“The Phantom of the Opera”
“The Phantom of the Opera,” composer Andrew Lloyd Webber’s smash hit musical, comes to the Valley this week as part of a North American tour produced by Cameron Mackintosh. Over the course of 12 days at ASU Gammage, the 52-person cast and orchestra will perform 16 shows. A blend of opera and horror, “The Phantom of the Opera” features well-loved musical numbers such as “All I Ask Of You,” “Masquerade” and “Music of the Night.” The organ-filled overture will be in your head for days to come, and the iconic opera house chandelier can’t be missed. Catch the show this week or any time through June 7.
ASU Gammage, 1200 S. Forest Ave., Tempe, May 27-June 7, $15-$200.
Phoenix Comicon
Let your geek flag fly at the biggest pop culture event in the valley. From anime and steampunk to fantasy and superheroes, every fandom is represented as fans and creators gather together to celebrate all things geek. Rub elbows with stars like Alyson Hannigan, Jason Isaacs, Christopher Lloyd and Edward James Olmos in autograph sessions, photo opportunities and spotlight events. Meet the comic book illustrators, sci-fi novelists and screenplay writers that brought your favorite characters to life. Browse the massive exhibitor hall and find the perfect souvenirs. And, of course, check out the fans that came decked out in costume as their favorite characters! This four-day event is packed with things to do, so pick your favorite day or buy a full event pass.
Phoenix Convention Center, 100 N. 3rd St., Phoenix, May 28-31, $15-$399 (prices go up beginning May 28).
Arizona’s Funniest Person with a Day Job competition
Rick Bronson’s House of Comedy is looking for Arizona’s funniest undiscovered comedian. The brave contestants will be given five minutes on stage to perform their best material for the audience and a panel of celebrity judges. The top comics will go on to the final round, and the winner of that round will win $1,000 and two booking opportunities at the House of Comedy locations in Phoenix and Minnesota.
If you aren’t cut out for the spotlight, you can enjoy this event from the audience and cheer on your favorite contestants. Tickets are $7, and a percentage of the ticket price goes to benefit local charities. Catch the show this week and every Tuesday until June 30, when the semifinalists will perform 10-minute routines and the winner will be crowned.
Rick Bronson’s House of Comedy, 5350 E. High Street, Suite 105, Phoenix, May 26, 7:30pm, $7
Jason Bonham’s Led Zeppelin Experience
Just because you can’t see the original band in concert doesn’t mean you can’t experience the very best of Led Zeppelin. Jason Bonham, son of the legendary Led Zeppelin drummer John Bonham, has been touring with the Led Zeppelin Experience, an homage to his late father’s band, since 2011. Rock out to the band’s greatest hits, like “Kashmir,” “Stairway to Heaven” and “Whole Lotta Love.” This is a show that can’t be missed.
Ovations at Wild Horse Pass, 5040 Wild Horse Pass Blvd., Chandler, May 29, $33-68, 21+
Night Golf at Palo Verde Golf Course
It’s starting to heat up, so why sweat it out on the golf course in the hot sun? The City of Phoenix is kicking off its summer night golf program this Saturday. Stay cool while you golf in the dark at the city’s nine-hole golf course. The course is lined with glow lights, and players get a glow stick necklace and a glow-in-the-dark golf ball so they can see the ball even when it flies into the bunker. This city offers night golf on various nights until October.
Palo Verde Golf Course, 6215 N. 15th Ave., Phoenix, May 30, $25 per person
