alley oop!

Houston's cherished Alley Theatre unveils triumphant 75th anniversary season

The Alley tips its hat to classics like A Christmas Carol this year.

Photo by John Carrithers

What a pandemic it’s been for the cherished Alley Theatre. In May 2020, the longstanding theatrical company was forced to slash its budget and shorten its season. Then, in December 2020, the organization canceled all in-person performances and pivoted to virtual offerings.

But now, the Alley has unveiled triumphant news. To celebrate its 75 anniversary — quite a feat for any arts troupe — the Alley is unveiling a new season starting October 1, 2021.

This 75th Anniversary Season return to live performances includes three world premiere plays and one world premiere musical, according to the Alley.

“I couldn’t be more excited to get back into the Theatre with this fabulous lineup including a Pulitzer Prize-winning play, a world-premiere musical, and three world premiere plays,” said artistic director Rob Melrose in a release.

“Our 75th Season boasts the most world premieres of any of our 74 previous seasons! When founder Nina Vance started this Theatre in 1947, she sent out 214 penny postcards and stated ‘It’s beginning! Houston, this is your Theatre.’”

Fans can expect highlights including the Pulitzer Prize-winning play Sweat, which is being produced in collaboration with The Ensemble Theatre.

Highlights also include world premieres of Amerikin, originally slated for the 2019–2020 season, High School Play: A Nostalgia Fest by Texas playwright Vichet Chum.

National theater lovers will enjoy the musical Noir, penned by former adult pop star (“Barely Breathing,” anyone?) and Broadway’s Duncan Sheik (Spring Awakening) and Kyle Jarrow (SpongeBob SquarePants).

And no Alley fan would skim past a mention of Houston’s beloved holiday tradition. A Christmas Carol runs in November through the end of December.

Here is a snapshot of the Alley’s 2021-2022 schedule (*indicates world premiere)

Sweat (in collaboration with The Ensemble Theatre): October 1–24, 2021
72 Miles to Go: October 15–November 14, 2021
A Christmas Carol: November 19–December 29, 2021
High School Play: A Nostalgia Fest: January 21–February 13, 2022*
Amerikin: February 11–March 13, 2022*
Sense and Sensibility: March 4–27, 2022
Dead Man’s Cell Phone: April 15–May 8, 2022
Born with Teeth: May 6–June 5, 2022*
Noir: June 2–July 3, 2022*
Alley All New Festival: June 15–26, 2022

“For the 75 Anniversary and beyond, we are committed to being a Theatre for all Houstonians. I’m thrilled to usher in the 75th Anniversary Season.”

For tickets and more information, visit alleytheatre.org.

theater

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.

alley oop!

Houston's cherished Alley Theatre unveils triumphant 75th anniversary season

CultureMap Emails Are AwesomeGet Houston intel delivered daily.

We will not share or sell your email address.

taking center stage

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

CultureMap Emails Are Awesome
Get Houston intel delivered daily.