Mesa Arts Center Announces its Spring 2010 Performing Live Season

Mesa Arts Center announces its Spring 2010 Performing Live Season with diverse acts that will excite patrons of all ages. For country fans, music legend Merle Haggard will perform his #1 chart topping songs. For classical music lovers, reigning virtuoso of the violin, Itzhak Perlman is returning for an unforgettable performance.

Also featured later this season are RollingStone Magazine‘s Artists to Watch, the Avett Brothers which are a -rootsy amalgam of folk, country, bluegrass, rock and pop - even a jab of punk-style.? The popular National Geographic Live! Speaker Series will continue and theater performances like Girls Night The Musical and Unforgettable: The NatKing Cole Story will take the stage to entertain and inspire audiences. -We are thrilled with the release of the second half of this season. We were able to program artists thatpreviously by-passed our venue due to lack of available dates. This year we held in reserve a sufficient number of theater dates to ensure that we could bring some of the greatest talent possible into themarket. I feel we have succeeded.? said Randall Vogel, Director of Theaters and Operations.Tickets are on-sale to the general public now by calling Mesa Arts Center‘s Box Office at 480-644-6500 oron-line at mesaartscenter.com. Tickets are also available by walk-up during Box Office hours Monday -Saturday 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., Sunday noon to 4 p.m. The Box Office is located at One East Main St. indowntown Mesa.

Girls Night: The Musical

January 5- January 17, 2 p.m. & 7:30 p.m.

Nesbitt-Elliottt Playhouse Theater: $40"Sex in the City meets Desperate Housewives. Throw in Grease and you'vegot Girls Night: The Musical." -Metromix"An infectious, exhilarating sense of intoxication!" -Hollywood ReporterA touching and hilarious ?tell-it-like-it-is' look at the lives of a group offemale friends, Girls Night: The Musical has audiences around the countrylaughing, crying and dancing in the aisles! Follow five friends as they re-live the past, celebrate the present and look to the future on a wild and hilarious night out. Girls Night isbursting with energy and packed with popular anthems including Lady Marmalade, I Will Survive, GirlsJust Want to Have Fun, and Man, I Feel Like a Woman. Grab your sisters, friends and co-workersbecause Girls Night: The Musical is a not to be missed slice of sizzling entertainment for anyone who really knows how to have fun.

Merle Haggard

Thursday, January 7, 7:30 p.m.

Ikeda Theater: $60The man behind country music's working man's anthems, Merle Haggard has hung his soul on the line with dozensof songs that bring a lyrical depth to tales of hard living. Ever the lonesome fugitive, outlaw, and flesh-and-bones performer, Haggard weaves his one-of-a-kind vocal textures, lead guitar, and fiddle to reveal the heart and soul of a musician who may be themost well-rounded country talent ever to take the stage.Unforgettable: The Nat King Cole Story January 19 - January 31, 2 p.m & 7 p.m.Nesbitt-Elliott Playhouse Theater: $29/$37NAT -KING? COLE ... THE MAN, THE MYTH, THE MUSIC ... is brought toblazing life in UNFORGETTABLE. Written by Clarke Peters (the creator of Five Guys Named Moe), this rousing new musical wasa smash hit on the London stage and in major engagements throughout the United Kingdom, Japan, and the Far East. Enthusiastic response to last year‘s North American tour necessitated a second season for UNFORGETTABLE: The Nat King Cole Story in the United States.

Itzhak Perlman

Wednesday, January 20, 7:30 p.m.

Ikeda Theater: $90/$70/$50

Undeniably the reigning virtuoso of the violin, Itzhak Perlman enjoys superstarstatus rarely afforded a classical musician. He marks an important milestoneduring the 2009-2010 season: he will celebrate the 50 th anniversary of hisAmerican debut. Beloved for his charm and humanity as well as his talent, he is treasured by audiences throughout the world who respond not only to hisremarkable artistry, but also to the irrepressible joy of making music, which he communicates.George WinstonFriday, February 5, 7:30 p.m.Ikeda Theater: $35Inspired by the seasons, solo pianist George Winston plays over 100 solo piano concerts a year in America and beyond. Hisconcerts feature a variety of styles, including his melodic folkpiano, stride piano, New Orleans R&B piano, Vince Guaraldi‘sPeanuts pieces and more. His Latest CD is entitled GULF COASTBLUES AND IMPRESSIONS A HURRICANE RELIEF BENEFIT. In concert, George will be performing songs from his latest CD,as well as selections from his seasonal favorites AUTUMN, DECEMBER, WINTER INTO SPRING, and SUMMER, as well as his themed album FOREST, PLAINS, and MONTANA - A LOVE STORY, and his albums dedicated to composers: LINUS & LUCY - THE MUSIC OF VINCE GUARALDI, AND NIGHT DIVIDES THE DAY - THE MUSIC OF THE DOORS.

HAl Holbrook In Mark Twain Tonight

Saturday, February 6, 7:30 p.m.

Ikeda Theater: $60/$50/$40/$30

The year 2010 marks the 175th anniversary of his birth and the 100thanniversary of his death. To celebrate the Year of Mark Twain, Mesa Arts Center welcomes back Hollywood veteran and acclaimed actor HalHolbrook in his Tony Award winning "Mark Twain Tonight!" This oneman show is always fresh with material gleaned from Mark Twain's writingsand reveals HAl Holbrook's rare ability to portray both the wit and witticismof this country's finest author. HAl Holbrook has appeared in nearly 40 films- his most recent won him an Academy Award nomination for his role in -Into the Wild. ? Don't miss this special opportunity to see HAl Holbrook in "Mark Twain Tonight."

Les Ballets Trockaderos De Monte CarloThursday, February 11, 7:30 p.m.

Ikeda Theater: $47/$37/$27

Dancing the fine line between high art and high camp, LesBallets Trockadero de Monte Carlo delights audiences around the world with its parodies of classical works from Swan Lake and Giselle to Graham. Known affectionately as the Trocks, this is a company of professional male dancers who combinea loving knowledge of classical ballet with a wicked sense of fun, displaying a startling mastery of technique that will appeal to dance aficionados and complete novices alike.

Acoustic Brotherhood Carrie Rodriguez, Alejandro Escovido, Los Lonely Boys

Friday, February 12, 7:30 p.m.

Ikeda Theater: $32

Los Lonely Boys (guitarist Henry Garza and his siblings, bassist Jojo and drummer Ringo, Jr.) hit the ground running in 2003 with their triple-platinum self-titled debut release, winning a Grammy for its No. 1 global hit Heaven. Their influences are legion, ranging fromBuddy Guy and Stevie Ray Vaughan to mentors Santana and Willie Nelson, but in the end, it‘s about brotherhood-all three members ofthis Texican trio give the group musical dynamics and vocal harmoniesthat can only come with genetic bonds. They are joined by AlejandroEscovedo who has journeyed through several musical incarnationsin his 20-plus-year career in punk rock and Carrie Rodriguez, thefeisty fiddle-playing, mandoguitar-slinging singer/songwriter from Brooklyn who adds some -chica? to the Brotherhood.

Quinn Lemley: Gotta Get a Gimmick

Saturday, February 13, 7:30 p.m.

Piper Repertory Theater: $42

Come play in the outrageous world where humor and attitude prevail in this high energy, fast-paced, sexy Vegas-style production. One show stoppinghit after another, complete with sequins, feathers, gorgeous girls and Quinnpaying homage to the music and worlds of Burlesque to Broadway; inspired bythe outrageous Bette Midler, witty Gypsy Rose Lee, and the illustrious icons ofBurlesque. Vivacious Quinn Lemley, star of the acclaimed THE HEAT IS ON! Celebrating Rita Hayworth and her sizzling backup girls sing and dance up astorm with unforgettable hits such as Hey Big Spender, Ten Cents a Dance,Let Me Entertain You, My Man, You Don't Own Me, My Heart Belongs To Daddy, and big surprises. Don't miss this fun, fast-paced, glamorous production.

TAO

Friday, February 19, 7:30 p.m.

Ikeda Theater: $18/$28/$38

Athletic bodies and contemporary costumes meet explosive Taiko drumming and innovative choreographyin this show that has critics waxing lyrical about TAO‘sextraordinary precision, energy, and stamina. With hundreds of sold-out shows and more than a millionspectators, TAO has proven that modern entertainmentbased on the traditional art of Japanese drumming, hasmassive international appeal.Kathleen MadiganSaturday, February 20, 7:30 p.m.Piper Repertory Theater: $35With raves for her comedy specials on HBO and ComedyCentral, Kathleen Madigan brings her hilarious outlook on life for thisspecial night of standup. A regular guest on The Tonight Show withJay Leno and The Late Show with David Letterman, Kathleen has an accessible and unpretentious style that has earned her a devotedfollowing. So kick back, relax, and get ready to laugh until your sidessplit.-Contains adult content?

Moscow State Radio Symphony

Tuesday, March 9, 7:30 p.m.

Ikeda Theater: $18/$28/$38

"From the first notes played by the violas, one could predict that a special music event was about to start." -The Palm Beach Daily NewsCreated out of a need for symphonic repertoire to be broadcast for the benefit of Russian citizens, the Moscow State Radio Symphony has become an internationally recognized orchestra. Under the direction of Alexei Kornjenko, this all Russian programwill include guest pianist, Alexander Sinchuk. In addition to beingnamed First Prize Winner of the 2009 Rachmaninoff InternationalPiano Competition in Moscow, Mr. Sinchuk made his Carnegie HallSolo Recital debut in Weill RecitAl Hall performing works of Scriabin,Tchaikovsky, Prokofiev, and Rachmaninoff. The program includes: Rachmaninoff: Rhapsody on a Theme of Paganini, Op. 43; Rimsky-Korsakov: Scheherazade SymphonicSuite for Orchestra, Op. 35; and Tsar Saltan Suite, Op. 5.

Steve Tyrell

Thursday, March 11, 7:30 p.m.

Piper Repertory Theater: $42

"Listening to Steve is like opening a window and getting a breathof fresh air." Burt BacharachWith his breakthrough performance in "Father of the Bride"Steve Tyrell reinvented and re-popularized classic pop standardsfor a modern-day audience. With the grit and soul of a lifetime, Steve has sold hundreds of thousands of albums and gained a passionate following all over the world. His hits "The Way You Look Tonight," "A Kiss To Build A Dream On," and "The Sunny Side of The Street," have launched thousands of weddings and millions of romances. He comes to Mesa Arts Center with his smooth voice, a charisma that lights up the room, and his deeply personal collection of Burt Bacharach songs. From -The Look of Love,? -Walk on By,? and -Close to You,? this special concert willbe a night you'll never forget.

Three Irish Sopranos

Sunday, March 14, 7:30 p.m.

Ikeda Theater: $31The blend of these three soaring treble voices would melt eventhe hardest heart." - Irish IndependentWith their sensational voices and stunning good looks, The Irish Sopranos wow audiences wherever they go. Wendy Dwyer, KayLynch, and Deirdre Masterson are the créme de la créme of Irish classical vocal talent. With their extensive classical training, theirlyrical voices produce a wonderful harmonic sound, which lends itself perfectly to the harmonies for which The Irish Sopranos are known. Wendy, Kay, and Deirdre have vast experienceon a wide variety of entertainment platforms from lead-singer with Riverdance to soloists on theInternational Operatic Stage. With a repertoire including music from the classical, operatic, music-theatre, Irish, and popular genres, The Irish Sopranos are beloved by audiences around the world. Don't misstheir breath-taking live performance, sure to be remembered long after the final notes are sung.

Around the World in a Bad Mood

March 23- April 3

Nesbitt-Elliott Playhouse Theater: $34/$37"A first-class ticket to laughs about the wacky world of airline travel."- Tom Brokaw, NBC NewsAround the World in a Bad Mood is a center seat on an oversold flight to laughter. And there‘s no one better qualified than flight attendant Rene Foss to pilot audiences through this absurd world. We‘ve all been there - the flight to Pittsburgh that ended up in Topeka, the cross-country flight with sixscreaming babies, twelve toddlers, and three drunks in coach. A 24-year veteran, Rene romps throughthe in-flight debacles, security strip teases and pistol packing pilots from the flight attendant‘s perspective. So, fasten your seatbelts and prepare yourself for a side-splitting night of the trials and tribulations of airtravel as this hilarious one-woman show returns to Mesa Arts Center.-more-

Big Band Broadcast

Friday, April 9, 7:30 p.m.

Ikeda Theater: $31The Big Band Broadcast starring Holly Larocque and the MarkFerguson Orchestra is a joyful and high-powered return to thegolden age of radio broadcasts from starlit ballrooms. The showfollows the design of those long ago evenings when glamour wasking and big bands ruled the airwaves. The audience is invited intoa time warp from the first strains of the 13-piece Mark FergusonOrchestra and their opening number "Singin' With the Big Bands,?and guided on a sentimental journey by the forties style patter ofthe engaging Radio Announcer. The tunes comprise classics of the Big Band era ... "Don't Sit Under the Apple Tree", "Stardust", "In the Mood", "And the Angels Sing" ... along with a few surprises and novelties. True to the period, the show is interrupted at appropriate intervals for those vital words from "vintage"sponsors and each venue is acknowledged with complimentary station call letters.

Arlo Guthrie - Guthrie Family Rides Again:Featuring: Abe, Cathy, Annie, Sarah Lee, and Johnny

Saturday, April 10, 7:30 p.m.Ikeda Theater: $32/$50

"The Guthries are the first family of American folk. They practice what Woody preached." - Vanity Fair"Woody Guthrie music is alive and well and the legacy is in good hands." - New Jersey HeraldFolk music icon Arlo Guthrie brings his timeless stories and unforgettable classic tunes with three generations of Guthries for a massive concert tour in 2010. The family makes a stop atMesa Arts Center performing Arlo's standards as well as a selection of unpublished Woody Guthrie lyrics. "Guthrie Family Rides Again" includes Arlo's son Abe, and daughters Cathy, Annie, and Sarah Lee Guthrie as the first family of American folk gather to revive the musical spirit Woody in this unforgettable acoustic concert.

My Mother's Italian, My Father's Jewish & I'm in TherapyApril 15 - April 18, 2 p.m & 7:30 p.m.

Piper Repertory Theater: $40

"Perfect Comic Timing" -New York Post"The Comedy of the Year...I Laughed My Head Off!"-KGO Radio San FranciscoSteve Solomon's hilarious, multi-award winning, long running OffBroadway hit is now on tour. You‘ll meet Mom, Dad, his sister thesmoker, the kids cousin Carmine, Uncle Paulie, demented Kennyas well as dozens of characters from all walks of life; Thirty plus, whose sole purpose was to drive Steve into therapy----and they succeeded. Steve masterfully recreates these characters using dialects, sound effects, and incredible wacky voices. Oh, you‘ll recognize them. From the security guards at airports to the people you‘ve met on the street; each one comes to life on stage in hysterical situations that will have you begging for more. Critics and buyers from over fifty cities agree. This is an evening of comedy at its very best!-more-

Avett Brothers

Saturday, April 24, 7:30 p.m.

Ikeda Theater: $31

Rolling Stone Magazine's Artists to Watch 2008 & 2009"The Avett Brothers exploded onstage from their first note to theirfinal chord with a multitude of acoustic-driven banjo-laden songs. They are one of the most impressive live bands around."- Creative LoafingThere is no harmony like brotherly harmony and you can clearly hearfraternal magic at work in the songs of Scott and Seth Avett, better known as the Avett Brothers.Their riveting music has roots in traditional folk and bluegrass, but also captures the high spirits and no-boundaries attitude of rock & roll. They come to Mesa Arts Center with their energetic concert of livelyvocals and instrumentals, performing their unique and charming blend of folk-country and rock for thismemorable night.

NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC LIVE! SPEAKER SERIES Hunting DinosaursPaul Sereno, Paleontologist

Wednesday, January 27, 2010 7:30 p.m.

Ikeda Theater: $26/$30/$34/$38

Having discovered more than two dozen new species ofDinosaurs on five continents, Paul Sereno has been calleda modern-day Indiana Jones. Also a professor at the Universityof Chicago, Sereno received the Chicago Tribune‘s Teacherof the Year award (1996). Together with his wife, Serenofounded Project Exploration, a nonprofit organizationdedicated to making the wonders of science accessible to the public and urban youth. Journey with Sereno as he shares the thrilling life of a dinosaur hunter.

Army Ants and Flying Frogs Mark Moffett, Ecologist & Photographer

Wednesday, March 17, 7:30 p.m.

Ikeda Theater: $26/$30/$34/$38

Mark Moffett‘s mission is to find stories that make people fall in love with the unexpected: insects, frogs, and nature‘s other small wonders. One of only a handful of people to earn a Harvard Ph.D. under the world‘s most respected ecologist, E. O. Wilson, Moffett has written or photographed more than two dozen articlesfor National Geographic. This brilliant and intrepid ecologist, whose humor has made him a favorite on late-nighttalk shows, shares the beauty and marvels of life in the treetops.

Presenting Award-Winning Family Theater for Over 25 Years Captain Louie Based on "The Trip" by Ezra Jack Keats Book by Anthony Stein Music & Lyrics by Stephen SchwartzProduced in New York at The Little Shubert Theatreby Meridee Stein, Kurt Peterson, & Bob ReichDirected by Meridee SteinOriginal New York production at the York Theatre Company(James Morgan, Producing Artistic Director)in association with Meridee Stein, Pam Koslow & Kurt Peterson January 28 - February 7, 2010Friday 7:30 p.m. • Saturday 2 p.m. & 4:30 p.m. • Sunday 2 p.m. Piper Repertory Theater • Single Tickets: $15 Adults/$14 Youth After moving to his new neighborhood, young Louie feels lonesome and is without any friends. Lookingfor something to cheer himself up on Halloween night, Louie returns to his old neighborhood friends in an imaginary journey on the wings of his favorite toy, his little red plane. The story is full of tricks and treatsthrough the whimsical music and lyrics of Stephen Schwartz. Most of all, Captain Louie is about the true meaning of friendship, whether it is making new friends or the importance of maintaining old ones.CAPTAIN LOUIE is presented through a special arrangement with Music Theatre International (MTI).

Authorized performance materials are supplied by MTI, 421 West 54th Street, New York, NY 10019, Phone: (212) 541-4684

Fax: (212) 397-4684 www.MTIShows.com

Cows Don't Fly and Other Known FactsBy Larry and Vivian SnipesBased on books by Paul Brett JohnsonMarch 5 - March 14, 2010Friday 7:30 p.m. • Saturday 2 p.m. & 4 p.m. • Sunday 2 p.m.

Nesbitt/Elliott Playhouse: $15 Adults/$14 YouthBased on the popular children‘s book series written by Paul Brett Johnson, Cows Don‘t Fly is anadaptation of his imaginative world where extraordinary things happen on a regular basis. A world where Miss Rosemary‘s farm animals fly, drive, and strike up unusual friendships. Miss Rosemary‘s farm is a place where your wildest dreams come true and lessons of individuality are admirably taught. Your familywill roll with laughter and appreciate the underlying message of accepting people for who they are. Produced by special arrangement with New Plays, Inc