OPENERS

Theater

Death of a Salesman. Attention must be paid as Hal Holbrook stars in Casa Mariana’s production of Arthur Miller’s Pulitzer Prize-winning story about Willy Loman. who chooses material success as his goal and discovers belatedly what is truly important in life-his family. Through March 3; 8 p.m., Tuesday-Friday; 2 & 8 p.m., Saturday; 2 p.m., Sunday; Will Rogers Auditorium, 3401 W. Lancaster Ave., Fort Worth. Information: 817-332-2272.

Romeo and Juliet. Direc tor Rhonda Blair takes a nontraditional approach to Shakespeare’s tragic star-crossed teen love affair, applying todays culture to thestory of passion, violence, and deception. Through March3; 8p.m., Tuesday-Saturday; 2:15 p.m., Sunday, Greer Gar-son Theatre, Meadows School of the Arts, SMU campus, Hillcrest and Binkley avenues, Tickets: 768-ARTS.

Arms and the Man. George Bernard Shaw’s witty comedy, set in wartime Bulgaria, about the romance between an endearing fair lady and a disarming soldier, is staged by the Dallas Theater Center. Through March 10; 7:30 p.m., Tuesday-Thursday; 8 p.m., Friday; 2 & 8 p.m., Saturday; 2 & 7:30 p.m., Sunday; Arts District Theater, 2401 Flora St. Tickets: 522-TIXX.

All I Really Need to Know I Learned in Kindergarten. The retelling of Waco-born author Robert Fulghum’s stories closes Theatre Three’s season with a production mixing song and dialogue. Through March 24; 8:15 p.m., Tuesday-Friday; 2:30 & 8:15 p.m., Saturday; 2:30 & 7:30 p.m., Sunday; Theatre Three, in the Quadrangle Courtyard. 2800 Routh St. Tickets: 871 -3300.

Nobody Here But Us Chickens. Playwright Peter Barnes’ three humorous and politically incorrect one-act farces commenting on society’s intolerance and lack or understanding for those who are disabled or handicapped is performed by Kitchen Dog Theater. Through March 24; 8 p.m.. Thursday-Saturday; 2 p.m., Sunday; McKinney Avenue Contemporary, 3120 Mc-Kinney Ave. Tickets; 871 -ARTS.

Back to Bacharach & David. The Southwest premiere of a nostalgic look at the ’60s, when peace signs, flower people, and go-go boots were “groovy,” is presented against a musical backdrop thai includes “I’ll Never Fall in Love Again,” “Alfie,” “Promises, Promises,” and other Burt Bacharach and Hal David songs. 2:30 & 8 p.m., March 1 & 2; The Irving Arts Center, Dupree Theater, 3333 N. MacArthur Blvd., Irving. Infor mation: 252-ARTS.

The Skin of Our Teeth. Thornton Wilder’s endearing and hopeful look at an average New Jersey family which endures the ice age, die great flood, and modern times through sheer persistence and by “the skin of their teeth” is presented by SMU’s Meadows School of the Arts. March l-6;8p.m., Sunday-Wednesday & Friday;2:15 p.m., Saturday; Bob Hope “Theatre, ()wen Fine Arte Center, 6101 Bishop Blvd., SMU campus. Tickets: 768-ARTS.

A Flea In Her Ear. Misplaced love notes, revoking beds, a hot-blooded Spaniard, and confused marital partners mix together in Theatre Arlington’s staging of this fast-paced farce. The story follows three pairs of husbands and wives chasing after one another while suspecting their partners of infidelity. March 1-30; 8:15 p.m., Thursday, Friday & Saturday; 2:15 p.m., Sunday; Theatre Arlington, 305 W. Main St, Arlington. Information: 817-261-9628.

Fiddler on the Roof. The Garland Civic Theater kicks up its heels with the popular tale of the Russian Jew, Tevye, who not only must adjust to political unrest in his country but must struggle with maintaining tradition. 8 p.m., March 7-9. 1546, 22-23; 2 p.m., March 17. The Garland Performing Arts Center, 300 N. Fifth St., Garland. Information; 349-1331.

Down the Road. The New Theatre Company stages the Lee Blessing drama about a husband and wife writing team who help a serial killer write about his crimes. March 7-30; 8 p.m., Thursday-Saturday; Swiss Avenue Theater Center, 2700 Swiss Ave. Tickets: 871-ARTS.

Angels in America: Millennium Approaches. This Pulitzer Prize- and Tony Award-winning epic play by Tony Kushner examines the political, spiritual, and sexual landscape of contemporary America. March21-April28;7:30p.m., Tuesday-Thursday & Sunday; 8 p.m., Friday; 2 & 8 p.m., Saturday; 2 p.m., Sunday; Kalita Humphreys Theater, 3636 Turtle Creek Blvd. Tickets: 522-TIXX.

The Marriage of Figaro. SMU’s Meadows School of the Arts stages Mozart’s opera satirizing the aristocratic law mat deemed it permissible for a gentleman to sleep with his servant’s bride on the wedding night. March 28-31; 8 p.m., Thursday-Saturday; 2:15 p.m., Sunday; Bob Hope Theater, Owen Fine Arts Center, 6101 Bishop Blvd., SMU campus. Information: 768-ARTS.

Quitters. A frontier musical about the pioneer women of yesteryear, who recorded their family’s history stitch by stitch while braving the challenges of their time, is presented by the Piano Repertory Theater. March 29- April21; 8:15 p.m., Friday & Saturday; 2:15 p.m., Sunday; Art Centre Theatre, 1028 15th PL, historic downtown Piano. Information: 425-7460,



Dance

Ballet Dallas. In the four parts of “World Premeire Performances,” the Ballet’s production will feature dances to Ravel’s waltzes, Franz Shubert’s “Notturno,” local composer Frank Lacey’s music, and Dvorak’s Slavonic compositions. March 1-3:8 p.m., Friday &Saturday;2&8p,m., Sunday; The Majestic Theatre, 1925 Elm St. Information: 748-3930.

Fort Worth-Dallas Ballet in Dallas. The company will dance Tchaikovsky’s “Hamlet” and Balan-chine’s “Rubies” and “La Valse.” 8 p.m., March 8 & 9; Music Hall, Fair Park. Reservations: 800-654-9545.

Elizabeth Streb/Ringside. TITAS hosts eight daredevil dancers whose bodies fly, dive, bounce, and crash into amplified walls, mats, and plexiglass in seemingly frenzied but controlled movement. 8 p.m., March 22 & 23; McFarlin Auditorium, SMU campus, Hillcrest Avenue and McFarlin Boulevard. Information: 528-5576.

Fort Worth-Dallas Ballet In Fort Worth. The ballet offers a program associated with modern and jazz dance but rooted in classical ballet. The performance is set to varied works including “The Four Temperaments,” “Bizet Suite,” and a finale set to eight of Richard Adler’s Broadway show tunes. 8 p.m., March 22 & 23; JFK Theatre, Tarrant County Convention Center, 1111 Houston St., Fort Worth. Reservations: 800-654-9545.



Music

Pianist Marcel Worms. In “Mondrian and the Music of His Time,” the Dutch pianist performs compositions that played a role in the life and work of artist Piet Mondrian. 3 p.m., March 2; Horchow Auditorium, Dallas Museum of Art, 1717 N. Harwood St. Information: 922-1229.

Young Artist Competition. The Piano Chamber Orchestra hosts its annual competition featuring the most talented young musical artists. Winners will be granted a solo performance with the orchestra. 8:15 p.m., March 2; Fellowship Bible Church North, 850 Lexington Ave., Piano. Information: 985-1983.

Trumpeter Stacy Blair. The internationally known musician will perform the works of Haydn, Handel, and Mozart with the Las Colinas Symphony Orchestra. 8 p.m., March 2; Carpenter Performance Hall, Irving Arts Center, 3333 N. MacArthur Blvd., Irving. Tickets: 580-1566.

Soprano Dawn Upshaw. The Grammy-award-winning songstress is paired with pianist Richard Goode in a Cliburn Foundation recital. 8 p.m., March 7; Ed Landreth Auditorium, South University Drive at Cantey Street, TCU campus, Fort Worth. Tickets: 817-335-9000.

Red Hot Mamas and Their Country Cousins. The Women’s Chorus of Dallas salutes down-home Americana, featuring jazz, blues, and country music. 8 p.m., March 8 & 9; Caruth Auditorium, 3145 Dyer St., SMU campus. Tickets: 520-ARTS.

Pianist Fabio Bidini. The renowned pianist returns to perform selections ranging from Beethoven to Tchaikovsky with the Richardson Symphony Orchestra. 8 p.m., March 9; Richardson High School, Performance Auditorium, 1250 W. Belt Line Rd., Richardson. Information: 234-4195.

Voices of Change. The 20th-century chamber music ensemble hosts composer Jeffrey Mum-ford and harpist Yolanda Kondanassis. 8 p.m., March 11; Caruth Auditorium, 3145 Dyer St., SMU campus. Tickets: 520-ARTS.

Ain’t Misbehavin’. Fats Waller’s hit Broadway musical, featuring the Pointer Sisters, struts into Fair Park Music Hall as pan of the Dallas Summer Musicals. The play recreates 1930s Harlem, with the Cotton Club, the Savoy Ballroom, Lenox Avenue honky-tonks, rent parties, stride piano players, and a new beat called “swing.” March 12-17; 8 p.m., Tuesday-Friday; 2 & 8 p.m., Saturday; 2 & 7 p.m., Sunday. Music Hall. Fair Park. Tickets: 373-8000.

An Evening of Gershwin. Michael Feinstein and The Turtle Creek Chorale team up in a musical tribute to the music of George Gershwin. They wiill perform such greats as “Strike Up the Band.” “I Got Rhythm,” “Our Love is Here to Stay,” and “EmbraceableYou.”8p.rn.,Marchl7,19&20; Meyerson Symphony Center, 2301 Flora St, Tickets: 871-ARTS.

Dallas Classic Guitar Society. Czech master Vladislav Bláha makes his American premiere. 8 p.m., March 19; Caruth Auditorium, 3145 Dyer St., SMU campus. Tickets: 800-654-9545.

Tenor Bruce Fithian. The Demon Bach Society hosts Fithian in a solo recital accompanied by Lenora McCroskey on the harpsichord. 7:30 p.m., March 28. The Denton Bach Choir and the Denton Orchestra will perform Handel’s I “Brockes Passion” at 7:30 p.m., March 31. Both performances will he held at the Campus Theater, Hickory and Cedar streets, Denton. Tickets; 817-382-1915.

The Vocal Majority. The group performs patriotic, Broadway, Americana, and inspirational tunes with tenor Michael Ballam. 8 p.m.. March 28; Meyerson Symphony Center, 2301 Flora St. Tickets: 526-8686.

S’Wonderful. Dallas Symphony music director Andrew Litton not only conducts but plays piano I in the performance of “Gershwin’s Songbook” and “Rhapsody in Blue” in the JCPenney SuperPops series. March 29-31; 8:15 p.m., Friday & Saturday; 2:30 p.m., Sunday. Meyerson Symphony Center. 2301 Flora St. Information: 692-0203.’

The Ink Spots. The Las Colinas Symphony Orchestra is joined by the legendary group and the Garland Civic Theater children’s chorus in a salute to ’50s music from Rodgers and Ham-merstein’s “The King and 1.” 8 p.m., March 30; Carpenter Performance Hall. Irving Arts Center, 3333 N. MacArthur Blvd., Irving. Information and tickets: 5804566.

Pianist Andras Schiff. The Hungarian musician performs as part of the Cliburn Foundation concert series. 2 p.m.. March 31; Ed Landreth Auditorium, South University Drive al Cantey Street, TCU campus, Fort Worth. Tickets: 8J7-335-9000.

Texas Baroque Ensemble. The ensemble performs Johann Sebastian Bitch’s “Johannes-Passion” using original instruments of the period. 7 p.m.. March 31; Episcopal Church of the Transfiguration. 14115 Hillcrest Ave. Tickets: 871-ARTS.



Art & Artifacts

African American Museum. “Contained and Uncontained: Four Clay Artists” (through March 17) shows the progression of clay sculpture from start to finish in the creative process. The works of Syd Carpenter, Magdalene Odundo, James Watkins, and Martha Jaekson-Jarvis will be on display. “Panoramas of Passage: Changing Landscapes of South Africa” (through April 21 ) showcases South African art that offers varied interpretations of the landscape and its political and cultural use throughout the country’s history. “Connections: African Vision In African-American Art” (through July 28),explores, within the context of an American system of values and customs, the influence of the African belief system on African-American art depicting religion, social life, and other secular themes. Noon-5 p.m., Tuesday-Friday; 10 a.m.-5 p.m., Saturday; 1-5 p.m., Sunday; 3536 Grand Ave., Fair Park. Information: 565-9026.

Anion Carter Museum. “Masterworks of the Photography Collection” (through March 24) celebrates the Fort Worth Stock Show’s centennial with prints of cowboys herding, ranching, and rodeoing from the 1870s to the present. “Thomas Eakins and the Swimming Hole” (through May 5) shows the preliminary photos, oil studies, and portraits of the men depicted in Eakins’ best-known work. The exhibit illustrates the painter’s interest in human anatomy and movement, his use of photography as an artistic medium, and the modern reinterpretation of classical ideas. 10 a.m.-5 p.m., Tuesday-Saturday; noon-5 p.m., Sunday; 3501 Camp Bowie Blvd., Fort Worth. Information: 817-738-1933.

Dallas Historical Society, “Bound for Texas: The Lone Star Story from the Age of Exploration to the Civil War” (ongoing) tells the story of the cul-tural and economic forces that shaped the region prior to statehood through maps, letters, and photographs. “Passages and Traditions: Women in Dallas Society 1890-1930” (through March 17) documents the milestones of a woman’s life from childhood to widowhood through the use of historical garments, newspaper accounts, and advertisements, 9:30 a.m.-5 p.m., Tuesday-Saturday, 1-5 p.m.,Sunday; Hall of State, Fair Park. Information: 421-4500.

Dallas Museum of Art. “Women in Classical Greece: Pandora s Box” (through March 31) shows now the Greeks viewed women in works such as marble sculptures, bronze statuettes, and terra cotta figurines dating from the fifth century. “The Heart That Sings, the Spirit That Soars” (through April 28) displays works in a variety of media by five African-American artists: Mr. Imagination, Anita Knox, Vicki Meek, David Philpot, and Jean Lacy. “Hot Cars, High Fashion, Cool Stuff: Designs of the 20th Century” (March 31-July 14) features “I Love Lucy” reruns, Pucci fashions, rock ’n’ roll memorabilia, and vintage cars in an exhibit chronicling the history of 20th-century American design. 11 a.m.-4 p.m., Tuesday, Wednesday & Friday; 11 a.m.-9 p.m., Thursday; 11 a.m.-5 p.m., Saturday & Sunday; 1717 N. Harwood St. Information: 922-1200 or 922-1355.

Dallas Museum of Natural History. “Monarca: Butterfly Beyond Boundaries” (through June 2) teaches visitors about butterflies through trilingual (Spanish, French, and English) interactive multimedia exhibits and live butterfly displays. 10 a.m,-5 p.m., Monday-Sunday; 3535 Grand Ave., Fair Park. Information: 421-DINO.

Junior Black Academy of Arts and Letters. “The Dallas-Fort Worth Black Living Legends” (through March 16) celebrates African-American history month with a photographic exhibit highlighting local African-Americans who have made their mark in areas ranging from politics to community involvement, 10 a.m.-6 p.m., Tuesday-Friday; noon-4 p.m., Saturday; James E. Kemp Gallery, 650S. Griffin St Information: 658-7144.

Kimbell Art Museum. “Severini Futurista: 1912-1917” (through April 7) presents Italian artist Gino Severini’s vision, in both abstract and realism, of a future filled with noise, light, energy, and speed. 10 a.m.-5 p.m., Tuesday-Thursday; noon-8 p.m., Friday; 10 a.m.-5 p.m., Saturday; noon-5 p.m., Sunday; 3333 Camp Bowie Blvd., Fort Worth. Information: 817-332-8451.

McKinney Avenue Contemporary. “Texas Abstract Painting” (through March 24) features interpretations of Texas by 14 painters from around the state. 11 a.m.-I0 p.m., Wednesday-Saturday; 1-5 p.m., Sunday; 3120 McKinney Ave. Information: 953-1212.

Modern Art Museum of Fort Worth. “Arshile Gorky: The Breakthrough Years” (through March 17) is an in-depth presentation of 1940s paintings and drawings featuring the artist’s mature works and some of his most innovative drawings. “Howard Hodgkin: Paintings 1975-1995” (March 31-July 14) is an exhibit deemed representations] by some and abstract by others. By saturating his canvas with color and using evocative images, Hodgkin has fused feelings and forms into sensual paintings. 10 a.m.-5 p.m., Tuesday-Friday; 11 a.m.-5 p.m., Saturday; noon-5 p.m., Sunday; 1309 Montgomery St., Fort Worth. Information: 817-738-9215.

The Modern at Sundance Square. “Ruckus Rodeo” (through April 21) has been reinstalled for the 100th anniversary of die Fort Worth Stock Show and Rodeo. Red Grooms’ huge piece, not seen in Fort Worth since 1992, recreates the interior of a rodeo arena, complete with Brahman bull and bareback bronco riding, steer wrestling, rodeo clowns, and an audience. 11 a.m.-6 p.m., Monday-Wednesday; 11 a.m.-8 p.m., Thursday-Saturday; 1-5 p.m., Sunday; 410 Houston St,, Fort Worth. Information; 817-335-9215.

Film

Omni Theater. “The Living Sea” is an underwater voyage showcasing the fragile relationship between sea- and land-dwellers, emphasizing man’s capability to reverse the damage already done to die ecosystem with the help of newly-discovered scientific advances. Opens March 1. Film shown every hour on the half-hour: 1:30-4:30 p.m., Monday; 1:30-8:30 p.m., Tuesday-Thursday; 1:30-9:30 p.m., Friday; 10:30 a.m.-9:30 p.m., Saturday; 12:30-8:30 p.m., Sunday; Fort-Worth Museum of Science and History, 1501 Montgomery St., Fort Worm. Information: 817-732-1631 or metro 817-654-1356.

First Monday Classics. The USA Film Festival presents a monthly series dedicated to preserving the experience of seeing classic films on the big screen. 7:30 p.m., March 4; AMC Glen Lakes Theatres, 9450N. Central Expy. at Walnut Hill Lane. Information: 821-NEWS.



Lectures

Artists Talk. Texas artists skilled in various mediums conduct weekly talks in the McKinney Avenue Contemporary. 7 p.m., March 6, 13,20 &i. 27; The McKinney Avenue Contemporary, 3120 McKinney Ave. Information: 953-1212.

Second Saturday Series. In conjunction with SMU s Meadows School of the Arts, the MAC hosts artists discussing and displaying their works, 2 p.m., March 9; The McKinney Avenue Contemporary, 3120 McKinney Ave. Information: 953-1212.

Maxine Mesinger. Former Ultra publisher Norma Myers introduces the Houston Chronicle columnist who will recount tales of Texas and Hollywood glitterati. March 12; 11:45 a.m., registration; noon, lunch; 12:30 p.m., talk; Dallas Country Club, 4100 Beverly Dr. Reservations: 520-0206.

11th Biennial Texas Black Women’s Conference. The African American Museum sponsors “The Soul of Black Women: A Legacy for the Next Millennium,” a day of workshops and seminars on topics such as politics, spirituality, finance, depression, and relationships. The Honorable Vanessa Gilmore, a Houston federal judge, will be the keynote speaker. 8 a.m., March 23; Clarion Hotel, 1241 W. Mockingbird Ln. Information: 565-9026.



Home & Garden

Dallas Spring Home and Garden Show. Do-it-yourselfers will find expert advice at this 16th annual event on everything from room decor to landscaping. March 1-3; 2-9 p.m., Friday; 10 a.m.-9 p.m., Saturday; 11 a.m.-6 p.m., Sunday; Dallas Market Hall, 2200 Stemmons Fwy. Information: 680-9995.

Primavera Galleria. For those who can’t decide whether to shop or stop and smell the spring blossoms, the Dallas Galleria makes the decision moot with their 11th annual in-mall greenhouse. Showcasing the top trends in home gardening, Primavera Galleria hosts more than a dozen of the area’s noted landscapes who create lavish gardens featuring ponds, waterfalls, and stone sculptures. March 2l-April 7; 10 a.m.-9 p.m., Monday-Saturday; noon-6 p.m., Sunday. 13350 N. Dallas Pkwy. Information: 702-7100.

Piano Home & Garden Show. More than 100 exhibits and free seminars will be offered for those wanting to update and improve their homes and yards. Remodeling contractors to vendors of the latest in audio and video equipment to financial institutions with information on how to secure that home-improvement loan will host booths at the show. 10 a.m.-6 p.m., March 30 & H; Piano Convention Center, 2000 E. Spring Creek Pkwy., Piano. Information: 964-1853.



Kidstuff

The Science Place. In the “Richard Scarry’s Busytown” exhibit, the author’s storybook town and characters come to life by encouraging young visitors to express themselves. Through May 5; 9:30 a.m.-5:30 p.m., Monday-Sunday. 1318 Second Ave., Fair Park, Information: 428-5555, extension 343 or 344.

Whodunit? The Science of Solving Crime. How did the great Sherlock Holmes solve crimes? How do our own police detectives do it? In this returning hands-on exhibit, children learn the craft of solving crimes through exploration, data collection, hypothesis testing, and decision making. Through May 19; 9 a.m.-5 p.m., Monday; 9 a.m.-8 p.m., Tuesday-Thursday; 9 a.m.-9 p.m., Friday & Saturday; noon-8 p.m., Sunday. Fort Worth Museum of Science and History, 1501 Montgomery St., Fort Worth. Information: 817-654-1356.

Swiss Family Robinson. The Casa Mariana Children’s Playhouse stages the well-known classic about a shipwrecked family on a deserted island who learn to survive and fend off pirates while waiting for help to arrive. March 1-9; 7:30 p.m., Friday;2 p.m., Saturday. Casa Mariana Children’s Playhouse, 3101 W. Lancaster Ave., Fort Worth. Information: 817-332-2272.

Dallas in Wonderland. Alice had to fall down a rabbit hole to get to her wonderland, but local kids have only to walk amid the 66 acres of blooming azaleas, tulips, and daffodils at the Dallas Arboretum’s Dallas Blooms event to play croquet with the Queen of Hearts or partake in a Mad Tea Party. Topiary shapes of the well-known “Alice in Wonderland” characters dot the grounds of the Dallas Arboretum where children can play, interact, and design their own garden or create a plant print. March 2-April 7; 10 a.m.-6 p.m., daily; The Dallas Arboretum and Botanical Garden, 3525 Garland Rd. Information: 327-8263.

Roller Dance Show. Steve Love’s New York Express Roller Dance Show will end the Jewish Community Center’s FamiliArts series. The one-of-a-kind roller dance company combines mime, acrobatics, hip-hop juggling, and precision dance while rolling to the beat. 4 p.m., March 3; Jewish Community Center, Zale Auditorium, 7900 Northaven Rd. Information: 739-2737.

The Wizard of Oz. The Piano Classics Children’s Theatre lays out die yellow brick road for a production that includes a life-size tornado that will swirl from the stage into the audience, transporting everyone over the rainbow to follow the adventures of Dorothy, the Scarecrow, the Tin Man, and the Lion as they search for the Wizard of Oz. 2 & 4:30 p.m., March 3; Piano Senior High School, 2200 Independence Pkwy., Piano. Information: 596-8948.

Junior Naturalists. Kids gel a hands-on experience learning about rocks, mammals, reptiles, and birds of prey as they follow the experts around the sanctuary grounds and museum corridors of the Heard Museum in McKinney. March 9; ages 6-8 meet from 9:30-11 a.m., ages 9-12 meet from 1-3 p.m. The Heard Natural Science Museum and Wildlife Sanctuary, One Nature Place, McKinney. Reservations: 562-5566.

Star Path Moon Stop. Playwright Megan Terry and the Omaha Magic Theater look at the transient lifestyles of today’s family in a story that explores the concepts of home. The play is recommended for ages 7 and up. March 15-31; 7:30 p.m., Friday;1:30 & 4:30 p.m., Saturday & Sunday; The Crescent Theater, 2215 Cedar Springs Rd. Information: 978-0110.

Charlie and the Chocolate Factory. The Garland Civic Theatre takes families along on Charlie’s thrilling journey behind the gates of the world’s roost famous and mysterious chocolate factory, where strange little fellows called Oompah Loompahs mix and make candy for the elusive Willy Wonka. 2 & 7:30 p.m., March 23 & 30; Garland Performing Am Center, 300 N. Filth St., Garland. Information: 349-1331.

I’m Four, I’m Fast & I’m Fine. The Richardson Children’s Theatre presents a preschool musical on what it’s like to be a 4-year-old. 9:30 & 10:30 a.m., March 26-28. RCT Children’s Theatre Studio, Arapaho and Custer roads, Richardson. Information: 690-5029.

The Adventures of Peter Rabbit. The adventures of Peter, Flopsy, Mopsy, and Cottontail, adapted from stories by Beatrix Potter, are presented by Casa Mariana. March 29-April 6; 7:30 p.m., Friday; 2 p.m., Saturday; Casa Manana ( Children’s Playhouse, 3101 W. Lancaster Ave., Fort Worth. Information: 817-332-2272.

Eggs Over Easy Egg Hunt. Children ages 2 to 7 can practice for the day the Easter Bunny comes in the annual Plano egg-hide. 9,9:45 & 10:30 a.m., March 3D: Bob Woodruff Park, 2601 San Gabriel Dr., Piano. Information: 578-7250.



Fairs & Fiestas

Cowtown’s Sadie Hawkins Night. Fort Worth’s Cowtown Opry sponsorsa downtown hoe-down where the womenfolk get to do the asking to a night complete with line dancing, music, food, spirits, a silent auction, and a costume contest for the best dogpatch costume. 8 p.m.-midnight, March 1 : historic Stockyards. Barn A, Mule Alley, 130 E. Exchange Ave., Fort Worth. Tickets: 817-366-9675.

North Texas Irish Festival. Brogues have a Texas twang at this 14th annual festival celebrating everything green and Irish. Boasting eight stages filled with non-stop entertainment, the Fair Park event includes 50 bands, high-kicking jig dancers, and Irish delicacies and goods, such as soda bread. March 1-3; 4-11 p.m., Friday; noon-midnight, Saturday; noon-8 p.m., Sunday. Fair Park, Information: 821-4174.

Taste of Piano. More than 60 of Piano’s finest restaurants dish out bite-size samples of their cuisine to benefit the Piano Independent School District’s Outstanding Students Scholarship Awards Program. The ninth annual event will also feature a live country and western band and an auction. 5:30-8:30 p.m., March 4; Southfork Ranch, 3700 Hogge Rd., Piano. Information: 519-8180.

A Little Taste of Big D. Samples from Dallas’ finest restaurants, caterers, bakeries, and specialty food shops will be available for tasting, 5-10 p.m,, March 13; Dallas Market Hall, 2200 Stemmons Fwy. Information: 964-1853.

Cowtown Goes Green. Whether you’re sporting a 10-gallon hat or steel-tipped boots, this annual Stockyard obser-vancehas become a family favorite and a tradition for those Irish-at-heart. Beginning with a parade on Exchange Avenue, the festivities continue with live bands, food, beverages, games, and a street dance. March 17; 4 p.m., music; 6 p.m., parade begins; Fort Worth Stockyards, Hast: Exchange Avenue off North Main Street, Fort Worth. Information: 817-625-J025.



Shamrock Music Festival. The Knox-Henderson-Travis area turns on the green for a day-long part)’ in which 15 bands ?ill play Irish music as well as rock ’n’ roll, ]&7.7-, and country-western. Children can enjoy pony rides, face painting, and train rides. Neighborhood chefs whip up their specialties under food tents while the stores and antique shopping malls open their doors for business. 11 a.m.-8 p.m., March 17; Knox Hen-1 derson-Travis area. Information: 821-7494.

Concours d’Elégance. Car enthusiasts will want to gel to the Dallas Convention Center where antique, classic, and sports cars will be on display and for sale. More than 200 cars will be up for bid at The Leake Auction (Saturday only), and 100 select cars will be showcased during a competition sponsored by The Dallas Symphony Orchestra League. Proceeds from the annual event will benefit the Dallas Symphony Association. 9 a.m.-7 p.m., March 30; 10 a.m.-5 p.m., March 31; Dallas Convention Center, Exhibit flail E, 650 Griffin St. Ticket information: 827-0534.



Sports

Dallas Stars Hockey. Home games:

March 2 Toronto 6:30 p.m.

March 20 St. Louis 7:30 p,m,

March 26 Winnipeg 7:30 p.m.

March 28 Anaheim 7:30 p.m. Reunion Arena, 777 Sports St. Tickets: GO- STARS.

Dallas Mavericks. Home games:

March 3 Phoenix Noon

March 5 New Jersey 7:30 p.m.

March 12 Miami 7:30 p,m,

March 19 Cleveland 7:30 p.m.

March 22 Minnesota 7:30 p.m.

March 24 New York Noon

March 27 Houston 7:30 p.m.

March 29 San Antonio 7 p.m.

March 31 Portland 7 p.m.

Reunion Arena, 777 Sports St. Tickets: 939-2800.

Canoe Trails. Trained guides lead adventurous urbanités on a two-hour voyage exploring the waterways of the Heard Natural Science Museum in McKinney. 9:30 a.m., March 2,9 & 16; Heard Natural Science Museum & Wildlife Sanctuary, One Nature Place, McKinney. Reservations: 562-5566.

Dr Pepper Southwest Conference. The best men’s and women’s college basketball players in the state will compete in the semi-final and championship games in the Southwest Championship Classic. March 6-9, Women’s SWC Classic; March 7-9, Men’s SWC Classic; March 14 & 16, NCAA Midwest first and second rounds; Reunion Arena, 777 Sports St. Information: 800-800-SWC8.

Tuff Hedeman’s Championship Bull Riding. Three-time world champion bull rider Tuff Hedeman hosts the world’s top bull riders in the $2 million Bud Light Pro Bui! Riders Tour. The championship match pits the top four challengers in awin-ner-take-all match on Friday. Saturday night features round two of die championship with the world’s best riders against the toughest bulls from across the country, and Sunday afternoon is the final round with the top 15 riders. Also included in the championship event is the Cripple Creek Junior Bull Riding Challenge and the Professional Bull Fight Tour. March 8-10; 8 p.m., Friday & Saturday; 2 p.m., Sunday. Will Rogers Coliseum; 1 Amon Carter Square, Fort Worth. Tickets: 373-8000.

West End Run. This family run benefiting the Texas Special Olympics starts and finishes in the West End amid live entertainment. With a Kids K,5K run, and 5-mile run, there’s a race for each member of the family. The last event of the day features the beneficiaries in a Special Olympian Run. March 9; 7 a.m., registration; 8 a.m., Kids K with other races to follow; Ross Avenue and Record Street. Information: 361-6493.

Big. D National Karate Championship. The 14th annual competition features more than 1,000 contenders of all ages. The day’s competition begins with the ceremonial Lion dance followed by the masters of the Chinese martial arts judging the various events. 8:30 a.m., March 16;P!ano Centre, 2000 E. Spring Creek Pkwy., Piano. Information: 239-5053.

8th Annual Motorcycle Expo. Chrome-polishing, engine-revving bike aficionados can find the latest in gear, accessories, and more at this expo. 10 a.m.-5 p.m., March 17; Arlington Convention Center, 1200 Ballpark Way, Arlington. Information: 216-5520.

MONTH-LONG MARCH BEST BET

Arts & Letters Returns, Bigger and Better Than Ever

NOW IN ITS FIFTH YEAR, THE WILDLY popular Arts & Letters Live sets even higher goals for presenting Texas authors and their works. New programs will premiere in April and May, and the well-loved series “Texas Bound”-wherein Texas actors read short fiction by Texas writers-will this yearfeature two readings each night instead of one. In March, “Texas Bound ” features actors Marcia Gay Harden, Barry Corbin, Julie White, and Christina Pickles reading works by Katherine Anne Porter, Tom Doyal, James Lee Burke, and Melissa Banks. Also during March, playwright Terrence McNally and author Grace Paley will read their work as part of the “Distinguished Writers” series, and on March 20, the first of three free “Literary Cafe” poetry readings will be held. “Texas Bound” and “Distinguished Writers” will be held at the Horchow Auditorium, Dallas Museum of Art, 1717 N, Harwood St.; “Literary Cafe” will be held at Club Dada, 2720 Elm St. Tickets are $10 and $12. For information, call 922-1219 or 922-1220.

BEST BET FOR THE WEEKEND OF MARCH 8-10 STOMP Gets Audiences Moving

IF YOU HAVEN’T .ALREADY SEEN STOMP live, or perhaps on “The Late Show With David Letterman” or “Good Morning America,” then get yourself a ticket to one of the most exciting shows around. Using everything from their stomachs and feet to trash cans and the kitchen sink, this group of musicians/dancers can get any theater jumping.

Since STOMP debuted in 1991, this British group has found international fame with performances that combine dance, theater, music, and humor. The eight performers create their own percussion music by banging on themselves and on inanimate objects. They both create and interpret this music in their dance steps.

STOMP has won several honors, including a Drama Desk Award for “Unique Theater Experience,” a British Olivier Award for Best Choreography, and an Obie. The group has also appeared in Coca-Cola and Target commercials.

Presented by TITAS, this weekend’s performances were added to accommodate an overwhelming response to the original two performances on Tuesday and Wednesday at 8 p.m. Weekend shows are at 8 p,m. on Thursday Friday & Saturday, and 2 & 7 p.m. on Sunday at McFarlin Auditorium, Hillcrest Avenue at McFarlin Boulevard. Tickets are $7 to $40 at the TITAS box office, 3101 N. Fitzhugh Ave., Suite 301, or call 528-5576.

BEST BET FOR THE WEEKEND OF MARCH 15-17

A Tale of Two St. Patrick’s Day Parades

THE FEAST DAY OF ST. PATRICK, PATRON saint and apostle of Ireland, isn’t just a time tor wearing silly hats and talking like the Lucky Charms leprechaun: It’s also time for a parade, mimicking perhaps the parade of snakes that legend has the saint driving out of Ireland.

The Downtown Dallas St. Patrick’s Day Parade provides that, as well as a good opportunity to soak up some Irish atmosphere. An enjoyable family event, the downtown parade will feature more than 100 floats, and a host of clowns, dancers, marching bands, and entertainers,

Also fun-though definitely PG-I3-is the ragtag and often raunchy Greenville Avenue parade, a free-floating affair usually featuring numerous bizarre floats with no discernible connection to St. Pat’s. (During the mud-spattered 1990 governor’s race, Jim Mattox supporters wearing Ann Richards beehives rode an ” Addicts for Mattox” float. )

The Greenville parade, with more than 80 entries, will start at 11 a.m. on March 16 at Greenville and Blackwell and proceed south on Greenville to Yale Boulevard.

On St. Patrick’s Day itself, downtown events begin with an 11 a.m. mass at the Dallas Grand Hotel (1914 Commerce St.), followed by the traditional corned-beef-and-cabbage meal at the Champagne ’N’ Shamrocks luncheon. Starting at noon will be an Irish street lair at Pegasus Plaza, where strollers can sample food, watch jugglers and folk dancers, or listen to traditional Irish music until the parade starts at 2 p.m.

The parade will begin at Main and Har-wood and continue into the West End for that final holiday tradition-green beer-as well as more live entertainment and activities. For more information on the Champagne ’N’ Shamrocks luncheon, call the Irish American Society at 233-3233; tor information on West End activities, call 720-7717.

BEST BET FOR THE WEEKEND OF MARCH 22-24

Dino Day at the Dallas Museum of Natural History

ATTENTION PARENTS: IF YOU THOUGHT those stuffed and plastic dinosaurs would never do anything except get underfoot, guess again. T-Rexes, Barneys, and the like are worth free admission for your child (under age 12) into Dino Day on March 23 at the Dallas Museum of Natural History.

This annual event, a part of the Museum’s Bank of America Family Festivals, devotes a whole day to the prehistoric creatures. Children can touch 65-million-year-old dinosaur bones, take in the breath of a car-size prehistoric turtle, and exchange smiles with a toothy mosasaur. On special display will be the museum’s new Tucker Davis collection that includes dinosaur eggs, skulls, preserved insects, and a bat fossil. Families can also visit an underground paleontology lab and meet scientists who study dinosaurs

every day, such as Dr. Anthony Fiorillo, the museum’s new curator of paleontology.

New to Dino Day this year is the Dino Disco, where children will learn how dinosaurs moved and incorporate those motions into dance. Dino dance instructors will teach the Stegosaurus Shuffle, the Funky Pterodactyl, and the T-Rex Stomp. Other activities include films, fossil digs, crafts, and visits with “Tyrannosaurus Tex,” the museum’s popular costume character.

Dino Day will be held from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Dallas Museum of Natural History, 3535 Grand Ave, in Fair Park. For information, call 421-DINO (3466), extension 200.

BEST BET FOR THE WEEKEND OF MARCH 19-31

At Horse-O-Rama, It’s Hi-ho Silver, Away!

DUBBED “THE MAJOR EDUCATIONAL Horse Event in Tarrant County,” Horse-O-Rama features an exhibit and trade show, as well as two days of presentations, shows, and training seminars for horsemen and horsewomen of all ages who want to learn more about riding, The focus of this year’s event is “performance horses and those who ride them.” Saturday will be devoted to presentations on skills that improve performance in the ring, from conditioning to tacking and shoeing.

“The more you ask out of a horse, the more these become important,” says John South of the Texas Agricultural Extension Service, which sponsors the ninth annual event. The seminars, beginning at 9 and 10:30 a.m., are being presented by veterinarians and scholars, many from Texas A& M University.

On Saturday at 7 p.m., a special training session will be offered on mental toughness, vital to all competitors whether they’re showing a horse, playing football, or shooting pool, South says. Barbara Schulte, a cutting horse trainer and competitor, will talk about how to prepare your mind for competition. Her lecture is in part based on the book Mental Toughness Training for Sports by Dr. James Loehr, who spent 20 years assisting Olympic athletes.

Saturday night and Sunday, tails will fly at the All Breed Horse Show. Riders of all skill levels and ages can enter more than 22 open events from barrel riding to Western riding to a costume show. Shows begin at 7 p.m. on Saturday and 9 a.m. on Sunday. These events are open to anyone and do not require registration papers or a membership. You can get schedules and entry forms by calling John South at 817-884-1946. Minimal fees will be charged to register, and several events will feature an open jackpot where a cash prize comes with the ribbons.

Horse-O-Rama will be held at The Will Rogers Equestrian Center, 3400 Crestline Dr., Fort Worth. Barbara Schulte’s seminar is $15 in advance, $20 at door; other lectures are free. For information, call the Texas Agricultural Extension Service at i 817-884-1946.