MILLER OUTDOOR THEATRE EVENTS *Denotes free reserved seats available for covered seating area. (See " Plan Your Visit / Seating " for details.) † Denotes captioned performance. March *Arlo Guthrie – The Guthrie Family Rides Again March 23, 8:00 pm Back by popular demand - the Guthrie Family Rides Again. The 2010 tour officially introduces the fourth generation of Guthries to the stage. Together, this legendary family has traveled the world using moving folk music to spread a message of peace. The evening includes a selection of recently rediscovered Woody Guthrie lyrics put to music by friends and family. Four generations of voices are together in harmony on one stage. Produced by Miller Theatre Advisory Board Swing, Jive and Pop! Into Dance March 24, 11:00 am Watch dance of all styles and eras explode onto stage to engage, entertain and enlighten students of all ages. Swing in to the 30s, tap to "Singin' in the Rain," Hand Jive through the 50s and Electric Slide into today! Students participate in an energy filled hour of dance, music, costumes and learn fun historical tidbits of information on fashion, games, and toys. Presented by Houston Metropolitan Dance Company Laura Ingalls Wilder: Voice of the Prairie March 25, 11:00 am Voice of the Prairie presents Laura Ingalls Wilder's experiences on the American frontier, bringing to life this dynamic and distinctive historical era for children and young audiences. Presented by A.D. Players *Abraham Inc. Featuring David Krakauer, Fred Wesley and Socalled March 25, 7:30 pm An unprecedented collaboration between three cultural visionaries - David Krakauer, champion of klemzer music and world-class chamber clarinetist; funk legend Fred Wesley, celebrated for his work with James Brown; and hip-hop renegade and beat architect Socalled - Abraham Inc. heralds a time when boundaries are eroding, mutual respect is presumed, and musical traditions can hit with full force without concession or appropriation. This palpable future is illustrated by the close and easy working style of the collaborating artists, and the truly hybrid musical form which results. Abraham Inc. is a head-on musical collision, one that signifies new possibilities for cross-cultural respect and engagement. Add a three-piece horn section led by Wesley, a hip-hop rapper and members of Krakauer's Klezmer Madness! band and the result is an all-out klezmer-funk dance party! Produced by Miller Theatre Advisory Board Laura Ingalls Wilder: Voice of the Prairie March 26, 11:00 am Voice of the Prairie presents Laura Ingalls Wilder's experiences on the American frontier, bringing to life this dynamic and distinctive historical era for children and young audiences. Presented by A.D. Players *Harlem Gospel Choir March 26, 8:00 pm The world famous Harlem Gospel Choir is one of the preeminent gospel choirs in the world. The Choir is a gathering of the finest singers and musicians from various Black Churches in Harlem, and travels the globe sharing its joy of faith through music, and whenever possible, raising funds for children's charities. The theme of every performance is bringing people and nations together and giving something back. Their songs of inspiration touch the depths of the soul and raise spirits to angelic heights. They will literally have you dancing on the stage! Produced by Miller Theatre Advisory Board *Noche Caliente featuring Salsa Great – Johnny Pacheco March 27, 8:00 pm Diaz Music Institute presents the legendary Salsa Great – Johnny Pacheco from New York! He will be performing with Houston's premier Latin youth ensemble, "Caliente." Presented by Diaz Music Institute April *Cats April 8 – 10 and April 15 - 17, 8:00 pm Presented by HITS Theatre Three Little Pigs April 20, 11:00 am A bilingual (Spanish/English) show about three brothers, one messy, one a daydreamer, and the last who always has a plan for the future. They are Pig Scouts, the pride of youthful swinedom, and they must set up camp to earn their merit badges. Now, who is that unfamiliar scout master who will be judging their work? It's the Wolf, Big Bad to be specific, that's who! Presented by Express Children's Theatre Swing, Jive and Pop! Into Dance April 21, 11:00 am Watch dance of all styles and eras explode onto stage to engage, entertain and enlighten students of all ages. Swing in to the 30s, tap to "Singin' in the Rain," Hand Jive through the 50s and Electric Slide into today! Students participate in an energy filled hour of dance, music, costumes and learn fun historical tidbits of information on fashion, games, and toys. Presented by Houston Metropolitan Dance Company *Blue and Green: Earth Day Jazz in the Park April 22, 6:00 pm Da Camera of Houston and Waste Management Present "Earth Day Jazz in the Park," a celebration of Earth Day and Jazz Appreciation Month. Enjoy an evening of jazz and environmental education activities for children and families a the Miller Outdoor Theatre. Presented by Da Camera *MTAB Presents Earth Day April 23 & 24 Presented by Miller Theatre Advisory Board Let's Dance April 30, 8:00 pm Let's Dance is an electrifying and entertaining dance sampler by CORE Performance Company with guests Becky Valls, Leslie Scates, Teresa Chapman, members of the UH Dance Ensemble and Rice Dance Theatre. The performance travels an array of emotions and styles, from the exciting and frenetic to those of surprise and revelation. The music in each piece acts as a passionate catalyst, adding dimension to this journey of artistic expression. Presented by Several Dancers Core May East Meets West VIII May 1, 8:15 pm East Meets West VIII will feature contemporary, modern, hip-hop, ballroom dance, and Chinese dance uniting some of the best from the east and the west. Presented by Dance of Asian America Cinco de Mayo Festival May 2, 6:00 pm The Cinco de Mayo event at the Miller Outdoor Theatre has become tradition for the Hispanic community in Houston. Every year we strive to give our community a taste and experience of our culture. Like each year, we bring local talent such as dancers, singers, performers, musicians and more! Presented by Comité Patriotico de Houston Opera to Go! May 3 – 6, 11:00 am HGOco presents the world premiere performances of Las Mariposas (The Butterflies): A 3,000 mile journey begins following a magical transformation. How does a butterfly find the home it has never seen, but that its ancestors have inhabited for thousands of years? Presented as part of Song of Houston and in conjunction with the anniversaries of Mexican Independence and Revolution in 2010. Music by Ethan Frederick Greene, Libretto by Irene Keller. Presented by Houston Grand Opera, HGOco *Mixed Repertory Program May 7 – 9, 8:00 pm Houston Ballet's program will feature three diverse works by three of today's most sought-after choreographers; Stanton Welch's Falling, Nacho Duato's, Jardi Tancat, and Twyla Tharp's In the Upper Room. Falling, choreographed in 2005, is a playful pure dance work set to Mozart's "Salzburg Symphonies." Jardi Tancat, created in 1983 by famed Spanish choreographer Nacho Duato and set to a collection of chilling Catalonian folk songs is the poignant story of a people working in their barren land. In the Upper Room, clearly showcases Twyla Tharp's success as a contemporary dance maker who seamlessly melds the worlds of modern dance and Ballet. Presented by Houston Ballet Swing, Jive and Pop! Into Dance May 12, 11:00 am Watch dance of all styles and eras explode onto stage to engage, entertain and enlighten students of all ages. Swing in to the 30s, tap to "Singin' in the Rain," Hand Jive through the 50s and Electric Slide into today! Students participate in an energy filled hour of dance, music, costumes and learn fun historical tidbits of information on fashion, games, and toys. Presented by Houston Metropolitan Dance Company *Ritmo Latino May 14, 8:00 pm іRitmo Latino! Featuring the GRAMMY award winning Pablo Ziegler Quintet for New Tango, joined by special guest Claudia Acuña combines the sultry tango rhythms with the energetic spontaneity of jazz. Join us for the most successful blend of modern jazz and tango you'll ever hear. Presented by Society for the Performing Arts Folk Dances of India May 15, 8:00 pm There are many types of dances in India, from the classical Indian dance forms, which are deeply religious in content to the lively and mirthful folk dances of India, which are danced on more trivial and happy occasions. The skilful swirling of the feet, gracefully moving the bodies to the rhythm of the highly focused soulful music, transports one to the beautiful realm of relaxing solitude! Indian dance forms are beautiful expression of the moods, celebration and gaiety of the people. At the Miller Outdoor Theatre where the audience will be more interested in seeing a variety of dances from a different culture, Folk Dances of India, will best serve that purpose. Keeping in mind that within India itself, folk dances can vary state to state, our program attempts to provide the most popular kinds of folk dances prevalent in India today! Presented by Samskriti, Society for the Indian Performing Arts †*Tosca May 21 & 22, 8:00 pm Houston Grand Opera presents Puccini's timeless drama Tosca. The spurned Baron Scarpia will stop at nothing to destroy Cavaradossi, the object of Tosca's affections. Based on HGO's new production originated by acclaimed British director, John Caird, Tosca features classic set and costume designs by Bunny Christie. Louisa Miller directs these performances at Miller Outdoor Theatre. Tosca features Cynthia Clayton as the title role, Hector Vasquez as Scarpia, and Alex Dolgov as Cavaradossi. Members of the acclaimed HGO studio complete the cast. HGO Assistant Conductor Eric Melear leads the cast and HGO Orchestra, Chorus and Children's stories. Presented by Houston Grand Opera *Dancin' in the Street…Motown and More Revue May 27 – 30, 8:15 pm This electrifying and soulful revue features many of Houston's most talented vocalists and dancers accompanied by the 23-piece soulful BASEMENT orchestra. Dancin' in the Street…Motown and More Revue features soul music from its inception in the 1950s through contemporary times. The BACE company recreates the music of legendary soul music greats as recorded by Motown, STAX, Atlantic, Philadelphia International, Duke and Peacock and other labels. Presented by BACE Productions and One Delta Plaza Educational Center June Sizzling Summer Dance June 4, 8:30 pm Enjoy an evening of sizzling summer dance guaranteed to please everyone! The Houston Metropolitan Dance Company will explode onto stage in a performance of color, movement, music, diversity and dance. Presented by Houston Metropolitan Dance Company Accordion Kings and Queens June 5, 6:30 pm The Twenty First Annual Accordion Kings & Queen s extravaganza celebrates the National Instrument of Texas! From Czech-German polka, cumbia to conjunto, Cajun, zydeco and more, you will hear the best of the Texas squeezebox. This year there will be an outstanding lineup of headliners and competition finalists, so come early and wear your dancing shoes! Please visit www.texasfolklife.org for details. Presented by Texas Folklife Resources Hear Ye! Hear Ye! June 7, 11:00 am Experience the artists of tomorrow – Young geniuses ages 4 – 18 perform for your entertainment. Musicians are chosen from over 350 applicants. In order to be a Houston Young Artist, the featured musicians compete against the best young artists in the Houston area. They will captivate your heart with their passion for their instruments. Audience members will have an opportunity to participate in the performance! Presented by Houston Young Artist's Concert Series TUTS Humphries School June 9 – 11, 11:00 am Presented by Theatre Under The Stars: TUTS Humphreys School *Summer Symphony Nights June 17 – 18 and 25 - 26, 8:30 pm Join the Houston Symphony for its traditional summer concert series featuring outstanding artists. Presented by The Houston Symphony A Gulf Coast Juneteenth June 19, 7:00 pm A Gulf Coast Juneteenth celebrates the rich African American musical traditions of Texas and the Gulf Coast, including blues, zydeco, jazz and gospel. The celebration is centered around the important historic event of Juneteeth, the commemoration of June 19, 1865 when slaves learned of their freedom. Presented by Houston Institute for Culture Hear Ye! Hear Ye! June 21, 11:00 am Experience the artists of tomorrow – Young geniuses ages 4 – 18 perform for your entertainment. Musicians are chosen from over 350 applicants. In order to be a Houston Young Artist, the featured musicians compete against the best young artists in the Houston area. They will captivate your heart with their passion for their instruments. Audience members will have an opportunity to participate in the performance! Presented by Houston Young Artist's Concert Series Sounds Like Fun June 22, 11:00 am The Houston Symphony's Sounds Like Fun concerts return to Miller Outdoor Theatre with musical magic that will captivate audiences young and old. Presented by The Houston Symphony *Summer Symphony Nights: Independence Day July 4, 8:30 pm The Houston Symphony, led by Principle Pops Conductor Michael Krajewski, presents a rousing musical salute to Independence day. Hear Tchaikovsky's stirring 1812 Overture and a selection of American favorites followed by a fantastic fireworks display. Presented by The Houston Symphony *Little Shop of Horrors July 13 – 18, 8:15 pm Little Shop of Horrors tells the story of Seymour, a timid and nerdy sales clerk at the seedy Mushnik's Skid Row Florists, barely in business in lower Manhattan. He achieves fame and fortune after he discovers an exotic plant named Audrey II, a giant man-eating plant who demands to be fed. A Greek chorus of hip soul singers narrates the thriller with a score in the 1960s style of rock and roll, doo-wop, and Motown. Audrey's appetite grows to gigantic proportions as the cast rapidly diminishes. This show promises to be an audience favorite! Presented by Theatre Under The Stars Children's Hilltop Festival Freedom Train July 20, 11:00 am An inspiring tale of a family's journey to freedom along the Underground Railroad through Texas into Mexico. This story of bravery and determination tells a bit of little known Texas history. A celebration of freedom set to rhythmic music. An Express classic written by Celeste Bedford Walker and directed by Shirley Marks Whitmore. The True Story of The Tortoise and The Hare July 21, 11:00 am A roving reporter just happens to be in the forest looking for a breaking story when she stumbles upon what appears to be the TRUE story of the Tortoise and the Hare. Young Henrietta Hare is looking for someone to race and Grandpa G, the Tortoise is happy to oblige. An original musical adaptation by Kevin M. Reese, directed by Vincent Victoria. The Three Little Pigs July 22, 11:00 am A bilingual (Spanish/English) show about three brothers, one messy, one a daydreamer, and the last who always has a plan for the future. They are Pig Scouts, the pride of youthful swine dom, and they must set up camp to earn their merit badges. Now, who is that unfamiliar scout master who will be judging their work? It's the Wolf, Big Bad to be specific, that's who! Jack and the Beanstalk July 23, 11:00 am Enter an enchanted world of dancing cows, hysterical chickens, a singing harp, magical beans, and a Giant who lives in a castle in the sky. Poor Jack can't seem to do anything right. He sells the cow for beans, climbs the beanstalk, gets caught trying to steal the Giant's Golden Goose, and has trouble finding his way back home. By the end of this special tale, the cow is returned, the chicken learns how to lay golden eggs and the silly Giant teaches Jack a valuable lesson about dealing with others. A new musical adaptation, written and directed by Harold J. Haynes. Presented by Express Children's Theatre Houston Shakespeare Festival A Midsummer Night's Dream †July 30, August 1, 3, 5 & 7, 8:30 pm Much Ado About Nothing †July 31, August 4, 6 & 8, 8:30 pm Presented by Houston Shakespeare Festival