Dear Friends of Theatrikos,

We are overjoyed to share some truly historic and heartfelt news with you.

To commemorate the 100th anniversary of Route 66, Theatrikos Theatre Company has commissioned an original theatrical production, that pays tribute to the spirit, history, and humor of America’s most iconic highway. After months of creative development, we're proud to announce:

Route 66 to the Grand Canyon
A World Premiere Comedy | Performances Throughout 2026
Tickets are on sale now at theatrikos.com

About the Play
Route 66 to the Grand Canyon is more than just a play, it’s a vibrant celebration of community, culture, and the timeless magic of the open road.

The story begins when Ruth, a frustrated traveler on her way to the Grand Canyon, finds herself stranded just outside Flagstaff. But this detour turns out to be the adventure of a lifetime when she meets Mother Road, a whimsical, mystical embodiment of Route 66 itself. With a dash of road dust and a wink to the audience, Mother Road guides Ruth on a farcical journey through Northern Arizona’s landmarks, legends, and local characters.

Along the way, they’re joined by James, a tow truck mechanic with big dreams and a sharp wit, and together they perform a play-within-a-play full of groaner jokes, slapstick antics, and surprising moments of heart and wisdom. With plenty of audience participation, over-the-top characters, and lovingly exaggerated Arizona stereotypes, the show is inspired by the British theatrical tradition of “end-of-the-pier” entertainment; light, lively, and laugh-out-loud funny for the whole family.

“Theatre is the foundation stone of my creative experience,” says playwright Peter Kershaw, who brings decades of experience from television, film, and education to this, his first major theatrical work. “It was apt I was approached by Theatrikos to write this comedic play. I was very excited to help create a very special theatrical experience for Flagstaff and Northern Arizona to celebrate the Centennial of the world’s most famous highway.”

“You’ll laugh, you’ll groan, you’ll get informed,” adds director John Propster. “Who says a 100-year-old Mother Road doesn’t have a few tricks up her sleeve?” 

A First-of-Its-Kind Partnership
This premiere production will be performed not only at our home, the historic Doris Harper-White Playhouse, but also in partnership with the Museum of Northern Arizona (MNA), marking an exciting and unprecedented collaboration between two of Flagstaff’s leading cultural institutions.

“Partnering with the Museum of Northern Arizona is a dream come true,” said Jeremy Blunt, Executive Director of Theatrikos. “It allows us to bring this original theatrical celebration into a space that is itself a cornerstone of Northern Arizona history and storytelling. This partnership expands our artistic reach while deepening our connection to the community we serve.”

A Community Collaboration
This original production is made possible thanks to the generous support of our sponsors and creative partners:

Creative Flagstaff
Discover Flagstaff
The Route 66 Association of Arizona

Their investment in the arts and our community has allowed us to bring this ambitious and joyful production to life.

Tickets Are On Sale Now
Route 66 to the Grand Canyon will be performed at multiple venues throughout 2026, with dates and showtimes varying week to week. We invite you to visit our website for the full schedule and to secure your seats today.

Get ready to hit the trail! TheatriKids is thrilled to present the performance workshop production of Hardy Girls, an exciting original musical written right here in Flagstaff by our own Sara Bendel Ryan.

Co-directed by Joe Maniglia and Sara Bendel Ryan, this show is the culmination of tremendous hard work and dedication from our talented young performers. The musical follows the engaging journey of the title characters, the "Hardy Girls," as they arrive in Northern Arizona back in the year 1900. They've come to work at a brand-new food establishment opening along the railroad line.

Each of the girls has her own unique reason for making the trek to the Wild West, and their individual stories unfold through a spirited score of 12 original songs and clever dialogue that is sure to get your feet tapping and bring plenty of laughter.

"This is an amazing show written about and in our own backyard by Sara Bendel Ryan," said co-director Joe Maniglia. "Come see this fun show, filled with heart and humor, about Arizona's historic past."

This production is bursting with fantastic music and a vibrant energy that the kids have poured their hearts into. We can't wait for you and your whole family to experience this rip-roaring fun! Come out and support our incredible TheatriKids!

Performance Dates: October 25 – November 2
Showtimes: Saturdays at 2:00 PM and 7:00 PM, Sundays at 2:00 PM

Tickets are on sale now! You can purchase them online at www.theatrikos.com or by calling our box office at 928-774-1662.

Get ready for a powerful dose of festive cheer! Theatrikos is delighted to announce the arrival of a heartwarming and little-known true story to our stage this winter: The Man Who Saved Christmas, a captivating production written by Ron Lytle and directed by Joe Maniglia.

This delightful, family-friendly play unearths the incredible saga of A.C. Gilbert, the brilliant inventor of the legendary Erector Set. The year is 1917, and the Christmas spirit is under threat. The U.S. Council of National Defense is pushing for a complete national prohibition on the sale of all Christmas toys, arguing that the resources should be conserved for the burgeoning war effort. While others in the toy industry conceded, Gilbert took a courageous stand. This inspiring narrative chronicles his remarkable journey to Washington D.C., where he fought tirelessly to defend the simple, necessary joy of toys and the magic of the holiday season itself.

This beautifully told story sends a perfect, timely message about standing up for what you believe in. "I’m really excited to direct this show," said Director Joe Maniglia. "It has such a powerful and timely message. I know our audiences will love this heartfelt production.”

We are thrilled to share this wonderful tale with the Flagstaff community this holiday season!

Performance Dates: November 26 – December 21
Showtimes: Thursdays, Fridays, and Saturdays at 7:30 PM, Sundays at 2:00 PM

Tickets are available now! You can purchase them online at www.theatrikos.com or by calling our box office at 928-774-1662.