Democracy in action

Powerhouse politico Stacy Abrams joins Houstonians at bookstore event

Stacey Abrams will share her fight and her hot takes at this bookish event.

Houstonians can be part of an incredible conversation when journalist Cari Champion sits down with rock star voting rights advocate and former Georgia congresswoman Stacey Abrams.

The virtual event is part of a nation-wide convo, with several indie bookstores taking part. Houston's Brazos Bookstore is among them. It's scheduled for 6 pm on Tuesday, June 22.

"Cari Champion will moderate the discussion with Stacey Abrams," Brazos Bookstore's general manager Ulrika Moats tells CultureMap. "Then, there's a Q&A. This is such a great moment to hear Stacey speak, if people have questions, it's a chance to interact with her."

The event coincides with the paperback release of Abrams' Our Time is Now: Power, Purpose and the Fight for a Fair America, a frank and chilling look at threats to our democracy. Moats says that the store had been working with Abrams on an event to promote the hardcover edition of the book.

That event was cancelled because of the pandemic. Having this on the calendar is huge, says Moats.

"We're really excited! She's such a prominent figure, and this is a chance to learn more about her work and how she's helped create the changes she has," says Moats. "She saw problems and she did something about it. I think her story is inspiring to anyone who wants to get more involved and doesn't know how to."

The discussion isn't just for Abrams fans, however. Moats points out it's a chance to learn more about the name behind the headline, sure, but it's also an event for people who are interested in politics, who are interested in literature, for those who are naturally curious, and those who love the events the store hosts.

There are two ways audiences can participate. They can register for a free ticket, or they they can purchase a copy of the book, which comes with a ticket to the event. In either case, they'll receive the link to the Zoom event following registration. The last opportunity to register is at 5:30 pm on June 22.

"This is an opportunity to sit and listen to an inspiring story, as well as having the chance to have your questions answered," says Moats. "I think audience are really going to enjoy that piece of the program."

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Thanks, Tommy

Houston-born Broadway legend donates 50,000 item personal collection to UH

Courtesy of University of Houston

Tommy Tune has received 10 Tony Awards.

Broadway legend Tommy Tune and his sister Gracey have made a major gift to the University of Houston, ensuring that the star's larger-than-life legacy will be available for scholars and students for generations to come. The Tony Award-winning actor, choreographer, and director has given a collection of costumes, scripts, design sketches, choreography notes, photos and personal letters to the university.

More than 50,000 items in all, the collection captures the creative spirit of Broadway in the 1960s, ’70s and ’80s and provides a window into how iconic productions were conceived, staged, and experienced. Tune, a native Houstonian who earned his master's degree in directing from UH in 1964, has been one of Broadway's luminaries for decades, helming the original production of The Best Little Whorehouse in Texas, Nine, and more. He is the first person to win Tony Awards in four different categories, and the only person in Tony Awards history to win the same categories in consecutive years, taking home best choreography and best directing in 1990 and 1991. He is also the recipient of a Lifetime Achievement Tony Award.

He starred opposite Barbra Streisand in the 1969 film Hello, Dolly!

“The University of Houston felt like the natural home for it because it’s where my story truly began,” Tune said. “This collection represents my life in musical theater, and I want it to inspire the next generation of artists in the city that first inspired me.”

The collection is housed in the UH Archives in the MD Anderson Library. Tune's sister Gracey noted that her brother's extraordinary career is part of theater history.

“You don’t win nine Tony Awards in so many facets of the craft — and a 10th for Lifetime Achievement — without shaping the era itself,” she said. “This collection covers every corner of his Broadway life, and many of his creations still live on stages around the world.”

The gift means that current and future generations of students and researchers will have access to remarkable items and letters.

“This collection is a significant contribution to the study of theater history, particularly musical theater,” said University of Houston Archivist Mary Manning. “It will be invaluable to students, performers, filmmakers and researchers who want to explore Tune’s creative process, reconstruct productions or gain cultural context for the works he directed and performed in.”

Tune's connections to Houston run deep. TUTS' annual Tommy Tune Awards are named for the star, and recognize excellence in high school musical theater.

Tune expressed gratitude for the university and acknowledged that donating these pieces of his life and work represent a full-circle moment.

“The University of Houston has an energy and creative spirit that matches everything this collection represents,” Tune said. “If my life’s journey can help even one young artist see a bigger future for themselves, it will be the perfect encore.”

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