Mesa Youtheatre must mean business: The folks behind this weekend's production are hauling out the superlative. The Best of Show, a collaboration of the Mesa Arts Center's three performing companies, packs three pursuits -- comedy, drama and dance -- into one efficient production. The shared bill showcases some of Mesa's most inventive minds and bodies. Off the Cuff, an improvisational acting company of performers 16 and older, slings slick-witted humor; Off Center Dance Company, the Arts Center's in-house dance troupe, gets physical; and Creative Zone, a dramatic troupe for ages 11 to 16, acts up.
The Best of Showtime is 7:30 p.m. Friday, June 6, and Saturday, June 7, at the Mesa Arts Center Theatre, 155 North Center. Admission is $5 in advance and at the door. Call 480-644-2902 to reserve tickets. - Jill Koch
GAME PLAN
Playing with the past
Sat 6/7
Have a blast with the past at Historic Heritage Square, Seventh Street and Washington, where Heritage Saturday puts a historical spin on crafty activities. On June 7, kids tinker with toys from the 1800s, like Victorian postcard "cut puzzles." The free program meets at 11 a.m. at the Carriage House. See www.rossonhousemuseum.org. - Jill Koch
Children of the Corn
Create your own veggie tales
Sat 6/7
These cucumbers and tomatoes may not sing, dance or relate Biblical parables, but their nutritional value makes up for their lack of talent. And fresh veggies do draw city folk to Glendale's Tolmachoff Farms, where the wholesome fun includes a petting zoo, farmers' market and picnic area. On Saturday, June 7, Family Farm Day cultivates even more action: a U-pick garden and kids' activities. Visitors can veg out from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the farm, 5726 North 75th Avenue in Glendale. Admission is free. Call 623-386-1301 for further information. - Jill Koch
Dino-topia
Construct a dino pal
Sat 6/7
The greatest creature -- based strictly on mass quantity -- the world has ever known slipped into extinction millions of years ago. And now, the Mesa Southwest Museum invites children of all ages to repopulate the world with the mighty T. rex at the Hands-On Adventure Center. On Saturday, June 7, "Build-a-Saurus" will have kids cutting, pasting, coloring and regenerating dino pals from primordial ingredients (poster board, glue and paint). The museum is located at 53 North Macdonald in Mesa. The activity is free with regular admission. For details call 480-644-5082 or log on to www.cityofmesa.org/swmuseum. - Eric Schandel
