ANA KHAN’S THINGS TO DO
Autorama
At the 63rd annual Autorama visitors can explore a showcase of hot rods, motorcycles, classic and exotic cars. The event also features special appearances by Lucha Bros, Lou Ferrigno of “The Incredible Hulk,” Noel Gugliemi of “Fast & Furious,” award presentations and other attractions.
When: Through Sunday Where: George R. Brown Convention Center, 1001 Avenida de las Americas Details: $4-$24; autorama.com
Disney’s ‘Beauty & the Beast’
Main Street Theater presents Disney’s “Beauty & the Beast,” where Belle seeks adventure beyond her simple life and holds the key to breaking a spell by loving the Beast in his castle.
When: Through Dec. 23 Where: Midtown Arts & Theater Center Houston, 3400 Main
Details: $22 and up; mainstreettheater.com
Stand up comedian Jon “Polar Bear” Gonzalez performs at Houston Improv this weekend.
Jon ‘Polar Bear’ Gonzalez
Houston Improv hosts comedian Jon “Polar Bear” Gonzalez. After his successful “Whispanic Causing Panic” tour in 2022, Gonzalez returns with a new hour of comedy. The Texas comedian gained fame with viral comedy skits, amassing millions of views on Facebook and TikTok. When: 7:30 and 9:45 p.m. today, 7 and 9:30 p.m. Saturday, 7:30 p.m. Sunday
Where: Houston Improv, 7620 Interstate 10 W., #455
Details: Tickets start at $70 for a table of two; improvtx.com
George Ranch Historical Park: Fall Festival
The Thanksgiving weekend “Fall Festival” at George Ranch Historical Park features traditional pumpkin pie-making, board branding at the cowboy campfire, crafting at the Ranch House, photo ops, all alongside with the regular tours. When: 9 a.m.-5 p.m. today-Saturday
Where: George Ranch Historical Park, 10215 FM 762, Richmond
Details: $10-$25; georgeranch.org
Cultural Holiday Extravaganza at Mistletoe Square
The diverse, family-friendly event at Market Square Park celebrates cultural traditions with holiday activities and a mini market.
When: 7-10 p.m. Saturdays through Dec. 30
Where: Market Square Park, 301 Milam Details: Free; bit.ly/47FxIRG
MLS Playoffs: Houston Dynamo
Cheer on the Dynamo as they play against Sporting Kansas City in the MLS Playoffs at Shell Energy Stadium.
When: 6 p.m. Sunday Where: Shell Energy Stadium, 2200 Texas Details: $25 and up; houstondynamofc.com
Here are five live events recommended for the coming week.
Erykah Badu
How great is Erykah Badu? Consider that the Dallas native hasn’t put out a proper album since “New Amerykah Part Two (Return of the Ankh)” 13 years ago and yet contemporary music is still playing catch-up to her sound, an Afro-futuristic play on R&B that gives off a laid-back vibe, even while cutting new trails. Last year, her ageless debut album, “Baduizm,” turned 25. Presumably, Badu has some new tunes in the works. But if not, the old ones always sound fresh. She’s joined by PJ Morton and Raheem DeVaughn. When: 7:30 p.m. Saturday Where: Smart Financial Centre, 18111 Lexington, Sugar Land
Details: $33-$227; 281-207-6278, smartfinancialcentre.net
Ben Schwartz and Friends
A Funny or Die regular, an Upright Citizens Brigade veteran and a beloved TV presence as Jean-Ralphio Saperstein on “Parks and Recreation,” Ben Schwartz wonderfully works the seam between character and caricature with his humor. His improv shows are a staple at the club Largo in Los Angeles. This week he brings a group of his fellow funny friends to town for a night of improvised comedy.
When: 8 p.m. Tuesday Where: Cullen Performance Hall, 4800 Calhoun
Details: $44-$99; 832-842-3131, cph.evenue.net
‘The Turn of the Screw’
Henry James’ “The Turn of the Screw” has been kicking around for 125 years, so there’s something to be said about the
long-term resonance of the author’s horror novella, which has been adapted to film, TV, stage and other literary endeavors. The Catastrophic Theatre offers its own thorough reimagining of “Screw,” adapted by playwright Bradley Michalakis. Catastrophic core artist Afsaneh Aayani and New York-based multimedia designer Adam J. Thompson co-direct a multimedia production that uses environmental staging, puppetry, cinema and a new original score.
When: Through Dec. 9 Where: Midtown Arts & Theater Center Houston, 3400 Main
Details: Suggested $35, but pay what you can; catastrophictheatre.com
Pete Davidson
Pete Davidson has been doing stand-up comedy for a decade now, having started before he found his way to a career-making stint on “Saturday Night Live.” There’s not much we can add here: Davidson’s humor is well summarized by the title of his 2019 film “Big Time Adolescence.” At 30, he still finds laughs from his resignation into a state of arrested development. When: 7 p.m. Thursday Where: Bayou Music Center, 520 Texas
Details: $52-$179; bayoumusiccenter.com
Jorge Luis Borges
Storied writer Jorge Luis Borges left his mark on several locations around the world: his native Argentina, Switzerland, Spain. The fiction writer and poet also had a deep connection to Texas, having taught at the University of Texas as a visiting professor in the early 1960s and returning as a guest lecturer repeatedly until his death in 1986. Some of Borges’ archival papers reside at the university’s Harry Ransom Center. This year marks the centennial of the publication of his first book of poetry, “Fervor de Buenos Aires.” Casa Cultural de las Americas and Rice University are marking the occasion with a tribute to Borges that will involve the presentation of a honorific bust, as well as panel of experts discussing his work. Among them: Houston-based author Gwendolyn Diaz-Ridgeway, Rice professor Nicolas Shumway and Fernando Flores, vice president of the Jorge Luis Borges International Foundation in Buenos Aires.
When: 6 p.m. Wednesday Where: Ley Student Center, Grand Hall, Rice University, 6400 Main
Details: Free; events.rice.edu