Lynn Trimble discovers that a fellow she knows from her children's early childhood days is passionate about both puppetry and playwriting (and politics too). Read about how they reconnected and where you can see his work performed in the Valley Saturday night.

Blacks and whites. Montagues and Capulets. Fairies and humans. Are they really all that different? Explore real and imagined differences this weekend as the Arizona Science Center presents "RACE: Are We So Different?" and Arizona Theatre Company presents "Romeo & Juliet." Also enjoy some time with Ballet Arizona and the Southwest Shakespeare Company.

Arizona Jewish Theatre Company opens its 23rd season with "Hard Love" by Israeli playwright Motti Lerner. This weekend is your last chance to see it. Learn why Lynn Trimble, who saw the show Sunday night, considers it "must see" theater.

Happy news. The circus in Washington, D.C. won't be going on tour. But several performing arts circus troupes are doing just that -- bringing a unique blend of artistic and athletic prowess to Arizona. But first, PBS helps to set the stage...

Vote your conscience. But keep art in your heart -- because the arts are vital to our quality of life and economic recovery. Lynn Trimble helps you connect with resources that can help you vote "art smart."

As Arizonans prepare to head to the polls on Tuesday, Lynn Trimble looks at a global movement to bring peace through music and an upcoming performance that'll make politics fun in the Valley of the Sun.

Absudity and parenting go hand in hand. Consider the stylings of preschoolers who insist on choosing their own outfits. Cell phones with special ring tones that signal teens to ignore the calls of parents. For a taste of absurdity in theater, and politics, there's SCC's current production of Eugene Ionesco's "Rhinoceros."

Feeling frazzled by fright night preparations? Take a break from sewing costumes and carving pumpkins to attend a free night of family-friendly music at Arizona State University in Tempe. Even refreshments, raffle tickets and kids crafts are free!

Lynn Trimble launches a new series profiling Valley stage moms who make a difference in the community -- while juggling all those glamorous stage mom gigs like set painting, teen taxiing and pot luck prep. Today, a Valley stage mom and child advocate...

A piano teacher named Judy has given Valley families many a gift through the years -- from good humor and perspective to musical training and moral support. Lynn Trimble shares another treasure she discovered thanks to teacher Judy's annual piano recital.

How does Stage Mom Lynn Trimble go from seeing a Hopi ceremonial calendar to pondering women playwrights? And how does she get from "This" at the Herberger Theater Center to the "Pandora Festival" at Scottsdale Center for the Performing Arts? It all makes perfect sense -- once you read today's post.

Stage Mom Lynn Trimble explores current events, the latest controversy to swirl around the television series "Glee" and the issue of minorities in Arizona.

There's no place like home. Click your heels three times, then head to Greasepaint Youtheatre in Scottsdale for a show Stage Mom Lynn Trimble says she no longer loves to hate.

Stage Mom Lynn Trimble begins a new series of art adventures -- exploring the Valley's many arts venues by city. Today she explores Queen Creek, starting with family-friendly offerings at the Queen Creek Performing Arts Center. See what else she discovered along the way.

Stories don't just happen at bedtime. We hear, tell, experience and share them with every breath we take. Stage Mom Lynn Trimble hopes time with Twain, Lithgow and Harley will hone her storytelling instincts -- and yours as well. Learn when and where you can enjoy the finest in contemporary American storytelling right here in the Valley.

Stage Mom Lynn Trimble and her daughter Lizabeth enjoyed opening night of Disney's "Beauty and the Beast" at ASU Gammage in Tempe -- then spent time chatting with cast and audience members.