Dylan Siegman

The audiences at Miller Outdoor Theatre got a big, fat welcome back to the early 1960s, where tall hair and bright, jarring outfits were all the rage, thanks to TUTS' Humphreys School of Musical Theatre's fun and boisterous production of HAIRSPRAY. With a pastiche score by Marc Shaiman and Scott Whitman and witty book by Mark O'Donnell and Thomas Meehan HAIRSPRAY is a faithful musical version of John Waters' 1988 film of the same name. The story follows larger-than-life Tracy Turnblad as she tries to secure a coveted spot on the famous Corny Collins Show -- no easy task thanks to the show's producer, Velma Von Tussle and her daughter, Amber. Backed by her doting father Wilbur, plus-sized and hesitant mother Edna, and sheltered best friend Penny, Tracy won't let anything stop her as she sets out to change Baltimore, and the world, for good. The stage was full of wonderful performers, so much so that it was difficult to choose whom to watch. 

While the sky may have been a little cloudy, the stars were shining bright at The Hobby Center as Theatre Under The Stars (TUTS) celebrated the 13th Annual Tommy Tune Awards showcasing Houston's extraordinary and remarkable high school musical theatre talent. Sarofim Hall was practically filled to the brim, with over 400+ students, their directors and choreographers, and parents and friends. The nerves and excitement could hardly be ignored, as everyone sat in anticipation for the show to start. As Caroline Timm, Assistant Manager of PR & Marketing put it, 'this show is like the Tonys for these kids.' As the lights went down, the entire room burst out in applause and cheers, which would stop only momentarily throughout the night.

It's now the third week for the new reboot of THE ODD COUPLE, and after surfing around the web a little, it seems that the ratings have been looking pretty solid. Looks like Oscar and Felix are here to stay (well, at least for now)! Last week, Geoff Stults guest starred, adding some hilarious scenes with Perry and Lenon. This week, it's Felix's birthday! However, it totally slips Oscar's mind so he pulls together a last minute surprise party. While this plot line has been used in past shows including THE MARY TYLER MOORE SHOW, FRAISER, and I'm sure a few others, it should be a pretty funny episode. Plus, Dwight Howard (#12 for the Rockets) guest stars, which is pretty exciting considering I'm from Houston!

Last week we met the latest reincarnation of Oscar Madison and Felix Unger played by Matthew Perry and Thomas Lennon, respectively. While their characters have almost nothing in common, the two actors do - they are both absolutely hilarious. However, being funny isn't the only thing that keeps a show from getting cancelled, so only time will tell if this new version will stand the test of time. Both characters couldn't be further on the sides of the spectrum, which I imagine was done on purpose in order to show the change that occurs in both characters. This week, guest star Geoff Stults (WEDDING CRASHERS, ENLISTED) plays a retired baseball player who hires Oscar to ghostwrite his autobiography, which Felix then offers to help with. Tune in tonight to see what these two get into!

As a team, Richard Rodgers and Lorenz (Larry) Hart found Broadway fame while in their twenties. Though their talents as composer and lyricist complimented one another brilliantly, their working methods and personalities couldn't have been more different. Rodgers's strict work ethic and Hart's casual and tragically self-destructive attitude eventually led to the end of their creative partnership which, in turn, resulted in Rodgers's legendary collaborations with Oscar Hammerstein. After seeing Bayou Concert City Musicals' production of their latest revue, My Romance: The Rodgers and Hart Songbook, I was inspired to not only revisit the songs that were performed, but to delve further into the career of one of Broadway's greatest, if somewhat tumultuous partnerships.

You know how the story goes: Boy gets married, other boy gets married, both marriages fall apart, both boys move in together, one boy is sloppy while the other boy is neat, hilarious hijinks ensue. Chances are that you've seen/heard about one of the incarnations of THE ODD COUPLE, whether it was the movie starring Walter Matthau (CHARADE, GRUMPY OLD MEN) and Jack Lemmon (SOME LIKE IT HOT, GRUMPY OLD MEN), the tv series back in the 70's starring Jack Klugman (QUINCY M.E., 12 ANGRY MEN) and Tony Randall (PILLOW TALK, DOWN WITH LOVE), or the original play by Neil Simon on which all the subsequent versions were all based. Regardless, Felix Unger and Oscar Madison are back, this time played by Thomas Lennon (NIGHT AT THE MUSEUM, MEMENTO) and Matthew Perry (FRIENDS, 17 AGAIN). I find both of these actors extremely funny, so it will be interesting to see how this all pans out. Considering Perry's recent string of cancellations, he could really use a winner.

Last week, after discovering that Kay can get Annie to do things better than he can, Jake decides to enlist Kay to change little quirks about Annie for him. All seemed to be going well until Annie found out and then decided to enlist Kay on her team to give Jake a taste of his own medicine. Then he finds out, a hilarious fight ensues (like always, and all comes together in the end. This week we have guest stars Michaela Watkins (NEW GIRL, TROPHY WIFE) playing Annie's insane boss and Matt McConkey (IN THE MOMENT, MANSWERS) as Annie's 'best boo.' On this week's episode Jake's identity disappears and Gil gets a job!

Last week we followed Jake and Annie as they try to throw off the investigation of a hate crime, which they started, by carrying out another hate crime on themselves. We got some hilarious scenes out of the return of Jessica St. Clair as their snobby neighbor, as she staged a 'care-frontation' and led the investigation into all the hate crimes in the building. Meanwhile, Dennah and Gil battled for the only remaining plus 1 invitation for Jake and Annie's wedding after an influx of additional guests. Kay, having bowed out of the competition, ends up needing the plus 1 invitation because it turns out she has a girlfriend! I didn't see any mention on Casey Wilson's twitter of a guest star on this week's episode, but maybe we'll be pleasantly surprised!

Houston's Emery High School presents a charming and sincere production of a true Sondheim classic. INTO THE WOODS, written in 1987 was penned soon after composer/lyricist, Stephen Sondheim and librettist, James Lapine celebrated their previous collaborative success, SUNDAY IN THE PARK WITH GEORGE. A favorite of school and community theatres nation-wide, INTO THE WOODS is thought of by many as Sondheim's most accessible and oft-produced show.

Last week, we got a taste of Jake's past with the arrival of 'The Boyz' - outrageously/drunkely played by Jerry O'Connell, Steve Little and Brandon Johnson. After Annie pulls Jake away from plans with his friends to take care of wedding stuff, tensions rise pulling Jake in two directions. In the end, in a 'who knows Jake more' drinking game, all beef was squashed and Jake no longer had to choose between his fiance and old friends. This week, we witness the return of Jessica St. Clair (BRIDESMAIDS, PLAYING HOUSE) as Jake and Annie's 'snobby mom' neighbor. While the happy couple is dealing with her, the sidekicks (Gil, Dennah and Kay) all compete to find a date to bring to the wedding. What could possibly go wrong? A lot, actually. According to Casey Wilson's twitter, which is an overwhelming wealth of knowledge, a hate crime is committed in the building, perpetuated by Jake and Annie, hilariously I assume.

Sadly, last week we didn't get a new episode of MARRY ME because some guy giving some special speech or something. Just kidding..as great as MARRY ME is, the President's State of the Union is slightly more important. Thankfully we get a new episode tonight and with the guest stars, I have a feeling it won't disappoint.

I was a very avid HAPPY ENDINGS fan, but found the series after it had sadly been cancelled. When I heard about Casey Wilson's new show, I was thoroughly excited, but also a little worried that it would be the same old gags and jokes from her previous show. I was very excited to find out that there is nothing to worry about because MARRY ME is a very different, but still quirky Casey Wilson, surrounded by an equally entertaining cast of secondary characters.

This week's episode, entitled “Aftermath” was billed as being so compelling that we would all be left breathless. Therefore, you could tell it was going to be one heck of an episode, rightfully so as it also happens to be the fall finale. Going into it, just know that you're going to have tons of questions that you'll have to wait until January to get the answers to!

Sadly, a few days ago, the news broke that SELFIE wouldn't last a full season. While it's going to be a hard goodbye, to a show that had a lot of promise, that doesn't mean we can't enjoy the episodes we have left, which is unclear at this point. This week's episode not only brought budding relationships, but also the return of the loveably quirky, Bryn, played by Allyn Rachel!

Things are getting increasingly intense in Arcardia, everyone. The virus keeps spreading and no one has any clue what's causing it or how to stop it. This week we get a lot of great acting from Mark Hildreth as Pastor Tom and Christopher Berry as Office Carl, even more shadiness from Michelle Fairley as Margaret, and the addition of Kyle Secor as Brian Addison. Relationships and friendships continue to blossom, all against the backdrop of a viral epidemic.

This week, due to last week's Fright Night for Halloween, we got a double-helping of SELFIE, so we should all feel #blessed. In tonight's two episodes we get a lot from the ensemble, including more hilarious scene with David Harewood as Mr. Sapperstein and Samm Levine as Terrence. Even more exciting than that is the fact that love is clearly in the air for Henry and Eliza as their relationship continues to blossom.

With Halloween being two nights ago, I was under the impression that, just like most other shows, RESURRECTION would have a holiday-centric episode. Clearly I was wrong. Despite the lack of All Hallow's Eve and my initial disappointment, this week's RESURRECTION proved to be plenty spooky and satisfying. Finally we're getting some answers, but at the same time due to all of the drama, we're getting more questions too.

Everything continues to get darker and sketcher on RESURRECTION. More secrets from people's pasts are coming out, old 'friends' are resurfacing, and more and more questions are being left underanswered. Right from the beginning of tonight's episode, entitled 'Will,' we get some important information, that Maggie thinks Arcadia some sort of flu or pneumonia has hit Arcadia, but only for the Returned, which is now up to 6. Well 7, but Bellamy hasn't told anyone else about himself other than Jacob. Sheriff Langston shows Bellamy the bone fragment from the factory and explains the connection between the “trucking accident” at the factory and the Returned. Fred knows his mother is hiding something but won't tell him so he trusts Bellamy to take a shot at cracking Margaret. It's nice to see these two playing nicely together! Good job, boys!

Although there have been numerous articles claiming that SELFIE is likely to get cancelled, I haven't given up on it yet. Tonight's episode was full of important lessons as well as great, albeit random guest stars including FREAKS AND GEEKS and NOT ANOTHER TEEN MOVIE's Samm Levine, recording artist and model Amber Rose, and the Man Your Man Could Smell Like himself, Isaiah Mustafa.

Last week's episode of RESURRECTION made me not want to trust Margaret and it looks as thought this week's episode, entitled 'Old Scars' isn't going to change that much. Michelle Fairley has been such a great addition to the show itself as well as the drama within the show, and it seems she's not going to stop stirring the pot at any time soon.