Arizona Spotlight

Long-time friends Molly McKasson and Susan Claassen have each created lasting legacies in Tucson, and next week they are reviving their sketch comedy act "Mols and Suz" for one night only at the Invisible Theatre. Also: The 3rd Annual Chinese Chorizo Festival celebrates culture, community and food; and Tucson native Jeff Biggers on co-writing "Disturbing the Bones".

One legendary day in 1956, four of America's leading music stars met and recorded a session together for the only time in history. Now the musical stage play "The Million Dollar Quartet" dramatizes the chemistry between Elvis Presley, Carl Perkins, Jerry Lee Lewis and Johnny Cash, and it is being presented in Tucson by the Saguaro City Music Theatre. Also: Film Fest Tucson returns with independent and international cinematic gems; and "Stories that Soar!" explores the meaning and versatility of love.

Meet Awesta Zarif and Lucy Lavely, the stars from Arizona Theatre Company's new production of "Dial M for Murder". Also: How Bisbee Bikeways want to make transportation safer and healthier; and learn the secrets of the Vegan Night Market.

The Scoundrel and Scamp Theatre recreates the experience of old-time radio for a special event. Also: Monument Valley's important role in the classic westerns of John Ford and John Wayne; and a local librarian is recognized for his dedication to improving youth mental health.

A new documentary called "Final Vows" tells the story of a small order of cloistered nuns who live at Santa Rita Abbey, an isolated monastery in the high desert of Arizona. Dwindling numbers and old age threaten the order's long-term survival, and the monastery stands in the path of new mining projects being dug south of the Grand Canyon. Also: The Rogue Theatre celebrates its 20th anniversary season; and "Stories That Soar!" presents a boy's remembrance of his father.

Nature writer and outdoors adventurer Rebekah Doyle shares an essay about her perspective on "Monsoon Magic". Also: Reactions to the first load of uranium ore to come from the Pinyon Mine near The Grand Canyon; and "Concussion: The Play", a new Ten-Minute Drama.

Learn about some fascinating discoveries made in the Sonoran desert by Dr. Deni Seymour that shed new light on the history of first European settlement in North America. Also: Simon Donovan shares a story about a beloved dog named Betty.

Also on Arizona Spotlight: Visit Valley of the Moon; Marquez Price on "digital detoxing"; and 65 years of local television history in the AZPM Video Archive.

Also on Arizona Spotlight: The story of Nick C. Hall, the Mayor of Old Tucson, and a song about spreading love, joy, and hope.

Also on Arizona Spotlight: Checking in with the Tucson Audubon Society; and a Tucson knitter who is making socks the REAL old-fashioned way.

On this Arizona Spotlight, hear three women who are telling vibrant stories across different mediums: Tucson-based author Lydia Millet; Author, educator and storyteller Molly McCloy; and local music artist Gabrielle Pietrangelo.

Also on Arizona Spotlight: Visit the Word of Mouth Print Space; celebrate imagination at the Library's Megamania!! Festival; and meet the founder of the Naco Wellness Initiative.

Also: How art can help with in-hospital healing; Luis Alberto Urrea on how his literature career began; and "Stories That Soar!" considers the meaning of love.

Also on Arizona Spotlight: The Pascua Yaqui Tribe welcome new leadership; and the legacy of screen actor Donald Sutherland.

Also on Arizona Spotlight: A local librarian is recognized for his dedication to youth mental health; and a personal story about what the U.S. flag can represent.

Also on Arizona Spotlight: A program called "Red, White and Blue" wants veterans,first responders and their loved ones to get the mental and emotional help they need.

Also on Arizona Spotlight: Richard Davis remembes growing up in Tucson's Black community; learn about Aphasia, and a place in Tucson offering friendship and support for those living with it; and go storm chasing with "Stories That Soar!"

Also on Arizona Spotlight: The secrets of the Vegan Night Market; how the Noyce Teaching Scholarship is helping to find and retain good STEM teachers in Arizona; and Julie Sasse says goodbye to the Tucson Museum of Art.

Also on Arizona Spotlight: Macro photographer Jillian Cowles peers into the private life of spiders; and Chris Dashiell visits "The Tomb of Ligeia".

Also on Arizona Spotlight: Tucson Tellers of Tales, a story from Nooshie Motaref, and a story from Penelope Starr

Also on Arizona Spotlight: The documentary "Fair Play" gives visibility to the unending work of new mothers; and explore the Brazilian martial art of capoeira.

Also on Arizona Spotlight: What "Bad Art Night" at the Arizona Science Center offers the creatively curious; "I Dream in Widescreen 2024" showcases a new class of film makers; and "Stories That Soar!" offers a 4th grader's perspective on "Self Love".

Also on Arizona Spotlight: A preview of the upcoming Tucson International Mariachi Conference; the peace and sisterhood of the Hamrah Arts Club; and the work of a largely forgotten female composer from the 18th century has a 21st century debut.

Also on Arizona Spotlight: NPR's Sarah McCammon on her autobiographical memoir "Ex-vangelicals"; and a story about lessons in Little league and life from Steve Braun.

Also on Arizona Spotlight: The holistic housing approach of "I Am You 360"; and 10-Minute Dramas returns with "It's Saturday".

Also on Arizona Spotlight: "All In for Autism 2024" is about sharing resources and building community; Chris Dashiell reviews the documentary "Body Parts"; and a 5th grader's emotional song for her mother.

Also on Arizona Spotlight: The sounds of a world gone by are being celebrated by a band called Piffaro; and a celebrating of creative writing returns to Cochise College.

Also on Arizona Spotlight: How Stories Change Lives - Social Venture Partners "Fast Pitch" offers opportunities for local non-profits; and Mel Blumenthal shares a story about being sneaky on a German train.

Also on Arizona Spotlight: UA receives a historic donation of WWII memorabilia; visitors to the 2024 Tucson Festival of Books share "A Book I Love"; and an essay about the beauty of Agua Caliente Hill.

Also on Arizona Spotlight: The International Uranium Film Festival returns to Tucson; the comedy of Elliot Glicksman; and "Stories That Soar!" looks at how children cope with depression.

Also on Arizona Spotlight: "A Conversation with Edith Head" returns to Invisible Theatre; the founder of Odyssey Storytelling on building community for 20 years; and Luis Alberto Urrea remembers giving his first autograph.

Also on Arizona Spotlight: Being last in line to get water from the Colorado River; and four short films debut at the Tucson Chinese Cultural Center.

Also on Arizona Spotlight: Water us in Utah is draining Laker Powell; How Ehrenberg, Arizona got its name; and seeing color for the first time.

Spiritually, Physically, Mentally, and Emotionally.

Also on Arizona Spotlight: Arizona Theatre Company reveals "Intimate Apparel", starring Tracey N. Bonner, directed by Oz Scott.

Also on Arizona Spotlight: The inspiring story of Shirley Chisholm on stage; and an ambitious new musical called "Alice by Heart".

Also on Arizona Spotlight: Dr. Jasleen Chhatwal on helping loved ones survive dark times; and, how do YOU pronounce "Sahuarita"?

Also on Arizona Spotlight: The Pima County Public Library brings MegaMania! back to Tucson; and Arizona Illustrated's new series of poetic short films.