Hale Theatre’s ‘Christmas Carol’ shows it’s never too late
BY KENNETH LAFAVE
More than 1,800 dramatic versions of Charles Dickens’ “A Christmas Carol” have found their way to the stage in the 172 years since the novella was published. The story of a mean-spirited man brought to his senses by visions of the past, present and future has captivated theater audiences as well as readers, and helped to lend iconic stature to the names of Ebenezer Scrooge, Marley’s Ghost and Tiny Tim.
But, what’s the story really about? What is the significance of “A Christmas Carol” as a Christmas story?
“The main message is it’s never too late to change,” said David Hale Dietlein, coowner of Gilbert’s Hale Theatre and the director of the Hale’s annual “Christmas Carol” production.
“Scrooge is already an established, hard-chiseled personality when Marley’s Ghost visits, but he still manages to change. It shows that it’s never too late in our lives. Even if we’ve gotten into bad situations, we can make it turn around.
“It’s about hope and renewal in the holidays. We can’t give up on trying to change the world for the better.”
The Hale Theatre’s script dates back to the 1960s, at the original Hale Theatre in Glendale, California, founded by Dietlein’s grandparents. They commissioned a script by Ted Lehman that served as a kind of blueprint for all future Hale productions, though alterations through the decades have all but erased the original.
“Our version has gone off in many different directions,” Dietlein explained.
“If you stick too close to the book, it can get too wordy for the stage. We’ve added music, dance, production numbers.”
And this year, they’ve made the ghost even scarier.
How’d they do that?
“I don’t want to give away any secrets, but let’s put it this way: We advise against any children under age 5 attending, because the ghost will be too real for them.”
Gilbert’s Hale Theatre has presented “A Christmas Carol” every year since its founding in 2003, and every year, Dietlein has personally directed and overseen the changes. The result has been so popular that, this year, the company will present it more times than ever before: Two different casts will tread the boards
for 43 performances of “A Christmas Carol,” between Dec. 3 and Dec. 24. Performances will be staged on all days but Sundays, and tickets range from $20 to $36. Call (480) 497-1181 or visit www.HaleTheatreArizona.com for more information.
With productions of “A Christmas
Carol” running the gamut from dark and foreboding to light and sweet, Dietlein likes to think of his version embracing it all:
“Our ‘Christmas Carol’ will take you from meaningful to fun to dramatic to artsy. Everything combined in one, big package.”
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In Hale Theatre’s “A Christmas Carol,” even Scrooge can change. Submitted photo
People Who Could Fly prepare to let new record soar
BY GABRIEL CUSHING
Valley-based band People Who Could Fly is wrapping up a four-month recording process by featuring its new EP “Neon Electric” during a concert in San Tan Valley.
People Who Could Fly—which features Tempe’s James Mills on lead vocals; Fletcher Milloy of Chandler on guitar and vocals; Gilbert’s Levi Siwek on guitar and bass; Tempe resident Josh Paige on drums and vocals, and Ahwatukee’s Jacob Paige on bass and keys—will perform at Polar Fest on Saturday, Dec. 5.
The EP features the songs “Pressure,” “Empty Days” and the title track.
Mills, who also serves as assistant manager, said the pop-rock act was “pretty darn excited” about the EP, for which People Who Could Fly worked with Grammy-winner Robb Vallier. “It was actually really cool,” Mills
said. “It felt like the right way to make a record. He helped us get our ideas streamlined, and motivated us to get the best possible work done.”
In light of its recent successes, People Who Could Fly has been giving some thought to the idea of starting a West Coast tour. Its live credits so far include opening for Howard Jones and Rick
Classic blockbusters continue through end of year
Retro is hip, and Harkins Theatres are celebrating all things “old” by presenting the Tuesday Night Classics. For $5, guests can relive their favorite films on the big screen at theaters throughout the Valley, including SanTan Village’s Harkins. Movies start at 7 p.m.
The remainder of the year the following movies will be shown:
• “Christmas Vacation,” Dec. 1
• “Elf,” Dec. 8
• “A Christmas Story,” Dec. 15
• “The Polar Express,” Dec. 22.
Info: www.HarkinsTheatres.com/TNC. Harkins is also offering Loyalty Cups and Loyalty T-shirts for sale for $5.25 and $25. The chain will reward moviegoers with $1.50 soft drink refills every time they bring their Loyalty Cup to the movies, and one free medium popcorn with ticket purchase each time they wear their Loyalty T-shirt to the movies through the end of 2016. A portion of the proceeds from the sale of T-shirts will be donated to Phoenix Children’s Hospital. Info: www. HarkinsTheatres.com/store.
Springfield, and performing for patients at Phoenix Children’s Hospital.
“We are hoping to book a tour in the next year,” Mills said. “We’re hiring a new manager which will allow us to expand. We’d benefit from a West Coast tour. Probably around Phoenix and Las Vegas; places close, where we could drive.”
People Who Could Fly perform between 11 a.m. and 5 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 5, at Polar Fest, J.O. Combs Middle School, 37611 N. Pecan Creek Dr., San Tan Valley. For more information, including admission fee and entertainment schedule, visit www.polarfest.net.
Ahwatukee Foothills Nutcracker Ballet features Gilbert residents
Dancers from around the Valley, ages 3 to 18, have been rehearsing since August for the upcoming performances of “Nutcracker” in December. Dancers in the Ahwatukee Foothills Ballet Cast live in Casa Grande, Phoenix, Maricopa, Scottsdale, Peoria, Gilbert, Tempe, Chandler, Mesa, Paradise Valley and Glendale.
The performances will be held at 7 p.m. Friday, Dec. 18, and 2 p.m. and 7 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 19. The performance will be held at Desert Vista Fine Arts Theater, 16440 S. 32nd St., Phoenix.
Tickets are on sale at Dance Studio 111, located at 4910 E. Chandler Blvd., Suite 111, Phoenix, or by phone at (602) 706-6040, or by email at afnutcracker@ gmail.com.
Attendees are invited to visit the stage to meet Santa Claus and the cast members. The actors will sign autographs following the performance at 2 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 19. Audience members can also sit and take photographs on Clara’s Throne in the Land of Sweets, and take photographs
with the Nutcracker, Mouse King, Sugar Plum Fairy and Clara and many other cast members.
To purchase tickets, call (480) 706-6040, or visit http://afnutcracker.com.
The Valley pop-rock band People Who Could Fly will play cuts from “Neon Electric” when it plays Polar Fest in San Tan Valley on Saturday, Dec. 5..
Photo by Mia Scibona
“A Christmas Carol,” Thursday, Dec. 3, through Thursday, Dec. 24, HCT. The heartwarming version of Dickens’ classic take of redemption is magically brought to life on the Hale stage.
Phoenix Children’s Chorus 2015, “When You Believe,” Saturday, Dec. 5, HCPA. Celebrate the season with the angelic strains of the 350-member Phoenix Children’s Chorus.
Mannheim Steamroller, Sunday, Dec. 6, MAC. Grammy Award winner Chip Davis has created a show that features the beloved Christmas music of Mannheim Steamroller, along with dazzling multimedia effects performed in an intimate setting.
The Milk Carton Kids with Julian Lage, Monday, Dec. 7, MAC. Grammy-nominated harmony duo The Milk Carton Kids are a refreshing alternative to the foot stomping grandeur of the folk revival.
Scott Bradlee’s Postmodern Jukebox, Tuesday, Dec. 8, MAC. Its work has been viewed on the YouTube channel more than 100 million times.
Dwight Yoakam, Thursday, Dec. 10, HAC. The country legend will perform at the Ak-Chin Circle Field.
Arch Allies: The Music of Journey, REO Speedwagon and Styx, Friday, Dec. 11, HCPA. Arch Allies covers three important bands from the 1980s and beyond.
Mesa Arts Festival, Saturday, Dec. 12, through Sunday, Dec. 13, MAC. The Mesa Arts Festival is the premier place to find unique gifts for the holidays.
Dave Koz & Friends, Wednesday, Dec. 16, MAC. Saxophonist extraordinaire Dave Koz returns with his friends Candy Dulfer, Jonathan Butler and Bill Medley.
“Winter Wonderland,” Friday, Dec. 18, MAC. The Phoenix Boys Choir presents a joyful medley of music that includes traditional carols such as “Winter Wonderland” and “Silent Night.”
Southwest Youth Ballet Presents “The Nutcracker,” Friday, Dec. 18, through Sunday, Dec. 20, HCPA. The Southwest Youth Ballet brings this holiday classic to life.
Gin Blossoms, Saturday, Dec. 19, HAC. The Gin Blossoms will play such songs as “Hey Jealousy,” “Follow You Down,” “Found Out About You” and many more.
Riverdance, Tuesday, Jan. 12 through Sunday, Jan. 17, MAC. The international Irish dance phenomenon is on its 20th anniversary world tour with an innovative and exciting blend of dance, music and song.
Lee Ann Womack, Sunday, Feb. 21, CCA. Country Album of the Year nominee Lee Ann Womack sings hits from her most acclaimed albums.
Alton Brown Live: Eat Your Science, Thursday, May 12, MAC. Fans can expect more comedy, talk show antics, multimedia presentations and music.
CCA—Chandler Center for the Arts 250 N. Arizona Ave., Chandler Tickets: (480) 782-2680, www.chandlercenter.org
HAC – Harrah’s Ak-Chin Casino 16000 N. Maricopa Rd, Maricopa Tickets: (480) 802-5000 or www.harrahsaskchin.com
HCPA—Higley Center for the Performing Arts 4132 E. Pecos Rd., Gilbert Tickets: (480) 279-7190 or www.higleyarts.org
HCT—Hale Centre Theatre 50 W. Page Ave., Gilbert Tickets: (480) 497-1181, www.haletheatrearizona.com
MAC—Mesa Arts Center
One E. Main St., Mesa Tickets: (480) 644-6500, www.mesaartscenter.com
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Standing Out
Echosmith
finds its own identity among plenty of ‘Cool Kids’
BY CHRISTINA FUOCO-KARASINSKI
Echosmith’s song “Cool Kids” carries the message of self-worth and selfacceptance. But sometimes, lead singer Sydney Sierota said, it’s hard to subscribe to that belief.
Her band—which includes her brothers Jamie, Noah and Graham—has toured for three years, mostly on its 2013 debut album Talking Dreams, and recently announced that it’s going on a break to record a new collection. The three years have been educational.
“I think learning that having your own identity is a big deal,” Sierota said. “There are so many other artists and bands out there. It’s easy to feel like, ‘Man, maybe I should try avoiding that kind of music because that’s working. Or maybe I should look like this.’
“Naturally, in this world, you’re going to compare yourself to others. That does relate to the message of ‘Cool Kids.’ It’s funny because we’re finding that we relate to the song more so now than when we wrote it.”
Sierota said she and her brothers have continued to learn self-acceptance over the last three years.
“It’s important to be yourself,” she said. “That what people really fall in love with. That’s what they connect to.”
But Sierota said her profession isn’t any different than others.
“Every profession has its own differences and challenges,” she said. “In the end, I’m not complaining, but everybody has their thing and their stuff they have to deal with and work through and address in their personal life and professional life. I think everyone goes through it. There are plenty [of] things that people have to deal with in this industry and a lot more maybe sometimes.”
Echosmith’s profession brings it to the Celebrity Theatre for a Thursday, December 3, charity show with Adam Lambert. Arizona shows are meaningful for the Californiabased band.
“I love Arizona. Plus we have family there, and that makes it even better—my grandparents, a few of our cousins and aunts and stuff. There are quite a few people, actually.”
The Celebrity date is one of a few Echosmith will play before heading off the road to record the aforementioned new album. The act’s plans were laid out in a heartfelt letter on its homepage.
“I’m so happy you think it’s moving,” Sierota said. “It took us awhile to figure out what to say.”
In the letter, which mentions the siblings were in their teens when they wrote Talking Dreams, they say: “We do not take lightly that most people do not get to experience these kinds of opportunities and we are beyond grateful for every single one of them.”
The success includes three hits, including “Cool Kids;” “Let’s Love” and “Bright” are the other two. Echosmith hopes to replicate that success on the new album, which is in the very formative stages.
“We’ve started slowly [writing],” she said. “We literally just got off the road less than a week ago. We’re slowly starting to write again and we have some ideas. We don’t have anything close to finished yet. We’re trying to write songs and go from there.
“Lots has happened to us in life, and musically I hope we’ve improved,” Sierota adds with a laugh. “It’ll be interesting to see what comes out.”
Those experiences include being a surprise guest during two of Taylor Swift’s shows.
“Taylor’s super sweet and obviously talented,” she said. “It was a great experience both times that we did it. It was really cool. Her crowds are so excited and they scream louder than you’ve ever heard. She’s a great person and to have that opportunity is great. I’m really thankful that she wanted us to sing with her on her tour. She could have asked anybody. It’s something we’ll never forget.”
Perhaps her biggest thrill was playing on “The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon.”
“That was a big step for us,” she said with a smile that transcended the phone line. “That was always on our bucket list. We would watch it every night. It was such a dream come true.
“It’s hard to determine which are the biggest deals out of the three years of doing things. I would say playing ‘The Tonight Show’ was probably the biggest one.”
But she admits to being uneasy on TV stages.
“I don’t normally get nervous,” she said. “But I’m nervous for TV performances. It’s live and, well, a normal show is live, too. But you’re only playing one song. It’s not a
normal concert setting.
“The crowd isn’t right in your face. It’s completely different. They’re having to act cordial because they’re on TV. It’s a really interesting environment.”
That hearkens back to her comments about insecurity.
“Over the three years, I did need to have my own identity and try not to find it in anybody else’s opinion of you.”
Adam Lambert and Echosmith perform at 7:30 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 3, at the Celebrity Theatre, 440 N. 32nd St., Phoenix. Tickets are $40 to $70. For more information, call (602) 267-1600 or www.celebritytheatre.com.
