‘Space in Between’ Exhibit
Oct. 7-Feb. 12
Ottosen Gallery,
Desert Botanical Garden
1201 N. Galvin Parkway
480-941-1225
An exhibition by internationally renowned artist Margarita Cabrera in collaboration with the ASU Art Museum. The artist’s work is an ongoing exploration of the defining economic, labor and cultural relationships between the U.S. and Mexico. “Margarita Cabrera’s work expands the notion of what community-based art can accomplish by addressing social justice issues in relation to immigration, labor and identity,” says ASU Art Museum Curator Julio Cesar Morales. Cabrera was born in Monterrey, Mexico, and grew up in Mexico City, Salt Lake City, and El Paso. She received an MFA from Hunter College in New York. Ms. Cabrera currently is the ASU Art Museum’s artist-in-residence. Gallery admission is included with paid garden admission or garden membership. Visit www.dbg.org.
‘Charlotte’s Web, The Musical’
Oct. 7-23
Valley Youth Theatre
525 N. 1st St.
602-253-8188
Pull your boots on and come on over to the Zuckerman Barn … home to all the fun and unforgettable animals from E.B. White’s beloved classic story. Shows are Fridays through Sundays. Tickets are $18 general admission plus fees. Visit www.vyt.com.
‘Alien: A Puppet Show’
Oct. 7-29
Playhouse on the Park,
Central Arts Plaza
1850 N. Central Ave.
602-254-2151
A raucous rip-off of Ridley Scott’s space thriller … with puppets. All Puppet Players bring their outlandish brand of humor, puppetry and downright disrespect to the legendary franchise to bring you an exciting, scary and hilarious homage to the doomed Nostromo crew. Tickets are $23 plus fees. Visit www.allpuppetplayers.com.
Student Showcase
Oct. 7-28
Phoenix Center for the Arts
1202 N. 3rd St.
602-254-3100
An exhibition showcasing student work. The juried artwork represents a diverse student population of varying ages and skill sets. An opening reception takes place 6-9 p.m. Oct. 7 as well as on Third Friday, Oct. 21. Visit phoenixcenterforthearts.org.
‘Veronica’s Room’
iTheatre Collaborative
Oct. 14-29
Herberger Theater, Kax Stage
222 E. Monroe
602-252-8497
From the author of Rosemary’s Baby comes a harrowing labyrinth of suspense, entwining fantasy and reality. Performances are Oct. 14-16, 20-23 and 27-29. Tickets are $20 general admission; Thursdays are Pay What You Can. Visit www.itheatreaz.org.
‘Under The Sun’
1 p.m. Sunday Oct. 16
Third Street Theater, Phoenix Center for the Arts
1202 N. 3rd St.
“My father says that Korea is the most beautiful country … Korea is the land of the rising sun,” says 8-year-old schoolgirl Zin-mi. Despite continuous interference by government handlers, director Vitaly Mansky still managed to document life in Pyongyang, North Korea in this fascinating portrait of one girl and her parents in the year as she prepares to join the Korean Children’s Union on the “Day Of The Shining Star” (Kim Jong-Il’s birthday). Door open at 12:30 p.m. Admission is $7.50 advance, $11 at the door ($10 for students with ID).
Visit http://www.brownpapertickets.com/event/2588830.
‘Masquerades’
Center Dance Ensemble
Oct. 20-23
Herberger Theater, Stage West
222 E. Monroe
602-252-8497
A special celebration for Halloween featuring “The Return of Dracula” and other premiere works. Show times are 7:30 p.m. Thursday and Friday and 2 p.m. Saturday. Tickets are $28 for adults, $23 for seniors and $14 for students. There also will be Lunch Time Theater performances at 12 p.m. Thursday and Friday; tickets are just $6 for this shorter performance. Visit www.herbergertheater.org.
Phoenix Fan Fest
Oct. 22-23
Phoenix Convention Center
100 N. 3rd St.
Celebrate your fandom of all things pop culture including comics, art, cosplay and more. There will be several Pokemon Go events and celebrity guests. Full event pass is $40, Saturday only is $30 and Sunday only is $25. Sidekick badges for ages 3-12 are just $10. Visit www.phoenixcomicon.com.
‘La Bayadére’
Ballet Arizona
Oct. 27-30
Phoenix Symphony Hall
75 N. 2nd St.
602-381-1096
Set in India, La Bayadère tells the heartbreaking tale of a temple dancer and a young warrior kept apart in life and united only in death. The lovers are wrenched apart by twists of fate and doomed by uncontrollable vengeance. With lavish set designs that conjure up exotic locales, this ballet will transport you to a world of noble warriors, cruel princesses, and beautiful temple dancers. Tickets are $25-$159 plus fees. Visit http://balletaz.org.
‘A Vampire Tale’
Scorpius Dance Theatre
Oct. 27-Nov. 5
Phoenix Theatre’s Hormel Theatre
100 E. McDowell Road
In “the ‘Nutcracker’ of Halloween,” a young woman is drawn to the dark side and finds herself lured into an assorted band of bloodsuckers. Frightened yet fascinated by their shadowy showmanship and seductive transactions, the girl struggles to avoid becoming part of their underworld when she becomes infatuated with the king vampire. Tickets start at $25 and can be purchased by calling 602-254-2151 or visiting www.scorpiusdance.com.
‘Seven Nation Riff’
MusicaNova Orchestra
4-6 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 30
Central United Methodist Church
1875 N. Central Ave.
480-585-4485
The MusicaNova Orchestra playss Anton Bruckner’s Symphony No. 5 (Jack White’s inspiration for the guitar riff in the White Stripes’ hit “Seven Nation Army”), the world-premiere of a work from a MusicaNova Composition Fellow, and a special Dia de los Muertos work. In collaboration with student-musicians from Tempe high schools. Tickets are $20 general admission, $15 seniors and students, plus fees. Visit http://musicanovaaz.com/tickets/.
Desert Gathering Jewish Music Fest
12-5 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 6
Amphitheater at Steele Indian School Park
300 E. Indian School Road
480-425-0700
This free outdoor gathering features a rich diversity of musical styles—roots-rock, soul, Americana, classic rock and traditional Jewish song. Headliners include Rick Recht and Joe Buchanan; local cantors and groups from religious schools also will perform. Free general admission with advance reservation; $75 for VIP ticket package. Visit www.desertgatheringaz.org.
Duke Ellington’s ‘Sacred Concert’
Phoenix Chorale
3 & 7:30 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 12
Trinity Episcopal Cathedral
100 W. Roosevelt St.
602-253-2224
In 1966 jazz legend Duke Ellington arrived in downtown Phoenix with his big band where they performed his concert of “sacred music” with the Trinity Cathedral Choir. This pivotal work signified a new musical movement—one that combined jazz and spirituality, exhibiting Ellington’s showmanship and his deep religious faith. Joined by the 16-piece MCC PAC Jazz Ensemble, this spectacular 50th anniversary concert features pieces from Ellington’s groundbreaking program of sacred masterworks. Tickets are $32 for adults, $27 for seniors age 65 and older, plus online fees. Visit http://www.phoenixchorale.org.
‘Rusalka’
Nov. 11-13
Phoenix Symphony Hall
75 N. 2nd St.
602-266-7464
When the water nymph Rusalka wants to be a part of our world, she sacrifices everything for the chance at true love. You think you know the story of this little mermaid, but the fairytale doesn’t break the surface. Based on Hans Christian Andersen’s original story, Rusalka features dark forests, woodland sprites, and the glorious aria, “Song To The Moon.” Tickets are $25 to $135. Visit www.azopera.org.