By Carson Mlnarik
The Diary of Anne Frank
MAY 1 TO MAY 12
Arizona Theatre Company presents this powerful play that brings the story of Anne Frank to life, capturing the reality behind Anne and her family’s daily existence as they hid from the Nazis in a concealed attic. As the family struggles to keep their optimism, Anne shares her fears, hopes, laughs and grief, culminating in a powerful message of hope that’s stuck with audiences over the years.
Temple of Music and Art, 330 S. Scott Avenue, 622.2823, arizonatheatre.org, times vary, $41-$63.
Pink Floyd Laser Spectacular
MAY 3
Good music can transport a listener to a world they have never seen. That much can be said for the Pink Floyd Laser Spectacular, a music and light show that has toured for 30-plus years. Listeners drift away on a journey through the legendary band’s music alongside high-powered lasers, video projections and special effects, choreographed to the music.
The Rialto Theatre, 318 E. Congress Street, 740.1000, rialtotheatre.com, 8 p.m., $22-$24.
“Weird Al” Yankovic
MAY 5
This lovable, long-haired joker returns to Tucson for The Ridiculously Self-Indulgent Ill-Advised Vanity Tour — his words, not ours! While he’s famous for parodies like “White and Nerdy,” “Eat It” and “Like a Surgeon,” Yankovic’s latest tour focuses on his original music in an intimate singer/songwriter staging. Comedian Emo Philips is set to open.
Fox Theatre, 17 W. Congress Street, 547.3040, foxtucson.com, 8 p.m., $37-$279.
Tucson Folk Festival
MAY 5 AND MAY 6
What started out as a group of friends gathering in the kitchen to jam on Friday nights has grown into one of the oldest folk music festivals in the country. The festival features dance, shopping and food alongside multiple stages, packed with bands from across the country like Pokey LaFarge, the Greg and Randal Morton Band and Peter Alsop.
Historic Downtown Tucson, various venues, 982.7866, tucsonfolkfest.org, noon to 10 p.m. Saturday, and 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Sunday, free.
103rd Annual Sonoita Horse Races
MAY 5 AND MAY 6
And we’re off to the races for this annual weekend of horse racing fun in Sonoita! Enjoy the event with private betting windows, telecasts from the club and traditional mint juleps. Sport your finest noggin-cover for Saturday’s Derby Hat Contest or bring the fam for day drink and merchandise specials on Sunday.
Sonoita Fairgrounds, 3142 AZ-83, Sonoita, 455.5553, sonoitafairgrounds.com, 10 a.m., $15-$50.
Dr. Gann’s Diet of Hope Cinco de Mayo Race
MAY 6
Run or walk Tucson’s largest and most scenic 10K and 5K, winding through Starr Pass and ending with a Cinco de Mayo celebration. All finishers will get a postrace breakfast burrito and Eegee’s slush! With a performance by the Cholla High School mariachi band and a kids’ zone, it’s a morning for the whole family.
Cholla High School, 2001 W. Starr Pass Boulevard, 990.3359, azroadrunners.org/races/detail/cinco, 6:30 a.m., $30-$40.
Delicious Wishes
MAY 6
Explore the finest flavors in the Southwest with this showcase of Tucson eateries, benefiting Make-A-Wish Arizona. Featuring culinary concoctions from chefs at restaurants like Red’s Smokehouse and Tap Room, Charro Steak, PY Steakhouse and The Parish, dinner will also feature selections from Southern Arizona breweries and distilleries.
Marriott University Park Hotel, 880 E. Second Street, 602.395.9474, arizona.wish.org, 5 p.m., $10-$1,000.
Yoga in the Park
MAY 6
Bring a mat or a towel, some H20 and a pal for this outdoors all-levels yoga flow class. Challenge yourself or find your inner peace with this weekly Sunday get-together from the group who organizes the Tucson Yoga Festival. With weekly guest instructors and a live DJ, it’s the perfect way to get a taste of the good weather — and a good stretch.
Gene C. Reid Park, E. 22nd Street, 477.6432, yogafestaz.com, 10 a.m., pay what you can.
Billy Currington
MAY 10
This Georgia-born country crooner has had 11 no. 1 hits, including “People Are Crazy,” “That’s How Country Boys Roll” and “Pretty Good at Drinkin’ Beer.” Currington’s discography will surely define the night, which will likely feature as many summertime anthems as it does pensive ballads. Special guest LOCASH opens.
AVA Amphitheater at Casino Del Sol, 5655 W. Valencia Road, 855.765.7829, casinodelsol.com, 7 p.m., $40-$100.
Beatles vs. Stones
MAY 11
It’s the battle of the bands of your dreams as the music of The Beatles goes head-to-head against the music of the Rolling Stones. Whether you’re a sucker for “Paint It Black” or “Yellow Submarine” has your heart, you’ll find something to cheer for at this all-ages, energetic musical showdown, featuring tribute bands Abbey Road and Satisfaction.
The Rialto Theatre, 318 E. Congress Street, 740.1000, rialtotheatre.com, 8 p.m., $26-$46.
Todrick Hall
MAY 16
This visual singer, songwriter, dancer extraordinaire rose to fame as a semifinalist on American Idol in 2010. Since then, he’s become a household name with his viral YouTube videos, a MTV show and stints on RuPaul’s Drag Race and Broadway’s Kinky Boots. Catch him in his element with this intimate visual performance, featuring new music and costumes.
The Rialto Theatre, 318 E. Congress Street, 740.1000, rialtotheatre.com, 7:30 p.m., $24-$205.
Sock-A-Holics
MAY 19
It’s all about the socks at this knitters’ round table event at sewing shop, Grandma’s Spinning Wheel. Show and tell is expected, sock knitting ideas will be exchanged and beginners are welcome. Attendees can snag select sock yarn at discount prices or purchase a sock pattern notebook.
Grandma’s Spinning Wheel, 6544 E. Tanque Verde Road, 290.3738, grandmasspinningwheel.com, 10:30 a.m., free.
Tim Allen
MAY 19
It’s rare that you find a stand-up comedian who’s part-home builder, part-space ranger and part-Kris Kringle, but somehow, Tim Allen fits the bill. From his big break-out role on Home Improvement to his latest show Last Man Standing, Allen has warmed America’s hearts with his relatable, witty humor.
Tucson Music Hall, 260 S. Church Avenue, 791.4101, tucsonconventioncenter.com, 8 p.m., $49-$89.
The Wizard of Oz
MAY 27
This delightful family musical comes alive through the toes and taps of The Academy of Ballet, Tap and Jazz Dance School. Founded in 1981, the school has become one of Arizona’s top classical dance training facilities. Follow Dorothy, Scarecrow, Tin Man and the Cowardly Lion as they journey down the Yellow Brick Road for this special matinee performance.
Tucson Music Hall, 260 S. Church Avenue, 837.4766, tucsonmusichall.org, 2 p.m., $16.
Primavera Cooks! at The Carriage House
MAY 30
Tucson’s finest chefs assemble to prepare a multicourse gourmet experience. Presented by The Carriage House and Janos Wilder, each course is wine-paired and prepared by top chefs and sommeliers. You’ll want to call ahead to reserve your spot for the dinner, which benefits local nonprofits.
The Carriage House, 125 S. Arizona Avenue, reservations 308.3104, carriagehousetucson.com, 6 p.m., $125.
