Derrick Bostrom Photo Exhibit
Through Jan. 18, 2014
Green Vegetarian Restaurant
2022 N. 7th St.
Culled from his recent photographic work, this exhibit draws upon Bostrom’s travels throughout Arizona, showcasing scenes that evoke the past while embracing the present. Originally gaining notoriety as the drummer and founding member of the legendary alternative rock group the Meat Puppets, Bostrom has been a part of the Phoenix creative community for more than 30 years, both as a musician and artist.
‘Georgia O’Keeffe in New Mexico: Architecture, Katsinam, and the Land’
Through March 3, 2014
Heard Museum
2301 N. Central Ave.
602.252.8848
An exhibit featuring O’Keeffe’s paintings as well as katsina (kachina) dolls specially selected for this exhibit. The exhibit is organized by the Georgia O’Keeffe Museum and the Montclair Art Museum. The exhibit was made possible in part by The Burnett Foundation and the Georgia O’Keeffe Museum National Council. Admission is $18 for adults, $13.50 seniors (65+), $7.50 children ages 6-12, free for children 5 and younger, American Indians and museum members. For more information, visit www.heard.org/okeeffe.
‘Tellin’ It on the Mountain’
Black Theatre Troupe
Dec. 6-22
Helen K. Mason Performing Arts Center
1333 E. Washington St.
602-258-8129
The holidays are usually a time of love, joy and good will—unless you lived in the Dean household. These superstar sisters were once at the height of their careers as the dynamic, chart-topping group “Sister Dean.” Now, years later, they are asked to put aside their differences to come together one last time for a holiday CD recording. In this uplifting musical drama, true love will stand strong and the power of the holiday spirit will be tested on this one not-so-silent night. Show times are 8 p.m., with some matinees available. Tickets are $35 plus fees. Visit www.blacktheatretroupe.org.
Lunchtime Ballet
11:30 a.m. Monday, Dec. 9
Steele Indian School Park,
Memorial Hall
300 E. Indian School Road
602-534-8659
Bring your lunch and watch the majesty of the dance from Ballet and Friends, featuring the Master Ballet Academy Dancers. These bite-sized performances are 35- to 45-minute excerpts from some of the most beloved ballets. Food trucks will be on site. Admission is $5 per person, per performance. Tickets are available at www.phoenix.gov/parks (Barcode 99952) or at the Memorial Hall door. Doors open at 11 a.m.
‘The Great Divorce’
The Fellowship for the Performing Arts
Dec. 14-22
Herberger Theater
222 E. Monroe
602-252-8497
This journey to Heaven and Hell by C.S. Lewis is an exploration of human nature, featuring characters drawn with Lewis’ trademark wit. Several of Lewis’ most provocative characters take a bus ride from Hell to Paradise. Three actors transform into over a dozen different personality types to tell this fantastical morality tale about good and evil. Tickets are $29 to $49. Student seats are $20 (student ID required). To purchase tickets, visit www.greatdivorceonstage.com or call the box office.
‘Jesus! A December Celebration of the Christ’
6 p.m. Dec. 6 & 20
R. Pela Contemporary Art
335 W. McDowell Road
602-320-8445
This juried exhibit features Son-of-God-specific work that is both reverent and irreverent; religious and irreligious. Renowned local and international artists and new, emerging artists have submitted work to be juried later this month. Two free artists’ receptions will be held; otherwise, the gallery is open by appointment. For more information, visit www.rpelagallery.com.
‘My Son the Waiter: A Jewish Tragedy’
Dec. 25-Feb. 2
Herberger Theater
222 E. Monroe
602-252-8497
Brad Zimmerman waited tables for 29 years while chasing a career in acting and comedy, so waiting until his mid-50s to perform on stage seems so logical. Zimmerman tells his story using his training as an actor combined with years on the standup comedy circuit. His send-ups on his family, career, childhood and misbegotten love life are as warm and poignant as they are hysterical. Performances are Wednesdays through Sundays. Ticket are $39.50-$49.50 and are available online at www.herbertheater.org.
‘Xanadu’
Arizona Theatre Company
Dec. 31-Jan. 19
Herberger Theater
222 E. Monroe
602-256-6995
In this smash Broadway hit, Kira, a beautiful Greek muse, is sent on a quest from the heavens to inspire a young artist to achieve his greatest dream – to build the first roller disco. (Hey … it’s 1980!) A musical spoof of the classic Olivia Newton-John/Gene Kelly film, this hilarious roller-skating, disco-dancing adventure weaves a tale of endless fun perfect for the whole family. Tickets are $49 to $72 plus fees. For tickets, visit www.arizonatheatre.org.
‘4000 Miles’
Actors Theatre
Jan. 10-26, 2014
Helen K. Mason Performing Arts Center
1333 E. Washington St.
602-258-8129
After suffering a major loss while he was on a cross-country bike trip, 21 year-old Lea seeks solace from his feisty 91-year-old grandmother Vera in her West Village apartment. Over the course of a single month, these unlikely roommates infuriate, bewilder, and ultimately reach each other. Tickets are $40 general admission, $35 for seniors age 65 and older, and $20 for students with ID. Visit www.actorstheatrephx.org.
Watch desert come to life in ‘Desert Dreams’
Eight, Arizona PBS offers a special presentation, “Desert Dreams: Celebrating Five Seasons in the Sonoran Desert,” debuting Dec. 4 at 7 p.m. on local Channel 8. The program showcases 182 species of plants and animals in a first-of-its-kind presentation of the Sonoran Desert as it changes over the course of a full year.
“Desert Dreams” blends HD video footage and time-lapse imagery captured over the past four years with stills from the filmmaker’s photographic archive compiled over three decades to chronicle five seasons: Dry Summer, Wet Summer, Autumn, Winter, and Spring.
“The film’s stunning imagery paired with beautiful, elegant music allows us to experience the glory of the Sonoran Desert as it is meant to be and to form our own interpretation of what that experience means to us,” says Craig Ivanyi, executive director of the Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum.
Nearly 86 percent of Arizona residents live in the Sonoran Desert, a landscape sweeping from Mexico to California, covering much of southern Arizona, including both Phoenix and Tucson. “Desert Dreams” offers an immersive multimedia experience, revealing the natural treasures that lie beyond urban surroundings.
For more information, visit www.wildhorizons.com/desertdreams.
