Convenience Big Store: A Black Cinderella? A Latina Alice in Wonderland? Welcome to Houston.

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A Black Cinderella? A Latina Alice in Wonderland? Welcome to Houston.

It's a wonderful coincidence that a trio of theaters are currently running shows with inclusive casts that put a fresh spin on tales as old as time. Those shows by Stages, the Alley and Theatre Under the Stars all have a person of color in a lead role that is traditionally occupied by a white performer.

Texas native Brianna Kaleen, who slips into the title role for TUTS' "Cinderella," says she's spent much of her career "really advocating for Black women to be in roles that they typically aren't in." A year ago, she started a TikTok series called "Singing Songs You Don't Usually Hear Black Girls Sing in Musical Theater" that has picked up a lot of traction.

This week, I interviewed Larie Rodriguez and Ricardo Perez Davila, who are starring in Stages' "Panto Alicia in Wonderland." (Look for that story soon.) The show combines traditional musical elements, Latin pop, Mexican traditions and panto, a zany U.K. stage play that includes audience participation. The Alley Theatre's annual "A Christmas Carol" is led by David Rainey, a Black actor, as Ebenezer Scrooge.

The goal is to one day get to a place where this isn't news, right? Where everyone has a seat at the table. Or a place onstage, to be exact. Until then, I think it's OK for us to celebrate seeing ourselves, finally, in the starring roles.

Joey Guerra, music reporter

joey.guerra@houstonchronicle.com

My music picks

Photo by: Courtesy

Y2K dance party

If you went to a club in the 2000s, you danced to one of Cacada's songs. The German trio's hits included "Miracle," "Everytime We Touch" and a high-energy redo of Rascal Flatts' "What Hurts the Most." Cascada is fronted by Natalie Horder and is one of the most successful dance acts, ever. 10 p.m. at Rise Rooftop, 2600 Travis; $25 and up; riserooftop.com.

'Lonely Christmas': Singer Ashley Toman mines an old-school soul vibe on her original "Lonely Christmas." The Houston singer sounds a bit like Teena Marie on the track, always a good thing. Check out my full Christmas in Houston playlist on Spotify. Come on, you can't just listen to Mariah Carey all season.
Beyoncé watch: Taylor Swift is Time magazine's Person of the Year, but Beyoncé was probably a close second. In the story, Swift calls the Houston star "the most precious gem of a person — warm and open and funny. And she's such a great disrupter of music-industry norms. She taught every artist how to flip the table and challenge archaic business practices."

Fun family favs

Photo by: Courtesy Photo

It takes a 'Village'

The Museum of Fine Arts, Houston creates a winter wonderland with thousands of lights throughout the 14-acre estate of Bayou Bend Collection and Gardens. You can go sledding down a snow slide, toss cotton snowballs, take photos with Santa and more. Dec. 8-30 at Bayou Bend, 6003 Memorial; $16 and up; mfah.org.

Warm and fuzzy: "Beauty and the Beast" isn't a holiday show, per se, but it definitely evokes a warm, fuzzy feeling. And not just because of the Beast's change of heart. Through Dec. 23 at Main Street Theater at MATCH, 3400 Main; $22-$35; mainstreettheater.com.
A new 'Cinderella': The Brandy/Whitney Houston version of "Cinderella" was the inspiration for Theatre Under the Stars' current production. Texas native Brianna Kaleen takes on the title role and relishes the chance to play a role that isn't normally played by a Black woman. Through Dec. 24 at Hobby Center, 800 Bagby; $17.50 and up; tuts.com.

Houston on the cheap

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Trills the Season

What's better than a cheap date? One that helps a great cause. Houston rapper and yogi master Nosa Ebedor's 19th annual Trills the Season features a solid lineup of local acts, including BXXNG713 and Tiara Jewel. Entry fee is a new toy. Nosa and his crew then personally deliver toys to Houston-area kids on Christmas day. 4-11 p.m. at Axelrad, 1517 Alabama.

Skate date: Discovery Green's skating rink drops the price to just $8 if you're feeling like a twirl around the ice. It includes skate rental. 5-10 p.m. at 1500 McKinney; discoverygreen.com.

Where to eat

Colorful macarons line the inside of the first floor counter at One65 in San Francisco, Calif. Tuesday, May 14, 2019.

Photo by: Jessica Christian, The Chronicle

Macarons and a show

Have y'all ever tried the macarons they sell during shows at Hobby Center? I don't know where they're from, but they're good. So good. They're soft and chewy and light and literally melt in your mouth. I'm obsessed. Grab a package next time you're there and report back.

Baking with Dolly: I have a bit of an obsession with all things Dolly Parton, particularly food. I've bought all her Duncan Hines collabs but wasn't able to find the Sugar Cookie Kit until this week. It was a hunt, y'all. I know they're just regular cookies. But I cherish the small victories, you know?

Everything else you need to know

Freebies: Fiesta Guadalupana is a traditional event honoring la Virgen de Guadalupe. It will feature performances by Mariachi Amor a México and MECA's ballet folklórico, along with a night market. There will be free hot chocolate and pan dulce (sweet bread) for everyone. You can also bring a toy and/or coat for the holiday drive. 6:30-9 p.m. Dec. 12 at MECA Houston, 1919 Kane.
Entertainer to know: Geneva Karr, a 30-year-old performer from Brownsville, is among the 14 queens set to appear on "RuPaul's Drag Race" Season 16. She is the first Mexico-born queen to appear on the show's U.S. iteration. "When I came to the U.S. people told me that I came to steal their jobs, and why not steal the crown while I'm at it?" she says.