Shelby's Social Diary

Houston's top young professionals take the Wortham stage for Grand Opera honors

Photo by Chinh Phan
Photo by Chinh Phan
Photo by Chinh Phan
Photo by Chinh Phan
Photo by Chinh Phan
Photo by Chinh Phan
Photo by Chinh Phan
Photo by Chinh Phan
Photo by Chinh Phan
Photo by Chinh Phan
Photo by Chinh Phan

Houston Grand Opera calls them the "next generation of volunteers and fundraisers" — the individuals honored each year with HGO's Ovation Awards. The 2012 crop of eight young professionals, to be honored at the HGO ball's Encore after-party, were introduced on stage at Wortham Theater Center Wednesday night.

Doing the honors were Encore Party chairs Audrey and Brandon Cochran. Recognized for their notable philanthropy and community leadership were Jason Bernhardt, Lindsey Brown, Carrie Carson, Caroline Starry LeBlanc, Lee Mitchell, Paul Pettie, Samira Salman and John Urquhart.

As they mingled across the stage, chandeliers from HGO's upcoming production of La Traviata gleaming overhead, the dynamic young leaders talked up the Encore Party. It's a $60 black-tie bargain for young professionals that grants admission to the Wortham's Grand Foyer at 10 p.m., open bar, midnight breakfast and dancing to the tunes of DJ Pooks until 2 a.m.

It all takes place on April 14, the night of the white-tie-and-tails Opera Ball, chaired by Cynthia and Tony Petrello and saluting Italy. Because the ball is white-tie-and-tails, Encore Party guests will be required to wear long gowns and tuxedos.

Young notables in the gathering included Bellaire City Councilman Corbett Parker, Ashley Wehrly, Isabel and Danny David, Nic Phillips, Julie Soefer, Lauren Levicki, Valerie Palmquist-Dieterich and Tracy Dieterich, John Andell, Liz Gorman, Heather Pray, Nick Espinosa, Carlos Meltzer, Jennifer Howard and Victor Mendoza.

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taking center stage

Stage adaptation of iconic Black movie Jason's Lyric to debut in Houston

Courtesy of Jason's Lyric

Most of the movie's cast will appear in the play.

Next year, Houston writer/producer/director/promoter Je’Caryous Johnson will be bringing another beloved Black movie to the live stage.

Jason’s Lyric will join New Jack City and Set It Off in the lineup of ‘90s Black-movie favorites that Johnson has adapted for the stage. The 1994 made-in-Houston drama stars Allen Payne and a pre-Will Smith Jada Pinkett as young lovers trying to maintain a relationship as conflicts and obstacles keep getting in the way.

Jason’s Lyric Live will go on a nationwide, 22-city tour, premiering right here in H-Town on Thursday, February 13 — just in time for Valentine’s Day.

“Houston is my home, and bringing Jason’s Lyric Live to life here first is my way of paying homage to the city and its people who inspired this story,” Johnson said in a statement. “This is more than a play; it’s a love letter to the community.”

Payne will reprise his role as Jason, with actress/model Eva Marcille stepping in Pinkett’s role as Lyric. Naughty by Nature rapper Treach, who played Lyric’s criminal big brother Alonzo in the movie, will also return to the role for the stage production. Tyrin Turner (Menace II Society), K. Michelle (Love & Hip Hop), and Lawrence Hilton-Jacobs (Welcome Back, Kotter) will round out the cast.

"Jason’s Lyric is one of the films that defined my career as an actor,” Payne said. “To bring it to life on stage for audiences who loved the movie — and a new generation experiencing it for the first time — is an incredible honor."

Marcille is also psyched for the show, taking on the role that Pinkett memorably brought to life. "Lyric is a character who embodies resilience and hope, and I’m honored to bring her story to life on stage,” Marcille said.

Tickets will go on sale this Friday, December 13, at 10 am. For a full list of dates and ticket information, visit the website.