By Jen Barraza
This fall, something remarkable is happening at The Phoenix Theatre Company. On Saturday, November 8, The Phoenix Theatre Company will celebrate the opening of the Dr. Stacie J. and Richard J Stephenson Theatre at our Applause! Gala 2025. This event marks the official grand opening of this state-of-the-art venue designed to usher in a bold, exciting future for live theatre in Arizona.
The gala will bring together donors, artists, civic leaders, and long-time supporters for an evening that celebrates not just the opening of a theatre, but the realization of a community-wide vision. Guests will enjoy a full evening of performances, storytelling, and tributes to the honorees whose contributions have helped make this dream a reality. Among this year’s award recipients are Jan and Tom Lewis (Humanitarians), Catherine Tuton (Woman Who Cares), Jay Franke and David Herro (Men of Character), Michael Kruke (Visionary), Jeff and Nancy Werner (Angels of Our Art), and Fred and Jami Pryor (Lifetime Achievement).
Beyond the celebration, the opening of the Dr. Stacie J. and Richard J Stephenson Theatre firmly positions Phoenix as a rising player in national theatre development. Earlier this month, Let the Good Times Roll: A New Orleans Gumbo premiered on our Hormel stage, exemplifying the kind of ambitious, original work that we strive to be the catalyst for. Now, with the Dr. Stacie J. and Richard J Stephenson Theatre set to be fully realized, productions like Ever After, a bold new musical inspired by the beloved film, signals the next chapter in a long-standing initiative to develop new work for the national stage. This commitment to original production is more than artistic aspiration; it is a strategic investment in serving as an incubator for Broadway-bound shows. With the infrastructure, talent, and creative momentum now in place, Phoenix is ready to stand alongside the nation’s leading hubs of theatrical innovation.
As a producing house The Phoenix Theatre Company takes artistic risks and shapes productions from the ground up. The result is work that is deeply rooted in the Phoenix community but resonant on a national scale.
The Applause! Gala 2025 will mark the beginning of that next chapter. It’s a celebration of what has been accomplished and a toast to what lies ahead. With every ticket purchased and every donation made, community members are investing in a space that will uplift artists, delight audiences, and enrich the cultural fabric of the Valley for generations to come.
Join us for a spectacular evening!
Applause! Gala 2025
Saturday, November 8 | 5:00 PM – 10:00 PM
Click here for more information and tickets available online.
Click here to enjoy this digital invitation.
Help us usher in a new era… one spotlight, one story, and one unforgettable night at a time.
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