‘And In This Corner: Cassius Clay’
Black Theatre Troupe, co-produced with Childsplay
Through March 3
Helen K. Mason Performing Arts Center
1333 E. Washington St.
602-258-8129
At the sound of the bell, young Cassius Clay Jr. takes his first step into the ring and starts becoming the man the world would come to know as Muhammad Ali. Tickets are $25 plus fees. Show times are primarily matinees on Saturdays and Sundays, with a 7 p.m. show on Feb. 9. Visit www.blacktheatretroupe.org.
‘Waiting for Henson’
All Puppet Players
Feb. 1-23
Playhouse on the Park,
Central Arts Plaza
1850 N. Central Ave.
602-254-2151
This nonsensical original show abandons logical construction, rational thought and intellectually usable arguments to prove that irrationality, self-awareness and puppets are a lethal combination when someone tries to assign meaning to them. Tickets are $26 general admission, $55 VIP. Visit www.allpuppetplayers.com.
‘One Night in Memphis’
7:30 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 9
Madison Center for the Arts
5601 N. 16th St.
602-664-7777
A rocking concert tribute to legendary Sun Records recording artists Carl Perkins, Johnny Cash, Jerry Lee Lewis and Elvis Presley. Over 90 minutes of rockabilly, country, gospel and pure 1950s rock and roll music performed live and backed by an authentic rockabilly band. Tickets are $12-$64 plus fees. Visit www.themadison.org.
‘Shades of Gray’
Vocal Concert
4 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 10
Trinity Cathedral
100 W. Roosevelt St.
602-254-7126
Phoenix vocal ensemble, Helios, brings music by Marc’Antonio Ingegneri, Tomas Luis de Victoria, Carlos Gesualdo, and Orlando di Lasso, featuring early music written for the Holy Week service of Tenebrae. Free and open to the public. Visit www.trinitymusicaz.org.
‘Two Trains Running’
Arizona Theatre Company
Feb. 14-March 3
Herberger Theater
222 E. Monroe
602-252-8497
The story takes place in 1969, in a demolition-slated neighborhood restaurant run by Memphis Lee, who must decide if he should allow the government to take over his building or sell it to a ruthless businessman. All the while, diner regulars fight to hang on to their solidarity and sense of community while they dream about their futures and confront the brutal realties of the present. Tickets are $41-$96 plus fees. Visit www.arizonatheatre.org.
Brett Reed and the Union 32 Quintet
6 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 17
Church of the Beatitudes,
Nelson Hall stage
555 W. Glendale Ave.
602-264-1221
Vibist Brett Reed fronts a dynamic jazz ensemble consisting of Keith Kelly on winds, Adam Roberts on saxes, Ben Hedquist on bass, and Ryan Anthony on drums. With innovative techniques that showcase his 4-mallet approach to the vibes, Reed expands upon the traditional and presents a unique experience for listeners both new and schooled in the art of jazz. Admission is a suggested $5 donation at the door. Visit www.beatitudeschurch.org/concerts.
‘Pathways of Devotion’
Phoenix Chorale
7:30 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 23
Trinity Cathedral
100 W. Roosevelt St.
602-253-2224
Featuring representations of spiritual adoration and worldly affection from the last 500 years. With music from Purcell to Pärt, Mendelssohn to Larsen, the program concludes with folk songs from Britain and the Americas. A second performance takes place 3 p.m. Feb. 24 at Camelback Bible Church, 3900 E. Stanford Drive. Tickets are $35 adults, $30 seniors/military, and $15 students. Visit www.phoenixchorale.org.
‘Worlds of Wonder’
Center Dance Ensemble
Feb. 28-March 3
Herberger Theater
222 E. Monroe
602-252-8497
Featuring the raw and fascinating “Rite of Spring” choreographed and set to Stravinsky’s magnificent score, preceded by an opening first act of new works focused on “Creation.” Tickets are $14-$28 plus fees. An abbreviated lunchtime performance takes place at 12:10 p.m. Thursday and Friday, tickets are only $7 plus fees. Visit www.herbergertheater.org.
‘Butterfly’s Tongue’
6 p.m. Friday, March 1
Arizona Humanities
1242 N. Central Ave.
602-257-0335
Part of Arizona Humanities’ Foreign Film Fridays. The heartwarming story of the relationship that develops between a shy young boy and his kind teacher in 1936 Spain (movie dated 1999). Free and open to the public. Audience discussion follows.
‘Airness’
March 6-31
Phoenix Theatre
100 E. McDowell Road
602-254-2151
Nina, a newbie to the world of competitive air guitar, thinks it’ll be a cinch to take home a win. Spoiler alert: It’s definitely not. With the help of Shreddy, Golden Thunder, and Facebender, Nina has to learn to let go of her inhibitions. Tickets are $36 to $86, fees included. Visit http://www.phoenixtheatre.com/airness.
‘An American in Paris’
Arizona Broadway Theatre
March 8-24
Herberger Theater
222 E. Monroe
602-252-8497
A musical adaptation of the Academy Award-winning film featuring some of George and Ira Gershwin’s most beloved music, this is an enduring story of hope, romance, and love in a city rebuilding from the heartbreak of World War II. Tickets are $44-$73 plus fees. Visit www.herbergertheater.org.
‘Matt & Ben’
B3 Theater
March 1-3 & 8-9
Aside Theatre
3508 N. 7th St., Ste. 130B
520-261-0288
The irreverent story of how Matt Damon and Ben Affleck “wrote” a smash hit movie. With the main characters written to be, and played by, women, “Matt & Ben” is a farcical look at friendship and stepping into greatness. Tickets are $20. Visit www.asidetheatre.com.
