ARTS PICKS
1. ‘The Nutcracker’
Andrés Orozco-Estrada’s farewell season continues with him leading the Houston Symphony through excerpts from Tchaikovsky’s “The Nutcracker.” The composer’s work, a holiday favorite, is often presented as part of a ballet, but here, the symphony will play some of its best-known excerpts as part of a program that also includes Samuel Barber’s Violin Concerto and Giovanni Bottesini’s “Gran duo concertante.”
When: 8:30 p.m. Dec. 3-4, 2:30 p.m. Dec. 5
Where: Jones Hall, 615 Louisiana
Details: $29-$135; 713-224-7575, houstonsymphony.org
Andrew Dansby
2. ‘The Snowy Day’
Ezra Jack Keats’ “The Snowy Day” was noted upon its publication for being the first mainstream children’s book to feature a Black boy as protagonist. The story clearly resonated, as the book remains a beloved holiday seller nearly 60 years later. The story has now been adapted in a new operatic form, with music by Joel Thompson and libretto by Andrea Davis Pinkney. Houston Grand Opera brings this telling to town with HGO Studio artist Raven McMillon taking on the role of Peter.
When: Dec. 9-19
Where: Wortham Theater Center, 501 Texas
Details: $20-$210; 713-2286737, houstongrandopera.org
Andrew Dansby
3. ‘The Little Mermaid’ “The Little Mermaid” has taken a curious path in the 180-plus years since its publication. The tale was beloved on the page before becoming a hit
Disney film more than a century later. More recently, it was adapted into a popular musical, with music by Alan Menken, lyrics by Howard Ashman and Glenn Slater and book by Doug Wright. Menken and Ashman were responsible for the film’s songs, so attendees can expect old favorites. Theater Under The Stars’ artistic director Dan Knechtges directs.
When: Dec. 7-24
Where: Hobby Center, 800 Bagby
Details: $40-$136; 713315-2525, tuts.com
Andrew Dansby
4. ‘Potted Potter: The Unauthorized Harry Experience’
Jefferson Turner and Dan Clarkson bring back their world-famous send-up of all things Harry Potter by telling the story of each of the books — and playing a game of Quidditch — in 70 minutes. And you don’t even have to be a Potter fan to enjoy it, though it helps.
When: Dec. 7-Jan. 2, 2022
Where: Hobby Center, 800 Bagby
Details: $59-$109; thehobbycenter.org
Cary Darling
5. Houston Ballet’s ‘The Nutcracker’
We have the Houston Symphony playing music from “The Nutcracker” this weekend but what would the season be without the ballet that goes with it? Houston Ballet is performing the perennial through Christmas Eve, so you can get your fill of the Sugar Plum Fairy and the Mouse King.
When: Through Dec. 24
Where: Wortham Center, 501 Texas
Details: $27-$200; houstonballet.org
Cary Darling