CALENDAR SEPTEMBER 2002

Daily (Mon.–Sun.)

HIV Testing. HCHD Thomas Street Clinic is offering HIV testing free to the public, daily 9 am–1 pm. There is no need to establish eligibility ("gold-card"), no donation will be asked of the person seeking testing, and the test is free. Thomas Street Clinic, 2015 Thomas, 713/873-4157 or 713/873-4026.
Daily (Mon.–Sun.)

HIV Testing. The Montrose Clinic offers free confidential HIV testing every day of the week at the following locations. Monday: Keys West (817 W. Dallas), 8 pm–midnight. Tuesday: The Club Houston (2205 Fannin), 8 pm–midnight. Wednesday: Mary's (1022 Westheimer), 4–8 pm; the Houston Lesbian & Gay Community Center (803 Hawthorne), 6–9 pm; Ripcord (715 Fairview), 9 pm–midnight; EJ’s (2517 Ralph), 10 pm–1 am; and Midtowne Spa (3100 Fannin), 10 pm–1 am. Thursday: The Outpost (1419 Richmond), 4 pm–8 pm; Brazos River Bottom (2400 Brazos), 8 pm–midnight; Cousins (817 Fairview), 8 pm–midnight; and Toyz Disco (5322 Glenmont), 10 pm–1 am. Friday: The Meatrack (2915 San Jacinto), 10 pm–2 am; EJ’s (2517 Ralph), 10 pm–1am; and Midtowne Spa (3100 Fannin), 10 pm–1 am. Saturday: Viviana’s (5219 Washington), 11 pm–2 am. Sunday: Club Inergy (5750 Chimney Rock), 9 pm–midnight. The clinic offers classes for those newly diagnosed with HIV or Hepatitis C. Info: 713/830-3000.

6 (Fri.)

ComedySportz-Houston, one of 20 improvisational comedy troupes nationwide, will battle wits with Comedy-Sportz of Dallas, with the two teams competing for the Meaningless Cup of Texas. Coinciding with the Houston Texans’ one and only game against the Dallas Cowboys, this weekend of fast-paced frivolity will feature a Dallas referee for the Houston match on Friday and a Houston referee for the Dallas match (Saturday, 8 pm @ Comedy-Sportz-Dallas, 3115 W. Parker Rd., Ste. B, #330, Plano, Texas, 972/612-HOWL). The Houston match starts at 8 pm @ Lambert Hall, 1703 Heights Blvd. (at 17th St.). Admission is $10. For reservations or more info: 713/868-1444.

8 (Sun.)

Sex and the City. It’s the last episode of the season, and Nathan Lane guest stars. Also, see how that relationship winds up with Stanford (Willie Garson) and his new beau. 8 pm on HBO.

10 & 16 (Tue. & Mon.)

The Bering Support Network is offering two 6-week therapy groups dealing with loss & grief. • Starting on the 10th & continuing for 6 consecutive sessions: Loss due to the death of a loved one is addressed in the Bereavement Group facilitated by Robert Snellgrove, LMSW-ACP. • Starting on the 16th & continuing for 6 consecutive sessions: The Loss of Relationship Group deals with adjusting to the end of a relationship due to divorce or separation and is facilitated by Melissa Beason-Smith, LPC-I. • Both groups require a prior interview with the facilitator & a commitment for the full 6 weeks. Once a group begins, it is closed to new participants. More info: Ken McLeod at 713/526-1017, ext. 208.

11 & 21 (Wed. & Sat.)

To Your Health. • On the 11th: How to eliminate your allergies, completely and naturally. Free. Dr. Ted Bartnett. 7:30 pm. • On the 21st: Holistic health & psychic fair includes massage, chiropractic, nutrition, reflexology, acupressure, readers, & more. 10 am–5 pm. • Both at Center-Point, 1920 Hollister, 713/932-7224.

12 (Thu.)

Heroes: A Tribute Concert is presented by OrchestraX and honors the victims, families, & heroes of 9/11. John Axelrod conducts music by Aaron Jay Kernis, Samuel Barber, Charles Ives, and gospel spirituals with Tiffany Jackson & Jason Oby. 7:30 pm @ The Parador, 2021 Binz. Tickets/info: 713/225-6729 or www.orchestrax.org. A free concert will be held at noon, Sat., Sept. 14, at Memorial City Mall Rotunda.

12–14 (Thu.–Sat.)

A Little Night Music is presented by Bayou City Concert Musicals, the folks who brought Houston audiences Follies in 2000 and Falsettos in 2001, and benefits The Center for AIDS: Hope and Remembrance Project. A Little Night Music is a witty, warm, & romantic tale of mismatched lovers in turn-of-the-century Sweden. Often called Stephen Sondheim’s “waltz musical,” A Little Night Music features his best-known song, the bittersweet “Send in the Clowns.” Alley actor Paul Hope (who codirects) has assembled a cast of Houston’s finest performers—both veteran actors & rising talent—for this production. 7:30 pm @ Ovations, 2536-B Times Blvd. Reservations are required. Tickets are $25 and may be purchased by check or any major credit card (additional $1.50 handling fee for credit card processing) by calling Kayleen Clements at 713/880-1935.

12–15 (Thu.–Sun.)

50th Theta Charity Antiques Show will showcase a myriad of rare antiques from important dealers across the country, plus a petite museum on loan from the Bayou Bend Collection of the Museum of Fine Arts. Thurs. (10:30 am–8 pm); Fri. & Sat. (10:30 am–7 pm); Sun. (noon–5 pm) @ Reliant Center (Hall C). Tickets $9 at Bering Hardware, Rice Epicurean Markets, & Central Market; $10 at the door. Reliant Park gate fee $6. For more info: 713/622-3560 or www.ThetaAntiqueShow.com

14 (Sat.)

Paws and Claws on Parade, the 2002 gala for the Spay-Neuter Assistance Program, is a Mardi Gras-themed event with entertainment by the Krewe of Olympus. 7 pm @ the George R. Brown Convention Center. Tickets $150. Info: call SNAP at 713/862-3863.

14 (Sat.)

Houston Symphony’s opening night concert will be an unforgettable combination of music & elegance. Symphony music director Hans Graf will lead the orchestra in the first performance of the 2002-2003 season, followed by an elegant black-tie gala. The evening begins in Jones Hall with a concert titled Romeo and Juliet, featuring love-inspired selections such as Tchaikovsky’s Romeo and Juliet Fantasy Overture & Prokofiev’s Suite from Romeo and Juliet. Following the performance at Jones Hall will be a black-tie celebration in the Hobby Center for the Performing Arts. A sumptuous dinner will be served, and guests will enjoy dancing among the twinkling lights of downtown. Tickets purchased to the opening night gala include prime concert seating. For more info: the Houston Symphony Volunteer Services office at 713/344-5614.

14 (Sat.)

The Pink Panther. Peter Sellers became a sensation with his portrayal of bumbling Inspector Clouseau in this 1964 smash comedy caper set at a Swiss ski resort. Obsessed with saving the legendary “Pink Panther” diamond from a jewel thief (David Niven), Clouseau accidentally destroys everything in his path—all the while romancing his unfaithful wife (French actress Capucine), who is romancing the thief. FYI: Blake Edwards is the director who gave us Victor/Victoria in 1982; Sellers died in 1980, and the closeted Capucine died in 1990. 7 pm @ the Museum of Fine Arts (Brown Auditorium), 1001 Bissonnet. Admission is $6 ($5 members, seniors, students w/valid ID). Info : 713/639-7515 or www.mfah.org

14 & 15 (Sat. & Sun.)

The Cherokee Cultural Society of Houston, now celebrating 10 years of success in preserving Cherokee culture, launches its first art show, “Cherokees and Friends: Artistic Expressions.” Headlining the event will be three renowned Native artists who have won national & regional acclaim for their works. Saturday, 10 am–9 pm; Sunday, noon–6 pm, @ Town and Country Mall. The event is free and open to the public. During the show, piano music will be provided by Mark Bruni. Free covered parking attached to the mall. For more info: 281/556-1908, #3.

20 (Fri.)

11th Annual HIV/AIDS Conference. Healthcare professionals directly involved in the treatment of HIV/AIDS patients are invited to this conference hosted by the Harris County Hospital District (HCHD) under the direction of staff from Thomas Street Clinic. 8 am–4 pm @ Edwin Hornberger Conference Center, 2151 Holcombe Blvd. For more detailed info and continuing education credits: Maria Salinas at 713/873-4051 or maria_salinas@hchd.tmc.edu or www.tmc.edu/hchd/news.html

20 (Fri.)

Planned Parenthood of Houston and Southwest Texas honors Betty Lou Carter, a committed & tireless volunteer and past board member, for her dedication to the Planned Parenthood mission to make sure that all individuals have the right to manage their own reproductive healthcare, including the decision of whether and/or when to bear children. The live & silent auction items at this gala include trips to several luxurious locations, private dinner parties, & a premium wine collection. 7 pm @ the Parador, 2021 Binz. Tickets $200. For more info: 713/831-6519

27 & 28 (Fri. & Sat.)

Choke/Winter Belly. The irreverent & insightful work of New York-based choreographer Tere O’Connor continues to break new ground in theatrical invention. Choke takes “clips” of movement from the streets and divorces them from their original contexts to create a new dance vocabulary. Themes dive into darkly humorous waters that surround the movements and create out of the mundane an ironic & poetic world full of delicately crafted phrases of gesture, revelatory emotional states, & eruptive kinetic energy. According to Mikhail Baryshnikov, O’Connor’s works are “deeply personal, quirky, & utterly amusing, but beneath the humor lies tenderness & truth.” The evening also includes the Texas premiere of Winter Belly, a companion piece to Choke. Tickets $20 (members $15). 8 pm @ DiverseWorks, 1117 East Freeway, 713/335-3445, www. diverseworks.org

28 (Sat.)

Houston Women’s Festival. Besides a multi-media artshow, a variety of vendors, food, fun, & community, this annual event includes music from Melissa Ferrick, Michelle Malone, Zrazy, Ferron, Zoe Lewis, Kristie Stremel, Jevette, Melinda Mones, Sarah Golden, Liviya Compean, Edie Carey, Anne Heaton, Nini Camps, Lesli Woods, Kristi Rae, and Teresa Kolo! 1 pm–midnight @ Garden in the Heights, 3926 Feagan. Tickets $10 in advance, $12 at the door. For more info: info@ hwfestival.org or www.hwfestival.org

28 (Sat.)

Making Strides Against Breast Cancer Walk. Registration for the 4.5-mile walk starts at 8 am (walk begins at 9 am) @ Robertson Stadium on the University of Houston main campus. No fee is required. For more info or to participate: 877/606-WALK (9255) or e-mail strides_houston @cancer.org

28 & 29 (Sat. & Sun.)

Little Richard . . . or awop-bop-a-loo-mop-alop-bam-boom! Recognized worldwide as the “originator, the emancipator, the architect of rock and roll, “ Little Richard exploded into the American music scene in the mid ‘50s and has been there ever since. Hear “Tutti Frutti,” “Long Tall Sally,” and “Good Golly, Miss Molly.” Tickets range from $39–$87. Sat. at 8 pm, Sun. at 5 pm, @ Galveston’s Grand 1894 Opera House, 2020 Postoffice, 1-800-821-1894.

28 & 29 (Sat. & Sun.)

Photographic Collectors of Houston. See what develops at the 52nd Semi-annual Houston Camera Show and Sale. Bring your cameras, browse, buy, sell, or trade. Sat. 10 am–5 pm, and Sun. 10 am–4 pm @ the Marriott Hotel (formerly Radisson), 9100 Gulf Freeway at the Airport exit. Admission is $5. For more info: 713/868-9606.

PLANNING AHEAD FOR OCTOBER AND BEYOND
Oct. 4 (Fri.)

Lesbian Author Val McDermid Comes to Houston. In her last two books, A Place of Execution and Killing the Shadows, Los Angeles Times Book Prize winner Val McDermid turned standard elements of mystery writing upside down. Employing stylistic twists and experiments with irony and atmosphere, McDermid tells intricate stories of complex human beings. Her new book is The Last Temptation, the third and latest in a series McDermid began a few years ago with The Mermaids Singing and The Wire in the Blood. • In 1995, she won the Gold Dagger Award for Best Crime Novel of the Year. Her novel A Place of Execution was a New York Times Notable Book of the Year, won the Anthony, Macavity, and Dilys awards for best novel, and was a finalist for the Edgar Award. • Many of McDermid’s books have gay themes/characters. The very out lesbian lives in England. Visit her website at www.valmcdermid.com and visit her in person at 6 pm @ Murder by the Book, 2342 Bissonnet, for a discussion and booksigning of The Last Temptation (the book is due in stores on Sept. 30). The discussion is free; the book is $24.95 (only copies of the book purchased at Murder by the Book may be signed). More info: 713/524-8597 or www.murderbooks.com

Oct. 5 (Sat.)

An Evening of Art Songs & Arias, Bering Omega Community Services’ annual operatic fundraiser benefiting those who are affected by AIDS and HIV, returns to Houston with eight renowned performers from around the U.S.: John McVeigh, tenor; Jennifer Samson & Deborah Domanski, mezzo-sopranos; Luis Ledesma & Brian Mulligan, baritones; Sarah Wolfson & Camille Zamora, sopranos; Michael Slattery, tenor; & Kenneth Merrill, pianist. 7:30 pm @ the Hobby Center for the Performing Arts, 800 Bagby. Tickets $100–$200. A limited number of $35 tickets are available for students & young artists. For tickets/more info: 713/315-2525 or 713/524-9304.

Oct. 5 (Sat.)

Janeane Garofalo‘s humor is wry & intelligent. Inspired by the hysterical comedy of Bill Murray, Albert Brooks, & David Letterman, Garofalo takes each of these styles & weaves them into her own genre of comedy. This show is part of Breast Cancer Awareness Weekend. 8 pm @ Verizon Wireless Theater. Tickets available at www.cc.com, the Verizon box office, all Ticketmaster outlets, or by phone at 713/629-3700.

Oct. 5 (Sat.)

The Ballet Folklórico de México de Amalia Hernández that was created with eight dancers in 1952 has now become one of the most important dance organizations in the world with two professional companies & a school of 400 students. 8 pm @ Galveston’s Grand 1894 Opera House, 2020 Postoffice. Tickets $18.50–$57. Reservations/info: 1-800-821-1894 or www.thegrand.com

October 5, 13, & 19 (Sat., Sun., & Sat.)

Rainbow Fishing Club. On the 5th: It’s San Francisco salmon! Roundtrip air fare, local transportation passes, & a party package all included. Salmon will be the catch to fish for aboard the Wacky Jacky. (Then on the 6th, attend the Castro Street Fair.) The boat cost is $64 with a $20-deposit required. One-day fishing licenses available. Roundtrip air fare from Houston approximately $300. More info: Scott at 832/971-4900. • On the 13th: It’s a fishing trip aboard the New Buccaneer or the Cavalier out of Galveston. The boat supplies all the equipment you need. The boat also has a cook, a grill, and a large sundeck. Boarding begins at 6:30 am and sails at 7:30 am. The cost is $70, with a $20-deposit required to reserve your spot. Details: John at 713/523-6381. • On the 19th: It’s a fishing trip that leaves South Padre Island at 7 am for a 10-hour deep sea adventure. Cost is $90. Poles & bait provided. Also included: breakfast, lunch, dinner, & a party at the New Upper Deck Bar. Accommodations may be arranged at the New Upper Deck Hotel at 956/761-5953 or e-mail spiup@aol.com to make your reservations.

Oct. 6 (Sun.)

Decadent Dessert Extravaganza 2002. AssistHers presents its second annual party of sweet indulgence to raise money for their wonderful organization. Mark your calendar and be prepared to leave your will power at the door. This event will feature tables of decadent desserts for epicurean tastes prepared by The Ruggles Grill, Fabio’s, Acadian Bakers, Don Carlos, Jim Benton Catering, Mo Mong’s, Decapo’s, Baba Yega’s, Three Dog Bakery, Sweet Tooth Solutions, and Oscar’s Creamery. 4–7 pm Meteor, 2306 Genesee. Tickets can be purchased in advance for $20 or at the door for $25. For advance tickets: 713/521-4628, option #1.

Oct. 6 (Sun.)

On the Boulevard is the theme for the 26th annual Houston Heights Festival. Enjoy the variety of activities & entertainment “on the boulevard,” the main street in the Heights community, that give this festival the atmosphere of celebration that everyone has come to expect. There will be performing artists & diverse entertainment, even fitness demonstrations. The parade down the boulevard begins at 1 pm. See, sample, & purchase items at over 200 booths offering a variety of antiques & collectibles, arts, crafts, clothing, products, & services from local businesses, as well as plenty of good food. There will be a special area featuring games & events for children. For vendor booth info or if you would like to volunteer to work on a committee: 713/861-4002. Info: www.houstonheights.org No pets, alcohol, or glass containers allowed. Noon—6 pm on Heights Boulevard, between 14th & 20th streets. Admission is free.

October 12 (Sat.)

Healthy Bones! Muscle Mechanics teams up with Dr. Kenneth Lester (of Kirby Health & Wellness) to bring you a "hands on" educational seminar! Learn how to correct common causes of back and neck pain through proper exercise and posture techniques! Limited seating! More info: John Aaron at 713-523-5330.

October 12 (Sat.)

Reflections has been selected as the theme for the 2002 Houston Black Tie Dinner. Chris Lewis, Black Tie board president, believes that the use of “Reflections” as this year’s theme “…reminds us of the opportunity we have, not only to celebrate and reflect upon our lives after the tragedies of last year, but also to come together as a community yet again, recommitting ourselves to living life to the fullest and pursuing dreams for our community.” Proceeds from the dinner go toward helping local nonprofit organizations continue the wonderful work that they do in service to the GLBT community. The organizations selected to be beneficiaries this year are: Bering-Omega Services, H.A.T.C.H., Lesbian Health Initiative, Montrose Counseling Center, Montrose Clinic, PWA Coalition, and Resurrection Metropolitan Community Church. Now in its 11th year, the dinner will be held at the new Intercontinental Hotel at 610 West Loop South. Tickets and tables for this evening of entertainment can now be purchased online. For more info: www.houstonblacktiedinner.org

October 17–21 (Thu.–Mon.)

Texas Lesbian Conference (TLC) honors its 15th anniversary with its first-ever conference at sea. Attendees will board the Carnival ship “Celebration” in Galveston & cruise to Cozumel, Mexico, for 4 days of fun, entertainment, & conference activities. The conference theme, “What Lesbians Really Want,” will examine the changing needs of lesbians in Texas and how TLC can continue to serve its community. Speakers & workshops will be offered on-board ship. Michele Balan, known as “da Comic Princess,” will entertain. All-inclusive tickets (cruise & meals on board, entertainment, port taxes, & conference fees) begin at $439 per person (double occupancy). Reservations: Stan the Cruise Man, toll free, at 1-866-200-2086 or e-mail Stan@ CruisingWithPride.com. For more info on the conference: www.texaslesbianconference.org

October 17–21 (Thu.–Mon.)

Bisexual/Men’s Awareness Institute Con-ference.This three-day weekend in San Diego’s Mission Valley is hosted by the American Institute of Bisexuality (AIB), an organization founded 10 years ago to educate the public about the subject of bisexuality. The AIB created this conference in 2000 expressly to allow bisexual and bi curious men to gather in a safe, supportive environment to dialogue on their issues of concern, including their feelings of invisibility & the societal pressures to remain closeted. This 3rd annual conference will offer approximately 12 workshops (covering themes including coming out, relationships, culture, spirituality, identity, health, & more) & numerous social events. There will be a Friday night no-host welcome reception, a Saturday evening banquet with live entertainment, as well as time to explore San Diego. Registration fees: $40–$120 depending upon the activities selected & whether registration has been completed by the Sept. 27 early-bird deadline. Southwest Airlines is offering a special discount for conference attendees. More info: www.bisexual.org/pages/newconf/sdsandiego/ Workshop info: Alexei Guren at 206/709-8676 or Alexei_Guren@msn.com Inquiries about AIB: Dr. Fritz Klein at 619/542-0088 or FritzKlein@aol.com

October 19 & 20 (Sat. & Sun.)

Halloween Magic. The Saturday night gala of The Women? A YaYa Montrose Sisterhood includes the musical comedy review, pre-performance hors d’oeuvres, open bar, silent & live auctions, and a drawing. The Sunday matinee will be a performance only. Beneficiaries include specific programs from AIDS Foundation Houston, People with AIDS Coalition, MCCR, The Center for AIDS, Houston Buyers Club, Casa de Esperanza de Los Ninos, Montrose Clinic, and The Assistance Fund. The Halloween Magic event will be held at the Edwin Hornberger Conference Center, 2151 W. Holcombe. For more info: 713/226-2342.

October 24–26 (Thu.–Sat.)

LGBT Medical Conference. Gay and Lesbian Medical Association (GLMA) is holding its 20th annual conference in Toronto. The conference is designed for physicians & other healthcare professionals and provides both Continuing Medical Education (CME) credits and Continuing Education Units (CEU) to attendees through dozens of workshops & seminars that relate to LGBT health. The 3-day program will focus on primary care & biopsychosocial issues, as well as policy & advocacy. The conference will take place at the Fairmont’s Royal York Hotel in Toronto, Canada. More info & early-bird registration discounts are available at the GLMA website: www.glma.org

November 2–9 (Sat.–Sat.)

Gay Games VI “Under New Skies.” INTA-Aussie South Pacific, one of Australia’s leading tour operators, has selected Concierge Travel as a preferred supplier to the games. Currently, Concierge Travel has participants registered to compete in ballroom dancing, marathon, & body building. For more info: Kim Gustavsson, Concierge Travel, 713/661-2117.

November 2–9 (Sat.–Sat.)

2002 Sydney Gay Games. The Houston Montrose Athletic Association with Mark Hoyer of American Express Travel will be the resource contact for the Houston contingent that will be going to the games. Hoyer has worked out a travel package that includes discounted hotel & flight rates. Visit the 2002 Sydney Gay Games website at www.sydney2002.org.au for more info about the events & registration. For reservations, call Mark at 713/365-6266 (reservation cost $210).

PERFORMING ARTS

Blood Wedding. On the barren landscape of rural Spain, two lovers—driven by their insatiable desire for each other—abandon their families and surrender to their all-consuming passion. The hope of two households is drowned in their wake, as they fulfill a tragic prophecy of revenge. The first of Federico Garcia Lorca’s three “rural tragedies,” Blood Wedding is based on the true story of a bride who ran away with her lover on her wedding night, and is credited with restoring tragic poetry to the Spanish stage. Tickets $32–$42 (previews $22–$25). Sept. 18–Oct. 13 @ Stages Repertory Theatre, 3201 Allen Parkway, 713/527-0123, www.stagestheatre.com

Killer Karaoke and Come Up and Slay Me Sometime are presented by Mystery Café, home of Comedy Murder Mystery Dinner Theater. • Killer Karaoke: The Gulf Coast Regional Semi-Final Three Steps Before National Silver Microphone Karaoke Competition will continue, despite an “accidental” fire and a crazed karaoke serial killer stalking the contestants. Anybody who’s actually listened to karaoke will probably side with the killer, if they can figure out his or her identity. Come Up and Slay Me Sometime: Bathtub gin isn’t the only illegal thing going on in this 1920s floating speakeasy—there’s a dead body lying around, and nobody can call the cops. Featuring special appearances by Mae West, Charles Lindbergh, and Abraham Lincoln. Killer Karaoke plays Fridays; Come Up and Slay Me Sometime plays Saturdays. Both shows are presented at 8 pm @ Marriott West Loop, 1750 West Loop South at San Felipe. Info: 713/944-2583 or www.mysterycafehouston.com

Houston Ballet. Manon: A modern classic, Manon charts the romantic adventures of an irresistibly beautiful femme fatale and her one true love, from the demi-monde of Paris to the bayous of Louisiana. Sir Kenneth MacMillan has created a brilliant dance drama that explores the relationship between love, sex, & the corrupting power of money. Sept. 5–15. Madame Butterfly & Five Poems: One of the world’s greatest love stories comes to the ballet stage when Houston Ballet performs Madame Butterfly. The beautiful geisha girl Cio-Cio-San renounces her faith & family to wed Lieutenant Pinkerton, the handsome, but cynical American naval officer who is betrothed to another. Ben Stevenson’s transcendent Five Poems opens the program. Sept. 19–29. • Both performed @ the Wortham Theater Center. For more info: 713/227-ARTS or .

The Laws of Storms. Two months following the Galveston hurricane of 1900, the life of every Galvestonian was changed forever. Those who died left nothing but their memories scattered into a thousand pieces among the island’s debris. Those who lived attempted to take those memories and move on, leaving behind those laws that cannot be answered. Now someone in Galveston believes he understands the laws of storms, and he is ready to confront its wrath. In The Laws of Storms, Thomas Meloncon explores the physical & emotional damage of the hurricane on the city’s African-American community. Sept. 12–Oct. 13 @ Main Street Theater in Rice Village, 2540 Times Blvd. Tickets are $20–$30. For more info: 713/524-6706 or www.mainstreet theater.com. Meet playwright Thomas Meloncon at the talkback following the 3 pm matinee on Sunday, Sept. 22. Reservations recommended.

The Man Who Came to Dinner, written by Moss Hart & George S. Kaufman, tells the story of Sheridan Whiteside, critic, lecturer, wit, radio orator, & intimate friend of the great & near great. Having dined at the home of the prominent Stanley family in a small Ohio town, Whiteside slips on their doorstep and injures his hip. A tumultuous six weeks of confinement follow, during which the Stanley living room is monopolized by the famous & irascible invalid. Before it’s over, the outrageous has become commonplace. Tickets $15 (students/seniors $13). Sept. 20–Oct. 12 (weekends only) at 8 pm (one Sunday matinee on Oct. 6 at 2 pm) @ The Country Playhouse, 12802 Queensbury, 713/467-4497 (between 9:30 am & 1 pm).

Phaedra’s Love. The Infernal Bridegroom season begins with this regional premiere by Sarah Kane. Widely considered to be one of the most controversial, important playwrights of her generation, her work has never been produced in Texas. Phaedra’s Love is loosely based on Seneca’s version of the classic, incestuous story, in which Phaedra, a queen, falls in obsessive love with her stepson, the prince Hippolytus. In Kane’s version, Hippolytus is a promiscuous, bisexual, binge-eating, atheist brute. The play is as uncompromising as its (anti)heroes. Explicit violence which occurred offstage in previous versions is presented here in gory detail. An unrelenting stream of sexual, emotional, & psychic abuse dominates the action. This production comes with the strongest of warning labels; it is not intended for the faint of heart or weak of stomach. 8 pm, Thursdays–Saturdays, Sept. 19–Oct. 12 @ The Axiom, 2524 McKinney. For more info: 713/522-8443 or www.infernalbridegroom.com

Seussical the Musical. Olympic-gymnast-turned musical-theater-actress Cathy Rigby reprises her starring Broadway role as the Cat in the Hat in this national tour. Seussical is a family treat, exploring the witty, wild, & whimsical world of Theodor Geisel, better known as Dr. Seuss. Drawing from Geisel’s often-read children’s classics like The Cat in the Hat, Green Eggs and Ham, Yertle the Turtle, and many more, Seussical brings together for the first time many of his best-loved characters. Sept. 24–29 @ the Hobby Center for the Performing Arts, 810 Bagby at Walker. Tickets ($26–$66) are available at the Hobby Center box office, all Ticketmaster locations, & online at www.ticket master.com or www.broadwayacrossamerica.com To charge tickets: 713/629-3700.
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Talley’s Folley is a masterful duet written by Lanford Wilson, one of America’s leading playwrights. The second play written in the trilogy that chronicles the life of the Talley family, Talley’s Folly earned Wilson the Pulitzer Prize for Drama, as well as a New York Drama Critics Circle Award. For an hour and a half we are transported to early evening on a summer night in 1944 in an old Victorian boathouse on the Talley farm in Lebanon, Missouri. Matt Friedman & Sally Talley, two people grieving for want of love, begin a courtship that triumphs over political upheaval & religious persecution in the world surrounding their boathouse refuge. In what has been called the most human of his works, Matt & Sally find romance through Wilson’s heartbreakingly tender & astute dialogue. Leave the theater smiling with this equally romantic, dramatic, & comedic “feel good” masterpiece that really is a “love poem for an apple and an orange,” (New York Post). Fridays & Saturdays at 8 pm, Sundays at 2 pm, Sept. 20–Oct. 26 @ the Ensemble Theatre, 3535 Main St. in the Midtown area. Tickets are $25 for the opening night performance, which includes a reception following the performance. Regular ticket prices are $15 for adults ($10 students/senior citizens). For more info/reservations: Chris Wilson’s Actors Theatre of Houston’s box office at 713-529-6606.

PERFORMING ARTS FOR YOUNG PEOPLE

Alicia in Wonder Tierra is a new bilingual play that presents Hispanic heritage & folklore through the adventures of Alicia, a modern-day Alice in Wonderland. Alicia’s adventure begins in a curio shop where she is introduced to an enchanted world of entertaining characters that help her understand her culture & language with renewed love & appreciation. Recommended for grades 2 and up. Sept. 7–Oct. 5 @ Stages Repertory Theatre, 3201 Allen Parkway, 713/527-0123, www. stagestheatre.com Public performances: Sat., 11:30 am & 2 pm. Group performances for schools & others: Tues.–Fri., 9:30 & 11:30 am, in addition to the Saturday performances. Tickets $8 (group rates available).

Kids On Stage (KOS) are performing arts classes for students K-12 presented by Main Street Theater. Classes provide a wide range of activities including acting, movement, improvisation, storytelling, scene work, & character development. All classes develop into a final Showcase Performance, & many of the classes are held on Saturdays. KOS also offers a Rehearsal & Production class allowing students ages 11 or older to have the full theater experience from the initial audition to the final performances. The R&P class will present Alice in Wonderland in November; an audition is required. A class schedule & enrollment form can be obtained from www.mainstreet theater.com or by calling 713/524-9196. ALSO: Kids On Stage To Go offers weekly theater classes at area schools. Class dates & times are scheduled according to the school’s academic calendar and are held on the school campus. This weekly program is designed to encourage artistic expression while building self-esteem. Minimum attendance is required. For more info on the Kids On Stage To Go program: Angela Harris at 713/524-9196.

Lilly’s Purple Plastic Purse. Lilly wants to be a surgeon or an ambulance driver or a diva—until she meets her new teacher Mr. Slinger. Now she wants to be just like him—until she brings her new purple plastic purse with the three shiny quarters and the movie star sunglasses to show the class. Join Lilly, Chester, & Wilson as they become friends, learn to speak in a secret language, and tackle school. School bookings: Sept. 17–Oct. 25, M–F, 9:30 am, 11 am, & 12:30 pm. School booking reservations: 713/524-7998. Family performances: Sat., Sept. 21 & 28 and Oct. 5, 12, & 19, 1, 3, & 5 pm. Box office/reservations: 713/524-6706. Adults: $10; students/seniors $8. More info: www.main streettheater.com.

The Sorcerer’s Other Apprentice. Chip wants to be a real wizard, not just an apprentice. Merwyn, a wise sorcerer, sends Chip on a quest where he meets an independent princess & a fiercely funny dragon, and discovers that he is a real wizard after all. Tickets $6. Sat., 11 am & 1:30 pm, Sept. 28–Nov. 9 @ the Company Onstage, 536 Westbury, 713/726-1219.

RADIO

After Hours. Saturdays, midnight to 3 am. Featuring the QMZ (Queer Music Zone) with Jimmy Carper. KPFT 90.1 FM, 713/526-5738.

Queer Voices.
Mondays, 8-10 pm. Features, news, music, interviews, reviews, and commentary. KPFT 90.1 FM, 713/526-4000.

ART/PHOTOGRAPHY
Channeling. Tracie Brownlee’s rich, juicy paintings present an intimate view of television’s voyeuristic world. Images of people & situations taken from “reality TV” cop shows & 24-hour news channels are painted with great skill & complete abandon, using closed-captioning to illuminate the soap opera-like narratives. Sept. 5–Oct. 12 @ DiverseWorks’ Project Gallery, 1117 East Freeway, 713/335-3445, www.diverseworks.org

Elevations Transcendsualistic is a dynamic, site-specific wall mural installation configured in response to DiverseWorks’ Main Gallery. Approaching architectural space as a blank canvas and using vibrant color & sound, artist Paul Henry Ramirez transforms the gallery into a dynamic backdrop for this latest series of sensuous, surreal, & meticulously crafted paintings. Sept. 5–Oct. 12 @ DiverseWorks’ Main Gallery, 1117 East Freeway, 713/335-3445, www.diverseworks.org

Escapetheartist. Fresh from his successful show in Soho, New York, J. Palmer arrives in Houston with his latest work for a show entitled escapetheartist. Sept. 6–Oct. 5 @ Betz Gallery, 1208 West Gray. A portion of the proceeds from the show will benefit the Houston Lesbian and Gay Community Center. An artist’s reception will be held at Betz Gallery from 6–9 pm on Friday, Sept. 6. More info: www.betzgallery.com

WIVLA (Women in the Visual and Literary Arts) presents its annual print exhibition and sale through Sept. 14 @ the Museum of Printing History, 1312 West Clay. More info: 281/293-0231.