The best plays, musical performances, and exhibits in Texas are enjoyed by record-breaking crowds, according to our cultural arts maven Leanne Raesener, who shares our favorite recommendations for what to enjoy this fall across the state.
AUSTIN
GLOW MAKES THE EVENING FLOW
After having enormous success worldwide—in Paris, Barcelona, and New York—this creative, enchanting, and new concert series is known simply as “Candlelight.” Not to be missed are Candlelight: Beethoven’s Best Works and Candlelight: Otis Redding, Al Green & Southern Soul Legends, both
performed at the iconic Mansion, an intimate setting amidst walls flickering by soft candlelight. September 10 and October 3, respectively. At SecretAustin.com.
ON IMAGE: Courtesy of Secret Austin, Candlelight Series
SURF’S STILL UP
The Beach Boys have become synonymous with the California lifestyle, performed more concerts than any major rock band in history, and received numerous awards, including the 2001 Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award. So sport your Wayfarers and enjoy a hang-ten evening of fun.
October 24. At TexasPerformingArts.org.
ON IMAGE: The Beach Boys, with original members Mike Love, fifth from left, and Bruce Johnston, third from left. Courtesy of The Beach Boys, archival
FANTASY FAIRYTALE
Composer Stephen Sondheim’s fairytale masterpiece, Into The Woods, plays outdoors in a contemporary, reimagined interpretation. From the Topfer balcony, Rapunzel lets down her hair, Cinderella loses her slipper on the steps, and the Milky White cow sculpture moos to life with Jack and his Beanstalk. September 29―November 7. At ZachTheatre.org.
ON IMAGE: Courtesy of ZACH Theatre
DALLAS / FORT WORTH
FASHION IS ART, BUT OF COURSE
A special exhibition, Canvas & Silk: Historic Fashion from Madrid’s Museo del Traje, from Madrid’s premier museum of historical dress, will be on view thanks to an unprecedented collaboration. In drawing examples from the Meadows’ collection of historical dress and pairing with the Museo del Traje’s, one may view these styles through the lens of Spanish art. September 19―January 9, 2022. At MeadowsMuseumDallas.org.
ON IMAGE: Manuel Piña (Spanish, 1944–1994) [designer], Alex Serna [painter]; Vestido (Dress), 1991. ©Museo del Traje, Spain. Centro de Investigación del Patrimonio Etnológico, Madrid, Spain; CE092707. Photo by Lucía Ybarra Zubiaga
MAGNIFICENT ALICE
As one of America’s most wildly creative and innovative dance companies, MOMIX DANCE/UNBOUND takes you on a walk through the Looking Glass in their reimagined and fantastical Alice. Don’t miss this triumph of imagination, illusions, and special effects in its U.S. premiere performance. September 17–18 at Winspear Opera House. At Titas.org.
ON IMAGE: Photo courtesy of MOMIX.
ICONIC & IRREVERENT
Jean-Michel Basquiat was one of the most important and celebrated American painters of the 1980s. Gifted to the DMA by the late Samuel and Helga Feldman, Sam F is the first work by the iconic artist to enter the museum’s collection. Basquiat painted the impressionistic portrait in oil on a door from the apartment complex where he stayed in 1985 during his visit to Dallas. Through February 13, 2022. At DMA.org.
ON IMAGE: Jean-Michel Basquiat, Sam F, 1985, oil on the door, Dallas Museum of Art, gift of Samuel N. and Helga A. Feldman, 2019.31, © Estate of Jean-Michel Basquiat. Licensed by Artestar, New York
HOUSTON
QUITE LOVERLY
From Lincoln Center Theater comes Lerner & Loewe’s My Fair Lady. Prepare for a classic show-tune heaven in the sumptuous, thrilling revival that’s both opulent and daring. September 14―19. At TheHobbyCenter.org.
ON IMAGE: Leslie Alexander as Mrs. Higgins, Shereen Ahmed as Eliza Doolittle, and Kevin Pariseau as Colonel Pickering in The Lincoln Center Theater Production of Lerner & Loewe’s My Fair Lady. Photo by Joan Marcus
MODERNIST LEANINGS
The Menil Collection and the Museum of Contemporary Art San Diego will debut of Niki de Saint Phalle in the 1960s, the first major U.S. exhibition to focus on the radical work of Niki de Saint Phalle—from the artist’s Tirs, or “shooting paintings,” to her exuberant and powerful Nanas, lively sculptures of the female form. September 10–January 2, 2022. At Menil.org.
ON IMAGE: Niki de Saint Phalle Pirodactyl over New York, 1962 98 Guggenheim Museum Abu Dhabi
FIREY OBSESSION
A tragedy of obsessive love, Bizet’s Carmen from 1875 is considered the most famous opera in the world. Camen captivates the soldier Don José with her beauty, confidence, and provocative lifestyle until his jealousy becomes their undoing. Expect striking costumes and gorgeous dancing in this acclaimed production. October 22―November 5. At HoustonGrandOpera.org.
ON IMAGE: Carmen. Photo by Lynn Lane
SAN ANTONIO
COMEDY, MEET TRAGEDY
Don Giovanni is sure to be a spectacular opening to a significant opera season. The classic tale balances comedy with tragedy as the Age of Enlightenment’s most notorious womanizer meets his demise. Filled with breathtaking arias and quicksilver ensembles, this is a must-see. October 7 and 9. At OperaSA.org.
ON IMAGE: Courtesy of Opera San Antonio
ONWARD WE GO
Ruby City celebrates its first anniversary with two new installations from its permanent collection, featuring works in diverse media. In the multi-screen installation, Western Union: Small Boats (2007), British multimedia artist Julien chronicles the global history of African migration and diaspora. Cabrera’s exhibition The Craft of Resistance (2008) comprises 1,500 copper monarch butterflies representing perseverance and persistence. September 25—2020. At RubyCity.org.
ON IMAGE: Isaac Julien Western Union Series No. 4 (Flight Towards Other Destinies 3), 2007. Photo courtesy of Isaac Julien Studio
ART’S RULE
The exhibition Nature, Power, and Maya Royals: Recent Discoveries from the Site of Buenavista del Cayo showcases objects discovered at this archeological site in Belize. The pieces, now being exhibited for the first time, were recovered from two royal tombs, one dating to (ca. AD 450) and another to (ca. AD 650–750). Vessels from the SAMA permanent collection are also on display. Through February 27, 2022. At SAMuseum.org.
Detail of jaguar and coatimundi way on Cylinder Vase with Animal Figures, Belize, AD 650–750, earthenware and mineral paint, Courtesy of The Mopan Valley Archaeology Project. Photo by Bernadette Cap