Dish-Houston

BY DISH CONTRIBUTOR SCOTT ARTHUR

She can go from the elegant class of Radio City Music Hall to the fun filled crass of Spamalot and not miss a beat. Because Alissa LaVergne is living the dream …literally.

“From the moment I saw them I knew that’s what I wanted to do – it was my ultimate dream.” - LaVergneAs a child in Groves, (a tiny Texas town nudged in between Port Arthur and Port Neches,) she would sit in front of the television staring starry eyed at the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade and marvel at the iconic Rockettes.

“From the moment I saw them I knew that’s what I wanted to do – it was my ultimate dream.” she said. 

Not too many years later, after studying Musical Theater and Dance at Sam Houston, the leggy, twenty-something brunette can now say her fantasy has come true. Alissa is enjoying her third year with the world famous synchronized dancing troupe.

So why does she make the transition from Kickalot to Spamalot?

“The Radio City Christmas Spectacular runs for three months with another few months of rehearsals before the extravaganza. The rest of the year dancers can work elsewhere. I’m proud to say that this is my fifth appearance with TUTS. I’m very excited. It will be fun. I’m in the Ensemble. It’s a male dominated show so it will be quite different from working with 35 other women onstage in New York City,” Alissa said.

Any advice to the young girls now looking at YOU wide eyed with dancer dreams in their head?

“Be committed. To do it right is hard work. Even now I take dance class three times a week along with acting and voice coaching. Be versatile and well rounded.Most of all believe in yourself” 

Spamalot is a TUTS / Kansas City Starlight Theater’s production running May 14 - 26 at the Hobby Center for The Performing Arts. The wacky show is lovingly ripped off from the classic film “Monty Python and the Holy Grail,” This three-time Tony Award winning presentation spoofs the Arthurian legend amidst a chorus line of dancing divas and knights, flatulent Frenchmen, flying cows, killer rabbits and one legless knight.  The show features music and lyrics by the Grammy Award winning team of Eric Idle and John Du Prez and book by Eric Idle.

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, May 26 at 2 p.m.; open captioning is available Sunday, May 26 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.

KHOU TeamColorful personalities from the worlds of media, sports, entertainment, philanthropy, politics, business and space exploration, donned aprons and feather boas to be charitable Celebrity Servers for the night at Tony’s on Sunday.  The star-studded 32^nd Annual ESCAPE Celebrity Serve “Color My World” Benefit was abuzz with their energy and the evening’s heart-felt mission, as so eloquently expressed by the always-effervescent ESCAPE Celebrity Serve Benefit Co-Chair Joan Schnitzer Levy. She cited the critical need to raise funds for the ESCAPE Family Resource Center, which works so tirelessly to prevent child abuse and neglect before a child is hurt throughout the Greater Houston community.   

According to Co-Chair Gerald Franklin, who personally greeted all the guests at the door, close to 300 guests attended and brought in $288,000 for ESCAPE.  Franklin is a co-founder of ESCAPE, which dates back to 1983. 

Tony’s stunning interior design was a canvas of balloon-laden tables bursting in primary colors.  The room’s centerpiece was an impressive four-foot tall balloon sculpture on the table of Texas energy tycoon T. Boone Pickens, special guest of dear friends Schnitzer Levy and her husband, Irvin.

The 30+ celebrities mingling with the guests weren’t just there for show.  The likes of Astronauts Walt Cunningham and Gene Cernan, newly named KHOU-TV Sports Anchor Bob Allen, stylish Lynn Wyatt, Tae Kwan Do Silver and Bronze Olympic Medalists/siblings Mark and Diana Lopez, and parents-to-be Miya Shay, KTRK-TV reporter, and her husband, Texas State Rep. Gene Wu, were among the cast of hard-driving volunteer Celebrity Servers.  Before dashing back to Austin, Wu presented a House Resolution commending ESCAPE’s work that was read in the Texas Legislature.  The celebrities pulled out the stops to sell and outsell each other on specialty beverages and limited edition raffles via tickets and vibrant light-studded rings that add to ESCAPE’s bottom line.  KTRK-TV Anchor Tom Koch and Houston PBS TV Host Ernie Manouse served as auctioneers of major trips, private dinner parties, a Houston Rockets Suite and a children’s snow party.  Stylist Todd Ramos kicked in as an auction spotter.   

Pickens, who flew in from Las Vegas with his date, Toni Brinker, of Dallas, enjoyed a rah-rah tribute by the OSU Alumni – Houston Chapter, who purchased a table in Pickens’ honor and sang him the uproarious Cowboys’ fight song. Kristi and John D. Schiller Jr. -- John is an executive committee member of ESCAPE and chair of its annual ESCAPE Family Resource Center Golf Tournament -- also flew in from Las Vegas that day and celebrated John’s birthday at the benefit.  Tony’s feted John with a cake with sparklers as the whole crowd chimed in with the “Happy Birthday” song! The Schillers were high bidders ($3,000) on Pickens’ book, “The First Billion Is the Hardest,” autographed on-the-spot by Pickens. 

Lee Majors, T. Boone Pickens

Guests raved about the menu (ravioli appetizer to die for) complemented by wines generously underwritten by Becker Vineyards.  The rapturous party crowd included:  ESCAPE Board Chair Dennis Price and wife Vicki, Irvin Levy, Evelyn Franklin, Faith and Lee Majors, Hon. Bonnie Crane Hellums and her husband, former Houston Oiler Carel Stith, Louise and Dr. Denton Cooley, Hon. Meca Walker, Commissioner R. Jack Cagle, Erica and Charles Harris, Regina Rogers, KTRH Radio Anchor Shara Fryer and husband, Barry Silverman, Marjorie Evans, Shantel and David Ferdman, Dene Hofheinz Anton, Celebrity Chair and ESCAPE Board Member Kim Padgett, Susan and David Morris, Clemencia and Jordan Larimore and ESCAPE CEO Lidya K. Osadchey.

KHOU-TV reporter and newlywed Courtney Zubowski was a scene-stealer with her rainbow-hued locks, eyelashes and furry boots. Other notables on tap:  KHOU-TV’s Chita Johnson, Lily Jang and Katherine Whaley, Buzz Lady Roseann Rogers, The 9-5-0 Radio’s Michael Garfield, singer Scott Gertner, KPRC-TV Anchor Andy Cerota, pro basketball player Jonathan Bender, and pro football player Devard Darling.

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!

CANTARE Houston, founded by Artistic Director Kevin Riehle, celebrates its 10^th anniversary with a concert of audience favorites: Billy Joel, Ben Folds, Ola Gjeilo, Rachmaninoff, Eric Whitacre, and Houston jazz legend Rob Landes!

Beginning in season 9, the group has surveyed concert goers on their favorite performances from the past 10 years.  This celebratory event is the culmination of their votes, and a few of the singers’ favorites

To celebrate ten wonderful years of singing and community building, CANTARE welcomes Rob Landes and Ola Gjeilo for repeat performances of their acclaimed works commissioned by the group. With the addition of a high school honors choir made of over 80 students from across the Houston metropolitan region, CANTARE brings its anniversary season to a festive close.

This night is sure to be a night of magic and sensational, luminous music!  You don’t want to miss it.  

CLICK HERE to get your tickets and to be a part of this wonderful new Houston Tradition!

The Alley Theatre, one of the nation's leading nonprofit theatre companies and housed in one of Houston's most iconic buildings, unveiled plans today to enhance its artistic product and complete the first extensive renovation of its facilities since its opening in 1968 through a $73 million capital campaign.  

Meredith Long and Roger Plank are co-chairmen of the campaign, "Extended Engagement." More than $31 million has already been raised toward the goal.

The campaign will pay for updating all theatrical systems with state-of-the-art equipment, substantially improving the patron in-theatre experience and amenities, and ensure the Theatre's future as a performing arts institution of national caliber that is sustainable, relevant, and accessible for future generations of Houstonians.

"The Alley's commitment to ensuring a legacy of great theatre experiences is evident in the first-class facility planned," said Long. "The goal of the renovation is to enhance the character of the Alley Theatre building and change the audience experience exponentially."

The Extended Engagement Campaign has three primary components: 
I. $10 million for Artistic Enhancement: 
Increase the artistic budget by $1 million each season from 2008 through 2017 to fund the artistic mission of the theatre, supporting plays with larger casts and higher production values, and expanding the resident company to include actors, directors, playwrights, and designers. 

II. $46.5 million for Renovation: 
Renovate the existing building, including the Hubbard Stage and lobbies, clean the concrete building exterior and create a more energy efficient building.  
The construction start date has not been established. 

III. $16.5 million for Endowment and Cash Reserve: 
Augment the Alley's current endowment by $15 million and increase cash reserves by an additional $1.5 million to support the enhanced artistic product.

"The Alley's strategic plan, set by the board in 2006, has enabled the Theatre to expand the annual budget spent on its artistic product by $3 million per year," explained Plank.  "This investment has enabled the Alley to delight audiences and is already paying dividends in higher earned and contributed income.  It has permitted our overall operating budget to grow 50 percent and sets the stage for the balance of the 'Extended Engagement' campaign."  "For the past six years, including the recession of 2008-2010, the Alley has posted consecutive years of operating surpluses," stated Managing Director Dean R. Gladden.  "We currently have no debt and an accumulated surplus of $1.2 million.  Our strong financial position places us in the best possible position for this campaign to succeed." 

"This capital campaign and the renovations envisioned will allow the Alley to enrich the audience's experience, creating a more intimate space where actors and audience are closer," promised Artistic Director Gregory Boyd. "We will maintain our commitment to the resident company, supporting theatre artists working together on a variety of projects over time, embrace new theatre technology, and continue to nurture new play development.  By continuing to support these artistic initiatives, we will be able to plant the flag of Houston and Houston's Alley Theatre in the other theatre capitals and cities around the globe."

Renovation
Since 1968, no major renovation has been made to the Hubbard Stage - the largest of the Alley's two stages - or to the public and backstage areas of the building, the building's air conditioning, plumbing, and electrical systems. Renovation plans include: 

Stage improvements:
Added fly loft with computer-controlled, motorized rigging; fully trapped stage floor; state-of-the-art lighting, sound and electrical enhancements; and larger and more flexible dressing room facilities; 

Audience amenities:
All new seats and seating configuration that will provide a more intimate experience for the audience, with accessible seating in multiple areas; new and expanded restrooms; new lobby space with a skyline view and new flooring throughout the public spaces; 

Building upgrades:
New multi-zoned air conditioning system; new plumbing and expanded sprinkler system; installation of energy efficient glass and cleaning of the building exterior.

Enhancing the Character of the Building
With its bold, concrete exterior and multiple-turrets, the Alley Theatre building has secured itself as one of Houston's most significant, architectural landmarks. The distinctive building, dedicated in 1968, is the heart of Houston's downtown Theater District and is the only downtown performing arts venue owned and operated by a performing arts company.   The building was the first solo project designed by architect Ulrich Franzen, one of the most prominent architects of the 20th century to emerge from the Harvard School of Design. Renovations planned will embrace the unique features of this iconic building, enhancing its character with 21st century theatre systems and audience amenities to ensure its value to tomorrow's audiences and theatre artists.  

For more information CLICK HERE