Tony Award-winning Actor
Shuler Hensley
Shuler Hensley is an award-winning actor and director returning to ATC for his second season as Scrooge. He has been director/artistic director of City Springs Theatre Company since its inception and directed The Sound of Music (2021), Fiddler on the Roof (2023) and most recently The Music Man in 2024. Shuler recently directed/starred as Tevye in The Fiddler on the Roof at Aspen Music Festival, Carl Magnus in A Little Night Music at Lincoln Center (with Cynthia Erivo), and in Broadway’s The Music Man, playing the role of Marcellus Washburn with Hugh Jackman and Sutton Foster. He also has recently been seen as Tom Kettle in Broadway’s The Ferryman and the New Group’s production of Sweet Charity opposite Sutton Foster. He previously appeared on Broadway in No Man’s Land (also Berkeley Repertory Theatre); Waiting For Godot in repertory, opposite Patrick Stewart, lan McKellen, and Billy Crudup; as The Monster in Young Frankenstein (also the National Tour and London’s West End); Kerchak in Tarzan; Jud Fry in Oklahoma! (also at The National Theatre and London’s West End – Tony, Drama Desk, Outer Critics Circle and Olivier Awards); and Javert in Les Misérables. Opera appearances include Wozzeck (Curtis Institute of Music) and Regina opposite Patti LuPone (Kennedy Center). Hensley has also performed with the New York Philharmonic, San Francisco Symphony Orchestra, and the New World Symphony Orchestra. TV credits include Dexter: New Blood, The Good Fight, Murder of a President, Shades of Blue, Banshee, The Americans, Ed, Deadline, Law & Order: SVU, Criminal Intent, and The Jury. Film credits include Brutal Season, Devil’s Hollow, The Greatest Showman, After.Life, The Legend of Zorro, Van Helsing, Monday Night Mayhem, Someone Like You, and Opa! A proud Equity member, Hensley was awarded the “Stage Performance of the Year” by New York Magazine in recognition for his work in The Whale. He is also the namesake of the Georgia High School Musical Theatre Awards at Cobb Energy Performing Arts Centre.
About ATC
Recognized as the Official State Theatre of Arizona with a legacy started in 1966, Arizona Theatre Company has an unwavering commitment to delivering exceptional theatrical experiences to the communities of Tucson and Tempe/Phoenix. As the sole LORT (League of Resident Theatres) professional nonprofit regional theatre in Arizona, ATC proudly sets the gold standard for artistic excellence and innovation. Led by Executive Director Geri Wright and Kasser Family Artistic Director Matt August, ATC’s impact extends far beyond the stage, with a steadfast commitment to outreach, education, and community engagement. Annually, ATC reaches more than 300,000 patrons through mainstage productions, student matinees, and community events and initiatives. ATC believes in the transformative power of art, be part of the experience! For more information, visit atc.org.
Italian Coloratura Soprano
Ripalta Bufo
Born in Puglia, Italy, in 2013 she graduated in Opera Singing with top marks, honors, summa cum laude, and mention of merit under the mentorship of the soprano Maria Paola De Luca, at the Umberto Giordano Conservatory of Foggia. In 2016 she obtained her Master in Opera Singing and Musical Theater at the Giuseppe Martucci Conservatory of Salerno, graduating with top marks, honors, summa cum laude, and mention of merit. She perfected her skills with the sopranos of the caliber of Luciana Serra, Barbara Frittoli, Elizabeth Norberg Schulz and Donata D'Annunzio Lombardi.
She is the winner (1st prize) of the Rome Caput Mundi International Opera Competition. Winner (1st prize) of the International Competition Emil Rotundu. Winner (2nd prize) of the X Giulio Neri International Lyric Competition. Winner (2nd prize) of the IV Antonio Bazzini International Lyric Competition. Winner (1st prize overall) of the XIV Umberto Giordano International Opera Competition.
She performed the roles of Countess of Folleville in Rossini's Il Viaggio a Reims; Gilda in Verdi's Rigoletto; Rosina in Rossini's Il barbiere di Siviglia ; Adina in Donizetti's L'elisir d'amore; Queen of the Night in Mozart's Die Zauberflöte; Frasquita in Bizet's Carmen; Musetta in Puccini's La Bohème; Countessa Olga Sukarev in Fedora by Giordano; Violetta Valery in Verdi's La traviata; soprano soloist in Carl Orff's Carmina Burana; Nedda in Pagliacci by Leoncavallo; Rosalina in IlRe of Giordano; Serpina in Pergolesi's La serva padrona; Lucy in Menotti's The Telephone; Lesbina in Galuppi's Il filosofo di campagna; Minnie in L'isola azzurra by Nardella (world premiere); Rosetta in Netti's La Filli; Lea in Marcella di Giordano; Suor Agnese in Mese Mariano of Giordano.
She performed in major concerts in Italy and abroad, including:Concerts at “9th Italian festival” in Scottsdale (United States) with Italian Association Az; concert Opera Festival “Viva Opera” at State Philharmonic Hall in Baku, Azerbaijan2024 ; recital "Dream Nights" at the Tirana Opera House 2023; Gala concert “In honor of Renato Balestra” at the National Theater in Belgrade; Midsummer Festival in Tagliacozzo 2022; Sacrum Festival 2021 in Rome, at the Ara Coeli basilica in Campidoglio broadcast on Rai5, concert for the Italian Embassy of St. Petersburg in Russia;Italian Embassy in Cairo in Egypt; Italian Embassy in Lima in Peru; Sala Maria Callas (Teatro Regio of Turin); La Chaudronnerie near La Ciotat, France; Milanese event EXPO 2015; concert and opera at Ancient Theater of Taormina;Farinelli Festival; Dubrovnik Summer Festival in Croatia; 50th Festival of Nations in Città di Castello; Opera Festival in collaboration with the Teatro Grande of Brescia; Palazzo Vecchio, Salone dei Cinquecento in Florence; Université Libre de Bruxelles; Montepulciano Art Festival Construction site; Umberto Giordano Theatre; GDL at Palazzo Zevallos Stigliano in Naples;Pontifical Institute of Sacred Music in Rome; Carrara music friends club; World Music Festival in Prague; Peterborough in England; Malgrat de Mar Fibm Festival in Barcelona and many others.
She has worked with directors such as Alberto Paloscia, Enrico Stinchelli, Paolo Borgogna, Antonio de Lucia, Riccardo Canessa, Gianluca Chiera, Giandomenico Vaccari; with conductors such as Murat Cem Orhan, Pablo Varela, Enrico Melozzi, Jimmy Chiang, Davide Dellisanti, Gianna Fratta, Ferdinando Redavid, Elio Orciuolo, Mikhail Kirchhoff, Benedetto Montebello, Andrea Palmacci, Martins Ozolins, Sandor Gyudi, Jacopo Sipari di Pescasseroli.
She is the Artistic director of the “Francesco De Matteo” Festival, in Italy, and is expanding her artistic activity in the United States of America.
12-piece band leader
Steve Ansel
Multifaceted Showman: Fronts a twelve-piece band featuring some of Arizona’s finest musicians, showcasing a dynamic range of styles and years of experience.
Dynamic and Captivating Performer: Known for his boundless energy and commanding stage presence, Steve infuses every show with passion and intensity. His vibrant personality and dedication to excellence resonate through each note, ensuring an unforgettable experience for all.
A History of Stellar Collaborations: Steve has graced stages alongside legendary figures such as The Four Tops, Gladys Knight, Charlie Daniels, B.B. King, and comedy greats like Joan Rivers and Don Rickles. His performances are noted for their fervor and distinct flair, making every appearance a headline event.
A Renaissance Man of Music and Business: Not only a gifted multi-instrumentalist and composer, Steve is also a fluent speaker of ten languages and a successful entrepreneur. His recent album, featuring original compositions alongside innovative covers, showcases his eclectic talent and deep musical insight.
Inspiration and Resilience: A cancer survivor, Steve’s journey is one of resilience and inspiration, demonstrating the power of perseverance and personal strength in facing life’s challenges.
An Evening of Artistry: Prepare for a show-stopping performance that blends artistry with spectacle — a truly magical addition to this year’s Ambassadors’ Ball. Don’t miss the chance to see a master at work, as Steve Ansel brings his unique brand of genius to our grand celebration.
Grammy Award Winner
Phoenix Boys Choir
Since 1947, the Grammy-award winning Phoenix Boys Choir has provided choral music training, education, performance opportunities and learning experiences that instill excellent musicianship and critical values in young people. Our program develops responsible, caring, creative young people who will be our future leaders and citizens endowed with a passion for the performing arts and community.
During our 77-year history, over 5,000 boys have sung with the Phoenix Boys Choir, enriching their lives and establishing life-long friendships. Countless performances in every kind of venue imaginable - concert hall, nursing home, church, stadium, amphitheater, area, ballroom, gymnasium, private home, golf course - and on radio, television and recordings, have touched untold millions world-wide.
Each year, the Phoenix Boys Choir offers a full season of concert performances offering a wide repertoire from classical to popular selections. We tour domestically and internationally, to over 25 countries in the last 20 years alone, participate in music festivals, and sing with other professional groups. Members of the Phoenix Boys Choir have performed for four United States Presidents and with name entertainers such as Doc Severinsen, Stevie Wonder, John Paul White, Simply Three, and Keith Lockhart conducting the Boston Pops Orchestra.
We have been a source of community pride for our region for the past seven decades, performing with the Phoenix Symphony, Arizona Opera, Phoenix Chorale, and Orpheus Male Chorus of Phoenix and for four U.S. presidents. We have been honored to participate in many iconic local and national events including Alice Cooper's Christmas Pudding and Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade. Our recording of "Somewhere over the Rainbow" was featured in the trailer for the 75th Anniversary re-release of "The Wizard of Oz."
The Phoenix Boys Choir welcomes boys and young men of all races, religions, ethnicity, national origin, physical abilities and sexual orientation. We are a federally recognized 501(c)3 nonprofit organization.
Immerse yourself in the brilliance of PBC’s Holiday, Classics, and Pops Series, where we celebrate the season with vibrant musical gifts. Experience a rich tapestry of cultural diversity, blending traditional and contemporary choral music, performed by five choirs, the Masters Men's Choir, chamber orchestra, and soloists. It’s a joyful celebration the whole family will treasure!
