Tempe Center for the Arts - Theater & Studio

8 p.m., Aug. 22

8 p.m., July 25

8 p.m., July 11-12; 2 p.m., July 13

TBA, Sept. 12-21

TBA, Oct. 23-25

TBA, Oct. 16

7:30 p.m., Oct. 13

TBA, Oct. 10-11

TBA, Oct. 25-Nov. 9

TBA, Feb. 25

TBA, March 14-April 5

TBA, Feb. 28-March 8

Tempe Little Theatre has brought the excitement of community theater to the East Valley for more than 35 years with productions ranging from drama and intrigue to comedy and musicals. As an all-volunteer, non profit organization, TLT is theater of and for the community.

TBA, Nov. 22-Dec. 21

TBA, Nov. 14-23

TBA, Jan. 24-Feb. 21

7 p.m., Nov. 9

6 p.m., Nov. 1

8 p.m., Oct. 31

7-9 p.m., Oct. 9

7 p.m., Sept. 26

8 p.m., Sept. 26

Sept. 13-Oct. 5

Sept. 6-Jan. 10

8 p.m., Sept. 6

TBA, Sept. 7

10 a.m.-1 p.m. (prejudging); 5 p.m. (finals), Aug. 30

Through Aug. 2

The Motown Spectacular Show Live is a tribute to Motown’s famous hit-makers. This breathtaking show captures the magic and nostalgia of yesteryear with the timeless music everyone loves. Celebrate Hitsville USA, featuring special guest: The Dancing Machine Review. Buy Tickets

New York jazz trombonist Conrad Herwig has recorded 17 albums as a leader with two Grammy Award nominations to his extensive credits. He has been a featured member in the Joe Henderson Sextet, Tom Harrell’s Septet and Big Band and the Joe Lovano Nonet. Buy Tickets

An incredible and entertaining display of toned, bronzed and pumped physiques will leave audiences in amazement and appreciation. This event showcases the discipline, dedication and focus it takes to become an elite athlete. Buy Tickets

Arizona Jazz Masterworks Orchestra, the ultimate Big Band led by Valley trumpet legend Fred Forney, is an organization of the finest musicians and the most accomplished jazz soloists in the greater Phoenix Metropolitan area. Buy Tickets

Nova Ballet presents an energetic, global mix of movement featuring James Jeon’s intuitive, eastern style Inner Moves and the celebratory Adiemus by David Palmer and Yanis Pikieris set to the ethnic tribal sounds of composer Karl Jenkins. Program subject to change. Buy Tickets

The featured segment is a radio play spoof of Dicken's "A Christmas Carol" in which John McCain is visited by the ghosts of Arizona Presidential Candidates Past, Present and Future. A special guest will join the cast for all new episodes of the most popular segments. Buy Tickets

The Arizona Wind Symphony (AWS) plays a wide variety of music, including marches, Broadway and film tunes, overtures, dances, contemporary symphonic wind music and more. AWS is a 75-member community concert ensemble, consisting of music professionals, non-professionals and students.

The Tempe Symphony Orchestra opens its 34th season under the direction of Dr. Richard Strange. Free. Tickets required.

The ADF will showcase individuals, emerging artist groups and professional companies from all genres and styles of dance. Desert Dance Theatre specializes in theme-related programs that focus on cultural diversity and the lives of people who have fought for freedom in America.

Ferdinand doesn’t want to run and fight like other bulls. He prefers to sit and smell the flowers. This adaptation, from the 1936 Spanish-infused classic, celebrates the fight for individuality as Ferdinand refuses to go along with the crowd. This production is part of Childsplay’s touring program.

This World Premiere will examine creativity and storytelling through the lens of The Sorcerer's Apprentice. Rock, Paper Scissors is a theatrical adventure for young audiences rendered through live drawing and paper sculpture. This production is part of Childsplay’s 2008-09 touring program.

TBA, Feb. 13-22

This musical salute to the veterans of the armed forces features an evening of stirring, patriotic music, such as well-known marches, fanfares and other audience favorites.

Franc D’Ambrosio headlines the Friends’ Annual Gala (a spectacular evening of food, drink and entertainment), performing Hollywood tunes and music from “Phantom of The Opera.” D’Ambrosio is the world’s longest running Phantom performer. Information: 480-350-2884.

Richard Scarry’s very busy town examines what people do all day. The play includes a delightful civics lesson for the youngest of citizens, and Huckle Cat takes audiences on a tour of his busy neighborhood. Children of all ages will experience what it takes to make this town a very busy town.

Childsplay brings back this wonderful tale of a small boy who receives a stuffed velveteen rabbit as a Christmas gift. With the help of the boy’s fanciful imagination, he and the rabbit have many adventures and are destined to become best friends.

Benny Green is considered one of the top jazz pianists in the world. This hard bop player" graduated" from Art Blakey’s Jazz Messingers and is compared to Bud Powell in style and influence. Accompanists will be Scott Wilson, Dom Moio, Dwight Kilian and Delphine Cortez. Buy Tickets

After the death of their baby sister, 12-year-old Willa Jo and Little Sister are whisked away from their mom to live temporarily with Aunt Patty, who has a million rules about everything. This poignant, new play traces a family’s journey of acceptance and understanding in the face of loss.

Audiences of all ages can make paper arts and prints and meet some of the artists whose work appears in this juried show.

Bring blankets or lawn chairs and enjoy a family-friendly performance of classical and contemporary dance under the direction of Ib Anderson. Free.

Jeff Coffin, internationally acclaimed saxophonist/composer and two-time Grammy Award winning member of Bela Fleck & the Flecktones, rejects all labels and categories other than "music" and "musician." Accompanists are Scott Wilson, Ted Sistrunk and John Lewis. Buy Tickets

TLT performs Neil Simon's comedy about the misadventures of a would-be playboy, Barney Cashman, who suddenly realizes that he is 47 years old. Cashman falls into a state of panic and tries to fulfill his fantasy of life on the wild side.

After constant misbehaving, Miss Nelson gives the kids in Room 207 the lesson of their lives when Miss Viola Swamp becomes the substitute who cancels recess, doubles arithmetic and gives 12 hours of homework. The surprising ending will have audiences snickering in their seats.

The event falls on the one-year anniversary of the opening of the TCA. The exhibition will feature works on paper, art made of paper and artists inspired by paper, a tradition for first anniversaries.

A complete Steinway line including Boston and Essex pianos will be available for purchase from an impressive selection of the world's finest pianos. Private Preview appointments available (480) 368-2890.

The tradition of Trompe L'oeil, a French term for "fool the eye," dates back centuries. Local artists in numerous media employ methods and techniques used in trompe l'oeil to create imagery that fools the viewer into believing that it is real or as real as a photograph. Free.