Herberger Theater to add more shows in 2018

Theater fans in Arizona will soon have more shows to enjoy at a downtown Phoenix theater.

Three new resident companies — Arizona Opera, Childsplay and Arizona Broadway Theatre, have joined the Herberger Theater Center and have plans to schedule performances next year, the theater announced Monday.

Phoenix Mayor Greg Stanton said he is excited for the expansion, and added that it is not surprising because word is spreading about the quality and number of theater performances in Phoenix.

Stanton said the Herberger saw more than 800 performances this year, calling it the “highest number ever. That’s an estimated 36 percent increase in performances and events from last year.” In addition, Stanton said about 200,000 people attended shows at the Herberger in 2017.

Keil Klaphake, the executive producer for Arizona Broadway Theatre, praised the move to become a permanent resident at the theatrical company, saying it will be wonderful in many ways.

“I’m really inspired by the mission of the Herberger,” he said. “The growth and the support of this community has been unbelievable. We’re absolutely thrilled to be able to continue that partnership in bringing musical theater into this amazing facility.”

Arizona Opera representative Joe Specter said he was also thrilled to be a part of the new partnership and added that presenting new and thrilling works are an “important element in our pursuit of best serving and deepening our engagement with our community.”

Starting in 2018, Specter said that the Arizona Opera will have a main stage season at Symphony Hall, with an added performance series called Arizona Opera Red at the Herberger Theater Center.

Childsplay, a company that has the mission of bringing the theater to young audiences, will keep its headquarters in Tempe. However, starting in 2018, all Childsplay performances will be held at the Herberger.

With the addition of these three new companies, it is expected to increase audience growth by 35 percent, according to Herberger President and CEO Mark Mettes. “This adds to the diverse offerings of the resident companies, that will entertain and inspire audiences of all ages,” he said.

The Herberger Theater has been a part of the downtown culture since 1989 and has a strong mission to showcase and support local artists. It currently has three performance spaces, an art gallery and lounge.