February 2012

Sister Moses: The Story of Harriet Tubman

Friday, February 17, 2012 • 8pm

$15

Sister Moses: The Story of Harriet Tubman is a beautiful story of a courageous woman’s determination to free her people from slavery through the Underground Railroad. She was one of America’s first liberated women of color, who fought against all odds for the sake of freedom and equality. This production brings light to the incredible accomplishments of Harriet Tubman, the anti-slavery activist.

Desert Dance Theatre’s artistic directors, Marion Kirk Jones, Renee Davis, and Lisa R. Chow created Sister Moses, along with music director, John D. Anthony. The concept and much of the work was researched collaboratively with the help of Susan Smith, director of String Sounds (quartet). The script is embellished with traditional spirituals, slave songs and other music of that time around the Civil War Era.

Since the production’s premiere at the Herberger Theater Center in January of 1993, Sister Moses has been performed in various sold out venues throughout the Phoenix area including: Chandler Center for the Arts, Gammage Auditorium, Paradise Valley Community College, Scottsdale Center for the Arts, South Mountain Community College; and at several high schools. The company’s out of state performances include venues in Las Vegas, Nevada and Austin, Texas. Over 60,000 audience members of all ages have enjoyed the experience of Sister Moses.

This powerful dance drama features Desert Dance Theatre with Renee Davis as Harriet Tubman, dramatic narration by Renee Morgan Brooks, African drumming and music direction by Step Raptis, accompaniment by String Sounds and traditional spirituals sung by a choral ensemble featuring baritone soloist, Greg Dansby. The unique blend of this 45-minute multidisciplinary presentation highlights the most important episodes of Harriet Tubman’s life.

Sister Moses is a valuable educational tool in bringing this period of history alive. It shares the knowledge and experience of the struggles and accomplishments of Harriet Tubman that will bring a source of inspiration to students and adults alike. The program follows Tubman’s life as a young slave on a Southern Plantation, her attempts to escape slavery, her work on the Underground Railroad, and her contributions to the Abolitionist movement. Slave songs from that period are featured for their significance as a means of passing information among the slaves. Hidden in the lyrics were vital escape details.

For more information, contact Desert Dance Theatre at 480-962-4584
or visit: www.DesertDanceTheatre.org

Chandler Symphony Chamber Series:
Chamber Orchestra

Saturday, February 18, 2012 @ 2pm
Hal Bogle Theater

FREE - Seating is on a first come-first serve basis.

Conductor Jack Herriman chooses some of his favorites.

The Chandler Symphony Orchestra provides quality symphonic and orchestral music performed by a wide range of volunteer musicians. Musicians from across the Valley of the Sun are led by the esteemed conductor, Jack Herriman. In keeping with the underlying premise of the Symphony, all of the concerts are provided to the public, free of charge. Despite increasing financial pressures, the Chandler Symphony Orchestra is committed to reaching the community with quality orchestral music, regardless of their ability to purchase tickets.

www.chandlersymphony.net

Kathleen Madigan
GONE MADIGAN

Saturday, February 18, 2012 • 8pm

$22, $26 & $32

In her 22 year career, Kathleen Madigan has never been hotter. With her new Showtime special, “Gone Madigan,” in constant rotation and the DVD-CD of the special topping the Amazon and iTunes charts, Madigan has the entire year booked with over 100 theater gigs across the country and numerous television appearances.

Madigan has won the American Comedy Award for “Best Female Comedian’ and the Phyllis Diller Award for “Best Female Comedian.” Madigan has written and produc ed for Lewis Black’s Root of All Evil on Comedy Central and for Garry Shandling. She remains the only comedian in the history of NBC’s “Last Comic Standing” to go unchallenged by any other comedian--meaning no other comedian would say they were funnier than her. Madigan was a finalist in season 2 of “Last Comic Standing” and a judge on season 5.

She’s also a constant on SIRIUS-XM Radio where she beat out all the guys–including Larry the Cable Guy, Ron White and Jeff Foxworthy–-to win the listener determined “SIRIUS Challenge Cup,” deeming her the number one favorite comedian played on SIRIUS radio.

www.kathleenmadigan.com

Mutual of Omaha’s Wild Kingdom

Starring Peter Gros

Sunday, February 19, 2012 • 3pm

$24, $28 & $34 – Kids 17 & under $15

Join Wild Kingdom’s Peter Gros and the Wildlife World Zoo & Aquarium as they bring an array of exotic and exciting animals to the Chandler Center for the Arts for an afternoon of fun and learning.

In his popular live presentations, Peter will share his exciting animal world, travel experiences and timeless tales. He highlights his many adventures with a mix of video clips and hilarious bloopers while introducing friendly exotic animals to audience members, and telling inspirational stories of wildlife filming, travel and conservation. Peter’s fascinating stories have been thrilling and educating audiences across the country for years. His dynamic stage presence, humor, and infectious love for animals make this a show you won’t want to miss.

An entertaining family friendly show!

www.petergros.com • www.wildkingdom.com

Step Up 2 Dance Competition

Sunday, February 26, 2012 • 8am

DANCE COMPETITION !

Come Dance with us in this Fun, Exciting Dance Competition.
Gorgeous Awards for All entries including a Glamorous Crowning for High Point Age Winners!
All ages, all abilities, novice thru advanced.
There is something for everyone in this very inspiring event.
Register online today to save your spot!
Come, Step Up 2 Dance with us this February!

stepup2dance.com