FROM THE BEATLES TO BALLET
The Pavilion Kicks Off The Best Season Yet The Cynthia Woods Mitchell Pavilion kicks off its 2016 Performing Arts Season with five great performances that sample all of the great things this season has to offer. Relive the years of peace, love and rock-nroll with Classical Mystery Tour: A Tribute to The Beatles April 29. Or join the Houston Symphony as they dive under the sea with “Dreams Can Come True,” Music from The Little Mermaid on May 5. Finish up the month with a walk through the classics at An Evening with the Houston Ballet May 12, Houston Symphony’s Symphonie Fantastique May 20, and Houston Grand Opera’s Tosca May 27. The Houston Symphony’s Dreams Can Come True program includes timeless favorites from Disney’s “The Little Mermaid,” as well as selections from Mendelssohn’s “A Midsummer Night’s Dream.” Led by associate conductor Robert Franz, this show is meant to encourage the young and young-at-heart to dream big and believe that anything is possible. All guests are encouraged to flip their fins and dress in their magical best while they become a part of our world for this journey under the sea. Before the performance, kids are invited to join the fun at the Hats Off to Reading Celebration, a free event in The Pavilion’s new multi-purpose Event Center. All children receive a free book and can participate in activities such as a book walk, hat-making, face painting, fishing for prizes and a coloring contest. Sponsors of this year’s Hats Off to Reading event include Dr. George and Diane Kaufman, Scholastic Book Fairs, Junior League of The Woodlands, The Cynthia Woods Mitchell Pavilion, Chick-fil-A of The Woodlands, Conroe Independent School District, Montgomery County Memorial Library System, St. Anthony of Padua Library and Lamar Elementary School PTO. Enjoy the timeless splendor of “Romeo and Juliet” and “The Sleeping Beauty” at An Evening with the Houston Ballet May 12 at 8 p.m. A mixed repertory program, the evening will also sample pieces from the company’s performances of “Velocity,” “Maninyas,” and “Spring Waters.” Audience members will
be taken on a journey through the creative mind of Artistic Director Stanton Welch in his artful direction and combination of the varied components of the program. Houston Symphony and renowned pianist, Gabriela Montero join forces for Symphonie Fantastique May 20. Conducted by Houston Symphony music director Andrés OrozcoEstrada, this classical concert features works for the piano to be played by Montero. Born in Venezuela, Montero’s visionary interpretations and unique improvisational gifts have won her a devoted following around the world. Montero says, “I connect to my audience in a completely unique way – and they connect with me. Because improvisation is such a huge part of who I am, it is the most natural and spontaneous way I can express myself.” Intrigue, cruelty, and betrayal swirl about a doomed diva in Houston Grand Opera’s Tosca May 27. A riveting drama sung to one of Puccini’s most beautiful scores, Tosca is a story of deceit set in Rome during one of history’s most turbulent times. With truth nowhere to be found, even love is tainted by suspicion for the tragic heroine Floria Tosca. At all performing arts events, guests are welcome to have a picnic in their seat or on the hill. Keep in mind that beverages cannot be brought into The Pavilion. Sitting on the hill? Lawn chairs also are provided free for this event. The Cynthia Woods Mitchell Pavilion’s 2016 Performing Arts Season is presented by The Woodlands Development Company and sponsored by Live Nation, Huntsman, Texas Children’s Hospital—The Woodlands, Mercedes-Benz of The Woodlands, official automobile of The Pavilion, South Walton Florida, The Wortham Foundation, United Airlines, official airline of The Pavilion, and The Pavilion Partners. 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 outreach programs.