On the schedule this weekend are a musical perfect for blondes with brains, a dance performance with edge, an outdoorsy afternoon in the park, a doggy party and a kosher-style repast featuring one of CultureMap's own provocateurs.
HITS Theatre presents Legally Blonde - The Musical
The film that taught everyone the legal implications of deactivating the immonium thygocolate at a wet T-shirt contest or while trying to get away with murder gets a musical makeover in this production by HITS Theatre. It's cute, it's pink and it's totally full of memorable numbers that will have you doing the bend and snap as though sorority phone trees didn't exist — preposterous.
The skinny: Through April 11, 8 p.m.; Miller Outdoor Theatre; free admission, tickets are available for covered seating.
FrenetiCore Dance presents "Dancing with the Machine"
You can always count on FrenetiCore Dance to imagine performances that are both challenging aesthetically yet accessible to those who've never been to a dance show before. "Dance with the Machine" is no exception, an evening inspired by steampunk, science fiction, enlightenment and good versus evil.
The skinny: Through April 4; Frenetic Theater; tickets start at $16.
Bayou Greenway Day 2015
With the forecast calling for mild temps and sunny skies, Simon says it's Houston's best time of the year for enjoying the lovely outdoors. In that spirit, Bayou Greenway Day 2015 offers guests to walk, bike, run, stroll, play and paddle to and fro Fonde Park, Spurlock Park and Mason Parks while enjoying the paths and trails between them. Organizations such as Recipe for Success, East End Management District and The Bayou Preservation Association and others will be onsite with activities suitable for the whole family.
If you need to burn calories because of eating too many Cadbury eggs or too much matzah at seder, say hi to my friends at FiTMiX Houston by participating in one of the free Zumba classes.
The skinny: Saturday, 10 a.m.-3 p.m.; Brays Bayou Greenway; free event.
Sixth Annual Doggy Party on the Plaza
Houston PetTalk Magazine hosts this fabulous showcase of everything for which dog lovers and their owners would metaphorically roll over. In addition to a myriad vendors catering every imaginable dog need, the event features costume and look-a-like contests, a parade with decorated floats, rescue groups and more.
The skinny: Saturday, noon-5 p.m.; CityCentre; free event.
Staff writer and resident gourmand Eric Sandler's pick: A Hunky Dory Seder
Eric says: "When Jewish people gather to celebrate Passover and tell the story of the Exodus from Egypt, they ask, 'why is this night different from all other nights?' On Saturday night at the Kipper Club, you'll find a different Seder than any other in Houston. Hunky Dory chef Richard Knight, a man with a pig tattoo on his arm, will offer his own take on the classic meal that's still kosher style: No pork, no shellfish and no courses that mix meat and dairy.
"I'll be there, too, telling the Passover story and guiding you through the ritual of the Seder. I know the food will be great; I just hope I live up to my part. The four cups of wine will definitely help."
The Skinny: Saturday, 7 p.m.; Kipper Club; tickets are $100.
"Dance with the Machine" is an evening inspired by steampunk, science fiction, enlightenment and good versus evil.
Another view of the garden. Photo by Brian Austin, courtesy of Rothko Chapel.