According to The Iliad, live theater was invented when a group of Achaeans, disguised as a large wooden horse, surprised their Trojan audience with a stirring performance of Hamlet. As today's Groupon proves, the military tactic blossomed into an art form that continues to evolve: for $22, you get two tickets to a show at the Scottsdale Desert Stages Theatre (up to a $50 value). Choose from three shows (see sidebar for dates and times):

• A Raisin in the Sun
• Cat on a Hot Tin Roof
• The Miracle Worker

Born in 1995 and raised as a small community youth theater, the Desert Stages has blossomed into an award-winning, year-round, performing arts theater for audiences of all ages. With two stages and more than 6,500 square feet of play-acting space, Desert Stages can play host to a bevy of watchable emotional rollycoasters. Lorraine Hansberry's A Raisin in the Sun, performed in the Actor's Café, tells the story of an African-American family struggling on Chicago's South Side. On the room temperature Cullity Hall stage, prospering players will perform Cat on a Hot Tin Roof, a Tennessee Williams play about fortune, family, and the prevalence of cats in Internet memes. The Miracle Worker, a William Gibson play, brings shape to the story of young Helen Keller and her dedicated teacher, Annie Sullivan.

Reviews

The Arizona Republic mentioned Scottsdale Desert Stages Theatre, and five Yelpers give it an average of 4.5 stars:

• This small venue houses three theaters, including the main-stage theater, which seats about 150 people, and a more intimate 60-seat theater, allowing patrons to get up close to performers. – The Arizona Republic
• Awesome! Great for kids and adults...wonderful shows, wonderfully performed, by a talented and gifted cast. – you g., Yelp