August Events OPENERS

DANCING IN THE MOONLIGHT



The Dallas Ballet is once again extending its regular season with an ambitious series of free outdoor performances in city parks and downtown. Ballet Under the Stars, as this popular series is known, kicks off with performances on Aug. 17 and 18 at City Hall Plaza in honor of the Republican National Conventio

The dancers will present two alternating programs consisting of staples from the company’s repertoire, including The Four Seasons, choreographed by artistic director Flemming Flindt to Vivaldi’s famous score, and Texas On Point, also choreographed by Flindt to music of Dallas composer Chuck Mander-nach. The second program includes excerpts from Flindt’s The Toreador, Variations for Six, choreographed by ballet master Bryan Pitts to music of Stravinsky; and Jeu de Cartes, choreographed by John Cranko to Stravinsk

In addition to the downtown performances, the Dallas Ballet will also perform Ballet Under the Stars Aug. 21 & 22 at the Fair Park Band Shell, Aug. 25 & 26 at Kidd Springs Park and Aug. 29-Sept. 1 at Lee Park. All performances are free and start at sundown. 744-4430.

-Tony White

ILLUMINATED IMPRESSIONISM



Spanish Painters in Search of Light, the exhibit that opens Aug. 5 in Southern Methodist University’s Meadows Gallery, might as accurately have been called Spanish Impressionism. The subject is the discovery by a generation of Spanish artists of natural light and plein-air painting and the consequences of that discovery upon their successors.

Most Spanish artists ignored, even criticized, the innovations occurring in French art during the late 1860s, particularly the breaking up of broad areas of color into flecks of complementary hues. Those innovations made themselves felt very gradually in Spain, and, given the rapid evolution of painting elsewhere in Europe during the late 19th and early 20th centuries, there is a reticence about all the works in this show that is reminiscent of the conservatism of American painting during the same period. To this day, the Spanish refuse to refer to home-grown painting as impressionism. Instead, with characteristic national pride, it’s called Spanish luminismo.

Spanish Painters in Search of Light has been organized by the Spanish Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Ministry for Culture, and it’s being exhibited here in an abbreviated version. The show includes almost no works by artists who are well-known outside of Spain. This in itself is a good enough reason for assembling the works and sending them on the road. Although they weren’t vital innovators like Picasso or Miro. painters such as Joaquin Sorolla, whose paintings are positively incandescent with golden light, and Mariano Fortuny, a master of dashing brush-work-are worth exploring.

Through Sept. 9 in the Meadows Museum, Meadows School of the Arts, SMU. Mon-Sat 10-5, Sun 1-5. 692-2516.

-Ken Barrow



DSO DEBUTS SUPER SEASON

The countdown to opening night at the Dallas Symphony Orchestra’s new concert hall continues, with fall 1987 looming as the expected date. Meanwhile, lest our patience flag, the DSO is preparing to serve up one of its most tantalizing subscription seasons in recent histor Highlights of the year will include pianist Lorin Hollander playing Gershwin; James McCracken and Gilda Cruz-Romo singing in Verdi’s Requiem; violinist Elmar Oliviera performing Sibelius; pianist Andre Watts playing Rachmaninoff; a new work for piano and orchestra (Partita No. 4) by Julian Or-bon; Maxim Shostakovich conducting his father’s music; Sir Michael Tippett conducting his own music: and, in honor of the Bach tercentenary, a performance of that composer’s monumental Mass in B minor. Along with the subscription series, the DSO will offer three special events during the course of the year, with orders by season ticket holders receiving priority. These include a concert by the Houston Symphony under Sergiu Comissiona, a recital by violinist Itzhak Perlman and a performance by soprano Leontyne Price with the DSO.

It all starts this month, when pianist Leon Fleisher joins the DSO under music director Eduardo Mata for the season opener. Fleisher. who has concentrated on conducting and music for the left hand alone since a strain disabled his right hand, will perform Britten’s Diversion on a Theme for Piano for Left Hand and Orchestra. The concert will also include Schubert’s Fifth Symphony and Dvorak’s Ninth (From the New World). Aug. 30 & Sept- ! at 8:15 Pm– Sept 2 at 2:30 p.m. at Fair Park Music Hall. Tickets $16-$6. 692-0203.

-Wayne Lee Gay

ART



Allen Street Retrospective. In the nearly 10 years since il was founded, dozens of area photographers have received their first public exposure at the Allen Street Gallery: Here are works by 50 of the best. Aug 16-Sept 2 at Alien Street Gallery. 4101 Commerce Wed-Fri noon-5. Sat 10-4. Sun 1-5. 821-8260.

America Seen: American Artists View America. The subject is the American scene, from urban streets to rural landscape. as painted by some 30 artists who. despite the apparent triumph of abstract art. remained true to representational painting. Through Sept 4 at Adams-Middleton Gallery, 3000 Maple Ave. Tue-Fri 10-6. Sat 11-5. 742-3682.

Chimu Textiles. These 65 works from the north coast of Peru mostly complete garments dating from the 14th century have been gathered from several sources including the Dallas Museums own growing textile collection- Through Aug 26 at the Dallas Museum of Art 1717 N Harwood. Tue. Wed, Fri & Sat 10-5, Thur 10-10. Sun noon-5. 922-0220.

Chinese Ceramics of the Transitional Period. During the turbulent period between the Ming and the Ching dynasties. Chinese potters suddenly found themselves without imperial patronage. Their response was a flurry of unprecedented technical and stylistic innovation. Through Sept 2 at the Kimbell Art Museum, 3333 Camp Bowie. Fort Worth. Tue-Sat 10-5. Sun 1-5. (817)332-8451.

Currier & Ives. In the days before television or magazines. Currier & Ives chromolithographs kept a whole nation informed on politics, patriotism and the passing scene. This exhibit of 105 prints was drawn from the extraordinary collection of Esmark Inc. Through Sept 9 at the Dallas Historical Society, Hali of State, Fair Park. Mon-Sat 9-5, Sun 1-5. 421-5136.



Etchings by Hassam

In 1940, the widow of Childe Hassam donated a small but choice group of prints by her husband to the Fort Worth Art Museum. Over the years, this little treasure has been displayed infrequently, so the current show, Childe Hassam Prints, is worth a visit. Hassam was one of a small circle of American impressionists who, like their French counterparts, sought to capture the transient effects of weather and atmosphere. In his etchings and lithographs, for example, Hassam broke his lines into short, staccato strokes, simulating the soft interplay of atmosphere and light. But in their sturdy sense of place-New “fork City, Easthampton, Isle of Shoals in New Hampshire-these works remain distinctly American. Through Aug. 26 at the Fort Worth Art Museum, 1309 Montgomery, Fort Worth. Tue-Sat 10-5, Sun 1-5. (817) 738-1933.

Five Sculptors. A variety of materials and approaches are surveyed in this exhibit of contemporary abstract sculpture by a handful of Southern artists, including Texas own Charles Umlauf. Aug 6-30 at Adèle M Gallery. 3317 McKinney. Mon-Fri 9-5:30. 526-0800.

The Gates of Hell. This 8-ton. 21-foot monumental bronze sculpture incorporates 180 individual figures and is usually considered to be Auguste Rodin’s greatest masterpiece. Through Oct 28 at the Dallas Museum of Art. Ross Avenue Plaza. 1717 N Harwood. Tue. Wed. Fri & Sat 10-5. Thur 10-10. Sun noon-5. 922-0220.

Henri Matisse. Moving back and forth between sculpture and painting, as this exhibit reveals. Matisse made himself the modern master of the human figure par excellence. Through Sept 2 at the Kimbell Art Museum. 3333 Camp Bowie, Fort Worth. Tue-Sat 10-5, Sun 1-5 (817)332-8451.

Jewish Life In America. Photographs and artifacts, some dating from the 1640s, demonstrate how the American dream was fulfilled for at least one important group of immigrants. Aug 13-Sept 8 in the Community Showcase, Central Dallas Public Library, 1515 Young. Mon-Sat 10-4, Sun 1-4. 749-4100.

Lett Right. In this frankly political show, a group of 11 Texas artists exhibit works created in response to the Republican National Convention. Aug 11-23 at 500X Gallery, 500 Exposition. Wed 6-9 pm, Thur-Sun noon-5. 828-1111.

Magdalena Abakanowicz. Is she a weaver who can sculpt or a sculptor who knows how to weave? Whichever, this Polish artist fashions forms that have an unmistakable human presence and that cast a deep and lasting emotional spell. Through Aug 26 at the Dallas Museum of Art, 1717 N Harwood. Tue, Wed, Fri & Sat 10-5, Thur 10-10, Sun noon-5. 922-0220.

Masterpieces from the Collection. A museum once known mainly for its rip-roaring Remingtons and Russells puts a century and a half of American art on display, from the gentle landscapes of the Hudson River School to the desert-purified visions of Georgia O’Keeffe. Aug 3-Nov 4 at the Amon Carter Museum. 3501 Camp Bowie, Fort Worth. Tue-Sat 10-5, Sun 1-5:30. (817) 738-1933.

New York, New York. The image of this city of cities is examined in prints and photographs selected from the museum’s own collection. Aug 3-Sept 23 at the Amon Carter Museum, 3501 Camp Bowie, Fort Worth. Tue-Sat 10-5, Sun 1-5:30. (817) 738-1933.

Robert Motherwell. Whatever his merits as a painter, this exhibit of selected serigraphs, lithographs and aquatints by Robert Motherwell proves that he is one of the living masters of printmaking. The nearly three dozen works in the show represent 20 years in Motherwell’s career. Through Sept 1 at Nimbus Gallery, 1135 Dragon St. Mon-Fri 10-5, Sat by appointment. 742-1348.

Vision ’84. The 85 members of the 1-year-old Texas Sculpture Association compete in its awards exhibition. Through Aug 21 at D-Art Visual Center. 2917 Swiss Ave. Mon & Fri 10-5, Tue-Thur 10-9:45, Sat 9-5, Sun 1-5 821-2522.



THEATER



Casa Manana Theater. Through Aug 4: “Fiddler on the Roof.” Aug 6-18: “Oklahoma.” Casa Manana Theater, 3101 Lancaster, Fort Worth. Mon-Sat at 8:15 pm. Sat matinee at 2 pm. Tickets $14 Fri & Sat; $13 Tue-Thur; $12 Mon; $10 Sat matinee. (817) 332-6221.

Dallas Shakespeare Festival. The Shakespeare Festival presents its 13th season this month: Twelfth Night,” directed by Ivan Rider, and “Henry V.” directed by David Buxton. Previews Aug 1 for “Twelfth Night” and Aug 2 for “Henry V.” Performances Aug 3-19, with Twelfth Night’ presented on odd-numbered evenings. “Henry V” on even-numbered evenings. No performance on Aug 6 & 13. Gates open at 7:30 pm; performances begin at 8; 15 pm at the Band Shell, Fair Park. Stadium seating; coolers and picnic baskets encouraged. Free. 827-2173.

Dallas Summer Musicals. Through Aug 5 The Music Man.’ Aug 7-19: “Annie,” starring Martha Raye. Aug 21-26: Mitzi Gaynor. All performances at the Music Hall, Fair Park. Tue-Sat at 8:15 pm. Sat & Sun matinees at 2:30 pm. Tickets $29-$5. available at Rainbow-Ticketmaster outlets. Metro 369-9000. The Last Unicom. The Callier Theater of the Deaf is one of the city’s most interesting performing entities-Employing signing, mime, dance, music and words as well as visually striking design elements, the directors and performers of Callier-some deaf, some hearing. some hearing-impaired-create shows that can be enjoyed by the deaf and the hearing alike. This month, they present a light musical fable about a unicorn heroine in search of her lost mate. It’s worth investigating just to see-and hear-the Callier magic. Aug 10-26 at the University Theater. UTD. Campbell at Floyd, Richardson. Fri & Sat at 8:15 pm, Sun at 230 pm. Tickets $6. 783-3041.

The Pirates of Penzance. Dallas Repertory Theater has chosen this rousing Gilbert and Sullivan operetta to open its new NorthPark facility. Frederic, the good pirate who just got in with the wrong crowd, is in attendance, as are the lovely Mabel and her father, the very model of a modern major general. DRT’s producPublic Opera of Dallas. The Public Opera’s inaugural season closes with Gilbert and Sullivan’s “lolanthe,” starring Natalie Brooks, Thomas Hammons, Martha Jane Howe. Edward Coker and Jane Ferguson, with Frank Hauser directing and John Burrows conducting. Aug 1-4 at 8 pm, Aug 5 at 2:30 pm at the Plaza Theater, Snider Plaza, 363-7000.



DANCE



Dallas Black Dance Theater. The Dallas Black Dance Theater combines with Dancers Unlimited to present an evening of dance entertainment. Aug 20 at 7:45 pm at the Fair Park Band Shell. Free. 371 -1170.



ENLIGHTENMENT



Dallas Museum of Natural History. “Gentle Giants. The Natural History of Elephants,” a Dallas salute to the Republican National Convention, surveys Earth’s largest land mammal and its behavior, evolution, threatened status and relationship to man. The exhibit includes trophies of modern elephants, films about elephants (on weekend afternoons) and a display of elephant collectibles. Aug 16-Sept 30 at the Dallas Museum of Natural History, Fair Park. Mon-Sat 9-5, Sun & holidays noon-5. Free. 421-2169.



RECREATION



Ringling Bros, and Barnum & Bailey Circus. Thrill acts, animal displays and aerial exhibitions are featured in the 113th edition of the Greatest Show on Earth. July 31-Aug 1 at Tarrant County Convention Center, Fort Worth, and Aug 3-12 at Reunion Arena, Dallas. Performances at 2:30 & 7:30 pm July 31, Aug 1 & Aug 7-10; at 7:30 pm Aug 3; at 11 am, 3:30 & 7:30 pm Aug 4 & 11: at 1:30 & 5:30 pm Aug 5 & 12; no performance Aug 6, Tickets $9-$4.50; available at Tarrant County Convention Center, Reunion Arena box office, all area Ticketron locations and major Metroplex Sears stores. Metro 265-2652 or 265-2646.



SPORTS



Dallas Cowboys. Texas Stadium. Irving. Reserved seat tickets $18; available at the Dallas Cowboys Ticket Office, 6116 N Central Expwy. 369-8000. Aug 4 at 8 pm vs. Green Bay

16 at 8 pm vs Pittsburgh

25 at 7 pm vs Houston

Mesquite Championship Rodeo. Bronc riding, calf roping, bull riding and steer wrestling are a few of the featured events at the Mesquite Championship Rodeo. A special night performance sponsored by the Mesquite Chamber of Commerce for convention visitors will be Aug 19. Shuttle buses will leave Market Hall at 5 pm to take “convention cowboys” to Mesquite for a barbecue dinner, the rodeo and other special events; tickets $20, Weekends through Sept 30 at the Mesquite Rodeo’s covered arena, I-635 at Military Pkwy., Mesquite. Fri & Sat at 8:30 pm. General admission tickets $4.50 for adults, $2.50 for children; reserved box seats $6 285-8777.

Texas Rangers. Arlington Stadium, Arlington. Reserved seat tickets $8-4.50; general admission $3.50 for adults, $2 for children 13 and under. Tickets available at Rainbow-Ticketmaster outlets. Sears stores and Arlington Stadium Ticket Office, Home games start at 7:35 pm. Metro 273-5120. Aug 6-8 vs Toronto

9-12 vs Boston

16-19 vs Kansas City

20-22 vs Chicago

31 vs Milwaukee

SPECIAL EVENTS

Arts Festival. ’Montage: A Discovery of the Arts ’84″ is the theme of this two-day arts festival. Sponsored by the 500 Inc.. the Dallas Times Herald and the Arts District, the festival showcases visual and performing arts with a variety of special activities. Food concessions from local restaurants will be available. Presentations by the USA Film Festival, Dallas Theater Center. Dallas Black Dance Theater, Dallas Repertory Theater and symphony musicians of Dallas will be featured Aug 18 & 19 m the downtown Arts District. Flora Street from Harwood to Pearl Expwy. Sat 11 am-9 pm, Sun noon-6 pm Tickets $2.50. 361-2011.

Barbecue and Chili Cookoffs. Contestants will prepare the legendary cuisine of the Southwest: barbecue and chili Cooking begins Aug 17 at 11 am on the fairgrounds, and |udgmg will be Aug 18 from 11 am to 1 pm. Barbecue, chili and beer will be served Fri & Sat 11 am-3 pm. In addition, armadillo races will be held Sat 11 am-noon. Cotton Bowl, Fair Park. Free. 745-8222.

Corrigan’s Cup Premiere Weekend. Three days of polo-related events center around the Corrigan’s Cup polo match and the Corrigan’s Cup Ball. Sponsored primarily by Corrigan’s Jewelers and produced by the Professional Polo Association, the weekend will include polo matches, a buffet dinner, a white-tie gala charity ball at the Loews Anatole, an Old English hunt breakfast, a fox hunting exhibition and a cricket match. In the Corrigan’s Cup, two world-class polo teams, including several of America’s top polo stars, will compete for $50,000 and a 24-karat gold and sterling silver trophy designed by Reed & Barton silversmiths. Activities scheduled Aug 17-19; Corrigan’s Cup Aug 19 at 4 pm at Willow Bend Polo & Hunt Club, FM Road 544, 1 mile west of Preston Road. Corrigan’s Cup tickets $50 for box seats, $25 for reserved seats, $15 for general admission. 991-8085.

Fair Park. Special events and exhibits are presented in various buildings at Fair Park. An All-American Flea Market full of antiques, treasures and bargain buys is housed in the Women’s Building and is open from 10 am to 6 pm daily. Rides and games of skill are presented on the Midway each weekend, Fri 6 pm-mid-night, Sat & Sun 1 pm-midnight. A collection of more than 300 species of fish – including sharks, alligators, electric eels and even a seal-are displayed in the Aquarium, Mon-Sat 9 am-5 pm, Sun noon-5 pm (428-3587). A 7,000-square-foot, glass-enclosed Tropical Room with a variety of tropical plants and a waterfall is located in the Garden Center, Mon-Sat 10-5, Sun noon-5 (428-7476). Exhibits on energy, environment and health, as well as planetarium shows, are offered at the Science Place, Tue-Sat 9-5. Sun noon-5; tickets $1 for adults. 50 cents for students and senior citizens (428-8351).

Old West Cattle Drive. Hooves will thunder and dust will fly as 150 longhorn steers and 10 cowboys rumble 1.5 miles through the Trinity River bottom beginning at Sylvan Avenue. The cattle drive is sponsored by the Longhorn Breeders Association. Aug 21-24. 9-11 am daily. 954-0127.

Olympic Medal Winners’ Parade. A parade through downtown Dallas will feature numerous equestrian units, bands, floats, mounted posses and the 1984 Summer Olympic medal winners as a special tribute. The parade begins at the intersection of Commerce and Houston streets and proceeds east on Commerce to Harwood, then south on Harwood to Canton, concluding at Dallas City Hall, where Mayor Starke Taylor will offer an official welcome to the medalists. Aug 17 at noon 421-8737.

Today Show. NBC’s morning show will be filmed in Dallas on the City Hall Plaza. Lights, cameras and action begin Mon-Fri at 6 am, just east of the flagpoles and fountain. Aug 20-24 at Dallas City Hall, 1500 Manila.670-3011.