and bringing a fresh take on humor to the stage. 7 p.m. and 9:30 p.m. $61. www.livenation.com.
purchase following the Dec. 29 4 p.m. performance. Times vary. $12$30. www.childsplayaz.org.
The Mini-Magic Flute Family Day Dec. 8, Arizona Opera Join Arizona Opera for family fun in Phoenix! This is a great way to explore opera and make family memories that will last a lifetime. Don’t miss this beautiful adaptation of the Magic Flute, when the Queen of the Night persuades a prince to rescue her daughter from captivity under the evil high priest. Share your love of music, enjoy story time, and other fun activities with the Phoenix Opera! 11 a.m. Free, registration required. www. azopera.org.
Frances Smith Cohen’s Snow Queen Dec. 15-16, Herberger Theatre Based on Hans Christian Andersen’s classic wintery fairy tale and set to Prokofiev’s lush score, Center Dance Ensemble brings the wicked Snow Queen to life. Families will delight in the mystical world of sprites, gypsies and ice maidens, while young Gerda seeks to rescue Kai from the evil crystal palace. Take a break from The Nutcracker for this holiday favorite. Times vary by day. $28 adults; $23 seniors; $14 students. www.herbergertheater.org.
The Board of Visitors 65th Annual Fashion Show Luncheon Dec. 8, J.W. Marriott Camelback Inn Resort & Spa Fashion, festivities and fundraising collide at the 65th annual Fashion Show Luncheon. Hosted at J.W. Marriott Camelback Inn Resort & Spa, this annual luncheon brings together family and friends who support the Board of Visitors and its many missions. Fashions from Dillard’s, appearances by the Flower Girls, and professional models, are showcased in this classic holiday season event. 11 am. Individual tickets, $150. www. boardofvisitors.org. 17th Annual Christmas Pudding Dec. 8, Celebrity Theatre Hometown hero, Alice Cooper, will be burning down the house with special guests, Johnny Depp and Joe Perry at this annual fundraiser that raises money for Alice Cooper’s passion project for teens. Cooper’s twist on American Idol, this event has contestants complete with performances and live musical acts. It’s a night packed with surprise performances and guest appearances. After all, the proof will be in the pudding. 7 pm. Tickets start at $120. www. celebritytheatre.com. ALT AZ 93.3 Ugly Sweater Party Dec. 10 & 11, The Van Buren Bust out your ugliest sweater and get ready to jam for two days at the historic Van Buren. ALT AZ and Modelo Especial present The Ugly Sweater Holiday Party, featuring Young the Giant, Barns Courtney and more. New shows are being announced daily and its perfect excuse to dress to impress. 5-10 p.m. Ticket prices vary. www. altaz933.com.
NEAL BRENNAN HERE WE GO TOUR Dec. 15, Stand Up Live Funny man Neal Brennan lights up the stage of Downtown Phoenix’s Stand Up Live, brandishing his own unique comedy style. The writer, director, and comedian is best known as the co-creator of Chappelle’s Show, for which he received three Emmy nominations. Known as “one of the funniest people on Twitter,” Brennan is sure to leave you cracking up and walking away with hilarious sound bites that only he can deliver. 7 pm. $25. www.phoenix.standuplive.com.
Phoenix Ballet’s The Nutcracker Dec. 14-16 & 20-23, Orpheum Theatre The Nutcracker is undoubtedly the most popular story of the season. Let the classically trained dancers of the Phoenix Ballet awe you with their skills, while they dance alongside renowned students who have brought home top awards and honors at major competitions including Youth America Grand Prix, the World Ballet Competition and the International Dance Competition. Danced to Tchaikovsky’s famous score, it’s a performance to cherish. Times vary. $25-$85. www.phoenixballet.org.
Childsplay Presents: Ella Enchanted The Musical Dec. 15-30, The Herberger Theater Center Based on the book by Gail Carson Levine, this is Cinderella with a twist. The charming musical (with music by Deborah Wicks La Puma) follows Ella, a princess who is given the “gift” of obedience at birth. In true fairy tale fashion, the strong-willed protagonist must defeat her evil stepmother along with a hungry ogre and the troublesome curse to find her own voice and rescue herself for a happily ever after ending. Want to get an insider look at the show? There will be a backstage tour available for
Arizona National Livestock Show Dec. 26-30, Arizona State Fairgrounds For over 70 years, the Annual Arizona National Livestock Show at the Arizona State Fairgrounds has showcased the creme de la creme of horse flesh and livestock. Enjoy livestock shows, the Cowboy Classics Western Art & Gear show, a live working ranch horse competition, the ever-popular Chuck Wagon Cook Off, and a Farm Experience interactive area for children, great for all ages. Times vary. $10 parking. www.anls.org. Symphony and Chill: The Music of the Flatscreen Dec. 28-30, Phoenix Symphony Hall Get off the couch and enjoy the haunting music from some of your favorite television shows, in a completely new way. Hear the thrilling scores from hit shows and films like Lost, Downton Abbey, Batman, Superman, The Adventures of Robin Hood, X-Men: The Last Stand and many more of your favorites performed live by The Phoenix Symphony. Friday and Saturday, 7:30 p.m.; Sunday, 2 p.m. $25$103. www.phoenixsymphony.org. Desert Financial Fiesta Bowl Parade Presented by Cheez-it Dec. 29, Central Phoenix The Desert Financial Fiesta Bowl Parade will showcase a pageantry of brilliantly colored floats, giant balloons, equestrian units, charitable groups, local celebrities and marching bands that will make their way down the 2-mile route through central Phoenix. Arizona Cardinals president Michael Bidwell has been named grand marshal of the parade and the Fiesta Bowl has invited teachers from across the city to march in the festivities as a show of unity. 10 am. Free. www. fiestabowl.org.
Uptown December '18
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