A boy's search for meaning. Ethnic identity. Prenatal testing. Crime and punishment. Mother/daughter baggage. Arranged marriages. Career versus family. I found it all in Sunday's edition of "The New York Times" -- thanks to a lovely insert from the ASU Herberger Institute's School of Theatre and Film.

Roland Sarlot is a self-taught magician who "loved magic as a kid" and learned his craft via "the road of hard knocks." He performs an intimate magic show titled "Carnival of Illusion" with partner Susan Eyed. Learn more about his inspirations and where you can enjoy the duo's family-friendly fare.

Wenches outnumber knaves. MTV wants to broadcast your video in Times Square. Scottsdale is on the hunt for art from furniture to sculpture. Who knew there were so many ways to get involved in arts and culture? Check out these calls for performers/artists -- then spread the word to teachers, artists and friends who have a heart for art.

What's your weekend style? Festivals? Art exhibits? Multicultural music and dance? There's plenty to choose from throughout Arizona and the Valley -- from a costumed celebration of "Curious George" to an art exhibit featuring newspaper sculpture and costumes -- and much of it is free!

Sardines. Boxer shorts. Rotary-dial phones. It all sounds rather sad -- until you put it all together with the cast and creative team of Phoenix Theatre's "Noises Off" -- the side-splitting opening to their 90th season, which elevates farce to fine art in a hilarious production directed by Matthew Wiener.