Performing Arts 2012-13 season preview
For complete and updated schedules, visit venue websites.
ASU Gammage
This architectural landmark on the Tempe campus of Arizona State University is the state’s premier destination for touring Broadway productions. Info: (480) 965-3434 or asugammage.com.
- County of Kings: Oct. 5-6
- Garrison Keillor’s A Prairie Home Companion: Jan. 19
- City Council Meeting: Feb. 16
- Bill T Jones / Arnie Zane Dance Company: April 20
- David Sedaris: April 25
Chandler Center for the Arts
Chandler’s top venue for performing arts, the 1,500-seat center is equipped with three theaters and a 2,000-square-foot exhibition gallery. Info: (480) 782-2680 or chandlercenter.org.
- American Girl Fashion Show: Nov. 3
- Spirit of Christmas: Dec. 8-16
- Zoppé Family Circus: Dec. 26-Jan. 5
- Cesar Millan: The Dog Whisperer: Jan. 26
- Golden Dragon Acrobats Cirque Ziva: Feb. 2
- Wayne Newton: Feb. 9
- Jeanne Robertson: Feb. 15
- Vicki Lawrence and Mama: A Two Woman Show: Feb. 23
- Jon Lovitz, Chris Kattan and Tim Meadows Live: March 1
- John Schneider and Tom Wopat, Formerly The Dukes: March 2
- Rhythm of the Dance The Irish Dance Spectacular: March 10
Comerica Theatre
Traveling acts from Alanis Morissette to Sesame Street perform at this Phoenix concert hall formerly known as the Dodge Theatre. Info: (602) 379-2888 or livenation.com.
- Jerry Seinfeld: Sept. 22
- Bill Maher: Sept. 29
- Imagination Movers: Oct. 4
- Clifford The Big Red Dog: Oct. 27
- So You Think You Can Dance Tour: Oct. 28
- Sesame Street Live - Elmo’s Super Heroes: Nov. 16-18
Grand Canyon University Arena
This 5,000-seat facility in Phoenix plays host to national touring concerts. Info: (602) 639-8999 or gcuarena.com.
- Veggie Tales Live: Oct. 9
- Bound for Glory (TNA wrestling): Oct. 14
- Cris-Joven 6: Oct. 20
- Mannheim Steamroller-Pandora Unforgettable Moments on Ice: Nov. 10
Herberger Theater Center
This downtown Phoenix theater is home to resident companies Actors Theatre, Arizona Theatre Company and Center Dance Ensemble. It is also used by Valley Youth Theatre and iTheatre Collaborative. Info: (602) 254-7399 or herbergertheater.org.
- Herberger Theater Festival of the Arts: Oct. 6
- Copper Wind Film Screening: Oct. 12
- Flow State (Warren Miller Entertainment): Dec. 6
- Spirit of the Season (Center Dance Ensemble): Dec 10
- Circus Americana (Taylor Circus Stars): Dec. 19-23
- Christmas Cabaret with Jeff Kennedy (iTheatre Collaborative): Dec. 20-22
Higley Center for the Performing Arts
This venue with a 1,235-seat concert hall and 186-seat Little Theater is on the campus of Gilbert’s Higley High School. Info: (480) 279-7194 or higleyarts.org.
- The Amazing Kreskin-The Arts Affaire: Nov. 3
- The New Shanghai Circus: Jan. 27
- Gilbert Folk Festival: Feb. 16
- Bob and Bing’s Road to Gilbert: March 9
Mesa Arts Center
Downtown’s shining arts campus hosts concerts, plays, touring productions, festivals, artists’ studios and educational programs. Info: (480) 644-6500 or mesaartscenter.com.
- The Price is Right: Sept. 16
- Half the Sky: Turning Oppression into Opportunity for Women Worldwide: Sept. 20
- Mike Birbiglia’s My Girlfriend’s Boyfriend: Sept. 21
- As Goes Janesville: Oct. 18
- An Evening of Storytelling Featuring Donald Davis: Oct. 19
- Greg Proops is...The Smartest Man in the World: Oct. 20
- Shaolin Warriors: Oct. 20
- Carol Beckwith and Angela Fisher (National Geographic Live): Oct. 24
- Solar Mamas: Nov. 15
- Robert Irvine Live: Nov. 16
- Kenny Broad (National Geographic Live): Nov. 28
- Cirque Dreams, Holidaze: Dec. 4-5
- Shatner’s World: Jan. 20
- Tim Laman and Ed Scholes (National Geographic Live): Feb. 6
- Bill Cosby: Feb. 14
- Paula Poundstone: Feb. 15
- NPR’s From the Top with host Christopher O’Riley: Feb. 19
- Borge Ousland (National Geographic Live): March 6
Orpheum Theatre
Built in 1929, this historic Phoenix theatre fell into disrepair before being restored and re-opened in 1997. It hosts touring shows, musical performances and comedy and is home of Theater League. Info: (800) 745-3000 or ticketmaster.com
- The Windows of Christmas: Dec. 1-2
- Cirque Dreams Holidaze (Theatre League): Dec. 6-9
- Momix: Botanica: Feb. 22-23
Phoenix Center for the Arts
This unique, historic facility in the heart of Phoenix is dedicated to making arts education an enjoyable experience and is home to Christian Youth Theatre. Info: (602) 254-3100.
- Phoenix Festival for the Arts : Dec. 10-15
Queen Creek Performing Arts Center
This free-standing, contemporary 777-seat theatre is on the campus of Queen Creek High School. Info: (480) 987-7469 or qcpac.com.
- Hometown Country: Sept. 22
- Mystery At Shady Acres: Oct. 26-27
- Mystery Masquerade: Oct. 27
- Kickback Weekend: Nov. 23-24
- Elfish Event: Dec. 22
- Parents Night Out: Feb. 23
- Queen Creek’s Got Talent: Feb. 16
Scottsdale Center for the Performing Arts
Located on a 21-acre urban park, Scottsdale’s premiere performance art venue houses two indoor theaters and an outdoor amphitheater. Info: (480) 499-8587 or scottsdaleperformingarts.org.
- An Evening with Bill Engvall: Oct. 12
- The Daily Show Live: Oct. 20
- Date* (*Interviews with Real People About Internet Dating): Oct. 24-28
- The Capitol Steps: Nov. 24-25
- A John Waters Christmas: Dec. 8
- Ira Glass: Jan. 19
- Rita Rudner: Feb. 16
- I Love Being Me, Don’t You? (Sandra Bernhard): March 16
- OrigiNation-A Festival of Native Cultures: April 7
- Love, Loss and What I Wore (writtten by Nora and Delia Ephron): June 4-6
Tempe Center for the Arts
The gleaming lakeside venue hosts concerts, plays, lectures, dance productions, intimate musical jam sessions and public events. Info: (480) 350-2822 or tempe.gov.
- TCA Fifth Anniversary of Fabulous: Oct. 27
- Bully Mammoth: Oct. 5
- ABBA Fab: Oct. 18
U.S. Airways Center
The home of the Phoenix Suns basketball team doubles as a concert arena for acts such as Steven Curtis Chapman, Rush and Madonna. Info: (602) 379-7800 or usairwayscenter.com.
- Disney’s Phineas and Ferb Live: Oct. 13-14
- WWE Royal Rumble: Jan. 27
