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December 2007
The holiday season is in full force, so don’t miss all the fun!
Stevie Wonder, Trans Siberian Orchestra, and Playhouse Disney Live! will
all be at Toyota Center this month. There’s The Nutcracker Ballet at the Wortham,
A Christmas Carol at the Alley, and you won’t want to miss Very Merry Pops,
Handel’s Messiah and The Irish Tenor’s Christmas Special at Jones Hall.
Then of course, there is the ever popular Heritage Society’s Christmas
Stroll and many fun and educational seasonal events for the young ones at the
Children’s Museum. Looking for something to keep the children busy during their
school break – send them to Central Market, who has put together a special
selection of classes sure to delight. Don’t
miss the chance to drive around Houston and take in all the Christmas lights,
whether commercial, such as those along Post Oak Blvd., or residential in
neighborhoods around the city. Want to
ring in the New Year in style? You have
more options than ever this year.
Book early – you don’t want to be disappointed.
And don’t forget to help your little ones celebrate the coming of the New
Year – there will be special events at the Children’s Museum and at the Downtown
Aquarium. Most importantly, whatever
you decide to do this holiday season, stay safe and remember to slow down and
enjoy family and friends. Don’t
forget . . . there’s something for everyone this month in Houston!
December 7th:
Pearl Harbor Day
December 5th:
Hanukkah
December 24th:
Christmas Eve
December 25th:
Christmas Day
December 26th:
December 31st:
New Year’s Eve
Dance/Music/Theatre Alley
Theatre
(
Thru December 29th:
A Christmas Carol – A Ghost Story
of Christmas by Charles Dickens - Houston’s seasonal favorite that the
Houston Press said, “…..has spectacular
for more
information, see
www.alleytheatre.org
or call (713) 228-8421
Cynthia Woods Mitchell
Pavilion
(The Woodlands)
Surrounded by a lush forest, The Cynthia Woods Mitchell Pavilion is
an outdoor amphitheater that provides the Greater Houston region with an array
of performing arts and contemporary entertainment in a setting of unparalleled
beauty.
No events scheduled for the month of December.
for more
information,
see
www.pavilion.woodlandscenter.org
December 3rd:
A Conversation With Dame Julie Andrews - The voice, the music the
memories.... The Brilliant Lecture Series presents A Conversation… with Golden
Globe, Emmy and Academy Award winner, Dame Julie Andrews. Don’t miss this rare
and candid conversation with the legend.
December 4th – 11th:
The Shoemaker and the Christmas
Elves - Join a new holiday tradition at Theatre Under The Stars and the
Humphreys School of Musical Theatre as they present the world-premiere of an
original musical specifically commissioned for young audiences, The Shoemaker &
The Christmas Elves. It's a zany
adventure as the elves help the Shoemaker get his work done in time for the
party, but the silly Shoemaker can't figure out how it's happening! Commissioned
Houston creators Chesley Santoro Krohn (director/choreographer), Kate Pogue
(book and lyrics) and Rob Landes (jazz composer) have previously worked together
on many shows for the Children's Theatre Festival at University of Houston. This
year, the elves will share with audience how belief in miracles can go
hand-in-hand with belief in yourself. A
very special festive, funny greeting card for that special time of year from the
wonderful TUTS family!
December 11th – 23rd:
A Wonderful Life - The
treasured holiday film by Frank Capra is now brought to musical life in a Texas
premiere. The Jimmy Stewart classic, It's a Wonderful Life (voted the most
inspiring movie of all time) has been recently enhanced with a score by Sheldon
Harnick (of Fiddler On The Roof fame). The TUTS holiday production is a
tradition, so join in the homecoming as the meaning of family and faith is
celebrated anew in story and song.
December 15th – 16th:
Amahl and the Night Visitors -
"Amahl and the Night Visitors” was a 45 minute opera in English composed by Gian
Carlos Menotti, as commissioned for television by Hallmark, where it was shown
in the 1960s and 1970s. Choreographer James Sewell, Artistic Director of James
Sewell Ballet of Minneapolis, choreographed this work for his chamber ballet
ensemble incorporating the use of American Sign Language (ASL) which offers a
unique experience to help tell the story in dance.
December 31st:
Clandestine Classics - A festive New Year's Eve tradition in
Houston! Ars Lyrica bids farewell to 2007 with little-known masterworks by
familiar Baroque composers, including Handel's Gloria with soprano Melissa
Givens, Bach's Ich Habe Genug with tenor Tony Boutte, and Bach's Triple Concerto
for violin, flute and harpsichord. A gala reception and silent auction follows
in the Hobby Center Founder's Club.
for more
information, see
www.thehobbycenter.org
or call (713) 315-2525
Thru December 2nd:
Romeo and Juliet Plus Glennie - Prokofiev's popular Romeo and Juliet
is one of the composer's supreme masterpieces.
Experience the strife between the opposing families through the "Dance of
the Knights". Glimpse into the innocence and playfulness of “Juliet’s
Variation.” Join in the joyous and
rhythmic themes of “Folk Dance” and witness the tragic outcome of “Juliet’s
Funeral.” Evelyn Glennie is one of
the most eclectic and innovative musicians on the scene today.
She has redefined the goals and expectations of percussion. By combining
superb technique, a profound appreciation of the visual and her astonishing
musical abilities, she creates performances of such vitality that they almost
constitute a new type of performance.
December 8th:
'Twas the Night Before Christmas
- Celebrate the holidays with a special musical telling of Clement Clarke
Moore's magical tale of the annual Christmas Eve visit from the jolly old St.
Nick. The High School for the
Performing and Visual Arts Chorus will sing songs of the season and you'll be
able to join in for a traditional holiday sing-along!
December 14th – 16th:
Very Merry Pops - Warm your
heart with yuletide carols in what could very possibly be the most feel-good
evening of your holidays. Join this Houston Symphony tradition for a celebration
of the season, complete with the Houston Symphony Chorus and dancers.
December 21st – 23rd:
Handel’s Messiah - Rejoice in
the glory of the text and music in this premier performance of Handel's
Masterpiece. George Frideric
Handel's breathtaking oratorio, Messiah, features powerful arias and choruses
including “For Unto Us a Child is Born” and the timeless “Hallelujah Chorus”.
For more than 250 years, this choral masterpiece has demonstrated the
power to transfix musicians and audiences alike.
for more
information, see
www.houstonsymphony.com
or call (713) 224-7575
Jones Hall
(615
December 7th:
The Irish Tenors Christmas Special - With their bright, ringing
tone, The Irish Tenors will make their Houston debut with an evening of festive
music just in time for the holidays. Since their debut on PBS in 1998, this
phenomenal trio has performed around the world and produced seven best-selling
albums reaching the upper echelons of Billboard’s charts. The Irish Tenors are
one of the most successful Irish touring acts ever, second only to U2!
for more
information, see
www.spahouston.org
December 1st: Houston Aeros vs. Grand
Rapids Griffins 7:35 p.m.
December 2nd: R. Kelly -
Toyota Center
is proud to welcome R. Kelly, with special guests Keyshia Cole and J Holiday, to
Houston. R. Kelly has been a force on the R&B charts since 1992, releasing more
than a dozen albums and winning multiple Grammy Awards. 7:30 p.m.
December 4th: Stevie
Wonder – A
prominent
figure of 20th century popular music, Wonder has recorded more than
30 Top Ten Hits, won 22 Grammy Awards and the Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award,
won an Academy Award for Best Song, and been inducted into both the Rock and
Roll and Songwriters halls of fame. Don’t miss your chance to see this
record-breaking artist perform live.
8:00 p.m.
December 5th: Houston Rockets vs. Memphis
Grizzlies 7:30 p.m.
December 7th:
Dane Cook -
Named a
"comedian phenom and icon" by Entertainment Weekly, Dane Cook has
maintained his reputation as one of today's most prolific stand-up comedians.
Combining energetic physical comedy, clever wordplay, and trenchant observations
about human behavior, Cook's unique brand of stand-up and accessible
guy-next-door attitude have galvanized audiences of all ages.
7:00 p.m.
December 8th:
Rice Owls vs. Texas Longhorns - Men's Basketball
7:00 p.m.
December 9th:
Jingle Jam -
This year’s
all-star lineup will include Avril Lavigne, Fall Out Boy, 2007 American Idol
winner Jordin Sparks, Sean Kingston, and Lifehouse! Don’t miss your chance to
see these exciting performers. 6:00
p.m.
December 12th:
Houston Rockets vs. Detroit Pistons
7:00 p.m.
December 14th:
Chris Brown -
Following the
release of his sophomore album, Exclusive, this singer/dancer/actor is set to
show off his hip-hop and R&B style with special guests Bow Wow, Soulja Boy, Shop
Boyz, and Lil’ Mama. Don’t miss your chance to see today’s hottest pop and
hip-hop stars live in Houston! 7:00
p.m.
December 15th:
Houston Rockets vs. Dallas Mavericks
7:30 p.m.
December 19th:
Houston Rockets vs. Orlando Magic
7:30 p.m.
December 22nd:
Houston Aeros vs. Springfield Falcons 7:35
p.m.
December 26th:
Houston Aeros vs. San Antonio Rampage
7:05 p.m.
December 27th:
Trans-Siberian Orchestra -
In the decade
since Trans-Siberian Orchestra (TSO) debuted, the group has sold more than five
million albums and performed before more than two million fans in sold-out
venues across the country. The group includes an orchestral string section, a
full rock band, multiple vocalists, a narrator, extensive pyrotechnics, a
stunning laser and light show, and even a snowfall! Don’t miss out on this
winter extravaganza when it blows through Houston!
3:00 & 7:30 p.m.
December 29th:
Houston Rockets vs. Toronto Raptors
7:30 p.m.
December 30th:
Playhouse Disney Live! -
Playhouse Disney Live!
will feature characters from the enormously popular block of Disney Channel’s
Playhouse Disney programs such as
Mickey Mouse Clubhouse,
Little Einsteins,
Handy Manny, and
My Friends Tigger & Pooh. The
original storyline follows this colorful cast as they set off in their own
unique ways to create and contribute songs and music for an unforgettable
musical party at Mickey’s Clubhouse. Don’t miss your chance to see these Disney
stars live on stage. 12:30, 3:30 &
6:30 p.m.
December 31st:
Houston Rockets vs. Golden State
Warriors 6:00 p.m.
for more information, visit
www.houstontoyotacenter.com
or call (866) 4HOUTIX
Warehouse Live
(
December 6th:
Luna Face - Zechs
Marquise with The Television Skies, Babel Fishh, Wolves At The Door, Yoko Mono &
DJ Shilbalam 8:30 p.m.
December 8th:
Chron.com Hometown Showdown IV with Astra Heights, Aftershock, Electric
Touch, The Young Heart Attacks & NE Plus Ultra
7:00 p.m.
December 9th:
Cafe Tacuba 8:00 p.m.
December 14th:
Murder My Sweet with Stalking Chloe & House of Moist
8:30 p.m.
December 15th:
Million Year Dance and Penny Royal
10:30 p.m.
December 15th:
Rod Williams of Stillife with J.J.
Usher 8:30 p.m.
December 22nd:
An Evening With Brave Combo
8:30 p.m.
December 27th:
Bob Schneider with Mingo Fishtrap
9:00 p.m.
December 27th: Vallejo
12:00 a.m.
December 28th:
Del Castillo
9:00 p.m.
December 30th:
The Arc Angels
for more
information, see
www.warehouselive.com
Thru December 29th:
The
Nutcracker - It wouldn't be the holidays without The Nutcracker - the giant
Christmas tree, the dancing snowflakes and flying cooks.
With stunning costumes and exquisite sets by Desmond Heeley, The
Nutcracker is a breathtaking vision from beginning to end. Join Clara on her
unforgettable journey to the
for more
information, see
www.houstonballet.org
or call (713) 227-ARTS
No events scheduled for the month of December.
for more
information, see
www.houstongrandopera.org
or call (713) 228-6737
DaCamera of
December 4th:
Notes on Painters: Celebrating the Menil Collection - The long and
fruitful collaboration between DaCamera and The Menil Collection dates back to
the founding of both organizations. To mark the two institutions’ 20th
anniversaries, DaCamera presents this program of stylistically diverse music
from a wide range of 20th century composers inspired by great artists
represented in The Menil Collection. The concert features works by Pierre
Boulez, John Cage, Morton Feldman, John Zorn and others.
for more
information, see
www.dacamera.com
Miller Outdoor Theatre
(
Located on nearly eight acres in the heart of
No performances scheduled for December.
for more
information, see
www.milleroutdoortheatre.org
A.D. Players
(2710
Thru December 22nd:
Christmas Went That-A-Way - The people of Bonnetsville have become so
distracted by the success of their world-famous hat making business that they
have forgotten the true meaning of Christmas.
As the town hurries to be ready for the festivals surrounding the “Hat
Parade”, the children sense something is not right about this Christmas
celebration. Can the children help
the town rediscover “the reason for the season” before it’s too late?
Thru December 30th:
Christmas Tree O – Three short
plays celebrating the holiday:
The Littleboro Valley Story which
focuses on the good folks of Littleboro Valley, who decide to cut down costs by
cutting out Christmas this year. See
how the town resolves the celebration question.
En Dash centers on Klatchen’s
Department Store, where Millicent Waggoner is very unsure of her new position as
a temporary receptionist. A
celebration of chaos begins when Millicent’s confusing and potentially lonely
Christmas season is interrupted by a surprise visit from an understudy Santa
Claus!
A Christmas of Many Parts, where four members of a theater company
are at a loss when they discover that half of their cast is stranded in Atlanta
and they attempt to pull off the most misshapen Christmas show ever.
for more
information,
see
www.adplayers.org
Main Street Theatre
(2540 Times Blvd.)
Thru December 23rd:
Mr. Pim Passes By by A. A. Milne
- In this bright comedy of manners by the author of the Winnie-the-Pooh stories,
a somewhat traditional English household is amusingly thrown into disarray when
Mr. Pim, a man simply passing through, casually drops a piece of information
which could – and nearly does – completely unravel the inhabitants' very mundane
and conventional lives. Recommended for all audiences ages 13 and up.
Thru December 20th:
The BFG (Big Friendly Giant) -
Based on the book by Roald Dahl. When Sophie is whisked away from the orphanage
in the middle of the night, she plunges into a thrilling adventure with the
gentle, lovable, Big Friendly Giant. Visits
to Giant Country, blowing dreams into children's bedrooms and eating
snozzcumbers are all part of the BFG 's world, but so are Childchewers,
Bloodbottlers, and Fleshlumpeaters. Join Sophie for a whizzpopping time as she
ventures into Dahl's fantastical world and learns about the perils of being
selfish and the rewards of true friends.
for more
information, see
www.mainstreettheater.com or call (713) 524-6706
Opera in the Heights
(
No
performances scheduled in December.
for more
information, call (713) 861-5303 or see
www.operaintheheights.org
Playhouse 1960
(
Thru December
16th:
Annie
-
This heart-warming musical is set in America during the 1930s. Annie lives in an
orphanage run by gin-swigging tyrant Miss Hannigan, but yearns to find her
long-lost parents and escape. Her luck changes when she is befriended by the
billionaire businessman, Daddy Warbucks. But the evil Miss Hannigan, her devious
brother Rooster and his moll Lily are determined to spoil the fun. Come join us
for this all time favorite!
for more
information,
see
www.playhouse1960.com
or call (281) 587-8243
Radio Music
Theatre
(2623
Colquitt)
Thru January 12th:
A
Fertle Holiday - Twenty-three years and counting. Once again, the Fertles
are home for the holidays. Grab your butter pie and make your reservations
early. This one sells out fast.
for more
information, see
www.radiomusictheatre.com or
call (713) 522-7722
Stages Repertory Theatre
(
Thru December 21st:
The Toys Take Over Christmas - This seasonal favorite by Patricia
Clapp-Cone follows the adventures of Sunny, a cheerful, inquisitive rag doll
brought to life by the Toymaker, whose toyshop is filled with living toys. The
selfish Toymaker refuses to sell or give the toys away, preferring to keep his
creations to himself. Then Sunny makes an astonishing discovery that divides the
loyalties of her newfound friends and jeopardizes the Toymaker's claim to be the
"Greatest Toymaker in the World!"
Thru December 30th:
Sister's Christmas Catechism: The
Mystery of the Magi's Gold - It’s
“CSI: Bethlehem” in this holiday mystery extravaganza from the creator of Late
Nite Catechism! Our same irrepressible Sister takes on the mystery that has
intrigued historians throughout the ages: What ever happened to the Magi’s gold?
(“We know that Mary used the frankincense and myrrh as a sort of potpourri—they
were in a barn after all,” Sister says). Forensic tools in hand, and assisted by
a helpful flock of audience members, Sister creates a living nativity unlike any
you’ve ever seen. She then sets the stage for the crime by directing a local
choir in songs of the season that are sure to add even more clues to her
investigation. With bundles of laughs, hysterical audience interaction, musical
highlights and wacky gifts galore, Sister’s Christmas Catechism is the must-see
event of this holiday season!
December 7th – January 13th:
Altar Boyz - Broadway's smash
hit musical sensation comes to Houston! Armed with angelic voices, divine dance
moves and plenty of hair gel, the Altar Boyz are a Christian boy-band (with one
nice Jewish boy) looking for their big break and saving souls along the way.
Packed with clever lyrics and catchy tunes, this hilarious, tongue-in-cheek
spoof pokes gentle fun at modern religion as these pop-loving apostles convert
the world's sinners one adoring fan at a time.
for more
information,
see
www.stagestheatre.com
or call (713) 527-0123
Verizon Wireless Theatre
(
Verizon Wireless Theatre is the source in downtown
December 5th:
8th Annual 100.3 KILT Ten Man Jam with Dierks Bentley, Clint Black, Chris
Cagle, Kevin Fowler, Jack Ingram, Tracy Lawrence, Blake Shelton, Josh Turner,
Van Zant, Phil Vassar 7:30 p.m.
December 7th:
All About the Comedy Tour featuring Mike Epps with Rickey Smiley
8:00 p.m.
December 9th:
Buzzfestivus with Kid Rock - Sold Out 8:00
p.m.
December 10th:
Hot Topic Presents Killswitch
Engage and Lamb of God with DevilDriver, Soilwork
7:00 p.m.
December 13th: Toadies
8:00 p.m.
December 14th: Robert Earl Keen with Bonnie
Bishop 8:00 p.m.
December 16th:
Peter White's Christmas
8:00 p.m.
December 20th: Singer Songwriters Showcase
featuring Roger Creager with Bruce Robison, Willie Braun of Reckless Kelly, with
special guest Fred Andrews of Honeybrowne, Gary P. Nunn
8:00 p.m.
December 28th:
Joe Ely 8:00 p.m.
December 31st: D.L. Hughley
8:00 p.m.
for more
information, see
www.livenation.com
or call (713) 230-1600
Museums
Blaffer Gallery
(
December 1st – 15th:
The 2007 School of Art Annual Student Exhibition showcases a broad
variety of artistic approaches by including work by students in their first to
third year. Held every year, the
student exhibitions offer a mix of fresh and ripened ideas and allows for many
new discoveries. It includes work
from all disciplines taught at the School of Art, including painting, sculpture,
photography/digital media, graphic communication, interior design and jewelry.
for more
information, see
www.hfac.uh.edu/blaffer
or call (713) 743-9530
Children’s
The Children’s
December 2nd:
There’s No Place Like Home! - Bringing together families in the
spirit of the season, the Children’s Museum of Houston is hosting its
delightful, second annual Home Sweet Home Gingerbread Bash presented by Compass
Bank. Filled with laughter, fun and of
course…gingerbread, the evening’s events will feature one-of-a-kind Gingerbread
Houses created by local chefs. These holiday masterpieces will be auctioned off
to the highest bidders and proceeds will benefit CMH’s educational exhibits and
programs! Bring the entire family and enjoy cocktails and hors d'oeuvres while
the kids take pleasure in special holiday activities, kid’s fare and CMH’s
exhibits!
Thru December 5th:
Celebrate Christmas in Norway!
- Come check out how we’ve adopted some of Norway’s Scandinavian holiday
traditions and make them our own during our Christmas in Norway Wonder Week!
Many of
December 31st:
The Ball Drops at Noon! – Don’t miss the New Year’s Noon Celebration
at the Children's Museum of Houston - Countdown begins at 11:45 a.m. on December
31st. Ring in the New Year at the stroke of noon! This CMH
end-of-year bash is our city’s longest-running New Year’s celebration just for
kids! Come design your own float and
strut down our energizing indoor parade complete with noisemakers, bedazzling
pretend firework sparklers and shimmering New Year’s Shades!
Then, count down to the drop of our
brilliant ball and get jazzy with the pulsating sounds of the New Birth Brass
Band from New Orleans! Come early to make
your parade float!
Thru January 7th:
Chagall for Children - Life imitates art in a never-before-seen
exhibit at the Children’s Museum of Houston. Using 20th Century reproduced
masterpieces by renowned artist Marc Chagall, the thought-provoking Chagall for
Children exhibit will spark creativity and imagination in kids and parents
alike. Known as one of the world’s
most fascinating artists, Marc Chagall was an art revolutionary of the
Impressionism Era. He would use folk-life and biblical themes as subjects for
his inspiration. His dream-like fantasy creations instill a sense of happiness
and optimism through his use of vibrant colors.
Thru March 2nd:
Tales from the Land of Gullah – You may have heard the story of
the “Tortoise and the Hare” or even sang “Kumbayah”, but have you the slightest
idea of where these came from? These
answers and more will be revealed when you explore this new and exciting
exhibit, which celebrates the rich heritage of African American people through
the Gullah culture. But who are the
Gullah people? The Gullah people are
the descendants of West Africans who were enslaved in the
Building Zone -
With wrenches, pulleys and hovering
vehicles, kids will surely find an outlet for their creative needs in this
expanded exhibit. They’ll learn how to construct buildings that withstand the
forces of nature or what makes trucks go, plus much more! Featuring hands-on
activities that will encourage exploration into physics and engineering, you can
test out new materials as you design a scaled down skyscraper or try your hand
at building a kid-sized house.
Farm to Market - Kids will be shopping 'till "the grown-ups" drop all while
learning all about nutrition, money-management and more in Farm to Market. Kids
can start out by clocking-in, donning an apron and then proceed to the cash
registers or even the real-life scanners to serve as a cashier or stock person.
As food is scanned, not only will the kids learn how much they are spending, but
also what part of the food pyramid the food comes from.
Or, should they prefer to shop, kids will want to start at the ATM to get
their shopping money, pick up a grocery list and GO! They can shop through the
bakery, produce, meat and dry goods departments to fill a recipe and even use
coupons-- just like Mom and Dad might do. Adjacent to the market, kids can
mosey on down to the farm where they can milk a robotic cow or see live chicks.
If they're lucky, they'll even get to see some hatching! Kids can also explore
the worm farm, take a virtual reality journey on the back of a bee, and get
decked out in aprons, hats or bonnets to take care of the barn, gathering 'eggs'
from the chicken coop and more. Farm to Market is sponsored by Randalls
Food Markets
How Does It Work? - Did you ever wonder why you can't see in the dark? Or how your
wireless telephone worked? Or even what really happens when you turn the
ignition in your car? This multi-level exhibition challenges you to ask and
discover the answers to your own science questions with tons of hands-on,
investigative experiences. You will explore light and color and can even
become part of the exhibit with Light Warehouse, see what makes a car go with
the '66 Mustang in Auto Alley, watch your messages be sent via fiberoptics and
check out the history of communication in Phone Zone or challenge yourself to
discover something new in the Science Station. You can even lift yourself 5 feet
into the air to see how pulleys can make life a lot easier with the Kid Lift.
Then, step into a whimsical factory from the future in The Matter Factory, a new
area in the How Does It Work? exhibit. Kids will develop the understanding that
everything is made up of material or matter. They will learn that molecules and
atoms are the building blocks of matter as they investigate materials and solve
factory problems.
Kid TV - The Adler-Sarofim KID-TV Studio Lights! Camera! Action! Think
your child might be the next Matt Lauer or Barbara Walters? Let them show their
stuff on camera in this exhibit, which teaches kids and parents what television
is like behind the scenes. KID-TV includes a dramatic backdrop of downtown
Think Tank - In this hands-on, minds-on exhibit, kids will get to explore
different thought processes and learn how effective problem-solving can boost
self-confidence. After meeting the Think Tank Guides (Carlos, Felicia,
Rosie and Isaac), you can jump right into solving the riddles...or you might
want to put on custom-made thinking caps and lounge in the thinking chairs to
get those brainstorming juices flowing. Either way, inventive, "outside the box"
thinking is sure to occur!
Tot Spot - Tot Spot is the place to bring your newborn, toddler and
two-year-old. It’s where play is learning and learning is play for
children from birth to thirty-six months. The eye-catching bubble machine
is a first stop, but not the last as tots crawl, cruise or walk throughout the
exhibit which has four distinct areas. These areas promote exploration,
discovery, experimentation and wonder.
for more
information,
see
www.cmhouston.org
or call (713) 522-1138
Thru December 9th:
Perspectives 158: Kelly Nipper
– This exhibition in the first solo museum exhibition for this Los Angeles based
artist. It will feature a selection
of new photographs, sculptures and video works, addressing themes of chaos and
control. Nipper looks for links
between the fields of art, dance, psychology and the natural sciences and
creates multi-media installations to visualize these connections and how they
relate to concepts of time and movement.
One example of the wide net cast by Nipper is the two channel video
projection Circle, Circle, in which the artist works with dancers,
Thru January 6th:
Mary Heilmann:
To Be Someone
– This is the first retrospective for this influential New York-based painter.
The exhibition will include 75 works from 1972 to the present, along with key
earlier works, and will also examine Heilmann's interest in ceramics, decorative
arts, film, and music. The retrospective will highlight her development of a
deceptively simple, even offhand, approach to painting that has become a
hallmark of contemporary abstraction. One of the very few female abstract
painters of her generation, Heilmann was born in
December 14th – March 9th:
Perspectives
159: Superconscious, Automatisms Now- This exhibition focuses on
contemporary artists who use free association or “stream of consciousness,” a
designation originally coined to describe a creative writing method deployed by
innovative early-20th century novelists like Virginia Woolf and James Joyce. The
group exhibition includes key works by Rachel Harrison, Sean Landers, Oliver
Payne & Nick Ralph, and Danica Phelps. While stream of consciousness in
literature strives to depict human experience at a spiritual level, this
exhibition will demonstrate a method of the past two decades that allows for
artwork to connect autobiographical and conceptual contents and yet remain open
to interpretation. Organized by
Senior Curator Paola Morsiani.
for more
information, see
www.camh.org or call (713) 284-8250
The Heritage Society
(1100
Bagby)
December 7th – 8th:
45th Annual Candlelight Tour –
Sights and Sounds of the Holidays -
Houston’s past comes alive as visitors stroll along paths lit by glowing
candlelight and experience a long-standing Houston tradition for holiday
gathering. Guests can tour the interiors of some of Houston’s most historic
structures, each decorated to portray an era in Houston’s history. Along the
way, carolers will lift their voices in joyful song, and the sounds of music
will usher in the holiday spirit. Storytellers and crafters will take visitors
back in time as they experience how holidays were celebrated in the past. After
making holiday crafts in Santa’s Workshop, children can visit with St. Nicholas
and have their pictures taken while sitting on his lap.
Thru February 3rd:
Sounds
of the Past: Phonographs, Radios, and Records
-
Before the iPod, with its state of the art technology and sophisticated sound,
the phonograph was the one of a kind innovation of its day. Though seemingly
unimpressive, this instrument was the first device ever to record sound and play
it back. Thanks to Thomas Edison, we can now enjoy the latest hits on our
portable MP3 players. To see and hear more, come to The Heritage Society’s
newest exhibition,
Sounds of the Past: Phonographs, Radios, and Records. This exhibit will
be showing all the facets of sound through the museum’s wonderful and extensive
collection of phonographs, radios, cylinders, and disc records. Chronicling the
transition of recorded sound from the phonograph to the radio, the exhibit will
also present famous and historic radio broadcasts. Not only will visitors be
able to see how these musical machines work, but they’ll hear them too! For some
visitors, it will be a reminiscent trip into their past, but for many, young and
old; it will be an educational exploration of the history of sound.
for more
information, visit
www.heritagesociety.org
Permanent Exhibit: The Permanent Exhibit is personalized with the testimony of
Houston-area survivors who lived through a genocidal war that inflicted mass
death on unprecedented numbers of innocent civilians. The exhibit begins by
carrying visitors back to pre-war
Thru February 3rd:
Dr. Robert O. Fisch: Illustrated
Works from ‘Light from the Yellow Star’ and ‘The Metamorphosis to Freedom’ -
Holocaust Museum Houston presents a collection of illustrated works from two
books by Holocaust survivor and distinguished visual artist Dr. Robert O. Fisch.
On display will be works from “Light from the Yellow Star: A Lesson of Love from
the Holocaust” in which Fisch describes his experience in a Nazi concentration
camp. Also on view will be works from “The Metamorphosis to Freedom,” which
Fisch wrote as a testimonial to the value he treasures above all others:
freedom.
Thru February 3rd:
Medical Ethics and the Holocaust
- Holocaust Museum Houston presents "Medical Ethics and the Holocaust" - a
lecture series and exhibit that will explore how the medical practices of the
Third Reich influence modern-day society. "Medical Ethics and the Holocaust"
will attempt to reveal the origins behind the Nazi philosophy of "a perfect
race" and investigate its implications for contemporary times and future
generations. Some of the world’s most influential scientists, physicians,
academia and authors, including three Nobel Laureates, will be discussing the
various facets of this subject throughout the Museum's five-month program.
Thru February 10th:
Through the Eye of the Needle: Fabric Art
of Esther Nisenthal Krinitz - This exhibition features the work of Esther
Nisenthal Krinitz, a survivor from Poland who, at age 50, began creating works
of fabric art to tell her story. Trained as a dressmaker but untrained in art,
she created a collection of 36 fabric pictures of strong, vivid colors and
striking details with a sense of folk-like realism. Meticulously stitched words
beneath the pictures provide a narrative.
Open Mon. – Fri.
for more
information,
see
www.hmh.org
or call (713) 942-8000
Thru January 6th:
Treasures from
Thru January 6th:
Lizards
& Snakes: Alive! - An engaging
exhibition that features more than 60 live lizards and snakes from five
continents, introduces visitors to a diversity of squamates—the group that
includes legged and legless lizards, including snakes.
Lizards & Snakes showcases live animals and their remarkable adaptations,
including projectile tongues, deadly venom, amazing camouflage, and sometimes
surprising modes of locomotion. Representing 26 species occurring in countries
such as Australia, Cuba, Egypt, Guatemala, Kenya, Madagascar, Mexico, Sudan, and
the United States, the specimens range from a four-inch Tropical Girdled Lizard
to a fourteen-foot Burmese Python and are shown in re-created habitats complete
with ponds, tree limbs, rock ledges, and live plants.
Thru February 10th:
Fragile Nature: The
Photography of Joel Sartore – This exhibition takes the viewer on assignment
with the world’s greatest magazine, National Geographic.
For the past 16 years with National Geographic, Joel Sartore's work has
focused primarily on endangered species and preservation of their habitat.
This exhibition takes viewers on a journey into the natural world across
much of North and
Thru February 17th:
Verdura: The Life and Work of a
Master Jeweler -Timeless, elegant and distinctly original, Verdura jewelry
has been coveted by royalty, Hollywood and high society for nearly 70 years. In
the premiere exhibition, Verdura jewels dating from the 1930s with original
design sketches will be on public display in the Lester and Sue Smith Gem Vault.
Thru April 20th:
Lucy’s Legacy: The Hidden Treasures
of Ethiopia - Discover the rich history and culture of Ethiopia, the cradle
of mankind. From the rock-hewn churches of Lalibela and the massive, ancient
obelisks at
Thru April 20th:
Morena Moderna: Virgin de Guadalupe
- Our Lady of Guadalupe is one of the most venerated symbols of our time.
Throughout the
Recent Addition to the Permanent Exhibit:
Lester & Sue Smith Gem Vault - Intensely hued jeweled masterpieces float
wondrously in utter darkness, embodying the ultimate combination of natural
perfection and flawless artistic execution. Don't miss the chance to see
this exciting new permanent exhibit.
Planetarium Showings:
Lucy’s Cradle, the Birth of Wonder
– Over a hundred planets and moons of all sizes orbit the sun, yet only Earth
has intelligent life – or perhaps any life at all.
What are the required conditions to foster life?
Solar energy, a protective atmosphere, liquid water – but maybe much
more. The record of Earth’s past
shows long-term stability, punctuated by moving continents, periods of rising
and falling oceans and ice ages followed by global warming.
What combination of environmental variation and stability is required for
life to begin and to become intelligent?
Based on the genetic diversity in human DNA around the globe, all modern
humans can be traced to an ancestral source population in
Starry Night Express - Audiences can practice finding constellations, planets, the
moon, meteor showers and the Milky Way band. Then the show will drop into
a star party led by Laurence Fishburne. From his country setting, the show
takes audiences through the solar system and into the Universe.
Breathtaking images from the Hubble Space Telescope hover and combine to show
the life cycle of stars. Audiences experience the eventual collision of
our Milky Way Galaxy with the neighboring Andromeda Galaxy as visualized by the
Space Telescope Science Institute. Then visitors plunge down and sweep
through the gigantic Valles Marineris canyon, simulated by the Centre for
Astrophysics and Supercomputing at Swinburne University of Technology, using the
latest data from the Mars Global Surveyor.
Black Holes - The attraction of Black Holes is more than just gravitational.
these mysterious graveyards of dead stars have fascinated generations. The
Planetarium's new feature explores the history, physics and mystery of black
holes. Narrated by actor John de Lancie, this space adventure features
rich, expansive panoramas and incorporates several of the latest scientific
theories about how black holes are formed and where they are hiding now.
Witness the bending of light, the skewing of perception, and the dizzying
descent into a black hole. This show incorporates some of the most
visually stunning three dimensional effects ever created for the planetarium.
Add to that a sound effects track and 5.1 surround sound mix by George Lucas'
Skywalker Sound Studios and you have an incredible sensory experience.
Earth’s Wild Ride –
A
grandfather and granddaughter watch a solar eclipse from scenic cliffs
overlooking their moon colony.
Conversation leads to contrasts between the moon, the only home the
granddaughter knows and the Earth, where the grandfather has spent most of his
life. Through his stories, the
grandfather takes audiences on a wild canyon ride, to the ice age winter with a
woolly mammoth, and to the time when the dinosaurs lived and died.
Each experience begins with a telescope view of the dynamic Earth in
stark contrast with the unchanging lunar landscape.
Earth’s Wild Ride is like many tales shared by grandparents over the
centuries, except “the old country” is really another planet – always visible
from the moon base, but totally unlike the granddaughter’s world.
Adventure and appreciation for home fill this 20 minute journey back to
the Earth. Star
of Bethlehem -
A famous story with a new ending? The Burke Baker Planetarium offers new insight
in the search for the legendary holiday star.
IMAX Theatre Showings:
The
Sea Monsters 3D: A Prehistoric Adventure
– Stunning photo-realistic computer-generated animation transports audiences
back to the Late Cretaceous when a great inland sea divided North America in
two. The film follows a curious and
adventurous dolichorlynchops – familiarly known as a “dolly” – as she travels
through the most dangerous oceans in history.
Along the way, she encounters long-necked plesiosaurs, giant turtles,
enormous fish, fierce sharks, and the most dangerous sea monster of all, the
mosasaur. Sea Monsters weaves
together a series of paleontological digs from around the globe in a compelling
story about scientists working as detectives to answer questions about this
ancient and mysterious ocean world.
Produced by National Geographic.
Deep Sea 3D - This film offers audiences astonishing up-close encounters with
some of the most strange and exotic creatures on the planet, from the bizarre
rainbow nudibranch to the giant Pacific octopus. Every animal here is
dependent on another for survival, so the cooperation that exists between these
ocean dwellers is the key to a flourishing neighborhood. In the realm of
the giant octopus, the rainbow nudibranch and the Scorpion fish, each of us
becomes a fearless undersea explorer, becomes a fearless undersea explorer,
discovering the strange and unusual partnerships these "star wars" creatures
forge to ensure their survival, and learning how this co-operation allows life
in this enchanting world to flourish. Hurricane on the Bayou |