Tempe Conventions & Visitors Bureau

I’ve been anticipating the arrival of Avenue Q from the moment ASU Gammage  first announced the 2009-10 season.  I could hardly wait for it to open and finally it’s here…all fuzzy, foam rubbery and hilarious.

Loosely-based on Sesame Street and its inhabitants, Avenue Q is one of the funniest Broadway shows ever. The stars are puppets operated by extremely coordinated adult actors who adeptly  manipulate the puppets, while making themselves almost invisible. Some of the puppets resemble certain Sesame Street characters and the songs have a Sesame Street ring to them.  However the residents of Avenue Q are young adults dealing with an adult themes and issues.

Avenue Q irreverently takes on  a number of subjects that can be controversial, such as bigotry, homosexuality, internet porn and graphic puppets sex. Some might find the show offensive.  I, however, about killed myself laughing from the moment the curtain went up.  

Avenue Q will be at ASU Gammage through March 14.  It’s great fun that will have you laughing a lot.

The Yucca Tap Room recently expanded! A friend and I were trying to find a good laid back place to enjoy some music on a week night and noticed as we pulled up to the Yucca Tap Room there was an additional connected bar next door. Inside the main entrance, a DJ was on stage playing music with an artist working to the right of him. It was really neat to see how they both worked together simultaneously on stage; it was almost as if the painter was following his strokes with the music.

The new bar next to it is fully furnished with pool tables, music, and great drinks for everyone to enjoy! They have the whole back wall covered with a huge variety of bottled beers from all around the world as well as over eight draft beers (some of them including beers from our local Four Peaks Brewery in Tempe) to choose from. They had some really good unique tasting beers for a decent price, but don’t forget to bring cash because they do not accept debit/credit cards (There is an ATM is available). This dive bar is a nice place to come to; as soon as I walked into the Yucca Tap Room there was a great sense of atmosphere. Everyone was friendly, enjoying themselves and really excited about the new addition. Come check out the Yucca Tap Room and enjoy great live music any night of the week!

The following link has a list of their calendar of events: http://www.yuccatap.com/live.html

The Stray Cat Bar and Grill has an “Open Mic” every Monday night from 8:00 pm until Midnight. Local musician George Hughes is the host and he will make sure to furnish all musicians with acoustic guitar, bass, and percussions if needed.

For great food, awesome drink specials, and a casual atmosphere, the Stray Cat is the place to be. The staff is extremely friendly and attentive as well.

So gather the friends, come on down and show off your musical talent. The Stray Cat Bar & Grill is located at 2433 East University Drive, Tempe, AZ 85281.

August: Osage County, the superb play by Tracy Letts opened Tuesday night at ASU Gammage and I’m happy to report that I was surprised at how funny it was.  It was hilarious from the moment we were introduced to the intelligent, literate, damaged Westin family and became intimately acquainted with all their weaknesses and strengths.  Members of the dysfunctional family come back their Oklahoma home when Beverly, the alcoholic patriarch, mysteriously disappears. 

From the start, it’s apparent that this family has major issues, starting with the disappearing dad, and moving right along to Violet, the mother who is addicted to practically every prescription drug on the market and her three middle-aged daughters, each in possession of enough emotional baggage to fill the cargo hold of a 747. There is also Violet’s shrewish sister, Mattie Fae and her sweet and simple son, Little Charles who is having an affair with his cousin, the middle sister Ivy; the pot-smoking 14 year-old daughter of the oldest sister, Barbara and her estranged husband George; Steven, the sleazy fiancé of youngest daughter Karen; Charlie, the long suffering husband of Mattie Fae; Johanna, the stoic housekeeper; and the steady and stalwart Sheriff Dean Gilbeau.

All if this could be totally sad and serious. It’s not. It is seriously funny and sufficiently shocking with just enough family tragedy, divisiveness and daggers (metaphorical) to satisfy William Shakespeare. The show stars Estelle Parsons, an amazing force as Violet, who never shrinks from an opportunity to start a good fight with a family member and anyone else in her path.  The rest of the cast is equally remarkable, completely believable, convincing and real. 

I can’t say enough about August: OsageCounty and luckily you have from now through Sunday, January 10 to see for yourself. For tickets visit www.asugammage.com.

Little House on the Prairie, The Musical, based on the novels by Laura Ingalls Wilder, opened Monday night at ASU Gammage. As someone who couldn’t wait for the next episode of the TV series (which ran for almost a decade during the 1970s and 80s), I had difficulty resisting the temptation to compare the stage production to the television version. I haven’t read the books by Laura Ingalls Wilder, so until last night, my only experience with this story of an intrepid family surviving the hardship of settling on the prairie of South Dakota, was the TV series. I’m happy to report that I was not disappointed. I really enjoyed this show.   

Melissa Gilbert, who played Laura, in the TV series, is convincing as the loving, patient and ever self-sacrificing Ma/Caroline. However, the real staring role is that of Laura, played by Kara Lindsay, who was amazing as she grew from a self-centered, rambunctious youth to mature and loving young woman. And what a voice!  The other roles were perfectly cast.  Kate Lopest was hilarious as the annoying, but endearing Nellie Olsen, and I was totally smitten with Kevin Massey, whose gorgeous voice gave me goose bumps, as Laura’s one and only, Almanzo Wilder. Ten-year old Carlie Rose Sonenclar, who played the youngest daughter Carrie, is a tremendous talent at such a young age. I’m sure we’ll be seeing a lot more of her in future Broadway productions.  The sets, lighting and staging simply and poignantly portrayed the austerity of pioneer life in the 1880s. The music and lyrics beautifully expressed the triumphs and travails experienced by the tenacious pioneers who had the guts to pull up roots and  venture west.  It’s top notch family entertainment–a wonderful gift this holiday season.  

Little House on the Prairie runs through December 13.  For a look at ASU Gammage from a performer’s point of view, read Kevin Massey’s (Almanzo Wilder) blog on http://asugammage.blogspot.com/. 

It’s that time of year again. Thanksgiving is over, the tryptophan has all worn off, the amazing leftovers all but devoured. Now the holiday shopping mayhem begins, and of course we have all put it off until the last minute because the months have just flown by. If you, like many others, were brave enough to shop at Tempe Marketplace, Arizona Mills or the Mill Avenue District this past weekend for Black Friday, you know first hand that getting a great deal is what shoppers are all about this holiday season. It is now Cyber Monday which is great for those of us who can’t handle the crowds and the chaos of in store shopping but still want a great deal.

This weekend, December 4-6, on Mill Avenue is the 41st Annual Tempe Festival of the Arts which is another great place to look for gifts for the art lover in your family. Or if you are just looking for something to do it is a great way to spend the weekend, walking around Mill Avenue with friends enjoying the fact that the weather is still amazing and it is the first weekend of December. The vendors have art on display ranging from affordable to very expensive, and admiring is also welcome. I would suggest taking the Light Rail because Mill Avenue will be closed off for the Festival. In conjunction with this event the Arizona Wine Growers Association hosts the Arizona Wine Festival. Admission is $10 to the wine festival and includes 6 tastings. Admission to the Festival of the Arts is free.

Now to check the book enthusiast in your life off your gift list, head on over to Changing Hands Bookstore and find them just what they need, whether it be their favorite book or a gift card so they can pick something out on their own. While you’re at it you can take some of your old books to trade in to save yourself some money. It is easy to loose track of time there with their great selection of both new and used books, luckily Wildflower Bread Company is right next door so you can grab a quick bite to eat or have breakfast, lunch or dinner.

Just in case after all the holiday shopping you still haven’t quite gotten into the holiday spirit, you should head down to Tempe Town Lake for the APS Fantasy of Lights Boat Parade on Saturday, December 12 at 7:00 p.m. There will be a variety of festively lit boats and people are invited to enter their festively lit vessels as well . The event will be topped off with a fireworks finale. 

I hope you all enjoy your holiday season – don’t forget what it is all about!

This is big and I can hardly wait.  The Phoenix Zoo is opening a new exhibit starring not one, but two monstrous and magnificent Komodo dragons.  The exhibit opens on November 11.  These are the most fascinating creatures and the next best thing to having live prehistoric animals such as a couple of T Rexes living in your community. Komodo dragons’ ancestors actually date back over 100 million years.  They have no natural enemies, except for other dragons–not too surprising considering they can grow up to 10 feet long, weigh more than 300 pounds, can see prey as far as 985 feet way and move pretty fast.  Ironically, they are highly endangered due to habitat loss from natural disasters and human encroachment.  Plus, their habitat is limited to few volcanic Indonesian islands.  All of this makes it even more amazing the Phoenix Zoo will have two off these incredible, hulking lizards for us to love. Speaking of love, I hope it is true love at first sight for both of them and maybe eventually there will be a cute little Komodo dragon in the zoo’s nursery.  Zoo babies are the best.    I’ll see you and the Dragons on November 11 at the Phoenix Zoo.  

Dressing up in costume for Halloween is only part of the fun. For me, the best part is trick or treating, going to a spooky event and of course, seeing what everyone else is wearing. This year, you’ll have plenty of opportunities have a spooky Halloween in Tempe. Here are a few ideas:Go to “Howl-O-Ween,” a new event at The Phoenix Zoo. On Friday and Saturday nights, October 30 and 31, the zoo will be transformed into a frightful place for the brave and not so brave. Intended for ages 8 and up, Howl-O-Ween will feature activities on a scale of 1 to 3 skulls, or levels of scariness. Activities include a spooky train ride, Halloween-themed movies and ghost stories. www.phoenixzoo.org

During the day on Halloween, check out the new Mill Avenue Halloween Music Festival and Food Drive. Perfect for families, this event features raffles, booths and live entertainment by local musicians. Anyone who brings canned or dry food, hygiene items or cleaning products for St. Mary’s Food Bank will be entered into a raffle for great prizes. This event will be in front of MADCAP Theatres at Seventh St. and Mill Ave. www.phoenixvipevents.com

For those 21 and over, don’t miss the “Welcome to Hell” Halloween party and costume contest at The Big Bang. You can see the same entertaining dueling piano show on Friday and Saturday night, October 30-31, along with drink specials and prizes for the costume wearer who’s most likely to go to hell. www.thebigbangbar.com

Frock ‘n’ Roll sashays into MADCAP Theatres on Halloween night. See a live fashion show set to rockin’ live music and then stay for a midnight showing  of the “Rocky Horror Picture Show.” You can also see a double feature, “Zoolander” at 8 p.m. and “Centerfold Girls” at 10 p.m. www.madcaptheaters.com

And, for something a little more subdued, try the themed dinner, “Angels and Demons” at Caffe Boa on Halloween night. Chef Payton Curry will prepare an array of dishes a la carte including the midnight-black risotto with pancetta and squid ink, Lolarossa organic green salad, fresh mozzarella-stuffed Campari tomatoes with purple basil and many more sinful and angelically good creations. The hip and cool Caffe Boa’s décor will be transformed as well, making you think that Dracula himself will be your dinner date. Reservations are recommended. www.cafeboa.com

It’s great riding the light rail to an art exhibit or performance in Tempe, Phoenix and
Mesa. No traffic, no parking fees; just get on and get off. The stops are so conveniently located, you just have a quick walk and voila you’re there. No hassles, easy peasy.  Now, it’s a snap to figure out exactly which rail stop you need thanks to the new METRO Arts and Culture Ride Guide.  

This handy dandy little guide features photos, descriptions and contact information for each venue on the line in Tempe, Phoenix and Mesa along with station maps and bus connections. Getting to great entertainment is as easy as (1) choosing the venue, (2) using the guide to find the nearest light rail stop and (3) buying a transit pass.

You can pick up a copy of the guide at The Tempe Visitor Center at 51 W. 3^rd street, Suite 105 and at numerous city of Tempe facilities, including the Public Library, the Tempe Center for the Arts, the Tempe Transportation Center. You’ll also find it on line www.tempe.gov/TCA .  I like the hard copy because it’s the perfect size for your purse or pocket.

The Phantom of the Opera is one of my all-time favorite Broadway shows – and it will be performing at ASU Gammage in less than two weeks!! The music is beautiful and haunting and mysterious – and is entirely captivating! The story comes alive on the stage for me every time I see it, and it almost seems to get better and better each time as well. If you haven’t had a chance to see this show yet, this is the perfect opportunity to experience this timeless story of seduction, love and despair.

Performances will be held at ASU Gammage from October 28 – November 22. Tickets are still available so get yours soon! Visit http://www.asugammage.com for tickets and showtimes.