Sharon Bell, right, has a lot to be proud of in the Arizona Revue.

Prescott’s own Arizona Revue , of course!

Sharon Bell, Co-producer of the Revue says that some people have a preconceived notion of what the show is about. They think since it’s locally produced by local citizens, well, “They don’t expect much.” But, she says emphatically, “That is absolutely, positively not the case. The caliber of entertainment at the Arizona Revue is by far better than anything in town this summer; especially for the price.”

Bell continues, “My husband Bob, and Clyde and his wife have been in the business a long time. We saw a need for this type of entertainment locally. We want both tourists and locals to embrace us as a part of Prescott.”

The show is quite diverse. Bell says, “There is something for anyone of any age. And we see ourselves as entertainment, and also an economic engine for the community. We provide an opportunity for people to come to the Elks for 28 nights, which supports the theatre and their fundraising efforts. We supply paychecks to our employees. And after the show we let between 200 and 500 people out into the streets for restaurants, ice cream….  All of our local businesses owners see the benefit of the Arizona Revue. It’s one more opportunity for people to go downtown.”

The talent end of the production is handled by local musician Clyde Score and his wife, Sandy. Bell says, “Clyde hand picks all the entertainers. They made some changes in the cast this year. But it all comes down to ability. The ability to play and sing, plus the ability to entertain. It’s a production. Not just a concert."

The actual start of pre-production for the Arizona Revue took place in February 2008. Bell says, “We just get finished with the Christmas show, and we start working on the summer show. Then, before the end of summer we start rehearsing for the Christmas show. We’re constantly thinking about what’s new and what could be different.”

The format and the music of this year’s show is considerably different from past shows. One of the new additions this year is a crowd favorite. A movie screen is set up behind the band and huge posters from older films are projected. The band then lets loose with the theme song for select films. This was actually one of my favorite parts of the show as it really gave an opportunity for the talent of the musicians comes through. They sounded like the professionals they are.

When you purchase your tickets you’ll notice they mention a “pre show” at 6:30. Different entertainers from around the country come and perform for the 30 minutes before the start of the actual show. This is well worth coming early for. You never know who will be there to entertain the early birds. Bell says, “We get a lot of calls from performers wanting to do the pre show. Our ultimate goal is to have young talent in that spot. We would love to have comedians, dancers, and magicians. It gives us a true variety show feel.”

Bell says that the dinner package the show has with the Hassayampa is a very good seller. They started the program of “dinner and a show” last Christmas and sold out.

The final show is Saturday September 6^th, and the final matinee is Sunday August 31^st. Tickets are $20 for adults and $10 for children 12 and under.

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