A BLAST FROM THE PAST
50s-60s Tribute takes to the "airwaves" July 16-18
 
T.A. Burrows and Laurie Ehlers' fun-filled and much acclaimed production, "On the Air," is scheduled for three performances at Theater Works in Peoria, AZ - July 16, 17, and 18. This hit show is a "blast from the past;" a tribute to the days of sock hops, malt shops and rock 'n' roll performed as a live broadcast over fictional radio station KDOG 950-AM ("the Nifty 950").  

It stars T.A., Laurie, and Suzanne Hickey as the station's off-beat on-air personalities. The threesome also performs 21 memorable hits from the 50's & 60's, including such classics as "Under the Boardwalk," "My Guy," "Splish-Splash," "Lipstick on Your Collar," "Daddy's Home," "I Fall to Pieces," "Rockin' Robin," "Jailhouse Rock," and many more.  And between the great songs, they share witty banter and perform several comedy routines, including a reprise of Abbott & Costello's classic radio routine, "Who's On First?" 

"On the Air" is more than just a night remember, it's a blast from the past, where the hits and the laughs keep on coming!  

Showtimes are 7:30 p.m. on July 16 and 17, with a 2:00 pm matinee on July 18. Theater Works is located in the Peoria Center for the Performing Arts at 8355 W. Peoria Avenue in Peoria, AZ.  For tickets or more information call (623) 815-7930.

For more details on the show itself and a schedule of other performances click the link below and visit T.A. & Laurie's Act Two Productions website.

|T.A. TAKES THE FIFTH! 
After four nominations, finally nabs his first "AriZoni" award 
as "Best Actor" in "Driving Miss Daisy" 

It was a long time coming, but at last T.A. Burrows can proudly say that his initials stand for more than just his first and middle names; they now stand for "The Actor."  After having received four previous nominations, the multi-talented performer finally reached the pinnacle of acting success his fifth time out, claiming his first AriZoni Award, as "Best Actor in a Play." The most compelling fact is that while T.A. has won numerous awards as a comedian, his first AriZoni was awarded for a dramatic role, his portrayal of Hoke Colburn (Morgan Freeman's Oscar nominated role) in Theater Works' highly-acclaimed production of "Driving Miss Daisy"  

The "AriZoni" is the Phoenix theater community's version of Broadway's Tony Award.  This prestigious annual award recognizes theatrical excellence in 13 categories as judged in over 100 stage productions in the Phoenix metropolitan area.

In addition to T.A.'s nomination (and subsequent win), "Driving Miss Daisy" earned four other AriZoni nominations, including Best Actress (Jacqueline Gaston, pictured left), Best Overall Production, Best Director (Athena Hunting), Best Hair & Make-up, and Best Sound Design.  

This poignant story revolves around Daisy Werthan (Gaston), a 72-year-old Georgia widow who has totaled her car in yet another driving mishap. As a result, her son Boolie insists she will have to get chauffeur because no insurance company will insure her. She refuses, but Boolie is determined to find her one. Enter Hoke Colburn (played by T.A.), a mild mannered 60-year old unemployed driver who accepts the job with the understanding that Miss Daisy is quite a handful and then some; she's a stubborn, headstrong woman who's going to more than try his patience. In time, however, their relationship grows to the point that by the time story ends, Miss Daisy comes to realize that Hoke is more than just a chauffeur, he's her best friend.

T.A. received his first nomination in 2003 as "Best Actor in a Musical" for his multi-talented performance in Desert Foothills Theater's "Simply Sammy."  He followed that with two more "Best Actor in a Musical" nominations for his portrayal of Mr. Applegate in both Mountain Shadows Theatre Company's and Fountain Hills' Community Theater's versions of "Damn Yankees."  He also received a "Best Supporting Actor in a Musical" nomination for his role as Charlie Davenport in Mountain Shadows Theatre Company's production of "Annie Get Your Gun."

T.A. received his award at the prestigious AriZoni award ceremony held at the Herberger Theater in downtown Phoenix. His reaction to finally nabbing the illusive plaque after four previous nominations?  "I guess I've finally overcome the Susan Lucci Syndrome!"  Indeed he has...