Humorist Jeanne Robertson returns to Chandler Sat., Feb. 1

56
December 21, 2013 - January 3, 2014
Arts
www.SanTanSun.com
Humorist Jeanne Robertson returns to Chandler Sat., Feb. 1
BY MEGHAN MCCOY
Jeanne Robertson was well on her
way to becoming a successful Auburn
University student when she won the
Miss North Carolina pageant 50 years ago.
Putting her college career on hold,
she traveled throughout the state on a
speaking tour which offered a glimpse
into her future. Robertson, who still lives
in the Tar Heel State, learned she was a
witty speaker who could make people
laugh.
She never looked back.
Now at age 70, the well-known
humorist will bring her comedy show to
the Chandler Center for the Arts on Sat.,
Feb. 1.
“I started telling stories about being
a 6-foot, 2-inch basketball player in the
pageant,” Robertson says. “They like the
true things that are funny.”
Her speaking engagements went viral
on YouTube. She delved into ticketed
events after her material was played on
Sirius XM.
“My first reaction was, ‘I don’t think
so,’” Robertson says. “My background was
just, go to the convention and the people
were there. Now you are asking people to
buy tickets to come and see me.”
Her first show in Dallas sold out
immediately.
“The name does sell tickets,”
Robertson says.
As a humorist, she says she tries to
weave a little bit of a longer story with a
point. She learned that as a speaker.
“When you go into the theater, it’s
entertainment—entertainment with a
message and a speech,” she explains.
“They are coming to be entertained.
If you slip in a message they seem to
appreciate it.”
Last year, Robertson made 101
appearances, 49 of which were speeches
and 51 were ticketed events.
“I’m having a ball. I like what I do so
much,” she says, adding that she is not
ready to retire. “I’m in demand, so why?
(Let’s) see how long I can go.”
Robertson spends between 23
to 25 days a month traveling for 10
months before taking time off between
Thanksgiving and New Year to write more
material.
“I write material every day,” Robertson
explains. “Is it all good? No.”
She culls her material from everyday
life and finds humor in everything that
surrounds her.
With traveling becoming tougher,
Robertson still finds humor.
“I not only find the stories for my
programs, I really influence myself to
keep my sense of humor,” she explains.
Robertson spends time people
watching and talking to others. Talking to
strangers, she finds, encourages them to
tell her funny stories. She also finds herself
eavesdropping. Robertson says when she is
at the airport and students are stretched
on the ground, she finds herself scooting
HUMORIST: Jeanne Robertson will return to the Chandler Center for the Arts on Feb. 1.
Submitted photo
closer, so she can catch a particular phrase
or funny word to add to her material.
“You can bring your momma or your
teenager; it’s appropriate for the family,”
Robertson says. “First, I had an older
market of people, now because of Sirius
XM, junior high and high school students
are coming as well.”
Robertson will perform at the Chandler
Center for the Arts, 250 N. Arizona Ave.,
Chandler, at 7:30 p.m. Sat., Feb. 1. Prices
range from $28 to $38. For information
visit, chandlercenter.org
Meghan McCoy is the Neighbors and
Business section editor for the SanTan Sun
News. She can be reached at meghan@
santansun.com.
www.SanTanSun.com
Children’s choir
hosts auditions
Jan. 4
The Chandler Children’s Choir is hosting
auditions for students ages 10 to 15 from 10 a.m.
to noon Sat., Jan. 4.
Auditions may be scheduled by calling
480-699-9846 or emailing auditions@
chandlerchildrenschoir.com. The location
will be given to potential members when an
appointment is set.
The Encore Choir is for children ages 10 to 12,
while Cantus Choir welcomes kids ages 12 to 15.
The Chandler Children’s Choir (CCC) is a
nonprofit, auditioned, community children’s
choir, founded in 2008 with a group of 27
children who love to sing. Now in its sixth
season, CCC continues its dedication to the
vocal education of youth in the East Valley. The
focus on vocal fundamentals, classic repertoire,
and varied performances have made CCC the
premier children’s choir in the East Valley.
CCC aims to share the beauty of classical,
folk and art song styles. The organization
teaches a variety of techniques including notereading skills, choral blend and vocal technique.
The mission of the Chandler Children’s
Choir is to promote high artistic quality music
education to young people through creative
programming and invigorating instruction, so
singers will quickly acquire music skills and
experience the joy of singing.
For more information, visit
chandlerchildrenschoir.org
Arts
December 21, 2013 - January 3, 2014
Winnie-the-Pooh returns to VYT
A holiday tradition comes back to
Phoenix Mon., Dec. 23, as “A Winniethe-Pooh Christmas Tail” returns to
Valley Youth Theatre, 525 N. First St.,
Phoenix.
One of the longest-running holiday
stage performances in Phoenix, the
show has delighted Valley audiences
since 1995. The play has become a
holiday tradition for many families,
and has starred big names like Golden
Globe Award nominee Emma Stone,
who played Eeyore twice and Rabbit
once in the production.
The performance also has a
tradition: Audiences are asked
to bring new, unwrapped stuffed
animals to the show. Chandler-based
nonprofit organization Operation
Noah will collect the donated toys in
a dropbox in the VYT lobby during the
performance of “A Winnie-the-Pooh
Christmas Tail.” The stuffed animals
will be used to comfort children in
treatment in hospitals.
Tickets are $18 plus service fees,
and are available for purchase online
at VYT.com or by calling the box
office at 602-253-8188, ext. 2.
Holiday light show at Pollack plaza
The Pollack Royal Palm Shopping
Center, home of Valley real estate
entrepreneur Michael Pollack’s Tempe
Cinema at McClintock and Elliot roads
in Tempe, is again playing host to an
annual massive display of holiday lights.
The holiday spectacle started
almost 12 years ago outside Pollack
Headquarters in Mesa with 250,000
lights, and has grown to more than
500,000 lights at its Tempe location.
“This is truly the most exciting time
of the year for Pollack Investments,”
says Pollack. “Our workers and
volunteers spend weeks arranging our
new animations, huge displays and
stringing up more lights every year
to make what we do both inside and
outside of Pollack Tempe Cinemas,
one of the Valley’s most beautiful and
festive displays.”
This year marks 40 years in real
estate for Pollack, making the festivities
even more significant to him.
Viewers can take in Pollack’s holiday
light display until New Year’s Day.
57
Catch a
show with
Performing
Arts League
The Southeast Valley Performing
Arts League is gearing up for the New
Year, but will still offer plenty of
opportunities to catch performances in
opera, ballet, symphony and theater.
The PAL is a nonprofit organization
dedicated to promoting performing
arts in the Southeast Valley and making
them more accessible by providing
tickets and transportation to local and
Phoenix events.
With a purchased membership
and small fee, PAL arranges trips to
performances for members. A roundtrip bus ride from Cottonwood to the
theater is $20 for members.
There are still plenty of chances to
become a member and take in a show
between now and April. Membership
costs $10 per person or $15 for a
couple.
To find out more about opera call
Vera at 480-895-9679. To learn more
about ballet and Coffee Classics
(symphony) call Lynn at 480-883-0671.
Call Mary at 480-802-9354 or Pat at
480-339-0283 if you’re interested in
the theater. To learn about becoming a
member, visit sevpal.org.
58
Arts
December 21, 2013 - January 3, 2014
Events at Chandler
Center for the Arts
www.SanTanSun.com
Celebrate dance, tradition at
center’s Chinese New Year
A variety of engaging shows are coming up
at the Chandler Center for the Arts, 250 N.
Arizona Ave., Chandler. Call 480-782-2680 or
visit chandlercenter.org for more information.
Dick Van Dyke & The Vantastix
Dick Van Dyke—the 2013 SAG Lifetime
Achievement Award winner, star of the 1960s
hit “The Dick Van Dyke Show,” and movies
like “Bye Bye Birdie,” “Mary Poppins,” “Chitty
Chitty Bang Bang,” “Fitzwilly” and more—will
walk us through his extraordinary 60 years in
show business and sing tunes from his stage
and screen work with his a capella quartet The
Vantastix.
Van Dyke and the Vantastix will perform
7:30 p.m. Sat., Jan. 25. Tickets are $48-$68.
Mr. & Mrs. Wyatt Earp ‘The Sunset
Years’
This play tells the true story of love,
adventure, secrets and betrayals as told
by the elderly Wyatt and Josephine Sarah
Marcus Earp. The show takes place in Josie’s
memory nine years after Wyatt’s death as an
elderly Wyatt speaks reluctantly of his time
in Tombstone and his life afterward. The twoperson play flows in and out of time and place
as Wyatt speaks to biographer Stuart N. Lake
from their Los Angeles, CA, apartment in 1928
and Josephine talks to a feral cat at the Earps’
Vidal, CA, cottage in 1938 on Rosh Hashana.
The play is 3 p.m. Sun., Jan. 26. Tickets are
$20 and $24.
DANCING IN THE CHINESE NEW YEAR: Young performers are just one of the acts
in the Chinese New Year festivities that the Eastern Art Academy is bringing to the
Chandler Center for the Arts. Submitted photo
The Chinese New Year comes to
Chandler 4 p.m. Sun., Jan. 19, as the
Eastern Art Academy (EAA) and ASU
Confucius Institute present the 2014
Chinese New Year Show.
The festivities this year will center
on traditional Chinese dance and will
also bring in instrumental and vocal
performances as well as martial arts
demonstrations.
The highlight of the event,
traditional Chinese dances, will be
performed by about 100 dancers
from EAA. The dancers range from
5-year-old beginners to professional
performers and the academy will
showcase its dancers putting on solo,
duet, trio and group performances.
They will also be using classic props
on stage like floating ribbons, silk fans
and lanterns.
Classes in traditional Chinese arts
are available at the EAA. The academy
also offers cultural programs for
children and adults; including Chinese
dance, Tai Chi and other martial arts,
traditional Chinese painting, fine arts
and a bilingual language program.
The festival will be at the Chandler
Center for the Arts, 250 N. Arizona
Ave., Chandler.
Tickets are $15. For tickets or to
learn more call Chandler Center for
the Arts at 480-782-2680 or Eastern
Art Academy at 602-490-8613.
improvMANIA
runs wild in
Chandler
Starting Jan. 8, improvMANIA—the
Valley’s own family friendly improv
comedy troupe—will bring improv
classes to Chandler, for those who want
to act, be more comfortable in front of a
group or just have fun.
The professional-level classes
are the first of their kind and will
be offered to Chandler and Gilbert
residents in partnership with the
Chandler Recreation Department at
the Chandler Community Center, 125 E.
Commonwealth Ave., Chandler.
improvMANIA has been producing
family friendly improv comedy shows
in Downtown Chandler since 2009 at
venues such as Art On Boston, Kokopelli
Winery, Gangplank and Chandler Center
for the Arts.
Call 480-782-2727 or visit
classregistration.chandleraz.gov/
registrationmain.sdi to register
for classes. Follow improvMANIA
on Facebook at facebook.com/
improvMANIA.
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www.SanTanSun.com
Arts
December 21, 2013 - January 3, 2014
59
Tad Smith Chandler
Portraits exhibit
Museum for Youth Friends Inc. seeks $12K
through Kickstarter campaign
The Chandler Portraits: The Fine Art of Tad Smith will
be on display Fri., Jan. 24, through Sat., March 8, at the
Vision Gallery, 10 E. Chicago St., Chandler.
The stylized portraits represent nominated Chandler
citizens who have been instrumental in the community
through example and their hard work to nurture the
city.
A public reception for the artist will be from 6 to 8
p.m. Fri., Jan. 24.
Tad Smith of The Design Idea prides himself on
listening to his clients and turning their design ideas into
an artistic creation. Having developed his own graphic
style in addition to his fine art, Smith has created an
exhibition featuring likenesses of some of Chandler’s
most respected citizens. The exhibition features the
images of people who have given selflessly to their
community. Each person was nominated from a wide
variety of sources, but every person featured has
worked diligently to have an impact in the community,
including serving on boards and commissions and
working to nurture and advance Chandler’s growing
community.
“These images all represent the positive and
inspirational ways people take pride in their
community,” Smith says. “People who impact their
community in such a positive way is heartwarming.
When we asked for nominations from people, we found
so many subjects who have been positive role models.
We have enough names to continue the exhibition for
several more years. We are starting with 20 nominations
of people who seem to represent the ideals of the
exhibit theme in prominent and consistent ways.”
Visit visiongallery.org or call 480-782-2695 to learn
more.
The Arizona Museum for Youth Friends Inc., a
nonprofit organization charged with raising funds for
the Arizona Museum for Youth, is asking the community
to donate to its $12,500 Kickstarter campaign.
Funds generated through Sun., Jan. 26, will help build
“The HUB,” an engaging, hands-on space that will foster
creativity in the upcoming, newly rebranded i.d.e.a.
Museum. Every donation counts—the museum must
reach its goal to make it count; it’s an “all-or-nothing”
campaign.
Kickstarter projects are only funded if the entire
goal is met. If it falls even a dollar short, the museum
receives nothing (credit cards will not be charged). An
added benefit is that donors can receive an end-of-year
tax contribution for 2013 for donations made by Dec.
31. For more information, view the Kickstarter video
at arizonamuseumforyouth.com or kickstarter.com/
projects/1532568020/the-hub-a-new-interactivecreative-space-at-idea-m.
“We need you, members of the community, to join
us in making a donation in order to make this space a
reality,” says Carmen Guerrero of the AMY Friends.
“Your support will help children and families of all
backgrounds and abilities achieve their dreams and
aspirations by helping lay a foundation which fosters
their creativity, imagination and problem-solving skills.”
The HUB is just one aspect of the new museum
brand. It is called a hands-on space where patrons and
children can unleash their creativity. There are more
than 10 different experiences planned in this space.
“Kickstarter is a great way for the community to get
involved in helping us provide creative opportunities for
everyone,” says Sunnee O’Rork, AMY executive director.
“Only 50% of public schools in Arizona offer some
type of creative, artistic opportunity as part of their
standard curriculum. Creativity is listed as the single
most attribute of the future, according to an IBM survey
of 1,500 CEOs worldwide. By backing this project,
you will help us ensure that the creativity in all of us
continues to thrive.”
This is the first Kickstarter campaign by a nonprofit
for a museum in the Valley. The $12,500 goal is part
of a $100,000 third, public match, led by the Arizona
Museum for Youth Friends nonprofit in response to a
lead gift of $100,000 by visionary John Whiteman and
$100,000 match to his contribution by Mesa toward the
overall rebrand initiative goal of $300,000.
Donors (also known as “backers”) will receive awards,
including free tickets to the new i.d.e.a. Museum
exclusive VIP re-brand launch on Thu., Feb. 6. The i.d.e.a.
Museum is scheduled for launch to the public on Fri.,
Feb. 7.
For more information about the Kickstarter program,
call Lindsay Hochhalter at 480-644-5564.
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60
Arts
December 21, 2013 - January 3, 2014
www.SanTanSun.com
Ring in the New Year at the Palms
With cocktails, a dinner and dessert
buffet, magic, musical entertainment
from the ‘50s and ‘60s group The
Wonderelles and the TAD Band and more;
The Palms Theatre invites partygoers to
sign up now for its Ultimate New Year’s
Eve Celebration at 5247 E. Brown Rd,
Mesa.
Tommy P’s newly designed Lobby
Bar will open at 6 p.m. for pre-dinner
cocktails and complimentary hors
d’oeuvres. Those in attendance will be
entertained by a sleight-of-hand magician
performing close-up tricks at bar-side
tables.
The Palms Ultimate New Year’s Eve
Celebration will begin at 8 p.m. when
the dinner buffet opens. Partygoers are
encouraged to come hungry as they
indulge their appetites with a lavish
spread that includes a choice of entrées
and sides as well as a full salad bar
accompanied by a selection of composed
salads.
Guests will enjoy a sumptuous dessert
buffet while watching a sneak preview of
The Palms Theatre’s upcoming production
of “Fiddler on the Roof.”
Live musical performances by
The Wonderelles and the TAD Band
throughout the evening will have
guests dancing their way into the New
Year. This exclusive event will also
feature a champagne toast at midnight,
noisemakers and party favors.
Direct from California, The
Wonderelles is a high-energy ‘50s
and ‘60s musical revue that delivers
toe-tapping excitement, bringing the
audience to an era of nostalgia.
Festivities begin at 6 p.m. Dec. 31.
There are a limited number of tickets to
this event. Tickets are $75 per person or
$65 for groups of 16 or more. Show-only
packages are available at $50 per person.
Fiddler on the Roof
Beloved musical “Fiddler on the Roof”
will run Thu., Jan. 9 through Sat., Feb. 15 at
The Palms Theatre.
Set in 1905 in a small Jewish village in
Russia, “Fiddler” is the story of dairyman
Tevye and his attempts to preserve his
family’s traditions in a changing world.
Tevye’s daughter Tzeitel wants to marry
a poor tailor instead of the middle-aged
butcher her father has chosen for her
in the tradition of arranged marriages.
Trying to balance life—like a fiddler on a
roof—Tevye is forced to choose between
his daughter’s happiness and his culture’s
beloved traditions.
The Palms Theatre production features
Robert Summers as Tevye the dairyman.
Valley favorite Kathi Osborne plays
Golde, Tevye’s wife.
The show’s elegant musical score,
by Jerry Bock and Sheldon Harnick, is
filled with well-known and loved songs,
including “Matchmaker, Matchmaker,” “If
I Were a Rich Man,” “Sunrise, Sunset” and
“Do You Love Me.”
Performance times include matinees,
with lunch at 11:45 a.m. and performance
SINGING IN THE NEW YEAR: From “Johnny Angel” to “Mustang Sally” and “Sugartime” to
“Proud Mary,” The Wonderelles is a lively ‘50s and ‘60s musical revue group that delivers to you
a touch of nostalgia that will leave you with a smile on your face. Submitted photo
at 1:15 p.m.; evenings, with dinner at 5:30
p.m. and performance at 7:30 p.m.; and
Sunday twilights, with dinner at 5:30 p.m.
and performance at 7 p.m.
Ticket prices include buffet and show:
Matinees $47; Sunday thru Friday evenings
$49; Saturday evenings $54. Show-only
seating is $30; $35 for premium show-only
seating. On Saturday evenings, an all-new
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Call 480-924-6260, visit
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950 EAST RIGGS ROAD • CHANDLER
Arts
www.SanTanSun.com
‘Automotive Artifacts’ puts cars
in new light at CCA
“Automotive Artifacts: The Fine
Art Photography of Brenda Priddy,”
featuring fine-art photos of iconic
automotive details, will be on display
from Fri., Jan. 31, through Sat., March
8, at the Chandler Center for the
Arts, 250 N. Arizona Ave., Chandler.
Priddy will be in attendance for
an open public reception 5:30 to 7:30
p.m. Fri., Jan. 31. Many are familiar
with Priddy’s images of test cars as
they are moved from the proving
grounds in the desert. Priddy has
spent much of her time waiting for
new prototype cars to be transported
into or out of the auto proving
grounds, and her photographs have
been featured in various magazines
and other publications.
While waiting for test cars to
photograph, Priddy is always looking
for other subjects to capture and
has found many in areas as diverse as
junkyards and classic car exhibitions.
These explorations have led her
to photograph hood ornaments,
architectural lines of car designs,
nameplates and more. The details she
captured became her focus for this
exhibition.
“These images recall a day long
past when the automobile stood as
an iconic figurehead in the American
life,” Priddy explains.
Gallery hours are 10 a.m. through
5 p.m. Monday through Friday;
noon through 5 p.m. Saturday;
closed Sunday. Admission is free
and open to the public. For more
information, call 480-782-2695 or
visit chandlercenter.org.
December 21, 2013 - January 3, 2014
61
Valley theaters showcase Jewish films
More than 2,400 minutes of Jewish
cinema will be screened from Sun., Feb. 9,
through Sun., Feb. 23, as the 18th annual
Greater Phoenix Jewish Film Festival (GPJFF)
celebrates its “Chai” (Life) year.
The longest-running film festival in the
Valley, the GPJFF has long celebrated Jewish
culture through movies by sharing films
honoring Jewish traditions and heritage.
Viewers are invited to celebrate this year
with the GPJFF, as they take in captivating
new films that cover aspects ranging from
defiance and struggle to fun and adventure
to laughter and love.
The festival comprises 12 films,
showcasing the best of Jewish traditions
at three Valley locations: Harkins Chandler
Crossroads 12, Chandler; Harkins Camelview
5, Scottsdale and Harkins Arrowhead 18,
Peoria. The entire arts community, including
the GPJFF, always welcomes support and
asks for help from anyone who is able to
volunteer, donate or attend the films.
Visit gpjff.org to ask about tickets
or call 602-753-9366. Follow the
Festival on Facebook at facebook.com/
GreaterPhxJewishFilmFest or @GPJFF on
Twitter.
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December 21, 2013 - January 3, 2014
Arts
www.SanTanSun.com
Gold Canyon hosts Canyon Arts
Festival
2014 Events at Scottsdale Center
for the Performing Arts
The 14th annual Canyon Arts Festival
will be held 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sat., Jan.
25, at United Methodist Church at 6640
S. Kings Ranch Rd., Gold Canyon. The
festival, a gift to the community from
the Gold Canyon Arts Council and
sponsors, is free to attend.
The juried art show will feature the
work of 87 artists in a wide variety of
genres and styles. Many of the artists
are residents of the East Valley, but 37
artists from throughout the state are
new to this year’s festival.
Musical entertainers will perform
throughout the day, including two
crowd favorites—the all-female
Mariachi Pasion band and the Yellow
Bird Indian dancers. New this year
are the Salt River Brass Quintet and
the Desert Winds Steel Band playing
Caribbean music.
There will also be a food court
area featuring a variety of foods and
beverages. The Gold Canyon Food
Bank will have a table near the food
court, where anyone who can donate is
encouraged to do so.
Each year, a poster is chosen to
represent the festival. This year’s
limited-edition selection is “A Quiet
Moment” by artist Jacci Rudy. It will be
available for sale along with last year’s
poster, “Mountain Song,” by Sue Ann
The Scottsdale Center for
the Performing arts already has
a full schedule of events for the
New Year. Here are just a few of
them. Call 480-499-8587 or visit
scottsdaleperformingarts.org for more
information.
Native Trails
Dickey. Both artists will be available to
sign purchased posters.
The Gold Canyon Arts Council,
a nonprofit organization, strives to
bring affordable arts to the East Valley
through its Canyon Sounds Performing
Artist Series. All proceeds from five
annual concerts, memberships and
grants are returned to school music
programs through artist residencies.
For artist and sponsor information,
entertainment schedule and more, see
the festival website at gcartsfest.com.
To learn more about the Gold Canyon
Arts Council, visit gcac1.com.
On selected Thursdays and Saturdays
Jan. 16 through April 5, guests are
invited to enjoy a free outdoor festival
celebrating the Native American
cultures of the Southwest through song
and dance. Each event brings together
traditional instruments, colorful dances
and authentic attire to share the stories
of Southwestern tribes, including the
Hopi, Diné (Navajo), Akimel Au-Authm
and San Carlos Apache. Audiences
enjoy dances like the Southwest Horse
Dance, inter-tribal powwow dancing,
world-class hoop dancing and the
participatory round dance. Native Trails
also features American Indian artisans
selling specialty items such as jewelry,
baskets, flutes and paintings, as well
as local culinary delights. Guests are
invited to bring blankets, lawn chairs or
picnic baskets.
Sunday A’Fair
Celebrating its 27th season, Sunday
A’Fair features free outdoor concerts
selected Sundays Jan. 12 through April
6 in Scottsdale Civic Center Park by
the Valley’s top musicians, along with
a fine arts and crafts market, activities
for children and families, docent-led
tours of the sculptures in the park and
free admission to Scottsdale Museum
of Contemporary Art. Guests are
invited to bring blankets, lawn chairs
or picnic baskets and enjoy a relaxing
afternoon of great entertainment.
Grilled food, snacks and cocktails, beer,
wine and soft drinks will be available
for purchase.
Arts
www.SanTanSun.com
December 21, 2013 - January 3, 2014
Local film festival marks
10th anniversary
Childsplay wrapping up
2013-2014 season
Registration is open for a local
annual film challenge that attracts
enthusiasts from around the Valley and
even out-of-state.
Almost Famous Film Festival (A3F),
a nonprofit foundation based in
downtown Phoenix, celebrates its 10th
anniversary from Fri., Feb. 14, to Sun.,
Feb. 16, with its signature 48 Hour
Short Film Challenge.
The largest film challenge in the
Southwest, the event attracts more
than 70 teams from Arizona, Southern
California and surrounding states.
Since A3F’s premier event in 2005,
the organization has hosted 21 film
challenges, with more than 1,000 films
made for festivals; including movies
from kids, students, grandparents,
first-time filmmakers and seasoned
pros. Some participants join in for
the joy of moviemaking, while others
use the festival as a stepping stone to
successful careers in Los Angeles and
Hollywood.
In addition to the annual film
challenges A3F hosts educational
workshops, community mixers and
other activities for directors, writers,
actors, crew members and others with
a passion for independent filmmaking.
A3F recently launched a scholarship
program for students at Phoenix
Tickets are on sale for the rest
of Childsplay’s 2013-2014 season.
The adventures at Tempe Center for
the Arts continue with everyone’s
favorite cat in “The Cat in the Hat,”
a heartwarming tale about a girl and
her dog in “Super Cowgirl and Mighty
Miracle” and a rockin’ new look at
“Schoolhouse Rock Live!”
“The Cat in the Hat”
Sun., Jan. 26, to Sun., March 16
Recommended for ages 3 and older
From the moment his tall, redand-white-striped hat appears at
their door, Sally and her brother
know that the Cat in the Hat is the
most mischievous cat they will ever
meet. Suddenly, a rainy afternoon is
transformed by the Cat and his antics.
Will their house ever be the same?
College and Scottsdale Community
College. They also hope to offer other
benefits to the filmmaking community,
such as a media center for the public
to use in developing scripts, films and
other media-related projects.
To learn more, visit thea3f.net or
follow A3F on Facebook at facebook.
com/almostfamousfilmfestival.
“Super Cowgirl and Mighty
Miracle”
Sat., March 22, to Sun., March 30
Recommended for ages 5 and older
When a stray dog appears on the
doorstop, it’s love at first sight for
6-year-old Cory, and the last straw
for Grandma Autumn. Life hasn’t been
easy lately for either of these two,
facing absent parents and lost homes.
But in a delightfully surprising story
63
filled with humor and heart, “Super
Cowgirl and Mighty Miracle” reminds
everyone that love makes almost
anything possible, even in hard times.
“Schoolhouse Rock Live!”
Sun., April 20, to Sun., May 25
Recommended for ages 6 and older
Academic subjects will never seem
boring again when presented through
megahits like “Conjunction Junction,”
“Just a Bill,” “Interplanet Janet” or
“Three is a Magic Number.”
Performances are held weekends at
Tempe Center for the Arts, 700 W. Rio
Salado Pkwy. Tickets start at $12 and
are on sale at childsplayaz.org or at the
Tempe Center for the Arts Box Office
480-350-2822 (ext. 0).
Each show features a $12 Storybook
Preview performance, sponsored by
The Steele Foundation. Each family
who attends this general admission
preview performance will receive a
free book.
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Arts
December 21, 2013 - January 3, 2014
ON STAGE
Paula Poundstone, Sat., Dec. 21, MAC.
Comedian Paula Poundstone brings her
special brand of wry, intelligent comedy
to the mic. She has been performing
standup for 25 years, and is known for
her personalized routines, a regular stint
“Wait Wait… Don’t Tell Me,” and more.
“A Swingin’ Christmas,” through Sat.,
Dec. 21, PT. Six-piece band and top-notch
singers bringing classic Christmas tunes
to life, in select matinee and evening
performances.
Bryan Callen, through Sun., Dec. 22, TI.
The comedian seen on HBO, Comedy
Central, “MAD TV,” Showtime and more
performs stand up.
“Peter Pan,” through Sun., Dec. 22, DST.
Peter Pan whisks the audience away with
Wendy, Michael and John as they fly over
the rooftops of London to Neverland.
“Sleeping Beauty KIDS,” through Sun.,
Dec. 29, PT. Classic fairytale told Disney
style with songs from the beloved film,
including “Once Upon a Dream,” along
with new songs like “Maleficent!” and “A
Little Magic Now.”
Al Madrigal, Fri., Dec. 27, through Sat.,
Dec. 28, SUL. Stand-up comedian and
correspondent “The Daily Show with Jon
Stewart” performs.
David Spade, Sun., Dec. 29, through Mon.,
Dec. 30, TI. Star of “Rules of Engagement,”
“Tommy Boy,” “Joe Dirt” and more
performs in this special event.
Straight No Chaser, Tue., Dec. 31, MAC.
The acclaimed a cappella group puts on a
New Year’s Eve show.
Aries Spears, through Sun., Dec., 22, SUL.
Known for his work in “Shaq’s All-Star
Comedy Jam” and on “Def Comedy Jam,”
Spears brings his unique flavor of words
and comedy to Phoenix.
Gabriel Iglesias “Fluffy,” Tue., Dec.
31, SUL. Known for his numerous
television and movie roles as well as live
performances and DVDs like “I’m Not
Fat...I’m Fluffy,” Iglesias’ stand-up comedy
is a mixture of storytelling, parodies,
characters and sound effects that bring
his personal experiences to life.
“Christmas ... The Magic Continues,”
through Sun., Dec. 22, HT. iTheatre’s
musical cabaret feast, a Valley tradition,
celebrates the holiday with some of the
Valley’s best voices, Jeff Kennedy and his
grand piano.
Bobby Lee, Tue., Dec. 31, TI. The funny
man known for his roles in “MAD TV,”
“Chelsea Lately” and more stops by
Tempe on New Year’s Eve.
Pablo Francisco, Thu., Jan. 2, through
Sun., Jan. 5, SUL. The Arizona native
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and sound-effect master presents his
arsenal of spot-on impressions and
observational spoofing.
“Bravo Broadway,” Fri., Jan. 3, through
Sun., Jan. 5, SH. Accompanied by three
world-class soloists, the Phoenix
Symphony will play selections from
“Cabaret,” “Phantom of the Opera,”
“Les Misérables,” “Hairspray,” “Chicago,”
“Thoroughly Modern Millie,” “Show
Boat,” “My Fair Lady” and more.
ERTH’S Dinosaur Zoo Live, Fri., Jan 10,
through Sun., Jan. 12, MAC. A visual
experience of giant puppetry, inflatable
environments, flying and crawling
creatures and more. Get up close and
personal with creatures that inhabited
Earth millions of years ago.
“Late Nite Catechism,” Fri., Jan. 10,
through Fri., March 28, SCPA. Awardwinning actress Patti Hannon is quicktempered Sister. Ruling her classroom
with an iron fist, she teaches her
students—who happen to be the
audience—everything she knows about
sins and saints while doling out rewards
and reprimands.
David Cook, Sun., Jan. 12, MIM. The
“American Idol” season seven winner
plays songs off his forthcoming album as
well as old favorites like “Light On.”
Itzhak Perlman, Thu., Jan. 16, MAC.
World-renowned violinist returns to
Mesa to perform.
The Fab Four, Fri., Jan. 17, MAC.
Meticulous tribute band The Fab Four
recreates Abbey Road in Mesa as they
celebrate each era of The Beatles’
incredible musical journey.
Cirque Éloize (El-Waz): “Cirkopolis,”
Sat., Jan. 18, and Sun., Jan. 19, MAC.
Journey through an industrial yet
fanciful world inspired by the rich visual
legacy of classic films “Metropolis” and
“Brazil.” Twelve performers tell the story
in an uninterrupted stream of dazzling
acrobatics, music and video projections.
“Out to Lunch” concert series, Thu.,
Jan 23, and Thu., Jan. 30, MAC. Free
afternoon concerts in the Wells Fargo
Garden performance area on the
Shadow Walk. Jan 23 features Bad
Cactus Brass Band; Jan. 30 features The
Burchfield Brothers.
Breaking Ground Festival, Fri., Jan. 24,
through Sat., Jan. 25, TCA. Contemporary
dance and film festival showcases
acclaimed choreographers, dancers and
filmmakers.
Matthew Morrison with the Phoenix
Symphony, Sat., Jan. 25, MAC. The star,
known for his role as Will Schuester
on Fox TV’s “Glee,” but a Broadway star
before that, joins the Phoenix Symphony.
Mark Morris Dance, Tue., Jan. 28,
MAC. The dance group’s performance
combines wit, grace of movement and
performance with live music.
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Betty Buckley in Concert, Sat., Feb.
1, SCPA. Betty Buckley performs.
Known as the “Voice of Broadway,”
Buckley won the Tony Award for
her performance as Grizabella
the Glamour Cat in Andrew Lloyd
Webber’s “Cats,” and has earned
acclaim for her work on stage and
screen.
“New Light on Ancient Maya,” Wed.,
Feb. 5, MAC. Archeologist William
Saturno searches for clues to the
mysteries of the Classic Maya.
“Lonestar: The Acoustic Tour,” Thu.,
Feb. 6, SCPA. Lonestar, known for
merging their country roots with
strong melodies and rich vocals,
presents a rare, intimate acoustic
concert.
65
ON STAGE VENUE INDEX
“An Evening of Flutes,” Mon.,
Feb. 3, SCPA. ASU Concerts at the
Center features performances by
faculty and students of the ASU’s
Herberger Institute School of
Music. Elizabeth Buck and Swiss
flutist Magda Schwerzmann present
works from Marais and Bach to jazzinspired pieces of today, showcasing
the history of the flute from early
Baroque to modern times.
Tommy Emmanuel featuring Martin
Taylor, Tue., Feb. 4, MAC. Two-time
Grammy nominee Tommy Emmanuel
comes to Mesa with his unique style
of guitar playing.
December 21, 2013 - January 3, 2014
“GLEE:” Matthew Morrison performs
with the Phoenix Symphony Orchestra
at the Mesa Arts Center on Sat., Jan. 25..
Submitted photo.
“Celtic Nights: The Emigrants
Bridge,” Fri., Feb. 7, SCPA. The
creators of Gaelforce Dance present
prominent Irish vocal talents and
accomplished step dancers in a
hypnotic performance.
Bahia Orchestra Project, Sat., Feb. 8,
SCPA. The Virginia G. Piper Concert
Series presents. Founded in 2007 by
DST – Desert Stages Theatre
4720 N. Scottsdale Rd., Scottsdale
Tickets: 480-483-1664, DesertStages.org
HT – Herberger Theater
222 E. Monroe St., Phoenix
Tickets: 602-252-8497, herbergertheater.
org
MAC – Mesa Arts Center
One E. Main St., Mesa
Tickets: 480-644-6500, MesaArtsCenter.
com
MIM – Musical Instrument Museum
4725 E. Mayo Blvd, Phoenix
Tickets: mim.org
PT – The Palms Theatre
5247 E. Brown Rd., Mesa
Tickets: 480-924-6260, thepalmstheater.
com
ST – Stagebrush Theatre
7020 E. 2nd St., Scottsdale
Tickets: 480-949-7529, greasepaint.org
SH - Symphony Hall
75 N. Second St., Phoenix
Tickets: phoenixsymphony.org
SCPA – Scottsdale Center for the
Performing Arts
7380 E. 2nd St., Scottsdale
Box office: 480-499-8587,
scottsdaleperformingarts.org
SUL – Stand Up Live
50 W. Jefferson St. #200, Phoenix
Tickets: 480-719-6100, standuplive.com
TAS – Theatre Artists Studio
4848 E. Cactus Rd., Scottsdale
Tickets: 602-765-0120, thestudiophx.org
TCA – Tempe Center for the Arts
700 W. Rio Salado Parkway, Tempe
Tickets: 480-350-2822, tca.ticketforce.
com
TI – Tempe Improv
930 E. University Dr., Tempe
Tickets: 480-921-9877, tempeimprov.com
VYT – Valley Youth Theatre
525 N. 1st St., Phoenix
Tickets: 602-253-8188, vyt.com
pianist and conductor Ricardo Castro, the
acclaimed orchestra plays traditional and
contemporary music.
“TRIO,” Sat., Feb. 22, SH. Ballet Arizona,
Arizona Opera, and The Phoenix
Symphony feature excerpts from beloved
classics as well as new work at this joint
gala and performance, including highlights
from “West Side Story,” “Carmen” and “La
Bayadère.”
“Chris Mann: A Man for All Seasons,” Fri.,
Feb. 14, MAC. The acclaimed vocalist and
finalist from “The Voice” sings a collection
of classical-crossover favorites.