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September 21 – October 4, 2013
Arts
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Chandler author Mandy Berlin pens, shares positive prose BY MEGHAN MCCOY
After a 22-year career as a statistician scientist, Mandy Berlin decided to try her hand at another career—author. Although she penned research manuscripts in the 1990s, Berlin changed her writing style when she lost her husband, Max, to cancer on Dec. 23, 2003. “I was devastated because I missed him so much,” she explains. “Shortly after he passed, not only I, but six (other) people began having extraordinary experiences after his death.” Those experiences contributed to 71 journal entries in 2004. They were later turned into her book, “Death is Not the End: One Agnostic’s Journey on the Bumpy Road to Belief.” “I took down their stories and of course wrote down my own stories and pretty soon that filled a book,” Berlin says. In addition to the stories, the book also includes lyrics from more than 50 songs because a particular tune would be playing when an extraordinary action took place. For example, Berlin explains that when objects began flying above her dining room table, “Book of Love” by Peter Gabriel was playing in the background. “The incidents themselves helped me” with the grieving process, Berlin explains.
She also vividly remembers a Jan. 1, 2004, incident in which Max spoke to her and she saw his image. “That was the first time I ever heard him say anything,” she says about her husband, who said “pull your socks up.” He was telling her to get it together because he was her guardian angel. “Then I blacked out because I was in shock,” she says. “Death is Not the End,” a book published by Abbott Press, is expected to hit the shelves at the end of November or sometime in December. Berlin stumbled upon another book, “No Mistakes: How You Can Change Adversity into Abundance,” which was published in June, when she began studying “The Law of Attraction” in 2006. “The ‘Law of Attraction’ seemed to be the answer to my prayer,” she explains. “I was looking for something to help me through all the grieving.” She created a vision board, which included cut outs from magazines with specific messages, in 2012 with the phrase “Speak right and promote” in the top corner. That phrase was the subject line of an email she received for a class being offered. “One of the people teaching the segment of the class was a publisher,” Berlin explains. The publisher asked individuals
AUTHOR, AUTHOR: Chandler resident Mandy Berlin is one of 30 authors who contributed a story to the book “No Mistakes: How You Can Change Adversity into Abundance.” Her book, “Death is Not the End,” is slated for release later this year. Submitted photo
to submit stories of how to change adversity into abundance for the book “No Mistakes: How You Can Change Adversity into Abundance.” “I jumped on it immediately,” she says. She wrote about her then-91-year-
old mother. Berlin and one of her girlfriends traveled to Nevada on Christmas Eve 2012, so they could bring her mother home for Christmas. Unfortunately, her mother fell and broke her pelvis. Doctors would not do surgery because of her advanced age. Berlin trained her mother how to think positive. “You ignore the bad part and focus on the good and you pray because prayer sends out a frequency as well as thoughts,” she says. “My mother healed herself in 10 weeks and began walking weeks after she fell. Now she is walking with a cane.” Berlin said she not only taught her mother to use the “Law of Attraction,” but others who need assistance. “I have been doing the actual teaching part of it for the last two years,” she explains. “I tested it repeatedly and then after so many years I became a great believer of it.” Berlin lives in Chandler with her mother, who moved in with her in March. For more information about Berlin and her books visit mandymax. blogspot.com or her Facebook page at facebook.com/authormandyberlin. Meghan McCoy is the Neighbors section editor for the SanTan Sun News. She can be reached at Meghan@ santansun.com.
Arts
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September 21 – October 4, 2013
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Copperstar rises from the ashes with new show, home Copperstar Repertory Company’s sixth season opens with a crash of drums and a flash of light with its production of “Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat,” Oct. 16 through 19 at the Mesa Arts Center, One E. Main St. in Mesa. “Joseph” has delighted audiences for more than 30 years and remains one of Copperstar’s bestsellers. “This show has that excited feeling you get when you’re watching great magic!” says Artistic Producing Director Mary-Jo Okawa. “You’re dazzled, mystified and captivated all at once.” Starring as “Joseph” will once again be Brady Quisberg, who originated the role with Copperstar in 2009. Four years and many musicals later, both Copperstar and Brady have grown by Biblical proportions. This 6-foot, 4-inch wonder will dazzle audiences once again. “Brady is always an audience favorite,” Okawa says, adding that “he has that undeniable ‘star quality’ but still is a very genuine, accessible actor.” The cast features more than 75 talented local artists, and the production boasts stunning sets and costumes galore. Kristin Briggs, who played Anna in Cooperstar’s “The King and I,” returns to play the part of the Narrator. Also returning is local favorite Caleb Allred who will play The Pharaoh and Joseph’s Brother, Asher. Other Copperstar favorites include Tucker Abney, Nate Dutson, Josh Hudgins and Dylan Pinion.
Copperstar continues its Spectacular Ticket Offer: two tickets to each of the four remaining shows, and two season T-shirts, all for $120. The package is available at: ticketsandtees.eventbrite. com. Single tickets are $24 for adults, and $22 for seniors and students. Purchase them online at mesaartscenter.com.
Looking forward Copperstar felt this show, primarily about maintaining dreams, faith and hope, was appropriate for the organization after having gone through a very trying year that began with a devastating fire. Exactly one year after Copperstar’s offices, shops and storage were destroyed by fire, Copperstar has moved in to more than 3,900 square feet of studio and scene shop space on Arizona Avenue. Copperstar is working hard to raise much-needed funds to build out the new studio and shop spaces with sprung floors, mirrors, signage and sound systems. As the organization enters this new phase of growth and establishing roots, the nonprofit is turning to the community for support. Last year, when Copperstar needed to replace much of its shop equipment and find ways to cope with its losses, the theater company raised close to $8,000 through Razoo, a “crowdfunding” site. Copperstar hopes to raise that much or more to continue with build-out. The latest Razoo campaign at razoo.com/
WEARABLE ART: Copperstar Repertory Company is selling these T-shirts to help fund build-out at its new studio and shop space in Chandler. Photo courtesy of Copperstar
BEDAZZLED DUO: Kristin Briggs is the Narrator and Brady Quisberg is Joseph is Copperstar Repertory Company’s production of “Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat,” opening Oct. 16 and continuing through Oct. 19. Photo by Tim Trumble Photography
story/Bring-The-Brilliance-Of-Broadway will run through Oct. 20. Another way to help is to wear your support. Copperstar’s artist, Todd Thompson, designed an eye-catching tee with the proud statement, “I Support
ARTS in my Community” and depicting a big Copperstar diamond-studded tree, growing strong from the Copperstar logo. The tees are just $18 and can be bought from Teespring.com/Copperstar or picked up from Copperstar’s new studios, located at 3002 N. Arizona Ave., just north of Elliot Road, in Chandler. Copperstar must sell all 250 tees for any to be printed and mailed out. If Copperstar sells all 250, the group will earn more than $2,000. If, however, all 250 T-shirts aren’t sold, Copperstar will earn nothing. “We believe our community will support us in this endeavor and wear their ARTS Tees proudly,” Okawa says.
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Arts
September 21 – October 4, 2013
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Do some dancin’ with Improv comedy comes to Chandler the Stomperz
STOMP THE PLAZA: The Sun City Stomperz will bring their New Orleans-style swing to the Crowne Plaza San Marcos Golf Resort on Sept. 22. Photo courtesy of the Stomperz
Make sure you have your dancing shoes on as The Sun City Stomperz jazzes up the afternoon from 1 to 4 p.m. Sun., Sept. 22 at the Crowne Plaza San Marcos Golf Resort, 1 W. San Marcos Dr. in Chandler. The Stomperz will perform as guests of the Arizona Classic Jazz Society (ACJS). The band plays traditional jazz songs from the first half of the 1900s in a full-bodied, New Orleans-style performance that is great for dancing. Cost is $10 ACJS members and $15 for nonmembers; students are admitted for free. Become a member on Sept. 22 and get in for free—yearly membership is $35 per couple, and $25 for a single. For more information, call 480-620-3941 or go to: azclassicjazz.org.
improvMANIA brings its live, fast-paced and family friendly improv comedy to the stage for a fall series of shows at Chandler Center for the Arts, 250 N. Arizona Ave., Chandler. Each evening features two 90-minute shows at 7 and 9 p.m. Sept. 28, Oct. 11 and Nov. 2. Each scene is based on audience suggestions. Tickets are $10, $8 for students and seniors. The locally owned and produced improv company is comprised of professional actors and comedians and has performed at several local restaurants, galleries and businesses. To learn more or purchase tickets, visit chandlercenter.org or call 480-782-2680.
Sun Lakes Chorale hosts open houses The Sun Lakes Chorale invites SanTan Sun-area residents to come learn more about this musical group during three open houses in October. These meet-and-greet events will give community members a chance to speak with chorale members and view the group’s latest concert video, which highlights the chorale’s four-part harmonies and wide repertoire. The Sun Lakes Chorale is led by Musical Director Christine Evans and Performance Coordinator
Bart Evans, both are former area high school music educators as well as college choral directors.
19 at the Oakwood Country Club, 9645 SE J. Robson Blvd., Chandler
The schedule of open houses includes: • 9 a.m. to noon Sat., Oct. 5 at the Sun Lakes Country Club, 25425 S. Sun Lakes Blvd., Chandler • 9 a.m. to noon Sat., Oct. 12 in Cottonwood Country Club’s San Tan Ballroom, 25630 S. Brentwood Dr., Chandler • 10 a.m. to noon Sat., Oct.
For more Chorale information, visit sunlakeschorale.com to learn about the group’s background and coming year’s events. The website also is the source for photos and biographical information concerning the chorale’s professional staff.
MEET AND GREET: Meet and chat with members of the Sun Lakes Chorale during three open houses scheduled for October at three country clubs in Chandler/Sun Lakes. Photo by Ivan Nevares
Arts
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STCPA season highlight rhythms San Tan Community Performing Arts (STCPA) seeks singers and musicians to help make its eighth season truly shine. Vocalists ages 18 and older, as well as instrumentalists ages 15 and older, are invited to join the chorale and orchestra, respectively, with rehearsals ongoing. The San Tan Chorale, a nonaudition community choir of 70 individuals from all walks of life, will rehearse from 7 to 9 p.m. Tuesdays at Christ’s Greenfield Lutheran Church, 425 N. Greenfield Rd., in Gilbert. Its fall concerts, titled “Resounding Rhythms, Exhilarating Expressions of Song and Dance,” will be held at 7 p.m. on Sat., Nov. 2, at Christ’s Greenfield, and at 3 p.m. on Sun., Nov. 3, at Epiphany Lutheran Church, 880 W. Ray Rd., in Chandler. Fall season selections include songs about music, singing and dancing, such as choral fanfares, a Shakespeare text, a medley of familiar folk songs and a historical look at Western music. Conducted by Katherine Shields, the San Tan Orchestra’s rehearsals for the fall concert are scheduled for 7 to 9 p.m. Nov. 4, 7, 14 and 21 at First Evangelical Church, 142 N. Date St. in Mesa. The fall concert, “Mozart and More 2013—Let your Hair Down!” is set for 7:30 p.m. Fri., Nov. 22, also at First Evangelical Church. More information about membership is available at stcpa.org or by calling 480297-7552.
September 21 – October 4, 2013
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Four unique art exhibits are free to view The summer heat is still upon the Valley of the Sun for another few weeks at least. SanTan Sun area residents seeking air-conditioned places to while away those hot summer days can check out some “cool” art exhibits that are free to view.
‘Photo Flags’ A new temporary art piece will highlight the city of Chandler’s identity through the photographic eyes of its residents. Coordinated by the Downtown Chandler Community Partnership, the photography will be displayed in Downtown Chandler through Sept. 26. The public will have an opportunity to vote on the best photo that represents Chandler and the winner will receive a gift certificate to a downtown Chandler establishment.
‘Micro/Macro’ Three-dimensional art pieces address the perception of size and scale in artist Kevin Caron’s latest exhibit, on view through Oct. 26 in the Exhibition Hall at the Chandler Center for the Arts, 250 N. Arizona Ave. It is free and open to the public. Caron focuses much of his work on the sensuality of shapes and the rise and fall of their sides and junctures while creating sculptures that range in size from palm-sized to monumental.
Two 10-foot-tall sculptures are among those included in this exhibit. For more information about the exhibit, call 480-782-2695 or visit chandlercenter.org.
‘Deviant Darlings’ Allegorical figures, femme fatales and other iconic images highlight Emily Costello’s new exhibit, “Deviant Darlings: The Fine Art of Emily Costello,” continuing through Oct. 26 at the Vision Gallery, 10 E. Chicago St. in Chandler. Costello brings forth the rich and vibrant colors of folklore and mythical tales found in storybooks and tales handed down through the generations. These mixed-media and painted creations will be brought to life to tell their own stories. The exhibit continues through Oct. 26. For more information, including gallery hours, call 480-782-2695.
‘Rollin’: Me & My Car’ An exhibit at the Chandler Museum showcases the special relationships local residents have had through the years with … their cars. On view through Nov. 16, the exhibit lets visitors recall memories of themselves and their own cars while viewing more than 30 black-and-white historic photographs highlighting Chandler families and their cars.
MACRO MAN: Multi-media artist Kevin Caron stands next to his piece, “Cosmography,” made of oxidized steel and standing over 10 feet tall, part of his “Micro/Macro” exhibit at the Chandler Center for the Arts. Photo courtesy of Mary Westheimer
The museum is located 300 S. Chandler Village Drive in Chandler. For more information, visit chandlermuseum.org, or call 480-7822717. View the online version of the exhibit at chandlerpedia.org.
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September 21 – October 4, 2013
Auditions are ongoing for ‘Seussical Jr.’ Children who attend the CounterPoint Studio of Music and Performing Arts’ Fall Break Camp will have an opportunity to perform in a production of “Seussical Jr.” Los Angeles actor, director, choreographer and producer Alan Palmer is directing. Palmer is well known for his role as a Power Ranger in the television series. The Fall Break Camp will take place Oct. 7 through 11 at CounterPoint Studio, 833 N. Cooper Rd., Suite 104, Gilbert. Camp hours are 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Auditions are ongoing to fill specific parts in “Seussical Jr.” Rehearsals are held on Saturdays from 1 to 4 p.m. until fall break. At the close of the fall workshop, the campers will perform the show for the students of the Apache Junction Unified School District. For more information about the Fall Break Camp or how to audition for “Seussical Jr.,” call 480-321-8810 or log on to: counterpointmusicarts.com.
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EVCT season offers something old—and new The East Valley Children’s Theatre (EVCT) offers some familiar favorites this season, beginning with a mysterious garden and ending with a girl’s trip through the woods to see her grandmother. All shows take place at the Mesa Arts Center, One E. Main St., Mesa. The first show, “The Secret Garden,” begins on Sept. 26 and continues through Oct. 6. It is adapted from the novel by Frances Hodgson Burnett. The next show in the series is the holiday favorite, “Yes Virginia, there is a Santa Claus.” It opens Dec. 5 and closes on Dec. 15. The season continues with a staging of the winner of EVCT’s Aspiring Playwriting Contest. “Cap ‘o Rushes” takes the stage Feb. 13 through 23. Based on an English fairytale by Joseph Jacobs, Sabine—the youngest of three daughters—is forced to leave home
alone after her father feels she does not love him at all. With the help of some magical creatures, Sabine lives in the woods disguised as a bush, called a cap ‘o rushes. This heartfelt, Cinderella-like tale of rags to riches is a story for children of all ages. EVCT closes out its season with the classic tale in musical form, “Little Red Riding Hood,” June 19 through 29. This delightful version of this classic tale brings many new twists and turns to the story. This terrific new version with toe tapping music has something for everyone. Single tickets are $15 for adults and $11 for ages 17 and younger. Some service charges may apply. Tickets are available online at mesaartscenter.com or through the box office at 480-644-6500. Season tickets are $40 per person and are available at evct.org. For more information, call 480-756-3828.
Mozart, Mahler kick off fall season
IT’S THEIR THING: Isabelle and Aurelie Wisdom perform as Thing 1 & Thing 2 in “Seussical Jr.,” presented by CounterPoint Studio of Music and Performing Arts. Photo courtesy of CounterPoint
Arizona Pro Arte begins its fall season of performances Sat., Sept. 21 at the Tempe Center for the Arts, 700 W. Rio Salado Pkwy. in Tempe. The concert features Mozart’s Symphony No. 40, and Mahler’s “Des Knaben Wunderhorn.” Arizona Opera featured singers Alexis Hazell, mezzo-soprano, and Earl Hazell, bass-baritone, perform. There will be a free “talk back” session immediately following the concert with the soloists. On Sat., Oct. 31, things get spooky with the 1922 silent film “Nosferatu,” brought to life with classical music by Dvorak, Brahms and Wagner. The orchestra is led by Conductor Timothy Verville. All performances in Arizona Pro Arte’s concert series take place at 7:30 p.m. in the Studio of the TCA. Tickets are $20 general admission and $17 for seniors, students and military members with ID. For tickets, visit tca.ticketforce.com. Information about Arizona Pro Arte’s Cool Classics Series is available at arizonaproarte.com.
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Arts
Jazz series returns to MAC starting Sept. 27 Jazz lovers can rejoice as the Mesa Arts Center offers a special Jazz Series of performances at a package rate, beginning later this month and continuing through March. The series kicks off on Fri., Sept. 27 with “Bottom’s Up” featuring artist-in-residence John Clayton, along with Rodney Whitaker and Victor Wooten. Next up is Jon Batiste and Stay Human on Thu., Oct. 10. JAZZ IT UP: The Clayton Brothers quintet will perform as part Batiste comes from a long of the Mesa Arts Center’s Jazz Series of concerts for the 2013lineage of celebrated New 14 season. The band brings its hot jazz to the cool winter night Orleans musicians. He has Dec. 17. Photo courtesy of the MAC ignited the New York jazz scene with his unique voice, regarded trumpeter and bandleader in his virtuosic piano chops, clever use of the own right, also is a member of the quintet. harmonaboard, and dapper sense of style. Another group co-led by John and On Tue., Oct. 22, ACS takes the stage. Jeff Clayton, the Clayton-Hamilton Jazz The group is comprised of three Grammy Orchestra dominates the stage on March Award winners: pianist Geri Allen, drummer 7. CHJO has recorded with Queen Latifah, Terri Lyne Carrington and bassist/vocalist John Pizzarelli, Diana Krall and Gladys Esperanza Spalding—three preeminent Knight and is noted as one of the best “big female musicians whose careers intersect bands” in the nation. across the landscape of contemporary jazz. All concerts begin at 7:30 p.m. at the It’s a family affair as The Clayton MAC, 1 E. Main St., Mesa. The Jazz Series Brothers rock the house on Tue., Dec. 17. concert package is $125 per person. John and Jeff Clayton are joined by John’s Individual concert tickets also are available; son, Gerald Clayton, on piano and Obed prices vary. For more information, visit Calvaire on drums. Terell Stafford, a highly mesaartscenter.com or call 480-644-6500.
September 21 – October 4, 2013
Scope of ‘World Voices’ is diverse The Sonoran Desert Chorale opens its 20th Season, VoXX, with a celebration of its 20year journey as reflected in its “World Voices” concert, 7:30 p.m. Sat., Oct. 5 at First United Methodist Church, 15 E. First Ave., Mesa. The concert includes a piece appropriately titled “Joyful Journey,” written for the chorale by noted American composer René Clausen. The scope of the program reaches far and wide, reflecting the great diversity of choral music—both secular and sacred—from all corners of the Earth, celebrating the breadth and depth of the human condition. The concert also is marked by the release of the group’s newest CD, “Remembrances of Love,” featuring 16 tracks of love songs. Tickets to the “World Voices” concert are $18 for adults, and $15 for seniors, children and groups of 10 or more. Tickets may be purchased online at SonoranDesertChorale.org or by calling 480-305-4538.
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Bollywood concert aids local temple Padmashri Hariharan, one of the most popular musicians in India, will be joined by his 16-member orchestra 5 p.m. Sun., Sept. 29 in the Mesa Arts Center’s Ikeda Theater, 1 E. Main St., Mesa. He and his Padmashri Hariharan, orchestra will Submitted photo perform tunes from Bollywood and Beyond as part of his “Soul India” concert series. The concert will feature classical, fusion and Bollywood music. This event is brought to the Valley by Maha Ganapati Temple of Arizona, a nonprofit organization, and sponsored by Kumon of Gilbert Southeast. Ticket prices vary and can be purchased online at ganapati. org and azindia.com. Maha Ganapati Temple is a Hindu temple located in Maricopa serving the spiritual needs of Arizona residents. The temple is built to architectural standards that date back thousands of years and houses the shrines of major Hindu deities. The concert is a fundraiser for the construction of the temple tower. For more information about the temple, visit ganapati. org or call 520-568-9881.
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September 21 – October 4, 2013
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“The Odyssey,” through Sept. 21, MAC. Adapted by Charlie Bethel from the epic poem by Homer and presented by the Southwest Shakespeare Company. Shipwrecks, sirens, and mythical creatures meet adventure, magic and revenge. “Priscilla, Queen of the Desert,” through Sept. 22, ASUG. The uplifting story of a trio of friends on a road trip of a lifetime, who hop aboard a battered old bus searching for love and friendship in the middle of the Australian outback and end up finding more than they could ever have dreamed. An international hit with more than 500 dazzling, 2011 Tony Awardwinning costumes, and a hit parade of dancefloor favorites including “It’s Raining Men,” “Finally” and “I Will Survive.” “After All These Years, I STILL HATE You,” through Sept. 22, BBBT. Presented by Mesa Encore Theatre, this is light-hearted play about two men who meet in an elevator and discover they are mortal enemies. They have been in a constant contest of pranks, upping one another, and fighting over women, since grade school. Play does contain adult language. Ballet Under the Stars, 7 p.m. Fri., Sept. 27, TCA Ampitheater. Spend a relaxing evening under the Arizona sky as Ballet Arizona continues its annual season opening tradition with classical and contemporary ballet in a casual setting for free. “Mozart and More,” 7:30 p.m. Fri., Sept. 27, VPC. A free concert presented by La Forza Chamber Orchestra, featuring piano soloist Noel Engebretson from the University of Alabama, who will perform Mozart’s “Piano Concerto No. 20” in D minor with the orchestra. Also on the program is Mozart’s overture to “The Magic Flute,” Dvorak’s “Serenade in D Minor, Op. 44, for Winds, Cello and Contrabass” and “Academic Festival Overture” by Brahms. Improv Mania, 7 & 9 p.m. Sat., Sept. 28, CCA. A live, fast-paced improv comedy show based on audience suggestions. The shows last approximately 90 minutes; the early show is all ages, the late show is PG-13. Beethoven’s Piano Concerto No. 4, 7:30 p.m. Thu., Oct. 3, SCPA. Performed by renowned pianist Andrew von Oeyen, backed by The Phoenix Symphony. Led by Guest Conductor Philip Mann, the symphony also performs Richard Strauss’ soaring “Don Juan” and Claude Debussy’s much-admired “La mer.” Comedian Kevin Nealon, Oct. 4-5, IMPROV. Nealon is best known for his nine-year stint as a cast member of NBC’s “Saturday Night Live,” and has received critical acclaim for his role in the Showtime series, “Weeds.”
Arts “Guys and Dolls” Concert, 7:30 p.m. Sat., Oct. 5, MAC. When the spectacular Guys of “Los Tres Tenores” meet the stunning Dolls of the “Sirens of Song” for the first time on stage, the sparks will fly. Enjoy a fantastic program of classic hits from Broadway to opera, presented by the Phoenix Opera Company. “Play/Pause,” 7 p.m. Sat., Oct. 5, ASUG. Choreographer Suzanne Marshall embraces the collisions of high art and pop culture to create the ultimate mash-up: postmodern dance-theater meets indie rock on both real and virtual stages. The performance is counterpointed by original online music videos, aspects of which are incorporated into the live work. Herberger Theater Festival of the Arts, 12-5 p.m. Sat., Oct. 5, HTC. This diverse and family friendly event celebrates the arts, community and more with performances, dance, food, street vendors, visual art, rescued pet adoptions, live music, children’s activities (including a superhero costume contest), wine tasting, film shorts, Lunch Time Theater and more. Admission is $5, free for children 12 and younger. The Avett Brothers, 7 p.m. Sat., Oct. 5, MA. The Avett Brothers begin another new era of folk with their seventh full-length album, and first for American Recordings/ Republic Records, “The Carpenter.” It’s an artful distillation of classic homegrown folk, rock energy, bluegrass soul and pop charm. “The Melody Shop” Concert, 3 p.m. Sun., Oct. 6, MAC. Maurice Ravel’s “Daphnis & Chloé,” Debussy’s “Girl with the Flaxen Hair,” Wagner’s “Prelude to Act III of Lohengrin,” and the finale to Gustav Mahler’s “Symphony No. 1” will open the Salt River Brass’ 26th season. Then melodies from the musicals will reign supreme including music from “Man of La Mancha,” “Pippin,” “Ain’t Misbehavin’,” “Avenue Q” and “Les Misérables.” Classical Concert, 3 p.m. Sun., Oct. 6, CCA. The Chandler Symphony Orchestra provides quality symphonic and orchestral music performed by a wide range of volunteer musicians. Admission is free. “Becky Shaw,” through Oct. 6, TAS. A newlywed couple fixes up two romantically challenged friends. When an evening calculated to bring happiness takes a dark turn, crisis and comedy ensue in a wickedly funny play that asks what we owe the people we love and the strangers who land on our doorstep. “Little Women,” through Oct. 12, HCT. Follow the adventures of Jo, Meg, Beth and Amy March as they grow up in Civil War America. The beloved chronicle of the March sisters is timeless, dealing with issues as relevant today as when it was written.
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BEDAZZLED BUS: “Priscilla Queen Of The Desert—The Musical” features more than 500 Tony Award-winning costumes and some inspirational, toe-tapping, girl-power songs. Photo by Joan Marcus
“The Diary of Anne Frank,” through Oct. 20, DST. National Youth Theatre Award winner Rachel Redleaf stars as the title character, a 13-year-old Jewish girl whose family is hiding from the Gestapo in war-torn Amsterdam. For two years the Frank family and others lived in a cramped attic fearful of being discovered. “Dirty Rotten Scoundrels,” Oct. 4-20, MAC. Presented by Mesa Encore
Theatre. Suave and sophisticated Lawrence Jameson is living a lavish lifestyle by sweet-talking rich ladies out of their money. Meanwhile, smalltime conman Freddy Benson plays a more humble game, using fabricated stories of his grandmother’s failing health to swindle wealthy women. The two try working together only to find that a small French town isn’t big enough for both of them.
ON STAGE VENUE INDEX ASUG – ASU Gammage 1200 S. Forest Ave., Tempe Tickets: 480-965-3434, asugammage. com BBBT – Black Box on Brown Theatre 318 E. Brown Rd., #101, Mesa Info: 800-838-3006, mesaencoretheatre.com CCA – Chandler Center for the Arts 250 N. Arizona Ave., Chandler Tickets: 480-782-2680, ChandlerCenter.org DST – Desert Stages Theatre 4720 N. Scottsdale Rd., Scottsdale Tickets: 480-483-1664, DesertStages. org HCT – Hale Centre Theatre 50 W. Page Ave., Gilbert Info: 480-497-1181, haletheatrearizona.com HTC – Herberger Theater Center 222 E. Monroe St., Phoenix Tickets: 602-254-7399, herbergertheater.org IMPROV – Tempe Improv 930 E. University Dr., Tempe Info: 480-921-9877, tempeimprov.
com MA – Mesa Amphitheatre 263 N. Center St., Mesa Tickets: 480-644-2560, MesaAmp. com MAC – Mesa Arts Center One E. Main St., Mesa Tickets: 480-644-6500, MesaArtsCenter.com SCPA – Scottsdale Center for the Performing Arts VGPT – Virginia G. Piper Theater 7380 E. 2nd St., Scottsdale Box office: 480-499-8587, scottsdaleperformingarts.org TAS – Theatre Artists Studio 4848 E. Cactus Rd., #406, Scottsdale Tickets: 602-765-0120, thestudiophx.org TCA – Tempe Center for the Arts Gallery; Studio 700 W. Rio Salado Pkwy., Tempe Tickets: tempe.gov/TCA, 480-3502822 VPC – Valley Presbyterian Church 6947 E. McDonald Drive, Paradise Valley Info: LaForzaOrchestra.org