A very colorful weekend

Lately the news coming across my virtual desk seems especially colorful. Or perhaps I’m just noticing it more after enjoying a lovely double rainbow on a rainy day drive with two of my three children the other day.

VYT brings "Pinkalicious" alive on stage

Valley Youth Theatre sent word they’re performing “Pinkalicious,” the tale of a little girl who ends up turning herself pink. Something about a fondness for pink cupcakes. I can relate. The musical for children, based on a book by Elizabeth and Victoria Kann, is so popular that it’s been extended through Oct 31.

Then we’ve got the rednecks taking the Phoenix Theatre stage through Oct 19. “3 Redneck Tenors” is a sort of “Blue Collar Tour meets Forbidden Broadway” and you can enter to win four seats at the show by posting a photo of your best or worst (or both?) mullet on Phoenix Theatre’s Facebook page.

Much as I love the “Admit the Mullet” contest, I’d like to state for the record just how pleased I am that VYT isn’t asking younger fans to paint themselves pink or encouraging stage moms to compete in a best pink cupcake bake-off (though I do have pink sprinkles at the ready).

Anna Aimee White in "Backwards in High Heels" (Photo: Tim Fuller)

A more sophisticated woman in pink also graces Valley stages this weekend as Arizona Theatre Company presents  “Backwards in High Heels,” a musical about the life of legendary dancer and starlet Ginger Rogers — whose first break came after winning a Charleston dance contest.

If all your children know of ballroom dance is Bristol Palin going Latin or Donny Osmond going home with a disco ball trophy, you’ll relish this opportunity to introduce them to one of America’s dance and Hollywood legends.

And happily, there’s no contest for this baby either — which could go horribly wrong in so many ways when you stop to consider the high heels and backwards themes. Best to just grab the feather boa and call it a day.

CONDER/dance performers (Photo: Dan Perrine)

Dance lovers can double dip this weekend by attending the “AriZona Dance Festival 2010” at Tempe Center for the Arts, featuring diverse performances by local and national dance companies — including the Valley’s own CONDER/dance, whose work often features a lovely black and white aesthetic.

Pediatric patients at Cardon Children’s Medical Center in Mesa who might be feeling a bit blue this weekend will enjoy a cheerful performance by East Valley Children’s Theatre as part of its “Bringing Smiles to Children” program.

East Valley Children’s Theatre presents “The Emperor’s New Clothes” at Mesa Arts Center through Oct 17, and I’m hoping to enjoy the show with Lizabeth between homework and community service projects.

EVCT performs "The Emperor's New Clothes" at Mesa Arts Center

It’s set in the kingdom of Grump, where two con artists named Wart and Hog engage in a rather transparent plot to strip the king of his wealth (and his wardrobe). No contest here either kids.

Thank goodness.

–Lynn

Note: For a comprehensive listing of family-friendly events and activities in all shapes and colors, start each day by visiting the online calendar for Raising Arizona Kids magazine.

Coming up: Pumpkins and performing arts?