So, What's There to Do in Phoenix? (Lit-Wise)

Yeah, yeah, yeah, Phoenix may not be New York or San Francisco, but we've got our fair share of fun art and literature events. We'll keep you posted of these events (and more!) in our sporadically updated review "So, what's there to do in Phoenix?"

ArtEvent: Stray Cat Theater's "A Very Merry Unauthorized Children's Scientology Pageant"

Join in the holiday spirit with this fantastic performance, described as a mixture of "avant-garde performance art and children's theater." Grade-school children portray luminary figures of the Church of Scientology movement, such as Tom Cruise, Kirstie Alley, John Travolta, and L. Rob Hubbard. The performance follows Hubbard's rise from struggling science fiction writer to leader of the highly successful New Age religion. Scientology teachings are "explained and dissected against the candy-colored backdrop of a traditional nativity scene."

"A Very Merry Unauthorized Children's Scientology Pageant" is directed by Gary Minyard and based on a concept by Alex Timbers. Books, music and lyrics were done by Kyle Jarrow. Show runs from December 5 - December 20, 2008. Showtimes are Thursday-Saturday at 8 PM and Sundays at 2 PM at the Tempe Performing Arts Center (132 East 6th Street). Buy tickets online here. $15/ students + military, $15/seniors, $20/adults. Thursdays are $10 Student Night and Sundays are $12 for everyone!

For more information and a photo slideshow, see this article from the East Valley Tribune.