December 2024 ~ Hale Theater to see
A Christmas Carol Musical ~ SOLD OUT
January 24, 2025 ~ Scottsdale to explore
the Museum of the West with lunch at Grimaldi's
February 20, 2025 ~ Musical Instrument Museum featuring a Drum and Dance Workshop ~ NEW
March 28, 2025 ~ Florence AZ to the Greek Orthodox Monastery with lunch at the Mt. Athos Greek restaurant
When Ruth and Nathan Hale moved to Glendale, California from Salt Lake City in 1943 with aspirations of beginning their careers as actors, they quickly realized that the only way to pursue their dream was to open their own theatre. In 1947 they rented a small building in Glendale, and the Hale Centre Theatre was born!
Although their opening night had an audience of just six, their little theatre began to grow in popularity. The theatre has operated every year since, passing down from generation to generation until today.
Fast forward to 2003 when after grandson David Hale Dietlein sold his interest in the Glendale Center Theater in California, he began construction on what is now Hale Centre Theatre in Gilbert Arizona.
Patrons of Arizona have discovered the high quality of work at Hale Theatre. Incredibly talented actors bring the plays and musicals to life and the entire staff and crew make every production a memorable experience.
The Hale Centre Theatre is dedicated to providing patrons with the finest theatrical experience possible in an atmosphere as intimate and friendly as their own homes. They are committed to selecting shows which reflect their promise to provide fun and affordable entertainment.
A Christmas Carol | A Play with Music
November 29 - December 24, 2024
By Charles Dickens
Directed by David Dietlein
Music Directed by Lincoln Wright
Choreographed by Cambrian James
Run Time: approximately 2 hours
At the Hale Theater, A Christmas Carol continues its cherished tradition of enchanting audiences with the timeless tale of redemption and compassion. Join us once again as we bring to life Charles Dickens' classic story of Ebenezer Scrooge, a miserly old man whose heart is transformed by the spirits of Christmas Past, Present, and Yet to Come. Filled with unforgettable characters, haunting melodies, and heartwarming moments, this beloved production is a holiday tradition that reminds us all of the power of love and redemption.
Thanks to Four Peaks Rotary for a generous grant that has allowed for the expansion of this popular Encore For More program, New Adventures!!
Encore board member and Adventure Coordinator Rose Gonsoulin reported that the trip to Snuggle Farms provided a fabulous afternoon.....even the dark gray clouds held off letting loose until the Adventure bus returned home.
Snuggling with Chunk (center!) are left to right:
Mary Jane, Mary Taschner and Martha Mullins.
Rose (caught in the background above) also commented on how well behaved the miniatures were. In addition to the "minis", there were some goats to provide even more entertainment.
Snuggling with Stunning Stella (center) are left to right:
Kathy Mateski, Mary Taschner and Deb from the Community Center.
Four legged "hosts" mingled with their New Adventure guests for a group photo.....
Members of the Snuggle Team pictured above include Stephanie (kneeling) and Mike Lawson (right) who created the Farm along with son Ryland (not pictured). You can read more about their story at https://www.snugglefarms.com/
And of course the one in the fetching pink tutu and unicorn hat behind Stephanie is none other than her famous mom, Sami Jack, founder of Sami's Jewelry.
Check back later for additional photos!
The lobby of the Museum provides a number of hands on puzzles taunting visitors to solve that are also available for purchase. Bill Pape and Emily Hemphill ponder puzzles to purchase.
Although there appears to be a long line of New
Adventures coordinator and Encore Board member Rose Gonsoulins, she's really standing in a six to seven foot octagon room of mirrors. She probably wished there were that many of her when planning one of these trips!
Another example of the magic of mirrors, Rose appears to be having a poker game that one of her is sure to win
The best mirror illusion has Rose's head served on a platter....she actually had to crawl into a very small box on the other side of the blue wall to pull this illusion off!
In the Ames Room above, Encore President Gail Pape and Encore volunteer Emily Hemphill appear to grow and shrink as they walk from one side to the other in the cube shaped room. It's named after American scientist Adelbert Ames Jr. who made contributions to ophthalmology, psychology, philosophy, physics and physiology.
New Adventure explorer and all around good sport Bruce posed in the Infinity Well.
Encore Board members Rose and Cassie appear to be defying gravity when in reality they are really standing up straight.
Rose shrunk the museum guide!
Bingo Volunteer Suzi demonstrates her super human abilities and strength!
And again as she balances on a bench using only a few fingers....amazing!
Rose hangs onto a ledge for dear life
Just when they thought it was safe to get back on the elevator.....
After participating in all those gravity defying, mind boggling, strength sapping feats at the Museum of Illusion, the adventurers enjoyed lunch from the diverse and delicious menu at the Pangaea Dinosaur Grill also located in the Arizona Boardwalk.
After surviving the infinity well, Bruce is more than ready for nourishment.
Suzi and Rose boarded the "wrong" bus.....
.....while Emily, Gail and Bill patiently wait for the bus they rode in on after an afternoon of fun, shopping and good food.
And that's the story of another successful Adventure planned and coordinated by Board member Rose Gonsoulin.
Stay tuned for more adventures to come!
On December 14th New Adventures coordinator and Encore board member Rose Gonsoulin (pictured) accompanied an energetic bus load of adventurers to Apache Junction for Barleen's Holiday Matinee Show. Rose reports that "Marvin" (also pictured) and food were very good and the show was fabulous. She said the talented and entertaining musicians played a variety of music from James Brown and Elvis to Louie Armstrong and Jose Feliciano. Compliments were plentiful, some saying it was the best trip ever. As promised, more photos are posted below.
Pat DeSmet, Mary Cecillo and Barb Hansen with Deputy "Barney Fife" making sure they don't get out of line.
These smiles look like they just had dessert!
Enjoying after dinner coffee waiting for the show to start....
Waiting to dance to the music!
Bingo Volunteers Carol and Carol love New Adventures trips second only to Bingo!
Bingo Volunteer Suzi is a frequent New Adventures traveler as well.....
Joan Talamendez and Doris Leisher are regular Bingo players too that are always looking for New Adventures!
Marta Ludwig is yet another enthusiastic Bingo Volunteer......come to Bingo Tuesdays at the Community Center and you may just hear her serving as a Bingo Caller!
Susan Krook's smile is a pretty good indication that she's enjoying the afternoon.
Martha Mullins is a regular on New Adventure trips and brings fun wherever she goes!
This Encore Adventurer was ready for an Arabian encounter as soon as he got off the bus.....the hat tells it all!
It was clear during the course of the trip that participants were enjoying the New Adventure experience.
It was so gratifying to have such a diverse group participating in this trip and so clearly enjoying themselves.
You never know where New Adventures may take you in the future.
Although this season is drawing to an end, stay tuned to this website for updates in the fall season....Rose already has thoughts for next December......check back soon!
Please remember.....we love your feedback.....if you have any ideas on these or other future trips, please send them to
53 Seniors boarded the bus for the sold out, waiting list trip. Encore Board Member and Bingo Coordinator Joanna Hernan brought supplies to play three rounds of Bingo complete with prizes for the winners.
Part of Encore's New Adventures itinerary last year included a very popular trip to the Chihuly exhibit at the Phoenix Botanical Gardens.
The sold out trip was a hit leaving participants clamoring for more!