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Playwright Lawrence Wright joins director Bob Balaban to stage Cleo, chronicling the titanic love affair between Elizabeth Taylor and Richard Burton that started during the filming of the 1963 movie Cleopatra, and the worldwide scandal that followed. Cleo plays at the Alley Theatre’s Hubbard Theatre April 6 through April 29, 2018.

Taylor and Burton’s relationship brought condemnation from the Vatican and the U.S. Congress, and opened the age of paparazzi and tabloid celebrity, ensuring that the names Burton and Taylor would always be associated with the greatest sex scandal in film and ancient history. With lavish sets and costumes, Cleo goes behind the scenes and explores what sparked the sexual revolution in Rome in 1963.

“We’re thrilled to welcome back Larry and Bob for the premiere of Cleo,†said the Alley’s interim artistic director, James Black. The cast and creative team was deep into rehearsals and building sets and costumes when Hurricane Harvey hit Houston. We knew we had to find a spot in the season to bring them all back and produce this brilliant work for our audiences. What better way to ring in spring than with a writer, director, and love affair, all of epic proportions.â€

Cleo playwright Lawrence Wright is an author, screenwriter, and playwright. He has been a staff writer for The New Yorker since 1992, where he has won two National Magazine Awards. He is the author of ten books, one of which, The Looming Tower: Al-Qaeda and the Road to 9/11, won the 2007 Pulitzer Prize for General Nonfiction, and was named by Time magazine as one of the 100 greatest nonfiction books ever written. The book was made into a TV series, The Looming Tower, and premiered on Hulu on February 28, 2018. His bestselling book Going Clear: Scientology, Hollywood, and the Prison of Belief (2013), was nominated for the National Book Award and won the Investigative Reporters and Editors Award. In April, Knopf will publish his next book, a personal history titled God Save Texas.

Wright grew up in Dallas and is a longtime resident of Austin. He is a member of the Council on Foreign Relations and the Society of American Historians. He also serves as the keyboard player in the Austin-based blues band, WhoDo.

Acclaimed director and actor Bob Balaban (Close Encounters of the Third Kind, Gosford Park and multiple films with Christopher Guest including Waiting for Guffman and Best in Show) directs. Balaban directed and produced the long running off-Broadway play The Exonerated which won the Lucille Lortel, Outer Critics Circle, and Drama Desk awards. Other Off-Broadway directing credits include Arthur Kopit’s Y2K for the Manhattan Theatre Club at the Lucille Lortel, Manuscript at the Daryl Roth Theatre, Vick’s Boy at Rattlestick Theater, and Family Secrets at 37 Arts. He directed the world premiere of Lucy Boyle’s The Blue Deep at Williamstown Theatre Festival.

The Cleo cast includes Lisa Birnbaum (American Repertory Theatre’s Sense & Sensibility, Off-Broadway: Arielle in F#%king Up Everything). Birnbaum plays opposite Richard Short (Mary Kills People, HBO’s Vinyl) as Richard Burton. The cast also includes Mark Capri (The Roundabout’s On Approval, Broadway’s Private Lives) as Rex Harrison, Brian Dykstra (Repertory Theatre of St. Louis’ The Humans, Broadway’s Lucky) as Joe Mankiewicz and Adam Gibbs (Alley’s Ether Dome, Our Town) as Eddie Fisher. Rounding out the cast is Estèe Burks (The Landing Theatre’s In Darfur, Obsidian Theater’s For Colored Girls), Tommy Stuart, Thomas Valdez and Morgan Starr (Main Street Theater’s Grand Concourse, Stages’ Miss Teen).

The Cleo creative team includes scenic designer Richard Hoover, costume designer Alejo Vietti, lighting designer David Weiner, sound designers Rob Milburn and Michael Bodeen, assistant director Brandon Weinbrenner, stage managers Hethyr Verhoef and Kristen Larson, casting by Stewart/Whitley, and with additional casting by Adam Belcuore, CSA.

Cleo is sponsored in part by associate producers Jerry & Nanette Finger Family Foundation, Trini Mendenhall, and Christina and Stephen C. Morse; and Supporting Sponsors Bank of America, Rand Group and the Edgerton Foundation New Play Award. The Alley Theatre is supported by the 2017-2018 season sponsor United Airlines, the official airline of the Alley Theatre; Four Seasons Hotel Houston, the official hotel of the Alley Theatre; and Lynn Wyatt.

Performances of Cleo are Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday at 7:30 p.m., Friday at 8 p.m., Saturday at 2:30 p.m. and 8 p.m. and Sunday at 2:30 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. Cleo is recommended for mature audiences.

The Alley Theatre will also present Artist TalkBacks following the Saturday, April 14 (2:30 p.m.) and Tuesday, April 17 (7:30 p.m.) performances of Cleo. These discussions will feature cast and artistic staff. Additionally, The Alley Theatre will also present an Alley In Context with playwright Lawrence Wright and director Bob Balaban following the Cleo performance on Tuesday, April 10. Artist TalkBacks and Alley In Context discussions are free and open to the public.

Tickets to Cleo are now on sale and start at $26. Discounted tickets are available for military and senior, and any student, regardless of age, with a valid student ID for designated performances. Tickets are available at Alleytheatre.org or by calling the box office at 713-220-5700.

The Alley Theatre, one of America’s leading not-for-profit theatres, is a nationally recognized performing arts company led by Interim Artistic Director James Black and Managing Director Dean R. Gladden. The Alley produces up to 16 plays each year in its newly renovated theatre, ranging from the best current work, to re-invigorated classic plays, to new plays by contemporary writers. The Alley is home to a Resident Company of actors. In addition, the Alley engages theatre artists of every discipline — actors, designers, composers and playwrights — who work on individual productions throughout each season as visiting artists.

The renovation of the Hubbard Theatre at the Alley was completed in October 2015 — and created a new 774-seat state-of-the-art performance venue. Matched with the newly renovated 296-seat Neuhaus Theatre, the Alley offers nearly 500 performances each season. The company reaches over 200,000 people each year through its performance and education programs. Its audience enrichment programs include pre-show and post-performance talks, events and workshops for audience members of all ages.

An interview with ‘Cleo’ star Lisa Birnbaum

By Randall Jobe 

MONTROSE STAR: I see you are making your Alley Theatre debut. Have you visited Houston before?

LISA BIRNBAUM: Nope! When I arrived just before Harvey this fall it was the first time I’d even been in Texas!

MS: Where is your home?

LB: I live in Brooklyn right now. New York City based.

MS: Your resume cites work in multiple theaters in multiple cities. Do you have a permanent home theater?

LB: I don’t. I work regionally a lot but all of those productions are cast out of New York. It’s rare for theaters these days to have resident companies like The Alley. I suppose it’d be kind of dream to have a home base theatre in which to develop plays, but it’s also wonderful to lean into the Gypsy lifestyle of going wherever the work takes you.

MS: How did you get started as an actress? What influenced you most to want to perform?

LB: I danced for many years and the stage was always very easily my happiest place. But I knew I never wanted to be a professional dancer. I think I presumed that I would go into a more academic profession. However, my freshman year of college (at Tufts University) I was helping bring The Vagina Monologues to the school and they couldn’t find anyone to do the monologue that is meant to be in an English accent. I suggested I could do it, and thus my love affair with the stage began. Blessed be Eve Ensler!

MS: How did the opportunity to play the legendary Elizabeth Taylor come about?

LB: I often help out with auditions with the wonderful casting director who was working out of NYC for this project. I had been working with him a lot and got a text that was like, “Hey, wanna audition for a play in Houston…it’s to be Elizabeth Taylor.†Then he told me who was directing and who wrote it. I didn’t blink. Of course I wanted to audition. I then spent as much time as possible diving into all things Elizabeth. And when I walked into my audition, I was so charmed by Bob and Larry. I guess I did something right!

MS: Was it a daunting task considering how familiar audiences will be with her works and her personae?

LB: Terrifying!

MS: What was the most difficult part of portraying her?

LB: Her voice. She has a dialect all her own. And my job is to embody it. But damn, it’s fun to play with now.

MS: What was your favorite?

LB: Perhaps my favorite thing about portraying her is how generous she really was. Thinking about how wholeheartedly she loved everyone in her life. How freely she gave her love. It’s inspiring to me.

MS: With the show’s focus on the filming of Cleopatra, how much study did you give the film?

LB: Well, I’ve watched the film many times, of course, and read and read all about the nightmare that it was to create. That research is incredibly helpful because it sets up all the given circumstances of what was going on at the time. That said, for the stage we’ve had to adapt certain things instead of copying exactly what was done to make it more dynamic. Also, for me, I realized pretty quickly the real meat of the play is about Elizabeth’s relationship with Richard so that became the focus of my deep dive, shall we say. The movie is the magnificent backdrop to the real story, which is Liz and Dick’s undeniable romance.

MS: Do you feel as if you share any character traits with Elizabeth?

LB: Absolutely. We both love Bloody Mary’s, men, food, sparkly things and speaking our mind.

MS: Are you working with the actor, Richard Short, who plays Richard Burton for the first time?

LB: Yes. I heard about Richard Short exactly one week before I got here in March.

MS: How has that chemistry been?

LB: Honestly, terrific. He’s the best damn scene partner I’ve ever had. I trust him completely up there and I think that shows.

MS: What is your life like when you are not on the stage?

LB: Ha! I watch way too much fixer-upper. Gosh, do I love those renovation geniuses. And I spend as much time as I can reading, writing, generally reveling and protesting (!) these days. Jesus, we’re living in some seriously heinous times. I do try and devote my energy when I’m not acting to where it counts.

MS: What is something that would surprise people about you?

LB: I’m born and raised in Chapel Hill, North Carolina. I get a little tipsy and I get a lot southern. People don’t usually presume that I’m a southern girl.

MS: Is there a future project lined up after the production of Cleo?

LB: Not right now. It’s back to the New York City grind for me! That’s the life!

By Randall Jobe

Stages Repertory Theatre presents local favorite, actress Sally Edmundson returning in the highly acclaimed one-woman tour-de-force, Ann, based on the explosive life of former Texas Governor Ann Richards. Written by Emmy award-winner Holland Taylor, Ann is a no-holds-barred look at the indomitable woman whose complex and captivation ways changed Texas politics. Extended through April 22. Wednesday and Thursday, 7:30 p.m. Friday, 8 p.m. Saturday, 2:30 p.m. and 8 p.m. Sunday, 2:30 p.m. 3201 Allen Parkway. Tickets: StagesTheatre.com or 713-527-0123.

For something different, Next Iteration Theater Company presents Atacama by Augusto Amador to kick off its 3rd Annual Intercultural Play Reading Series. Thirty years after the dirty war waged by General Pinochet in Chile, two strangers search the Atacama Desert for under the sands of the Atacama. Thursday, April 5, 8 p.m. The series continues with Aditi Kapil’s Shiv, a fantastical journey to liberation from one’s past, one’s present and of the destruction that makes rebirth possible. Friday, April 6, 8 p.m. The series ends Saturday, April 7, 8 p.m. with Danai Gurira and Nikkole Salter’s In the Continuum, a kaleidoscope of life-changing revelations in this surprisingly comic story of two unforgettably courageous women. All performances at MATCH, 3400 Main Street. Tickets: NextIterationTheater.com or 713-521-4533.

Rescheduled after Hurricane Harvey created havoc and caused a cancellation, the Alley Theatre presents the world premiere of Cleo. The whole world was watching when Liz met Dick. Set during the filming of the disastrous 1963 movie, Cleopatra, this is the story of the scandalous romance of Elizabeth Taylor and Richard Burton. Their relationship brought condemnation from the Vatican and the U.S. Congress. And it opened up the age of paparazzi and tabloid celebrity, assuring that the names “Taylor and Burton†would always be associated with the greatest sex scandal in ancient history. Acclaimed director and actor Bob Balaban directs this new play by Texas-based Pulitzer Prize winner, Lawrence Crawford. For mature audiences. April 6 through 29. Thursday, 7:30 p.m. Friday, 8 p.m. Saturday, 2:30 and 8 p.m. Sunday, 2:30 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. ActOUT performance, April 19, when ticket price includes pre-party with complimentary food, drink and door prizes. 500 Texas Avenue. Tickets: AlleyTheatre.org or 713-220-5700.

Stages Repertory Theatre, in conjunction with the Evelyn Rubenstein Jewish Community Center of Houston, presents The Revisionist by Jesse Eisenberg. When young Jewish writer David arrives with a case of writer’s block, he is greeted warmly by his 75 year-old cousin, Maria. Fueled by desire to reconnect with her American relations, she welcomes him into her home, but as their relationship develops, details about her post-war past challenges each of them to redefine what it means to be family. April 10 through 22. Jewish Community Center, 5601 Braeswood. Tickets: StagesTheatre.com or 713-527-0123.

Obsidian Theater presents Cabaret, directed by Houston notable actor/director Paul Hope. Cabaret explores the dark, heady and tumultuous life of Berlin’s natives and expatriates as Germany slowly yields to the energizing Third Reich. Memorable musical numbers include “Willkommenâ€, “Cabaret†and “Don’t Tell Mamaâ€. April 12 through May 5. Thursday through Saturday, 8 p.m. Sunday, April 22, 3 p.m. Industry Night, Monday, April 30. 3522 White Oak Drive. Tickets: ObsidianTheater.org or 832-889-7837.   

Music Box Theatre wants to take you back to the 1950s with its high-energy production of Shake, Rattle and Roll. This nostalgic blend of ’50s music stars ensemble members Rebekah Dahl, Brad Scarborough, Cay Taylor and Luke Wrobel, with special guest John Gremillion. April 28 through June 10. Friday and Saturday, 7:30 p.m. May 20 and June 10 Sunday matinees, 2:30 p.m. Tickets: 713-522-7722.

By Ron Jones

For sure, Bright Star, co-written by iconic comedian, Steve Martin and country composer, Edie Brickell, is a melodramatic musical. But don’t take it for face value! Not your grandma’s melodrama, the story is vivid and compelling, the music is highly tuneful, and its emotions are heart felt and real. Nothing is over the top in this fetching and provocative musical comedy/drama. At once, it’s a show that weaves comedy and poignancy into one shining tapestry. Bright Star is presented by Theatre Under the Stars at the Hobby Center.

Martin and Brickell have worked on several country musical albums together. Bright Star was inspired by their song, “Love Has Come for You.†Interestingly, the musical takes place in two different time periods in North Carolina. As the curtain rises, Alice Murphy (Audrey Cardwell), a publisher, sings the haunting “If You Knew My Story.†In a beautiful and lyrical voice, she tells parts of the play’s exposition in her song. It’s 1945 and Billy Cane (Henry Gottfried), an aspiring writer, has returned from serving in World War II. In her office in the publishing firm, editor Murphy mentions representing Tennessee Williams, a struggling playwright, and considers taking on Billy, as well. Flashing back to 1923, a 16-year-old Alice meets the dashing Jimmy Ray Dobbs (Patrick Cummings), the mayor’s son, and quickly becomes pregnant. Her father, Daddy Murphy (John Leslie Wolfe) and Jimmy Ray’s father, Josiah Dobbs (Jeff Austin), motivated by the shame of having an unwed mother and father in the family, conspire to take the male child away from Alice. Another character, Margo Crawford (delightfully played by Liana Hunt) plays Billy’s childhood friend and, eventually, his wife. Going back and forth between the 1920s and ’40s, these colorful characters become the central figures of the interweaving plot. Indeed, it is the performances of these actors, along with their supporting players, that make this show entirely enjoyable.

While the script is intriguing and builds to a surprising climax, the production is also enhanced by expert vocals, terrific choreography and dancing, telling upbeat songs, a handsome set (including the remnants of an old barn that houses the band and moves around the stage effortlessly to help establish locales), whimsical and period-looking costumes, and evocative lighting. Choreographer Josh Rhodes infuses the show with quirky movements and dances that help establish the offbeat nature of the piece. Everyone sings beautifully, giving the soaring ballads and upbeat numbers lives of their own. In crowd scenes, the singing is replete with harmony. The scenic designer, the incomparable Eugene Lee, has created a simple set that can be used fluidly. Costumes by Jane Greenwood are outstanding with their perfect pairing of color and fabric. Special notice must be paid to lighting designer, Japhy Weideman, whose use of lights helped establish the mood in every scene. Moving seamlessly from cheerful brightness to eerie shadows, the lighting is quite inventive.

Bright Star is an endearing, touching, and rousing musical. With its strong dialogue, spirited and clever choreography and melodious music, Houston is lucky to have this bright star shining on it until March 25. Tickets may be purchased at TUTS.com.

By Randall Jobe

Dirt Dog Theatre Company’s production of The Exonerated is something different. Based on the true stories of six criminally convicted survivors of death row, interwoven stories move through first-person narrative and scenes set in courtrooms, bars and prisons. All reflect the criminal justice system and the inspiration that helped them survive, and eventually escape, death row. Through March 24. MATCH, 3400 Main Street. Tickets: 713-521-4533 or matchouston.org/events/exonerated.

Theatre Under the Stars brings a new musical, Bright Star, with book, music and story by popular comedian Steve Martin and lyrics and story by the incomparable Edie Brickell. Inspired by real events, Bright Star tells a sweeping tale of love and redemption set against the rich backdrop of the America South in the 1920s and 40s. When a young soldier just home from World War II meets literary editor Alice Murphy, he awakens longings for the child she once lost. Haunted by their unique connection, Alice sets out on a journey to understand her past; what she finds has the power to transform both their lives. An uplifting theatrical experience that holds audiences tight in its grip. Directed by Walter Bobbie. Through March 25. Wednesday through Thursday, 7:30 p.m. Sunday, 7:30 p.m. Friday and Saturday, 2 p.m. and 8 p.m. 800 Bagby Street. Tickets: TUTS.com/tickets or 713-558-8887.

StagesRepertory Theatre presents local favorite, actress Sally Edmundson returning in the highly acclaimed one-woman tour-de-force, Ann, based on the explosive life of former Texas Governor Ann Richards. Written by Emmy award-winner Holland Taylor, Ann is a no-holds-barred look at the indomitable woman whose complex and captivation ways changed Texas politics. Extended through April 22. Wednesday and Thursday, 7:30 p.m. Friday, 8 p.m. Saturday, 2:30 p.m. and 8 p.m. Sunday, 2:30 p.m. 3201 Allen Parkway. Tickets: StagesTheatre.com or 713-527-0123.

Rescheduled after Hurricane Harvey created havoc and caused a cancellation, the Alley Theatre presents the world premiere of Cleo. The whole world was watching when Liz met Dick. Set during the filming of the disastrous 1963 movie, Cleopatra, this is the story of the scandalous romance of Elizabeth Taylor and Richard Burton. Their relationship brought condemnation from the Vatican and the U.S. Congress. And it opened up the age of paparazzi and tabloid celebrity, assuring that the names “Taylor and Burton†would always be associated with the greatest sex scandal in ancient history. Acclaimed director and actor Bob Balaban directs this new play by Texas-based Pulitzer Prize winner, Lawrence Crawford. For mature audiences. April 6 through 29. Thursday, 7:30 p.m. Friday, 8 p.m. Saturday, 2:30 and 8 p.m. Sunday, 2:30 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. ActOUT performance, April 19, when ticket price includes pre-party with complimentary food, drink and door prizes. 500 Texas Avenue. Tickets: AlleyTheatre.org or 713-220-5700.

Obsidian Theater presents Cabaret, directed by Houston notable actor/director Paul Hope. Cabaret explores the dark, heady and tumultuous life of Berlin’s natives and expatriates as Germany slowly yields to the energizing Third Reich. Memorable musical numbers include “Willkommenâ€, “Cabaret†and “Don’t Tell Mamaâ€. April 12 through May 5. Thursday through Saturday 8 p.m. Sunday, April 22, 3 p.m. Industry Night, Monday, April 30, 3522 White Oak Drive. Tickets: ObsidianTheater. org or 832-889-7837.

By Randall Jobe

A HOUSTON WOMAN’S VISION

Laura Moreno’s fascination with the theatre and movies was not about the make believe damsel-in-distress or the princess and her savior prince. Rather, early on, as a little Hispanic girl growing up in Houston, Texas, with unlimited access to the latest Hollywood and foreign films, courtesy of her parent’s video store, she spent endless summers studying classic films. She was particularly drawn to and in admiration of women — powerful women with thoughts and ideas of their own — a sharp contrast to much of what she observed growing up. The concept of a strong woman seemed rare in what she knew as a man’s world.

She also love historical female figures and longed for more knowledge. She was reading biographies on Marie Antoinette and Queen Elizabeth as early as middle school. At 14, she was taken with the story of the formidable Nina Vance who, through sheer grit and determination, founded the Alley Theatre. It inspired her in a way that that has stayed with her much like the Alley’s long, successful and respected run. Despite the theater’s recent scandal involving Gregory Boyd, former Artistic Director, the Alley continues to do excellent work.

Ironically, long before the #metoo movement, Moreno was compelled to connect with other woman and the need to fight for equal rights and equal pay. She knew that change would take time and she set on a path of one step at a time. She began by listening to many women from this city, especially to those within the theatre community. She discovered they felt alone, under-represented, unwanted and unheard. It was an abundant problem and the women were looking for a place to talk, connect and refocus to hopefully find inspiration and support from others like themselves. She felt as is something called the “theatre community†seemed somewhat exclusive. It was clear to her that was a need for a “sisterhood†to create female-driven stories that are told and shared again and again.

In addition to her desire to celebrate women in Houston and their hard work and accomplishments, Moreno wants to expand, investigate and share the experiences of women in other parts of the country, as well as throughout the world.

Moreno’s vision starts with a group called Women in Theatre. The mission is “to unite woman in the Houston theatre community. Create a network…to celebrate our skills, hard work, versatility and individuality… to put the theatre women of Houston on the national and global map.â€

Immediate goals are to create a network of women to meet once a month to socialize and talk shop. Along the way she hopes to create a place for women to continue training in their art, to share issues, and seek advice and counsel. Moreno also hopes the women will inspire one another by sharing their successes in the theatre. Eventually she hopes to bring in speakers from around the country and the globe to tell their stories, share struggles, insight and victories, and offer support for new opportunities within the community. She also would like for Women in Theatre to be able to commission works from female playwrights about female driven stories. There are also plans to create scholarships and workshops to encourage and train young artists.

Moreno’s concepts and ideas have been in her head and in her heart for a long time and it seems as if the recent dramatic shifts in Hollywood and the theatre involving the empowerment of woman, taken by women and driven by woman may make its own history. She is hoping for participation from women in all aspects of theatre, including writers, directors, actors, educators, administrators and more. The future must improve on the past. Visions like that of Women in Theatre may be the key: one step at a time.

By Randall Jobe

CatastrophicTheatre presents the world premiere of Leap and the Net Will Appear. Written by two-time Obie Award-winning playwright and director Craig Lucas and directed by Chana Porter, the story tells of Maggie, who was raised to be a good girl, but Maggie has a secret: The wants to be a lion. Original and funny and with wildly eccentric family members and unpredictable lovers, Maggie’s journey is at turns uproariously funny and probingly melancholic. Through March 4 at Midtown Arts and Theater Center. All performances, pay-what-you-wish. Tickets: matchhouston.org.

Memphis, the Tony-winning musical examining the underground dance clubs of 1950s Memphis, Tennessee bursts off the stage with explosive dancing, irresistible songs and a thrilling tale of fame and forbidden love. Inspired by actual events, Memphis is about a white radio DJ who wants to change the world and the black club singer who is ready for her big break. Tony-award winning book by Joe DiPetro with music by Bon Jovi founding member, David Bryan. Through March 4. Hobby Center for the Performing Arts, 800 Bagby St. Tickets: Tuts. com/tickets or 713-558-8887.

Main Street Theater presents Men on Boats by Jaclyn Backhaus. Featuring ten explorers, four boats, one Grand Canyon, the story tells of the history of an 1869 expedition in which a one-armed captain and a crew of loyal, zealous volunteers set out to chart the course of the Colorado River. Oh, and all the explorers are played by women. Through March 11. Thursday through Saturday, 7:30 p.m. Sunday, 3 p.m. 2540 Times Boulevard. Tickets: 713-524-6706.

A.D. Players presents C.S. Lewis Onstage: The Most Reluctant Convert. Actor Max McLean portrays the famous Christian author, Lewis in the show the Washington Post calls “Hugely moving!†Through March 18. George Theatre, 5420 Westheimer Road. Tickets: adplayers.org or 713-526-2721.

Alley Theatre presents Satchmo at The Waldorf, based on the story of great jazz artist, Louis Armstrong. It’s March 1971 backstage at the Empire Room of New York’s Waldorf Astoria Hotel. Armstrong sits in his dressing room trying to pull himself together and reminiscing before doing one final show, because as long as the audience comes and applauds, the show must go on. Through March 18. Thursday, 7:30 p.m. Friday, 8 p.m. Saturday 2:30 p.m. and 8 p.m. Sunday, 2:30 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. 500 Texas Avenue. Tickets: AlleyTheatre.org or 713-220-5700.

Stages Repertory Theatre presents local favorite, actress Sally Edmundson returning in the highly acclaimed one-woman tour-de-force, Ann, based on the explosive life of former Texas Governor Ann Richards. Written by Emmy award-winner Holland Taylor, Ann is a no-holds-barred look at the indomitable woman whose complex and captivation ways changed Texas politics. Through April 8. Wednesday and Thursday, 7:30 p.m. Friday, 8 p.m. Saturday, 2:30 p.m. and 8 p.m. Sunday, 2:30 p.m. 3201 Allen Parkway. Tickets: StagesTheatre.com or 713-527-0123.

Cirque Du Soleil presents Corteo. Get carried away with life. March 8 through 11. Toyota Center. Tickets: CirqueDuSoleil.com/corteo.

BBVA Compass Broadway presents the traveling extravaganza, Riverdance—The 20th Anniversary World Tour, for something different and in celebration of two decades of dance. Directed by John McColgan and composed by Bill Cohelan. March 9 through 11. Hobby Center, 800 Bagby Street, Suite 200. Tickets: TheHobbyCenter.org.

Theatre Under the Stars brings a new musical, Bright Star, with book, music and story by popular comedian Steve Martin and lyrics and story by the incomparable Edie Brickell. Inspired by real events, Bright Star tells a sweeping tale of love and redemption set against the rich backdrop of the America South in the 1920s and ’40s. When a young soldier just home from World War II meets literary editor Alice Murphy, he awakens longings for the child she once lost. Haunted by their unique connection, Alice sets out on a journey to understand her past; what she finds has the power to transform both their lives. An uplifting theatrical experience that holds audiences tight in its grip. Directed by Walter Bobbie. March 13 through 25. Tuesday through Thursday, 7:30 p.m. Sunday, 7:30 p.m. Friday and Saturday, 2 p.m. and 8 p.m. Hobby Center, 800 Bagby Street. Tickets: TUTS. com/tickets or 713-558-8887.

Theatre Suburbia presents the regional premiere of C. P. Stancich’s Sherlock Holmes and the Spinsters of Blackmead, an exciting new look at Sherlock, his compatriots and all with a twist.

Someone is murdering the women of Blackmead Manor, and the fiercely independent female academic community is reluctant to ask for help from outsiders. When Sherlock Holmes and Dr. Watson are drawn into the case, they fi nd their reception as sticky as the mystery they must solve. A servant is found dead, a member of the Blackmead community is missing, and the great detective uncovers links to his archenemy, Professor Moriarty. Is this merely another interesting case or a fatal trap for Holmes himself?

The cast of characters includes Jane Almquist as Glenda MacKay, Tara Brown as Billit, Phyl Deany as Mrs. Pettiman, Regina Kirkland as Alice Milne, Patti Lozano as Estelle LaPoint, Heather Roberts as Mirriam Cray. Reprising characters from previous productions are David James Barron as Oscar Dove, Jacob Scott as Busby, Glenn Dodson as Dr. John Watson and Arnold Richie as Sherlock Holmes. Their performances are supported by Marylin Faulkner as stage manager and Madeline Goff as tech. Doris Merten directs.

Theatre Suburbia, Northwest Houston’s longest running all volunteer playhouse, is currently celebrating the first show of its 57th season, having produced more than 350 shows. Throughout the years, the group has endeavored to provide quality, live theatre to the Houston area.

Sherlock Holmes and the Spinsters of Blackmead opens February 23, and runs through March 24, Friday and Saturday evenings at 8:30 p.m. and Sunday, at 3 p.m. (March 11 and 18, only) at Theatre Suburbia, 4106 Way Out West, Suite N, near the intersection of West 43rd and Old Hempstead Highway. Tickets: $16 for adults, $13 for students and seniors, and $13 Sunday matinees. Reservations are strongly encouraged. For reservations and more information, call 713-682-3525, or check out the new online reservations at TheatreSuburbia.org.

By Randall Jobe

CLASSICAL THEATRE COMPANY presents An Enemy of the People, Henrik Ibsen’s 1882 examination of the media and government corruption. John Johnston directs. Through February 25. 4617 Montrose Blvd. #100 Houston, 77006. Tickets: ClassicalTheatre.org.

QUEENSBURY THEATRE presents Unlock’d, a modernish musical romance. It tells the story of Clarissa, a smart, passionate, young woman living in 18th century England who has reached the limit of her frustration living in the shadow of her gorgeous stepsister, Belinda.

Belinda complacently commands the attention of every gentleman of court, so, as the last party of the season approaches, Clarisa decides this is the only day she’ll get Belinda married off and finally win a suitor for herself. In a world rife with vanity, vacuous courtiers and plenty of sibling rivalry, it may, or may not, be an easy task. Through February 25. CityCentre, 12777 Queensbury Lane. Tickets: QueensburyTheatre. org or 713-467-4497.

CASTASTROPHIC THEATRE presents the world premiere of Leap and the Net Will Appear. Written by two-time Obie Award-winning playwright and director Craig Lucas and directed by Chana Porter, the story tells of Maggie, who was raised to be a good girl, but Maggie has a secret: The wants to be a lion. Original and funny and with wildly eccentric family members and unpredictable lovers, Maggie’s journey is at turns uproariously funny and probingly melancholic. Through March 4 at Midtown Arts and Theater Center. All performances, pay-what-you-wish. Tickets: matchhouston.org.

Memphis, the Tony-winning musical examining the underground dance clubs of 1950’s Memphis, Tennessee, bursts off the stage with explosive dancing, irresistible songs and a thrilling tale of fame and forbidden love. Inspired by actual events, Memphis is about a white radio DJ who wants to change the world and the black club singer who is ready for her big break. Tony-award winning book by Joe DiPetro with music by Bon Jovi founding member David Bryan. Through March 4. Tuesday through Thursday, 7:30 p.m. Sunday 7:30 p.m. Friday and Saturday, 2 p.m. and 8 p.m. 800 Bagby St. Tickets: Tuts.com/tickets or 713-558-8887.

MAIN STREET THEATER presents Men on Boats by Jaclyn Backhaus. Featuring ten explorers, four boats, one Grand Canyon, the story tells of the history of an 1869 expedition in which a one-armed captain and a crew of loyal, zealous volunteers set out to chart the course of the Colorado River. Oh, and all the explorers are played by women. Through March 11. Thursday through Saturday, 7:30 p.m. Sunday, 3 p.m. 2540 Times Boulevard. Tickets: 713-524-6706.

STAGES REPERTORY THEATRE presents local favorite, actress Sally Edmundson returning in the highly acclaimed one-woman tour-deforce, Ann, based on the explosive life of former Texas Governor Ann Richards. Written by Emmy award-winner Holland Taylor, Ann is a no-holds-barred look at the indomitable woman whose complex and captivation ways changed Texas politics. Through April 8. Wednesday and Thursday, 7:30 p.m. Friday, 8 p.m. Saturday, 2:30 p.m. and 8 p.m. Sunday, 2:30 p.m. 3201 Allen Parkway. Tickets: StagesTheatre.com or 713-527-0123.

Beginning with the 2018-2019 season this summer, Mildred’s Umbrella Theater Company (MU) will say goodbye to its longtime home in Spring Street Studios and move to Montrose, where The Classical Theatre Company has generously provided the company a new home in the Chelsea Market performance space. In addition to the move, MU will produce a shorter season of two main stage plays plus the annual Museum of Dysfunction short play festival in order to accommodate a greater focus on developing programs that engage the community in different ways.

Since it began in 2001, Mildred’s Umbrella Theater Company has existed on a shoestring budget, relying largely on grants and small, individual donations. With a cadre of local artists who get paid per production, the two person volunteer based staff has recently struggled to churn out four high-quality productions each year while maintaining the black box theatre, Studio 101.

“Achieving a shared space as a home base was a huge accomplishment for an organization with our budget size,†said artistic director Jennifer Decker. “However, it has required too much of our funding spent on overhead. After Hurricane Harvey stunted our fundraiser this August, we took a hard look at our situation and decided we would rather be able to continue to bring you the high quality of productions we are known for producing and also continue to pay our artists, rather than spending the majority of our budget on the ongoing rent and maintenance of a space.

“We will continue to support the work of women in theatre through our productions in the new location, as well as expanding our reach to include some non-traditional performances that encourage women’s voices to be heard in all areas of performance art.â€

The company finishes its 2017- 18 season at Studio 101 with Tony award-winning playwright Lisa Kron’s Well in January and Don Nigro’s collection of gothic shorts, Dark Matter, in March. Museum of Dysfunction X, the company’s annual short play festival, will be MU’s debut show at Chelsea Market.

By Randall Jobe

Mildred’s Umbrella Theatre presents
Well, a play by Lisa Kron. Funny and touching, this comedy is about mothers and daughters, mind over body, social activism and theatre itself. Lisa, the onstage playwright, attempts a memory play about her force-of-nature mother, Ann, who though constantly ill manages to heal a community. As the carefully crafted narrative unravels, we find what it takes to get a group of people in any setting to improve their mutual well being. Through February 3. Thursday through Saturday, 8 p.m. Sunday, January 28, 3 p.m. Pay what you wish, Monday, January 29. Spring Street Studios, Suite 101, 1824 Spring Street. Tickets: 832-463-0409.

a.d. players presents
Best of Enemies, based on the bestselling book by Osha Gray Davidson. It tells of a Ku Klux Klan member and a civil rights advocate clash become unlikely friends in a true story of racial tension and reconciliation set in Durham, North Carolina. Strong language and racial slurs; not appropriate for children. Through February 4. Wednesday through Saturday, 7:30 p.m. Sunday, 2 p.m. 5430 Westheimer Road. Tickets: boxoffice@ADPlayers.org or 713-526-2321

Music Box Theater cast members Rebekah Dahl, Brad Scarborough, Luke Wrobel, Cay Taylor, Kristina Sullivan and guest performer John Gremillion reflect on the past year in a musical celebration, 2017: The Year in Review. Through February 10. Fridays and Saturday, 7:30 p.m. Reservations are recommended. 2623 Colquitt Street. Tickets: TheMusicBoxTheater.com or 713-522-7722.

Stages Repertory Theatre presents
The regional premiere of Alma en vent (Soul on Sale) by Philip Boehm, in which painter Arcadio Rogers Rodriguez has made quite a name for himself crafting images. But what does it take to really bring a canvas to life—a visit from your dead mother? A Faustian deal with a devilish muse? The play is a lyrical, magical, realist examination of the cost one Latino artist has to pay to save a soul. For mature audiences. January 24 through February 11. Wednesday and Thursday, 7:30 p.m. Friday, 8 p.m. Saturday, 2:30 and 8 p.m. Sunday, 2:30 p.m. Stages also presents the world premiere of Josh Inocencio’s solo show, Purple Eyes, an ancestral autobiography honoring four generations of Mexican men through the playwright’s own queer imaginings. Mexican machismo collides with understanding and acceptance as Inocencio explores his heritage and his voice as a queer Chicano in this poetic celebration of familial love and sexual identity. February 1, 7:30 p.m. February 4, 2:30 p.m. 3201 Allen Parkway. Tickets: StagesTheatre.com or 713-527-0123.

Obsidian Theatre presents
For Colored Girls Who Have Considered Suicide when the Rainbow is Enuf, the groundbreaking “choreopoem†written by Ntozake Shange. A nominee for a 1976 Tony Award nominee for Best Play, it is a spellbinding collection of vivid prose and free verse narrative capturing the brutal, tender and dramatic lives of black women. Directed by Dabrina Sandifer. January 25 through February 17. Thursday through Saturday, 8 p.m. Saturday, February 10, 2 p.m. Industry Night: February 5, 8 p.m. 3522 White Oak Drive. Tickets: ObsidianTheater.org or 832-889-7837.

The tumultuous beginning of Lyndon Baines Johnson’s presidency was dramatized by Robert Schenlekkan in his Tony Award-winning All The Way, seen as a spectacular alley theatre production last season. The LBJ journey continues in part two, The Great Society. From 1965 through 1968, LBJ struggles to fight a war on poverty even as his war in Vietnam spins out of control. Besieged by political opponents, Johnson marshals all of his political wiles while the country descends into chaos over the war and backlash against civil rights. Directed by Kevin Moriarity. January 26 through February 18. Alley Theatre, 615 Texas Avenue. Tickets: 713-220-5700.