News

FOX TUCSON THEATRE “THE FUTURE IS RIGHT AROUND THE CORNER”
EXPANSION PROJECT TAKES A MAJOR STEP FORWARD

Tucson, AZ – The Fox Tucson Theatre Foundation is pleased to announce the successful closing of two significant real estate transactions. The transactions mark a major step forward in realizing a bold vision for a potentially transformative redevelopment of the corner of Congress Street and Stone Avenue.

As part of a larger expansion plan, late last week the Foundation closed on the purchase of the historic Fox Tucson Theatre at 17 W Congress from Rio Nuevo downtown redevelopment and revitalization district, along with the Arizona Star Building at 30 N Church Avenue (the organization’s administrative offices), and a strip of property connecting the two buildings (the theatre’s loading dock). On Wednesday, 12/28, the Foundation subsequently closed on the purchase of the properties along Stone Avenue immediately adjacent to the historic theatre. The new acquisitions include 1 W. Congress (the now unoccupied, former Bruegger’s Bagels downtown location) and 13, 17, 25 and 27 N Stone Avenue (three empty storefronts and the current location of Rae’s Place Downtown Market), connecting Congress north along Stone Avenue to the Bank of America building.

At its December 7 meeting following a year of planning and research, the Fox Board of Directors unanimously approved moving forward with the property purchases. At the same meeting, the Board authorized launch of the quiet phase of a capital campaign aimed at raising an initial project budget estimate of roughly $21 million over a 3 – 5-year campaign. The immediate funding goal is focused on meeting a generous two-million-dollar matching pledge challenge offered by Rio Nuevo. The Board has engaged Alexander|Carrillo Consulting to lead the quiet phase of the capital campaign, expected to unfold over the next 12 – 15 months. Long-time Tucson fundraising experts Laura Alexander and Phoebe Chalk-Wadsworth bring decades of experience to the project and will work closely alongside Fox Board and staff.

“We’ve set forth a bold vision,” said Fox Board President Brent Davis, “one that we believe will secure the legacy of the Crown Jewel of Tucson as not only an iconic, historic building; but, also as an enduring, flagship arts organization at the heart of downtown Tucson.” With this plan, the Fox will be capable of better serving the needs of current audiences as well as the generations to come with greater artistic program diversity, next level patron services, dynamic food and beverage experiences, and much more; all in ways that complement and extend what the Tucson community loves about the irreplaceable historic treasure.

“The opportunity to purchase these adjacent properties presented a once-in-a-lifetime, seize-the-day moment to invest in the long-term future and ultimate sustainability of the Fox,” said Fox Board Expansion Committee Chair Nancy March. “We were thrilled to receive such an enthusiastic response from so many when the initial concept was presented in October.”

Since then, the Fox Board and staff leadership have been focused on finalizing this pivotal property acquisition phase. With the properties now acquired, the project can move ahead with next steps. Immediate project priorities include active fundraising, ongoing work with stakeholders to refine program use plans, advancing the preliminary conceptual renderings into more concrete stages of design development, and additional reviews, input, and a recommendation for approval of the design by the Tucson/Pima County Historic Commission.

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New Exciting Programming for Kids at the Fox

Tucson, AZ –Fox Tucson Theatre’s Kids in the Theatre (KITT) programming moves into high gear this fall with an outstanding selection of shows and special events. It is the mission of the Fox to present high quality programming for youth and their families, to instill love of theatre in young people, and to offer entertainment that is accessible for all.  From an epic scavenger hunt to an interactive magic show, sharing the love of reading to live action comedy, this season, it’s all at the Fox. Join KITT the Fox at the following events:

Sept 2-4 – Tucson Comic-Con Weekend:  Epic Scavenger Hunt, Sci-Fi Films at the Fox, Costume Party –

The Fox loves Comic – Con!  KITT the Fox will be at the TCC during the weekend long scavenger hunt ( https://tucsoncomic-con.com/2022-epic-scavenger-hunt/ ).  After the festivities each day, the Fox will feature a full weekend of Sci-Fi films.  Free popcorn to those who come wearing their Fox T-shirt or dressed as your favorite Cos-play character. The lineup includes Sept 2 – 7:30pm – Star Wars: A New Hope; Sept 3 – 7:30pm – Serenity; Sept 4 – 5:30pm – Batman (1989) Tickets available at https://foxtucson.com/events/

September 17 – Children’s Museum Tucson Love of Literacy event.

The Fox joins the Children’s Museum Tucson for their Love of Literacy event celebrating the love of reading for kids of all ages.  KITT will be available at the Fox tent for a photo opp. This FREE event is jam-packed with special guests who love reading. Kids get to create their own bookmarks, write poetry, make a storybook or enjoy performances of stories written by other kids. Book giveaways, a story corner,  snacks and free admission to the Museum all day. For additional details visit https://www.childrensmuseumtucson.org/love-of-literacy/

September 22, 9:30am and 11:45am – Magic in Motion STEAM Show (for school groups only)

Bill Blagg’s Magic in Motion melds the fascination of magic with the wonders of physical science to create an unbelievable educational experience! In this highly interactive show, students will be on the edge of their seats as they learn to create illusions using core scientific principles. Science and magic will collide as students instantly become stronger than their teachers, stop moving objects with their minds and even make a teacher’s cell phone invisibly travel through time. Magic in Motion is a magic filled, educational experience that is designed to inspire students to investigate how physical science can create magic while also playing an important role in their daily lives. To deepen the educational impact of the show, educators will receive a study guide, supplemental activities, and even opportunities for in-class workshops and guest speakers based on the performance!

https://foxtucson.com/event/magic-in-motion-steam-show/

October 1, 7:30pm – The Passing Zone – Family and Youth Series

The Passing Zone delivers a high-octane presentation that is full of big laughs, wild stunts, and hilarious audience participation. They were finalists on “America’s Got Talent,” regulars on “Penn & Teller: Fool Us,” performed on “The Tonight Show,” at the White House, and hold four Guinness World Records. Their combination of comedy, dexterity, danger, and hilarity has audiences on their feet across the globe. And now, with The Passing Zone Saves the World, Jon and Owen put the world’s troubles on their shoulders and attempt to save us all! From what? How do they do it? By temporarily suspending gravity. By turning chainsaws into dance partners rather than tools for wiping out rain forests. Through infectious laughter, not infectious disease. The Passing Zone saves the world from boredom and the mundane by putting themselves at risk for your amusement! https://foxtucson.com/event/passing-zone/

COMING SOON: Attention all Educators – school shows at the Fox!  Take a quick look at some of the enriching programs coming to the Fox in 2022-23:   https://foxtucson.com/kitt/education/school-matinees/

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JUNE IS JUMPING AT THE FOX

With guest artists like, Lyle Lovett, Ani DiFranco ready to be enjoyed in air-conditioned comfort. Add some sing-along musicals and the new 2^nd Saturdays Music and Movie Series, and the Fox is the prime destination for fun in Tucson this summer.

June 11- Music & Movies Series: Academy Award-winning Film: Walk the Line with: South Western Stars featuring Mamma Coal and Charlie Hall

The Music: South Western Stars brings together a variety of talents performing a wide variety of American music. This performance brings together Carra “Mamma Coal” Stasney, a singer-songwriter steeped in the traditional sounds of country and roots music and Charlie Hall, known for his blues and soulful performances throughout Tucson.

The Movie (2005):
Walk the Line is a chronicle of country music legend Johnny Cash’s life, from his early days on an Arkansas cotton farm to his rise to fame with Sun Records in Memphis, where he recorded alongside Elvis Presley, Jerry Lee Lewis, and Carl Perkins

Wednesday, June 15 – 7:30pm: Lyle Lovett and his Large Band

A singer, composer and actor, Lyle Lovett has broadened the definition of American music in a career that spans 14 albums. Coupled with his gift for storytelling, the Texas-based musician fuses elements of country, swing, jazz, folk, gospel, and blues in a convention-defying manner that breaks down barriers. Whether touring as a ‘Duo’ or with his ‘Acoustic Group’ or his ‘Large Band,’ Lovett’s live performances show not only the breadth of this Texas legend’s deep talents, but also the diversity of his influences, making him one of the most compelling and captivating musicians in popular music.  Since his self-titled debut in 1986, Lyle Lovett has evolved into one of music’s most vibrant and iconic performers. Among his many accolades, besides the four Grammy Awards, he was given the Americana Music Association’s inaugural Trailblazer Award, and was named Texas State Musician. His works, rich and eclectic, are some of the most beloved of any artist working today.

Saturday, June 18 – 7:30pm: Ani DiFranco with the Rainbow Girls

The transcendent album from Ani Di Franco, Revolutionary Love, marks the latest proof of one of her most powerful gifts as an artist: a rare ability to give voice to our deepest frustrations and tensions, on both a personal and political level. “My songs have always reflected an acute connection between my personal life and the life of my society,” says the trailblazing musician and activist. “As I started to come out of years of dealing with marriage problems, I saw my entire country in the same situation, the complete breakdown of communication and loss of empathy and connection. But after what seems like unforgivable damage, then where do you go? You can’t kick each other off the planet, you can’t change the past, so what then?”

Wednesday, June 22 – 7:30pm: Gov’t Mule

Gov’t Mule – Warren Haynes [vocals, guitar], Matt Abts [drums], Danny Louis [keyboards, guitar, and backing vocals], and Jorgen Carlsson [bass] – has galvanized a global fan base with their honest, organic, and daring music and improvisational virtuosity, leading them to be recognized as one of the most timeless, revered and active bands in the world whose spot amongst rock titans remains unshakable. Led by visionary GRAMMY Award-winning artist and guitar legend Warren Haynes – a cornerstone of the American music landscape – the enduring, globally revered group has showcased its intelligence and breadth over the course of 20+ studio and live albums, thousands of memorable performances and millions of album and track sales.

Saturday, June 25 – 7:30pm: Bohemian Rhapsody Sing-Along

Celebrate Queen, their music, and their extraordinary lead singer, Freddie Mercury, in this world premiere release of the Bohemian Rhapsody Sing-along. Guests will have the rare opportunity to become immersed in the historic Live Aid Concert while they sing along with Queen to the memorable tunes from that day including Bohemian Rhapsody, Under Pressure, Somebody to Love and We are the Champions!

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
September 3, 2021

NEW SHOWS AT THE FOX FOR ALL AGES
Season Continues to Grow

Three sensational new shows have been added to the Fox Tucson Theatre’s fourth quarter lineup beginning with Ukulele virtuoso Jake Shimabukuro on November 27.  Known for his fast and complex finger work, Jake takes the ukulele to places no one has gone before, performing awe inspiring music that ranges from jazz, blues, and rock to bluegrass, classical, and folk.

A Tucson favorite, Tony nominated Broadway star and Platinum record singer/songwriter Ann Hampton Callaway “Sings the 70s” on December 3^rd.  Callaway and her trio plan a nostalgic trip down memory lane featuring the music of James Taylor, Carole King, Joni Mitchell, Billy Joel, John Lennon and their own special take on the classic songs of the Carpenters, Linda Ronstadt, Barbra Streisand, Roberta Flack, and other beloved singers of the 70s.

On December 17^th, the inimitable singer/songwriter Pokey LeFarge takes to the stage with his own special mix of American, reflections of the music he loves best; early jazz, raftime, country, blues, Western swing, vaudeville and Appalachian folk. His show will feature highlights from his latest album In the Blossom of Their Shade written during the pandemic that focuses on the positivity of coming out of the darkness and into the light.

Tickets for all three shows go on sale for qualifying donors on Wednesday, September 8 at 12pm and to the general public on Friday, September 10 at 12pm at https://foxtucson.com/events/

KIT (Kids in Theatre) Programming for Fall

Masterful storytelling, theatrics, and music take students on a fun and magical journey straight to the heart, as they witness how kindness and empowerment can overcome cruelty and lies.  The Fox pay-what-you-can pre-recorded virtual school program, presents the first film of the season, The Boy Who Could Sing Pictures.  Step into a world of jesters, kings, scheming ministers and a magical boy who discovers that when he sings for people, spectacular pictures appear in the sky that reflect the truth of the world and people around him. Masterful storyteller David Gonzalez, along with musical accompaniment, takes students on a highly entertaining journey straight to their own hearts, as they witness how kindness and empowerment can overcome cruelty and lies.  For a preview visit https://youtu.be/R-OIMqZX2a8

The 40-minute film is geared towards grades 1 -5 and is available on a sliding scale for $0-$20 per class.  Designed to inspire self-awareness, self-management, social-awareness, perception, compassion, empowerment, resilience, this extraordinary creation is available to educators for class or home viewing anytime between Sept. 20 and Oct. 3, from September 20-October 3. For registration visit https://r2.marketing-pages.com/p/5FKZ-5BI/boy-sing-pictures

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
August 16, 2021

FOX TUCSON THEATRE RECEIVES $200k CHALLENGE GRANT FROM THE CONNIE HILLMAN FOUNDATION

The Fox Tucson Theatre Foundation received a $200,000 matching grant from the Connie Hillman Family Foundation late last year.  At a time when the Theatre was beginning to work towards re-opening, the grant was a most welcome boost to ongoing fundraising initiatives. “Because of the leadership level support from the Connie Hillman Family Foundation, there’s never been a better time to support the Fox Tucson Theatre.  In a moment marked by a triumphant return to live performances, we couldn’t be more grateful for their efforts in helping shape the future of our organization” said Fox Executive Director Bonnie Schock.

In a silent phase until now, the Fox has successfully managed to raise nearly $75,000 of total possible matching funds and is now opening the challenge up to the public in a new campaign. All new and increased support from donors will be matched 2-to-1 through the end of 2022 or until all matching funds are exhausted.  It will take a full community effort to realize this generous fundraising opportunity.  “Gifts being matched by the Connie Hillman Family Foundation Challenge will help the Fox do even greater events to be enjoyed by everyone in Tucson” said Larry Adamson, Director of the Hillman Foundation.