‘Ubu Roi’
Through Feb. 13
Space 55
636 E. Pierce St.
Alfred Jarry’s absurdist classic returns to the Space 55 stage for its 10th anniversary season. Ubu Roi is the time-honored story of what happens when an idiot is put in charge of a country, with lots of war, blood, guts, food fights, magic, shouting, puppets, chaos, hilarity, horror and the just plain bizarre sprinkled into the mix. Show times are 8 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays, and 5 p.m. Sundays. There will be a special performance on Feb. 5 at 7:30 pm. Tickets are $18 for Friday and Saturday evenings and $15 for Sunday performances and are available at www.space55.org or at the door.
‘Passing Strange’
iTheatre Collaborative
Feb. 5-13
Herberger Theater
222 E. Monroe
602-252-8497
This daring musical 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.
‘Time Line: Sculpture and Drawing’
Feb. 5-March 31
Central Arts Plaza
1850 N. Central Ave.
602-320-8445
The exhibit features internationally known local artist Kevin Caronm whose career began 15 years ago when he built a privacy screen for his home from an old metal conveyor belt. With the leftover materials, the artist, who worked then as a commercial truck driver, made a fountain. Collectors began noticing his high-concept metal sculptures, and Caron found himself spending more time creating high-end commissions than he did driving rigs. “Time Line” showcases the metal sculptures Caron has become known for. It will open 6 p.m. on First Friday, and an artist reception will take place on Friday, March 4 at 6 p.m. Presented by R. Pela Contemporary Art. For more information, e-mail rpela@rpelagallery.com.
‘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, including Winston Churchill, Marian Anderson, Errol Flynn and the king and queen of England. Tickets are $32 plus fees. Visit www.blacktheatretroupe.org.
‘The Notebook Has No Legs’
All Puppet Players
Feb. 5-20
Playhouse on the Park
1850 N. Central Ave.
602-254-2151
With every great love comes a great puppet show—and such is the case with APP’s classic retelling of everyone’s favorite melodramatic cry-fest. Starring Ryan GOOSEling, this is a tale as old as time: Girl is rich. Goose is poor. Goose meets girl. Girl falls for Goose. Girl gets Goosed…sappy ending ensues. Come watch the puppets in the modern love story that is just begging to be spoofed. !Tickets are $22 general admission. Not appropriate for children. Visit www.allpuppetplayers.com.
‘Pinocchio’
Feb. 5-21
Valley Youth Theatre
525 N. 1st St.
602-253-8188
From the moment Gepetto creates him from a stick of wood, Pinocchio dreams of becoming a real boy. But can the little puppet with the long wooden nose prove that he’s learned to be brave and unselfish—or will the all-too-tempting delights of Playland prove to be too much for him? This new, fast paced story-within-a-story version of the classic tale will capture your attention and keep you rooting for the “Real Boy.” Show times are 12 and 3 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays, with a 7 p.m. performance on Friday, Feb. 5. Tickets are $18 plus fees and are available at www.VYT.com or call the box office.
‘Becoming Dr. Ruth’
Feb. 10-28
Herberger Theater
222 E. Monroe
602-252-8497
The compelling, touching and often-humorous story of Karola Siegel, who left her family and fled from the Nazis to join the Jewish paramilitary as a scout and sniper and moved to America to pursue her dreams as Dr. Ruth Westheimer. Jane Ridely is the diminutive Dr. Ruth in the solo performance. Tickets are $39.50-$49.50 and can be purchased at the box office or online at www.herbergertheater.org.
‘The Sleeping Beauty’
Ballet Arizona
Feb. 11-14
Phoenix Symphony Hall
75 N. 2nd St.
602-381-1096
A treasured fairy tale full of curses, fairies and fantasy. “The Sleeping Beauty” displays all the charms and grandeur of classical ballet. This enchanting work mesmerizes with stunning costumes, dazzling sets, and Tchaikovsky’s magnificent score. Pre- and post-show discussions on select dates. Tickets are $25-$159. Visit www.balletaz.org.
‘Hour of Decision’
Grey Matters Productions
12:10 p.m. Feb. 16-18 & 23-25
Herberger Kax Stage
222 E. Monroe
602-252-8497
Daisy Bates played a leading role in the integration of Central High School in Little Rock, Ark. Because of her efforts, nine black students were enrolled during the 1957 school year. The road to integrating Central High wasn’t easy. Death threats, broken windows, and crosses burned in the yard became the norm at the Bates residence. Written by Larissa Brewington. Doors open at 11:40 a.m. Tickets are $6 and are available online, at the door or through the box office. Order lunch with tickets online or bring your own. Visit http://www.herbergertheater.org.
‘CATWALK’
Scorpius Dance Theatre
Feb. 25-27
Phoenix Theatre’s Hardes Theatre
100 E. McDowell Road
602-254-2151
Back by popular demand, fashion meets dance on the runway in this high-energy, original contemporary dance production that fuses funky fashions by local designers, sexy athleticism, and the distinct choreography of Lisa Starry. Scorpius’ dancers will strut their stuff in nearly 20 different choreographic works, including several new pieces, as well as fashion runway spoofs. Tickets range from $25 to $45 (plus service fee). Visit www.scorpiusdance.com.
‘Vision For Peace’
Phoenix Boys Choir
7 p.m. Saturday, March 5
Camelback Bible Church
3900 E. Stanford Drive
602-264-5328
This moving concert expresses mankind’s universal desire for peace on Earth. The program features Haydn’s majestic “Timpani Mass,” written as war ravaged his homeland of Austria; “I Never Saw Another Butterfly,” a musical tribute to the children lost in World War II; and “Verleih uns Frieden (Grant Us Peace)” by Heinrich Schütz, based on Martin Luther’s poignant text: “In these our days so perilous, Lord, peace in mercy send us.” Tickets are $23-$28 general admission, and $18 for seniors and children age 12 and younger. Visit www.PhoenixBoysChoir.org.
‘You Can’t Take It With You’
Xavier/Brophy Theatre
March 3-5
Virginia G. Piper Performing Arts Center,
Xavier College Prep
4710 N. 5th St.
The play, which premiered on Broadway in 1936, is the story of a Bohemian family and a few days of their exuberantly chaotic life. Recently revived on Broadway, it is a delightful three-act comedy by playwrights George S. Kaufman and Moss Hart. Show times are 7 p.m., with an additional matinee performance on Saturday at 2 p.m. Tickets are $10 each and may be purchased online at www.xcp.org or at the door.
