Phoenix isn't usually the first city that comes to mind when one thinks of major culture capitols, but that isn't for lack of trying. It certainly has the size, currently ranking as number four among the most populous cities in the United States. Further, Arizonans have adopted the habit of taking in theatre Phoenix, the largest city of the Southwestern United States, assumes its due place as a culture capital.
Young cities, without hundreds of years behind them, face challenges in asserting themselves. The rewards of successfully doing so, however, are significant, and in ways beyond inter-city rivalry. These cities, typically built along a pre-existent network of freeways, always face challenges in making true communities. The theatre is a wonderful way to build community.
Phoenix, AZ has roots in the Old West, but it truly came of age during the same decades that brought us the highway system and the novelty of TV. In ways that tended to dove-tail each other, these novelties worked to corrode the development of a sophisticated urban life. People driving about at eighty miles per hour rarely take the time for the pleasure of walking about, taking in the night life alongside fellow citizens.
TV is perhaps still more of a poison to urban culture, as it offers the numbing temptation of entertainment without so much as leaving the living room couch. Today whole generations might be savvy to quality drama on TV, but lack any notion of the thrill of live drama in front of hundreds of their fellows.
Responding to this challenge, Phoenix has cultivated a cultural center right where it belongs, in the heart of the city's downtown. The first pleasure one takes in is the architecture. It delights many whose night involves little more than taking a starlit stroll after dinner at one of downtown's many fine restaurants.
Some spaces provide world class popular entertainment, which adds sizzle to the downtown experience. The Orpheum focuses on popular, broadly loved performances, including Broadway musicals. The Comerica is a music hall and stage that entertains the public with the world's finest pop music and comedy stars.
Among these treasures are two lovely spaces that provide the best in live drama. The Phoenix Theatre, located on McDowell Road, presents contemporary plays penned by some of the most gifted playwrights in the country, and the also features new musicals. To help the taste for live entertainment cross into the next generation, it offers writing and acting classes for teenagers as part of its ambitious public outreach program.
The Herberger Theater Center, an intimate venue, is one of two homes for the Arizona Theatre Company, the other being in Tucson. Its program includes its own outreach programs, including programs for teachers and their students. It favors thrillers, detective dramas, and works from top tier TV writers.
There seems to be no more "fly-over country, " at least not here. The desert is beginning to bloom culturally, and the secret is out. Increasingly, Arizonans are leaving their homes and TVs behind, perhaps with the DVR recording for some future night. Tonight, they have decided, is time for dinner and a show.
Young cities, without hundreds of years behind them, face challenges in asserting themselves. The rewards of successfully doing so, however, are significant, and in ways beyond inter-city rivalry. These cities, typically built along a pre-existent network of freeways, always face challenges in making true communities. The theatre is a wonderful way to build community.
Phoenix, AZ has roots in the Old West, but it truly came of age during the same decades that brought us the highway system and the novelty of TV. In ways that tended to dove-tail each other, these novelties worked to corrode the development of a sophisticated urban life. People driving about at eighty miles per hour rarely take the time for the pleasure of walking about, taking in the night life alongside fellow citizens.
TV is perhaps still more of a poison to urban culture, as it offers the numbing temptation of entertainment without so much as leaving the living room couch. Today whole generations might be savvy to quality drama on TV, but lack any notion of the thrill of live drama in front of hundreds of their fellows.
Responding to this challenge, Phoenix has cultivated a cultural center right where it belongs, in the heart of the city's downtown. The first pleasure one takes in is the architecture. It delights many whose night involves little more than taking a starlit stroll after dinner at one of downtown's many fine restaurants.
Some spaces provide world class popular entertainment, which adds sizzle to the downtown experience. The Orpheum focuses on popular, broadly loved performances, including Broadway musicals. The Comerica is a music hall and stage that entertains the public with the world's finest pop music and comedy stars.
Among these treasures are two lovely spaces that provide the best in live drama. The Phoenix Theatre, located on McDowell Road, presents contemporary plays penned by some of the most gifted playwrights in the country, and the also features new musicals. To help the taste for live entertainment cross into the next generation, it offers writing and acting classes for teenagers as part of its ambitious public outreach program.
The Herberger Theater Center, an intimate venue, is one of two homes for the Arizona Theatre Company, the other being in Tucson. Its program includes its own outreach programs, including programs for teachers and their students. It favors thrillers, detective dramas, and works from top tier TV writers.
There seems to be no more "fly-over country, " at least not here. The desert is beginning to bloom culturally, and the secret is out. Increasingly, Arizonans are leaving their homes and TVs behind, perhaps with the DVR recording for some future night. Tonight, they have decided, is time for dinner and a show.
About the Author:
If you want to be a part of a great children's local theatre Phoenix residents can come to Valley Youth Theatre. To volunteer or purchase season tickets, visit our home on the Web at http://www.vyt.com today.
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