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Swimming, skeletons, and a slice of Houston theater history
By Randall Jobe
 Theatre Under the Stars (TUTS) recently celebrated Always…Patsy Cline’s 30th anniversary with two performances at Miller Outdoor Theatre, presented by Stages Repertory Theatre, directed by artistic director Kenn McLaughlin and completely staffed onstage and off by Houston talent. In attendance was playwright Ted Swindley (former artistic director at Stages) along with numerous faces from decades of Houston theatre, actors and behind-the-scenes staff. The play was first performed at Stages in 1988, based on a true story of the surprising friendship between the beloved country singer and a devoted Houston fan, it has since been produced all over the United States as well as internationally, putting Houston on the theatrical map.
Final weekend. Theatre Under the Stars, in collaboration with Houston Ballet, opens its 50th season with Rodgers and Hammerstein’s Oklahoma! Based on Lynn Rigg’s 1931 play, Green Grow the Lilacs and set in Oklahoma territory outside the town of Claremore in 1906, it tells the story of farm girl Laurey Williams and her courtship by two rival suitors, cowboy Curly McLain and the sinister and frightening farmhand, Jud Fry. Oklahoma! was originally choreographed by Agnes DeMille, who created rousing, funny and beautiful dances including a show stopping dream ballet that lifted the show into new territory. TUTS’ production is choreographed by Stanton Welch AM, artistic director of Houston Ballet. Through September 23. Hobby Center, 800 Bagby. Tickets: 713-558-8887.
4th Wall Theatre Company presents Jesus Hopped the A Train by Stephen Adly Guirgis. Directed by Kim Tobin-Lehl, it is the Houston premiere of the award-winning story of Angel Cruz, a bike messenger from New York City who is awaiting trial in Riker’s Island prison for shooting the leader of a religious cult in the “ass.†He is on his knees, alone and terrified, trying to say a prayer he no longer remembers to a God he has all but forgotten. Angel’s court-appointed attorney, Mary Harrahan, is lucky if she can keep her clients’ names straight. His guards are indifferent. Worse, Angel is subject to repeated inmate brutality, landing him in protective custody where he finds himself in the company of a charismatic serial killer named Lucas Jenkins, a born-again believer who will change the course of Angel’s life forever. Through September 29. Spring Street Studio 101 1824 Spring Street. Tickets: 4thWallTheatreCo.com or 832-668-5903
A.D. Players presents Around the World in 80 Days. Stampeding elephants! Raging typhoons! Runaway trains! Unabashedly slapstick! Hold onto your seats for the original amazing race. Phileas Fogg, a fearless adventurer who has accepted a wager to circle the globe in an unheard of 80 days takes us on an adventure full of danger, romance and comic surprises in this whirlwind show which features five actors playing 39 characters who traverse seven continents. Through September 30. The George Theater, 5420 Westheimer Road. Tickets: 713-590-0825
The Alley Theatre presents Skeleton Crew by Dominique Morisseau. In 2008 at the start of the Great Recession, and in the break room of one of Detroit’s last auto stamping plants, a makeshift family of co-workers swap stories, shares dreams and takes pride in their work. When faced with the life-altering choices they must face if the factory closes, dynamics shift and each is pushed to the limits of survival. Loyalties are tested and boundaries are crossed in this “deeply American play†(The New York Times). Suitable for high school-age audiences and older. Through October 7. Alley Theatre’s Neuhaus Theatre, 615 Texas Avenue. Tickets: AlleyTheatre.org or 713-220-5700
The Music Box Theater presents Keep it Brassy 2, adding horns to their usual four-piece band headed by musical director Glenn Sharp and featuring the resident cast of talented performers Rebekah Dahl, Brad Scarborough, Cay Taylor, Kristina Sullivan and Luke Wrobel. The production features a variety of musical genres with lots of well-crafted tunes and a little comedy thrown in for good measure. Through October 13. Friday and Saturday, 7:30 p.m. Sunday, 2 p.m. 2623 Colquitt. Tickets: 713-522-7722.
Main Street Theater presents The Book of Will by Lauren Gunderson. This beautiful play tells the tale of how Shakespeare’s First Folio came into existence thanks to the loyalty and love of his dear friends, particularly John Heminges and Henry Cordell, actors in Shakespeare’s company. They are determined to preserve the true versions of plays and compile the works that shaped their lives. Their families join in what is a truly a labor of love, stopping at nothing to make it happen. September 22 through October 21. 2540 Times Blvd. Tickets: 713-524-6706.
Stages Repertory Theatre presents Swimming While Drowning by Emilio Rodriguez.
Angelo and Mila are fifteen and homeless. Angelo is a dreamer and Milo is a streetwise hustler, but when they become roommates at a shelter for LGBTQ teens, they build a fragile bond that inspires them to reach for understanding and self-acceptance. Rodriguez’s poetic coming-of-age story celebrates the healing power of hope and the beautiful mystery of being a teenager. October 3 through 21. 3201 Allen Parkway, Suite 101. Tickets: StagesTheatre.com or 713-527-0123.
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