Artist Diana Thater’s The Starry Messenger is a nine-monitor video installation of the ever-shifting and evolving Milky Way. It was filmed at Griffith Observatory Planetarium in Los Angeles and shot from below the massive Zeiss star projector, and it’s on view for the next year at the new Moody Center for the Arts at Rice University. “When you walk into the Moody, you’re immediately greeted by an artwork and you’re in a special space,” says Alison Weaver, executive director. Weaver explains that the piece, which is on a seven-minute video loop, taps into Houston’s core as Space City and will anchor a series of discussions and presentations with scientists, poets, artists and astronauts. “[Thater] is not only interested in the natural world itself, but also how we observe the natural world,” says Weaver. 10 a.m. February 28. Continuing 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesdays through Saturdays. February 24 through February 1. 6100 Main. For information, call 713-348-2787 or visit moody.rice.edu. Free. — Steve Jansen
Seventy-five years after the historic Battle of Sunda Strait, in which the American and Australian sailors who survived the sinking of the USS Houston and the HMAS Perth joined British and other forced laborers in building a railway linking Thailand to Burma, we recognize both the survivors and the more than 12,000 Allied POWs who lost their lives in that endeavor. The Houston Museum of Natural Science, in association with the Archaeological Institute of America, Houston, is screening the 1957 film, The Bridge on the River Kwai, which tells the story of just one of the 688 bridges along the "Burma Death Railway" route. Dr. Jay Thomas, US Naval History and Heritage Command, will introduce the film. 6:30 p.m. February 28. 5555 Hermann Park Drive. For information, call 713-639-4629 or visit hmns.org. $12 to $18. — Susie Tommaney
Related events:
- 6:30 p.m. March 2: "Secrets From a Watery Grave," a talk with Dr. Jay Thomas, US Naval History and Heritage Command, and Commander Scott Craig, Assistant Naval Attache, Australian Embassy, Washington DC. Houston Museum of Natural Science, 5555 Hermann Park
- 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. March 4: Free open house for the new exhibit, “USS Houston: Ships Named in Honor.” Houston Maritime Museum, 2204 Dorrington
- 3:30 p.m. March 4: USS Houston Survivors' Association and Next Generations annual Memorial Service. Sam Houston Park, 1000 Bagby
- March 1-May 28: The Australian National Maritime Museum banner display will fly on USS Texas. Battleship Texas State Historic Site, 3523 Independence Parkway South, LaPorte
You'll be served with a generous helping of adrenaline at this year's iteration of the Banff Mountain Film Festival, now touring the United States and making a two-day stop at Alamo Drafthouse Cinema, courtesy of Whole Earth Provision Co. Wednesday's lineup touches on desert hiking, skiing, falconry, sledding and lots of climbing; come back on Thursday for a completely different lineup of flicks covering surfing, seafaring, bike-packing and tons of enviro. Chances are you'll soon be either planning a trip or heading out to the great outdoors for some of your own exploration of our magnificent planet. 7 p.m. March 1 and 2. Mason Park, 531 South Mason, Katy. For information, call 281-492-6900 or visit drafthouse.com/houston/theater/mason-park. $25. — Susie Tommaney
Thursday, March 2
There are no flowing locks — well, at least not on the title character. “She’s a little more rough and tumble” than the Disney version, says Melody Mennite, principal dancer for the Houston Ballet, who dances the lead in Cinderella. As for the twist, the stepmother and stepsisters Grizabella and Florinda are played by men dancing en pointe. Houston Ballet Artistic Director Stanton Welch, who created the choreography to Sergei Prokofiev’s beautiful music, takes a few turns with the storyline that are unexpected to those familiar with the classic version of girl meets Prince, loses shoe and wraps up with a happily-ever-after with the heir to the kingdom. “I just really like the heart of the story and the character,” says Mennite. “It feels much more genuine to me.” 7:30 p.m. March 2. Continuing 1:30 and 7:30 p.m. March 4 and 11, 2 p.m. March 5 and 12, 7:30 p.m. March 10. Wortham Theater Center, 501 Texas. For information, call 713-227-2787 or visit houstonballet.org. $25 to $195. — Margaret Downing
A decently obscure war battle — The Battle of Sunda Strait on February 28, 1942 — still matters a whole heck of a lot today for American-Australian relations. The exhibition, “Guardians of Sunda Strait: The World War II Loss of HMAS Perth and USS Houston,” which took the Australian National Maritime Museum and Booker•Lowe Gallery four years to put together, looks back on the battle — a crucial loss for the Allies against Japanese forces — after 75 years and the implications that still resonate today. “I believe this event exemplifies the close alliance and friendship between the U.S. and Australia, and our common commitment to preserve and defend freedom,” says Nana Booker, honorary consul emeritus of Australia and owner of Booker•Lowe Gallery. “In 2018, we will celebrate the 100th anniversary of the U.S. and Australia fighting alongside one another in wars around the world — World War I, World War II, Korea, Vietnam, Afghanistan, Iraq.” 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. March 2. Continuing 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Mondays, Tuesdays and Thursdays; 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Wednesdays; 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturdays. March 2 through June 30. Houston Public Library, 550 McKinney. For information, call 713-880-1541 or visit bookerlowegallery.com or houstonlibrary.org. Free. — Steve Jansen
Live from Chicago, it’s The Second City tour company. The famed comedy stage and long-running breeding ground for many of America’s great modern humorists is sending its best and brightest sketches and performers down to the Bayou City for a one-night performance of The Best of Second City. Developed through improv, the troupe has churned out many entertainment greats over the past 55 years, including Bill Murray, Stephen Colbert, Chris Farley, Tina Fey, Steve Carell and Bob Odenkirk. Up-and-coming “Blue Company” performers Adam Archer, Danny Catlow, Alison Gates, Eve Krueger, Lauren Walker and Greg Ott get the opportunity to work with the scripts developed by the masters of old, as well as improvise based on audience suggestions, bringing some welcome humor to this recently revamped, circa-1929 venue. 8 p.m. March 2. The Heights Theater, 339 West 19th. For information, call 214-272-8346 or visit theheightstheater.com. $28 to $42. — Vic Shuttee
In one play, a man returns to his former home to present his wife with his new girlfriend and his wife decides some striking back is needed. Another takes a new look at Medea and the breakup of her marriage. Three other plays have a common theme of survival at their core: Detroit workers facing the foreclosure of their plant, a classically trained actress doing Shakespeare in Las Vegas and a Polish immigrant who needs some financial security. It’s all part of the 11-day inaugural play reading festival, 4th Wall Reads: Women’s Voices, featuring the works of five female playwrights, including Theresa Rebeck, a finalist for the Pulitzer Prize. Talk-backs are moderated by Dr. Rob Shimko, director of the University of Houston School of Theatre & Dance, and 4th Wall co-founder Kim Tobin-Lehl; there’s also a late-night poetry slam on March 4. 7:30 p.m. March 2. Continuing 7:30 p.m. Thursdays and Fridays; 2:30, 7:30 and 10 p.m. March 4; 2:30 and 7:30 p.m. March 11; 2:30 p.m. Sundays. March 2-12. 4th Wall Theatre Company, Studio 101, 1824 Spring. For information, call 832-786-1849 or visit 4thwalltheatreco.com/reads. Free with reservations. — Margaret Downing
Friday, March 3
The United States has seen 45 presidents, but there’s been only one king. His name is Elvis. In his heyday, he caused hysteria with his swiveling hips and curled lip. The rock-and-roll sensation still reigns with Elvis Lives!, a celebration of the life and times of the hunk of burning love. Lace up the blue suede shoes and hire a pet sitter for the hound dog because this is a nostalgic, not-to-be-missed moment. Valentine’s Day might be over, but don’t be cruel to your loved one by skipping out on this unforgettable adventure. Audiences can’t help falling in love with this phenomenal theatrical concert experience, complete with live music and a multimedia presentation of his work. The show features champions and finalists from Elvis Presley Enterprises’ worldwide Ultimate Elvis Tribute Artist Contest who will move, groove and soothe your heartstrings. 8 p.m. March 3. Smart Financial Centre, 18111 Lexington, Sugar Land. For information, call 281-207-6278 or visit smartfinancialcentre.net. $45 to $85. — Sam Byrd
Are you the old-school four-wheeler type, or do you prefer inline rollerblades? Either way, Kinder Lake holds the key as it has been transformed into a temporary roller rink in Avenida Houston presents The Rink: Rolling at Discovery Green®. On opening night, glide to hits from the ’50s through the ’90s, plus enjoy derby demo battles from Houston’s finest. Come back for Cheap Skate Nights on March 6 and 20 and extended hours during spring break. “It’s kind of like riding a bike — you don’t forget how to skate,” says Lori San Miguel, Discovery Green’s programming and communications coordinator. “Plus, being outdoors will bring a different element to roller skating. Who else can say they roller-skated underneath the skyline of such a great city?” 5 to 11 p.m. March 3. Continuing 5 to 10 p.m. Mondays through Thursdays, 5 to 11 p.m. Fridays, 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Sundays, 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. March 13-17. March 3-25. Discovery Green, 1500 McKinney. For information, call 713-434-7465 or visit discoverygreen.com/rollerrink. $6 to $14. — Sam Byrd
Some advice for Go Texan Day rookies: If you’re going to wear a brand-new pair of cowboy/girl boots for the citywide kickoff celebration for the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo™, please break those puppies in beforehand. Because by hour number four of an eight-hour workday, especially if you’re on your feet a bunch, you’ll be hating life, no matter how awesome you look in your (most likely) all-new western wear.
Double bonus: Your feet will be much more comfortable the next day while you're running or walking in the 5k/10k Rodeo Run and taking in the Downtown Rodeo Parade — we’re told that the best viewing spots are from Louisiana to Smith and from Bell to Lamar. Go Texan Day is all day Friday. The run, which costs $35, starts at 9:20 a.m. March 4 at the corner of Walker and Bagby and is followed by the free parade at 10 a.m. at the same intersection. For information, call 832-667-1000 or visit rodeohouston.com. — Steve Jansen
J.S. Bach’s Art of Fugue — one of the master’s final works — is incredible, but the hour-and-change piece can be a bit hard to digest in one sitting, spurning a crazy challenge for Mark Steinberg: presenting Fugue as a performance installation. “I thought that if we’re going to do this, we should do it in a way that the listener can understand and experience all of the textures and interactions of the piece,” says Steinberg, violinist of the Brentano String Quartet, which leads the sonic, dance and spoken-word interpretation of BWV 1080. Engineer Gabriel Calatrava and choreographer John-Mario Sevilla, along with the Art of Fugue dancers, metaphorically visualize Fugue with a stunning moving sculpture. It took two years to put together the installation, which has been performed only once in New York City, and it is being presented in Houston courtesy of Da Camera. Arrive early at 7:15 p.m. for a pre-concert conversation. 8 p.m. March 3. Wortham Theater Center, 501 Texas. For information, call 713-524-5050 or visit dacamera.com. $37.50 to $67.50. — Steve Jansen
