THEATER

It’s still hard to believe for fans of musical theater, but Broadway icon and legend Stephen Sondheim passed away over the weekend at the age of 91.

The experience will be just as guests remember, but with a few new upgraded amenities.

They're warning of an invasion and terrorists entering the U.S. homeland. Meanwhile, Trump is more focused on attacking Biden for not helping refugees.

HOUSTON – Whether you’re in need of a good laugh or a good cocktail, you can now bring America’s favorite bar hopper and Tupperware lady, Dixie Longate, into your home. The fast-talking redhead shared more details on the uplifting happy hour she’s hosting to raise money for the theater community nationwide and in Houston. Dixie Longate (Dixie's Happy Hour)Her new show is called “Dixie’s Happy Hour,” a virtual event where she will share some new stories while mixing up some cocktails. Tickets for “Dixie’s Happy Hour” are available now through March 7, starting at $35 per household. A big portion of the proceeds benefits the Hobby Center Foundation.

DETROIT – When one thinks of the opera, images of a parking garage are unlikely to come to mind, but some unexpected creativity during the pandemic allowed people to experience the opera from their vehicle. This proves it: When you can’t pack people into a theater, you find another way to perform. Michigan Opera Theatre opened its season in late December this way. Each act performed on a different level of the opera house garage. Watch nextREAD: Michigan Opera Theatre names Yuval Sharon new artistic director

Holocaust Museum Houston hosts free admission day“When the Holocaust ended there was a outcry for the world to realize that this should never happen again,” said Kelly Zuniga, CEO of Holocaust Museum Houston. “And that was the beginning of the human rights movement.” That movement continues today and on December 10th International Human Rights day will be observed around the world. The Holocaust Museum Houston is hosting a free admission day to help focus on the past, the present and what more needs to be done. John Walker, President, Business Operations, Houston Dynamo/Dash FC· Website: https://www.houstondynamofc.com/· Twitter: @HoustonDynamoWhy is Congress taking so long to reach stimulus agreement? Congressional members have said the best way for constituents to make a difference is to contact them.

HOUSTON – Cinemark is joining the dine-in movie craze with the opening of a new location in Cypress. by Cinemark is said to “elevate the traditional movie experience” by offering moviegoers cooked-to-order items prepared in their full-service kitchen, and specialty cocktails. Menu items include a Bistro Burger, pizzas cooked in specialty Italian stone ovens, and classic concession items such as popcorn, hot dogs, and candy. According to a news release, Cinemark will follow strict safety and cleaning guidelines to ensure customer safety. Guidelines include mandatory mask wearing, staggered showtimes, and extensive cleaning in all auditoriums.

HOUSTON – The show must go on for Alley Theatre this holiday season. A digital production of “A Christmas Carol,” the timeless holiday classic by Charles Dickens, is in the works, and Houstonians can watch it for free. In a press conference Tuesday, Houston Mayor Sylvester Turner joined the theater’s Artistic Director Rob Melrose to announce plans for the virtual production. This holiday season, the Alley Theatre will proudly present a *free* digital production of A CHRISTMAS CAROL! “It’s going to be a very unique, very intimate ‘Christmas Carol’ like none you’ve never seen before and its going to be special," Melrose said.

HOUSTON AMC Theatres are giving the ultimate welcome-back with an offer everyone can afford. To celebrate the return of movies in the Houston area and to celebrate AMCs 100th anniversary, guests can enjoy a movie at a low price: just $0.15 (plus sales sax). The following theatres in the Houston market are reopening to movie-goers starting Thursday, August 20:AMC Katy Mills 20AMC Willowbrook 24AMC Deerbrook 24AMC Studio 30 - HouAMC First Colony 24AMC Gulf Pointe 30AMC Spring 10AMC Fountains 18For more information on how AMC is preparing to keep theaters clean and safe for guests during this time, click here.

Former Harris County Judge Ed Emmett says this pandemic is far worse than anything he had to handle while in the top job of county government. He is a guest on this week’s Houston Newsmakers with Khambrel Marshall and says there are at least a couple of reasons why the response to this pandemic has not been as effective as it could or should be. Lack of transparency in the decision making process Officials more accustomed to public safety issues rather than public health emergencies. Emmett also talks about the state of the Harris County GOP and the potential weakening of both major parties because of catering to the fringe political elements. See full interview on this week’s Houston Newsmakers with Khambrel Marshall and on Houston Newsmakers EXTRA.

FILE - In this Dec. 12, 2012 file photo, actor Ian Holm appears at the premiere of "The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey" in London. Holm, the acclaimed British actor whose long career included roles in Chariots of Fire and The Lord of the Rings has died, his agent said Friday. Holm died peacefully in the hospital, surrounded by his family and carer, his agent, Alex Irwin, said in a statement. (Photo by Jon Furniss/Invision/AP, File)LONDON Ian Holm, an acclaimed British actor whose long career included roles in Chariots of Fire and The Lord of the Rings has died. Holm died peacefully Friday morning in a hospital, surrounded by his family and carer, his agent, Alex Irwin, said in a statement.