Desert Foothills Theater presents “A Grand Night for Singing”

‘Shall We Dance’ or shall we sing?
Desert Foothills Theater presents “A Grand Night for Singing”
by LeeAnn Sharpe

An enchanting night of song and dance is in store for Desert Foothills Theater‑goers Nov. 2 as “A Grand Night for Singing” makes its premiere.

This exciting Richard Rodgers & Oscar Hammerstein revue features some of the best‑loved songs from “The Sound of Music,” “South Pacific,” “Carousel,” “Oklahoma,” “Cinderella,” “The King and I,” all presented in a new storyline. With orchestrations by Michael Gibson and Jonathan Tunick, Director DeeDee Wood and Musical Director Flore Mogerman are bringing marquee talent to the Desert Foothills Theater production.

Cactus Shadows Fine Arts Center will be the venue for “A Grand Night for Singing,” which took Broadway by storm when it made its debut in 1994, receiving two Tony Award nominations, including one for Best Musical.

Musical Director Flore Mogerman, (nominated for 7 Musical Direction ariZoni Awards and won 3), says, “Cactus Shadows Fine Arts Center is an incredible state‑of‑the‑art theatre with wonderful acoustics. It’s just beautiful. I think audiences will have a wonderful night out. Lovely songs and beautiful voices, the singers are all pros.



“We have five powerhouse lead singers in the revue. Tenor Chris Fidler, baritone Brian Sweis, soprano Janine Smith, soprano Amy Powers, and alto Elizabeth Reeves. I’ve worked with all of them and they are fantastic. ‘A Grand Night for Singing’ updates classic versions of the songs with a swinging jazz ‘Honeybun’ and an Andrews Sisters‑esque ‘I’m Gonna Wash That Man Right Outta My Hair.’ It’s all so much fun.”

Conceived by Walter Robbie with musical arrangements by Fred Wells, the revue showcases well‑loved songs through the eyes of a lovelorn lad. Taking the audience members into a new story is tricky because when they hear the music of “Shall We Dance,” they expect to see the King and Anna dancing. Instead, the songs are woven into a new emotional journey through the various stages of love. “Shall We Dance” plays into a ballroom dancing lesson with a self‑conscious young man with a comic twist.

Desert Foothills Theater’s production, under the direction of Emmy Award‑winning choreographer and director DeeDee Wood, has the ingredients any musical theatre aficionado loves–great talent and impeccable direction. Wood is intimately familiar with the work of Rodgers & Hammerstein as she choreographed “The Sound of Music” movie.

Wood’s impressive resume includes choreographer of movies and television including “Mary Poppins,” “Chitty Chitty Bang Bang,” “Beaches,” “Cher,” “The Andy Williams Show” among a lengthy list of credits.

“She has been an avid supporter of DFT through the years and the shows she has directed have been hits with our audiences,” says Sue Kern‑Fleischer with DFT.

The Cactus Shadows Fine Arts Center is located at 33606 N. 60th St. in Cave Creek. “A Grand Night for Singing” runs Nov. 2‑5, 10‑12, and 17‑19. All shows except for Sunday dates begin at 7:30 p.m. Sunday matinees start at 2 p.m. To order tickets by phone, call (480) 488‑1981, or purchase at the Center’s box office. For more information or to become a member of the Desert Foothills Theater, visit www.desertfoothillstheater.com.