Houston Theatre + Broadway News

Alley Theatre Adds VANYA AND SONIA AND MASHA AND SPIKE to 2013-14 Season

(6/19/2013) - Gregory Boyd, Artistic Director of the Alley Theatre, announces the addition of the 2013 Tony Award-winning Best Play Vanya and Sonia and Masha and Spike, by Christopher Durang, to the Alley Theatre's 2013-2014 season as the last Hubbard Stage production. Good People, by David Lindsay-Abaire, will be performed on the Neuhaus Stage from May 30 to June 29, 2014. Bertolt Brecht's The Good Woman of Setzuan will be moved to a future season.

THE REAL THING, HEARTBREAK HOUSE, THE GIVER and More Set for Main Street Theater's 2013-14 Season

(6/18/2013) - Main Street Theater Announces its 39th MainStage Season and 34th Theater for Youth Season. Founded in 1975, Main Street Theater is a fully professional theater which operates out of 2 spaces: its Times Blvd. location in Rice Village and our Chelsea Market space on Montrose.

BWW Reviews: Country Playhouse's SEUSSICAL is Jovially Enticing and Blissfully Gratifying

(6/17/2013) - It is summer in Houston. The heat index is soaring more and more each day. Moreover, many of our local theatre companies are producing family friendly fare that allows each and every one of us to beat the heat for fun theatrical treats. Championing this campaign is Country Playhouse with their whimsical and captivating production of Stephen Flaherty and Lynn Ahrens' SUESSICAL. The Broadway incarnation tried out in Boston before moving into the Richard Rogers Theatre late in 2000. It was met with lukewarm reviews and closed on May 20, 2001 after 198 performances and 34 previews. Before hitting the road on its first of two national tours, the book underwent extensive revisions because of its marginal showing on Broadway.

BWW Reviews: Houston Ballet's PETER PAN is a Whimsical Good Time

(6/17/2013) - The Houston Ballet is known for its elaborate and beautiful productions. Every ticket purchased guarantees a performance filled with masterful dancing, brilliant choreography, remarkable sets, and music. Houston Ballet's much anticipated production of PETER PAN is no exception and nothing short of fantastic. Although many of us are familiar with the tale and have possibly seen it on film or stage, Houston Ballet makes it their own with whimsical choreography by Trey McIntyre and a dance company that keeps the audience on the edge of their seats with every move. Set to the magical score by Sir Edward Elgar, arranged by Niel DePonte, PETER PAN draws the audience into the journey of Peter Pan and the Darling children as it creates a visual adventure that is ideal for both the young and the young at heart.

The Ensemble Theatre Is One of 30 African American Theaters to Stage A SOLDIER'S PLAY Tonight

(6/17/2013) - The Ensemble Theatre is one of 30 African American theatres to participate in a national benefit staged play reading of A Soldier's Play by Charles Fuller, tonight, June 17, 2013, 6:30PM at 3535 Main Street, Houston, TX.

BWW Reviews: Jaston William's BLAME IT ON VALENTINE, TEXAS is Hysterical and Poignantly Touching

(6/16/2013) - The Grand 1894 Opera House in Galveston hosted Jaston Williams, of GREATER TUNA fame, on Saturday, June 15, 2013 for two command performances of BLAME IT ON VALENTINE, TEXAS. BLAME IT ON VALENTINE, TEXAS, one of four one-man shows crafted by Jaston Williams, had its World Premiere on February 14, 2009 at the Lubbock Civic Center Theater as a benefit for Lubbock Community Theater. To create the show, he pulled several of his autobiographical vignettes from I'M NOT LYING and COWBOY NOISES. He also wrote a new piece, "The Screaming Part of China."

Stage Door Inc. to Stage Steampunk SWEENEY TODD, 7/5-28

(6/16/2013) - Stage Door Inc.'s Sweeney Todd opens Friday, July 5th and runs Fridays and Saturdays at 8:00pm and Sunday matinees at 3:00pm weekends through July 28th.

Vagabond Theatre's DANNY AND THE DEEP BLUE SEA to Play Obsidian Art Space, 6/20-25

(6/16/2013) - Vagabond Theatre's production of 'Danny and the Deep Blue Sea' by John Patrick Shanley will run June 20-25th at 8:00 p.m. at Obsidian Art Space, located at 3522 White Oak, Houston, Texas. Tickets: Adults $15; Students $8.

Now Playing Onstage in Houston - Week of 6/16/2013

(6/16/2013) - Upcoming Shows - Week of 6/16/2013 for Houston

Generations, A Theatre Company's SWEENEY TODD to Slay the Stage, 7/5-28

(6/15/2013) - Generations, A Theatre Company's 5th Season features a re-imagining of one of the American Theatre's greatest masterpieces, Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street - Music & Lyrics by Stephen Sondheim -Libretto by Hugh Wheeler - based on the play by Christopher Bond. Since it first debuted on Broadway in 1979 this garish 'musical thriller' has delighted audiences all over the world. Generations' Artistic Director George Brock promises that the show, produced in association with Rice University's Department of Visual and Dramatic Arts and opening July 5th, 2013 at Hamman Hall, will offer a different look at this timeless tale of obsession and revenge.

BLAME IT ON VALENTINE, TEXAS Comes to The Grand 1894 Opera House Today

(6/15/2013) - Blame it on Valentine, Texas - Jaston Williams' hilarious new comedy will play a limited engagement in Galveston at The Grand 1894 Opera House today, June 15th with two terrific performances at 2 and 8pm.

BroadwayWorld Special Coverage: SUMMER STAGES - Our Picks for Summer's Best Around the World!

(6/14/2013) - As the summer days near, BroadwayWorld rounded up our worldwide community - from Australia to Spain, California and beyond! - to bring you our top picks for the best of summer theater in each of our main markets! Looking for the best of the summer venue and production offerings in your area? Let's hear from a sampling of the BroadwayWorld experts!

Summer Stages: BWW's Top Summer Theatre Picks - Houston!

(6/14/2013) - I've been writing about Houston's extremely varied theater scene for a little over a year now. One thing I quickly learned is that there is never a dearth of quality productions to look forward to in this city. As summer is finally beginning to take hold of Houston, I can't help but anticipate the many happenings this season brings. In order of opening nights, I have listed the six productions I am most excited to experience.

Mildred's Umbrella Theatre Co. to Present FOXFINDER, 8/16-31

(6/14/2013) - Mildred's Umbrella Theatre Company proudly presents the Houston premier of Foxfinder, by Dawn King, August 16-31, 2013 with a preview on Thursday, August 15. The production will be directed by Matt Huff and starring Patricia Duran, Michelle Edwards, Bobby Haworth and Kevin Lusignillo.

BWW Reviews: WMGE, LLC and LeighzaLand Productions' FADE TO BLACK is Exhilarating and Deeply Thought-Provoking

(6/14/2013) - Last night was the premiere of FADE TO BLACK, an innovative 10 minute play festival promoting and supporting original works created by African-American artists. This showcase is the creative brainchild of Denise O'Neal of WMGE, LLC and Leighza Walker of LeighzaLand Productions, and it is a true first for the Houston theater community. Thankfully, these extraordinary women have already placed FADE TO BLACK on next year's calendar with the intentions of creating an annual event that centers around encouraging and producing new works written by African-American playwrights.

Photo Flash: First Look at A. D. Players' ANNE OF AVONLEA

(6/13/2013) - A. D. Players will close its 46th seasonwith Anne of Avonlea by Joseph Robinette, whose heroine, Anne Shirley, is beloved throughout the world. Anne of Avonlea previews July 10th and 11th, opens July 12th, and runs through August 18th at A. D. Players' Grace Theater. BroadwayWorld has a first look at the cast below!

TUTS and Houston Zoo Partner for AVENUE ZOO, Now thru 8/18

(6/13/2013) - Theatre Under The Stars (TUTS) is partnering with the Houston Zoo for a brand new way for families and children of all ages to learn and have fun at the same time this summer. It's Avenue Zoo!

A. D. Players to Wrap Season with ANNE OF AVONLEA, 7/10-8/18

(6/13/2013) - A. D. Players will close its 46th seasonwith Anne of Avonlea by Joseph Robinette, whose heroine, Anne Shirley, is beloved throughout the world. Anne of Avonlea previews July 10th and 11th, opens July 12th, and runs through August 18th at A. D. Players' Grace Theater.

Clear Creek Community Theatre's Youth Program to Stage ROBIN HOOD, TWELFTH NIGHT & More this Summer

(6/13/2013) - The first Summer Youth Program presents a special adaptation of ROBIN HOOD, 9-13 July at 11.00am and 13-14 July at 2.00pm - tickets only $5.00. The second session will be MUSICAL THEATRE, 8-17 August. Come support the aspiring young actors in these fun shows!

Houston Ballet Presents PETER PAN, Now thru 6/23

(6/13/2013) - Based upon the popular story by Sir James M. Barrie, Peter Pan is a magical ballet set to the music of Sir Edward Elgar in an arrangement by Niel DePonte and features spectacular flying sequences, swashbuckling swordfights, giant puppets, colorful masks, as well as costumes inspired by punk fashion. With elaborate, magical sets by Thomas Boyd and imaginative costumes by Broadway designer Jeanne Button, the production reinterprets the classic story with verve and wit. Houston Ballet will give seven performances of Peter Pan at Wortham Theater Center in downtown Houston. Tickets may be purchased by calling 713 227 2787 or by visiting www.houstonballet.org.

TUTS' HSMT Offers Free Performances of Disney's HIGH SCHOOL MUSICAL, Now thru 6/15

(6/12/2013) - School may be out for the summer but class is still in session when Theatre Under The Stars' Humphreys School of Musical Theatre (HSMT) presents FREE performances of Disney's High School Musical at Miller Outdoor Theatre today, June 12 - 14 at 11:00 a.m. and June 14 - 15 at 8:15 p.m.

Texas Repertory Stage to Present NUNSENSE, 6/27

(6/11/2013) - A hysterical musical romp takes the Texas Repertory Stage this summer. The Texas Rep Theatre Co., Houston's Uptown Classic Theatre, continues its tradition of Summer musicals with Dan Goggin's classic musical, NUNSENSE. Directed in an new production by Dan O'brien, NUNSENSE will preview on June 26 opening on Friday, June 27th, and will run 4 performances a week through July 28th.

Encore Theatre to Present OEDIPUS THE KING, Begin. 6/28

(6/11/2013) - Encore Theatre, Houston Texas' other predominately African American Theatre will be presenting a rare staging of the Greek Tragedy 'Oedipus the King' by Sophocles.

A. D. Players Announces New Summer 2013 Acting Camps

(6/10/2013) - A. D. Players' Theater Arts Academy has announced three summer acting camps at a new satellite location, Westbury Christian School, in addition to the day camps currently being offered at A. D. Players' Saint Street Annex. Students will work together to create a showcase production, hone their acting skills, and perform for family and friends at the end of the camp.

Tickets for THE BOOK OF MORMON at the Hobby Centre to Go On Sale 6/23

(6/10/2013) - The producers of THE BOOK OF MORMON, winner of nine Tony Awards including Best Musical, and the Gexa Energy Broadway at the Hobby Center Series announced today that single tickets will go on sale June 23 at 10 a.m. An exclusive online pre-sale for American Express Card-members will begin at 10 a.m. on June 19 thru June 21. Tickets will be available at the Hobby Center Box Office (800 Bagby Street), all Ticketmaster outlets, or by visiting www.BroadwayAcrossAmerica.com/Houston. Tickets can also be purchased by calling (800) 982-2787. Group orders of 15 or more may be placed by calling (888)451-5986 or emailing houston.groups@broadwayacrossamerica.com.

BWW Reviews: Theatre Southwest's DRACULA is Resplendently Gothic and Inspired

(6/10/2013) - Dracula is a name that invokes fear and terror in me. Not because it is a horror story, but because just about every adaptation of Bram Stoker's legendary Gothic novel gets it so wrong that I am left completely cold and empty. Astonishingly, this is not the case with Theatre Southwest's brilliant and opulent production of DRACULA, written by Steven Dietz and directed by Ananka Kohnitz.

Now Playing Onstage in Houston - Week of 6/09/2013

(6/9/2013) - Upcoming Shows - Week of 6/09/2013 for Houston

BWW Reviews: Stark Naked Theatre's MACBETH is Gloriously Breathtaking

(6/8/2013) - Stark Naked Theatre Company's production of William Shakespeare's MACBETH has been on everybody's lips for weeks, even months, now. As soon as the show was announced a gentle hum of excitement began, and turned into a blistering roar by last night's opening night performance. Co-Executive Directors Philip Lehl and Kim Tobin set the bar high for intimate, independent theatre and consistently surpass audiences' expectations with their astounding productions. Their MACBETH is no different as it splendidly thrilled and delighted last night's eager audience with ease.

Audra McDonald Kicks Off GO BACK HOME Summer, Fall 2013 Tour

(6/8/2013) - According to Audra McDonald's official website, the singer will be taking her first solo album in seven years, Go Back Home, on a national tour. Go Back Home was released May 21 on Nonesuch Records. McDonald's new tour dates across North America will kick off with a performance at the Midland Center for the Arts in Midland, MI, tonight, June 8. Scroll down for a full list of tour dates!

Stark Naked Theatre's MACBETH Opens Tonight

(6/7/2013) - Stark Naked Theatre Company concludes its award-winning second season with a bold interpretation of Macbeth, William Shakespeare's timeless and powerful tale of corruption, betrayal, fate, and the deadly consequences of unfettered ambition. Following rave reviews and sold-out audiences for God of Carnage, Stark Naked Theatre's upcoming production of Macbeth features Philip Lehl and Kim Tobin--mainstays of the Houston theatre scene and co-founders of Stark Naked Theatre--portraying the dynamic roles of Macbeth and Lady Macbeth.

BWW Reviews: DIXIE'S TUPPERWARE PARTY is Sensationally Hilarious and Heartwarming

(6/6/2013) - The Hobby Center for the Performing Arts has two stages, but most people are only familiar with Sarofim Hall. Nestled on the corner of Rusk and Bagby is the gorgeous and intimate Zilkha Hall, which seats 500. The space was originally planned as a black box theater, and Theatre Under the Stars (TUTS) current Artistic Director, Bruce Lumpkin, has great plans for TUTS to utilize the space as such. For TUTS' first venture at Zilkha Hall, the company is presenting the hilarious and heartwarming Off-Broadway sensation DIXIE'S TUPPERWARE PARTY.

FROM MY HOMETOWN to Wrap The Ensemble Theatre

(6/5/2013) - The Ensemble Theatre presents From My Hometown, a musical celebration of classic rhythm and blues, written by Lee Summers, Ty Stephens, and Herbert Rawlings Jr.

Main Street Theater to Present Student-Driven MACBETH, 6/21-23

(6/5/2013) - There are 3 public performances: Friday and Saturday, June 21 and 22, at 8:00pm, and Sunday, June 23 at 3:00pm. Performances are at Main Street Theater - Rice Village, located at 2540 Times Blvd., 77005. For tickets, call 713-524-6706 or log on to mainstreettheater.com. All tickets are $5.00.

Houston Early Music Announces 2013-2014 Concert Season

(6/5/2013) - Houston Early Music, a leading presenter of the world's finest period ensembles and soloists, announces its 2013-2014 Concert Season with five stellar ensembles.

BWW Reviews: FLASHDANCE – THE MUSICAL is Lackluster Despite Abundant Dance Spectacles

(6/5/2013) - The hugely popular 1983 film Flashdance, starring Jennifer Beals, received a musical facelift and had its world premiere in July 2008 at the Theatre Royal Plymouth. Following a UK Tour, FLASHDANCE THE MUSICAL opened on London's West End in late 2010. However, the show closed earlier than expected on January 15, 2011. By December 2011, the musical was slated for a Broadway opening in Fall 2012. Ambitiously, the creative teams also announced a second company that would tour the show starting in 2013. The First National Tour of FLASHDANCE THE MUSICAL kicked off in Pittsburgh on January 1, 2013, giving the show it's second World Premiere of sorts because the re-envisioned production of title features new songs, a new book, a new creative team, and a different physical production. The musical has been on a whirlwind tour and has dates booked through May 4, 2014. Yet, the Broadway opening has been postponed to an unspecified date later in the 2013-2014 Broadway season.

The Ensemble Theatre Will Be One of 30 African American Theaters to Stage A SOLDIER'S PLAY, 6/17

(6/5/2013) - The Ensemble Theatre is one of 30 African American theatres to participate in a national benefit staged play reading of A Soldier's Play by Charles Fuller, Monday, June 17, 2013, 6:30PM at 3535 Main Street, Houston, TX.

James Black and Elizabeth Bunch to Star in AGATHA CHRISTIE'S THE HOLLOW at Alley Theatre; Full Cast Announced!

(6/4/2013) - Beginning in July 2013, the Alley Theatre will produce Agatha Christie's The Hollow during its popular ExxonMobil Summer Chills series. Under the direction of Gregory Boyd, the Alley's resident company of actors will bring to life the colorful cast of characters in Agatha Christie's The Hollow.

BWW Interviews: Jaston Williams Talks BLAME IT ON VALENTINE, TEXAS

(6/4/2013) - One of the most exciting aspects of theatre in Texas is sitting in the audience while Jaston Williams, of GREATER TUNA fame, takes the stage. His charisma and charming personality completely mesmerize and enchant audiences. Recently, I had an opportunity to catch back up with Jaston Williams, and he toldme about his recent performance as Truman Capote in TRU at Austin's ZACH Theatre and his upcoming production of his solo show BLAME IT ON VALENTINE, TEXAS at Galveston's The Grand 1894 Opera House.

TUTS Presents DIXIE'S TUPPERWARE PARTY, Now thru 6/16

(6/4/2013) - Theatre Under The Stars (TUTS) announced today Dixie's Tupperware Party, the hilarious show starring Dixie Longate which turned Off-Broadway into a Tupperware-mania celebration and garnered the prestigious Drama Desk Award Nomination, rolls into the Hobby Center's Zilkha Hall tonight, June 4 - 16.

ALICE IN WONDERLAND to Play Main Street Theater, 6/24-7/5

(6/3/2013) - Alice in Wonderland, with Adaptation, Book & Lyrics by Jim Eiler and Music by Jim Eiler & Jeanne Bargy, based on the book by Lewis Carroll, will be directed by Jimmy Phillips with musical direction by Steven Jones at Main Street Theater - Chelsea Market.