November Highlight

A DIVA BAND

They could be gay any minute!

What do you get when you showcase these three talented and diversely gifted musicians: Roberta Donnay, Christene LeDoux, and Dani Linnetz? Well, how about an evening of expertly crafted songs, storytelling, truth, and laughter? Diva Bands, a San Francisco-based collective of female recording artists founded by Donnay, presents these three charismatic women for a live Houston performance. • If their show is half as good as Donnay’s sense of humor, we’re in for a real treat. When OutSmart asks if any of the trio is gay, Donnay says that they are "trisexual," quickly adding that they are "beyond bi." She finishes it off with, "We could be gay any minute!" We here at OutSmart may take in the show simply to hear her talk. However, we hear there’s more to Donnay than her quick wit; she is a Grammy-nominated and award-winning sing-er/songwriter who gives passionate performances with her alternative pop songs. • Dani Linnetz "makes a strong first impression," says Matt Fink in All Music Guide. "While voices as strong as hers don’t come along too often, when they do, they tend to get pushed in questionable music directions.... It’s more than refreshing to hear one that is clearly on the right path." • Christene LeDoux delivers thoughtful, honest songs. Her stage banter, often self-mocking humor, coupled with a natural ability for storytelling, captures even the toughest of audiences. • $10 cover. 8—10 p.m., Friday, Nov. 16, at River Café, 3615 Montrose. Reservations: 713/529-0088. –Blase DiStefano

November Highlight

WILD ABOUT RICE!

Rice Cinema has both a new screen and sound system!

A new sound system, a new screen, and newly upgraded projectors will change forever how movies are seen at Rice Cinema. Rice Cinema proudly reopens its doors after a three-month upgrade making Rice the only theater in Houston with both the unrivaled splendor of 70mm projection and the unsurpassed beauty of a silver screen. Rice Cinema's new state-of-the-art silver screen not only improves picture integrity, but makes Rice the only venue in town capable of both projecting polarized 3-D and presenting black-and-white films in their intended "silver screen" splendor. With so much emphasis on visual presentation, Rice Cinema did not overlook the sound department. Rice Cinema is now Dolby Digital compatible with a speaker system featuring 10 wall-mounted surround speakers and three full-range speakers behind the screen for dynamic sound reproduction. Kicking off Rice Cinema's grand reopening will be a timely, exclusive five-day engagement of Stanley Kubrick's Dr. Strangelove or: How I Stopped Worrying and Learned to Love the Bomb. Dr. Strangelove will open Nov. 2, with repeat showings on the 3rd, 4th, 7th, and 8th. Showtimes are at 7 p.m. and 9:15 p.m.

• Kon Ichikawa: Japanese Master Filmmaker: Co-hosted with the Museum of Fine Arts, Houston, Rice Cinema is proud to be a participating venue in the first major North American retrospective of Ichikawa's films in over three decades. Born in 1915, Kon Ichikawa was one of the four Japanese directors first acknowledged in the West as masters–the others are Mizoguchi, Ozu, and Kurosawa. Though long recognized as one of the most significant and prolific artists of Japanese cinema, his films have been difficult to see here: Many have never been distributed outside Japan, and those that were have dropped out of distribution. This retrospective, featuring many new 35mm prints, offers a rare opportunity to encounter the work of perhaps the last living sensei of Japanese cinema. The series will open on Friday, Nov. 9, at 7 p.m. with An Actor’s Revenge, Ichikawa's outrageously stylized tale in which a Kabuki theater female impersonator seeks revenge on the people who drove his parents to suicide. The series continues through December at both Rice Cinema and the MFA.

• Premieres, Revivals, and Special Presentations: Rice Cinema presents the exclusive Houston premiere of internationally acclaimed director Volker Schlöndorff's political thriller The Legend of Rita (Nov. 14—18). Rita star Bibiana Beglau won the Best Actress prize at the Berlin Film Festival. Concluding Rice's November program will be an exclusive five-day engagement of Luis Buñuel's devilishly hilarious final film, That Obscure Object of Desire (Nov. 23-25, 28, 29), presented in a luminously remastered print.

Rice Cinema is located at the Rice Media Center, University Boulevard at Stockton Drive, Entrance #8, on the campus of Rice University. Ticket prices are $5 ($4 students with ID, senior citizens over 65 years of age, patrons under 17, and members of SWAMP). For more information on Rice Cinema's weekly schedule, please call the Film Information Line at 713/348-4853, or visit their website at www.ruf.rice.edu/~cinema. To be added to Rice Cinema's mailing list, please call 713/348-8742. –Kristian Salinas

NOVEMBER CALENDAR

7, 9—11 (Wed., Fri.—Sun.)

Shut Up and Love Me. Direct from her off-Broadway sold-out engagement, Karen Finley brings her latest show to Houston to strike fear in the land of conservatives. With her eroticized take on Kerouac’s On the Road, the body-activist takes a hysterical look at self-image, cultural symbols, & family sexual dynamics. For adult audiences only. Theater LaB Houston, 1706 Alamo. Info/directions/reservations: 713/868-7516.

7, 14, 21, 28 (Wed.)

HIV Testing. The Montrose Clinic offers free confidential HIV testing and counseling every Wednesday, 6-9 pm @ the Houston Lesbian & Gay Community Center, 803 Hawthorne. Center: 713/524-3818. Clinic: 713/830-3000. Please note: Free & confidential HIV/AIDS testing is also available from 1—3 pm on the 14th & 28th in Conroe at Northwoods AIDS Coalition, 1414 South Frazier, Ste. 106. Info: 936/441-1614.

8 (Thu.)

Linda Ellerbee joins Lanier Middle School Diamond Jubilee 1926—2001. It’s an anniversary party with alumnus & special guest Linda Ellerbee, award-winning journalist/author/producer. Alumni, faculty, staff, & friends are invited to the dinner and auction. 6—9 pm @ Edwin Hornberger Center, 2151 W. Holcombe. For cost/more info: Dawn Mena at 713/758-2837 or www.lanierpta.com.

8 (Thu.)

Family to Family Adoption, a nonprofit licensed agency, is offering free seminars on adopting a child in less than a year. They currently have programs in the U.S., China, Vietnam, Russia, Bulgaria, Guatemala, & other countries. They work with single men, women, & couples 25—65 years of age. Everyone will be given a free info package. 6:30—8:30 pm @ Bellaire Medical Center (board room), 5314 Dashwood. Info: 713/249-5941.

8—11 (Thu.—Sat.)

GLBT Bowling Tournament is expected to have over 600 participants from all over the world. It’s one of the International Gay Bowling Organizations’ premier tournaments and is packed with fun & excitement for all! The large tournament is held at two bowling alleys: Palace Lanes on Bellaire Blvd. and Dynamic Lanes on Tarniff (near 59 & Hillcroft). Bowling tournament info: Michelle Flora at 713/957-2696 or 713/875-3140. More info on bowling, volunteering, or coming out to watch and support the community: Tom O’Dell at 713/861-1187 or e-mail to wiccado@aol.com.

9 (Fri.)

Gilda’s Club. The improvisational show ComedySportz hosts a special performance to benefit Gilda’s Club, a free, emotional & social support community for people with cancer and their family & friends. Comedian Gilda Radner reclaimed her gift of laughter & feeling of control when she joined with others who also had cancer. Gilda’s dream was to create a free support community for people with cancer, as well as their families & friends. Her dream is Gilda’s Club, founded by her husband Gene Wilder and Joanna Bull. This special performance is also in celebration of ComedySportz—Houston’s 11th anniversary. 7:30 pm @ Lambert Hall, 1703 Heights Blvd. at 17th St. All ticket ($10), refreshment, & silent auction proceeds benefit Gilda’s Club. More info/reservations: 713/868-1444.

10 (Sat.)

Rummage-A-Rama. Starting today and continuing the first Saturday of every month, the AIDS Housing Coalition Houston (AHCH) is having a rummage sale, so clean out those closets & garages. Booth space is available starting at $30; call in advance to reserve booth space. A limited amount of inside space is available. From the crack of dawn until it’s gone @ AHCH’s community rental hall, 202 Tuam. All proceeds go to the Montrose Cottages program and to AHCH’s apartment placement program. To reserve your booth: Michael Gates at 713/521-1613. At the same place on the 2nd Saturday of each month is a car wash fromn 8 am—2 pm.

10 (Sat.)

Vienna Choir Boys. With a history that spans five centuries, the Vienna Boys Choir is easily one of the world’s most beloved & impressive. Both Franz Joseph Haydn & Franz Shubert were members, while Mozart, Bruckner, & Gluck all worked with them. 7 pm @ Jones Hall. Ticket prices/more info: 713/227-4SPA (772) or visit www.spahouston.org.

11 (Sun.)

Gypsy Caravan is a spectacle of music & dance that traces the gypsy migration, originating in Rajasthan, India, and ending in Western Europe. As such, the touring company consists of four music/dance groups, each from Rajasthan, Bulgaria, Hungary, & Spain. Each group performs individually, followed by a collaborative piece featuring Rajasthan & Flamenco, ending with a grand finale in which all four perform together. 5 pm @ Cullen Performance Hall at UH Central Campus. Tickets $20—$50. Call 281/648-0422, 281/217-4220, or buy tickets online at www.tickets2events.com.

16 (Fri.)

Wreaths for Fighting AIDS. DIFFA (Design Industries Foundation Fighting AIDS) will present the 6th annual Wreath Collection, which will feature a stellar collection of one-of-a-kind wreaths created by notable talents from the worlds of art, interior & floral design, and local celebrities. The evening will include a cocktail reception, buffet, & auction of the wreaths. 7—10 pm @ Hotel Derek, 2525 West Loop South (at the intersection of Westheimer & Loop 610). Tickets ($75) can be purchased at the door or by calling the DIFFA office at 713/528-0505.

16 (Fri.)

In a Different Light: Duke Ellington. One of the most inventive & imaginative of today’s choreographers, Donald Byrd, captures the energy & ebullience of Duke Ellington’s magical music. Byrd’s dancers bring Duke’s lesser-known canon to life through a potpourri of dance styles from modern to ballet to good-old, garden-variety hoofing. 8 pm @ Jones Hall. For ticket prices/more info: 713/227-4SPA (772) or visit www.spahouston.org.

16—18 (Fri.—Sun.)

Cat Show. The CFA International Cat Show is the largest international pedigreed cat show in the western hemisphere. It will bring together 1,000 pedigreed cats from the U.S., Canada, Mexico, Bermuda, Europe, Asia, & South America. This will be the largest cat show ever held in Houston. Admission is $7 for adults, $5 for seniors/children under 12; children 5 and under admitted free. Friday & Saturday, 9 am—6 pm; Sunday, 9 am—4 pm @ the George R. Brown Convention Center, Hall C, 1001 Avenida De Las Americas.

16—18 (Fri.—Sun.)

Neil Sedaka. The music legend has given us Calendar Girl, Breaking Up Is Hard to Do, and Laughter in the Rain. Experience these classics and more with Neil Sedaka and the Houston Symphony. Tickets ($22—$76) are available at all Ticketmaster outlets or by calling 713/224-7575. Tickets can also be purchased online at www.houstonsymphony.com.

17 (Sat.)

Houston Black Tie Dinner. More than 1,200 people are expected to attend this year’s dinner, which last year distributed more than $130,000 to local & national organizations that serve the GLBT community. Keynoting the dinner this year will be Alec Mapa, an award-winning actor, writer, activist, & performance artist. Mapa most recently appeared in the CBS comedy Some of My Best Friends, on which he played television’s first major gay Asian sitcom character. The National Gay and Lesbian Task Force Foundation will be the national benefici-ary of this year’s event. 7 p.m. in the Grand Ballroom of the George R. Brown Convention Center. For ticket info: 713/523-9611.

17 (Sat.)

Art Crawl. More than 75 artists from a neighborhood cluster of warehouses will be participating in this 9th annual Artists Warehouse Art Crawl, which provides the public with a unique educational insight into the "alternative" art spaces–both exhibition spaces & individual artist studios–in the Warehouse District of downtown Houston. The Art Crawl, which takes place from 2—9 pm, is free. Metro trolleys will be provided to shuttle visitors from one warehouse to the next. Free parking is available underneath I-10 between Main St. & San Jacinto, or park at any warehouse (Mother Dog Studios, Commerce Street Warehouse, Francisco Warehouse, Preston Workshop, Wagon Works, Erie City Iron Works, Dakota Lofts, Fotofest [Vine Street Warehouse], and the Docks). Metro trolley maps will be available at each warehouse. Info:713/229-9760 or www.artcrawlonline.com.

17 & 22 (Sat. & Thu.)

John Waters. Missed the conversation with the openly gay, divine director this past July? Don’t miss the repeats: Sat. at 10:35 am and Thu. at 7:30 pm, on the Sundance Channel (www.sundancechannel.com).

17 & 26 (Sat. & Mon.)

Aimee & Jaguar. Felice Schragenheim (Maria Schrader), a Jewish member of the resistance during the Third Reich, was a lesbian, the boldest of a group of friends who led double lives while the war raged around them. When she set her sights on Lilly Wust (Juliane Kohler), the naive wife of a Nazi officer, both became engaged in one of the most perilous love affairs of the war. Former German TV director Max Färberböck, making his directorial debut, adapts Wust's memoirs to the screen in this "lustrously shot, well-acted and immensely moving romantic drama" (San Francisco Chronicle). Sat. at 10 p.m. and Mon. at 12:30 p.m., on the Sundance Channel (www.sundancechannel.com).

18 (Sun.)

Colt 45s’ Annual Fall Harvest Fundraiser coincides with Colt 45s’ 25th anniversary. It all takes place at the BRB with a buffet dinner from 6—8:30 pm, immediately followed by a show with more than 25 entertainers. There’s even a raffle. For more info: president of Colt 45s, Jerel McNeil, at home at 713/524-3688.

18 (Sun.)

Denyce Graves. Recognized worldwide as one of today’s most exciting vocal stars, mezzo-soprano Denyce Graves has been identified as "one of the singers most likely to be an operatic superstar in the 21st century." Having performed throughout the world since her debut at the Metropolitan Opera during their 1995—’96 season, Graves will appear at 3 pm @ Galveston’s Grand 1894 Opera House, 2020 Postoffice. Tickets range from $16.50—$55. More info: 409/765-1894 or www.thegrand.com.

19 (Mon.)

Red Ribbon Toy Drive. HIV Projects of Harris County Hospital District (Thomas Street Clinic) joins AIDS Foundation Houston, the University of Texas Health Science Center-Houston, and Texas Children’s Hospital for this year’s 7th annual Red Ribbon Toy Drive. The toy drive benefits children who are infected or affected by HIV/AIDS in Houston & surrounding areas. Project staff will begin accepting new, unwrapped toys appropriate for children aged birth to 12, from Nov. 19—Dec. 14 @ AIDS Foundation Houston, 3202 Weslayan. For more info: 713/623-6796. In addition, the Alley Theatre will be accepting new toy(s) donations at the Alley box office, 615 Texas Ave. to help the Red Ribbon Toy Drive from Nov. 19—Dec. 14. Donors will receive a 20-percent discount off a full-priced ticket to performances of A Christmas Carol. Those who bring a toy donation to the 2:30 pm Saturday, Nov.24, performance will receive 50 percent off the price of each ticket, for that performance only. More info: Alley Theatre box office at 713/228-8421.

23 & 24 (Fri. & Sat.)

Buddy. This joyous musical celebrates the life & legacy of the man–Buddy Holly–who changed popular music forever. Spend the Thanksgiving holiday with family & friends listening to "Peggy Sue" and "That’ll Be the Day." Fri. at 8 pm, Sat. at 3 & 8 pm @ Galveston’s Grand 1894 Opera House, 2020 Postoffice. Tickets range from $16.50—$65. Info: 409/765-1894 or www.thegrand.com.

24 (Sat.)

Galveston ArtWalk is an evening of the visual arts, openings, & receptions. The trolley will provide free transportation during the opening night to the other galleries on The Strand. Dress is casual, exhibits are free, and everyone is welcome. 6-9 pm on Postoffice St. between 20th & 23rd streets. More info: Galveston Arts Center, 409/763-2403. The ArtWalk’s next date is Jan. 26, 2002.

30 (Fri.)

World AIDS Day Luncheon. AIDS Foundation Houston’s (AFH) annual World AIDS Day luncheon returns to increase awareness & funds for the continuation of AFH programs and services. The event will honor Shelby Hodge for her longstanding support & communication with the Houston community. A press conference will be held at 11 am prior to the luncheon focusing on the 20 years of HIV/AIDS. World AIDS Day has been observed since December 1, 1988, in response to the need for greater understanding & education globally. This annual observance reflects on the impact this disease has had on the many lives that have been infected & affected. Throughout the world, AIDS has already claimed 22 million lives, and in some countries the disease is spreading so rapidly that more than one-third of the population is infected with HIV/AIDS & more than 10 million people, ages 15-24, are living with HIV/AIDS. Young people under the age of 25 represent half of all new HIV infection cases, and five young people are infected with HIV every minute. 11:30 am @ the Houstonian Hotel. Tickets/more info: 713/623-6796 or www.aidshelp.org.

30 (Fri.)

The NAMES Project Houston, the AIDS Quilt organization, will observe World AIDS Day with a candlelight march and AIDS Quilt panel dedication ceremony. The march begins at 6 pm at the NAMES Project Learning Center in Chelsea Market, 4617 Montrose, C-140, and ends at The Menil Collection, 1515 Sul Ross. At the 7 pm ceremony, new quilt panels will be dedicated & entrusted to the AIDS Memorial Quilt. Then NAMES Project is also hosting Houston’s Tree of Remembrance at its learning center on Nov. 30. Family & friends of those who have died from AIDS can visit the center and hang a memorial ornament on the tree anytime from 10 am—6 pm. For more info: 713/526-2637, or stop by the center Saturdays & Sundays from 1—5 pm.

30 & Dec. 1 (Fri. & Sat.)

Hepatitis C Conference. This 3rd international conference is an update for the new millennium. In addition to the medical/science conference, there will be a day for the public. At the Houstonian Hotel, Club, and Spa. For more info: www.uth.tmc.edu/cme or call 713/500-5249.

30 & Dec. 1 (Fri. & Sat.)

Early Christmas. The holiday season begins on an Irish note with Danny O’Flaherty’s Celtic Christmas. O’Flaherty is a gifted singer, musician, storyteller, & bard with a vast repertoire ranging from original ballads to hand-clapping rhythms. Fri. at 8 pm, Sat. at 3:30 & 8 pm @ Galveston’s Grand 1894 Opera House, 2020 Postoffice. Tickets range from $14.50—$36. Info: 409/765-1894 or www.thegrand.com.

PLANNING AHEAD FOR DECEMBER

December 1 (Sat.)

Lesbian Health Initiative Holiday Fest Health Fair will feature the mammogram mobile unit from M.D. Anderson Center. To schedule a mammogram, call 713/603-0023 to leave a message (your call will be returned to schedule your test), or you may e-mail your request to LHIhouston00@aol.com. Vendor space will be available; vendors may use the above phone number or e-mail address to request info. Holiday/seasonal crafts vendors are especially welcome to participate. 8 am—4 pm @ the Resurrection MCC gym, T.C. Jester & 11th St.

December 1 (Sat.)

Soundwaves 2nd Annual Food Drive benefits Stone Soup Pantry, a project of the AIDS Foundation Houston. Bring your non-perishable food donations (Stone Soup’s special needs: diapers, toilet paper, baby formula). There will be live entertainment by OutSmart’s GrooveOut columnist Chris Sill, along with other DJs. Co-sponsored by OutSmart magazine. 9 am—5 pm @ Soundwaves, 3509 Montrose, 713/520-WAVE.

December 2 (Sun.)

A Nutcracker Songfest. A Christmas Songfest’s traditional holiday celebration/sing-along/silent auction/food/beverage party takes place from 5:30—9 pm @ the Hornberger Conference Center (Medical Center). This year’s beneficiaries are AssistHers and Steven’s House. For more info: www.christmassongfest.org, or write to A Christmas Songfest, P.O. Box 131223, Houston, TX 77219-1223.

December 2 (Sun.)

Los Fakires. The exhilarating & joyful sound of Los Fakires brings to life the rich & vibrant sounds of son–a musical tradition from central & western Cuba that merges African & Spanish musical traditions from the 16th—18th centuries. Performed with a humorous, tongue-in-cheek flair, these songs of love, cuckoldry, rural life, & traditions have a ’40s feel and bring to life the Cuban popular style of music from that period. This is Los Fakires’ first tour outside of Cuba. DiverseWorks is bringing them to their only stop in Texas @ the Engine Room, 1515 Pease. Tickets are $25 (DiverseWorks members $20, students/artists/seniors $15). 24-hour reservation line: 713/335-3445. For time/more info: www.diverseworks.org or 713/223-8346.

December 4 (Tue.)

The Poet in Love. Da Camera of Houston continues its season, "For the Love of Music," with a program featuring two works inspired by romance. Included are Robert Schumann’s Dichterliebe, a bittersweet masterpiece about the joy & anguish of love, and Alban Berg’s Lyric Suite for String Quartet. There will be a pre-concert talk at 7 pm, and the performance starts at 7:30 pm @ The Menil Collection, 1515 Sul Ross. Tickets are $30 (students/seniors $15) and are available by contacting the Da Camera Music Center, 1427 Branard, at 713/524-5050, or online at www.ticketmaster.com.

December 5 (Wed.)

A Little Day Music. Da Camera’s free lunchtime performance series continues with Guitar Travel: From Spain to Latin America. The series also features drawings for tickets to Da Camera’s upcoming events. You are encouraged to bring & enjoy your lunch while listening to the music at noon in the Grand Foyer of the Wortham Theater Center, Texas Ave. at Smith St. For more info: 713/524-7601, ext. 15.

December 8, 9, & 11 (Sat., Sun. & Tue.)

Jubilation. It’s the Gay Men’s Chorus of Houston’s (GMCH) annual holiday concert with special guest Annalee Jefferies of the Alley Theatre. Soar with Randol Bass’s Gloria, revel in the hilarious "What If Carols," & indulge in a bit of nostalgia with "A Cup of Christmas Tea." This show shines with songs of light & traditional carols with an audience sing-along. Tickets at the door are $18 ($15 in advance from members; through Box Office Tickets at www.boxofficetickets.com or 800/494-8497; or at the GMCH website at www.gmch.org). Sat. at 8 pm, Sun. at 3 pm, & Tue. at 8 pm @ Bering Memorial United Methodist Church, 1440 Harold. Info: 713/521-SING (7464), option 2; e-mail: tickets@gmch.org; website: www.gmch.org; mail: GMCH, P.O. Box 541004, Houston, TX 77254-1004.

December 9 (Sun.)

Anniversary Party. Bocado’s Restaurant is gearing up with a fresh new look for its 4-year anniversary party & benefit for the Sept. 11 disaster fund. All are invited to attend this annual event held at Bocado’s, 1312 W. Alabama. For time/more info: 713/523-5230.

PLANNING AHEAD FOR NEXT YEAR!

November 2—9, 2002 (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 reservation: Mark at 713/365.6266; reservation cost $210.

PERFORMING ARTS

• Boy Meets Boy, directed by Joe Watts, is a champagne bubbly, gay musical, very Noël Coward, that is set in London and Paris in 1936, during the period when King Edward VIII abdicated the throne to marry Mrs. Wallis Warfield Simpson, an American divorcée. During this period, Great Britain existed in the twilight of empire, dancing away the last years of pre-war peace. Such is the backdrop for this most entertaining of musical comedies, one with a simple but devastatingly witty twist. Treated in a delightfully matter-of-fact manner, the romantic interest, as the title suggests, is between boy and boy. The writers have lovingly recreated the era of the black-and-white movie musical replete with witty lyrics, memorable melodies, and a book which is a gem of humorous writing. Sylvie Drake in the L.A. Times says, "We may all rejoice.... Hilarious.... Delicious. A musical done with wit, charm, and plenty of tongue-in-cheek." Regis Philbin (yes, that Regis Philbin) says, "Outrageously high camp at an exceptionally fast pace. Can a straight appreciate it? The answer is yes!" Through Nov. 17 (Fridays & Saturdays only, 8 pm) @ Theatre New West, 1415 California. Tickets are $20. Reservations/info: 713/394-0464.

• The Curate Shakespeare As You Like It. Join a troop of actors as they attempt to perform a production of As You Like It. Complications arise as the lead actor leaves for a career as a professional wrestler and the leading lady goes insane. Tickets are $12 (students/seniors $10). Through Nov. 17, Fridays & Saturdays at 8 pm @ The Company Onstage, 536 Westbury Square, 713/726-1216. Reservations recommended.

• Fat, Tall, and Strong. Everyone in Dumpster, Texas, is excited because a record executive is coming to town. Country Wayne Conaway and His Swingin’ Sidekicks, the local rockabilly group, thinks this might just be the big break they’ve been hoping for. Champagnes, wines, beers, cappuccino, & munchies are available throughout the show. Admission is $16. Thursdays—Saturdays, through Nov. 17 @ Radio Music Theatre, 2623 Colquitt, 713/522-7722.

• Fly Away and So I Met This Guy are two comic & affectionate one-act plays that examine gay relationships–first for women, then for men–in today’s world; the two will be paired together. Fly Away was written by Houston native Patti Aldredge. Nov. 8—Dec. 15 @ Unhinged Productions, 3304 LaBranch. More info: 713/524-8707 or www.u-p.org.

• Houston Ballet. Return to the magical state of wonder you experienced as a child with this production of The Nutcracker. Set in 19th century Germany, the ballet opens at a Christmas party where the mysterious magician Dr. Drosselmeyer gives his niece a magical toy that takes her on an unforgettable journey. Tickets are $11.50—$76.50. Nov. 23—Dec. 30 @ the Wortham Theater Center, Texas at Smith streets.

• June Moon. On the train taking him to New York City & his dream of becoming a famous songwriter, Fred meets Edna, a young woman who lives a modest life in the city as a receptionist. He recognizes that she is the girl for him, until his growing career introduces him to a more exciting life. Tickets are $20—$30. Nov. 8—Dec. 9 @ Main Street Theater, 2540 Times Blvd. in Rice Village, 713/524-6706.

• Marriage Can Murder takes place at the wedding of Stephanie & Phil. A scheming lawyer, a hallucinating best man, & a sister fresh from the psycho ward further complicate matters. To say nothing of the dead body on the floor. This Mystery Café production plays @ Prima Pasta restaurant, 2710 Richmond. Reservations are required. For more info: 713/944-CLUE or www.mysterycafehouston.com.

• One Mo’ Time celebrates the musical side of black vaudeville, a tradition that includes the ragtime jazz of Louis Armstrong. Listen in on backstage banter between the performers in Big Bertha’s touring vaudeville show and her money squabbles with the cheap & sleazy theater owner. The numbers range from low-down blues to vaudevillian comedic to a rousing "There’ll Be a Hot Time in the Old Town Tonight." Through Nov. 25 @ the Great Caruso Dinner Theater, 10001 Westheimer. Tickets are $34 & $39 and include a 3-course dinner. Reservations/info: 713/780-4900.

• Over the River and Through the Woods. This Houston premiere is a comic & lighthearted look at family & the ties that bind. Nick, a single Italian-American guy from New Jersey who visits both sets of grandparents every Sunday for dinner, has suddenly been offered a promotion, which will take him far away to Seattle. Thus begins a series of schemes hatched by the grandparents to keep Nick around. Tickets $15 & $20 (students/seniors [+65] $10). 8 pm, Fridays—Mondays, through Nov. 17 @ The Little Room Downstairs, 2332 Bissonnet, 713/522-LRDS (5737).

• Romance/Romance. This sophisticated musical celebrates straight courtship, love, & fidelity in two different centuries as lovers discover the timeless truths of romantic relationships. Nov. 20—Dec. 30 @ Stages Repertory Theatre, 3201 Allen Parkway. Tickets are $32—$42 (preview performances are $19—$23) and are available at the Stages box office or by calling 713/527-0123. More info: www.stagestheatre.com.

PERFORMING ARTS FOR YOUNG PEOPLE

• Anastasia Krupnik. Based on the popular book series, this story is an insightful portrait of childhood & family life that becomes too confusing. Anastasia is a precocious, fast-thinking 10-year-old girl who makes an amusing heroine 7 a terrific role model. $6 ($5 for children under 12). Thurs., Nov. 29, at 7 pm @ Galveston’s Grand 1894 Opera House, 2020 Post-office, 409/765-1894.

• The Diary of Anne Frank. On July 6, 1942, Anne & her family were forced into hiding in a secret annex. She took her most valuable possession with her–a small red & white plaid diary. For over two years, she wrote about her life in hiding, the war, & her hopes for the future. This new adaptation retells the harrowing, true story of two families forced to hide from the world, three adolescents struggling to find their own identities with WWII raging around them, & the courageous people who risked their lives to protect their very existence. Recommended for 5th—12th grades. Tickets are $10 for adults; $8 for children/students/seniors. Main Street Theater at Chelsea Market, 4617 Montrose Blvd. For more info on family performances (Nov. 1, 3, 4, 8, 10, & 11): 713/524-6706. Info on school bookings: 713/524-7998.

• The Little Witch of Wichita. In this "bewitching" modern musical, "Little Witch" longs for the respect of her peers and tries to impress them by accepting the challenge of finding the final ingredients for the Halloween Happening stew. Little Witch’s adventures not only bring her to new friends–including Armando, a Mayorcan Mambo Mouse, and the shy Peek-a-Boo Tree–but also teach her that self-respect starts on the inside. Through Nov. 10 @ Stages Repertory Theatre, 3201 Allen Parkway. Public performances: Saturdays at 11:30 am & 2 pm; group performances are available for schools & others, Tuesdays—Fridays, 9:30 & 11:30 am, in addition to the Saturday performances. Tickets are $8; group rates, Family Fun passes, & subscriptions are available. Tickets are available at the Stages box office or by calling 713/527-0123. More info: www.stagestheatre.com.

• Rudolph Rides Again. Santa has left Mrs. Santa’s favorite elf, Alvin, in Houston on Christmas Eve. Elvis, Santa’s tallest elf, suggests that Rudolph the red-nosed reindeer come out (no, not that kind of coming out) of retirement & make the trip to find his missing friend. Join Elvis & Rudolph as they search for Alvin and meet up with silly burglars. 11 am & 1:30 pm on Saturdays, Nov. 24—Jan. 5 @ The Company Onstage, 536 Westbury Square. Tickets are $6. Reservations recommended: 713/726-1216.

• Winter Camp. Main Street Theater will conduct its winter camp during the weeks of Dec. 24—Jan. 4. "Kids on Stage" is committed to providing innovative, high-quality theater education to young people of all ages, cultures, abilities, & levels of interest. The curriculum is designed to introduce young people to the joy of theater by giving them the skills they need to perform in front of an audience and the self-confidence to explore their own creativity. This Winter Camp offers a flexible schedule where campers can join for one day or the entire two weeks. Each day will include a wide variety of age-appropriate activities. Tuition is $50/day, $160 for up to four days, or $260 for up to eight days. If campers register for both weeks before Nov. 30, they pay only $225. More info: Angela Harris, director of theater education, at 713/524-9196, or visit www.mainstreettheater.com.

RADIO

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

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

ART/PHOTOGRAPHY

• Asian Visions/Gracious Images. Well-known Swiss/Italian photographer Pierre Poretti has been practicing his distinctive style of photography in Bali & throughout Southeast Asia since 1984. Poretti prints his own black & white photographs, then hand-tints them in watercolors in a style that creates a unique feel. Grace Jones is featured in this showing through Nov. 30 @ Mo Mong, 1201 Westheimer, 713/524-5664.

• Black Male. From the neighborhoods of New Orleans, Willie Birch captures the dignity & uniqueness of friends & passers-by. His large-scale drawings & paintings on paper sometimes shock with an intensity of line, color, & intimacy with their subject. Through Nov. 24 @ DiverseWorks, 1117 East Freeway. More info: 713/335-3445.

• Designer Showcase. The American Society of Interior Designers (ASID)/Gulf Coast presents this showcase of a circa 1893 Victorian mansion in the Houston Heights at 1722 Heights Blvd. The landmark home is a replica of the D.D. Cooley Estate home. Tickets are $20; the benefiting charity is Darla’s Learning Center, a day school for female adults with mental retardation. The showhouse will be open for public tours from Nov. 2—15, Tue.—Fri. (10 am—3 pm); Sat. (10 am—5 pm); and Sun. (noon—5 pm). Then from Nov. 16—18, the home will be transformed into a holiday wonderland with some extended evening hours. More info: the ASID office at 713/626-1470.

• Ikasu, a new installation by Liga Pang, will transform the Rice Gallery with a room-sized sculptural form composed of a delicate mesh fashioned by hand from bamboo twigs. With the assistance of four of her Japanese students, Pang worked full-time over the course of an entire month to painstakingly assemble the fragile curtain of bamboo twigs. To obtain the twigs, Pang & her assistants carefully dismantled over 100 large brooms of the type traditionally used in Japan for sweeping outdoor gardens. Pang’s transformation of dead, brittle bamboo twigs into things of exquisite beauty is embodied in the title of the exhibition, Ikasu, a Japanese word that means "to give life to." The exhibit will be on view Nov. 9—Dec. 9 @ Rice Univeristy Art Gallery (in the main academic quadrangle of the Rice campus). Info: 713/348-6069 or www.rice.edu/ruag. Pang, who currently resides in Japan, will attend the opening celebration on Thurs., Nov. 8, from 5:30—7:30 pm.

• Master Drawings from the Cleveland Museum of Art. The works range in date from the 15th century to 1965, and include especially important works by Italian artists of the 16th century and French artists of the 18th & 19th centuries. Raphael, Michelangelo, Picasso, Matisse . . . just to name a few. Through Jan. 6 in the Museum of Fine Arts’ Audrey Jones Beck Building, 5601 Main St. More info: 713/639-7379. TDD/TYY for hearing impaired: 713/639-7390.

• To the Trade is a trade show for the art industry. The exhibition doubles as an actual trade fair where artists provide services, and viewers are able to commission the services offered. Artists will be on hand in this gallery-turned-exposition hall for demonstrations, presentations, panel discussions, & workshops, all open to the public. Through Nov. 24 @ DiverseWorks, 1117 East Freeway. More info: 713/335-3445.

• Xmas Tree Show. After this holiday season, a pine tree decorated with colorful ornaments & strings of lights may not be your only idea of a Christmas tree. A group of local artists will challenge that conventional image with the works they create from a variety of materials from women’s shoes to plastic buckets to ceramics. They will line Sesquicentennial Park along Buffalo Bayou from Thanksgiving through New Year’s Day. Info: Buffalo Bayou ArtPark at 713/520-0152.