Although Phoenix is refusing to relent with the heat, that shouldn’t stop anyone from taking a walk outside their door into downtown. This week’s prime entertainment comes from a more pop-centric place, including a slapstick-zombie romp, some comedic attitude, a zany play from the perspective of angels, a celebration of enduring fashion and a local celebration, open for the first time to (almost) everyone.
- Saturday, Sept. 8
- 4:00 p.m. show
- StandUp Live: 50 W. Jefferson St.
- Getting there: Walk — Central Avenue and Jefferson Street
- Price: $32 in advance at standuplive.com or the venue box office
Recommended if You Like: Oakland Raiders, Bon Qui Qui, more than a pretty face
Anjelah Johnson got her start as a cheerleader for the Oakland Raiders, but don’t let that sway your view of this hilarious head-turner. After just a few years of cheer, she moved to pursue acting, gaining almost immediate recognition with her viral video, “Nail Salon.” She quickly capitalized on this success by appearing on MADtv, from which she launched one of the biggest YouTube videos of the past several years, “Bon Qui Qui,” earning herself a record deal and numerous advertising and acting gigs. But amidst all of this multimedia success, Johnson has continued her work as a comedian, performing all over the world to sold-out crowds.
- Thursday to Sunday, Sept. 6 to 9
- 7:30 p.m. show Thursday to Saturday; 2:30 show Sunday
- Little Theatre at Phoenix Theatre: 100 E. McDowell Road
- Getting there: Rail — Central Avenue and McDowell Road stop
- Price: $17.50 (with student ID) plus fees
Recommended if You Like: creation, feminine mystique, Kathy Najimy
A series of scenes based on designing the newly-created world form a surprisingly-coherent narrative in this play, adapted from Kathy Najimy and Mo Gaffney’s play from the 1980s. An intro of angels sets the tone for the remainder of the play. The comedy follows a style indicative of standup, with various characters coming and going as they sort their way through the trials of everyday life. The strand which holds the play together comes in the form of two angels, watching from above, commenting on the struggles of the earthbound central characters. All characters in the vignettes are played by the same actresses, inferring the parallel lives of the play’s title. As a whole, the show embodies all of the foibles of humanity, communicated through the direction of goddesses.
Bunky Boutique’s Fifth Anniversary
- Friday, Sept. 7
- 7 to 10:00 p.m.
- Bunky Boutique: 1437 N. First St.
- Getting there: Rail — Central Avenue and McDowell Road stop
- Price: FREE
Recommended if You Like: local couture, celebration!, giveaways
For five years, Bunky Boutique has been both pioneer and hearty champion of the downtown fashion scene. From its humble beginnings in an alley at Sixth and Roosevelt streets, to its transitional spot along Third Street, to its current hotspot next to Giant Coffee, Bunky has weathered every kind of storm. Now a four-time Phoenix New Times Best of Phoenix winner, the tiny shop has staked its claim as one of our fair city’s great success stories. Carrying everything from handbags, to stationery, Bunky has a little bit for everyone. In honor of the store’s fifth anniversary, the owners are opening their doors for First Friday in customary style, offering champagne and cake, free gifts and 20 percent off all merchandise inside. Bunky is also launching its very own Bunky Label Lip Gloss. Want to stay up on the latest trends in Phoenix fashion? Keep your eyes on this shoebox-sized store near Central.
- Friday, Sept. 7
- 7:00 p.m show
- Phoenix Art Museum: 1625 N. Central Ave.
- Getting there: Rail—Central Avenue and McDowell Road stop
- Price: $10 in advance at phxart.org or at the door
Recommended if You Like: Shaun of the Dead, zombie comedy, zany political commentary
Playing off the madcap appeal of the British “Shaun of the Dead,” “Juan of the Dead” picks up where the former left off–with a blast. The Spanish-language, horror-comedy comes to the Valley as a humorous detour in the Phoenix Art Museum’s month-long Cine Latino series, celebrating new and recent films from Mexico and across Latin America. Main character, Juan, plays a prototypical slacker who gets wrapped up in the frenzy of a zombie apocalypse sweeping across his native Havana, Cuba. Though his life had always been a mess, Juan finds a semblance of order by becoming a zombie-hitman, protecting citizens across the city. References to the Cuban government and its relationship with the U.S. run rampant through the film, leaving discerning viewers with plenty to chew on, taking it to a new level of art.
Ladylike vs. Yellow Minute, with All My Friends
- Friday, Sept. 7
- 7:30 p.m. doors open, 8:30 p.m. show
- Crescent Ballroom: 308 N. Second Ave.
- Getting there: Walk—Second Ave. and Van Buren St.
- Price: $5 in advance at crescentphx.com, $7 at the door
Recommended if You Like: POEM, fun., rock with a flair for the dramatic
Since its opening, Crescent Ballroom has helped make the local music scene the center of attention, hyping shows from Black Carl, What Laura Says and Gospel Claws with as much gusto as that of St. Vincent, Iron & Wine and Yeasayer. For the majority of those local shows, the doors have been closed off to underage attendees, which contributes heartily to the excitement of this latest local showcase. On First Friday, the Crescent is swinging open its doors to those 16 and up, even partnering with Taylor Place to offer $1.50 tickets to a select few ASU Downtown residents. The show itself is sure to be nothing short of excellent, featuring headlining entertainment from two of Phoenix’s latest rising stars. Ladylike, recently made a big splash at ASU’s TaylorFest, and is riding the hype wave of their self-titled debut full-length, released earlier this year. Yellow Minute, offers a fresher, more experimental bent, with eight members contributing to their debut EP, “you+you+you+you=me”.
Events compiled by Connor Descheemaker
