I have had some wonderful experiences and memories by participating in events and theater at the Scottsdale Center for the performing arts. From Patsy Cline tributes to Menopause the musical, each visit has left me feeling charmed.
Here is what will be coming up at the center this fall and into 2011.
Talk Cinema is coming to Scottsdale Center for the Performing Arts. It's your chance to see independent and foreign films before their theatrical release. This event will be hosted by a variety of industry experts and you will be able to participate with your own review of each film!
There will be nine screenings in all with price advantages if you are signing up for all showings. Tuesday evening showings begin in October, so plan to join Talk Cinema this fall.
The 41st annual Scottsdale Arts Festival is coming March 11-13. Two Hundred renowned Artists from across the country will attend this honored event, displaying their creations ranging from painting, photography, glass, jewelry, sculpture, wood, ceramics, drawing and pastels, fiber and mixed media exhibits.
The Arts Festival will sponsor an on line auction with proceeds to benefit the Center. There will be live music by local musicians as well as a Wine Country, Market and Beer Garden offering local fare.
Don't forget about 2010 Imagine Nation. This year's theme will be Family Time and Family Fun paying homage to the diversity of the American family! An interactive set up will be enjoyed by the whole family with storytelling and comedy dispersed generously among a wide range of activities reminding us that it doesn't take a boat load of money to have a good time!
The 2010/2011 Performance Calendar is packed with exciting entertainment including Dine Out with The Chefs now in its fifth year. Here's your chance to rub elbows with some of our Top Chefs, sample their creations and enjoy live entertainment.
Steve Martin is coming to town October 10th with a Bluegrass band to perform mostly musical ditties with great aplomb, sprinkled with his one of a kind humor. I have always enjoyed Steve Martin, from Saturday night live performance of "King Tut" to his many great films including my personal favorite "Dirty Rotten Scoundrels".
Next we get a visit from the amazing John Lithgow. Loved him in Third Rock and most recently Dexter as a sinister serial killer that kept even Dexter in awe of his level of proficiency with his craft! I can't forget to acknowledge Life according to Garp and Shrek as part of John Lithgow's repertoire! On October 21st John will be on stage performing his one man show "Stories by Heart" switching up our emotions from one minute to the next with his enthralling style.
Musical Guests will include the legendary Doc Severinsen who has trumpeted his way through an extraordinary career touring with such greats as Tommy Dorsey and Benny Goodman's bands. He has also worked with Phoenix Symphony and we all know him best as Johnny Carson's favorite musical sidekick!
Bernadette Peters will grace the stage in November with her flowing veil of ringlets to perform songs from her "Face of Broadway" show. A brilliant cross between Barbara Streisand and Bette Midler, Miss Peters will light up the stage with her designer gowns and sultry style!
Political farce and folly anyone? The Capitol Steps will be performing their sharp tongued satire leaving no one safe regardless of affiliations, and no stone unturned when it comes to amusing the masses at the expense of our Political leaders.
John Waters will entertain with his biting sharp witticisms over the Christmas Holiday wishing us all a tacky little Christmas with not so subtle adult content reminders of all that holiday fluff we so eagerly anticipate and why we just might as well enjoy it!
Sister's Christmas Catechism will grace the stage in December with yet another audience participation adventure headed by our favorite Nun. This ever changing presentation is for all of the faithful no matter what denomination! You need to be ready to don a crown or veil as some lucky audience members will be trudged on stage to become a living nativity scene during the performance! Great fun for all!
You can also enjoy Cuban Salsa dancing on stage, The Venice Baroque Orchestra, and Spanish Harlem Orchestra, The Romantic music of Robert Schumann, Christmas in Ireland by DANU, Flamenco Dance Classes, and so much more throughout the new year!
Well, I hope this has inspired you to visit the most fabulous Scottsdale Center for the Performing Arts and treat yourself to some of the wonderful confections of theater you deserve!