Traci Baker, Director of Community Activities & Communications
To reopen our beautiful Renaissance Theater, we welcome back the wildly popular…
Laughlin Full Circle of Gratitude Tour June 30 through July 1
As some of you may know, my first tour ever was to Laughlin in June 1981—40 years ago. I was in my early 20s and loved my job serving seniors. Well, now I am a senior myself, and my last tour as the owner of Free Spirit Vacations and Events will be to Laughlin on June 30 through July 1. Free Spirit has come full-circle. $99 pp/double, $129 pp/single. On sale now in the Activities Office.
Fourth of July in Flagstaff July 3 through 4
Spend the July 4 holiday weekend in Flagstaff. Enjoy the fireworks and the Flagstaff Art in the Park arts and crafts festival featuring tightly juried one-of-a-kind fine art and fine crafts designed and shown by the artists. $299 pp/double, $379 pp/single. On sale now in the Activities Office.
Utah Mighty 5 July 11 through 17
Join us for a seven-day adventure through Arches, Bryce Canyon, Canyonlands, Capitol Reef, and Zion National Parks. These magnificent parks are known as the Utah Mighty 5. Each park will enable you to see unique geological formations, all within the region of Southern Utah. $1,899 pp/double, $2,249 pp/single. On sale now in the Activities Office.
July Mini-Film Festival: 2021 Cinema Society Summer Series July 15 and 16
Celebrity War Stories: Confessions of a Movie Studio Publicist. Andy used his time during the pandemic to pen his autobiographical book, Celebrity War Stories: Confessions of a Movie Studio Publicist that features many, many stories of his days working in the movie industry with movie stars and directors. He has prepared two programs for us for July featuring a lecture portion, and then we will watch the film that he worked on, followed by discussion and Q&A. $55 per person for the series. On sale now in the Activities Office.
Cave Creek High Tea and Shopping July 17
Established in 2002, the English Rose Tea Room has been regularly voted Best Place for Afternoon Tea by Phoenix Magazine. With an interior to rival the Ritz Hotel and a romantic, shady patio for tea al fresco, the English Rose Tea Room is a true gem. $125 per person. On sale now in the Activities Office.
Pageant of the Masters July 21 through 23
The Pageant of the Masters is a remarkable presentation of “living pictures,” where the cast creates classical and contemporary artwork. $775 pp/double, $975 pp/single. On sale now in the Activities Office.
Turn the Page—Bob Seger Tribute July 23
Turn The Page is an incredible re-creation of the live Bob Seger experience, performed by The Sam Morrison Band. Every effort has been made to make sure that each song is performed exactly as you remember it and that it is delivered with all the passion and excitement you would expect at a Bob Seger show. $30 per person. On sale now in the Activities Office.
Wine Down Wednesday at Javelina Leap Winery July 28
Enjoy an elegant lunch, tasting, and tour at Javelina Leap Vineyard, a family operated premium boutique winery with award-winning, 100% Arizona wines. $145 per person. On sale now in the Activities Office.
July Mini-Film Festival: 2021 Cinema Society Summer Series Aug. 12 and 13
Leonard Maltin’s Classic Favorites: Hitchcock Edition—Andy’s many years in the movie business gave him the opportunity to befriend some pretty spectacular people, one of those is the incredible film critic and TV personality, Leonard Maltin! Andy has arranged for Leonard to prepare a personal introduction to each film, just for our audience, that will be taped and shown prior to watching our film. Then immediately after, Leonard will appear live on Zoom from his studio in Los Angeles to be projected on the big screen to do a live Q&A and discussion with our audience, facilitated by Andy, of course. We have selected two classic Hitchcock films from Leonard’s personal list of favorite classic films, Strangers on a Train and Rear Window. Even if you have seen these films, hearing the personal insight and insider knowledge from Leonard Maltin will have you seeing the films through a new lens. $55 per person for the series. On sale now in the Activities Office.
Margaritaworld—Jimmy Buffett Tribute Aug. 20
Margaritaworld is the number one fun tribute to the music and aura of Jimmy Buffett. This is a party like no other—direct from Las Vegas and starring The Stinson Brotherz! The Stinson Brotherz are a former Capitol Records Hollywood and A&M Records Nashville act. They have performed around the world, on cruise ships, and in multiple Las Vegas showrooms. $30 per person. Tickets go on sale at 9 a.m. online and in the Activities Office on July 13.
Broadway in the Desert—Tuacahn Outdoor Theatre Aug. 23 through 26
Tuacahn is well known for its professional productions, and the 2021 season promises to be another great one. In addition to the performance at Tuacahn, are the Penn and Teller show in Las Vegas, Zion, and Valley of Fire State Park. $775 pp/double, $925 pp/single. On sale now in the Activities Office.
Arizona Rails—Grand Canyon and Verde Canyon Railroads Sept. 9 through 10
Ride Arizona’s premier railroads—The Verde Canyon Railroad and the Grand Canyon Railway. Additional highlights include the Grand Canyon and the Copper Art Museum in Cottonwood. Overnight is in Williams. $550 pp/double, $660 pp/single. On sale now in the Activities Office.
Mirage—Fleetwood Mac Tribute Sept. 19
Mirage—Visions of Fleetwood Mac. The year was 1974 when two young California singer-songwriters, Lindsey Buckingham and Stevie Nicks, joined the already established British blues band, Fleetwood Mac. With Christine McVie, John McVie, and Mick Fleetwood, the band rose to legendary superstar status. Their groundbreaking album Rumours is still one of the best-selling albums of all time. Mirage, named after the band’s third best-selling album, features Michelle Tyler as Stevie Nicks, Bob Weitz as John McVie, Annie Boxell as Christine McVie, Gary Hagen as Lindsey Buckingham, and Richard Graham as Mick Fleetwood. Based in Los Angeles, Mirage has earned top honors among tribute artists—endorsed by AXSTV as one of “The World’s Greatest Tribute Bands” and heartily praised by the “real” Stevie Nicks after she heard a performance. Mirage recreates the classic lineup with a strong stage show and every detail to authenticity. From the custom wardrobe to the spot on musical and vocal performances, Mirage takes you on a journey celebrating the hits of Fleetwood Mac in their prime. $30 per person. Tickets go on sale at 9 a.m. online and in the Activities Office on Aug. 17.
Bus Trip: Hamilton at ASU Gammage Sept. 26
This “theatrical landmark has transformed theater and the way we think about history” (The New York Times). HAMILTON is the story of America then, told by America now. Featuring a score that blends hip-hop, jazz, R&B, and Broadway, HAMILTON has taken the story of American founding father Alexander Hamilton and created a revolutionary moment in theatre—a musical that has had a profound impact on culture, politics, and education. With book, music, and lyrics by Lin-Manuel Miranda, direction by Thomas Kail, choreography by Andy Blankenbuehler, and musical supervision and orchestrations by Alex Lacamoire, HAMILTON is based on Ron Chernow’s acclaimed biography. It has won Tony®, Grammy®, and Olivier Awards, the Pulitzer Prize for Drama, and an unprecedented special citation from the Kennedy Center Honors. Ticket sale dates are still to be determined.
Albuquerque Balloon Fiesta Oct. 5 through 8
Every October, the New Mexico skies are painted as hundreds of balloons lift off from Albuquerque’s Balloon Fiesta Park. Nothing rivals the power of mass ascension on a crisp, early morning as these graceful giants leave the ground to take their place in the cerulean desert sky. Includes Santa Fe. Quality Inn & Suites. $895 pp/double, $1,195 pp/single or Deluxe Package at the Hilton Garden $1,050 pp/double, $1,495 pp/single. On sale now in the Activities Office.
The Broadway Concert Experience—Starring Jeri Sager and Chuck Wagner Oct. 8
A spectacular “Greatest Hits of Broadway” concert, The Broadway Concert Experience brings to the stage the greatest blockbuster hits of Broadway and the West End in one massive show. From West Side Story to Les Miserables and Oklahoma to The Phantom of the Opera, this show will appeal to music and concert lovers everywhere. $30 per person. Ticket sale dates are still to be determined.
Discover Navajo Oct. 12 through 15
Ya’ at’ ‘eeh. Hello. And welcome to the Navajo Nation. This cultural kaleidoscope takes you to Antelope Canyon, Monument Valley, and Canyon de Chelly National Monument. Experience the culture, traditions, and history of the Navajo. $795 pp/double, $995 pp/single. On sale now in the Activities Office.
Mexico’s Copper Canyon Oct. 16 through 23
Copper Canyon, the largest canyon in North America, is home to the least acculturated Native Americans in North America, the Tarahumara, who are semi-nomadic cliff dwellers. The Train Ride in the Sky is one of the most dramatic railway journeys in the Western Hemisphere, as it travels through 86 tunnels and 37 trestles. $1,895 pp/double, $2,225 pp/single. On sale now in the Activities Office.
Rocky Point Mexico Oct. 18 through 21
Travel to Rocky Point and spend three nights at Peñasco del Sol. All packages include two dinners, breakfast daily, shopping, and a sunset cruise. Then choose from the following included options: two rounds of golf and one day of spa—includes massage, facial, manicure, and pedicure or a whale watching cruise. $775 pp/double, $995 pp/single or upgrade to condo on sandy beach $885 pp/double, $1,195 pp/single. On sale now in the Activities Office.
Antelope Canyon and Horseshoe Bend Oct. 27 through 28
Known for its labyrinthine, seemingly undulating sandstone walls and the beams of sunlight that shine into them, Antelope Canyon is a perpetual magnet for visitors. Equally spectacular, Horseshoe Bend overlooks one of the most spectacular views on the Colorado River. (There is a 3/4 of a mile hike to the viewpoint. Glen Canyon Visitors Center may be substituted for Horseshoe Bend for those who don’t want to hike). $360 pp/double, $425 pp/single. On sale now in the Activities Office.
Halloween Dance Oct. 30
Tickets will go on sale at 9 a.m. online and in the Activities Office. Ticket sale dates are still to be determined.
Bus Trip: An Officer and a Gentleman at the Orpheum Theatre Oct. TBD
A sweeping romance that will lift you up where you belong! An Officer and A Gentleman, based on the 1982 Academy® Award-winning film starring Richard Gere, begins touring North America with a premiere in the fall of 2020. Featuring the Grammy® Award-winning, number one hit single “Up Where We Belong,” An Officer and A Gentleman is a breathtaking production that celebrates triumph over adversity and includes one of the most iconic and romantic endings ever portrayed on screen. Based on the original screenplay by Douglas Day Stewart, whose personal experience as a naval officer candidate inspired one of the highest grossing films of all time, the book for the musical is a new adaptation by multiple Tony Award nominee Dick Scanlan (Thoroughly Modern Millie, Everyday Rapture), based on the original book by Douglas Day Stewart and Sharleen Cooper Cohen. The musical is directed by Dick Scanlan with choreography by Broadway sensation Patricia Wilcox (Motown, A Night with Janis Joplin). Dan Lipton (The Band’s Visit, The Last Ship) serves as the music supervisor/arranger for the production, featuring a score based on the 1980s catalogue of music that gave voice to a generation. Zack Mayo’s got smarts, and a body built for U.S. Navy pilot boot camp, but he also has too much swagger, until he meets a drill sergeant who’s determined to drill his arrogance out of him. Zack finds comfort in the arms of a local factory girl, but it isn’t until tragedy befalls a fellow candidate that Zack learns the importance of love and friendship and finds the courage to be his best self and win the heart of the woman he loves. Ticket sale dates are still to be determined.