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56 May 18 – 31, 2013 www.SanTanSun.comArts

The Decision Portraits by Susan Lenz

Portraits in TextileMay 18 - July 26

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TOPIA returns to Desert Botanical Gardens with Chandler dancer

By Tracy HouseWith the stunning Papago Buttes as a backdrop

against the night sky, Ballet Arizona’s TOPIA has returned to the Desert Botanical Gardens for a second season. This unique production, by Artistic Director Ib Andersen, was created specifically for the Desert Botanical Garden and inspired by the natural beauty of the Sonoran Desert landscape.

“TOPIA is a ballet that was made for Arizona,” says Joseph Cavanaugh, a Chandler resident and one of the performers. “It’s panoramic ballet because the stage is 80 feet. A normal stage is about 40 feet, so it’s twice as long.”

Cavanaugh began dancing with Ballet Arizona in 2001 and is performing in TOPIA for the second season. Since joining Ballet Arizona, Cavanaugh has originated featured roles and danced solo and principal roles in numerous productions, including performing on the Kennedy Center stage in 2010, originating a role in Andersen’s “Diversion.” He began his professional

training at the Virginia School of the Arts going on to graduate from the Royal Winnipeg Ballet School Professional Division.

Set to “Beethoven’s 6th Symphony,” Cavanaugh explains that TOPIA is different movements interpreting the music or an idea. “The movements, you just kind of soak it in,” he says.

The production is 45 minutes with five movements and utilizes the entire Arizona Ballet company, 30 to 36 dancers.

“The idea when it was created was for the ballet to be a type of landscape,” Cavanaugh says. “The naked eye can’t really pick up the entire production in one sitting. There will be different places on stage that you’ll be attracted to and there are different things happening.”

Cavanaugh mentions there are challenges to performing in the desert night. “The desert loses heat quickly so sometimes it can get kind of chilly on stage,” he says. For dancers, it means that muscles may not work at optimum functioning levels.

“There are little dust storms that kick up,” he adds. “When you see a cloud of dust coming across you as you’re dancing it’s a little added distraction. It’s not engineered by us. The bugs and small animals run around—none have come on stage—but a few of the dancers have ducked because of bats or birds swooping.”

Performing at the garden, Cavanaugh explains, the energy is quite different because the dancers are connected to the wilderness, to the outside. “It

very calming for me and very intimate because of the small audience,” he mentions. “We’re not separated from them (the audience) so we feel their energy, so it’s a very intimate experience.”

Performing outdoors at such a distinctive venue gives a different perspective of dance and to the natural beauty of the Arizona desert. “Arizona is not the most high arts culture accepting environment,” Cavanaugh explains. “So to have something that’s tangible and available and designed for Arizona is a nice thing especially being from here. You don’t find too many events that are tailored for your home.”

This is the final season for TOPIA and last season sold out. “It’s a special event, we’re really proud to bring it back,” Cavanaugh says.

TOPIA is running through June 1 at the Desert Botanical Gardens. Doors open at 6:30 p.m. with performances at 8 p.m. Reserved tables are available for $55 per seat and general seating for $40 per seat. Exclusive pricing is available for Desert Botanical Garden members and Ballet Arizona subscribers. Dining options are available. Audiences can arrive early to explore the garden.

Tickets are available through ticketmaster.com or by calling Ballet Arizona box office at 602-381-1096.

Tracy House is a freelance writer living in Ironwood Vistas with her husband and four children. She can be reached at [email protected].

ABOUT BALLET ARIZONA: Ballet Arizona is in its 33rd season and connects to more than 25,000 children and families every year through its free and low-cost outreach programs. Submitted photo

Joseph Cavanaugh: Cavanaugh, who was born and raised in Phoenix, moved to Chandler about three years ago near Dobson Place.

May 18 – 31, 2013 57www.SanTanSun.com Arts

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58 May 18 – 31, 2013 www.SanTanSun.comArts

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Request favorite jazz tunes from Dixie Band Guitar duo performs jazz locally

Stitches capture inspirational moments

Logo design contest seeks aspiring artists

The audience controls the show as an “All Requests” musical event, featuring “Doc” Chaney’s Dixie Band, begins at 1 p.m. Sun., May 19 at the Crowne Plaza San Marcos Golf Resort, One San Marcos Pl., Chandler.

The band will play nothing but the audience’s favorite tunes during the show, presented by the Arizona Classic Jazz Society.

Requests should be made in writing; either bring the song name already on paper or fill out a form at the door. The band will play as many tunes as time allows.

Cost for ACJS members is $10, nonmembers pay $15 and those ages 17 and younger are admitted for free. For more information, go to azclassicjazz.org or call 480-620-3941.

Enjoy a wide variety of jazz—from the standards and contemporary to bossa nova and original compositions—as The Vandal Hancock Duo performs at two venues in Chandler this month.

Matt Vandal and Devon Hancock bring their musical stylings to the Crowne Plaza San Marcos Golf Resort, One San Marcos Pl., 6 to 9 p.m. Sat., May 25. Built in 1912, the historic San Marcos Golf Resort’s AJ’s Restaurant features steak, seafood, pasta and more, while a more casual atmosphere can be found in the adjacent 1912 Lounge.

You also can find The Vandal

Hancock Duo performing from 6 to 9 p.m. Sun., May 26, at La Stalla Cucina Rustica, 68 W. Buffalo St. La Stalla features recipes from the Vetrati family of Puglia, Italy, the region best known as the heel of Italy’s “boot,” as well as a bountiful wine selection.

Vandal and Hancock combine their smooth jazz guitars to provide an enjoyable dining and entertainment experience. Songs include “Take 5,” “Wilson’s Blues,” “What’s Goin’ On,” “Kip Patch,” “A Train” and more.

Vandal’s solo-finger style sound is reminiscent of Leo Kottke and Chet Atkins, both of whom are clear influences. He’s been strumming the guitar since the age of 7 and has played as many styles of music as he can get his hands on.

Hancock teaches guitar lessons at McKnight Guitar in Chandler and is a 2010 graduate of Horizon Community Learning Center in Phoenix. He lives in Tempe and is the son of Laurie Fagen of Fox Crossing.

For more information about The Vandal Hancock Duo, visit mattvandalmusic.com. To make a reservation at La Stalla Cucina Rustica, call 480-855-9990. To reserve at table at AJ’s Restaurant, call 480-857-4422.

The Vision Gallery in downtown Chandler hosts a new exhibit by multimedia artist Susan Lenz, through July 26 at the gallery, 10 E. Chicago St., Chandler, on the first floor of Chandler City Hall.

The “Decision Portraits” exhibition will feature images and messages on uniquely crafted art quilts based on major life-altering decisions made by various people from a wide range of differing and diverse situations

and backgrounds. An artist’s reception will take place from 4 to 6 p.m. Sat., May 18, at the gallery, and Lenz will be present.

Visitors to the exhibit are invited to submit their own picture highlighting a life-altering decision to the artist via ISnap, to be used in the exhibition in the future.

Gallery hours are 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday, and 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturdays. Call 480-782-2695 or go to visiongallery.org.

It’s not too late for young artists in kindergarten through 12th grade to submit their original artwork to the nonprofit Five Star Literacy Foundation Inc. logo contest, which ends May 30.

“Since Five Star Literacy Foundation is all about getting books into the hands of

children and inspiring them to read and enjoy them—and maybe even write one of their own someday—we thought it would be appropriate if we had a young artist design the logo,” says Linda Goth, president of FSLF.

One winner will be announced June 15, with a reward of a new basic Kindle. The winning logo will also appear on all the foundation’s media materials and website.

Visit FiveStarLiteracyFoundation.org to download an entry form, read contest rules and get more information. For questions contact Linda Radke at 480-940-8182 or [email protected].

JAZZ DUO: Matt Vandal, left, and Devon Hancock bring their jazz guitar stylings to two Chandler venues this month: The Crowne Plaza San Marcos Golf Resort and La Stalla Cucina Rustica. Photo by Geoff Hancock

May 18 – 31, 2013 59www.SanTanSun.com Arts

July 19-27Tickets: $17-$19, Groups: $15

Family Packs: 4 for $60

Mesa Arts Center 1 E. Main St.MesaArtsCenter.com

SCHOLARSHIPSAVAILABLE!

All about dance at the CCA Circus custom-built for family funIt’s a dance-lover’s dream at the

Chandler Center for the Arts, 250 N. Arizona Ave. in Chandler, beginning with “That’s Entertainment!” presented by Dance Studio 111, 6:30 p.m. Fri. May 31 and Sat., June 1. The production offers a variety of music, song and dance for all ages. Tickets are $18 to $30 plus fees.

Next up is “Shaping Sound,” set for 8 p.m. Fri., June 7. The dance dream that spawned Oxygen’s hit show “All The Right Moves” goes from screen to stage. Emmy-nominated choreographers and “So You Think You Can Dance” superstars Travis Wall, Nick Lazzarini, Teddy Forance and Kyle Robinson lead a dynamic company of contemporary dancers from “SYTYCD,” “Dancing with the Stars” and international tours with recording artists and world-renowned dance companies. Tickets are $39 to $89.

Marilyn Bostic’s Ballet Centre has had a history of putting on beautiful shows for more than 30 years and this year will be no exception, with a performance set to take place 7 p.m. Thu., June 13. This year the show will feature dancers from ages 3 to adult, “Dancing Through the Decades,” to music from the 1940s to the present. The show includes all types of dance, from classical ballet to tap dancing, and modern hip-hop to jazz. Tickets are $17 general admission.

Tempe Dance West hosts its annual recital at the CCA 7 p.m. Thu., June 20, celebrating the success of Tempe Dance West’s students with a presentation for

family and friends, featuring special guest Tempe Dance Company. Tickets are $14 and $16.

Journey to New York with a dad and his daughter hoping to make it big in “A Dancer’s Dream,” on stage 7 p.m. Sat., June 22. Presented by Wagner Dance and Music and the leadership of Artistic Director Denise Wagner, the show features an eclectic repertoire of works by the world’s up-and-coming choreographers. A legendary snippet of “Cinderella” and the famous Daddy Daughter Dance are included in this production. Tickets are $14 and $16.

For more information or tickets to any of the above shows, call the CCA box office at 480-782-2680 or go to chandlercenter.org.

A brand-new circus from Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey will be unleashed from shipping crates right before the audience’s eyes as “Built To Amaze!” comes to US Airways Center, 201 E. Jefferson St. in downtown Phoenix, June 26 through July 1.

Ringmaster Andre McClain takes the Ringling Bros. reins accompanied by his horse Comanche, to lead his circus supervisors to construct a design of heart-pounding and hilarious performances. The circus boasts more than 110 of the world’s best artists and athletes representing 17 countries along with 95 exotic and domestic animals assembled together under one big top.

Built to Amaze! is highlighted by several unique acts this year including: Alex and Irina Emelin of Russia and their remarkable trained animals; The Trampoline Tower Tumblers, a troupe of 10 competitive aerial athletes from the Ukraine; and a spirited and comedic basketball competition featuring 10 whirling unicyclists.

In addition, the show features the electrifying high-wire acrobats, daredevil stunts on The Steel Vortex, the youngest female Human Cannonball, remarkable hand-balancing duos and the hilarious Clown Alley.

No Ringling Bros. circus experience would be complete without its four-legged star performers including the majestic Bengal tigers and a fun-filled Asian elephant dance party.

Be sure to come out one hour early to each performance to meet the performers and animals on the show floor, try on costumes, learn dance moves and more at the interactive All Access Pre-Show, with free admission to all ticket holders.

Ticket prices are $20, $25, $45 and $60 for the front row. Admission for children ages 2 through 12 is $10 each on all weekday performances. All seats are reserved; tickets are available through Ticketmaster.com, charge by phone at 800-745-3000 or visit the US Airways Center Box Office.

ALL THE RIGHT MOVES: The dance dream that spawned Oxygen’s hit show “All The Right Moves” goes from screen to stage with “Shaping Sound,” on stage June 7 at the Chandler Center for the Arts. Photo courtesy of the CCA

GIANTS OF SWING: You may not have ever seen an elephant fly, but you can see a whole herd of them get down and boogie during the Asian elephant dance party, part of the Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey circus, “Built to Amaze!” at the US Airways Center in downtown Phoenix. Photo courtesy of Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey

60 May 18 – 31, 2013 www.SanTanSun.comArts

CCA – Chandler Center for the Arts250 N. Arizona Ave., ChandlerTickets: 480-782-2680, ChandlerCenter.org

DBG – Desert Botanical Garden1201 N. Galvin Pkwy., PhoenixTickets: 602-381-1096, Ticketmaster.com

GPYT – Greasepaint Youtheatre7020 E. 2nd St., ScottsdaleTickets: 480-330-5918, greasepaint.org

HCT – Hale Centre Theatre50 W. Page Ave., GilbertInfo: 480-497-1181, haletheatrearizona.com

IMPROV – Tempe Improv930 E. University Dr., TempeInfo: 480-921-9877, tempeimprov.com

MAC – Mesa Arts CenterIkeda – Ikeda Theater; Piper – Piper Theater1 E. Main St., MesaTickets: 480-644-6500, MesaArtsCenter.com

MIM – Musical Instrument Museum4725 E. Mayo Blvd., PhoenixInfo: 480-478-6000, themim.org

PCA – Phoenix Center for the Arts1202 N. 3rd St., PhoenixInfo: 602-254-3100, CarefreeTheatreCo.com

PSH – Phoenix Symphony Hall75 N. 2nd St., PhoenixInfo: 602-381-1096, ticketmaster.com/baz

SCPA – Scottsdale Center for the Performing ArtsVGPT – Virginia G. Piper Theater7380 E. 2nd St., ScottsdaleBox office: 480-499-8587, scottsdaleperformingarts.org

SSP – Silver Star Playhouse5247 E. Brown Rd., MesaInfo: 480-325-6700, silverstarplayhouse.com

SUL – Stand Up Live comedy club50 W. Jefferson St. Level 2, PhoenixBox office: 480-719-6100

TCA – Tempe Center for the ArtsGallery; Studio; Theater700 W. Rio Salado Pkwy., TempeTickets: 480-350-2822, tempe.gov/TCA

On stAge Venue indexFilm examines life of adopted Chinese girl

Kids’ fantasy book comes to life on stage

Chandler resident Mj Nguyen will host a special presentation of the award-winning documentary, “The Invisible Red Thread,” 1:30 p.m. Sat., June 1 at the Downtown Chandler Public Library, Copper Room, 22 S. Delaware St., Chandler.

In 1995 a newborn baby girl was found on the steps of a hospital in the Chinese city of Jiujiang. She was handed over to an orphanage where they named her Li Bao. Six months later she was adopted by a Canadian couple and renamed Vivian. Vivian is now one of more than 100,000 girls who have been adopted worldwide since China opened its doors to international adoption in 1991.

Vivian describes herself as a typical North American teenager, but who might Vivian have been if she hadn’t been one of the international adoptees, and was adopted instead by a Chinese family?

Now a 15-year-old growing up in Toronto, “The Invisible Red Thread” follows Vivian from Canada to China as she discovers her birth land and the life she might have led if she’d remained there.

A discussion facilitated by Stephanie Withrow, M.S., LPC, and adoptive mother, will follow the movie with an exploration of the intersection of adoption, culture and identity and what it means to honor one’s cultural roots.

The screening is part of the community event, “Honoring One’s Cultural Roots,” which takes place at the library from 1 to 4 p.m. that afternoon.

There will be a brief introduction preceding the film by Nguyen, who is a Taiwanese adoptee and writes about transracial adoption at beyondtwoworlds.com. To learn more about the documentary, visit the official website at theinvisibleredthread-themovie.com.

Celebrating the 50th anniversary of Madeline L’Engle’s beloved book, Childsplay continues its live stage adaptation of “A Wrinkle in Time” through May 26 at the Tempe Center for the Arts (TCA), 700 W. Rio Salado Pkwy. This science fiction fantasy is recommended for ages 8 and older.

On a dark and stormy night, a mysterious stranger appears at Meg Murray’s house. Suddenly Meg, her precocious younger brother Charles and their friend Calvin find themselves in the middle of a fantastic adventure, traveling through space and time.

“A Wrinkle in Time” features Rebecca Duckworth as Meg, Will Hightower as Calvin and Cullen Law as Charles Wallace. Associate Artists Debra K. Stevens takes the role of Whatsit and Dwayne Hartford directs.

Show times are 1 and 4 p.m. Saturdays, May 18 and 25, and 1 p.m. Sundays, May 19 and 26. A sign-language interpreter will be available at the May 19 performance. Tickets are $12 to $25 plus fees. For more information, visit childsplayaz.org or call the TCA box office at 480-350-2822.

TIMELESS TALE: Children’s fantasy author Madeline L’Engle’s beloved book, “A Wrinkle in Time,” comes to life as Childsplay presents a stage production of the story through May 26 at the Tempe Center for the Arts. Photo courtesy of the TCA

May 18 – 31, 2013 61www.SanTanSun.com Arts

Museum closes for renovation The Arizona Museum for Youth (AMY),

located at 35 N. Robson in Mesa, partially closes for renovation May 27 through June 20. However, the Township of ArtVille will remain open with hands-on activities for older children near the west corridor of the front lobby. Info: ArizonaMuseumforYouth.com, 480-644-2468.

VYT will have better sound qualityValley Youth Theatre (VYT) of Phoenix has

received a grant from the Virginia G. Piper Charitable Trust for $98,161 to upgrade the theater’s audio equipment. Since 1999, VYT has operated its main stage theater with the same audio equipment which has since failed or been rendered obsolete.

“We can have the best show in town,” says VYT Producing Artistic Director Bobb Cooper, “but if we don’t have the up-to-date equipment to ‘wow’ our audiences, it becomes that much harder to win them over.”

Adding new technology will ensure that the sound quality of VYT performances is consistent with the overall quality of its productions. Installation will take place during the summer months when the theater company typically performs at the Herberger Theater Center, starting with “Shrek The Musical,” which opens June 14 on the Herberger’s Center Stage.

To generate additional revenue, VYT’s theater at 525 N. 1st St. in Phoenix also is available to rent. Audio enhancements paid for by the Piper Trust grant monies will provide a more professional experience to other groups and organizations using the facility as well. Info: VYT.com.

Arts ChrOniCles“Sleeping Beauty,” through May 18, CCA.

Presented by the Yen-Li Chen Ballet School, yenlichen.com. The classic tale of a princess who is cursed to prick her thumb on a spindle and sleep for a hundred years, later to be saved by the kiss of a prince.

“Dear Edwina,” through May 19, GPYT. Thirteen-year-old Edwina Spoonapple would do just about anything to be a part of the Kalamazoo Advice-a-palooza Festival. When a talent scout from the convention visits her hometown of Paw Paw, MI, she trots out her musical advice giving shows live from the family garage in hopes of finding her place in the spotlight.

“The Legend of Pocahontas,” through May 19, MAC. A new musical of the real story behind the legend of a brave young woman who brought peace and understanding to a clash of cultures. In doing so, she paved the way for the creation of our great nation. Presented by CYT Phoenix.

“Pirates of the Scaribbean,” through July 6, SSP. Hit the high seas with this pirate comedy, full of romance, nutty characters and a huge dose of misadventure. Shows are Wednesdays through Saturdays.

“Damn Yankees,” May 23-June 29, HCT. The musical retelling of the Faust tale, set in the 1950s when the New York Yankees dominated baseball. A middle-aged, long-suffering fan of the pathetic Washington Senators trades his soul to the devil, becoming young Joe Hardy, the powerful hitter who can lead the Senators to victory.

Comic/Hypnotist Flip Orley, May 23-26, IMPROV. Orley’s show continues to dazzle and amaze the most skeptical audience members. Orley is adamant about not embarrassing his volunteers. He prefers his audiences to laugh with the volunteers, not at them. He takes great care in making sure that the stars of his show remember

everything, and have as much fun as his audience.Comedian Paul Rodriguez, May 24-26, SUL.

Rodriguez’s multi-faceted career includes starring roles and featured appearances in more than 45 films and countless television series and comedy specials, including six HBO specials and “The Original Latin Kings of Comedy,” which he executive produced.

Singer Maria Muldaur & Her Red Hot Bluesiana, 7:30 p.m. Sat., May 25, MIM. Best known for her seductive 1970s pop staple “Midnight at the Oasis,” Maria Muldaur has since become an acclaimed interpreter of American roots music: blues, early jazz, gospel, folk, country and R&B.

“The Most” of Lit Lounge, 7-10 p.m. Thu., May 30, SCPA-VGPT. With Comedy Central stage performer Shaz Bennett, best-selling author Jen Sincero, Stephen Colbert guest Joe Smith, New York Story Slam winner Molly McCloy, KJZZ commentator Robert Pela, award-winning author Hillary Carlip and more. Musical guests include Arizona favorites Where Are All the Buffalo and Doug Bale.

“Cheaters,” May 30-June 16, PCA. Pieces fall uproariously out of place when a young couple decides it’s time to settle down and “meet the parents.” Suddenly, it’s every man for himself in this wild, rollicking look at love and romance. Presented by the Carefree Theatre Company.

Cyrus Chestnut Trio with Special Guest Stefon Harris, 7:30 p.m. Fri., May 31, TCA. Pianist Cyrus Chestnut’s hard-swinging, soulful sounds have become a staple in the world jazz community. Special guest and multiple Grammy nominee, Stefon Harris, is one of the planet’s preeminent vibraphonists and composers.

Rickie Lee Jones: My Life in Words and Music, May 31-June 1, MIM. Once touted as the natural successor to Joni Mitchell, singer-songwriter Rickie Lee Jones proved no less idiosyncratic or mercurial. Her eponymous album, “Rickie Lee Jones,” was released in March 1979 and became a hit, buoyed by the success of the jazz-flavored single “Chuck E.’s in Love” and its accompanying video.

“Noises Off,” May 31-June 16, MAC. Presented by the Mesa Encore Theatre, “Noises Off” is a hilarious backstage glimpse into the absurdities that ensue when anything and everything goes completely wacko during the production of a play.

“Love, Loss, and What I Wore,” June 4-16, SCPA – VGPT. Proving that a great show is always in fashion, “Love, Loss, and What I Wore,” with its starry rotating cast and compulsively entertaining subject matter, has become an international hit. This intimate collection of stories by Nora Ephron and Delia Ephron is based on the best seller by Ilene Beckerman, as well as on the recollections of the Ephrons’ friends.

Cirque Musica, June 6-7, PSH. Combining the grace and tricks of circus performers with the symphonic sounds of classical and pops repertoire. Audiences will enjoy talented acrobats, high-flying aerialists, strongmen and more performing alongside The Phoenix Symphony.

On stAge

SULTRY ’70s SINGERS: The Musical Instrument Museum in Phoenix this month hosts two women who sizzled in the 1970s and can still heat up a crowd today—Maria Muldaur (left), best known for her hit “Midnight at the Oasis,” and Rickie Lee Jones, who hit No. 4 on the Billboard Hot 100 in 1979 with “Chuck E’s In Love.” Submitted photo