More fun than a mud puddle, ‘Peppa Pig Live!’ makes its Phoenix debut
BY CHRISTINA FUOCO-KARASINSKI
With her posh English accent and simple pastel colors, Nick Jr.’s Peppa Pig has become a hit on American TV with her show of the same name. Now the barnyard mammal is hitting the stage for the first time here with “Peppa Pig Live! Peppa Pig’s Big Splash.”
The stage show is an adaption of the London play that was a mainstay in the West End. There are a few differences, though.
“We have bigger puppets and costumed characters as part of our show,” said Jonathan Shank, “Peppa Pig Live!” producer. “What people can expect is a lot of singing, dancing and a puddle-jumping competition.”
There are some commonalities.
“I like the script and the songs are magnificently well done,” he said.
Peppa Pig is called a loveable, although a little bossy, piggy. She lives with Mummy Pig, Daddy Pig and her little brother, George. The appeal of “Peppa Pig,” Shank said, is that the show is simple. It’s easy for kids of all ages to follow.
“I think that Peppa lives in a very simple and serene world and the color palette is
very peaceful and made up of many pastel colors,” he said.
“Things move at a very even pace. The sky is a bright color of blue. There are also a lot of really unique things about English culture as well. I think that the charm of the show certainly revolves around some of that English charm and its customs.”
Even though it’s Anglo-centric, “Peppa Pig” touches on themes that all children can relate to.
“The show is palatable to parents and adults as well,” Shank explains. “It’s not overly flashy and it doesn’t have car chases or things that a lot of other children’s shows have showcased. Peppa is very sweet. I think that honestly people just adore the character Peppa and her family. There’s a lot of great humor that is attached to the show, too.”
“Peppa Pig Live!” appears 6 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 18, at Comerica Theatre, 400 W. Washington St., Phoenix. Tickets are $28.50 to $38.50. For more information, call (800) 745-3000 or visit www. ticketmaster.com.
From left, Daisy (Candice Moll) and Peppa Pig (Lib Campbell). Photo submitted by Joe del Tufo
Thursday, May 19th through Saturday, May 21st
Friday, June 10th and Friday, June 17th
Friday, Sept. 9th through Saturday, Sept. 10th
Mesquite senior to participate in Washington Week
BY SRIANTHI PERERA
Ryley Goulet, a 17-year-old Gilbert student, is looking forward to a trip to Washington, D.C., in March.
Ryley’s trip is special because he will be going as a delegate to the 54th annual United States Senate Youth Program and will participate in the program’s Washington Week.
“I am so incredibly excited,” he said. “During my junior year of high school, I applied for the scholarship, but didn’t advance past the first stage.”
The senior at Mesquite High School, who serves as president and peer mentor of his school’s speech and debate team, said he “studied rigorously” to prepare himself to apply once again.
The merit-based program is extremely competitive, according to Arizona’s selection administrator Alexis Burkhart.
Each year, 104 of the most outstanding high school students, two from each state, the District of Columbia and the Department of Defense Education Activity, make the cut. Lydia Chew, a student at Hamilton High School in Chandler, is the other student from Arizona.
The participants are brought to Washington, D.C., for a weeklong, intensive study of the federal government and the people who lead it.
“The overall mission of the program is to help instill within each class of USSYP student delegates more profound knowledge of the American political process and a lifelong commitment to public service,” Burkhart wrote in a news release.
In addition to the trip, the students receive a $5,000 undergraduate college scholarship from The Hearst Foundations which are national philanthropic resources for organizations and institutions working in the fields of education, health, culture and social service.
The foundations also provide transportation and all expenses for Washington Week and no government funds are used.
Students receive encouragement to continue coursework in government, history and public affairs.
For Ryley, the opportunity to speak with prominent members of the government, he says, “is like a dream come true.”
Civic responsibility is not new to the teenager, who is serving on the Gilbert Mayor’s Youth Council, to which he was drawn because he enjoyed speech and debate.
“I like being able to interact with the councilmen and councilwomen primarily because they have a strong sense of passion for the city that I admire,” he said. “I’ve only been on it for this year, and, I think, it has in part contributed to my interest in public policy.”
Ryley plans to study international relations or economics in college and later to study law with a focus on public policy.
Ryley Goulet. Submitted photo
STUDENT CHRONICLES
Know a student who’s doing something remarkable? Send items for student chronicles to christina@timespublications.com.
Susan Ferguson has earned a Master of Arts in teaching degree in the biological sciences from Miami University with coursework through Project Dragonfly and Phoenix Zoo. Since being accepted to the Advanced Inquiry Program (AIP) master’s degree in 2013, Ferguson has explored conservation and education at Phoenix Zoo, while also conducting projects that have made a difference in the Gilbert area. Ferguson is a teacher at Highland Junior High. The AIP, a groundbreaking graduate degree focused on inquiry-driven learning and social change, combines coursework at Phoenix Zoo and seven other U.S. partner institutions with collaborative work in Dragonfly’s Web-based learning communities. Since 2004 Dragonfly and its international partner institutions have engaged more than 1,850 people in firsthand education and conservation research in communities and zoos throughout the country and at critical field sites in Africa, Australia, Asia and the Americas. Project Dragonfly
reaches millions of people each year through inquiry-driven learning media, public exhibits and graduate programs worldwide. Dragonfly is based in the department of biology at Miami University, a state university in Oxford, Ohio. Miami was established in 1809 and is listed as one of the eight original Public Ivies.
Kirsten Lynch started coursework at Fort Lewis College in Durango, Colorado, on Jan. 11. Lynch’s major is undeclared. Fort Lewis College is the Southwest’s crossroads of education and adventure. Its blend of small classes, dynamic academic programs and a liberal arts perspective leads to transformative learning experiences that foster entrepreneurship, leadership, creative problem solving, and life-long learning.
The honor roll lists for Graceland University’s 2015 fall term have been announced, and Gage Bradley has been named to the president’s list. Students
of Graceland University in Lamoni, Iowa, with a perfect 4.0 grade point average are named to the president’s list. Students with a GPA between 3.65 and 3.99 are named to the honors list. Students with a GPA between 3.25 and 3.64 are named to the dean’s list.
The honor roll lists for Graceland University’s 2015 fall term have been announced, and Rachel Harper has been named to the honors list. Students of Graceland University in Lamoni, Iowa, with a perfect 4.0 grade point average are named to the president’s list. Students with a GPA between 3.65 and 3.99 are named to the honors list. Students with a GPA between 3.25 and 3.64 are named to the dean’s list.
Katelyn Marie Clark has been named to Greensboro College’s dean’s list for the fall 2015 semester. To qualify for the dean’s list, a student must have a 3.5 gradepoint average or better while having taken at least half of his/her course credit hours at Greensboro College’s main campus in Greensboro, North
Carolina. Greensboro College provides a liberal arts education grounded in the traditions of the United Methodist Church and fosters the intellectual, social and, spiritual development of all students while supporting their individual needs.
David Kurnik was named to the Champlain College president’s list for the fall 2015 semester. Students who are named to the president’s list have achieved a semester grade point average of 4.0 or higher. Kurnik is majoring in computer forensics and digital investigations at the college in Burlington, Vermont.
Joshua Metzler excelled during the fall 2015 semester, achieving a GPA of at least 3.5 to earn a spot on the dean’s list at Hofstra University in Hempstead, New York. Hofstra University is a nationally ranked private university just 25 miles from New York City and all its cultural, recreational and professional opportunities.
Members of Student Council at the Feed My Starving Children event earlier this year.
Students on the speech and debate team at Mesquite High School collected more than 350 LEGO sets last year for children fighting life-threatening illnesses. Submitted photo
Mesquite students collect LEGO for ill children
BY MICHELLE TALSMA EVERSON
Building with LEGO bricks is practically a childhood rite of passage. The bricks foster imagination, spark creativity, and can provide hours of entertainment.
To children battling cancer and other life-threatening diseases, LEGO can be the perfect distraction from ongoing medical treatments and long hospital stays. With this in mind, the Mesquite High School (MHS) Speech and Debate Team is collecting LEGO sets until March 11 that will be donated to Phoenix Children’s Hospital.
It’s a cause that’s personal to Cassie Alber, an English teacher and the MHS speech and debate coach.
“Every spring for the last three years now we have done the LEGO drive,” she said. “The LEGO drive began because a friend of mine, Michelle Carlock, lost her 11-year-old son to leukemia in March
2012. He had been the first recipient of the Bricks 4 The Brave drive in Denver. After his passing, I really felt a calling to make a difference and suggested this service project to my team.”
Alber said that her speech and debate team, along with community support, collected more than 200 LEGO sets the first year. Then, last year, they collected more than 350. This year, the team has set a goal to collect more than 500 sets.
“We recognize that there are so many young children struggling to fight cancer and other life-threatening diseases and we hope to at least ease that pain for a little bit through the distraction of time that it takes to put a Lego set together,” she explained.
Also new this year is a friendly competition. MHS will be competing against groups in Denver, Colorado, and Charlotte, North Carolina, to see which team can collect the most LEGO for
area hospitals through March 12.
“The city that collects the most kits gets bragging rights while the kids at all three respective children’s hospitals receive LEGO kits to have in the hospital and keep,” she said. “I thought it was a great idea and quickly jumped on board.”
This year’s speech and debate team at MHS consists of 23 students, eight of whom are seniors, according to Alber. In addition to the annual LEGO drive the team also assists with welcoming new freshmen at the beginning of every school year.
While the MHS team is spearheading the LEGO drive, other schools and organizations have joined in. Islands Elementary is hosting a “Penny War” to support LEGO-buying efforts; and the speech and debate teams at both Gilbert Classical Academy and Desert Ridge High School are collecting sets.
“We’ve had great community support with DePalma’s Team USA Martial Arts Studios collecting donations,” Alber said. “The Arizona speech and debate community has made this a district wide project and we collect donations at tournaments as well.”
The MHS speech and debate team welcomes community members to get involved, too. Through March 11, locals can donate new, unwrapped LEGO sets or cash to Mesquite High School. Alber said the sets can be dropped off at the front reception desk.
The school also has an Amazon wish list available that allows users to buy suggested LEGO sets that will be delivered directly to MHS. To find the link to the wish list and more information on the LEGO collection effort, visit www.blog.mhs4n6.com.
Through the Bricks 4 The Brave program, local high school students hope to collect 500 LEGO sets for kids at Phoenix Children’s Hospital. Submitted photo
Family calendar of events
Insane Inflatable 5K
February 6
It’s time to get pumped for the Insane Inflatable 5K! This race will have you bouncing all over town with its inflatable obstacles and water-filled stops along the way. After defeating the crazy course, kids and adults alike will have a blast playing carnival games, refueling with food and drinks and dancing to music all morning long.
Hear ye, hear ye! The Renaissance Faire is back for another year of whip shows, jousting competitions, medieval comedy shows and delicious Renaissance eats. Get a Henna tattoo, peruse the artisan marketplace for medieval goods and dance along to traditional music. Don’t forget to say hello to the king and queen as they walk around the village. Huzzah!
The year of the Monkey is in full swing, which means it’s time for the 26th annual Chinese Culture and Cuisine Festival. Families can dive into the Chinese culture with martial art demonstrations, dragon and lion dances, arts and craft booths and traditional Chinese cuisine. Kids can head to the Children’s Pavilion to learn about paper folding, calligraphy and plenty of Chinese customs and history.
Margaret T. Hance Park, 1202 N. Third St., Phoenix, phoenixchineseweek.org, times vary, free
Sunday A’Fair
February 14
Spend your Valentine’s Day with the friends and family listening to local musicians at this outdoor event. Kids can participate in hands-on arts and crafts activities while parents check out the arts and craft market. Grab some food and drinks from and spend your afternoon surrounded by art, music and
culture that is fun for the whole family. Scottsdale Civic Center Park, 3939 N. Drinkwater Blvd., Scottsdale, 480.994.2787, scottsdaleperformingarts. org, 12 p.m. to 4 p.m., free
Goodnight Moon
February 14 through 29
Your favorite bedtime story is coming to life on the stage in this magical performance. Join Bunny in the green room as he says goodnight to kittens, mittens, his brush and the old lady saying “hush.” This classic story will bring back memories for parents and create new ones for little ones in the audience.
Childsplay, 700 W. Rio Salado Pkwy., Tempe, 480.921.5700, childsplayaz.org, times vary, $12-$26
Peppa Pig Live
February 18
Everyone’s favorite British piggy is coming to the United States for the first time ever in “Peppa Pig’s Big Splash.”
Sing, dance and play along in mud puddles with Peppa and her friends during this fantastic theatrical event that features life-sized puppets. Your kids
will have a blast going on adventures with Peppa in real life.
Comerica Theatre, 400 W. Washington St., Phoenix, 602.379.2800, peppapigliveus.com, 6 p.m., $28-$38
Color Fun Fest 5K
February 20
Light up the night with color at the Color Fun Fest 5K. This electrifying run features four color stations that shower participants in thousands of pounds of glowing powder. All skill and age levels are welcome to participate in the race and post-run party. Runners will glow brightly while live music, vendors and delicious food create an epic experience at the coolest glow-in-the-dark festival! Ak Chin Pavilion, 2121 N. 83rd Ave., Phoenix, colorfunfest5k.com, 4:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m., $20-$60
KA-POW! Superhero Adventure
BY MEGAN MARPLES
The KA-POW! Superhero Adventure Run, set from 8 a.m. to 12 p.m. Saturday, March 19, at Freestone District Park, is an exciting race for the entire family. The costumed race, presented by Banner Health Center, is filled with dozens of heroes, from Captain America to Wonder Woman. Families are encouraged to dress up in their favorite superhero costumes as they run around Freestone District Park completing fun challenges.
Over 20 obstacles are set up around the park for people of all ages to partake in. Activities include slides, an inflatable maze and a foam pool. Water is also incorporated into a few obstacles such as a downhill slip and slide.
family-oriented event in the spring time so we combined the popularity of both superheroes and obstacle runs,” Leppert said.
After the race, runners can cool off in “Gotham City.” There will be entertainment, refreshments and inflatables to enjoy. Opportunities will also be available for runners to take photos with their beloved superheroes. A special prize is also being handed out at the finish line.
“This is a fun run so it is not timed,” Leppert said. “Every registered participant will receive either a pair of Superhero socks or cape.”
Gilbert Recreation Coordinator Mike Leppert shares how planners came up with the unique race theme.
“The Gilbert Parks and Recreation Special Event team wanted to create a healthy
Interested participants can register on the Gilbert Recreation website with the barcode 84822. Same day registration is available for an additional fee. For those who wish to participate in the fun without running the race can sign up to be a volunteer “race marshal.”
