TUE 6/10
Aside from stage mothers, few people know that Theatre Under the Stars
has a department just for kids. TUTS ON TOUR, the professional student performing
troupe from the Humphreys School of Musical Theatre, is the official training
wing of Theatre Under the Stars. For five years now, the group has been putting
on free “YoungStars” revues at Miller Outdoor Theatre. Aspiring performers sing
family-friendly tunes from Broadway and Hollywood musicals; this summer’s song-and-dance
numbers include “One” from A Chorus Line, the boot dance from The
Best Little Whorehouse in Texas and “Frugue” from Sweet Charity.
The performers, ages eight to 18, have to pass a demanding audition to get into
the program, which is designed for kids shooting for careers in the performing
arts. Members of the Humphreys School staff direct and choreograph the shows,
teaching song-and-dance as seriously as theologians teach scripture. Note: Proper
application of mosquito repellent is not part of the curriculum, but it does
come in handy this time of year. See “YoungStars” at 11 a.m. on Tuesday and
Wednesday, June 10 and 11. Miller Outdoor Theatre, 100 Concert Drive. For information,
call 713-558-8801 or visit www.tuts.com.
Free. — Eric A.T. Dieckman

 

SAT 6/7
Eyes on Hurricanes With hurricane season on the way, it’s time to teach kids about dangerous weather.
The Children’s Museum of Houston is battening down the hatches with its “Inside
a Hurricane WonderWeekend” activities. Kids will get a crash course in meteorology,
with interactive exhibits and crafts about hurricanes. Of course, storm safety
will be addressed; children will learn how important it is to prepare for storms
(sit back and let the adults tape big Xs on the windows). And parents will be
reminded never to let children play around with mystical hurricane summoning
devices — the kind used by local TV weather forecasters. Put down that Tibetan
Book of the Dead, Dr. Neil! 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday, June 7, and noon
to 5 p.m. Sunday, June 8. Children’s Museum of Houston, 1500 Binz. For information,
call 713-522-1138. $5. — Troy Schulze

This article appears in Jun 5-11, 2003.