Formidable!

Films from French comedy master inspire dreams of a romantic Paris getaway

Mon cher fellow Francophiles, vous will surely not want to miss the series of Pierre Etaix films now showing at the Museum of Fine Arts, Houston, especially if you enjoyed the “Five Funny French Films” series there last March.

Thanks to the aforementioned FFFF series, I discovered Monsieur Etaix, whom MFAH justly bills as le “French Comedy Master.” I got a taste of his clever work in Le Grand Amour, which the MFAH repeats on Saturday (May 18, 7:30 p.m.) to conclude the series.

Also on tap, The Suitor (today at 4 p.m.), Yoyo (tonight at 6 and Friday at 7:30 p.m.), As Long As You're Healthy (Friday at 6 p.m.) and Land of Milk and Honey (Saturday, 6 p.m.).

Every time I see an excellent French film, I long to see the real thing, just like all those who have ever been to France, especially Paris — at least, all those who understand they are guests in the most beautiful city in the world, and thus, do their best to adhere to Mother's advice to "try to be a good guest" and fit in as well as possible.

Specifically, in Paris, that would include:

Speaking to your hosts, the French people, in their own language, if only to say "Merci beaucoup" for all the wonderful things that invariably happen to you in Paris; and
Keeping your voice down to a dull roar, as Parisians tend to speak very quietly.

Following the admirable example of the French-friendly MFAH, I offer my own little bonus. If you are truly serious about seeing the real thing, France, in all its glory – go now. Right now. This is absolutement the best time to go. Tout de suite, before the rush begins in June, when the entire world heads for France, specifically Paris — particularly the Louvre, which will be wall-to-wall with Americans shouting cheerfully into their phones or at one another from a foot away.

(That also applies to the endless lines of people who'll be waiting to get into the major museums. Book in advance if at all possible.)

There are three stunning sights you must see right now in Paris – the crème de la creme. Here they are:

The fabulous Chagall exhibition at the Musee du Luxembourg
The sumptuous Vuillards and Bonnards in the gorgeous exhibition at the Musee d’Orsay, A Passion for France: The Marlene and Spencer Hays Collection
Parc Monceau in full bloom, in all its springtime glory

Bon voyage, mon cher! A la prochaine fois!

Pierre Etaix stars in Le Grand Amour [http: /www.mfah.org/calendar/le-grand-amour/7387/].

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miller outdoor theatre improved

Hermann Park's always-free theater breaks ground on new Gateway Plaza

Miller Outdoor Theatre Gateway Plaza rendering

Courtesy of DLR Group with landscape design by Michael Van Valkenburg Associates (MVVA)

Theatre visitors will see this new sign at the plaza's entrance.

One of Houston’s most enduring, family-friendly attractions is getting some upgrades. When audiences return to Miller Outdoor Theatre next summer, they’ll be welcomed by a new plaza and other improvements.

The Miller Theatre Advisory Board (MTAB) officially broke ground on the new Gateway Plaza last week. It marked the occasion with a ceremony attended by Houston Mayor John Whitmire, park board representatives, and other officials.

Designed to improve accessibility and the overall visitor experience, the Gateway Plaza will feature new walkways that will both connected the theater to the rest of Hermann Park and improve drainage at the site. Three new shade structures will replicate the theater’s distinctive, A-frame design. In addition, the “Dining Bosque,” a popular area for pre-show meals, will have its picnic tables refreshed, among other improvements.

“We’re thrilled to have broken ground on the Gateway Plaza Project,” MTAB managing director Claudia de Vasco said in a statement. “It’s a fitting start to Miller’s next century — an investment in spaces that reflect who we are as both an iconic arts venue and a welcoming public gathering place, inviting everyone to experience the performances and memories that make Miller so special.”

Located on 7.5 acres within Hermann Park, Miller Outdoor Theatre provides eight months per year of free programming in genres such as classical music, jazz, Shakespeare, classic movies, and more — all funded by the City of Houston through the Houston Arts Alliance. It has seating for approximately 1,700 people as well as a spacious lawn that can hold another 4,500. Currently, the facility is closed for construction but is scheduled to reopen in the summer of 2026.

“Miller Outdoor Theatre is a special gathering place for the people of Houston,” added Mayor Whitmire. “I am excited about the Gateway Plaza Project because these improvements will ensure that Miller Outdoor Theatre continues to serve the community for generations to come.”