‘Microcosms: Recent Work’
Through Jan. 9
Modified Arts
407 E. Roosevelt St.
480-326-6551
The exhibition of works by Thomas “Breeze” Marcus features a range of work by the artist in different media, including moderately sized fine-line pen and ink drawings, and larger aerosol works. Marcus grew up in and around the Phoenix area, including the Salt River Pima-Maricopa Indian Reservation, east of Phoenix. His fine line work is an homage to his Tohono O’odham ancestors and their style of basket weaving that includes complex patterns. This is his first solo exhibition in Phoenix in three years. Gallery hours are 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Monday through Friday, 6-9 p.m. the first and third Fridays, and 12-4 p.m. Saturdays. Visit www.modifiedarts.org.
‘Snapshots: A Musical Scrapbook’
Arizona Theatre Company
Through Jan. 17
Herberger Theater
222 E. Monroe
602-252-8497
This new romantic musical comedy blends some of the best-loved songs from composer Stephen Schwartz’s Broadway shows (“Wicked” and “Godspell”) with some of his lesser-known gems. Meet Sue and Dan, a couple who after 20 years of marriage have drifted apart. Together they discover a box of photographs that leads them to relive the memories of their past selves. Snapshots re-imagines favorites from Schwartz’s vast catalogue in new and exciting ways in a story in which every couple will see themselves. Tickets are $28-$68 plus fees. Visit www.arizonatheatre.org.
‘WaistWatchers: The Musical!’
Through Jan. 24
Herberger Theater
222 E. Monroe
602-252-8497
The 90-minute musical, set in Cook’s Women’s Gym, takes a light-hearted look at four women singing about assorted body issues from dieting, exercise and plastic surgery to sex after 40 and the relentless search for a positive self image through 25 popular songs with parody lyrics. Performances are 7 p.m. Wednesdays, 2 and 7 p.m. Thursdays, 8 p.m. Fridays, 2 and 8 p.m. Saturdays and 2 and 6 p.m. on Sundays. Tickets are $43-$53 (other fees may apply) and are available by visiting www.PlayHouseInfo.com.
‘Operantics’
Jan. 11-21
Herberger Theater
222 E. Monroe
602-252-8497
Presenting some of the most beautiful and beloved arias and duets of opera interspersed with comedic spoofs of the singers, the plots and the art form itself. Tickets are $6 plus fees when ordering online. Show time is 12:10 p.m., with a special evening-only performance at 7 p.m. on Monday, Jan. 11. Visit www.herbergertheater.org.
‘Calendar Girls’
Jan. 20-Feb. 7
Phoenix Theatre
100 E. McDowell Road
602-254-2151
Determined to raise money for a cause, Chris and Annie conclude that the best way is to give the public what they want – a nude calendar. However, instead of the models of the day gracing the pages, it will feature themselves and the other real women of their small English village. When this group of ladies put their experiment to the test what arises is a media circus, newfound fame, a hilarious look at the true events that resulted in a charitable windfall and the reminder that all women are strong and beautiful – inside and out. Tickets are $36 to $81, plus fees. Visit http://tickets.phoenixtheatre.com.
‘The Ben Hecht Show’
Jan. 23-24
Cutler-Plotkin Jewish Heritage Center
22 E. Culver St.
602-241-7870
A theatrical production written and performed by James Sherman. The 80-minute show, set in 1943, chronicles the views and musings of the iconic Ben Hecht, the versatile journalist, playwright, novelist and Oscar-winning screenwriter. Hecht tells you everything you need to know about show business, Jews and anti-Semites—with jokes. Sherman has performed “The Ben Hecht Show” to rave reviews in both Chicago and Los Angeles. Show times are 7:30 p.m. Saturday and 2 p.m. Sunday. Tickets are available for $20 for members of the AJHS, $25 for the general public. Visit www.azjhs.org.
‘Passing Strange’
iTheatre Collaborative
Feb. 5-13
Herberger Theater
222 E. Monroe
602-252-8497
A daring musical that takes you on a journey across boundaries of place, identity and theatrical convention. It is the story of a young bohemian who charts a course for “the real” through sex, drugs and rock ‘n’ roll. Loaded with soulful lyrics and overflowing with passion, the show takes us from black middle-class America to Amsterdam, Berlin and beyond on a journey towards personal and artistic authenticity. Tickets are $22 plus fees. Show time is 8 p.m., with a 2 p.m. matinee on Sunday, Feb. 7. Visit www.herbergertheater.org.
‘Looking Over the President’s Shoulder’
Black Theatre Troupe
Feb. 5-21
Helen K. Mason
Performing Arts Center
1333 E. Washington St.
602-258-8129
Based on the real-life story of Alonzo Fields, who is forced to give up his dreams of becoming an opera singer and accept a job at the White House where he quickly was appointed Chief Butler. Fields served four U.S. presidents and their families as well as their famous guests through the years, which included Winston Churchill, Marian Anderson, Errol Flynn and the king and queen of England. Tickets are $32 plus fees. Visit www.blacktheatretroupe.org.
