A brown and white picture of the words " honky tonk laundry ".

Tears, fears, and downright craziness

By Randall Jobe

The Alley Theatre presents 1984. A modern retelling of George Orwell’s futuristic novel, 1984, brings us the story of Winston Smith and a stark vision of a world in which the freedom of action, word and thought are controlled by Big Brother. How far are we from realizing Orwell’s nightmare? Are we already there? As the story of Winston’s fight for individual identity unfolds, the vision grows increasingly terrifying as the world it depicts grows uncomfortably familiar. Suited for 18 and Up. Through March 29. 615 Texas Ave. Tickets: AlleyTheatre.org or 713-558-8887.

4th Wall Theatre Company presents Between Riverside and Crazy. Audiences who loved 4th Wall’s production of Jesus Hopped the ‘A’ Train will be thrilled at the addition of Guirgi’s later work between Riverside and Crazy to the season. A new American classic, this play follows a retired New York City cop fighting down forces much larger than himself from within a collapsing, rent-controlled apartment. Swirling around him are a host of larger-than-life characters sure to captivate audiences. This Houston premiere is deeply funny, but like his other works, moving and dramatic as well. Four-time Emmy winner Bill Pruitt directs. Through April 4. Spring Street Studios, 1824 Spring St. Tickets: 4thWallTheatreCo.com or 832-767-4991.

The Music Box Theater presents Broadway at the Box 2020, an all-new edition of some of the best of Broadway, audience favorites, and their usual brand of zany humor with selections from such classics as Mame, West Side Story, The Book of Mormon, Godspell, Hello, Dolly! and Wicked. Through April 18. 2623 Colquitt St. Tickets: TheMusicBoxTheater.com or 713-522-7722.

Stages Repertory Theatre presents Roger Bean’s Honky Tonk Laundry. The creator of The Marvelous Wonderettes brings us a brand new boot-scooting’ musical! After inheriting the Wishy-Washy Washeteria from her aunt, Lana Mae hires Katie to help run the business, but the two soon join forces to convert their good ol’ laundromat into the town’s hottest honky-tonk. This hilarious musical is packed with a country song list that spans decades of classic and contemporary hits from “I Fall to Pieces†and “These Boots Are Made for Walkin’†to “Take it Back†and “Wide Open Spacesâ€. Through April 19. Stages also present Sensitive Guys. At a small liberal arts college, two student-led support groups work to mitigate sexual assault on campus. But a shocking allegation divides both the Men’s Peer Education group and the Women’s Survivor Support group as they struggle to take effective action against the toxic culture of the school. Five women perform all the roles in this compelling satire about society, gender roles, and contemporary college life. March 20 through April 5. 3201 Allen Parkway. Tickets: StagesTheatre.com or 713-527-0123.

Ensemble Theatre presents preeminent playwright, screenwriter, and New York University professor Richard Wesley’s Autumn. It tells the story of Franklin Langley, a veteran big-city mayor who is in line to become the first black governor of his state. He suddenly finds his place in history threatened when his party decides to throw its nomination behind a dynamic young politician who is also Black and just so happens to be the mayor’s protégé. This political drama explores the conflicts that arise when aspirations collide across a generation divide marked by sharply different political agendas. March 19 through April 12. 3535 Main St. Tickets: EnsembleHouston.com or 713-520-0055.

Main Street Theater presents Cry It Out. On maternity leave for the first time, Jesse and Lina tiptoe to their shared backyard for a precious cup of coffee and a chat during naptime. This new comedy takes an honest look at the absurdities of being home with the baby, the dilemma of returning to work, and how class impacts parenthood and friendship. A whip-smart exploration od “the fourth trimester†from Molly Smith Metzler, Cry it Out captures the belly laughs, raw rage, and secret confidences that come with the early days of parenthood. March 28 through April 18. 2540 Times Blvd. Tickets: MainStreetTheater.com or 713-524-6706.

Theatre Under the Stars Pure Country: The Musical. With a long history of developing new musicals such as Disney’s Beauty and the Beast and Phantom, TUTS is excited to stage a brand new Texas-themed musical, Pure Country, based on the beloved 1992 film starring George Strait, the musical tells the story of a jaded country music megastar who suddenly walks away from his successful yet joyless career to return to his roots and rediscover his passion for life, love, and music. Including the chart-topping hits “I Cross My Heart†and “Heartlandâ€, as well as new music written for the stage, this theatrical event is a hot ticket to the lone Star State! April 14–26. Hobby Center for the Performing Arts. Bagby St. TUTS.com or 713-558-8887.

Editor’s note: Please check with individual theaters before planning to attend these performances. Some performances may be canceled or postponed due to COVID-19.

Related Posts

About author

Related Posts

Comments are closed.

Do not miss