Arts

The W.H. Stark House invites families to dive into a magical indoor reading adventure this summer with its 2025 Summer Reading Festival, celebrating the enchanting world of Grimm’s Fairy Tales by the Brothers Grimm.

Participants will enjoy fun, hands-on activities inspired by classic tales like Snow White, Little Red Riding Hood, Hansel & Gretel, and more, taking place inside the historic W.H. Stark House and the Carriage House. Each attendee will also receive a free, age-appropriate book to enjoy and keep.

The festival offers four identical sessions on June 5, 7, 12, or 26, running from 9:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. Families are encouraged to select the date that works best for them.

“Come read, imagine, and create with us this summer – all in the comfort of air conditioning!” organizers said. Admission and activities are completely free of charge. However, registration is required for all adults and children attending.

Register today at whstarkhouse.org to reserve your spot for this unforgettable literary adventure!

The Stark Museum of Art invites the public to a “Childhood Classics” Open House on Saturday, April 5, 2025, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. This special event takes place during the City of Orange’s Annual Art in the Park and Car Show and celebrates the newest exhibition, “Childhood Classics: 100 Years of Original Illustrations from the Art Kandy Collection.”

The exhibition features a century of beloved children’s book illustrations, ranging from early 20th-century pen-and-ink drawings to modern digital creations. Visitors of all ages will enjoy exploring the artistry of these timeless favorites.

Throughout the day, guests can participate in guided drawing sessions featuring Peter Rabbit and The Poky Little Puppy, taking place every hour. Aspiring authors and illustrators will also have the opportunity to visit with members of the Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators, who will be in the lobby selling their original children’s books and sharing insights into the world of children’s literature.

Adding to the fun, The Cat in the Hat will appear throughout the event for photos and fun interactions.

“This exhibition is a celebration of the stories and illustrations that have shaped generations,” said Jennifer Dickinson, the Stark Museum of Art executive director. “This open house event is a fun and engaging way to experience the magic of children’s literature with your family.”

Come relive your favorite childhood stories, explore the art of storytelling and celebrate the impact of illustrated literature. Admission and all activities are free of charge.

For more information about “Childhood Classics” or the Stark Museum of Art, please visit starkmuseum.org. The Stark Museum of Art is located at 712 Green Avenue in downtown Orange and is open Wednesday through Saturday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

The Lutcher Theater is set to bring the musical talents of the Gentleman’s Quartet as they present “Legends of Music” on Saturday, March 29, 2025, at 7:30 p.m. This performance marks the second installment of the Lutcher enLight Emerging Artists Series.

From Beethoven to John Legend, Gentleman’s Quartet masterfully fuses multiple genres into a one-of-a-kind musical experience. Their breathtaking arrangements blend sophistication, virtuosity and humor, creating a performance unlike any other. These world-class musicians, along with a guest vocalist have collectively graced Broadway, The West End, performed alongside major celebrities and collaborated with renowned symphonies and festivals worldwide.

Adding to the evening’s theme, guests are invited to participate in a special Black and White Night, dressing in their favorite black-and-white attire.

“GQ’s musical pieces remind me of all I wish I understood about music and could perform myself. But maybe this is why I appreciate their work so deeply. In fact, I was so appreciative of GQ that I labeled this show my ‘Director’s Choice’ for the season,” said Lynae Sanford, executive director of the Lutcher Theater. “I can’t wait for you to experience the genius, the beauty and the fun that is GQ.”

Tickets for Gentlemen’s Quartet range in price from $35 to $55 and are available at lutcher.org or by calling the Lutcher Theater Box Office at 409.886.5535.

The Lutcher Theater is located at 707 Main Avenue in downtown Orange, TX.

Families are invited to explore the fascinating world of communication through history at the Hands-On History: Little Hands – Big Fun! event on March 27, 2025, from 10 AM to 12 PM at the historic W.H. Stark House. This engaging and interactive program offers a unique opportunity for children ages 5-9 and their grown-ups to step back in time and discover how people connected before the digital age.

Participants will enjoy a variety of hands-on activities, including:

• Creating a personalized postcard using collage art
• Learning Morse Code and its role in early communication
• Exploring the history of communication through interactive exhibits
• Engaging with first-floor activities at the W.H. Stark House

This FREE event is designed to make history come alive in a fun and meaningful way, encouraging young learners to connect with the past through creativity and play. Space is limited, so early registration is encouraged.

Register today at whstarkhouse.org.

The Lutcher Theater is thrilled to present MOMIX’s “Alice” on Friday, March 7, at 7:30 p.m. This dance production, created by the visionary choreographer Moses Pendleton, takes audiences on a surreal journey through Lewis Carroll’s “Alice in Wonderland.” With a seamless blend of illusion, acrobatics, magic and whimsy, “Alice” brings the beloved classic to life in a way that only MOMIX can.

Known internationally for presenting works of astounding inventiveness and physical beauty, MOMIX is a company of dancer-illusionists founded and directed by Pendleton. Each production focuses not only on the beauty of the human form, but also the beauty of nature, music, scenography and life itself. Pendleton combines his muscularly sculpted dancers with unique costumes and props, sets them amongst artfully created lighting and light effects, and finally completes everything with a personally selected diverse musical score, ranging from Vivaldi to New Age to birdsong.

“I don’t intend to retell the whole Alice story, but to use it as a taking-off point for invention,” said Pendleton. “I want to take this show into places we haven’t been before in terms of the fusion of dancing, lighting, music, costumes and projected imagery. Audiences will be taken on a journey that is both magical, mysterious, fun, eccentric and much more.”

Prepare to be mesmerized as Alice encounters an array of time-honored characters, including the undulating Caterpillar, a lobster quadrille, frenzied White Rabbits, a mad Queen of Hearts and a host of other surprises. Filled with visual splendor and startling creative movement, “Alice” proves that nothing in MOMIX’s world is ever as it seems.

“This production is a masterful combination of storytelling and movement that is a creative take on storytelling through dance,” said Lynae Sanford, executive director of the Lutcher Theater. “We are pleased to bring such a visually stunning performance to our stage.”

Tickets for MOMIX “Alice” range in price from $35 to $75 and are available at lutcher.org or by calling the Lutcher Theater Box Office at 409.886.5535.

The Lutcher Theater is located at 707 Main Avenue in downtown Orange, TX.