6000 Hermann Park Drive

Miller Outdoor Theatre

Houston, Texas 77030

Phone: 281-373-3386

Media Contact:

Lydia Baehr Public Relations www.LTBaehr.com

Lydia Baehr 713-208-3421

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Feb. 19, 2015

Miller Outdoor Theatre 2015 season opens March 20

March-April scheduled performances

All performances are always free

Fun facts and frequently asked questions at the bottom

HOUSTON ─ Since 1923, Miller Outdoor Theatre in Hermann Park has been one of Houston’s most beloved cultural treasures, a gathering place for the community and the site of thousands of memorable free performances.That’s over 90 years of memories.

From daytime programs especially for young children to family friendly evening performances of classical music, jazz, ethnic music and dance, ballet, Shakespeare, musical theatre, popular concert artists, films and more, this is Houston’s best entertainment value.

The Spencer Davis Group

March 20, at 8 p.m.

Hailing from Wales, British blues-rock pioneerSpencer Davisformed the famedSpencer Davis Groupin 1963. Responsible for nearly 20 top 10 hit songs—including "Gimme Some Lovin,” "Somebody Help Me,” "I’m A Man," and "Keep On Runnin"—The Spencer Davis Groupis credited with bringing British R&B and rock 'n' roll to the rest of the world. As the popularity of his music endures to this day, the soulful sound ofThe Spencer Davis Groupis as contemporary and vital as ever.

This is a ticketed event for the covered seating area. Free tickets are available (4 per person over age 16 while they last) at the Miller Outdoor Theatre box office the day of the performance between the hours of 10:30 a.m.-1 p.m. If tickets remain at 1 p.m., the box office will re-open one hour before show time to distribute the remaining tickets. As always, no tickets needed for open seating on the hill.

Presented by Miller Outdoor Theatre. Sponsored in part by CenterPoint Energy.

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Noche Caliente featuring Kevin Ceballo

March 21 at 8 p.m.

Noche Caliente (Hot Night) is an incendiary evening of incredible entertainment that celebrates the many different cultures of the Hispanic community.This year, Diaz Music Institute presents singer/songwriter Kevin Ceballo in musical dialogue with America’s hottest Latin youth group, Caliente.

Joining Ceballo on stage is up-and-coming salsa music sensationTony Succar.

Discovered by world-renowned pianist and producer Isidro Infante, Ceballo was signed to RMM Records in 1999 — a move that signaled the start of his thriving musical career. Featured as a back-up vocalist on La India’s Grammy-nominated albums, Sobre El Fuego and Sola, Kevin soon found himself working nonstop — he continued working with Maestro Infante while lending his vocal style to studio projects for Celia Cruz, Tito Puente, Eddie Palmieri, and many, many more iconic musicians. In addition to working with these living legends, Ceballo has also performed live alongside Marc Anthony and La India.

Independently, Ceballo has recorded two smash-hit solo albums, Mi Primer Amor (2000) and Yo Soy Ese Hombre (2003).

Produced by Diaz Music Institute

Legally Blonde The Musical

April 2, 3, 4, 9, 10, 11 at 8 p.m.

A fabulously fun, international award-winning musical based on the adored movie,Legally Blonde The Musicalfollows Elle Woods as she tackles stereotypes, snobbery, and scandal in pursuit of her dreams. (And her ex-boyfriend, Warner.) This action-packed musical explodes on the stage with memorable songs, dynamic dances, and, of course, tons of laughs. Hilarious and heartwarming, Legally Blonde The Musicalis so much fun it should be illegal!

Legally Blonde contains adult humor, innuendo, and mild language; accordingly, HITS Theatre advises parental discretion and guidance.

Produced by HITS Theatre.

Swing Jive & Pop! Into Dance

April 15 at 11 a.m.

METdance’s “Swing, Jive & Pop! Into Dance” incorporates history, fashion, music and the arts in an interactive blast of excitement.The company dances its way through the eras — Lindy Hops through the 1930s, bops into the 1950s, grooves into the 1970s and revs things up with the Hip Hop music of today.

Students, teachers and audience members have the opportunity to converse with the dancers and participate in an energy-filled hour of dance while learning fun, historical tidbits of information along the way.

No tickets are necessary for covered seating area. Seating on a first-come, first-served basis.

Presented by METdance.

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Miller March-April performances/3

Bella Gaia: A Poetic Vision of Earth from Space

April 17 at 8 p.m.

Bella Gaiais an unprecedented audiovisual experience that combines NASA satellite imagery of Earth, time-lapse nature photography, and evocative cultural heritage footage with stirring live performances of music and dance from around the world.

Inspired by astronauts who spoke of the life changing power of seeing the Earth from space, director-composer Kenji Williams’ award winningBella Gaiasuccessfully simulates theOverview Effectfrom space flight, by using NASA supercomputer data-visualizations with an “iridescent landscape of gossamer melodies and labyrinthine rhythms” (Nooga.com) to explore the relationship between humans and nature through time and space.

View video http://www.bellagaia.com/

A “new form of experiential portal…to make a deeper connection with our beautiful planet” –Examiner

Presented by Miller Outdoor Theatre

Lágbájá

April 18 at 8 p.m.

A multi-award winning Nigerian Afrobeat musician and singer-songwriter,Lágbájá creates music that is aunique fusion of traditional Yoruba folk and contemporary jazz. By effortlessly blendingtraditional Yoruba percussion, drums, chants and western instruments—specifically the saxophone—Lágbájá is able to create a colorful, heart-thumping musical experience that is, quite simply, unforgettable.

Lágbájá is a Yoruba word that means somebody, nobody, anybody, or everybody. It perfectly depicts the anonymity of the so-called "common man." The mask and the name symbolize the faceless, the voiceless in the society, particularly in Africa. Once you seeLágbájá's mask, and take in his exhilarating, effervescent live show, you are reminded of your own "facelessness."

"Lágbájá is widely considered to be one of Nigeria's most exciting and interesting contemporary artists. Combining sophisticated compositions with a dynamic stage show and enigmatic personality, he is the current rage in Nigeria, in constant demand for live performance and ubiquitous on the airwaves." -World Music Central.

View Video https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NVRLz3d2R9w#t=10

Presented by Miller Outdoor Theatre.

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The Lion, The Witch and the Wardrobe

April 23 at 11 a.m.

In AD Players'The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe, acircle is drawn to differentiate the showing from the telling. In this circle, Peter and his youngest sister, Lucy, spin their fantastical tale of how they stumbled upon a magical land and their subsequent attempts to fulfill an important prophecy. Good ultimately triumphs over evil and important, teachable lessons are experienced and explored.

In this inventive and highly theatrical adaptation of the C.S. Lewis classic, two talented actors give a captivating, many-charactered performance that's sure to delight children and adults alike.

No tickets are necessary for covered seating area. Seating on a first-come, first-served basis.

Produced by AD Players.

East Meets West XIII

April 25 at 8:15 p.m.

Experience a mesmerizing evening of East Meets West. Dance of Asian America and Mitsi Dancing School bring you the latest award-winning choreography from China, whileHouston's renowned Houston Ballet, Ad Deum Dance Company, Revolve Dance Company, HIStory Dance Company, and Houston Ballroom Company delight withinventivecontemporary and modern dance. Don't miss this fun, fabulous evening the park for the entire family!

Produced by Dance of Asian America.

Fun Facts and Frequently Asked Questions about Miller Outdoor Theatre

Where is everyone going?

Since 1923, Miller Outdoor Theatre in Hermann Park has been one of Houston’s most beloved cultural treasures, a gathering place for the community and the site of thousands of memorable free performances.That’s over 90 years of memories!

Miller is unique in the United States, offering an eight month season of professional, artistically-excellent and culturally diverse entertainment completely FREE of charge to the public. This is the largest "always free" program of its kind in the country and it attracts hundreds of thousands each season. From daytime programs especially for young children to family friendly evening performances of classical music, jazz, ethnic music and dance, ballet, Shakespeare, musical theatre, popular concert artists, films and more, this is Houston’s best entertainment value.

What to expect at Miller Outdoor Theatre?

Leave the neckties and high heels at home. Expect quality entertainment from around the world without the daunting dress code of a traditional theater. Miller Outdoor Theatre offers audiences a relaxed atmosphere, allowing guests to enjoy one another’s company as well as a great performance.

The price is right. All performances are always free!

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Miller March-April performances/5

To the Right, or to the Left on the hill?

Take a family vote on where you’d like to sit to enjoy the performance. Tickets are not necessary for hillside seating. Blankets and lawn chairs are welcome. Please note that lawn chairs must be placed on the left side of the hill. Sit on the right side of the hill if you prefer to sit on a blanket.

How do you get a seat in the covered seating area for evening performances?

Approximately 1,700 new seats were installed under the canopy in 2009. Admission is free for all performances. All evening shows (except movies) require tickets for admission for seats under the canopy. For those performances, assigned seat tickets are available, on a first-come basis andwhile supplies last, on the day of performance only between 10:30 a.m. and 1 p.m. at the box office behind the theatre. A maximum of four tickets per person over age 16 is allowed. Any remaining tickets are released one hour before curtain.TICKETS MAY NOT BE RESERVED BY PHONE.

Can I lose my seat even though I had a ticket?

All unclaimed seats are released 5 minutes before the show is scheduled to begin. We encourage all patrons to be in their seats 15 minutes before show time to insure that their seat will not be released. Again, there is NO charge for tickets.

Please note: At management’s discretion, all unoccupied seats may be released at any time for any reason.

How do you get a seat in the covered seating area for daytime performances?

The Daytime Children’s Series offers teachers and parents alike an excellent opportunity to expose youngsters to the delights of the performing arts with a series of productions designed especially for children. Performances begin at 11 a.m. and last approximately 1 hour. No tickets are necessary for covered seating area. Seating is on a first-come, first-served basis.

Paper or Plastic?

You choose. But, definitely NO glass containers of any kind are allowed.

You’ll never go hungry here

Miller Theatre’s concession stand offers refreshments and other supplies for picnics. Purchasing concessions at Miller Theatre supports the free performances.

No Smoking

Miller Theatre is a NO SMOKING zone. Smoking is not allowed in any City of Houston Park, including Hermann Park.No smoking at the theatre, on the plaza or on the hill.Your cooperation is greatly appreciated.

What to pack

Decisions, decisions…there are so many choices. Pack a picnic basket with fried chicken or caviar. It’s up to you. Bring a blanket or lawn chair. Definitely bring the whole family. Yes, you may even pack alcohol. But please, leave the glass containers at home.

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