Theatrikos Theatre Co. — January Newsletter ~ Baskerville: A Sherlock Holmes Mystery

–Dan Wilson, Sherlock Holmes

Theatrikos is holding auditions for the main stage production of Picasso at the Lapin Agile. This historical fiction comedy, written by actor and comedian Steve Martin, is set in Paris in the early twentieth century. The play centers around Picasso and Einstein who meet in a bar in 1904 and discuss art, science and the future of the world. Picasso and Einstein eventually realize that their abilities are equally valuable. Throughout the play they meet a host of other characters including a man from the future, “the visitor,” who is never named but widely believed to be Elvis Presley. Director John Forsythe said, “I am thrilled to make my Theatrikos directing debut with Steve Martin’s Picasso at the Lapine Agile. I’ve had the pleasure of directing over 40 plays and musicals in the Chicago area, and I want to bring a little bit of magic to the Flagstaff community. This gem by Martin is just the ticket. It has all the smarts and silliness you’d expect from him, in this imagined meeting of the most influential artist and scientist of the twentieth century, Pablo Picasso and Albert Einstein. It should send the audience out repeating the funniest moments of the evening as well as debating which of the two men influenced our world view more. Or is it the surprise visitor later in the play?”

Auditions are January 5 and 6, 630 pm and will be held at the theatre Black Box. Performances run March 14-30, 2025.

Radium Girls tells the true story of women who painted watch dials with radium in early 1900s factories. Led by Grace Fryer, they fought for justice after suffering radiation poisoning from their work. The play examines corporate negligence, worker rights, and the struggle for accountability in an era of industrial exploitation.

The production features an efficient one-week rehearsal and technical preparation period. Following a readers theatre format without script memorization required, this single performance will be presented with all proceeds benefiting the Cancer Support Community of Arizona – Flagstaff.

“I am thrilled to be directing Charity Reader’s Theatre for Theatrikos for the benefit of CSCAZ. It’s a great honor to be picked to direct such an important event for the theatre and such a great cause,” said Adam Wintz, Director.

Auditions are February 15 at noon and February 16 at 10 am. Performance February 22, 730 pm.

Downtown Films is pleased to present three films by local filmmakers.

Trevor Ritland, co-founder of Adventure Term and environmental storyteller, presents El Dorado: The Search for the Golden Toad – exploring the mysterious disappearance of Costa Rica’s golden toad and its connection to climate change.

Kent Wagner, Senior Cinematographer at NOAA, brings his expertise in science and environmental filmmaking to Mist and Mystery – a documentary that follows the Dayak community in Borneo as they face ecological challenges from deforestation and climate change.

Kurt Lancaster, professor at NAU and accomplished filmmaker, directed the award-winning documentary Steve Roach: Life in the Soundcurrent, which has garnered thirteen awards across more than 30 festivals.

The screening is January 27 at 7 pm. A Q&A with the filmmakers will follow.

Family Night is always the first Thursday after opening night of our Main Stage shows. All tickets are half price and  a great way to bring the whole family (or a group of friends) to see Theatrikos shows.

Family night for Baskerville: A Sherlock Holmes Mystery is January 23, 730 pm.

The most cost-effective way to see our 2025 Season!

Season Tickets include our six Main Stage productions for the price of five. Flex Passes include six vouchers to be used for any of the Main Stage shows in any combination. For example, use one ticket for each of the six Main Stage performances or use all six tickets for one performance.

The Flagstaff Foundry is a nonprofit performing arts incubator. Whether a musician, comedian, poet, dancer, magician, or have another creative talent to share, their stage is open. They believe in fostering diverse artistic expression and provide a supportive environment for new and experienced performers.

January 18th, 7 pm.

Momentum Aerial, 1802 W. Kaibab Lane

From the Interim Executive Director

Bruce Fox

Ahh….my last message to you as the Interim Executive Director. Why? Well, as most of you know, Theatrikos has hired a new Executive Director, Jeremy Blunt. Jeremy has a strong theatre background, both academically and with substantial experience managing theaters in California and New York. He starts with us on January 6 and will provide us with excellent leadership as we continue to move forward.

Our past year has been remarkably successful. Annie, our summer musical, was one of the best-selling shows in our fifty-year history. This was only to be eclipsed by Elf the Musical, which sold out shortly after its run began—we had a waiting list for each performance. Hopefully, you all had the chance to see these wonderfully entertaining shows. We will finish this year with a comfortable budget surplus and we have a dynamite slate of shows for 2025. In other words, our finances are solid and we are attaining our goal of high-quality theatre productions, a robust educational program and providing a venue for other compatible arts-related activities.

So…please make sure to put performances on your calendar and sign up to volunteer with the theatre—the rewards of both activities are well worth it. And thank you for your support over the past four months as I have had the privilege of serving as Interim Executive Director.

HAPPY NEW YEAR!

Bruce Fox