A Grizzly Show

THU 9/11
According to popular conception, bears excel at just two things: preventing
forest fires and mauling humans to death. But Bear, the seven-foot star of his
own Disney TV series, can show you how to dance a sassy cha-cha-cha. In the
live-action stage show Bear in the Big Blue House Live: A First Time for
Everything, wee fans of the furry orange mammal can boogie down and
sing along with him and the rest of his animal commune. “The stage show, like
the series, places great emphasis on community and the roles that characters
play in it,” says Jane O’Hara, show spokeswoman. In the show, characters and
audience members alike celebrate “first-time achievements.” Hopefully, “the
first time Daddy bagged a grizzly” won’t be on any tyke’s list. We wouldn’t
want to make Bear nervous on his visit to Texas. 7 p.m. Thursday, September
11; 10:30 a.m. and 7 p.m. Friday, September 12; 10:30 a.m., 2 p.m. and 5:30
p.m. Saturday and Sunday, September 13 and 14. Hobby Center for the Performing
Arts, 800 Bagby. For information and tickets, call 713-629-3700 or visit www.bearinthebigbluehouselive.com.
$12 to $22. — Bob Ruggiero

Laugh and Learn

This isn’t your grandma’s “Hava Nagila.” This weekend, Rachel Buchman will
entertain kids with songs, stories, history, science and vaudeville comedy sketches.
She’ll have your kids laughing and singing so loud that they won’t even realize
they’re learning at the same time. (It can be our little secret.) 4 p.m. Sunday,
September 14. Jewish Community Center, 5601 South Braeswood. For information,
call 713-551-7255 or visit www.jcchouston.org.
$6 to $8. –– Keith Plocek

Latin Lessons

“Latino” may be beating “Hispanic” in the politically correct wars, but the
phrase “Hispanic Heritage Month” has a nice alliterative quality to it. Throughout
September, several branches of the Houston Public Library will sponsor educational,
bilingual activities celebrating Latino culture, traditions, music, food and
dance. Don’t miss The Gallito Mandón, a performance about a bossy
rooster trying to get to his uncle’s wedding (11 a.m. Saturday, September 27.
Central Library, 500 McKinney, 832-393-1313). For a full schedule, call 832-393-1313
or visit www.houstonlibrary.org.
— Cathy Matusow