Arts Briefs (5/7)

ASU Gammage announces 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.

Desert Stages hosts auditions for South Pacific

Teens and adults (ages 16 and older) are invited to auditions for Scottsdale Desert Stages Theatre's upcoming production of South Pacific, beginning at 7 p.m. Sunday, May 18, at Scottsdale Desert Stages Theatre, 4720 N. Scottsdale Road. No appointment is needed. Come dressed for movement and be prepared to sing 16 bars of an up-tempo Broadway song. Terry Helland directs. Performance dates are July 11 through Aug. 10.

For questions, 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.

Battle of the Bands auditions

Mountain View Lutheran Church, 11002 S. 48th St., is looking for top area high school bands to perform at Battle of the Bands July 18 and will host auditions from 1 to 5 p.m. Saturday, May 17.

Bands must have at least one registered high school student and must pre-register for auditions by May 15 by contacting Ashley at ashleyh@mvlutheran.org.

Bands will have 15 minutes to set up, perform one song and take down.

Eight bands will be selected to perform at the fundraiser concert with the top prize being 10 percent of the proceeds. The rest will go to a family in the community affected by a house fire.

For more information, contact Ashley Hochhalter at (480) 893-2579 or ashleyh@mvlutheran.org.

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.

Jewelry contest under way

Molina Fine Jewelers is offering Valley residents an opportunity to own a 24-karat gold puffed heart pendant accented with diamonds, valued at $2,500, which can be given as a wedding present or worn with a wedding gown. The winner of the pendant will also receive four free tickets to see The Wedding Singer at Arizona State University's Gammage Auditorium May 15 to 20.

To participate in the contest, bring in a 5-inch-by-7-inch picture (if you want the photo returned also bring in a self-addresses stamped envelope) and name of your sweetheart by May 9 to Molina Fine Jewelers, 3134 E. Camelback Road, to showcase in the store. All names will be entered and a winner will be drawn and announced on May 9.

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.

LunaFest coming up in May

No Festival Required, the Phoenix Art Museum and Luna Bar will present LunaFest 2009 at 7 p.m. Tuesday, May 13 at Whiteman Hall at the Phoenix Art Museum, 1625 N. Central Ave., to benefit the Breast Cancer Fund.

LunaFest is a national touring show of films by, for and about women. Films contain adult content and are for mature audiences. Animation, documentary and narrative subjects are included in this 90-minute collection of short films from international women directors.

Admission is $10 (cash only) with net proceeds to benefit The Breast Cancer Fund.

For venue information, visit www.phxart.org. For program information, visit www.lunafest.org.

Roger Clyne & The Peacemakers in Rocky Point

Join Americana rockers Roger Clyne & The Peacemakers in Rocky Point, Mexico, for the band's bi-annual "Circus Mexicus" May 16 to 18.

Events include a charity barbecue, a live concert and fan favorite "hangover brunch."

For more information, check out RCPM's Circus Mexicus Web site, www.azpeacemakers.com/circusmexicus/index.php.

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.

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.

Music series spring sale

Purchase three or more shows from the Sanderson Ford Lincoln Mercury Music Series at the Celebrity Theatre and save 50 percent on your tickets.

The performance schedule is: Warren Hill with Marion Meadows & Eric Marienthal, May 10; Robert Cray Band with Guitar Shorty, May 15; Al Jarreau and Sinbad with Everette Harp, May 16; Jesse Cook, May 17; The Rippington's 20th Anniversary Tour with Mindi Abair, June 6; Jonny Lang, June 12; Taj Mahal and Keb Mo, June 17; and Ottmar Liebert & Luna Negra, June 27.

Prices vary by show, and to qualify for the discount you must purchase the three shows at the same time. Spring Sale Series tickets are available only at the Celebrity Theatre or by calling (602) 267-1600, ext. 1. All tickets are subject to a surcharge, are final and cannot be combined with any other offer.

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.