Though the temperatures are still dying down and the leaves have yet to change, Arizonans can enjoy the beginnings of fall with the start of the long-awaited art season. The special time of year is famous in the Southwest for its spectacular theater programs, dance performances and art exhibitions that come with the cozy season. The following is a glimpse into this season’s art programs.
The Drunk Shakespeare Society
Phoenix, through Jan. 14
A new show has entered the Valley’s The Rose Theatre, offering a hilariously fun spin on the timeless tale of Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet. The twist? The actors take five shots of alcohol before the show. The play is New York Times Critic Pick and is considered to closely resemble “Drunk History,” with each show offering a new experience with rotating actors and drunk shenanigans. The play is 21-plus only, with tickets starting at $39, depending on seating. To learn more about The Drunk Shakespeare Society, visit drunkshakespeare.com.
Bandstand
Phoenix, through Oct. 23
After being described as, “An open-hearted musical that will have you clapping your hands and clenching your fists, tapping your toes and blinking back tears” by the New York Times, Bandstand has come to The Phoenix Theatre Company for the fall season. The show is a spectacular musical following a story of hope, purpose and redemption for a group of World War II veterans. Tickets start at $55 but vary depending on the seat and date. To learn more about Bandstand, visit phoenixtheatre.com.
Scottsdale Quarter Fall Concert Series
Scottsdale, through Nov. 12
Enjoy the cooler weather at Scottsdale Quarter with the return of its Fall Concert Series. The lineup will feature a show under the palm trees on select dates until Nov. 12, with local artists like Very Cherry, Shallow Water, Desert Dixie and more expected to play. Picnic baskets from etta will be available for those looking for a romantic dinner with a show. Admission is free, and the series is open to the public. To learn more about the Scottsdale Quarter Fall Concert Series, visit scottsdalequarter.com.
The Lion
Phoenix, through Oct. 15
Back for its 55th fall season, Arizona Theatre Company is kicking off this year’s theater series with a one-person, powerful show, The Lion. The true story, featuring Max Alexander-Taylor in the lead role, tells a tale of finding courage in music. Tickets to the show start at $25 and vary depending on your seats. To learn more about The Lion, visit atc.org.
Illuminated Lives at Lisa Sette Gallery
Phoenix, through Jan. 7
Using photographs of missing indigenous women, artist Benjamin Timpson creates incredible, deconstructed portraits of individuals with butterfly wings, aiming to raise awareness of women in ethnic communities who are most commonly affected by violence and homicide. The series, entitled Illuminated Lives, can be seen at the Lisa Sette Gallery in Phoenix. Ticket prices are to be determined but can be purchased online once available. To learn more about the Illuminated Lives at Lisa Sette Gallery, visit lisasettegallery.com.
Monty Python’s Spamalot
Peoria, through Nov. 6
A new musical is coming to Arizona Broadway Theatre this season is perfect for those who love the classic film “Monty Python and the Holy Grail.” The new show, Monty Python’s Spamalot, retells the legend of King Arthur and his knights with a fun take featuring beautiful showgirls, killer rabbits and new French characters. The insane show is comical, nostalgic and offers the premise to always look on the bright side of life. Ticket prices are to be determined but can be purchased online once available. To learn more about Monty Python’s Spamalot, visit azbroadway.org.
Cinderella
Phoenix, Oct. 20 to Oct. 23
Only available for three dazzling nights, the magical story of Cinderella comes to life at Phoenix Symphony Hall with the help of Ballet Arizona. The nostalgic show offers a spin on the tale as old as time with spectacular dance numbers, beautiful costumes and live music from Phoenix Symphony. Tickets start at $35 and go up in price depending on seating. To learn more about Cinderella, visit balletaz.org.
Canal Convergence
Scottsdale, Nov. 4 to 13
Celebrating 10 years of showcasing large-scale art in and around the Arizona Canal at the Scottsdale Waterfront, Canal Convergence is back this fall and bigger than ever for its grand anniversary. The events will present light-based local art inspired by the event’s past and present works. Each featured piece is ethically made with sustainable sources and will feature water, lights and immersive sound elements. The event is free and open to the public. To learn more about Canal Convergence, visit canalconvergence.com.
Camelback Studio Tour and Art Sale
Scottsdale, Nov. 12 to Nov. 13
The long-awaited Camelback Studio Tour and Art Sale is back for its 14th fall season. The annual event takes you on a venture through 30 artists’ home studios in Phoenix and Scottsdale neighborhoods, showcasing their work and processes. Local artists who attendees can expect to see include Kimberly Harris, a watercolor painter; Kevin Caron, a sculpture and metal artist; and Anita Farrah, a glass and metal jewelry maker. Admission to the tour is free, with purchases for art and goods. To learn more about the Camelback Studio Tour and Art Sale, visit camelbackstudiotour.com.
The Arts Scene Podcast with Lynette and Ari
Digital
This season, a new podcast is entering the digital space with Lynette Carrington, managing editor of Arizona Health & Living Magazine, and Ari Levin, executive director at Madison Center for the Arts. The duo offers a show focusing on performing arts, including music, dance, film and other media subjects located in Phoenix. The podcast, entitled, The Arts Scene Podcast with Lynette and Ari, is now available weekly on Tuesdays. To learn more about The Arts Scene Podcast with Lynette and Ari, visit link.edgepilot.com.
de Sarthe
Scottsdale, through November
A new unique gallery has entered Scottsdale’s growing art scene this past September: de Sarthe. Originally from Hong Kong, de Sarthe offers a free-flow-style exhibit, allowing visitors a new experience with each visit. Its current exhibition is available until mid-November and primarily focuses on humans in relation to unknown subjects like AI, aliens and UFOs and government surveillance. The gallery features works from popular international artists, like Lin Jingjing, Zhong Wei and Ma Sibo, and professionals from Phoenix and California. To learn more about de Sarthe, visit instagram.com/de.sarthe.