The Chandler Center for the Arts will reopen its doors this weekend following a $3 million renovation designed to enhance the experience for audiences and artists, preserving the character of the nearly 40-year-old venue, along with some repairs of recent storm damage.
The Chandler Center for the Arts will reopen its doors this weekend following a $3 million renovation designed to enhance the experience for audiences and artists, preserving the character of the nearly 40-year-old venue, along with some repairs of recent storm damage.
Beginning this Saturday, Oct. 17, according to a news release, more than a week of events will celebrate the reopening and launch a new season at the center.
The celebration will culminate with the first weekend of performances on the renovated Steena Murray Mainstage.
The renovation includes new theater seating, refreshed interior finishes and upgrades to the stage and rigging, representing a significant investment in a venue that has served as a home for performing arts in Chandler for almost four decades.
The reopening begins Oct. 17 with the 13th Annual Center Stage Gala, Murder on the Tumbleweed Express, giving CCA donors and supporters the first opportunity to experience the renovated theater. The western-themed evening combines a murder mystery with live performances, dining, auctions and immersive experiences, with proceeds supporting CCA programming and community engagement.
The reopening also celebrates the local arts organizations that have grown alongside CCA. Ballet Etudes, celebrating its 40th anniversary this season, presented its first Nutcracker at the Center; C.A.L.L.E. de Arizona returns for its 27th Annual Mariachi and Folklórico Festival; and the 33-year-old Chandler Symphony Orchestra begins its first season under newly named conductor Chuck Stewart.
The celebration continues Wednesday, Oct. 21 with "Ordinary Folks, Extraordinary Tales." That's a free community storytelling event hosted by playwright, composer and CCA Artist-in-Residence Ashli St. Armant.
Presented in partnership with Chandler Museum, the event is the culmination of storytelling workshops with community members led by a storyteller from South Mountain Community College.
Participants will take the stage to share their stories at the Oct. 21 event, hosted by St. Armant as part of her three-year CCA artist residency. Her residency culminates in March 2027 with the world premiere of her new theatrical work, "The Yellowroot: A Juke Joint Cabaret."
The reopening celebration continues with CCA's first performances on the renovated Steena Murray Mainstage, beginning with the internationally acclaimed Shanghai Ballet performing Giselle on Friday, Oct. 23, followed by multi-platinum country artist Sara Evans on Sunday, Oct. 25.
From 3-6 p.m., Saturday, Oct. 24, the center will invite the entire community inside for a free celebration and open house. Guests can tour the renovated theater, meet new General Manager Julianna Crespo and enjoy light refreshments and family activities.
Guided tours will give visitors a closer look at the improvements, including new seating, refreshed interiors and upgrades to the stage and rigging. Visitors will also have an opportunity to support the Center through its Adopt-A-Seat program.
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