Bird Brains

(Thu 4/10)
What’s floating around in Big Bird’s big yellow head?
“I imagine
a place with lots of feathers and bright colors and pretty songs,” says Bird,
as channeled by a Sesame Street Live rep during an interview. “I imagine a parade!”
What about Ernie? He dreams about being captain of the Good Ship Rubber Duckie.
And the Cookie Monster? Guess.

Sesame Street Live’s 1-2-3 Imagine! teaches kids about the power of
imagination. In the play, Sam, the neighborhood mail carrier, tells how she
can visit exotic lands using her mind, “easy as counting 1-2-3.” After getting
a postcard from her grandmother in Mexico, Rosita follows Sam’s example and
imagines singing, dancing and hitting Big Bird at a fiesta. Oops — we meant
hitting a piñata. 10:30 a.m., 2 p.m., 5:30 p.m. and 7 p.m., Thursday,
April 10, through Sunday, April 13. Hobby Center for the Performing Arts, 800
Bagby. For tickets, call 713-629-3700 or visit www.ticketmaster.com.
For information, call 713-315-2525 or visit www.sesamestreetlive.com.
$14 to $26. — Eric A.T. Dieckman

Robo-Puppet (Sat 4/12)
Youngsters these days may not be familiar with wooden puppets, but they’re sure
to know about electronics — which is why Stages Repertory Theatre has updated
Pinocchio. In Pinocchio 3.5, Bill Gates builds himself a robot
son that will be heir to his vast fortune. But like his fairy-tale predecessor,
this version will need some major troubleshooting. 11:30 a.m. and 2 p.m. Saturdays
through May 3. 3201 Allen Parkway, suite 101. For information, call 713-527-0220
or visit www.stagestheatre. com. $6 to $8.– Cathy Matusow

Bunny on the Balance Beam (Sun 4/13)
Don’t expect kids swinging around like little urban orangutans at this Easter
egg hunt. It may be hosted by the Heights recreation center Discover Gymnastics,
but this is a straightforward find-the-eggs thing. As always, the annual tradition
is weirdly stripped of religion — this one features your standard Easter Bunny
appearance and (praise Jesus) the face-painting talents of the Anti-Gravity
All-Star Cheerleading Squad. 2 p.m. Sunday, April 13. Discover Gymnastics, 747
North Shepherd, suite 400. For information, call 713-334-8812. $5. — Troy
Schulze