Tiny TUTS

Kids ham it up at Miller Outdoor Theatre

Comments (0) Thursday, Jun 5 2003

TUE 6/10
Aside from stage mothers, few people know that Theatre Under the Stars has a department just for kids. TUTS ON TOUR, the professional student performing troupe from the Humphreys School of Musical Theatre, is the official training wing of Theatre Under the Stars. For five years now, the group has been putting on free "YoungStars" revues at Miller Outdoor Theatre. Aspiring performers sing family-friendly tunes from Broadway and Hollywood musicals; this summer's song-and-dance numbers include "One" from A Chorus Line, the boot dance from The Best Little Whorehouse in Texas and "Frugue" from Sweet Charity. The performers, ages eight to 18, have to pass a demanding audition to get into the program, which is designed for kids shooting for careers in the performing arts. Members of the Humphreys School staff direct and choreograph the shows, teaching song-and-dance as seriously as theologians teach scripture. Note: Proper application of mosquito repellent is not part of the curriculum, but it does come in handy this time of year. See "YoungStars" at 11 a.m. on Tuesday and Wednesday, June 10 and 11. Miller Outdoor Theatre, 100 Concert Drive. For information, call 713-558-8801 or visit www.tuts.com. Free. -- Eric A.T. Dieckman

TUTS performers-in-training

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SAT 6/7
Eyes on Hurricanes
With hurricane season on the way, it's time to teach kids about dangerous weather. The Children's Museum of Houston is battening down the hatches with its "Inside a Hurricane WonderWeekend" activities. Kids will get a crash course in meteorology, with interactive exhibits and crafts about hurricanes. Of course, storm safety will be addressed; children will learn how important it is to prepare for storms (sit back and let the adults tape big Xs on the windows). And parents will be reminded never to let children play around with mystical hurricane summoning devices -- the kind used by local TV weather forecasters. Put down that Tibetan Book of the Dead, Dr. Neil! 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday, June 7, and noon to 5 p.m. Sunday, June 8. Children's Museum of Houston, 1500 Binz. For information, call 713-522-1138. $5. -- Troy Schulze