Love hurts

Scandalous, sultry psychodrama closes Houston Grand Opera's season with sexually charged, twisted tale

Take a play by Oscar Wilde that scandalized society when it premiered in 1891. Now, add in a bold, dramatic score by Richard Strauss. Result: Salome, an intense psychodrama about love and power, running at Houston Grand Opera's Wortham Theater through May 12.

This story will be familiar to those who know their Bible stories. Salome is a deeply disturbed princess, who falls madly in love with Jokanaan (aka John the Baptist). But, he's just not that into her.

So, she performs the ultra-sexy and seductive Dance of the Seven Veils for King Herod, who, under her spell, agrees to anything. Her desire? John's head on a platter. Literally. (Talk about moves.)

The last show of HGO's 2022-2023 season sees the U.S. premiere of this production, co-produced with Palau de les Arts Reina Sofía of Valencia. Called an "erotic psychodrama," it's led by Spanish director Francesco Negrin. Ukrainian-Canadian conductor Keri-Lynn Wilson, who founded the Ukrainian Freedom Orchestra, leads the Houston Grand Opera orchestra.

Soprano Laura Wilde, who the Dallas Morning News called a "vocal powerhouse" and the Washington Post praised as "formidable," sings the title role. All three are making their company debuts.

Salome Houston Grand Opera 2023 Soprano Laura Wilde has been called a "vocal powerhouse."Photo by Michael Bishop

They are joined on stage by bass-baritone Ryan McKinny as Jokanaan, tenor Chad Shelton as Herod, and soprano Karita Mattila as Herodias.

Strauss was attracted to the bizarre, grotesque, sexually charged story after seeing a production of Wilde's play. The opera, like its play predecessor, caused gasps and pearl clutching, but would make its composer an extremely wealthy man.

Throughout its history, Salome has shocked and stunned audiences. Its biblical themes, its erotic desire, its murderous plot all contributed to the opera being banned in England until 1907. Until 1968, England's Lord Chamberlain's office required censorship approval on all productions.

In short, lovers of the scandalous, the eye-raising, and just plain dysfunctional should have a blast.

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Salome by Houston Grand Opera runs through May 12 at the Wortham Theater Center (510 Preston St.). Tickets start at $20. Purchase them and get more information here.

Photo by Michael Bishop

HGO's production of Salome is sultry and provocative.

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.