2011-2012 Season – Public Performances
Lilly's Purple Plastic Purse By Kevin Kling Book by Kevin HenkesLilly is a spunky little mouse who loves cheese snacks, her new red cowboy boots, her new teacher Mr. Slinger, and ESPECIALLY her brand new purse that holds her movie-star sunglasses, three shiny new quarters and plays music whenever it's opened. In fact, she loves her new purse so much that it gets her into trouble at school where she learns about patience, appropriate behaviors in school, and that making mistakes is all part of growing up. Full of heart and humor, this Childsplay encore is based on the beloved book authored and illustrated by Kevin Henkes.
- Preview: Sun., September 11 @ 4 p.m. ($12 tickets, general admission)
- Opening: Sat., September 17 @ 4 p.m.
- Performances: Saturdays @ 1 & 4 p.m. and Sundays @ 1 p.m., through Sun., October 16 @ 1 p.m.
- Tickets: $15 Balcony; $20 - $25 Main Floor
- Tempe Center for the Arts – Theater
- Recommended for age four and older
- ASL interpreted performance TBD
- Click here for resources and opportunities to extend your theatre experience
Old and new worlds collide in this visually-stunning story of the conquest of Mexico. Is Cortés the Sun Serpent of Aztec legend rising from the sea to bring peace and harmony? Young Anahuac and his older brother believe so at first but Anahuac soon realizes all is not what it seems. He sets out to warn his brother who’s marching with the conquistadors and discovers much about Aztec culture on his journey. A Childsplay world premiere featuring masks by Arizona’s Zarco Guerrero.
- Previews: Sat. & Sun., October 22-23 @ 4 p.m. ($12 tickets, general admission)
- Opening: Sat., October 29 @ 7 p.m.
- Performances: Saturdays @ 1, 4 & 7 p.m. and Sundays @ 1 & 4 p.m., through Sun., November 13 @ 1 p.m.
- Tempe Center for the Arts – Studio
- Recommended for age eight and older
- ASL interpreted performance TBD
A rollicking, new musical for the whole family. Based on the books by Bernard Weber, the tumbling, tap dancing, skating and oh-so-lovable Lyle takes New York City by storm during over the holiday season.
- Preview: Sun., November 13@ 4 p.m. ($12 tickets, general admission)
- Opening: Sat., November 19 @ 4 p.m.
- Weekend Performances: Saturdays @ 1 & 4 p.m. and Sundays @ 1 p.m., through Sat., December 24 @ 1 p.m.
- Weekday Matinees: Tuesday – Friday, December 20 – 24 @ 1 p.m. and 4:00 p.m.
- Tempe Center for the Arts – Theater
- Recommended for age four and older
- ASL interpreted performance December 11 @ 1:00 pm
Lyf’s overprotective parents have kept him safe in their nest and not allowed him to learn to fly. One day, a hilarious pair of fast-talking twins who have skipped “flock” school burst into their lives challenging everything Lyf thought he knew. Will his parents secret reason for protecting him be enough to keep him from the skies? Join these new friends as they figure out what it really means to take flight. A Childsplay world premiere!
- Preview: Sun., January 22 @ 4 p.m. ($12 tickets, general admission)
- Opening: Sat., January 28 @ 4 p.m.
- Performances: Saturdays @ 1 & 4 p.m. and Sundays @ 1 p.m. through Sun., February 5 @ 1 p.m.
- Tickets: $15 Balcony; $20 - $25 Main Floor
- Tempe Center for the Arts – Studio
- Recommended for age six and older
- ASL interpreted performance January 29 @ 1:00 pm
- Click here for resources and opportunities to extend your theatre experience
You too can become president! A rollicking, multi-media-filled musical revue spanning 223 years of the American presidency – from George Washington to Barack Obama. Stories of the 44 men who rose to the highest office in the land are brought to life through all-new rock, pop and folk music. A Childsplay world premiere with national tour to follow.
- Preview: Sun., February 12 @ 4 p.m. ($12 tickets, general admission)
- Opening: Sat., February 18 @ 4:00 p.m.
- Performances: Saturdays @ 1 & 4 p.m. and Sundays @ 1 p.m., through Sun., March 4 @ 1 p.m.
- Tickets: $15 Balcony; $20 - $25 Main Floor
- Tempe Center for the Arts – Studio
- Recommended for age seven and older
- ASL interpreted performance February 26 @ 1:00 pm
Tomás loves stories! Grandfather tells them every night during the summer when the family leaves Texas to pick crops in Iowa. But soon Tomas knows all the stories by heart and that’s when Papa Grande tells him about the library. When Tomas meets the library lady nothing is ever the same again.
- Preview: Sat., April 7 @ 1 p.m. ($12 tickets, general admission)
- Opening: Sat., April 7 @ 4:00 p.m.
- Performances: Saturdays @ 1 & 4 p.m. and Sundays @ 1 and 4 p.m., through Sun., April 15 @ 1 p.m.
- Tickets: $15 Balcony; $20 - $25 Main Floor
- Tempe Center for the Arts – Studio
- Recommended for age five and older
- ASL interpreted performance April 15 @ 1:00 pm
When Eddie is sent to live with his grandparents in rural Maine while his father is at war, he feels like he’s far away from everything that matters. But when a mysterious stranger arrives and a crisis ensues, only Eddie can solve the mystery that’s torn the town apart. A touching story about life in America during World War II, family, and the importance of telling the truth.
- Preview: Sun., April 22 @ 4 p.m. ($12 tickets, general admission)
- Opening: Sat., April 28 @ 4:00 p.m.
- Performances: Saturdays @ 4:00 p.m. & Sundays @ 1:00 p.m. through May 20
- Senior Matinee with Dwayne Hartford: Tuesday, May 8 at 1:00 p.m.
- Tickets: $15 - $25
- Tempe Center for the Arts – Theater
- Recommended for age eight and older
- ASL interpreted performance May 6 @ 1:00 pm
We will be collecting items for troops overseas at performances! Click here for a list of items you can donate!


