EXPERIENCE THE BEST | Society Texas

The best plays, musical performances and exhibits in Texas are being enjoyed by record number crowds, according to our cultural adventurer Rob Giardinelli, who shares our favorite recommendations.

AUSTIN

THEATRE FIELD

The thought-provoking work, Notes from the Field written by Tony Award® and Pulitzer Prize nominee Anna Devare Smith, depicts through personal accounts of people caught up in the school-to-prison pipeline. Through March 31. At ZachTheatre.org

FAIRYTALES REVEALED

Grimm Tales, Ballet Austin’s Artistic Director Stephen Mills’ latest work, is a revealing look into the underbelly of some of the most legendary fairytales…and in the process showcasing the real beauty in the lessons they teach us. March 29-31. At BalletAustin.org

SCULPTING FROM WITHIN

One of Americas preeminent sculptors, Native Texan, James Surls: Without, Within is a collection of 30 of his large and small scale works on display throughout the garden and gallery of the Umlauf Sculpture Garden. March 5 through August 18. At UmlaufSculpture.org

DALLAS / FORT WORTH

SILKY SMOOTH

Asian Textiles: Art and Trade Along the Silk Road showcases garments and ornamental hangings from China, India and Japan that were traded along the historical Silk Road that led to a worldwide exchange of arts and crafts from the Mediterranean to India to the Far East. Through May 19. At DMA.org

THE LURE OF ENLIGHTENMENT

The Lure of Dresden: Bellotto at the Court of Saxony features the works of Bernardo Bellotto, one of the foremost painters during the Age of Enlightenment. The paintings provide a unique looks images of Dresden, one of the greatest cities in 18th Century as well as paintings of Venice and Saxony. Through April 28. At KimbellArt.org

SHAKESPEAREAN SYMPHONY

The legendary comedy by William Shakespeare, Twelfth Night has everything you would ever want in a play: suspense, love triangles, scheming villain and what is bound to be an experience you will never forget. Running March 29 through April 28 at The AT&T Performing Arts Center. At MyDSO.com

HOUSTON

LIFE OF A MASTER

50 master works from one of the world’s most influential artists of all time, Vincent van Gogh: His Life in Art features works throughout his life from his early years in the Netherlands to his landscapes in Saint-Rémy and Auvers. March 10 through June 27. At MFAH.org

PLAY ME SOME RAGTIME

The Tony Award® winning play written by Texas native Terrence McNally. Set in the early 20th century, it is a moving work about race, class, gender and politics April 16-28. At TheHobbyCenter.org

THE ROBBINS CENTURY

The Houston Ballet Presents Robbins: A Centennial Celebration featuring three diverse pieces in celebration of the 100th anniversary of the birth of legendary choreographer Jerome Robbins. March 7-10 at the Wortham Center. At HoustonFirstTheatres.com

SAN ANTONIO

PICTURE PERFECT

An Evening with Annie Leibowitz will feature the iconic photographer who will be in San Antonio for an exclusive event to mark the publication the revised and expanded edition of her 2008 book, Annie Leibovitz at Work. The photo icon will also share and discuss a selection of her pictures. March 6. At TobinCenter.org

HOW THE WEST WAS FUN

Night of Artists art features over 300 works of Western Art from over 80 of the top Western Artists in the United States. The best part is if you like a painting, you can buy one at auction to add to your collection. March 28-30. At BriscoeMuseum.org

LIVING HISTORY

The permanent home of the South Texas Collections, the 20,000 square foot Robert J. and Helen C. Kleberg South Texas Heritage Center features exhibits, art, artifacts and live performances that celebrate the colorful history of South Texas. At WitteMuseum.org