You can expect a whole lot of clowning around when it comes to the Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey circus, “Built to Amaze!” at the US Airways Center in downtown Phoenix (photo courtesy of Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey).
Nearly Naked Theatre
Through June 8
Phoenix Theatre’s Little Theatre
100 E. McDowell Road
602-254-2151
Based on the true story of Siamese twins Violet and Daisy Hilton who became star carnival attractions during the Depression. Told almost entirely in song, the show follows their progression from England to America, around the Vaudeville circuit and to Hollywood on the eve of their appearance in the 1932 movie “Freaks.” Tickets are $26 plus fees, and $21.50 for students and seniors. Visit www.nearlynakedtheatre.org.
AI Portfolio Show
10 a.m.-1 p.m. Thursday, June 13
Phoenix Art Museum
1625 N. Central Ave.
Featuring the graduate portfolios from Art Institute of Phoenix students in the Design, Media Arts and Fashion departments. Industry professionals looking for new hires, friends and family members of students, and prospective students who want to see the kind of work graduating students can produce are all invited to attend. Admission is free, but an RSVP is requested. Visit http://www.aiportfolioshow.com/Phoenix/.
‘Cheaters’
Through June 16
Phoenix Center for the Arts
1202 N. 3rd St.
602-254-3100
Pieces fall uproariously out of place when a young couple decides it’s time to settle down and “meet the parents.” Suddenly, it’s every man for himself in this wild, rollicking look at love and romance. Presented by the Carefree Theatre Company. Bring a non-perishable food item to donate to St. Mary’s Food Bank. Tickets are $21 seniors and students, and $26 general admission. Visit www.carefreetheatreco.com.
‘Bloody Bloody Andrew Jackson’
June 6-23
Phoenix Theatre
100 E. McDowell Road
602-254-2151
The story of America’s first political maverick. A.J. kicked British butt, shafted the Indians and smacked down the Spaniards all in the name of these United States—who cares if he didn’t have permission? An exhilarating and white-knuckled look at one of our nation’s founding rock stars, the play recreates and reinvents the life of “Old Hickory,” from the humble beginnings on the Tennessee frontier to his days as Commander-in-Chief. For mature audiences only. Tickets are $25-$70 plus fees. Visit www.phoenixtheatre.com.
‘Klown!’
6 p.m. June 7 & 21
R. Pela Contemporary Art
335 W. McDowell Road
602-320-8445
Paintings, sculptures, photography, and performance art that depicts clowns—abstractly, lovingly, and with great disdain—by artists both local and national. Jeff Falk, Christy Puetz, Diane Sanborn, Brad Cooper, Valerie Hunt, and Michael Thomas Ford are among those who have dared to depict jesters, jokers, and much-hated carnival clowns. Also open by appointment.
‘Expectations’
6-10 p.m. Friday, June 7
6th Avenue Gallery
650 N. 6th Ave.
Maricopa Integrated Health System organized this art show featuring baby bumps transformed into works of art. “Expectations” is a collaborative effort representing more than a dozen pregnant women, the artists who transform their baby bumps and the photographers who capture the work in progress. Proceeds from the sale of photography will benefit low-income women and children served by Maricopa Medical Center’s Labor and Delivery Department.
Kick-A Dance Showcase
Scorpius Dance Theatre
June 13-15
Phoenix Little Theatre
100 E. McDowell Road
602-254-2151
To promote amazing dance makers, Scorpius Director Lisa Starry is searching the state to find the best talent for the show. Kick-A will feature the work of more than 20 pre-professional and professional artists, plus several new pieces by Starry. Show times are 7 p.m. Thurs.-Sat., as well as 9 p.m. on Friday and Saturday. Tickets are $25 (plus surcharge). Visit www.phoenixtheatre.com.
‘Shrek the Musical’
Valley Youth Theatre
June 14-30
Herberger Theater,
222 E. Monroe
602-254-7399
In a far-away kingdom, an ogre named Shrek is joined by a talkative donkey and more than a dozen fairy tale misfits to help rescue a feisty princess from a vertically-challenged ruler with a “short” temper. Tickets are $16.50-$34.50, plus fees. Visit www.herbergertheater.org.
‘The Land Was Theirs: Jewish Farmers in the Garden State’
7 p.m. Tuesday, June 18
Cutler-Plotkin Jewish Heritage Center
122 E. Culver St.
602-241-7870
A free documentary film screening. Between 1880 and the World War II, tens of thousands of Jews set up farms in southern and central New Jersey. These adventurous people, most of whom were recent immigrants, also established cooperatives and unions to help one another. They lived in tight-knit communities based on ethnic identity and often ideology. The film focuses on one such community in Farmingdale, N.J. Seating is limited. RSVP to azjhs@aol.com. People of all faiths welcome.
‘Built to Amaze!’
Ringling Bros. and
Barnum & Bailey Circus
June 26-July 1
US Airways Center
201 E. Jefferson St.
800-745-3000
The 143rd edition of the Greatest Show On Earth, with feats of strength, agility and courage, magnificent elephants, tigers, acrobats and aerialists, and of course the circus clowns, all engineered into one spectacular performance. Ticket prices are $20, $25, $45, and $60 for the front row. Admission for children ages 2 through 12 is $10 each on all weekday performances. Visit http://usairwayscenter.com.
