CENTER STAGE CENTER STAGE

Alley Theatre

September 22 – October 22, 2023 www.alleytheater.org

Family, love, and tradition are at the core of this heartwarming play about the freedom to dream big. It’s the 1970’s and girls can’t be mariachis … or can they? As Lucha and her spunky cousin hunt for bandmates, dodge disapproving relatives, and bring Mom along for the ride? This play is infused with vibrant, infectious live mariachi music and reminds us how music and love can make the impossible come true. Start times vary. Adult. Tickets start at $35.

Alley Theatre

October 6 – October 29, 2023 www.alleytheater.org

What do Swan Song, The Bear, The Proposal, The Wedding, and On The Harmfulness of Tobacco have in common?

They are all one-act comedies written by Anton Chekhov that will be performed by the Alley’s Resident Acting Company and directed by the Tony-Award winning playwright and legendary director Richard Nelson. Acclaimed Russian literature translators Richard Pevear and Larissa Volokhonsky collaborated with Nelson to create a new English translation which will make for an extraordinary theatre experience. Start times vary. Adult. Tickets start at $43.

Main Street Theatre

September 16-Octoer 15, 2023 www.mainstreettheater.com

Fifteen year old Heidi earned her college tuition by winning Constitutional debate competitions at American Legion posts across the United States. In this hilarious, hopeful and achingly human new play, she resurrects her teenage self in order to trace the document’s profound impact on women’s bodies—starting with her great-great-grandmother, a mail-order bride who died under mysterious circumstances. This witty and searingly personal exploration breathes new life into our founding document and imagines how it will shape the next generation of American women. Shannon Emerick will play Heidi. Various times. Tickets start at $39.

All ages.

Miller Outdoor Theatre

October 23-24, 2023 www.milleroutdoortheatre.com

Panto Company USA brings to life this tale for all time with a true-to-story play full of original songs and bursting with more hilarity than you can imagine. And of course, there’s the perfect happy ending!

11m am. All ages. Free.

SWEENEY

Hobby Center for the Performing Arts

October 17 – October 29, 2023

Stages

Houston

September 1 – October 8, 2023

One four-letter word is about to rock 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue. When the President unwittingly spins a PR nightmare into a global crisis, the seven brilliant and beleaguered women he most relies upon risk life, liberty, and the pursuit of sanity to keep the commander-in-chief out of trouble. This uproarious, all-female farce took Broadway by storm in 2022; this fall, the wacky West Wing lands in Space City. After all, behind every great man is a great woman—or seven of them.

Wed-Thu 7:30p, Fri 8p, Sun 2:30p. Tickets start at $30. www.StagesHouston.com

Stages Houston

July 21-October 29, 2023 www.stageshouston.com

Featuring 27 of Patsy Cline’s biggest hits, such as “Walkin’ After Midnight,” “I Fall To Pieces,” and “Crazy,” Always…Patsy Cline is a timeless tale of friendship and great music. In 1961, country music legend Patsy Cline met Louise Seger, a fan from Houston, at a honkytonk. The two struck up a friendship that continued via letter-writing until the singer’s tragic death years later. First premiering at Stages 35 years ago, Always…Patsy Cline welcomes home the fans who made it a hit and invites new generations to discover Patsy and Louise.

Various times. Tickets start at $48.

Stages Houston

October 6 – November 12, 2023 www.thehobbycenter.org www.StagesHouston.com

Winner of 8 Tony Awards! Stephen Sondheim’s musical masterpiece is theatrical excellence. Set in the dark corners of 19th century England, this is the extraordinary, inventive tale of a vengeful barber whose love for a lost daughter has pushed him close to the edge, and an all too eager pie shop owner, who will do anything for a price. Together they serve up disturbing, delectable, deliciousness that customers are dying for.

A bold, chilling and vibrant theatrical treat for you that has shocked, awed and delighted audiences around the world. You must experience the power and the magic of this production. Tickets start at $39. Various times.

Brimming with razor-sharp dialogue and dark wit, Switzerland is a gripping psychological thriller that’s sure to leave you breathless. In her remote home hidden in the Swiss Alps, Patricia Highsmith, the reclusive, Texas-born matron of murder stories, lives out her days in solitude. That is until a mysterious young emissary arrives at her doorstep, urging her to pen the final installment in her famous “Tom Ripley” series. Following years of ominous silence, it seems this unexpected visit could be just the push the ailing novelist needs. After all, what does it take to write a truly sinister story if not real-life inspiration?

Various times. Tickets start at $48.

OCTOBER 28

Put on your favorite costume and trickor-treat yourself to a morning of all-ages musical fun! Jones Hall will transform into a ghostly sight as an orchestra full of costumed musicians performs spooktacular tunes from Harry Potter, Wednesday, Coco, Beauty and the Beast, and more. Lobby activities include trick-or-treating and an Instrument Petting Zoo, where kids can try instruments from the orchestra!

All ages. $29 per person. 10a &11:30a. www.houstonsymphony.org

Join us for our annual Trick-or-treat in the Historic Park! Travel back in time and learn how people celebrated All Hallows Eve as you trick or treat from historic house to house. Wear your best costumes for this Spooktacular Event and visit the Pumpkin Round-up in the Ranch House yard for fall family photos!

9a-5p. All ages. $15 Adults (ages 13-64), $12 – Seniors (ages 65+), $10 – Children (ages 4-12), Children ages 3 and under are free. www.georgeranch.org

Welcome to the sixth annual BOOFEST Kingwood! When you come to BOOFEST be prepared for a real Disney-like experience! Families should come dressed in decked out costumes and the fur babies too!

All ages. 4-9p. Free. www.thelivableforest.com

Have a Howlin’ good time under the full Hunter’s Moon! Join Urban Wildlife Biologist Kelly Norrid for a discussion about one of our most misunderstood animals, the coyote. You’ll enjoy drinks and light bites while you learn about these urban survivors and get tips on being a good coyote neighbor. After the talk we’ll go on a night hike to explore coyote habitat and look for nocturnal wildlife.

Ages 16+. 6-8p. Member $40, nonmember $50. www.houstonarboretum.org

Learn something new and get dirty! Individuals and groups will volunteer with Mercer’s professional horticulturists in unique and fun projects throughout the garden. Wear closed-toe walking shoes and bring your own water bottle. Meet outside the Mercer Visitor Center. 9-10a.

Ages 16 and up. Free. www.pct3.com/MBG

Experience the thrill of batting like a pro with our 12 state of the art simulated batting bays.

Sun-Thu 11a-12a, Fri 11a-2a, Sat 10a-12a. All ages but 21+ after 10p daily. Pricing based on time starting at $50 for 30 min.

www.homerundugout.com

Galveston Golf Cart Society is proud to bring the 2nd annual Island Boo Fest to downtown Galveston. Island Boo Fest will benefit the Galveston County Food Bank. This is a community event providing a family fun environment which includes a golf cart trunk or treat, kids costume contest, golf cart decorating contest, food drive, downtown trick or treat walk-a-bout and much more!

1-5p. All ages. Free. Downtown Galveston, Strand St. www.visitgalveston.com

Enjoy Fresh local produce, Shop unique and handmade gifts, art, plants, coffee, desserts, and more!

All ages. 10a-5p. Free. www.thehoustonfarmersmarket.com

Stories, rhymes, movement and songs that will engage you and your baby. Develop your baby’s social, motor, and literacy skills while having fun! Intended for children ages 0-18 months and their caregivers. Best for children who are pre-walkers or crawlers. Ages 0-18 months. 12:30-1:30p. Free. Young Neighborhood Library. www.housotnlibrary.org

Share in the spirit of creativity and community at this Poetry and Spoken Word open mic night, hosted by local bookstore, Buy The Book. All writers of all experience levels and backgrounds are invited to attend and share their work. If you do plan on participating, be sure to sign up when you arrive at the open mic night to save your spot.

6-8p. All ages. Free. www.woodlandscenter.org

Are you raising a Curious Kid? Join us out back at the pavilions where we’ll explore, ask, discover, experiment, and more in our pre-K science program! Our children’s programs feature science-rich, weekly, stand-alone classes that offer you the flexibility to sign-up for individual classes that meet your hectic schedules or for specific topics that inspire your children.

10a or 4p. Ages 3 to 5 with an adult caregiver. Wildlife Family (or higher) Level Members $15 Non-members $20. Registration required. No drop offs. www.naturediscoverycenter.org