‘Murder for Two’
Arizona Theater Company
Dec. 31-Jan. 18, 2015
Herberger Theater
222 E. Monroe
602-256-6995
Multi-millionaire Arthur Whitney has been murdered at his own birthday party, and his killer could be any one of the guests. In this hilarious 90-minute musical tour-de-force, two performers play 13 roles—not to mention the piano—in a homage to old-fashioned murder mysteries. Tickets are $41-$72 plus fees. Visit www.arizonatheatre.org.
First Friday At The Heard
6-10 p.m. Friday, Jan. 2
Heard Museum
2301 N. Central Ave.
heard.org/firstfridays
In January, the theme is “Rockabilly,” where you learn to dance the two-step and get an airbrushed tattoo. The Heard welcomes a visit from the Blue Bird Pinups, a Native- and female-owned business organization that preserves the look of the 1940s and 1950s eras. Visitors can enjoy the Heard’s 12 exhibit galleries, nationally-acclaimed Courtyard Café and gourmet drinks at the Coffee Cantina, and see the best in Native art at the Heard Shops. Admission is free.
‘Unexpected Affinities’
MusicaNova Orchestra
4 p.m. Sunday, Jan. 11
Central United Methodist Church
1875 N. Central Ave.
Featuring the Paradise Winds Reed Quintet. The concert is a concerto grosso for reed quintet and string orchestra, composed by teenage phenom Graham Cohen and commissioned by the Selznick Tikkun Olam Foundation. Special appearance by Martin Goldsmith, noted author and classical music radio host on SiriusXM and NPR, discussing his books, “The Inextinguishable Symphony” and “Alex’s Wake.” Tickets are $20 adults/$15 students and seniors, those 17 and younger admitted free when accompanied by a paid admission. Visit www.musicanovaaz.com.
Ira Kandell ‘The Songs Of Broadway’ Concert
2 p.m. Sunday, Jan. 11
Sessions Recital Hall,
Phoenix College
1202 W. Thomas Road
602-285-7800
Ira Kandell has appeared in more than 200 dinner or regional theaters in musicals and comedy productions. He has performed with the Glenn Miller Orchestra. He currently appears on national public radio and the Sirius satellite on the Broadway Review programs. Kandell will be accompanied by Lloyd Shaffer on piano. Admission is free.
Russian Cultural Festival
Jan. 12-23
Arizona Opera Center
1636 N. Central Ave.
602.266.7464
Arizona Opera presents this festival to celebrate its new production of Tchaikovsky’s “Eugene Onegin,” the first Russian opera in Arizona in almost two decades, on stage Feb. 6-8 at Phoenix Symphony Hall. The festival includes a free ballet class and demonstration, film screenings, lectures, and a wine reception ($25 for the reception). Learn about all of the festival events a www.azopera.org, and sign up online to receive your free passes. Passes are limited.
Desperado LGBT Film Festival
Jan. 23-25
Paradise Valley Community College,
Center for the Performing Arts
18401 N. 32nd St.
602-787-7738
The festival will include feature films, documentaries and shorts that explore the LGBT experience. The festival also will include a student film competition, music and an art exhibit featuring work by LGBT artists. For the first time, the event will include a movie screened outdoors. Single ticket movie admissions will be available or festival viewers may purchase an all-access pass that permits entry to all the screenings and the opening night reception. For more information, visit www.desperadofilmfestival.com.
‘Indian Relay’ Film Screening
11:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m.
Wednesday, Jan. 28
Heard Museum,
Monte Vista Room
2301 N. Central Ave.
This 56-minute film documents an unheralded aspect of modern-day American Indian life and what it takes to win one of the more exciting forms of horse racing. From the bitter cold of winter to the heat of summer, the film follows teams from three different tribes as they compete across a grueling season. Free with museum admission. Visit www.heard.org.
An Evening with Peter Hutton
7 p.m. Jan. 28
Phoenix Art Museum
1625 N. Central Ave.
602-307-2016
Peter Hutton comes to the museum for an evening of conversation and screening of his 2007 film, “At Sea.” Declared the best avant-garde film of the decade, “At Sea” is a haunting meditation on human progress charting the lifecycle of a colossal container ship from creation through destruction, with a voyage across the Atlantic in between. The film will be screened in its true 16mm format, and will be followed by conversation and audience Q&A with the artist. Tickets are $12 general admission and $7 for students with ID.
‘The Emperor’s New Clothes’
Feb 6-22
Valley Youth Theatre
525 N. 1st St.
602-253-8188, ext. 2
A timeless fairy tale about vanity and foolish pride. Show times are Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays, with weekend matinees available. Tickets are $18 plus fees and are on sale now at www.VYT.com or by calling the box office.
