Herakles: Work In Progress
If you think you've got drama, please look at any one of the myths from ancient Greece and count your blessings accordingly. That is, unless you've got children being born from your thigh, family members turning into animals, and a trip down to Hades you've been meaning to pencil in. Orange Theatre plans to offer a little perspective and a lot of entertainment with Herakles: Work In Progress, starting Friday, May 8, at 8 p.m. at 1711 West Culver Street.
See also: New Times' Artopia and Big Brain Awards Are at Monarch Theatre May 9
This isn't the cheery, Disney story of the Grecian hero, though. Orange Theatre's version will stick much closer to Euripides's Greek tragedy with a struggle over the throne, divine madness, and murder. Tickets are pay what you can with a suggested price of $15. Pay by cash or credit cards at the door, or purchase tickets in advance at artful.ly/store/events/5868. Evie Carpenter
Mad Monster Phoenix
Any horror movie worth watching, whether low-budget splatter-schlock or hifalutin psychological thriller, gets the pulse racing and the adrenaline pumping with surprises. By that measure, Mad Monster Phoenix, the annual convention and party dedicated to all things horror, sci-fi, and fantasy, is quite the beastly ball to attend. From an insane celebrity guest lineup that includes Kiss's Peter Criss, actress Rae Dawn Chong, iconic luchador Mil Mascaras, and legendary wrestler Jake "The Snake" Roberts, to events like a costume contest and Scaraoke, MMP's a sure bet to keep fans guessing and entertained. The hardest of the hardcore can count on the R.I.P. pass for all those Really Intense Partiers to get them the perkiest of perks.
Mad Monster Phoenix is Friday, May 8, at The Pointe Hilton Squaw Peak, 7677 North 16th Street, in Phoenix, from 6 p.m. to 1 a.m. and continues through Sunday. Single-day passes are $30 with special all-event passes ranging from $50 to $179. Visit www.madmonster.com for more info. Jose Gonzalez
See also: 5 Must-See Mad Monster Party 2015 Guests
Beaux Arts Ball
The Jetsons predicted future humans would have cleaning robots, use video chat, and see kids rocking silver hair like Judy. So, um, guys, the future is here. Dream up what the future future will hold during AIAS ASU's Beaux Arts Ball: Once Upon A Future.
Channel your inner Zenon, girl of the 21st century, and dress in your most futuristic garb for a chance to win the costume contest while you bust a move on the intergalactic dance floor and sip the signature cosmic cocktail. Party on from 7 p.m. to midnight on Saturday, May 9, at Architekton, 464 South Farmer Avenue, Suite 101, in Tempe. Tickets range from $25 to $40 for AIAS members and $35 to $50 for non-members. For complete details, see the event's Facebook page. Evie Carpenter
Artopia
Each year, New Times searches far and wide for creative up-and-comers making an impact on the arts in metro Phoenix. They're called Big Brains, and this year's 15 finalists, who work in visual art, performing art, music, culinary art, and design, will be celebrated at Artopia. They'll show off their work while attendees enjoy food, drink, art, and entertainment. Five of the finalists will go home Big Brain Award winners (and with $500 each).
The 21-and-over party starts at 8 p.m. at Monarch Theatre, 122 East Washington Street. Tickets are $25 via www.ticketfly.com. To read more about the finalists, visit www.phoenixnewtimes.com. Becky Bartkowski
Peach Festival
There's a reason you can compliment someone by calling them a peach. (Hint: It's because peaches are the actual best.) This weekend you can celebrate this sweet fruit during the Peach Festival at Schnepf Farms, 24810 South Rittenhouse Road in Queen Creek. The celebratory highlights include a peachy pancake breakfast and peach sampling pavilion, but there will also be hay rides to the orchards, live music, train rides, a carousel, water activities, and arts and crafts booths.
Make your weekend a peachy one free of charge at the Schnepf Farms Peach Festival from 7:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. on May 9, 10, 16, and 17. For more information, call 480-987-3100 or visit schnepffarms.com. Katrina Montgomery
See also: 7 Things to Do This Mother's Day in Metro Phoenix Follow Jackalope Ranch on Facebook, Twitter, and Pinterest.
