Much Ado About Houston

Summer in Houston isn’t complete without a little theater. And what could be better than the “merry war” between Benedict and Beatrice in Much Ado About Nothing, or the tragic underdog tale in Henry V, to take the edge off those steamy August nights?

Beginning on July 29, the Houston Shakespeare Festival will alternate performances of Much Ado About Nothing and Henry V over the course of two weeks, once again captivating Bayou City theatergoers at Hermann Park’s Miller Outdoor Theatre. Since 1975, audiences from all over the city have enjoyed the event, watching Shakespeare under the stars for free every summer. Funding from the University of Houston, as well as several other foundations and individuals, has allowed the HSF to continue and grow, even providing an opportunity for emerging actors, designers, directors and stage managers from the HSF Conservatory to practice their craft in a professional environment.

Don’t miss the show!

Much Ado About Nothing: July 29, 31; August 2, 4, 6

Henry V: July 30; August 3, 5, 7

For ticket and pricing information:
www.milleroutdoortheatre.com

---

Get more stories like this in our Summer issue, available on newsstands now!

A Double Feature: iPic Theaters and The Tuck Room

Nestled in the new and luxurious River Oaks Shopping District, iPic Theaters offers a glamorous movie-going experience. The theater creates a unique experience for guests, giving them something beyond sitting shoulder to shoulder with other movie-goers. Houston’s the first to use iPic’s groundbreaking POD seating system with fully reclinable chairs and leg rests. Lounge in comfortable pods for two, swathed in soft blankets and pillows and watch the latest blockbuster hits like The Hunger Games, 007 Spectre, and Creed. Touted as the “ultimate movie experience,” we’re inclined to agree, making it a perfect date night experience.

While kicking back to watch the silver screen, premium food and drink items can be purchased. Forget the overpriced popcorn and soda—you can get a delicious BBQ Chicken Pizza for what you’d normally pay at any regular theater. iPic offers a membership program for loyal customers to enhance their visits; membership levels allow members to purchase tickets in advance and earn points with each ticket and food and drink purchase.

While we definitely enjoyed the food with the theater experience, we’re singing praises on celebrity and three-time James Beard award-winning chef Sherry Yard’s dining concept, the Tuck Room. She teams up with acclaimed mixologist Adam Seger to deliver mouthwatering treats and cocktails, a perfect prelude to the premium experience that the theater offers. We feasted on amazing ahi tuna appetizers, moist lobster rolls, pulled pork sandwiches that BBQ lovers could love and addictive cheese croquettes. Foodies rejoice!

The cocktails are bespoke and tailored to you. Local ingredients and spirits are the key to some of our favorites like the zesty Handsome Little Devil, a powerful take on a Bloody Mary. The whole emphasis is on social dining, making it a perfect gathering spot for celebrations, even if a movie is not in the plans for the night.

Two thumbs up from H Texas!

 

 

Potted Potter at the Hobby Center: Oct. 27-Nov.8, 2015

Potted Potter is 70 minutes of boisterous laughter and brilliant fun for fans of the Harry Potter series. H Texas watched the opening night, and even newcomers to the world-wide hit will enjoy the parody, which makes references to other pop-culture phenomenons like the Lord of the Rings and Twilight. Wizards, muggles—non-wizard folk—and everyone in between of all ages will enjoy Potted Potter.

The show condenses all seven books and movies into energetic acts performed by two players on stage through a series of costume changes. Daniel Clarkson provided great comedic talent, playing a majority of roles, working the audience up, including a rousing game of quidditch (think wizard lacrosse) in the middle of the show. Jefferson Turner plays the straight man and the title character, Harry Potter himself, providing a great counterpoint to his co-star’s energy. Potted Potter is very interactive, working with the entire audience to chant, cheer, sing along and even come on stage!

Get your family and loved ones to the Hobby Center soon before the show moves on November 8th!

For more information and to purchase tickets, visit the website.

MAMMA MIA! takes it all to Houston!

The Broadway hit and touring musical, featuring 22 songs by Abba, premiered at the Hobby Center last night, and H Texas was invited to attend the packed and festive event.

MAMMA MIA! is the story about a young bride who never knew her father. Upon finding out the names of three men who her mother had relationships with the year before she was born, she secretly invites all three men to her wedding in hopes of finding out who will give her away. Add in the strong and lively personality of her mother and the fun personalities of her mother’s friends, and cue the hijinks against catchy and engaging pop and disco hits!

The amazing cast poured their energy into the dancing and singing, backed by a beautiful and minimalistic Mediterranean set. The lighting and costumes were on point and the two and a half hour show breezed by, full of head bobbing and laughter as the antics played out. By the end of the show, the atmosphere was more like a concert with flashing lights, and the whole audience was on our feet in applause, swaying to encores of “Dancing Queen,” “Waterloo,” and, of course, “Mamma Mia!”

Don’t miss this incredible opportunity to see all of the amazing numbers, now showing until April 19th. Book your tickets now!

Interested in seeing more shows this year? The season ticket packages may be the right choice for you with shows like Phantom of the Opera, The Sound of Music and Cabaret coming soon. Season ticket buyers may also buy tickets for Wicked and Beauty & the Beast.