Anything but a stuffy space

Art party: Divergence opens its new theater with greatest hits blowout

Dennis Arrowsmith, bass, performed on stilettos and wearing a corset and fishnettop.
Divergence Vocal Theater celebrated its new home at Spring Street Studios with amusical fete fit for the most discerning musical minds. Soprano and artisticdirector Misha Penton, dancer Meg Brooker and pianist Kyle Evan collaborated,presenting a work commissioned for the ensemble, among other selections thatexemplify the DVT's aesthetic.

There is always something magical about opening night. Gents in fine tuxes, dames in modish gowns and sparkling jewels, exquisite cuisine and bubbly cocktails.

But at the Divergence Music and Arts grand opening bacchanal Saturday, the scene resembled nothing of the sort. From the sophisticated socialite to the indie chic, the over-capacity crowd lounged comfortably on velvety floor pillows, mismatched chairs, rockers and loungers, awaiting a musicale that captured the raison d'être of the avant-garde ensemble.

The new venue at the burgeoning Spring Street Studios is home to Divergence Vocal Theater, the brainchild of soprano Misha Penton, who using a fiscal sponsorship model has been growing the company by breaking every convention of traditional vocal arts programming.

Exposed brick and vibrant green walls fuse to fashion an informal warehouse lofty aura, making the space feel more like a bohemian living room than a formal chamber hall. Almost tailored as a Divergence greatest hits, the grand opening bill included classic arias, works commissioned by Divergence, comical musical theater, soulful cabaret and experimental multimedia and cross-artistic compositions.

Mezzo Lainie Diamond brought the audience to tears with a tender, expressive a cappella American spiritual. Shelley Auer's "Alto's Lament" was quirky, full of personality and sass. Bass Dennis Arrowsmith, donning a corset, a fishnet top and stilettos, unleashed his masculine femininity in a theatrical performance of Dick Tracy's "More."

Jade Simmons tore up the piano with a virile virtuoso showcase of Liszt's Grand Etudes de Paganini No.6 in A Minor, ending with a spirited jazzy riff. Closing the program was a collaboration between pianist and composer Hsin-Jung Tsai, Chris Becker on laptop and dancer Meg Brooker, demonstrating the efficacy of juxtaposing traditional and contemporary genres, mediums and techniques.

Applause, applause! After the revue, devotees spilled onto the covered veranda for nibbles, libations and a lively mix and mingle with the artists.

Toasting to the new venue were Lois Alba, St.John Flynn, Dominick DiOrio and John Allegar, MaryBeth Davison Smith and Chris Welsh, Cecy Duarte, Brian Hoffner, John Bradshaw, Troy Campa and Rene Ibarra, Brad Goertz and Michael Zuraw.

It's official. Houston has a new boutique arts venue. That's something to celebrate.

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Arendelle Life

Houston's TUTS Gala dazzles with Frozen preview and Kelli O’Hara

Photo by Priscilla Dickson

Kelli O'Hara performed with TUTS Education students.

In a soirée where Broadway glitz met the icy enchantment of Arendelle, Theatre Under The Stars (TUTS) celebrated its “Lights Up” Gala at The Post Oak Hotel on November 8.

Setting the stage — literally speaking — was Tony Award-winning and Emmy-nominated Kelli O’Hara, who delivered an emotional performance alongside students from TUTS Education’s Pre-Professional and Performance Troupes. The program, titled Thank You, Ladies, paid tribute to influential women in O’Hara’s career.

The evening also marked an exclusive moment for TUTS: A first glimpse of its highly anticipated, one-of-a-kind production of Disney’s Frozen. TUTS artistic director Dan Knechtges, who will direct and choreograph the show, unveiled a preview that had the crowd visualizing snow-covered mountains and heartfelt ballads. The production is a unique honor, with Disney entrusting TUTS with creative license to reimagine the blockbuster musical.

Attendees entered through a snow-kissed milieu inspired by Frozen, with Scandinavian-inspired decor and chilly glam enveloping the ballroom. ABC-13 anchor and emcee Samica Knight welcomed guests, while executive director Hillary Hart emphasized the organization’s dedication to inclusivity and the arts.

“Musical theatre isn’t just about putting on a great show,” shared Knechtges. “It’s a celebration of who we are as a community — a vibrant tapestry enriched by all our diverse stories and experiences.”

Auctioneer Tim Dietz brought the sass with a live auction featuring luxury vacation packages, diamond earrings, and a VIP Tony Awards experience with a custom gown by designer David Peck. Major donors, including Margaret Alkek Williams, Deni and Doni Dennis, Demetra and Frank Jones, Greenberg Traurig, Amy Pierce, and Kristina Somerville, played key roles in the evening’s tally, contributing to the $96,000 raised in the donation drive alone.

The night’s curtain call was an after-party, with DJ Druw keeping the dance floor quite active. Adding to the revelry were cast members from TUTS’ upcoming Frozen production, blending Broadway sparkle with community charm. With 300 Houston arts aficionados in attendance, the event raised nearly $700,000 to support TUTS’ productions and education initiatives.

Letting it go were Charles O’Neill, Paul and Penny Loyd, Marianne and Joe Geagea, Linda and Willie Chiang, Mady and Ken Kades, Jane DiPaolo, Melissa Sandefer, David Wuthrich, The Honorable Peggy and Dr. Ashley Smith, Kristina Somerville, Leticia and Stephen Trauber, Sofia Adrogue, Vanessa Ames, Gina Gaston Elie, Jordan Seff, Daniel Turner and Jay Landa, Kristen Cannon, April McGee, Sarah Pope and Adam Cryer, Amber Mostyn, C.C. and Duke Ensell, John Dermer and Sarah Perry, Michelle Phillips, Elaine Balagia Croucher and Brant Croucher, Kendall Pierce, Bethany and Bryson Grover, Sarah and Scott Irby, Paulina and Jim McGrath, and Marris and Rob Goldberg.

Photo by Priscilla Dickson

Kelli O'Hara performed with TUTS Education students.