Manon

Lordy, Lordy, look who’s 40 (and still able to tastefully sport tights). The Houston Ballet rings in four decades of dancing en pointe with Sir Kenneth MacMillan’s Manon. Adapted from the French novel Manon Lescaut, the world-renowned ballet chronicles a young seductress who uses her good looks to woo would-be suitors into lying, stealing and murdering. Houston Ballet chose MacMillan’s masterpiece to pay homage to the choreographer the company credits as its biggest influence. (His wife has even served on the company’s board since the ‘90s.) And the hat will be tipped in style, as acclaimed designer Peter Farmer (Royal Ballet, Vienna State Opera) will create the sets and costumes. See why it pays to be flirty at 40 at 7:30 p.m. today and September 12, 18 and 19, and 2 p.m. September 13 and 20. Wortham Theater, 501 Texas. For information, call 713-227-2787 or visit www.houstonballet.org. $18 to $160.
Thu., Sept. 10, 7:30 p.m.; Sat., Sept. 12, 7:30 p.m.; Sun., Sept. 13, 2 p.m.; Fri., Sept. 18, 7:30 p.m.; Sat., Sept. 19, 7:30 p.m.; Sun., Sept. 20, 2 p.m., 2009