Top Houston Events This Week: Cirque Kalabanté, Frida Kahlo, Ali Wong

A New Generation of Circus in Montreal

Montreal has long been a hub for innovative circus performances, known for producing legendary acts like Cirque du Soleil and Cirque Eloize. These troupes have redefined the traditional circus by replacing animals with acrobatics, contortion, and theatrical storytelling. One such group that has emerged from this vibrant scene is Cirque Kalabanté. Founded in 2007 by Guinean artist Yamoussa Bangoura in Quebec, the troupe brings a unique West African perspective to the modern circus. Their performances blend music, drumming, and dance, offering audiences a rich cultural experience.

The show will take place at The Grand 1894 Opera House, located at 2020 Postoffice in Galveston. Tickets are available starting at $31.50, and more information can be found at thegrand.com.

Celebrating Frida Kahlo’s Legacy

Frida Kahlo, one of the most iconic visual artists of the 20th century, is being honored in a major exhibition at the Museum of Fine Arts, Houston. The exhibit features over 30 of her works alongside 120 pieces by other artists, illustrating how she became a global icon. This is the first major exploration of her journey from a local painter to a universal symbol of strength and resilience.

The exhibition runs from Monday through May 17 at the Museum of Fine Arts, Houston, located at 1001 Bissonnet. Admission prices vary, with adult tickets at $24, youth and seniors at $20, and free entry for children under 12. More details are available at mfah.org.

Ali Wong Returns to Stand-Up

Comedian Ali Wong, best known for her roles in Netflix series like "Beef" and animated shows such as "Tuca & Bertie" and "Big Mouth," is making a return to stand-up comedy. Her tour begins at Houston’s 713 Music Hall on Friday and Saturday, followed by a performance at San Antonio’s Aztec Theater on Sunday. The tour will continue westward after that.

The event starts at 8 p.m. and takes place at 713 Music Hall, 401 Franklin. Ticket prices start at $86, and more information can be found at 713musichall.com/shows.

‘The Voice of Hind Rajab’ – A Moving Film

Based on the true story of five-year-old Palestinian girl Hind Rajab, this film captures her desperate calls for help during a shelling incident in Gaza City in 2024. The film follows the efforts of the Red Crescent to rescue her and has received critical acclaim, winning the Silver Lion at last year’s Venice Film Festival.

The film opens on Friday at The River Oaks Theatre, located at 2009 W. Gray. Tickets are priced at $14, and more information is available at theriveroakstheatre.com.

Herb Alpert and the Tijuana Brass

Trumpeter Herb Alpert is making a special appearance with a version of his legendary Tijuana Brass. This tour marks the first time he is performing with the group in four decades. To commemorate the 60th anniversary of his hit album "Whipped Cream & Other Delights," the show will feature many of its classic tracks, along with later hits like "The Lonely Bull," "Taste of Honey," "Mexican Shuffle," "This Guy’s In Love With You," and "Rise."

The performance will take place at the Smart Financial Centre, located at 18111 Lexington in Sugar Land, at 7:30 p.m. on Saturday. Tickets start at $47, and more details can be found at martfinancialcentre.net.

Denise Fennell’s New One-Woman Show

Denise Fennell, a beloved Houston performer known for her role in the "Late-Night Catechism" shows, is returning with a new one-woman performance titled "The Bride or Does This Dress Make Me Look Married?" The show, which premiered three years ago to great reviews, explores themes of marriage and relationships. Critics have praised Fennell’s wit and humor, with one reviewer noting that the performance feels like a personal conversation with a close friend.

The show runs from Friday through February 8 at Stages, located at 800 Rosine. Tickets start at $30, and more information is available at stageshouston.com.