March 17, 2010 NEW SOUND SYSTEM OPENS MILLER SEASON $1.5 Million Speaker Project Improves Audio Quality At Theater Miller Outdoor Theatre Logo03.17.2010 -- Miller Outdoor Theatre kicks off its 2010 season with a new $1.5 million sound system, the latest upgrade in a sweeping set of improvements to the city-owned facility. "The new speakers mean that everyone will be able to hear the performance more clearly throughout Miller, regardless of where you're sitting," said Dawn Ullrich, director of the city Convention & Entertainment Facilities Department, which manages the city-owned theater in Hermann Park. "Miller is truly in the 21st century with this improvement, and we invite everyone to come hear for themselves. Both audience members and producers will notice." The $1.5 million project, paid by city Capital Improvement Plan funds, is part of a $3.9 million upgrade to the theater building, walkways, hill and landscaping. The audio improvements arrived just in time for Miller's 2010 season, which opens this month with: Arlo Guthrie & the Guthrie Family Rides Again, March 23; Abraham Inc. featuring Klezmer king David Krakauer, James Brown music director Fred Wesley and beat architect Socalled, March 25; the Harlem Gospel Choir, March 26; and Noche Caliente with Salsa legend Johnny Pacheco, March 27. (See www.MillerOutdoorTheatre.com for more information.) A preview concert on March 13, featuring Beatles tribute band The Fab 5, drew an estimated 4,500 people. Other improvements to Miller include increased accessibility and seating options for patrons, enhanced pedestrian flow of traffic by rebuilding the walkway around the hill, decreasing the incline and making it wider; new lighting along the aisles; two large overhead fans for better air circulation; improved sightlines; resurfaced concrete in seating area with new texture and surface color; installing 1,700 new seats; a new booth for controlling stage lights and sound; and raising of the hill seating area with new sod, better irrigation and improved drainage. March 5, 2010 Obituary Hannah Holliday Stewart, sculptor who led the way By SHAMINDER DULAI HOUSTON CHRONICLE March 4, 2010, 10:49PM Houston educator and pioneering female artist Hannah Holliday Stewart died last week in Albuquerque, N.M. She was 82. Best known for her piece Atropos Key, a gift to the city which has watched over the grassy knoll of Hermann Park's Miller Outdoor Theatre for nearly 40 years, the artist was involved in the Houston art scene with her oversized sculptures and ceramic work. The city erected the abstract bronze, which looms atop a hill at nearly 11 feet tall, in 1972. Having her work displayed in such a prominent location was a rare honor then, particularly for a female sculptor. "It was a quite a coup," said Christopher Clements, who met Stewart when he was a student at the University of St. Thomas. "Back in the '70s, it really was a man's world, so she was really important for forging a path for women's art." Championed women's art Stewart worked with the Houston Woman's Caucus for Art to spotlight emerging female artists with gallery shows and exhibitions. "She was a tough lady, physically and emotionally," said Geri Hooks, an agent who represented Stewart from 1975 to 1985. "She had to be to do what she did." Hooks lost touch with Stewart when the artist left town, a common story among those who knew her. She was a person who knew what she wanted and went for it, often not even taking the time to say goodbye to those she left behind. It was a trait she developed as a child in Birmingham, Ala. Stewart was groomed for the debutante scene, but rebelled the moment she went to college. "Once she was out of the nest, the pearls and gloves went away, and she became an artist," Clements said. "She was a Southern belle tomboy." Stewart's art was driven by her curiosity, something she developed early. "When I was 8 years old I asked my mother what the wind looked like," Stewart wrote in 1984, trying to identify the spark that lead her toward art. Taught at St. Thomas She arrived in Houston in the mid-1970s after graduate school at the Cranbrook Academy of Art in Bloomfield, Mich., and began teaching shortly after at the University of St. Thomas in the studio art department. "All of her spare time went to her art," said Nancy Jircik, chairwoman of the art department during Stewart's tenure at St. Thomas. "She was an excellent teacher, very direct and easy to work with." A lifelong artist, when Stewart wasn't physically in the studio, she always had a sketchbook nearby. She spent the last three years in New Mexico working out of a studio and creating new work. "She absolutely loved new information and to talk about ideas, she was just someone that was never boring to have dinner and a conversation with … one of my favorite people that I ever met," Clements said. "You know when they talk about the salons in Europe and France where people gather to share ideas and talk? That was Hannah … always learning." There are no plans for a funeral service, but Clements plans to travel to Albuquerque in the near future to hold a memorial for his friend. July 24, 2009 RD RECAP Miller Outdoor Theater Alice in Wonerland Radio Disney was on site at Miller Outdoor Theater for pre-show games and prizes before "Alice in Wonderland" on Friday, July 24, 2009 from 9:45am- 10:45am Radio Disney had cast members on location to entertain families, play games, and get kids ready for the show! The following interactive activities took place: Mickey Pass, Hula Hoop Contest and Disney Trivia! Recap of Give-Aways: Disney Posters Sonny with a Chance Backpacks Mickey Beach Balls High School Musical 3 Magnets Jonas Brothers Necklaces Handy Manny Marigold Seeds Bandslam Movie Passes July 23, 2009 Miller Outdoor Theatre, centrally located in Hermann Park, invited the public to participate in a Jai Ho dance workshop taught by Hybrid Rhythms Dance. Jai Ho is an Academy Award-winning song accompanied with choreography popularized by the film Slumdog Millionaire . "Jai ho" means "May you be victorious." Miller Outdoor Theatre has entertained and delighted several generations of Houstonians, always free of charge. Pack a picnic basket, bring a blanket or lawn chair, or sit in the brand new seats under the canopy. See you on the hill! Video created by Sarah Pendley Lydia Baehr Public Relations. For information on upcoming Houston events and performances visit www.ltbaehr.com. July 12, 2009 http://www.examiner.com/x-13982-Houston-Budget-Events-Examiner~y2009m7d12-Free-Houston-shows-at-Miller-Outdoor-Theatre Free Houston shows at Miller Outdoor Theatre July 12, 9:13 PM Whether you are looking for a great summer night activity for the family to enjoy or a fun and unique date idea, the Miller Outdoor Theatre can fill both your orders. This venue is free and open to the public and it brings Houstonians a variety of musical and performance options. And with the current recession everyone is looking for free or budget friendly events to enjoy. Miller Outdoor Theatre just may be your solution and there is sure to be a show for everyone! This Herman Park Theatre is currently showing the classic musical 42nd Street now through Tuesday but don't worry if you cannot make that show because as always there are more to come. Just around the corner on July 17th patrons can go back in time to enjoy Stayn' Alive- One Night of the Bee Gees. And the time warp continues on the 18th with a 50's Dance Party. If you have little ones with a love for the theatre the children's classic tales such as Alice in Wonderland and The Three Billy Goats Gruff among others will come to life the week of the 19th. Their calendar is always being updated with new and exciting performances so be sure to visit www.milleroutdoortheatre.com/ for upcoming events and show times. Since the venue is free and open to all this means that it can get crowded. Be sure to arrive early for best seating. If you are really trying to score points with a special someone visit the box office earlier in the day of your show and reserve seats in the covered section. We are lucky to live in a city that is bustling with culture and diversity. Its always easy to find something to do and if you put a little more time into your search you will easily find fun, budget friendly events. July 8, 2009 Click here for a recent article in Prime Living Magazine featuring Miller Outdoor Theatre! July 1, 2009 http://www.examiner.com/x-13982-Houston-Budget-Events-Examiner~y2009m7d1-Make-your-Fourth-of-July-plans-with-great-free-events Make your Fourth of July plans with great free events July 1, 12:55 PM Independence Day is this Saturday and it's time to start planning because you have so many fun and free events to choose from. As we approach the fourth I will be highlighting some of the most popular, free Fourth of July events. Let me start with the largest Houston Fourth of July event that always brings in a bang with the largest land-based fireworks show in the nation, The Freedom over Texas at Eleanor Tinsley Park www.houstontx.gov/july4/index.html. Freedom over Texas always offers crowds star-spangled fun and this year is no exception. The 2009 theme of "Houston Heroes" kicks off at 4pm. All branches of the military will be honored as well as the NASA Astronauts who are celebrating the 40th anniversary of the Apollo XI Lunar landing. Everyone can see military artifacts and vehicles. The Fiesta All American Kids Zone will be back with games and rides and of course their will be a variety of food and drinks. Throughout the event there will be 3 stages that will play all kinds of music so that everyone will hear something they want to sing and dance too. But at 8pm award winning country singer Clay Walker will take the stage. The event is sure to please everyone in your family. Another popular event is the Houston Symphony Star-Spangled Salute at Miller Outdoor Theater www.houstonsymphony.org/. Come and enjoy some of Houston's talented musicians as they perform patriotic scores. And again, this event is free to the public. The city of Houston is fortunate to have many fun venues that can bring fun to all. Kemah Boardwalk is having a large fireworks show over Galveston Bay. The fireworks show is free and open to the public but if it is in your families budget you can come out for great food and entertainment on the Boardwalk before the show at 9:30pm www.kemahboardwalk.com/flash_content/flash_content.html. Sam Houston Race Park is also hosting a family fun Fourth of July event. There will be concerts, special dining packages and of course racing! Visit their site for more information www.shrp.com/. And these are just a few of the major Fourth of July events that will be going on around town. If these sound too crowded for you don't worry. Many communities are having their own Fourth of July events closer to home. Katy, Kingwood, Sugarland and more are all celebrating Independence Day with a fun, budget friendly events. And it's these more local events that I'm examining next. In the meantime it is time to start planning how you will celebrate this year's Fourth of July. Do you want a large celebration with a bang or something a little more low key. Just some food for thought as you plan your fun day but still keeping to your budget. MAYOR WHITE TO SPOTLIGHT MILLER OUTDOOR THEATRE FACELIFT Council Member Adams to help showcase upgrades to City's free venue 03.26.2009 Mayor Bill White and Council Member Wanda Adams will help showcase some major refurbishments at Miller Outdoor Theatre. In addition, the Miller Theatre Advisory Board will announce the 2009 performance schedule. During the course of the last two off-seasons, nearly $2.4 million in improvements have been made to enhance public safety and the overall experience for audiences at the performing arts venue. The results are increased accessibility for people with disabilities, enhanced pedestrian traffic flow, improved sightlines and increased the number of seats. Additional enhancements include two huge overhead fans, a permanent booth to control stage lights and sound, and new lighting along the aisles. 11:30 a.m., Friday, March 27 Miller Outdoor Theatre is located at 100 Concert Drive in Hermann Park. For 85 years, Miller Outdoor Theatre has provided professional-caliber performances. In 2008, approximately 301,000 people were entertained by more than 120 performances. VISUALS Miller Theatre's family-friendly hillside seating area has been newly sodded and its entire elevation raised six feet. Beneath the canopy, 1,708 new burgundy-colored seats have been installed. NOTE Every performance at Miller Outdoor Theatre is always FREE to audiences.   MILLER THEATRE ADVISORY BOARD HIRES NEW MANAGING DIRECTOR Cissy Segall Davis Takes the Helm December 1st December 1, 2008 The Miller Theatre Advisory Board is proud to announce that it has hired Houstonian Cissy Segall Davis to serve as Managing Director. She has been actively involved in the production, management and promotion of the performing and visual arts, entertainment , special event, retail and hospitality industries in Houston and around the US since 1972. She is best known to the Houston arts community and general public for her long tenure with Theatre Under The Stars.For the past 9 years, she owned and operated Publicity Specialties, a full service public relations, marketing, special events and fund development business serving a diverse client base of commercial and not-for-profit organizations. "Cissy brings a wealth of knowledge, experience and relationships to this position," said Rodney Nathan, Chair of the Miller Theatre Advisory Board."She has been involved with Miller Theatre since 1979 and knows this company, the board and our producers very well.With her long-time involvement in the non-profit sector, we feel she is uniquely qualified to build upon the improvements and growth implemented by Paul Beutel and to move us into the future, especially as the board continues to work on enhancing the programming on stage and undertaking additional fundraising initiatives." As Managing Director, Segall Davis will be responsible for the day-to-day management of the organization, programming the theatre and oversight of the grants process, and developing the MTAB Presents series of special added attractions, for marketing and promotion of the theatre, and working with the Board to develop and implement fundraising plans. A resident of Houston since 1953 and University of Texas graduate, Segall Davis has worked with a variety of entertainment organizations including PACE Management Corporation, Theatre Under The Stars, Miller Outdoor Theatre and a myriad of theatrical touring companies. "I cut my teeth on major trade and consumer spectacles with PACE and that led me to Theatre Under The Stars.Off and on over the next 20 years in both staff and board positions, I was able to help TUTS grow into one of the largest non-profit producers of musical theatre in the country," states Segall Davis."Most importantly, it was during that time that I came to know and appreciate Miller Outdoor Theatre." "The performing arts have always been my passion and I am honored that the Miller Theatre Advisory Board has entrusted this very special organization to me," she continues."Miller is truly one of Houston's jewels and I am thrilled to be able to play a major role in its future.This is a marvelous opportunity to work with a committed board, a dedicated and highly professional staff, and many of Houston's finest producers and presenters to craft a season of free performances unparalleled in the country.Paul Beutel did an outstanding job of raising the bar and improving the quality of presentations at Miller and it is a privilege to continue and grow his tradition of excellence." "I have long believed that Miller Outdoor Theatre is one of the very best things about Houston," says Segall Davis."The City of Houston is to be applauded for its unwavering dedication to ensuring that all its citizens and visitors can enjoy and experience the best of the performing arts at absolutely no charge. This free season of diverse, high-quality performances at Miller is an extraordinary gift made all the more important with the economic challenges that we are all facing today.Miller Outdoor Theatre belongs to all of us and I invite everyone to come enjoy and savor this treasure." The mayoral-appointed Miller Theatre Advisory Board, Inc. (MTAB) is a 501(c)3 not-for-profit organization that administers grants for the City of Houston to not-for-profit arts organizations that perform at Miller Outdoor Theatre (MOT) in Hermann Park.Funds for these grants and MTAB operations are provided by MTAB's share of the Hotel Occupancy Tax. In addition, MTAB presents a limited number of national and international touring artists/attractions at Miller.All performances at Miller are presented to the public free of charge.In addition to the 21-member volunteer board, MTAB has a professional staff of three which directs and administers the grants and presenting program.The MOT facility is operated by the City of Houston, under the auspices of the Convention and Entertainment Facilities Department. Hermann Park: A Landscape Jewel October 6, 2008 Recently, The Houston Chronicle published an article about the steady evolution of Hermann Park. Some readers say that the improvements to the park makes them feel like they are "in Paris or some other European City." After initiating the improvements in 1993, the Friends of Hermann Park have created a unique "jewel" surrounded by the towers of glass and stone in downtown Houston. One reader exclaimed that Hermann Park, "makes me proud to be a Houstonian!" Read the full article here Miller Improvements August 22, 2008 As part of a nearly $1.2 million improvement project, Miller Outdoor Theatre has increased accessibility for people with disabilities, enhanced the pedestrian flow of traffic and added new pathway lighting and overhead fans, all of which increase public safety during performances. Additional enhancements include improved sightlines and increased seating capacities. Breaking ground in early January 2008 and managed by the City of Houston , the improvement project is expected to be complete in May, offering a rejuvenated locale for the 2008 season, which runs through November. "These improvements will make the theatre more accessible for everyone who comes here to enjoy the outdoor performances, " said Sheila Turkiewicz, assistant director for the Theater District. "It's an even more perfect spot to pitch a blanket and enjoy a picnic under the stars in the heart of Houston ." Visitors will notice changes not only in the theater itself, but also the hill, walkways and new, fresh landscaping. "We've reconstructed the surrounding cement promenade around the hill, decreasing the incline and making it wider," Turkiewicz said. "We've also improved accessibility for people with disabilities. While eliminating the need for ramps, we've provided direct access from both sides of the theater and added even more seating options." Improvement Facts Contract amount: $1,180,000.00 Start date: Jan. 2, 2008 Estimated completion date: May 2008 Contractor: The Gonzalez Group, LP 1245 Anderson Street Houston , Texas 77081