“It was a dark and stormy night.”

With a reputation for being innovative and versatile, Dante Ariola made a name for himself directing commercials for the likes of Coca Cola, Nike and Lexus. What began as a substantial career in graphic design morphed into a myriad of film work, including music videos for bands like Cake and Cypress Hill, and a documentary short about wildlife conservationist Dr. Alan Rabinowitz, entitled “Man & Beast.”

Browse the artwork of Mesa Unified School District juniors and seniors while enjoying live theater, dance and music performances. You'll also be able to sample cuisine created by Mesa Public Schools culinary arts students.

‘It’s been ten years, now,” the strong voice said on the phone. Mari Justin is a breast cancer survivor. She, along with hundreds of thousands of breast cancer veterans have faced the demons and now crusade alongside those who are fresh on the battlefield.

Start marking your calendars with all the shows you plan to see this season. Arizona Theatre Company has announced its 2013-2014 lineup.

Six months after fire destroyed Copperstar Repertory Company’s offices and scene and costume shops, the East Valley theater company is scheduled to host its first production of “Les Misérables School Edition.”

The Symphony of the Southwest is partnering with Mesa Unified School District to present "Beauty in Sight and Sound," a special multimedia extravaganza. The symphony will play side-by-side with the Youth Symphony of the Southwest in a program that features artwork by Mesa district high school students.

Get in the mood for spring with Great Arizona Puppet Theater’s re-telling of Beatrix Potter’s beloved tale of a naughty rabbit who gets caught in Mr. McGregor’s garden. The story is set entirely to music without any spoken narration. It is appropriate for children from preschool to third grade.

Tempe's New School for the Arts and Academics is one of 30 schools from across the nation to be named as a finalist in NBC’s “Smash” Make a Musical Constructed by Lowe’s. The program will help five winning schools improve their theater facilities.

“Lord, you made many many poor people. I realize, of course, it’s no shame to be poor... but it’s no great honor either,” Tevye says during one of the opening scenes of “Fiddler on The Roof,” on stage this week with Theater League Productions’ national tour. Although veteran viewers could recite Tevye’s witticisms by heart, cast member and East Valley resident Chuck Caruso believes this production is new and different enough to keep them engaged.

As staff at the Mesa Arts Center began preparation for its second “Festival of Creativity,” MAC executive director Cindy Ornstein said the group was looking for something to pique their interests — a spark, of sorts.

Sure, you know to wear green on St. Patrick’s Day, but how well-versed are you in the history and culture of Ireland?

It’s hard not to love the colorful and imaginative world of Eric Carle, portrayed beautifully in his numerous children’s books. Three of those books are the inspiration behind Mermaid Theatre Company of Nova Scotia’s magical production, which uses puppetry, live and computer generated animation to bring Carle’s characters to life. It is on stage Feb. 24 at Scottsdale Center for the Performing Arts.

We have our fair share of Disney animated favorites, but from time to time it’s fun to treat the family to a live theater production of a classic fairy tale. Valley Youth Theatre’s “Rapunzel,” playing Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays through March 10, is a great option.

At Silver Star Playhouse, Broadway shows and popular musicals are remade with a splash of comedy — including funny songs, amusing characters and a delightful smattering of local humor.

When people think of Jewish film, their minds tend to jump right to two subjects: religion and the Holocaust. While the Greater Phoenix Jewish Film Festival certainly embraces those subject matters, executive director Jerry Mittelman ensures that they make up only a slice of the wide spectrum of films the fest has to offer.

The hit Broadway musical, “Avenue Q,” is considered an adult version and parody of the popular television series “Sesame Street.” Many of the characters and puppets are spoofs of the children’s TV show and utilize adult situations, themes and language.

There is no drearier time at the multiplex than the first two months of any given year. All those commonplace horror flicks and mediocre blockbusters that studios have little faith in are mercilessly dumped into theaters, leaving us cinephiles to go see “Zero Dark Thirty” for a third or fourth time.

Blackbird Music & Art Center, 18911 E. San Tan Blvd., is celebrating its 5 year Anniversary with an Open House Extravaganza.

You may not recognize her name, but you’ve probably heard Lea Salonga many times before. After all, she is the singing voice of Disney Princesses Jasmine in “Aladdin” and Fa Mulan in “Mulan.”

Open auditions will be held for the opening and finale numbers for the LIVE Young Choreographers Competition Show by the non-profit Next Generation of Fine Arts 4:30 p.m. Sunday in Chandler.

Dancers between the ages of 10-19 are invited to audition for the opening and finale number for the LIVE Young Choreographers Competition Show. Auditions will be held 4:30 p.m. Sunday at Dance Studio 111, 4910 E. Chandler Blvd, Ste. 111 in Phoenix.