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Arts
October 2015
Higley Center is town’s best-kept secret BY JULIA DE SIMONE
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
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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.
Phoenix Children’s Chorus. Submitted photo
Mandy Barnett. Submitted photo
Wyatt Earp. Submitted photo
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.
The Rave. Submitted photo
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.