Review: FROZEN at Theatre Under The Stars
by Brett Cullum - December 13, 2024
FROZEN is a fun family production that is perfect for the holiday season in many ways. The show brings the beloved Disney film to life for the stage and offers unique twists to make it all more theatrical and accessible for the Hobby Center. It’s a technically gorgeous production with a strong cast...
Review: SISTER'S CHRISTMAS CATECHISM at Stages Houston
by Jonathan Netek - December 04, 2024
Sister is back again at Stages Houston, instructing one last catechism class before the church Christmas party commences. Originated by Maripat Donovan, who originally played Sister, and a writing partner or two over the years, this uproarious one-woman show is now brilliantly helmed by Denise Fenne...
Review: VANYA AND SONIA AND MASHA AND SPIKE at 4th Wall Theatre Company
by Brett Cullum - November 29, 2024
I feel like this company, at this point in time, is simply happy to be here doing this show, and I can say the feeling is infectious. It’s not your typical holiday offering, but you can never be wrong with the wit of Christopher Durang and the magic of invoking the spirit of Maggie Smith. I’m thankf...
Review: WINTER SOLSTICE at Rec Room Arts
by Brett Cullum - November 25, 2024
The author wrote this dark piece about a liberal couple whose mother invites a conservative stranger into their house on Christmas Eve to show how easily fascism marches in politely and with charm. It’s a tense and moody winter tale and warns of the ineffectiveness of the left when faced with the ri...
Review: SHUCKED THE MUSICAL at Hobby Center For The Performing Arts
by Armando Urdiales - November 25, 2024
Shucked is a laugh-out-loud, toe-tapping triumph that plants itself firmly in your heart. This wildly original musical weaves together gut-busting humor, heartfelt storytelling, and unforgettable songs to create a truly one-of-a-kind theater experience. From the opening number to the final curtain, ...
Review: A CHRISTMAS CAROL at Alley Theatre
by Jonathan Netek - November 19, 2024
Now in its third year under the skillful guidance of new (Remounting) Director Amber D. Gray, this Dickens classic has been freshly adapted by Alley Theatre’s Artistic Director Rob Melrose. A CHRISTMAS CAROL tells the story we all know so well: a miserly old man is visited by four ghosts who reveal ...
Review: LOVE BOMB at CATASTROPHIC THEATRE
by Brett Cullum - November 17, 2024
LOVE BOMB is a masterpiece of the absurd, but at the same time, it’s a viable Melanie jukebox musical that could command any stage in town. Yet I doubt that any company other than the Catastrophic Theatre will ever dare to do so because it asks much of its audience....
Review: PLAYHOUSE CREATURES at Lionwoman Productions
by Brett Cullum - November 12, 2024
During an interview I did with Michelle Britton a few weeks ago, she mentioned she “didn’t want to become the Alley” and that her Lionwoman Productions is “about helping people understand each other better.” Certainly, PLAYHOUSE CREATURES is right up there in rivaling the quality of the Alley!...
Review: THE DICHOTOMY OF HATTIE MCDANIEL at VINCENT VICTORIA PRESENTS
by Brett Cullum - November 01, 2024
The film first existed as a play, and Vincent Victoria wisely kept his lead actress from that production, Wykesha King, playing Hattie McDaniel. Wykesha creates a three-dimensional character who can act and sing; we believe she is a glamorous actress in the golden age of Hollywood. And we feel the s...