Albee damned

Is Dallas theater suddenly eclipsing the Alley? The New York Times says yes

Artists in a production of "Cabaret" at the Dallas Theater Center
Photo by Karen Almond/Dallas Theater Center/Facebook
A scene from The Alley Theatre's production of "Wonderland"
Photo by Michael Daniel
The Alley Theatre
Photo by Alley Theatre
Wyly Theater in Dallas
Photo by Bryan Amann

In the interminable Houston versus Dallas wars, Houston has always had a couple areas of excellence that Dallas couldn't match. With a world-class company like Alley Theatre as a cornerstone — the only company in Texas ever to win the Regional Theatre Tony Award, in 1996 — dramatic theater has for years been a force in Houston that had no equal in Dallas.

But is all that changing? Christopher Kelly writes in The New York Times (and Texas Monthly) that the Dallas Theater Center has recently taken a few pages out of the Alley's playbook, garnering national attention while the Houston company has stumbled.

Though the Alley remains the state’s heavy hitter, with an annual budget north of $14 million and recent world premieres like Rajiv Joseph’s Gruesome Playground Injuries, the theater earlier this year sustained a high-profile disappointment. Gregory Boyd, the Alley’s artistic director, was the co-author of and directed the musical Wonderland, which had a short run at the Alley before opening on Broadway in April. But the show was a flop; it received mostly negative reviews and closed after just 31 previews and 33 regular performances."

Perhaps more notably, the Texas theater buzz has traveled north, to the Dallas Theater Center, a company that has recently made impressive strides. It presented the premiere of a musical comedy in early 2010 called Give It Up!, which recently had a successful Off Broadway run in New York under the title Lysistrata Jones and will open on Broadway this year, with a number of the original Dallas cast members. Another world premiere, a reworked version of the 1966 musical It’s a Bird ... It’s a Plane ... It’s Superman, was staged during the summer of 2010."

Frankly, Mr. Kelly — who is also the critic for the Fort Worth Star-Telegram, and thus promoting his own turf — doth protest a bit too much.

Yes, the Dallas Theater Center has new digs in the form of the plush Charles and Dee Wyly Theater, part of the new cultural arts megaplex known as the AT&T Performance Arts Center. And it's great that the DTC has actually hired a resident company of actors, something that the Alley has had, oh, forever.

Certainly Dallas, as a major American city, deserves a top-level theater program. If Dallasites and outsiders want to give the resurgent company credibility by comparing it to Houston, that's fine. But a theater town isn't made in one or two strong seasons — nor is it unmade with one New York non-starter. When Dallas has more than just whispers about getting Tony attention, or relationships with legendary talent like Edward Albee, then maybe I'll concede a general parity.

Until then, the Alley is still the Texas program to beat.

unspecified series568664000

weekend event planner

These are the top 14 things to do in Houston this weekend

Photo courtesy of ARTECHOUSE

undefined

This weekend is definitely going to be a Wicked one.

The long-awaited movie adaptation of the beloved Broadway musical will be playing in theaters all over the place, and there will be some Wicked-themed events popping off this weekend. But we shouldn’t forget about live music from Lisa Morales and Christopher Seymore & The Western Cosplay, film screenings of a Pedro Almodovar classic and an animated manga adaptation from Japan, a couple of shucking-related events, and, last but not least, TURTLE-RACING!

Read on for this weekend’s best bets.

Thursday, November 21

Houston Young Professionals for the American Cancer Society presents Shuck Cancer Houston
The Houston Young Professionals for the American Cancer Society will present the annual Shuck Cancer Houston. The evening will feature wine and oyster pairings and non-oyster cuisine from top local seafood eateries, live music, a silent auction, and more. The American Cancer Society will also recognize top achievements from the Shuck Cancer Pearl Honorees and community partners. 7 pm.

Memorial Hermann Broadway at the Hobby Center presents Shucked
Speaking of shucking, if you’re a musical lover who’ll definitely see Wicked this weekend, you may also want to catch this show before it becomes a feature film. Shucked is a Tony-winning musical comedy featuring a book by Tony winner Robert Horn, a score by the Grammy-winning songwriting team of country stars Brandy Clark and Shane McAnally, and directed by Tony winner Jack O’Brien. The corn-fed, corn-bred American musical is sure to satisfy an appetite for great musical theater. 7:30 pm (2 & 7:30 pm Saturday; 1:30 & 7 pm Sunday).

Little Woodrow’s Midtown presents Thursday Night Turtle Racing
This weekend, Little Woodrow’s Midtown closes out its turtle racing season. The Turtle Master orchestrates this unique spectacle, where ten, red-eared slider turtles with outsized personalities compete for glory in four sets of exciting races. Every guest at Little Woodrow’s Midtown has the opportunity to select a card with who they believe is the winning turtle. Anyone holding the winning turtle’s card receives a complimentary drink from the night’s sponsor. 8 pm.

Friday, November 22

Artechouse presents Holiday Spectacular
Artechouse presents the first-ever, immersive Houston Holiday Spectacular, an experience that brings the wonder of the season to life through art, technology, and interactive design. The event invites Houstonians to unwind and reconnect with the joy of the holidays through a captivating blend of digital art, sound, and interactivity. The limited-run exhibit reimagines popular holiday and ASMR (autonomous sensory meridian response) themes through digital landscapes. Through Sunday, January 5. 10 am.

Ebubay presents "Future Forward Africa"
Over at Hooks-Epstein Galleries, Ebubay will present "Future Forward Africa," an evening where modern and contemporary African art will be for sale. The exclusive one-day event offers collectors and art enthusiasts an opportunity to acquire investment-worthy pieces by some of Africa’s most renowned artists. The sale will feature works from celebrated African talents such as Sam Ebohon, George Edozie, and Duke Asidere. 6 pm.

The Museum of Fine Arts, Houston presents All About My Mother (Todo sobre mi madre)
Celebrating its 25th anniversary, Pedro Almodovar’s All About My Mother tells the story of Manuela (Cecilia Roth), who copes with a tragic loss that leads her back to a home she left. She meets Rosa (Penélope Cruz), a pregnant nun, and ends up working for Huma, the actress Manuela’s son admired while touring A Streetcar Named Desire — the show that led to the tragedy with which Manuela is reconciling. MFAH audio-visual technician Rob Arcos will introduce the film. 7 pm.

Lewis Black: Goodbye Yeller Brick Road, The Final Tour
Comedian Lewis Black presents his Goodbye Yeller Brick Road, The Final Tour. After over 35 years as a touring stand-up comedian, Black is parking his tour bus for good, marking the end of his world touring career. Black will write the next chapter of his career by going back to his roots and focusing on writing a new play, penning a new book, and expanding his podcast, RantCast, to include live recordings. But let’s hope he tells his famous bit about finding “the end of the universe” in Houston one last time. 8 pm.

Saturday, November 23

Comic Indie Con
Comic Indie Con is a celebration of independent media culture, exploring the world of indie comics, board games, arts and crafts, and more. Visitors will have the opportunity to explore a wide range of comics and discover unique stories that push the boundaries of traditional storytelling. Throughout the day, there will be panel discussions featuring industry professionals, artists, and writers, who will share their insights and experiences. Visitors are encouraged to showcase their creativity by dressing up as their favorite indie comic book character. 10 am.

The Union Kitchen presents Wicked Brunch and Cocktails
All five of The Union Kitchen’s Houston-area locations will celebrate the release of Wicked with a two-day, Wicked-themed brunch. This spellbinding-themed brunch will thrill fans of the iconic musical finally coming to the big screen. Step into a world inspired by the Land of Oz, where guests will enjoy a delicious brunch amidst enchanting decor that echoes Glinda and Elphaba's magical friendship and rivalry. This brunch is perfect for fans ready to embrace their inner Good Witch — or Wicked side. 10 am.

Cactus Music presents Lisa Morales
Yes, Cactus Music will be getting into the Wicked spirit with a soundtrack listening party on Sunday. But the store will also welcome Lisa Morales to its live stage. Marrying different genres — Mexican and American, traditional and contemporary — has of course long been part of her wheelhouse, especially in Sisters Morales. But, as a solo artist, her vibrant melange of musical flavors and different languages is artful enough to distinguish Morales’ embrace of “Spanglish” not just as part of the mix, but as practically a genre unto itself. 1 pm.

Christopher Seymore and The Western Cosplay in concert
Christopher Seymore and his band, The Western Cosplay, will host a concert and record a live album at the Continental Club in Midtown. The show will be captured in a full documentary-style concert video as the band launches their album fundraiser. The evening will feature album pre-orders, exclusive merchandise, live shirt printing, and a custom bandana station. Johnny Falstaff & The Starlight Lounge will be the opening act. After the concert, there will be an afterparty at Two Headed Dog. 8 pm.

Sunday, November 24

Mutiny Wine Room presents Paella Sunday
Just in time for the holidays, head over to Mutiny Wine Room for a cozy culinary experience. Watch chef Eduardo Alcayaga cook his famous seasonal paella over a live fire on the patio while sharing his expert tips. Diners can enjoy wine and appetizers by the outdoor heaters before sitting down to savor the freshly prepared paella. A serving of paella will be $38, while a Spanish wine pairing will be $15 by the glass and $56 by the bottle. This event will also happen on Sunday, December 29. Seatings at 1, 4, and 6:30 pm.

Asia Society Texas Center presents Children of the Sea
Dive into mysterious waters with Children of the Sea, an anime film based on a critically acclaimed manga by Daisuke Igarashi. The latest feature from Japan's Studio 4°C and is directed by Ayumu Watanabe, with a score by award-winning composer and longtime Studio Ghibli collaborator Joe Hisaishi. This film screening is presented as part of the Japan Foundation New York's nationwide tour. 2 pm.

MagicSpace Entertainment presents A Magical Cirque Christmas
Currently on a 35-city tour, the world-acclaimed entertainers of A Magical Cirque Christmas will showcase a winter wonderland journey, immersing the audience in the spirit of the season and dazzling with their talents. The cast of world-class acrobats, contortionists, and aerialists will pull off some jaw-dropping stunts, pushing the boundaries of imagination where gravity is defied and human potential knows no limits. 7:30 pm.

$ARTECHOUSE\u2019S Holiday Spectacular$

Photo courtesy of ARTECHOUSE

Artechouse presents Holiday Spectacular.

event-planner