Opening Nights | November 2016

By Richard Schultz, November 2016 Issue.

A Vampire Tale 13

Oct. 27-Nov. 5

Dubbed “The Nutcracker of Halloween,” this yearly haunt, presented by Scorpius Dance Theatre, is celebrating its 13th consecutive season. How lucky for local audiences! Audiences will be indulged with all the trimmings of a dark and sexy drama with quirky and comedic episodes and visually stunning dance and aerial feats. This sell-out production predates all of the current pop culture vampire phenomena and evolves annually to keep audiences coming back for more with the look and feel of a live concert.

In A Vampire Tale, 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.

A Vampire Tale 13

Oct. 27-Nov. 5

Hormel Theatre at Phoenix Theatre

100 E. McDowell Road, Phoenix

Tickets: $29-$45; 602-254-2151

scorpiusdance.com

Piaf! The Show

Through Oct. 22

This tribute show celebrates the life and music of legendary French actress and singer Edith Piaf (1915–1963), one of the 20th century’s greatest performers. Starring vocalist Anne Carrere, the multimedia show narrates the rags-to-riches story of the Parisian singer’s career through her classic songs and never-before-seen photographs. Carrere and a quartet of musicians on piano, percussion, accordion and double bass take the audience on an unforgettable journey through the streets of Paris during the time of La Vie en Rose. Conceived and directed by Gil Marsalla, Piaf! The Show premiered in 2015 as a tribute to “The Little Sparrow of Montmartre” on the centennial of Piaf’s birthday. It has become a worldwide success, packing theaters and earning rave reviews.

Piaf! The Show

Through Oct. 22

Scottsdale Center for the Performing Arts

7380 E. Second St., Scottsdale

Tickets: $29-$69; 480-499-8587

scottsdaleperformingarts.org

The Sound of Music

Through Oct. 23

This new production, directed by Tony Award-winner Jack O’Brien, tells the spirited and romantic story of Maria and the von Trapp Family. As the final collaboration between Richard Rodgers

and Oscar Hammerstein II, this beloved musical follows a postulant who proves too high-spirited for the religious life and is dispatched to serve as governess for the seven children of a widowed naval Captain. Her growing rapport with the youngsters, coupled with her generosity of spirit, captures the heart of the Captain, and they marry. Upon returning from their honeymoon, they discover the Nazis have invaded Austria and are demanding the Captain’s immediate service to their navy. The award winning score includes “My Favorite Things,” “Do-Re-Mi,” “Climb Ev’ry Mountain” and the title song.

The Sound of Music

Through Oct. 23

ASU Gammage

1200 S. Forest Ave., Tempe

Tickets: $20-$150; 480-965-3434

asugammage.com

Veronica's Room

Through Oct. 29

From Ira Levin, author of Rosemary’s Baby, comes a harrowing labyrinth of suspense, entwining fantasy and reality. Directed by Charles St. Clair, the story begins in 1973. Susan and her

boyfriend, Larry have been enticed to the Brabissant mansion by the Mackeys, a charming, elderly Irish couple who are struck by Susan’s strong resemblance to Veronica, the long-dead daughter of the family for whom they work. Veronica’s room has been untouched by time and has been left exactly as it was in 1935. The mystery deepens as twist after twist unravels the frail threads of reality. Is it 1973 or 1935? Will Susan ever leave Veronica’s room?

Veronica's Room

Through Oct. 29

iTheatre Colloborative

The Kax Stage at Herberger Theater Center

222 E. Monroe, Phoenix

Tickets: $20; 602-252-8497

itheatreaz.org

The Price

Through Oct. 30

This searing drama by Arthur Miller, the voice of the American everyman, is a riveting story about the struggle to make peace with the past and create hope for the future. When the Great Depression cost his family their fortune, Victor Franz gave up his dream of an education to support his father. Three decades later, Victor has returned to his childhood home to sell the remainder of his parents’ estate. His wife, his estranged brother and the wily furniture dealer hired to appraise their possessions all arrive with their own agendas, forcing Victor to confront a long-stifled question about the value of his sacrifice.

The Price

Through Oct. 30

Theatre Artists Studio

4848 E. Cactus Road, Ste. 406, Scottsdale

Tickets: $25; 602-765-0120

thestudiophx.org

Seven Brides for Seven Brothers

Through Nov. 26

“Goin’ courting” has never been as much fun as in this rip-roaring adaptation of the classic MGM film. This rambunctious musical teaches that it takes a bride to turn seven unshaven, unkempt

brothers into manly gentlemen – and to turn desire into romance. Set in Oregon in 1850, Seven Brides for Seven Brothers follows Millie, a young bride, and her plan to civilize and marry off her six rowdy brothers-in-law to ensure the success of her own marriage, which backfires when the brothers, in their enthusiasm, kidnap six women from a neighboring town to be their brides.

Seven Brides for Seven Brothers

Through Nov. 26

Hale Centre Theatre

50 W. Page Ave., Gilbert

Tickets: $18-$32; 480-497-1181

haletheatrearizona.com