A star is born!

Lynn Wyatt to join Tommy Tune on stage in Houston Grand Opera's Show Boat

She wowed them last year at Houston Grand Opera's Singing With the Houston Idolsbenefit. Look for her soon in HGO's production of Show Boat.
Photo by © Michelle Watson/CatchLightGroup.com
Tommy Tune takes the role of Captain Andy Hawks in the Francesca Zambelloproduction.
Photo by Bruce Bennett

La belle Lynn Wyatt, who walked away with top honors at last year's Singing With the Idols benefit for Houston Grand Opera, steps out in a cameo role in HGO's upcoming production of Show Boat, her name on at least the social marquee along with Tommy Tune.

While she won raves for her rendition of "Diamonds Are A Girl's Best Friend" at last fall's benefit, Wyatt's lines will be spoken when she plays "the lady on the levee" in the final scene of Show Boat.

"I'm thrilled to be a part of it and it's going to be something different for me," she said. "I'm always up for something challenging and exciting and this will be both."

"I am thrilled that Lynn Wyatt has accepted this engagement for her acting debut.”

And, yes, Wyatt will appear in all the performances. Even if it means making a quick turnaround following the 50th birthday party that Andrew Lloyd Webber is throwing for his wife, Madeleine. They've invited only 50 of their nearest and dearest to the fete in Barbados and Wyatt couldn't miss it.

HGO artistic and music director Patrick Summers extended the invitation for Wyatt to play "the lady on the levee."

“This role has traditionally been played by great personality figures such as the first lady of American cinema, Lillian Gish," he emailed from San Francisco where he is rehearsing for Jake Heggie’s Moby Dick. "And for HGO’s production, it’s important to me to have the part played by an iconic personality who has a long association with this city and with this company. I am thrilled that Lynn Wyatt has accepted this engagement for her acting debut.”

And a long association it is. Wyatt noted that she has been on the opera board since the 1979-80 season and has served as vice chairman of the board for 20 years.

Homegrown talent, nine-time Tony Award winner and Lynn Wyatt pal Tommy Tune will portray Cotton Blossom Captain Andy Hawks.

In a prepared statement, internationally-renowned stage director Francesca Zambello said, “I have long admired the work of Tommy Tune as performer, director and living theatrical legend, so to have the chance to collaborate at HGO on Show Boat will be felicitous. Cap’n Andy is the great showman of his floating theater and I am sure Tommy Tune will bring something unique and fresh to our production. It should not be missed.”

Show Boat, which runs Jan. 18 through Feb. 9, is a co-production with Lyric Opera of Chicago, San Francisco Opera and Washington National Opera.

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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.