Courtesy photo Starlight Community Theatre is  preparing for its October performance of “Once on This Island,” an all‑singing production based on “The Little Mermaid” fairytale. (Click picture for full size image)

Starlight auditions set Starlight Community Youth Theatre will conduct auditions for its upcoming all‑singing musical production “Once On This Island,” the Caribbean theatrical adaptation of the fairy tale, “The Little Mermaid.”  Casting is for ages 9‑25. Singing auditions will be at 6:30 p.m. Oct. 8 and 6 p.m. Oct. 9 at Diamond Canyon School, 40004 N. Liberty Bell Way in Anthem.  Preferred audition times for Starlight sponsors and star‑level members will be at 6 p.m. Oct. 8. Vocal callbacks will be at 6 p.m. Oct. 12 at Diamond Canyon School. A dance call for those interested only in dance ensemble will also be at 6 p.m. Oct. 12 at Diamond Canyon School.  Contact producer Pat Bennett at (623) 640‑8479 with any questions or to schedule a preferred audition time.  Audition participants should come prepared to sing 32 bars or one minute of a musical theatre song.  You will also need to bring an accompaniment CD or tape,  a resume and non‑returnable picture. Wear dance shoes and comfortable clothes for the Oct. 12 call.  Rehearsals will begin the week of Oct. 15.  All performances take place at Boulder Creek High School Performing Arts Center at 7 p.m. on Jan. 11, 12, 17, 18 and 19.

 

Museum calls for volunteers

The Desert Western Caballeros Museum will launch its 2007‑08 program for current and new volunteers with a special orientation session at 9:30 a.m. Oct. 9.

A complimentary continental breakfast will be provided at the session by the museum’s auxiliary Las Senoras de Socorro.

 Museum Director Royce Kardinal will be on hand to provide an update on the museum’s new pavilion construction, a report on its national accreditation process and an overview of the upcoming season.

Three training sessions will follow this orientation to be held from  9 to 11 a.m. on subsequent Tuesdays in October.

Following the initial training, more intensive classes will take place beginning in November for the museum’s “Wild West Guide” program.

The classes will focus on Western art and Arizona history and culture, and will continue through March with breaks during the holidays.

Those interested in becoming a museum volunteer, and in attending the special Oct. 9 volunteer orientation can sign up by calling (928) 684‑2272, Ext. 100 before Oct. 5. Those unable to attend the initial event can join in for later sessions.

The Museum is located at 21 N. Frontier St. in Wickenburg.

For information call (928) 684‑2272 or visit westernmuseum.org

Courtesy photo el Pedregal Shops and Dining at the Boulders,  known for a distinctive mix of boutiques and galleries. (Click picture for full size image)

El Ped promises busy season El Pedregal Shops and Dining at the Boulders,  known for a distinctive mix of boutiques and galleries, is introducing a weekly “Aficionado Series” beginning Oct. 11 and will feature different themes for art, design, fashion and food aficionados.   On Oct. 11 on the Courtyard Stage is a “Designer Fashion Show,” with exclusive and custom‑designed clothing lines provided by specialty boutique shops including Caribbean Kids, Barbara’s Boutique, Michele’s Originals and Adornments. The Oct. 18. Courtyard Stage presentation will be “Stage the Stage: A Home and Fashion Show” and  D&G Designs will show how to put a design together on the main stage in the courtyard with coordinating fashions being shown by Adornments Sunset Patio; “Table Settings for Halloween” with ideas for creative Halloween table decorations will be presented by B Emporium. Zuva Gallery will exhibit a collection of photographs entitled “Photography from Northern Uganda” on loan from the United States Embassy in Kampala, Uganda. Local photographer Rick D’Elia, who shot many of the images, will give a talk and answer questions at a special artist reception. On Oct. 25 Adelante Gallery‑Folk and Devotional Art & Jewelry will present a “Devotional to the Irreverent Folk.” Admission is free for all events. El Pedregal is located at 34505 N. Scottsdale Road in Scottsdale at the southeast corner of Scottsdale Road and Carefree Highway.

 

Valley chefs cooking for the arts

Tickets are going fast for the second annual “Dine Out with the Chefs: A Celebration of the Culinary Arts” Sunday at Scottsdale Center for the Performing Arts.

Fourteen top Valley chefs will serve up some of their favorite dishes in support of the arts.

Guests will have the opportunity to meet the chefs and to sample their culinary creations, from delicious soups, salads and appetizers to decadent desserts.

Advance tickets are available for $55 through the Scottsdale Center for the Performing Arts Web site at scottsdaleperformingarts.org or box office at (480) 994‑2787.

Tickets at the door are $65.

Capacity is limited and advance tickets are highly recommended. Proceeds from the event benefit the Scottsdale Center for the Performing Arts youth education and outreach programs.

Shadowbox Players tackle ‘The Odd Couple’

The Cactus Shadows High School Shadowbox Players present the male and female versions of Neil Simon’s hit comedy “The Odd Couple.”

The male cast will perform at 7:30 p.m. on Oct. 3, 5, and 6 and the female cast will perform at 7:30 p.m. on Oct. 11,12 and 13 at The Cactus Shadows Fine Arts Center at 33606 N. 60th St. in Scottsdale.

 The male version, a 1965 Broadway hit, was made famous by the popular 1968 movie and 1970s television series of the same name.

The female version which debuted in 1985, updated the original premise (instead of poker, the gals are playing Trivial Pursuit) while keeping the same story line.

Both versions were written by Neil Simon. “The Odd Couple” contains some profanity and references to adult situations. Tickets are $6 at the door.

Foothills Theater’s new season underway

Desert Foothills Theater will conduct a volunteer reception from 6:30 tp 8 p.m. on Oct. 11 at Harris Bank in el Pedregal at the Boulders in North Scottsdale.

Specific volunteer job descriptions will be available at the event.

DFT will present its first theatrical at 6:30 p.m. on Oct. 13 at The Community Center at Legend Trail 34575 N. Legend Trail Pkwy .in Scottsdale.

“The Woes of Kilimanjaro Country Club,” written by Alexx Stuart and directed by Diedre Kaye brings Stuart’s special brand of humor to the Valley for the first time this new season.

Subscribers and members receive first priority seating.

The cost is $50 per person and includes a catered dinner and soft drinks.  For information call (480) 595‑1948.