December Events OPENERS

THE NEWEST NUTCRACKER



Christmas is for children, and dance fans traditionally must become children in December, the month for performances of The Nutcracker throughout the country. This season, the Dallas Ballet is presenting its first new production of the Tchaikovsky classic since Flemming Flindt took over the company four years ago. The old Skibine choreography has been replaced by Flindt’s own Bournonville-inspired version.

What’s likely to be even more dazzling is the production, designed by Danish artist Bjorn Wiinblad. His sets and costumes will share the spotlight with Flindt’s new conception of The Nutcracker.

The Dallas Ballet’s production will feature a cast of hundreds, including singers and musicians on stage with the company and its apprentices, with guest appearances by children from the Ballet Academy.

Dec. 27-30 at Fair Park Music Hall. Thur-Sun at 2 & 8 p.m. Single-ticket prices for non-subscribers $25-$5. In addition, a gala ball benefiting the ballet company will be held Dec. 14 at the Fairmont Hotel, Ross at Akard. Ticket information 744-4430; gala information 744-4396.

-Willard Spiegelman



A TEXAS ARTIST HITS HOME

For more than 10 years, James Surls’ spiky wood sculptures have been among the most distinctive works of art produced in Texas. Bristling with paddles, churning like tornadoes, his works have made their way to New York galleries as well as museums on both coasts, winning national and international recognition. Surls’ drawings, though less well-known, also have an unmistakable presence, an air of myth and magic that establishes them at once as the work of a highly original artis

Visions: James Surls, 1974-1984, the aptly named exhibit organized by the Dallas Museum of Art, is the first major museum show to survey Surls’ mature work (the exhibit will also visit the Seattle Art Museum and the La Jolla Museum of Contemporary Art

The 47 sculptures and 17 drawings on display allow the visitor to trace the artist’s development from earlier and simpler forms to th? more complexly expressive, organic works of today. The exhibit also makes clear, for the first time, the intimate connection between Suris’ sculpture and his drawings.

The artist lives on a wooded tract near the little town of Splendora. He cuts down his own trees, peels them and shapes them with ax and saw. They look whittled rather than carved or sculpted, and Surls likes to score or burn drawings into their surfaces. Few artists are so completely involved with their works from start to finish, inside to outside.

And perhaps this is what gives Surls’ works that mysterious air of being alive. They bristle with life. Sinister, dramatic, even joyous, they seem uniquely in touch with the elements, with the soil, with dark forests, with the fears and dreams we carry around with us, half-forgotten, from some earlier, primitive life. In his drawings, too, Surls taps this hidden source of myth. His tendril-like line seems to have a life of its own, pausing only briefly to describe a form before moving on.

Dec. 2-Jan. 13 at the Dallas Museum of Art, 1717 N. Harwood. Tue, Wed, Fri & Sat 10-5; Thur 10-10; Sun noon-5. 922-0220.

-Ken Barrow



THE MESSIAH COMETH

When Handel wrote Messiah in 1749, it was just another composition in a long string of oratorios served up for a music-hungry English public. Since then, it has become one of the most popular and beloved of all musical works. Combining a musical setting of the birth, life, death and resurrection of Christ as told in the majestic I language of the King James Bible, Messiah is one work that music lovers throughout the I English-speaking world continually demand I as part of their holiday celebration.

This year, as usual, Dallas audiences have numerous opportunities to perform or hear I Messiah. Along with the many performances by church choirs, two professional organizations are presenting complete performances. The Dallas Bach Society Orchestra and Chorus will perform the oratorio under conductor Paul Riedo, with soprano Ruth Sieber, countertenor Dale Terbeek, tenor Karl Dent and bass Jan Opalach, Dec. 16 and 17 at 7:30 p.m. at St. Thomas Aquinas Church, Kenwood at Ab-rams. Tickets $12.50. 821.3450. The Texas Baroque Ensemble will perform Messiah Dec. 23 at 7:30 p.m. in Perkins Chapel SMU.

For those who don’t belong to a church choir that’s presenting Messiah but who would like to sing it, the Dallas area offers two sing-along performances. The Irving Symphony, under the baton of Yves L’Hel-goual’ch, will present the first of these, with soloists and the choirs of the Irving First Baptist and First United Methodist churches on hand with the orchestra. Dec. 2 at 3:30 p.m. at MacArthur High School, 3700 N. MacArthur, Irving. Tickets $7 for adults; $3.50 for students and senior citizens. 252-7558, 252-7559. The second performance will be Dec. 9 at 7:30 p.m. at the University Theater, UTD, Richardson. Free. 690-2982.

-Wayne Lee Gay

ART



The Cow Show. For its 10th anniversary, this gallery has rounded up a herd of works in which Texas artists celebrate horn and hoof. Dec 1-31 at Clifford Gallery, 6610 Snider Plaza. Tue-Sat 10-5:30. 363-8223.

Edward Weston in Mexico. A three-year sojourn (1923-26) transformed Weston from a romanticist to a classicist and made him one of the most influential photographers of his time. Through Jan 6 at the Amon Carter Museum. 3501 Camp Bowie, Fort Worth. Tue-Sat 10-5, Sun 1-5:30. (817) 738-1933.



Southwestern Sketches



Paul Horgan, known as a Pulitzer Prize-winning author of books on the American Southwest, was also an artist of considerable talent. As he traveled about gathering literary materials, Horgan also made field sketches to help him recall the look and spirit of the places he would write about. A Writer’s Eye is the first exhibit of these works, some 49 ink and watércolor views made in preparation for three of his books, including the two-volume Great River: The Rio Grande in North American History and Lamy of Santa Fe, His Life and Times. Through Jan. 13 at the Amon Carter Museum, 3501 Camp Bowie, Fort Worth. Tue-Sat 10-5, Sun 1.5:30. (817) 738-1933.



Frank Stella: The Swan Engravings. These big, spectacular prints, in dazzling black and white with occasional touches of color, have the presence and formal daring associated with the artist’s paintings. Through Dec 2 at the Fort Worth Art Museum, 1309 Montgomery, Fort Worth. Tue 10-9, Wed-Sat 10-5, Sun 1-5.(817)738-9215.

Garo Antreasian. A master teacher of printmaking (and a master printmaker as well) produces large works known for their vibrant lyricism. Through Dec 12 at Mat-tingly Baker, 3004 McKinney. Tue-Fri 9-5, Sat 11 -5. 526-0031.

History of the Alternate Space. In posters and other ephemera, one of Dallas’ most adventuresome galleries documents an art movement aimed at circumventing conventional art galleries. Through Dec 5 at Modern Realism Gallery, 1903 McMillan, Room No. 1. Wed 6-9 pm 827-0376.

Jamaican Art 1922-1982. Although Jamaican artists may be either European-trained or “intuitive- folk artists, their works share a common concern for the human form and for social issues. Through Dec 23 at the Museum of African-American Life and Culture, lower level, Zale Library Building, Bishop College. 3837 Simpson-Stuart Rd. Mon-Fri 10-4. Sat noon-3, Sun 2-4 372-8738.

Jazz. Henri Matisse’s essay, illustrated with the artist’s own colorful prints and published in a limited edition, has been called one of the most beautiful books of the 20th century. Through Dec 9 at the Art Gallery, Fine Arts Building, University of Texas at Arlington. Mon-Fri 9-4, Sun 1-4. (817)273-2891.

Jenny Holzer. Truisms, slogans, messages and mini-essays are both the content and the form of this New York artist’s work. Through Jan 1 at the Dallas Museum of Art. 1717 N Harwood. Tue, Wed. Fri&Sat 10-5; Thur 10-10; Sun noon-5. 922-0220.

The Literati Vision. Priding themselves on their amateur status, the gentleman painters of the Wu School produced some of the most refined and highly acclaimed works of the Ming dynasty. Dec 1 -Jan 27 at the Kimbell Art Museum, 3333 Camp Bowie, Fort Worth. Tue-Sat 10-5, Sun 1-5. (817) 332-8451.

Max Papart. Cubism is considerably softened and tamed in the hands of this French artist, who prefers landscapes, flying birds and figures to raw geometry. Through Dec 13 at Chase McKnight Gallery, 2809 Canton. Tue-Sat 10-5. 939-0074.

Remington and Russell Bronzes. Frederic Remington’s “The Wicked Pony” and Charlie Russell’s “A Bronc Twister” go on display amid a prime collection of Remingtons and Russells exhibited in a prime location: the restored 19th-century splendor of Sundance Square in downtown Fort Worth. Through Dec 30 at the Sid Richardson Collection, 309 Main, Fort Worth. Tue-Fri 10-5, Sat 11-6. Sun 1-5. (817) 332-6554.

Weavers, Merchants and Kings. A rug is a rug. but these 60 beautifully patterned and colored carpets from Armenia, created between the 18th and 20th centuries, are extravagant and exotic works of art. Through Dec 30 at the Kimbell Art Museum, 3333 Camp Bowie, Fort Worth. Tue-Sat 10-5, Sun 1-5. (817) 332-8451.



Art Takes the Stage

David Hockney is certainly not the first modern artist to design sets and costumes for the stage; nor, in a company that includes Picasso and Braque, is he the most distinguished. But no artist has designed for the opera more often or more brilliantly than this owlish Briton-turned-Californian. Perhaps opera appeals to Hockney’s particular wit and love of pleasure. Certainly the designs, sets and props in Hockney Paints the Stage suggest that he has raised a useful craft to the status of a major art. Dec. 16-Feb. 17 at the Fort Worth Art Museum, 1309 Montgomery, Fort Worth. Tue 10-9, Wed-Sat 10-5, Sun 1-5. (817) 738-9215.

Victoria Z. Rivers. The sizzle of neon tubes and the flow of velveteens and silks are combined into glowing wall-hung constructions by this California artist. Through Dec 15 at Conduit. 2814 Elm. Thur-Sat 10-6. 939-0064.



THEATER



A Christmas Carol. Adrian Hall and Richard Cummings’ lively adaptation of the Dickens classic is staged amid what will almost certainly be an elaborate and inventive set by production designer Eugene Lee in his polymorphous playpen, the Arts District Theater. Dec 4-30 at the Dallas Theater Center’s Arts District Theater. 2401 Flora at Fairmount. Tue-Thur at 8 pm. Fri at 8:30 pm. Sat at 4 & 8:30 pm, Sun at 2:30 & 7:30 pm. Tickets $12-$10 for adults; $10-$8 for children 12 and under ($2 off adult tickets for groups of 15 or more). 526-8857.

Amadeus. Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, believed by many to be the greatest musical genius of all time, died of uncertain causes, relatively unappreciated, at the age of 35. Peter Shaffer, who wrote “Equus,” toys with the conceit that Mozart was perhaps poisoned by the one man among his contemporaries who truly realized his genius: Viennese court composer Antonio Salieri (the play’s narrator and protagonist), who acted out of bitter envy. For all its liberties and pretensions, “Amadeus” is a dazzling theatrical waltz of wit, intrigue and humor. Through Dec 23 at the Dallas Theater Center, 3636 Turtle Creek Blvd. Tue-Thur at 8 pm, Fri at8:30pm, Sat at4&8:30pm, Sun at 2:30&7:30 pm,Tickets $15 & $14 Fri & Sat evening; $12.50 & $11 Tue-Thur, Sat & Sun matinees. 526-8857.

And a Nightingale Sang. The late C.P.Taylor startled Broadway audiences two seasons ago with “Good, a play about the structure of conscience as revealed in an ambivalent Nazi. His last acclaimed work, “Nightingale,” set among the momentous events of World War II, is an intimate and romantic look at the effects of war on a small-town European family. Through Dec 16 at the Plaza Theater. 6719 Snider Plaza. Tue-Fri at 8:15 pm, Sat&Sunat2:30&8:15pm.Tickets$18&$16Fri&Sat evenings; $15&$13Tue-Thur;$12&$10Sat matinee & Sun. 363-7000.

Arms and the Man. George Bernard Shaw’s theater of ideas comes to life in this amusing, provocative comedy that punctures our romantic illusions about love, war and human nature. Through Dec 23 at Theater Three, the Quadrangle, 2800 Routh. Tue-Sat at 8:15 pm, Sun at 2:30 & 7 pm. Tickets $13.50 Fri & Sat; $11 Tue-Thur & Sun. 871-3300.

Baby. One of last season’s Tony nominees for Best Musical, “Baby” sports a light but vigorous score and a tender, funny and adult view of its subject: the choice to have or not have children and what that choice involves and implies. Nov 29-Dec 23 at Dallas Repertory Theater, NorthPark Center (near Joske’s), Park Lane at N Central Expwy. Wed-Fri at 8:15 pm, Sat at 3 & 8:15 pm, Sun at 3 pm. Tickets $12.50-S11 Fri & Sat; $9.50-$8 Wed & Thur; $11-$9.50 Sun. 369-8966.

Native Speech. The press release says it’s daring, but that has become Stage #1’s middle name Eric Over-meyer wrote this new play about a disc jockey-like character who presides over the end of the world. Through Dec 16 at Stage #1, Greenville Avenue Theater, 2914 Greenville. Wed-Fri at 8:15 pm. Sat at 5:30 & 9 pm, Sun at 7 pm. Tickets $12.50 Fri & Sat at 9; $10 Wed. Thur, Sat at 5:30 & Sun. 824-2552.

Spokesong. This well-reviewed play with music, set against and concerned with the plight of modern-day Belfast and the order of the new, is viewed through the microcosm of a young man’s bicycle shop, which the housing authorities want to tear down in order to build a highway. Dec 6-Jan 5 at New Arts Theater, 702 Ross at Market. Wed-Fri at 8 pm, Sat at 5 & 9 pm, Sun at 2:30 pm. Tickets $12.50 Sat at 9; $10.50 Fri & Sat at 5; $8.50 Wed, Thur & Sun. 761-9064.

What I Did Last Summer. A.R. Gurney delighted Dallas audiences last season with his humorous sliceof-American-life play, The Dining Room,’ staged by the Plaza Theater. His latest work introduces us to a can’t-do-anything-right 14-year-old who tells us about himself-and grapples with what he should be-while he waits for his father to return from World War II. Dec 5-15 in the Studio. Stage West, 821 W Vickery. Fort Worth. Wed & Thur at 8 pm, Fri & Sat at 8:30 pm. Tickets $7 Fri & Sat; $6 Wed & Thur. (817) 332-6238.



MUSIC



Cliburn Concerts. The McLain Family Band performs Kentucky bluegrass music Dec 4 at 8 pm at Ed Lan-dreth Auditorium, University at Cantey. Fort Worth. Tickets $16-510. (817) 738-6536.

Dallas Bach Society. Dec 16 & 17: Paul Riedo conducts Handel’s “Messiah,” with soprano Ruth Sieber, countertenor Dale Terbeek, tenor Karl Dent and bass Jan Opalach at 7:30 pm. Tickets $12.50. Dec 31: The traditional New Year’s Eve concert, which includes music by Handel, Bach, Vivaldi and Albinoni, is performed by the Dallas Bach Orchestra at 10 pm. Tickets $7.50. All performances at St. Thomas Aquinas Church, 6306 Kenwood at Abrams. 821-3450.

Dallas Chamber Orchestra. Dec 9: Series I begins with a “Mostly Mozart” concert featuring Mozart’s Symphony No. 4, K. 19, the Sinfonia Concertante for violin and viola, Divertimento in D and Vivaldi’s Concerto in F for two horns and strings. Dec 23: Series I continues with a “Baroque Christmas” concert that includes Telemann’s “Don Quixote” Suite, Haydn’s “Farewell” Symphony, Leopold Mozart’s “Sleigh Ride” and the Toy Symphony” attributed to Haydn. Both Series I concerts at 7 pm at Caruth Auditorium, Owen Arts Center, SMU. Dec 22: In Series II, a “Baroque Christmas” concert featuring Corelli’s Christmas Concerto, Leopold Mozart’s “Sleigh Ride” and Haydn’s “Farewell” Symphony will be presented at 2 pm at the Church of the Transfiguration, 14115 Hillcrest at Spring Valley. Tickets$9for all concerts. 826-6974.

Dallas Classic Guitar Society. Guitarist David Leisner performs J.S. Bach’s Lute Suite No. 1. Ginastera’s Sonata, Villa-Lobos’ Twelve Etudes and his own “Dances in the Madhouse” for guitar and violin, with violinist Robert Davidovici. Dec 4 at 8:15 pm at the Majestic Theater, 1925 Elm. Tickets $11-$8. 343-3709.

Dallas Museum of Art. Dec 6: The Fine Arts Chamber Players perform Haydn’s Sinfonia in B flat and Piano Concerto in F and Brahms’ Serenade No. 2 in A at 7:30 pm. Tickets $8. Dec 8: Improvisatory chamber ensemble BL Lacerta joins trombonist Stuart Dempster at 3 pm. Both concerts in the auditorium, Dallas Museum of Art, 1717 N Harwood. Free. 922-0220, ext. 229.

Dallas Opera. Nov 29, Dec 2,5& 8: Soprano Rachel Yakar, mezzo-sopranos Judith Forst and Zoraida Salazar, tenor Rockwell Blake and baritones Mikael Melbye and Renato Capecchi perform in Mozart’s “Cosi fan tutte,” with conductor Nicola Rescigno and stage director Lotfi Mansouri. Dec 13, 16, 19 & 22: Mezzo-soprano Bianca Berini, soprano Stefka Evstatiev. tenor Giuseppe Giacomini and baritone Matteo Manuguerra appear in Verdi’s “II Trovatore” with Rescigno as conductor and Carlo Maestrini as stage director. Performances at 2 pm Sundays, 8 pm all other dates. All performances at Fair Park Music Hall. Tickets $50-$6. 871-0090.

Dallas Public Library. The library presents “Ragtime Memories,” a festival of turn-of-the-century music and theater. Dec 1, 11 am-4 pm, at the Central Public Library, 1515 Young. Free. 749-4402.

Dallas Symphony Orchestra. Kirk Trevor conducts a “Christmas Festival Fantasy” featuring excerpts from Handel’s “Messiah” and Tchaikovsky’s The Nutcracker” as well as a carol sing-along and antiphonal brass, with the DSO Chorus and children’s choir joining the DSO for the performance. Dec 20 & 21 at 8:15 pm in McFarlin Auditorium, SMU. Tickets I15-S8. 692-0203.

Fort Worth Symphony Orchestra. Dec 8 & 9: Sung Kwak conducts a concert featuring violinist Viktoria Mullova performing Paganini’s Violin Concerto No. 1 and including Weber’s Overture to “Der Freischuetz” and Beethoven’s Sixth Symphony. Sat at 8 pm and Sun at 3 pm at Tarrant County Convention Center Theater, 1101 Houston, Fort Worth. Tickets $15-$5. Dec 18: Bassist Gary Karr performs Dragonetti’s Concerto in A with the Fort Worth Chamber Orchestra under conductor John Giordano in a concert also featuring Wilson’s Ukranian Dances and Carter’s First Symphony. Tue at 8 pm at Ed Landreth Auditorium, University at Cantey, Fort Worth. Tickets $12-$8. (817)926-8891.



Jerome Hines Sings



Few singers alive or dead have had careers to match that of legendary basso Jerome Hines. He has sung for 38 consecutive seasons at the Metropolitan Opera (a record) and has performed more than 1.200 recitals. This month, he comes back to Dallas to perform at Brookhaven College. Dec. 4 at 8 p.m. at Brookhaven College Performance Hall, 3939 Valley View Lane. Tickets $10-$9. 620-4118.



Meadows School of the Arts. Dec 2: Lloyd Pfautsch conducts the SMU Choir and the Mustang Chorale at 4 pm. Dec 3: SMU Percussion Ensemble performs. Dec 12: Anshel Brusilow conducts the SMU Symphony in Haydn’s Symphony No. 101, Berg’s Altenberg Leider (with soloist Linda Baer) and Berlioz’s Symphonie Fantastique. All concerts are at 8:15 pm unless otherwise noted and are in Caruth Auditorium, Owen Arts Center, SMU. Free. 692-3510.

Richardson Symphony Orchestra. Chris Xeros conducts the RSO and combined choirs from Richardson schools in Handel’s “Zadok the Priest,” Mozart’s Ave Verum Corpus, Saint-Saens’ Christmas Oratorio, The Many Moods of Christmas by Shaw-Bennet and Cha-brier’s Marche Joyeuse. Dec 15 at 8 pm at Richardson High School Auditorium, Belt Line near Coit, Richardson. Tickets $12.50-$5. 234-4195.

Schola Cantorum. Gary Ebensberger conducts Fort Worth’s leading chorus in “A Gift of Music at Christmas,’ Dec 10 at 7:30 pm at St. Stephen Presbyterian Church, 2600 Sandage, Fort Worth. Free. (817) 737-5788.



DANCE



Dallas Black Dance Theater. DBDTs fall production includes the premieres of two works, one by Dallas Ballet director Flemming Flindt and the other by Kevin Jeff of New York’s Jubilation Dance Company. Flindt’s ballet, entitled Trio,” will feature the Dallas Ballet’s Jacob Sparso, who also performed with the DBDT in last summer’s “Carmen Jones.” Jeff’s work combines classical ballet with modern jazz movement. Completing the program are Ko Yukihiro’s “Autumn Shadows’ and Patricia Dickinson’s Trilogy.” both of which have been in the DBDT repertoire. Dec 13-15 at the Bob Hope Theater, Owen Arts Center, SMU. Thur & Fri at 10 am & 8 pm, Sat at 8 pm. Tickets $15-$5. 371 -1170.

Dallas Metropolitan Ballet. This non-profit, regional company presents its annual full-length Christmas program, “The Night Before Christmas.” Company directors Ann Etgen and Bill Atkinson have devised a full-length ballet from Clement E. Moore’s “A Visit from Saint Nicholas,” in which Frosty the Snowman, a dancing bear and a 9-foot-tall soldier join in the holiday frolic. Dec 8 & 9 at McFarlin Auditorium, SMU. Sat & Sun at 2:30 pm. Tickets $9-$4. 361-0278.

Richardson Ballet Company. A holiday version of “The Nutcracker” will be presented by the young Richardson Ballet Company under the direction of Tan-ju and Patricia Tuzer. The Tuzers, both residents of Richardson, will stage the production, with Tanju as the Cavalier and Christine Zembower of the Dallas Ballet as the Sugar Plum Fairy. In addition, the company will present a free performance of “The Nutcracker” Dec 16 at 7 pm at the Plaza of the Americas, 650 N Pearl. Dec 1 & 2 at the Richardson High School Auditorium, Belt Line near Coit. Sat at 8 pm, Sun at 2 pm. Tickets $7.50 for adults, $5 for students and senior citizens; no reserved seats. 231-7381. 690-1206.



FILM



University of Texas at Dallas. Dec 5: “Children of Paradise’ at 7:30 pm. Dec 7: “Heaven’s Gate” at 7:30 pm. Dec 8: “Snow White” at 1 pm. Dec 12: “West of Hester Street” at 7:30 & 9:30 pm. Dec 14: “Rebecca” at 7:30 & 9:30 pm. Dec 19: “Being There” at 7:30 & 9:45 pm. Showings at Kusch Auditorium, Founders North Building, UTD, Richardson. Tickets $2; $1 for persons under 18 or 65 and older; 50 cents for UTD students. 690-2293.



ENLIGHTENMENT



The Dallas Institute. This month, the Dallas Institute of Humanities and Culture offers a weekend course, “The Problems of Will,” conducted by Joanne Stroud. The course will examine the motivating forces in people where image and volition join their deep roots. Dec 1 & 2 at the Dallas Institute, 2719 Routh. Sat & Sun, 9:30 am-4 pm. 698-9090.

Dallas Museum of Natural History. “Sitting Ducks: Decoys in Nature and Art,” a magnificent collection of antique decoys from the Shelburn Museum in Vermont, includes more than 50 duck and wild bird decoys. The exhibit traces the history of decoy carving and examines types of decoys and their uses. Through Jan 6 at the Dallas Museum of Natural History, Fair Park. Mon-Sat 9-5, Sun noon-5. Free. 421-2169.

Still Light Reading Series. This series, featuring writers reading their own work, continues this month with Jim Hanson and Gerald Burns presenting readings. Dec 14 at 8 pm at Still Light Gallery, 3404 Main. Free. 939-0409.

University of Dallas. The Graduate School of Management Business Lecture Series continues with a lecture on “Surviving Deregulation.” Donald J. Carty, senior vice president and controller of American Airlines, will be the speaker. Dec 5 at 5:30 pm in Lynch Auditorium, University of Dallas, Irving. 721-5199.

USA Film Festival. The five-week “Great American Movie Course II” continues with “The Hollywood Musical,” featuring Hollywood musical films of the Thirties and Forties. Films include “42nd Street,” “Golddiggers of 1933,” “Flying Down to Rio” and others. Dec 4, 11 & 18 at the Inwood Theater, 5458 Lovers Lane. Tickets $25 for double feature for non-members; $4.50 single feature for non-members. 760-8575.



SPORTS



Dallas Mavericks. Dallas Mavericks. Reunion Arena, Dallas. Home game tickets $7 & $5; available at Rainbow-Ticketmaster outlets or at Reunion Arena box office. All games start at 7:35 pm. 658-7068.

Dec 5 vs Los Angeles Clippers

12 vs Kansas City

14 vs San Antonio

26 vs Los Angeles Clippers

29 vs Utah

Dallas Morning News Basketball Classic. The third annual tournament sponsored by The Dallas Morning News” hosts SMU, Idaho, Oklahoma State and San Diego University. Dec 14 & 15 at Moody Coliseum, SMU. Fri & Sat at 6 & 8 pm. Tickets $8 for reserved seats; $4.50 for general admission; $2.50 for students 745-8760.

Dallas Sidekicks Soccer. Reunion Arena, Dallas. Tickets $8-$3.50; available at Rainbow-Ticketmaster outlets and Reunion Arena box office. Home games begin at 7:35 pm. 658-7068, metro 263-4781.

Dec 1 vs St Louis

4 vs Tacoma

8 vs New York

11 vs Kansas City

15 vs Wichita 28 vs Pittsburgh

SMU Football. Texas Stadium, Irving. Individual home game tickets $14; upper deck end zone tickets $7. Single-game parking pass $4. Tickets available at SMU ticket office in Moody Coliseum or at Rainbow-Ticketmaster outlets. 692-2902.

Dec 1 vs Nevada-Las Vegas (time TBA)

TCU Basketball. Daniel Meyer Coliseum. TCU, Fort Worth. Tickets $7 for adults, $4 for children. Home games start at 7:30 pm unless otherwise noted. (817) 921-7967.

Dec 4 vs NTSU

15 vs Oklahoma City University

18 vs Campbell College

White Rock Marathon. The 15th annual Dallas White Rock Marathon will include more than 4,000 runners competing in this qualifying race for the Boston Marathon. The 26.2-mile course begins at City Hall and proceeds through downtown Dallas to Turtle Creek and Highland Park, then makes a circuit of White Rock Lake before returning to City Hall via Lakewood and Swiss Avenue. The event, sponsored by Adelstein Jewelers, “The Dallas Morning News,” Steak & Ale restaurants and Texas Instruments, will also include a post-marathon awards banquet at 1 pm at the Dallas Convention Center. Dec 2 at 8 am at Dallas City Hall. Entry fee $25. 526-5318.



NIGHTLIFE

ENTERTAINMENT/DANCING



Acapulco Bar. The opening of Acapulco proves that Upper Greenville is alive and well. Here’s a great bar for the over-21 partier-three blackjack tables with dealers, a waitress who walks around offering tequila shots out of her holster, lots of color on the walls and even more colorful characters on the dance floor. (5111 Greenville. 692-9856. Tue-Fri 5 prn-2 am, Sat 7 pm-2am. Closed Sun-Mon. Cover varies. MC. V. AE.)

Belle Starr. The famous lady outlaw would have felt in good company at this country/western hangout. With an extensive bar from which beer flows copiously, a large dance floor and live country music, the cowboys and cowgirls that frequent this club are kept satisfied (the place is packed on weekends). Round up some visiting Yankees and take them to Belle Starr for some good, two-steppin’, honky-tonkin’ Texas nightlife. (7724 N Central Expwy near Southwestern. 750-4787. Tue-Sat 7 pm-2 am, Sun 2 pm-2 am. Mon 8 pm-2 am. All credit carps.)

Boardwalk Beach Club. This place is a pleasant (if fast-paced) mixture of opposites. The club’s drawing card is Fifties and Sixties music, but patrons are mostly under-30 singles. Space has been cleared for a dance floor next to the South Seas mural on one wall, but strangely enough, hardly anyone dances. Drinks are pretty solid here, but the snail-like service may hamper your enjoyment of them. (6332 La Vista. 823-5340. Wed S Thur 8 pm-2 am, Fri & Sat 5 pm-2 am. Closed Sun-Tue. MC, V, AE.)

Calm Eddy’s Comedy Club. If the fun has gone out of routine bar hopping, hop on over to Calm Eddy’s. This innovative comedy club features a comedy show a la “Saturday Night Live’ performed by the house troupe, and light jazz is presented every Friday and Saturday night. Call for information about other performers appearing during the week. (7015 Greenville, Suite 300. 691-6124. Sun& Tue-Thur4pm-midnight, Fri & Sat 4 pm-2 am. Closed Mon. All credit cards.)

Diamond Jim’s. Although this is really a country/ western disco, rock ’n’ roll frequently prevails. Tight quarters make for close encounters between patrons, both on and off the rather small dance floor. (5601 Greenville. 691-2411. Mon-Fri 5 pm-2 am, Sat&Sun 7 pm-2 am. Happy hour: Tue-Fri 5-8 pm, Thur 5-9 pm. MC, V, AE.)

4500 McKinney. Finally, there’s a place for quality entertainment at a small supper club. 4500 McKinney is very intimate, there’s probably too much pink (from napkins to spotlights), and dinner isn’t God’s gift to the gastric juices. But it has great nightclub atmosphere and show tunes/blues/pop singers. If you don’t want dinner, you can pay the cover charge at the door and sip drinks while enjoying the show. (4500 McKinney at Armstrong. 522-5818. Tue-Sat 7 pm-2 am; shows at 9 &11 pm. Cover: $10 Sun S Tue-Thur, $15 Fri & Sat. Closed Mon. MC, V.AE.)

The Golden Parachute. Who misses élan? Remember the private Greenville Avenue disco that closed last year? Now you’ve got a better imitation in Far North Dallas. The only problem is that the membership for a year costs $200. Once inside, you’re in your typical elegant disco with sensual people (these places never change). But there is a nice verandah where you can cool off outside if your hormones get too hot. (5505 Belt Line. 233-9499. Mon-Fri 11 am-2am, Sat& Sun 7 pm-2 am. All credit cards.)

In Cahoots. Like a randy phoenix rising from the remains of the old Papagayo’s, this multilevel, chromed-out fleshpot is Babylon revisited in NorthPark East. What has the Me Generation come to? The obligatory video here is a mix of cartoons, rock and Selfdance-you can watch your celluloid self writhing on the dance floor, in case there’s any doubt about your reality. The waitresses are scantily clad, the drinks are strong and the happy-hour buffet ranks with the best in Dallas. (NorthPark East, 8796 N Central Expwy. 692-5412. Mon-Fri 4 pm-2 am, Sat & Sun 6:30 pm-2 am. Happy hour: Mon-Fri 4-8 pm. Sat & Sun 6:30-8 pm. MC, V,AE, DC.)

Jazba at Ratcliffe’s. If we mention this place too loudly, will we have trouble getting a table when we want one? This small, elegant jazz bar in Ratcliffe’s seafood restaurant has what we like: clean lines, smooth music and Southern comfort. (1901 McKinney. 748-7480. Tue-Sat 6 pm-1:30 am: live music beginning at 9 pm. Weekend cover: $5. MC, V, AE.)

Longhorn Ballroom. The Longhorn hasn’t changed much since the last time you were there. It still offers only beer and setups and one of the best country/ western dance floors in Dallas. Owner Dewey Groom has made his place synonymous with country music and a lasting source of local pride. (216 Corinth at Industrial. 428-3128. Wed& Thur 7 pm-1 am, Fri & Sat 7 pm-2 am, Sun5-11:30 pm. All credit cards.)

Memphis. This is the best live music bar in Far North Dallas, if you like large jazz ensembles-and everybody seems to. The little Addison bar is usually packed with jazz buffs listening to regulars such as Clairvoyance, Emerald City and Eddie Harrison and the Shortcuts. (Quorum Plaza. 15000 Quorum. Suite 500. 386-9517. Mon-Fri 11 am-2 am. Sat-Sun 7 pm-2 am. Cover: $3-$5. MC, V. AE. DC.)

Mistral. This very lavish dance and supper club is the product of a search across Europe to find all the elements of the perfect nightclub. The results: extravagant lighting, an enormous video screen, a state-of-the-art sound system, a Japanese chef and very prominent entertainers who appear about once a month. (Loews Anatole Hotel. 2201 Stemmons Frwy. 760-9000 Mon-Fri 5 pm-2 am. Sat 7 pm-2 am. Closed Sun. MC, V, AE. DC)

Packard’s. This Old Town dance club, which takes its name from the classic automobile, is flashy, large and swingles-soaked. Packard’s features a wide-open dance floor, lots of fluorescent colors and pop music mixed with Fifties and Sixties tunes. (Old Town. Greenville at Lovers Lane. 361-9517. Mon-Thur 4:30 pm-2 am. Fri 4:30 pm-3am. Sat 8pm-3am.Sun7 pm-2 am. Happy hour: Mon-Fri 4:30-9 pm. Cover: S1 Mon- Thur, S3 Fri & Sat after 7 pm. MC, V, AE.)

Popsicle Toes. Go here to listen to the live and lively jazz, funk and rock ’n’ roll, not just to hear it. Granted. you’ll have trouble hearing anything else, but that’s okay, because the music is great. Don’t be disappointed, though; Popsicle Toes isn’t a place to be “seen,” although this jazz-oriented club attracts a spirited, sincere-looking dance crowd. (5627 Dyer. 368-9706. Tue-Sun 8 pm-2 am. Closed Mon. Happy hour: Fri 4-7 pm. MC, V, AE.)

Prohibition Room. Return with us now to this old Prohibition-style bar. Through a dark tunnel, down in the basement, you will find great atmosphere: hardwood floors, a bar made from old buildings, jazz, blues, old Sinatra on the jukebox, pool tables. It’s a tremendous after-work place, and there’s no cover, despite live acts (instead, drinks are 50 cents extra). (The Brewery. 703McKinney 954-4407 Mon S Tue 4 pm-midnight, Wed-Fri 4 pm-2 am. Sat 7 pm-2 am Hap-py hour: Mon-Fri 4-7 pm. Closed Sun. AE, DC.)

Ravel’s. This cavernous singles bar may remind you of a bad 1967 sci-fi movie version of The Future.” Track lights cut through the smoky blackness, beaming down like searchlights from a spaceship. Music video screens are everywhere. The well drinks are expensive, and the service can be slow, even when the room is mostly empty. Ravel’s is also part restaurant, offering a limited and pricey menu. (The Registry Hotel, 15201 Dallas Pkwy. 386-6000. Mon-Fri 5 pm-2 am. Sat & Sun 7 pm-2am. Happy hour: daily 5-8 pm. All credit cards.)

Rusty Pelican. The large bar in this restaurant can best be described as having a California Surf motif: lots of plants, wood and surfing pictures. There’s dancing to pop-music bands every night except Monday and mind-boggling beach drinks. (14655 Dallas Pkwy. 980-8950. Sun-Thur5pm-2am, Fri & Sat 11 am-2 am. All credit cards.)

The Saloon. This is the best bluegrass bar in Dallas. It may be the only bluegrass bar in Dallas. But it sometimes books bands that have never heard of bluegrass. Oh well, you can still eat decent nachos, occasionally watch some of the regulars do mountain clogging (some kind of dance), drink lots of beer and act like a hillbilly in a casual, relaxed atmosphere. (2818 Greenville. 823-6550. Mon-Fri 3 pm-2 am. Sat 11 am-2 am, Sun noon-2 am. Sat & Sun jam sessions begin at noon. MC, V, AE.)

Starck Club. You waited three years for the high-tech, beautiful-people’s bar to open, and now you want to go there. Here’s what you should know. First: the $10 cover-and that’s only if they let you inside. Second: the most decadent bathroom lounges in town. Third: the sunken dance floor, down a flight of stairs. Fourth: the variety of people, from gays to straights to Nuevo Wavo to models to just normal Joe Blows (the place is huge enough to accommodate all types). Best time: Saturday night, when it becomes incredibly packed. Despite the hype, ifs still the hottest chichi nightclub in the city. (703 McKinney in the Brewery. 720-0130. Wed Thur&Sun9 pm-2 am,Fri &Sat 9 pm-4 am.MC, V.AE.)

Strictly TaBu. A recent return to the TaBu Room confirms our faith in one of Dallas’ best jazz bars, not just for the jazz (which is frequently excellent) but for the easy, unpretentious atmosphere. We like the dining area in the back, where very good pizza and pasta are served. This is the perfect place for a late-night rendezvous with an intimate admirer or an old friend. (4111 Lomo Alto. 528-5200. Sun-Thur6 pm-1 am. Fri & Sat gpm-1.30 am. Live music nightly. All credit cards.)

Tim Ballard’s. Dallasites are missing out on a good thing if they pass up this jazz bar on the Lemmon Avenue strip It’s perfect for a late-afternoon chat over drinks. Perfect, that is. until the band heats up around 9 o’clock. Then it’s time to sit back, cut the chatter and enjoy the jazz that is the club’s drawing card. On the minus side, the service is haphazard, and the drinks are expensive. (3524 Inwood at Lemmon. 559-3050. Tue-Fri 4 pm-2 am. Sat 6 pm-2 am. Closed Sun. Happy hour: Tue-Fri 4-9 pm, Sat 6-9 pm. Weekend cover: $4. MC, V, AE.)

Top of the Dome. This revolving bar atop Reunion Tower affords guests a panoramic view of the city as well as live entertainment and a small dance floor. But the drink prices are as high as the bar. (Reunion Tower. 741-3663. Mon-Fri 2 pm-2 am, Sat noon-2 am, Sun noon-midnight. Happy hour: Mon-Fri 5-7 pm. All credit cards.)

Village Country Club. Pull out all the old jokes about the people from the Village Apartments, and you’ve got the makeup of this club, right? Wrong. Various local bands appear here, and the crowd doesn’t trade business cards or astrological signs. They hang out, act loose and appreciate the music. Is the stereotype disappearing? (8308 Southwestern. 361-9866. Mon-Wed 4 pm-midnight, Thur & Fri 4 pm-2 am. Sat 11 am-2 am, Sun 11 am-midnight. Live music presented Thur-Sat. MC, V, AE.)



NIGHTLIFE

DRINKING



Andrew’s. This pleasant bar/restaurant is reminiscent of New Orleans with its small courtyard and abundance of old brick and soft lighting. Try one of the wacky, potent drink selections and let the good times roll. (3301 McKinney, 521-6535: 14930 Midway. 385-1613: 7557 Greenville, 363-1910. Daily 11:15 am-2 am. Happy hour: Mon-Fri2-7pm, daily 11 pm-2 am. All credit cards.)

Dave & Buster’s. “There’s nothing quite like it” is Dave & Buster’s slogan, and they’re not kidding. The place is enormous, but the brass and dark wood decor adds a degree of sophistication. Head for the umpteen pool tables lining the walls; try shuffleboard, darts, Pente or backgammon; or just sip a cool one at the large bar on the main floor. (10727 Composite Dr, near Walnut Hill at Stemmons Frwy. 3530620. Mon-Thur 11 am-1 am, Fri 11 am-2 am. Sun 11:30 am-midnight. Happy hour: Mon-Fri 4:30-7pm. All credit cards.)

Eight-O. This still gets our vote for the most original bar in town. The sanitarium-green walls don’t seem quite as shocking now as when the Eight-0 first opened its New Wave doors, but the atmosphere is still spirited; the clientele, fascinating; and the jukebox, bitchin’. (The Quadrangle, 2800 Routh, Suite 125. 871-1180. Mon-Sat 11:30 am-2 am, Sun 8 pm-2 am. Live jazz at lunch Wed-Sat. Happy hour: Mon-Fri 4-8 pm. MC, V.AE.)

500 Café. It’s not that there aren’t any people in this obscure corner of Deep Ellum next to the 500X Gallery; they’re just hidden behind crusty warehouse fronts doing mostly artistic things. This funky, casual café with a neon-lit patio (which resembles a drained swimming pool, only prettier) is a fitting place for artists and others to mingle. This place serves beer and wine only and has a chalkboard menu. (408 Exposition off Main Street, near Fair Park. 821-4623. Mon-Wed 11:30 am-midnight. Thur-Sat 11:30 am-2 am, Sun 5 pm-mid-night. AE.)

Greenville Avenue Country Club. Take one step inside the door of this low-key, easygoing place, and the name “country club’ takes on a new meaning. Drinks are served inside the ’clubhouse.’ where the surroundings are warm and comfortable. But the only big shots at this country club are the ones poured into your glass. (3619 Greenville. 826-5650. Mon-Sat 11 am-2 am. Sun noon-2 am. MC, V, AE.)

Joe Miller’s. This is a perfect late-afternoon bar for friendly conversation: Ifs easy on the background music, soft on the lights and hard on the sledgehammer drinks that, along with the regular media crowd, have helped build Joe’s substantial reputation. But watch that third drink. (3531 McKinney. 521-2261. Mon-Fri noon-2 am, Sat 6 pm-2 am. Closed Sun. MC, V, AE.)

Knox Street Ice House. Formerly the Quiet Man, a hangout for the Sixties crowd, this tiny bar is now the newest preppie haven in Dallas. It serves only inexpensive beer from a bar made of stacked beer cases. Come learn the latest SMU gossip. (3120 Knox. No phone. Mon-Fri 3 pm-2 am, Sat & Sun noon-2 am. No credit cards.)

La Cave. When you’re in the mood to linger over a bottle of good wine, La Cave is a great place to go. The bistro atmosphere is relaxed, unhurried and conducive to conversation. Appetizers and light meals are offered, but the real value is the selection of foreign and domestic wines found in the walk-in wine cellar. (2926 N Henderson, 826-2190; 2019 N Lamar, 871-2072. Wine shop: Mon-Sat 9 am-midnight. Bistro: Mon-Fri 11:30 am-midnight, Sat 6 pm-midnight; Sun brunch: 11-3. All credit cards.)

The Library. This quiet bar filled with soft couches, just down the hall from the lobby of the Melrose Hotel, is the place where seductions begin. Spacious and pleasant, with good lighting (hotel bars are notorious for bad track lighting), ifs a place where you can meet for what is called a “non-committal” drink before making your next move. (Melrose Hotel, Oak Lawn at Cedar Springs. 521-5151. Daily 11:30 am-2 am. All credit card’s.)

Mariano’s. If nachos and frozen margaritas are your passion, this is the place for you. Mariano’s remodeled bar is a bright, airy place to enjoy some of the best Tex-Mex munchies in town. The chips and hot sauce are exemplary, and the margaritas are so famous that the mix is available for sale. (Old Town, 5500 Greenville. 691-3838. Sun-Thur 11:30 am-11 pm, Fri & Sat 10:30 am-midnight. Happy hour: daily 4-7 pm. MC, V, AE.)

Monopoly’s Park Place. With the coming of Monopoly’s, we may have reached the ultimate in cutesy theme bars. The name of the game here is Monopoly, of course. The dance floor is a huge game board checkered with old standbys like Vermont Avenue and Reading Railroad, along with a few new additions, such as Lowest Greenville, Old Town and European Crossroads (which rents for nothing). The staff seems earnest and eager to please, but our drinks had Boardwalk prices and Baltic quality. (6532 E Northwest Hwy. 696-3720. Sun-Thur 5 pm-2 am, Fri 5 pm-4 am, Sat 7 pm-4 am. Happy hour: Mon-Fri 5-8 pm, Sat & Sun 7-9 pm. All credit cards.)

The Palm Bar. This is a beautiful place for downtown workers to have an extended series of drinks. As hotel bars go, ifs the most upscale in Dallas. Although you can’t reach the bar through the hotel, a walk through the Adolphus is worth the excursion. Or, if you prefer open spaces, have a drink in the lobby. (Adolphus Hotel, 1321 Commerce. 742-8200. Mon-Fri 11 am-7 pm. Happy hour: Mon-Fri 3-7 pm. All credit cards.)

SRO. SRO as in “standing room only,’ which is becoming the case at this ever-so-black, ever-so-chichi nightclub trimmed in (did you guess?) pink neon. There’s a wide assortment of drinks, an unusual assortment of food and the standard assortment of 30ish trendies who are doing more following than setting. (2900McKinney. 748-5014. Daily 11 am-2 am. MC, V, AE, DC)

St. Martin’s. What could be better for an intimate late-night rendezvous than sharing a good bottle of wine and a cheese-and-fruit or paté board in this quiet, relaxing Lower Greenville Avenue bistro? The atmosphere is romantic, with uncrowded candle-lit tables, fresh red carnations, crisp white tablecloths and soft classical music; the service is pleasant, (3020 Greenville. 826-0940 Mon-Thur 11 am-3 pm & 5-11 pm, Fri 11 am-3 pm & 5 pm-1 am. Sat 11 am-1 am, Sun 5:11 pm; Sun brunch: 11-3. All credit cards.)

Vickery Feed Store. This deli/bar has an odd but appealing mixture of country and class. Wooden walls, a wooden floor and a hometown atmosphere are combined with burgundy vinyl booths and slick black table-tops in what turns out to be a very pleasant watering hole, Vickery has good drinks, great deli/snack food and some of the friendliest service in town. (6918 Greenville. 363-9198. Mon 6 am-midnight, Tue-Fri 6 am-2 am, Sat 8 am-2 am, Sun 8 am-midnight. Happy hour: daily 3-7 pm. MC, V, AE.)

Zanzibar. A fresh face on the burger-spattered strip of Lower Greenville Avenue, Zanzibar offers drinks and good deli food in a colorful café setting. The decor-neon, glass bricks and pink-and-green walls-is odd enough to work. (2912 Greenville. 828-2250. Tue-Sat 11:30 am-2 am, Sun 10:30 am-midnight; Sun brunch: 10:30-3. Closed Mon, AE, DC.)



FORT WORTH NIGHTLIFE

Billy Bob’s Texas. This huge country/western club in the Fort Worth Stockyards has a lot going for it: two restaurants, 42 bar stations, a real bull-riding arena and several shops. It’s bigger than alley’s, more urban than the Longhorn Ballroom and is a “must-see” if you’re in Fort Worth. (2520 N Commerce in the stockyards. Metro 429-5979. Mon-Sat 9:30 am-2 am, Sun noon-2 am. MC, V, AE.)

Cheers. Don’t expect Ted Danson or Shelley Long to be in this club’s crowd: This Confetti-like dancery is a far cry from the sophisticated wit of TV’s Boston bar. Female bartenders wear flesh-colored tights, skimpy leotards and baseball hats, and there’s enough paper confetti around to make you want to save a tree. By the looks of the crowd on the Tuesday night we visited, this is a good place for single women: The ratio of guys to gals was about 10 to 1. (6773 Camp Bowie. (817) 735-8814. Mon-Fri 11 am-2 am, Sat&Sun4pm-2am. All credit cards.)

Caravan of Dreams. Instead of heading to Fort Worth for its cowboy hoopla, go there for one of the sleekest, most entertaining nightclubs in the area. Caravan of Dreams, which covers three floors of a chic Sundance Square building, has excellent live jazz/blues (and a bar) on the first floor, a theater with movies and live drama (and a bar) on the second floor and an outdoor patio with a cactus garden (and a bar) on the roof. (312 Houston. (817) 887-3000. Daily 11 am-2 am; shows at 9:45 & 11:30 pm. No cover except for shows. MC, V, AE.)

The Hop. In three words, The Hop is warm, woody and wonderful. It has the air of a typical college hangout (it’s just one block from TCU), but it lacks the cutesy crowd or trendy atmosphere. A stage tucked in the corner features national and local bands, with music ranging from folk to reggae, rock to country. The food is good, but nothing could surpass the pizza. (2905 W Berry. (817)923-7281. Mon-Sat 11 am-2am, Sun4pm-1 am. All credit cards.)

Spencer’s Beverly Hills. If you’ve been nostalgic for disco, don’t worry: Saturday night fever is alive and well in Fort Worth. The disco-crazed crowd gathers here almost every night to shake their booties and to watch wide-screen movies such as “Fast Times at Ridgemont High.” The drinks are heavy-handed-as are some of the regulars-but most of the patrons don’t seem to mind. (1724 S University. (817)332-5651. Wed-Sun4 pm-2 am. Closed Mon & Tue. MC, V, AE.)