Winter camps & workshops

Proof (from Greasepaint's Aladdin, Jr.) that the coolest kids do musical theater

Greasepaint Youtheatre of Scottsdale, home to ten young actors performing with Theater League’s “The Wizard of Oz” at the Orpheum Theatre in Phoenix through Sunday, recently announced the following winter workshops for youth:

 

Musical Theatre Dance

Featuring music from “The Muppets!”

For ages 6-12

Tues, Dec. 27 from 9am-3pm

Taught by Ariana Ziskin, who choreographed “Disney’s Aladdin, Jr.” for Greasepaint Youtheatre earlier this season. Participants will peform at 3pm for family and friends.

 

All Things Shakespeare

Featuring an adaptation of a well-known Shakespeare work

For ages 10 & up

Wed, Dec. 28 from 9am-3pm

Taught by Dawn Rochelle Tucker, education director for Southwest Shakespeare Company in Mesa. Participants will perform at 3pm for family and friends.

 

“A Chorus Line” Dance

Featuring the Broadway choreography from the musical “A Chorus Line”

For ages 12-18

Thurs, Dec. 29 from 9am-3pm

Taught by Anthony Toudjarov, who recently performed in “A Chorus Line” with Arizona Broadway Theatre in Peoria. Participants will perform at 3pm for family and friends.

 

Each Greasepaint Youtheatre workshop noted above costs $40. Call 602-889-7609 to learn more or click here to register.  

 

AJTC Curtain Call production of "Fiddler on the Roof, Jr." (Photo: Mark Gluckman)

Curtain Call Youtheatre with Arizona Jewish Theatre Company, which presents “Fiddler on the Roof, Jr.” through Sunday at Phoenix College, recently announced several winter workshops being held at Temple Chai in Phoenix:

 

Squeak and Meow

Featuring fairy tales about cats and mice put into musical theater form

For ages 4-7

Wed, Dec. 21 and Thurs, Dec. 22 from 9am-3pm

Taught by Elizabeth Peterson, performer with The Blue Bike Kids Show. Participants will perform at 3pm on Dec. 22 for family and friends.

 

A Bit of Glee

Featuring acting, singing and movement techniques

For ages 8 & up

Wed, Dec. 21 and Thurs, Dec. 22 from 9am-3pm

Taught by Ariana Ziskin, who directs the Bravo troupe at East Valley Children’s Theatre. Participants will perform at 3pm on Dec. 22 for family and friends.

 

The Great Flying Ship of Ivan the Impossible

Featuring song, dance and story based on a fairy tale about Ivan and his friends

For ages 4-7

Wed, Dec. 28 and Thurs, Dec. 29 from 9am-3pm

Taught by Elizabeth Peterson, performer with The Blue Bike Kids Show. Participants will perform at 3pm on Dec. 29 for family and friends.

 

Mythology Comes to Life

Featuring ways to build characters for the stage through voice and movement

For ages 8 & up

Wed, Dec. 28 and Thurs, Dec. 29 from 9am-3pm

Taught by Colin Ross, member of the 2011-12 acting company for Childsplay

 

Each Curtain Call Youtheatre workshop noted above costs $120 ($200 for one child taking two workshops). Click here to learn more.

 

Actors appearing in Annie, Jr. at Desert Stages Theatre

Desert Stages Theatre, which has a children’s theater performing “Annie, Jr.” through Dec. 18, recently announced three winter workshops taking place at their Scottsdale theater:

 

Music Theory Class – Musical Tools for Industry Success

Featuring a crash course in reading music and music theory

For ages 12 & up

Dec. 19-23 from 2-4pm

Taught by Mark 4man, DST mainstage music director.

 

A Little Bit of Broadway and Pop

Featuring song and dance to music participants help select

For ages 4-10

Dec. 26-30 from 10am-2pm

Taught by Desiree Vaughan, who performed in DST’s “Bye Bye Birdie” earlier this year. Participants will present a performance for family and friends.

 

Princess Parade

Featuring song, dance, arts & crafts and the opportunity to transform into your favorite prince or princess

For ages 3-12

Dec. 19-23 from 10am-2pm

Taught by DST instructors.

 

Prices for each Desert Stages Theatre camp noted above vary (from $100-$250). Click here for details.

 

— Lynn

 

Note: If your theater company or performing arts venue is offering winter break classes for children or teens, please comment below to let our readers know. Please note that workshops noted above may have minimum/maximum enrollment figures.

 

Coming up: Youth theater meets improv

Tradition

Family gathered for the Sabbath in Fiddler on the Roof, Jr., being performed by Arizona Jewish Theatre Company's Curtain Call Youtheatre (Photos: Mark Gluckman)

It’s easy to forget, when faced with cities awash in Christmas lights, that not all Americans celebrate the Christmas holiday. Recent studies by the Pew Forum on Religion & Public Life indicate that nearly one-fourth of all Americans embrace traditions other than Christianity.

Jacob Shore as Tevye in Fiddler on the Roof, Jr. by Arizona Jewish Theatre Company

So I was delighted to learn that Arizona Jewish Theatre Company’s Curtain Call Youtheatre is performing “Fiddler on the Roof, Jr.” this weekend — giving Valley audiences a break from nearly non-stop Christmas fare while offering a glimpse into traditions of Jewish faith and culture.

Scene from Arizona Jewish Theatre Company's Fiddler on the Roof, Jr.

Cast members were asked to write about family traditions rather than submitting traditional bios for the program, so folks who atttend the show can enjoy both the timeless tale of a family facing changing times and the reflections of Valley youth on their own traditions within contemporary society.

Two young cast members from Fiddler on the Roof, Jr. by Arizona Jewish Theatre Company

Janet Arnold, founder and producing director for Arizona Jewish Theatre Company, shared a few “tradition” tidbits from the program, many focused on family holiday celebrations. Levi Gettleman (Rabbi, age 11) shared a Passover seder tradition in which his dad asks the kids questions, then rewards correct answers with two dollar bills.

Scene from Fiddler on the Roof, Jr. by Arizona Jewish Theatre Company

Julia Caplan (Mendel/Bottle Dancer, age 9) shared her family’s tradition of spending one night of Hanukkah buying presents for children who don’t have other Hanukkah gifts to open. Mykael Cooper (Constable, age 11) shared his family’s tradition of lighting a Holocaust candle every Friday to honor his grandfather, who is a Holocaust survivor.

Scene from Fiddler on the Roof, Jr. by Arizona Jewish Theatre Company

Jordyn Drake (Avram, age 13) shared his family’s tradition of watching holiday television shows together after putting up the Christmas tree, and Karlie Gibson (Yente, age 15) shared her family’s tradition of sending the kids on a treasure hunt to find their big Christmas gifts.

Young actors performing in Fiddler on the Roof, Jr. by Arizona Jewish Theatre Company

Emily Ginsberg (Villager/Bottle Girl, age 12) shared her family’s tradition of having a huge Thanksgiving feast with relatives who fly in from out of state, and Eric Flayton (Lazar Wolf, age 11) shared his family’s Thanksgiving tradition of letting the kids do an “annual trashing of the playroom.”

Scene from Fiddler on the Roof, Jr. by Arizona Jewish Theatre Company

Seems that Halloween is a favorite for Maddie Felder (Tzeitel, age 14) and her family, whose traditions include making their own costumes, designing “Tim Burton-esque” pumpkins and watching lots of Halloween movies during the week. Something tells me they’re already planning next year’s theme.

Scene from Fiddler on the Roof, Jr. by Arizona Jewish Theatre Company

Several cast members shared traditions involving food. Emily Bachus (Villager, age 11) noted a long list of food and drink they share during the annual Super Bowl party her family hosts for about 100 people, and Mykael Cooper (Constable, age 11) revealed his family’s penchant for crab legs instead of turkey and dressing during Thanksgiving and Christmas meals.

Scene from Fiddler on the Roof, Jr. by Arizona Jewish Theatre Company

Rachel Ginsberg (Russian/Villager, age 12) shared her family’s tradition of enjoying a meal, and plenty of conversation, together every Sunday night. Shira Hamer (Villager, age 9) shared her family’s tradition of making up new recipes, noting that cooking is a bit like stand up-comedy. “If you’re confident,” says Hamer, “you can get away with anything.”

A little dance from Fiddler on the Roof, Jr. by Arizona Jewish Theatre Company

Arizona Jewish Theatre Company presents “Fiddler on the Roof, Jr.” — complete with young fiddler — tonight (Sat, Dec. 10) at 7pm and tomorrow (Sun, Dec. 11) at 1pm and 4pm. They perform at the John Paul Theatre on the campus of Phoenix College, an intimate venue that’s perfect for introducing children to the joys of live theater performance.

Scene from Fiddler on the Roof, Jr. by Arizona Jewish Theatre Company

The “Fiddler on the Roof” story features themes we can all related to. Changing roles for youth. Shifting political influences. Mixed feelings about watching children grow. Challenges to traditions held near and dear. Whatever winter holiday you celebrate, it’s always nice to be reminded of the importance of family and the power of tradition.

— Lynn

Note: “All Rights Reserved,” the teen improv troupe for Arizona Jewish Theatre Company, performs prior to each “Fiddler” — and can also be seen Wed, Dec. 14 at the Arizona Jewish Historical Society (near ASA) in Phoenix. Click here for details, plus information on the company’s full season, current online auction and theater training for youth. Click here to learn more about Mark Gluckman Photography.

Coming up: Art meets pluralism, Talking with “Elmo,” Teen improv tales

Update: Janet Arnold was excited to share that more than 200 people attended opening night for “Fiddler on the Roof, Jr.” and gave the show a “thunderous standing O.” Look for the “Fiddler” cast at the Arizona State Capitol Dec. 20 at 5pm, where they’ll sing “Tradition” (in full costume) and participate in “lighting the first candle on the official State Menorah for Chanukah.” 12/11/11

Theater flair minus holiday fare

It’s easy to find holiday-theme fare this time of year, but plenty of folks are searching for other options. If you enjoy live performance but want a break from all the shiny tinsel and twinkling lights, consider some of these theater offerings:

Chandler-Gilbert Community College Performing Arts presents the musical “Chess” through Sat, Dec. 3. It’s rarely performed in the Valley, so this is a rare opportunity to enjoy a local production. The final show is at 7:30pm tonight. www.cgc.edu/arts.

Theater League presents “Wizard of Oz,” a touring production touting lots of special effects, Dec. 6 & 7 at the Mesa Arts Center and Dec. 8-11 at the Orpheum Theatre in Phoenix. Ten Valley students from Greasepaint Youtheatre are performing as Munchkins. www.theaterleague.com.

Queen Creek Performing Arts Center presents “Glee” for a single performance on Fri, Dec. 9. It’s the tale of a high school teacher who tries to reinvent his school’s glee club. www.qcpac.com.

Cast members from Fiddler on the Roof, Jr. by Arizona Jewish Theatre Company

Arizona Jewish Theatre Company presents the Curtain Call Youth Theatre production of “Fiddler on the Roof, Jr.” (a shortened version of the classic musical) Dec. 10 & 11 at the John Paul Theatre at Phoenix College. www.azjewishtheatre.org.

Desert Stages Theatre in Scottsdale presents a Children’s Theatre production of “Annie, Jr.” through Dec. 18. Though set in NYC during the Christmas season, it’s a tale with broad appeal beyond the holiday season. www.desertstages.org.

Childsplay presents “Lyle the Crocodile” through Sat, Dec. 24 at Tempe Center for the Arts. True, you’ll encounter some holiday fanfare as Lyle visits the Primm family during Christmas in NYC, but most kids know Lyle from books that find Lyle in bathtubs and other everyday places. www.childsplayaz.org.

ASU Gammage presents “Stomp,” an energetic blend of creative percussion and contemporary dance, Dec. 28-31 in Tempe. It’s a great choice for families with young boys who balk at traditional musical theater fare. www.asugammage.com.

For a comprehensive list of “On Stage” offerings for families, check out Raising Arizona Kids in print or online.

— Lynn

Note: If you have a family-friendly event to share with our readers, please visit the calendar section of the Raising Arizona Kids website to learn how you can submit calendar items for print and online listings.

Coming up: Lemonade for grown-ups

A season to LUV…

I love this season’s selections from Arizona Jewish Theatre Company

When Arizona theater companies started announcing their 2011/12 season selections several months ago, I was especially excited about every single offering in just a couple of line-ups — including the 24th season for Arizona Jewish Theatre Company, which launched just last night.

Their production of “What About LUV?” — a musical based on the play “LUV” by Murray Schisgal — runs through Nov. 6. It’s a tale of convoluted love set on New York City’s Brooklyn Bridge, opening with one character preventing another from making a fatal jump. The work features features book by Jeffrey Sweet, music by Howard Marren and lyrics by Susan Birkenhead.

Arizona Jewish Theatre Company presents “Dreyfuss in Rehearsal,” a work by Jean-Claude Grumberg and adapted by Garson Kanin, Jan. 26-Feb. 5, 2012. It follows a group of amateurish actors trying to stage a play about a very serious topic even as religious persecution begins to impinge on their own young lives.

“The Blessings of a Broken Heart,” adapted by Todd Salovey from the award-winning book by Sherri Mandell, will be performed by Arizona Jewish Theatre Company March 22-April 1, 2012. It’s based on the true story of a mother who discovers her own courage amidst tragedy after moving her family from Maryland to the wilderness of Israel. The work features music and images from the Holy Land.

You’re unlikely to see these works elsewhere, and all are perfectly suited to the Arizona Jewish Theatre Company — which excels with relationship-driven storylines and pieces that blend life’s lightest and heaviest moments. The company performs at the John Paul Theatre on the campus of Phoenix College, and also presents works for youth.

This season’s youth offerings include “Fiddler on the Roof, Jr.” — which is being performed just three times the weekend of Dec. 10 & 11. I’m especially excited to see the work after discovering the name of a child from the “RAK family” on a list of cast members (though I doubt she’ll ever stoop her calling herself a “stage mom”).

In addition to its “Curtain Call” educational division for children and teens, the Arizona Jewish Theatre Company has a teen improv troupe called “All Rights Reserved” — which entertains audiences prior to “Curtain Call” performances and at various community events.

Finally, the Arizona Jewish Theatre Company is presenting two works in recognition of Arizona’s centennial — a staged reading of Ben Tyler’s “Goldwater: Mr. Conservative” performed by Ken Bennett (Nov. 1) and a staged reading of a new play by Harriet Rochlin titled “For Better And Worse: Jewish Marriages in the Arizona Territory” (Jan. 30). Also a special event featuring author and director Salovey (March 26).

While the company is dedicated to reflecting and illuminating “Jewish culture, history and perspective,” the stories they tell elucidate experiences we all share –from love and laughter to longing and loss.

— Lynn

Note: Click here to learn more about the Arizona Jewish Theatre Company, and here to enjoy more hearts and other fun finds from [Stuff] by miss emma jude. For information on official Arizona centennial events, visit az100years.org.

Coming up: From civilized to savage

From Tevye to Tintin

My daughter Lizabeth discovered, after heading to Times Square in New York to see the movie “Paranormal Activity 3” the night it opened, that there were no more tickets to be had.

It’s just as well from a mother’s perspective since there are plenty of other good films these days that won’t scare the bejeebers out of you — including the Julianne Hough dancefest called “Footloose,” a remake of the 1984 film that many of today’s parents enjoyed during their teens.

Also “Sholem Aleichem: Laughing in the Darkness” — an intriguing documentary with special appeal for folks interested in the lives of writers, immigration history, modern Jewish identity or a work of musical theater called “Fiddler on the Roof.” 

Seems Aleihem is the writer behind the character we all know as “Tevye,” a man with several daughters who faced countless challenges to his fervent love of tradition.

Fans of Sesame Street should take note — next month’s Loft Film Fest in Tucson includes a screening of the film “Being Elmo: A Puppeteer’s Journey” — which offers a behind-the-scenes look at Sesame Street, the Jim Henson Workshop, and the work of puppeteer and father Kevin Clash.

“The Twilight Saga: Breaking Dawn – Part I” also opens next month, though it’ll be a bit easier to find — coming to not one Arizona theater but to nearly all of them. Fans of the “Twilight” series have long had the date Nov. 18 circled, in red, on their calendars.

Legendary storyteller and filmmaker Steven Spielberg, once a student at Arcadia High School in Phoenix, has two films being released this fall — the “The Adventures of Tintin” (coming Dec. 21) and “War Horse” (coming Dec. 25). Both promise to be visual feasts that bring some of the world’s best storytelling to life.

As we all gear up for the holiday season we allow so often to become all too hectic, we should remember the power of movies to deliver us from everyday worries, to create cherished memories with family and friends, and to inspire both dreams and wonder.

— Lynn

Note: Always consult movie websites to check film ratings and age recommendations before talking children to the movies.

Coming up: Spielberg tales

Theater camp can change a life

ASU student Echo Laney recalls starting ballet, jazz and tap lessons around the age of five, while living in Prescott. Growing up, she sang in her church choir and performed in community theater productions including “Fame,” “West Side Story” and “Alice in Wonderland.”

But Laney credits an experience during the summer before her freshman year at Tri-City College Prep High School with changing her life. Her mother found Camp Broadway while “kind of roaming around on the Internet.” Laney attended the one week theater camp at ASU in 2005, and says it “set a little mini-dream for me.”

Echo Laney (lower left, gold scarf) during a Camp Broadway performance of selections from Fiddler on the Roof (Photo courtesy of ASU Gammage)

Laney says she didn’t realize the buildings surrounding ASU Gammage were dorms — but she decided during Camp Broadway that she wanted to live in them one day. Today, she’s a proud resident of the Arcadia Residential Community for Design and the Arts at ASU — and will start her junior year at ASU in the fall.

Though she started out as a musical theater major, dance classes that are part of that program helped Laney reconnect with her absolute love of dance. As a little girl, she’d dreamed of being a ballerina — but says the “curvy” shape she developed didn’t fit that mold. “I don’t have to be a certain size” for other types of dance, reflects Laney. “I can be myself.”

As an ASU dance major, Laney gets to work with various artists who perform at ASU Gammage. The venue presents several “Beyond Gammage” programs each year. Most recently, says Laney, she got to dance with Liz Lerman and Bill T. Jones/Arnie Zane Dance Company.

Camp Broadway participants get to see a touring Broadway production as part of their camp experience, and enjoy time with cast and crew from the show. When Laney did Camp Broadway in 2005, the show was “Phantom of the Opera.” They also got to see the sets and such up close (my favorites were always the falling chandelier and the musical monkey toy).

Laney recalls doing a “Gypsy Showcase” as a camper — performing selections from two shows, “Fiddler on the Roof” and “Oklahoma,” for family and friends at the end of the week. “It was my first experience with singing, dancing and acting all together.”

Rehearsals for a former Camp Broadway performance (Photo courtesy of ASU Gammage)

“I still have my pin” from camp, says Laney. “And a little folder.” Children and teens who attend Camp Broadway June 6-10 this year will attend a performance of “Les Miserables” and spend time with various artists and other professionals from the show.

For Laney, a little time at Camp Broadway grew into a big dream — becoming an ethnographer of dance or ethno-choreographer. In addition to majoring in dance, she’s doing an anthropology minor (and may add a journalism minor too). Laney plans to earn a Ph.D. in anthroplogy.

Laney says she’d like to dance her way around the world, learning local dance traditions in each country she explores — and recording every step of her journey. Irish step dance in Ireland. Belly dance in Egypt. I haven’t any doubt she’ll do all this and more, thanks in large measure to a theater camp that really did change her life.

— Lynn

Note: Watch for a companion post, with links to more than 30 Valley organizations offering summer theater camps, coming soon. And click here to explore Raising Arizona Kids’ 2011 “Summer Solutions,” a comprehensive directory of summer day camps with all sorts of themes — from arts and nature to science and sports.

Coming up: Countdown to the Tony Awards®

“Fiddler” & family

Jewish father and milkman Tevye likens the balancing act of life to a fiddler perched atop a roof (Photo: Carol Rosegg)

Most of my favorite musicals focus on family-related themes. There’s “Les Miserables” — which portrays a mother’s sacrifice for her sick child, “In the Heights” — which recounts the experience of immigrant parents who send their daughter to college, and “Fiddler on the Roof” — which follows the frustrations of parents whose three eldest daughters struggle to find independence in a world defined by tradition.

The touring production of “Fiddler on the Roof” is being performed through Sun, April 3, at ASU Gammage in Tempe — the venue at which I first enjoyed the musical with my husband and three children many years ago. For all the fun I’ve had at “mature-theme” musicals, this “family-friendly” show is still among my favorites.

Its characters, including Tevye (the papa) and Golda (the mama), are human in ways many parents find familiar. We wonder how to balance the past with the future. Ponder the meaning of family and home. Fret about fostering values without forcing them upon our children.

Tevye and his wife live in Tsarist Russia. The year is 1905, and the country is on the brink of revolution. They’ve got five daughters and little means. And the three eldest daughters are begining to develop, and act upon, their own ideas about life, love and the world around them.

The original production of “Fiddler on the Roof” opened on Broadway in 1964, and won nine of the 10 Tony Awards for which it was nominated in 1965 — including the award for best musical.

But its themes are every bit as relevant today. Think religious versus secular life. Economic hardship. Political upheaval. Think roles of women and men in society. Gossip. Keeping and breaking promises. Learning to start over.

"Fiddler on the Roof" runs through Sunday at ASU Gammage in Tempe (Photo: Carol Rosegg)

“Fiddler on the Roof” is a feast of music and dance, full of rich color and texture on all sorts of levels. It’s tender and joyous, playful and profound.

You can take it all in without any appreciation for its more serious themes. Or you can embrace it as a vehicle for bittersweet reflection on the many ways our personal, family and collective histories are moving forward.

In either case, it’s a classic musical that no parent should miss — and a fine choice for folks eager to introduce their children to the magic of musical theater.

— Lynn

Note: Tickets for “Fiddler on the Roof” at ASU Gammage start under $25. The show runs through April 3 and there are both matinee and evening performances on Saturday and Sunday. Visit the ASU Gammage website to read reviews by “Gammage Goers” and learn about special offers and opportunities (including a “talkback” with cast/crew and a special brunch at the ASU University Club).

Coming up: Get your fringe on!, Reflections on a glass house, Tips for choosing a college theater program

I am what I am

As events unfolded last Sunday, I couldn’t help repeating the chorus of a song called “I Am What I Am” over and over again in my head. From the Broadway musical “La Cage aux Folles,” the song is a sort of anthem to self-acceptance.

Ironic considering my failure to execute my one big goal for the day — attending an Arizona Jewish Theatre Company production called “My Name is Asher Lev” — which tackles the topics of identity and self-acceptance.

Because it was to be my third theater outing of the weekend, I felt even guiltier than usual about leaving my husband behind to care for more mundane tasks like paying bills and caring for pets.

I assuaged my guilt by attempting to squeeze in just one more load of laundry before leaving for the afternoon. That’s where it all started to go horribly wrong. Turns out I had just enough time to make the show, but I breezed right past the final turn that would take me to my destination.

I was distracted, I suspect, by the song that was playing on the SiriusXM Radio “On Broadway” channel at the time. It was “Bring Him Home” from the musical “Les Miserables” — which has always reminded me of my 21-year-old son in poignant ways that only my husband and I fully understand.

When I got to the John Paul Theatre on the campus of Phoenix College in Glendale, where the Arizona Jewish Theatre Company performs, it was about ten minutes past showtime. And to their credit, they’d started the show on time — with a nearly packed house that would make it hard for me to find a seat without being disruptive.

So I snagged a program, information of their upcoming “Curtain Call” youth theatre production of “A Rockin’ Tale of Snow White,” and their “Summer Theatre Day Camps.” I hoped to find a little coffee joint nearby where I could review the program or read one of the daily papers I keep in my car for just such occasions.

When in doubt, follow this advice from a Cafe Press bumper sticker

I drove away, planning to return two hours later for a post-show talk back with Janet Arnold, Layne Racowsky and the show’s three cast members.

And I remembered that I’d been meaning to get to the historic district in Glendale to check out local arts offerings and photograph a bit of local flavor.

I found the flavor I was looking for at a coffee joint called “A Shot of Java” — which has a rare blend of cozy charm and quirkiness that makes it especially appealing. I stumbled on this little gem after parking nearby to photograph a sign that caught my eye because of its “Mad Hatter” motif.

I asked for directions to local museums. We used to have a bead museum, they told me, but it just shut down. “I know,” I said — vowing to photograph it anyway as a reminder of what can happen when we take local repositories of arts and culture for granted.

I used the time I’d allotted for “My Name is Asher Lev” to explore the City of Glendale further — and I’ll be sharing more about my fun finds in a future “Art Adventures: Historic Glendale” post complete with photos of plenty of signs.

My kids often tease me about my fondness for taking pictures of signs, but I felt somewhat vindicated as I watched a story about an artist with a similar affliction on the “CBS Sunday Morning” program earlier in the day.

I returned for the “My Name is Asher Lev” talk back, and discovered that audience members included students taught by one of the show’s actors. Their questions, and those of others who actually managed to see the play, were enlightening — and will be included in a future post that I’ll publish before the show’s final weekend performances (it runs through April 3).

My final stop of the day was a coffee shop I frequented when my daughter Lizabeth trained with the School of Ballet Arizona. Sitting at one of the outside tables was a friend I first met while Christopher attended New Way Academy in Scottsdale. I sat to catch up a bit before heading home to make dinner, asking how she’d spent her day.

Turns out she was lucky enough to catch one of the many productions I just didn’t have time to take in — the Ballet Arizona performance of “Modern Masters.” She described each of the three pieces they performed in beautiful and exquisite detail — leading me to wonder whether she might be a budding arts critic, or interested perhaps in writing a guest blog about a future dance performance.

Tonight I was planning to attend opening night of “Fiddler on the Roof” at ASU Gammage — a piece that feels especially poignant as James and I ready to send our youngest daughter off to college in the fall. But I knew better than to leave late in the hopes of making it in time. Once again, my plate is full with family responsibilities.

Still, I’ll be taking time out later this evening to write a post about the show — which I saw performed at ASU Gammage many years ago. It was a different production, but the story in all its grandeur does not change — and it’s one that all parents can relate to and learn from.

“Fiddler on the Roof” runs through this weekend at ASU Gammage, and if you’re not going tonight, there’s still time for you to learn from my mistakes. Get through all that work you brought home now. Make the kids use paper plates, and tell your family you’re boycotting laundry.

It rarely seems to work for me. But I never give up trying.

After all, I am what I am…

— Lynn

Note: My “Art Adventures: Historic Glendale” will post just in time for you to get a taste of the city’s historic district before it holds a free event titled “Artworks First Saturdays” from 10am-4pm on Sat, April 3. Watch for musings on “Family and Fiddler” tomorrow (Wed, March 30).

Coming up: New season announcements!, A new “Women of Broadway” series hits the Valley

Art & identity

A lovely work I found on the website of art critic, author and educator Roy Berko

Questions of art and identity have lingered through the ages, perhaps because the arts play such a significant role in elucidating what it means to be human.

My first theater foray of the weekend (“Eleemosynary” at Theatre Artists Studio) involved issues of identity and relationships between three generations of complicated women — who seem perplexed by both their own longings and those of the others in their lives.

Sunday I’m hoping to hit the Arizona Jewish Theatre Company production of “My Name is Asher Lev” — a play that tackles issues of art and identity, religion and secularism, family and individuality, history and philosophy, preserving the past and forging a future.

While I admit to sometimes using theater as a means of “housework avoidance,” this piece inspired me to tackle tons of laundry, dishwashing and such on Saturday — because theater is best enjoyed in a guilt-free environment.

I’m especially pleased by the opportunity to see the Arizona Jewish Theatre Company production of “My Name is Asher Lev” because I’ll be enjoying a touring production of “Fiddler on the Roof” at ASU Gammage later this week.

I’m looking forward to comparing the way each piece approaches issues of Jewish identity — knowing many of the themes will reflect struggles experienced by people of all cultures.

No worries if you’ve yet to tackle your weekend chores. Live a little — and take some time out of your Sunday to experience “My Name is Asher Lev.” Those who attend the 2pm show can stay for a free post-show talkback with members of the cast and creative team.

I suspect you’ll leave with grand thoughts as you return to changing diapers, shopping for groceries or whatever activities comprise the everyday moments that are fueling, or frustrating, your own sense of identity.

— Lynn

Note: Click here for information on “My Name is Asher Lev” (which runs through April 3) and click here for information on “Fiddler on the Roof” (which runs March 29-April 3) — including details about post-show talkbacks offered after select performances.

Coming up: Broadway tales from Betty Buckley and Seth Rudetsky

My fondness for “Fiddler”

Scene from "Fiddler on the Roof" (Photo: Joan Marcus)

Most folks know the musical “Fiddler on the Roof” thanks to songs like “If I Were a Rich Man” and “Tradition.”

It’s a lovely part of one of our own family traditions — enjoying touring Broadway productions, and other performing arts fare, at ASU Gammage in Tempe.

Often I take in shows with just my 17-year-old daughter, Lizabeth, herself a bit of a fiddler after a decade or so of violin study. She’s the family musical theater expert — and eagerly awaiting letters from the colleges where she recently completed B.F.A. auditions.

But seeing “Fiddler” at ASU Gammage — like “Phantom of the Opera” and “Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat” — has been a family affair.

The musical has plenty of elements that appeal to children — the rooftop fiddler, the sibling spats, the grandma “dream sequence,” the lively songs and dance sequences.

I first saw the show while parenting three young children, but this time around I’ll have the perspective of a mom with three grown children grappling with many of the issues treated in the show.

The longing to belong. The urge to break away. The pull of duty. The push of desire. The traditions shared by generations. The new paths forged by youth. The interplay of the personal with the political.

I confess to forging my own path with the song “If I Were a Rich Man” several years ago while performing with fellow parents at a talent show.

We were chaparoning a summer camp session of the Phoenix Girls Chorus, and changed up the words as an homage to artistic director Sue Marshall (who now heads the blossoming Arizona Girlchoir).

Thankfully, “If I Were Miss Sue” made its debut before the advent of YouTube and viral videos. Seems to me I did something similar with “Memory” (from the musical “Cats”) one year during a parent talent show at my children’s elementary school.

My favorite audio of the “Fiddler” variety is a recent interview with Harvey Fierstein that Lizabeth and I heard in the car one day — where we often listen to the SIRIUS XM “On Broadway” channel.

Fierstein has performed the lead role of Tevye (the father and milkman in this tale inspired by the stories of Sholom Aleichem), and eloquently shares the impact the show had on him as a young Jewish boy.

My “kids” may roll their eyes when the “Fiddler” song “Sunrise, Sunset” comes through the car radio speakers. But I know that one day, they’ll appreciate the lyrics to this and other “Fiddler” songs that capture the currents of change in family life and the world beyond.

— Lynn

Note: Watch the ASU Gammage website for the early March announcement of their 2011-2012 season — and head to ASU Gammage this week to enjoy the musical “9 to 5.”

Coming up: More musical theater with a family-friendly feel, Valley students present a series of one-act plays