Arizona Theatre Company (ATC) is turning up the suspense in its 58th season with the U.S. premiere of Heist, a new play by award-winning playwright Arun Lakra. Packed with adrenaline and intrigue, Heist plunges audiences into a world of deception, attraction, and betrayal. The story follows a meticulously planned jewel theft where every second counts, every team member hides a secret, and nothing goes as expected.
As loyalties shift and surprises unfold, the line between player and played blurs, offering a theatrical experience brimming with tension, style, and wit. Originally premiering at Alberta Theatre Projects, Heist received critical acclaim for its sharp dialogue and inventive storytelling.
Eye-surgeon-turned-playwright Arun Lakra brings a distinctive perspective to the stage, exploring the interplay between science, chance, and human behavior, often asking how much of our lives we can truly control.
ATC’s Kasser Family Artistic Director Matt August, whose recent projects include directing the world premiere of Bob & Jean: A Love Story and the holiday favorite Scrooge!, will direct this high-stakes production.
“Heist is part crime caper, part psychological puzzle, and completely original,” August said. “What I love most about Arun’s writing is how it marries the structure of a classic heist film with the intimacy and immediacy of live theatre. This is a very technically challenging feat, but it’s spectacular!”
He is joined by an accomplished creative team: scenic design by Jim Noone, costumes by Kish Finnegan, lighting design by Mike Billings, sound design by ATC 2025/2026 Resident Artist Daniel Perelstein Jaquette, and projections by Sven Ortel. Together, they craft a high-tech stage world of illusion and intrigue, creating a fast-paced spectacle that feels cinematic – only live and in real time.
Heist will run through December 20, 2025, in Tucson at the Temple of Music and Art, and January 10-25, 2026, in Greater Phoenix at the Tempe Center for the Arts. Tickets start at $33.
Founded in 1966, Arizona Theatre Company offers performances that create moments of joy, reflection, and community connection. Led by Artistic Director Matt August and incoming Executive Director Ana Rose O’Halloran, ATC is the only League of Resident Theatres member in Arizona and is recognized as the Official Arizona State Theatre. Learn more at atc.org.
