Jenny Taylor Moodie

The Nutcracker is beloved for many reasons; the endless eye candy, the dynamic score, and the marriage of artistry and excellence. The element of tradition keeps us coming back for more. We yearn to feel connection, and to remember what it's like to wonder about magical things. Houston Ballet's multi-faceted Nutcracker is a delicious carnival of mystery and joy. Creative director Stanton Welch has built a production that serves the audience and leaves us completely fulfilled. Nothing sends you back to your childhood more quickly, with all things seemingly possible and your imagination offering an endless sweet escape.

While the ballets each have a marked identity, the triad presentation serves to compliment the elements of each. It's a journey into well-crafted worlds, an escape and a reunion all at once.

Though somewhat dark, The Humans illuminates the role of fear in dysfunctional family.

BWW Review: GODSPELL is goose-bumps-on-your-arms invigorating and filled with excellent performances in a provocative setting.

If you're going to see this production of PIPPIN, go for Michelle Gaudette's inspired choreography and Holland Vavra's unflagging singing voice. If you want more than great musical numbers and excellent dancing Pippin will probably not do it for you.

BWW Review: Set in 1590s England, SOMETHING ROTTEN is chock full of anachronistic humor and wit, with a cast that's something special.

Directed by Kim Tobin-Lehl and Jennifer Dean, LOBBY HERO is realistic and gritty with characters that are built from deep within.

BWW Review: With Ups And Downs FINDING NEVERLAND Ultimately Takes Flight

BWW Review: With An Excellent Cast And A Great Script, WHO AM I THIS TIME? (& Other Conundrums of Love) Hits All the Right Notes

BWW Interview: Principal Dancer Ian Casady Shares His Favorite Things

BWW Review: 4th Wall Theatre Gives A Nice Spin To MUCH ADO ABOUT NOTHING

BWW Review: THE FIRST NOEL Heals and Steals the Heart at the Ensemble Theatre

BWW Review: Strong Vocals Save A Lackluster Script In JERSEY BOYS

Patdro Harris, director of The Ensemble Theatre holiday musical THE FIRST NOEL, answers our random questions.

BWW Review: THIS IS MODERN ART Sheds Light On The World Of Graffiti

BWW Review: MAMMA MIA! Gives A Farewell Tour At The Hobby Center

BWW Review: IN THE HEIGHTS Is An Exuberant Must-See At Theatre Under The Stars

BWW Review: AMERICAN INGENUITY Showcases Powerful Performances From Houston Ballet

BWW Review: Mildred's Umbrella Present Jean Genet's THE MAIDS

Garson Kanin's BORN YESTERDAY premiered on Broadway in 1946, and seventy years later it still entertains and gently enlightens. Regardless of the time period, the play is far more relevant than you'd think. Directed by Jonathan Moscone, the play is about wealth, political corruption, education and opportunity. As we drag along into the current presidential election, there is plenty to say on these topics, and evidently Kanin felt the same way back in the forties.