Armando Urdiales - Page 2

When I first moved to Houston in early 2021, theatre's across Houston began the slow process of reopening. One of the first productions featured an actress that I sorely wish I knew her incredible body of work before the pandemic. That actress, Michelle Elaine. Not only is she an exceptional actress but also one of the most amazing individuals in the Houston arts scene. When I found out she was cast in one of my favorite farces, short titled, POTUS, I was ecstatic and decided to interview this outstanding actress. 

Chris Hoch, a luminary of the Broadway stage, stands as a captivating embodiment of artistic versatility and unparalleled talent. Whether commanding the stage with commanding charisma or evoking poignant emotions with subtlety, Hoch's contributions to theatre have led to a career spanning both the brightest marquees of New York City and beyond. BroadwayWorld sat down with Hoch as Jagged Little Pill will make its way in to Space City this week, allowing Houston audiences to explore all the Hoch and magnificence has to offer.

Wicked: The Musical has been enchanting audiences worldwide for years, and the current touring production is no exception. With its mesmerizing performances, breathtaking set design, and unforgettable music, this production offers a spellbinding experience that will leave you spellbound.

Do you ever watch a film and think about what you do in the conflict? Does your concept of that conflict change? How would you react if you were in Thano's snap or your father said you couldn't interact with the human world because you live underwater? Now add those ideas and mix them with thoughts of race. These contemplations are at the heart of Jackie Sibblies Drury's Pulitzer Prize-winning play, Fairview, which is currently open at 4th Wall Theatre Co. 

Last year, during the Alley All New Festival, upon the announcement of Law & Order's Monet Hurst-Mendoza having a workshop was news that caused for myself much excitement. The workshop was not a disappointment but made me anxious to witness a full scale production. When it was announced in the 22-23 Alley Theatre season, my excitement grew not only due to the capability of a full scale production, but also the fact that Director and Choreographer, Tatiana Pandiani, would be at the helm.

We all have heard or maybe used the inappropriate phrase 'dumb blonde.' However, the musicalization of challenging this notion in Legally Blonde the Musical, currently in performances at TUTS, challenges our use of the expression with a heartwarming and uplifting tale of breaking the glass ceiling.

Immigration. The word that has been much on the lips of everyone in the last years. On both sides of the political aisle, this topic has created laws that have impacted many. An expert production at 4th Wall reveals the real-world ramifications of this legislation in Martyna Majok's Sanctuary City. 

Do you ever feel anxious at work? Tired? Maybe you are stressed because your home life is chaotic. Now add the pressure that you are formerly incarcerated, and your boss (who was also in prison) consistently uses this fact against you. On top of which, your work is making sandwiches at a busy truck stop with never-ending pressure and a toxic work environment. This scenario from acclaimed playwright Lynn Nottage is Clydes, currently in production at Houston's The Ensemble Theatre.

Whoa! The literal words audience members exclaim after witnessing the powerful performances that are currently happening in Roe at STAGES. Houston’s prolific theater, brings Lisa Loomer’s play not only an important time but also does so with some of our city’s brilliant actors. 

Every Brilliant Thing at AD Players, a one-man show that finished at the George Theater, can only be summed up in one phrase, freaking brilliant. Orlando Arriaga, one of Houston's very own master actors, proves his extraordinary acting prowess in this play and does so with equal parts joy and humility.

The story goes that Toby Marlow and Lucy moss after meeting in their years at university, made a decision to write a musical about the six wives of Henry VIII. Their inspiration, a tiny poem that goes “Divorced, Beheaded, Died, Divorced, Beheaded, Survived” has become the basis of a megahit musical that rewrites the narrative of the lives of Henry wives. In doing so, the current tour stop at the Hobby Center is one that you absolutely do not want to miss.

Two chairs, a side table, and a lone actress on stage begins 4th Wall Theatre’s production of Lucas Hnath’s The Thin Place. These four elements are the creation of a spooky and eerie story of what lies between the mortal and ghostly worlds. Ultimately, 4th Wall’s The Thin Place features top-tier performances from some of Houston’s favorites.What did our critic think of 4TH WALL STRIKES A SPOOKY TONE IN LUCAS HNATH’S THE THIN PLACE at 4th Wall Theatre Company?

You would think a story with its title character would be the main focus of a play. For example, Beetljuice the Musical’s title character almost never leaves the stage and has a character arc, or in The Music Man, the literal Music Man, Harold Hill, remains the center of attention for most of its play. Unfortunately, Miss Maude at AD Players, a play that draws inspiration from a selfless black nurse from the 1950s, fails to provide its title character anything more than a plot point for its white male protagonist. This ultimately leads to a Pre-Broadway World Premiere that with some tweaking could see a fully successful commercial run in both New York and other theaters. While I did not personally enjoy some aspects of the story, Martin Casella has the beginnings of what could be a great play.

Tension. Defined in the dictionary as mental or emotional strain. This simple seven letter word sums up the production of Trouble in Mind by Alice Childress currently playing at Main Street Theater. Don't be confused though, this tension that discusses race, politics, and other contemporary issues is expertly done.

Fats Waller is one of the many black artists over the centuries whose music still permeates popular culture. His stylistic rhythms are part the foundation of the quintessential American sound and it is due to this that his musical revue AIN’T MISBEHAVIN’ is a tremendous work of art. TUTS season opening production not only does his music incredibly justice but also provides a night of theater that one simply will never forget. 

Where to begin to explain Alric Davis' semi-autobiographical play Bashful, and the Noize. Equal parts Michael R. Jackson's A Strange Loop, Pasek and Paul's Dear Evan Hansen, and Simon Stephens A Curious Incident of the Dog in the Nighttime, Davis' play is an amalgamation of storylines that are equal parts celebratory of black American life, but also is a play that needs some improvement. While I know this has been a 9 year journey for young Davis, this play has the guts to one day truly be outstanding. There is some polishing that can be done to have the play truly excel and eventually become as iconic and discussed as James Ijames Fat Ham, or Branden Jacobs-Jenkins Gloria.

Whether young students begin their theatrical careers in their performing arts high schools or get their BFAs and then join a high-level production, Texas performers have become a staple for the arts within the United States. A point of Texas pride is that many of the states performers are treading the boards on Broadway and on tours across the country. Adriana Scalice is a recent Texas State University graduate whose dream is coming true by being cast in Mean Girls shortly after graduation. In conversation with the Bobcats alum, Adriana discusses her schooling, life after graduation, and being the Standby for some iconic characters.

What did our critic think of STAGES “WAKES UP LITTLE SUSIE” IN SEASON OPENER, DREAM: THE MUSIC OF THE EVERLY BROTHERS at Stages?We all have that one or two friends who know everything about a niche topic. For example, I can tell you the entire timeline of the Harry Potter books, films, and spin offs. Much to the chagrin of my friends and family whenever we discuss them I am usually the one that corrects incorrect facts and states the phrase “Um, Actually!” to their annoyance. However, unlike me, Eric Anthony and Ben Hope have created a night of musical theater that transcends and uplifts their expansive knowledge on the rock n roll duo, the Everly Brothers into an amazing night of musical theater.

4th Wall Theatre Co., was one of the first theater's I had the privilege to visit when Houston's theater industry began to repoen. One of their most exciting recent new adventures is creating a Summer Shakes program, where Houston area high school students are treated as professionals and learn from some of the best Julliard theater students, all while putting on a production of the famous bard, William Shakespeare. Philip Lehl is an alumnus of Juillard and often credits his time with the institutition for his artistic success. This year, Houston has the great fortune of witnessing the brilliance of accessibility advocate and actor, Ana Karneza.

As the temperatures rise fairly quickly in our city, a musical of snowy and theatrical bliss inhabits the Hobby Center. Yes, I am talking about the much anticipated tour of the movie and Broadway hit, Frozen: the Musical. While I was a big fan of the movie, the musical takes the concepts from the film and creates a blizzard of talent and technical grandeur rarely seen from a touring production.