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Preview Picks: ‘World on Fire,’ Dallas Art Fair Online - April 16, 2020

1. ‘World on Fire’

The globe may seem under siege now but it’s useful to remember it has been here before. This slick but involving BBC miniseries is set in Poland, England, France and Germany, beginning just as Hitler is launching his march across Europe. Our sprawling cast of characters - including Helen Hunt as a Berlin-based American journalist — have to decide whether to fight or flee. ‘World on Fire,’ a huge hit in the UK, may not be the last word in WWII storytelling but it’s exceptionally diverting.

 

Where: 8 p.m. Sundays on KUHT/8

Cary Darling

 

2. Dallas Art Fair Online

It’s not quite the same experience as jostling with other collectors in a bustling convention space, but art collectors missing the springtime rite of the Dallas Art Fair can view and purchase works by 82 dealers online through April 23. Look for Houston’s Bill Arning Exhibitions, Inman Gallery, McClain Gallery, Nancy Littlejohn Fine Art and Sicardi|Ayers|Bacino among the digital viewing rooms from around the world.

Where: DallasArtFair.com/online

Molly Glentzer

 

3. Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater

Oh, what we would have given to see “Lazarus” in person. Acclaimed hip-hop choreographer Rennie Harris’ hour-long work was on the Houston program the Ailey company had to to scuttle, along with its whole spring tour. The dance reflects on the life of Alvin Ailey, who grew up in Navasota before the Civil Rights era and used his art to rise above racism. “Lazarus” is streaming free April 16-19 as part of the company’s excellent All-Access programming. It might just be the 21st century’s “Revelations.” Turn out the lights and watch the video full-screen, with the volume cranked.

Where: Ailey.org/ailey-all-access

Molly Glentzer

 

4. Online Drag Show

Almost two dozen Houston drag queens come together for an epic livestream experience. The marathon event will be hosted by Vitamin B and Reign. The fierce lineup includes local favorites Roofie Dubois, Blackberri, Chloe Crawford Ross and more. Tips will be accepted throughout for the performers, who are out of work because of the coronavirus.

Where: 7 p.m. Sunday at facebook.com/omgitsbrice

Joey Guerra

 

5. ‘Red Oaks’

Shelter-in-place long enough and you end up digging deeper into the past. Which is how I stumbled on this show, which ran 2014-2017. It’s about a directionless working class kid working as a tennis instructor at a country club. The show is set in the mid-’80s. But it’s matter-of-fact about the era and doesn’t clobber you with winking pop cultural references. The cast is first-rate, and the writers and directors (including Hal Hartley and David Gordon Green) keep it brisk and funny, but also thoughtful.

Where: Streaming on Amazon.

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