There's a play that I know, used to be in the show. It's a blast from the past, and it's on this weekend, don't you know. Take my hand, it's not wrong. Can't we all just get along? Wet your pants, learn to dance, be yourself, take a chance. Before it became a play, it was a children's-book mainstay. Marlo Thomas was the big cheese. She's Phil Donahue's main squeeze. Now the Creative Arts Theatre and School is performing, and I'll give you one good warning: The grown-up actors in this production need little introduction. When they were kiddies, they sang the same ditties and played the same roles. So let's go, just to see how cool '70s feel-good philosophy can be. How much we remember faithfully. Plus it's CATS' silver anniversary. It costs $9. It's not free. But you and me are free to see Free to Be You and Me. It's January 2 through January 4 at 1100 W. Randol Mill Road in Arlington. Call 817-861-CATS. --Sarah Hepola
Are You Experienced?
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It takes a man with hands made for expression to grasp the artistry of storytelling. DeCee Cornish looks like he knows a thing or two about exploring the lore. Cornish will narrate an array of African-American experiences including Black History Month, Kwanzaa, Martin Luther King Jr. Day and a medley of multicultural events and holidays for Library Live!: The African-American Experience. This event takes place Wednesday at 11 a.m. at Hampton-Illinois Library, 2210 W. Illinois Ave. A native Texan, Cornish has been trekking the world collecting legends, folklore and contemporary stories to tell for audiences to cherish and also to keep the age-old tradition alive. Call the library at 214-670-7646. --Desirée Henry
Dish It Out
Kids can easy bake
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When we were kids, our kitchen specialty was a complete appetizer-entrée-dessert in a Bundt pan. The basic recipe calls for flour, baking powder, salt, maple syrup, vanilla, cinnamon, pecans, a can of smoked oysters and chuck steak strips marinated in gherkin juice combined before being aged in the oven. Kids have it much better today. Not only can they learn to create delectables such as biscotti, Italian cream cake, tiramisu, cannoli, fresh fruit tart and focaccia, they can create them all without a single gherkin. Have your child join chef Laura Orso at Whole Foods Market for a three-part Chef Kids class and prepare to be dazzled without the need for post-dining medical treatment. Kids 8 to 12 are welcome to sign up, and enrollment is limited (cost is $40 per child). Chef Kids is Saturday from 9:30 a.m. to 11 a.m. at Whole Foods Market in Plano, 2201 Preston Road at Park. Call 972-612-6729. --Mark Stuertz