Katricia Lang - Page 9

I found myself rapt when Chicago-born soprano Nicole Heaston spoke. She was warm, passionate and driven about her art, and generous and unguarded with her thoughts and opinions. Heaston is Pamina to David Portillo's Tamino in Houston Grand Opera's production of THE MAGIC FLUTE.

AS YOU LIKE IT is pastoral romantic comedy featuring two heroines and, as always, starcrossed lovers, cross dressing and mistaken identities. Elizabeth Bunch is Rosalind, the beautiful, quick witted daughter of an exiled duke. Emily Trask is Celia, Rosalind's loyal cousin and closest friend. Together, Celia and Rosalind travel through the forest getting themselves in and out of hijinks.

On January 30, Houston's two major opera houses will begin performances of Mozart's final two completed operas - LA CLEMENZA DI TITO and THE MAGIC FLUTE. Opera in the Heights will open LA CLEMENZA DI TITO for the first time in Houston since 1991, and Houston Grand Opera will open THE MAGIC FLUTE.

CAKE is a dark, dark film with comic moments, but it deals with love as much as it deals with tragedy. We still have star-crossed lovers (Aniston and Worthington) along with our substance abuse. There's nothing more appropriate for a woman who wants depth and starred in HORRIBLE BOSSES and F.R.I.E.N.D.S.

CLOUD TECTONICS is an uncommon and complex love story.

THE IMITATION GAME, a winding look into the life and times of mistreated genius Alan Turning, is an imperfect but compelling film.

Inspiration Stage is going to the Junior Theater Festival. The company's youth troupe will present a 15-minute version of their stellar production of SEUSSICAL JR. With its arresting color scheme, catchy tunes, and starbright performers, awards and accolades are sure to follow.

In a sense, SEUSSICAL is formulaic pabulum. But like I formulaically say almost every review (after a eye-catching, misleading characterization of a piece - i.e. pabulum), that doesn't make it bad. It has very simple but charming themes about loyalty, being kind to all people despite difference in appearance, and staying true to yourself. It's no wonder that it's a youth theatre favorite.

Our interviewee is the beloved British actor and Dickens authority Simon Callow. He has mastered the stage but also appeared in Dr. Who (fittingly as Charles Dickens). In his lengthy acting career, he has acted in television, theatre, and film. At the moment, he is the librettist and director for Houston Grand Opera's A CHRISTMAS CAROL and the best person to we can discuss this fresh, modern take on the beloved Christmas story with.

You'll still find atmospheric Victorian sets by scenic designer Tony Straiges, Alejo Vietti's elaborate ornate costumes, and dramatic sound design by John Gromada. The plot change does not unfairly ground or overly explicate this ghost drama. That's what I'm here for.

I talked to multi-talented, the dyed-in-wool Houstonian Natalie Lerner about her new venture, the eclectic and decoupage Mosaic Hub, as well as the company's upcoming production CHRIS-MA-HANU-KWANZIKA.

I talk to Allison Miller, a dancer whose sparkling personality manages her sparkling performance, about Houston Ballet's THE NUTCRACKER.

Thirty-nine students from the Humphreys School of Musical Theatre have been bestowed with the honor and invited to participate in the 2015 Junior Theater Festival (JTF) held in Atlanta, Georgia on January 16, 17, and 18. Created by New York's iTheatrics and produced by the Junior Theatre group, this nationwide event is dedicated to celebrating young people and musical theatre.

WIN Four FREE TICKETS to Houston Ballet's THE NUTCRACKER!

I was welcomed to Leighzaland and graciously introduced to the powerful presence of Leighza Walker. We talked about a variety of topics: family, theatre and, of course, her series of one woman shows.

I talk to Rahul Varma, Canadian playwright and Artistic Director of Teesri Duniya Theatre. We discuss his play BHOPAL, now for a limited time at Houston's own Shunya Theatre. He talks critiquing India, critiquing Canada and spinning the messy straw of life into first words on a page, and then people on the stage.

Interested in some family friendly fun? Score tickets to a classic tale with a classic score - HANSEL UND GRETEL, produced by Opera in the Heights.

Madeline is in a pickle again. It's Christmas time and all her friends and teachers are sick! Will her classmates get well enough to go home for Christmas? How will our damsel work under distress? Hopefully, she'll keep her trademark head and heart. She'll need to if she wants to save Christmas.

Want to experience IL BARBIERE DI SIVIGLIA live at the MET without going to New York? The Metropolitan Opera's Emmy and Peabody Award-winning series of live performance transmissions returns to cinemas across the United States this fall with the ninth season of The Met: Live in HD.

I talk with Dena Scheh, well-respected Houston costume designer and frequent collaborator with Opera in the Heights, about her work on Opera in the Height's currently running production HANSEL UND GRETEL. Despite the German title, it is the story of Hansel and Gretel you know and love. There is a witch, and candy house, and a clever, resourceful brother and sister duo.