Repellent Fence It’s a truth that comes in many forms to the border areas between the United States and Mexico: If you can’t reach through the fence, reach over it. That same concept drives Postcommodity, a long-term social collaboration between artists and activists Raven Chacon, Cristobal Martinez, and Kade L…
Seductive vampires writhed their way around the stage last week as Scorpius Dance Theatre opened its 12th annual run of A Vampire Tale — a show conceived, choreographed, and directed by Lisa Starry, the company’s artistic director. It’s being performed at Hormel Theatre, located on the Phoenix Theatre campus, through Saturday, October…
You work hard for your money, and you shouldn’t have to spend it all just to have a good time. This week, metro Phoenix offers plenty of options for those looking to socialize and save, including talks, presentations, yoga, and poetry. Take some time to relax your mind, spirit and…
“Sirens and Serpents” If “Sirens and Serpents: The Art of Tara Sharpe” had a rating, it would probably be “R,” for nudity and post-impressionist expressionism. {9} The Gallery, 1229 Grand Avenue, is hosting the exhibit on Friday, October 2, and the installation will feature hand-pulled block prints and works on…
New things are coming to Space 55’s this fall season. The small downtown Phoenix theater space has welcomed Duane Daniels as its new artistic director. Apart from the theater presenting an upcoming season of “off-Broadway style, adventurous theatre,” it will also host Kim Porter as she leads an eight-week (versus the typical…
In 1985, Phoenix Mayor Terry Goddard had an idea. He approached the City Council with a proposal to create a commission dedicated entirely to preserving the growing arts scene and encouraging others to pursue their artistic endeavors. Interest and funding for the local art scene had grown significantly, and Goddard…
Ballet is a beautiful thing, especially performed by moonlight. Which is why one of our favorite fall dance traditions is Ballet Under the Stars. It’s a series of free Ballet Arizona performances on outdoor stages at several parks throughout metropolitan Phoenix at 7 p.m., just as twilight descends over the…
It was a big year for Mary Poppins in metro Phoenix. During Monday, September 21’s 25th annual AriZoni Theatre Awards of Excellence ceremony, held at Tempe Center for the Arts, Phoenix Theatre’s production of Mary Poppins waltzed off (sans umbrella) with the best overall production for a contracted musical. It’s…
It can be exhausting to keep up with all the festivals, concerts, and politicians visiting the Valley. Sometimes you just want a quiet day to spend doing your favorite things, or maybe learning some new skills or picking up a new hobby. Here’s your guide to some of the best…
Jonathan Evison Writing is not unlike talking into a void – at least until you introduce (what might be) writing’s most crucial element: the reader. New York Times bestselling author Jonathan Evison will be leading a workshop about the importance of the reader at Changing Hands Phoenix, 300 West Camelback…
When it comes to comedian Lewis Black, to paraphrase Rage Against the Machine, his anger is a gift. That is to say, the often-incensed comedy veteran and sociopolitical pundit has made a considerable living and earned significant fame over the years with his rage-filled rants that hilariously skewer stupidity, hypocrisy,…
“Part of what I do comes with an apology,” says Bob Saget. Throughout the 1990s, Saget had a corner on the family-friendly, “America’s Dad” market courtesy of hit shows Full House and America’s Funniest Home Videos. When the light-hearted laughter ended, he found himself back on the stand-up circuit, bluer…
Hello, Dalí! I was late for the theater, a particular and long-held fear of mine. But Mesa Arts Center was celebrating its 10th anniversary with an outdoor carnival (because how better to honor an arts center than with a frybread truck and a Tilt-A-Whirl?), which gobbled up all the parking…
Gallery Talk: Ehren Tool and Garth JohnsonEhren Tool found ceramics as a creative outlet after serving as a marine in Operation Desert Storm. The veteran handcrafts cups covered in imagery referencing the effects of military service on veterans and the impact of war on societies. Serving as both social commentary…
The Palms Theatre in Mesa has shuttered. A Wednesday, September 9, e-mail announced the closure of the dinner theater located near Brown and and Higley roads formerly known as Broadway Palm. “It is with our deepest and most sincere regrets that we must announce the closure of The Palms Theatre,…
The start of the 2015-16 dance season is looking delightfully eclectic, with offering that include not only Phoenix-area traditions such as Scorpius Dance Theatre’s A Vampire Tale, but also some touring productions including modern takes on music by Bizet and Bach. From classic story ballets to contemporary works infused by…
Tempe-born actress Alexandra Ncube is about to have a serious circle-of-life moment. She returns to Tempe in October as a cast member with the first national tour of The Book of Mormon, which plays at ASU Gammage from October 20 to November 8. Born in 1990, Ncube remembers going with her…
“Cactus and Coral” It is a rare moment when one can see the world from someone else’s point of view. Through Each Others Eyes, promotes that concept via cultural exchange, placing photographers in unfamiliar settings to understand how they see things. With the “Cactus and Coral” exhibit, photographers from Australia…
Cumbia Dance Night Our Southwest city is no stranger to celebrations of salsa and flamenco dancing, and now Cumbia, hailing from Colombia’s costal region alongside the Caribbean Sea, is making a name for itself. DJs Nico and M.Rocka, the duo behind local group Clandestino, bring La Diabla from Tijuana and DJ…
Scientist turned mutant. Pregnant teen athlete. Drone operator. A whole slew of clueless but well-meaning missionaries. The cast of characters looks pretty appealing for this fall’s crop of theater offerings — which also include Sigmund Freud, Salvador Dali, and Joan of Arc. Shows by local and touring companies are taking…
Anwar Newton still remembers the feeling he had his first time on stage: embarrassment. “I wrote down some stuff beforehand, but you realize very quickly that what you think is funny is actually really dumb and boring,” he says. “I don’t even remember what I said. My brain just locked…
Aerial Silks Class When it comes to extracurricular activity, we figure that if Real Housewives in multiple cities can do it, the general public can, too. Which is just as good an excuse as any to try out Scorpius Dance Theatre’s aerial silks class. The company’s master of aerial arts,…
