SUN & STAR 1996 BRINGS
JAPAN TO TEXAS
The Texas-sized, 100-day celebration of Japanese art and life known as Sun & Star 1996 arrives this month, continu- ing through mid-December, and will infuse the cultural life of Dallas and Fort Worth with events and exhibits that present all things Japanese.
The $10-million festival has much to offer-major museum exhibits, fireworks and figure skating, contemporary and traditional art, Grand Kabuki Theater and avant-garde dance, Taiko drummers and Japanese archery, kite-flying festivals, 3-D animated films, educational opportunities, children’s theater and even sport. Sponsored by Texas-based EDS and Japan-based Hitachi Ltd., the festival has been four years in the planning stages.
The Sun & Star 1996 Spectacular kicks off the festival on Sept. 7. One of the world’s most prestigious gatherings of pyrotechnic masters will light up a display of Japanese-style hanabi (fireworks). Also part of the multicultural extravaganza are the Taiko drumming troupe Miyazaki Ryoun Enbu Daiko from Sendai, Japan; the Dallas Wind Symphony; the singing group Faith; and Tejano singer Shelly Lares. Entertainment will begin a couple of hours before the fireworks at 8:15 p.m. The event will be held in the Trinity River Greenbelt area adjacent to Crow Lake Park, between Sylvan Avenue and the Continental Street viaduct. For more information, call 1-800-60-JAPAN.
Sun & Star 1996 events in D Magazine’s On the Town listings are marked with a Sun & Star symbol. For more information via the Internet, look at the CityView home page at http://cityview.com/dallas.
Attractions
Dallas Aquarium. Exhibits include the Amazon Flooded Forest, a California kelp forest, a living coral reel and the World of Aquatic Diversity. 9 a.m.-4:30 p.m.. daily; First Avenue and Martin Luther King Boulevard. Fair Park. Information: 670-8443.
Dallas Public Library. ’Dallas Theater Center: The Early Years, 1955-1982″ {through January 1997) displays never-before-seen documents, photographs, sets and costume designs from the Dallas Theater Center archives. 9 a.m.-9 p.m., Monday-Thursday; 9 a.m. -5 p.m., Friday & Saturday; 1-5 p.m.. Sunday; 1515 Young St. Information: 670-1400 or 670-1700.
Dallas World Aquarium. Twelve saltwater tanks replicate underwater environments around the world. 10 a.m.-5 p.m., daily: 1801 N. Griffin St. Information: 720-2224.
Dallas Zoo. Exhibits feature forest, mountain and river habitats, walk-through aviaries and the Reptile Discover y Center. The mo is undergoing renovations, but is still open to the pubic. 9 a.m.-5 p.m., daily; 621 E. Clarendon Dr. (Ewing exit off I-35E). Information: 670-5656.
Fair Park. Built in the 1930s to celebrate the Texas centennial, Fair Park’s 227 acres feature art deco buildings, an aquarium, Dallas’ Museum of Natural History, The Science Place, the Age of Steam Museum, the African American Museum, the Civic Garden Center, trie Coca-Cola Starplex Amphitheater, the Hall of State, the Dallas Horticultural Center and picnic areas. The Friends of Fair Park and the City of Dallas run the Visitors Center (9 a.m.-5 p.m.. Monday-Friday) in the Magnolia Lounge. (9:30 a.m.- 5 p.m., Tuesday-Saturday; 1-5 p.m.. Sunday). Walking tours around the park are available by appointment. Open daily, year-round. 1300 Robert B. Cullum Blvd. at Grand Avenue. Information: 670-8400 or 426-3400.
Fort Worth Zoo. In one of the nation’s most acclaimed zoos, more than 4.000 exotic and native animals can be seen in exhibits like Flamingo Bay, Raptor Canyon, a walkthrough Birds of Prey Aviary, Asian Rhino Ridge, the World of Primates and Asian Falls, which has Sumatran tigers and Malayan bears playing around a 40-foot waterfall. 10 a.m.-5 p.m., Monday-Friday: 10 a.m.-6 p.m., Saturday & Sunday; 1989 Colonial Pkwy., Fort Worth. Information: 817-871-7050.
Movie Studios at Las Colinas. These studios, where scenes of RoboCop, Leap of Faith and JFK were filmed, are open for tours. 10 a.m.-4 p.m., daily; 6301 N. O’Connor Blvd., Las Colinas, Information: 869-FILM.
Old City Park. An outdoor museum that’s a complete turn-of-the-century village right under the modern skyline of Dallas. Houses, a church, a school and a variety of stores were moved from their original locations to the park and restored, so that a tour through the village offers a glimpse into the life of early North Texans. 10 a.m. -4 p.m., Tuesday-Saturday; noon-4 p.m., Sunday; 1717 Gano. Information: 421-5141.
Southfork Ranch. Visit the Ewing Mansion, explore the ranch grounds by tram and walk through the “Dallas-Museum with memorabilia from the show. There’s also a western wear store and the Front Porch Cafe. 9 a.m.-5 p.m., daily; 3700 HoggeRd., Parker. Information: 442-7800.
Fairs & Fiestas
● SUN & STAR ★ Tanabata Festival. Visitors from the city of Sendai in Japan will help participants create paper festival decorations measuring up to 50 feet tall. Aug. 26-Nov.3; NorthPark Center, Northwest Highway at Central Expressway. Information: 605-0280 or 363-7441,
Fort Worth’s Pioneer Days. Family celebration commemorates the early days of the cattle industry. 6 p.m.-1 a.m., Aug. 30; 10-1 a.m.. Aug. 31: 1211 p.m., Sept 1: Fort Worth Stockyards, North Main and Exposition. Information: 817-626-7921.
Dallas Air Show. Over 100 rare historic and modern aircraft, including the B-2 Stealth Bomber, will be displayed; demonstrations of stunt flying and parachute jumping. 9 a.m.-5p.m., Sept. 7 &8; Frontiers of Flight Museum. Love Field Terminal, Cedar Springs Road and Mockingbird Lane (free parking and shuttle at Exchange Park.) Information: 350-1651.
Grapefest. The 10th annual celebration features a people’s choice contest, a black-tie Texas wine tribute, an auction, a “Cabernet Cabaret” and a Sunday champagne brunch. 6-11:30 p.m.. Sept. 13:10 a.m.-ll:30 p.m., Sept. 14; 11 a.m.-6 p.m., Sept. 15; Main Street in the Historic District. Grapevine. Information: 817-481-0454.
Addison Oktoberfest. Bier hier, y’all! “Schloss Addison” offers bratwurst and specially brewed Oktoberfest beer. 5-11 p.m., Sept. 19 & 20:11 a.m.-midnight. Sept. 21; noon-6 p.m.. Sept. 22: Addison Conference Center, 15050 Addison Rd,. Addison. Information: 800-ADDISON.
Piano Balloon Festival. Texas’ largest balloon event, which offers hot air balloons, arts and crafts, food and entertainment. Sept. 20-22; event begins 4 p.m. on Friday and ends at sunset on Sunday; balloon launches will be held each day at 7:30 a.m. and 6 p.m.; art and crafts booths are open between the launches: Bob Woodruff Park, 2601 San Gabriel, Piano. Information: 867-7566.
Greek Festival of Dallas. Celebrate the history of the Olympics while enjoying traditional Greek music, dancing and food at the 40th annual Greek festival. Sept. 26-29; lunch: 11 a.m.-3 p.m., Friday & Saturday: 12 p.m.-4 p.m., Sunday: dinner: 5 p.m.-10 p.m., Thursday-Saturday; Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church (a shuttle bus will transfer visitors from the Brinker International facility on Hillcrest at LBJ and from Commerce Plaza across the street). Information: 991-1166.
State Fair. One of the largest state fairs in America is filled with Texas-size fun for all with games, rides and food. Also visit the Hall of State, Cowboy exhibition and Technoworld. Sept. 27-Oct. 20; 8 a.m., gates open; 10 a.m.-10 p.m.. buildings open; Fair Park, A parade marches through downtown celebrating une opening day of the State Fair on Sept. 27 starting on Lamar and Main streets and ending at Good-Latimer Fwy. Information: 421-8715.
Film
● SUN & STAR ★ Japanese Film Series. Demon possession and ghosts, strong motifs of Japanese art. will be explored in classic and contemporary films; each preceded by a lecture. Ugetsu (Sept. 11( is a ghost story focusing on social conflict, regeneration and disintegration. Rashomon (Sept. 18) was the 1952 Academy Award winner for “Best Foreign Film.” Its theme: We are all subconsciously habitual liars. The Pornographers (Sept. 25) is a Shohei Imamura film exploring an off-beat and seedy side of Japan rarely seen in film. All shows are at 8 p.m.; CineMac, McKinney Avenue Contemporary. 3120 McKinney Ave. Information: 953-1212.
Home & Garden
Dallas Arboretum and Botanical Garden. Visitors can stroll along the walks and enjoy more than 200.000 flowering bulbs, more than 2.500 azalea varieties, cultivated gardens and a spectacular view of White Rock Lake with downtown buildings in the distance. 10 a.m.-6 p.m., daily; 8525 Garland Rd. Information: 327-8263.
Fort Worth Botanic Gardens. The 110-acre tree-shaded complex includes a rose garden, a conservatory and Japanese gardens that include a “Meditation” garden and pools filled with carp that visitors can feed. 8 a.m.-dusk (9 a.m.-6 p.m., Japanese gardens), daily; 3220 Botanic Garden Blvd.. Fort Worth. Information: 817-871-7686.
Butterflies in the Blachly. More than 5.000 winged insects in Texas’ largest free-flying butterfly exhibit. Sept. 20-Oct. 20; 10 a.m.-5 p.m daily; Dallas Horticulture Center, 3601 Martin Luther King Blvd.. Fair Park, information: 428-7476.
Kidstuff
Ultimate Tree House. An exhibit of originally designed tree houses in styles ranging from naturalistic to futuristic. Interactive children’s activities include an activity book, display environments and hands-on discovery stations. Through Sept. 2; 10 a.m.-6 p.m. daily; The Dallas Arboretum, 8525 Garland Rd. Information: 327-8263.
Schoolhouse Rock Live! You watched it on Saturday mornings, now see it live: rock ’n’ roll tunes with a lesson in everything from electricity to the process of a bill becoming a law. Through Sept. 17: 7:30 p.m., Friday & Saturday (call for matinee times); DupreeTheater. Irving Arts Center, 3333 N. MacArthur Blvd., Irving. Tickets: 252-ARTS,
Pawnee Bill’s Wild West Show. Trick ropers, riders and shooters, a bull-whip artist, authentic wagons, a stagecoach holdup and more than 70 animals recreate the days of the wild West. Through Sept. 28; 2. 4:30 & 8 p.m. followed by a rodeo, every Saturday; Cowtown Coliseum. Stockyards National Historic District, 121E. Exchange Ave., Fort Worth. Information: 817-625-1025.
Indian Pow-Wow. Native American dancing, arts and crafts, storytelling. Indian food and a homemade teepee contest. 6 p.m.-midnight. Sept. 6: 10 a.m.-midnight. Sept. 7; 10 a.m.-6 p.m.. Sept. 8; Traders Village, 2602 Mayfield. Piano. Information: 647-2331.
Africa: One Continent. Many Worlds. The story of Africa’s culture, geography and history told through videos, artifacts and photographs. Sept. 14-Jan. 5; 10 a.m.-5 p.m., daily; Dallas Museum of Natural History. 3535 Grand Ave.. Fair Park. Information: 421-DINO.
Heard Family Fun Fest. Games, food, prizes, entertainment, activities for the kids and their families. 10 a.m.-6 p.m., Sept. 14: Heard Museum Wildlife Sanctuary. One Nature Place (exit 38 off Central Expressway, follow trie brown and while signs), McKinney Information: 562-5566.
● SUN & STAR ★ Urashima Taro. The story of a young boy who saves the life of an enchanted turtle and is invited to visit a kingdom under the sea. 7:30 p.m., Sept. 20. 27. 28 & Oct. 4; 2:30 & 7:30 p.m., Sept. 21; 2:30 p.m., Sept. 22 & 29; 10:30 am & 2:30 p.m., Oct. 5. Creative Arts Theatre and School, 1100 W. Randol Mill Rd.. Arlington. Reservations: 817-861-CATS.
● SUN & STAR ★ The Boy Who Drew Cats and Other es From Japan. Tradition and culture are explored in three stones from ancient Japan, The Hoy Who Drew Cats is a tale of an artistic boy who only draws cats; Motmotaro. the Peach Boy describes the heroic struggle of a youth battling an ogre, and The Princess of the Sea is a dance drama set in a fishing village and the fantasy kingdom of the dragon king of the sea. Sept. 27-Oct. 20; 7:30 p.m., Friday; 1:30 p.m., Saturday; 1:30 & 4 p.m., Sunday; El Centio College Theater, corner of Main and Market streets. Tickets: 9780110.
Literary Events & Lectures
● SUN & STAR ★ Contemporary Japan: The Culture of Apocalypse. A lecture by Dr. Susan Sacrer, associate professor of Japanese studies at The University of Texas at Austin. 6 p.m.. Sept. 13; Galleries of the MAC. 3120 McKinney Ave. Information: 953-1212.
● SUN & STAR ★ Japan and the Architecture of Apocalypse. A one-day symposium In which the works of nine major figures in post-war Japanese architecture will be presented. 12 p.m.. Sept. 14; McKlnney Avenue Contemporary. 3120 Mckinney Ave. Information: 953-1212.
Museums & Galleries
African American Museum. ’Beyond Category: The Musical Genius of Duke Ellington.” (Sept. 7-Deo, 31) The premiere exhibition of America’s jazz heritage. Includes rare photographs, manuscripts and artifacts creating visual settings for “The Duke’s” compositions. “Caribbean Visions: Contemporary Painting and Sculpture” (through Dec. 15) features 92 works by 56 native painters and sculptors. 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.
● SUN & STAR ★ Amon Carter Museum. of a Dream. Yasuo Kumyoshi’s Early Work m America.” (Sept. 7-Nov. 17) Series of still life and landscape paintings and drawings that richly evoke Kuniyoshi’s experience as a young Japanese immigrant in America. Note: The museum reopens in earty September after renovations. 10 a.m.-5 p.m.. Tuesday-Saturday; noon-5 p.m.. Sunday; 3501 Camp Bowie Blvd., Fort Worth. Information: 817-738-1933.
● SUN & STAR ★ Arlington Museum of Art. “Contem porary Japanese Claywarks” (through Oct. 19) features 44 pieces by Japanese ceramic artists as part of Sun & Star 1996.10 a.m.-5 p.m.. Wednesday-Saturday; 201 W. Main St., Arlington. Information: 817-275-4600,
Biblical Arts Center. “The Art of Bible Making’ (through May 25, 1997) chronicles the development of the Bible from hand-scribed papyrus to the first complete English Bible. Tickets available at area Joshua’s Christian Stores. 10 a.m.-5 p.m., Tuesday-Saturday; 10 a.m.-9 p.m., Thursday; 1-5 p.m.. Sunday; The Biblical Arts Center. 7500 Park Ln. at Boedecker. Information: 691-4661.
Conspiracy Museum. The museum’s exhibits provide information on assassinations since 1835, including those of Abraham Lincoln, James Garfield, William McKlnley, John F. Kennedy and Martin Luther King, Jr. The crash of Right 007 in Korea is also examined. 10 a.m.-6 p.m., Monday-Sunday; first floor, Katy Building. 110 S. Market St. Information: 741-3040.
● SUN & STAR ★ Dallas Museum of Art “Japan’s Golden Age: Momoyama.” (Sept. 8-Dec. 1) The DMA will b]e the only venue in the work) for this display of Japan’s feudal arts, including paintings, armor, textiles and ceramics, many of which are registered as Japanese National Treasures. “Japanese Kites and Tops” (Sept. 8-Dec. 3) presents (in exhibition of 86 kites and 196 tops. “Alone in a Crowd: Prints by African American Artists of the 1930s and 1940s from the Collection of Reba and Dave Williams* (through Oct. 6) provides a moving portrayal of African-American life. “American Hooked Rugs” (through Dec. 31) traces the evolution of rug hooking techniques and designs from the 19th and 20th centuries, including examples of architecturai, geometric. animal and floral patterns. “Montage “96.” a street celebration of arts, will feature five stages of live music and the work of 150 American artists. The show will also include an arts and crafts area and food. 10 a.m.-10 p.m..Sept. 21; 11 a.m.-7 p.m.. Sept. 22; Arts District along Flora Street between the museum and the Dallas Theater Center. Information: 361-2011. Museum hours: 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. Permanent exhibits Include The Hall of Prehistoric Texas and City Safari, a hands-on discovery center in a backyard setting with microscopes, live animals, x-rays and more. 10 a.m.-5 p.m.. daily; 3535 Grand Ave. in FairPark. Information: 421-DINO.
Dallas Visual Art Center. Works by Dallasite Octavio Medellin. a Mexican native whose sculpture and teachings won him the 1996 Legend Award, will be on display. Through Oct. 4; 9 a.m.-5p.m., Monday & Wednesday-Friday; 9 a.m.- 9 p.m., Tuesday; noon-4 p.m., Saturday; 2917 Swiss Ave. Information: 821-2522.
Fort Worth Museum of Science and History. Permanent exhibits explore Texas’ natural history and present science from dinosaurs to computers in a kid-friendly way. The Omni Theater shows 70mm films in a dome theater; current show is The Living Sea. Also at the museum is the Noble Planetarium. 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: 1501 Montgomery St., Fort Worth. In-ormation: (metro)817-654-1356.
Frontiers of Right Museum. In the main lobby of the Love Field terminal (above Southwest Airline’s main ticket counter], this museum contains historical artifacts and informative displays on the earliest attempts at manned flight through the modern space age. 10 a.m.-5 p.m., Monday-Saturday; 1-5 p.m., Sunday; Love Held Terminal Lobby, second floor, Cedar Springs Road and Mockingbird Lane. Information: 350-3600.
● SUN& STAR ★ KImbell Art Museum. Japanese Paintings and Prints of the Flowering World” (Sept. 22-Dec. 1) will show 107 paintings, multicolored wood block prints and illustrated books from the 17th through the 19th centuries; this is the first exhibition to explore the entertainment districts of Edo-period Japan and to examine the meaning of courtesans in Japanese popular culture. “Affinities of Form: Arts of Africa. Oceania and the Americas” (through Oct. 13), a free exhibition, showcases ritual and domestic artifacts from Mali, Zaire and South Africa and Polynesian art made from shells, whale ivory and human teeth. 10 a.m.-5 p.m., Tuesday-Thursday & Saturday; noon-8 p.m., Friday; noon-5 p.m.. Sunday; 3333 Camp Bowie Blvd., Fort Worth. Information: 817-332-3451.
● SUN & STAR ★ Mckinney Avenue Contemporary. “Sen Arimura Comics.” (Sept. 7-Nov. 3) Using satire and humor, Arimura challenges the status quo in his comics (manga) of migrant workers and day laborers. “Shin Takamatsu Installation.” (Sept. 13-Nov. 3] Drawings, photographs, models and videos created by one of the most controversial architects currently practicing in Japan. “The Confessional Series by Masami Teraoka.” (Sept- 13-Nov. 3) Works in watercolor that challenge notions of human sexuality, the AIDS epidemic and man’s relationship with nature. 11 a.m.-10 p.m., Wednesday-Saturday: 1-5 p.m., Sunday; 3120 McKinney Ave. Information: 953-1212.
● SUN & STAR ★ Meadows Museum. “Mingei: Japan ese Folk Art from the Montgomery Co lection” (through Oct. 6) features carved animals, human figures of wood, granite and clay as well as lacquer bowls, glazed stoneware, sake bottles and textiles from the 15th to 19th centuries. “Fifty-Three Stations of the Tokaido.” (through Oct, 13) This 1834 series is considered to be the finest body of work by renowned master of the wood block print. Ichiryusi Hiroshige. 10 a.m.-5 p.m., Monday, Tuesday, Friday & Saturday: 10 a.m.-8 p.m., Thursday; 1-5 p.m.. Sunday; SMU campus, corner of Bishop Boulevard and Binkley Avenue. Information: 768-2516.
● SUN & STAR ★ Modern Art Museum of Fort Worth Tatsuo Miyajima: Big Time’ (Sept. 15-Jan. 5] is the first American museum survey of Miyajima’s work. It includes “Lattice.” which consists of a long wall of hundreds of changing numbers, and “Spiral Time.’ two floor-to-ceiling columns adorned with spirals of digital counters, and the centerpiece of the exhibit, 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 Science Place. Now on the new IMAX Theater s 79-foot dome screen is To The Limit, a film exploring human athletic prowess. Also, an original 11-minute, 3-D animated short made for the IMAX screen, We Are Born of Stars, which presents an in-your-face-action recounting of the history of the universe, and Dallas: A Unique Place in Time. The rest of the Science Place is an interactive children’s science center featuring permanent and traveling exhibits. 9:30 a.m.-5:30 p.m., daily; 1318 Second Ave.. Fair Park. Information: 428-5555.
Sixth Floor Museum. This intelligent and moving exhibit in the former Texas School Book Depository, where Lee Harvard Oswald allegedly fired the shot that killed President John F. Kennedy, explores the assassination as well as Kennedy’s life through photos, film clips and interpretative Information. 9 a.m.-6 p.m.. dally; Dallas County Administration Building, 411 Elm St. Information: 653-6666.
● SUN & STAR ★ Southern Methodist University, Brldwell Library. “Daruma: Japan’s Seriocomic Saint” (through September; closed Sept. 2) presents over 100 examples of this icon of good luck in various mediums including papier-mache molding and wood-carving. 8 a.m.-11 p.m., Monday-Thursday; 8 a.m.-5 p.m., Friday; 10 a.m.-5 p.m., Saturday; 6005 Bishop St. Information: 768-3441.
Music
The Shirley McFatter Jazz Festival. A tribute to the Dallas jazz vocalist and pianist, the festival will feature David “Fathead” Newman, Jeannette Brantley and Marchel Ivery. 6-10 o.m., Sept. 7; African American Museum, 3536 Grand Ave., Fair Park. Information: 565-9026.
Fabio Bidini and the Fort Worth Chamber Orchestra. Pianist Bidini is featured. 7:30 p.m., Sept. 10; Ed Landreth Auditorium, at the corner of University and Cantey, Texas Christian University. Fort Worth. Tickets; 817-926-8831.
● SUN & STAR ★ The Dallas Symphony Sortes. Andrew Litton conducts and Kyoko Takezawa plays violin in a concert featuring the music of Mendelssohn. Gershwin and Shostakovich; Sept. 5-8. The Dallas Symphony Chorus will perform the music of Stravinsky, Gershwin and Ravel as Litton conducts and plays piano; Sept. 12-14. Violinist Gil Shaham will be the guest artist playing the music of Bruch and Mahler; Sept. 19-22. Shows are 8:15 p.m.. Thursday-Saturday; 2:30 p.m., Sunday; Meyerson Symphony Center, 2301 Flora St. Tickets: 692-0203.
Christopher Parkening and Jubilant Sykes. Guitar Player magazine voted Parkening “Best Classical Guitarist” for several years running. Sykes, a baritone, is a young singing sensation. 8p.m.. Sept. 17; Meyerson Symphony Center, 2301 Flora St. Information: 528-3733.
Cliburn Concert. Pianists Andre-Michel Schuo and Santiago Rodriguez perform Bartok’s “Sonata for Two Pianos and Percussion.” 8 p.m., Sept. 17: Ed Landreth Auditorium, comer of University and Cantey. Texas Christian University, Fort Worth. Tickets: 817-335-9000.
Chamber Music International. Masterpieces by Mozart. Franck and Ravel performed by Andrew Litton on piano, Cho-Liang Un and Philip Lewis on violin, Toby Hoffman on viola and Jungshin Lim Lewis on cello. 8 p.m.. Sept. 23; Caruth Auditorium, Binkley and Bishop streets, Southern Methodist University. Tickets: 385-7267.
Sports
Legends of the Game Baseball Museum. Last tickets are sold one hour before closing. 9 a.m.-7:30 p.m., Tuesday-Saturday; noort-5 p.m., Sunday. The Ballpark in Arlington, 1000 Ballpark Way, Arlington, Information: 817-273-5600.
Lone Star Park. Sports fans can watch and wager on races from top tracks across the country in the specially designed pavilion with 175 televisions. Belt Line Road, a half mile north of 1-30, Grand Prairie. For race times and information: 263-RACE.
Stockyards Championship Rodeo. Through September. 8 p.m.. Saturday. Cowtown Coliseum, Stockyards National Historic District, 121 E. Exchange Ave.. Fort Worth. Information: 817-654-1148.
Grand Prix of Dallas. The World Car Championship boasts exotic racing cars from Ferrari, Ford, Aurora and Chevrolet; plus some of the world’s greatest sports car drivers: Femin Vetez of Spain, James Weaver of England and Wayne Taylor of the United States. Aug. 30-Sept. 1; downtown Dallas around Reunion Arena. Information: 520-7749.
Texas Rangers Luncheon. A buffet in the Diamond Club will be followed by a guest speaker. Sept. 13: 11:30 a.m., lunch; 12:45 p.m., program; The Ballpark in Arlington, 1000 Ballpark Way. Tickets: 817-273-5207.
● SUN & STAR ★ Road to the Olympics. Skaters Yuka Sato, the 1994 World Champion who is a gold medal contender for the ’98 Olympics in Nagano, Japan; Tara Lipinski, a native Texan who won a bronze medal at the 1995 U.S. championships and is expected to represent America in 1998; and 30 of the Dallas area’s most talented ice skaters. 2 p.m., Sept. 14; Dallas Galleria, LBJ and the Dallas North Tollway. Information: 702-7100.
Theater
Into the Woods. Stephen Sondheim’s mixed-up fairy tale will have audiences chuckling as the lives of Jack and the Beanstalk. Cinderella and others are twisted into a hilarious journey through an enchanted woods. Through Sept. 22; 8;15 p.m., Thursday-Saturday: 2:30 p.m.. Sunday: Theatre Three. 2800 Routh St. Information: 871-3300.
Three Tall Women. This Pulitzer Prize-winning play tells the emotional tale of one woman’s quest to solve the puzzles of her life. Sept. 5-29; 7:30 p.m., Tuesday. Wednesday & Thursday: 8 p.m., Friday; 2 & 8 p.m.. Saturday: 2 & 7:30 p.m., Sunday; Kali ta Humphreys Theater, 3636 Turtle Creek Blvd. Tickets: 522-8499.
● SUN & STAR ★The Grand Kabuki Theatre of Japan. The 400-year-old traditional Japanese drama featuring highly stylized singing and dancing, bold face painting, wigs and colorful costumes, featuring 70 actors and musicians. 8 p.m., Sept. 5-7; 2 p.m.. Sept 8; The Majestic Theatre. 1925 Elm St. Tickets: 443-1000.
Miss Saigon. The Dallas Summer Musicals presents the city’s premiere of the international blockbuster, which tells a tragic tale of a love affair between a Vietnamese bar girl and an American Gl during the 1975 fall of Saigon. Sept. 12-Oct. 19; 8 p.m., Tuesday-Thursday; 2 & 8 p.m.. Saturday & Sunday. Music Hall. Fair Park. Tickets: 691-7200. Information: 1-800-803-7730.
State Theatre Koleso of Toglatti. Two emotional Russian plays. Moliere’s The Rogues of Skapen is about manipulation and love. 8 p.m., Sept. 7,11 & 13: 2 p.m., Sept. 15. Gogol’s Marriage Proposal tells of a military officer facing his last chance to marry. 2 p.m., Sept. 8:8 p.m., Sept. 10, 12 4 14: University Theatre. 2800 S. University Or., Texas Christian University. Fort Worth. Tickets: 817-921-7626.
