Theatre

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Pauly Shore

Pauly Shore

10-17-2010 - 10-17-2010

Dosey Doe Coffee House

http://doseydoescoffeeshop.com/

Dosey Doe Coffee House - 25911 I-45 North The Woodlands TX 77380

Admission: $76-$106 Price includes: Salad, Entrée choice, Dessert, Soft Beverage

281-367-3774

http://doseydoescoffeeshop.com/

Start Time(s): 7:30pm

Dosey Doe Coffee House presents Pauly Shore.

An entertainment career was virtually pre-ordained for Pauly Montgomery Shore. At age 4, he sat on the lap of The King himself in the company of his father, comedian Sammy Shore, who opened for Elvis during the early ’70s. Around the same time, Pauly’s mother, Mitzi, and father opened The Comedy Store on Hollywood’s Sunset Strip, giving their son the rare opportunity to hang out and be inspired by such rising talents as Robin Williams, David Letterman and the late Sam Kinison, who became his mentor. At 17, Pauly began writing and performing his own material, creating the persona of “The Weasel,” a character that quickly appealed to young audiences.

While playing small roles in such movies as 18 Again and Phantom of the Mall, Pauly honed his comedy routine to a frenetic level, gaining the attention of MTV, which, in 1990, gave him his own show, “Totally Pauly.” Pauly rose to national attention during a strong four-year run on MTV, also revealing his comedy chops on the 1993 HBO special “Pauly Does Dallas.” His initial success on television led to a three-movie deal with Disney, beginning with the box-office hit Encino Man, co-starring Sean Astin and Brendan Fraser.

Pauly followed up Encino Man with the comedies Son-in-Law, In the Army Now, Jury Duty and Bio-Dome. In 1997, FOX cast him as the freeloading son of a wealthy businessman in the sitcom “Pauly,” which unfortunately lasted only six episodes.

Shore’s first comedy album, “The Future of America”, was named Best Comedy Album by the College Music Journalists, while his second album, “Scraps from the Future”, earned a Best Comedy Album nomination from The National Association of Record Merchandisers. He followed those up with “Pink Diggly Diggly” and “Hollywood, We Have a Problem”.

In 2003, Pauly produced, wrote, directed and starred in the critically acclaimed, Pauly Shore Is Dead, a semi-autobiographical mockumentary in which he satirizes the perils of Hollywood. In the film, Pauly loses everything and decides to fake his death in a quest for post-mortem adulation. He called in a lot of favors to get the project made and managed to wrangle big-star cameos from the likes of Sean Penn, Whoopi Goldberg, Ellen DeGeneres, Dr. Dre, Clint Howard, Perry Farrell, Fred Durst, Verne Troyer, Andy Dick, Mark McGrath, Jerry Springer, Montel Williams, Sally Jessy Raphael, Kurt Loder and Paris Hilton, to name a few.

Next, Pauly returned to TV in the TBS reality series “Minding the Store” which he produced as well as starred in. This was followed by a notable recurring part, as himself, on the hit HBO series, Entourage. He also starred in the soon to be released studio movie Opposite Day.

Pauly once again stepped into the producer, director and star roles with the sketch comedy movie “Natural Born Komics”, for which Pauly received the 2008 Entertainer of the Year Award from the Entertainment Merchants Association. In 2008 Pauly also expanded into the worlds of cyberspace and journalism with the Ripe TV VOD series “Pauly Shore’s America” in which Pauly explores various news stories with his own unique and irreverent style. For his first assignment Pauly went to Texas to cover the polygamist scandal.

Pauly Continues to tour the world with his stand-up comedy. He can be seen in the comedy special PAULY SHORE AND FRIENDS that has been airing on Showtime. Pauly starred in movie Opposite Day set to release in 2010. He was recently a creative consultant in Comedic film called ‘Brand Dead’ and also had a role as well. Pauly has just finished filming the upcoming Happy Madsion film called Born to be a Star feat. Nick Swardson.

Pauly continues to produce and direct, with his latest feature Adopted, scheduled for release on June 15, 2010, where he satirizes the phenomenon of celebrity adoptions as he travels to Africa to adopt an African baby. In addition, he has several short subject films and multiple projects in the works such as his MTV pilot called “The Shores” and Various projects with Will Farrell’s website FUNNY or DIE .
INTREPID FRINGE: William Shakespeare's KING LEAR

INTREPID FRINGE: William Shakespeare's KING LEAR

09-23-2010 - 10-09-2010

6

Intrepid Fringe

Obsidian Art Space (OAS) - 3522 White Oak Houston TX 77007

Admission: $20 Adults $15 Students/Seniors Contact Hal Evans, 281-734-8314 for group pricing Children under 12 admitted with parent Parental Discretion Advised

281-734-8314

info@troupedjour.com

http://www.obsidianartspace.org/opening-soon.html

Start Time(s): 8:00p Thursday-Friday-Saturday

Intrepid Fringe opens Shakespeare's KING LEAR on September 23 at 8p. The play runs Thursday-Friday-Saturday through October 9 in Houston's "coolest, new venue" (Houston Press), called Obsidian Art Space, in the Heights.

The action of KING LEAR rips through all veils of civility as the characters reduce their humanity and all the constructs thereof to utter nothingness. The minimalist, quasi-apocalyptic setting matches the harshness of the plot, accompanied by very industrial lighting and music which includes tracks by Nine Inch Nails.

Considered by many as Shakespeare's greatest tragedy, KING LEAR tears at the fabric of human compassion, one heart a time.

Children 12 and under may attend but only with a parent, and it is not recommended to them due to violence and themes.
Chess

Chess

10-01-2010 - 10-09-2010

6

The Masquerade Theatre

http://www.masqueradetheatre.com

Hobby Center - Zilkha Hall - 800 Bagby Houston TX 77002

Admission: VIP $60 Premium $50 Reserved $40 Patron $30

713-861-7045

evantessier@masqueradetheatre.com

http://www.masqueradetheatre.com

Start Time(s): Friday and Saturday @ 7:30 pm Sunday @ 2:00 pm

The Masquerade Theatre presents Chess, at Hobby Center - Zilkha Hall, running Friday-Sunday, October 1 through October 9.

At the height of the Cold War, every conflict is a heartbreaking collision between the US and the Soviet Union - even a chess tournament. Chess, with music by ABBA performers Benny Andersson and Björn Ulvaeus and lyrics by Tim Rice, is the story of two chess masters from opposite sides of the Iron Curtain, and the woman who would dare come between two superpowers for the sake of love.

Featuring favorite songs such as "One Night In Bangkok", "Anthem", "Someone Else's Story", and "Heaven Help My Heart", the romance and intrigue of Chess is sure to thrill!
Romeo & Juliet in REPERTORY

Romeo & Juliet in REPERTORY

09-23-2010 - 10-03-2010

Phoenix INC

www.phoenixinctheatrecompany.com

FrenetiCore Theater - 5102 Navigation Houston TX 77011

Admission: $10 student/industry, $15 general public Special discount if you purchase tickets to both productions Call the box office at 281-221-1878 or email <a href="mailto:phoenixinc@livecom">phoenixinc@livecom</a>  to reserve your tickets  

281-221-1878

phoenixinc@live.com

Start Time(s): Thursdays-Sundays at 8pm  

Phoenix INC Theatre Company presents Romeo & Juliet in REPERTORY, Thursdays- Sundays, September 23- October 3, 2010. Location: Frenetic Theatre- 5102 Navigation Houston, TX 77011.

“A Pair of star-cross’d lovers take their life.” Phoenix INC Theatre Company presents two production concepts alike in dignity, one a classic set in a contemporary world, directed by Ilich Guardila, the other an alternative view of contemporary life, directed by Trish Rigdon. Two directors with very different takes on one of Shakespeare's most beloved plays working with one company of actors.

Tickets: $10 student/industry, $15 general public. Special discount if you purchase tickets to both productions. Contact: Call the box office at 281-221-1878 or email phoenixinc@live.com to reserve your tickets.
Tina Sloan: Changing Shoes (at Country Playhouse)

Tina Sloan: Changing Shoes (at Country Playhouse)

10-25-2010 - 10-25-2010

1

Country Playhouse

http://www.countryplayhouse.org

Country Playhouse - 12802 Queensbury Houston TX 77024

Admission: $30 general admission $75 VIP Admission (includes signed copy of Ms Sloan’s book)

7134674497

http://www.countryplayhouse.org

Start Time(s): Monday October 25, 2010 at 730pm

Appearing on our Cerwinske Stage for one night only, Country Playhouse is delighted to present Tina Sloan: Changing Shoes – a one-woman show about the beautiful, life-changing and sometimes difficult discoveries we make when we least expect them.

Tina Sloan, a successful actress, mother, wife and friend has a chance encounter one night with an old pair of shoes, sending her on a journey she never planned to take. Join Tina as she searches for the answers to life's ultimate questions in the bottom of her closet and finds reasons to celebrate rather than to give up as she ages. Clips of 26 years on Guiding Light and in movies she has done add to the show's humor and sadness.

This is what people are saying about Changing Shoes:

“THE new play in town is Changing Shoes...Tina Sloan is fabulous!!!! Tina's solo performance is entertaining, funny, heartwarming, sentimental and wonderful. So put on your Manolo or Chanel shoes, grab some friends and go!” -Audience member, Atlanta

“Guiding Light fans will be drooling over all the "behind the camera" tidbits. What is totally unexpected is that those who wouldn't watch a soap on a dare find her monologue compelling and moving and funny. And her passionate love of acting is the thread that shouts out to her audience. As she steps into each pair of shoes she lets us walk in them with her.” -Atlanta Theatre Review

“Changing Shoes is a must-see for everyone! You'll laugh, you'll cry and, more significantly, you'll relate. Changing Shoes tells a story that is as much for men as it is for women because we all have to deal with the harsh reality of getting older, ours and others. Changing Shoes is clever and witty from start to finish. Who can resist the charm and talent of the fabulous Tina Sloan!” -E. Vincent Martinez, Fashionado.com, Atlanta
Dames at Sea

Dames at Sea

09-24-2010 - 10-17-2010

Houston Family Arts Center

http://www.houstonfac.com

Houston Family Arts Center - 10760 Grant Road Houston TX 77070

Admission: $16/adults, $14/seniors (65+), $12/students For tickets and additional information call 281-685-6374 or select your seats online at <a href="http://wwwhoustonfaccom">wwwhoustonfaccom</a>  

281-685-6374

hfac@houstonfac.com

http://tickets.houstonfac.com/

Start Time(s): Opening: FRIDAY, September 24 at 8 pm Performances: Saturday, September 25 at 8 PM Friday, October 1 at 8 PM Saturday, October 2 at 8 PM Sunday, October 3 at 3 PM Friday, October 8 at 8 PM Saturday, October 9 at 8 PM Sunday, October 10 at 3 PM Friday, October 15 at 8 PM Saturday, October 16 at 8 PM Sunday, October 17 at 3 PM

Houston Family Arts Center (HFAC) continues its 6th season of bringing family-friendly entertainment to Houston with the off-Broadway hit musical, Dames at Sea, opening at 8 PM on Friday, September 24 on the HFAC Garza Mainstage.

Dames at Sea is a fun, tap-dancing musical written as a spoof of the 1930’s Hollywood musicals. An energetic all-American girl arrives in the Big Apple with nothing but a pair of tap shoes in her suitcase. She falls in love with a sailor (who just happens to be a songwriter), and then saves a Broadway show when the star can't go on. Music! Curtain! Lights! It's time for Broadway magic! Love blooms, taps fly, and confusion reigns as the show leads to a hilarious climax.

"Broadway Baby," "Good Times are Here to Stay," "Dames at Sea," and "Let's Have a Simple Wedding" are among the hit songs of this fun musical.

Dames at Sea (book and lyrics by George Haimsohn and Robin Miller, music by Jim Wise) will tap dance its way into your heart. Dames at Sea premiered off-Broadway at the Bouwerie Lane Theatre in 1968 and launched now Broadway veteran, Bernadette Peters into stardom.

Dames at Sea is directed by Elaine Edstrom and stars local Houston talent Lendsey Kersey as Ruby, John Grimmett as Dick, and Pamela M. Moore as Mona Kent.

Rounding out the cast are John Carmona, Kalin Coates, Lauren Dolk, Richard Hahn, Brett Hurt, Brittany McLeod, Doug Pfaffenberger and Brianna Stiglet.

The artistic team includes Kara Koller (musical direction), Debra Schultz (choreographer), Michael Stepanik (scenic design), Amber Stepanik (costume design), Tracy Clayton (sound design), Lisa Garza (lighting design), Brendis O’Sullivan (stage manager) and Karen Clayton (Assistant Director)

Performance Location: Garza Mainstage 10760 Grant Road, Houston, TX 77070.

HOUSTON FAMILY ARTS CENTER – HOUSTON’S FAMILY THEATRE
Houston Family Arts Center (HFAC) is a non-profit 501(c)3 organization, founded in November 2005 to provide a fun outlet for creative community involvement through the production of high-quality, family-friendly, affordable entertainment. Each year HFAC produces musicals, comedies, and dramas. The HFAC Actors Academy provides numerous acting, singing and dancing classes and workshops for children, teens, and adults. For more information please visit www.houstonfac.com or call 281-685-6374.

HFAC GARZA MAINSTAGE
Opened in May 2010, the HFAC Garza Mainstage is a beautifully designed, 3256 square foot theatre equipped with state-of-the-art lighting and sound equipment. This 150-seat intimate theatre, features comfortably upholstered theatre seats in a raised stadium seating configuration and a mid-sized 30-foot by 20-foot proscenium stage. It is home to HFAC Mainstage and Teen Actors Guild (TAG) productions.

PHOTO CREDIT: ( L to R) Lauren Dolk and Lendsey Kersey play Joan and Ruby in the HFAC production of Dames at Sea.
2010 American Playwriting Reading Series: South Bridge, by Reginald Edmund

2010 American Playwriting Reading Series: South Bridge, by Reginald Edmund

09-13-2010 - 09-13-2010

1

Wordsmyth Theater Co

http://www.wordsmyttheater.org

Main Street Theater - Chelsea Market - 4617 Montrose Blvd Houston TX 77006

Admission: Free and open to the public

281-788-8007

Elizabeth@wordsmyththeater.org

Start Time(s): 7 PM

Wordsmyth Theater Company, in collaboration with Actor's Gym, presents the 2010 American Playwriting Reading Series featuring a reading of of South Bridge, by Reginald Edmund. Monday, September 13 at 7pm, at Main Street Theater - Chelsea Market.

LYNCH HIM! It’s Athens, Ohio, 1881, and a white woman has been assaulted. As Christopher C. Davis, the accused with an unusual gift, sits in his cell listening to the angry mob, he begins to think back...to peer into the souls of those around him to untangle the truth and understand -- why?

Reginald Edmund was raised in the City of Houston. Most recently he was awarded the Kennedy Center's national runner-up for the Lorraine Hansberry and Rosa Parks National Playwriting Awards in 2009, and named winner of the 2010 Southern Playwrights Competition for his play South Bridge.

His plays, The Ordained Smile of Sadie May Jenkins, South Bridge, Juneteenth Street, The Redemption of Allah Black, and White America which are all part of his nine-play series The City of the Bayou Collection, were developed at esteemed theaters including Bedlam Theatre, Silver House Theatre, the Playwrights' Center, Karamu House, Pangea World Theater, the MacDowell Colony, the Last Frontier Theater Conference and the Black and Latino Playwrights Conference.

Reginald Edmund received his B.A. in Theatre-Performance from Texas Southern University and his M.F.A. in Playwriting at Ohio University. He is Co-Founder of the Unit Collective, an organization of the cultivation and development of emerging artists of color based at the Playwrights' Center.
Aliens, Immigrants, & Other Evildoers, a bilingual multimedia solo by Jos Torres Tama

Aliens, Immigrants, & Other Evildoers, a bilingual multimedia solo by Jos Torres Tama

10-15-2010 - 10-16-2010

6

MECA

http://www.meca-houston.org/

MECA - 1900 Kane Street Houston TX 77007

Admission: Tickets on sale at <a href="http://wwwticketwebcom">wwwticketwebcom</a>  for $800 or $1200 at the door

713-802-9370 or 866-468-7621

http://www.ticketweb.com/

Start Time(s): Friday-Saturday 8pm

MECA presents the NPN Creation Project Aliens, Immigrants, & Other Evildoers, a bilingual multimedia solo by José Torres Tama, October 15 - 16 and 22 - 23, 2010. Co-commissioned by MECA, Gala Theatre in Washington D.C. and Ashé Cultural Arts Center in New Orleans.

Aliens, Immigrants, & Other Evildoers explores the current criminalization of immigrants and the rise in hate crimes against Latinos in the US. Using the sci-fi look of The Matrix movie, Jose transforms into numerous Latino "aliens" who challenge the flaws of a country built by immigrants that vilifies the same people whose labor it exploits, and he inventively fuses film interviews from a variety of people in the three commissioning cities of Houston, New Orleans and D.C. who respond to the questions: "If Columbus arrived without papers, why was he not immediately deported?"

New Orleans multidisciplinary visual and performance artist José Torres-Tama received a National Performance Network Creation Fund Award for the commissioning of a new performance theater solo called ALIENS, IMMIGRANTS & OTHER EVILDOERS, which explores the rise in hate crimes against Latinos and the criminalization of immigrants across the country.

The commissioning theatres were MECA in Houston, GALA Hispanic Theatre in Washington, D.C., and the Ashé Cultural Arts Center in New Orleans. From March 22 through April 30, Torres-Tama began the creation process, and he visited each city to research how the immigration debate is perceived. Working with a local filmmaker in all three cities, he interviewed members of the general public on the streets and asked the questions: "Since the Pilgrims arrived without papers, why were they not immediately deported, and where were was immigration then?” Some responses were then inventively fused into short film excerpts that drive the performance narrative.

Also, he interviewed immigrants and day laborers, immigration lawyers and activists, and immigrant social workers as part of the research. The final performance script are informed by these interviews, and he created the numerous characters he inhabits in ALIENS based on real-life individuals and their stories as immigrants.

ALIENS is performed with a sci-fi Latino noir aesthetic, bilingual texts, and multimedia staging strategies. Appropriating the sci-fi look of the film The Matrix, Torres-Tama transforms and shape-shifts into numerous Latino "aliens" who challenge the flaws of a country built by immigrants that vilifies the same people whose labor it exploits.

“Receiving the NPN Creation Fund Award is the highest honor I have received to for my performance work, and it marks the first time I have commissioning funds to assist with the creation of a new piece,” states Torres-Tama.

Since 1995, Jose Torres Tama has been touring across the country with solo shows that thrive on a fusion of spoken word prose, bilingual poetry, rituals of fire, symbolic movement, and exaggerated personae, creating spectacles that are visually dynamic and politically charged. Add to this cauldron a heady dose of hilariously absurd observations on consumer culture and you have a unique vision coming from a New Jersey/New York bred Ecuadorian-born brujo performance artist based in New Orleans.

The recipient of a Louisiana Theater Fellowship, he has also received a "Regional Artist Project" Grant from the National Endowment for the Arts to develop $CASINOAMERICA$, his acclaimed piece examining a culture that glorifies greed. His performances have been presented in Mexico, Eastern Europe and extensively across the USA at venues such as Performance Space 122 in New York; El Centro Cultural de la Raza in San Diego, CA; DiverseWorks in Houston, TX; Tigertail Productions in Miami, FL; The Arts Exchange in Atlanta, GA; Cornell, Duke, Louisiana State, Dillard, Spelman, and Rutgers Universities. As an arts educator, he is dedicated to working in minority communities with Latino and African American teens through his Youth Performance Projects that introduce performance art and poetry as a means of self-empowerment.

These projects have been profiled on National Public Radio and supported through grants from the National Endowment for the Arts, the National Performance Network, and the Philip Morris Foundation. Youth Performance Projects have been realized at centers such as MECA in Houston, TX; The Walker's Point Center for the Arts in Milwaukee, WI; and the Center for Cultural Exchange in Portland, ME. In addition, he is a contributing editor to ART PAPERS, a national arts magazine published in Atlanta for which he writes a column on performance art and politics, and he has written for the Chicago New Art Examiner, The Mexico City Times, and Urban Latino Magazine published in New York. His poetry has been published in From A Bend in The River, an anthology of 100 New Orleans poets and in the Mesechabe Surregional Press.

Locations:
October 15th – 16th, 2010 MECA Dow School Campus, 1900 Kane Street, Houston, TX 77007
October 22nd – 23rd, 2010 Neighborhood Centers, Inc. sites, To Be Announced
Celebremos Libertad

Celebremos Libertad

09-17-2010 - 09-19-2010

6

MECA

http://www.meca-houston.org/

MECA - 1900 Kane Street Houston TX 77007

Admission: Tickets on sale at <a href="http://wwwticketwebcom">wwwticketwebcom</a>  for $800 or $1200 at the door

713-802-9370 or 866-468-7621

http://www.ticketweb.com/

Start Time(s): Friday-Sunday 8pm

MECA presents the NPN Residency Project Celebremos Libertad, September 17th – 19th, 2010.

Celebremos Libertad is a theatrical musical depicting the history, music, and dance of the Mexican Revolution. The play celebrates the valor of women involved in the war through corridos (songs and dances) which memorialize women, such as Juana Gallo, La Adelita, La Coronela, La Marieta, La Valentina, La Rielera and many others.

Written and directed by Peter Webster. Music direction by Saul Avalos and performed by Mariachi MECA; dances choreographed by Julio López, director of the MECA Ballet Folklórico.

Location: MECA Dow School Campus, 1900 Kane Street, Houston, TX 77007.
One Man's Music: A Monologue with Song by Vince Bell (plus a Song Swap)

One Man's Music: A Monologue with Song by Vince Bell (plus a Song Swap)

09-25-2010 - 09-25-2010

6

Anderson Fair

http://www.andersonfair.com/

Anderson Fair - 2007 Grant Houston TX 77006

Admission: $20 cover charge

832-212-4057

http://www.andersonfair.com/

Start Time(s): Doors open at 8pm  

Anderson Fair presents One Man's Music: A Monologue with Song by Vince Bell. Followed by a Song Swap with Doug Hudson, Denice Franke. and Eric Hanke.

Vince Bell returns home with his new book, new CD, and a one-man play, Bell's new autobiography, One Man's Music: The Life and Times of Texas Songwriter. Vince Bell has just been published by the University of North Texas Press as the third in their North Texas Lives of Musicians Series, following biographies of Townes Van Zandt and Blaze Foley. Based on his book,Bell has written a 50-minute one-man play, with six songs, which he will premiere at Anderson Fair April 24th and 25th.

As a companion to both the above pieces he is simultaneously releasing his 5th CD, One Man's Music: The Songs. The one-man show will be followed by a full set of music from the new CD.

"This is a triumphant tale of distance and reunion, of shrapnel and balm, and of a man and his guitar who manage to find poetry in tenacity. Herodotus said, 'The tallest trees are always struck by lightning.' Vince Bell said, 'I stared into the face of God... and he blinked.' Vince is singular. This work is communal." — Peter Cooper, contributor to The Tennessean, CNN, CMT, MSNBC, and the BBC

In 1982, the promising singer/songwriter was broadsided by a drunk driver after leaving the studio where he and Stevie Ray Vaughan had just recorded three of Bell’s songs. Bell spent a month in a coma and the next decade relearning how to walk, talk, and play the guitar. His monologue not only details his recovery from the accident but also his roundabout climb back onstage. Beginning with the early 70s Houston music scene and his first guitar, and continuing through 35 years of recordings and tours, Bell shines a light in those dark corners of the music business that, for the lone musician whose success is measured not by the Top 40 but by nightly victories, usually fall outside of the spotlight.

Bell’s prose is not unlike his lyrics: spare, beautiful, evocative, and often sneak-up-onyou funny. His chronicle of his own life and near death on the road reveals what it means to live for one’s art.

Vince Bell's songs have been performed and recorded by such diverse talents as Little Feat, Lyle Lovett, and Nanci Griffith. In addition to releasing four critically acclaimed albums of his own, a ballet has been set to his work and his story turned into a musical. He performs extensively in the United States and Europe and is regularly featured on national and international radio, television and internet programs.
Ghosts

Ghosts

10-07-2010 - 10-17-2010

Classical Theatre Company

http://classicaltheatre.org/

TBH Center (Talento Bilinge de Houston) - 333 S Jensen Houston TX 77003

Admission: General Admission: $18 Students / Industry: $8 Group rates are available - please call to reserve group tickets Advance tickets may be purchased online and over the phone Tickets may also be purchased at the door the day of the show The box office opens one hour before curtain, and available tickets are sold until curtain time

713-963-9665

http://classicaltheatre.org/

Start Time(s): Thursday October 7, 7:30 pm (Preview) Friday October 8, 7:30pm (Opening) Saturday October 9, 7:30pm Sunday October 9, 2:30pm Monday October 10, 7:30pm (Industry Night) (Industry Night is open to the public) Thursday October 14, 7:30pm Friday October 15, 7:30pm Saturday October 16, 7:30pm Sunday October 17, 2:30pm

The Classical Theatre Company presents Henrik Ibsen's Ghosts. Running October 7 through October 17 at Talento Bilingue de Houston, 333 south Jensen Dr.

"Scandal" is the word that is often most associated with Henrik Ibsen and his plays. Frequently banned or censored because of their scathing criticism of 19th Century morality, Ibsen's works were hotly contested by the public and the media of the day. Ghosts is no different from these, and with its powerful commentary on the topics of incest, infidelity and euthanasia, it may well have been ripped from today's headlines.

The play follows a day in the life of the widow Helene Alving as she prepares to dedicate an orphanage in the memory of her late husband, but in the process she reveals to her spiritual advisor, Pastor Manders, that the deceased Captain Alving was a vile and lecherous man. The play revolves around Mrs. Alving's afflicted son Osvald and his unhealthy obsession with Regina, their maid.

It is literally the "sins of the father" made manifest. Meanwhile Helene and the pastor, strive to save her son's soul and his body before he is too far-gone.

“Henrik Ibsen is very rarely produced professionally in Houston. I am excited to get a chance to delve into the often neglected realm of early modern drama,” says Classical Theatre Company’s Executive Artistic Director John Johnston, “Ghosts is an intimate but powerful play that asks a lot of its actors and its audience.” The show previews on October 7th and opens on October 8th at the recently renovated Talento Bilingue de Houston cultural center.

The production boasts a stellar cast with Alley Theatre regulars Philip Lehl and Christianne Mays playing the leading roles of Pastor Manders and Mrs. Alving. Returning after playing Haimon in CTC’s Antigone is acclaimed international Irish actor Matthew Keenan who will portray the afflicted Osvald Alving. The outstanding cast is rounded out with local actor Kent Johnson as Engstrand and Classical Theatre Company Resident Actor Blair Knowles as Regina.

The Classical Theatre Company is dedicated to boldly re-envisioning classical drama on the stage, in the community, and in the classroom through engaging and enlightening plays - bringing them new life and relevance while maintaining the integrity that the works deserve.
Young Performers Studio (Saturdays)

Young Performers Studio (Saturdays)

10-02-2010 - 05-14-2011

6

Alley Theatre

http://alleytheatre.org/yps

Alley Theatre - 615 Texas St Houston TX 77002

Admission: YPS Annual fee: $3000 YPS FlexCard: $70 for 4 classes $120 for 8 classes

713-315-5423

rochelles@alleytheatre.org

http://alleytheatre.org/yps

Start Time(s): 10:00 am- 11:30 am

The Alley Theatre presents YPS (Young Performers Studio). YPS teaches continuing and pregressive classes in acting, writing, directing, vocal techniques, movement and improvisation.

Students can look forward to exciting activities during any of our Young Performer Studios. Our teaching artists strive to make each lesson engaging and fun. Some activities will include: storytelling, improvisation, voice, movement, and lessons on basic acting. Guest artists from the Alley staff will frequently demonstrate various acting, design, and production techniques to all of the classes.

The Alley Theatre’s Education & Community Engagement Department strives to serve future artists, educators and learners of all ages. Our goal is to encourage participation in theatre at all levels, spark intellectual curiosity, enhance creative expression and foster personal growth. By offering weekend workshops, after school classes and summer camps that focus on playmaking, ensemble building and the design process, YPS promotes individual creativity and connects youth and families to the work of the Alley Theatre in a profound and personal way.

Young Performers Saturday Studios are process classes that teach students how to do theatre. Basic skills such as acting, writing, directing, voice, movement, and improvisation will be taught on a continuing basis with students constantly being challenged to expand their skill set. Occasional sharing sessions will be scheduled as students achieve certain benchmarks, but the focus will be less on performance and more on becoming better artists of the theatre. Since classes will be ongoing, it will allow us to bring in specialty teachers to teach units on specific teaching methods. Such units will include: Viola Spolin’s Theatre Games, Rasa Boxes, Anne Bogart’s Viewpoints and Laban Movement techniques. Schedules will be released monthly and students will be able to choose which classes interest them most.

There is an annual family membership fee of $30 to become a member of the Young Performers Saturday Studio. A Flexcard must be purchased in order to attend a Saturday Studio session at the Alley Theatre.

We offer 24 studio classes during the school year. There are many options for each student within the following age groups and skill levels.
- Basic (ages 8-10)
- Scene Lab (ages 8-10)
- Fundamentals (ages 11-15)
- Troupe (ages 11-15)
- Vanguard (ages 10-15)
The Flexcard allows families the grace to attend classes when it is convenient. Each time a class is taken, the Flex card will be stamped. All students will be evaluated at the start the 2010/11 season for placement purposes. Advancement to a different level will be determined after three sessions by teaching artists as key skills and benchmarks are demonstrated. This is a great program for students involved in other theatre and performing arts programs.

The YPS Flexcards cost $120 for 8 classes or $70 for 4 classes. All punch cards expire on May 14, 2011 or 6 months after being purchased.

All classes are Saturday from 10:00am-11:30am. The 2010-2011 dates are:
- October 2, 9, 16, 23 & 30
- November 6, 13 & 20
- December 4 & 11
- January 8, 22 & 29
- February 5, 12 & 19
- March 5 & 26
- April 2, 9, 16 & 30
- May 7 & 14
Jackie Mason

Jackie Mason

10-17-2010 - 10-17-2010

The Grand 1894 Opera House

http://www.thegrand.com

The Grand 1894 Opera House - 2020 Postoffice St Galveston TX 77550

Admission: Tickets $20-$65  

(800) 821-1894

http://www.thegrand.com

Start Time(s): 3pm

The Grand 1894 Opera House presents Jackie Mason, Sunday, October 17, 2010 at 3pm. Don’t miss an evening of “no holds barred” laughter with Tony and Emmy Award-winning stand-up comedian Jackie Mason.

This Tony and Emmy Award-winning, stand-up comedy legend brings the house down in Vegas, on Broadway, on national tour, in print, CD, DVD, and on his own online radio show. With an inimitable combination of straight-talk observations and gutsy, "no holds barred" delivery, Mason turns his “inner critic” loose as he mines the comedy in just about everything — including sports stars, politics, terrorism, cyberspace, Jews, Gentles, fast food, and Beverly Hills!

Once in a generation, a performer emerges who is so extraordinary, so brilliant, that he or she become the standard to whom all others are compared. Jackie Mason is such a performer, and is widely regarded as one of the greatest stand-up comics of all time. Now more popular than ever, Mason combines pungent political satire, insightful observations on the foibles of modern life and impeccable timing to create material that leaves audiences laughing until they cry and critics raving show after show.

Born in Sheboygan, Wisconsin, Jackie Mason was raised on the Lower East Side of Manhattan surrounded by rabbis. His father, grandfather, great-grandfather, and great, great-grandfather were all rabbis, as are his three brothers. No surprise that at age 25, Jackie Mason was ordained a rabbi. Three years later, he quit his job in a synagogue to become a comedian because, as he says, "Somebody in the family had to make a living."

From humble comic beginnings in New York, the Borscht Belt, and comedy clubs around the country, Jackie Mason rose to be one the hottest comics in America in the early 1960's. He reached the apex of American entertainment culture when he became a regular performer on the nation's preeminent television variety program, "The Ed Sullivan Show," only to fall into Sullivan's disfavor over the interpretation of a now legendary hand gesture during a live performance in 1962, an incident which cast a shadow over Mason's career for more than a decade.

Mr. Mason first emerged from that shadow in Los Angeles, where his one-man show, "The World According to Me" originated in 1984 to wide acclaim. Yet the great triumph was his return to New York and his extraordinary success as a one-man show on the Great White Way.

"The World According to Me" began its unprecedented two and a half year run on Broadway began in December 1986 winning triumphant reviews and reestablishing Mason as one of the nation's premier comics. The show earned Jackie Mason a Tony Award, an Outer Critics Circle Award, an Ace Award, an Emmy Award, and a Grammy nomination, and it toured successfully in America and Europe for two years.

Mason returned to Broadway in 1990 with "Jackie Mason: Brand New"; in 1994 with "Jackie Mason: Politically Incorrect"; in 1996 with "Love Thy Neighbor"; in 1999 with "Much Ado about Everything"; and in 2002 with "Prune Danish." He garnered consistent commercial success and collected an impressive array of nominations and awards including an Emmy and an Ace award for the HBO special, "Jackie Mason on Broadway" and his latest show "Freshly Squeezed" which opened in 2005 is still touring the world.

Over the years, Jackie Mason has appeared in a variety of films and television shows, most notably "Caddyshack II" which won him a new, younger, hipper urban following and the TV sitcom, "Chicken Soup", which taught him that he's only happy when he's performing his own material.

Long passionate about politics, Jackie Mason is well known for his tough and outspoken position on a variety of issues. In 2005 Jackie hosted a national live call in show on the Comcast network airing every Friday night from 8-8:30pm EST. The show Received 3 Telly Awards and was nominated for an Emmy. Mason also hosted a nationally syndicated radio talk show and with his friend and collaborator, Raoul Lionel Felder, he hosted both the weekly PBS talk television series "Crossing The Line" and the BBC radio show "The Mason-Felder Report." Jackie currently hosts a nationally syndicated radio show on The Talk Radio Network, which airs Sunday nights from 7:00 to 9:00 PM EST. The show covers politics, news and current affairs. Jackie interviews some of the most informative and influential people in the world of news and politics.

Mason and Felder also write together. In 1997, Avon Books released The Jackie Mason, Raoul Felder Survival Guide to New York. This followed Dove Books Jackie Mason and Raoul Felder's Guide to New York and Los Angeles Restaurants in 1996. Their most recent book Schmucks!: Our Favorite Fakes, Frauds, Lowlifes, Liars, the Armed and Dangerous, and Good Guys Gone Bad (Harper Collins 2007) Jackie Mason also writes for the Jewish Press and a bi-monthly column with Raoul Felder in the internet edition of, The American Spectator. They also write a political column for The Washington Times, www.jewishworldreview.com and World Net Daily.

And now, Jackie is conquering a new media outlet. Not to be confined to just the stage, screen, print, TV & radio waves, Jackie's newest frontier is the internet. He brings his commentary of current events, sometimes humorous, sometimes cantankerous to the blogosphere. His blog and his bi-weekly vlog on YouTube, just goes to show, there's no media that Jackie can't bring his unmistakable style to. You can also see Jackie's video commentary on The Jewish Television Network.

Well known and beloved around the world, Jackie Mason has been honored by many including South African President Nelson Mandela, the United Kingdom's Oxford University, and scores of other organizations. In 1991, during the first Persian Gulf crisis, Jackie closed his show on Broadway and traveled to Israel in a show of solidarity that was later honored by now former Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. Jackie Mason calls New York home, but he lives on the road entertaining his many loyal long-time fans and the legions of new fans he earns each year.
Defending the Caveman

Defending the Caveman

10-22-2010 - 10-23-2010

5

The Grand 1894 Opera House

http://www.thegrand.com

The Grand 1894 Opera House - 2020 Postoffice St Galveston TX 77550

Admission: Tickets $20-$58  

(800) 821-1894

http://www.thegrand.com

Start Time(s): Friday, October 22, 8pm Saturday, October 23, 3pm & 8pm

The Grand 1894 Opera House presents Defending the Caveman, Friday, October 22, 2010, at 8pm, and Saturday, October 23, 2010, at 3pm and 8pm. Written by Rob Becker, this one-man, history-making Broadway comedy about the sexes will have you laughing out loud!

Defending the Caveman is a hilarious play about the ways men and women relate to each other. Without taking sides, this insightful comedy discusses the ongoing battle for understanding between the sexes. Recommended for adult audiences, Defending the Caveman was written by comedian Rob Becker over a three year period during which he made an informal study of psychology, sociology, and prehistory.

Originally opening in San Francisco in 1991, Defending the Caveman soon moved to Dallas. After a year in Dallas - now an irrefutable hit - Caveman went on to sold-out engagements in Washington DC, Philadelphia and Chicago, before opening on Broadway in 1995. Running two and a half years, playing 702 performances at the Helen Hayes Theater, Caveman entered the record books as the longest running solo play in Broadway history.

Still holding that record today, Defending the Caveman has gone on to become a worldwide, rock-solid tour-de-force. Having been translated into 16 different languages, Caveman has won the hearts of millions in more than 30 countries and is sure to win yours.

“Defending the Caveman is so perceptive, so witty, so sweetly understanding you can't help feeling exhilarated!" ~Boston Globe

"Caveman is hilarious! A blockbuster!" ~Washington Post

Caveman has both sexes roaring with laughter and recognition, affectionately nudging each other as they recognize themselves in the stories being told on the stage. Its “outrageously funny and surprisingly sweet exploration of the gender gap” (Chicago Sun Times) has made Caveman “a comic phenomenon.”

(New York Times). With hysterical observations into contemporary feminism, masculine sensitivity and the erogenous zones, Defending the Caveman mines the common themes in relationships that go straight through the funny bone and into the heart.
Steve Solomon: My Mother's Italian, My Father's Jewish & I'm STILL in Therapy

Steve Solomon: My Mother's Italian, My Father's Jewish & I'm STILL in Therapy

10-16-2010 - 10-16-2010

6

The Grand 1894 Opera House

http://www.thegrand.com

The Grand 1894 Opera House - 2020 Postoffice St Galveston TX 77550

Admission: Tickets $20-$58  

(800) 821-1894

http://www.thegrand.com

Start Time(s): 8pm

The Grand 1894 Opera House presents Steve Solomon: My Mother's Italian, My Father's Jewish & I'm STILL in Therapy, Saturday, October 16, 2010, at 8pm.

From Steve Solomon, star and creator of the hit Broadway smash: My Mother’s Italian, My Father’s Jewish & I’m in Therapy, the chaos continues in: My Mother’s Italian, My Father’s Jewish & I’m STILL in Therapy. Steve Solomon explores the wacky side of the human condition with the latest chapter of his family saga. Return with Steve and his twin sister to their baby days, filled with a collection of unforgettable uncles (including his new therapist, Cousin Sal!) and other astounding characters, brought to life by Steve’s gift for creating voice dialects and wacky sound effects.

Variety says “Steve is Alan King, Billy Crystal, a smidgen of Don Rickles and George Carlin all thrown in;” while WOR Radio calls the show “an hour and a half of laughter, hysterically funny!”

In this hysterical prequel, we go back with Steve from his baby years with his twin sister right up to the present. We’ll meet: Uncle Willie, Stuttering Cousin Bob, Demented Cousin Kenny, Steve’s new therapist, Cousin Sal (and Sal’s parole officer) and a myriad of astounding characters we know, love and tolerate from our own families; each one brought to life on stage by Steve using his gift that only adds to the hilarity of each story.

Steve has taken the art of impersonation and honed it into a science. He masterfully weaves different dialects, crazy characters, and wacky sound effects into his stories. Also included in the show are musical interludes that showcase even more of Steve’s talents. The tales take on a life of their own as Steve recounts memorable moments from his past and makes hysterical observations on timely topics.

A native of Brooklyn, Steve grew up in the multi-ethnic neighborhood of Sheepshead Bay. This was the perfect training ground for a dialectician. As the class clown and as a very authentic sounding Chinese restaurant delivery boy, Steve learned at an early age how to use his gift for imitating accents to his advantage.

In college, Steve dabbled in entertaining by emceeing events, but it was not until years later that he would pursue that ambition. Instead, he earned a doctorate in education and taught high school physics.

Using humor, dialects and sound effects in teaching, Steve was a real life version of Gabe Kaplan’s “Welcome Back Kotter.” Eventually, Steve became Assistant to the Superintendent of Schools on Long Island, New York. He also discovered he had an incredible aptitude for business.

He left this tremendous academic and business success behind and turned his attention to his latent love of making people laugh. As Steve puts it, “I was sick and tired of the regular pay-checks, the prestige and the educational glamour of an Administrator’s life so I decided to get on the road and make 30 dollars a show.”

Steve’s rise in the entertainment industry has been just as meteoric as his success in the business world. He has broken booking records by appearing at more locations, by popular demand, in a shorter period of time than any other comic.

“Still in Therapy” is his next hilarious installment in his quest to defend himself against those people whose sole purpose in life is to add chaos to his. It’s a laugh-filled fest of everybody you know, have known and some you’d want to forget but can’t; all brought to life on stage by the comic magic of Steve Solomon. Just when you thought it was safe to go back home for the Holidays....Steve brings us this new masterpiece of family dysfunction. So prepare to laugh, prepare to cry and prepare to be delighted with “My Mother’s Italian, My Father’s Jewish & I’m STILL in Therapy.”
Girls Night: The Musical!

Girls Night: The Musical!

10-09-2010 - 10-09-2010

6

The Grand 1894 Opera House

http://www.thegrand.com

The Grand 1894 Opera House - 2020 Postoffice St Galveston TX 77550

Admission: Tickets are $21-$51

(800) 821-1894

http://www.thegrand.com

Start Time(s): 3pm & 8pm

The Grand 1894 Opera House presents Girls Night: The Musical!, Saturday, October 9, 2010, at 3pm and 8pm.

A feel-good, 'tell-it-like-it-is' look at the lives of a group of female friends, who go from heartbreak to happiness during a wild night of karaoke. Prepare to laugh, cry, and dance in the aisles with your friends, sisters, and co-workers to hits like “Lady Marmalade,” “It’s Raining Men,” “Girls Just Want to Have Fun,” “I Will Survive,” and many more!

Follow five friends in their 30's and 40's during a wild and outrageous Girls' Night as they re-live their past, celebrate their present and look to the future on a hilarious karaoke night out ... and you'll recognize every one of them!

Liza is beautiful and sultry. Anita is blunt and lives on the edge of a nervous breakdown. Sharon is the teenage angel who just couldn't resist tagging along, come to find out, is not so angelic after all. Carol is a tall, blond party animal with painted-on pants and secret regrets. Kate is the funny-looking Zelda Gilroy and designated driver of the group. Each (with the exception of the angel) is totally dependant on a conventional male-female relationship for their happiness and sense of functionality.

Much like Menopause: The Musical, director Jack Randle has apparently tapped into something primal in his audience that temporarily obliterates their inhibitions. It is a phenomenon worthy of patenting.
-Palm Beach Post

An infectious, exhilarating sense of intoxication
-Hollywood Reporter

Uproarious musical comedy
-News Observer
Dallas Children's Theatre: Giggle, Giggle, Quack

Dallas Children's Theatre: Giggle, Giggle, Quack

10-12-2010 - 10-12-2010

2

The Grand 1894 Opera House

http://www.thegrand.com

The Grand 1894 Opera House - 2020 Postoffice St Galveston TX 77550

Admission: Matinee: Adult $10 Child $6 Evening: All tickets $10 Pre-performance dinners of Hot Dogs or PB&J sandwiches (with side and drink) will be available for the evening performances from 6-6:45pm in Edna’s Room at The Grand An additional ticket is needed for the dinners and is available at $5 per person

(800) 821-1894

http://www.thegrand.com

Start Time(s): 10am & 7pm Pre-performance dinners of Hot Dogs or PB&J sandwiches (with side and drink) will be available for the evening performances from 6-6:45pm in Edna’s Room at The Grand An additional ticket is needed for the dinners and is available at $5 per person

The Grand 1894 Opera House presents Dallas Children's Theatre: Giggle, Giggle, Quack, Tuesday, October 12, 2010 at 10am and
a NEW! Evening performance at 7pm.

The Grand 1894 Opera House’s 2010-2011 Serious Fun season opens with two performances of The Dallas Children's Theatre's production of Giggle, Giggle Quack on Tuesday, October 12th at 10am and 7pm. Returning this year to the Serious Fun Children’s Series are evening performances, and new this year is a pre-show dinner option for families on the go. Recommended for children in grades pre-K through third grade, kids of all ages will enjoy this hilarious sequel to the barnyard blockbuster, Click, Clack, Moo: Cows That Type.

There's a duck on the loose at The Grand. Good ole Farmer Brown decides to take a vacation and leaves his city-slicker brother, Bob, in charge with specific directions on how to care for the animals. Duck re-writes the instructions demanding “pizza for the hen”, “bubble baths for the pig”, and “movie night for the cow.” It’s another madcap musical mutiny, so come and join the fun! Giggle, Giggle Quack is based on the book by Doreen Cronin and Betsy Lewin and adapted by James E. Grote with music and lyrics by George Howe.

Pre-performance dinners of Hot Dogs or PB&J sandwiches (with side and drink) will be available for the evening performances from 6-6:45pm in Edna’s Room at The Grand. An additional ticket is needed for the dinners and is available at $5 per person.

The children's series performances have been designated The Harris L. Kempner Children's Series in honor of his lifelong commitment to youth, education and The Grand's programming.

CURTAINS UP ON THE AUTHOR
Doreen Cronin is the New York Times bestselling author of Diary of a Worm, Diary of a Spider; as well as Click, Clack, Moo: Cows That Type, a Caldecott Honor Book; and Giggle, Giggle, Quack. She lives in Brooklyn, NY, with her husband and their daughters.

CURTAINS UP ON THE ILLUSTRATOR
Betsy Lewin grew up in Clearfield, Pennsylvania. She always loved to draw and has always wa nted to be an artist. After graduating from Pratt Institute where she studied illustration, Ms. Lewin designed greeting cards. Later, she began to write and illustrate stories for children’s magazines, and then expanded to illustrating children’s picture books. Betsy’s art is usually humorous, drawn in pen or brush with watercolor washes, as in Click, Clack, Moo; Cows That Type and Giggle, Giggle, Quack but she also paints in a naturalistic style as in Chubbo’s Pool.

CURTAINS UP ON THE PLAYWRIGHT
Jim Grote has been a member of the artistic ensemble of Lifeline Theater in Chicago, Illinois since 1999. He became a playwright for Lifeline in 2000 with his adaptation of C.S. Lewis’ The Silver Chair, which was named the best family show of that year by the Chicago Tribune. Along with Giggle, Giggle, Quack, Jim has adapted Click, Clack, Moo: Cows That Type and Duck for President, both also based on the book series by Doreen Cronin and Betsy Lewin. He has also adapted The Dirty Cowboy and Deep in the Jungle for Lifeline’s KidSeries. Mr. Grote has also appeared onstage in Everyman at Steppenwolf Theatre, The Secret of the Old Queen at Stage Left Theatre, and has toured with the National Theatre for Children and Health Works Theatre. Jim is a graduate of Northwestern University in Chicago, Illinois.

CURTAINS UP ON THE COMPOSER
George Howe is an award winning composer/lyricist/cabaret artist. He has written the songs for many other children’s shows including Brave Potatoes; Somebody Loves You, Mr. Hatch; and Click, Clack, Moo: Cows That Type. His latest musical, Sleeping Ugly, which premiered at Griffin Theatre in 2006, won him a 2006 After Dark award for Outstanding Music and Lyrics.

Rated by TIME Magazine as one of the top 5 theaters in the nation performing for youth, Dallas Children’s Theater is a professional theater serving more than 270,000 young people and their families through its 11 main stage productions, national touring company, and education and outreach programs. As the only major organization in Dallas focusing solely on youth and family theater, DCT builds bridges of understanding between generations and cultures, instilling an early appreciation of literature, art and the performing arts in tomorrow’s artists and patrons.

In October 2003, following an $8.6 million renovation, DCT celebrated the grand opening of its 58,000 square foot facility, the Rosewood Center for Family Arts.
John Lithgow Stories By Heart

John Lithgow Stories By Heart

10-02-2010 - 10-02-2010

6

The Grand 1894 Opera House

http://www.thegrand.com

The Grand 1894 Opera House - 2020 Postoffice St Galveston TX 77550

Admission: Tickets are $22-$75

(800) 821-1894

http://www.thegrand.com

Start Time(s): 8pm

The Grand 1894 Opera House presents John Lithgow – “Stories By Heart,” Saturday, October 2, 2010 at 8pm. A touching and humorous theatrical tour-de-force.

Two-time Tony Award winner and celebrated TV and film star John Lithgow loves to retell stories from his childhood. In his current, one-man show, Lithgow journeys back to the more carefree time of childhood. There, he shares humorous and touching recollections of treasured stories — both fiction and true-to-life — that saw John through his formative years and inspired his own life as an actor and storyteller.

John Lithgow is known for his roles as Dr. Dick Solomon on the NBC sitcom 3rd Rock from the Sun, Arthur Mitchell on Showtime'sDexter and Reverend Shaw Moore in Footloose. He appeared in the films The World According to Garp (1982) and Terms of Endearment (1983), receiving the Academy Award nomination, Best Actor in a Supporting Role for each.

On the stage, he appeared in the musical adaptation of Sweet Smell of Success, winning the Tony Award for Best Leading Actor in a Musical. He again appeared in a musical, Dirty Rotten Scoundrels, receiving the Tony nomination for Best Leading Actor in a Musical.

In his one-man theatrical memoir, Stories By Heart, Tony® and Emmy® Award winning actor John Lithgow explores storytelling as the unacknowledged tie that binds humanity. Stories By Heart is a touching and humorous reflection on the essence of storytelling. Invoking memories of his grandmother and father before him, John Lithgow traces his own history as an actor and storyteller, a history spanning three generations.

Interspersed with stories from his own life are stories told to him and his siblings when they were children. Directed by Jack O'Brien, and following its acclaimed Lincoln Center Theater presentation, Stories By Heart features both P.G. Wodehouse's "Uncle Fred Flits By" and Ring Lardner's "Haircut."

In the comic monologue "Uncle Fred Flits By," a skeptical nephew is taken on a very funny journey by his unstoppable uncle. In this hilarious tour de force, Lithgow portrays nine distinct, outrageous characters with zany abandon, utilizing only body language, vocal changes, timing and facial expression.

A wry look at midwestern implacability,"Haircut" is a tale told by a Michigan barber who's seen it all, or so he believes. As Lithgow launches into the narrative, he completely transforms himself into the jolly, loquacious barber who captivates the audience.

"Simply put, the triumph of successful acting."
-The New York Times

"Lithgow at his heartwarming best."
-Reuters
Vanities

Vanities

10-22-2010 - 11-13-2010

Theatre Southwest

http://theatresouthwest.org

Theatre Southwest - 8944-A Clarkcrest Houston TX 77063

Admission: General admission:  $1600 Seniors: $1400 Students (with ID): $1400

713-661-9505

tickets@threatresouthwest.org

http://theatresouthwest.org

Start Time(s): October 22-November 13 Fridays and Saturdays @ 8:00 pm Matinee, November 7 @ 3:00 pm  

Theatre Southwest presents Vanities, by Jack Heifner. Directed by Lisa Schofield. Running October 22 through November 13. Fridays and Saturdays at 8 pm; (Matinee, November 7, 3 pm).

Three Texas cheerleaders from the Kennedy era take very different paths in life, despite their BFF teenage vows. An Off-Broadway treasure from the 70’s, rediscovered and rejuvenated.

A bittersweet comedy that is an astute, snapshot-sharp chronicle of the lives of three regional, small town girls. In 1963, Joanne, Kathy and Mary are aggressively vivacious cheerleaders. Five years later in their college sorority house, they are confronting their futures with nervous jauntiness. In 1974, they reunite briefly in New York.

Their lives have diverged — their friendship, which once thrived on assumption as well-coordinated as sweater sets, is strained and ambiguous. Old-time banter rings false. Their attempts at honest conversation only show they can no longer afford to have very much in common.

“Vanities” is a laugh-out-loud comedy about the growth of a friendship among three small town women coming of age in the 1960s and ‘70s. It's an astute, snapshot-sharp chronicle look at their lives with witty dialogue that keeps the audience laughing throughout the production!

Theatre Southwest is supported in part by grants from the City of Houston through the Houston Arts Alliance and from the Houston Endowment.
Grown-Up Storytime 29

Grown-Up Storytime 29

09-21-2010 - 09-21-2010

2

BooTown Theatre

http://www.bootown.org/

Rudyard's - 2010 Waugh Houston TX 77006

Admission: Cover charge TBD Call venue for details Rudyard's has a strict 21 and over ONLY policy  

(832) 541-2861 or (713) 521-0521

Start Time(s): Call venue for start time

BooTown presents Grown-Up Storytime 29, Tuesday, September 21.

The Grown-up Storytime series is a late-night event that takes place every month at Rudyard’s British Pub, a bar and venue located in the heart of Montrose. You send us stories, we pick the best ones, and assign them to a rotating crack-squad of expert story readers who show up the night of and wow our socks and/or pants off.

If you like having fun, then you'll probably like BooTown.

OUR FANCY-PANTSY MISSION STATEMENT: BooTown is dedicated to creating collaborative theatre and providing a fun theatrical experience for all involved. BooTown supports the arts in Houston, provides outlets for Houston artists, and is committed to creating an interdisciplinary community. We create original theatrical events and encourage performance in non-theatrical settings in order to cultivate a new audience.

"BooTown is like those awesome shoes with the bottoms that light up. You know, like the kind we had in the 90's." ~Timothy Evers

It’s on a Tuesday – what else are you going to do?

Interested in submitting a story or reading someone else’s story?!? Email us at grownupstorytime@bootown.org!
Country Gravy & Other Obsessions

Country Gravy & Other Obsessions

09-24-2010 - 09-24-2010

5

Magic Butterfly (formerly Inchworm Productions)

http://www.inchwormproductions.com/

Unity Church of Christianity - 2929 Unity Drive Houston TX 77057

Admission: $1500

713-782-4050

http://www.unityhouston.org/events-and-classes/special-events/concerts.aspx

Start Time(s): 8:00pm

Magic Butterfly (formerly Inchworm Productions), presents Country Gravy & Other Obsessions, 8:00pm, Friday, September 24, at Unity Church of Christianity, 2929 Unity Drive.

Mavis Applebee is back by popular demand, along with favorite gal-pal Myrtle McGillicurdle, performing their musical relationship seminar, Country Gravy & Other Obsessions. These two fabulous women are bringing their dynamic relationship seminar to you in song and funny!

You've just gotta hear this "relationship seminar" - including songs like French Fry on the Floorboard, Swingin’ with the "Change", Coffee, Country Gravy, You Always Hurt the One You Love, and Callalillies!

“These girls are incredible! They are comedic geniuses who also just happen to sing better than anyone else! That was the most entertaining evening of my life.” Jaime Lopez

“They are fun, entertaining & great performers. I love the origi-nality and heart they put in their performances. Good laughs, good singing & great fun!” Michael Jones - KPFT 90.1

Julia Kay Laskowski, fresh from her Italian Summer tour Il Mito Di Broadway again joins with Inchworm Productions parther Patti Rabaza.

JULIA KAY LASKOWSKI
is a Houston celebrity who has performed with every prominent theater in Houston, including the two premier Broadway theaters, Theater Under the Stars and the Alley Theatre. Julia performed in an Italian tour, IL MITO DI BROADWAY this summer. She sang the title role in Always. . . Patsy Cline for 18 months – the longest-running musical ever in Houston.

PATRICIA RABAZA
Patti's stage credits include leading roles with Theater Under the Stars, Houston Theater LaB, Galveston’s Strand Theater, Opera of the Ozarks, Nacogdoches Repertory Opera and Oklahoma Lyric Theater. As winner of young artist auditions, she per-formed as guest artist with the Oklahoma Sym-phony Orchestra and San Angelo Orchestra.
Josh Sneed

Josh Sneed

09-30-2010 - 10-03-2010

6

Laff Spot

http://laffspot.com/

Laff Spot - New Address - 8905 Louetta Ste R Spring TX 77379

Admission: $1500 Please note there is a two item minimum purchase per person inside the showroom

281-655-7777

http://www.laffspot.com/

Start Time(s): Thursday - 8pm Friday - 8pm, 10:30pm Saturday - 7pm, 9pm, 10:45pm Sunday - 8pm

The Laff Spot presents Josh Sneed.

Josh Sneed is quickly making his mark as one of the top young comics in the business. After quitting a comfy day job working for Procter & Gamble in 2001, he’s made excellent strides in following his passion for making people laugh. Opening for such acts as Dave Chappelle, Dane Cook, and Dave Attell.

Most recently, Josh filmed a 30-minute special for Comedy Central, “Comedy Central Presents: Josh Sneed” that will air March 30, 2007. He’s also been seen on "Premium Blend" on Comedy Central, and was selected by the network in 2006 to perform in the inaugural South Beach Comedy Festival. In November of 2006, Josh placed 6th in the Sierra Mist/MySpace Stand-up or Sit Down Challenge out of over 2,000 entrants.

In 2004, he performed at the Just For Laugh's Montreal Comedy Festival in the "New Faces of Comedy" group, one of the highest honors that a comedian at his level can achieve. Josh can also be found performing in large venue theaters across the country as an opening act for the various members of "The Blue Collar Comedy Tour", and has made several appearances on "The Bob & Tom Show".

His first solo comedy CD, “A Shout Out To My Peeps”, is receiving high praise from fans and critics across the country, and receives regular airplay on XM and Sirius satellite radio. In 2003, Josh was chosen as 1 of only 10 finalists in Comedy Central’s “Laugh Riots” competition. Winning is nothing new to Josh. In 4th grade he earned a blue ribbon for throwing a softball through a tire.

Across the country, Josh is receiving excellent feedback from comedy club bookers, audiences, and fellow comedians. In an interview with an Austin, TX magazine, the late great Mitch Hedberg said, "...my favorite comic is from Cincinnati, Josh Sneed. He's amazing." Dave Attell calls Josh, "a great joke writer."
Auntie Mame

Auntie Mame

09-15-2010 - 10-15-2010

Stages Repertory Theatre

http://www.stagestheatre.com

Stages Repertory Theatre - 3201 Allen Parkway, Suite 101 Houston TX 77019

Admission: Tickets start at $21

7135270123

http://www.stagestheatre.com

Start Time(s): Wednesday & Thursday 7:30p Friday 8:00p Saturday 3:00p & 8:00p Sunday 3:00p Previews Wednesday, September 15 & Thursday, September 16, 2010 Press Opening Friday, September 17, 2010 The Mame Event Saturday, September 18, 2010 Post-performance Q&A Sunday, September 19, 2010 Closing Sunday, October 17, 2010

GET READY FOR A BRAND NEW MAME! Stages opens its 2010-2011 season with an adventurous new production of Jerome Lawrence's and Robert E. Lee's beloved classic stage play Auntie Mame, playing September 15 - October 10 in Stages' Yeager Theater.

Starring Sally Edmundson in the role she was born to play, the Stages production features a zany cast of 15 versatile actors covering the more than 45 roles demanded by the Lawrence/Lee script. Stages Producing Artistic Director Kenn McLaughlin directs, and the entire show is underscored with a live soundtrack performed by Chicago street musician Martin Saville.

"This play is one of the greatest lost gems of the American theatre," Stages Producing Artistic Director Kenn McLaughlin said. "Because of the amazing popularity of the musical version and the extraordinary film adaptation, the original play has been sadly overlooked by the professional theatre.

The play demonstrates a depth of character and a range of great comedy and drama within brilliantly constructed scenes," McLaughlin continued. "It was way ahead of its time and thus feels as fresh and relevant today as a brand new work - I can't wait to share our take on it with Houston audiences."

Patrick Dennis' 1955 novel Auntie Mame imagines a series of outrageous escapades involving an orphaned boy and his wildly unconventional aunt. The extraordinary popularity of the book inspired the stage play as well as Broadway and Hollywood musicals and the iconic film starring Rosalind Russell. Stages audiences will encounter all the familiar characters from previous incarnations, brought to life with a decidedly 21st century spin.

"To some degree we are rescuing the play from its mythology," McLaughlin said. "The core idea of this play is to open yourself to possibilities and not be trapped by convention, and that's exactly how we approached this production. We intend to surprise and delight the audience by playing against every possible expectation."

One example of Stages' stamp on this classic is the addition of a live electric guitar underscoring the play's action. McLaughlin first heard musician Martin Saville playing for rush-hour commuters in a Chicago 'L' station. McLaughlin was so taken by Saville's extraordinary talent that before leaving Chicago he spent several hours riding the train in search of Saville in order to invite him to join the Stages production.

"For me, the ideas of this play transcend time and place and I hadn't quite found the way to communicate that with the design elements alone. When I heard Martin sing, I knew that his sound was at once popular and classic, and it was just what I was looking for-his sound freed my mind to see the whole design in a new way. An elegant, free-wheeling style took over and we just let it lead us to exciting new places," McLaughlin said.

Of Special Note: The Mame Event and Ouisie's Table Dinner Packages
In addition to the play itself, Stages presents one glamorous, elegant evening of revelry in the form of The Mame Event, an intimate fundraiser hosted by Judy and Charles Tate along with Event Chairs George and Bonner Ball, Susan and Sanford Criner, Sally and Philip Edmundson, Molly Hipp and Ford Hubbard, Patricia Hubbard, George Lancaster, and Kate McConnico. This grand opening gala garden party on September 18 celebrates Sally Edmundson's turn as Auntie Mame and includes a cocktail reception and private Auntie Mame performance at Stages, followed by an after-party and buffet dinner at the Tate residence.

Stages also will offer patrons the opportunity to purchase a special Auntie Mame dinner package in partnership with Ouisie's Table. The package includes a ticket to the show and a mouth-watering prix fixe menu at Ouisie's. For the patrons' convenience, all reservations are made through the Stages Box Office - it's one-stop shopping at its best! Dinner packages are $65 each.

IMPORTANT DATES:
Previews
Wednesday, September 15 & Thursday, September 16, 2010

Press Opening
Friday, September 17, 2010

The Mame Event
Saturday, September 18, 2010

Post-performance Q&A
Sunday, September 19, 2010

Closing
Sunday, October 17, 2010

PERFORMANCE TIMES
Wednesdays & Thursdays 7:30 PM
Fridays 8:00 PM
Saturdays 3:00 PM & 8:00 PM
Sundays 3:00 PM

DIRECTOR
Kenn McLaughlin

CAST
Sally Edmundson as Mame Dennis
David Heaton as Young Patrick/Michael
Zachary Lewis as Patrick/Bishop Eleftharoses/Lord Dudley/Dr. Feuchtwanger
Rutherford Cravens as Mr. Babcock/Mr. Loomis/Osbert/Vet
Kate Revnell-Smith as Vera Charles/Sally Cato MacDougel
David Matranga as Ralph Devine/Cousin Jeff/Brian O'Bannion/Reginald
Eva Laporte as Agnes Gooch/Cousin Fan/Stage Manager
Josh Morrison as Beau Burnside/Claude Upson/M. Lindsay Woolsey
Fong Chau as Ito/Theater Manager
Terri Brenda Carter as Norah Muldoon/Doris Upson/Mother Burnside
Bethany McCade as Gloria Upson/Aunt Euphemia/Girl at Party
Courtney D. Jones as Pegeen Ryan/Edna/Lizzie Beaufort
Adrian Coco Anderson as Girl at Party/Maid
Ian Tonroy as Emory MacDougal/Customer's Son
Shawn Everiss as Mr. Waldo/Cousin Moultrie

with music performed by Martin Saville

SCENIC DESIGN
Joseph Blanchard, Jodi Bobrovsky, Kenn McLaughlin & Josh Morrison

COSTUME DESIGN
Macy Perone

LIGHTING DESIGN
Devlin Browning

SOUND DESIGN
Bryan Ealey

PRODUCTION STAGE MANAGER
Krissy Larson

ASSISTANT DIRECTOR
Bradley Winkler

About Stages Repertory Theatre
Characterized by courage, generosity, ingenuity, and intimacy, Stages Repertory Theatre advances theatre and enlivens culture by producing new work, interpreting established work in new ways, and nurturing talent for the performing arts field. In addition to its MainStage season of plays, Stages presents the EarlyStages series, introducing young audiences to the power and magic of live theatre. Stages also offers a range of additional education and outreach programs that encourage conversation about important ideas and issues, provide insight into other cultures and viewpoints, and help develop each new generation of citizens, artists and audiences.

Now entering its 32nd season, Stages is a member of the Fresh Arts Coalition and a constituent of Theatre Communications Group (TCG), the national service organization for not-for-profit theatres. Stages operates under an agreement with Actor's Equity Association (AEA), the union of professional actors and stage managers in the United States.
Madeas Big Happy Family Starring Tyler Perry

Madeas Big Happy Family Starring Tyler Perry

09-18-2010 - 09-19-2010

6

Toyota Center

http://www.houstontoyotacenter.com

Toyota Center - 1510 Polk Street Houston TX 77002

Admission: Saturday, September 18: 3:00 PM  $55 and $60 8:00 PM  $70 and $80 Sunday, September 19: 3:00 PM  $65 and $70 7:30 PM  $65 and $70

1-866-4HOUTIX (866-446-8849)

http://toyotacentertix.com/events/event_1009.php

Start Time(s): Saturday, September 18: 3:00 PM (Doors open at 2pm) 8:00 PM (Doors open at 7pm) Sunday, September 19: 3:00 PM (Doors open at 2pm) 7:30 PM (Doors open at 6:30pm)

Toyota Center is excited to welcome Madea’s Big Happy Family Starring Tyler Perry to Houston for 4 shows on September 18 and 19!

MADEA IS BACK! For the first time in 5 years, Madea will bring her creative energy to the live stage like never before. "Madea's Big Happy Family" is the 12th stage play written by Tyler Perry. He brings to the theater pure entertainment that transcends all ages. He has produced 11 previous successful stage productions, 8 successful movies and 2 successful weekly TV shows.

Perry is a renowned actor, director, playwright, screenwriter, producer, and author. His Madea character has brought smiles to people across the country and promises to do so again with the all new Madea’s Big Happy Family tour.

Don’t miss your chance to see Tyler Perry live on stage when he stars as Madea in Madea’s Big Happy Family!

Check out Tyler Perry's website at www.TylerPerry.com!
Harvey

Harvey

10-28-2010 - 11-21-2010

6

College of the Mainland

http://www.com.edu/campus-life/theatre.cfm

College of the Mainland (COM) Community Theatre - 1200 Amburn Road Texas City TX 77591

Admission: TICKET PRICES Sections: “A”/$23, “B”/$18, “C”/$13 Discount for students and senior citizens Children must be four years old to attend

409-938-1211 or 1-888-258-8859, Ext 345

http://www.com.edu/campus-life/theatre.cfm

Start Time(s): Thursday-Saturday 8pm Sunday 2:30pm

College of the Mainland Community Theatre presents Harvey, by Mary Chase. Running October 28 - November 21, 2010.

Affable Elwood P. Dowd has a kind word for everyone he meets. He lives a quiet life with his social-climbing sister and her daughter and is devoted to his loyal and trustworthy friend and constant companion, Harvey. The fact that Harvey happens to be a six-foot tall invisible rabbit doesn't seem to bother Elwood but is an ongoing embarrassment to his family who decides to have him committed.

In this Pulitzer Prize-winning comedy, the medical establishment is turned topsy-turvy as Elwood and Harvey cause pandemonium.

A celebrated success: This play has become one of the most successful and popular plays ever.
Incorruptible

Incorruptible

09-09-2010 - 10-03-2010

College of the Mainland

http://www.com.edu/campus-life/theatre.cfm

College of the Mainland (COM) Community Theatre - 1200 Amburn Road Texas City TX 77591

Admission: TICKET PRICES Sections: “A”/$23, “B”/$18, “C”/$13 Discount for students and senior citizens Children must be four years old to attend

409-938-1211 or 1-888-258-8859, Ext 345

http://www.com.edu/campus-life/theatre.cfm

Start Time(s): Thursday-Saturday 8pm Sunday 2:30pm

College of the Mainland Community Theatre presents Incorruptible, by Michael Hollinger. Running September 9 - October 3, 2010.

From the author of "Red Herring," this hilarious, lightning-fast comedy is set in a medieval monastery that is down on its luck. Its patron saint hasn't worked a miracle in 13 years and pilgrims have stopped visiting... and donating. To get back on top before the Pope arrives for a visit, the monks concoct an outrageous new way to pay old debts.

Incorruptible, A Dark Comedy About the Dark Ages is a fun, gentle rib-poking look at how we humans gleefully twist our convictions to rationalize our bad behavior. As side trips it looks at how we treat our dead religious icons and how far even churches will go to make a buck.

For the non-Catholics -- deceased holy people who don't decompose are what is called an "incorruptible." It's estimated that only about 1% of the Catholic Church's saints fall into this category; these include: St. Bernadette of Lourdes, Pope John XIII, St. John Vianney, St. John Damascene, St. Catherine Laboure, and a few others. The state of decomposition can be non-existent, extremely slow, or result in mummification, but can not occur from extensive embalmment or other explainable natural means. "Relics," meanwhile, are portions of a saint's body that have been removed and placed in other spots so that the faithful can make pilgrimages to a myriad number of religious locations to request the saint's intersession for assistance.

Thus feet, livers, and other internal and external body parts are disseminated throughout the globe in order to spread the miracle wealth (so to speak). For example, while the body of Mother Cabrini (also known as St. Frances Xavier Cabrini) is housed in New York City in the chapel at Mother Cabrini High School (just off the A Train), her head is located in Italy.

Michael Hollinger bases his farcical script on actual things that occurred during the Dark and Middle Ages. He takes some artistic license, of course, but the stealing and trafficking of saints' body parts was in high demand during these times and so his general story line could very well have happened just about anywhere in Europe.

In this case, he takes St. Foy (a 13 year-old girl martyred in the fourth century, who is an actual saint still popular in Europe and Latin America) and places the action in a monastery at Priseaux, France. There the monks are trying to figure out how to bring in an influx of cash so the monastery can continue its mission to help the needy and stave off the starvation of the clergy. The monastery's patron saint (Foy) has not produced a miracle in thirteen years and the pilgrims, as well as the local people, have stopped coming looking for assistance and paying an obligatory donation to view the saint's relics (her entire skeleton). Instead the faithful have moved on to other more active and celebrated holy sites. Even for churches in the dark ages it was all about public relations and staying current with constant miraculous output. Which is not that much different than the cult of celebrity worship and maintaining celebrity status today.

When St. Foy's identity is stolen (not just a 21st century problem!) the monks face starvation or accepting drastic measures to keep the order afloat. Ironically, even the brothers of Priseaux have a hard time believing in their patron. When a murdered Jewish money changer arrives on their doorstep at the same time a one-eyed, itinerant minstrel stumbles through town, Brother Martin hits upon the idea of selling off the monastery's graveyard full of bodies ("We could sell him -- for parts!") and suddenly things begin looking up for the Abbot of Priseaux and his colleagues as they traffic in the sale of "saintly" heads, feet, and collarbones.

Until the Pope announces he will be making a visit to see their incorruptible, which unfortunately they don't actually possess...
Sleuth

Sleuth

09-23-2010 - 10-17-2010

6

Texas Repertory Theatre Company

http://www.texreptheatre.org/

Texas Repertory Theatre Company - 14243 Stuebner Airline Rd Houston TX 77069

Admission: Preview Admission: (Sept 23) $25 Opening Night Gala: (Sept 24) $45 Regular Admission: $35 Senior and Student Discounts Avaialable

281-583-7573

http://www.texreptheatre.org/

Start Time(s): Playing September 23 through October 17 Thursdays @7:30pm Fridays and Saturdays @ 8:00pm Sundays @ 3:00pm Preview - Thursday, September 23 Gala Opening - Friday, September 24

The Texas Repertory Theatre Co., Houston’s Uptown Classic Theatre, continues its 2010-2011 Season with the classic psychological thriller SLEUTH by Anthony Shaffer. This murder mystery tour-de-force will preview September 23rd, celebrate its Gala Opening on September 24th, and run 4 performances a week until October 17th.

SLEUTH is the ultimate game of cat-and-mouse, played out in a cozy English country house owned by celebrated mystery writer Andrew Wyke. Milo Tindle arrives, a young rival author who shares not only Andrew’s love of the game, but also of his wife. When Milo lays claim, revenge is devised and murders plotted as the two brilliant writers plan the penultimate whodunit.

Both an intelligent parody of the Agatha Christie English manor-house mysteries, satirizing the genre at the same time using its devices to dramatically study the conflict and jealousies between an older and younger man. A Winner of the Tony and Drama Critics Circle Awards, SLEUTH will keep you guessing with its ingenious, skillful suspense and inventive twists and turns.

SLEUTH is a tremendously clever play that is sure to keep audiences on the edge of their seats.

Continuing its 6th season, The Texas Repertory Theatre continues to bring world-class professional theatrical productions to the NW Houston area. For tickets or more information, call our box office at 281-583-7573 or log onto www.texreptheatre.org.
The Marriage of Bette and Boo

The Marriage of Bette and Boo

10-14-2010 - 10-23-2010

5

Mildred's Umbrella Theater Company

http://www.mildredsumbrella.com

Midtown Art Center - 3414 LaBranch Houston TX 77004

Admission: $1500 – general admission and $8 for seniors and students Mondays are ‘Pay what you can’

832) 463-0409

info@mildredsumbrella.com

Start Time(s): 8:00pm for all shows

Mildred’s Umbrella Theater Company is proud to present, The Marriage of Bette and Boo, by Christopher Durang.

Directed by Mildred’s veterans, Greg Dean and Jennifer Decker, who will both also perform and design for the show, this rarely seen in Houston gem will run October 14-23, 2010 at Midtown Art Center. The play also features Seán Patrick Judge, Mark Roberts, Julie Boneau, Mark Carrier, Elizabeth Seabolt-Esparza, Sara Jo Dunstan and Amy Warren.

The Marriage of Bette and Boo is considered by many to be Durang’s best play to date. Admittedly biographical, the play is based on his parents’ marriage. A black comedy, told in 33 (mostly) quick scenes, Durang won an Obie award for playwriting, later that year, the play also won the prestigious Dramatists Guild Hull Warriner Award.

Christopher Durang, the humorist and satirist, has rarely written anything funnier or more serious than his mordant comedy "The Marriage of Bette and Boo." …[Durang] has perfected the art of turning bitterness into comedy without losing its edge. — Edith Oliver, The New Yorker

…his best play yet, a sardonic, absurdist comedy which explores the disintegrating relationship and dreams of a perfect 1950s couple. … there’s one other wonderful thing about this play which we should all take to heart, and that’s absolution through laughter. — Michael Sommers, New York Native

…extraordinarily delicate black-comic art… balancing, modulating, controlling the giddiness of "Bette and Boo" is a sympathetic, wondering sadness. — Julius Novick, The Village Voice
When I Knew Staged Reading

When I Knew Staged Reading

09-16-2010 - 09-16-2010

4

Theatre New West

http://theatrenewwest.com/

Station Museum of Contemporary Art - 1502 Alabama Houston TX 77004

Admission: Free Admission Contact: Joe Watts at 713-522-2204 / Reservations (due to limited seating), or  <a href="mailto:theatrenewwest@attnet">theatrenewwest@attnet</a>

713-522-2204

theatrenewwest@att.net

http://theatrenewwest.com/

Start Time(s): 7pm-8:15pm

Under the auspices of Theatre New West, Artistic Director Joe Watts announces a staged reading from the book When I Knew, edited by Robert Trachtenberg. The reading will be presented at Station Museum on September 16th, in support of their current exhibition Because We Are.

“When I Knew ” is a collection of smart, hilarious, and often poignant stories about that revelation for all gay men and women: when they first knew. Also mixed in are tales about when parents knew and when everyone else knew, as well as laugh-out-loud coming-out stories.

“I knew in my twenties, when I kept waking up with women.”
Jenny Allard / Head softball coach, Harvard University

“I was lying on the floor of the living room, watching an episode of the Tarzan series. I kept sliding closer to the TV, sort of looking under it, trying to see under Tarzan’s loincloth. Seven years old, go figure”.
Jeff Judd / Makeup artist

“When I first ran for public office in 1971, I was petrified someone would know I was gay. After all, it was 1971, and at that time not a single openly gay person had ever been elected to public office anywhere in the United States. Then one day I looked up at one of my billboards on the busiest thoroughfare in my district and I saw the word FAG spray-painted all over it. And I thought: “Oh well...so much for the closet!”
Joel Wachs / President, Andy Warhol Foundation for the Visual Arts

Cast:
Steve Bullitt
Lisa Marie Daugherty
Taavi Mark
Henry Membreno

Contact: Joe Watts at 713-522-2204 / Reservations (due to limited seating) theatrenewwest@att.net / www.theatrenewwest.com.
Greater Tuna

Greater Tuna

09-30-2010 - 10-17-2010

6

Unity Theatre

http://www.UnityBrenham.org

Unity Theatre - 300 Church St Brenham TX 77833

Admission: Tickets are $25 PREVIEW NIGHT – All seats $15 Thursday, September 30

979-830-8358

tickets@unitybrenham.org

http://www.UnityBrenham.org

Start Time(s): Thursdays 7:30 pm Fridays & Saturdays 8:00 pm Sundays 4:00 pm PREVIEW NIGHT – All seats $15 Thursday, September 30

Unity Theatre presents Greater Tuna, a comedy by Jaston Williams, Joe Sears and Ed Howard. Starring Jon Egging and Joshua Estrada. September 30 – October 17, 2010.

Come on out and meet the neighbors: Arles Struvie, Thurston Wheelis, Aunt Pearl, Petey Fisk, Phineas Blye, the Rev. Spikes, and a host of others. They’re all from Tuna, the “third smallest town” in Texas, and they’re all part of the fun in the most successful show from the Lone Star State.

The town may be small, but the personalities are big, and they’re all played by two actors whose quick wit and even faster costume changes will make you laugh ‘til you cry for more. This is Tuna, where “the Lion’s Club is too liberal and Patsy Cline never dies.”

Remember, it’s a comedy, not a casserole!

Special Events:

CHAT WITH THE CAST
Preview Thursday, September 30
After the show, stay for a brief, intimate visit with the cast.
Offer your feedback and learn about the joys and challenges of creating the characters.

MEET THE DIRECTOR
Saturday, October 9
Get a pre-show briefing from the director’s perspective and learn what goes on behind the scenes.

SOCIAL SUNDAY
Sunday, October 3
Don’t like to come to the theatre alone? Be part of Social Sunday. The Players Club invites you to share the experience with other individual theatre-goers. Meet and make friends in the Atrium Lounge prior to the performance, and attend the play as part of a group. When you make your reservation, simply inform the box office of your desire to join us.
Macbeth

Macbeth

10-20-2010 - 11-06-2010

6

University of St Thomas

http://www.stthom.edu/

University of St Thomas - Jones Hall - 3910 Yoakum Houston TX 77006

Admission: $5 – UST student , faculty or staff; $10 – student or senior; $15 – general public  

713-525-3520

Start Time(s): October 20, 21, 22, 23, 27, 28, 29 and 30 & November 4, 5 and 6 8pm Location: Jones Theatre (upstairs)

The University of St. Thomas Fine Arts & Drama Department presents Macbeth, a tragedy play by William Shakespeare. Running October 20, 21, 22, 23, 27, 28, 29 and 30 & November 4, 5 and 6.

Shakespeare’s "Macbeth" is a landscape of beautiful rhythmic language and rich complex imagery, but dramatically the tragedy opens the mouth of hell. "Macbeth" is the mirror in which we see the deepest and darkest of human realities. The brutality, and indeed, the character of "Macbeth," unfortunately, has far too much contemporary relevance: think of Pol Pot, Hussein, Pinochet.

The more recent brutalities in Rwanda, Sudan or Srebrenica may at first seem distant from us, but our own choices, and perhaps more importantly, our desires, are not disconnected from the world. Likewise, the situations, characters, and idioms of Shakespeare’s play may not be our own, but the questions raised in the drama are ones that we struggle with every day in theory and in practice.

Blood running in the streets can be literal or spiritual. The destruction in "Macbeth" is both literal and spiritual. Power and unchecked ambition will, literally, corrupt the spirit of the truth - this is our history. In business meetings (and not just at Enron) and in our own personal relationships, a simple word will shift meaning to serve the purpose and ambition of the speaker. “Fair is Foul, and Foul is Fair.” Further still, the notion of notion of being one of the “chosen,” and the idea of destiny offers ambition a defense against moral obligation. Eliminate free will from the equation, and how can we be held accountable?

Shakespeare’s "Macbeth" is the mirror that, like a window connecting then and now, reflects the ever horrific consequences of greed, selfish ambition and autonomous power.

By staging this timeless text, the drama program at UST hopes to be just such a mirror – one in which our culture can see itself both for what it is and what it should be.

Pictured: detail "Macbeth seeing the ghost of Banquo" by Théodore Chassériau.
Among the Thugs

Among the Thugs

09-16-2010 - 10-02-2010

6

Horse Head Theatre Co

http://horseheadtheatre.org

Admission: $20 in advance $25 at the door $15 students with ID Parking:   street parking & paid lots nearby

info@horseheadtheatre.org

http://horseheadtheatre.org/tickets

Start Time(s): Thursdays, Fridays & Saturdays @ 7:30 PM Monday, Sept 20 at 7:30 PM is the ONLY Monday performance LOCATION: Kryptonite (New night club in the basement of Magnolia Brewery Building), 717 Franklin St, Houston, TX 77002

Horse Head Theatre presents Among the Thugs, Thursdays, Fridays & Saturdays, Sept. 16 through Oct. 2, plus Monday, September 20. Shows @ 7:30 pm. LOCATION: Kryptonite (New night club in the basement of Magnolia Brewery Building), 717 Franklin St.

It’s the best drug around. Better than dope, heroine, cocaine…better than sex even. It’s their reason for existence. It’s the experience, the seduction, of crowd violence. Adapted by Tom Szentgyorgyi from the book by Bill Buford, Among the Thugs is about an American journalist living in England who becomes intrigued with the behavior of the British football hooligans and the sociological implications of these behaviors.

In the midst of his investigation he becomes so involved with this group of men that he succumbs to the “pack mentality,” and must struggle with his own morality as he becomes a willing participant in their mindless violence.

In line with the company’s mission, Horse Head Theatre’s goal with all of its shows is to create a theatrical presentation that reinvigorates the soul and reawakens the human spirit.

Among the Thugs audiences should come prepared to move according to the action taking place around them and should know that the senseless violence that takes place may cause feelings of intrigue, excitement, disgust, and disbelief.
Jack and the Beanstalk

Jack and the Beanstalk

10-16-2010 - 11-13-2010

6

Express Children's Theatre

http://www.expresstheatre.com

Express Theatre - 9600 Hempstead Rd (446 Northwest Mall) Houston TX 77092

Admission: Special Price of $500

713-682-5044

expresstheatre@sbcglobal.net

http://www.expresstheatre.com

Start Time(s): Saturdays at 2:00 PM

Express Children's Theatre presents Jack and the Beanstalk, with public performances Saturdays at 2pm, October 16 through November 13.

This new, musical adaptation of the classic children's story incorporates music and movement to create an enchanted world of magical beans, a Traveler and a Giant who tricks Jack into trading his cow for beans. Jack can't seem to do anything right. All his mother wants is for him to follow directions.

By the end of this special tale, the Giant teaches Jack a valuable lesson about responsibility.

Written by Harold Haynes and directed by Alex “A.C.” Gardner.
This Is Our Youth

This Is Our Youth

10-21-2010 - 10-30-2010

6

Mosaic Theatre Company

http://www.mosaictheatre.org

West Houston Community Center (WHCC) - 725 Bateswood Drive Houston TX 77079-5800

Admission: $20 regular admission $10 student tickets (with ID)

866-971-3336

info@mosaictheatre.org

http://www.mosaictheatre.org

Start Time(s): October 21, 22, 28, 29 - 8:00 pm October 23 & 30 - 9:00 pm

Mosaic Theatre Company presents This Is Our Youth, by Kenneth Lonergan. Directed by Santry Rush. Running Thursday-Saturday, October 21 through 30 at the West Houston Community Center.

Dennis and Warren are trying, and failing, to make it in Manhattan. It is 1982, on Manhattan's Upper West Side, and these wealthy, articulate pot-smoking teenagers who were small children in the '60s have emerged as young adults in a country that has just resoundingly rejected everything they were brought up to believe in.

After Warren steals $15,000 from his father, and lugs it back to Dennis’s apartment in a suitcase, the two decide to use the money to sell cocaine, with disastrous results.

This darkly comic, satiric, and bittersweet play takes a look at the drastic and dangerous measures young people will take to forge their own path.

Mosaic’s nonprofit partnership for this production will highlight The Palmer Drug Abuse Program (PDAP). PDAP has been providing free substance abuse recovery services to youth ages 12-25 and their parents in the Greater Houston Metropolitan Area since 1971.

Recommended for Mature Audiences.
Fall Murder Mystery Dinner Show: Polter-Heist

Fall Murder Mystery Dinner Show: Polter-Heist

11-05-2010 - 11-06-2010

6

Old West Melodrama Productions

http://www.oldwestmelodrama.com/

Puffabelly's Old Town Spring - 100 Main St Old Town Spring TX 77373

Admission: Prices: Adults $30 and Children (5-12) $20 (includes show, dinner, soda/tea and taxes,- gratuities not included)

713-364-9190

reservations@oldwestmelodrama.com

http://www.oldwestmelodrama.com/

Start Time(s): Pre-show Entertainment - 7:00 pm Murder Mystery – 8:00 pm

Old West Melodrama Productions presents a Fall Murder Mystery Dinner Show at Puffabelly's Old Town Spring. Polter-Heist is a murder mystery dinner game show where everyone is trying to heist something – including stealing a ghost. November 5th & 6th.

Join Madam Zelda Von Schpookum, president of the Boogeyman Outreach Organization (BOO), and a host of wacky characters as they attempt to make contact with a ghost haunting the Mouldering Pines Inn.

Will Professor Lionel Spector become possessed by the spirit? Will the bickering innkeepers, Jim and Phyllis Lodge, kill each other before finding the lost treasure? Will the FBI agents Smolder and Skullery from the Hex Files division, solve the mystery of the haunted inn before another murder is committed?

A hauntingly hilarious show for all ages. Come as teams to solve the murder for prizes.

Performances for 2 nights only. Make your reservation early!
Rabbit Hole

Rabbit Hole

09-10-2010 - 09-26-2010

Baytown Little Theater

http://www.baytown.littletheater.org

Baytown Little Theater - 4328 Hugh Echols Blvd Baytown TX 77521

Admission: All tickets $15 Tickets can be purchased on line at <a href="http://wwwbaytownlittletheaterorg">wwwbaytownlittletheaterorg</a> Group purchases of 8 or more can be made by calling 281-424-7617 and leaving a message

281-424-7617

http://baytown.littletheater.org/

Start Time(s): Opens Friday, September 10, at 8:00 PM Other performances September 11, 17, 18, 24, 25 at 8:00 PM, and matinees September 12, 19, and 26 at 2:30 PM  

Baytown Little Theater presents Rabbit Hole, written by David Lindsay-Abaire. Directed by Randy Daily. Opening Friday, September 10 and running Fridays and Saturdays at 8pm, and Sundays at 2:30pm through September 26.

Becca and Howie had the perfect life - a great marriage, a beautiful house, and a lovely son. But after a tragic accident, the couple faces the challenges of surviving great loss and making a life with the family that remains. "Rabbit Hole" addresses a topic that too often hits close to home, "how do I deal with the grief".

"Rabbit Hole" handles it in a way that is real life ... our internal feelings, the struggles in interpersonal relationships, along with humor.

The play contains adult themes and language.
You'll Never Forget the End of the World

You'll Never Forget the End of the World

09-02-2010 - 11-20-2010

4

Radio Music Theatre

http://www.radiomusictheatre.com/index.htm

Radio Music Theatre - 2623 Colquitt Houston TX 77098

Admission: Admission is $2400, reservations are recommended, and tickets can be purchased in advance at Radio Music Theatre (2623 Colquitt, near Richmond and Kirby) or by calling the theatre box office at (713) 522-7722

713-522-7722

Start Time(s): Performances every THURSDAY and FRIDAY at 8:30, and SATURDAY at 8:00 and 10:30 pm Doors open for seating one hour before the performance

On September 2, 2010, Radio Music Theatre opens You'll Never Forget the End of the World. Radio Music Theatre, 2623 Colquitt (just off the corner of Richmond and Kirby), playing September 2, through November 20, 2010, every THURSDAY and FRIDAY at 8:30, and SATURDAY at 8:00 and 10:30 p.m.

You’ll Never Forget the End of the World! -- an original comedy by Steve Farrell. Jiffy Dillard, the most popular televangelist in the world, has determined, with the help of the Mayan calendar, Nostradamus, Hollywood, and his own hunches, the exact moment the world is going to come to an end, and how much he should charge people to get into the event.

Champagnes, wines, beers, cappuccino, and snacks are available throughout the show. Admission is $24.00. For reservations call the theatre box office at (713) 522-7722.

RMT will be closing its doors on April 30, 2011, after over 26 years of fun and laughter, and this show will be one of its three final offerings. You'll Never Forget the End of the World will conclude the 7-play-long series of plays set in “Precious Trees, Texas”. It will be followed by the 26th annual A FERTLE HOLIDAY, running from Thanksgiving through mid-January, and then the final play in the Fertle Family series, and RMT’s final show A FERTLE FAREWELL.

For further information visit our website: radiomusictheatre.com or call (713) 522-7722.
Shrek the Musical

Shrek the Musical

10-19-2010 - 10-31-2010

6

Broadway at the Hobby Center (formerly Broadway Across America-Houston)

http://www.broadwayacrossamerica.com/

Hobby Center - Sarofim Hall - 800 Bagby St Houston TX 77002

Admission: TBD

800-982-ARTS

http://thehobbycenter.org/?q=node/400#

Start Time(s): Tuesday, Oct 19, 7:30pm Wednesday, Oct 20, 7:30pm Thursday, Oct 21, 7:30pm Friday, Oct 22,  8:00pm Saturday, Oct 23, 2:00pm & 8:00pm Sunday, Oct 24, 2:00pm & 7:30pm Tuesday, Oct 26,  7:30pm Wednesday, Oct 27,  7:30pm Thursday, Oct 28, 7:30pm Friday, Oct 29, 8:00pm Saturday, Oct 30,  2:00pm & 8:00pm Sunday, Oct 31,  1:00pm & 6:30pm

Shrek the Musical is Bringing Ugly Back in Houston. Broadway Across America presents Shrek the Musical, Oct 19-31, 2010, in Sarafim Hall at the Hobby Center for the Performing Arts (800 Bagby). Shrek the Musical, based on the Oscar®-winning DreamWorks film that started it all, brings the hilarious story of everyone’s favorite ogre to life the stage.

In a faraway kingdom turned upside down, things get ugly when an unseemly ogre – not a handsome prince – shows up to rescue a feisty princess. Throw in a donkey who won’t shut up, a bad guy with a SHORT temper, a cookie with an attitude and over a dozen other fairy tale misfits, and you’ve got the kind of mess that calls for a real hero. Luckily, there’s one on hand… and his name is Shrek.

Featuring a terrific score of 19 all-new songs, big laughs, great dancing and breathtaking scenery, Shrek the Musical is part romance, part twisted fairy tale and all irreverent fun for everyone!

USA Today proclaims Shrek the Musical, “ALTOGETHER IRRESISTIBLE. A BIG FAT HIT!”

Age Appropriateness - All Ages.

Pictured: From the Broadway production, Brian D'Arcy James (Shrek), Daniel Breaker (Donkey), Sutton Foster (Princess Fiona), and Christopher Sieber (Lord Farquaad).
Missoula Children's Theater: The Frog Prince

Missoula Children's Theater: The Frog Prince

10-02-2010 - 10-02-2010

6

Montgomery County Performing Arts Association

http://www.MCPAS.org

Crighton Theatre - 234 Main Street Conroe TX 77301

Admission: All tickets are $5

936-441-SHOW (7469) or 936-760-ARTS (2787)

MCPAS@consilidated.net

http://www.mcpas.org/

Start Time(s): 7:00pm

Montgomery County Performing Arts Association and Missoula Children's Theatre present The Frog Prince, Saturday, October 2 at 7:00pm, in the Crighton Theatre. Conceived and Written by Michael McGill. Music and Lyrics by Michael McGill. Additional Music by Rebecca McGill.

Deep in the royal swamp, a lonely Frog retrieves a golden ball for Princess Prim in exchange for friendship and comfort. The spoiled princess doesn’t want to live up to her part of the bargain, and puts her royal Knights on alert. And so the trouble begins. Luckily, Frog gets some good advice from Ollie the wise old Aspen tree, the well-read Alligator, and the kindly Swamp Things.

The Ducks, a busy Fly and dancing Flamingos also come to Frog’s assistance as the Frog’s kindly servant tirelessly tries to set things right. Even the Queen, kindly Princess Proper, and spunky Princess Peppy get involved and, despite the trouble caused by the nasty Venus Fly Traps, all ends happily. Our hero becomes a Prince (formerly known as Frog) and realizes that friendships are made, not bought—and he discovers that it is not what you are but who you are that counts.

This event is a MCPAS community outreach program giving local Montgomery County children, who might otherwise never be exposed to performing arts, an opportunity to observe, learn and participate in a full scale stage production. Central to MCPAS’ mission are education and community outreach programs that encourage young and not so young to more fully appreciate and participate in the performing arts. Through the years, studies have discovered that the inclusion of the performing arts in a broad-based curriculum improves the quality of a child’s educational experience. The arts teach discipline, improve self-esteem, and inspire creativity. For show tickets call 936-441-SHOW (7469) or 936-760-ARTS (2787), and please visit MCPAS website at www.mcpas.org.

The Missoula Children's Theatre provides a week-long residency "starring" 50-60 local students in a full-scale musical. MCT has been touring for 35 years. Annually, MCT visits nearly 1,300 communities in all 50 states, 3 Canadian Territories and 5 provinces and 16 countries. Our mission is the development of lifeskills in children through participation in the performing arts. Creativity, social skills, goal achievement, communication skills and self-esteem are all characteristics that are attained through participation in this unique and educational project. Our team of two professional tour actor/directors arrive in your town with scenery, costumes, props, make-up and basic lighting—everything it takes to put on a play . . . except the cast.

This week-long residency begins with an open group audition and culminates in two public performances. Fifty to sixty students grades K-12, or a combination of these ages, are cast and well rehearsed throughout the week, learning lines, songs and choreography to perform as an ensemble in producing a full-length musical. All of our shows are original adaptations of children's stories and fairytales—a twist on the classic stories that you know and love.
Come As You Are: HOUSTON!

Come As You Are: HOUSTON!

09-17-2010 - 09-18-2010

6

DiverseWorks Art Space

http://www.diverseworks.org/

DiverseWorks ArtSpace - 1117 East Freeway I-10 at North Main Houston Tx 77002

Admission: $500 Tickets can be purchased at the door or through <a href="http://wwwdiverseworksorg">wwwdiverseworksorg</a>  

7133353445 or 7132238346

http://www.diverseworks.org/

Start Time(s): Friday, September 17th and Saturday, September 18th at 7:30pm

DiverseWorks presents Come As You Are: HOUSTON! Friday, September 17th and Saturday, September 18th at 7:30pm.

This September, DiverseWorks invites you to attend Come as You Are: HOUSTON! a provocative exploration of queer sex through performance art! Some of Houston's edgiest queer artists will come together for 2 nights only to perform works as original as the theater presenting them.

Come As You Are: Houston! artists are politically charged, multi-generational, and totally uninhibited:

Chicago's Daaimah Mubashshir and Brooklyn's Michael Harren, both highly involved in Houston's queer community in the '90s, return now as established artists for Come As You Are: HOUSTON! Mubashshir utilizes traditional Muslim movement to identify queer sex as a holy experience; Harren couples Brahms on keyboard with a stories of how sex changes as he matures. Together, Daniel-Kayne and Michael Clay also take on highlycontrasting themes, placing the subject of queer sex with war and the country music medium.

The young Gendermyn utilize acrobatics and comedy to delve deep into the rarely spoken of sex lives within the genderqueer community, while Joe Watts of the pre-AIDS generation wrote a heart-felt traditional monologue about the unique experience of one transsexual woman.

Julia Wallace and Nancy Douthey bring the unique perspective of queer allies. DumpTruck as well as Wallace, Douthey and Jonatan Lopez, explore brief moments that highlight the quirkiness and fun within queer sex.

About Come As You Are: HOUSTON! Artists:

Daaimah Mubashshir - After Co-Founding the Queer Artist Collective (Multi-Media Performance Art troupe) in 1996, Daaimah completed a film/video focused BFA from The School of the Art Institute in 2002. There she was awarded the SAIC Presidential Scholarship Award, as well as a BFA Fellowship Award for a short film. She enjoyed being a freelance filmmaker in Chicago for several years. During that time she occupied many roles including Director of Photography of a feature film, The Minx. She also wrote and produced several experimental shorts that screened both domestically and internationally. Currently Daaimah has returned full force to performance. Showing at Rhino Fest, Transistor, Homolatte , and Queergasm!

Daaimah's work combines spoken narratives, experimental sound, video images and culturally based movement rituals. She is passionate about telling stories that use humor and characters to explore culture and customs. Her own story as a young woman raised in a Sunni Muslim home and her subsequent coming out as a member of the queer community deeply inform the stories she feels need to be told. This artistic inquiry, utilized for Come As You Are: HOUSTON! deals with the movement of Salah (Islamic prayer) as Queer action (Queer as a verb) and the act of being Queer (adjective) as reaching towards spiritual purity or holiness.

Check out Daaimah's website: http://www.digscratchandpull.blogspot.com/.

Nancy Douthey - Nancy Douthey holds a MFA from the University of Houston in Interdisciplinary Practice and Emerging Forms. Recently she has collaborated with Jacinda Russell to create, 3 Weeks, 6 Earthworks, 1 Portable Studio, and All that Lies In Between, a show at Texas Gallery. She is currently working on a piece for Snack Projects organized by Michael Guidry and Robert Ruello.

Nancy will perform a gestural moment from the life of her alter ego Tammy Faye. Celebrating perseverance, Nancy’s alter ego is based on the life of Tammy Faye Baker. She was the first woman in Christian television to talk openly about AIDS and denounce the refusal to accept homosexuals.

DumpTruck - DumpTruck is an open artist collaborative founded by Mat Wolff, Cory Wagner and Noelle Mason in Fall of 2008. Active members Wolff and Wagner live and work in Houston, TX. Cory Wagner holds a BFA degree from Montana State University and an MFA from the Maryland Institute College of Art and is currently Research Faculty at the University of Houston and Co-Director of the MICA in NY Summer Intensive studio program. Mat Wolff holds a BFA degree from the University of Houston and is currently the Associate Director at the American Institute of Architects Houston Chapter. He is a published author with a weekly advice column in the San Antonio Current. DumpTruck is a recent recipient of an Idea Fund grant.

DumpTruck will perform two monologues from the semi autobiographical fantasies of Mat’s life, The Moment and About Last Night. These stories are a reflection on the absurdities of a given moment and the uncontrollable need to project our desires, emotional needs and assumptions on these moments and the men trapped in them. Humorously dystopic, the stories playfully explore our want for synchronicity in all of our relationships, both the real and imagined.

DumpTruck's facebook page: http://www.facebook.com/people/Dump-Truck/100000856658918.

Gendermyn - Born in the Dirty South in 2006, the Houston Gendermyn started off as a small scrub of a gender performance troupe after learning how to jumpstart the hearts and minds of audiences worldwide. Their stylishness, keen interest in the highly provocative, along with their outlandishly fabulous faggotization of standard mundane things brought them together to reconstruct traditional notions of gender and sexuality. This gaggle of dragsters like to unite artists and create spaces to empower a larger genderqueer community to advocate for some social justice all along the Third Coast.

Onstage, representing the Houston Gendermyn for Come As You Are: HOUSTON! will be Pedro Asty, Ultraviolet Andy, Koomah, Clint Torres, Rife L. Cox, and Lady Joss and Daddybaby. The Gendermyn love bringing you public service announcements on what it takes to play it safe and how to finally hook up successfully in today's touchy queer climate. They cover topics that are too often left in the shadows of queer gender, sex, and relationships. These gender benders, The Gendermyn, will use anything from comedy to acrobatics to share stories on what happens in Houston queer life after StoneWall.

Gendermyn's facebook page: http://www.facebook.com/pages/Gendermyn/55910737948.

Michael Harren - A pianist, composer and performance artist based in Brooklyn, Michael Harren was a founding member of Houston's multimedia performance art troupe, Queer Artist Collective, in 1996. Since then, Michael has worked as a musical director, actor and pianist throughout Texas (Stage's Repertory, Main Street Theater, Unity Theater) and New York City (The Duplex, Laurie Beechman Theater, Don't Tell Mama, Theater 1010). In 2005, Michael was commissioned by the University of Texas Medical Branch to write the one-act musical, Rain on the Roof, with playwright Bren Dubay.

Michael’s love affair with music began at a very early age, and he went on to study piano performance and music composition at The University of Houston. Today, in addition to his performance-related work, Michael works to instill his passion for music in others, as he teaches music classes to preschoolers and has a full studio of piano students in Brooklyn.

Fucked!/Fucked. is Michael’s contribution to Come As You Are: HOUSTON! Comprising spoken text, video and original music — and combined with music by Johannes Brahms — Fucked!/Fucked. tells the story of two sexual encounters: one at the age of 26, and one at 40. This piece explores the parallels between our perception of our own bodies and our self-worth in these two stages of life.

Daniel-kayne and Michael Clay (pictured above) - Visual artist Daniel-kayne and Singer/Songwriter Michael Clay have come together with their uniquely different talents for Come As You Are: HOUSTON!

Daniel-kayne is a native Houstonian, who was the 2008 Lawndale Big Show Award recipient and is a member of the Texas French Alliance for the Arts Artistic Advisory Board. Kayne has studied, lived and worked throughout the United States, but maintains his main studio in Houston and most recently moved to live and study in Montreal, Canada.

Michael Clay is a Singer/Songwriter raised deep in the heart of Texas. He began his career entertaining in various local night clubs around South Texas. His lifelong dream was realized when he was chosen as a full time performer at Opryland USA in Nashville, working with Country Legends such as Porter Wagoner, Minnie Pearl, Lee Greenwood, and many more. He was invited to appear on the Grande Ole' Opry where he sang with Garth Brooks. After recording his first Nashville album, "Free Somewhere," he now resides in Austin, Texas. He is currently promoting a brand new Texas Swing album entitled, "San Antonio Songs" with Lyricist Vivian Rae, and will soon complete his third album, "Ready."

Infinite Love is a musical collaboration between Daniel-kayne and Michael Clay. Together, they are cowriting the song and will perform as a duet. Infinite Love is a romantic tragedy of two men that fall in love, but are torn apart by war.

Check out Daniel-kayne's website: http://daniel-kayne.com/.
Michael Clay's website: http://www.michaelclaymusic.com/.

Jonatan Lopez - Jonatan Lopez is a sculptor, installation and performance artist. He has exhibited in numerous venues in Texas, from alternative art spaces such as Project Row Houses to more traditional venues like Bayou City Art Festival. Jonatan continues to broaden his philosophical take on art by seeking a degree in Fine Arts and participating in collaborations with other artists. In his sculpture works, he uses recycled metals and found objects to develop visually engaging works that thematically reach a broader audience.

Jonatan's works address societal classification and sexual taboos, often questioning and defying mainstream views. When developing an installation/performance, Jonatan works to create an interactive space where the audience becomes a vital component of the artistic expression. His works become surveys and social experiments that raise philosophical questions and encourage valuable community discussion.

Check out Jonatan Lopez's studio website: http://www.evolvedmetal.com/index.php.

Julia Claire Wallace - Julia Claire Wallace is a Houston artist that works in performance, video, social practice, spoken word and writing. She received her BFA in painting from the University of Houston in 2009. She has served as a facilitator to Performance Art Lab, one of Houston’s most mischievous art collectives, and was a founding member of their project sexyATTACK. She is the creator and curator of Houston’s notorious semi monthly event, Performance Art Night. Her art often explores spirituality, sexuality, desire and the awkward spaces between human beings.

For Come As You Are: HOUSTON! Wallace created Be Fucking Proud of Yourself, a participatory performance piece that subverts sexual shame by giving audience members a chance to be applauded for their sexual achievements.

Joe Watts - The Houston Post dubbed Joe the Father of Gay Theatre in Houston, having been the first to produce and direct mostly gay themed productions since 1983. It remains a title he carries with a great deal of pride. In 1985 Joe produced and directed One, the first theater piece in Houston dealing with AIDS and the first theater benefit for AIDS Foundation Houston. One was named in the Top 10 Best Productions that year by the Houston Post.

A supporter of the transgender community in Houston, Joe directed a hugely popular production of the Vagina Monologues with an all transgender cast.

Joe was accepted into the Edward Albee Playwriting Workshop and the Musical Theater Workshop, both at the University of Houston. In 2005 and 2009, the annual Scriptwriters/Houston's 10 by 10 featured his work.

For Come As You Are: HOUSTON! Joe will direct his heat-felt and humorous monologue about the unique experience of a transgendered woman with whom he had a chance encounter. His fascination with her led to an interview that became the inspiration for this semi-biographical, creatively written monologue, Desiree.

About Come As You Are: HOUSTON! Curators:

Chuck Jackson - Chuck Jackson was one of the original members of Houston's QuAC: the Queer Artist Collective from 1996-1999, with whom he wrote, performed, and staged over a dozen original, highly experimental, collaborative performance art pieces. He is currently an assistant professor of English and coordinator of the film studies minor at University of Houston-Downtown.

Grayson Jacobs - Grayson Jacobs, native Houstonian and a stylist at Michaelyndon Salon, is an ally and supporter of the GLBT community and the equal rights movement.

Blake Smith - Blake Smith is Coordinator for Come As You Are: HOUSTON! and works as Production Manager for performing arts at DiverseWorks. Blake is a supporter of queer arts and an active member of the Transgender Foundation of America.

About Come As You Are, the national project:
Come As You Are was originally created and produced by The Theater Offensive in Cambridge, Massachusetts. Inspired by the 40th anniversary of the Stonewall Riots, Come As You Are aims to investigate and celebrate queer sex, the diverse range of queer sexuality and the moral values underneath. Sexual freedom and expression by LGBTQ folks were powerful causes of the Stonewall riots. Come As You Are is now a national project that gives grants to theaters so that they may create their own original production about queer sex.

For more information, visit www.comeasyouareonline.org Come As You Are is supported by National Performance Network, Arcus Foundation, Flynn Performing Arts Center, Composition, and The Theater Offensive.

About DiverseWorks
Known for its groundbreaking artistic and education programs, DiverseWorks is one of the premier contemporary arts centers in the United States. DiverseWorks has been a hub for the presentation of daring and innovative work, a commissioner of major artistic projects in all discipl8ines, and an advocate for artists worldwide. Founded by artists for artists, DiverseWorks continues its commitment to bold artistic exploration, creative risk-taking, and building audiences for contemporary art.

DiverseWorks Funding Credits:
Programming for the DiverseWorks’ 2010-2011 season is generously supported by: Major Donors: Academy for Educational Development; The Andy Warhol Foundation for the Visual Arts; Anonymous; Artadia: The Fund for Art & Dialogue, Husnain Bajwa, British Council; Brown Foundation, Inc., Rosalie Buggs, The City of Houston through the Houston Arts Alliance, Michael Clark & Sallie Morian, Brian & Shirley Colona, The Cullen Trust for the Performing Arts, Doris Duke Charitable Foundation, Greater Houston Convention & Visitors Bureau, John Guess, Jr. & Melanie Lawson; Houston Endowment Inc., Patrick & Tracey Keegan, Fritz Lanham & Kellye Sanford, Harris County Commissioner El Franco Lee;, Louisa Stude Sarofim Foundation; MAP Fund/Creative Capital Foundation, Mid-America Arts Alliance, National Endowment for the Arts (a federal agency), National Performance Network, New England Foundation for the Arts, Nimoy Foundation, Regulatory Economics Group LLC, Shell, John & Pauline Smart, Texas Commission on the Arts, Vinson & Elkins, LLP; Visual Artists Network, Bob & Lillian H. Warren, The Wortham Foundation, Inc., University of Houston,

Additional Support Provided by: American Express Charitable Fund; Paolo & Surpik Angelini; Art Colony Association/ Bayou City Arts Festival; Diane Barber & Karen Niemeier; Jorge & Cara Barer; William Betts; Black Swan Screenprinting Studio; Adam Brackman; Dr. Robert Card & Karol Kreymer; CenterPoint/June Deadrick; Cindy Clifford; Jason Roth Fuller; Dixie Friend Gay; George & Mary Hawkins; JBD Foundation; Mr. & Mrs. I.H. Kempner, III; Lester Marks; Paul & Valerie McSweeney; Marshal & Victoria Lightman; Tod Noel; Lan Norwood; J. Douglas Parker; Lane & Bob Schultz/RHS Interests; Susan Schmaeling & Thomas Pielech; Eric Schnell; Sign-ARama; Kaneem Smith; Christina Solís; Brad & Deborah Sondock; Tahamia Spain; Chuy Terrazas; Emily Todd; Birgitt Van Wijk; Sixto Wagan & Matthew Dirst; Sarah Walters; In-Kind Support provided by: KUHF (88.7FM); Barbara Friedel McKnight & Catering By Culinaire; 13 Celsius; Kelly Alison; David Aylsworth; Salli Babbitt; BCCKT Collaborative; Andy Biggs; Booker-Lowe Gallery; David Brown; Margarita Cabrera; Tara Conley; DJ Danny B; Dripping Springs Vodka; Ryan Geiger; GONZO247; Leamon Green; Guitar Center; Houston Chronicle; Allison Hunter; Terrell James; J.B. Kobayashi; Bryan Kuntz; Zane Lewis; Tierney Malone; Lori Nix; Bob Pahlka; PaperCity Magazine; Joshua Pazda; Jon Read; Real Ale Brewing Co.; Susie Rosmarin; Howard Sherman; Kim Thompson; Gabriela Trzebinski; Mark Dean Veca; Wendy Wagner; Jeffrey Wheeler; Frank White; Charles Wiese; Hilary Wilder; Wade Wilson Art; Eric Zimmerman; Josh & Tina Zulu

Special Thanks to HATCH Youth, SPRY, Transgender Foundation of America, and University of Houston Women's Studies Program for their community support for Come As You Are: HOUSTON!
Busytown

Busytown

10-02-2010 - 10-23-2010

6

Main Street Theater

http://www.mainstreettheater.com/

Main Street Theater - Chelsea Market - 4617 Montrose Blvd Houston TX 77006

Admission: $12 & $14 Group rates (10 or more) available Tickets are on sale in person at the Main Street Theater Box Office at 2540 Times Blvd in Rice Village, via phone at 7135246706 or online at <a href="http://wwwmainstreettheatercom/">mainstreettheatercom</a> Group rates are available

(713) 524-6706

http://www.mainstreettheater.com/info/buytickets.html

Start Time(s): Saturdays at 1pm and 4pm School Matinees September 27 through October 29  school groups call 713-524-9196 ext 101 for available field trip times

Main Street Theater Theater for Youth presents Busytown, Adapted for the stage by Kevin Kling. From the book "What Do People Do All Day" by Richard Scarry. Lyrics by Kevin Kling and Michael Koerner. Directed by Meghan C. Hakes. Musical Direction by Adam Stout. Weekend Family Performances Saturdays at 1pm and 4pm October 2 - 23, 2010 at MAIN STREET THEATER – CHELSEA MARKET, 4617 Montrose Blvd., Houston, TX 77006.

Everyone has an important job to do in the hustle and bustle of Richard Scarry’s Busytown. Grocer Cat sells fresh food, Alfalfa and Pig run a farm, and Dr. Lion and his nurse make sure everyone is healthy. There will be lots of giggles and squeals as our youngest audience members meet the citizens of this imaginative world and learn what it means to be part of a community.

Recommended for Pre-Kindergarten and up. No children under 3 allowed in the theater (including sleeping babies).

Pictured L-R are Sergeant Murphy (Joey Melcher) and Huckle (Mitchell Greco). (photo by www.RicOrnelProductions.com).
Made in Lans

Made in Lans

09-09-2010 - 09-12-2010

Gente de Teatro

www.gentedeteatro.org

Rice University - Hamman Hall - Rice Blvd, Entrance 20 & 21 Houston TX 77005

Admission: September 9 & September 12: $10 September 10: $20 (Friday's ticket includes admission to reception celebrating 15 years of Gente de Teatro) September 11: $15 The purchase of a ticket before September 1, allows the ticket holder to participate in a drawing for two round trip airline tickets to USA, Canada, Alaska, Mexico, the Caribbean or Central America, courtesy of Continental Airlines   Buy your ticket online: <a href="http://wwwgentedeteatromileventbritecom">wwwgentedeteatromileventbritecom</a> You can also send your check before September 1, 2010 to: Gente de Teatro, 2727 Kirby Dr #20 F, Houston, TX 77098 Please write down the performance day, and number of attendees Credit cards accepted at the box office

713-826-0445 or 713-410-8370

mail@gentedeteatro.org

http://gentedeteatromil.eventbrite.com/

Start Time(s): September 9, 10 & 11, at 7:30 PM September 12, at 3:30 PM Audience members attending Friday's presentation are invited to a reception following the performance

Gente de Teatro celebrates its 15th anniversary with a renowned contemporary classic. In celebrating of Gente de Teatro's 15th anniversary, the Department of Hispanic Studies & the CSL of Rice University, the Institute of Hispanic Culture of Houston*, the Consulate General of Argentina in Houston, Casa Argentina de Houston, Continental Airlines, and Fiesta proudly present Gente de Teatro's production of renowned contemporary classic Made in Lanús. Made in Lanús, by Nelly Fernández Tiscorniaone, is of the most successful Argentine plays of the last 20 years. Running September 9 through September 12, in Rice University's Hamman Hall.

Yoli, Negro, Mabel & Osvaldo describe with exquisite sensitivity and simplicity both the dilemmas faced by potential immigrants upon deciding whether to leave or stay in their country and the dilemmas face by those that have already immigrated.

(Performances in Spanish).

Artistic Director: Marcela Salas.
Assistant Director: Carmen Falla Aramayo.
Cast: Sergio Amsel, Ana Ilvento Scuseria, Claudia Soroka, and Jorge Zambra.

Sept. 9, 10 & 11, 2010, 7:30PM Sept. 12, 2010, 3:30PM Hamman Hall, Rice University Entrances 20 & 21 (on Rice Blvd)

* The Institute of Hispanic Culture of Houston, Inc., is funded in part by grants from the City of Houston through Houston Arts Alliance.

Information: 713-826-0445 / 713-410-8370 mail@gentedeteatro.org.
24-Hour Play

24-Hour Play

09-18-2010 - 09-18-2010

6

Rice University - Rice Players

http://theatre.rice.edu

Rice University - Hamman Hall - Rice Blvd, Entrance 20 & 21 Houston TX 77005

Admission: Call for details

713-348-4027 or 713-348-PLAY

players@rice.edu

Start Time(s): 8:00pm

Rice Players presents the 24-Hour Play, Saturday, September 18.

Running on adrenaline and caffeine, several teams, each consisting of 4-6 students (1 playwright, 1 director, and 2-4 actors), will produce a set of short plays in a 24-hour period! Don’t miss out on the result!
Main Street Theater Sixth Annual Autumn Follies Gala: Fiddler on the Loop

Main Street Theater Sixth Annual Autumn Follies Gala: Fiddler on the Loop

10-08-2010 - 10-08-2010

5

Main Street Theater

http://www.mainstreettheater.com/

Main Street Theater - Chelsea Market - 4617 Montrose Blvd Houston TX 77006

Admission: Banner Sponsor  $10,000 Event Sponsor $5,000 Production Sponsor $3,000 Premium Package $1,800 Prime Single Tickets $300 Regular Single Tickets $150  

713-524-3622

http://www.mainstreettheater.com/

Start Time(s): 6:30pm Reception with heavy hors d’oeuvre stations, wine and champagne, silent auction 8:30pm Live Auction and Program Performance of Fiddler on the Loop

Main Street Theater presents the Sixth Annual Autumn Follies Gala: Fiddler on the Loop. Main Street Theater’s Autumn Follies Gala will return on Friday, October 8 at Main Street Theater – Chelsea Market, 4617 Montrose Blvd.

This year’s celebrity-studded, one-night-only benefit performance will be the original musical send-up Fiddler on the Loop, with cameo appearances by celebrities including Mayor Annise Parker, (pictured) KHOU’s Len Cannon, Judge Jan Krocker, 184th District Court, Ernie Manouse, Host of PBS’ InnerVIEWS with Ernie Manouse, Sarah Gish of Gish Creative, HoustonPBS’ Doug Mueller, and Houston Chronicle Blog Theater Critic Buzz Bellmont.

The one-hour performance will highlight an evening which will feature live and silent auctions, heavy hors d’oeuvres reception catered by the Chelsea Grill, wine and champagne. The event will be staged at MST’s facility at Chelsea Market and at the Chelsea Grill and will benefit MST’s education and outreach programs.

Since 1975, Main Street Theater has produced high quality professional theater for audiences of all ages through its MainStage productions and Main Street Youth Theater. The Main Street Theater Kids On Stage program offers performing arts classes and camps for children 5 years to 14 years of age. The organization produces plays at two locations, 2540 Times Boulevard in Rice Village and 4617 Montrose Boulevard at Chelsea Market.

Main Street Theater is a member of the Fresh Arts Coalition, a collaboration of 25 arts organizations that work collectively to raise awareness of the size and diversity of the arts in Houston, and a constituent of Theatre Communications Group (TCG), the national service organization for not-for-profit theaters.

Main Street Theater offers a lively year-round repertory of classic and contemporary plays for audiences of all ages and provides a much-needed showcase for Houston theater professionals. Main Street Theater is also a member of Actors’ Equity Association and of ASSITEJ, the world theatre network of theatre for children and young people. Main Street Theater is funded in part by grants from the City of Houston through the Houston Arts Alliance, and the Texas Commission on the Arts.
The Great Storm

The Great Storm

09-09-2010 - 09-18-2010

6

Obsidian Art Space (OAS)

http://www.obsidianartspace.org/

Obsidian Art Space (OAS) - 3522 White Oak Houston TX 77007

Admission: Pay what you can with a suggested ticket price of $15

281-954-4399 or 832-889-7837

info@thunderclapproductions.com

http://www.thunderfclapproductions.com

Start Time(s): 8pm Thursday-Saturday

Obsidian Art Space presents The Great Storm, ten short comedies and dramas written by Houston-area playwrights. A Hurricane Ike Anthology by Aaron Alon, Eric James, Leighza Walker and Peter Wittenberg, Jr.

The newly formed Thunderclap Productions, composed of four award-winning, Houston-area playwrights, will present an evening of ten original short plays – both dramas and comedies – to commemorate the second anniversary of Hurricane Ike. The Great Storm will have performances at the new Obsidian Art Space, 3522 White Oak, Houston, 77007, on Sept. 9-11 and 16-18. All performances are at 8 p.m. Tickets are pay-what-you-can, with a suggested ticket price of $15.

The four playwrights that make up Thunderclap Productions and who have written the ten plays for the evening are Aaron Alon, Eric James, Leighza Walker and Peter Wittenberg, Jr. The first act contains five plays that take place before or during Hurricane Ike, while the second act focuses on stories that follow in the wake of the storm.

Walker explains the stories that are reflected in the plays are not only the experiences of the four playwrights, “but the experiences that were shared with us, the stories that we gleaned after the storm because we became such a community. Even if it was for a very short term, we became a community after the storm and learned a lot about each other.”

The stage and path of the storm often reflects the infancy, conclusion or turmoil of the relationships portrayed in the plays. Wittenberg’s Charming Li’l Storm is about two friends who, while standing on a pier days before the storm, flirt with the direction of their relationship. Alon’s Vertex and James’ Night 4 – both about couples who find themselves examining their relationships in the non-air conditioned days following the storm – unfold with the same uncertainty left by the storm.

The plays range from the wrenchingly dramatic Pounds of Pressure by Walker and Into the Storm by James to Alon’s unapologetically comedic Cleanin’ Out My Closet about an African American mother who takes the time spent trapped in a closet during the hurricane to tell her white son he is adopted.

Because of adult language and situations, the plays are not suitable for children.

For more information on The Great Storm, visit thunderclapproductions.com or contact Aaron Alon at 281-954-4399 or info@thunderclapproductions.com.

For information on Obsidian Art Space, contact Leighza Walker at 832-889-7837 or visit obsidianartspace.org. Tickets can be purchased at the door or reserved on the Thunderclap website.
A Behanding in Spokane

A Behanding in Spokane

08-27-2010 - 09-26-2010

6

Alley Theatre

http://www.alleytheatre.org/alley/Default_EN.asp

Alley Theatre - 615 Texas St Houston TX 77002

Admission: Call for ticket prices

7132205700

http://ev12.evenue.net/cgi-bin/ncommerce3/SEGetEventList?linkID=alley&groupCode=NA1&timeDateFrom=2010-8-6-00.00.00&timeDateTo=2011-7-31-00.00.00&grandParent=SINGLES

Start Time(s): Previews start August 27, 2010 Opens September 1, 2010; Ends September 26, 2010 On the Neuhaus Stage TUE - THU, SUN evenings 7:30 PM FRI and SAT evenings 8:00 PM SAT and SUN matinees 2:30 PM  

The Alley Theatre presents A Behanding in Spokane, a volatile, outrageous comedy by Martin McDonagh. Directed by James Black. Previews start August 27, 2010. Opens September 1, 2010; Ends September 26, 2010. On the Neuhaus Stage.

New York Times calls the play “perfect, demented, ecstatic, sadistic and imaginative.” The Wall Street Journal promises that “You’ll spend 90 minutes laughing nonstop.“ Martin McDonagh returns to the Alley with his first play set in America, the outrageously funny A Behanding in Spokane, recently on Broadway.

The mysterious, gun-toting Carmichael has been searching for his missing left hand for decades. Enter two bickering lovebirds with a hand to sell, and a hotel clerk with an aversion to gunfire, and we're set for an uproarious ride of love, hate, desperation and hope.

“Wildly entertaining…truly explosive,” says The Daily News. The Wall Street Journal calls McDonagh “one of the finest playwrights in the English-speaking world.”

Martin McDonagh's plays include The Beauty Queen of Leenane (Alley production, January 1999), The Pillowman (Alley production, February 2006) and The Lieutenant of Inishmore (Alley production, January 2008). McDonagh won an Academy Award for Best Short Film for Six Shooter as well as an Academy Award nomination for Best Original Screenplay for In Bruges.

A Behanding in Spokane features Andrew Weems as Carmichael (Alley's Intelligence-Slave), Sean-Michael Bowles as Toby (Alley debut), Chris Hutchison as Mervyn (Alley's Intelligence-Slave, Our Town, The Farnsworth Invention) and Emily Neves as Marilyn (Alley's Boeing-Boeing, Harvey, Our Town).

The design team for A Behanding in Spokane includes Scenic Design by Kevin Rigdon (Alley's Intelligence-Slave, Mrs. Mannerly, Our Town), Costume Design by Kelly James-Penot (South Coast Repertory's Rising Water Trilogy), Lighting Design by Clint Allen (The Farnsworth Invention, Rock 'n' Roll, Underneath the Lintel, A Christmas Carol), Sound Design by Pierre Dupree (Alley's Intelligence-Slave, The Man Who Came to Dinner) and Dramaturg Lauren Halvorsen (Alley's Mrs. Mannerly, Our Town, The Man Who Came to Dinner).

Profanity, violence, adult situations. Recommended for mature audiences.

Special Programs:

CAPTIONED PERFORMANCE
Saturday, August 29, 7:30 PM
The Alley Theatre is pleased to offer open captioning for many of our productions throughout the season. To ensure that your seats will accommodate your needs, please call the box office 713.220.5700 when ordering tickets to this performance. Discounted tickets are available for groups of ten or more. Call 713.315.3346 for more information.

TALKBACK
Tuesday, September 7, 7:30 PM
Members of the cast return to the stage following the performance to take questions from the audience. TalkBacks are led by a member of the Alley Artistic Staff.
Robin Hood

Robin Hood

09-10-2010 - 10-10-2010

6

Fort Bend Theatre

http://www.fortbendtheatre.com

Fort Bend Theatre - 2815 N Main St Stafford TX 77477

Admission: $15 for adults $14 for students/seniors $12 for children

281-208-3333

fbtheatre@verizon.net

http://www.fortbendtheatre.com

Start Time(s): Fridays and Saturdays at 8pm Sundays at 3pm

Which man in tights robs from the rich to give to the poor, outwits the pompous Sheriff of Nottingham, wins the archery tournament and the hand of Maid Marion, and is starring in award-winning Fort Bend Theatre’s production September 10 – October 10?

Why, it’s Robin Hood, of course, to be performed at 2815 N. Main Street in Stafford, Fridays and Saturdays at 8pm & Sundays at 3 pm. This hilarious adaptation is one the entire family will enjoy!

Tickets are only $15 for adults, $14 for students/seniors and $12 for children, and are available ONLINE WITH NO TICKET FEES! For more information or to purchase tickets please visit the FBT website at www.fortbendtheatre.com or call 281-208-3333.
Celebrity Mystery Dinner Theater

Celebrity Mystery Dinner Theater

09-18-2010 - 09-18-2010

6

Actor's Gem Productions, LLC (Celebrity Mystery Theater)

http://www.CelebrityMysteryTheater.com

Spaghetti Warehouse - 901 Commerce St Houston TX 77002

Admission: $55 per person; includes 3 course meal, dinner show, soft drinks, & gratuity Reservations requires/ reserved seating only Suitable for all age groups Available for large parties, group and corporate events All major credit cards accepted

(713) 305-8117

Babswinslow@aol.com

http://www.CelebrityMysteryTheater.com

Start Time(s): Evening Schedule: 6:45 pm - Doors Open & Salad served 7:15 - Show introduction 7:30 - Act I Begins (no late seating) 8:15 - Main Entrees' Dinner Intermission 8:45 - Act II inclusive of dessert served 9:30 - The End

Actor's Gem Productions and Spaghetti Warehouse present Celebrity Mystery Dinner Theater, the funniest , most unique murder mystery; as seen in Las Vegas, New York and Boston!

Imagine yourself enjoying dinner socializing with friends, having a few drinks ....when suddenly a murder is committed. Let the wacky antics of two famous detectives, never seen together before any where, amuse you as they hilariously solve the crime. Who did it?...Was it... Fran Drescher, Marilyn Monroe, Cher, Elvis Presley, Elizabeth Taylor, Rocky Balboa, Bill Clinton, Joan Crawford, ... or was it You! Or a host of other celebrity look-a-likes! With this all-star celebrity look-a-like cast, you never know who may come through the door!

Comedy…the wacky antics of world famous detectives hilariously solves a crime and unravels a mystery before your eyes. Each discovered clue leads to a suspect, or famous celebrity, holding valuable information.

Entertaining…it is the only comedy murder mystery show with an entire cast of celebrity impersonators. You’re captured when these famous faces perform, sing or dance as they also plead for their innocence. Is that really Michael Jackson? At least it’s fun to think so.

Suspense… as you follow the clues with hopes of solving the mystery you can’t help but wonder just who is going to be the next famous suspect. Who committed the crime? Madonna, Robin Williams or YOU!

Now playing once a month in downtown Houston @ The Spaghetti Warehouse 901 W. Commerce St. Houston Tx 77002. Doors Open @ 6:45 pm $55 per person; includes 3 course meal, dinner show , soft drinks & gratuity Reservation required / Seating is limited; Call (713) 305-8117 .

* Evening Schedule 6:45 pm - Doors Open & Salad served 7:15 - Show introduction 7:30 - Act I Begins (no late seating) 8:15 - Main Entrees' Dinner Intermission 8:45 - Act II inclusive of dessert served 9:30 - The End *
Celebrity Mystery Dinner Theater

Celebrity Mystery Dinner Theater

10-23-2010 - 10-23-2010

6

Actor's Gem Productions, LLC (Celebrity Mystery Theater)

http://www.CelebrityMysteryTheater.com

Spaghetti Warehouse - 901 Commerce St Houston TX 77002

Admission: $55 per person; includes 3 course meal, dinner show, soft drinks, & gratuity Reservations requires/ reserved seating only Suitable for all age groups Available for large parties, group and corporate events All major credit cards accepted

(713) 305-8117

Babswinslow@aol.com

http://www.CelebrityMysteryTheater.com

Start Time(s): Evening Schedule: 6:45 pm - Doors Open & Salad served 7:15 - Show introduction 7:30 - Act I Begins (no late seating) 8:15 - Main Entrees' Dinner Intermission 8:45 - Act II inclusive of dessert served 9:30 - The End

Actor's Gem Productions and Spaghetti Warehouse present Celebrity Mystery Dinner Theater, the funniest , most unique murder mystery; as seen in Las Vegas, New York and Boston!

Imagine yourself enjoying dinner socializing with friends, having a few drinks ....when suddenly a murder is committed. Let the wacky antics of two famous detectives, never seen together before any where, amuse you as they hilariously solve the crime. Who did it?...Was it... Fran Drescher, Marilyn Monroe, Cher, Elvis Presley, Elizabeth Taylor, Rocky Balboa, Bill Clinton, Joan Crawford, ... or was it You! Or a host of other celebrity look-a-likes! With this all-star celebrity look-a-like cast, you never know who may come through the door!

Comedy…the wacky antics of world famous detectives hilariously solves a crime and unravels a mystery before your eyes. Each discovered clue leads to a suspect, or famous celebrity, holding valuable information.

Entertaining…it is the only comedy murder mystery show with an entire cast of celebrity impersonators. You’re captured when these famous faces perform, sing or dance as they also plead for their innocence. Is that really Michael Jackson? At least it’s fun to think so.

Suspense… as you follow the clues with hopes of solving the mystery you can’t help but wonder just who is going to be the next famous suspect. Who committed the crime? Madonna, Robin Williams or YOU!

Now playing once a month in downtown Houston @ The Spaghetti Warehouse 901 W. Commerce St. Houston Tx 77002. Doors Open @ 6:45 pm $55 per person; includes 3 course meal, dinner show , soft drinks & gratuity Reservation required / Seating is limited; Call (713) 305-8117 .

* Evening Schedule 6:45 pm - Doors Open & Salad served 7:15 - Show introduction 7:30 - Act I Begins (no late seating) 8:15 - Main Entrees' Dinner Intermission 8:45 - Act II inclusive of dessert served 9:30 - The End *
Anna Bella Eema

Anna Bella Eema

09-17-2010 - 10-02-2010

6

The Catastrophic Theatre

http://www.catastrophictheatre.com/

Barnevelder Movement/Arts Complex - 2201 Preston Houston TX 77003

Admission: All regular performances are Pay-What-You-Can Suggested ticket price is $20 but no one will be turned away for lack of funds Special prices for opening night and our annual fundraiser party

713-522-2723

info@catastrophictheatre.com

http://www.catastrophictheatre.com/

Start Time(s): 8:00 pm Wednesdays through Saturdays  

The Catastropic Theatre presents Anna Bella Eema. Jason Nodler will direct the Houston premiere of Anna Bella Eema by Obie Award-winning playwright Lisa D’Amour at Barnevelder Movement/Arts Complex. Music by Chris Sidorfsky.

Described as “a ghost story to be spoken and sung,” Anna Bella Eema is the story of a mother, her girl and her girl’s girl: a twin she crafts from the mud outside her trailer park home. D'Amour presents the tale in a profoundly theatrical style in which words and actions become music and music becomes story. The production continues the Catastrophic tradition of introducing Houston audiences to the most original voices writing for theatre today.

Ms. D’Amour's work has been performed extensively throughout the country and in Canada and she was the 2008 recipient of the Alpert Awards in the Arts in Theatre.

The New York Times called Anna Bella Eema “A skillfully stylized…wise comment on identity, the violence and inevitability of separation, and the value of both adaptation and detailed self-awareness.”

Anna Bella Eema opens Friday, September 17 and runs Wednesdays through Saturdays until October 2. All performances are at 8 p.m. at Barnevelder Movement/Arts Complex.