For the Love of Art

The Super Bowl of Young Professionals: Culture Collision VII draws hot socialbutterflies

Photo by Melissa Fitzgerald
Photo by Melissa Fitzgerald
Photo by Melissa Fitzgerald
Photo by Melissa Fitzgerald
Photo by Melissa Fitzgerald
Photo by Melissa Fitzgerald
Photo by Melissa Fitzgerald
Photo by Melissa Fitzgerald
Photo by Melissa Fitzgerald
Photo by Melissa Fitzgerald
Photo by Melissa Fitzgerald
Photo by Melissa Fitzgerald

What to do? Where to go? Who to see? Such is the conundrum of A-list young professionals/social butterflies with a penchant for all things artsy.

For the chi-chi throng of 250 that meandered to Advantage BMW Midtown for "Culture Collision VII," presented by Brookfield Properties Wednesday night, that decision was as easy as choosing between red or white wine. Sixteen of the city's premier art presenters gathered to set up a one-stop-shop around the sleek luxury German vehicles, showcasing what each organization has to offer.

Hosted by Houston Young People for the Arts, the evening drew a who's who of young professional groups.

While the chit chat between Houston Ballet's Ballet Barre gals Kristy Junco Bradshaw and Lindsey Brown touted La Bayadere and The Rite of Spring, tuneful dialogue with Heather Pray at Houston Grand Opera's O.N. troupe enticed with Puccini's La Bohème.

Society for the Performing Arts' Karen Watassek displayed a tantalizing menu of options including The Royal Drummers and Dancers of Burundi, David Sedaris and Stomp. Jennifer Gardner at DiverseWorks 3D roused the more adventurous types to try the alternative presenter on for size.

Hosted by Houston Young People for the Arts, the evening drew a who's who of young professional groups, including Emerging Leaders, Bayou City Art Festival, Dominic Walsh Dance Theater, Ensemble Theatre, Fresh Arts Coalition, Health Museum's Professional Circle, Houston Arts Alliance, Houston Symphony YPB, The Studio at the CAMH, Theatre Under The Stars UP@TUTS and Urban Souls Dance Company.

Those looking to take in the art scene signed up for year-long memberships, purchased tickets to performances and ponied up cash to support creative endeavors locally, while stopping to sway to fancy tunes by DJ Derek Jones, grab healthful bites from Sambuca and Phoenicia, and imbibe suds by Saint Arnold Brewing Company and cocktails courtesy of Dripping Springs.

Mixing and mingling were Robert Ross, Jessica Starkschall, Lauren Daily, Gleeson Van Riet, James Bell, Reginald Jean Jacques, Erin Bergeron, Marcus Stewart, Megan Badger, Wade Hampton, Paul Pettie, Denise Furlough, Crystal Rideau, Erica Davis Rouse, Sarah Scollon, Gary Gilbert, Geoff Long, Andrew Huang and David Rassin.

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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.