Marty Stuart & His Fabulous Superlatives

The 2022-2023 Webb Center Season opens Thursday, Dec. 1 with Marty Stuart and His Fabulous Superlatives. Performing songs from their latest album “Way Out West,” the band arrives at the Webb Center as the newest members of the Musicians Hall of Fame.

Drummer Harry Stinson, guitarist Kenny Vaughan, and bassist Chris Scruggs are set to accept their induction into the Class of 2022 alongside Stuart on Nov. 22 in Nashville, TN.  

“This is something I never thought would happen, especially not while in my 30s,” Scruggs shared in an Instagram post when the inductee list was announced on Oct. 28. The Musicians Hall of Fame honors all musicians, regardless of genre or instrument, and this year’s class includes icons Don McLean, Ray Stevens, and Vince Gill.  

Marty Stuart is a versatile musician who has played with every great country legend imaginable. A member of Johnny Cash’s touring band for over a decade, Stuart began his career alongside bluegrass great, Lester Flatt when he was a teenager. Now a legend in his own right, Stuart serves as a worldwide ambassador for country music from Nashville, TN to Bakersfield, CA and many points in between. More importantly, Stuart continues to record and release keenly relevant music, with songs that honor country’s rich legacy while advancing it into the future.

When it comes to personal style, Stuart will no doubt take to the Webb Center stage sporting his striking black mane, speckled with well-earned gray, which he describes as “a cross between Albert Einstein and Porter Wagoner.” When asked what it takes to achieve such a magnificent coiffure, he answered “About four minutes, a 60-mile-an-hour wind, a $1 hairbrush, and an 87-cent can of Aqua Net.”

The band’s wardrobe is equally meticulous, with color provided by rhinestone-studded jackets made by renowned designer Nudie Cohn and tailor to the stars Manuel Cuevas. Wanting to dress the part as a young musician in the early 1970s, Stuart saved $250 in the hopes of purchasing a jacket designed by Kiev-born designer, Nudie Cohn, most famously known for dressing such superstars over the years as Porter Wagoner, Roy Rogers, John Wayne, Glen Campbell, and Elvis Presley. When Stuart learned the jacket he wanted would actually cost him $2,500, a young tailor named Manuel stepped in saying, “Someday, you will walk in here and buy the whole store. But today you get a free shirt,” handing the singer a t-shirt that read Nudie’s Rodeo Tailors.

While Stuart never purchased the store, he does currently boast quite the impressive collection of Nudie Suits and other rare country music memorabilia, including plenty of signature jackets. “I don’t wear the matching suit pants,” explained the Grammy Award-winning musician, singer, and songwriter. “If I wore too many rhinestones, I’d get beat up.”

Marty Stuart and His Fabulous Superlatives are performing at the Del E. Webb Center for the Performing Arts in Wickenburg, Arizona on Thursday, Dec. 1 at 7:30 p.m. Ticket Info Here

Behind-the-Scenes of a Season Guide

Who says field trips are just for kids??

Stephanie Fornoff, Director of Marketing & Box Office Operations was invited to O’Neil Printing in Phoenix, AZ to go behind-the-scenes as the ’22-’23 Webb Center Season Guide went to print.

Long before it was ready for O’Neal, Stephanie and the rest of the Box Office team spent countless hours on design, copy, and artwork to ensure it arrives in your mailbox as perfect as can be.

Although it is arriving a little later in the year than it has before, rest assured it is on its way at “Top Speed!” (16,500 Sheets per hour, to be exact!)

By the sounds of the phones at the Box Office this morning, some of you already received it.

You can see a full-color PDF copy of the Season Guide by clicking HERE.

Stephanie’s Top 5 Picks of the Season

We asked our Director of Marketing & Box Office Operations for her Top Five Picks of the upcoming season.

Here’s how it went!

1. Michael Cavanaugh. The Music of Billy Joel and Elton John. January 29, 2023

Stephanie did not hesitate on her first pick. She immediately named the highly entertaining Michael Cavanaugh who will perform some of the greatest hits from two of the greatest piano men on the planet: Billy Joel and Elton John.

“Who doesn’t love Billy Joel and Elton John songs?” asked Stephanie.  

Not that she expected an answer, but honestly, we cannot think of a single person.

With iconic hits like “Piano Man” – “We Didn’t Start the Fire” – “Benny and the Jets” and “Tiny Dancer,” we know it’s going to be a great time.

2. HYPROV: Imrov Under Hypnosis. March 29, 2023

After pointing out that we may have been pronouncing the show’s name incorrectly around the Box Office for a few days, Stephanie quickly named HYPROV (pronounced hip-rawv) as her second pick. From the brilliant minds of Improv Legend Colin Mochrie and Master Hypnotist Asad Mecci comes a brand new, mind-blowing, jaw-dropping, slide-splitting show. 20 volunteers are hypnotized on stage, whittled down to five of the best who do improv scenes with Colin Mochrie WHILE THEY ARE STILL UNDER HYPNOSIS.  What can possibly go wrong?  Come and see for yourself!

3. John Pizzarelli. February 14, 2023

Stephanie is ready for JOHN PIZZARELLI. She said the world-renowned guitarist and singer is her mother’s favorite. Since Stephanie’s mother, Evelyn Moulton happens to be one of the show’s sponsors (and the Webb Center’s #1 Facebook Fan) we know she’ll be in attendance when John Pizzarelli visits the theater on Valentine’s Day.

4. Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra. Big Band Holidays. December 10, 2022.

Next up, Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra.  Stephanie still sounds amazed by the opportunity to see the orchestra live on stage this season. This performance happens December 10 at 7:30 p.m.

Founded in 1988, the Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra with Wynton Marsalis tours the world performing a vast repertoire of music, from historic and rare compositions to commissioned works. The group’s compositions and arrangements include works by Duke Ellington, Count Basie, Fletcher Henderson, Thelonious Monk, Mary Lou Williams, Dizzy Gillespie, Benny Goodman, and Charles Mingus, as well as new music from the group’s unrivalled collection of world-renowned composers and arrangers.

No one can blame Stephanie for not choosing between these two performances.

Live From Laurel Canyon, Songs & Stories of American Folk Rock is a journey. A journey through a special time in American pop music that pays homage to the musical legacy of Laurel Canyon, CA.A rock & roll neighborhood, Laurel Canyon originates from its intersection with Sunset Boulevard in Hollywood. It winds and twists its way high above the city where we find Laurel Canyon residents: The Byrds, Buffalo Springfield, Carol King, James Taylor, the Mamas & the Papas, Joni Mitchell, Crosby Stills & Nash, The Eagles, Linda Ronstadt, Jackson Brown, Jim Morrison, Neil Young and the host of other legendary talent who resided there from 1965 through 1976.

Classic Albums Live performs Fleetwood Mac, Rumours  Always a favorite at the Webb Center, Classic Albums Live is back, this time to perform the Fleetwood Mac album, Rumours in a note-for-note, cut-for-cut rock recital. Rumours includes the songs “Go Your Own Way”, “Dreams”, “Don’t Stop”, and “You Make Loving Fun.” Often considered Fleetwood Mac’s magnum opus, it has frequently been cited as one of the greatest albums of all time.

Watch the video of Stephanie’s Top 5 and find the full season schedule at webbcenter.org/

You don’t need to choose between small town living & big city entertainment. Call the Webb Center Box Office at 928.684.6624 and talk to a real person – Maybe even Stephanie herself!

Be Part of the Performing Arts

The Del E. Webb Center for the Performing Arts provides educational, entertainment and community events in Wickenburg, Arizona and the surrounding areas. Your support allows us to work with local schools and organizations, host outstanding performances from regional, national and international touring companies, provide expert instructors and qualified staff, update our facilities and invest in our commitment to excellence – because we believe the performing arts make a difference in everyone’s lives.

Here are some ways you can help and be a part of the performing arts:

• Join the Encore Society, access membership benefits, and champion the live performing arts! – The Encore Society is a group of donors who contribute $75 or more annually to support the Webb Center’s mission. Membership in this group is open to anyone who wants to help provide support for our educational programs, support staff, and performances. Ticket sales comprise only a portion of the Webb Center’s annual operating expenses; therefore membership in the Encore Society helps ensure the continuation of this not-for-profit’s valuable work in our community. Whether your passion is music, theater or dance, your tax-deductible gift supports the Webb Center’s diverse education and artistic programming.

• Become a Volunteer – We have opportunities for all types of people with varying skillsets and interests from ushering to fundraising to helping with special events. Front of House Volunteers ensure the welfare, comfort, safety and enjoyment of all audience members in a welcoming and courteous and manner while having fun too! Volunteer roles include greeting patrons as they arrive, scanning tickets, offering programs & information, and escorting patrons to their seats.

• Follow us on social media – Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube are great ways to keep up with what’s happening at the Webb Center. Join in on the conversations, see exclusive content, and share the Webb Center with your friends.

• Give us a review – We love seeing reviews on Google, Yelp and TripAdvisor! It helps us get noticed and bring more people into our world!

Building Confidence at Camp Imagination

Deborah Bateman recommends boldly stepping into opportunities to find out who one truly is, describing her life as one of love and adventure where she feels free to “EXPLORE, DISCOVER and GROW every single day.”

Deborah Bateman also married her husband, Tim, twice.

The first time, Deborah said it was because she was “wildly attracted to him.” The second time – decades following a divorce, pursuing an entire life and career in New York City – Deborah chose Tim again, exchanging new vows with him at sunset on a beach in Hawaii.  

“I married him because I had embraced my own authentic self and knew what I truly wanted: to live and share my life with the man who embodies so many of my own personal core values.”

Throughout her blog and website, Deborah writes about some of her personal core values: the power of goals, setting intentions, and creating a dream life. Deborah operates Risk Blossoming with her husband. Travelling in “BAM,” a 40-ft diesel pusher bus, Deborah and Tim spend time exploring the country and making a difference in the lives of those with whom they interact. As well as being a successful leadership coach, Deborah is a mother and grandmother who recognizes the same need for authenticity and purpose in her personal life that she implements into her professional, staying in constant pursuit of ways to encourage her children and grandchildren to boldly step into the opportunities available to them.

Deborah shared a story recently about her grandson, Duncan, and his experience with the Webb Center’s annual summer arts program, Camp Imagination in Wickenburg.

“Duncan has been more confident and outgoing since camp and his parents and I are thrilled at the changes we have seen in him. Camp Imagination was transformational for him in so many ways,” shared the proud grandmother. “I anticipated some reluctance when it came to being on stage and performing, but he was so excited,” she said, describing Duncan as a “smart and gifted child, who is also an introvert.”

Each two-week session of Camp Imagination offers countless opportunities to explore, discover, and grow – activities that Deborah and her family obviously value. Finally culminating in a full musical production on the Webb Center stage, the live show features all campers, as actors and singers in the show or behind the scenes. The program is a rare, magical find. While other performing arts camps around the country offer kids an opportunity to perform on stage, Wickenburg’s program includes classes in Culinary Arts, Improvisation & Comedy, Aerial Circus, Arts & Crafts, Stage Makeup, Technical Theater, Jewelry Making, Clay Sculpture, Video Production, and others.

“Wickenburg is so fortunate to have the Del E. Webb Center,” said Deborah.

During the June 2022 performance of “The Wizard of Oz,” Duncan and his fellow Limelight campers (grades 4-6) starred as “Winkie Guards” and “Ozians.” Discovery campers (grades 1-3) served as “Munchkins,” and older “Mainstage” and “Centerstage” campers (grades 7-12) played lead characters in the play, as well as dancing “Jitterbugs” during an entertaining scene that is missing from the original 1939 film. 

Deborah said she did not know how much of a performer her grandson would turn out to be. “We loved the Friday night production and brought lots of friends and family. It was enjoyed by all,” she said. “Kudos to you and your team for the effort and the execution of something spectacular and special. Duncan is already looking forward to next summer.”

Duncan is definitely NOT the only one looking forward to next summer. We cannot wait to see him (and all 200 campers) for Camp Imagination-June 2023.

Thank you, Deborah for sharing your Webb Center story – Because no one needs to choose between small town living and big city entertainment- especially not Duncan! See you both at the Webb Center for more opportunities to explore, discover, and grow.

Stay on beat with all things Camp Imagination, Webb Center, and Made in Wickenburg Dance Residency by following along on social media and subscribing to our Email list.

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Camp ’22-Session 1 Highlights & Photos

Celebrating 20 years, Camp Imagination is a two-week summer arts camp designed to stretch young imaginations through a mix of activities teaching technical, visual, and performing arts. Camp culminates each session in a live, public performance. Summer 2022’s production of “The Wizard of Oz” features all the campers; either on stage as actors, singers, and dancers, or behind the scenes as the technical crew– just as every show at Camp Imagination always has.  

Here are some of the highlights from Session One, which ran June 6 – June 17, 2022 :  

Return of the Reward Animal!  

Last year’s daily reward recipient was given a medal to wear and keep forever, which was something new and fun, but the long-standing tradition at Camp is for campers recognized for exceptional behavior to choose a stuffed animal, then proudly carry it around for the day. The Reward Animal returned to Camp this summer and you can see how excited everyone was about that. Who would not want one of these cuddly friends?  

There are five award animals to choose from: a lion, a tiger, a bear, a monkey, and Toto. Each morning during assembly, someone from each camp is named as the daily winner based on nominations from other campers, teachers, and volunteers. Camp Imagination encourages others to recognize things such as bravery, kindness, respect, and enthusiasm.  

A new flag for Centerstage.  

A first-time camper noticed that Centerstage did not have a flag to represent them during assembly. When it was brought to the attention of the Webb Center staff, they immediately began looking for a flag they were certain was, ‘around somewhere…’ Unable to locate the existing flag they began to brainstorm and presented Centerstage with a solution. The flag took on a life of its own from there, and by the end of the first session it was quite the remarkable sight!  

New name proposed for Mainstage.  

Mr. Luke Ryan, Camp Choreographer, noticed something almost immediately about Mainstage while he was teaching them steps for their upcoming “Jitterbug” scene: He noticed the group of 7-12 grade campers were amazing!

Mr. Luke was so impressed by how quickly Mainstage learned the upbeat dance steps, and how well they were performing, he decided a more fitting name for them was “Broadway,” because he wanted to take them all back to work on Broadway with him. By the second week of session one the name was showing signs of sticking, as Ms. Cathy and Mr. Harry were already calling the camp “Broadway” instead of “Mainstage.” See why Mr. Luke was so impressed in this clip from the show. Some people are unaware of the scene due to the fact it was cut from the original 1939 film, but anyone at Camp Imagination knows the scene will now live in infamy because this group of campers absolutely ROCKED it!  

Camp Imagination is truly a unique opportunity: 

100 Campers, 10 days, 1 live musical production–all while being immersed in classes meant to encourage mind, body, and heart.  

And while some change is always welcomed, most things at Camp Imagination remain mostly the same, because when you have the power of camp magic, why would you change anything?  

Staff, volunteers, and teaching artists are currently in the middle of the second 2-week session—getting set for another live performance featuring an entirely different group of campers.

Get tickets for the July 1, 2022, performance HERE.  

Auditions for ‘The Wizard of Oz’ Coming in May

Camp Imagination is holding auditions for lead roles in this summer’s musical production of “The Wizard of Oz” in May. Auditions are open to registered campers entering grades 6-12 and will be held on Friday, May 13 and Saturday, May 14 in the Webb Center Atrium.

To best prepare for an audition, young actors should memorize a 90-second monologue to perform for judges, as well as a vocal performance piece. Judges prefer a vocal audition of a theatrical song, even one from this summer’s show. Please bring a karaoke version of the song on a smartphone for the audition or a CD/USB Drive with the instrumental accompaniment (no vocals). Campers can prepare a monologue from a favorite book, play or musical or memorize their own original work. Costumes and props that accompany the monologue are welcome. Example monologues and music for reference can be found HERE

Main Roles to be cast for each session include:

Dorothy Gale
Aunt Em
Uncle Henry
Hunk (Scarecrow)
Zeke (Lion)
Hickory (Tin Man)
Miss Gulch (Wicked Witch of the West)
Toto
Professor Marvel (Wizard, Oz’s Voice)
Glinda the Good Witch

Riley Webster, 11, auditioned for the first time last summer and earned a role as Gretl von Trapp during the Session I production of “The Sound of Music.” The young actor’s advice to anyone feeling nervous about auditioning was not to, describing the process as, “Fun, easy, and an experience I will never forget.”

Call the Box Office at (928) 684-6624 to schedule an audition appointment. Audition time slots are every 15 minutes beginning at 9 am on Friday, May 13 and 10 am on Saturday, May 14. Campers who are unavailable to audition in-person can schedule a Zoom audition during the same time frame. Appointments are available on a first-come, first-served basis. Those who do not schedule their audition in advance are still welcome to participate, but will be subject to available times upon arrival.

Camp Imagination Lottery is Open 4/20-5/1

*** The Week of May 2 ***
Once all of the family names have been collected, they will be randomly sorted and selected for admittance into Camp. If your household is selected, every child in your immediate family will be eligible to participate in Camp. We will contact you to complete registration and collect tuition payment/scholarship forms at that time.

If a family declines or does not respond within 48 hours, the next family on the list will be contacted until each of the available spots are filled for Sessions I and II.

Camp Imagination is open to all youths, from all states, entering first through twelfth grade in the upcoming school year.
A maximum of 100 campers for each session will allow teachers and volunteers to provide personalized attention and a high level of interaction with each camper.

TUITION INFORMATION

The actual cost per child for camp is $350. However, the Webb Center subsidizes this expense through generous donations from local individuals, businesses and foundations.
Families are invited to help take an active role in supporting the true cost of the summer arts camp experience through the tiered tuition program. The pricing structure is intended to provide families with the ability to choose the tier that is most appropriate for them. Tier selection is confidential. 

Full Rate: I am happy to support Camp Imagination and pay the full tuition price of $350 for my camper(s). 
— OR —
Tier 1: $200 for the first child; $180 for siblingsTier 2: $150 for the first child; $130 for siblingsTier 3: $100 for the first child; $80 for siblings
Payment Plan Option: Tuition may be divided into 3 automatic credit/debit payments. 
Full and Partial Scholarships are available for those who need tuition assistance. The Webb Center will offer scholarship applications to families selected for Camp registration.

Feel free to contact the Box Office at 928.684.6624 or info@dewpac.org if you have any questions about Camp Imagination at the Webb Center

SEE YOU AT CAMP!!

Celebrating Our Volunteers

As the Volunteer Coordinator for the Del E. Webb Center for the Performing Arts, one of Cheryl Lampron’s responsibilities is planning a celebratory event honoring those responsible for filling so many of the theater’s roles throughout the season. When she began planning this year’s event, Cheryl had a desire to express gratitude with an act of service to those that served the theater as Front of House volunteers from November through April.

On Friday, April 8, the 2021-2022 group of volunteers, some members of the Webb Center Board of Directors, and a few special guests enjoyed an “Appreciation Breakfast” prepared and cooked to order by staff, with special help from Chef Dulce Jimenez. Instead of ushering patrons, scanning tickets, or handing out concert programs upon arrival to the Boyer Atrium, the women and men who gave time and energy to Wickenburg’s performing arts center during the 20^th Anniversary Season spent the morning relaxing, eating, and visiting while staff members were flipping pancakes, cooking omelets, and refilling coffee.

“From November 2021 through April 2022, our volunteers gave 2,374 hours of their time to the Webb Center,” Cheryl explained. “The idea behind the staff serving the volunteers is to show appreciation for all of the hard work and dedication they put in throughout the season,” she said.  “Our volunteers are amazing, and we ask a lot from them. It is important to express how respected and valued they are to the Webb Center. We are celebrating twenty seasons due in part to the caliber of service that patrons have come to expect from our volunteers through the years. We cannot do what we do without them,” Cheryl smiled, adding “What better way to say thank you than made-to-order omelets and pancakes from our staff?”

With over 210 shows and events under their belts, long-time Volunteer House Managers, Mary and Steve Filbert received recognition during the morning’s event for their service throughout seven seasons.

“Every strong program relies on experienced leaders who are enthusiastic about the mission and have a willingness to mentor new volunteers while welcoming them into a community. Mary and Steve Filbert embody such leadership and remain shining examples of the Webb Center’s continuing legacy of volunteerism and community,” remarked Cheryl.

Lynda Proehl and Lee Welbanks each received “Volunteer of the Season” titles in honor of outstanding patron services, time commitment, flexibility, and overall dedication to the Webb Center throughout the year. Cheryl admitted it would be easy to list a reason each volunteer deserves a title, but Lynda and Lee offer an extraordinary level of service that merits special recognition.  

Betty Jackson was honored as “Rookie of the Season,” a title inspired by the fact that over half of the 65 active volunteers during the 2021-2022 season were new to volunteering at the Webb Center. Cheryl described Betty as, “a cheerful person who spent the entire season just happy to be of service.”  

The Webb Center offers a unique opportunity. While serving the community and supporting live performances, volunteers often spend their shifts witnessing excellent entertainment from artists and musicians known worldwide for their talent. When volunteers are not committed to serving during a performance, select tickets become available to them throughout the season for $10 each.

Anyone interested in learning more about the volunteer program at the Webb Center should email clampron@dewpac.org or call the Box Office at 928.684.6624.                       

Become a Camp Imagination Volunteer

The Webb Center is looking for enthusiastic volunteers to help with the 20th annual Camp Imagination summer arts camp.  In addition to classes in a variety of performing, visual, technical and culinary arts, every camper will participate in a musical production. This year’s selection is “The Wizard of Oz.”

The Webb Center will produce two sessions of Camp Imagination. Session I is June 6 – 17 and Session II is June 20 – July 1. The two-week camp meets weekdays from 8:30 am – 1 pm and presents a public performance on the second Friday at 6 pm. Camp is open to students entering first through twelfth grades next school year. A maximum of 100 campers will participate in each session.

Volunteers assist with all of Camp’s daily operations, from overseeing campers to assisting teaching artists in the classroom. They do not need to have prior experience in the arts or with Camp, but must be physically able to care for active children and eager to participate in Camp activities. Duties will be assigned based on the volunteer’s preference, availability and staffing needs.

Camp Imagination volunteers are NOT required to disclose vaccination status and mask use, while encouraged, is optional. Camp Imagination mask requirements for campers, staff and volunteers will align with the WUSD’s policy at the time of camp. The CDC recommends that everyone who is eligible stay up to date on their COVID-19 vaccines, including people with weakened immune systems.

Volunteers have the opportunity to pre-register their children, grandchildren or other relative for Camp Imagination before registration is opened to the general public. Priority will be given to volunteers who are available for the full two-week session or at a minimum, one full week. Volunteers may apply by completing the application form found online at webbcenter.org/volunteering. Paper copies are available at the Webb Center Box Office and the deadline to apply is Thursday, April 28. 

Krysten Nunn, a recent Wickenburg transplant, volunteered for Camp Imagination last summer. She now serves as the Webb Center’s Patron & Digital Media Coordinator. “I am not shy about my love of Camp for the two weeks I volunteered,” exclaims Krysten. “It sounds corny, I know, but it has been one of the most rewarding experiences of my life so far. I love to see second and third graders from my group around town and we smile and high-five,” she explains. “I imagine being a full-time staff member at Camp this year is going to be quite different, but I’m sure it’s going to be equally as magical. Camp is simply THE BEST!.”   

Applications are available here. Feel free to call our volunteer coordinator, Cheryl Lampron with any questions at 928.684.6624.

See you at Camp!!

Webb Center Staff