If Houston's unofficial sport is dining out, there's no question its unofficial pastime is joining together to help others. That's exactly the purpose behind Night Court 2023: The Law Files, a charity show returning to the Hobby Center for the Performing Arts from Wednesday, August 16 through Saturday, August 19.
Photo by John Wilson
'Night Court 2023: The Law Files' spoofs Houston politics and stories, using nods to shows like Stranger Things.
This year's performance has a decidedly 1980s-'90s bent, with influences from The X-Files, Stranger Things, Men In Black, and She-Hulk: Attorney at Law. The Law Files also features the greatest hits of the '80s and '90s from a wide variety of artists and styles such as the Beastie Boys, the Eurythmics, and more.
Written, produced, and performed entirely by Houston lawyers and judges, the musical benefits organizations such as AVDA - TX, The Beacon (Houston), Child Advocates, Houston Area Women's Center Children's Court Services, Houston Volunteer Lawyers, Lone Star Legal Aid Military Veterans Unit, and South Texas College of Law Houston Legal Clinics.
Proceeds from ticket sales will go to these area nonprofits to assist them with helping Houstonians in need.
"I love that we work together to put this on," Tara Taheri, a lawyer and executive producer of the show, tells CultureMap. "We all come together for a month or six week and we build the sets. We do everything ourselves. When you see it come together, it's emotional."
Attendees should watch for Taheri, who also performs in the cast, singing the Eurythmics' smash hit, "Sweet Dreams."
The production team has been working behind the scenes for longer than that; the group began last year pondering theme selection and sorting how the show could come together. This year, a new director is on board for the camp and creativity. Dr. Bobby Linhart, who leads an award-winning theater program at Houston Christian High School, is directing.
Night Court is a registered nonprofit which raises funds to provide legal services to those in need. The annual revue is the organization's main fundraiser, channeling the creativity of legal eagles around town. Over the show's last 25 years, it's raised more than $1.5 million for those in need.
Lawyers who attend the performance can receive two hours of ethics CLE for their attendance. Taheri stresses, however, it's definitely a show for everyone.
"We poke fun at Houston stories, politics and ourselves," she says. "This is a great night out for a great cause!"
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Night Court 2023: The Law Files runs Wednesday, August 16 through Saturday, August 19 at the Hobby Center for the Performing Arts (800 Bagby St.). Tickets start at $45 and can be purchased online.
