On the Town

“CATS” PROWLS BACK INTO DALLAS



Andrew Lloyd Webber’s “CATS” is a worldwide phenomenon that has charmed and captured the hearts of even the hardest to please among theater goers. And now Dallas Summer Musicals is bringing it back to Dallas Aug. 5-10.

Unforgettable characters like Rum Turn Tugger, Bustopher Jones. Asparagus and Grizabella, spectacular staging and memorable songs have had audiences purring with contentment. In fact. 10 million people have seen the show on trie road, making it the longest continuously-touring musical in history. In June, “CATS” passed “A Chorus Line” as the longest-running musical ever on Broadway.

All performances are at the Music Hall at Fair Park, 1300 Robe B. Cullum Blvd. at Grand Avenue. S p.m., Tuesday-Friday, and 2 p.m. Saturday & Sunday. Information: 214-3733000 or (metro) 972-647-5700. -Monique Roy

Feast on “Monet and the Mediterranean”



It’s almost overwhelming, to stand there totally surrounded by 100-year-old canvases that virtually glow with the colorful depiction of sunlight that typifies Claude Monet’s Impressionism. Joachim Pissarro, chief curator of Fort Worth’s Kimbell Art Museum, has brought together more than 70 of Monet’s paintings of the Italian and French Rivieras and Venice: Subjects include Monaco, Monte Carlo, Bordighera, Antibes, the Alps, valleys, olive trees and palm trees, gardens, farms and the shimmering sea. The show runs through Sept. 7.

Several of Monet’s most spectacular series are featured-among them, the 1888 “Antibes Seen From La Salis,” which features the changing day’s light on the distant town and the olive trees; the 1908 “Grand Canal, Venice,” which required Monet’s gondolier to moor him at the same spot every day so he could capture the same angle of perspective; the 1908 “The Doges’ Palace”; and the 1884 “Cap Martin. Near Menton.”

Pissarro led lucky art lovers through the entire exhibit on preview day, sharing little-known facts (including that one painting in the exhibit was framed by the artist himself); his big, beautiful book, Monet and the Mediterranean, is on sale.

Kimbell Art Museum, 3333 Camp Bowie Blvd. Exhibit hours: 10 a.m.-6 p.m., Tuesday, Wednesday, Saturday & Sunday; 10 a.m.-8 p.m.. Thursday & Friday. Information: 817-332-8451 or (metro) 817-654-1034. -Elizabeth Eckstein

Attractions



Dallas Arboretum and Botanical Garden. Visitors can enjoy cultivated gardens, more than 200.000 flowers and spectacular views of White Rock Lake and downtown. Its summer “Walk On the Wild Side,” which boasts colorful renderings of animals from the seven continents, continues through Sept. 1. On “Cool Thursdays,”thearboretum hosts live music performances and remains open until 9 p.m. 10 a.m.-6 p.m.. daily; 8525Garland Rd. Information: 214-327-8263.



Fair Park. Built in the 1930s to celebrate the Texas Centennial, Fair Park’s 227 acres feature art deco buildings. Dallas’ Museum of Natural History. The Science Place, the Age of Steam Museum, the African American Museum, the Civic Garden Center, the Coca-Cola Starplex Amphitheater, the Hall of State, the Dallas Horticultural Center and picnic areas. Open daily, year-round; 1300 Robert B. Cullum Blvd. at Grand Avenue. Information: 214-670-8400.



Fort Worth Botanic Garden. The 110-acre. tree-shaded complex includes a rose garden, conservatory. Japanese gardens and the Garden Restaurant. 8 a.m.-dusk (9 a.m.-6 p.m., Japanese gardens), daily; 3220 Botanic Garden Blvd., Fort Worth. Information: 817-871-7686.



Movie Studios at Las Colinas. These studios, where scenes from 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: 972-869-FILM.



Old City Park. The Historical Village of Dallas. This out door museum is a complete turn-of-the-century village in the shadow of the Dallas skyline. Houses, a church, a school and a variety of stores were moved from their original locations and restored, so a walk 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: 214-421-5141.



Southfork Ranch. Visit the Ewing Mansion, explore the ranch by tram and walk through the “Dallas” Museum with memorabilia from the hit TV series and its stars. There’s also a western-wear store and the Front Porch Cafe. 9 a.m.- 5 p.m., daily: 3700 Hogge Rd.. a half-mile south of Parker Road, in Parker. Information: 972-442-7800.



Dance



Dallas Morning News Dance Festival. Part of the Dallas Black Dance Theater season. Free and open to the public. Aug. 28-31: Artist Square, in the downtown Arts District. Information: 214-871-2376.



Fairs & Fiestas

Chile Pepper Expo. Chile Pepper magazine will host the first International Chile Pepper Expo, featuring the most comprehensive trade and consumer show for hot and spicy food. Aug. 8-10; Dallas Market Hall, 2100 N. Stemmons Frwy. Information: 888-SPICY-HOT.



9th Annual Ice Cream HyattFest. This fun-filled annual event benefits the Children’s Medical Center of Dallas. 11 a.m.-4 p.m.. Aug. 2-3: Union Station at Hyatt Regency Dallas. 400 S. Houston St. Information: 214-712-7029.



Fort Worth’s 41st Annual Pioneer Days. Discover real live Texas history with wild west action for the entire family to enjoy. Aug. 29-31 ; Stockyards National Historic District, 131 E. Exchange Ave., Fort Worth. Information: 817-625-9839.

Film



Omul Theater. Jump into the driver’s seal with Mario An-dretti in “Super Speedway.” an OMNIMAX film on racing. Showtimes daily, through November: Fort Worth Museum of Science and History, 1501 Montgomery St. Information: 817-732-1631.



Home & Garden



Chubb 5 Antiques Roadshows. Discover if that junk in your attic is trash or a priceless treasure with a free appraisal from some of the world’s finest auction houses. 9 a.m.. Aug. 23. Adam’s Mark Hotel, 400 N. Olive St. Information: 888-ROADSHW.



Kaleidoscope of Homes. Eight spectacular professionally-decorated homes will be on a tour presented by the Builders Association of Fort Worth and Tarrant County benefiting the Muscular Dystrophy Association. Aug. 23-Sept. 21: 11 a.m.-7 p.m., Tuesday-Thursday, Saturday & Sunday: 11 a.m.-9 p.m. Fridays. Cambridge Place in Southlake, south of the intersection of Southlake and Kimball. Information: 817-429-3472.



Kidstuff



Aesop’s Falables. Everyone’s favorite Aesop’s Fables are told with humor and fun in this children’s play, a comedy version of the famous Fables. 2:30 p.m.. Aug. 5-8; 1100 W. Randol Mill, Arlington. Information: 817-861-2287.



Cooper Center Summer Youth Sports Camps. Week-long sports camps for the young-uns 5 to 12 offer activities ranging from swimming to flag football to martial arts while focusing on the importance of a healthy, active lifestyle. Soccer camp with coach Ken Pollard is offered as well. Through Aug. 8: Cooper Fitness Center, 12100 Preston Rd. Information: 972-2334832.



Pepsi KidAround. The Family Place’s sixth annual fund-raiser features a line up of nationally renowned children’s entertainers and activities such as sports, puppeteers, storytellers, mural and face painting. Aug. 30-Sept. 1; 9:30 a.m.-5 p.m., Saturday; 9:30a.m.-6:30 p.m., Sunday; 9:30 a.m.-5 p.m., Monday. Reverchon Park, Maple Avenue at Turtle Creek Boulevard. Information: 214443-7764.



Ringing Brothers & Barnum and Bailey Circus featuring ” Airiana: the Human Arrow.” Once again the lights will shine on clowns, acrobats, jugglers, and more as the Ringling Brothers & Barnum and Bailey put on another exciting performance under the “big top.” Dallas: Aug. 1-10; Reunion Arena, 777 Sports St. Fort Worth: Aug. 13-15; Tarrant County Convention Center, 1111 Houston St. Information: 214-3738000.



Ringing Brothers & Barnum and Bailey “Elephant Walk.” Sundance Square welcomes the circus to town with a parade of elephants. The elephants are led from the Tarrant County Convention Center by trainers and clowns and parade down Main Street to the heart of Sundance Square. Noon. Aug. 12. Information: 817-3903711.



Summer Art Camp. Budding Monets can take a step in the right direction if they’re between ages 6 and 14 and are interested in the Pop, Abstract or Minimalism movements. 10a.m.-2:30p.rn., July28-Aug. 1; Arlington Museum of Art, , 201 W. Main St. Information: 817-275-4600.



Winnie the Pooh Birthday Bash. A Pooh party is underway at The Enchanted Forest. A time of fun with readings of “Pooh Stuck in Rabbit’s House,” birthday cake and meet Pooh! Readings at 11 & 11:30 a.m., noon & 12:30 p.m.. Aug. 9. The Enchanted Forest-Books for Children, 6333 E. Ln. Information: 214-827-2234,



Museums & Galleries



Amon Carter Museum. “Gems from the Permanent Collection” (through Aug. 17) rolls out some of the best of the museum’s renowned American art holdings for those who have been clamoring to see them. “Masterworks of the Photography Collection” (through Sept. 7) highlights artists such as Richard Doherty and Walter Rosenblum. Also: Chartes Sheeler in Doylestown-a study of vernacular Pennsylvania architecture and artifacts in photographs, paintings and drawings (Aug. 23-Nov. 2). 10 a.m.-5 p.m., Tuesday-Saturday; noon-5p.m., Sunday; 3501 Camp Bowie Blvd., Fort Worth. Information: 817-738-1933.



Arlington Museum of Art. “Odd Realities” (through Aug. 9) s an exhibit of quirky paintings and sculpture in a spin-off of its ’96 exhibit. “TEXAS REALism.” 10 a.m.-5 p.m., Wednesday-Saturday. 201 W. Main St. Information: 275-4600.



Charter Artists Exhibition.This non-profit exhibition will feature smaller works as well as a range of media and styles by contemporary local and regional artists. Through Aug. 15; 11 a.m.-6 p.m.. Wednesday & Thursday: 11 a.m.-8 p.m., Friday & Saturday; noon-5 p.m., Sunday. 500 Commerce St., Ste. 104. Information: 817-877-5550.



Dallas Historical Society. “DHS 75, Our History, Your History” celebrates the 75th anniversary of the society with an exhibit reflecting the history and interests of the Dallas community. The impact of World War II and the Texas Ses-quicentennial are two of the topics examined. Through October; 9 a.m.-5 p.m., Tuesday-Saturday; 1-5 p.m., Sunday; Hall of State at Fair Park, First Avenue at Parry. Information: 214-421-4500.



Dallas Museum of Art. “Painting the Universe: Frantisek Kupka, Pioneer in Abstraction” (through Aug. 24) showcases modernist works by Czech artist Kupka. “Art at Square One: Russian Avante-Garde Works on Paper” presents the museum’s rich holdings in the graphic art of the avante-garde (through Aug. 24). 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: 214-922-1200 or 214-922-1355.



Dallas Museum of Natural History. “Six Legs Over Texas, Part II: The Infestation Continues” (through Aug. 10) features large spiders and other exotic arthropods that will fascinate viewers and demonstrate the diversity and adap-tiveness that have allowed them to survive for eons. “The Biggest Roach in Texas” also will be on display. Through Aug. 10, learn the art of catching your dream fish at “Tricking Fish.” 10 a.m.-5 p.m., daily. 3535 Grand Ave. in Fair Park. Information: 214-121-DINO.



Dallas Visual Art Center. “600 Visual Artists and a Guitarist” is the Dallas Visual Art Center’s biggest show ever with over 650 visual artists. Come and hear a musical performance by guitarist Enric Madriguera. Through Aug. 22; 9 a.m.-5 p.m., Monday-Friday; 9 a.m.-9 p.m., Tuesday; noon-4 p.m., Saturday. 2917 Swiss Ave. Information: 214-821-2522.



Edith Baker Gallery. The gallery captures the excitement of folk art with Gary Richardson and The Outsiders. Through Aug. 28; 11 a.m.-5 p.m., Tuesday-Saturday. 2404 Cedar Springs. Information: 214-855-5101.



Florence Art Gallery. Still lifes by Colorado artist Douglas Arneson will be on display with original oils by Henrietta Milan, Claudio Simonetti and Simbari, bronze sculptures by Harry Marinsky and new serigraphs by other artists. 10 a.m.-5 p.m., Monday-Friday: 11 a.m.-4 p.m., Saturday: and by appointment. 2500 Cedar Springs at Fairmont. Information: 754-7070.



Kittrell/Riffkind Art Glass. A forest of chalices, grails, flutes and snifters are presented at the 3rd Annual Goblet Invitational (through Aug. 9|. Also, elegant blown glass by Michelle Kaptur, sandblasted bowls and vases from Bernard Katz and other originals from various artists. (Aug. 15-Sept. 6|. 10 a.m.-6 p.m., Monday-Wednesday. Friday & Saturday; 10 a.m.-9 p.m., Thursday; 5100 Belt Line Rd., Ste. 820. Information: 972-239-7957.



The Science Place. “Super Speedway” (through November)-the film featuring Mario and Michael Andretti in a behind-the-scenes look at the science, art and passion found in Indy car racing (narrated by Paul Newman}-finds its second North Texas venue here.The Tl Founders IMAX Theater features a 79-foot dome screen. Enjoy the art of movie-making and special effects in “Special Effects” which depicts a behind-the-scenes look at some of the most innovative films ever (through Sept. 25). The rest of the museum is a hands-on children’s discovery center. 9:30 a.m.-5:30 p.m., daily; 1318 Second Ave.. Fair Park. Information; 214-428-5555.



Sixth Floor Museum. This thorough, intelligent and moving exhibit in the former Texas School Book Depository explores the life and death of President John F. Kennedy. Particularly haunting is the recreated corner sniper’s nest. Audio tours available. 9 a.m.-6 p.m., daily; Dallas County Administration Building. 411 Elm St. downtown Dallas. Information: 214-653-6666.



Music



Bread. The mellow sounds of this 70’s band will echo through Six Rags Over Texas with tunes like “Goodbye Girl.” 8 p.m.. Aug. 9; 1-30 at State Highway 360. Information; 817-640-8900, ext. 222.

Doobie Brothers. Hear some funky Dixie land at the concert that’s a throw-back to 70s rock and roll. 8 p.m.. Aug. 23; Six Rags Over Texas. I-30 at State Highway 360. Information: 817-530-6000.



Gospel Fast This great event features stars like Donald Lawrence. Ricky Dillard. Olanda Draper and Hezekiah Walker. 7 p.m.. Aug. 2; Six Rags Over Texas. 1-30 at State Highway 360. Information: 817-530-6000.



Sports



Boys & Girls Club’s Seventh Annual Golf Tournament. Tee off at Walnut Creek Golf Club with a shotgun start/Florida scramble tourney benefiting the Boys & Girls Clubs of Arlington. 12:30 p.m. tee lime. Aug. 25; 1151 Country Club Dr. Mansfield. Information: 817-226-2422.



Legends of the Game Baseball Museum. Summer program offers kids the opportunity to peek inside baseball arid catch a glimpse of everything from sports broadcasting to the language peculiar to the sport. 9 a.m.-1 p.m.. July 28-Aug. 1. Special displays focus on the game in America; many items are on loan from the National Baseball Hall of Fame (including a Babe Ruth bat and a glove and jersey belonging to Lou Gehrig). Last tickets are sold one hour before closing. 9 a.m.-6:30 p.m., Tuesday-Saturday; noon-4 p.m., Sunday; The Ballpark in Arlington, 1000 Ballpark Way. Arlington. Information: 817-273-5098.



Lone Star Park. Post Time Pavillion airs simulcast races and features a sports bar and casual dining area. Grandstand features dining area, clubhouse, Jockey Club, bar, private suites and outdoor apron seats. Paddock open to all. Family Fun Park for the kids (track still visible). Thoroughbred racing through July. Admission, $2-S5; parking, $2-$5. Post Time Pavillion: 10:30 a.m.-11 p.m., Wednesday-Monday; Grandstand: 4:35-10 p.m., Wednesday-Friday; 11:35 a.m,-5 p.m.. Saturday & Sunday; 1000 Lone Star Pkwy, Grand Prairie, between S.H. 183 and 1-30. Information: 972-263-RACE.



Mesquite Rodeo. This year is the 40th season of broncs, bull riders and clowns. Professional Rodeo Cowboy Association-sanctioned competition Friday and Saturday nights April through October. Also. BBQ Pavillion, pony rides, petting zoo. Visitors last year included Mick Jagger, Wilford Brimley and folks from around the world. “Championship Rodeo From Mesquite” is one of the most popular programs on The Nashville Network. 1818 Rodeo Dr. off LBJ Freeway. Information: 972-285-8777.



Texas Motor Speedway. The area’s first NASCAR and Indy-car race facility. Road coarse in the infield and 23-acre lake promise future stock-car and boating exhibitions. General seating (grandstand seats 120,000), S3-S80. 9 a.m.-5:30 p.m. (times will vary with races); 3601 Intersection of State Hwy. 114 and Interstate 35W. Information: 817-215-8500.



Theater



A Small Family Business. Mix an honest Idealist with a horde of miscreants, blood relations and a family business, and what do you have? A wicked Theatre Arlington production that will have you rolling in the aisles. Through Aug. 16: 7:30 p.m.. Thursday; 8 p.m., Friday & Saturday: 2 p.m.. Sunday; 305 W. Main St.. Arlington. Information: 817-275-7661.



Les Misérables. This award-winning musical, based on the novel by Victor Hugo.returns to Dallas-Fort Worth July 22-Aug. 3; 8 p.m.. Tuesday-Friday; 2 & 8 p.m., Saturday & Sunday. The Music Hall at Fair Park, 1300 Robert B. Cullum Blvd. at Grand Avenue. Information: 214-691-7200.



The Two Gentlemen of Verona. The Junior Players’ Discover Shakespeare, with the Shakespeare Festival of Dallas, presents a free, open-to-the-public series of performances in the Samuell- Grand Park Amphitheater. 8:15 p.m.. July 29-Aug. 3; 6100 E. Grand Ave. Information: 214-526-4076.