Houston

What’s happening in the next few weeks:

* The Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo is this city’s version of Mardi Gras, with roping, bareback and bronco rodeo action, parades, a world championship barbecue competition and concert performances by Clint Black, left, LeAnn Rimes, Brooks & Dunn, Tanya Tucker, Reba McEntire, Vince Gill and others. Events surrounding the rodeo run from Feb. 12 through March 8. Houston Astrodome. (800) 726-1313.

* Oscar-winning actress Ellen Burstyn joins the Alley Theatre and its company of resident actors in a production of Eugene O’Neill’s “A Long Day’s Journey Into Night,” Feb. 20 through March 15. Premiering at the Alley in March is a new play by the author of the Tony-winning “Angels in America.” Tony Kushner’s “Hydriotaphia, or the Death of Dr. Brown” runs March 27 through April 25. 615 Texas Ave. (713) 228-8421.

* Straight from New York, “Robert Rauschenberg: A Retrospective” begins Feb. 13 at Houston’s Museum of Fine Arts, the Contemporary Arts Museum and the Menil Collection. This exhibition includes nearly 400 works spanning Rauschenberg’s 50-year career. Ends May 17. The Menil Collection, 1515 Sul Ross, (713) 525-9400; Contemporary Arts Museum, 5216 Montrose Blvd., (713) 284-8250; Museum of Fine Arts, 1001 Bissonnet St., (713) 639-7300.

* Houston Ballet’s winter mixed repertory program, running Feb. 26 through March 8, will highlight three contemporary choreographers. Houston Ballet resident choreographer Christopher Bruce will be represented with “Rooster,” a ballet set to eight classic tracks by the Rolling Stones. Trey McIntyre’s “Second Before the Ground” and James Kudelka’s “Musings” round out the program. Brown Theater, Wortham Center. (800) 828-ARTS.