OPENING: 'Mrs. Smith Live at the Bowl!'

David Hanbury portrays a character who says she is a cat lover, philanthropist and stage star (in her own mind). Hanbury says he fashioned Mrs. Smith loosely on Dame Edna and has incorporated work by Liza Minnelli and Judy Garland into the act. Mrs. Smith was a contestant last season on the NBC show "America's Got Talent." Andrew Rasmussen ("Rocky Horror Show") directs. -Graydon Royce

FRIDAY-SUNDAY: TU Dance

TU Dance takes its first turn on the Cowles Center stage with the world premiere of "January," choreographed by Uri Sands, who leads the troupe with artistic and life partner Toni Pierce-Sands. The full-company work promises a look at life in transition and the delicate balance that comes from keeping an eye on the future while staying aware of the past. Expect elegant and daring dancing from a company that continually impresses. The program will also feature two specially commissioned works from New York-based artists. Dwight Rhoden's "B Sessions" draws inspiration from Beethoven, while Camille A. Brown will be making her Minnesota choreographic debut. Lucas Melsha and Alanna Morris are shown in "A Subconscious Plastic Nowhere" by Sands. -Caroline Palmer