…recently appeared in Arizona Broadway Theatre's song and dance revue The World Goes 'Round…Carolyn is lovely to watch. Your eye goes straight to her because of her personality and charm. Her voice is phenomenal and she can sell a number, whether it's a comedic or dramatic piece. She can sing and tell the story, and that's what makes her a great actress."
Sally J. Clasen, writer, 85255, 12/06


"Before the curtain goes up at the Arizona Broadway Theatre, Allen Dowe, head chef at this unique venue, has completed his first act-and it's worthy of a standing ovation…He believes in having a niche, so his menus are geared toward the theme of the current show. Creative and experimental, he serves basic-style food with a twist."
Marnie McGann, writer, Arizona Gourmet Living, 12/06


"Amazing cast' transports Peoria dinner theatre to 'South Pacific."
Rich Ott, reporter, Surprise Today, 12/20/06