Lynn Trimble readily admits that she didn't want to like "Shrek the Musical"--but finds herself "a believer" after attending the opening night performance with daughter Lizabeth at ASU Gammage in Tempe.

Hula and two-step lessons. Steel drums to Celtic fare. Native American arts and culture. You'll find all this and more in the Valley of the Sun thanks to several outdoor concert series that make for lovely outings with family, neighbors, co-workers, friends or out-of-town guests.

A 5th grade history buff. A woman "reviewed" by a New York Times critic. Folk music fans and more. Lynn Trimble met them all on opening night in Phoenix for Arizona Theatre Company's "Woody Guthrie's American Song" -- and shares a bit about how history meets theater on stage.

Still entertaining visiting family or friends? Lynn Trimble suggests inexpensive options with a Native American twist, and shares ways to enjoy American Indian art, music and dance in the New Year.

"Respect." First it was a book, then it took to the stage. Get the inside scoop from playwright Dorothy Marcic, Ph.D., whose musical "Respect: A Musical Journey of Women" plays at the Herberger Theater Center in Phoenix through Feb 12, 2011.

Lynn Trimble shares three good reasons you won't want to blink next month in Chandler, although she says you're perfectly free to clap, scat or tap your toes.

Lynn Trimble reveals art-related gifts shared with family and friends this holiday season, and suggests ways we can all give back to the arts community in the coming year.

Call the babysitter, and keep that classy holiday attire at the ready. Arizona arts and culture brings you a bevy of galas (and some more casual fundraisers) in the coming year -- from an Oscar Night to a Market in Marrakesh.

Still making plans for New Year's Eve? Lynn Trimble explores Valley options of both the kid-friendly and grown-up variety -- all with an arts twist.

Stage Mom Lynn Trimble worries that recent mishaps with "Spider-Man: Turn Off the Dark" may signal dark days for musical theater -- and offers reflections on the true magic of musical theater, a craft that once fueled our imagination nation.

Two women sit at their kitchen tables. One enjoys the sunshine while another enjoys the snow. But what do a stage mother and a character actress have to talk about? Plenty.

Mesa 7th grader Cassandra Parker-Swenson, who recently performed with Cirque Dreams Illumination at the Orpheum Theatre in Phoenix, says she aspires to a career in the acrobatic arts.

When Lynn Trimble's husband notices she appears to have the music for "The Nutcracker" memorized, she realizes it might be time to explore some other dance options.

Imagine auditioning for Jeffrey Katzenberg, CEO of DreamWorks, then getting a role that would take you on tour just as the due date for your first baby drew near. Eric Petersen, on-stage ogre and off-stage daddy, shares his views on balancing baby and Broadway -- as the musical "Shrek" heads for ASU Gammage in Tempe.

Move over "Phantom." Stage Mom Lynn Trimble has a new favorite musical. It's the perfect blend of entertainment and enlightenment. Who knew such a thing was even possible these days?

Stage Mom Lynn Trimble explores the week's art offerings -- including theater, visual art, dance, music and museum fare. With so many folks snowed in across other parts of the country, there's no excuse for not getting out to enjoy our amazing weather and art wonders.