My Favorite (Theatrical) Things - 2012 In Review

For me, 2012 has been a fantastic year. In February, I found out I had won Broadway Across America - Houston's reviewing contest for the second half of their 2011-12 season. Having always wanted to be a theater reviewer, I was thrilled beyond imagination. Sitting in Sarofim Hall waiting for Carrie Fisher to take the stage in her one-woman show Wishful Drinking, I knew I didn't want this journey to end. On May 16, 2012, I contacted BroadwayWorld, and they gave me the opportunity to cover the impressive and large Houston Theatre Scene. My tenure in Houston has not been terribly long, but as 2012 draws to a close, I wanted to take the opportunity to review some of my favorite experiences that writing for BroadwayWorld has afforded me.

My Favorite Interview of 2012 - This is hard one to pin down. My first interview holds a special place in my heart for being my first. It was fun, thrilling, and I was so nervous. It was a trial by fire experience that was a fantastic success. But there are two more interviews that stand out in my mind as being equally as strong, interesting, and successful. Therefore, I feel that I personally had three best interviews for 2012, and they would be my interviews with Michelle DeJean, Buyi Zama, and Amy Fote.

Click to read the interview with Michelle DeJean.

Click to read the interview with Buyi Zama.

Click to read the interview with Amy Fote.

My Favorite Local Musical in 2012 - I had to go with my gut on this one. One readily sprung to mind. Standing Room Only Productions swept me away with their [TITLE OF SHOW]. Everything about the production worked together perfectly. The young cast was amazingly professional while maintaining a high level of energy. Because of this show, my wife and I text each other funny and pun-riddled drag queen names. As I typed though, I thought of another performance that was just as enjoyable and solidly produced. Bayou City Concert Musical's ONE TOUCH OF VENUS brought new life to a forgotten treasure of an old score with brilliant performances.

Click to read my review of Standing Room Only's [TITLE OF SHOW].

Click to read my review of Bayou City Concert Musical's ONE TOUCH OF VENUS.

My Favorite Local Drama in 2012 - This is a tough category to pin down, but I forced myself to do it anyway. After some thought and a lot of interior dialogue and debate, I had two and couldn't narrow it down any further-Stark Naked Theatre's BODY AWRENESS and Classical Theatre Company's MISS JULIE. Both of these productions was so raw and emotionally sound. Both constantly, consistently, and consummately moved me.

Click to read my review of Star Naked Theatre's BODY AWARENESS.

Click to read my review of Classical Theatre Company's MISS JULIE.

My Favorite Local Comedy in 2012 - Perhaps it is the darker works that tickle my funny bone. Without any hesitation, I thought of Country Playhouse's MR. MARMALADE and Black Lab Theatre's BOOM. MR. MARMALADE forever changed the way I say "hari-kiri." I also reference it and quote it frequently. BOOM was apocalyptic fun at its finest.

Click to read my review of Country Playhouse's MR. MARMALADE.

Click to read my review of Black Lab Theatre's BOOM.