Tucson, AZ – As the recipient of over $100,000 in grant funding this spring, the Fox Tucson Theatre will offer a tremendous year of expanded KITT (Kids in the Theatre) programming that kicks into gear this summer and runs through February 2025 and beyond. The funding has enabled the Fox to create new initiatives, school shows, family shows and summer kids activities.
Grant funding organizations include Angel Charity for Children, Downtown Tucson Partnership, The Hazen Family Foundation, The Stocker Foundation, and the National Endowment for the Arts. Fox Outreach and Education Manager Jordan Wiley-Hill has curated the 2024-25 season that will feature10 school-time performances in addition to summertime movies, exciting changes for students and artists to connect and “Curious Conversations” lifelong learning opportunities. Most of this season’s KITT events included additional accessibility components, including ASL interpreters.
Most of this season’s KITT events included additional accessibility components, including ASL interpreters (plus Mexican sign language for the bilingual show!) audio description, and Spanish-to-English language translation. For tickets and additional information on 2024-25 shows visit https://foxtucson.com/ or call 520- 547-3040.
KITT PROGRAMMING SUMMER 2024
Saturday, June 22 – 2pm - Monsoon Literacy Event: made possible by grants from Angel Charity Performing Arts and Autism Program and from Downtown Tucson Partnership
This year’s theme extends the desert/monsoon idea to inclusivity/access “When the monsoons rain, they rain on us all!” and connects the “Downtown Tucson for Everyone” grant that precedes the Angel Charity Performing Arts and Autism Program. Local authors at the event will include Adiba Nelson, author of “Meet ClaraBelle Blue”; possibly her book that comes out in the fall, “Oshun and Me” and Lori Alexander with her book, “The Cactus Queen”. The award-winning animated short “The Smeds and the Smoos”, based on the picture book by Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler will be the featured movie followed by the Academy Award-winning animated short, “Hair Love.”
The musician/educators at the AZ Sonoran Desert Museum will conduct sing-a-longs songs from their recently released album “I Love the Desert”, and additional activities will be provided by a range of local providers including Bear Essential News, Literacy Connects, AZ School For the Deaf and Blind and more.
Family Movie Matinee Series - Sundays in July at 2pm with Mickey Mouse Club throw-back events.
In addition to each movie, attendees can do crafts, enjoy music from the historic Wurlitzer organ, and participate in activities that honor the history of the Mickey Mouse Club at the Fox- when kids used to fill the theatre on weekends from the 1930s through 1950s.
July 14, 2:00pm – Who Framed Roger Rabbit
July 21, 2:00pm – Frozen Sing-a-long
July 28, 2:00pm – Muppets Take Manhattan
2024-2025 SEASON SCHOOL SHOWS
Oct 18, 10am - A Musical, Cinematic Journey through US and AZ History -Grades 3-8 – Made possible with support from the Hazen Foundation
Give your students a highly unique—and historical—experience of history! It’s hard to imagine, but before TV and the Internet, people learned about current events in the world by going to the movie theatre. There they would get a window into the events of the day via Newsreels, which were shown alongside movies and cartoons. Frequently, these were all musically accompanied, live, with a theatre organ. Through a combination of comedy film clips, cartoons, historic photos, and newsreel footage, students will get their own window into the early 1900’s of the United States—from the rise of cinema to the Great Depression and World War II. They will also glimpse how kids just like them, living in Tucson, experienced these aspects of history. and will enjoy it all in a historically authentic setting—the Fox Theatre, built in 1930—and with historically authentic, live music! An acclaimed theatre organist will be on the stage, sharing about the mind-blowing Mighty Wurlitzer Theatre Organ that has been restored to the Fox and playing it to accompany the film segments.
Nov 7, 10am - Around the Americas, with Uno, Dos, Tres Andrés! – Ages PreK-3rd Grade – Made possible with support from the Hazen Foundation
Engage Your Students in a Musical Learning Adventure Across the Americas! Christina and Andrés can’t find their friend Juana, and their only clue is that she’s somewhere in the Americas. Join Grammy and Latin Grammy Award-winning 123 Andrés in a concert across the continents, as students become active participants in a vibrant journey brought to life with colorful visuals. Andrés and Christina, both native Spanish speakers, seamlessly incorporate language to empower students to sing in both Spanish and English. As they dance along, students joyfully learn about geography, culture, and language in this high-energy adventure!
Nov 19, 9:30am and 11:45am - The Science of Pirates -K-5th Grade – Made possible with support from the Stocker Foundation
Prepare to Set Sail for STEAM Learning! “The Science of Pirates” is a swashbuckling, interactive show that weaves learning into riotous adventure. With eye-catching puppetry, zany props, clown theater, and boisterous full-audience participation, Pirate Professor Billy Bones pushes the boundaries of science and technology just like the seafarers of old. From simple machines to aerodynamics, he inspires and empowers students to see the STEM concepts that lie just beneath the surface of the high seas!
January 28, 2025, 10am – Stolen Moments: The First 100 Years of Jazz 4th Grade and up -Made possible with support from the Tucson Jazz Festival and the Hazen Foundation
“Stolen Moments” gives students a vibrant window into American history and an appreciation of the power of music to unify, inspire, and change the world. Immerse students in the electrifying world of jazz! Both captivating and informative, the show immerses students in the electrifying world of jazz. Featuring a combination of a live jazz quintet, spoken world, and video projection, students take a journey through jazz’s rich history, where they’ll meet the legendary masters who shaped its sound. Yet “Stolen Moments” goes beyond the music. It reveals the fascinating interplay between jazz and 20th century American culture. Students discover how jazz became a powerful force for unity, bridging cultural divides and sparking creative revolutions. It’s a story of breaking down barriers, celebrating diversity, and pushing artistic boundaries. The show also examines jazz’s lasting influence on other musical genres, both in the US and internationally.
February 6, 2025, 9:30am and 11:45am - Don’t Let the Pigeon Drive the Bus—The Musical! PreK-2 – Made possible with support from the Stocker Foundation
Whatever you do, don't let the Pigeon star in his own musical production! It's not easy being the Pigeon-you never get to do ANYTHING! But when the Bus Driver has a crisis that threatens to make her passengers (gasp!) late, maybe that wily bird CAN do something. Featuring an innovative mix of songs, feathers, and a script written by Mo Willems (creator of the #1 New York Times best-selling, Caldecott Honor award-winning "Pigeon" picture books), this musical is sure to get everyone's wings flapping.
February 14, 9:30am and 11:45am- The Magic of Kevin Spencer: A Sensory Inclusive Performance -3rd Grade and up. Made possible with support from Angel Charity
Spark student wonder with “The Magic of Kevin Spencer!” This fun-filled show for students of all abilities combines storytelling, stage magic, and audience participation. Award-winning magician Kevin Spencer was hailed as “The Kid Whisperer” by Inside Autism magazine, and his sensory-inclusive performance is designed to create an experience that is welcoming to all audiences, including students with autism or other forms of neurodiversity that create sensory sensitivities. Attendees will have access to a Social Story Video leading up to the show, making this a highly accessible opportunity for students to experience the joy and magic of live performing arts!
February 27, 10am - Syncopated Ladies, Live! 3rd grade and up – Made possible with support from the NEA and the Hazen Foundation
Chloé Arnold's Syncopated Ladies: Live is a groundbreaking mixed media concert featuring a diverse, all-female cast celebrating sisterhood, the power of joy, and tap dance! It is an electrifying, one-of-a-kind dance and storytelling experience. Get to know the ladies as they each share their inspiring journeys to reach for their dreams through the art of tap dance. With fierce footwork and spectacular pop concert production, the ladies leave students motivated to pursue their dreams with courage, determination, and love, no matter the obstacles. Founded by Emmy-nominated Choreographer, Chloé Arnold, SYNCOPATED LADIES is the most viewed female tap dance band in history. Known for their viral self-produced content, they were recognized by Beyoncé—who shared their work, launched them onto a global platform, and said “They Killed It!”
FAMILY SHOWS 2024
September 22, 7pm - “Mike Super—Magic and Illusion”‘America’s Got Talent’ Finalist Mike Super live on stage!!
As the winner of NBC’s hit TV show ‘Phenomenon’, Mike Super is the only magician in history to win a LIVE magic competition on primetime network television and voted America’s Favorite Mystifier! Mike is also a Top Finalist on NBC’s #1 rated summer series America’s Got Talent and featured on the Season Premiere Episode of Penn & Teller’s ‘FOOL US’! Mike turned the magic show on its side and dumped it out into the audience! The secret to Mike’s success is his natural ability to entertain & captivate people. He has brought the art of magic back to the people and connects personally with his audience on a level they can relate to. Whether it’s through television, stage or simply one-on-one, Mike Super’s personality and humor reaches out and enchants the public. His appeal to both young and old has made him one of the most sought after Mystifiers in the world!
November 15, 7:30pm - “360 ALLSTARS”: BMX, basketball, breakdancing, acrobatics, drumming and more, the international smash hit returns! Made possible with support from the NEA
A phenomenal physical performance exploring all forms of rotation, 360 ALLSTARS connects the street with the elite to deliver a supercharged urban circus. Boasting a stellar cast of World Champion and World Record holding artists and athletes, 360 ALLSTARS is a spectacular fusion of the extraordinary artistry that emerges from street culture. Add to this a stunning live soundtrack delivered by award winning musicians, coupled with spectacular video projections, 360 ALLSTARS is as aurally exciting as it is visually astounding.
December 7, 7;30pm – and December 8, 2pm “Dog Man: The Musical” ages 6-10
Based on the worldwide bestselling hit series by Dav Pilkey: Dog Man: The Musical is a hilarious and heartwarming production following the chronicles of Dog Man, who with the head of a dog and the body of a policeman, loves to fight crime and chew on the furniture. But while trying his best to be a good boy, can he save the city from Flippy the cyborg fish and his army of Beasty Buildings? Can he catch Petey, the world’s most evil cat, who has cloned himself to exact revenge on the doggy do-gooder? And will George and Harold finish their show before lunchtime?? Find out in this epic musical adventure featuring the hilarity and heart of beloved characters from Dav Pilkey, the creator of Captain Underpants.
The Crown Jewel of Tucson. We make Memories. We make Connections. We make Tucson Proud.
ABOUT THE FOX
The Fox Tucson Theatre enlivens Tucson, fostering community growth and connections by shaping exceptional, live arts experiences in a celebrated setting. The “Crown Jewel of Downtown” makes memories, makes connections, and makes Tucson proud. Programming includes exciting year-round live entertainment from the top entertainers in the US, as well as community produced events, classic movies, family programming, and more. Beautifully restored, the historic 1930’s Art Deco theatre Fox has become an important symbol of the resurgence of a thriving city center and continues to contribute to the economic growth in the region. The Fox Tucson Theatre is located at 17 W Congress. Fox Fan Seats! are offered for most shows for only $20 – first come, first served, as they sell out fast. For additional information and Covid protocol requirements please visit foxtucson.com or call the box office at 520-547-3040. Follow the Fox – get the scoop on shows, events, movies and more!
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