POTTED POTTER Casts Spell Over Mesa Arts Center, Now thru 2/24

Once the character of Harry Potter had been brought to life by J.K. Rowling, the story was everywhere. America's obsession with the fictional Harry Potter series is undeniable and thus the creation of a fantastic 70 minute parody was inevitable. Potted Potter, The Unauthorized Harry Experience- A Parody by Dan and Jeff comes to Mesa Arts Center from tonight, February 21 through February 24, 2013. Tickets are available through the Mesa Arts Center Box Office at MesaArtsCenter.com or by calling 480-644-6500.

This unauthorized stage play chronicles all seven Harry Potter books from start to finish in a 70 minute parody performed by two actors at a breakneck speed. The show's creators and performers, Daniel Clarkson and Jefferson Turner, are coming to Arizona after successful runs in Toronto, London, and New York. With the help of an endless amount of costumes, hilarious props, and brilliant songs, Dan and Jeff have captured the attention of children, teenagers, and adults who love the Harry Potter books and who will flock to anything related to the series.

Though Daniel Clarkson and Jefferson Turner had been performing versions of "Potted Potter" for the past six years at theater festivals in the U.K. and Canada, their performances at the Little Shubert Theater in New York City marked their American debut. "Potted Potter" has held as much as ten performances a week due to its short running time and the two actors are constantly changing costumes and even play a quick game of Quidditch that involves audience participation. The show features fans' favorite characters and even a special appearance by a fire-breathing dragon.

Mesa Arts Center and Mix 96.9 are set out to collect Harry Potter books to donate to the Phoenix Children's Hospital. Mix 96.9 will use on-air, online & social media to encourage listeners to donate their old Harry Potter (and other books) by dropping them off at either Mesa Arts Center or Clear Channel. Once we have collected books, the cast of Potted Potter will make an appearance at the hospital to deliver the books to all the children.

The Mesa Arts Center, owned and operated by the City of Mesa, is a unique, architecturally stunning facility located in the heart of downtown Mesa. Arizona's largest arts center is home to four theaters, five art galleries, and 14 art studios. Guests, patrons, and students come to Mesa Arts Center to enjoy the finest live entertainment and performances, world-class visual art exhibitions, and outstanding arts education classes. The Mesa Arts Center mission is to inspire people through engaging arts experiences that are diverse, accessible, and relevant. Mesa Arts Center has received numerous awards and accolades including the "2010 Arts Organization of the Year," by the Arts & Business Council of Greater Phoenix; the "2011 Best Venue to See National Acts" Best of Phoenix New Times; "2012 Best Arts Center" Critic's Choice azcentral.com, and most recently "2012 Venue of Excellence" by the International Association of Venue Managers. The 2012-2013 Performing Live Series is sponsored by Arizona Commission on the Arts. For more information, visit mesaartscenter.com.

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