Out in the Arts

by D.L. Groover

DANCE ON

On February 14 and 15, Dominic Walsh Dance Theater gives its inaugural performances in the Hobby Center Zilkha Hall. The program includes works by founder Walsh and native Houstonian Mario Zambrano, formerly with Hubbard Street Dance Chicago and Netherlands Dance Theater. Tickets: 713/652-DWDT or www.dwdt.org.

YOU WANT ME TO DO WHAT?

Here's the first comedy act to announce itself by hanging on my front door, where I found Vagabondage Improv Comedy Troupe's glossy promotional 2-for-1 admission pass telescoped with ads for Midas Muffler, Village Plumbing, Te Amo Mexican Bar and Grille, and Talk Radio 950 KPRC. This grab-bag announcement promo, off kilter but pretty clever, suits this company that features wacky improv skits using ideas culled from the sometime raucous audience. On past weekends, segments have included the gang buying cigarettes at a convenience store as if in a Shakespeare play, the ever-favorite Three-headed Oracle who answers audience questions one word at a time per head, and a very politically incorrect remake of Gandhi. The six quick-witted crazies are Tim Wrobel, Travis Ammons, Foster Davis, Randy Mathews, Omar Adam, and Chip Aucoin. At $5, Vagabondage is becoming quite a cult. You better join now. Every Saturday, 8 and 11 p.m., Chelsea Market (4617 Montrose), 832/651-7814.

BEAUTY AND THE BEAST

Jean Cocteau's 1946 stunner of a movie has everything the Disney cartoon doesn't: taste, imagination, visual beauty, childlike wonder, and a very grown-up surreal sensibility. This version is also blessed with two of the most luminous beauties of the French screen: Josette Day (La Belle) and Jean Marais (La Bete), Cocteau's lover at the time. The Beast's grand chateau lair with human arm candelabra and living statuary is a main character all by itself. The Beast, with smoking paws and hair shirt deluxe, is one of the sexiest creations in cinema. In any language, it's an absolute gem of a movie. February 14 and 15, 7 p.m., The Museum of Fine Arts, Houston (1001 Bissonnet).

FRUIT COCKTAIL

Just when you despair that nobody is writing good musical revues anymore, along comes Eric Lane Barnes' world premiere to dispel the clouds and bring needed sunshine into this forgotten art form. Not since his last musical outing, the gay life-affirming Fairy Tales, has anyone been able to pull it off.

With Fruit Cocktail, Barnes does so with the dexterity of Gypsy Rose Lee. There is no story here, just a wonderful romp through a musical trunk of songs, some gay, some not, some inconsequential, some with bite, whatever Barnes feels like writing a song about. He uses artistry, talent, wit, melodies you can actually remember, and the right amount of gay pepper for spice.

Abetted by musical director Michael Harren, five very fine performers (with a sixth added in subsequent performances) do more than justice to the pastiche numbers, which range from tricky doo-wop '50s a cappella harmonies, lilting ballads, and funky tangos, to a Flo Ziegfeld production number parody with twirling parasols. Braden Hunt and Chris Pool have the best voices and stage presence, but when all the guys blend their voices in the stirring anthem "Welcome Home" or the beguiling "Waltz for Teddy," who's complaining? Staged with loving care by Joe Watts, each number is a little show in itself. You don't want it to end, something you don't often wish for in live theater. Take a great big bite out of Barnes' tuneful compote and savor its textures and tastes. It's delicious and good for you, too. Through March 8, Theatre New West, 1415 California, 713/522-2204.

KEEP IN MIND

• The Alley's Albee fest: Who's Afraid of Virginia Woolf? through February 8 and The Goat or Who Is Sylvia? through February 16.

• Opera in the Heights: Il Tabarro and Cavalleria Rusticana, February 6-15.

• Houston Grand Opera: Merry Widow, through February 16.

• Houston Ballet Mixed Rep: February 17-March 9.