Phoenix is not usually thought of as a culture capitol. This is so despite its size, which ranks as the fourth most populous city in the United States. Now that Arizonans have begun a habit of visiting the theatre Phoenix, already the major urban hub of the desert Southwest, takes its place as a major cultural center.
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.
If anything, television is even more debilitating to urban life, since it offers the ultimate convenience of being entertained in one's own home. We now have several generations who might be expert in the finest television drama, but who have no idea of the unique energy of a live performance before a packed house.
By way of response, Phoenix has built its downtown into a surprisingly wonderful neighborhood and hub of culture. The first treat is the neighborhood's very architecture, a visual treat. Couples and families often enjoy themselves simply strolling underneath the starry night skies, perhaps taking in a fine meal at one of the neighborhood's varied 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.
Two architectural gems house true, live drama. The Phoenix Theatre on McDowell Road offers new dramas by talented, up and coming dramatists as well as the occasional cutting edge musical. It has classes for teenagers who aspire to write and act, as well as a variety of other outreach to develop public appetite for play going.
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.
If anything, television is even more debilitating to urban life, since it offers the ultimate convenience of being entertained in one's own home. We now have several generations who might be expert in the finest television drama, but who have no idea of the unique energy of a live performance before a packed house.
By way of response, Phoenix has built its downtown into a surprisingly wonderful neighborhood and hub of culture. The first treat is the neighborhood's very architecture, a visual treat. Couples and families often enjoy themselves simply strolling underneath the starry night skies, perhaps taking in a fine meal at one of the neighborhood's varied 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.
Two architectural gems house true, live drama. The Phoenix Theatre on McDowell Road offers new dramas by talented, up and coming dramatists as well as the occasional cutting edge musical. It has classes for teenagers who aspire to write and act, as well as a variety of other outreach to develop public appetite for play going.
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.
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