‘Single Black Female’
Black Theatre Troupe
Through June 9
Helen K. Mason
Performing Arts Center
1333 E. Washington St.
602-258-8129
A show of rapid-fire comic vignettes that explore the lives of two African-American middle-class women in urban America. As a English literature professor and 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.
‘The Chinese Helped Build the Railroad, The Railroad Helped Build America’
Through June 26
@Central Gallery
Burton Barr Central Library
1221 N. Central Ave.
The Transcontinental Railroad was completed on May 10, 1869 when a ceremonial “golden spike” was driven into the rail at Promontory, Utah. The thousands of Chinese immigrants—who worked alongside Irish immigrants, Mormons, Native Americans, Free Blacks and others to lay more than 1,900 miles of track—are honored in a photo exhibit organized by the Chinese Railroad Workers Project at Stanford University, Li Ju, and Monica Yeung Arima; and supported locally by the Chinese American Citizens Alliance–Phoenix Lodge, and the Chengdu and Taipei City Committees of Phoenix Sister Cities. Free and open to the public during library hours.
‘Translations’
Artists Reception
6-9 p.m. Friday, June 7
Olney Gallery,
Trinity Episcopal Cathedral
100 W. Roosevelt St.
623-826-9912
Gori Bautista and Armondo Williams grew up worlds apart, though both have a love for comic books—and both started their careers as graffiti artists. They offer two very different “translations” of the world around them. The reception is free and open to the public. The exhibit runs through June 26. Business hours are 9 a.m.-3 p.m. Monday through Friday. Free parking is available for guests in the adjacent garage.
‘Spamilton: An American Parody’
June 12-30
Phoenix Theatre
1825 N. Central Ave.
602-254-2151
From Gerard Alessandrini, the mastermind behind the legendary Forbidden Broadway, comes a sidesplitting new musical that roasts, eviscerates and celebrates Lin-Manuel Miranda’s hit Broadway musical “Hamilton.” Tickets are $38-$88, fees included. Visit https://www.phoenixtheatre.com/calendar.
‘Freaky Friday: A New Musical’
Valley Youth Theatre
June 14-30
Herberger Theater
222 E. Monroe
602-252-8497
When an overworked mother and her teenage daughter magically swap bodies, they have just one day to put things right again. Freaky Friday, a new musical based on the celebrated novel by Mary Rodgers and the hit Disney films, is a heartfelt, comedic, and unexpectedly emotional update on an American classic. Includes intermission. Tickets are $20.50-$39.50 plus fees. Visit www.herbergertheater.org.
‘NTL: I’m Not Running’
1 p.m. Sunday, June 16
Phoenix Art Museum,
Whiteman Hall
1625 N. Central Ave.
602-257-1880
National Theatre Live (NTL) brings the best of the British stage, via film, to cinemas and museums worldwide. In “I’m Not Running,” Pauline Gibson has spent her life as a doctor, the inspiring leader of a local health campaign. When she crosses paths with her old boyfriend, a stalwart loyalist in Labour Party politics, she’s faced with an agonizing decision. What’s involved in sacrificing your private life and your piece of mind for something more than a single issue? Does she dare? Tickets are $15 for museum members and $18 for nonmembers (does not include general admission to the museum). Visit https://tickets.phxart.org/.
‘The Addams Family’
Arizona Broadway Theatre
July 12-28
Herberger Theater
222 E. Monroe
602-252-8497
It’s the ultimate nightmare: daughter Wednesday, the ultimate Princess of Darkness, has grown up and fallen in love…with a sweet young man from a respectable family! While her parents wonder “Where did we go wrong,” all Wednesday wants is one normal night—but everything is about to change as they host a dinner for her fiancé and his parents. Tickets are $44-$73 plus fees. Visit www.herbergertheater.org.
‘Mummies of the World: The Exhibition’
Through Sept. 2
Arizona Science Center
600 E. Washington St.
The exhibit features 40 real human and animal mummies and 85 rare artifacts from across the globe. This blockbuster exhibition, arriving in Phoenix straight from Budapest, Hungary, provides a window into the lives of ancient people from every region of the world including Europe, South America and Ancient Egypt, offering unprecedented insights into past cultures and civilizations. Timed-entry tickets required in addition to regular general admission. Visit www.azscience.org/mummies.
