Arts Briefs (5/21)

Summer fun for aspiring artists enrolling now

Herberger College at Large & for Kids now is enrolling for its summer sessions. Part of Arizona State University's Herberger College of the Arts, Herberger College at Large & for Kids offers classes for aspiring artists - from serious high school arts students to adults and kids, preschool to teen. Participants express themselves through art, digital art, dance, music and theater.

Herberger College at Large offers teens (ages 15 and up) and adults classes in art, digital art, dance and music, as well as private instruction in all areas.

Herberger College for Kids provides pre-school classes in art, dance and music, as well as summer camps for children 5-14. Children are grouped by age. Private instruction in all areas also offered.

Summer registration continues through the first day of each of three sessions, as space allows. Sessions start June 2, June 16 and July 7. To find out more, call Herberger College at Large at (480) 727-0700, or visit herbergercollegeatlarge.asu.edu and herbergercollegeforkids.asu.edu.

Special needs camp has spots available

The Arizona Magic of Music & Dance, a week-long camp for children and young adults with physical and mental disabilities, still has a few spots open for the June 9 to 13 camp at Crossroads Church, 7901 N. Central Ave. The camp will culminate on Friday with a noon performance of The Jungle Book, specially adapted and choreographed to meet the needs of the participants.

Young people with any physical or mental disability are invited to participate, exploring their creativity in a barrier-free and non-threatening environment, where they can freely experiment and find hidden talents in creative movement, self-expression, song and dance. The fee is just $395 per participant, and scholarships are available thanks to the support of generous sponsors.

For more information, visit www.azmagic.org or call (602) 653-8702.

Local author youngest to accept ABPA award

Among the big publishing houses like University of Arizona Press and Arizona Highways that won 2008 Glyph awards, the Arizona Book Publishing Association's equivalent of the Academy of Motion Pictures' Oscars, stands Chandler's Five Star Publications' The Student From Zombie Island: Conquering the Rumor Monster. The humorous children's picture book was illustrated by Ahwatukee Foothills resident Kathy Parks, designed by Mesa's Tanja Bauerle and written by Tempe's 12-year-old author Michael Moorehead, who accepted a Glyph for "Best Cover Design: Children/Young Adult."

Moorehead's next public appearance will be at 5:30 p.m. June 6 at Brilliant Sky Toys and Books, at 4929 E. Chandler Blvd. in Ahwatukee Foothills, where he will discuss and read his book, conduct a brief writing exercise with children and autograph copies of The Student From Zombie Island, which is also the recipient of the 2008 Reader Views "Best Children's Book" award.

To learn more about the book, visit www.ZombieIslandBooks.com. To book a Zombie Island or Kids Can Publish presentation, call (480) 940-8182.

Womack coming to Wild Horse Pass Casino

Lee Ann Womack, known for crossing boundaries with her pop country sound, will present a one-night only concert at Wild Horse Pass Casino's Showroom on Sunday, June 29.

This 21-and-older show begins at 8 p.m., with the doors opening at 7 p.m. Tickets - Red level $65, White level $50 and Blue level $35 - are available at the Wild Horse Pass and Vee Quiva Casino Gift Shops. Or purchase tickets online at ticketforce.com at regular price.

Wild Horse Pass Casino is located at Interstate 10 East and Wild Horse Pass Boulevard (exit 162).

For more information, call 1-800-WIN-GILA or visit www.WinGilaRiver.com.

ASU Herberger College spotlights the season

Arizona State University Herberger College of the Arts spotlights a season of performance in dance, guitar, jazz, musicals, organ, opera and theater, including The Festival of New Work.

Subscription packages start at $9 per ticket and are available now through July 11. Single tickets are available July 12 and are $7 to $18 for guitar, jazz and organ; $7 to $20 for dance and $7 to $22 musicals, operas and plays.

For a listing of performances, ticket or subscription information, visit herbergercollege.asu.edu/subscriptions or call (480) 965-6447. Receive a 2008-09 season subscription brochure by calling (480) 965-5144.

Arizona Opera summer film series

The Arizona Opera Film Series is in its fourth year and is presented in partnership with Phoenix Art Museum's "Movies at the Museum." The summer series is composed of three films that connect to the company's upcoming season, which runs October 2008 to April 2009.

Films are free with museum admission and begin at 1 p.m. at Phoenix Art Museum, 1625 N. Central Ave. Films include: Tosca's Kiss, July 27, in Italian with English subtitles; Topsy-Turvy, Aug. 24; and Love Potion No. 9, Sept. 28.

Arizona Opera's 2008-09 season includes Verdi's Rigoletto, Gilbert and Sullivan's The Mikado, Donizetti's The Elixir of Love, Mozart's Don Giovanni and Puccini's Tosca.

For more information, contact Colin Columna at (602) 218-7323 or colin@azopera.com.

Valley Youth Theatre's 20th anniversary season

Valley Youth Theatre will experience a 2008-09 season of "firsts." Five of the six productions have never been produced by VYT before. Now in its 20th anniversary season, this exciting lineup of five musicals and one Shakespearean comedy will take audiences on a journey over the high seas and to far off lands, each play an adventure through unknown worlds and classic tales.

The upcoming season includes: Disney's AIDA, By Elton John and Tim Rice, Aug. 8-24; Treasure Island, A Musical Adventure, Oct. 10-26; A Winnie The Pooh Christmas Tail, Dec. 5-23; A Midsummer Night's Dream, Jan. 23-Feb. 8, 2009; Seussical The Musical, March 6-22; and Geppetto and Son, By Stephen Schwartz, An Arizona Premiere, May 1-17.

Full season ticket packages and Pick-Your-Own Four packs are available now. To order, visit www.VYT.com and download a form or call (602) 253-8188, ext. 309.

VYT's Cinderella features eight local youths

Valley Youth Theatre wraps up the season with Rodgers and Hammerstein's musical Cinderella June 6 through 22 at the Herberger Theater Center, 222 E. Monroe St.

Valley Youth Theatre's production features 47 young people ranging in age from 9 to 19 from across the Valley. Ahwatukee Foothills residents featured are: Hunter Beetham (ensemble) and Celena Leland (younger sister), Mountain Pointe High School; Cori Brown (ensemble), Robert Carroll (ensemble) and Christine Margo (Joy the evil stepsister), Desert Vista High School; Jordan Daniels (ensemble), Arizona Conservatory of Arts and Academics; Brett Moellenberg (ensemble), Arizona School for the Arts; and Jaclyn Weeman (ensemble), Xavier College Preparatory.

Working alongside the youths in the role of the Fairy Godmother will be Broadway veteran Kelli James.

Cinderella opens June 6 and runs through June 22. Performances are Thursdays and Fridays at 7:30 p.m., Saturdays at 2 and 7:30 p.m. and Sundays at 2 p.m. There is no public performance June 14. Tickets range from $17 to $33 per person, adults and children 2 and up, and can be ordered through the Herberger Theater box office at (602) 252-8497 or online at www.herbergertheater.org/cinderella.

For more information about Valley Youth Theatre, visit www.VYT.com.

ASU Gammage announces its 2008-09 Broadway season

Arizona State University Gammage has announced its 2008-09 M&I Bank Broadway Across America - Arizona season. The seven show series includes some of today's biggest hits straight from Broadway along with several blockbusters that will make their Valley return.

The series includes A Chorus Line, Sept. 2-7; The Rat Pack- Live at the Sands, Oct. 14-19; Happy Days, Nov. 18-23; Spring Awakening, Dec. 9-14; Disney's The Lion King, Jan. 2- Feb. 8, 2009; Frost/Nixon starring Stacy Keach, March 31-April 5; and Chitty Chitty Bang Bang, June 16-21.

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

New season subscribers may sign up through July 20, subscriptions start at $118.

Single tickets will go on sale to the general public July 21. Groups can order tickets now at www.asugammage.com/group or by calling (480) 965-6678.

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

Sonoran Desert Chorale to hold auditions

In anticipation of its 2008-09 season, the Sonoran Desert Chorale will be holding auditions for all vocal sections during the month of May. Interested singers can call (480) 892-1094 or e-mail auditions@sonorandesertchorale.org. For general information, visit www.sonorandesertchorale.org.

AF residents cast in Cinderella - A Ragtime Musical

Cinderella ~ A Ragtime Musical will be on stage at Scottsdale Desert Stages Children's Theatre May 16 through June 15. Performances are at 7:30 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays and 1 and 3 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays.

Desert Stages Theatre Creator, Gerry Cullity put a ragtime spin on the timeless story of a long-suffering step-sister, a choosy prince and a glass slipper. Set in turn-of-last-century New York City during the height of immigration, Cullity's characters are those coming from the New World, with the Cinderella-type challenges of starting a new life in a foreign land. Themes of love and achieving our heart's desire against all odds are woven through this charming rags-to-riches tale.

Cast members from Ahwatukee Foothills include Shayna Moellenberg as Fifi and Elyssa Blonder and Kendyl Feldman as Featured Newsies.

The theater is located at 4720 N. Scottsdale Road. Tickets are $12-$15, and reservations are recommended. The show is suitable for all ages.

For more information, call (480) 483-1664 or visit  www.desertstages.com.

Tickets on sale for Vans Warped Tour

The 46-date Vans Warped Tour 2008 presented by AT&T kicks off June 20 in Pomona, Calif., and wraps Aug. 17 in Los Angeles. America's longest-running tour festival will once again make a stop in Phoenix for a full day of fun at Cricket Wireless Pavilion on Wednesday, June 25. The festivities will begin at noon.

The traveling punk rock summer camp features a diverse array of artists as well as a variety of lifestyle attractions for a traditionally low ticket price.

For a complete listing of performances as well as ticket information, visit www.warpedtour.com. Twenty-five cents from every ticket purchased will be donated to the Camp Hollywood Heart charity.

Art workshops offered in cool NM mountains

The Cloudcroft Art Workshops, considered one of New Mexico's top art workshops, will offer week-long classes from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. daily throughout the summer.

For more information, visit www.cloudcroftart.com, e-mail maryellenkeith@gmail.com, or call (512) 417-3147.

Childsplay announces the 2008-2009 season

Childsplay, Arizona's professional theatre company for young audiences, has announced its 2008-2009 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:

- Miss Nelson is Missing, Sept. 7 preview at 4 p.m., runs Sept. 13 to Oct. 5. Recommended for ages five and older.

- Getting Near to Baby, Oct. 19 preview at 4 p.m., runs Oct. 25 to Nov. 9. Recommended for ages seven and older.

- The Velveteen Rabbit, Nov. 16 preview at 4 p.m., runs Nov. 22 to Dec. 21. Recommended for ages three and older.

- Busytown, Jan. 18 preview at 4 p.m., runs Jan. 24 to Feb. 21, 2009. Recommended for ages three and older.

- Rock, Paper, Scissors, Feb. 28 preview at 1 p.m., runs Feb. 28 to March 8, 2009. Recommended for ages five and older.

- Ferdinand the Bull, March 14 preview at 1 p.m., runs March 14 to April 5, 2009. Recommended for ages five and older.

- The Neverending Story, April 19 preview at 4 p.m., runs April 25 to May 17, 2009. Recommended for ages five and older.

- Peter and the Wolf, May 31 preview at 4 p.m., runs June 6 to 21, 2009. Recommended for ages four and older.

Childsplay Play Passes (flexible subscription packages customized for families) are on sale through the Childsplay Web site, www.childsplayaz.org. Single tickets will be on sale at the theater box office closer to opening dates. Passes cost between $15 and $18 each depending on quantity and date purchased. Single tickets cost between $18 and $25 for adults, $18 and $20 for children, students and seniors (depending on the production) plus applicable box office charges. Each production will have one discounted preview performance with a single ticket price of $12. 

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

For more information, visit www.Childsplayaz.org.

High School Musical fun

Disney's High School Musical On Tour! is coming to Arizona State University's Gammage Auditorium in Tempe June 24 to 29, and the Sheraton Wild Horse Pass Resort & Spa offers an exclusive weekend package for guests.

Offered from $299, the High School Musical Package includes one night in a traditional guestroom, two orchestra tickets for Friday evening, Saturday evening or Saturday matinee shows and a $50 daily resort credit. Show tickets are limited, vary in price and offer resort guests premier seating at the select productions. The package is valid June 27 to 29, is exclusive of tax and gratuity and requires the HSM promotional code.

For reservations or information, call (602) 225-0100 or visit www.wildhorsepassresort.com.

Mesa Arts Center announces 2008-09 season

Mesa Arts Center has announced the initial offerings for its "Performing Live" series for the 2008-09 season. The upcoming lineup includes major artists from a wide array of genres - from classical masters and country superstars to rock sensations and world musicians.

Tickets will go on sale to the general public at 10 a.m. July 12 by calling the box office at (480) 644-6500 or online at www.mesaartscenter.com. Tickets will also be available by walk-up during box office hours: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Saturday and noon to 4 p.m. The box office is located at 1 E. Main St. in downtown Mesa.

ASU Gammage announces 2008-09 Broadway season

Arizona State University Gammage has announced its 2008-2009 M&I Bank Broadway Across America - Arizona season. The seven show series includes some of today's biggest hits straight from Broadway along with several Blockbusters that will make their Valley return. The series includes: A Chorus Line, Sept. 2-7; The Rat Pack- Live At The Sands, Oct. 14-19; Happy Days, Nov. 18-23; Spring Awakening, Dec. 9-14; Disney's The Lion King, Jan. 2-Feb. 8, 2009; Frost/Nixon starring Stacy Keach, March 31-April 5; and Chitty Chitty Bang Bang, June 16-21.

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

For more information, call (480) 784-4444 or visit asugammage.com.

Phoenician offers My Fair Lady package

Valley residents can enjoy a refined afternoon savoring tea at The Phoenician, indulging in a luxurious spa treatment, and by doing so, receive complimentary tickets to London's award-winning West End production of My Fair Lady at Arizona State University's Gammage Auditorium. 

Between now and June 15, when a guest reserves a 50-minute spa treatment at the resort's Centre for Well-Being, as well as Afternoon Tea at The Phoenician, he or she will receive a complimentary ticket to My Fair Lady for the June 17 or 18 performance. Both appointments must be booked on the same day through the resort's new Luxury Collection Explorers Welcome Center at (480) 423-2861. This signature package is limited to the first 40 bookings and is based on availability of spa and tea offerings. Individuals who purchase gift certificates through the Welcome Center for both spa and tea services are also eligible to receive a ticket to this beloved musical.

Registration open for Camp Broadway

Camp Broadway, at Arizona State University's Gammage Theatre, will be held June 16-20. It is a performing arts camp for music, dance and theater-loving kids. Campers will work collaboratively with Broadway's most distinguished performers, writers and designers and will have a chance to see a Broadway classic. Camp tuition is $600 and sells out fast, so early registration is encouraged.

Reserve your camper's spot by calling (480) 965-5062.

Childsplay summer classes

Childsplay, Arizona's professional theater for young audiences, has announced the 2008 Summer Academy Class Schedule.

All classes will take place at a campus, 900 E. Mitchell Drive, Tempe. Childsplay invites new and returning students to be a part of this summer session in four state-of-the-art classrooms, rehearsal rooms and a black box theater.

In addition to the new space, Childsplay has added additional classes including a production class for primary grades, weekday musical theater classes and one-day midsummer classes. The schedule also includes a new extended care for working parents.

For detailed information and to register online, visit www.childsplayaz.org or call (480) 350-8119 for a brochure.

Kimberly Lewis offers free dance classes

If your kids would like to try something new over the summer, then head on over to Kimberly Lewis School of Dance June 9-12 for a week of free dance classes.

Classes, offered between 9 a.m. and 4 p.m. at 3820 E. Ray Road, will include ballet, tap, jazz, lyrical and hip-hop for beginner to advanced level, ages 3 to teen.

For more information, call (480) 706-6040, e-mail klewisdance@yahoo.com or visit www.kimberlylewis.com.

Arizona Theater Co. seeks volunteers

The Arizona Theatre Company is looking for volunteers, called ATC Associates, to help out during performances.

Volunteers receive benefits such as free admission to ATC productions, free parking downtown, an annual appreciation banquet and an opportunity to connect with the community and make new friends.

ATC Associate activities include working at the gift shop during ATC productions, organizing the annual fundraising event, a fashion show, silent auction and high tea at the Phoenician, lending a hand at the ATC administrative office in Phoenix, etc. For information or to volunteer, visit www.aztheatreco.org or e-mail mstrange@arizonatheatre.org.

Chihuly art exhibition coming botanical garden

The Desert Botanical Garden has announced the upcoming exhibition by renowned artist Dale Chihuly. The exhibit will feature new and unique works of glass sculpture located along the garden's trails. The exhibition will open Nov. 22 and remain until May 31, 2009.

Send submissions to jwalker@ahwatukee.com.