Miller Outdoor Theatre celebrates its official 100th Anniversary Birthday on Friday, May 12, 2023, at 7 p.m. with a colossal birthday cake! Indulge in luscious slices of delicious cake by El Bolillo Bakery served during intermission at the concession stand and of course, snap a photo of yourself, family, and friends “popping” out of the larger-than -life 7-foot “art” cake nestled in the greenery of the Miller Plaza. Plus enjoy “Life is a Dance,” a mural created by artist Mark DeLeon as part of the season-long celebration which will be on display at Miller that evening. All capped off with the Houston Ballet’s sparkling production of Jewels, George Balanchine’s three-act ballet, beginning at 8 p.m. For FREE tickets in the covered seating area and details on the entire 2023 performance and event calendar visit milleroutdoortheatre.com. Please note that most evening performances are livestreamed and available free at the Miller Dream Stream link on the website at milleroutdoortheatre.com.

George Balanchine was the preeminent choreographer of the 20th century and the co-founder and founding choreographer of the legendary New York City Ballet. His 1967 creation, Jewels, features three acts: “Emeralds,” “Rubies,” and “Diamonds.” Each act embodies their namesake jewel through the unique musical stylings of their corresponding composer. Last performed by Houston Ballet in February 2022, James Nelson, Executive Director of Houston Ballet said, “Jewels is one of George Balanchine’s master works. It’s a balance of opulence and glamour and technically challenging dancing and a fitting ballet to celebrate Miller’s centennial celebration.”

Miller Outdoor Theatre was dedicated “To the Arts of Music, Poetry, Drama and Oratory” on May 12, 1923. Its debut performance “Springtime of Our Nation,” was a pageant with 2,500 performers. “We’ve come a long way since 1923,” remarked Managing Director Cissy Segall Davis. “With eight months of programming Houstonians and visitors alike will enjoy 130 incredibly diverse performances this year. And, while Miller Outdoor Theatre is always free to enjoy for the public, maintaining this cultural gem takes more than love,” Davis added. The Miller Theatre Advisory Board has embarked on a capital campaign to raise $12.5 million dollars to improve the visitor experience for future generations of Miller visitors. Renovations and improvements include the theatre’s fixed and hillside seating, installation of screens and the creation of a signature entryway to the theatre. “Every gift goes a long way in achieving our masterplan and no gift is too small,” said Davis. Make a $100 gift for Miller during #celebratemiller100 at https://www.milleroutdoortheatre.com/donate/

To learn more about Miller Outdoor Theatre’s storied history visit https://www.milleroutdoortheatre.com/past-and-present/