Theater

Valley Youth Theatre stages toe-tapping “Charlotte’s Web”

Best friends with a spider? Can that be possible? It can if the spider is a really cool creature named Charlotte. In fact, Charlotte spins...

“Seussical” musical takes the stage at Scottsdale’s Desert Stages Theatre

What does it take to make a musical named “Seussical”? For starters, 31 actors, 84 costumes and more than 30 songs. At least, that’s the...

Upcoming family-friendly performances at major Valley arts venues

It's theater season! Valley arts venues recently released their upcoming schedules for 2016-17. Here are some of the family-friendly performances on our radar through...

Desert Stages Theatre will move into Scottsdale Fashion Square

Laurie Cullity gets a little teary-eyed watching delicate hummingbirds dance outside her kitchen window as she talks about changes coming to Desert Stages Theatre,...

Tips for finding low-cost and free local performances

Families don’t need big budgets to enjoy live music, dance or theater performances together. It’s all about knowing where to look and doing a...

Childsplay debuts “Junie B. Jones Is Not a Crook”

Junie B., possibly the world’s funniest kindergartner, is back, and the word is she’s not a crook. Or is she? Find out Sunday, Sept. 11, when...

Live theater starts conversations, builds communities

Amid all the angst in American politics these days, playwright Dwayne Hartford is working hard to highlight the value of public service through a...

“Les Misérables School Edition” takes the Peoria stage Sept. 9–25

Imagine being so desperate that you steal a loaf of bread for your sister’s starving child. Imagine being put in prison 19 years for that...

Spotlight Youth Theatre’s “Willy Wonka Jr.” brings the magic

How does a free tour of a chocolate factory and a lifetime supply of candy sound? Pretty good to Charlie Bucket, one of five winners...

“Camp Rock the Musical” at Desert Stages Scottsdale is fun for all ages

What better way to end the summer than to spend it rocking out and having fun? That’s what Mitchie and her friends hope to...

Valley Youth Theatre stages “Grease” at Herberger Theater

Some of us remember bobby socks, poodle skirts and early rock ’n’ roll --- and some of us don’t. But we can all join...

Themes still relevant in Hale Centre Theatre’s “West Side Story”

The Sharks and the Jets, gang rivalry and young love set in the gritty streets of New York’s Upper West Side come together in...

Desert Stages’ “Into the Woods” offers nuanced fairy tale

Have a favorite fairy-tale character? Maybe Little Red Riding Hood, Jack of “Jack and the Beanstalk,” Snow White, Cinderella or Sleeping Beauty? All these...

Disney’s “The Little Mermaid” features oodles of local talent

A magical kingdom beneath the sea, a lovely young mermaid and a hauntingly beautiful love story---what more could you ask for? It’s all there in...

Everybody, dance now! Recitals abound in June

Dance recitals are plentiful this time of year, as studios with classes for young dancers showcase students’ talents. For families considering dance lessons for...

“Alice in Wonderland” production gets a new twist

The tale of a curious girl who falls down a rabbit hole and discovers a land filled with strange and magical characters is familiar to...

PARTY ARTICLES

Money Lessons from Birthday Parties

Teaching Kids the Value of Gifts & Gratitude Between the cake, balloons, and wrapping paper tornado, birthday parties are often all about fun, but they also provide the perfect opportunity to teach kids early lessons...

Time to Paw-ty

Celebrating your favorite furry friend Call me crazy, but when my husband and I adopted our first dog together, we threw her a birthday party complete with cake, streamers, guests, appetizers, games, and more. Was...

Unique Ways to Host a Joint Birthday Party

My brother and I have birthdays that are just one day apart—his on March 3rd, mine on March 4th, and our oldest brother just a few weeks later on March 21st. Fast forward 31 years...

Out-of-the-box Birthday Party Ideas in Phoenix & Tucson

Wanting to do something a little extra special for your child’s next birthday party? Maybe it’s a milestone birthday—like turning double digits or entering the teen years. Or perhaps your child has requested to...

Birthday Traditions & Clever Theme Ideas

Childhood birthdays are unlike any others. I have fond memories of waking up on my birthday morning anticipating all the fun that was in store. With three kids who had birthdays all in the same...

Out-of-the Box Birthday Party Ideas

Wanting to do something a little extra special for your child’s next birthday party? Maybe it’s a milestone birthday—like turning double digits or entering the teen years. Or perhaps your child has requested to...

Party Etiquette

Whether you’re hosting a party or attending one, you may be wondering—do people really RSVP anymore? What about goodie bags, are those still a thing? Do I need to stay with my child at...

How to Throw a Birthday Party that Won’t Break the Bank

I remember the days when birthday parties consisted of colorful balloons, streamers, a simple cake, and the classics like musical chairs and tag with a few friends. Times have changed and suddenly it feels necessary...

How to do a drive-by birthday party

As we get deeper into quarantine, people have gotten creative with birthday celebrations. One result: the drive-by birthday party.

Home pool party? Hire a lifeguard!

Drowning happens silently and quickly. That’s why children are at risk even when — and sometimes especially when — adults are nearby. Even a "designated pool watcher" can avert his or her eyes for a...

Hiking birthday party

For a child who loves adventure and outdoors, turn a hike into a birthday party.
Tour de Liam, Biking birthday party theme, bike race, outdoor activites, arizona parties

Bike race birthday party

When there are lots of neighborhood friends who love to ride their bikes together, host a birthday party that feels like an official bike race.

Island birthday party

Pool parties are popular in Arizona. Make a stylish upgrade at your next birthday party by incorporating décor and details that will transport guests from the desert to a tropical island paradise.

STAY CONNECTED

16,000FansLike
4,049FollowersFollow
3,150SubscribersSubscribe