Art, cars, and The Devil's Carnival round out this week's must-attend events in Phoenix.
"Steampunk: The Exquisite Adventure" @ Scottsdale Civic Center Library It isn't hard to see the beauty of the world of steampunk, where retro-dreams meet futuristic imagination. Spanning literature, fashion, film, and art, the culture has taken on a life of its own.
See also: 10 Phoenix Guys You've Probably Dated "Steampunk: The Exquisite Adventure" brings together steampunk artifacts, artwork, costumes and more. Co-curated by Scottsdale Public Art collections and exhibition manager Wendy Raisanen and steampunk enthusiast Susan Rubin, the exhibition showcases works of local, national and international Steampunks. Participants include Professor Elemental of Brighton, UK, James Rubin of Scottsdale, and Los Angeles' League of S.T.E.A.M.
Get transported to the world of Steampunk at The Gallery at the Civic Center Library, 3839 N. Drinkwater Blvd. in Scotttsdale, now through January 24. The library is open from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. Monday through Thursday, from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Friday and Saturday, and 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. on Sunday. Admission is free. For more information call 480-312-7323 or visitwww.scottsdalepublicart.org/temporary-art/exhibitions/steampunk-the-exquisite-adventure. -- Lauren Saria
Footnotes of the Untellable Tale @ Herberger Theater Center Sometimes, words don't suffice for creative and personal expression. Dustin Loehr's been on a journey melding spoken word with tap dancing and his latest solo show, Footnotes of the Untellable Tale, debuts during Herberger Theater's Lunch Time Theater Tuesday, November 5.
Storytelling comes through words, movement, and sound to explore the creative process behind an artist's work in this cabaret-style show. While the idea of tap dancing might put in your head images of intricately choreographed dance routines, Loehr has often been more interested in using his footwork toward the percussive amplification of emotional intensity. Footnotes is likely to be as much of a journey for its soloist as it is for audience members.
Footnotes of the Untellable Tale is at the Kax Stage in the Herberger Theater, 222 East Monroe Street in Phoenix, through November 14. The show starts at 12:10 p.m., and admission is $6. Visit www.herbergertheater.org or call 602-252-8497. -- Jose Gonzalez
The Twelve Dates of Christmas @ Farnsworth Studio Theater at Mesa Arts Center Fear not, no one is going to encourage a resounding chorus of "five golden rings." This version of The Twelve Dates of Christmas is a different tale: one of dating disasters and unexpected compassion, providing a refreshing option during a season steeped in tradition.
Presented by Class 6 Theatre, this one-woman play chronicles a year in the life of a young woman picking up the pieces. After catching her fiance in a compromising position -- televised during the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade, no less -- Mary embarks on a journey through the gamut of dating: from creeps to weirdos and everything in between. Her heart seems hopeless, until she meets a young boy and learns the power of unbridled love.
Curtain is at 7:30 p.m. Wednesday, November 6, through Saturday, November 16, at Farnsworth Studio at Mesa Arts Center, One East Main Street. Tickets are $20. Call 480-644-6500 or visit www.mesaartscenter.com. -- Janessa Hilliard
Repo! The Genetic Opera Fifth Anniversary Featuring The Devil's Carnival @ UltraStar Repo! The Genetic Opera is on a fast track to becoming a horror classic. The movie is only five years old, but it has gained a cult following, thanks to its campiness, gore, and innovation. A horror musical seems like it shouldn't work at all, but look at the longevity of Rocky Horror. Songs about repossessing organs are twisted, awesome, and difficult to follow up, but Darren Lynn Bousman and Terrance Zdunich succeeded with The Devil's Carnival. Clown fears are brought to a whole new level, as viewers are transported to an area of hell that would put Dante to shame. The film is sick and twisted, and features sing-alongs.
Celebrate Repo's five-year anniversary with a double feature and filmmaker Q&A at 8 p.m. Thursday, November 7, at UltraStar Cinemas, 9090 East Indian Bend Road in Scottsdale. All-ages tickets start at $20. Call 480-278-7324 or visit www.repo-arizona-eorg.eventbrite.com. -- Melissa Fossum
NASCAR Camping World Truck Series: Lucas Oil 150 @ Phoenix International Raceway Darrell Wallace Jr. made history last month; this month he'll settle for winning more races. The racer became the first African-American driver to win a NASCAR national series in 50 years when he won October's Kroger 200. In the process, Wallace climbed into eighth place in the NASCAR Camping World Truck Series. At just 20 years old, Wallace looks every bit the part of a future superstar.
Wallace will make his first appearance since his historic win Friday, November 8, at the Lucas Oil 150 at Phoenix International Raceway, 7602 South Avondale Boulevard. The race is the second-to-last of the 2013 season, and Matt Crafton has all but sewn up the championship. Even still, the race has no shortage of storylines with three racers -- James Buescher, Ty Dillon, and Jeb Burton -- in contention for second place.
The race starts at noon. Tickets start at $7 and are available at www.phoenixraceway.com. -- Ed Kummerer
