Most Valley residents associate Scottsdale with art shows, upscale malls or shops selling souvenirs of the Southwest.

So families may be pleasantly surprised to discover the farm and jungle fare coming soon to Scottsdale stages.

Longtime supporters of Desert Stages Theatre in Scottsdale recall the many talents of founder Gerry Cullity, who died in 2005, but whose work lives on in so many of the company’s works.

Gerry and Laurie Cullity came to Arizona (during the ’90s) from the East Coast, where they’d been active with the Barn Theatre in New Jersey.

So it’s no surprise that Gerry Cullity’s many adaptations of children’s stories for the stage include a musical production of “Charlotte’s Web.”

The show (directed by Laurie Cullity) opened Feb 18 and runs through March 20. Desert Stages describes it as “a musical hoe-down” and “spirited country gospel musical.”

Cullity notes that her husband’s fondness for the E.B. White tale of Wilbur and Charlotte (plus a gossipy goose, a gloomy sheep and a grouchy rat) stems from its “great message of friendship.”

Scottsdale is also home to Greasepaint Youtheatre, which has long performed at the venue formerly know as Stagebrush Theatre (once home to the now defunct Scottsdale Community Players).

The venue also features Cookie Company productions presented by Phoenix Theatre (their production of “Charlotte’s Web” runs March 25-April 3) — so there are plenty of family-friendly offerings in this neck of the woods.

But it’s the jungle, not the woods, that families will be enjoying at Greasepaint Theatre next month as Greasepaint Youtheatre presents “Disney’s Jungle Book” (directed by Scott Storr) March 4-13.

Greasepaint describes the show — which features familiar characters like Mowgli, Baloo and King Louie — as “jumpin’ with jazz,” noting that it’s “specially adapted from the beloved film.”

Given their relative proximity, it’s easy to make a full day of taking in both shows — spending time in between enjoying the many art galleries, restaurants and shops of downtown Scottsdale (known to us old-timers as “Old Town”).

– Lynn

Note: Find more information on Valley performing arts with a family focus in monthly print and daily online editions of Raising Arizona Kids magazine

Coming up: A modern dance legacy

Tags: Arizona tourism, Barn Theatre, Cookie Company, Cullity, Desert Stages, downtown Scottsdale, gospel music, Greasepaint, jazz for kids, New Jersey theater, Old Town, Phoenix Theatre, Scottsdale, Scottsdale art district, Scottsdale Community Players, Scottsdale mall, Scottsdale tourism, Stagebrush Theatre, Storr, The Barn, youth theater, Youth Theatre

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