Posts Tagged ‘Valley Youth Theatre’

Bagpipes, Hairspray, Comics and Crooners

Wednesday, August 17th, 2011

Whether you’re looking for something fun to do with friends, a date idea, or activities to experience with the kids, Downtown Phoenix is the Valley’s hub for nightlife, dining, music, cultural attractions, sports, and general awesomeness. Check out this sampling of events happening this week:

Tilted Kilt Pub & Eatery Grand Opening

Head Over to the Kilt’s new CityScape location Wednesday-Saturday for special events and deals, including bagpipers, DJ Manifesto, and appearances by the Miller Lite Guards and the Kilt’s very own MMA fight team.

Team Trivia at The Rose & Crown

Every Wednesday at 7 p.m. you can assemble a team of great minds to take on all challengers during the Rose & Crown’s interactive trivia game.

HS0110 Abbey imageValley Youth Theatre Presents: Hairspray

August 12-28 VYT performs its take on the Broadway classic based on the John Waters’ film. The musical won eight Tony Awards and 2007 brought a remake of the film starring John Travolta, Michelle Pfeiffer, Nikki Blonsky, and Amanda Bynes. Showtimes vary and tickets can be purchased at yyt.com or by calling (602) 256-6995.

Josh Groban at US Airways Center

The crooner’s “Straight To You” tour comes to Downtown Phoenix on Friday at 8 p.m. For tickets go to ticketmaster.com or call (800) 745-3000.

Global Awareness Day at Arizona Science Center

Learn how your actions affect the world around you and discover how to support global sustainability through a number of fun activities, displays and presentations by Valley organizations. Saturday 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Bruce Bruce at StandUp Live

Atlanta-based Bruce Bruce has performed on Comedy Central and BET and Friday-Sunday he brings his comedy stylings to CityScape’s StandUp Live comedy club. For tickets visit standuplive.com or call (480) 719-6100.

The Apollo TheaterChris Tucker at Comerica Theatre

“Do you understand the words that are coming out of my mouth?”

Chris Tucker starred in the Friday and Rush Hour movie franchises and now returns to his comedy roots for a 8 p.m. show on Saturday. For tickets visit livenation.com or call (877) 598-6671

Summer Chef Series at Phoenix Public Market

This week from 2-4 p.m. learn some culinary tricks from Tracy Dempsey of Tracy Dempsey Originals. For more information call (602) 493-5231.

Want more Downtown events? Download this week’s What’s Happening Events Guide

11 Things To Do In 2011

Tuesday, January 18th, 2011

2010 was awesome. I got to ring in the New Year with Joel McHale, listen to the Phoenix Symphony rock out to the Music of Led Zeppelin, cheer for exciting pro athletes like Justin Upton, Steve Nash and Diana Taurasi, watch contestants from Top Chef cook live at Phoenix Public Market, eat amazing food at restaurants like District American Kitchen and Thai Elephant, and sip $5 martinis at Hanny’s.

It was an unbelievable year. But I know I can  do more in 2011.

With the arrival of a New Year comes a new surplus of fun and exciting things to do Downtown. Here are 11 things I plan on doing in 2011:

LMAO - Stand Up Live! debuts at CityScape March 3 with comedians Jay Mohr (personal fave), Billy Cardell, Christopher Titus and the Wayans (!!!!) already on the books.

rushBig Time Rush - Canada’s greatest rock export, Rush will bring their Time Machine Tour to US Airways Center on June 16. Tickets go on sale Monday, Jan. 24 at 10 a.m. (”Working Man” is my jam.)

Get Into the Swing – Every Monday is Savoy Night at Ghost Lounge and your chance to learn how to swing dance for the bargain basement price of $8. Ghost Lounge has quickly become one of Downtown’s hottest hangouts and Savoy Night is always hopping. Har.

Showing Some Skin: Gus von Hagens’ Body Worlds and the Brain returns to Arizona Science Center this Friday, Jan. 21, for a limited engagement. I missed this exhibit last year but won’t make that same mistake twice. 

Top Shelf at SeamusSeamus McCaffrey’s Irish Pub and Restaurant, recently named 2010 Best of Downtown Happy Hour, has one of the greatest selections of Irish Whiskey and Scotch in the city and this year I’m vowing to buy couple of fingers of Aberfeldy 21 just to say I drank a glass of Scotch nearly as old as Scottsdale-born actress and Valley Youth Theatre alum Emma Stone.

Get Your Geek On - Dubbed the “signature pop culture event of the Southwest” for good reason, Phoenix Comicon returns to Downtown this Memorial Day Weekend, May 26-29,  at Phoenix Convention Center’s North Building. Comicon is the Super Bowl of superheroes and a people-watching event like no other.

Eat at Nobuo – Did you know that Downtown Phoenix is home to two James Beard Award-winning chefs who work less than 50 yards apart? Pizzeria Bianco’s Chris Bianco and Nobuo at Teeter House’s Nobuo Fukuda are wowing diners daily over at Heritage Square and Nobuo was the recent recipient of this gushing five-star review by ace Arizona Republic food critic Howard Seftel. Insert drool here.

Zombie_WalkWEBA Night with the Knights of Ni - Theater League Phoenix presents Monty Python’s Spamalot at historic Orpheum Theatre Feb. 17-20. I’m a sucker for Python’s comedy and Spam happens to be delicious so this is a perfect fit for me.

Race to the Finish – The Great Urban Race returns to Downtown March 12 and features costumed teams racing against one another to solve 12 clues while experiencing the essence of the Central City.

Star Gaze -  Chase Field will host the 2011 MLB All-Star Game July 12, with the fan-favorite Home Run Derby scheduled for July 11 with MLB FanFest invading Downtown all week long.

Pretend That We’re (Un)Dead – In just two years the Downtown Phoenix Ambassadors’ Zombie Walk (photo, left) has grown from 200 brain-eaters to well over 2,000. How many Zombies will walk, er, limp in 2011? Bring your appetite for human flesh down to Heritage Square Oct. 29 and find out for yourself. Victims are also welcome!

These are just a few of the items on my Bucket List. What’s on yours?

10 Huge Holiday Events

Tuesday, November 30th, 2010

The holidays are getting bigger Downtown. Just a few years ago, it would have been tough to name more than five big events for the holidays. This year, it was tough to narrow it down to 10 (download the entire holiday calendar here).

So, in semi-chronological order, here are 10 ideas to amp up your holiday cheer:

1. Ice Skating in the Park – Wow. Our very own Lincoln Center. From now through Jan. 15, the plaza at CityScape will transform into an ice rink. The cost is $10 per person, including skate rentals and the rink is open daily 3-11 p.m.

2. Valley Youth Theatre Presents A Winnie the Pooh Christmas Tail – Speaking as a lifelong Eeyore, get some tix for this holiday classic or that pesky raincloud might hang over your head. Dec. 3-23.

3. Center Dance Ensemble Presents The Snow Queen – If you’ve got family from out of town, warm them up with this gorgeous retelling of a Hans Christian Andersen tale, set to music by Prokofiev. Herberger Theater, Dec. 4-19. Discounts available for students and seniors.

VYT_Pooh206x1354. Actors Theatre Company Presents A Christmas Carol – Danger, Will Robinson: After 19 years, ATC is retiring this terrific musical. Herberger Theater, Dec. 4-24.

5. Candlelight Messiah – Played in a candlelit setting (which is a pretty cool idea) the Phoenix Symphony Chorus performs Handel’s “Messiah.” St. Mary’s Basilica, Friday, Dec. 10 at 7:30 p.m.

6. Ballet Arizona Presents Ib Andersen’s The Nutcracker – This one goes without saying. Ballet Arizona is a local treasure, so go and get swept away by this spectacular production. Symphony Hall, Dec. 10-26.

7. Christmas Mariachi Festival – The world’s top mariachis and the amazing Ballet Folklorico come together for this annual event. US Airways Center, Dec. 11 at 7 p.m.

Alice_Cooper8. Alice Cooper’s Christmas Pudding – For us locals, Alice is a bit of a hero; he’s done great things to boost his hometown. On Dec. 18, you can join Alice and his original band, along with Rob Zombie, Cheech Marin and more for a night of comedy and music to benefit Valley youth. 7 p.m., Comerica Theater (that’s the new name for the Dodge).

9. Snow Day at the Children’s Museum of Phoenix – On Dec. 19, ten tons of snow will fall on the front lawn, with a visit from Frosty the Snowman. You know you want to go. Tickets are $9 each and include museum admission.

10. The Salvation Army Christmas Dinner – A nice reminder about one of the best meanings of the season. These good folks can always use donations, food and volunteers. Dec. 25 at the Phoenix Convention Center. Doors open at 9:30 a.m.

Concerts, Theater, Festivals, Oh My!

Tuesday, September 28th, 2010

What a week in Downtown Phoenix!

Bryan_AdamsFirst up is Bryan Adams, who brings his Bare Bones Tour to the intimate setting of the Orpheum Theater tonight.  You’ll be singing along to classics like “Summer of ’69,” “Cuts Like a Knife,” and one of the best love songs of the 90s,  ”(Everything I Do) I Do It For You.”

Next, The Arizona Latino Arts and Culture Center and New Carpa Theater bring  “The Eagle and the Serpent: A History of Mexico Abridged” to their new stage, recreating Mexico’s tumultuous history from 30,000 BC to the present. With characters like Montezuma and Sinaloa Drug Kingpin “El Chapo,” this production is sure to be both entertaining and moving. 

Also, don’t forget that this weekend brings First Friday, and the galleries are stocked and ready for those craving art. You can also find great First Friday activities at Heritage Square Park, Arizona Latino Arts and Cultural CenterPhoenix Children’s Museum, Arizona Science Center, and even our own Ambassador Information Center at the 101 North Building.

Back for the season is the Civic Space Park monthly event, featuring great organizations, businesses and artists including Neighborhood Ministries, Barrio Bikes, Fair Trade Cafe and live music from The Haymarket Squares and Snake! Snake! Snakes!  There will also be a new exhibit opening in the A.E. England Gallery featuring paintings from ASU Assistant Professor Forrest Solis. Visit Fair Trade Cafe’s Facebook fan page for more details.

Downtown gets pink (just in time for breast cancer awareness month).  Pinkalicious the musical starts up at the Valley Youth Theater this week, celebrating all things pink while showing that being yourself is the best of all.  Australian Pink Floyd, the best one out there, will be at the Dodge Theater on Friday night with The Big Pink Greatest Hits World Tour. 

RAINBOWOf course, if you’d rather celebrate all the colors of the rainbow, make sure to visit the Rainbows Festival happening at Heritage Square on Saturday and Sunday.

Last but certainly not least, Herberger Theater Center will show off its latest renovations during Saturday’s Festival of the Arts.  You’ll get to tour the revamped theater while enjoying food, music and short films from the Phoenix Film Foundation.  There’s an interactive children’s area too!  That’s a lot of entertainment for only $5!

I could keep going and going but that would spoil the rest of the discoveries waiting inside this week’s What’s Happening. Download your copy here and get in on the Downtown fun!

Grease Opens This Week

Thursday, August 12th, 2010

The musical Grease, like the Energizer Bunny, just keeps going and going. There’s even a Grease Sing-A-Long movie where you can follow the lyrics and belt out your own version of “Beauty School Dropout.”

greaseBut in a welcome twist, a new version of Grease is opening this week with actors who are about the same age as the characters they play. From Aug. 13-29, Valley Youth Theatre opens its 22nd season with live performances of Grease.

Voted “Best Theatre Company” in Phoenix on  AZCentral, VYT is nationally recognized for the quality of its productions and performers. In fact, VYT has become a huge draw for Hollywood talent scouts looking for the next big thing.

VYT alumni include Jordin Sparks, an American Idol winner; Disney Channel’s Chelsea Staub; Max Crumm, who won a national TV contest to appear in a Broadway production of Grease; and Emma Stone, who’s appeared in House Bunny, Superbad and other movies.

I’ve seen several VYT productions, including High School Musical – cut me some slack here, my niece was in it – and I’ve been wowed by the troupe’s professionalism, set designs and performances. For young actors in Phoenix, VYT is the high water mark.

So if you need another fix of all those beloved 50’s greasers, cheerleaders and jocks, VYT’s production of Grease will satisfy your craving for poodle skirts and pomade. You can buy tickets online for just $18 each. But if Grease is the word for you, don’t wait. Friday’s opening night performance is already sold out.

Grease isn’t the only word Downtown. Text “EVENTS” to 25866 and become an Insider

The Wild Weekend Ahead

Thursday, June 3rd, 2010

If you’re looking for something to do this weekend come Downtown where there’s tons of fun to be had. Here’s a snapshot of events happening in our urban core:

ruthlaravichulesFriday will be packed with First Friday going off in all its spectacle, including what promises to be a huge party at the Arizona Latino Arts & Cultural Center [Adams/2nd St.]. The lists of guests is an impressive one with James Garcia presenting his New Carpa Theater, Ruth Vichules [photo, left] singing with guitarist Simon Ames, Ray Rivas live spray painting and Old School Barrio DJ Johnny Lazoya all performing. 

Plus, the Diamondbacks begin a weekend series with the Rockies (including fireworks after Friday’s game), the Mercury take on the Sparks at US Airways Center, and over at Symphony Hall the Phoenix Symphony will pay classical tribute to iconic singer/songwriter John Denver.

Saturday includes Game 2 of Dbacks/Rockies series at Chase Field (first 15K fans get a Diamondbacks batting helmet) while over at US Airways Center the Arizona Rattlers battle the Milwaukee Iron.  Also, extended for another two weeks is Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory, with shows on Saturday and Sunday at Valley Youth Theater. It’s your last chance to see this great performance, so don’t miss out.

bennettThe Arizona Chinese Academy is performing a beautiful mix of spring dances from 10 different Chinese nations, and it looks fascinating. You will most likely find me at this performance. 

Sunday won’t disappoint with another Diamondbacks game and giveaway (first 5K kids get a Mark Reynolds T-shirt), another performance of Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, and to finish out the evening, Tony Bennet at the Dodge Theater.

What a great start to our summer! Have fun!

Coolest Summer Camps Along Light Rail

Tuesday, May 18th, 2010

Since the official start of summer is right around the corner, many parents who live and work in Downtown Phoenix might want to consider day camps for their kids. There are several activities–from very wet to very wild–taking place in our urban core along the light rail.

Science_CampIs your teen interested in being a doctor or doing scientific research in a lab? The Arizona Science Center is offering a week-long summer course where kids can learn what it’s like to work with doctors and researchers at the Biotechnology Medical Institute of Barrows Neurological Institute. The first session starts July 12 and tuition is $200 for Science Center members. More information can be found here. Barrows is located on the St. Joseph’s campus, just a short walk from the Thomas and Central light rail station.

The Children’s Museum is teaming up with the Phoenix Theatre (McDowell light rail station) to offer workshops for kids ages 4-18. A storybook or fairy tale workshop is available for the younger kids, while the older kids have options like musical theater and dance workshops. The first session starts June 1st through June 25 and the second session runs July 6-30. The workshops range in price from $300 to $600 per four week session, or a weekly tuition is also available. For more information on the classes and location click here.

The Chase Field Camp Experience (July 7-9) is probably the ultimate urban summer camp. As the name suggests, the three-day workshop is held at Chase Field and involves an on-field clinic in addition to batting practice in big league batting cages. Arizona Diamondbacks personalities will also be on hand during parts of the camp and tuition includes two tickets to a game. More information on the $350 camp for kids ages 6-12 can be found here. Chase Field is located at the 3rd Street and Jefferson light rail station.

Probably one of the most important life lessons you can teach your kid is how to swim! The Lincoln Family Downtown YMCA offers summer camp swim lessons for kids ages 5-12 starting June 7 and ending July 29. Tuition starts at $10 per three-day session. Hint: to help fill the day, parents may also want to pair the swim lessons with one of a variety of YMCA activities also held at the facility. The Y is located directly across the street from Central Station. Information on this and all the summer camps at the YMCA can be found here.

If your kid is an animal lover, then they will love Camp Zoo at Phoenix Zoo (Priest light rail station). The summer camp is geared for kids entering kindergarten through 8th grade. Sessions for older kids include activities like Discovering What It’s Like To Be an Animal Presenter where kids will put on a show for parents! Younger kids get to do activities like getting to know the zoo animals and other behind the scenes experiences. Camp fees start at $153 for half day sessions. After camp care is also available. Information on Camp Zoo can be found here. Keep in mind, there is a bus transfer at the light rail station in order to get to the zoo.

Valley Youth Theatre (Central Station) offers acting workshops for kids during the summer months. VYT provides two types of fun-filled educational camps: one in theatre basics ($300) and the other involving musical theatre ($630). The theatre’s summer camp is a four-week long program that includes a final day performance. The theatre also offers before and after care for an additional fee. Information on the classes, which start on June 7, can be found here.

Information on how to ride to summer camp can be found on my blog which is here.