Shelby's Social Diary

Beyond young professionals: Hot movers and shakers start a new Houston Symphonygroup

Photo by © Michelle Watson/CatchLightGroup.com
Photo by © Michelle Watson/CatchLightGroup.com
Photo by © Michelle Watson/CatchLightGroup.com
Photo by © Michelle Watson/CatchLightGroup.com
Photo by © Michelle Watson/CatchLightGroup.com

Young, successful and committed to the Houston Symphony — that's the criteria for joining the symphony's newest membership team, the Young Associates Council. More than 100 interested parties turned out for the group's launch to learn more.

As Lindley Arnoldy, one of the volunteers helping organize the new group, explained, the new entity "is a giving level group for those that have graduated beyond the young professional status. It's for individuals that want to be a part of the Houston Symphony at a giving level but aren't ready for the full-on time or financial commitment of the board."

The somewhat youthful (45 and under) movers and shakers gathered in the JPMorgan Chase Building Sky Lobby for the launch party

The basic Young Associates membership is $1,500 with the premium membership $2,500. The generous perks include Green Room access, year-round VIP ticketing, invitations to social events in private homes (typically reserved for major donors), the opportunity to purchase discounted tickets to opening night, the symphony ball and more.

The somewhat youthful (45 and under) movers and shakers gathered in the JPMorgan Chase Building Sky Lobby for the launch party, spearheaded by council co-chairs Audrey and Brandon Cochran. Steering committee member Katie Flaherty addressed the group as did Symphony CEO Mark Hanson. Featured entertainment were the "Bad Boys of Cello," a trio of spirited symphony musicians.

Eager symphony supporters included Jason Arnoldy, Ting Bresnahan, Jason Volz, Kristy Bradshaw, Christina Hanson, Viviana and David Denechaud, David Wuthrich and Melissa McCrimmon and Houston Symphony musicians Eric Larson, Tony Prisk and Adam Dinitz.

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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.