Yua: Henri Matisse and the Inner Arctic Spirit’
Oct. 29, 2018-Feb. 3, 2019
Heard Museum
2301 N. Central Ave.
602-252-8840
See this groundbreaking exhibition exploring the surprising artistic and spiritual connection between the great 20th-century French modern master Henri Matisse and the Indigenous people of the Arctic. In addition to original works by Matisse, the exhibition also will feature Yup’ik masks, cultural objects, archival photographs, film and ephemera totaling more than 150 pieces. For tickets visit https://matisse.heard.org.
‘The Watercolors of Alex Pekala’
Through Nov. 14
Church of the Beatitudes
555 W. Glendale Ave.
Featuring the artwork of local watercolorist Alex Pekala. Admission is free, and the exhibit can be found in the narthex (lobby) of the sanctuary. It is viewable Sunday mornings, and by appointment on other days. Hosted by the Beatitudes Art Council. For more information or to arrange a viewing, contact Marcia Nix at 602-274-8992.
‘Fun Home’
Through Dec. 2
Phoenix Theatre
100 E. McDowell Road
602-254-2151
Middle-aged cartoonist Alison is joined by two younger versions of herself from pivotal times in her life. They lead us through her dysfunctional childhood, her coming-out, and her father’s death, shortly after his own coming-out. Fun Home is a charmingly honest musical experience. Tickets are $56-$91 (fees included). Visit www.phoenixtheatre.com.
‘Single Black Female’
Black Theatre Troupe
Through Nov. 11
Helen K. Mason
Performing Arts Center
1333 E. Washington St.
602-258-8129
A show of comic vignettes that explore the lives of two African-American middle-class women. As a well-respected English literature professor and as a powerful corporate attorney, they keep each other balanced as they face their fears of rejection and their hopes for romance-which may be found closer than they ever imagined. Tickets are $38 plus fees. Visit www.blacktheatretroupe.org.
‘Something Wicked This Way Comes’
BLK BOX PHX
Oct. 31-Nov. 11
Phoenix Theatre
100 E. McDowell Road
602-254-2151
Two boys, Will and Jim, are lured into a mysterious carnival that passes through their town and discover the diabolical and terrifying truths behind the funhouse mirror maze and the eerie cast of characters. With the help of Will’s father, they fight to save their town from the sinister carnival and its leader, Mr. Dark, who threaten to destroy it. Tickets are $34-$47. Visit http://blkboxphx.com.
Urban Nocturnes Fall Concert
7 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 7
Trinity Cathedral
100 W. Roosevelt St.
602-254-7126
The cathedral’s artist-in-residence ensemble, Urban Nocturnes, performs its fall concert featuring violinist Karen Sinclair, violist Christopher McKay, and pianist Olga Gorelik performing Louis Spohr’s “Duet for Violin and Viola,” Bohuslav Martinů’s “Sonata for Viola and Piano,” and Ludwig van Beethoven’s “Sonata for Violin and Piano No. 9 Kreutzer.” Tickets are $15 general admission. Parking is available in the garage just north of the cathedral (off Central Avenue) and on the surrounding streets. For tickets, visit www.trinitymusicaz.org.
‘Charlie Parker’s Yardbird’
Arizona Opera
7 p.m. Nov. 9-11
Herberger Theater, Center Stage
222 E. Monroe
602-256-6995
Told through a series of interconnected scenes following his death, the great American saxophonist attempts to compose his final masterpiece while examining the demons that propelled his genius. Show times are 7:30 p.m. Friday and Saturday, and 2 p.m. Sunday. Tickets are $25-$125 plus fees. Visit https://www.azopera.org/single-tickets-sale.
‘Erma Bombeck: At Wit’s End’
Arizona Theatre Company
Nov. 15-Dec. 2
Herberger Theater, Center Stage
222 E. Monroe
602-256-6995
A tribute to the longtime Arizona resident who made herself into a national superstar as a bestselling author and syndicated journalist lauded for opening up the secret world of the mother and housewife. From her troubled childhood, where she found comfort in the words of Dorothy Parker and Robert Benchley, through her rise to fame as a journalist and public figure, discover the story behind America’s beloved humorist who championed women’s lives with wit that sprang from the most unexpected place of all—the truth. Tickets are $41 to $75 plus fees. Visit https://arizonatheatre.org.
‘Black Nativity’
Black Theatre Troupe
Nov. 30-Dec. 16
Helen K. Mason
Performing Arts Center
1333 E. Washington St.
602-258-8129
This annual holiday event by Harlem Renaissance poet Langston Hughes returns to the BTT stage. “Black Nativity” features a joyous company of singers, actors, dancers and musicians delivering a powerful message of joy, hope, victory and liberation that warms the heart at a very special time of the year. Tickets are $38 plus fees. Visit www.blacktheatretroupe.org.
Merry & Bright Concert
Desert Overture
3 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 2
Orangewood Presbyterian Church
7321 N. 10th St.
Desert Overture, with its more than 50 musicians, was formed in 2010 and remains a hidden cultural gem in the Valley of the Sun. The concert band is an active member of the Lesbian Gay Band Association (LGBA), which has grown to 37 members across the country, including international bands. Admission is $15 for adults, $5 for seniors and students, and free for children 12 and younger. Visit www.desertoverture.org.
Handel’s ‘Messiah’
3 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 2
All Saints’ Episcopal Church
6300 N. Central Ave.
602-279-5539
The choirs of All Saints’ will perform Handel’s masterwork. Admission is free although a $20 voluntary donation will be accepted in support of the music program and its work to bring musical skills to youth in the community.
