Donald Hunsberger, director of the Eastman-Dryden Orchestra -- which specializes in accompaniment for silent film -- will direct the symphony as the screen is filled with flashing swordplay, pre-OSHA stunts, equestrian derring-do and lust in the dust of long-ago California deserts. 8:30 p.m. Cynthia Woods Mitchell Pavilion, 2005 Lake Robbins Drive, The Woodlands. To charge tickets by phone call 629-3700. $7.50 on the lawn, $9.50 reserved seats.
sunday
May 8
Feed Mom Grateful children might prepare, lovingly with their own hands, a special meal. Culinarily challenged kids, however, can turn to the talented chefs at several Houston restaurants. Mother's Day specials abound. Hyper-trendy 8.0 turns traditional for Mother's Day: moms eat free when they bring in three others (if everyone has an entree), and a party magician will stroll from table to table performing sleight of hand while patrons enjoy green eggs and ham. 11 a.m.-3 p.m. 3745 Greenbriar, 523-0880. Moms eat free at Fornos of Italy, as long as two others in the party purchase entrees. Southern Italian cuisine such as capellini with shrimp, scampi and ravioli di pollo can be complemented with 99 cents mimosas. Dine al fresco or inside from 11 a.m.-3 p.m. 10001 Westheimer, 789-5552. Moms who like something a bit more stout than a 99 cents mimosa should be féted at Senor Frog's. At the cantina, mothers who have brunch with their families will be treated to a free 'rita of any variety. The newly opened Senor Frog's Restaurante y Cantina serves brunch from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. 5016 Westheimer at Post Oak, 871-1616.
Or, you could take mom out for Asian food in the evening. Nit Noi, Nit Noi Too and Kim Son offer free flowers for mothers and have special menus for Mother's Day. Kim Son downtown has a buffet, and in the upstairs banquet room, a jazz trio. Parties of eight or more are entitled to a free bottle of champagne, and there will be red roses for all mothers. 6-10 p.m. 2001 Jefferson, 222-2461. Nit Noi and Nit Noi Too have special menus featuring traditional Thai food, and owner Alice Vongvisith has dendrobium orchids for each mom. Both restaurants open 5-10 p.m. 2462 Bolsover & 5211 Kelvin, 524-8114. All of these restaurants suggest that you make reservations, and you could dress to please your mom. Just this once.
monday
may 9
Wilson Whitley Memorial Celebrity Golf Tournament The University of Houston African American Studies program continues to celebrate its 25th anniversary at UH. Today PGA pro Charles Sifford, Buffalo Bills back Thurman Thomas and former Astro Jimmy Wynn contribute by whacking the little white pill. The tourney honors UH alum Wilson Whitley, an All-American football player and Lombardi Award winner; the goal is to raise $76,000 for African American students. The play is five-team scramble, with one celeb in each group, and plenty of corporate honchos have signed up to play. Cross your fingers for good weather. 1 p.m. Dinner and awards 5:30. Tour 18, on FM 1960 two miles east of Highway 59 North. 743-2811. Dinner tickets $20.
Manon: A Ballet Brief Lady MacMillan, widow of choreographer Sir Kenneth MacMillan, is one of the speakers who will reveal intimate details of the creation of MacMillan's Manon. Lady MacMillan, who has overseen productions of her husband's works since his death two years ago, will discuss, among other things, his interpretation and artistic treatment of Abbe Prevost's novel Manon Lescaut. UH French professor Valentini Papadopoulou Brady will discuss the literary and historical aspects of Prevost's story. The romantic tragedy involves a fine, upstanding young man who is willing to lie, cheat, steal and kill for a beautiful woman, despite -- or perhaps because of -- her failings. Designer Peter Farmer, whose sets and costumes are part of the Houston Ballet's May 19 premiere, offers insights on his contributions. The Ballet Brief, part of the Houston Ballet and Ballet Guild's educational outreach program, is designed to enrich dance appreciation. (If you miss the talk, Manon Lescaut is a $4 paperback at most bookstores.) 7:30-9 p.m. Hamman Hall, Rice University Campus, entrance 14, off Rice Boulevard, 5-BALLET. Free.
tuesday
may 10
Keep watching the skies Today is eclipse day, and crack scientists know all about this celestial phenomenon and have for years. The annular eclipse (one in which the moon covers all but a bright ring around the sun) begins at 9:51 a.m. By 11:30 (the official science time is 11:26) the moon's disk will cover 71 percent of the sun. Somewhere between then and 1:18 p.m., the eclipse will reach its full magnitude -- 79 percent. This amazing celestial event happens up in the sky for all to see, but you can't look at it. However, as many schoolchildren know, there are ways to enjoy the eclipse without burning a hole in your retina. The Today's Vision Dancing Eyeballs, a group of costumed eye-care professionals, have been out teaching kids how to build safe viewing boxes. Call (800) SEE-TODAY for a free fact sheet.
