The PebbleCreek Big Band featuring The Andrews Sisters aka Becky, Pat, and Chanca (photo by Todd Young)
The Return of PebbleCreek’s Big Band a Huge Success
Susan Kice
For three nights PebbleCreek’s Big Band rocked the Renaissance stage amid thunderous applause and cheers! After a hiatus of three years the Band is back and performing better than ever. Under the direction of Jeff Buda and with Patti Hall, Pat Ingalls, Chanca Morrell, Becky Trimble, Barry Jeannelle, and Don Mayo as vocalists, the evenings were huge successes … as well as sell-outs. A surprise “special request” by Jeff had us all “flying to the moon!” To add a little frivolity to the show, attendees were entertained by the antics of Elysa Luick acting as MC and a cameo appearance by the ever–popular and entertaining Carl (Mario) Halladay. Bravo to all!
As we look back on 2026’s “Burst of Music XVIII…A Fling with Swing,” let’s hope that come next spring “Burst of Music XIX” will return to delight us once again!
Kathy Mitchell often graces the Open Mic stage with her piano and vocals to delighted audiences. Kathy has performed in three productions of Peoria Theater Works and will be appearing at the Lyric Theater in Logan, Utah, this summer. She stays very busy—and her fans are glad she does!
Open Mic Night Has a New President
Carrie Mataraza
If you have lived in PebbleCreek for even a short while and taken advantage of any of the concerts and shows our performing arts groups offer our community, you will be familiar with the music and name of Kathy Mitchell. You would know Singer Kathy, Pianist Kathy, and may even know Actor and Director Kathy. Now Kathy has also taken on the title President of Open Mic Night, PebbleCreek’s newest entertainment club that is a nod to the impromptu performers who have gone behind the mic at coffee houses and comedy shops since the 1950s.
Open Mic Night was formed in the spring of 2025 under the leadership of Patti Hall, herself an award-winning professional singer, who thought that PebbleCreek would delight in the off-the-cuff format. She was right. Open Mic has grown from a few fans since its inception to a number that almost fills the Eagle’s Nest ballroom on show nights.
“I couldn’t be more thrilled to pass the reins of president to someone as talented and competent as Kathy Mitchell,” Patti said. “She has extensive experience on stage and behind the scenes. As a former banking executive she knows how to run a business so she brings a set of skills that can take the club to the next level. Kathy often graces the Open Mic stage with her piano and vocals to the delight of the crowds. Also, she is one of the kindest, nicest people I’ve met here. Needless to say, I’m a big Kathy Mitchell fan!”
Meet Kathy in her own words:
“In my twenties, I followed a dream to be a performer and I was a professional musician for five years performing in piano bars and with a contemporary band called “Jigsaw.” But I wanted to pursue my education so I returned to school and earned my B.A. in psychology and an MBA. That led to a long career in banking. My husband and I had always loved the Southwest so when we found PebbleCreek and saw the amazing Renaissance Theater, I thought it was a perfect opportunity to revive my love of theater and music in a wonderful community and we moved here in 2010.
“Right away I joined ShowTime and PC Players. I’ve appeared in many of the shows since. I was in several ShowTime productions including Nunsense, Hello Dolly, Broadway Faves, and Beauty and the Beast. I acted in 12 Angry Jurors, The Dixie Swim Club and Calendar Girls with PC Players. Also I directed ShowTime’s Smokey Joe’s Cafe, Damn Yankees, Some Enchanted Evening, Music of Rodgers and Hammerstein, and Singin’ in the Rain.
“I always dedicate my performances to my husband John, who passed away over seven years ago. He was my best friend and soulmate, my “roady” and biggest fan, and he still inspires me.”
As for Open Mic Kathy adds, “I love being part of Open Mic, because we have lots of talent in PebbleCreek; some people may be too busy or shy to perform. Others may have a bucket list wish to get on the stage and just do it! I love encouraging others to follow their dreams. We invite you to perform with us. Come see for yourself: Friday, April 24, 6 p.m. Eagle’s Nest ballroom!”
The production team for “The American Songbook”—Vocal Director Bev Griggs, Director Chanca Morrell and Assistant Director Tracey Littlefield—discuss the music for the show.
“The American Songbook” Opens This Month
Laurie Farquhar
ShowTime’s spectacular spring production, The American Songbook, opens in a couple of weeks. Do you have your tickets?
The American Songbook is an original musical revue written and directed by long-time ShowTime Director Chanca Morrell and every song is an award-winner. That’s not hyperbole. Every song included in this show has been recognized by the entertainment industry as being the best in its category. These could be from the Oscars, Tonys, CMAs, Emmys, and more. And as Chanca notes, because they are award-winners, they are also fan favorites, which means that music that you love the most may also be included.
The show runs for six nights from Monday, April 13, to Saturday, April 18, with all performances in the Renaissance Theater starting at 7 p.m.
Tickets have been on sale for a few weeks but there are still some good seats available for every performance. To purchase tickets, go to the HOA website at pebblecreekhoa.org. Click on “Things to Do” and then scroll down to “Ticket Sales.”
It is reserved seating and all seats are only $20, which includes the service fees. VISA and MasterCard are accepted.
If you need help with your purchase, please call either JoAnn at 623–466-8471 or Laurie at 623–251-4158, and they would be happy to help you over the phone.
From the opening number to the final curtain, Chanca promises that you will be wowed by the music and the talent as your friends and neighbors here in PebbleCreek present an evening of entertainment that you will long remember.