‘Avenue Q’
Through Sept. 9
Phoenix Theatre
100 E. McDowell Road
602-254-2151
Part felt, part flesh and full of heart, this laugh-out-loud adults-only musical follows Princeton, a recent college grad, and his new neighbors. The show, starring both puppets and humans, is fresh, fast-paced and exuberant and explores, among other things, “What Do You Do with a B.A. in English?” For mature audiences only. Tickets are $36-$86. Visit http://www.phoenixtheatre.com.
Surfer Joe and His Band
8 p.m. Tuesday, Aug. 7
Rips Bar
3045 N. 16th St.
A reverberated surf music extravaganza presented by Hi-Tide Recordings. All the way from Livorno, Italy, comes Surfer Joe and His Band, one night only, one show only. Opening acts by The Surfside IV and The Apaches. Holy cats, that’s a lot of surf! Ages 21 and older. Cover charge is $8.
‘Newsies’
Valley Youth Theatre
Aug. 10-26
Herberger Theater
222 E. Monroe
602-252-8497
Set in turn-of-the century New York City, Newsies is the tale of Jack Kelly, a charismatic newsboy and leader of a band of teenaged “newsies.” When titans of publishing raise distribution prices at the newsboys’ expense, Jack rallies newsies from across the city to strike against the unfair conditions and fight for what’s right. Based on the 1992 motion picture and inspired by a true story. Tickets are $20.50-$39.50 plus fees. Visit www.herbergertheater.org.
The Monica Shriver Jazz Project
7 p.m. Sunday, Aug. 12
The Listening Room Phoenix
4614 N. 7th St.
480-390-4900
Half art show and half experimental jazz concert, The Monica Shriver Jazz Project will showcase original compositions by Monica Shriver and Stan Smith, including some adventurous exploration of the relationship and connection between improvisation and abstract art. Tickets start at $20. For tickets and information, visit www.thelisteningroomphoenix.com.
‘Iluminar!’
Convergence Ballet
Aug. 11-12
Madison Center for the Arts
5601 N. 16th St.
The Phoenix-based ballet company has four new dancers and three new choreographers In “Iluminar!” there are four pieces, running through the entire spectrum of talents from the dancers. These include classical ballet, swing and contemporary pieces and showcase three new world-premiere works. Show times are 2 p.m. and 7 p.m. on Saturday, and 2 p.m. on Sunday. Tickets are $30 and are available at www.convergenceballet.org/iluminar.
Song Swap Hosted by Adam Smith, featuring Eric Ramsey
7 p.m. Friday, Aug. 31
The Listening Room Phoenix
4614 N. 7th St.
480-390-4900
Join singer-songwriter Adam Smith as he hosts Eric Ramsey for a unique live performance and conversation. The show begins with Ramsey performing one of Smith’s songs. Next, settle in for a conversation focusing on Ramsey and what music/creativity means to him. Then Smith will perform one of Ramsey’s songs, followed by a full live performance where each will do a 30-minute solo set. Tickets are $15 in advance and $20 at the door. For tickets and details, visit www.thelisteningroomphoenix.com.
‘Charlotte’s Web’
Childsplay Theatre
Sept. 2-Oct. 14
Herberger Theater, Stage West
222 E. Monroe
602-252-8497
Meet Wilbur, an endearing piglet trying to make his way in the world, and Charlotte, the wise and winsome spider who becomes his true friend. A brilliant version of E.B. White’s American classic. Recommended for ages 5 and older. Run time is 1 hour, 55 minutes with an intermission. Tickets are $12-$30 plus fees. Visit www.herbergertheater.org.
‘Sweeney Todd’
Arizona Broadway Theatre
Sept. 4-16
Herberger Theater, Center Stage
222 E. Monroe
602-252-8497
A heart-pounding thriller set on the seedy side streets of 19th Century London. Filled with diabolical humor and extraordinary music, this eight-time Tony Award-winning musical tells the tale of an exiled barber’s quest to avenge the wrongs done to him and his family by a lecherous judge. Tickets are $44-$73 plus fees. Visit www.herbergertheater.org.
‘White Guy on the Bus’
iTheatre Collaborative
Sept. 7-22
Herberger Theater, Kax Stage
222 E. Monroe
602-252-8497
A new play that unravels a complex web of moral ambiguity, class conflict, and the racial divide in America. A wealthy white businessman and a struggling black single mom ride the same bus week after week. The question is why he rides the bus and what does he want from her? The answers, like race, are not so easy. Tickets are $10 Thursdays, $25 Fridays and Saturdays, and $20 Sundays, plus fees. Discounts for seniors (65+) students, and members of the military.
‘West Side Story’
Sept. 5-Oct. 14
Phoenix Theatre
100 E. McDowell Road
602-254-2151
A classic retelling of Romeo and Juliet in an urban setting. The Jets and Sharks rule the streets of New York City, but these gangs don’t like to share. When Tony falls for Maria, their respective gangs get ready for war. A story of star-crossed love in times of prejudice and violence, West Side Story speaks through dance and song in a way that can only a live musical can. Visit http://www.phoenixtheatre.com.
