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