April 16, 2004

A "Seussical Symphony" Opens The Pavilion's
15th Performing Arts Season

You don't like them. So you say. Try them! Try them! And you may.

The Woodlands, TX, April 16, 2004 - Dr. Seuss' classic children's book, "Green Eggs and Ham," magically springs to life with whimsical rhymes and colorful characters through music composed by Robert Kapilow and performed by the Houston Symphony. Under the direction of Mark Mandarano, this exciting family performance, in commemoration of the 100th birthday of Dr. Seuss, takes place April 28 at 7:30 p.m.

Bring the entire family to see this merry whiz-bang romp featuring soprano Vera Mariner and boy soprano Evan Henke singing "Sam-I-Am." Using colorful props and larger than life theatrics, Henke and Mariner perform the story of "Green Eggs and Ham," singing all of the words in the book set to a magical score.

Before the performance, Mandarano carefully explains to young audience members the musical sounds heard throughout the piece, such as the whistle of a train. The hour-long program also features several short pieces of music recognizable to audiences of all ages. These lively works include Mozart's Overture to "The Marriage of Figaro," Tchaikovsky's Chinese Dance from "Suite from the Nutcracker," Mussorgsky/Tushmalov's Ballet of the Unhatched Chicks from "Pictures at an Exhibition," R.R. Bennett's Cakewalk from "Suite of Old American Dances," and Saint-Saëns' Danse Bacchanale from "Samson and Delilah."
Pre-concert activities include coloring with the Houston Symphony, the K-Arts Jack & Jill Club, Dr. Seuss storyteller Becki Kinch, from Mrs. Kinch's Storytime, the Cat-in-the-Hat himself and more. All pre-concert activities take place in the North Plaza. A free green, glowing surprise will be given to the first 500 children through the gate! Don't miss this magical, musical fun for kids of all ages! Doors open at 6 p.m. The performance begins at 7:30 p.m.

Pack a picnic and sit on the hill. It's absolutely free! Picnics are welcome in the lawn area for this event; however, beverages cannot be brought into the venue. Lawn seating for this performance is generously underwritten by Foley's and Woodforest National Bank. Free lawn tickets are available at Foley's customer service departments in The Woodlands, Deerbrook, Greenspoint and Willowbrook malls, as well as Woodforest National Bank located at Town Center II and The Pavilion Ticket Office.

Reserved seating tickets to the Houston Symphony's performance of "Green Eggs and Ham" are $20 and $15 for covered reserved, $10 for uncovered reserved. Seniors 60 and over and groups of 20 or more can receive a $2 discount on each ticket purchased. Tickets can be purchased at The Pavilion Ticket Office Monday through Friday 10 a.m.-5 p.m. and on event days through intermission. The Ticket Office is located at the north entrance to The Pavilion at 2005 Lake Robbins Drive in The Woodlands. Tickets also are available at all Ticketmaster outlets, including Foley's, Fiesta, select FYE locations, Wherehouse Music, Media Magic and The Gallery of Conroe, by calling 713-629-3700, or online at www.ticketmaster.com. Most major credit cards are accepted.

Preferred parking is available in the on-site Town Center Garage, located along Six Pines Drive. Parking is $5 per vehicle for this and most performing arts events. Tickets for on-site parking can be purchased in advance at all Ticketmaster locations and The Pavilion Ticket Office.

Prior to "Green Eggs and Ham," the annual Reading Odyssey celebration, an event that promotes student literacy and a love of reading, takes place in The Pavilion's Woodforest Bank Event Tent from 5-6:45 p.m. This event, sponsored by CISD librarians, the Montgomery County Memorial Library System, Barnes & Noble Booksellers in The Woodlands, Scholastic Book Company and The Pavilion, is free and open to the public. As a reward for their reading achievements, students can choose a free book (while supplies last) and participate in fun activities.

For more information regarding upcoming events at The Pavilion, call 281-363-3300 or visit pavilion.woodlandscenter.org. The Cynthia Woods Mitchell Pavilion's 2004 Performing Arts Season is generously sponsored by The Wortham Foundation, Audi of America, Inc., and Continental Airlines, official airline of The Pavilion.