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RENT: 25th Anniversary Farewell Tour

The Madison Center for the Art 5601 N. 16th St., Phoenix, AZ

For a quarter of a century, Jonathan Larson’s “RENT” has inspired us to choose love over fear and to live without regret. This Tony Award and Pulitzer Prize-winning phenomenon follows a year in the lives of a diverse group of artists and friends struggling to follow their dreams without selling out. It has become more than a musical – it’s a cultural touchstone, a rite of passage, and a source of joy and strength for millions.

Schoolhouse Rock Live!

Herberger Theater Center - Stage Est 222 E. Monroe St., Phoenix, AZ

A pop culture phenomenon returns to the musical stage! Academic subjects will never seem boring again when presented through megahits like “Conjunction Junction,” “Just a Bill,” “Interplanet Janet” or “Three is a Magic Number.” Schoolhouse Rock explodes onto the stage with songs you loved updated for a whole new generation!

Balloonacy

Scottsdale Center for the Performing Arts 7380 E. Second St., Scottsdale, AZ

Balloonacy is a tender, uplifting, laugh-out-loud comedy show. Sweet, inventive, and packed with physical comedy, this family-friendly play explores the power of friendship and shows how, with a little imagination and acceptance, companionship is everywhere.

Always…Patsy Cline

The Phoenix Theatre Company 1825 N. Central Ave., Phoenix, Arizona

The Phoenix Theatre Company presents its production of "Always...Patsy Cline," in which tales of musician Patsy Cline's life on the road are told with down-home country humor.

The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee

Scottsdale Center for the Performing Arts 7380 E. Second St., Scottsdale, AZ

Detour Company Theatre presents its production of "The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee." Free.

Roald Dahl’s Willy Wonka Jr.

Scottsdale Desert Sages Theatre 7014 E. Camelback Rd., Suite 0586, Scottsdale, Arizona

Scottsdale Desert Stages Theatre presents its youth production of "Roald Dahl's Willy Wonka, Jr."

Disney’s The Lion King at ASU Gammage

ASU Gammage 1200 S. Forest Ave., Tempe, Arizona

Disney’s The Lion King” makes its triumphant return to ASU Gammage. Winner of six Tony Awards®, including Best Musical, “The Lion King” brings together one of the most imaginative creative teams on Broadway. Tony Award®-winning director Julie Taymor brings to life a story filled with hope and adventure set against an amazing backdrop of stunning visuals. The Lion King” also features the extraordinary work of Tony Award®-winning choreographer Garth Fagan and some of Broadway’s most recognizable music, crafted by Tony Award®-winning artists Elton John and Tim Rice.

SEUSSICAL

Herberger Theater Center - Stage Est 222 E. Monroe St., Phoenix, AZ

Immerse yourself in the world of Dr. Seuss characters, including Horton the Elephant, The Cat in the Hat, Gertrude McFuzz, lazy Mayzie, and a little boy with a big imagination–Jojo. The colorful characters transport us from the Jungle of Nool to the Circus McGurkus to the invisible world of the Whos. A fantastical, magical, musical extravaganza, Seussical will be sure to bring a smile to the faces of children of all ages.

THE ISLAND OF DR. LIBRIS

Starlight Community Theater 1611 W. Whispering Wind Dr., Suite 9, Phoenix, AZ

The Island of Dr. Libris celebrates the power of imagination with an action-packed adventure that harnesses the creative power of live theater. Billy’s spending the summer in a lakeside cabin that belongs to the mysterious Dr. Libris. But something strange is going on. Besides the security cameras everywhere, there’s Dr. Libris’ private bookcase. Whenever Billy opens the classic books inside, he can hear sounds coming from the island in the middle of the lake. Before long, Dr. Libris’ island is populated by some of the most famous characters in all of literature: Hercules, Robin Hood, Maid Marian, The Three Musketeers, Tom Sawyer, and Pollyanna.

DISNEY THE LION KING JR.

Mesa Arts Center One East Main St., Mesa, AZ

The Lion King JR tells the story of Simba a young lion who is to succeed his father as King of the Pride Lands; however, after Simba's paternal uncle Scar murders Simba’s father, the young lion is manipulated into thinking he was responsible and flees into exile. After growing up in the company of the carefree outcasts Timon and Pumbaa, Simba receives valuable perspective from his childhood friend, Nala, and his shaman, Rafiki. He then to returns to his pride to challenge Scar and end his tyranny and take his in the rightful place in the Circle of Life as the rightful King.

Les Misérables School Edition

Mesa Arts Center One East Main St., Mesa, AZ

In nineteenth century France, Jean Valjean is released from years of unjust imprisonment, but finds nothing in store for him but mistrust and mistreatment. He breaks his parole in hopes of starting a new life, initiating a lifelong struggle for redemption as he is relentlessly pursued by police inspector Javert, who refuses to believe Valjean can change his ways.

“The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time”

Starlight Community Theater 1611 W. Whispering Wind Dr., Suite 9, Phoenix, AZ

Christopher, 15, has an extraordinary brain: He is exceptional at mathematics but ill-equipped to interpret everyday life. He has never ventured alone beyond the end of his road, he detests being touched, and he distrusts strangers. Now it is after midnight, and Christopher stands beside his neighbor’s dead dog, Wellington, who has been speared with a garden fork. Finding himself under suspicion, Christopher is determined to solve the mystery of who murdered Wellington, and he carefully records each fact of the crime. But his detective work, forbidden by his father, takes him on a thrilling journey that upturns his world.

“The Frog Prince”

Mesa Arts Center One East Main St., Mesa, AZ

Marion may still be a maid, but she is her own hero. When she learns of a nefarious scheme, Marion escapes to Sherwood Forest where she meets the one and only Robin Hood and his band of Merry Men. However, their reputation doesn’t quite meet reality and Marion must help lead them against the Sheriff of Nottingham and Prince John – saving England and into a legend!

“THE GLASS MENAGERIE”

Herberger Theater Center - Stage Est 222 E. Monroe St., Phoenix, AZ

Amanda lives in an illusion of recapturing her faded Southern Belle glory. Her daughter Laura lives in a fantasy world of delicate glass figurines, and her son Tom dreams poetically of a world beyond the back stoop. When Tom brings home a gentleman caller to meet his sister, their lives are upturned. “The Glass Menagerie” weaves these lives into a heart-stopping dance of hopes pursued and dreams betrayed.

Free Movie Night “Sonic the Hedgehog 2”

Sunnyslope Park 9180 N. 71st Ave., Peoria, Arizona

Enjoy live music, free, food, and other family entertainment while enjoying an outdoor presentation of “Sonic the Hedgehog 2” during the city of Peoria’s ParkFest event, designed to connect neighbors.

Ballet Arizona Presents “The Rite of Spring”

Desert Botanical Gaden 1201 N. Galvin Pkwy., Phoenix, AZ

Surrounded by the matchless Desert Botanical Garden landscape with the setting sun as a backdrop, join Ballet Arizona for a world premiere performance that promises to capture the beauty and complexity of dance in an artistic performance that is uniquely Arizonan at An Evening at Desert Botanical Garden.

Gazillion Bubble Show

Desert Diamond Arena 9400 W. Maryland Ave., Glendale, Arizona

Featuring bubble-blowing wizardry, mind-bending magic tricks and spectacular laser and lighting effects, The Gazillion Bubble Show is a unique blend of bubble artistry and high-energy audience interaction.

“The Wizard of Oz”

Arizona Broadway Theatre 7701 W. Paradise Lane, Peoria, AZ

Embark on a magical journey with Dorothy, Tin Man, Scarecrow, and Cowardly Lion as they follow the Yellow Brick Road and venture Over the Rainbow to the Emerald City. Help them fulfill their heart's desires and return Dorothy to Kansas. Inspired by the 1939 film with music by Harold Arlen and lyrics by E.Y. Harburg, experience the enchanting world of Oz at Arizona Broadway Theatre, a professional dinner theatre in the West Valley known for its top-notch musical productions.

“Jurassic World” Live Tour

Footprint Center 201 E. Jefferson St., Phoenix, AZ

“Jurassic World” Live Tour, an exhilarating and unpredictable live, family entertainment experience that brings the wonder and thrills of “Jurassic World” to generations of fans, will be roaring into Phoenix for the first time ever this summer playing the Footprint Center for six action-packed performances. With unrivaled arena production quality, “Jurassic World” comes to life against a backdrop of captivating scenery where dinosaurs from the iconic franchise, including fan-favorite Velociraptor Blue and a Tyrannosaurus rex more than 40 feet in length, take center stage. The production features more than 24 film-accurate, life-sized dinosaurs, with scale, speed, and ferocity, operated by animatronics and performers.

STORY TIME FEATURING PUPPETEERS & PUPPETS FROM “THE VERY HUNGRY CATERPILLAR”

Butterfly Wonderland 9500 E. Via de Ventura, Scottsdale, Arizona

Step into the enchanting world of Eric Carle's timeless classic children’s book. Join cast members and the beloved caterpillar and butterfly puppets from the critically acclaimed stage production of “The Very Hungry Caterpillar,” playing at The Madison Center for the Arts in Phoenix August 26 through October 8, as they make a special stop at Butterfly Wonderland for this unique Story Time performance! Suitable for guests of all ages, don’t miss this one-time appearance followed by photo opportunities for children with the caterpillar and butterfly!

BABY BEAR GOES TO SCHOOL

Great Arizona Puppet Theater 302 W. Latham St., Phoenix, AZ

Baby Bear is excited about his very first day of school in this cute, charming, musical show told in simple English. Great for preschool up to second grade and for anyone learning English as a second language.