An intimate, indoor, professional theatrical adventure: This is the Center for the Arts at Kayenta
By Jan Broberg
The Center for the Arts at Kayenta presents a rich and diverse offering of theater and music in May. “Art” plays Wednesdays–Sundays at 6 p.m. through May 12. Pianist Connor Chee performs May 17 at 7:30 p.m. followed by the Toga Party Band May 19 at 8 p.m. And performances of “Other Desert Cities” run Thursdays–Saturdays from May 24 to June 9 at 7:30 p.m.
The Tony Award-winning comedy “Art” continues its sellout opening night run through May 12. Beauty truly is in the eye of the beholder! The purchase of an all-white painting creates a rift between three close friends in this clever, funny, sophisticated, and ultimately moving portrait of friendship and its complexities. An all-professional cast starring Garry Morris, Kent Hayes, and Philippe Hall will have you laughing through tears.
Experience the virtuosic talent of Navajo classical pianist Connor Chee in a full-length solo recital May 17. Carnegie Hall followed! Nominated for Best New Artist and Record of the Year, Chee performs throughout the U.S. He’ll play original piano compositions based on traditional Navajo chants from his recent recording, “The Navajo Piano,” as well as Chopin, Rachmaninoff, and Liszt. At age 12, Chee won gold in the World Piano Competition. As a special attraction, there will also be a Kaibab Paiute performance during intermission. The audience will be invited to join our special guests in a “friendship dance” to celebrate Kaibab Paiute Indian culture.
Ready for something completely off the charts? On May 19, it’s Toga! Toga! Toga! The Toga Party Band is coming to Kayenta direct from SoCal! Togas are optional, but dancing the night away and having more fun than anyone else in southern Utah isn’t! Space is limited, so make sure to buy your tickets in advance.
Hungry for a rich, funny, and touching adult drama? “Other Desert Cities” by Jon Robin Baitz is for you. The play explores the limits of parental love and filial duty, our myth-making culture, and the claim we have to our own biography when it involves the invasion of privacy of others.
“Other Desert Cities” delivers serious family drama and combustible comedy. Brooke Wyeth, the protagonist, returns home to Palm Springs after a six-year absence to celebrate Christmas with her parents, brother, and aunt. Brooke announces that she is about to publish a memoir dredging up a pivotal and tragic event in the family’s history — a wound they don’t want reopened. She draws a line in the sand and dares them all to cross it.
“’Other Desert Cities’ is clever and biting and a comic genius of a script,” said director Douglas Caputo. “This is the kind of show we don’t get to see in our area often: an adult, contemporary comedy/drama. We have a strong local cast, and we are also bringing in talent from outside the area. This will be the show to see for those who desire a little more edge in their entertainment.”
“The most richly enjoyable new play for grownups that New York has known in many seasons,” write the New York Times. “Mr. Baitz makes sure our sympathies keep shifting among the members of the wounded family portrayed here. Every one of them emerges as selfish, loving, cruel, compassionate, irritating, charming, and just possibly heroic … leaves you feeling both moved and gratifyingly sated.”
The cast of “Other Desert Cities” includes Nick Adams, Ginger Nelson, Jared Shipley, Pat Evans, and California-based actor Robin Hampton.
For tickets, pricing, and more information, visit kayentaarts.com or call the box office at (435) 674-2787. The Center for the Arts at Kayenta is located at 881 Coyote Gulch Ct. in Ivins.
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