Here & Near (5/16)

Here: Jazz at Esperanza Series concludes

Cellist Li Ma and pianist Lai Ma Gates will conclude the 2007-08 Jazz at Esperanza series, presented by Friday Night Out, starting at 7 p.m. May 16 at Esperanza Lutheran Church, located at Ray Road and Thunderhill Place. They will combine to play Claude Bolling's Suite for Cello and Jazz Piano, with Christopher Rose on bass and Bradley Stell on drums. Admission is free, but freewill donations will be accepted at the door. www.fridaynightout.org or (480) 759-1515.

Near: 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 the 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, in Scottsdale. Tickets are $12-$15, and reservations are recommended. The show is suitable for all ages.

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