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Gilbert Sun News, October 2015: Arts

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Higley Center is town’s best-kept secret

One of the best-kept gems in the Valley is located in the town’s own backyard.

The Higley Center for the Performing Arts (HCPA) is both a concert and performance center, serving patrons of all ages. The HPCA, which marks its 10th anniversary next year, seats 186 people in the “Little Theatre” and 1,235 people in the concert hall.

“A lot of people in Gilbert say they don’t have a performance art center because they haven’t discovered us,” said Bob Zucker, HCPA manager.

“Yet, once they discover it is right down the street, they realize we’re a professional arts center with professional performances. The Higley Center for Performing Arts might have the word ‘Higley,’ but we are here for the entire community of Gilbert. We want to serve the entire town.”

Mary-Jo Okawa, founder and artistic producing director of Copperstar Repertory Company in Chandler, recently presented “Les Miserables” at the center. Founded in Gilbert, Copperstar was a resident theater company and partner of HCPA for five seasons.

“This is a beautiful facility with a wonderful staff and personnel,” Okawa said. “There’s truly not a bad seat in the house. It feels intimate in the way they designed it. People need to make the venture out there.”

Okawa added that it’s especially true for children, who may not getting the arts in school due to budgetary cuts.

“The arts are a great way to round up children’s education,” Okawa said. “It really would be a benefit to families with young children and adults to experience.”

Zucker said another appeal of the center is the cost.

“I think you’ll find tickets priced very reasonably,” he said. “We’ve been very sensitive to that need to serve all different parts of the community.”

However, HCPA’s future depends on volunteers, donations and sponsorships. Zucker, who has worked for the center for eight years, said the facility’s rental fees help offset costs, but high-quality performances are expensive.

“Gilbert businesses are beginning to wake up to the fact that they need to support us because it makes the town more diversified,” Zucker said. “The future is only as bright as the money I can reserve.”

Season ticket holders Jim and Kally Reynolds agree.

The Gold Canyon residents are avid supporters of the arts and HCPA. The couple said the center stands out for many reasons, including its sound system, orchestra pit and “amazing array of talent.”

“The arts color the fabric of our lives. We need to support our local facilities like the Higley Center,” Jim said. “My dream

would be that the place would be sold out one day.”

Zucker said regardless of the center’s future, he’ll continue advocating excellent customer service.

“I’m always available to talk to a patron. I greet people by their first name an hour before the performances. It’s a whole different approach—that’s the feeling you get everywhere here. We want to make it an enjoyable show for them,” he said. “If anyone asks us for anything, the answer is ‘no problem.’”

Sneak

preview of this season

There’s something for everybody at the Higley Center for the Performing Arts.

According to HCPA Manager Bob Zucker, the center caters to all ages.

“We have a number of shows for active adults, seniors and a number of shows for families and ones designed for grandparents to bring their grandchildren to shows,” he said.

A preview of some of the performances lined-up for the 2015-16 season include:

Oct. 10: The Magic and Illusions of Eric Giliam

The former world teen magic champion provides a 90-minute live show of magic, laughter, fascination and crowd participation. This year he will bring a new twist to the classic “separating a person in half” with the help of his assistant.

Oct. 16: The Rave: A Tribute to the British Invasion

The British Invasion features songs from The Beatles to The Zombies, faithfully recreated to take patrons back in time.

Nov. 4: Mandy Barnett

A frequent guest on the Grand Ole Opry, Barnett performs her own music, country and pop classics. Her 2011 “Sweet Dreams” album features renditions of songs previously recorded by Patsy Cline.

Nov. 21: Wyatt Earp: A Life on the Frontier Set in the mid-1920s, an elderly Wyatt Earp tells of his adventures during the final days of the American frontier from Arizona to Alaska.

Dec. 5: Phoenix Children’s Chorus 2015“When You Believe”

The acclaimed 300-member chorus kicks off the season with its annual holiday concert “Noel.”

Dec. 18-20: Southwest Youth Ballet Presents “The Nutcracker”

The energy of the Southwest Youth Ballet and the music of the Chandler Symphony Orchestra enhance the audience’s experience for a not-to-miss holiday favorite.

In addition to the performances, the HCPA Foundation for Arts, Culture and Education offers “Building Bridges” Feb. 1 and Feb. 2. The seventh annual program provides teachers and students an interactive platform to teach life lessons. Topics range from antiviolence to respect through Grammy award-winner Tom Chapin’s songs. The cost is free to participating classrooms.

Season and individual tickets to all per-

formances can be purchased at the box office, by phone or online. The box office is located at the center, 4132 E. Pecos Rd. It is open from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. Monday through Friday, except holidays. Ticket prices and showtimes vary. Discounts available for children, students, seniors and season ticket holders. Concession items are also available for purchase at a nominal fee. For more information, call (480) 279.7194 or www.higleyarts.org.

Phoenix Children’s Chorus. Submitted photo
Mandy Barnett. Submitted photo Wyatt Earp. Submitted photo
The Rave. Submitted photo

Giliam brings magic and illusions to HCPA

Eric Giliam’s performances are far from ordinary.

Take a classical magic trick, add lighting, sound effects and music a la Ludwig van Beethoven and Michael Jackson and abracadabra, the audience has magic. Literally.

“A lot of magicians do the same things as other magicians,” Giliam said. “One thing about my show is that I really like music that enhances. That’s one of the things that really work in my favor. If I’m doing a classic magic act, I add a twist to it with music, lighting and sound effects. I keep it fresh.”

Giliam will cast his “fresh twist to magic” with a 90-minute performance Saturday, Oct. 10, at the Higley Center for the Performing Arts. (HCPA). Performance times are 1 p.m., 4 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. Costs vary.

A former World Teen Magic champion, the 24-year-old has won numerous awards for his performances including the most original and innovative stage act presented to him by Siegfried and Roy in Las Vegas. Giliam has traveled within the Valley and Southwest to as far as Europe where he’s

performed on primetime TV shows.

But the Phoenix resident admits he was a fairly shy 12-year-old when his interest in magic was sparked by his idol David Copperfield’s performance in his native state of Alaska. Soon he was devouring magic books, watching YouTube videos of professional magicians and participating in an Alaskan magic club, which helps children discover the fun and self-confidence from performing magic.

“I just clicked with it and broke out of my shell. My friends always motivated me to show them a new trick,” he said.

Giliam also attended Jeff McBride’s Magic and Mystery School in Las Vegas where master teachers provide practical lessons and hands-on training.

“It’s a class that goes deep into the art of magic and perfecting magic as an art,” he said.

Eventually, Giliam transformed his talent into a career. In addition to critiquing his acts by filming himself, he adds new acts to the familiar ones.

One in particular plays homage to his native state, incorporating a winter scene in his performance.

“I thought I would bring some Alaska weather to the warm Valley,” Giliam said on HCPA’s website.

According to Bob Zucker, HCPA manager, Giliam is an audience favorite, especially for families.

“Of all the shows presented this year, his is one that has returned year after year. He does a great job,” Zucker said.

This year Giliam and his assistant will feature a new, grand illusion to his act, adding a twist to the classic “separating a

person in half,” but always keeping it “fun.”

“Some magic shows can be edgy. I try to keep it to all ages,” he said. “I pretty much relax and have fun. I think the audience can really tell and feed off my energy. It’s really comfortable for me. Magic is an overall good time.”

To purchase tickets, contact the box office call center at (480) 840-0457 or at www.higleyarts.org. For more information about the show visit www.MagicEric.com or call (480) 492-8470.

Eric Giliam. Submitted photo

“Heaven Can Wait” a comic fantasy gem

Light-hearted comedy is the theme as “Heaven Can Wait” continues through Nov. 17 at the Hale Centre Theatre. The fun starts when professional boxer, Joe Pendleton, is called to the Pearly Gates 60 years too soon—or so he thinks. Mr. Jordan, the man in charge of preparing the departed for entry into Paradise, ironically agrees. So, quick as a wink, Joe is returned to Earth but in the body of a Mr. Farnsworth, a scheming millionaire who has just been murdered by his equally scheming and greedy wife.

At once touching and funny, the action sees Joe getting back into the boxing ring and falling in love with a young lady who was framed by Farnsworth and had been sent to prison. Both comedy and tension mount as the real Farnsworth’s diabolical wife plans to murder him yet again. After all, if at first you don’t succeed, try, try again.

Full of witty dialogue and fascinating characters, Harry Segal’s “Heaven Can Wait” is a delightful mixture of fantasy, comedy and a love story. It was the basis for several films including the 1941 “Here Comes Mr. Jordan,” which

garnered an Academy Award for best original story. That production starred Robert Montgomery as Joe and Claude Raines as Mr. Jordan.

The 1978 version starred Warren Beatty, James Mason and Julie Christie. For many years Segal was a contract writer for Metro-Goldwyn-Mayor, Paramount Pictures and Universal Studios, creating screen plays for numerous films including Bret Harte’s “The Outcasts of Poker Flats” and James Hilton’s “Lost Horizons.” He later used his talents to

create numerous memorable television shows including several for the highly acclaimed “Playhouse 90.”

The sparkling cast features familiar faces as well as new talent, under the skilled hand of Alaina Beauloye, who is directing her third production for the Hale Centre Theatre. Previously, she helmed this year’s shows “The Man Who Came to Dinner” and “Lend Me a Tenor,” as well as the 2012 children’s show, “Snow White.” Originally from New York City, Beauloye boasts an extensive

list of credits including Broadway, film and commercials. In addition to directing she has appeared in more than 20 Hale productions and is a two-time ariZoni winner.

For “Heaven Can Wait” tickets, call (480) 497-1181 or visit www.haletheatrearizona.com. The theater is located at 50 W. Page Ave., downtown Gilbert.

Cruising for a Cause

Join the Dignity Health Foundation East Valley on November 7, 2015 to support excellent cardiac care.

Volunteers and supporters are coming together for the annual Laughter is the Best Medicine Fundraising Gala –this year’s theme is Cruising for a Cause on the Love Boat.

Our team of heart and vascular experts require the highest training and the best equipment available because they have a most important job – letting your heart love longer. So please join us on November 7, 2015 at the Sheraton Wild Horse Pass Resort & Spa to show your love for excellent cardiac care in the East Valley.

Monday, September

WEEK 2

Monday, October 5 - Thursday, October 8

WEEK 3

Monday, October 12 - Thursday, October 15

on October 15th at 3pm

WEEK 4

Monday, October 19 - Thursday, October 22

on October 22nd at 3pm

ON STAGE

“Something Afoot,” through Saturday, Oct. 10, HCT. Watch the mystery unfold when a group of unlucky guests meet their timely demise.

“Heaven Can Wait,” through Nov. 17, HCT. Joe Pendleton is not dead. He is sure of it, despite the fact that his spirit is in limbo.

“Peking Dreams,” Thursday, Oct. 1, MAC. The National Circus and Acrobats of The People’s Republic of China were founded in 1958, and since that time the company has been dedicated to the innovation of and excellence in the circus and acrobatic art.

“Swan Lake,” Friday, Oct. 2, CCA. The Russian Grand Ballet will present the full-length classic production of Tchaikovsky’s “Swan Lake.”

Brooke Evers, Saturday, Oct. 3, MDNC. Australian-born Brooke Evers has quickly become one of the most exciting DJs on the circuit.

“Zoltan Maga, From Budapest with Love,” Wednesday, Oct. 14, MAC. Experience fiery music and Hungarian folk dance brought to life by a case of hand-picked singers, costumed ballroom dancers and chamber orchestra.

Orquesta Buena Vista Social Club Adios Tour, Thursday, Oct. 15, MAC. This is the last time fans will be able to experience the live spirited celebration of Cuban sound and culture.

Cazzette, Friday, Oct. 16, MDNC. Alexander Björklund and Sebastian Furrer, better known by their stage name Cazzette, are a dance music duo from Sweden.

Flip Orley, Friday, Oct. 16, through Sunday, Oct. 18, IMP. He has singlehandedly reshaped the image of hypnosis from its vaudeville image, to an act that is hip and edgy.

Taylor Davis, Sunday, Oct. 18, MAC. She is a classically trained American violinist, arranger and composer, whose passion for video game and film music led her to launcher her widely popular YouTube Channel “ViolinTay” in 2010.

24, MDNC.

pronounced dubs, is comprised of brothers Christopher and Alex van den Hoef.

Dia de los Muertos Festival, Saturday, Oct. 24, and Sunday, Oct. 25, MAC. The Day of the Dead festival will feature delicious foods, a colorful Mercado featuring an assortment of Dia de los Muertos merchandise, jewelry, arts and crafts.

Youssou N’Dour, Thursday, Nov. 5, MAC. This world music superstar was first heard in the United States as the distinctive voice featured in Peter Gabriel’s hit song “In Your Eyes.”

Portland Cello Project, Friday, Nov. 6, MAC. Indie group Portland Cello Project wows audiences with extravagant performances everywhere from “Prairie Home Companion” to punk clubs.

“Evil Dead: The Musical,” Tuesday, Nov. 10, through Sunday, Nov. 15, MAC. The hilarious, record-breaking Canadian musical tells the outrageous story of five college friends spending the weekend in an abandoned cabin in the woods after accidentally unleashing an evil force that turns them all into demons.

VENUES

CCA—Chandler Center for the Arts

250 N. Arizona Ave., Chandler Tickets: (480) 782-2680, www. chandlercenter.org

HCT—Hale Center Theatre

50 W. Page Ave., Gilbert Tickets: (480) 497-1181, www. haletheatrearizona.com

IMP – IMPROV

930 E. University Dr., Tempe Tickets: (480) 921-9877 or http:// tempeimprov.com

MAC—Mesa Arts Center One E. Main St., Mesa Tickets: (480) 644-6500, www. mesaartscenter.com

MDNC—Maya Day + Nightclub 7333 E. Indian Plaza, Scottsdale Tickets: (480) 284-6033, www. mayaclubaz.com

Know what happens when you don’t advertise?

OCTOBER 23-24, 2015

FRIDAY & SATURDAY | 10AM – 5PM

EARLY ENTRY 9AM FREE PARKING HORSESHOE PARK & EQUESTRIAN CENTER QUEEN CREEK

DVBBS, Saturday, Oct.
Canadian dance music duo DVBBS,

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