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    Flying boy beats down the ogre

    Princess Fiona shines, but Shrek The Musical can't fly as high as Peter Pan

    Carolina Astrain
    Oct 24, 2010 | 9:04 am
    • Shrek is good for a couple of laughs and Haven Burton stands out as Fiona.
      Photo by Joan Marcus
    • David F.M. Vaughn plays Lord Farquaad.
      Photo by Joan Marcus/©2010 DreamWorks Theatricals
    • The Ginger Bread man blames the Muffin Man.
      Photo by Joan Marcus/©2010 DreamWorks Theatricals

    Everyone in Houston seems to have ogre fever. But is it justified?

    At an early showing of Shrek The Musical (which runs through October 31 at the Hobby Center), I couldn't wait to get out of my seat. And not to take part in a standing ovation.

    I enjoyed the first Shrek movie when it came out in 2001, but didn't care for the sequels and this drawn-out production isn't getting me back on the ogre bandwagon.

    I checked out the musical in hopes of regaining respect for the popular culture force and longtime babysitting crutch (just slip in the DVD and let Eddie Murphy do all the work as Donkey). A couple of numbers from Houston's stage Shrek are bound to catch your attention, especially those from Princess Fiona (played by Haven Burton, whose father lives in Houston). Another standout of the show is David F.M. Vaughn's physically-demanding performance as Lord Farquaad.

    DreamWorks Theatricals deserves credit for pulling off a stunning set-design, but the musical itself could use some snipping.

    During Donkey's (Alan Mingo Jr.) first serenade of friendship to Shrek (Eric Petersen), the music notes sparked memory of Rent's "I'll Cover You." I have no problem with a homosexual connotation when it comes to man love, but is it too much to ask for a little originality?

    There's an applause-generating cheap shot during Donkey and Shrek's journey to the dragon-guarded tower, when animals from the Lion King musical production make appearances. I won't spoil the ender, but let's just say there nothing surprising about the song choice.

    In a way, weighing Shrek The Musical against Alley's Peter Pan or the Boy Would Not Grow Up is like comparing apples and oranges.

    Still, the Alley's Peter Pan is a definite winner over Shrek. Peter Pan may be a darker story, but it's definitely the smarter tale.

    unspecified
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    dancing days

    Massive new country western dancehall now open in Southwest Houston

    Eric Sandler
    Jun 12, 2026 | 5:16 pm
    Cowboys Red River Dance Hall and Saloon
    Photo by Shane Dante
    Cowboys Red River is now open at Plazamericas.

    The wait for Houston’s newest destination for two stepping, boot scootin’, and line dancing has come to an end. Cowboys Red River Dance Hall and Saloon has officially opened its doors.

    Located at Plazamericas, the Latin-themed shopping mall and entertainment complex in Southwest Houston (7500 Bellaire Blvd.), Cowboys Red River Dance Hall and Saloon offers almost 37,000 square feet of space, including a 2,500-square-foot “race-track” dance floor that’s designed for popular country dance styles such as two stepping and line dancing. It’s the company third location, joining a Dallas outpost that opened in 1989 and a San Antonio location that opened in 2003.

    "We’re fired up to bring Cowboys Red River to Houston," said Scott Murphy, Vice President and Chief Operating Officer, in a statement. "For over 30 years, we’ve been the biggest, baddest honky-tonk in Texas — the kind of place where you can hold someone close on the dance floor or raise a little hell with your buddies and feel right at home either way. Now it’s Houston’s turn. With our race-track dance floor, top-tier live acts, and that Southern hospitality we’re known for, we’re bringing a whole lot of romance, energy, and Texas-sized fun to this city. Houston, grab your boots, a couple of friends, and let’s go have a damn good time.”

    In order to entertain crowds that are expected to swell to as many as 2,000 people on busy nights, Cowboys Red River will feature performances by honky-tonk band Runnin’ Behind. In addition, Cowboys Red River expects to host between 12 and 15 national touring acts in its first year.

    Other amenities include 1,700 parking spots, free valet for “unescorted ladies,” pool tables, and a mechanical bull. Cowboys Red River offers special packages for birthdays, bachelorette parties, and other special occasions. It will be open Wednesday-Saturday from 7 pm until 3 am.

    Cowboys Red River Dance Hall and Saloon

    Photo by Shane Dante

    Cowboys Red River is now open at Plazamericas.

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