Urban AZ’s first Spoken Word Showcase brings together a range of poetic performers, along with R&B artists Dwele and Bilal with a band, at 8:30 p.m. Saturday, May 18 at Celebrity Theatre in Phoenix.

Using their talents for hilarious, family-friendly improvisational comedy, Jef and Shurlin Rawls of Mesa hope to lift spirits while lightening the load for a family in their neighborhood with an event they are calling a “FUN-draiser.”

A free all-day workshop for women in Phoenix this Saturday, May 18, aims to offer a way to “unlock one’s true potential as a catalyst for lasting love, stronger relationships and a greater sense of fulfillment,” says event promoter, Jan Hemming.

A theatrical look at the life of an amazing young woman whose courage paved the way for all future Americans. Christian Youth Theatre of Phoenix stages this elaborate production with a 60 member cast.

Jan Jeffcoat will host “A Night of Miracles” 7 p.m. May 4 at Phoenix's Comerica Theatre to benefit The Breast Cancer Society of Mesa.

New York • When he first started working with Imagine Dragons, music producer Alex da Kid was looking for some inspiration for the Broadway musical, “Spider-Man: Turn Off the Dark.”

The Grammy-nominated comedian performs his “It’s Not Me, It’s You” show in Phoenix — for viewers 18 and older only.

Don Williams performs from a repertoire of fan favorites including “You’re My Best Friend,” “Tulsa Time” and “I Believe in You.”

Ahmed Alsoudani says that America is a dreamland. Yet, his complex paintings of violence and warfare are very much influenced by his upbringing.

Using nothing more than the soot from a wood burning stove mixed with his own saliva, deaf artist James Castle used this homemade ink to communicate with the world.

Children will listen to other children in a way they don’t to adults, says Bobb Cooper — and he’s hoping an awful lot of them get to do just that over the next two weeks.

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

Director’s Choice: Ballet Arizona performs works by Alexei Ratmansky, Ib Andersen and a world premier by Alejandro Cerrudo of Chicago’s Hubbard Street Dance Company.

The Tony and Grammy award-winning actress and singer will not perform Friday, March 29 as planned. Her performance has been rescheduled to Saturday, December 21.

“The Sunshine Boys”: Neil Simon’s play about a retired comedy duo who hate each other but join forces for a final television performance is sure to keep audience members laughing.

Chris Tucker, the “Rush Hour” star and stand-up comedian, performs.

“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.

Yo Gabba Gabba! LIVE: Get The Sillies Out! The popular kids show featuring DJ Lance Rock and the gang — Muno, Foofa, Brobee, Toodee, and Plex — along with hip hop great Biz Markie comes to Phoenix.

“Born to Illegal Immigrants, Henry Cejudo Wins Gold for U.S.”

A Mesa Dobson High School graduate, and current student at Columbia College Chicago, will be on stage at the Academy Awards this Sunday night handing Oscar statues to the best of Hollywood.

A former board member and longtime volunteer, Jim Colletti returns to this year’s Sedona International Film Festival in an entirely new role: first-time filmmaker. Originally from New York, Colletti moved to the East Valley nearly 20 years ago – buying his first home in Chandler and opening a business in Gilbert before relocating to Mesa. He has been living in central Phoenix for about 2 years now, where he runs his graphic art/advertising agency Element Design along with his artist management/record label OEO Entertainment.

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.

Nature is larger than life in this mosaic performance of dance, music, puppetry and choreography from director Moses Pendelton.