Dish-Houston

By DISH Contributor Scott Arthur

Children searching the Houston skies for something magical this time of the year might just see a flying boy before they spot a red sled. With a burst of fairy dust, Peter Pan lands at the Hobby Center for the Performing Arts for a dozen days beginning December 11. Somewhere on stage in between the Carol of Christmas and the Cracker of Nuts, try to make time to see a holiday show where you probably don’t already know all the dialogue and music. As part of TUTS’ “A Lot To Love” season, Peter Pan is a unique, family friendly attraction of spectacle and fantasy. The thrill of flying, timeless magical moments and a captivating hook promises to mesmerize young and old alike. Highly recommended!

As an early Christmas offering, we’re gifted with a legendary performer portraying a legendary character. The ever sparkling Tony Award nominee Cathy Rigby returns to play the elusive Pan. Her early days of gymnastics anchored by decades of theatrical and vocal experience allow her to bring Peter to life on stage as no one else has. When she dons the iconic outfit and takes flight, the years also seem to fly away. Rigby is spry, energetic, and thoroughly delightful. As an added bonus, some of Houston’s Humphreys School of Musical Theatre students are cast as supporting actors in the Lost Boys ensemble.  I’ve seen the previews – and I can’t wait.

And just like Tinkerbelle zips from place to place, allow me to briefly land on another subject. Peter Pan features “lost boys.” As a member of the Star of Hope Homeless Mission staff I see lost boys and girls every day. They seem especially lost over the holidays.

In Neverland the kids don’t want to grow up. Homeless children sometimes have to grow up too quickly or are robbed of their childhood because they are constantly moving from school to school, neighborhood to neighborhood and shelter to shelter. I can easily imagine some homeless families serving a “pretend feast” for dinner ….sitting in front of cold beans and rice …hearing the TIC TOC of approaching doom. They don’t have an ageless boy to save them …but they do have YOU. And I wanted to take a moment to thank all of you who have contributed to the Star of Hope Mission during the years – and encourage those who have yet to support us. Your contributions help us offer the tools to change lives ….even save lives. Don’t stop. Your ARE making a difference. Clap if you believe!    

Tickets (starting at only $24) are available on-line at TUTS.com, by phone at (713) 558-TUTS (8887), outside the Houston area at (888) 558-3882, or in person at the Theatre Under The Stars Box Office, located at 800 Bagby at Walker, Monday - Friday 10 a.m. - 6 p.m., and Saturday - Sunday 11 a.m. - 4 p.m.