In This Issue

 

A love that knows no boundaries goes horribly wrong in a fateful meeting of a Japanese geisha and an American naval lieutenant. What begins as an idyllic liaison turns into the heartbreaking tragedy of an abandoned bride forced to make an excruciating decision at Houston Ballet's "Madame Butterfly" May 3 at 8 p.m. at The Cynthia Woods Mitchell Pavilion. Tickets are $20 for orchestra seating. Mezzanine and lawn seating at the ballet are free courtesy of The Wortham Foundation, George P. Mitchell and Cullen Trust for the Performing Arts. Tickets are not required for free seating. Gates open at 7 p.m.

 "Madame Butterfly" chronicles the story of beautiful Cio-Cio San Butterfly, who renounces her faith and her family when she marries the handsome Lieutenant Pinkerton. Pinkerton is actually betrothed to an American woman and has no intention of staying married to Butterfly. Although she believes he will return, instead his American wife comes to claim Butterfly and Pinkerton's son to raise him as her own. The story ends with Butterfly realizing the truth and tragedy ensues. "Madame Butterfly" is a stunning achievement in neoclassical ballet that has been an international success, with performances on three continents.

Before the performance of "Madame Butterfly", enjoy two stunning short classical showpieces of the virtuosity and skill of Houston Ballet's dancers. These pieces include the duet from the 19th century classic "Flower Festival in Genzano" and the wedding pas de deux for Aurora and her prince from the beloved "Sleeping Beauty."

At the ballet, guests are welcome to have a picnic in their seat or on the hill. Keep in mind that beverages cannot be brought into The Pavilion. Sitting on the hill? Lawn chairs also are provided free for this event!  

If you would like more information about The Pavilion, please visit www.woodlandscenter.org or look for The Pavilion on Facebook or Twitter.

The Pavilion Partners, the official volunteer organization of The Cynthia Woods Mitchell Pavilion, is looking for volunteers with a passion for the arts. Partners is hosting a volunteer information meeting for anyone interested in becoming a performing arts event volunteer. The meeting takes place May 2 at 1 p.m. and 6 p.m. at The Cynthia Woods Mitchell Pavilion.

Volunteers may choose to attend the 1 p.m. or 6 p.m. meeting. Each session lasts approximately an hour and a half. Reservations are required. A mini-tour of The Pavilion is included as well as door prizes and refreshments.

"This meeting is a great way to find out more about our volunteer program and how you can be involved in the events at The Pavilion," said Leslie Williams, volunteer and special events coordinator for The Pavilion. "Of course there are a variety of other ways you can volunteer with Partners including fundraising, scholarships, membership and more."

Launched in 1998, Partners is a dedicated group of volunteers who share a love for the arts. This dynamic group offers opportunities to volunteer at The Pavilion's performing arts events and educational outreach programs.  

As a performing arts event volunteer, you can help in many ways including manning the Instrument Petting Zoo and Arts & Crafts booths, ushering and handing out programs at events like the Houston Symphony and Houston Ballet. Performing arts event volunteers also help at educational outreach programs like Musical Scores, Fine Arts Education and Children's Festival. To be a performing arts event volunteer, you must join Partners. Memberships start at $50 for individuals and $100 for couples.

For more information on the meeting or to RSVP, contact Leslie Williams at 281-210-1125 or lwilliams@woodlandscenter.org. For more information on volunteer opportunities with Partners visit www.woodlandscenter.org/partners.

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Performing Arts Volunteer Training: Thurs., May 2
Find out more about our volunteer program and tour The Pavilion! Volunteers may choose to attend at 1 or 6 p.m. Each session lasts approx. an hour and a half. If you plan to attend or would like more information, please contact Leslie Williams by phone at 281-210-1125 or email.

Musical Scores Lunch Preparation: Tues, April 30 Lots of volunteers are needed to help pack 5,500 sack lunches for the students attending Musical Scores.  We will gather in the House of Blues Tent located inside the VIP gate at The Pavilion on Tues., April 30 from 1 p.m. until 5 p.m.  This is always a fun way to get together with other Partners.  Dress is casual.  If you are able to help out, please sign up online. *Note: In order to volunteer, you must be a Pavilion Partner in order to volunteer for this event.

Musical Scores: Wed., May 1
Musical Scores serves middle school students who earn the opportunity to attend a special event and concert at The Pavilion by displaying model behavior and achieving specific scholastic goals.  Students are treated to a free performance, t-shirt and lunch.  Come join the excitement as we welcome 5,500 students to The Pavilion for a day of fun!  Please arrive at 8 a.m. for orientation and a delicious breakfast in the Woodforest Bank Club and plan to remain until around 2 p.m.  Parking is in the Gold Lot parking garage located off Six Pines.  Event and performing arts volunteers are to sign up online. *Note: In order to volunteer, you must be a Pavilion Partner in order to volunteer for this event.