Lunch Time Theater

Season Theme: “Passing the Light: Stories of Legacy, Identity, and Connection”

Each show in our season celebrates the light we pass from one generation to the next—through stories, music, dance, and the courage to be ourselves.

This season’s lineup shines a spotlight on the ways we inherit, question, and celebrate our stories—whether through family traditions, artistic expression, cultural memory, or the forging of new paths. Each production explores how individuals and communities pass on their light: the wisdom, resilience, and creativity that shape who we are and who we become.

• Light in the Window honors the transmission of heritage and love across generations.
• Intermezzo, A Recital in Conversation with My Younger Self reveals the journey of self-discovery and the power of artistic legacy.
• Let’s Rock: From Shakespeare to Tupac!!! bridges eras through poetic voices, celebrating the enduring impact of language and activism.
• Disconnected Rhythms examines the challenges and beauty of human connection in a digital age.
• Post 41 pays tribute to the courage and resiliency of Latino veterans who fought for dignity and respect in the face of adversity and discrimination.
• The Adventures of Karen and Keith playfully explores love, identity, and the joy of being seen for who we truly are.

Together, these stories invite us to reflect on what we carry forward, what we share, and how we connect—reminding us that every generation has the power to keep the light burning bright.

Enjoy the show!
Cescily Washington-Wiener M.Ed.
Director of HTC Community Engagement

Light in the Window | December 1–18, 2025

Order Chaos Theater Company | Directed by Jean-Paoul Clemente

Summary
Light in the Window is a tender one-act play that follows a Filipino American son and his immigrant mother across five Christmas seasons, connected by the Filipino tradition of parol-making—crafting bright star-shaped lanterns that symbolize hope and memory. Through humor, love, and quiet reflection, the two bridge generational and cultural divides as the son learns not only his family’s history, but also the resilience carried within their shared rituals. As time passes and roles shift, the act of making the parol becomes a legacy of light—a way for the son to honor his mother’s spirit and keep her stories shining in the window for generations to come.

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Intermezzo | February 2–12, 2026

A Recital in Conversation with My Younger Self
Conceived by Brooke L. Davis
Written by Chanel Bragg 
Directed by Chanel Bragg

Summary
A celebrated opera singer is on the brink of a major recital when an unexpected visitor arrives… Her fifteen-year-old self! What follows is a heartfelt conversation across time as the two navigate the joys and challenges of forging a path in opera as a Black woman.
A musical feast, this show is equal parts concert and conversation. The evening culminates in a recital of carefully chosen arias that chronicle the artist’s artistic journey. Including works by Black composers alongside traditional repertoire.

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Let’s Rock: From Shakespeare to Tupac!!! | March 2–12, 2026

Conceived by Rod Ambrose | Directed by James E. Garcia

Summary
Visionary Phoenix cultural leader Rod Ambrose invites you to experience the transformative power of spoken word in Let’s Rock: From Shakespeare to Tupac…. This vibrant “Word Music” showcase features an exceptional ensemble: renowned jazz saxophonist Gabriel Bey, dance master and inaugural Miss Black Arizona (1972) Valerie Rochon, acclaimed spoken word artist and New Times Big Brain winner Leah Marche, and celebrated lecturer and Culture-Hub PHX founder Chris “Truth-B-Told” Owens. Together, they create a rich tapestry of voices, bridging the eloquence of William Shakespeare with the raw, urban poetry of Tupac Amaru Shakur.
With electrifying performances of poetry, music, and striking visuals, Ambrose brings to life universal themes—love, justice, struggle, and the enduring activism of hope—that have echoed through generations.
Let’s Rock… is more than a performance; it’s a tribute to language as a force for change, a testament to the lasting impact of storytelling, and an invitation to celebrate the artistry and activism that thrives in every era.

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Disconnected Rhythms | May 4–14, 2026

Presented by Tap 24.7

Summary
Disconnected Rhythms is an original one-act tap dance production exploring the emotional cost of technology overuse and its impact on human relationships. Through three relatable vignettes—a married couple, a family at the dinner table, and coworkers in an office—the show uses rhythm, storytelling, and movement to highlight both the isolating and connective power of technology. The production ends on a hopeful note, reminding us of the beauty and necessity of genuine human connection.

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Post 41 | May 18–28, 2026

Presented by New Carpa Theater Co
Directed by Alex Sanchez Vega

Summary
When Latino veterans came home from World War II, they expected to be welcomed as heroes by the entire community. But after being turned away by other American Legion posts, they decided to build their own post, brick by brick, in a South Phoenix barrio. Post 41 became a beacon for civil rights activism and a living tribute to the legacy of its members.

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The Adventures of Karen and Keith | June 15–25, 2026

Summary
The Adventures of Karen and Keith is a Modern/Retro-Styled Variety Show with a Heart. It asks the question, “What Happens When Two Crazy Dancers are Crazy in Love With Each Other?” This show takes the audience on a high energy ride complete with physical comedy, witty dialogue, and dance. Themes of gender roles, societal expectations, and self-identity are presented humorously, yet with a layer of sincerity. The Adventures of Karen and Keith explores the absurd nature of modern love in a refreshing nod to the comedy style of the 1960’s.

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