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.

Lynn Trimble is starting to suspect that banjo players bring a certain brilliance to the banter about history, politics, literature and art. So what's her evidence, and how can you enjoy a bit of banjo music right here in the Valley?

Stage Mom Lynn Trimble shares a sneak peek at an annual Christmas tradition at the Desert Botanical Garden in Phoenix, and suggests fun ways to explore the Garden with children.

Morning music. Lunchtime theater. Afternoon film. Enjoy all this and more at Valley venues offering daytime performance art. After all that carpooling or crunching numbers, a bit of art might be just the bit of "R and R" you need.

Valley schools are inviting parents and community members to make donations through a school tax credit program before year end. Many of their students have something to give you as well -- the gifts of music, theater and dance. Stage Mom shares upcoming performances by some of Arizona's talented students of the arts.

This time of year, we all want to be particularly efficient. Stage Mom Lynn Trimble suggests Valley festivals and other events that'll make being efficient a whole lot more fun.

Caren Lyn Tackett, who plays Sheila in the 2010 national tour of HAIR coming to ASU Gammage Dec 7-12, offers perspectives on parenting, politics and performance art as she chats with Stage Mom Lynn Trimble.

Saying no, no, no to all that ho, ho, ho? Stage Mom Lynn Trimble suggests music, theater and dance options that haven't a thing to do with the holidays. Hooray!

Stage Mom Lynn Trimble shares a trio of favorites from her home library -- just in time to help with gift ideas for the artists, writers and musicians in your life. Also, a companion post exploring "Books & beyond" at one of her favorite haunts.

Stage Mom Lynn Trimble explores the many wonders of Changing Hands Bookstore in Tempe, one of many Local First Arizona businesses with a fun and family-friendly focus.

Enjoy music in five languages to benefit a local museum. Experience carolers donning Victorian garb. See children's faces light up Valley stages. Hear global music with a holiday theme. Stage Mom Lynn Trimble samples Valley choral offerings from diverse choral groups.

Stage Mom Lynn Trimble loved taking her young daughter Lizabeth to the symphony -- which led to ten years of violin study and training. Now she shares places you can enjoy the symphony this holiday season, plus a selection of symphony-related books for children.

What's new with you? Stage Mom Lynn Trimble says there's plenty to be grateful for as she reflects on what's new in the Valley's arts scene -- and invites you to share stories of your own new arts adventures and discoveries.