Dish-Houston

Theatre Under The Stars (TUTS) proudly welcomes Flashdance – The Musical, the stage adaptation of the 1983 hit film that defined a generation, to Hobby Center from June 4 to 16.

With electrifying dance at its core, Flashdance – The Musical tells the inspiring and unforgettable story of Alex Owens, a Pittsburgh steel mill welder by day and a bar dancer by night with dreams of one day becoming a professional performer. When romance with her steel mill boss threatens to complicate her ambitions, Alex learns the meaning of love and its power to fuel the pursuit of her dream.

Joining Jillian Mueller as Alex, Matthew Hydzik as Nick and Katie Webber as Tess are Kelly Felthous as Gloria, DeQuina Moore as Kiki, Jo Ann Cunningham as Hannah,David R. Gordon as Jimmy, Matthew Henerson as Harry and Christian Whelan in the role of C.C.

Celebrating its 30th Anniversary, the original Paramount Pictures film was a worldwide smash hit that became a pop culture phenomenon and showcased a Grammy Award-winning soundtrack. Flashdance – The Musical features a score including the hit songs from the movie, all of which became Top Ten hits on the radio around the world  including the Academy Award-winning title song “Flashdance – What a Feeling,” “Maniac,” “Gloria,” “Manhunt,” “I Love Rock & Roll.” In addition to these hits, 16 brand new songs have been written for the stage with music by Robbie Roth and lyrics by Robert Cary and Robbie Roth.

Directed and choreographed by Sergio Trujillo (Jersey Boys, Memphis, The Addams Family), Flashdance features a book by Robert Cary and Tom Hedley, co-writer of the original screenplay with Joe Eszterhas. 

In addition to the US touring company, a second company will be assembled for the creatively reworked production of Flashdance, which will begin performances on Broadway in August 2013 for an open-ended engagement. 

To celebrate Flashdance – The Musical and provide an unforgettable musical theatre experience, TUTS will offer special events in conjunction with the show.

• The Totally ‘80s Sing-Along:  Saturday, May 18 at 7:30 p.m. at Aurora Picture Show (2442 Bartlett)
  
  • Co-presented with Aurora Picture Show, the Totally ‘80s Sing-Along is a FREE event - Get ready to sing, dance, and party along with a custom subtitled collection of the best music videos from the decade that invented the music video - the 1980s. Alamo Drafthouse's Action Pack has put together this event of custom subtitled videos full of big hair, bright neon tights, keytars, and Rick Astley just for this event, and it's guaranteed to make you stand heartache to heartache with Pat Benatar as you watch 99 Red Balloons float by. The night will also include music from TUTS’ upcoming production of Flashdance. 
    
    
• Flashdance Pre-Show VIP Package:  Friday, June 4 from 6 – 7:30 p.m.
  • Break out those leg warmers and head bands! Treat yourself to an exclusive pre-show VIP party at the beautiful Downtown Club at Houston Center. $25 gets you two drinks, light bites, complimentary parking at the Center Club, an exclusive Flashdance VIP pass, and plenty of chances to win some amazing prizes. Come ready to sing because no 80s party is complete without a Karaoke contest! Purchase your package now as tickets are limited!  Visit TUTS.com/Events for tickets.

TUTS will also offer dinner-and-a-show packages, post-show parties and more.  Visit TUTS.com/Events for more information.

Tickets (starting at only $24) are available by clicking HERE!!

Discounts are available for groups of 15 or more.

See you there, DISHIES!!! With leg warmers on, of course!

Theatre Under The Stars (TUTS) President and CEO John C. Breckenridge has announced TUTS’ 2013-2014 mainstage season running in Sarofim Hall at the Hobby Center for the Performing Arts.  The riveting lineup of shows will run the gamut from riotous to ribald, family friendly to funky, and from contemporary to classic – every musical theatre lover with find something to love in the upcoming season.

“We’re thrilled to introduce the line-up for our upcoming season.  There's a little something for everyone with shows ranging from the classics and the family favorites to Broadway's freshest and edgier productions,” says Breckenridge.

September 29 - October 12, 2013

Priscilla Queen of the Desert The Musical

This outrageously fun show tells the uplifting story of a trio of friends, on a road trip of a lifetime, who hop aboard a battered old bus searching for love and friendship in the middle of the Australian outback and end up finding more than they could ever have dreamed.  An international hit with over 500 dazzling, Tony Award-winning costumes, Priscilla Queen of the Desert features a hit parade of dance-floor favorites including "It's Raining Men," Finally," and "I Will Survive."  The Hollywood Reporter calls Priscilla "funny and fabulous!  Joyous entertainment with eye-popping visuals and unexpected heart!"  Priscilla Queen of the Desert runs September 29 – October 12, 2013.

December 6 – 19, 2013

Elf – The Musical

One of the most beloved Hollywood holiday hits of the past decade is born again – live on stage!  Elf - The Musical is the hilarious tale of Buddy, a young orphan child who mistakenly crawls into Santa’s bag of gifts and is transported back to the North Pole.  Unaware that he is actually human, Buddy’s enormous size and poor toy-making abilities cause him to face the truth. With Santa’s permission, Buddy embarks on a journey to New York City to find his birth father, discover his true identity, and help New York remember the true meaning of Christmas. This modern day Christmas classic is sure to make everyone embrace their inner elf.  The New York Times says that Elf is, “splashy, peppy, sugar-sprinkled holiday entertainment!”  USA Today calls Elf, “endearingly goofy!”  Variety proclaims, “Elf is happy enough for families, savvy enough for city kids and plenty smart for adults!”  The polished score includes the hit tunes “A Christmas Song” and the satirical “Nobody Cares About Santa”.  After spending two huge seasons on Broadway, Elf - The Musical will delight the whole family during its Houston premiere December 6 – 19, 2013.

January 22 - February 2, 2014 

We Will Rock You

From London's West End, the worldwide smash hit musical by Queen and Ben Elton comes to Houston for a limited engagement!  We Will Rock You features the greatest hits of the legendary British rock group, Queen. Now in its 11th year in London and seen by a staggering 15 million people worldwide, this hilarious, multi-award-winning and record-breaking phenomenon boasts a fantastic score of killer Queen tunes that you just can’t resist singing along to, such as “Another One Bites The Dust,” “Crazy Little Thing Called Love,” “We Are The Champions,” “Bohemian Rhapsody” and, of course, “We Will Rock You.” It’s the world champion of musicals and the show that rocks harder than any other, so don’t miss the party!  We Will Rock You runs January 22 - February 2, 2014.

March 4 – 16, 2014

The Wizard of Oz

"We're off to see"…the most magical adventure of them all.  Andrew Lloyd Webber's new production of The Wizard of Oz is an enchanting adaptation of the all-time classic totally reconceived for the stage.  Developed from the ever popular MGM screenplay, this new production contains all the beloved songs from the Oscar-winning movie score, all the favorite characters and iconic moments, plus a few surprises along the way, including new songs by Tim Rice and Andrew Lloyd Webber.  Click your heels together and join Scarecrow, Tin Man, Lion, Dorothy and her little dog Toto as they journey though the magical land of Oz to meet the Wizard and obtain their hearts' desires.  Watch out for the Wicked Witch of the West and her winged monkeys as you rediscover the real story of Oz in this fantastic musical treat for all the family.  The Wizard of Oz runs March 4 - 16, 2014.

May 6 – 18, 2014

Evita

Tim Rice and Andrew Lloyd Webber's Tony Award-winning musical returns at last!  Eva Peron used her beauty and charisma to rise meteorically from the slums of Argentina to the presidential mansion as First Lady.  Adored by her people as a champion for the poor, she became one of the most powerful women in the world -- while her greed, outsized ambition and fragile health made her one of the most tragic.  Evita tells Eva's passionate and unforgettable true story and features some of theatre's most beautiful songs, including 'Don't Cry for Me Argentina," "Another Suitcase in Another Hall," and "High Flying, Adored."  Don't miss the stunning new production of Evita, running May 6 - 18, 2014.

June 13 – 26, 2014

Disney’s The Little Mermaid

The Little Mermaid takes place in a magical kingdom fathoms beneath the sea, where the beautiful young mermaid Ariel longs to leave her ocean home to live in the world above. First, though, she'll have to convince her crabby sidekick Sebastian to help her defy her father King Triton and leave the underwater palace.  The plot thickens when Ariel makes a deal with the evil sea witch Ursula that forces her to convince handsome Prince Eric that she’s the girl with the enchanting voice.  Family members will remember the catchy hit “Part of Your World” and the Academy Award-winning song “Under The Sea”. The Wall Street Journal claims The Little Mermaid is "a musical that does justice to the lovely film from which it sprang," and Time Magazine calls it "one of the most ravishing things I have seen on a Broadway stage."  Based on the Disney animated film and two-time Tony Award nominated Broadway musical, make the Houston debut of The Little Mermaid a part of your world June 13 – 26, 2014.  Dive in – life is the bubbles under the sea!

New and renewing subscriptions to the Theatre Under The Stars 2013-2014 season are available online at TUTS.com, by phone at (713) 558-TUTS, outside the Houston area at (888) 558-3882, or in person at the Theatre Under The Stars Box Office (800 Bagby at Walker).  For a full season brochure, call Theatre Under The Stars at (713) 558-2600.  Discounted group subscriptions of 15 or more are also available by calling (713) 558-8888.  

In addition to a phenomenal season schedule, TUTS continues to provide new and exciting theatre experiences. With each show come a number of associated events and opportunities:

• Exclusive VIP events including intimate cast talk-backs, exclusive events with show partners, backstage tours, and more!

• OUT@TUTS, the GLBT-friendly group which hosts a cabaret-style evening in Artista restaurant the first Thursday of each show. Visit TUTS.com/OUT for more information.
  

Throughout the season, special event information will be available at TUTS.com/Events.

Theatre Under The Stars’ 2013-14 season is generously sponsored by St. Luke’s Episcopal Health System. For all of Theatre Under The Stars’ 2013-2014 shows, air transportation is provided by United Airlines, the official airline of Theatre Under The Stars. Media sponsors include ABC-13 and Houston Chronicle.  Season support is funded in part by grants from the City of Houston through the Theater District Association and the Texas Commission on the Arts.

Theatre Under The Stars (TUTS) is Houston’s acclaimed nonprofit musical theatre company whose mission is to enrich life through the experience of quality musical theatre and to positively impact lives beyond the stage through innovative education & community engagement programs.  Currently TUTS engages more than 200,000 people annually through productions at Sarofim Hall and Zilkha Hall at the Hobby Center and at Miller Outdoor Theatre.  TUTS was the first theatrical organization in Houston to perform free to the public when it was founded in 1968 at Miller Outdoor Theatre in Hermann Park and is the only Houston arts organization that has performed there free to the public every year since the theatre opened.  Founded by Frank M. Young and currently under the direction of President and CEO John C. Breckenridge and Artistic Director Bruce Lumpkin, TUTS has produced more than 300 musicals including many local, national and world premieres such as Kopit and Yeston’s Phantom, Disney’s Beauty and the Beast, Jekyll & Hyde, and Irving Berlin’s White Christmas as well as critically acclaimed re-inventions of classics Cabaret and Les Miserables.  Through its membership in the Independent Presenters Network, TUTS has helped bring Bombay Dreams, 9 to 5, Thoroughly Modern Millie, Spamalot, Legally Blonde, Ragtime, Curtains and The Color Purple to Broadway and ultimately back to Houston audiences.

In support of TUTS’ mission, TUTS’ Education & Community Engagement programs provide instruction and stage experience for more than 48,000 Houstonians annually.  TheHumphreys School of Musical Theatre (HSMT) offers technique-driven classes for all ability levels and ages, ranging from four to adult.  Through The River Performing and Visual Arts Center (The River), TUTS provides an accessible and inclusive arts education for individuals of all abilities that will enhance their development into confident, balanced individuals.  TUTS Education & Community Engagement provides extended on-site programming as well as off-site programming for children in schools, hospitals and other community-based sites.  TUTS’ community partnerships include collaborations with the Houston Independent School District and Region IV school districts, the YMCA of Greater Houston, M.D. Anderson Children’s Cancer Center, Texas Children’s Hospital and Shriner’s Hospital – Houston, among several other Houston-area organizations.  TUTS also annually presents the Tommy Tune Awards, honoring the best and brightest in Houston's high school musical theatre programs.

For more information CLICK HERE

BY DISH CONTRIBUTOR: SCOTT ARTHUR

The first thing you notice about Robert is his voice. It’s deep and rich and very reminiscent of the late Robert Goulet. If you’re a fan of audio books, the voice might be familiar to you because he has narrated quite a number of best sellers.

Houston has heard this voice before ….Petkoff, an award winning stage actor, voice actor and singer, last appeared in the Bayou City reprising his Broadway role of Sir Robin in the TUTS production of Spamalot. Now, in CAMELOT, he graces the stage as Arthur, the man who will be king. Was it challenging as an actor to transform from the goofy version of the classic to the real deal?

 “I admit that there were times in rehearsal that we’d look at each other with a sparkle in our eye and go a little astray,” Petkoff chuckled.

CAMELOT, Lerner and Loewe’s timeless masterpiece, is one of history’s greatest love stories. A sumptuous tale set in a land where honor and chivalry reign. The musical follows the love triangle of King Arthur, his Queen Guenevere, and the young Lancelot. With one of Broadway’s most enchanting scores featuring the hauntingly romantic If Ever I Would Leave You, I Loved You Once in Silence, and Follow Me, CAMELOT is the definitive musical theatre fable.

Petkoff’s seasoned career shows that the California born actor is very much at home on stage performing Shakespeare or sitting behind a microphone reading books …but in the last decade he has become a Broadway musical star.  Since he had no musical training, how did that come about?

“A director saw me playing Hamlet and asked if I would audition for a singing role. I thought –what the heck, I sing in the shower all the time – why not?” 

His performance hit all the right notes and Petkoff’s musical career was launched in 2002 when he got the role of George in the Chicago production of Sunday in the Park with George.

He was pleasantly surprised at the reaction. “I told my agent to start booking me in musicals …and here I am.” he said. Since then, Petkoff’s Broadway credits include Fiddler on the Roof, Spamalot, and most recently Anything Goes with Joel Grey.

In CAMELOT Arthur sort of “sing-talks” his musical part. Are you comfortable with that?

“Absolutely,” Petkoff says enthusiastically. “The part was originally written for Richard Burton … much more a Shakespearean actor than a singer. This (sing-talk) style allows the actor to actually act out the song in the moment and lets the audience feel the passion. It also worked well for Richard Harris in the 1967 movie version."

Speaking of those two iconic King Arthurs, do you base your performance on either of their portrayals?

“Part of them creeps into whom you are on stage,” said Petkoff. “I saw Burton do it early in my career and it influenced me greatly. And I sometime occasionally slip into my James Mason impression. But for the most part – it’s my interpretation.”

The story of CAMELOT is more than half a century old. What about it has made it a classic that never seems to get old?

Petkoff smiles as he says,

“I think the idea of royalty still attracts us. And the story is really about a guy who won the lottery. He pulled a sword out of a stone and was allowed to rule a country. Arthur was an everyman – a good man with a sense of humor and a youthful awkwardness. We can all relate as we watch him grow into becoming a wise king.” 

CAMELOT runs from January 22 through February 3 at the Hobby Center for the Performing Arts.

Tickets (starting at only $24) are available on-line at TUTS.com, by phone at (713) 558-TUTS (8887), outside the Houston area at (888) 558-3882, or in person at the Theatre Under The Stars Box Office, located at 800 Bagby at Walker, Monday - Friday 10 a.m. - 6 p.m., and Saturday - Sunday 11 a.m. - 4 p.m. An audio described performance is available Sunday, Feb. 3 at 2 p.m.; open captioning is available Sunday, Feb. 3 at 7:30 p.m. The Hobby Center is wheelchair accessible. Discounts are available for groups of 15 or more. Group tickets may be purchased by calling (713) 558-8888 or via email at groupsales@tuts.com.

By DISH Contributor Scott Arthur

Children searching the Houston skies for something magical this time of the year might just see a flying boy before they spot a red sled. With a burst of fairy dust, Peter Pan lands at the Hobby Center for the Performing Arts for a dozen days beginning December 11. Somewhere on stage in between the Carol of Christmas and the Cracker of Nuts, try to make time to see a holiday show where you probably don’t already know all the dialogue and music. As part of TUTS’ “A Lot To Love” season, Peter Pan is a unique, family friendly attraction of spectacle and fantasy. The thrill of flying, timeless magical moments and a captivating hook promises to mesmerize young and old alike. Highly recommended!

As an early Christmas offering, we’re gifted with a legendary performer portraying a legendary character. The ever sparkling Tony Award nominee Cathy Rigby returns to play the elusive Pan. Her early days of gymnastics anchored by decades of theatrical and vocal experience allow her to bring Peter to life on stage as no one else has. When she dons the iconic outfit and takes flight, the years also seem to fly away. Rigby is spry, energetic, and thoroughly delightful. As an added bonus, some of Houston’s Humphreys School of Musical Theatre students are cast as supporting actors in the Lost Boys ensemble.  I’ve seen the previews – and I can’t wait.

And just like Tinkerbelle zips from place to place, allow me to briefly land on another subject. Peter Pan features “lost boys.” As a member of the Star of Hope Homeless Mission staff I see lost boys and girls every day. They seem especially lost over the holidays.

In Neverland the kids don’t want to grow up. Homeless children sometimes have to grow up too quickly or are robbed of their childhood because they are constantly moving from school to school, neighborhood to neighborhood and shelter to shelter. I can easily imagine some homeless families serving a “pretend feast” for dinner ….sitting in front of cold beans and rice …hearing the TIC TOC of approaching doom. They don’t have an ageless boy to save them …but they do have YOU. And I wanted to take a moment to thank all of you who have contributed to the Star of Hope Mission during the years – and encourage those who have yet to support us. Your contributions help us offer the tools to change lives ….even save lives. Don’t stop. Your ARE making a difference. Clap if you believe!    

Tickets (starting at only $24) are available on-line at TUTS.com, by phone at (713) 558-TUTS (8887), outside the Houston area at (888) 558-3882, or in person at the Theatre Under The Stars Box Office, located at 800 Bagby at Walker, Monday - Friday 10 a.m. - 6 p.m., and Saturday - Sunday 11 a.m. - 4 p.m.

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.