A good friend texted me earlier and said something along the lines of, “Life is [expletive deleted] weird.” I’d texted another friend almost the exact same sentiment after leaving the Undermain’s production of The Birthday Party last night. You’ll forgive me this morning, then, since I’m still in the weird, floaty mood I get when I see something wonderful.
Friday
I have not Magicked a real review out of my head and on to FrontRow quite yet. But I will say this. You should go see The Birthday Party for many objective reasons–the quality of the performances, the scary, precognitive genius of playwright Harold Pinter. On a more personal note, sometime during the second act when things were really going hilariously, frighteningly awry, I felt something loosen in my chest, a unexpected unraveling of the odd vise of worry and duty and life’s minor inconveniences that keeps me generally upright. After an endlessly long day, being there felt like being elsewhere, in a much stranger world than my own and without anything to do at all except puzzle through it, a fantastical mental pursuit. The play is long, and performed with two 10 minute intermission, but rather more exhilarating than exhausting. You can still buy tickets online via the Undermain’s website.
Saturday
Did anyone think I was going to miss an opportunity to post a Phil Collins song? He’s busy remembering the Alamo as part of a Dallas Historical Society fundraiser, but I’m busy remembering how much I really love “Invisible Touch.” Which I know is technically Genesis. Sue me. Before you purchase your entirely reasonable ticket, check out Peter Simek’s profile of the English rock star over on FrontRow.
Main Street Garden’s Asian Festival, which starts a bit earlier than the historical show and tell with Phil Collins, features a wide variety of pan-Asian dishes and performances. This is decidedly more family-friendly than both the Round Up de Mayo, in which day drinkers are encouraged to wear Wayfarers and neon to get responsibly smashed at the Katy Trail Ice House (for a good cause, of course), or the North Texas Beer Festival, hosted in the delightful suburb of Irving-Las Colinas.
Sunday
It’s Mother’s Day, so, don’t forget. If your mom really loves her dog, Paws on the Plaza has organized a perfect brunch in One Arts. All the restaurants are participating to make a sort of super patio where puppies are welcome and you can enjoy live musical entertainment. I’d be tempted to go with Screen Door, but I’m also a sucker for Tei An’s white seaweed salad and the Commissary’s avocado fries. Paws in the City will also be on hand offering pet adoptions and information.
Another Arts District option is the Nasher, which, in honor of mothers everywhere as well as the opening of their latest exhibit, Ernesto Neto’s Cuddle on a Tightrope, hosts a brunch complete with mimosas and performances courtesy of the Dallas Opera.
For more Mother’s Day dining options, go here. For last minute gift ideas, go here.
And for more to do with your weekend, go here.
