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September 2008
Summer is coming to an end and with it, the excitement of a new school year and
of course, Labor Day weekend picnics and bar-b-ques.
September is a great month to enjoy the free performances at Miller
Outdoor Theatre and you won’t want to miss Houston Museum Day, an opportunity to
explore 15 of Houston’s best museums for free.
The new Body Parts 2 exhibit opens at The Museum of Natural Science; the
Theta Antiques/HADA Show comes to George R. Brown Convention Center; and the
Bridal Symposium will be at Reliant Center.
The Color Purple will begin its run at Hobby Center; Electile Dysfunction
is guaranteed to make you laugh at Radio Music Theatre; and on a more serious
note, the Holocaust Museum has arranged for a presentation by former Secretary
of State Madeleine Albright this month.
There is still another month of Astros games to enjoy at Minute Maid Park
and it’s time to dust off your tailgate party equipment, as football swings into
full gear at the high school, university and professional levels this month.
No matter what your interests, there is something for everyone this month
in Houston.
Holidays
September 1st:
Labor Day
September 7th:
Grandparents Day
September 17th:
Citizenship Day
September 22nd:
Fall begins
September 29th:
Rosh Hashanah begins
Dance/Music/Theatre
Alley Theatre
(615 Texas Avenue)
October 8th – November 2nd: Cyrano de Bergerac: A Heroic Comedy - The soulful poet/philosopher
and dazzling swordsman Cyrano, falls for the lovely Roxanne, but ashamed of his
large nose, Cyrano is unable to woo her. Instead, when he learns that Roxanne
loves the handsome but inarticulate Christian, Cyrano writes love letters to
Roxanne on Christian's behalf. She falls deeply in love with the author of the
letters, unaware that Cyrano penned them. The swashbuckling adventure/romance is
one of the greatest plays of world theatre.
October 29th – November 23rd:
Secret Order - Fueled by pharmaceutical money, personal ambition and
media frenzy, Bob Clyman’s provocative Secret Order will have special appeal for
anyone with a secret love of science. A brilliant young research biologist
working in an obscure university lab discovers a possible cure for cancer. When
the dynamic director of
November 22nd – December 28th:
A Christmas Carol – A Ghost Story of Christmas - Houston’s seasonal
favorite that the Houston Press said, “…..has spectacular
December 5th – December 28th:
The Santaland Diaries By David Sedaris - Based on the outlandish,
and true, chronicles of David Sedaris’ experience as Crumpet the Elf in Macy’s
Santaland display, this hilarious cult classic features comic encounters during
the height of the holiday crunch. NPR humorist and best-selling author of When
You Are Engulfed in Flames, Me Talk Pretty One Day and Dress Your Family in
Corduroy and Denim, David Sedaris has become one of
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.
Sat,
September 5th:
Maroon 5 and Counting Crows with special guest Augustana
7:00 p.m.
September 6th:
Toby Keith 7:30 p.m.
September 7th:
Megafest with Marc Anthony, Alejandro Fernandez & Enrique Iglesias
3:00 p.m.
September 19th:
Houston Symphony’s Music of Mozart
8:00 p.m.
September 20th:
Santana
7:00 p.m.
September 26th:
Robert
Plant and Alison Krauss 8:00
p.m.
October 3rd:
The Music Builds Tour with Switchfoot, Third Day, Robert Randolph & the
Family Band and Jars of Clay
6:00 p.m.
October 17th:
Brad Paisley with Jewel and Chuck Wicks
7:30 p.m.
October 24th:
Houston Symphony’s Hocus Pocus Pops
7:30 p.m.
October 26th:
Fall Buzzfest with The Offspring, Stained with special guests Seether,
Pappa Roach, Toadies, Puddle of Mudd, Earshot, 10 Years, Saving Abel, Hawthorne
Heights, Ludo, Meriwether and Drive A
10:00 a.m.
November 15th & 16th: 14th
Annual Children’s Festival
for more information,
see
www.pavilion.woodlandscenter.org
September 12th &
13th:
Disney’s Geppetto & Son -
Combining the much-loved characters of the classic Disney cartoon Pinocchio
(along with its familiar song hits “When You Wish Upon A Star” and “Got No
Strings”) with the popular Drew Carey television film Geppetto, this new take
pulls a few fresh strings for the most famous puppet in the world. With careful
guidance by the film’s composer, Stephen Schwartz, Disney’s Geppetto & Son pairs
the modern sensibility of Schwartz’s Wicked with the traditional storybook tale
for a fun and fresh result. Following ACT@TUTS’ Southwest Regional Premiere,
Music Theatre International will be licensing this newly-developed stage
version. The adventurous and
heartwarming musical features unforgettable music and lyrics by Academy, Grammy
and Tony Award-winning Schwartz, best known for his songs for the stage
including Wicked, Godspell, and Pippin as well as his lyrics in the popular
Disney films Pocahontas, The Hunchback of Notre Dame and The Prince of Egypt.
Joining Schwartz on the creative team is David I. Stern, who’s Broadway credits
include Miss Saigon, Nick & Nora and Big. In addition to his numerous Broadway
credits, Stern wrote the television movie Geppetto for The Wonderful World of
Disney and worked on numerous feature films, including The Muppets Return, Wish,
and Gettysburgville.
September 16th -
28th:
The Color Purple - Oprah
Winfrey presents The Color Purple, a soul-stirring musical based on the classic
Pulitzer Prize-winning novel by Alice Walker and the Oscar-nominated film by
Steven Spielberg. It is the unforgettable and inspiring story of a woman named
Celie, who triumphs over tremendous odds to find joy in life, and her true inner
beauty. Nominated for eleven Tony Awards, The Color Purple is a landmark
theatrical event.With a joyous GRAMMY-nominated score featuring jazz, gospel,
and blues, The Color Purple is capturing the hearts of young and old, and
uniting audiences in a celebration of love.
September 26th – 28th &
October 3rd - 5th:
Man of La Mancha – This classic
allegory of the struggle of good versus evil is highlighted at times by the
sometimes comedic, sometimes dramatic attempts of Don Quixote to right all the
wrongs in the world. While his
exploits are occasionally chided by onlookers (assaulting windmills and
extolling the virtue of the kitchen wench Aldonza, whom he views as the
beautiful and pure Dulcinea), the hero never wavers in his quest, and the purity
of his self-imposed crusade becomes more and more evident.
Containing one of the most powerful moments in musical theatre (“The
Impossible Dream”), Mitch Leigh’s score highlights an entertaining and moving
story of personal triumph. Man of La
Mancha gives audiences an uplifting and emotional look at the power of ideas and
the strength to follow one’s dreams.
October 13th:
The Voice of Mozart – Join the
Houston Chamber Symphony for its joyous season opening concert.
In collaboration with Divas World Productions, the genius of Mozart’s
operatic music comes to life with arias from the opera The Marriage of Figaro
and “ch’io mi scordi di te” inventively composed for soprano, piano and
orchestra. The wispy overture to the
comic opera Bastien und Bastienne, the Rondo for Violin in C Major and the great
Sinfonia Concertante K.279b for winds, brass and orchestra are music-lover’s
delights.
October 16th – 18th:
Titus Andronicus – This
production by the Dominic Walsh Dance Theater offers a chilling abstract take on
Shakespeare’s revenge tragedy set to an original score composed and performed
live by Two Star Symphony with set and costume design by artist Frederique de
Montblanc.
October 21st
- November 2nd:
Frost/Nixon – This production
tackles the question: How did David Frost, a famous British talk-show host with
a playboy reputation, elicit the apology that the rest of the world was waiting
to hear from former President Richard Nixon?
Legendary stage and screen actor Stacy Keach stars as Nixon.
He leads a cast of 10 in this fast-paced Tony Award nominated new play
which shows the termination, conviction and cunning of two men as they square
off in one of the most monumental television interviews of all time.
Frost/Nixon is written by Peter Morgan, writer of The Queen, The Last
King of Scotland and HBO’s “Longford”, and directed by Olivier Award winner
Michael Grandage.
November 3rd:
Two Titans of the Twentieth Century
– Experience two of the century’s most powerful and perhaps triumphant
concertos. Paul Hindemith’s viola
concerto Der Schwanendreher based on old German folksongs that have enjoyed
phenomenal popularity among musicians and audiences since its premiere in 1935.
Even though a complex work, it sustains a beautiful lyricism throughout.
Dimitri Shostakovich’s Cello Concerto No. 1 dates from 1959.
From start to finish, this music evokes powerful emotions.
It is surely one of the most exciting concertos written for any
instrument. Join Wei Jiang, violist,
Jeffrey Butler, cellist and the Houston Chamber Symphony for this truly powerful
concert.
November 8th & 9th:
Mi Colombia – By popular
demand, the USA’s Colombian Folkloric Ballet presents Mi Colombia, a powerful
and vivid expression of the dance and music of the majestic country of Colombia,
featuring the New York City’s Cumbiamba eNeYe, the international renowned
Colombian artists Jairo Lastre and Niko Andreas and the USA’s Colombian
Folkloric Ballet. The show,
including live music, projects the unified theme of cultural diversity
prevailing in Colombia and enhances the understanding and appreciation of
Colombian folkloric ballet art.
Colombia’s history, diversely themed cultural regions, colorful native costumes,
authentic music and rhythmic dances are theatrically woven together into one
spectacular extravaganza.
November 11th -
16th:
Menopause: The Musical - Four
women at a lingerie sale with nothing in common but a black-lace bra and memory
loss, hot flashes, night sweats, not enough sex, too much sex and more! This
joyful musical parody set to 25 classic baby-boomer songs from “Puff, My God I’m
Draggin’” to the disco favorite “Stayin’ Awake, Stayin’ Awake” will have you
cheering and dancing in the aisles! It’s definitely not “The Silent Passage”
anymore!
November 20th – 30th:
The Music Man – The Music Man
follows the exploits of Harold Hill, fast-talking salesman extraordinaire, as he
cons the people of River City, Iowa into forming a youth band, despite the fact
that he knows nothing about musical instruments.
The plan works and Hill is ready to skip town with all of the cash, but
he is unexpectedly foiled when he falls for Marian Paroo, the town librarian.
Meredith Wilson’s score features many popular standards, including
“Seventy-Six Trombones”, “Shipoopi” and “Till There Was You”.
Coupled with the show’s quirky characters and wonderful ensemble moments,
The Music Man has become an American institution.
Put on by Masquerade Theatre.
for more information, see
www.thehobbycenter.org
or call (713) 315-2525
September 6th:
Opening Night Beethoven's Fifth Symphony -
Beethoven’s Fifth Symphony’s first movement opens
with a 4-note motif that has become one of the most recognizable themes in
western music. You’ll experience the drama, electricity and ultimately triumph
of this extraordinary piece. On the
Triple Concerto, Beethoven’s shows his craftsmanship through the combination of
rich harmonies of the late Classical era with the strict form of the early
Baroque’s concerto grosso. Three
brilliant young soloists will pop the cork for the season with this
extraordinary concerto.
September 12th – 14th:
Dvorak's New World Symphony
- The New World Symphony was conceived during the Dvorák’s two-year visit to
America. Out of the composer’s new-found love for the sounds of Native American
music and spirituals, Dvorák produced one of his most widely popular symphonic
works. It’ll take you through an emotional journey from serenity to excitement
and suspense, then from passion to stillness.
Fueled by love for his wife Clara, Robert Schumann became extremely
productive during the months that surrounded his wedding. He composed a “Fantasy
in A minor” for piano and orchestra in a little less than a week. Later,
Schumann decided to turn it in to a piano concerto by producing two additional
movements. You’ll be captivated by this masterpiece.
September 18th, 20th & 21st:
Gil Shaham Plus Mozart – Virtuoso violinist Gil Shaham will plan a
program of Mozart: Symphony No. 29; Stravinsky, Violin Concerto; Ravel, Le
tombeau de Couperin; and Mozart, Symphony No. 35, Haffner.
September 26th – 28th:
Mozart and Shostakovich
- In the sixties poet Yevgeny Yevtushenko played a crucial role in denouncing
Soviet policy through his most famous poem, Babi Yar. His works inspired
Shostakovich to write his Symphony No. 13. You’ll experience the rare chance to
hear Yevtushenko read his poetry and then hear the powerful music it inspired.
October 10th – 12th:
Wayne Brady
- Join this Emmy-award winning singer, dancer and star of the hit TV show, Whose
Line Is It Anyway?, as he takes the stage with the Houston Symphony. Wayne Brady
will perform a night of song tributes to his inspirations Sammy Davis, Jr. and
Sam Cooke, such as “Twistin the Night Away,” “Mr. Bojangles” and “Chain Gang.”
You’ll laugh out loud as Brady also entertains with his trademark
improvisational humor with audience participation.
October 11th:
Dr. Seuss’ Green Eggs & Ham -
You will like it in a box. You will like it with a
fox! Join Sam-I-Am and the Houston Symphony for a musical telling of one of Dr.
Seuss’ most treasured stories, Green Eggs and Ham. Remember Bugs Bunny, Daffy
Duck and Elmer Fudd with music from Looney Tunes and enjoy Rossini’s Overture to
The Barber of Seville.
October 16th – 19th:
Beethoven 2 & Tchaikovsky's Rococo -
Prelude, sponsored by Fluor, begins 50 minutes
before each concert. Delve into the impressionistic textures of Debussy’s La Mer
with
October 17th:
Frankie Valli
- A true American pop music icon, Frankie Valli possesses one of the most
distinctive voices in all of Rock and Roll.
His incredible career both as a solo artist and with the Four Seasons has
produced 19 top ten hits and sold over 100 million records world wide.
Hear Frankie Valli and the Four Seasons together with the Houston
Symphony as they perform favorites like "Sherry," "Big Girls Don't Cry," "Walk
Like a Man" and "Oh, What a Night."
October 31st – November
2nd:
Rodgers & Hammerstein - Film and Music -
Relive the great movie musicals of Rodgers &
Hammerstein. See stunning remastered clips from the films you love, together
with original vocals, while the Houston Symphony provides the live soundtrack.
Feel the excitement of
for more information, see
www.houstonsymphony.com or call (713) 224-7575
Jones Hall
(615
Season begins in October:
October 2nd:
Patti LaBelle -
The incomparable, Grammy Award winning
Patti LaBelle headlines and kicks off SPA’s 2008-2009 season with her
spectacular blend of funk and soul. Revered for her versatility in belting out
classic R&B renditions, pop standards and spiritual sonnets, Ms. LaBelle will
entertain and wow with her distinctive, high-octave vocal range and her high
energy, passionate stage presence! The program will include Ms. LaBelle’s
classic hits, gospel and new songs.
October 4th:
Compañia Flamenco José Porcel -
Direct from Spain, the stunning José Porcel and his company of
drop-dead gorgeous dancers represent the best in classic, traditional flamenco
while flawlessly melding contemporary styles and moves. Prepare for an evening
of fiery footwork, beautiful costumes, sensual choreography and brilliant
musicianship from the on-stage ensemble of guitarists and vocalists.
October 10th:
Homeland Laurie Anderson -
One of the seminal artists of our time,
Laurie Anderson takes our thoughts beyond the boundaries of the expected with
her newest work, Homeland. Today’s most celebrated performance artist returns to
SPA with a tour de force of spoken word and music that creates a poetic and
political portrait of contemporary American culture. Homeland explores the
current climate of fear and the obsessions with information and security.
Performed with a trio of musicians, the music features many of
October 21st:
David Sedaris -
One of America’s pre-eminent humor
writers, David Sedaris (alongside his trademark, sardonic wit!) was such a hit
on last year’s line-up that SPA could not resist inviting him back! This June,
Mr. Sedaris released his newest book When You Are Engulfed in Flames. Die-hard
fans and Sedaris-newbies will not want to miss this evening! By special
arrangement with Society for the Performing Arts, the Mukuru "Arts for AIDS"
Series of AIDS Foundation Houston is offering premium seating to SPA's
presentation of David Sedaris before tickets are available to the general
public.
October 30th:
Portrait of Rachmaninov - The Chamber Music Society of Lincoln Center -
While criticized by his contemporaries,
Rachmaninov’s unmistakable voice – grandly romantic, lushly colored,
continuously fascinating – has found its way through to join the chorus of 20th
century masters. This program, a survey of the composer’s output spanning almost
50 years, provides insight into Rachmaninov’s sonic world: the brooding
two-piano Suite No. 2; his late masterpiece, Symphonic Dances, in its original
version for two pianos; and his moving Trio élégiaque in D minor.
Internationally acclaimed pianists Gilbert Kalish, Gilles Vonsattel, Inon
Barnatan; violinist Ida Kavafian; and cellist Gary Hoffman of The Chamber Music
Society of Lincoln Center will perform.
November 1st:
Bossa Nova: Celebrating the First 50
Years -
H-E-B Performance Prelude by Brazilian
Arts Foundation 7:30 pm Grand Foyer, Wortham Center.
Bossa Nova embodies the rhythms of hot Samba and harmonies of cool jazz.
Oscar Castro-Neves, Antonio Carlos Jobin and Joao Gilberto, whose song “Girl
from Ipanema” started the Bossa Nova craze in the
November 20th:
Chava Alberstein
-
SPA celebrates the 60th Anniversary of Israel with that nation’s
most accomplished singer, Chava Alberstein, who has released over 54 recordings,
many of them now gold or platinum. Singing folk songs in Hebrew, Yiddish and
English, Alberstein is as much a singer of the world as a singer of her beloved
country. “The sensual quality of her vocals creates the deepest impression. You
don’t have to speak Hebrew to be affected,” says Jazziz Magazine. Presented in
partnership with World Affairs Council of Houston.
November 22nd:
The Song and Dance Ensemble of West
Africa -
Prepare for a mind-boggling experience
that will bring you to your feet and leave you wanting to dance for hours! Under
the direction of Bamba Dembele, this extraordinary group of musicians and
dancers mesmerize with astonishing performances inspired by the traditions of
for more information, see
www.spahouston.org
September
3rd:
HBO Boxing After Dark – doors open at 6:00 p.m.
September 9th
& 11th:
The Eagles 8:00 p.m.
Septemer
19th:
Carlos Mencia 8:00 p.m.
October 6th:
How Sweet The Sound
7:30 p.m.
October 10th:
2008 World Tour of Gymnastics Superstars
7:30 p.m.
October 12th:
Luis Miguel 8:00 p.m.
October 14th:
Neil Diamond 8:00 p.m.
October 16th:
New Kids On The Block
8:00 p.m.
October 21st:
Janet Jackson 7:30 p.m.
October 22nd:
The Cheetah Girls 7:00
p.m.
October 26th:
Vicente Fernández 7:00 p.m.
November
13th:
9th Annual Latin GRAMMY Awards
November
18th:
Coldplay 7:30 p.m.
December
21st:
Playhouse Disney Live!
12:30 p.m.
for more information, visit
www.houstontoyotacenter.com
or call (866) 4HOUTIX
Wortham Center – Houston Ballet
(Texas & Smith)
September 4th – 14th:
Onegin -
As multifaceted as the poem that inspired it, John Cranko's Onegin
has been referred to as one of the finest narrative ballets of the late 20th
century. Your passions will range from heartfelt to heartbroken as you witness
this exquisite tale of youthful arrogance and mature regret. With sumptuous new
costumes and scenery by English designer Elisabeth Dalton and a lush Tchaikovsky
score, Onegin provides richly textured leading roles to showcase the dramatic
abilities of Houston Ballet dancers.
September 18th – 28th:
Classically Modern -
From the best
of 20th and 21st century choreographers comes a program as diverse as dance
itself. Hans van Manen's Solo is an athletic tour-de-force for three gifted male
dancers, set to music by Johann Sebastian Bach. Artistic director Stanton
Welch's Mediæval Bæbes features female artists performing to the music of an a
cappella group by the same name. Jerome Robbins' Afternoon of a Faun looks in on
a young couple in a rehearsal studio, with audience as mirror. George
Balanchine's dazzling Symphony in C makes for a grand finale, a stunning
showpiece for the full company.
November 28th – December
28th:
The Nutcracker -
It's snowing, it's glowing, the beauty
is showing. It's The Nutcracker, a dazzling spectacle of holiday glitter. With
dancing dolls, flying cooks, giant rats and living snowflakes, The Nutcracker
has something to delight everyone in your family. ‘Tis the season for magic, for
family, for fun. Order your tickets now. It wouldn't be the holidays without The
Nutcracker. This performance lasts approximately two hours.
There will be one intermission lasting twenty minutes.
December 5th:
Jubilee of Dance – Don’t miss
this one time a year performance put on by the Houston Ballet.
See highlights of the company’s most requested productions.
Be there for what promises to be one very enchanted evening.
for more information, see
www.houstonballet.org
or call (713) 227-ARTS
October 17th – November
1st:
Cavalleria Rusticana & Pagliacci - Mascagni &
Leoncavallo -
Betrayal, jealousy and
revenge—the perfect partners for an evening of irresistible theater. A
powerhouse cast takes charge: Brandon Jovanovich makes his HGO debut as
Cavalleria’s caddish Turiddù, with Dolora Zajick in her signature role as the
spurned Santuzza. In Pagliacci, Vladimir Galouzine returns to HGO as the titular
clown—the wronged husband whose jealousy escalates to insanity—with HGO Studio
alums Ana María Martínez and Scott Hendricks as his unfaithful wife and her
paramour. Oleg Caetani conducts in his HGO debut.
October 30th – November
14th:
Beatrice and Benedict – Berlioz - In Berlioz’s light-hearted opera—based on
Shakespeare’s Much Ado About Nothing— two stubborn people use verbal jousting to
mask their true feelings for each other. HGO Studio alums Joyce DiDonato and
Norman Reinhardt are the recalcitrant lovers in HGO’s first-ever staging of this
comical and poignant work. Michael Hofstetter conducts the Houston Grand Opera
Orchestra and Chorus in his HGO debut.
for more information, see
www.houstongrandopera.org
or call (713)
228-6737
DaCamera of
October 4th:
Mozart in Vienna -
In his adopted
city of Vienna, Mozart composed some of the greatest chamber music of all time.
Da Camera welcomes Mozart specialist Krista Bennion Feeney, concertmaster of
October 18th:
Chopin in Paris: Epigraph for a
Condemned Book -
A unique
tapestry of sight and sound, Sarah Rothenberg’s Epigraph for a Condemned Book
reveals the daring genius of Chopin’s piano works. In this original performance
collage, fragments of Delacroix’s intense paintings, early photography and the
provocative writings of Baudelaire interweave with Chopin’s music to magically
evoke 19th-century
October 21st:
Keller Quartet -
Hungary’s leading string quartet makes
its Houston debut on the way to Carnegie Hall, with a program including works by
the great Hungarian composer György Kurtág. This highly-anticipated event
follows violinist András Keller’s brilliant performance on the Da Camera series
last season.
October 25th:
The Kenny Barron Trio -
Kenny Barron’s unmatched ability to
mesmerize audiences with his elegant playing, sensitive melodies and infectious
rhythms have inspired The Los Angeles Times to name him “one of the topjazz
pianists in the world” and Jazz Weekly to call him “The most lyrical piano
player of our time.” Kenny Barron's own recordings for Verve have earned him
nine Grammy nominations beginning in 1993 with the Brazilian influenced
recording Sambao and most recently for Canta Brasil. Barron consistently wins
the jazz critics and readers’ polls, including Down Beat, JazzTimes and Jazziz
magazines. He has been named Best Pianist by the Jazz Journalists Association
every year for the past four years and was as a finalist in the prestigious 2001
Jazz Par International Jazz Award.
November 8th:
Damaged Romanticism – Some of
the most powerful art created in recent years by composers and visual artists
reveals a shift away from cool modernism towards a new aesthetic that “puts
emotion front and center”. Often
these works are made in response to world events.
DaCamera brings together an all-star international group of musicians
from Holland, France, New York and Houston to perform music from the U.S.,
Germany and Russia. Projections of
paintings and photographs create a compelling dialogue between music and visual
art.
November 15th:
Miguel Zenon Quartet – No. 1
rising star saxophonist in the 2006 Down Beat Critics Poll, Miguel Zenon made a
deep impression on DaCamera audiences in his recent appearance with SFJAZZ
Collective. “A strong force in both
contemporary jazz and Latin music” - per the New York Newsday, Zenon manages to
blur the lines between the two without sacrificing the power of either.
November 18th:
Hommage a Max Ernst: A Musical
Collage – Sarah Rothenberg often creates unique concert events for Menil
Collection. An exhibition of works
by German Dadaist and Surrealist painter and sculptor Max Ernst is the
inspiration for this concert of music following the path of Ernst’s life and the
evolution of the avant-garde. The
lobby of the Menil Collection will be transformed into an intimate concert venue
for this unique music series.
December 9th:
Messiaen Centennial Concert:
Visions de l’Amen – Olivier Messiaen’s great religious piano cycle was first
performed by the composer and his student and future wife Yvonne Loriod in a
semi-secret art gallery concert in Nazi-occupied Paris.
Artist Director Sarah Rothenberg, who studied the music of Messiaen with
Loriod in Paris, is joined by Marilyn Nonken, the contemporary music virtuoso
who made an outstanding DaCamera debut in 2007.
The Rothko Chapel will be transformed into an intimate concert venue for
this performance.
December 12th:
A Cypress Chestnut Christmas –
A jazz Christmas celebration with pianist Cyrus Chestnut, featuring Vanessa
Rubin, vocals; Eric Alexander, saxophone and Brian Lynch, trumpet.
Swing the bells. A prolific
recording artist, Cyrus Chestnut paid tribute to cartoonist Charles Schulz and
first jazz influence, Vince Guaraldi, in his interpretation of the classic
Charlie Brown Christmas. Other
recordings include 2001’s Soul Food.
This acclaimed record was included in Down Beat’s list of the best records of
2001. In 2005, Chestnut recorded You
Are My Sunshine, still a hit with jazz and gospel lovers alike.
His most recent recording is Cyrus Plays Elvis, a pure jazz exploration
of songs made famous by the rock and roll immortal, Elvis Presley.
for more information, see
www.dacamera.com
Miller Outdoor Theatre
(
Located on nearly eight acres in the heart of
September 5th:
Strings
on Fire - Led by director Antoine Plante, the Mercury Baroque musicians will
blaze through some of the most incendiary works of Baroque music, featuring
selections by Vivaldi, Corelli, Geminiani and Locatelli, performed on period
instruments. Produced by Mercury
Baroque. 8:00 p.m.
September 6th & 7th: The
Sleeping Beauty - A new,
contemporary take on the classic story.
Although set to the familiar ballet score by Tchaikovsky, there’s nary a
tutu in sight in this imaginative re-telling. Produced
by Dominic Walsh Dance Theatre. 8:00
p.m.
September 12th & 13th: 14th
Annual Weekend of Contemporary Dance -
This much-anticipated annual event presents a snapshot of the contemporary dance
scene in Houston, featuring new work and revivals of recent work in a range of
choreographic styles set to music ranging from classical to experimental.
Participating companies to be announced.
Produced by Dance Source Houston.
8:00 p.m.
September 13th:
Dance Around the World - This
50-minute program introduces families to the classical and contemporary dances
of various cultures. Performing will
be Houston Ballet II plus companies to be announced.
Produced by Dance Source Houston.
September 14th:
Adelante
con AAMA en el 16 de Septiembre - Concert event celebrating Mexican
independence. Details TBA. Produced by the Association for the Advancement of
Mexican Americans, Inc. 7:30 p.m.
September 15th: Festival de Independencia
“El Grito” - Annual celebration of Mexican independence, featuring artists
from Mexico, mariachis, folkloric dances and more.
Produced by Comite Patriotico Mexicano.
3:00 p.m.
September 20th:
Tapestry
of World Dance - The 4th annual “Tapestry” will focus on dances of romance,
courtship and marriage from around the globe.
Specific companies to be announced.
Produced by Dance Source
Houston. 8:00 p.m.
September 26th:
12th
Annual Houston Grand Taiko Festival - High energy Japanese drumming and
dancing extravaganza. Special guests
to be announced. Produced by
Kaminari Taiko. 7:30 p.m.
September 29th – October 3rd: Strega
Nona - Opera to Go! presents
the beloved story inspired by the Caldecott-honored book by Tomie dePaola.
Strega Nona hires Big Anthony to watch the “magical pasta pot.”
Will he be able to resist temptation?
The story book characters come to life in this musical adaptation created
specifically for students. Produced
by HGOco, Houston Grand Opera. 11:00
a.m.
October 2nd – 4th:
29th Annual Festival Chicano – The festival features some
of the most accomplished performers in the Chicano music scene, from Tejano to
Mariachi. Specific line-up of
artists to be announced prior to the event.
7:00 p.m.
October 5th:
1000 Lights for Peace – As the
grand finale to Mahatma Ghandi Week, the program will feature a multi-cultural,
international dance and music show by children and conclude with a candle
lighting for peace. 5:00 p.m.
October 7th & 29th:
Danceology 101 – An energetic presentation of the history of popular
dance, from the 1920s Charleston to today’s hip hop.
11:00 a.m.
October 10th – 11th:
Splendid China III – Discovering China – A showcase of the cultural
riches China has to offer in history, dance and music, featuring Dance of Asian
America and special guest artists from the Shanghai Dance Company.
8:00 p.m.
October 17th & 18th:
U Theatre of Taiwan – This stunning company has been described as a
synthesis of theatre, percussion, martial arts and meditation.
This premiere Houston performance will be one of only three U.S.
engagements this year. 8:00 p.m.
October 23rd & 24th:
African Footprint – The most successful show ever produced in South
Africa, this explosion of music and dance explores the multi-cultural influences
on the country in an exciting, highly theatrical style.
October 31st:
Beauty & the Beast – A musical
adaptation of the timeless tale of love and loyalty, set this time in Mexico, a
land steeped in folklore and magic.
11:00 a.m.
November 1st:
An Evening with Jerry Jeff Walker &
The Flatlanders – Texas music is front and center in this concert of
legendary singer/songwriters. First
up will be Joe Ely, Jimmie Dale Gilmore and Butch Hancock, who perform together
with The Flatlanders. Concluding the
evening will be the great Jerry Jeff Walker and his band, who are guaranteed to
serve up “Mr. Bojangles”, among other JJW classic songs.
7:30 p.m.
November 8th:
An Intimate Evening with Ann
Hampton Callaway – The stage of Miller Outdoor Theatre will be transformed
into an elegant New York style cabaret for this fundraiser to support free
performances at Miller Outdoor Theater by national and international artists.
For details, call 713-533-3276.
for more information, see
www.milleroutdoortheatre.org
A.D. Players
(2710
September 12th – October 19th:
All I Need to Know I Learned in Kindergarten- Remember when things
were simple? They still are – according to the collection of narrative
writings of Robert Fulghum in this charming musical adaptation of his popular
books. It’s a funny and heartwarming
look at episodes from our everyday lives – our loves and losses, hopes and
fears, and dreams and memories.
September 17th – October 18th:
Miss Nelson is Missing – Children’s Theater – Sweet teacher Miss
Nelson can’t control her class.
After one particularly awful day, Miss Nelson goes missing and horrible Viola
Swamp is the substitute. Soon the
children are inundated with homework and have their story time taken away.
If the kids in Room 207 learn their lessons, literally, will Miss Nelson
return?
for more information,
see
www.adplayers.org
Main Street Theatre
(2540 Times Blvd.)
Thru September 21st:
Third - Laurie Jameson teaches
literature at an elite university, where she is known for her electric teaching
style and her fiercely liberal politics.
But her complacency is shattered when an original student named Third
presents her with a challenge to her convictions and forces her to come to terms
with her own place in the universe.
Featuring Main Street Theater Artistic Director Rebecca Greene Udden as Laurie.
September 30th – October
25th:
If You Give a Pig a Party - If
you give a Pig a party, she’s going to ask for some balloons. When you
give her the balloons, she’ll want to decorate the house. Then she’ll want to
invite all her friends to a party, and then they will want to have a sleepover,
with pillows and PJ’s and….! All of Laura Numeroff’s beloved characters –
the Mouse, the Moose, the Pig and even her latest character, the Cat -- are
on-hand for this delightful and rollicking musical.
October 11th – November
9th:
A World Premiere... and L.A. Is
Burning - Set against the backdrop of the Rodney King trial and the
subsequent L.A. riots, playwright Y York examines the terrain of the modern
workplace, on which well-intentioned liberalism, racism, the news, reality
itself, and the Cosby Show intersect.
for more information, see
www.mainstreettheater.com or call (713) 524-6706
Opera in the Heights
(
September 25th – October 11th:
Madame Butterfly by Giacomo Puccini -
A clash of cultures in an exotic locale is the backdrop for this story of the
gentle geisha and the American naval officer. Everyone will feel the sorrow of
“Poor Butterfly,” betrayed and abandoned to some of the most heartfelt music
ever written.
November 6th – 22nd:
Two Faces of Donizetti by Gaetano Donizetti - Enjoy two helpings of Donizetti’s most delicious
music tonight: both comedy and tragedy are served with the magic of melody as
only a master of bel canto can. Act
I of Lucia di Lammermoor will be presented in concert form, and then Don
Pasquale will be fully staged in its entirety.
for more information, call (713) 861-5303 or see
www.operaintheheights.org
Playhouse 1960
(
Thru September 12th:
Cat on a Hot Tin Roof – This is
the story of an affluent Southerner, Big Daddy Pollitt, who is dying of cancer.
The family gathers at the
Thru September 14th:
The Royal Bachelor - Chaos and
hilarity ensue in this hysterical spoof of several popular reality TV shows!
When poor King Evian uses his last dying words (as he falls out the window) to
pass royal succession not to greedy Prince Daft but to Yokel, a foolish
hillbilly, everyone agrees Yokel needs a wife to help him run the kingdom.
Reminiscent of The Bachelor, his staff brings in eligible young ladies to vie
for the new king?s hand, including Agatha Peabody, a high-society matron;
Priscilla Tradewells-Ayers-Hollander-Morley, a four-times-married gold digger;
Sally Valley, a ditzy cheerleader from L.A.; Crushin? Kanisha, a
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