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John Williams: Quality entertainment is in Surprise's backyard

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Did you know that here in Surprise we have access to an amazing entertainment venue with high quality productions right in our own backyard? It’s true. 

If you haven’t yet checked out The Vista Center for the Arts, 15660 N. Parkview Place, I encourage you to take a look and join us for a show soon. This season is packed with a variety of shows ranging from orchestras and other musical acts, to magicians, comedians and plays. There is literally something for everyone.

October brings in the Doo Wop Project, and in November we welcome the Count Basie Orchestra and Sara Evans for a holiday show. Holidays continue in December with a Ballet Folklórico performance of Nochebuena: A Christmas Eve in Mexico, AZ Philharmonic’s We Wish You a Merry Christmas, and the classic play, Charles Dickens’ A Christmas Carol. 

The new year of 2022 kicks off in January with American Idol Finalist LaKisha Jones, Ambrosia, and comedian Louie Anderson. February brings two family-friendly shows with magician Xavier Mortimer and Dinosaur World Live. In March The Vista will host the BYU International Folk Dance Ensemble, The Hot Sardines jazz group and Rodney Marsalis Philidelphia Big Brass. AZ Philharmonic and West Valley Symphony host a variety of performances throughout the year as well. 

With 1,300 seats and professional theatrical sound and lighting, there’s not a bad seat in the house! If you want extra perks, we offer a VIP membership that gives you priority early entrance, pre-sale access, VIP Room access and free concession items. Business sponsorships are also available for those looking to support the arts and advertise to patrons. For more information on shows, to purchase tickets or become a member or sponsor, visit TheVistaAZ.com, email info@thevistaaz.com or call (623) 523-8888.

Another one of the great things about The Vista is it provides the community a way to get involved through volunteer opportunities. We need people to join our Burgundy Brigade of volunteers to help us provide these shows to the community. We have opportunities for greeters, ushers, security and more. We cannot open our doors without our volunteers, so they are critical to our operations. One of the best things about volunteering is getting to see parts of the shows that are taking place. What better way to give back to the community, while enjoying a little entertainment as well! Those interested can complete the “Become a Volunteer” form on our website at TheVistaAZ.com.

I hope to see our community participating in an upcoming event soon. Check out our schedule and make plans to attend a show! I promise it will be well worth your time and you’ll want to come back again and again.

Editor’s Note: John Williams is the director of community education for the Dysart Unified School District.