‘Desert Purple’ in Concert
7:30-9:30 p.m. Tuesday, Sept. 5
The Musicians Hall
1202 E. Oak St.
A self-described “psychedelic blues/rock band” featuring Taylor Shapiro on guitar, Nick Armendariz on drums, and Adam Green on bass. Free and open to the public but donations gladly accepted. Light refreshments will be available for purchase.
‘The Effect’
iTheatre Collaborative
8 p.m. Sept. 8-23
Herberger Theater, Kax Stage
222 E. Monroe
602-252-8497
Is it love or just pharmacology? Hearts racing. Minds reeling. Knees buckling. Connie and Tristan have palpable chemistry—or is it a side effect of a new antidepressant? They are volunteers in a clinical trial, but their sudden and illicit romance forces the supervising doctors to face off over the ethical consequences of their work. (Mature themes and strong sexual content). A 2 p.m. matinee will take place on Sept. 10. Tickets are $18-25 plus fees; students and members of the military receive a discount. All Thursday performances are $10 plus fees. Visit www.itheatreaz.org.
‘Ear’
8 p.m. Sept. 8-Oct. 1
Space 55
636 E. Pierce St.
Written by local author and Space 55 ensemble member Ashley Naftule, “Ear” is a surreal love story inspired by Vincent Van Gogh. After giving his girlfriend his ear as an anniversary gift, a troubled man ends up in a mental hospital. Surrounded by patients and doctors that are even crazier than he is, he also has to struggle with the strange voices ringing in his head. As for his girlfriend—she forgot to get rid of his ear. And now she’s starting to hear crazy things, too … . Matinee performances will take place 2 p.m. Sundays. All tickets are $15. Visit www.space55.org.
‘Caroline, or Change’
Black Theatre Troupe
Sept. 15-Oct. 1
Helen K. Mason
Performing Arts Center
1333 E. Washington St.
602-258-8129
An African-American mother of three works for a Southern Jewish family in Lake Charles, La., in 1963. She and the family’s 8-year-old son find themselves in the middle of a family conflict during the Christmas and Chanukah holidays. Combining gospel and the sounds of Motown with operatic stylings, this musical illuminates the changing times of the Civil Rights era while examining the social and family issues with which our diverse culture still struggles today. Tickets are $38 plus fees. Saturday and Sunday matinees available. Visit www.blacktheatretroupe.org.
Second Wednesday with Evelyn Ford
12:30-1:30 p.m. Wednesday, Sept. 13
Phoenix Art Museum
1625 N. Central Ave.
602-307-2011
Valley shoe designer Evelyn Schickling, founder of Evelyn Ford Luxury, shares her story and process of leaving corporate life to pursue creating the world’s most comfortable designer heels. Schickling will discuss her design training Milan at Arts Sutoria and her collaborations with Ira A. Fulton School of Engineering at ASU and Mattia Brunello, production manager for brands including Oscar de la Renta and Marchesa. The presentation is included with paid museum admission. Visit www.phxart.org.
The Art of Marc Chagall
6-7:30 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 14
Shemer Art Center
5005 E. Camelback Road
602-262-4727
During his very long life (98 years), artist Marc Chagall witnessed major events of the 20th century to become, along with Picasso, Matisse, Dali and a handful of others, one of the most celebrated and recognized artists of his time. A minimum contribution of $5 is requested. Snacks and beverages will be served. RSVP requested.
Jazz Matinee featuring Jesse McGuire
3 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 17
The Nash
110 E. Roosevelt St.
602-795-0464
Classic acoustic jazz featuring Jesse McGuire on trumpet and flugelhorn, and three world-class accompanists: Ioannis Goudelis on piano, Chris Finet on bass, and Dowell Davis on drums. Tickets are $20 general, $15 seniors (60+), $10 students with ID, youth age 11 and younger admitted free. Visit www.thenash.org.
‘Hedwig and the Angry Inch’
Sept. 20-Oct. 15
Phoenix Theatre
100 E. McDowell Road
602-254-2151
Viciously funny and devastatingly heartbreaking, Hedwig and the Angry Inch is a modern masterpiece, with an electrifying glam-rock score and high-voltage performances. Contains mature language and adult themes. Tickets are $55-$95, including fees. Visit http://www.phoenixtheatre.com.
Ballet Under the Stars
7 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 23
Steele Indian School Park
300 E. Indian School Road
Free and open to the public, Ballet Under the Stars allows the local community to enjoy dance in a unique outdoor setting complete with a stage, lighting, costumes and beautiful Arizona weather. For more information, visit http://balletaz.org.
Stand Up for Downtown Theater
7 p.m. Friday, Sept. 29
Herberger Theater,
Stage West
222 E. Monroe
602-252-8497
The third-annual fundraising event of the Herberger Theater’s Young Leadership Board will showcase some of the area’s top comedians, performing their best stand-up routines. Enjoy a silent auction, hors d’oeuvres, drinks and live music. Tickets are $35 plus fees. Visit www.herbergertheater.org.
‘Hercules vs. Vampires’
Arizona Opera
Oct. 21-22
Phoenix Symphony Hall
75 N. 2nd St.
602-266-7464
The show combines operatic singing and 1960s pop culture, synchronizing live music with the 1961 cult classic film, “Hercules in the Haunted World.” Watch as the original film, starring bodybuilder Reg Park and horror legend Christopher Lee, is projected above a live orchestra and singers performing the music to a new, original score. Show times are 7:30 p.m. Saturday and 3 p.m. Sunday. Tickets are $25-$45 plus fees. Visit https://www.azopera.org.
‘Chapter Two’
Arizona Theatre Company
Oct. 5-22
Herberger Theater
222 E. Monroe
602-256-6995
Neil Simon is one of the most successful and performed playwrights in the world. Chapter Two is his semi-autobiographical comedy about a recently widowed writer, George Schneider, who is introduced by his press-agent brother to soap opera actress Jennie Malone. Both are trying to come to terms with starting from scratch, and, through their friends who are determined to see the two happy again, the pair meet and begin a whirlwind romance. Tickets are $41-$70 plus fees. Visit www.arizonatheatre.org.
‘Ghosts, Goblins & Witches, Oh My!’
Center Dance Ensemble
7:30 p.m. Oct. 19-22
Herberger Theater, Stage West
222 E. Monroe
602-252-8497
A celebration for Halloween featuring the premiere of “The Department Store Murder Mystery” and a piece by Diane McNeal Hunt. A matinee performance will take place 2 p.m. Sunday. Tickets are $14.50 for students, $23.50 for seniors and $28.50 general admission, not including fees. Lunchtime performances all are available Oct. 19-20. Visit www.herbergertheater.org.
