West Side Story: Apparently there has been passed some kind of ordinance that states that no more than 30 days can pass without a production of this Arthur Laurents (book), Leonard Bernstein (music), and Stephen Sondheim (lyrics) musical, which every fourth-grader knows is a modernization of Shakespeares Romeo and Juliet set in New York City. And if the Tony and Maria who get caught between Theater Works warring Jets and Sharks arent pleasing to you, fear not — another production of this classic tuner by a different company is always right around the corner. Trust me. Through September 22 at Theater Works, way out in Peoria at 8355 West Peoria Avenue; if you get lost, call 623-815-7930.
Nipples to the Wind: We have about a week to somehow get through before a show with the word nipples in its title opens here. Billed as a sassy comedy by Paula Coco, this is yet another of those too-fun programs in which two zany actors (Coco and someone named Janye Anderson) portray 14 different characters. Among them are an emotional Little League mom who winds up in jail, a narcissistic Latina suicide hotline operator, and three sisters making their Catholic confessions. Much wig-changing is sure to ensue, but even that isnt enough to get me to venture out into what passes for weather around here. Blame the Herberger Theater Center for these fun and games; youll find them at 222 East Monroe Street. Call the box office for tickets, which cost $35, at 602-252-8497. Performances commence September 7 to 30 and take place Fridays and Saturdays at 8 p.m. and Sundays at 2 p.m.
Pump Boys and Dinettes: It sounds like the name of an orgiastic furniture store, but Pump Boys and Dinettes is a musical tribute to life by the roadside — along Highway 57, to be exact — somewhere between fictional Frog Level and the town of Smyrna. Original rock- and country-flavored tunes with clever names like The Night Dolly Parton Was Almost Mine and Be Good or Be Gone get tossed back and forth among four grease monkeys at a gas station (the pump boys of the title) and the waitresses across the street at the Double Cupp Diner, until every last song setup is exhausted and everyone goes home. Through September 9 at Arizona Broadway Theatre, 7701 West Paradise Lane in Peoria. Call 623-776-8400 for times and ticket prices, or visit www.azbroadwaytheatre.com for song samples and further information.
Beehive: What would summer in Phoenix be without an endless parade of jukebox musicals? Beehive is that genres queen and, like the monsoon, it arrives every year — usually in August and usually at a wee theater that cant afford a book musical this time of year. Broadway Palm tends to have bigger budgets and better production values, which is good news for people whose out-of-town visitors want to take in a show this month. This musical tribute to girl singers of the 60s is built for anyone who thinks a vinyl minidress and a towering bouffant are hilarious, or those who get all goose-pimply during the chorus of The Beat Goes On and teary-eyed recalling Pet Clark doing Downtown. Theres girl-group patter to fill the spaces between the dozens of memorable pop hits here, which include Wishin and Hopin, Dont Sleep In the Subway, and You Dont Have To Say You Love Me. Broadway Palm, located at 5247 East Brown Road in Mesa, plans to keep this one afloat through September 22. Tickets are $43-$52 including the dinner buffet, or $25 for the show only. Call 480-325-6700 for more information.
