It's a story about immigrants and politics, about clashes over culture, race and equality. One look at today's headline news and the narrative sounds familiar, but Ragtime — based on the book by E.L. Doctorow — is actually set a century ago. Three seemingly disparate experiences weave together with real historical figures in this musical portrait of early America, presented in Houston by Theatre Under The Stars. Ezekiel Andrew, a veteran as Harlem musician Coalhouse Walker Jr., returns in the pivotal role with book by Terrence McNally, music by Stephen Flaherty and lyrics by Lynn Ahrens. With a cast of 25, just about everybody in the audience will be able to identify with something in this upbeat look at the power of tolerance and understanding.
Performances are scheduled through April 28 at 8 p.m. Fridays and April 26, 2 and 8 p.m. Saturdays, 2 and 7:30 p.m. April 21, 7:30 p.m. Monday through Wednesday, and 2 p.m. April 28 at the Hobby Center, 800 Bagby. For information, call 713-558-8887 or visit tuts.com. $30 to $104.50.
Rolling Stone named Led Zeppelin the heaviest band of all time, and there's no denying their dominance in the '60s and well into the '70s. It's a 50th anniversary celebration over at Houston Symphony, and who better to conduct Music of Led Zeppelin than Brent Havens, a composer/arranger with credentials a mile long and who also conducted symphonic rock programs for the Doors, Pink Floyd, the Eagles, Queen, Michael Jackson, The Who, Whitney Houston, The Rolling Stones, U2, Journey, Elton John, David Bowie and Prince. Zebra frontman Randy Jackson has a deep well of songs from which to choose when he takes the stage on vocals, though we're burning candles for "Whole Lotta Love," "Stairway to Heaven," "Black Dog," and "Ramble On."
A performance is scheduled for April 19 at 7:30 p.m. Friday at Jones Hall, 615 Louisiana. For information, call 713-224-7575 or visit houstonsymphony.org. $39 to $99.

Hawa (The Ride) represents the first time the Pilot Dance Project has collaborated with a national choreographer to produce a world premiere.
Photo by Ricarrdo Valentine, costume by Shane Ballard
Performances are scheduled for April 19 through April 21 at 8 p.m. Friday and Saturday, 5 p.m. Sunday at MATCH, 3400 Main. For information, call 713-521-4533 or visit matchouston.org. $15 to $20.

No green thumb? No worries. The Spring Native Plant Sale will steer you toward the right plants for our region, including this Tecoma stans (Esperanza).
The Spring Native Plant Sale is scheduled for April 19 through April 20 at 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Friday and Saturday at Houston Arboretum & Nature Center, 4501 Woodway, just inside the 610 entrance gate. For information, call 713-681-8433 or visit houstonarboretum.org/events/spring-plant-sale-2019.

Another tale of fire and ice. What really happened behind those closed doors? Ryan McKinny is the charismatic Don Giovanni and Ailyn Pérez is the vengeful Donna Anna.
(L) Photo by Simon Pauly Photography and (R) Photo by Rebecca Fay
Performances are scheduled for April 20, 27 and 30 and May 3 and 5 at 7:30 p.m. most performances and 2 p.m. May 5 at Wortham Theater Center, 500 Texas. For information, call 713-228-6737 or visit houstongrandopera.org. $25 to $270.
Come on get happy and let it all hang out by celebrating a mutual affinity for Mary Jane in the first annual International 420 Love Fest. Now we all know marijuana is illegal in Texas, but it's still cool to get together with like-minded stoners and dream about a different future, one where possession is decriminalized and everybody is mellow. In the meantime, join organizer Rising Son Productions and head out to Peggy Park for DJs, live bands, arts and crafts vendors, and international foods in this inaugural love fest.
International 420 Love Fest is scheduled for April 20 from 2 to 10 p.m. Saturday at Peggy Park, 4101 Almeda. For information, visit facebook.com/events/peggy-park/420love-festival/471011583422246. $15 to $30.

The 4th Annual Carpocalypse Car & Bike Show is a pet-friendly event presented by Houston Zombie Walk. A tip of the hat to top sponsor Bud Light.
Photo by Mike O Neil, Houston Zombie Walk
The Carpocalypse Car & Bike Show is scheduled for April 20 from noon to 4 p.m. Saturday at Harrisburg Arts Museum, 4200 Harrisburg. For information, visit facebook.com/events/2176605962652878. Free to 450.