Theatrikos sets the stage for benefit performances of a local original musical  

Theatrikos Theatre Company’s TheatriKIDS program will be staging its first ever “Studio Series” event: a high-energy, original musical production written by Daniel Stigmon, a local high school student and longtime TheatriKID. “Average Joe” will debut May 12 through 14 at the Doris Harper-White Playhouse, 11 West Cherry Avenue in historic downtown Flagstaff. The proceeds will be split between TheatriKIDS and Stigmon, who will use his share to fund a cast recording of the musical.

Stigmon, while finishing school at the Flagstaff Arts and Leadership Academy (FALA), contemplated life after graduation. From that contemplation came the ideas for “Average Joe”.

“I felt the story of a young man who starts his life over after giving up a huge family inheritance would be a thought-provoking story and it has become an energetic production with lots of song and dance,” said Stigmon. “It has all the great elements of musical theater—humor, tragedy, and songs that tell a powerful story in a high-energy format”.

Performances are Friday, May 12 at 7:30 p.m.; Saturday, May 13 at 2 p.m. and 7:30 p.m.; and Sunday, May 14 at 2 p.m. Tickets are $12 plus applicable fees.

“This show is all-original and gives the youth in our program experience creating a complex musical performance—acting, singing, dancing,” said Maniglia. “Daniel wrote more than 20 songs and watching his creative process has been inspiring.”

Our “Average Joe” grew up with wealthy parents who showered him with money yet denied him the love he yearned for. With the unexpected death of his parents, Joe rejects his family inheritance and decides to start his life over by living on the streets. He meets Noah, a kind homeless woman who shows him what life is like on the streets. She helps him gain back his identity and self-worth. Joe goes through a rebirth of sorts, and finds himself as a successful business person, and realizes the people around him want what he rejected.

More than 30 actors, dancers, and musicians—from schools across Flagstaff— make up the cast. The show is directed by Andrew Edgerton (FALA), with choral direction by Sofia Grosshauser (FALA), and choreography by Rayna Bates (FALA), orchestrations and music direction by NAU music student Alex Burdiss.

Tickets can be purchased online at Theatrikos.com; by calling (928) 774-1662; or by visiting the theater’s box office, which is open from noon to 6 p.m. Wednesdays, Thursdays, Fridays and two hours prior to each performance.