Tempe events this week – FLASHDANCE at ASU Gammage

04/29/2013 By 2 Comments

I loved Flashdance, the movie and am so excited that the big Broadway musical version is coming to Tempe this week.  Yep, millions of us got that “Flashdance” feeling in 1983 when the movie, with its great music, dancing and romantic story, swept us away. Fast forward thirty years we can be swept away again by FLASHDANCE-THE MUSICAL when it comes to ASU Gammage, April 30-May 5.

With electrifying dance at its core, FLASHDANCE-THE MUSICAL tells the inspiring and unforgettable story of Alex Owens, a Pittsburgh steel mill welder by day and a bar dancer by night with dreams of becoming a respected professional performer. Along the way she falls in love with her boss at the mill.  And, in true fairy-tale fashion, it all works out in the end with Alex’s prince of a boss/boyfriend helping to make her dream come true. Think of it as Cinderella in a welding mask and leg warmers!

The audience shares in Alex’s trials and triumphs with great dancing and a score that includes the biggest hit songs from the movie, including the Academy Award-winning title song “Flashdance – What a Feeling,” Maniac,” “Gloria,” “Manhunt,” and “I Love Rock & Roll.”  plus 16 brand new songs have been written for the musical.

For more information and to purchase tickets, visit http://asugammage.com/shows.

For more great events to enjoy this week, check out this list.  View a complete list of Tempe events, or call the Tempe Tourism Office at 1-866-914-1052 for more information.

 

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Tempe events this week – ASU Gammage: FELA! & David Sedaris

04/22/2013 By Leave a Comment

FELA!, the joyous dance, theater, music spectacle comes to ASU Gammage April 23-24. Directed and choreographed by Bill T. Jones, who received the Tony Award for Choreography, FELA! explores the extravagant world of Afrobeat legend, Fela Kuti. The musical delves into the complex life of multi-instrumentalist musician/composer, pioneer of Afrobeat music and human rights activist Fela Kuti. His music often reflected his strong opposition to dictatorships and specifically targeted the militaristic governments of Nigeria.

This show is definitely not your grandmother’s musical. Fela’s penchant for extravagant showmanship is evident in music and choreography unlike anything else on Broadway. FELA!, with its inspiring and exhilarating song and dance, is definitely entertaining. However, the show features some raw language, mild sexual content, drugs and violence which may be inappropriate for young viewers. It’s perfect for mature tweens and teens, particularly those with an interest in music or dance.

For years I’ve heard nothing but rave revues about this show and its incredible music and dancing. And, I’m absolutely fascinated by Fela Kuti’s story. So, I’m really looking forward to seeing FELA! I also find it amazing that Bill T. Jones himself was actually here in Tempe and the Valley completing a three year guest residency at ASU!

On April 25, one of my favorite authors David Sedaris will return to ASU Gammage to read some of his latest works and to answer questions from the audience followed by a signing of his newest book Let’s Explore Diabetes with Owls (scheduled for release late this spring). I can’t wait to read this one! I’ve read several of his collections of essays, which are reflections on the human condition and are often drawn from his own life experiences. They are wonderful reads that are irreverently funny and always make me laugh out loud. I’m talking really hard, loud laughing; the kind that make you cry and have trouble breathing, which can be embarrassing  when reading  in public places.

To more information on both events and to purchase tickets, view ASUgammage.com.

For the rest of the Tempe arts, culture and entertainment story check out this list of other great events taking place this week. View a complete list of Tempe events, or call the Tempe Tourism Office at 1-866-914-1052 for more information.

 

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Tempe Events This Week – Disney’s BEAUTY AND THE BEAST

04/08/2013 By Leave a Comment

One of my all-time favorites, Disney’s BEAUTY AND THE BEAST is coming to ASU Gammage this week, April 9-14. Based on the Academy Award-winning animated feature film, this musical love story is a classic filled with unforgettable characters –the lovely Belle, the buffoonishly macho Gaston, the singing and dancing table ware and of course, the Beast in all his fierce and furry magnificence. Then there are the lavish sets, gorgeous costumes and dazzling production numbers including “Be Our Guest” and the title song. It’s just spectacular! I don’t care how old you are, this show never grows old. Disney’s BEAUTY AND THE BEAST is truly for all audiences.

All of you allergy sufferers take heart.  There are plenty of terrific and mostly indoor arts and entertainment events happening in Tempe this week. Choose from this great lineup and take cover inside. View a complete list of Tempe events, or call the Tempe Tourism Office at 1-866-914-1052 for more information.

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Tempe Events This Week – MEMPHIS at ASU Gammage

03/04/2013 By Leave a Comment

You’ll have no problem finding a great variety of art, culture and entertaining events in Tempe, including a big one at ASU Gammage, which continues to bring great musical theatre to the Arizona. This week we can look forward to seeing another outstanding Broadway blockbuster, MEMPHIS, at ASU Gammage, March 5-10.  Inspired by actual events, MEMPHIS takes place in Memphis, Tennessee in the 1950′s and is about a white radio DJ who wants to change the world and a black club singer who is ready for her big break.  Along the way, the two fall in love, which was totally taboo in that time and place. Memphis has a great story line, is full of rousing music and electrifying dancing and is sure to be one show not to be missed. Not surprisingly it won four 2012 Tony Awards, including Best Original Score and Best Musical.

There are plenty more arts and cultural events choose from in Tempe this week. View a complete listing ofTempe events, or call 480-894-8158 for more information.

 

 

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Tempe events this week – WAR HORSE gallops into ASU Gammage

02/04/2013 By Leave a Comment

This is a great week for entertainment in Tempe, starting with WAR HORSE at ASU Gammage, February 5-10. Many of us are  familiar with the story, thanks to Steven Spielberg’s 2011 movie adaptation of the children’s book by British author Michael Morpurgo.  It was a big box office hit and was nominated for a bunch of Academy Awards.

The story follows young Albert and his beloved horse Joey through  many trials and triumphs serving in World War One. Horses played a major role in The War to End all Wars and Joey actually ends up serving with both the British and German troops. The novel and the movie were wonderful; however, the musical embellishes the story futher with stirring music and the astonishing life-sized puppets that  bring to life breathing, galloping, charging horses strong enough for men to ride.

WAR HORSE is one of many great arts, culture and entertainment events going on this week in Tempe.  Other options include the ASU Art Museum Spring Season Opening Reception, Morrissey at the Marquee Theater, and at the Tempe Center for the Arts: The Hits @TCA: The Piano Man, Sherri Shepherd and Eddie Daniels and Roger Kellaway.  So many choices! View a complete listing of Tempe events, or call 480-894-8158 for more information.

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Tempe This Week: Peter Pan Flies into ASU Gammage

01/07/2013 By Leave a Comment

Former gymnast Cathy Rigby will play Peter Pan to perfection at ASU Gammage, January 8-13. Many in the audience will remember when the perpetually youthful Ms. Rigby participated in the gymnastic competitions in the 1968 & 1972 Olympics. Now, she’s best known for her incredibly agile portrayal of the boy who refuses to grow up. The New York Times says “Rigby still carries off the flights, fights and acrobatics that make PETER PAN audiences mesmerized.” Of course, the other Neverland favorites, Captain Hook, Smee, the pirates, Wendy and the other Darling kids, will all be at their audience-mesmerizing best, as well. CATHY RIGBY IS PETER PAN will get your year off to a high-flying start.

Other events taking place this week in Tempe will keep you grounded and well-rounded. View a complete listing of Tempe events, or call 480-894-8158 for more information.

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Tempe This Week – DONNY AND MARIE – CHRISTMAS IN ARIZONA

11/26/2012 By Leave a Comment

Now that the Thanksgiving weekend food and shopping frenzy is behind us, we can take a moment to catch our breath and some of the great events happening in Tempe this week, including DONNY AND MARIE – CHRISTMAS IN ARIZONA at ASU Gammage, November 27-December 2.

Donnie and Marie have been a holiday tradition from the time they were little nippers performing with their siblings in the Osmond Family Christmas television specials. This will be their first time performing together at ASU Gammage. The show will feature your favorite holiday tunes and beautiful production numbers and is sure to put you and the family in the holiday spirit.

In addition to Donnie and Marie, there’s a bunch of great events going on this week in Tempe from the to Songwriter’s Showcase, Childsplay’s production of Junie B. in Jingle Bells, Batman Smells! and Stray Cat Theatre’s world premiere of Wolves. Plus there’s a lot of great live music at venues throughout the city. View a complete listing of Tempe events, or call 480-894-8158 for more information.

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Tempe This Week – County of Kings at ASU Gammage

10/02/2012 By Leave a Comment

After reading the review by N.Y. Times Theatre Critic Ben Brantley,  I’ve decided I have to see County of Kings: a Stage Memoir by Lemon Andersen, which will be at ASU Gammage this Friday and Saturday, 7 p.m.

Andersen is a multi-talented performer who presents his story in this powerful, poignant and at times, funny but never self-pitying, one-man show that recounts a life full of hard knocks. It’s truly a miracle that he survived a childhood growing up in the projects, losing his parents to AIDs, doing drugs, selling drugs and landing in jail more than once.

Ironically, it was during his time in prison when Andersen discovered his talent for writing and in particular, poetry. Post prison he found his true voice and a passion for poetry when he performed at an open mic poetry event. He went on to appear a record eight times on HBO’s Russell Simmons Presents Def Poetry Jam. He later earned a Tony Award and a Drama Desk Award nomination for his writing and performance in Russell Simmons’ Def Poetry Jam on Broadway.

Originally presented by Spike Lee at the Public Theater in New York, County of Kings received critical acclaim, including the rave review by Ben Brantley that convinced me that I must see this show. It’s been seen by audiences throughout the U.S., Europe and South Africa. How great it is that, thanks to ASU Gammage’s excellent Beyond Series, we can see it this weekend in Tempe, Arizona.  Tickets are all extremely reasonable at just $25 general admission.

In addition to County of Kings, there’s a bunch of great arts and entertainment events taking place in Tempe this week.  View a complete listing of Tempe events, or call 480-894-8158 for more information.

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Tempe This Week – MILLION DOLLAR QUARTET at ASU Gammage

06/05/2012 By Leave a Comment

Tempe is rockin’ and rollin’ this week with tons of live music, that includes the final show in what’s been another terrific Broadway show season at ASU Gammage. The rousing season closer, MILLION DOLLAR QUARTET, recounts a time when Elvis Presley, Johnny Cash, Jerry Lee Lewis and Carl Perkins got together at Sun Records in Memphis for what would be one of the greatest jam sessions of all time. It’s a great story and includes a slew of classic hits like “Blue Suede Shoes,” “That’s All Right,” “Great Balls of Fire,” “I Walk the Line,” “Whole Lotta Shakin’ Goin’ On,” “Who Do You Love?,” “Folsom Prison Blues,” “Hound Dog” and more. With music like this, sitting still through this show is going to be difficult at best. This kind of music begs to be danced to.

Gammage isn’t the only place that rocks this week. You can catch all kinds of great live music at venues throughout Tempe this week. View a complete listing of Tempe events or call 480-894-8158 for more information

 

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Tempe This Week – LA CAGE AUX FOLLES at ASU Gammage

05/14/2012 By Leave a Comment

LA CAGE AUX FOLLES, winner of three Tony awards including Best Musical in 2010, comes to ASU Gammage this week. This fun and breezy show stars the perpetually tan and always charming George Hamilton as Georges, the owner of a glitzy nightclub in lovely Saint-Tropez. When Georges’ son brings his fiancée’s conservative parents’ home to meet his two flashy dads, the bonds of family are tested and the feather boas fly!

La Cage has delighted many audiences in different incarnations and locations for almost 40 years. The original play by French Jean Poiret premiered in France in 1973 and was adapted to a popular French film in 1979. Most of us will recognize it as The Bird Cage, the hilarious 1996 American movie version that featured Robin Williams, Nathan Lane and Gene Hackman. I’ve seen the French and U.S movie versions and found both to be equally funny and thoroughly enjoyable. I’m really looking forward to seeing the Tony award-winning incarnation at ASU Gammage.

There are plenty more arts, culture and entertainment events Monday, May 14 through Sunday, May 20. View a complete listing of Tempe events, or call 480-894-8158 for more information.

 


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