Out with Bartok

Sandy wreaks havoc on a Houston Symphony concert, but a violinist swoops in tosave the day

Houstonians haven't been affected much by Hurricane Sandy's wrath. Other than disrupting travel plans and having to bear nonstop news coverage of the massive weather system, our city has, for the most part, remained relatively unattached from Mother Nature's rage.

Unless you are a classical music lover and are a Houston Symphony ticket holder for this weekend's Tchaikovsky concert.

Flying in like a hero to save the day with a violin and a bow on hand is Houston Symphony concertmaster Frank Huang.

Violin soloist Augustin Hadelich was scheduled to perform Béla Bartók's Violin Concerto No. 2 at Jones Hall with conductor guest Alexander Shelley. But with flight cancelations and inclement conditions, he is unable to find safe passage into Houston.

The young German violinist has been hailed as a thoughtful musician with a warm and lyrical tone. And though his weather cancelation is a loss for the Houston Symphony, don't be in a rush to trade those seats.

Here's why.

Flying in like a hero to save the day with a violin and a bow on hand is Houston Symphony concertmaster Frank Huang. He's stepping in last minute to offer concertgoers a different tune: Tchaikovsky's Violin Concerto in D major.

Though the Russian showpiece is a standard in the fiddle repertoire, learned sometimes at the pre-conservatory level and perfected during college, it's a work whose mastery and interpretation matures with age and experience.

Huang taking it on with short notice (rumor says he's fighting a cold too)? Now that's something to watch. An all Tchaikovsky program? Not bad at all.

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Houston Symphony presents "Tchaikovsky's Symphony No. 5" on Thursday, Saturday and Sunday. Tickets start at $25 and can be purchased online or by calling 713-224-7575.

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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.