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.
Newer, Sunbelt cities, without deep histories compared to those North and East, have some real challenges in establishing themselves as true, whole, urban centers. Doing this is about a lot more than the egoistic goal of being as renowned as Boston or Philadelphia. These cities, so often first laid out as mere meshes of highways, need to become real communities, and developing live theatre is a great aid in building 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.
In its own way, TV is yet more of a suppressant for city living, as it provides the ultimate narcotic of entertainment while comfortable on one's own couch. There are now whole generations who are TV drama junkies, but who are lacking in any experience of the thrill of living actors performing in real time in front of a live audience.
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 venues offer first-rate popular fare, all adding to the vibrancy of downtown Phoenix. The Orpheum is focused on familiar, well-loved popular musicals and other performances. The Comerica is a concert hall treating the public to major musical and comedic talents famous across the world.
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 Arizona Theatre Company has its home in the lovely Herberger Theater Center, with another venue in Tucson. It too is committed to cultivating an appetite for drama, with outreach programs for school students and their teachers. Its program emphasizes popular but excellent fare, such as new thrillers and suspense drama, along with dramatic efforts from the finest of 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.
Newer, Sunbelt cities, without deep histories compared to those North and East, have some real challenges in establishing themselves as true, whole, urban centers. Doing this is about a lot more than the egoistic goal of being as renowned as Boston or Philadelphia. These cities, so often first laid out as mere meshes of highways, need to become real communities, and developing live theatre is a great aid in building 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.
In its own way, TV is yet more of a suppressant for city living, as it provides the ultimate narcotic of entertainment while comfortable on one's own couch. There are now whole generations who are TV drama junkies, but who are lacking in any experience of the thrill of living actors performing in real time in front of a live audience.
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 venues offer first-rate popular fare, all adding to the vibrancy of downtown Phoenix. The Orpheum is focused on familiar, well-loved popular musicals and other performances. The Comerica is a concert hall treating the public to major musical and comedic talents famous across the world.
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 Arizona Theatre Company has its home in the lovely Herberger Theater Center, with another venue in Tucson. It too is committed to cultivating an appetite for drama, with outreach programs for school students and their teachers. Its program emphasizes popular but excellent fare, such as new thrillers and suspense drama, along with dramatic efforts from the finest of 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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