Dish-Houston

How is this for a great family outing idea for the weekend?? Take a walk through the downtown theatre district while popping into the different theatres FOR FREE!! (You know that is DISH'S favorite price!) Have brunch at one of the amazing downtown restaurants (BirraPoretti'sis a DISH Favorite) this Sunday then stroll around! Maybe even end the day with a movie at The Sundance Theater!

From the Alley Theatre to the Hobby Center and all points in between you will be treated to lite bites, refreshing drinks and FREE THEATRE! All of the theatres will be showcasing the shows they have coming up in the new season.

Guests at the Hobby Center’s Theater District Open House this Sunday, from noon – 4 p.m., can enjoy a sneak peek of Broadway at the Hobby Center’s highly anticipated 2012 – 2013 season and take advantage of exclusive offers. Music Box Theater will be on hand, starting at 1 p.m., to perform a season revue including the classic hits, newest numbers and popular tunes which comprise the series’ 10^th anniversary season.

NOTE!!!! Sunday will also be an opportunity for the public to purchase tickets for the 25^thanniversary production of LES MISÉRABLES. The first 50 individuals to purchase tickets in person at the Hobby Center box office (open at 11 a.m.) will receive a LES MISÉRABLES t-shirt. Individuals who purchase a season subscription at Open House will receive some of the hottest music from Broadway with a complimentary iTunes Broadway Music collection download card. So great culture AND Free music! YES PLEASE!

The 2012 – 2013 Gexa Energy Broadway at the Hobby Center season includes:

Disney’s BEAUTY AND THE BEAST
September 25 – 30, 2012 
 

LES MISÉRABLES
November 6 – 11, 2012
 

CATCH ME IF YOU CAN (Houston Premiere)
February 5 – 10, 2013
 

JERSEY BOYS
March 13 – 30, 2013
 

SISTER ACT (Houston Premiere)
May 28 – June 2, 2013
 

WICKED
July 10 – August 11, 2013

Season tickets for the 2012-2013 Broadway at the Hobby Center series are on sale now and can be purchased by calling (800) 952-6560, Monday-Friday between 10 a.m. and 5 p.m. or online at BroadwayAcrossAmerica.com. Prices start at $114 for a five-show package and $158 for a six-show package. Individual tickets will be available six to eight weeks prior to each scheduled performance. For groups of 10 or more (20 or more for WICKED), please call (888) 451-5986 or e-mail houston.groups@broadwayacrossamerica.com.

By DISH Contributor Mary Kramer Ambrose

WOW! This show sparkles! The cast of Billy Elliott is talented and the show simply flows – and takes you on the ride.

The story brings several elements to life.  First, if you’re of a certain age, you may remember the UK Miners Strike of 1984-85.  It was a pivotal moment in Great Britain’s history, and a subject I simply could not imagine being part of a musical.  Second, the story invites the audience in to share what is left of a family after the death of a mother.  There is a father, an older son and a younger son, Billy.  Actor Rich Hebert gave an excellent performance as the brusque and lonely widower who reacts poorly to his son’s desire to take dance lessons rather than boxing lessons.  He comes around though, and his toughness gives way to provide a glimpse of the underlying love he has for his son.  We are witness to a portion of a young boys’ journey through grief – to letting go of the mother he has already lost to death and to his and his older brothers’ acceptance that Billy’s future will not be in the coal mines that have defined the men of his family for generations.

None of this really sounds like a musical – but obviously I hadn’t taken into account the combined talents of writer Lee Hall, music by Elton John, solid direction by Stephen Daldry and the choreography of Peter Darling.  Inventive sets and staging were present, but the dancing was what held the attention.  The cast assembled truly seemed to be an ensemble – with Billy (Daniel Russell) shining through it all.  The high energy of Billy is countered by the tough but heart of gold dance instructor, Mrs. Wilkerson (Faith Prince).  She came across as someone you’d meet in the neighborhood, someone who’s lived a bit of a hard life, and come through a little jaded, but not destroyed. She sees and nurtures the talent in Billy, then provides the opportunity to him to use dance to forge a new life.

The adult language may be offensive to some however it commonplace during that time. The dancing just takes your breath away, and the finale, or rather encore dance, will make you walk out of the theater feeling like you could dance too.

DISH is so excited that one of our favorite movies is coming to Houston for a 3 week run in Broadway form! Broadway Across America series and Producers Cameron Mackintosh and Thomas Schumacher are pleased to announce Mary Poppins!!!  Houston’s most eagerly anticipated stage production since the Rat Pack Live from The Sands with Stephen Triffitt as Frank Sinatra! Curtain goes up at the Hobby Center for the Performing Arts on Thursday, October 22 through Sunday, November 8. 

The entire creative team has reunited to bring this magical story of the world’s most famous nanny to audiences across North America.  Original Broadway stars, Ashley Brown and Gavin Lee, will reprise their roles as “Mary Poppins” and “Bert” respectively. 

For her portrayal of “Mary Poppins”, Ashley Brown received Drama League, Drama Desk and Outer Critic Circle nominations for Best Actress.  Upon graduating from the Cincinnati College-Conservatory of Music, Ms. Brown landed a leading role in the touring production of Disney’s On the Record. Soon after she was offered the chance to star in Beauty and the Beast and made her Broadway debut as “Belle” in September 2005.  Upcoming projects include concerts with Marvin Hamlisch, the New York Philharmonic and a debut album of American Songbook standards.

CLICK HERE FOR TICKETS!!! HOW EXCITING!!! Can't wait!! See you there DISHIES!