Armando Urdiales - Page 3

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. 

The fascinating aspects of the Houston theatre are almost too numerous to count. One of them is witnessing the amazing BIPOC and diverse range of people, places and theaters that inhabit Space City USA. One individual who is the personification of the best of Houston theater is Joseph “Joe P.” Palmore, who is mounting a poetic theatrical experience with the help of Houston staple, 4th Wall Theatre Company. We, as audience members, last saw Joe P., in the remount of 4th Wall’s of Stephen Adly Guirgis, Between Riverside and Crazy, and his performance then was stellar. Now, we get to witness Joe P.’s exquisite poetry along with his peers in Disturbing the Peace.

When the movie Frozen came out, I was in New York City, and the most fascinating part about that time in Disney movie history was how Frozen was so excellently merchandised. Elsa and Anna dolls were on shelves everywhere, and little did anyone know in those early days how big of a hit the movie, and now the musical would become. When the decision to bring the movie to musical life came to fruition, I had my trepidations, but after discussing the production with the talented, athletic, and down-to-earth actors that play the lovable reindeer, Sven, it only heightens the excitement that Houston will be able to witness the incredible talents of not only Collin Baja and Evan Strand. These two wonderful actors are double cast in the touring production of Disney's Frozen because of the physical demands of the role. I personally can't wait to witness the athletic mastery of these two actors in one of the most iconic Disney musicals of our age.

An exciting prospect of every touring production is seeing how the invigorate the dynamic town that is Space City, USA. With our thriving theater scene it is always a fantastic experience seeing new creatives and artists take refuge in our humble city. Melvin Tunstall III is one of these exciting people that will grace the Hobby Center in the coming tour of Beautiful: The Carole King Musical. 

4th Wall finishes its amazing season with a remounting of their critically acclaimed production of Stepehn Adly Guirgis’ Between Riverside and Crazy. A dramedy of epic proportions, 4th Wall continues producing some of the most brilliant plays, raw and up close. 

As both a graduate student in a performing arts school and a general fan of theater, it is always exciting to see young actors gain professional opportunities. One of the actors I've had the pleasure of seeing blossom in the theatre world is University of Houston student, Mike Sifuentes. After enjoying his performances in a variety of productions, he continues his brilliant work in Main Street Theater's production of AUNT JULIA AND THE SCRIPTWRITER.

As a young boy scout from San Antonio, one of the annual trips I always looked forward to was visiting NASA'S Johnson Space Center. Partially, my move to Space City USA was because of Houston's long history and fascination with outer space. AD Players' production of their world premiere production of Jayme McGhan's APOLLO 8 reignites this childhood passion. This stunningly visual play is a tremendous documentary play on the politics, humanity, and faith of the first space mission that led us eventually to walk on the moon.

The unconventional and oddball comedy from the Pulitzer Prize finalist, Madeleine George, sees the Greek god, Dionysus, reenter civilization disguised as a butch gardener, Diane. The god's mission to seduce mortal women and help end climate change creates a story that elicits guttural laughs and a great night of Houston theatre.

Jocelyn Bioh's play, School Girls; Or, the African Mean Girls Play, is one of the best examples of 21st-century theater. Set in an all-girls boarding school in the African country of Ghana. School Girls follows the story of a group of young women navigating their social life in the face of adversity.

With the classic comic Boom! and Pow!, Stages continues its excellent season with Inda Craig-Galvain's Black Super Hero Magic Mama. Hot off the heels of the epic jukebox musical, You Are Cordially... by ShaWanna Renee Rivon, Black Super Hero Magic Mama truly represents the magnificence of Houston theatre. 

The Broadway classic is currently in residence at the Hobby Center and is a wonderful expression of both the beauties of our past and a great reminder that history repeats itself.

The story goes that Stages staff member, Eboni Bell Darcy, was part of the discussion for the theater's reopening season. Ideas evidently floated around in the zoom call. It was Eboni's idea for Stages to commission their own jukebox musical. This excellent idea led to the creation of ShaWanna Renee Rivon's YOU ARE CORDIALLY INVITED TO SIT IN. One would think that a musical highlighting Houston's generational social justice problems would be what some call a 'downer.' Instead, Rivon's creation has become, at least for me, the crowning achievement of the 21-22 Houston theater season.

This spring, Brendan Bourque-Sheil's story of a woman dealing with life's impossible changes is one of Houston's best plays. Set in the fictional town of Buxtop, Texas, the protagonist, Hallie (Susan Koozin), wakes up after an overdose and the resultant story is about how a person copes with almost impossible odds.

They call Gander, Canada 'The Rock.' However, they should really call not only Gander but the musical, Come From Away, a gem, as it is one of the rare musicals that not only is entertaining but also a brilliant reminder of the beauty of humanity.

The term hometown hero is an understatement when it comes to John Devereaux. Having spent his formative years within Space City, attending Westfield High School and Texas Christian University, John Devereaux is excited to be back in home and around family as he tours with HAMILTON.