David Clarke - Page 43

Every summer, as the temperatures in Houston start to break into the low 100s on a daily basis, patriotism and pride in one's country also balloons. Texans, like all Americans, put flags on display and gear up for that grand summer tradition, The Fourth of July. In Houston, Main Street Theater is helping audiences get into the spirit with an inspiring and authentic theatrical experience, Red Hot Patriot: The Kick-Ass Wit of Molly Ivins written by Margaret and Allison Engel.

Catherine Filloux is applying the finishing touches to her highly anticipated, new libretto for Houston Grand Opera's production of New Arrivals. Houston Grand Opera commissioned the piece. Giving Houston and world audiences a sneak peak into the opera, with a score by John Gover, and the story behind its creation, Catherine Filloux took a moment of her time to answer some of my questions.

Sara Gaston is currently preparing to play Molly Ivins in Main Street Theater's upcoming production of Margaret and Allison Engel's play Red Hot Patriot: The Kick-Ass Wit of Molly Ivins. Despite her busy schedule, she graciously sat down and chatted with me about the role and the woman herself.

Houston's Theatre Under the Stars' production of the two time Tony award winning musical The Best Little Whorehouse in Texas reminds Houston audiences why it has always been said that the stars shine big and bright, deep in the heart of Texas. This production, full of big hair, is filled with even bigger show-stopping numbers and larger than life characters.

Houston's Society for the Performing Arts presentation of the three time Tony award winning musical FELA! is a high-energy, powerhouse of a show. Its structure is reminiscent of the Kander & Ebb classic, Cabaret, yet as Fela himself says in the show, this is purely "original no artificiality!"

Summer along the Gulf Coast in Texas is certainly here, but Jatson Williams is hard at work preparing a highly anticipated new one-man show, Camping With Gasoline. On the morning of Saturday, June 2, 2012, he gave me a little bit of his time and opened up about the Greater Tuna series, his family, being a father, his writing process, and his new show.

Michelle DeJean, starring as Miss Mona in the upcoming and anticipated production of The Best Little Whorehouse in Texas took time out of her busy rehearsal schedule to chat with me about life, theatre, touring, New York, Roxie and Miss Mona. As sincere and charming as she is, there is no doubt that the stars about to shine big and bright deep in the heart of Texas!

Overall, Stages Repertory Theatre does a great job with their production of Next to Normal. This is a must see production of a must see show.

The Beams are Creaking is a dramatic representation of the tumultuous life of Dietrich Bonhoeffer, a man who became a Christian martyr of Nazi resistance because of his unyielding faith. Bonhoeffer is a German pastor who tried to assassinate Hitler, but is ultimately a more complex character than one may expect given that information. This is where the A.D. Players and Douglas Anderson, the playwright, step in and deliver a compelling character study of the infamous theologian.

The iconic Wortham Theater Center is celebrating its twenty-fifth birthday this month. This building serves as a monument to Houston's long-standing desire to encourage and support the arts, as the $66 million dollars raised to build the center that celebrates performing arts came entirely from 3500 private sector donors. Without a doubt, the best birthday present that the building could be bestowed is the Houston Ballet's terrific triptych of works, Made in America. Artistic Director, Stanton Welch's trio of selections are wonderful and inspired choices. Each piece is moving and beautiful, and each piece offers audiences a different and very enjoyable experience.

The Houston Theatre District is varied and diverse, and it seems like there is always something worth making the trip into the city to enjoy. In order of opening nights, I have listed what I feel will be the five best theatrical experiences happening in Houston this summer.

Wishful Drinking is a must see show, and the best part about this show is Carrie Fisher herself. She is brutally honest and affecting.