Performances and exhibitions are presented in three state-of-the-art venues on MCC’s Southern and Dobson campus (1833 W. Southern Ave.). The Performing Arts Center consists of two performance spaces built with exceptional acoustics and visibility for musical, instrumental and dance performances. Boasting theatrical modernizations, the MCC Theatre, a community landmark, delivers an intimate experience to stage performances. The recently-opened Art Gallery embraces the dynamic and multidisciplinary nature of today’s visual culture.
The season kicks off in January at The MCC Theatre with “No Man’s Land” and “The Deep Blue Sea,” both of which are National Theatre Live screenings, part of a groundbreaking initiative to broadcast productions from the London stage to cinema screens worldwide. Patrick Stewart and Ian McKellen star in “No Man’s Land,” about two writers whose lively conversation in a pub turns into a revealing power game. “The Deep Blue Sea” features Helen McCrory and Tom Burke. McCrory plays one of the greatest female roles in contemporary drama. “No Man’s Land” is Jan. 27 at 7:30 p.m. and “The Deep Blue Sea” is Feb. 3 at 7:30 p.m.
Richard Renaldi’s Touching Strangers traveling exhibit, which creates relationships that may only last for the moment the camera shutter is released, will be on display Jan. 30 - March 24. Note: The Art Gallery is free and open to the public Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. - 5 p.m.
On February 1, at 6 p.m., Richard Renaldi will give an free artist lecture on Feb. 1, at 6 p.m. Located at MCC Theatre, this lecture is free and open to a public, however, RSVP is requested as space is limited.
“Our Souls Delight” sacred choral music concert will be presented at 7:30 p.m. March 2.
“Effects of Altitude,” photography from MCC students during their stay in the Eastern Sierra Nevada mountains will be on display April 3 - 14. The “Annual Juried Art Student Show” will be on exhibition April 24 - May 12, showcasing the creations of MCC art students, exploring the mediums of ceramics, digital, drawing, painting, photography, 2D and 3D.
Music lovers will want to attend the February Community, Concert Band and Orchestra Concert, showcasing MCC’s Instrumental Music Program featuring MCC students and community ensembles. Performance Feb. 28 at 7 p.m.
Three more National Theatre Live screenings are scheduled for March. “Amadeus,” adapted from the Academy Award-winning film about Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart and court composer Antonio Salieri with Lucian Msamati of Game of Thrones playing Salieri on March 3 at 7:30 p.m. “Saint Joan” starring Gemma Arterton as Joan of Arc, a production of Bernard Shaw’s classic play that follows the life and trial of a young country girl who declares a bloody mission to drive the English from France will be screened on March 4 at 7:30 p.m. “Hedda Gabler,” played by Ruth Wilson of Luther and The Affair, is trapped but determined to try to control those around her, only to see her own world unravel, may be seen on March 24 at 7:30 p.m.
“Of Mice and Men” examines the strong bond of a pair of itinerant field workers during the Great Depression, who pursue the lofty and unattainable American Dream of settling down on their own ranch. This 1937 novella was adapted for both stage and screen by John Steinbeck, appearing on the American Library Association’s Most Challenged Books of the 21st Century, while most frequently included in curriculum and revered as an American classic. Contains Adult Language/Themes. Dates: April 21, 22, 27 & 28 at 7:30 p.m. and April 22 & 29 at 2 p.m.
The Desert Echoes Flute Project, an adventurous flute choir program sponsored by the MCC Music Department includes professional and community musicians, music educators and college students. DEF will perform March 3 and May 5, both at 7:30 p.m.
Jazz big band lovers won’t want to miss the MCC Performing Arts Jazz Ensemble (MPJE) Concert with artistic director and pianist Nick Manson; saxophonists Paul Brewer, Bryon Ruth, Mary Petrich, Hugh Lovelady, Chris Campbell and Emily Blair Wolf; bones Matt Lennex, Bill Foy, Michael Lake and John Wise; trumpeters Dave Coolidge, Danny Doyle, Andrew Smith and Rob Hunter; and Nick Manson, John Lewis and Mario Mendivil in the rhythm section. Tuesday, March 7 at 7 p.m.
Another treat for jazz fans, two performances by the Jazz Ensemble, under the direction of MCC alumnus Paul Brewer. The band has performed all over the country at various festivals and concerts and continues to promote jazz at a high level throughout the Valley. March 8 and May 3, both at 7 p.m.
The Community, Concert Band and Orchestra, composed of students and community musicians, presents Tuesday, April 25.
The Spring musical “Closer Than Ever” debuts in April. The musical is a song cycle that features a variety of topics from unrequited love, mid-life crisis and ageing. The revue has garnered acclaim and has won an Outer Critics Circle Award. Dates: March 31, April 1, 6, 7 at 7:30 p.m. and April 8 at 2 p.m.
What’s an arts season without a dance performance? The Spring Dance Concert features dance groups from MCC, with professional and student choreographers. Two dates: Thursday, April 20 and Friday, April 21, both at 7:30 p.m.
More music is in store with a Choral Concert, directed by instructors Dr. Craig Peterson and Joseph Johnston, featuring a special guest from the community. May 1 and May 4 at 7:30 p.m.
Patrons should use the Solar Way entrance east of Dobson Road for easy access to the MCC Theatre and Art Gallery. The Longmore Way entrance west of Longmore Street is nearest to the Performing Arts Center.
Those who are interested in a glimpse behind the scenes during the development of the shows are encouraged to follow progress on social media: MesaCC Facebook, MesaCC Twitter and MesaCC Instagram.
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Contact
Dawn Zimmer, dawn.zimmer@mesacc.edu, 480-461-7892
Mesa Community College is nationally recognized for service-learning, career and technical programs, civic engagement and innovative approaches to education. The college serves as a resource for career readiness, transfer education, workforce development and lifelong learning. Host to 30,000 students annually, MCC offers more than 195 degree and certificate programs at its two campuses and additional locations. MCC is an emerging Hispanic Serving Institution with a diverse student body that enriches the learning experience. Award-winning faculty are dedicated to student success, providing the education and training that empowers MCC students to compete locally and globally. MCC, located in the East Valley of Phoenix, Arizona, is one of the 10 colleges that comprise the Maricopa County Community College District. For additional information, visit mesacc.edu.
Mesa Community College is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC) of the North Central Association (NCA) http://www.ncahlc.org
The Maricopa County Community College District (MCCCD) is an EEO/AA institution and an equal opportunity employer of protected veterans, and individuals with disabilities.