Arts briefs (11/19)

Original Happy Days cast and producers to attend Gammage opening

Original cast members and VIP's from the iconic TV show, Happy Days, will be arriving in Tempe for the debut of the musical stage version of the hit TV show.  Producer/writer/director Garry Marshall, Anson Williams (Potsie) and Don Most (Ralph Malph) are among the noted celebrities who will be in the audience on opening night, Nov. 18, at Arizona State University's Gammage Auditorium. The cast and VIP's will arrive in classic 1950s cars and join the festivities surrounding opening night, to walk the red carpet and be among the first to see the new musical.

Based on the hit Paramount Pictures' television series, Happy Days - A New Musical reintroduces one of America's best loved families, the Cunninghams, and the days of 1959 Milwaukee complete with varsity sweaters, hula hoops, and jukebox sock-hoppin'.

The show runs Nov. 18 to 23 at ASU's Gammage Auditorium, 1200 S. Forest Avenue, Tempe.

Tickets are on sale at Ticketmaster or by calling (480) 784-4444.

Justin Timberlake's backup singer works with Valley kids

Justin Timberlake's lead backup singer is coming to the Valley Nov. 22. Singer, songwriter, producer, vocal coach and artist developer Robert "RAab" Stevenson has collaborated with some of the most famous voices and producers heard on urban and pop radio today.

He has offered to work with an aspiring nonprofit organization in which a group of vocally gifted children (one of their kids made it to the third round of American Idol) ages 9 to 17 perform at hospitals, schools, nursing homes, hospice, boys and girls clubs, homeless shelters and any underprivileged organizations. The group calls themselves Acts of Love.

"RAab" and Acts of Love are pairing up to prepare for their holiday performances by working on holiday classics. Acts of Love is currently working on their holiday tour schedule. For more information or to book Acts of Love for your nonprofit event, contact Suzie Drahos at (480) 209-2343 or actsoflove.info@yahoo.com.

String orchestra musicians needed

An East Valley String Orchestra is forming. There are no auditions.

For more information, call Linda at (480) 895-5150.

From aspiring musician to rock star in 2 days

Rock Boot Camp, coming Dec. 5 to 7 to Scottsdale Studios at 9445 E. Doubletree Ranch Road, is an action packed weekend unlike any other. It gives musicians 13 and up an opportunity to hone their skills on guitar, bass and drums.

More information is available at www.rockbootcamps.com or by calling (866) 448-3007.

Desert Chordsmen ready for the asking

The Desert Chordsmen Barbershop Chorus of Sun Lakes has two quartets - Twilight Time and The Four-Gone-Conclusions - both of which are available to sing for your organization. Also, men looking for a special Valentine treat may request a quartet to sing for your special lady.

Currently, 25 men are in the chorus singing tenor, lead (the melody), baritone and bass. Men that enjoy singing are invited to join. On Monday evenings, between 6:30 and 9 p.m., the Desert Chordsmen gather at the Sun Lakes Health Center (southeast corner of Alma School and Riggs roads) to sing close (four-part) harmony.

For more information on having the chorus sing at your event, call Ron Young at (480) 895-3462 or Milt Eitreim at (480) 895-2668. To learn more about joining the chorus, give Norm Noble a call at (480) 802-3130.

Childsplay partners with Operation Noah

Childsplay, Arizona's professional theater company for young audiences and families, is partnering with Operation Noah to collect new stuffed animals throughout the run of The Velveteen Rabbit at the Tempe Center for the Arts, 700 W. Rio Salado Parkway, Tempe. Stuffed animals can be dropped off in the lobby between Nov. 16 and Dec. 21.

A Target Storybook Preview will start at 4 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 16, and all tickets will be discounted to $12.

Show times are at 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. Nov. 22; 1 and 4 p.m. Nov. 23; 2 p.m. Nov. 29 and 30; 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. Dec. 6, 13 and 20; and 1 and 4 p.m. Dec. 7, 14 and 21. Tickets are $20 and $25 for adults, $15 and $20 for children, seniors and students.

For more information or to purchase tickets, call (480) 350-2822 or visit www.childsplayaz.org/boxoffice.

Educational field trip performances are offered Tuesday through Friday mornings. For field trip information, contact Beth Olson at bolson@childsplayaz.org or (480) 921-5757.

Broadway Palm Dinner Theatre shows

The Broadway Palm Dinner Theatre, located at 5247 E. Brown Road in Mesa, will offer the following performances this season: All Shook Up, through Nov. 15; Holly Jolly Christmas, Nov. 20 to Dec. 25; The Best Little Whorehose in Texas, Dec. 31 to Feb. 14, 2009; Singin' in the Rain, Feb. 19 to April 11; Ring of Fire, April 16 to May 30; High School Musical, June 4 to Aug. 1; and Mid-Life! The Crisis Musical, Aug. 6 to Sept. 26.

For more information, call (480) 325-6700 or visit www.BroadwayPalmWest.com.

Childsplay productions

Childsplay, Arizona's professional theatre company for young audiences, has announced its 2008-09 Season at the Tempe Center for the Arts, 700 W. Rio Salado Parkway, Tempe. Childsplay is offering eight productions for the public through June 2009 that includes one world premiere, two old favorites, three regional premieres, three musicals and seven page-to-stage adaptations.

The season will include: The Velveteen Rabbit, Nov. 16 preview at 4 p.m., runs Nov. 22 to Dec. 21; Busytown, Jan. 18 preview at 4 p.m., runs Jan. 24 to Feb. 21, 2009; Rock, Paper, Scissors, Feb. 28 preview at 1 p.m., runs Feb. 28 to March 8; Ferdinand the Bull, March 14 preview at 1 p.m., runs March 14 to April 5; The Neverending Story, April 19 preview at 4 p.m., runs April 25 to May 17; and Peter and the Wolf, May 31 preview at 4 p.m., runs June 6 to 21.

For information, visit www.childsplayaz.org. or call (480) 350-2822.

Broadway season at ASU Gammage

Remaining shows in Arizona State University Gammage's  2008-09 M&I Bank Broadway Across America - Arizona season include Happy Days, Nov. 18 to 23; Spring Awakening, Dec. 9 to 14; Disney's The Lion King, Jan. 2 to Feb. 8, 2009; Frost/Nixon starring Stacy Keach, March 31 to April 5; and Chitty Chitty Bang Bang, June 16 to 21.

M&I Bank Broadway Across America - Arizona special engagements during the 2008-09 season include Rent, March 17 to 22, 2009; Cats, April 7 to 12; Stomp, May 5 to 10; and Wicked, July 1 to 26.

For more information or tickets, visit the box office, www.asugammage.com, Ticketmaster locations, www.ticketmaster.com or call (480) 784-4444.

Music Maker offers free workshops to benefit Phoenix Rescue Mission

Music Maker Workshops in Ahwatukee Foothills will provide free drop-off winter wonderland workshops for children ages 4 to 8 from 1 to 2:30 p.m. or 2:30 to 4 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 6. Registration is required early due to limited space and popularity. All participants are asked to bring canned food or a toy for the Phoenix Rescue Mission.

The workshops will feature a fun, interactive Kindermusik lesson, craft and snack all around a winter wonderland theme. The workshops are designed for both boys and girls. 

Music Maker Workshops is located at 3233 E. Chandler Blvd., Suite 2.

To reserve a spot, call the studio at (480) 706-1224 or visit www.musicmakerworkshops.com.

Kerr Cultural Center offers wide variety

The Arizona State University Kerr Cultural Center's upcoming season of guest artists represent a variety of disciplines and hail from as close as Tempe to as far away as Russia. This year's guest artists series will include Connecting Communities as well as the return of some old favorites. As part of Rhythms of Live, guest performers will include Edward Herrmann, Michael Learned and Robert Picardo. After a very successful benefit last season, on Feb. 15 the second "Care for Kerr" benefit concert, Passions Large and Small, will feature internationally acclaimed saxophonist Joseph Wytko. A new series this season will be Four Seasons Chamber Series co-presented with Dr. Carolyn Broe. Sunday @ Kerr will return with a wonderful lineup.  

Returning this season will also be Jazz in Concert, co-presented with Jazz in Arizona and underwritten by The Jazzbird Foundation, including Dennis Rowland & the Extreme Decibel Big Band, The Divas and The Reed Family.

In addition to presenting a wide variety of performers, Kerr also hosts revolving visual art exhibits, the Tuesday morning Music & Tea Concert Series in conjunction with the ASU School of Music, the free Coffee at Kerr Series and an exciting variety of privately produced attractions. 

The intimate adobe studio is located at 6110 N. Scottsdale Road in Scottsdale. Tickets can also be purchased at ASU Gammage and through any Ticketmaster outlet.

For further information or to receive a season brochure, call the ASU Kerr Cultural Center at (480) 596-2660.

Live Met Opera series returns

The new series features live transmissions of five new productions, including one Met premiere. Each live performance will be followed by an evening encore presentation the second Wednesday after the live performance.

Locally, this season's Met Opera series will be showing at AMC Ahwatukee 24, 4915 E. Ray Road.

The remaining schedule is as follows: Nov. 22, La Damnation de Faust - Dec. 3, encore presentation; Dec. 20, Thaïs - Jan. 7, encore presentation; Jan. 10, La Rondine - Jan. 21, encore presentation: Jan. 24, Orfeo Ed Euridice - Feb. 4, encore presentation; Feb. 7, Lucia di Lammermoor - Feb. 18, encore presentation: March 7, Madama Butterfly - March 18, encore presentation; March 21, La Sonnambula - April 1, encore presentation; and May 9, La Cenerentola - May 20, encore presentation.

For details on the operas, visit the Met's Web site at www.metopera.org/hd. For ticket information, visit www.FathomEvents.com.

Chandler Symphony Orchestra performances

Following is the 2008-09 season schedule for the Chandler Symphony Orchestra (formerly the San Marcos Symphony). All performances will be held at the Chandler Center for the Arts, 205 N. Arizona Ave., except the Dec. 7 shows, which will take place at Sun Lakes United Methodist Church, 9248 E. Riggs Road. Performances will begin at 3 and 6 p.m. Dec. 7, 8 p.m. Feb. 6, 3 p.m. March 29 and 3 p.m. May 10.

All of the concerts are free. Donations are accepted to help defray operating costs.

For information, call the box office at (480) 782-2680.

Sonoran Desert Chorale announces upcoming season

Marking its 15th anniversary season, the Sonoran Desert Chorale's 2008-09 season celebrates to a focus of "Peace, Love and Charity."

Performances: Peace on Earth, 7:30 p.m. Dec. 13, FUMC, and 3 p.m. Dec. 14, CBC; A Mosaic of Sacred Song, 7:30 p.m. Feb. 28, FUMC, and 3 p.m. March 1, CBC; and Peace, Love and Charity, 7:30 p.m. May 2, FUMC, and 3 p.m. May 3, CBC.

Tickets, $50 for adult packages and $40 for student and senior packages, are available by calling (480) 305-4538. Single tickets, $15 for adults and $12 for students and seniors, may be purchased by calling (602) 765-1554. Tickets will also be available 30 minutes prior to the concert at the door.

Visit www.sonorandesertchorale.org for more information.

Phoenix Chorale

Offerings for the 2008-09 50th anniversary Phoenix Chorale season begin with a concert entitled "Retro: Then & Now," featuring music from the first public performances of the Phoenix Chorale in 1958. In honor of the 50th anniversary, artistic director Charles Bruffy has programmed music from the Chorale's five-decade history throughout the season. 

On the schedule: "Home for the Holidays" (Dec. 18 to 21), 50th Anniversary Gala, "Sing to Love" (Feb. 14), "With the Kansas City Chorale" (Feb. 21, 22, and March 1), Festival of the Male Voice, "Boys to Men VI" (Feb. 28) and "Amazing Grace" (April 25, 26, and May 3).

A new ticketing program is available for anyone 25 and under to attend any Phoenix Chorale concert for free. These seats are available starting 10 minutes before each performance and are subject to availability.

For more information or to purchase tickets, visit www.phoenixchorale.org or call (602) 253-2224.

Phoenix Boys Choir concert series

The Phoenix Boys Choir's performances for the upcoming season include:

- Carols From Around The World - celebrate the holidays with traditional American holiday music and carols from countries around the world. 6:30 p.m. Dec. 15, American Lutheran Church of Sun City, 17200 Del Webb Blvd.; 7:30 p.m. Dec. 19, Mesa Arts Center, 1 E. Main St., Ikeda Theater; 7:30 p.m. Dec. 20, Orpheum Theater, 203 W. Adams St.; and 5 p.m. Dec. 21, Chaparral Christian Church, 6451 E. Shea Blvd.

- 60th Anniversary Concert - features a commissioned piece by James DeMars with an appearance by R. Carlos Nakai, performing the traditional Native American flute. 3 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 22, 2009, Chaparral Christian Church.

- When You Wish Upon A Star Spring Pops Concert - take a trip through the magical world of Disney and hear songs from your favorite childhood movies. 2 p.m. Sunday, May 10, Mesa Arts Center.

For more information, visit www.phoenixboyschoir.org.

Valley Youth Theatre's 20th anniversary season

Remaining shows in Valley Youth Theatre's anniversary season include: A Winnie The Pooh Christmas Tail, Dec. 5 to 23; A Midsummer Night's Dream, Jan. 23 to Feb. 8, 2009; Seussical The Musical, March 6 to 22; and Geppetto and Son, By Stephen Schwartz, An Arizona Premiere, May 1 to 17.

For ticket information, visit www.VYT.com and download a form or call (602) 253-8188, ext. 309.

ASU Art Museum upcoming exhibitions and events

The Arizona State University Art Museum, located at Tenth Street and Mill Avenue in Tempe, continues to present contemporary art with exhibitions in all media by regional and international, emerging and established artists. 

Upcoming schedule:

- Through Nov. 19, Social Studies: Project 3. Artist in residence.

- Dec. 4 through 7, Video Project Space: Aqua Art Miami, Wynwood.

- Through Jan. 4, The Other Mainstream II: Selections from the Collection of Mikki and Stanley Weithorn.

- Jan. 24 through April 26, Breathing is Free: 12,756.3 - The First 1,500, New Work by Jun Nguyen-Hatsushiba. Artist performance: Jan. 20 to 30. Artist performance reception: Feb. 20, 7 to 9 p.m.

- Through Jan. 25, ASU Herberger College School of Art Faculty Exhibition.

- Through Jan. 25, Nadia Hironaka: The Late Show.

- Feb. 14 through May 16, Eden Revisited: The Ceramic Art of Kurt Weiser. Reception: Feb. 20, 7 to 9 p.m. Friday Conversations in the Gallery: Feb. 20, 11 a.m., local artist Kurt Weiser.

- Feb. 17 through July 26, Social Studies: Project 4. Artist in residence. Reception: Feb. 20, 7 to 9 p.m. 

- Through Feb. 28, Midstream: New Ceramics from the Heartland.

- March 21 through May 30, NCECA Clay National, 43rd Annual NCECA Conference, April 8 to 11, Ceramic Interface: From Dawn to Digital.

- March 28 through May 31, Potters on Paper: Selections from the Collection. Reception: April 9, 5 to 7 p.m.

- April 2009, 13th Annual ASU Art Museum Short Film and Video Festival. Date to be announced, check website for details http://asuartmuseum.asu.edu/filmfest.

- May 16 through Aug. 30, 10th Annual Summer Family Exhibition, Food: Feasts for the Eyes from the Permanent Collection. Family Fun Day: July 10, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

The ASU Art Museum is part of the Herberger College of the Arts at Arizona State University. Entry is free. Hours are 11 a.m.  to 5 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday and until 9 p.m. Tuesday during the academic year, and 1 to 5 p.m. Sunday.

For more information, call (480) 965-2787 or visit the museum online at http://asuartmuseum.asu.edu.

www.mc.maricopa.edu/community/outback.

Phoenix Symphony offerings

The 2008-09 season for The Phoenix Symphony includes the Classics, Pops and Family series, as well as the inaugural Target World Music Festival and superstar performers such as Joshua Bell, Lang Lang and Doc Severinsen.

Season highlights include Pictures at an Exhibition (Nov. 28 and 29), Handel's Messiah (Dec. 10 to 21), Doc Severinsen - El Ritmo de la Vida (Jan. 30 to Feb. 1), Stravinsky: The Firebird (Feb. 19 to 21), Mahler: Symphony No. 4 (April 9 and 11), Carmina Burana (April 23 and 25), A Salute to Rodgers & Hammerstein (May 15 to 17) and Joshua Bell in Concert (May 23). The season also offers a number of unique offerings such as puppeteer Basil Twist performing in Stravinsky: Petrushka (Nov. 6 to 8), the audience-favorite Bugs Bunny on Broadway (Jan. 3 and 4) and the energetic string trio Time for Three performing on Rachmaninoff: Symphonic Dances (April 2 to 4).

More information is available online at www.phoenixsymphony.org, and a free concert guide detailing the season is available by calling the box office at (602) 495-1999.

Kerr Cultural Center's Rhythms of Life Series

Arizona State University's Kerr Cultural Center will host its upcoming Rhythms of Life Series starting Saturday, Jan. 3, with Beloved Brahms starring Edward Herrmann as Eduard Hanslik. The series continues Friday, Feb. 6, with the world premiere of Love Letters: From Beethoven To Bernstein starring four-time Best Actress Emmy Award winner Michael Learned. Friday, March 6, will feature A Beautiful Deception: from Impressionism to Surrealism. The series concludes Friday, April 3, with The Clark-Schuldmann Duo and All That Jazz.

Performances begin at 8 p.m. at 6110 N. Scottsdale Road, Scottsdale. Reserved tickets are $20 and $21, and general seating is $17. Student, senior, group and series rates are available.

For more information, call (480) 596-2660 or visit www.asukerr.com.

Heard Museum exhibits and events

Upcoming exhibits at The Heard Museum, 2301 N. Central Ave.

Underworlderness, on display through Jan. 18, 2009; La Casa Murillo: A Life-size Shadow Box, through Jan. 11, 2009; Innovative Ceramics By Mothers and Daughters, Jan. 10 through Aug. 2009; and The Gifts: Pacific Coast Salish Art and Artists, Feb. 21 through Aug. 16.

Ongoing exhibitions include Old Traditions In New Pots: Silver Seed Pots From The Norman L. Sandfield Collection; Home: Native People in the Southwest; Around The World: The Heard Museum Collection; Life In A Cold Place: Arctic Art From The Albrecht Collection; Every Picture Tells a Story; Remembering Our Indian School Days: The Boarding School Experience; We Are! Arizona's First People; and History and Collections of the Heard Museum.

For more information, call (602) 252-8848 or visit www.heard.org.

Scottsdale Center for the Performing Arts performances

Upcoming performances at the Scottsdale Center for the Performing Arts at 7380 East Second Street in Scottsdale include: Sunday A'Fair, Jan. 11 to April 12; Native Trails, Jan. 15 to April 11; Mother Load, Jan. 20 to Feb. 1; An Evening with Edward Albee, Feb. 6; The Nigerian Spam Scam Scam, Feb. 7; My First Time, Feb. 13 to March 15; Close Encounters with Music: Celebrating Mendelssohn I, Feb. 15; 2008-09 Virginia G. Piper Concert Series: Shai Wosner, Feb. 22; Esperanza Spalding, Feb. 28; Close Encounters with Music: Celebrating Mendelssohn II, Feb. 28; and Late Nite Catechism III: ‘Til Death Do Us Part, ongoing.

Due to renovations, some venues may change. For more information, call (480) 994-ARTS (2787) or visit www.scottsdaleperformingarts.org.

Kerr Cultural Center's Chamber Music Series starts Sunday

Arizona State University's Kerr Cultural Center will host its upcoming Chamber Music Series starting Sunday, Nov. 16, with Hearts and Romance - featuring Katrina King and Carolyn Broe. The series continues Feb. 8 with Music of the Southwest - featuring Arpeggio and Friends and concludes March 29 with Night in Vienna - featuring The Four Seasons Orchestra.

Performances begin at 3 p.m. at 6110 N. Scottsdale Road. Reserved tickets are $18 and $19, and general seating is $15. Student, senior, group and series rates are available.

For more information, call (480) 596-2660 or visit www.asukerr.com.

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