DECEMBER EVENTS OPENERS

ART



Bertie Morisot-Impressionist



In terrain dominated by the fixed landmarks of Manet, Monet, Degas, and Renoir, poor Berthe Morisot is barely visible. When she is not confused with that other woman impressionist, Mary Cassatt, Morisot often is simply overlooked. Unjustly so, as the current exhibit at the Kimbell Art Museum clearly demonstrates.

Morisot was not only a wonderful artist, whose works are full of both charm and grave observation, but she was one of the mainstays of the impressionist movement, a friend and model to almost everyone, and a keeper of the true flame. She maintained the pure impressionist style in her paintings and pastels long after other artists had begun to drift away.

The Kimbell’s exhibit, then, sets history straight. But it also offers a fresh view of an artist whose considerable talents won the admiration and respect of her peers. Morisot’s works, usually encountered one or two at a time, have been gathered together from the National Gallery in London, the Cleveland Museum of Art, Washington’s National Gallery, Paris’s Musee d’Orsay, and the Metropolitan for this long overdue show, the first in thirty-three years.

“Berthe Morisot- Impressionist,” Dec 12 through Feb 21 at the Kimbell Art Museum, 3333 Camp Bowie, Fort Worth. Tue-Sat 10-5 pm, Sun 11-5 pm. (817) 332-8451.- Ken Barrow

THEATER



It’s a Child’s Month, After All



December really shows off what this city can bring kids on the stage. Even adult theaters cater to kids for the holidays. It’s definitely in the yuletide spirit when the West End Cabaret books Avner the Eccentric to have a family show. Avner Eisenberg was the holy man in the movie The Jewel of the Nile and is a silent one-man circus. And two other grown-up theaters have family shows for December, too: the Dallas Theater Center is doing Charles Dickens’s A Christmas Carol at its Arts District Theater (2401 Flora Street, through Dec 27, 526-8857); and the Dallas Repertory Theatre at 150 NorthPark Center performs The Gingerbread Man by David Woods Dec 17 through Jan 2 (369-8996).

In a few years, the Dallas Children’s Theater has become almost a part of the establishment itself. This year it is repeating Barbara Robinson’s The Best Christmas Pageant Ever, from Dec 3 to 21 at the El Centro College Theater, Main at Market (956-9022). Casa Manana Theatre in Fort Worth is performing Babes in Toy land, Dec 11, 12, 18, and 19.(817)332-9319.

Many smaller theaters are also offering children’s plays in December. The Garland Civic Theatre features Amahl and the Night Visitors December 10 to 20 (272-9122). The Kathy Burks Marionettes present Not a Creature Was Stirring on Dec 12, 13, 18, 19, and 20 (353- 9616). CATS in Arlington is doing Here’s Love: Miracle on 34th Street on Dec 11, 12, 18, and 19(817-265-8512). And the Classics Carousel of Piano brings Aladdin to the stage on December 12 (423-7809). Call for exact details. – Bill Jungman

MUSIC

The Depth of Shallow Reign

“Black,” they sing.

“Black, black, black, black.” These four Dallas men, called Shallow Reign, sing with focused intensity, “paint the flowers all black/the roses, they’re all wilted now/they’re never gonna come back.” The voice of lead singer and rhythm guitarist Bob Watson is clear and understandable, with a kind of mystical quality. The lead guitar work of Patrick Sugg is clean and restrained, yet intense and powerful. Drummer Brad Robertson (always grinning and fun to watch) and the serious and steady bassist Mark Thomas create simple yet sophisticated rhythms that hold up the more delicate, strangely lyrical combination of vocals and guitar work. The result is a new rock V roll sound with a twist of neo-psychedelic classical rock.

But the words. What is their obsession with blackness? “It’s just about being melancholy,” singer/ songwriter Watson says. “It’s not about death or deep depression or anything.” Shallow Reign has been getting some quality air time on KTXQ Q-102 and KNON, especially from their cut on the recently recorded “Sounds of Deep Ellum” album, which features ten songs by ten Deep Ellum bands.

The biggest news is not that the band sounds great, but that they are receiving attention from some national labels. Island Records and A&M Records are eyeing (and listening to) them very closely. If any band in Dallas should make it into the big time in 1988, it’s Shallow Reign.

Hear Shallow Reign Dec 3 at the Prohibition Room, 703 McKinney, 954-4407; and Dec 12 at the Theatre Gallery in Deep Ellum, 2808 Commerce. 939-0533. For more information, call Tim Sanders, 352-2487. or the band, 987-2214.

-Pete Tarantino

FILM

A Grand View of the Grand Canyon

Seatbelts on? Dramamine taken? If so, then you’re ready to experience Grand Canyon: The Hidden Secrets, thirty-three minutes of dizzying vertigo at Fort Worth’s Omni Theater. The images, projected through a fisheye lens onto an eighty-foot-diameter domed screen, give audiences a complete peripheral view. The effect makes stomachs occasionally queasy as the camera swoops over multicolored cliffs or plunges down to the rough rapids of the Colorado river. The film traces the Canyon’s history from the earliest known inhabitants, the Anasazi Indians, to the present. If you’ve never seen the Grand Canyon before, this is as close as you’ll ever get without actually being there.

The Omni Theater is located in the Fort Worth Museum of Science and History, 1501 Montgomery St, Fort Worth. Show times through April are Tue-Thur 1,2,7, & 8pm; Fri 1, 2, 7, 8, & 9 pm; Sat 11 am, 1, 2, 3, 4, 7, 8, & 9 pm; Sun 1, 2, 3, 4, 7, & 8 pm; closed Mon, Tickets are $4.75 for adults, $3 for children and senior citizens. (817) 732-1631 or Metro 654-1356. -Phillip Pyle

ART

Picasso. Pages from the sketchbooks, most of them discovered after his death and never before seen by the public, open a new vista on the work of this extraordinary genius. Through Jan 10 at the Fort Worth Art Museum. 1309 Montgomery, Fort Worth, Tue 10-9 pm. Wed-Sat 10-5 pm, Sun 1.5 pm. (817)738-9215.

Power and Gold. Among the traditional island cultures of Southeast Asia, gold jewelry whs used for more than just personal adornment-it was a sign of social standing and power. This is a showing of 250 objects-earrings, bracelets, anklets, and more- collected from Indonesia, Malaysia, and the Philippines. Dec 20-Feb 7 at the Dallas Museum of An, 1717 N Harwood. Tue, Wed, Fri. Sat 10-5 pm; Thur 10-9 pm; Sun noon-5 pm. 922-0220.

Joan Mira Witry, poetic, and sometimes intimately personal, these works in pencil, charcoal, ink, watercolor, and oil demonstrate the range of one of the modernist masters. Dec 13-Feb Wat the Fort Worth Art Museum, 1309 Montgomery, Fort Worth. Tue 10-9 pm, Wed-Sat 10-5 pm, Sun 1-5 pm. (817)738-9215.



American Frontier Lite. Indians, buffalo hunters, mountain men, and pioneers come to roaring lite in pre-Civil War pictures by artists who were there and painted-allowing for poetic license-what they saw. Through Jan 3 at the Amon Carter Museum, 3501 Camp Bowie, Fort Worth Tue-Sat 10-5 pm, Sun 1-5:30 pro. (817) 738-1933.



Eliot Porter. He is often called the Ansel Adams of color photography, and his style is often imitated by lesser artists, but Porter’s vision, whether of a clump of moss or a Greek temple, is all his own. Through Jan 3 at the Amon Carter Museum, 3501 Camp Bowie, Fort Worth. Tue-Sat 10am-5 pm, Sun 1-5:30 pm. (817) 738-1933.



Medieval Manuscripts. This rare show brings together a collection of hand-lettered, illuminated books and leaves from the days before Gutenberg, when the written word was a work of art. Through Dec 19 at the Valley House Gallery. 66? Spring Valley. Mon-Fri 9-5 pm. Sat 10-3 pm. 239-2441.



Susan Magllow. A Dallas artist explores the power of technology over our lives in “Passion Series,” a group of large-scale oil paintings, sometimes humorous and sometimes serious. Dec II-Jan 20 at DW Gallery, 2909C Canton. Tue-Sat 11-5 pm. 939-0045.



Chased Pleasures. The pleasures of the sporting life-hunting, shooting, fishing, and other country pastimes-are the subject of this exhibit of paintings, prints, and tapestries representing the last four centuries. Through Dec 5 at The Crescent Gallery, 2200 Cedar Springs, Suite 349. Mon-Sat 10-6 pm, Thur 10-7 pm. 871.3550.



Paul Rotterdam. Romantic yet abstract, Rotterdam’s works suggest frames, windows, and doors and the restless action of the human hand. Through Jan 9 at Adams-Middleton Gallery, 3000 Maple. Tue-Fri 10-6 pm, Sat 11-5 pm. 871.7080.



Claudio Bravo. Plants, vegetables, fabrics, and vessels are captured in shinning realism in the drawings and paintings of this Spanish artist. Through Dec 13 at the Meadows Museum. Meadows School of the Am, Southern Methodist University. Mon-Sat 10-5 pm, Sun noon-5 pm. 692-3510.



DANCE



Dalles Ballet. Tchaikovsky’s best-loved ballet. The Nutcracker, comes to life in a version by Flemming Flindt that is spiced with Danish folk elements. Dec ll-0,15-23,26 & 27 at 8 pm, and Dec 12, 13, 19, 20. 26, & 27 at 2 pm at the Majestic Theatre, 1925 Elm. Tickets S5-S50. 744-U30.



Dallas Metropolitan Ballet. A dance version of The Night Before Christmas. Dec 12 & 13 at McFarlin Auditorium, SMU. 361.072B.



Fort Worth Ballet. Fort Worth gets yet another production of that Christmas-time perennial. The Nutcracker, this time with choreography by new artistic director Paul Mejia. Dec 18, 19, 21 at 8 pm, Dec 19. 20 at 2 pm at the Tarrant County Convention Center Theater, 1101 Houston, Fort Worth. Tickets $3-$24. (817)335-9000.



MUSIC



Dallas Civic Music Association. The first Western pianist to win the Gold Medal at the Tchaikovsky Competition in Moscow since Van Cliburn, Barry Douglas, plays Beethoven. Brahms, and Tchaikovsky on Dec I at 8:15 pm in the Majestic Theatre, 1925 Elm. Tickets $8-525 through Ticketron, 640-7500 954-0997 for information.



Dallas Classic Guitar Society. Cuban-American guitarist Manuel Barrueco in a solo recital. Dec 14 at 8 pm at the Majestic Theatre, 1925 Elm. Tickets $5-$20 through Ticketron, 640-7500. 521-0844 for information.



Dallas Opera. Veteran tenor Alfredo Kraus returns to Dallas in the role of his debut here-Massenet’s Werther- opposite soprano Renata Scotto. Dec 3. 8, & 12 at 8 pm, Dec 6 at 2 pm. The last opera of the 1987 season is a revival of Puccini’s final work, Turandot, with soprano Johana Meier and tenor Ermanno Mauro. Dec 19,21. & 23 at 8 pm, Dec 27 at 2 pm. AU performances at the State Fair Music Halt, Fair Park. Tickets $5-S67.5U 871-0090.



Dallas Symphony Orchestra. A Christmas Celebration, featuring the best Christmas music of the best composers in the world: Hamiel. Vivaldi. Tchaikovsky. Brahms, and more. Louis Lane conducts. and Alex Burton narrates.

Dec 18, 8:15 pm; Dec 20, 2:30 pm. Mcfarlin Auditorium, SMU. Tickets $10-517. 692-0203.



Greater Dallas Youth Orchestra. Haydn’s Symphony No. 104 (“’London”) and Aaron Copland’s Billy the Kid. Dec 13 at 8 pm at the Plaza Theatre at 6719 Snider Plaza. Free. 340-5888.

SMU Symphony Orchestra. Anshel Brusilow conducts Hyperion by Martin Sweidel. Skrowacewski’s Saxophone Concerto, and Brahms’s Symphony No. 1. with Tom Dryer-Beers as saxophone soloist. Caruth Auditorium, Meadows School of (he Arts. SMU Free. 692-3510.

Dallas Opera Does Werther

Werther is an epic bittersweet love story set in late 18th-century Germany- Charlotte (Renata Scotto), the town Bailiff’s daughter, is engaged to Albert, but she has fallen in love with Werther (Alfredo Krans), a sad, lonely poet who has also fallen in love with Charlotte, But Charlotte remains true to her betrothal and marries Albert. Werther sends Charlotte volumes of soul-touching letters. Finally she realizes the depth of his love and admits her love for Werther, but says that she will not leave her husband. Then.. .well, a hint Goethe’s original novel, The Sorrows of Young Werther, caused a rash of copycat suicides after it appeared in 1774. Dec 3,9, & 12 at 8 pm. and Dec 6 at 2 pm. at the Music Hall at Fair Park. Tickets $5-$fi7.50. 871-0090.

THEATER



A Christmas Carol. The Dallas Theater Center keeps its adaptation of Dickens’s classic fresh by rethinking and recasting it every year, even moving il back and forth between the two available sites. This year it is at the Arts District Theater, 2401 Flora St. through Dec 27.Tue-Sai 8 pm; Mon Dec 21, 8 pm; matinees Wed, Sat, & Sun, 2:30 pm; no shows Dec 24 & 25. Tickets $11-522. 526-8857



Times Square Angel. An angel named Alben comes down from heaven and pops up in the dressing room of a lady named Irish. If Albert fails in his mission to save Irish from moral ruin, the Lord will kick him out of the good place upstairs. This is a Charles Busch play, the same guy who wrote the old Dall as-conservative favorite. Vampire Lesbians of Sodom. Pegasus Theatre, 3916 Main St. Through Dec 19 at 8:15 pm Wed-Sat, 5 pm Dec 6 & 13. Tickets S8-S12. Rainbow-Ticketmaster 787-2000, or 821-6005.



Avner Ute Eccentric. Avner Eisenberg, the silent comic-juggler-mime-pickpocket, slops by for a limited run on his national tour. Dec 1 through Dec 25. Tue-Fri at 8 pm, Sat at 7 and 10 pm, Sun at 2:30 and 7 pm. The West End Cabaret. 702 Ross at Markel. Tickets $15-520 at Rainbow-Ticketmaster. 787-2000. or the Cabaret’s box office, 742-t800.



The Bos) Christmas Pageant Ever. Barbara Robinson’s play about (he Herdmans-“the worst kids in the history of the world’-and what they do to the local church Christmas pageant. Dallas Children’s Theater. Dec 3-21 at El Centra College Theater, Main and Market. Tickets $8 adults, S6 children. 956-9022.



Dolly’s Dreadful Dilemma. A sequel to last year’s holiday melodrama by Connie Whitt-Lambert, for those who like their drama accompanied by hissing, singing along, and popcorn. Circle Theatre, 1227 W Magnolia Ave. Fort Worth. Through Jan 2. Tickets at Rainbow-Ticketmaster 787-2000 or (817) 921.3040.



Ebenezer Scrooge. This is the sixth season for this musical version of Charles Dickens’s “A Christmas Carol.” Greenville Avenue Pocket Sandwich Theatre, 1611 Greenville. Nov 27 to Dec 23. Thur-Sat 8 pm, Sun 7 pm. Tickets S6.50-S8.50. 821-1860.



The Amen Comar. Sisler Margaret must fight to keep her storefront church in Harlem while she is embroiled in a family conflict as her son seeks a career in music. Through Dec 12 at the Jubilee Theatre, 3114 E Rosedale (across from Texas Wesleyan College), Fon Warth. Fri & Sat 8:15 pm, Sun 3:15 pm. Tickets $8. 535-0168.



Waltz of the Toreadors. Jean Anouilh’s modem French classic reunites old Theatre Three hands Norma Young and Laurence O’Dwyer on stage. Theatre Three, in the Quadrangle, 2800 Routh Si. Dec 9 through Jan 23. Tickets $10 to $20 871.3300.



DIVERSIONS



D.A.D.A. Art Sala. The Dallas Arts District Artists arc having their fifth annual Open Studio art sale, the only time during the year thai they open their studios for people to wander around, see what they like, and maybe buy a Christmas gift or two. There will be twenty-five or so Dallas artists showing pottery, jewelry, prints, paintings, and sculpture. Dec 4,7pm-10pm; Dec5&6,noon-6pm. 1700 Routh St. 880-9695,



Beatie City. December is the last full month to see this world-traveling tour of Beatles memorabilia in Dallas (the only American stop of the tour). Through Jan 3 on the fourth floor of the West End Marketplace, 603 Munger. Mon-Thur 11-10 pm, Fri & Sal Ham-midnight, Sun ncon-8pm. Tickets $6 tor adults. $3 for children. $8 for guided tours. $10 for VIP lours featuring an adult-oriented peek at John Lennon’s private collection of drawings. 954-4350.



Christmas at Fair Park. Elegant to quaint country Christmas decorations will be spread through four buildings at Fair Park. A wandering 100-member chorus will sing carols, and gifts and food will be offered for sale. Dec 11, 2-5 pm; Dec 12 A 13, noon-5 pm. The Magnolia Lounge. The Sele?? Place, the Natural History Museum, and the Dallas Civic Garden Center buildings at Fair Park. Free.



Christmas In the Stockyards. A two-day cowboy Christmas celebration, with more than 125 arts and .rails booths, and on Saturday, a parade and a Wild West show in the Cowtown Coliseum. And, of course, there’s Santa Claus for the kids. Dec 5 & 6, at the Fon Worth Stockyards, southeast corner of 28th St and Main St. Fon Worth.



SPORTS



Dallas Mavericks. That’s right, the season started last month, and it’s past time to think about getting those tickets to watch the bouncing ball. All games 7:30 pm at Reunion Arena. Tickets $5-$9. 658-7068.

Dec 4 Golden State

5 Denver

9 Sacramento

11 Phoenix 26 Houston

29 Sacramento



Dallas Sidekicks. Oh man. these guys are hot. They won il all last year, the equivalent of being reigning Superbowl champs, and you can bet they plan to repeat. The best in indoor soccer is right here in Dallas. Go see it. All games at at Reunion Arena. Tickets $5.50-$12. 361.KICK. or Rainbow-Ticketmaster 787-2000.

Dec 2 Los Angeles 7:35

6 Kansas City 4:05

12 San Diego 7:35 19 Wichita 7:35

30 Cleveland 7:35