OUTSMART CALENDAR

DECEMBER 2003 HOLIDAY HAPPENINGS

December 1– 20

• The Best Christmas Pageant Ever. No one likes the Herdman kids. They’re crude, they lie, curse, smoke. And they act? Who are these kids, the Quaid brothers? When the nasty kids appear at church to participate in the annual Christmas Pageant, everyone begins to worry, then they learn the true meaning of Christmas. $10. Through Dec. 20 at Main Street Theater–Chelsea Market, 4617 Montrose Blvd. For tickets and information: 713/524-6706 or www.mainstreettheater.com.

December 1–20

• Santaland Diaries. The story that launched David Sedaris’s career as an award-winning writer tromps the boards. Best described as how a slacker might spend the holidaze, the story follows a Macy’s elf trapped in Christmas Hell. Through Dec. 20, 5 & 8 pm at Theater LaB Houston, 1706 Alamo. For tickets: 713/868-7516.

December 1–21

• They Sing Christmas Up in Harlem. The Ensemble Theatre hosts this new adaptation of Charles Dickens’s A Christmas Carol. Set in Harlem, a gangster named Ebenezer Scrooge who terrorizes Harlem folk by day and is visited by a gospel and jazz singing spirit on Christmas Eve. Scrooge learns to love gospel, jazz, and the joy of Harlem. $20–$35. Through Dec. 21 @ the Ensemble Theatre, 3535 Main St. For tickets: 713/520-0055.

December 1–23

• The Toys Take Over Christmas is the story of Sunny, a walking, talking, life-sized rag doll who comes to life after the toymaker sprinkles her with magic dust. Though her intentions are good, Sunny makes an astonishing discovery in the toyshop that divides the loyalties of her newfound friends and jeopardizes the toymaker’s claim to be “The Greatest Toymaker in the World.” $8. Through Dec. 23 @ Stages Repertory Theatre, 3201 Allen Parkway, 713/527-0123. Performances for groups and by advance purchase are M–F, 9:30 am and 11:30 am, and public performances are Saturdays at 11:30 am and 2 pm.

December 1–28

• A Christmas Carol. It’s time for the Alley’s holiday tradition, a version of Charles Dickens’s Christmas classic so visually complex and stunning, you’ll swear you’re seeing a movie. Spanish translation shows on December 7, Pay-what-you-can shows on December 28 and 29. $37–$54. Through Dec. 28 at The Alley, 615 Texas Ave. For tickets and information: 713/228-8421 or www.alleytheatre.org.

December 1–31

• Bayou Bend Yuletide Celebration. This year’s theme at the former home of Miss Ima Hogg is “Celebrations from Four Centuries.” Participate in a variety of activities just as people did in the past. Through Dec. 31 at Bayou Bend Collection and Gardens, 1 Wescott St. For more information: 713/639-7750.

December 1–January 10

• Santa’s Toy Shop. This children’s theater finds troubling goings-on at the North Pole. With Santa frightfully slow in his toy production, Mrs. Claus and the elves make plans to save Christmas. Through Jan. 10 (no shows December 27) at The Company Onstage, 536 Westbury Square. For tickets: 713/726-1219.

December 1–January 17

• A Fertle Holiday! is Radio Music Theatre’s 19th annual production of its holiday comedy about the Fertle Family’s trouble-ridden reunion in Dumpster, Texas. Champagnes, wines, beers, cappuccino, and munchies are available throughout the show. Admission is $18. Thursdays & Fridays at 8:30 pm, Saturdays at 8 & 10:30 pm, through Jan. 17 at Radio Music Theatre, 2623 Colquitt. Reservations: 713/522-7722.

December 3–20

• All the Other Reindeer presented by InterActive Theater Company. 9:30 & 11:15 am Monday–Friday, and 11 am on Saturdays, @ Talento Bilingue de Houston, 333 S. Jensen Dr. Tickets $6. Reservations required. Box office: 713/862-7112. Info: www.interactivetheater.cc.

December 4–21

• The Eight: Reindeer Monologues. In an effort to bring non-traditional entertainment for the holiday season, Jeff Goode’s risque, hysterical play is just the ticket. The Eight: Reindeer Monologues is written as eight monologues for Santa’s eight reindeer. But these are not the happy little creatures you see on lawns and roofs and holiday cards. These are dysfunctional deer, full of neuroses, foibles, and idiosyncrasies that you have to meet to believe. The production will attempt to answer questions such as: What makes Dasher such a stud? Is Cupid the only gay reindeer? Is Vixen a porn star? Is Blitzen a lesbian or bisexual? Who has accused Mrs. Claus of sexual harass-ment? And Santa? Well, that’s a whole other story! The Eight is co-directed by artistic director Joe Watts, who steps on stage after a long absence as Donner (the father of Rudolph), and Tye Blue, remembered for his performances in Bayou City Concert Musicals. Dec. 4–21 (8 p.m., Thurs.–Sat.; 4 p.m., Sun.) @ Theatre New West, 1415 California. Tickets are $15. For reser-vations/info: 713/522-2204.

December 7

• A Southwest Christmas. A Christmas Songfest, a nonprofit organization, hosts this evening of Yuletide festivities galore to raise funds for groups that benefit those with HIV/AIDS. A buffet dinner and open bar serve as prelude to the holiday song sing-along competition and auction. Sunday, Dec. 7 at 5 pm at the Hornberger Conference Center. For more information: 713/417-5345.

December 8, 12, & 14

• Hark, the Herald, Gay Men Sing. The Gay Men’s Chorus of Houston ushers in the holiday season with Silver Bells: Holidays in the City. “Do You Hear What I Hear?,” the mirthful new work “Forgotten Carols from Other Lands,” and Mariah Carey’s “All I Want for Christmas Is You!” highlight the songlist. To top it all off, Santa’s Workshop opens up for a visit with a special singing appearance of Mrs. Claus. Dec. 8, 12, & 14 at 8 pm on Monday & Friday, 3 pm on Sunday. Tickets: 713/521-7464 or tickets@gmch.org or www.gmch.org/tickets.

December 11

• Red Ribbon Toy Drive. You are cordially invited to the Holiday Open House for Houston AIDS Foundation honoring Red Ribbon Toy Drive. Bring an unwrapped toy and enter to win raffle prizes including two round-trip tickets on Continental Airlines, for travel between the 48 contiguous United States. Hors d'oeuvre and cash bar. Event underwritten by KeyStar Complex, Maycotte Floral & Linens, …of course! Catering, and Gay & Lesbian Rainbow Pages. Thursday, Dec. 11, 6–10 pm at KeyStar Complex, 3209 Montrose @ Westheimer, 713/524-6338. If you’re unable to attend, but wish to donate an unwrapped toy, please bring it by KeyStar’s office, Mon.–Fri., 8 am–5 pm.

December 12

• Candlelight Open House. Strolling through the first floor of the home at Bayou Bend, a docent in each room greets you with an explanation of the significance of the holiday settings and customs therein while live period music contributes to the festivities. Free for MFAH members. No reser-vations required. Friday, Dec. 12, 5–7 pm at Bayou Bend Collection and Gardens, 1 Wescott St. For information: 713/639-7750.

December 12–27

• Immaculate Contraception and Sadomasochistic Xmas. If you’re tired of the standard, happy, upbeat holiday fare, go to Helios where two small theater groups have something very special to offer this season. As part of a series of joint ventures between the two companies, Mildred’s Umbrella and dos chicas theater commune bring us Immaculate Contraception and Sadomasochistic Xmas, two one-acts by Bob Morgan, outrageous author of Porn Stars Gone Bad and Where’s My Dinner, Bitch? • Immaculate Contraception. Using the Gospel of Luke as a basis, this is the story of our Savior’s conception, but it is not quite the miracle we have been led to believe. God is a lesbian with a thing for hot chicks and big butts. Cuckolded Joseph is mad as hell that he has to raise another’s child. Satan, tired of playing second-fiddle, wants world domination and is determined this baby will never be born. And a shabby, drunken, naked angel Gabriel tries to keep up with the crazy demands of a hormonal God who will not be denied her child no matter what the cost. • Sadomasochistic Xmas. Steve and Susan, a modern-day June and Ward Cleaver-esque couple, have a smoking hot sex life, even after 15 years of wedded bliss. Their Christmas wish has always been that every couple they know experience the bliss they have. Bill and Beth have been chosen as this year’s recipients of Steve and Susan’s own special brand of Christmas charity—and couples therapy. The plan is simple: a stiff regimen of torture, torment, domination, and humiliation, all with some warm fuzzy holiday cheer thrown in for good measure. Beth will change her icy cold sexual ways, and they will torture Bill as long as it takes to make her comply. Happy holidays! • December 12–27 (8 p.m., Fridays, Saturdays, & Mondays) @ Helios, 411 Westheimer. Tickets are $10 (Monday tickets are $5). Reservations/info: 713/201-0193 or dccommune@yahoo.com.

December 13

• I’m Dreaming of an Old West Christmas. Texan Michael Martin Murphey tells stories, recites poetry, and croons cowboy Christmas songs in this unique holiday performance. Additionally, Murphey will sing his famous top-10 hits “Wildfire,” “Cherokee Fiddle,” and others. Saturday, Dec. 13 at 7 pm @ the Cullen Theater, 500 Texas at Smith. For tickets and information: 713/227-4772 or www.spahouston.org.

December 16

• A Christmas Cantata. The Mercury Baroque Ensemble ushers in the holiday season with Antonio Caldara’s Christmas Cantata, scored for four voices, strings, and continuo. Tuesday, Dec. 16, 7:30 pm at Hobby Center’s Zilkha Hall. For tickets: 713/315-2525. For information: 713/498-4853 or www.MercuryBaroqueEnsemble.org.

December 19–21

• Handel’s Messiah. No holiday season is complete without this classic. While composing this masterpiece over a 24-day writing frenzy in 1742, Handel was challenged by conservative viewpoints, politics, and obstacles that did not realize the vision and scope of his work. Fortunately, he overcame them, giving us this wonderful musical work. Dec. 19–21 (8 pm, Friday & Saturday; 2:30 pm, Sunday) at Jones Hall. For tickets and information: 713/224-7575 or www.houstonsymphony.org.

December 31

• New Year’s Eve Costume Sleepover. Here’s a novel idea. Have a good time New Year’s Eve and let the kids do the same. Eschew those babysitter worries. Send the wee ones to their very own NYE costume shindig. Dinner & breakfast are included. For kids 1st through 5th grades. Drop off Dec. 31 at 6 pm, pick up Jan. 1 at 10 am. Info: 713/524-9196 or e-mail Angela Harris at aharris@mainstreamtheater.com. DECEMBER 2003 DAILY CALENDAR

Daily (Mon.–Fri.)

HIV Testing. HCHD Thomas Street Clinic is offering HIV testing free to the public, 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.–Sat.)

HIV Testing. The Montrose Clinic offers free confidential HIV testing at these locations. Monday: Bricks, 617 Fairview, 4–8 pm; O, 710 Pacific, 9 pm–1 am. Tuesday: The 611, 611 Hyde Park, 4–8 pm; Club Houston, 2205 Fannin, 8 pm–midnite. Wednesday: Mary's, 1100 Westheimer, 4–8 pm; Ripcord, 715 Fairview, 9 pm–1 am; EJ’s, 2517 Ralph, 10 pm–1 am; Midtowne Spa, 3100 Fannin, 10 pm–1 am. Thursday: All-Star News, 3415 Katy Frwy, 4–8 pm; BRB, 2400 Brazos, 8 pm–midnite; Cousins, 817 Fairview, 8 pm–midnite. Friday: EJ’s, 2517 Ralph, 10 pm–1 am; Midtowne Spa, 3100 Fannin, 10 pm–1 am; The Meatrack, 2915 San Jacinto, 10 pm–2 am; Rich’s, 2401 San Jacinto, 10 pm–1 am. The clinic offers classes for those newly diagnosed with HIV or Hepatitis C. For more info: 713/830-3000.

3–9

The Laramie Project will be staged at the High School for the Performing and Visual Arts on December 3 & 4 at 6 pm; December 5 & 6 at 7:30 pm; December 6 at 2 pm; and December 8 & 9 at 6 pm. Tickets are $6 for the 6 pm shows and $7.50 for the 7 pm shows.

5...

Party Monster. Macaulay Culkin is not a lost little kid anymore. He’s a lost young man. Or at least he plays one onscreen. In Party Monster (based on the book Disco Blood Bath), Culkin plays Michael Alig, and Seth Green (Dr. Evil’s son in Austin Powers) plays James St. James, two mismatched kids who meet in New York in the early ’90s and change each other’s lives. After St. James introduces Alig to the New York club scene, Alig rounds up kindred spirits, encourages them to reinvent themselves as Club Kids and forms his own Never Never Land. When a compatriot demands payment for drugs, an out-of-control Alig kills him. Look for Marilyn Manson as the duo’s hapless comrade, Christine. Opens Friday, Dec. 5 @ Greenway Theater in Greenway Plaza, 713/866-8881.

7 (Sun.)

Chamber Concert & Compline Service. Soprano Dawn Monachino performs Gerald Finzi’s Dies Natalis with string ensemble, followed by the evening service of Compline with the Men of Trinity Choir. 6 pm. Trinity Episcopal Church, 3415 Main St. For information: 713/528-4100, x17.

7 (Sun.)

La Traviata graces the airwaves on National Public Radio’s World of Opera and beyond. Houston Grand Opera’s international radio broadcasts now span three continents. Verdi’s famed opera, featuring internationally renowned American soprano in the title role, will be heard by millions. Who says we’re just an offshore drilling town?

9 (Tue.)

Being Kaz Malevich. Da Camera’s Russian Avant-Garde: Music in the Time of Malevich features piano and vocal music of Nicolai Obukhov, Arthur Lourié, Alex-ander Mossolov, and Nikolai Roslavetz, performed by soprano Lucy Shelton and pianist Sarah Rothenberg. $30. 7:30 pm at the Menil Collection, 1515 Sul Ross. For tickets and information: 713/524-5050 or www.dacamera.com.

10 (Wed.)

The Mickey Mosely Club. Beloved gospel vocalist Mickey Mosely performs and discusses her unique blend of jazz, blues, and other styles used in singing her songs of praise. 7:30 pm at Eldorado Ballroom, 2310 Dowling @ Elgin. For information: 713/526-7662.

11–13 (Thu.–Sat..)

Abundance. Asking billionaires and minimum-wage workers, “How much is enough?” Marty Pottenger built this multi-media theater work about money told through people in a variety of cities including Houston. $15. 8 pm at DiverseWorks, 1117 East Fwy, off N. Main at Naylor. For information: 713/335-3445 or www.diverseworks.org and www.abundanceproject.net.

14 (Sun.)

The Little Prince airs on National Public Radio’s World of Opera and other international radio networks. What a nifty coinkydink. Australian baritone Teddy Tahu Rhodes plays the role of the Pilot in Houston Grand Opera’s presentation of the piece.

16 (Tue.)

Hella Cool Choir. The William Temple Episcopal Center celebrates its 40th anniversary at the Grand 1894 Opera House with a performance by the Conspirare Choir of Austin under the direction of Craig Hella Johnson. Featured vocalist Cynthia Clawson sung “Softly and Tenderly” on the soundtrack of the Academy Award-winning movie The Trip to Bountiful and has won a Grammy and a Dove Award. $5 to $250 (for box seats). At 2020 Postoffice St. For tickets and info: 409/765-1894, 800/821-1894 or www.thegrand.com.

PLANNING AHEAD FOR JANUARY 2004

January 3, 2004 (Sat.)

The Kathy and Mo Show. Kathy Najimy and Mo Gaffney’s illuminating, heartwarming and hysterical show, Parallel Lives: The Kathy and Mo Show, achieved cult status during its long off-Broadway run. The series of sketches explores the struggles of womanhood and the perils that occur when the two sexes intermingle. Runs through January 24 at Theatre Southwest, 8944-A Clarkcrest. Tickets/information: 713/661-9505 or www.TheatreSouthwest.org.

January 5, 2004 (Mon.)

A Call for Entries. The 28th San Francisco International Lesbian & Gay Film Festival is open to submissions, but no later than the 5th day of the New Year, so hurry that pre-production to post, post-haste. The world’s oldest GLBT film fest awaits. The festival itself runs from June 17–27. For information and entry forms, call 415/703-8650 or visit www.frameline.org/festival or e-mail info@frameline.org.

January 9, 2004 (Fri.)

Dueling Pianists. Katia and Marielle Labeque are recognized for both their seamless ensemble playing and their superlative musicianship. Their recital in Houston includes the new work Exhile, composed for two pianos by the young composer Dave Maric. 8 pm at Jones Hall. For tickets and information: 713/227-4772 or www.spahouston.org.

PERFORMING ARTS

• Bat Boy: The Musical. Do you need any selling point beyond a title like that? I mean really? Well, if you do need more, West Virginia has been terrorized by a fearsome fangy half-bat, half-boy. His name is Edgar. He yearns to live the life of a normal boy. And he sings. $25–$35. At Stages, 3201 Allen Pkwy at Waugh Dr. For tickets and information: 713/527-0123 or www.stagestheatre.com.

• Gypsy. The story of legendary burlesque stripper Gypsy Rose Lee focuses on Rose, the overbearing stage mother who pushes her daughters toward stardom until one leaves her and the other discovers she no longer needs her. Originally starring Ethel Merman, some of the songs from the show, especially “Everything’s Coming Up Roses,” have become canonical showtunes and among Merman’s most famed tunes. Through December 20 at The Strand Theatre, Galveston, 2317 Ship’s Mechanic Row. For tickets and information: 409/763-4591, 877/STRAND-9, or www.galveston-thestrand.org.

• Killer Karaoke and Marriage Can Be Murder. Mystery Café serves up dinner theater with a giggle. • Killer Karaoke: Who will win this karaoke competition of half-wits and crummy crooners? Moreover, who will survive the devious plots of the contest’s mysterious serial killer? • Marriage Can Be Murder: Millions of dollars in the legume industry are at stake as Phil Hocker and Stephanie Belcher (the children of two warring baked-bean magnates) await their wedding day, unless somebody kills them off to get the money. • Killer Karaoke plays Fridays; Marriage Can Be Murder plays Saturdays. Both shows presented at 8 pm at Marriott West Loop, 1750 West Loop South at San Felipe. Reservations required: call 713/944-2583 or visit www.mysterycafehouston.com.

• Laughing Wild. Unhinged Productions’ artistic director Chris Jimmerson promises a season of dark yet guffaw-laden comedy and “somewhat guilty hysteria,” christening the ’03-’04 season with the moniker “Why Am I Laughing at That?” Opening the season is Unhinged’s production of Christopher Durang’s Laughing Wild, which unfolds bizarre and absurd social and political comedy in a tale of an unfortunate incident in the tuna fish aisle at a supermarket. Written during the Reagan administration, the play holds eerily well within the context of Bush’s and Dick Cheney’s America. As Jimmer-son reminds us, “The more things change, the more they stay the same.” December 5–28 @ Houston Center for the Arts, 3201 Allen Parkway. Info: 713/527-0123.

• Nunsense. In the 20th anniversary of Nunsense, the cast is bespangled with some of America’s best-loved comediennes. Kaye Ballard, Georgia Engel, Mimi Hines, Darlene Love, and Lee Meriwether star in this story of the Little Sisters of Hoboken. When the convent’s chef accidentally poisons and kills a group of nuns, the sisters of mercy (and merciless comedy) must stage a benefit revue to raise money for proper burials. The Nunsense 20th Anniversary All-Star Tour reunites the original creative team. Directed by the show’s creator Dan Groggin, with choreography by Felton Smith, set design Barry Axtell, and musical direction by Leo P. Carusone. December 9–14 @ the Hobby Center, 800 Bagby at Walker. Info: 713/558-8887 or www.tuts.com.

• Oh, Boy! This 1917 musical is set at the end of the Edwardian Era and the dawnof the Roaring Twenties. The comical story of romantic marital mix-ups and mistaken identity features Main Street fave Joel Sandel. $20–30, $75 for New Year’s Eve show (includes 3-course dinner) December 31–January 17 at Main Street Theater (Chelsea Market), 4617 Montrose Blvd. Tickets/info: 713/524-6706 or www.mainstreettheater.com.

• Rhinoceros. Eugene Ionesco’s harrowing, tragicomic opus on alienation and conformity finds Berenger bemoaning his restless existence when a rhinoceros tears through the town, wreaking havoc. A riot amongst the townspeople ensues over the meaning of the event and why it has even happened. As the play progresses, each of Berenger’s intimates chooses the way of the Rhinoceros—the unthinking crowd—leaving Berenger to himself. $10–$15, $5.99 opening weekend. Through December 13 @ The Axiom, McKinney. For tickets/info: 713/522-8443 or www.infernalbridegroom.com.

• Romantic Comedy. On his wedding day, Jason Carmichael meets the love of his life. Imagine the surprise of his bride-to-be that the love of his life is not her. December 5–January 17 (no shows December 26 & 27) at The Company Onstage, 536 Westbury Square. For tickets: 713/726-1219.

• The Stops. From local playwright Eric Lane Barnes, author of Fairy Tales and Fruit Cocktail, comes The Stops, a musical about three ladies from NALOG (the North American Ladies Organists Guild), Ginny, Rose, and Euglena. The trio, who performs mostly contemporary Christian music abroad, finds out their mentor and arranger is gay. How gays are treated within the church is the serious issue in this otherwise campy comedy. $20. Through December 20 @ Theatre New West, 1415 California St. For tickets: 713/522-2204.

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• Thorougly Modern Millie. Put on your dancing shoes and travel back to the height of the Jazz Age when Theatre Under The Stars presents the Houston premiere of Thoroughly Modern Millie, the 2002 Tony Award-winning show for Best Musical. Based on the 1967 Oscar-winning film, Millie follows the story of a small-town, Midwestern girl who moves to New York determined to take the town by storm. This six-time Tony Award-winning show takes audiences back to the Roaring Twenties in New York City when “moderns” were bobbing their hair, raising their hemlines, entering the work force, and rewriting the rules of love. December 16–January 4 @ the Hobby Center, 800 Bagby. Tickets ($22–$68) are available by phone at 713/558-8887, in person at the TUTS box office, or online at www.tuts.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.

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

ART/PHOTOGRAPHY

• Bollywood Dreams. There’s a growing body of evidence that this just may be the Decade of the Desi. Desi is a term that Americanized South Asians (aka East Indians) who are still in touch with their cultural heritage use in a self-referential sense. As to evidence, consider the attention directed at Bollywood, India’s larger-scale answer to Hollywood. A documentary was released not long ago. And now, Jonathan Torgovnik’s photo-essay of the global phenomenon of Indian cinema. Images take the viewer behind the scenes and into the theaters. With rich scenes of glamour juxtaposed against the country’s poverty, images of the long lines of moviegoers demonstrate the escapist attraction of cinema, for Indians and everyone as well. Through December 14 at Houston Center for Photography, 1441 W. Alabama. For information: 713/529-4755 or www.hcponline.org.

• Eye on Third Ward: Yates High School Photography. This 9th annual exhibit features 25 photographs by student photographers from Yate’s Magnet School of Communication, many of which are accompanied by creative writings that reveal how the students developed their own sense of self in the process of discovering the Third Ward community. Through December 29 @ the Museum of Fine Arts, Houston, 1001 Bissonnet. For information: 713/639-7300 or www.mfah.org.

• Haze. Rice University’s Art Gallery is the only Southwest venue for Tara Donovan’s installation. Her creative process begins with the close observation of mundane objects like Scotch tape, pencils, or toothpicks. These items, multiplied by millions, form the basis of her visually stunning works that recall the growth processes of the natural world. Through December 14 @ Rice Gallery, ground floor of Sewall Hall, off Rice University entrance 1.

• The Heroic Century. Houston is the exclusive town to exhibit 208 of the best examples of the giants of modern art, including works by Dali, Picasso, van Gogh, Lichtenstein, and Matisse. Normally, to see such an exhaustive collection you’d have to travel the globe. The MFA will even throw in some Warhol. Now how much would you pay? All the giants, one big collection, one great museum, all for under 15 bucks. $12.50 ($7.50 for seniors, students with valid ID, and children 6–18; $5 for members). Through January 4, 2004, at The Museum of Fine Arts, Houston, 1001 Bissonnet. For information: 713/639-7300 or www.mfah.org.

• In Pursuit of the Absolute. Monochrome and non-objective works of greats such as Lucio Fontana, Yves Klein, Barnett Newman, and Mark Rothko are featured in this exploration of abstract art of the 20th century. The focus of these artists is on an art free from the constraints of narrative and recognizable imagery. Through February 29, 2004, @ the Menil Collection, 1515 Sul Ross. Info: 713/524-9400 or www.menil.org.

• The Jung Center presents two shows: In the Main Gallery, Cycles in Circles features works by Tania Botelho; in the side gallery is Tammy Speaks Metaphorically, photographs by Deborah Rueb. December 1–23 @ The Jung Center, 5200 Montrose, 713/524-8253.

• Kazimir Malevich: Suprematism. Long celebrated as one of the founders of non-objective art in the 20th century, Malevich developed a system of abstract painting called Suprematism, pure of form with the intention of crossing cultural and ethic boundaries. Through January 11, 2004, @ the Menil Collection, 1515 Sul Ross. Info: 713/524-9400 or www.menil.org.

• Matthew Ritchie: Proposition Player. Ritchie explores a self-created cosmological system through his work, an endless, complex landscape where dis-similar forms of information can coexist. The first major museum exhibition of his work, scientific notations, cartoon characters, biblical tales and pulp fiction combine to illustrate his alternate universe in paintings, drawings, sculpture and digital animation. Opens December 13 at the Contemporary Arts Museum Houston, 5216 Montrose Blvd.

• Molas: Quilted Treasures of the Kuna Indians. Every society strives to immortalize its heritage. For the Kuna Indians, this is done through the mola, a method of quilting that incorporates reverse appliqué technique. These vibrant panels display rich scenes of the animal and plant life of the Caribbean. Molas is of interest to those keen on quilting, fashion, art, and the Caribbean landscape. Through January 4, 2004, @ the Houston Museum of Natural Science, 0ne Hermann Circle Dr. More info: 713-639-4629 or www.hmns.org.

• Nuestra Vida de Cuadritos (Our Lives in Little Boxes) is an exhibition of Texan Richard Rebelo’s paintings, worlds divided into smaller and smaller boxes, meditations on ethnicities, cultures, nations, and borders. Through December 31 @ the Daily Review Café, 3412 W. Lamar off Dunlavy. Info: 713/526-4595.

• Perspectives 139: Abraham Cruzvillegas. The first solo museum show for Mexican artist Abraham Cruz-villegas, Perspectives 139 looks at his three-dimensional, assemblage-based work. His curious and playful compositions of found objects include items as unrelated as feathers, seashells, photography studio props, bowling balls, and otherwise. Through January 4, 2004, @ the Contemporary Arts Museum Houston, 5216 Montrose Blvd. For information: 713/284-8250 or www.camh.org.

• RISD on the Road: Jewelry exhibits the work of alumni from the Rhode Island School of Design’s jewelry and metalsmithing program. The work of these artisans displays a broad spectrum of vision: Sandra Enterline’s representations of the cosmos in gold and silver, Noam Elyashiv’s complex geometric designs in precious metal, Kiwon Wang and Rebecca Hannon’s juxtaposition of precious jewels to common materials like paper and plastic. Free. Through January 4, 2004, @ the Houston Center for Contemporary Craft, 4848 Main St. For information: 713/529-4848 or www.crafthouston.org.

• Tabletki: Russian Icons from the Menil Col-lection. Home to one of the world’s most significant collections of Byzantine and Medieval art, the Menil presents approximately 15 major examples of icon painting from the 13th through the 19th centuries. Among these are several “bilateral tabletki,” icons painted on both front and back, which were used in processionals and religious ceremony. Through January 25, 2004, @ the Menil Collection, 1515 Sul Ross. For information: 713/524-9400 or www.menil.org.

• Tetelestai: Notebooks of the Black Sea. Houston-based painter Daid McGee examines contemporary racial complexities using techniques and imagery of 16th–18th-century painting. His work draws from inspirations as disparate as Bob Dylan, Cornell West, and Tupac Shakur. December 4–February 7 at DiverseWorks, 1117 East Fwy, off N. Main at Naylor. Info: 713/335-3445 or www.diverseworks.org.

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