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Heist

Inspired by caper films like “Ocean’s Eleven”, “The Italian Job”, and “The Sting”, this fast-paced, high-stakes thriller is packed with double crosses, disguises, and daring escapes. When a team of professional thieves assembles to steal the world’s rarest jewels, the plan seems foolproof – until it goes spectacularly wrong. Tensions rise, betrayals mount, and “Heist” becomes a rollercoaster of adrenaline that will keep you guessing far beyond the final curtain.

  • "high-tech production ... plays like a movie, with fabulous lighting effects and a video wall."
    - Arizona Daily Star
  • "arguably the most unique and most ambitious play ATC has put on its stage in recent memory."
    - Arizona Daily Star
  • "... a fresh and unique take on the caper subgenre."
    - BroadwayWorld
  • "Under the masterful direction of Matt August, 'Heist' zooms along at a breakneck pace and feels like a Hollywood blockbuster come to life. "
    - BroadwayWorld
  • "The set, lighting, and audiovisual components of the show are some of the strongest ATC has ever designed. "
    - BroadwayWorld
  • "... if you want a glimpse today of what tomorrow’s theatrical productions will look like, see 'Heist'."
    - Let the Show Begin
  • "Atmosphere is everything in [this] high-tech, fast-paced jewel thief saga."
    - Let the Show Begin

Heist runs approximately 2 hours and 10 minutes, including one 15-minute intermission.

Show Dates

November 30, 7PM – Teacher Preview
December 2, 7:30 PM – Second Preview
December 3, 7:30 PM – Third Preview, Community Night & Pre-Show Conversation with Playwright Arun Lakra and Director Matt August
December 4, 7:30 PM – Opening Night
December 5, 7:30 PM – Pride Night
December 6, 2 PM & 7:30 PM
December 7, 3 PM
December 10, 2 PM & 7:30 PM
December 11, 7:30 PM
December 12, 7:30 PM
December 13, 2 PM & 7:30 PM
December 14, 3 PM
December 16, 2 PM
December 17, 2 PM
December 18, 2 PM & 7:30 PM
December 19, 7:30 PM
December 20, 2 PM & 7:30 PM

January 10, 12 PM – Teacher Preview
January 10, 7:30 PM – Opening Night
January 11, 3 PM
January 14, 7:30 PM – Community Night
January 15, 7:30 PM
January 16, 7:30 PM – Pride Night
January 17, 2 PM & 7:30 PM
January 18, 3 PM
January 21, 2 PM & 7:30 PM
January 22, 7:30 PM
January 23, 7:30 PM
January 24, 2 PM & 7:30PM
January 25, 3 PM

Heist Reviews

Broadway World:

“Under the masterful direction of Matt August, Heist zooms along at a breakneck pace and feels like a Hollywood blockbuster come to life.” Read the full review>

Arizona Daily Star:

“This is arguably the most unique and most ambitious play ATC has put on its stage in recent memory.” Read the full review>

Let the Show Begin:

“… if you want a glimpse today of what tomorrow’s theatrical productions will look like, see Heist.” Read the full review>

Arun Lakara’s Heist to be Presented at Arizona Theatre Company

A pulse-pounding thriller inspired by the best of the genre, Heist pulls audiences into a world of attraction, deception, and betrayal. It’s the story of a meticulously planned jewel theft where every second counts, every team member has a secret, and nothing goes according to plan. As twists unfold and loyalties shift, Heist blurs the line between the player and the played, delivering a theatrical experience filled with tension, style, and wit. Continue reading …

ATC Brings U.S. Premiere of High-tech Thriller to Tucson Stage

Imagine experiencing the edge-of-your-seat thrill of a fast-paced heist film like Ocean’s Eleven, only it’s not a film. It’s on stage, happening in real time with all the high-tech wizardry of the filmed version. That was the thought going through playwright Arun Lakra’s mind when he wrote Heist, which he describes as a “cinematic theatrical experience.” Continue reading …


Heist Cast

Heist Creatives


About thePlay

The perfect crime requires the perfect team to pull it off. Consider for a moment how you might plan such a job. What kind of crew would you assemble? How would you distract your target? How would you steal what you’re after and make sure no one knew it was you? Very quickly, it becomes clear: the perfect crime isn’t a solo act. You’d need people with different skills, perfect timing, and total trust. And when you’re a team of thieves attempting the impossible, how do you know who you can trust?  Continue reading …

Three Things to Know

  1. Written by Canadian playwright Arun Lakra, Heist is a whip-smart, high-stakes thriller that plays with time, memory, and perception—like Ocean’s Eleven meets Inception.  
  2. After premiering in Canada in February 2024, ATC gives Heist its US premiere with a theatre-bending spectacle unlike any production we’ve had on our stages before. 
  3. Lakra is also an eye surgeon and screenwriter — his previous play Sequence won numerous awards, including the Betty Mitchell Award for Outstanding New Play.    

Support Our Community During Heist

ATC is partnering with Tempe Center for the Arts to collect unopened, non-perishable food items throughout the run of Heist to benefit The Society of St. Vincent de Paul. Donation boxes will be available in the lobby and box office through January 25. Join us in helping fill the food bank shelves!

2025/2026 Flex Passes are Available!

Our Flex Pass gives you complete control: pick the productions you want to see and schedule them on your terms. It’s the most convenient and customizable way to enjoy ATC.

Check out our FAQ to learn more about all the subscription options available!

Thank you to Our Sponsors

I. Michael and Beth Kasser

Season Sponsor
Corporate Season Sponsor
Production Partner

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