On Stage October 2011

s S to ma cod ca w rtp e n t h fo in h w r C a on ith e F e hi am t yo o ld re ily re ur g n’ s F Fun iste es Pa r tiv c al k !

Official Program of The Cynthia Woods Mitchell Pavilion

Oct. 28, 2011 Sponsored by

Letter from the President & CEO

Tonight in the Plaza

ontents

5:30-7:15 p.m.

Gold Lot Parking Lot Take a Ride on the Great Pumpkin Express

Tonight in the Plaza ....................................................................

1

6-7:15 p.m.

Letter from the President & CEO ..............................................

2

House of Blues Hospitality Tent

Children’s Festival ......................................................................

2

Hocus Pocus Pops .....................................................................

3

Radio Disney’s Graveyard Smash Dance Party featuring the Radio Disney Boo Crew

Orchestra Listing .........................................................................

4

Pumpkin Toss Game with Montgomery Count Food Bank

Brett Mitchell Biography ............................................................

5

Children’s Festival ......................................................................

5

Sponsor Spotlight ........................................................................

6

Encore .........................................................................................

6

ShowTime ....................................................................................

7

Fidelity Investments Plaza

Give Where You Live .................................................................

7

H-E-Buddy, Bean Bag Toss, Pumpkin & Mask Decorating, Face Painting & Temporary Tattoos with H-E-B

Hocus Pocus Pops “Spooktacular” Essay Contest Finalists ...... 8-12 Concert Etiquette ......................................................................

13

Guest Information ......................................................................

14

Sponsored in part by

The Cynthia Woods Mitchell Pavilion’s 2011 Performing Arts Season Presented by

and Sponsored by

The

official automobile of The Pavilion

Wortham Foundation

official airline of The Pavilion

The Cynthia Woods Mitchell Pavilion acknowledges the financial support of The Woodlands Township that is generated by the Event Admissions Tax for its performing arts and educational programs.

Pumpkin Bowling with Run Thru the Woods Halloween Photos with Your Own Mock Magazine Cover with Houston Family Magazine 6-7:15 p.m.

Halloween Crafts with The Villager & Simply Tutoring Instrument Petting Zoo with The Pavilion Partners Create Lollipop Ghosts with The Pavilion Partners Spooky Photos with Fidelity Investments Color-a-Picture & Car Display with Audi of America Trick or Treat Giveaways with Woodforest National Bank Register to Win “Best Seats in the House” with Tommy Bahama & Market Street

The North Plaza is sponsored by

Credits Our Mission Founded in 1990, The Center for the Performing Arts at The Woodlands is a nonprofit 501 (c)(3) organization that provides diverse, high-quality performing arts events for the entertainment and enrichment of a broad regional audience. Through numerous educational and community outreach programs, The Center is a catalyst for attracting new audiences to the performing arts and building strong ties between the arts and educational institutions.

1 • www.woodlandscenter.org

Cindy DuBois – Editor in Chief Courtney Galle – Managing Editor Sandy Lankford – Cover Photo Program design by Don Crouch, imagineer

The Center for the Performing Arts at The Woodlands Home of The Cynthia Woods Mitchell Pavilion 2005 Lake Robbins Drive • The Woodlands, TX 77380 Phone: 281-364-3010 Fax: 281-364-3011 www.woodlandscenter.org info@woodlandscenter.org

Welcome to one of our signature performing arts events, the Houston Symphony’s Hocus Pocus Pops.

This family-favorite performance, only presented at The Pavilion, offers a great opportunity for families and young children to enjoy world-class music in a beautiful environment.

Officers George Lindahl III – Chairman of the Board Jerry MacDonald – President & CEO Jeffrey H. Shipley – Vice Chairman Brian Wing – Secretary Jeff Young – Vice President Lori Figaro – Treasurer

Thanks to the tremendous support of our sponsors, we are able to offer free mezzanine and lawn seating at all symphony performances. Tonight’s free seating sponsor, H-E-B, has been a long-time supporter of The Pavilion and Hocus Pocus Pops. Let’s give them a round of applause for their continuous generosity.

Next month, our signature education and entertainment event, Children’s Festival, turns The Pavilion into an educational wonderland with award-winning children’s performers, arts and crafts, games, hands-on activities, face painting and more. Children’s Festival can be enjoyed by school-age children, young families and anyone who enjoys performing arts for children.

As our 22nd season winds down, we look back on some of the exceptional performing arts events of 2011. Highlights include the Houston Symphony’s Let the Good Times Roll – The Music of Ray Charles, The Music of the Eagles, Star-Spangled Salute and Poperazzi, as well as Houston Ballet’s Contemporary Masters.

Stay tuned for events coming up in 2012 and what’s going to be one of the best arts seasons ever.

I want to thank The Pavilion’s board of directors, staff, Partners volunteers, sponsors and guests for making 2011 a great year.

See you on the lawn under the stars!

Board of Directors A. Steve Arizpe Joseph P. Ash John H. Beaird Gary Becker David D. Dunlap Mark E. Ellis Carol P. Garner James M. Gibbons Jeffrey R. Harder Gregory T. Kelleher W. Randall Lowry Julie V. Mayrant

Ralph C. McIngvale C. Grant Mitchell Steve A. Morrow Steven W. Nance Diane Nielsen Maryann T. Seaman Alex Sutton Raymond I. Wilcox Marsha K. Williams Janet S. Wong Hank Wood

Director in memoriam Cynthia Woods Mitchell (1922 - 2009)

Staff Jerry MacDonald – President & CEO Margaret Eichelberger – Executive Assistant

Jerry MacDonald President & CEO

Cindy DuBois – Director of Marketing & Education Kacie Broadhurst – Social Media Analyst Courtney Galle – Marketing & PR Manager Lori Figaro – CFO Jenny Lewis – Accounting Assistant Heather Reding – Human Resources Manager Paula Smith – Senior Accountant Christine Scully – Director of Development Amy Kelley – Volunteer & Special Events Coordinator Charlotte Weschler – Development Coordinator Jeff Young – Vice President of Operations Mike Bevel – Operations Department Collin Bolen – Assistant Box Office Manager Carla DeHart – Administrative Coordinator Isidro Hernandez – Maintenance Department Lead Paula Jauregui – Maintenance Department Victor Maldonado – Maintenance Department Matt Meyer – Assistant Operations Manager Josie Reeves – Box Office Manager Kelly Rich – Event Manager Joey Rincon – Overnight Security Supervisor David Schlauch – Operations Manager Chad Sonnier – Operations Department JD Villaseñor – Director of Premium Seat Sales

October 2011 • 2

Orchestra Listing

Program

Hans Graf, Music Director Roy and Lillie Cullen Chair

Michael Krajewski Robert Franz

Principal Pops Conductor Associate Conductor

Friday, October 28, 2011 – 7:30 p.m.

Brett Mitchell, conductor Wagner / Hutschenruyter Liadov

The Ride of the Valkyries from “Die Walküre” Baba-Yaga, Opus 56

Liadov

Kikimora, Opus 63

J.S. Bach / L. Stokowski

Gounod

Toccata and Fugue in D Minor, BWV 565 Funeral March of a Marionette

B. Herrmann / J. Mauceri Psycho: A Narrative for String Orchestra I. Prelude: Allegro (molto agitato) II. The Murder: Adagio III. Finale: Adagio e mesto J. Williams Suite from “Star Wars” III. The Imperial March (Darth Vader’s Theme): Ala Marcia Janácek Taras Bulba II. The Death of Ostap: Moderato—Vivo Grieg Suite No. 1 from “Peer Gynt,” Opus 46 IV. In the Hall of the Mountain King: Alla marcia e molto maracato Liszt

Mephisto Waltz No. 1

Please turn off all cellphones during the concert. Photography and video are not allowed including with cellular devices.

3 • www.woodlandscenter.org

Sponsor, Cameron Management

First Violin Frank Huang, Concertmaster Photo by Christian Steiner Max Levine Chair Eric Halen, Associate Concertmaster Ellen E. Kelley Chair Assia Dulgerska, Assistant Concertmaster Cornelia and Meredith Long Chair Qi Ming, Assistant Concertmaster Fondren Foundation Chair Marina Brubaker, Hewlett-Packard Company Chair Alexandra Adkins MiHee Chung Sophia Silivos Rodica Gonzalez Ferenc Illenyi Si-Yang Lao Kurt Johnson Christopher Neal Sergei Galperin Second Violin Jennifer Owen, Principal Hitai Lee, Acting Associate Principal Kiju Joh Mihaela Oancea-Frusina Ruth Zeger Margaret Bragg Martha Chapman Kevin Kelly Christine Pastorek Amy Teare Sarah Ludwig* Emily Herdeman* Viola Wayne Brooks, Principal Joan DerHovsepian, Associate Principal George Pascal, Assistant Principal Wei Jiang Linda Goldstein Sheldon Person Fay Shapiro Daniel Strba Mr. and Mrs. Jesse B. Tutor Chair Thomas Molloy Phyllis Herdliska Cello Brinton Averil Smith, Principal Janice and Thomas Barrow Chair Christopher French, Associate Principal Haeri Ju Jeffrey Butler Kevin Dvorak Xiao Wong Myung Soon Lee James Denton Anthony Kitai

Sponsor, Madison Charitable Foundation

Double Bass David Malone, Acting Principal Mark Shapiro, Acting Associate Principal Eric Larson Robert Pastorek Burke Shaw Donald Howey Michael McMurray Flute Aralee Dorough, Principal General Maurice Hirsch Chair John Thorne, Associate Principal Judy Dines Allison Jewett**

Trumpet Mark Hughes, Principal George P. and Cynthia Woods Mitchell Chair John DeWitt, Associate Principal Robert Walp, Assistant Principal Anthony Prisk Speros P. Martel Chair Trombone Allen Barnhill, Principal Bradley White, Associate Principal Phillip Freeman Bass Trombone Phillip Freeman

Piccolo Allison Jewett**

Tuba Dave Kirk, Principal

Oboe Anne Leek, Acting Principal Lucy Binyon Stude Chair Xiaodi Liu, Acting Associate Principal Colin Gatwood Adam Dinitz

Timpani Ronald Holdman, Principal Brian Del Signore, Associate Principal

English Horn Adam Dinitz Clarinet David Peck, Principal Thomas LeGrand, Associate Principal Christian Schubert Alexander Potiomkin*** E-Flat Clarinet Thomas LeGrand Bass Clarinet Alexander Potiomkin*** Tassie and Constantine S. Nicandros Chair Bassoon Rian Craypo, Principal** Stewart Orton Chair Eric Arbiter, Acting Principal American General Chair J. Jeff Robinson, Acting Associate Principal Elise Wagner Contrabassoon J. Jeff Robinson Horn William VerMeulen, Principal Jacek Muzyk, Associate Principal Brian Thomas Robert and Janice McNair Foundation Chair Nancy Goodearl Philip Stanton Julie Thayer

Percussion Brian Del Signore, Principal Mark Griffith Matthew Strauss Harp Paula Page, Principal Keyboard Scott Holshouser, Principal Neva Watkins West Chair Orchestra Personnel Manager Steve Wenig Assistant Orchestra Personnel Manager Michael Gorman Librarian Thomas Takaro Assistant Librarians Erik Gronfor Michael McMurray Stage Manager Donald Ray Jackson Assistant Stage Manager Kelly Morgan Stage Technician Toby Blunt Zoltan Fabry Cory Grant * Contracted Substitute ** Leave of Absence *** Regular Substitute

October 2011 • 4

Biography

Brett Mitchell

One of America’s most exciting and promising young conductors, Brett Mitchell recently began his second season as Music Director of Michigan’s Saginaw Bay Symphony Orchestra. Throughout his first season, his deep and immediate impact both on and off the podium was evidenced by energetic performances that shattered 75-yearold attendance records and an Photo by enthusiastic reception throughGregory Barckholtz out the community. Mitchell also recently concluded a highly successful four-year tenure as Assistant Conductor of the Houston Symphony, which he led in more than 100 performances from 2007-11, several of which were broadcast nationwide on public radio’s “SymphonyCast and Performance Today.” He also currently serves as a regular cover conductor for The Philadelphia Orchestra.

In recent seasons, Mitchell has led the London Philharmonic Orchestra; the Leipzig Gewandhaus Orchestra; The Philadelphia Orchestra; the Pittsburgh, Baltimore, Oregon, National, Memphis, Peoria, and Frankfurt Radio symphonies; the Rochester Philharmonic Orchestra; the St. Paul Chamber Orchestra; and the Northwest Mahler Festival Orchestra. Mitchell also has acted as musical assistant and cover conductor for The Cleveland Orchestra, the New York Philharmonic, and The Philadelphia Orchestra. He made his European debut in 2004 with Romania’s Brasov Philharmonic

and his Latin American debut in 2005 with the Orquesta Filarmónica de la UNAM in Mexico City. Highlights of his 2011-12 season include return engagements with the National Symphony Orchestra, Houston Symphony, and two operas with the Moores Opera Center in Houston.

From 2006-09, Mitchell was Assistant Conductor of the Orchestre National de France, where his responsibilities included conducting the orchestra and assisting Music Director Kurt Masur and such guest conductors as Seiji Ozawa at the Théâtre des Champs-Élysées and on tour. He also was Director of Orchestras at Northern Illinois University from 2005-07 and Associate Conductor of the Pittsburgh New Music Ensemble from 2002-06, where he led many subscription programs, six world premieres, and several recording projects. He also has served as Music Director of numerous opera productions, including Stravinsky’s “The Rake’s Progress,” Verdi’s “Falstaff,” Mozart’s “The Magic Flute,” and several contemporary works.

A native of Seattle, Mitchell holds a Doctor of Musical Arts from The University of Texas at Austin, where he also was Music Director of the University Orchestra. Prior to that, he earned his Bachelor of Music in Composition from Western Washington University. Mitchell also participated in the National Conducting Institute in Washington, D.C., and studied extensively with Lorin Maazel at the Castleton Festival and Kurt Masur as a recipient of the inaugural American Friends of the Mendelssohn Foundation Scholarship. Mitchell also was one of five recipients of the League of American Orchestras’ prestigious American Conducting Fellowship from 2007-10.

Sponsor Spotlight

Encore

H-E-B’s Support Brings the Spirit of Halloween to The Woodlands Photo by Ted Washington

The Center for the Performing Arts at The Woodlands would like to thank the following contributors for their financial support of our 2011 Performing Arts Season and Educational Outreach Programs as of Oct. 19 printing deadline. $100,000 - $249,999 Live Nation George P. Mitchell The Pavilion Partners $75,000 - $99,999 The Wortham Foundation $50,000 - $74,999 Audi of America The Woodlands Development Company $25,000 - $49,999 Anadarko Petroleum Corporation Lindahl Family Foundation Woodforest National Bank $15,000 - $24,999 ARAMARK Sports & Entertainment Steve Bozeman H-E-B PepsiCo Wells Fargo

H-E-B has been a “fangtastic” supporter of The Cynthia Woods Mitchell Pavilion’s performing arts events for more than 10 years, specifically sponsoring Hocus Pocus Pops since 2004.

“H-E-B is honored to sponsor such a ‘spooktacular’ event full of fun for the whole family,” said Cyndy Garza Roberts, director of public affairs for H-E-B Houston. “We are proud to partner with The Cynthia Woods Mitchell Pavilion to provide The Woodlands community an opportunity to celebrate the holiday in a culturally enriching way.”

H-E-B, with sales of more than $18 billion, operates more than 330 stores in Texas and Mexico. Known for its innovation and community service, H-E-B celebrated its 105th anniversary in 2010. Recognized for its fresh food, quality products, convenient services, and a commitment to environmental responsibility and sustainability, H-E-B strives to provide the best customer experience at everyday low prices. Based in San Antonio, H-E-B employs more than 76,000 Partners and serves millions of customers in more than 150 communities. For more information, visit www.heb.com .

$10,000 - $14,999 Chevron Phillips Chemical Company Devon Energy Insperity The Woodlands Waterway Arts Festival $5,000 - $9,999 AT&T Aon Hewitt Katherine & John Beaird CB&I Cullen Trust for the Performing Arts Entergy Fidelity Investments FMC Technologies, Inc. Linn Energy, LLC John P. McGovern Foundation KPMG, LLP Memorial Hermann The Woodlands Sandy & Steve Morrow Elaine & Steve Nance Texas Children’s Pediatric Associates UBS Financial Services Inc. Peggy & Ray Wilcox Shannon & Brian Wing $2,000 - $4,999 The Albert and Ethel Herzstein Charitable Foundation City of Shenendoah EMI Houston Northwest Medical Center Ironman Foundation Southwestern Energy Winstead PC The Woodlands Convention & Visitors Bureau

5 • www.woodlandscenter.org

$1,000 - $1,999 Candi & Gerald Glenn Kim Son Café Sabrina Lahiri & James Field Dianne & George Lindahl Tricia & Jerry MacDonald Julie & Jerry Mayrant Maryllen & Thad Miller Shelly & Mike O’Neil Leslie & Tristan Renz Vicki & Michael Richmond Maryann & Timothy Seaman Sundance Fuels, Ltd. $500 - $999 Delvin & Joe Ash Anne & David Dunlap Amy & Jonathan Homeyer Judy & Charles Lano JoAnne & Randy Lowry Mary Massad Gaylene & Ralph McIngvale Cindy Notarainni Ann Page Susie & Jeff Shipley Simply Tutoring, Inc. Ellen & Nat Turner Janet Wong & Ronald Mullins Melissa & Jeff Young $250 - $499 Nancy & Tom Battle Dixie & Bret Cope Susan & Alex Cosculluela Julia & Mark Ellis Keith & Grady Ferry Kelly & Paul Messenger Annice & John Nanninga Cheryl & Ron Ridlehuber Arlene & Sol Sachs Ivana & Neil Warma Peggy & Ray Wilcox Shannon & Brian Wing Sheryl & Hank Wood In-Kind 1 to 1 Printers AVIA The Woodlands Berryhill Baja Grill Chick-fil-A G3 Guadalajara Hacienda Houston Community Newspapers – The Courier & The Villager Radio Disney KMIC 1500 AM Romano’s Macaroni Grill Sweet Tomatoes United Airlines Woodlands Online The Woodlands Resort and Conference Center The Woodlands Waterway Marriott

October 2011 • 6

ShowTime

Hocus Pocus Pops “Spooktacular” Essay Contest Finalists

ShowTime is a list of events scheduled for The Cynthia Woods Mitchell Pavilion, including start times and ticket prices.

Information is subject to change. Please check our website for the latest event information.

Mad Science Productions at Children’s Festival

Justin Roberts at Children’s Festival

Zac Brown Band

Oct. 30

Landshark Lager and Jack Daniels present Zac Brown Band • 7 p.m. with Sonia Leigh and Nic Cowan $61 GA Pit / $51 Reserved / $31 Lawn

Oct. 31 The Spirit International Opening Ceremonies • 7:30 p.m.

with Cirque Le Masque FREE

The Cynthia Woods Mitchell Pavilion recently held an essay contest for students in the following grade categories: Kindergarten, 1-2, 3-4, 5-6, 7-8 and 9-12. They were asked to write their spookiest story or Halloween tale. One person from each grade category was selected as a finalist by Simply Tutoring. The Grand Prize Winner will be announced tonight. Special thanks to The Courier, The Villager, Simply Tutoring, and Woodlands Online for sponsoring the contest.

Scary Spook Halloween

“Slaying with my Light Saber”

Once upon a time there was a great scary spook. You never know where

Once upon a time I was in my backyard playing. It was getting dark and pretty

he’s going to come from. He has huge eyes that are black, yellow, and

spooky. A mummy came up behind me. She touched me with her hands. I

brown. He has great yellow horns with magic power. He is black and shouts

turned around and saw her dressed in toilet paper.

“Grrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrr!” His pointy teeth stick out of his mouth. His nose

Her eyes were big and freaky. I was so scared. I

is blue, purple, and green. He eats stuffed animals.

pulled out my light saber, opened it, and whapped

Thomas & Friends™ at Children’s Festival

Nov. 12

16th Annual Children’s Festival • 10 a.m.

Presented by Devon Energy $8 in advance / $10 at door

Nov. 13

16th Annual Children’s Festival • 12 p.m.

Presented by Devon Energy $8 in advance / $10 at door

Ticket Information Prices do not include service charge. Tickets are available at all outlets, including Fiesta, select FYE, H-E-B and Walmart locations and Media Magic, by calling 800-745-3000, or online at www.ticketmaster.com. Tickets also can be purchased at The Pavilion Box Office Monday through Friday from 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. and on event days through intermission. The Box Office is located at the north entrance to The Pavilion at 2005 Lake Robbins Drive in The Woodlands. For more information, call 281-363-3300 or visit www.woodlandscenter.org. Prepaid, preferred parking is available in the on-site Town Center Garage located along Six Pines Drive. Parking is $5 per vehicle for most performing arts events and $15 per vehicle for most contemporary events. Tickets for on-site parking can be purchased in advance at all locations and The Pavilion Box Office. Some service charges may apply. Advance purchase is not required, but guarantees a space the day of the show.

By Katherine Morris Kindergarten

The End! Note:

Give Where You Live Campaign Contributors Thank you for helping us bring the power and beauty of live performing arts to our community.

The following individuals are contributors to the 2011 Performing Arts Season and Educational Outreach Programs as of the Sept. 27 printing deadline.

The author dictated her tale, and her mom did the typing…

By Rafe Nobles 1st Grade

her!

Just when I thought it was safe, green bats started flying all around me. I said “Shoo! Shoo! As I swung my light saber around until they all flew away.”

I ran to my tree house. I was climbing up the ladder and a vampire appeared. He had sharp teeth

that

went to his chest. I challenged him to a game of rock paper scissors to see which color light saber he would use to battle me. He got the green one and I kept my red one. We opened our light sabers and jumped all around for our duel. I beat him!

I sat under the tree to rest and then I saw skeletons coming at me. They had nasty skulls. I stood up and opened my light saber but they kept coming at me so I swung at them until they shattered and bones flew everywhere.

I turned around and saw zombies coming my way. I said, “Oh no! What am I going to do with all these spooky people. I’m frightened of these scary crea-

Ann & D.P. Adkinson Margaret & Tom Campbell Mary & Clyde Connell Susan & Alex Cosculluela Sheree & Jim Dixon Elena & Alexey Garkusha Claire & Gary Gelfman Sharla & John Hein

Janene Hemmen Earlene & Tom Herrick Elaine Kerian Aivars Krumins Grace & Vincent Leone Tracy & Christopher Moat Diem Nguyen Cathy & Marc Olson

Bette & Jim Osborn Julie & Chip Oudin Laura & Anthony Palmer Tristan Renz Arlene & Sol Sachs Kathy & Joe Toups Kristi & Todd Williams Lane Winsett

tures!” I ran to my mom’s stack of pumpkins and I sliced them with my light saber and then I started throwing pumpkin pieces at the zombies until they turned around and marched away.

I could hear werewolves howling at the sky and I thought I saw Frankenstein peeking around a tree. He looked weird and freaky. I started to open my light saber just as my mom opened the back door. She said “Come in! It’s time to put on your Darth Vader costume and go trick or treating!”

So I guess I will have to battle Frankenstein another night!

For information about how you can support the arts at The Pavilion, scan the QR code with your smartphone or visit www.woodlandscenter.org/individual_donations.html.

7 • www.woodlandscenter.org

October 2011 • 8

Hocus Pocus Pops “Spooktacular” Essay Contest Finalists

Hocus Pocus Pops “Spooktacular” Essay Contest Finalists

The Head

Monsters Got Talent

By Rebecca McNight 5th Grade

By Hilary Lam 4th Grade

A gust of wind blew the papers off her desk, sweeping them to the floor. The windows were closed and the light was off. Maria shivered, hoping that it was only one of those Halloween pranks. She wrapped the blanket tighter around her and hugged her stuffed monkey close to her chest. Suddenly she heard a loud rap on her bedroom door as if someone knocked with a rifle. Maria slipped out of the bed and into her slippers. She opened the door but saw nothing. All she felt was a cool breeze.

“Maybe it is a ghost,” thought Maria. She crept down the hallway and then suddenly a ghostly figure floated down the hallway holding a lamp.

This must be Annabeth, the ghost, for her parents had told her about the story.

Annabeth lived in the house several hundred years ago and her husband, Daniel, was murdered by the outlaw. Daniel’s head was then chopped off and went missing. It was believed to be hidden in the house. Annabeth tried to find the missing head but was unsuccessful. After she died, she haunted this house on every Halloween eve to find the missing head but the outlaw ghost continued to hide the head in a different place every year.

Frightened by encountering Annabeth, Maria screamed so loudly that it woke up her parents and sent them scampering to find her. She did not know that Annabeth could hear sounds. The ghost turned, startled by the noise.

Annabeth asked, “Who are you?” Maria was frigfhtened but managed to stammer the words, “I’m Maria.” Annabeth said, “Don’t worry. I am not going to harm you. I am only looking for my husband’s head that was chopped off when he was murdered.” It made Maria curious and interested about what she was going to do. Thinking that two minds would be better to find the head, Annabeth asked Maria whether she would like to help out and she said yes.

At that instant, Maria’s parents arrived. They wondered why she was screaming about but they could only see their daughter standing there. Her mom asked her what had happened and Maria said, “Nothing. I had a nightmare so I came out to get a cup of water. I am going back to sleep now.” So her parents went back to bed.

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Before they started their search, Annabeth warned Maria to watch out for the outlaw ghost who had stopped her from finding the head.

Maria grabbed a plastic bag and suggested to head down to the basement. Annabeth agreed for that was where she always started. They crept down the stairs into the basement. Inside the basement there was a closet. They opened the closet and the door squeaked on its rusty hinges. This closet was not like any other closet. It extended into a secret passage that would eventually lead to outside. Both of them had moved about ten feet when they heard a wicked laugh. They froze in their tracks and hid behind the last corner they turned. After a while a man’s ghostly figure came carrying a suitcase. It was the outlaw. He wore a nice looking suit but they could tell that the shirt inside was bloody. When he came to the corner, Annabeth tried to give him a hard smack in the stomach. But the outlaw grabbed her hand before she could even touch him and said, “You will never go anywhere. Now come with me.” Annabeth replied, “I never will!” It made the outlaw outraged.

But, the outlaw did not know at that moment, Maria had crept around him until she reached his back and threw the plastic bag over his head. The ghost fell on her and she hit her head on the floor. The outlaw got up but Annabeth managed to give him a painful whack before he could do anything.

When Maria opened her eyes, her vision was blurry but she could see Annabeth standing over her. The outlaw was gone and Annabeth was carrying the suitcase. Maria stood up and asked where the outlaw was. Annabeth replied, “He’s already dead like me. But, still, I tied up his feet and hands together with a rope and put your plastic bag on his head then I buried him in the pit that I found over there.”

She pointed her finger to the right and Maria cold see some dirt still on the ground. Annabeth said, “I am so happy now that I have found my husband’s head, I will bury it with his body in the cemetery. I will no longer haunt the house and I can now live in peace.”

After arriving at the first floor, Maria said farewell to Annabeth. From that day on everyone that lived in the house was not disturbed by any ghost. But, still, sometimes Maria believed that she heard the ghostly evil laughs of the outlaw.

As I turned on the TV to watch my favorite show, I saw that only one show was on, so I watched that. Luckily the show had just started, so I hadn’t missed anything. As the theme song came on, I was questioning myself on why I was watching this. The screen then faded to black and a two-headed man stepped onto the stage.

“Hi, I’m Ryan Sea Serpent, and welcome to our first ever showing of Monsters Got Talent! First up, let’s meet our judges, or should I say, judge. As you can see our judge has 3 different heads representing the three different aspects of him, Simon Howl, Paula Aghoul, and Randy Hacksome. Randy over here, loves dogs.

Paula is sweet and probably the kindest of the bunch. Simon, now, well he’s very serious about his musical talent. Now, what do you want to say about all this, Randy?”

“Well you know how it all is. Everyone expects you to love everybody who competes, but I’m not going to go there. You know what I mean, right dog?”

“Actually, no, I don’t, but let’s not focus on that right now. Instead let’s meet our contestants,” replied Ryan. “First up, all the way from the Transylvanian Alps, we have Vidia Vampire! Next, from St. Louis Cemetery in New Orleans is Zack Zombie! Also, from Poseidon’s realm, we have Cyndie Cyclops! Now from the ancient Egyptian tombs, we have Marian Mummy!

Coming up after the break we’ll see Vidia Vampire perform, so don’t you go anywhere.”

“Welcome back to the show, now let’s see Vidia. Vidia, what are you going to do for us today?”

“I’m going to sing opera,” answered Vidia.

“Whoa folks, you might want to get some ear plugs. Let’s give it up for Vidia Vampire!”

As I watched in amazement and horror, I saw about 30 glasses filled to the rim with blood from who knows where. Vidia then stood on the stage and started singing. As her voice got higher and higher each glass shattered into a million pieces, and blood spewed everywhere. Some of it spashed on her face, and she quickly lapped it all up. “Gross,” I thought.

“Wow that was amazing, I guess. Randy, what do you have to say about her performance,” asked Ryan.

“Vidia, you’re very talented, very, but you know for me, it was just a little bit pitchy, dog, a little pitchy,” said Randy.

“All right viewers, you know what to do, call in to vote for Vidia, and all the other contestants at 10-31-2011.

Next up, we have Zack Zombie. Zack, what are you going to do for us tonight?”

“Uh, uh, I’m going to dance,” Zack stuttered.

Ryan said, “Put on your dancing shoes folks, because here comes Zack Zombie!”

Again I was shocked with amazement and horror. This time though, Zack just stood there. Then spontaneously music came on and he started break dancing, literally. When he was about halfway through, one of his arms flew off

and landed on the steps to the stage. Next both his legs flew off! Two stage crew members, both with eyes all over their bodies, came in and scooped up the pieces of Zack, and put him in a box.

“That was some serious breaking, of dance and body. Now let’s see what Paula has to say,” said Ryan.

“Well it was all right for me, but I love anything to do with singing and dancing, so I liked it,” replied Paula.

“Again viewers, if you want Zack to win call in immediately.

Now let’s see Marian Mummy. Marian, what are you going to do?”

“I’m going to play the drums,” said Marian, moaning the whole time.

“All right folks. Let’s jam it out with Marian Mummy!”

Once again I was filled with amazement and horror. Marian had two bongo drums that she stood on and started stomping. After about two minutes the drums lost it, the next time she stomped on them they just broke, and her foot broke straight through and she started stomping with the drum on her foot.

“Wow, folks you just saw some serious stomping, let’s see what Simon has to say.”

“Well you know, I’m not really a big drummer fan, but on an ordinary basis, I thought it was average drumming,” said Simon.

“Call in folks to vote for your favorite drummer. We’ll see our final contestant, right after the break.”

“Welcome back folks, we have our final contestant about to perform. Cyndie, what are you going to do for us?”

“I’m going to make a pie with my feet,” replied Cyndie.

“Interesting, grab your forks folks, and dig in with Cyndie Cyclops!” Ryan announced.

Once again, and hopefully the last time ever, I was filled with amazement and horror. Cyndie had all the ingredients needed to make a pie laid out on a table. She sat down in a chair that was behind the table, and grabbed the spoon and started stirring the batter to make the crust. Then she put the pie in an oven that was off to the right of the table. After about two minutes the pie was ready. She did all of this with her feet! Then she picked up the pie with her hands, and threw it at the judge!

“Whoa folks that was quite an explosion!” exclaimed Ryan.

“Taste it!” yelled Cyndie. Simon, Paula. And Randy then licked all their faces.

“This is the best pie I have ever tasted made by someone’s feet!” they exclaimed in unison.

“All right folks, we’ve seen Vidia opera sing, Zack break dance, Marian rock out, and Cyndie make a delicious explosion pie. Now it’s all up to you. Who will win, Monsters Got Talent? We’ll announce the winner right after the break!”

“You’ve seen the contestants, you’ve picked your favorite, you’ve called in and voted, and now, the winner, of Monsters Got Talent is…”

“Weird,” I said, and shut off the TV.

October 2011 • 10

Hocus Pocus Pops “Spooktacular” Essay Contest Finalists

Hocus Pocus Pops “Spooktacular” Essay Contest Finalists

Le Loup Noir

Untitled

By Kimberly Gordy 10th Grade

By Kayleigh McCoy 7th Grade

The thing I remember most about that night was the cold sickle moon. It shone everywhere, unperturbed by the howling winds. The few stars there were shone weakly on the turned earth of the new grave.

My friend Ardian stood next to me, staring at a shaft of moonlight across the earth.

“I . . . I can’t believe it had to end this way.” His voice was hollow and full of sorrow. “Sh-she had to die,” he said, turning a final shovelful of ashen dirt on the grave, just outside a cave where we thought she had died.

His sister Idean had died from a mysterious accident. Everyone thought Le Loup Noir had something to do with.

Le Loup Noir had come to the village a few days earlier and nothing had been right since. Some thought that at night he turned into a wolf, hence his name.

Ardian said he had caught a glimpse of Le Loup Noir a few hours before we found Idean’s body.

“You will be next,” le Loup Noir had hissed, his last ominous words to Ardian. Then he had dropped onto all fours and loped away.

Now we were both standing in the cave listening to the water dripping, and staring at the wet earth. The cave, the den of Le Loup Noir.

Suddenly Ardian tore himself away from me. “Follow me if you must, Sedrin, but I warn you, my way is fraught with danger.”

“I . . . will . . . come,” I said hesitantly. ”But where are you going?” Ardian made no answer as he strode toward the back of the cave.

I knew that Ardian was going to try to kill Le Loup Noir. Once my friend had his heart set on something, he never turned back.

I made no comment, but trod carefully behind him. I knew not to try to stop him.

We walked for about an hour. Then Ardian stopped and leaned against the wall to rest. Plop! A drop of water landed on his head. Only when he screamed did I notice that the liquid was eating away at his scalp and hair. I suddenly realized that the liquid wasn’t water at all. It was some sort of acid.

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I ran to help him, but drips started falling right in my path, as if cutting me off from my friend. All I could do was watch, aghast, as the acid ran down his flesh, cutting it as easily as a knife cuts butter.

I turned my head away so I couldn’t see. But I could hear Ardian’s screams of agony. And I could hear le Loup Noir saying in a hideous voice, “You will be next.”

Then suddenly it all made sense. I had never seen nor been around when le Loup Noir was present. He never stayed for long, ten minutes at the most.

And no one could see his face behind all the hair–except for his malicious smiles and the evil gleam in his eyes. And then there were the strange moments of blackness I had been having recently. . . .

I had one of those blackouts around the time of Idean’s death.

The full truth descended on me like a cloud of awful revelation.

I . . . I . . . was Le Loup Noir!

Drip. . . . . . ,

Drip . . . . . . . .,

Drip. . . . . . . . .

“Good morning, Lisa-lis.” I was trying out a new nickname for Alice.

“Good morning, Miss Rita.” She didn’t seem to react to the name change. “Will you fix me up today?”

I shrugged. “Mother says I’m too old to be attached to you like this.” Alice snorted in derision, managing it quite well despite her being a doll and therefore not having lungs.

“Yes, but, my dear Miss Rita, I am not a normal doll, now am I? Can’t you fix me up? I’d like a new eye, so I can see all the pretty things in the world.”

I nodded. I really did want to get her a new eye, the empty socket made me sad. Alice seemed to smile and stood up. She tossed her ponytail behind her, green tresses bobbing. I always thought green was an odd hair color for a doll, but it contrasted nicely with her purple dress, so I liked it. Anyways, Alice was my friend, so it only made sense that I repay her with the eye she wanted.

Alice walked down the hallway from my room to the stairs and then down another hall to the dining room. I followed behind happily.

“Rita! Come down and eat!” Mother yelled. I paused outside the door. After a while, I picked up Alice and walked into the room. Mother looked with distaste at the girl in my arms. “You’re too old to be carting that doll around everywhere, Rita.”

“But she’s not a doll, she’s-“ “Hush. Eat your breakfast, I need to go.”

Mother ignored me and left for work, high heels clicking out of the house. I sighed, and placed Alice in Mother’s seat at the table. “How come you never talk to her, Li-li?” Alice rested her head daintily on her hand. “Because she wouldn’t like me like you do, Rita. You’re special.” I smiled happily and began working on the breakfast sausage that Mother had left for me. There was a period of silence for a while as I cut the sausages into squares. After a few minutes, Alice spoke up. “You know…I know where you could get me a new eye.” I looked over at her. She was staring hungrily at my knife with her eye. Her porcelain face doesn’t usually make a lot of expression, but a smile started cutting it in half.

She bared sharp teeth I didn’t know she had.

“Can’t you get me one of Mother’s?”

I pause and considered it. Mother does have pretty green eyes that almost match Alice’s remaining eye exactly. “Prolly,” I mumbled around a mouthful of sausage. “How would I do that?” Alice’s smile transformed from feral to sugary sweet. “There’s those knives in the kitchen. When she comes home today and goes to bed, I can hold her down and you just cut out her eye. That way, I can see everything again.” I nodded. It seemed like a good plan. But first, one concern. “Would that hurt Mother? Or kill her? That would be bad, right? Alice looks at me inquisitively. “Why does it matter?” Alice has a point. It really doesn’t, Mother never saw me as significant, and the feeling was mutual. I didn’t need her anyways, I had Alice. I finish my sausage in silence.

Mother gets home right before bedtime, just like she always does. She pours herself a drink and doesn’t really say anything to me. I just brush Alice’s hair. Usually, she would do that herself, but she doesn’t like moving around Mother. Mother eventually tells me to go brush my teeth, and I do. While I do that, Mother prepares herself for bed. I almost do too, until Alice reminds me that I have to get the eye for her tonight.

We walk down to the kitchen hand-in-hand and pick out a knife.

The knife provides a nice, happy weight in my hand as we walk down the hall to Mother’s bedroom. Alice’s eye is glowing a bit, which the knife reflects at angles of the walls. It makes pretty patterns. The door to Mother’s bedroom opens with only a little creak, but she still turns over sleepily and mumbles “Rita…?

What are you doing up…?” At this point, she finally notices Alice, whose eye is glowing in very pretty shades of orange. Alice smiles at me, happy she’s going to get what she wants. I smile back and clamber up on top of the bed, holding the knife up. Mother has tears in her eyes as she tries to hold me back.

“Alice needs a new eye, Mother.” The knife plunges down.

October 2011 • 12

Concert Etiquette

Guest Information

The Cynthia Woods Mitchell Pavilion offers concertgoers live performing arts events in a picturesque setting featuring such world-renowned organizations as the Houston Symphony, Houston Ballet and Texas Music Festival Orchestra. The following information about concert etiquette will enhance your visit and help ensure that all of our guests enjoy their arts experience to the fullest.

Electronic Devices

During the Performance

Take a break from the outside world! Please turn off all cellphones and other audible electronics. Recording devices and photography are not allowed, including with cellular phones.

Guest should refrain from entering and exiting their seats while a performance is in progress. If you must leave your seat, please proceed quickly and quietly to the nearest aisle or ask the nearest usher for assistance. Please be courteous to other members of the audience.

Late Seating Fashionably late? If you arrive after a performance has started, our ushers will do their best to seat you during an appropriate pause in the program. For certain performances, and at the request of the artist, guests seated in the orchestra section might have to wait until a transition is made between songs to proceed to their seats.

Applause Not sure when to applaud and when not to? A good rule of thumb is to watch the conductor. The conductor should let you know when a piece is over by lowering both arms and turning to face the audience.

After the Concert

Children The Pavilion is a family-friendly venue and we love to see families at our performing arts events. However, please be courteous of both the orchestra and those around you by keeping youngsters from talking loudly and running around during the performance. Even if you are seated on the hill, loud children can be very distracting for everyone. We want all of our guests to have the most enjoyable concert experience possible.

Tickets

RECYCLING

Tickets are available at The Pavilion Box Office Monday through Friday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and the day of performances through intermission. American Express, MasterCard, VISA and Discover are accepted at The Pavilion Box Office.

The Pavilion has several recycling bins scattered throughout the venue where guests can easily recycle. Guests also can use the new Greenopolis recycling system located in the North and South plazas. This system allows recyclers to earn points for recycling.

Tickets also are available at all outlets, including Fiesta, select FYE, H-E-B and Walmart locations and Media Magic, or charge by phone at 800-745-3000.

Children

For guests with hearing impairments, Ticketmaster’s TDD number is 800755-6244. Groups of 20 or more are eligible for discounts for performing arts and selected contemporary events. For information, call 281-210-1127 or visit The Pavilion Box Office.

Parking

Bravo! As the applause dies down, the performers will put their instruments away and the leave the stage. The house lights will be turned on so guests can exit safely.

Guests may park free of charge in lighted and patrolled lots convenient to The Pavilion. Preferred parking is available for all events in the on-site Town Center Garage. For most events, lots open 90 minutes prior to the performance.

To Picnic, or Not to Picnic?

Food and Beverages

Picnics are welcome at all performing arts events at The Pavilion. Guests can bring in any type of food item; however, beverages can not be brought into the venue. Guests are welcome to bring empty water bottles to fill at water fountains or to purchase beverages at our concessions stands.

Food and beverage items are available from The Pavilion concession areas in the North, South and Lawn plazas. Concessions are operated

by ARAMARK Sports & Entertainment. Food can be brought in during all performing arts events; however, beverages are not allowed into the venue.

Restrooms Restroom facilities are located in all three plazas.

Lawn Chairs For comfortable hillside seating, guests may bring blankets or use The Pavilion’s specially designed lawn chairs free of charge for all performing arts events.

For most contemporary events, children 5 and under are admitted free to the lawn without a ticket. At most performing arts events, children are admitted free with their parents to the mezzanine and lawn areas.

All children must have a ticket to sit in orchestra-level seating.

ATMs ATMs operated by Woodforest National Bank are located in the North, South and Lawn plazas of The Pavilion.

Prohibited Items To ensure the enjoyment and safety of all our guests, the following items may not be brought into The Pavilion: glass bottles, cans, beverages, food (except picnic meals at performing arts events only), cameras, recording devices, weapons, aerosol cans, strollers, laser pointers, animals and lawn chairs.

Cameras and Recording Devices At the request of the individual artists, cameras and recording devices are not permitted at our facility. lost and Found To inquire about lost items, guests may ask a Pavilion staff member for assistance or call The Pavilion Administrative Office during business hours at 281-364-3010.

GIFT CARDS

Trained medical professionals are on duty at all Pavilion events. If medical help is needed, ask any Pavilion staff member for assistance.

Gift cards to the Woodforest Bank Club and House of Blues Hospitality Tent are available for purchase. Cards can be used for food and drinks at either the Club or Tent, but can not be used at concession stands or merchandise tent. To purchase a gift card, contact Spectrum Catering, Concessions & Special Events at 713-897-8250 or gc04@spectrumfcs.com.

Guests with Special Needs

Special Events

The Pavilion is accessible to guests with disabilities. For detailed information, consult our free brochure available at the Information Booths, call 281-364-3010, or visit www.woodlandscenter.org.

The 1,600-square-foot Woodforest Bank Club, located just off The Pavilion’s North Plaza, is available for lease year-round. Outfitted with large video screens, multimedia equipment with surround sound, a copier, fax and dedicated telephone and modem lines, the Club is designed for business meetings and special, private events. For rental information, call 281-363-0900.

First Aid

Information Booths Information booths are located at the gated entrances in the North, South and Lawn plazas. If guests have questions or concerns, they are encouraged to visit Pavilion volunteers who staff the information booths throughout the events.

Inclement Weather Pavilion concerts are not canceled due to rain. If it rains on the day of the concert, guests are encouraged to wear rain apparel.

The House of Blues Hospitality Tent provides a tented outdoor setting for pre- or post-concert gatherings at most contemporary concerts. For more information, call 281-363-0900.

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Photo by Ted Washington

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October 2011 • 14