PHOENIX, AZ – This week, the Herberger Theater Center in Downtown Phoenix welcomes its five millionth guest, marking a major milestone in the organization’s history since opening its doors in 1989. Reaching five million guests reflects generations of exceptional performing and Resident Companies, as well as countless artists, who have brought the Herberger Theater stages to life and helped shape its enduring cultural impact.

The milestone comes at a moment of renewed momentum. Audience attendance has surged in recent months, with nearly 56,000 guests welcomed since October, and each month marking the highest attendance since the pandemic began in early 2020. Resident Companies have played a significant role in this resurgence, especially Childsplay Theatre, whose productions have accounted for approximately 40 percent of total attendance during this period.

Over the years, the Herberger Theater Center’s stages have hosted an extraordinary range of stories, voices, and creative expressions, with each performance contributing to a shared cultural legacy shaped by imagination, courage, and craft. Today, that legacy continues through a vibrant guest experience that places connection, welcome, and discovery at the center of every visit. Whether attending a beloved local production or encountering something entirely new, audiences can expect performances that challenge, delight, and resonate long after the curtain falls.

“Looking ahead, this milestone strengthens our commitment to the future of live performance in our community,” said Mark Mettes, President and CEO of Herberger Theater Center. “We are energized by the chance to expand the ways people gather around shared creative experiences, while continuing to support artists and welcome new audiences into the arts. As we celebrate our five millionth guest, we do so with gratitude for the past, enthusiasm for the present, and confidence in the many powerful moments still to come.”

The Herberger Theater Center will mark this milestone on Friday, February 6, with First Friday Live: A Night in Japan, a free Community Showcase event that launches a month-long celebration. The evening will feature live taiko drumming, martial arts demonstrations, dance performances, and hands-on activities including origami and watercolor painting. To learn more about attending this event and upcoming performances, visit HerbergerTheater.org.

Valley Youth Theatre brings one of Broadway’s most beloved musicals to life this spring with Annie, running May 9 through June 1, 2025, at the Herberger Theater Center. Full of heart, humor, and unforgettable songs, this classic production is a must-see for audiences of all ages.

Based on Harold Gray’s iconic comic strip Little Orphan Annie, the musical tells the story of a spirited young girl determined to find her family in the midst of the Great Depression. With optimism that’s impossible to resist and the loyal companionship of her dog Sandy, Annie’s journey leads her from a New York orphanage to the lavish world of billionaire Oliver Warbucks—proving that hope can thrive in even the toughest of times.

Winner of seven Tony Awards, including Best Musical, Annie features a timeless score by Charles Strouse and Martin Charnin, with beloved numbers like “It’s the Hard Knock Life,” “Maybe,” and of course, the rousing anthem “Tomorrow.”

Valley Youth Theatre’s production highlights the incredible talent of young performers from across the Valley, capturing the charm and resilience that have made Annie a global phenomenon for generations. Whether you’re seeing it for the first time or returning to an old favorite, this production promises to warm your heart and lift your spirits.

Don’t miss your chance to experience the joy and magic of Annie—a story that reminds us all that brighter days are always just around the corner.

For tickets and more information, visit herbergertheater.org.

From April 26 to May 18, 2025, families and school groups alike are invited to experience Eddie & Vinnie, a heartwarming buddy comedy presented by Childsplay at the Herberger Theater Center. This imaginative and engaging play follows the story of Eddie, a creative boy with dyslexia, and his unlikely sidekick—Vinnie, a hilarious, wise-cracking gecko.

Eddie’s a talented artist who sees the world a little differently. While his schoolwork doesn’t always reflect his strengths, his drawings are full of life, detail, and originality. As the school year winds down, Eddie faces a new challenge: raising his grades or spending the summer in school. With the help of the overly helpful new girl in class and the ever-present (and possibly distracting) Vinnie, Eddie embarks on a journey that pushes him to see his own potential in a whole new light.

Eddie & Vinnie is more than just a comedy—it’s a thoughtful, empowering story that highlights the power of friendship, perseverance, and neurodiversity. Designed to resonate with young audiences, educators, and families, the play raises awareness about dyslexia in a way that’s both accessible and affirming. One in five people are affected by dyslexia, yet misconceptions and stigma persist. This production aims to change that by celebrating the unique minds and strengths of those who learn differently.

With its colorful characters, laugh-out-loud moments, and uplifting message, Eddie & Vinnie opens the door for important conversations about empathy, inclusion, and the value of creative thinking. And for kids who may feel different in the classroom, it offers something even more important: representation and hope.

Whether you’re a parent, teacher, or simply a fan of meaningful theater, don’t miss this inspiring story that proves sometimes the best way to move forward is to think outside the box.

For tickets and more information, visit herbergertheater.org.

On Friday, October 24 at 7:30 PM, Broadway powerhouse and Phoenix native Nick Cartell returns to the city where his journey began for An Evening with Nick Cartell & Friends—a heartfelt night of music, storytelling, and celebration.

Cartell, best known for his critically acclaimed turn as Jean Valjean in the national tour of Les Misérables, has performed the iconic role more than 1,000 times. But long before his name lit up marquees across the country, Cartell stood on the Herberger stage in a production of West Side Story. This one-night-only concert brings his story full circle.

Between tour stops, Cartell is taking time to share a more personal side of his artistry. Featuring selections from his debut solo album, the evening will blend Broadway favorites, Disney classics, jazz standards, and more—offering a wide-ranging glimpse into the music that shaped his life. Alongside special guests, Cartell will reflect on growing up in Phoenix, chasing his dreams, and the unforgettable highs and humbling lessons of a life onstage.

In addition to Les Misérables, Cartell’s Broadway and national tour credits include Jesus Christ Superstar and Scandalous, and his powerful tenor has captivated audiences coast to coast. This fall, he brings that same passion home.

Whether you’re a longtime Broadway fan, a fellow Phoenician, or someone who simply loves a great story told through song, An Evening with Nick Cartell & Friends promises something rare: a chance to witness a hometown star, at the height of his career, return to the place where it all began.

Tickets are available now at herbergertheater.org or by calling the Herberger Theater Box Office at 602-252-8497.

Original article: Frontdoors Media

On May 4, 2025, the Herberger Theater Center and 22 Valley restaurants hosted the organization’s annual “Plated & Staged” event to benefit the Center and its commitment to bringing together artists and our community for diverse and engaging experiences in the arts. This unique event starts at the Herberger with the fundraising, but doesn’t end until you find out where you are going to dine after the paddle raise!

Co-Chairs: Becky Gonzalez & Dawn Hart

Leading Sponsors: Billie Jo Herberger | The Herberger DelCastillo Family | Blue Cross Blue Shield of Arizona | Snell & Wilmer | Perkins Coie

The Restaurant Partners: Aftermath Bar & Kitchen | Arcadia Farms Cafe | Buck & Rider | Carcara | Citizen Public House | Call Her Martina | First & Last | Fresh From the Kitchen | Kid Sister | Mancuso’s Restaurant | Mixela | Paul Martin’s American Grill | Pa’La Kitchen | Pyro | Pizzeria Bianco | Santo | Sushi Friend | Sel | Sottise | Valentine | Weft & Warp

Entertainment: Pianist Nicole Pesce & Vocalist Renee Grant Patrick

Auctioneer: Brett Higgins

Notable Moments: Guests enthusiastically participated in a silent auction, live auction and paddle raise — all dedicated to keeping the performing arts accessible to the entire community. The evening concluded with a unique dining experience — 22 local restaurants generously hosted and donated multi-course dinners with wine pairings for tables of eight, making the night truly unforgettable.

Photos courtesy of Herberger Theater Center